City Exploration: Pittsburgh (Part Three)

Here is Part One and Part Two of my Pittsburgh Adventure, if you missed them.

Continuing on my eating adventures of Pittsburgh, I walked (again, the 20 blocks or so) for pancakes at Pamelas in The Strip. This is the cute old-style greasy spoon diner that Obama loved on his visit to The ‘Burgh. What’s good for Mr. President is good for me, right? Unfortunately for my waistline that morning, I also had a craving for eggs. So, I had eggs AND the delicious blueberry crepe-style pancakes for breakfast. And bacon. Sweet Jesus, this was a lot of delicious food — served quick, eaten more so. Piggy love.

After only a few hours, it was time to meet AB for lunch. It was a gorgeous day in Pittsburgh — the sun brought everyone outside to enjoy a bit of sunshine. I selected Las Velas in the Market Square to (potentially) stalk PittGirl of That’s Church — a blog I have been reading almost as long as I have been writing (her husband owns the place), but missed out on her morning appearance. Next time, Jane Pitt.

Regardless, only a few hours after scarfing down all that breakfast, I was able to devour two enchiladas. Service of lunch took longer than expected (with my millionty of visits to Mexican restaurants), but I imagine it was because of my ordering enchiladas for lunch without a margarita to pass the time. I really enjoyed what appeared to be homemade baked chips with an mild, pleasant salsa. I went with my usual red sauce on the enchiladas, but it was also slightly drizzled in some hot peppery green sauce. The small detail gave just the perfect amount of heat to my two cheesy favorites. I was also impressed with the side of BLACK beans with the order (and not the typical refried).

A food coma ensued… tick. tick. tick.

For our anniversary, we cleaned up a bit and went a little more “fancy” for dinner. We cabbed into North Oakland to Toast! (kitchen and wine bar). Don’t let their horrible Web site confuse you — this place was so cute, and was voted as one of Pittsburgh’s Best in 2009 in several categories (Best Upcoming Chef, Top 25 Restaurants and perhaps Most Romantic or something or other). We shared a couple apps: the mac & cheese and the foie gras. Both were served with an unexpected twist — the mac with a fried egg on top and the foie gras was almost blackened/grilled. Both options were so, so delicious. The mac appetizer truly gives Michael Symon’s comfort food a run for his money (you know how I love any food item with the addition of a fried egg!) Wow. The foie gras was excellent – especially to eat prepared in a wholly different manner. It was also served with beans. Delicious.

I had a salad, while AB enjoyed his Onion Bisque (which had crab in it, so I couldn’t taste). The salad was prepared to my liking, included cranberries and walnuts with mixed greens, but if you do not like a TON of dressing on your greens, I would recommend not ordering this (or even asking for less dressing if at all possible). Again, my preference is salads sopped in bleu cheese. Oh, it was good.

Our entrees one-upped our first two courses. The menu had many great options in every different fish and meat category — I selected the suckling pig and AB enjoyed the Mahi Mahi. It was served similar to a gelatinous cube of pork belly, over steamed carrots and more beans (this time, white). The pig also had a layer of crispy skin to it that totally enhanced the taste. I was definitely too full to finish my plate, and there was not even the tiniest bit of room for a dessert.

We finished up with a few craft brews at Sharp Edge, who lay claim to “Best Belgian Beer Bar in the US.” I’ll let Bier Markt know. In all seriousness, this location (there are four) had every beer I could think of that was Belgian exported. Great draft specials for a Thursday night (and thankfully, no drunk Irish to ruin our night out).

Our third day was short, since I had to get back somewhat early to Cleveland. AB took the day off work with me, and after a small breakfast in the hotel, we went walking (again) to The Strip. Man, so crappy that my good shoes tore because I ended up having to wear thin shoes and killed my legs and hips. Eh. But I digress.

I brought him to Mon Amie for a little “thank you” gift for the girl in our apartment building who looked after our Rudy while we were away (and a Bacon Bar that I cannot eat because of the potential “shellfish” warning on the label WTF?!).

For lunch we went into what I think is the Shadyside or Friendship neighborhood for burgers at Tessaro’s. The amazing (and huge) Deli Burger has Swiss cheese, cole slaw, pickles, and, I think, thousand island dressing on rye bread. We both ordered the same thing. Of course, I could eat maybe half of the delicious blend of ground meat, especially after devouring the entire side of potato salad. It had that wonderful addition of (too much for most people) vinegar that I just drool over. Like Grandma’s.

And any visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, would not be complete without a trip to the giant beer store. As luck would have it, there was one case of Great Lakes Christmas Ale on the shelves. Just as we ran out of our last case. Score. Next time, we pack lighter to bring another case or two home.

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