One week in Pittsburgh. The first of many.

Posted by Mel on Sep 12, 2010 in I'm HUNGRY!, Out-n-About | 3 comments

Let’s start with food, shall we? First things first, I am in LOVE with the Pittsburgh Public Market (I’ve already been twice this week), and I am totally excited for its growth (and the eventual addition of East End Brewing to fill my Uni-growler). The vendors are great — and the herb guy even sells catnip. Love.

The Strip is both a wonderful and annoying experience — much like my frustration with tourists at the West Side Market while all I’m trying to do is my grocery shopping. We still haven’t figured out the “right” day or time to go to avoid the bulk of the crowds. AND WE ALSO NEED A BUTCHER. Recommendations, please. And if you tell me Gint Iggle, I will punch you in the sack. It was a bitch trying to find some decent ground sirloin (and we walked away with some lean yuck). This week’s treasures: cheddar-jalapeno bread from some bread vendor on the street (magnificently delicious for a Sunday hangover!) and swiss rolls from an amazing Asian grocery (hooray for strawberry and banana!).

I loved Nature’s Bin back home, so I was filled with hungry glee to find Right by Nature in the Strip District. I have also been there twice this week. And while the walk is some 20 blocks away (decent to do on a cooler day), it was totally worth it for the sushi. Also? Their partnership with Good Apples means I can have my groceries delivered to our downtown apartment when I am: a) sick, b) lazy c) hungover or d) all of the above.

And when I need something before our weekly grocery shopping errand, the Market Square Farmer’s Market on Thursdays (through November) is perfect. Last week I left with a Bumbleberry Pie and golden raspberries. But there are food vendors (I think I saw pierogies) and a significant amount of produce available. I’ll have to check again for cheese or meats. Note to self: next time, do NOT go during lunch hour. I keep forgetting that there are BUSINESSES in this city.

Stay tuned for a second post about my first week…

mindymin

Butchers – I buy from Jomar Provisions on Smallman for the restaurants and myself when Im down there & there is another good butcher further up on Penn, I think its call Strip District Meats up across the street from the textiles store on Penn I have also had good luck with. Parma Sausage is also down there for awesome charcuterie & Penn Mac has a ton of good deli-style Italian meats available next to the cheese shop in the back with the olives & stuff. Also Peace, Love & Donuts down by Pamelas on Smallman has the bestest hangover donuts ever! Happy eating!
http://www.neighborsinthestrip cynthia helffrich

Do try Strip District Meats (on Penn Avenue between 21st & 22nd). They only put in the cases what they sell the most of, but if you want something, they will do it for you and to your specifications – why it’s nice to go to an actual butcher shop. One Christmas I had despaired of finding a Crown Roast of Pork until I discovered Strip District Meats! There’s also Anderson Meats on Penn Avenue. I had some great steaks from them, but haven’t worked with them as much.
http://eleanorstrousers.wordpress.com Eleanor’s Trousers

I’ve also heard good things about the butchers at Wholey’s in the Strip. They’re known more for their seafood, but they also keep meats in house. And for bulk purchases, I like Foster’s Meats in Lawrenceville (5145 Butler St). You can get there from down on the 91A in a 15 minute ride.
.-= Eleanor’s Trousers´s last blog ..My youth… =-.