tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52072109424172532842024-03-13T09:17:12.988-04:00Short & Sassy in SuburghiaI eat Local. I drink Local. And then I blog the lowdown.keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-6300502122610932972011-11-19T12:25:00.000-05:002011-11-19T12:25:33.348-05:00The Perfect Fusion of Barbeque & Mexican- Smoke Barbeque Taqueria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84oi7WaYbmg/TsfGVgTaHdI/AAAAAAAAAEY/z_6BCH5cm5M/s1600/DSC01329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84oi7WaYbmg/TsfGVgTaHdI/AAAAAAAAAEY/z_6BCH5cm5M/s400/DSC01329.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">225 East 8th Avenue- Homestead</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blink and you might miss this little hidden gem along the main drag of Homestead. (Well, we actually did during our first passing by & had to turn around & come back! ;) ) If you are looking for an alternative to the big name chains of the Waterfront, then take the short hop across the bridge to 8th Avenue and seek out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Smoke Barbeque Taqueria</span>. Smoke offers 7 delectable tacos (including 2 breakfast versions served all day) for $2.75 to $4.00 a piece. You can also include any of their 5 amazing sides to your taco order. I strongly advise adding their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">housemade bacon</span> to anything and everything that you can. It is that good. ;) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Red Potato Salad</span> to accompany my 2 tacos. The potato salad was creamy and very flavorful with the addition of the sauteed leaks. The salad is topped with tender chunks of Smoke's housemade bacon, lending the dish a nice smokiness and just the right amount of salt. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first taco was the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Pork Taco</span>- slow barbequed & shredded pork topped with an apricot harbanero sauce & caramelized onions wrapped in one of Smoke's handmade tortillas. The apricot harbanero sauce is what lured me into ordering this taco. I was intrigued. The sauce was slightly sweet, a bit acidic, with just a tad of heat. I enjoyed it, but really could have used just a bit more sauce in my taco. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband ordered a side of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Mac 'N Cheese </span>to go with his Pork taco and his Brisket taco. The mac 'n cheese was creamy, but not heavy. It is a perfect blend of elbow macaroni, mascarpone cheese, roasted garlic, and shallots. It was topped with a generous helping of shredded sharp white cheddar. The only thing that would have made this mac 'n cheese better would have been the addition of Smoke's housemade bacon (which by the way you can do!). ;)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second taco I ordered was the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Veggie</span> one. This vegetarian version is quite substantial with black beans, roasted poblano pepper, a corn relish, crispy potatoes, & their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">housemade chili de arbol sauce</span>. Warning: the chili de arbol sauce is not for the faint of heart. It is spicy. I ordered a side of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Avocado Cream </span>to help counter the spiciness of the sauce. It worked. ;)</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parking is on the street. You will need change if you visit Smoke for breakfast or during the day. The meters are free in the evenings. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smoke is presently a <b>cash only</b> establishment. Make sure you bring enough! My husband and I ate for under $30 with each of us ordering 2 tacos, 1 side, and a drink a piece. P.S. 2 tacos & 1 side is more than enough for a substantial meal for one person. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smoke is also a <b>BYOB </b>establishment. If you choose to eat in and want to partake in some adult beverages with your tacos, bring your own beer or wine. Otherwise, Smoke offers Aqua Fresca (honeydew melon was the flavor the night we visited), Horchata, & Lemonade ($3.00), all made in house with organic sugar. If you are ordering breakfast tacos, try their Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice or Mexican Chiapas Coffee.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seating is very limited (an eclectic mix of 3 tables and various chairs), so you may want to plan to call ahead and order takeout- 412-205-3039.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smoke Barbeque Taqueria does not presently have a website, but you can read other great reviews and get info on their hours on Yelp here: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-bbq-taqueria-homestead"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">http://www.yelp.com/biz/smoke-bbq-taqueria-homestead</span></a></span></li>
</ul></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-6284511563763355342011-11-18T08:37:00.000-05:002011-11-18T08:37:27.611-05:00D's SixPax & Dogz (Monroeville)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sYseNcRqRg/TsKjjNjf2JI/AAAAAAAAAEA/2x_07IkSyRI/s1600/DSC01316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sYseNcRqRg/TsKjjNjf2JI/AAAAAAAAAEA/2x_07IkSyRI/s400/DSC01316.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4320 Northern Pike- Monroeville</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few weeks back I implored my Twitter pals for a few good (and budget friendly) recommendations for a restaurant to grab a quick lunch at in Monroeville. More than one person replied with<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"> D's SixPax & Dogz</span>. "Hot dogs?" was my first thought. Since I have found myself with child, I have written off all and any meat products that harbor even the slightest chance of my acquiring listeria poisoning. Hot dogs & lunch meats have pretty much been ruled out for the 9 month duration. So I was delighted to find that D's offers <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">veggie dogs</span>. I can't lie. I get a craving for hot dogs something fierce occasionally and veggie dogs still allow me to indulge that craving.</span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From left to right:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">beer battered french fries</span>. I really loved the battered crisp on the outside of the fries. A small basket was more than enough for two people.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Mason Dixon veggie dog</span>. Being from West Virginia, I am used to a good hot dog topped with chili and coleslaw. I also decided to order yellow mustard with mine (a hometown thing for me). While I never received my yellow mustard (even when I stopped the server to ask for it), the veggie dog itself was substantial. It was topped generously with their homemade chili & coleslaw. I loved the addition of red onion to their coleslaw. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband had the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Bacon Cheeseburger</span>. Unfortunately, there wasn't very much to say about the burger. It was average at best.</span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<i>It is in my typical style to avoid much negativity in my blog features. Usually if I don't have anything nice to say, then I don't write a blog feature on an establishment. This visit to D's SixPax & Dogz left me torn. It is difficult to find a good veggie dog within 30 minutes of the Greensburg area. My Maxon Dixon was a damn good veggie dog. (The only thing that would have made it better would have been that yellow mustard! ;) ) But the service and timeliness of the food was very much lacking. We did wait nearly 20 minutes for our basket of fries. The restaurant was steady, but not slammed. As a former server, I am always conscious & understanding of most situations in which a server or a restaurant might fall short at no fault of their own. None of those situations were visibly present on our visit. Will I return? Maybe. But I will only be ordering veggie dogs & taking them to go. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I don't want to judge the entire franchise on just one of their locations though. I have a feeling that I would definitely give the D's in Regent Square a go. They seem to have it a little more together there: <a href="http://www.regentsquare.net/ds6pax.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.regentsquare.net/ds6pax.html</span></a></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will post their website here: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><a href="http://www.ds6pax.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.ds6pax.com/</span></a> </span>, though it is not very helpful. The only page to the website is a very small print menu that you need a magnifying glass to read. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-6078544759941773662011-11-17T08:54:00.000-05:002011-11-17T08:54:02.521-05:00Have You Met The Headkeeper's Older Sister Yet, J Corks?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgwOGAiBDic/TsUH7RFf75I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0UExP6uA6hY/s1600/J+Corks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgwOGAiBDic/TsUH7RFf75I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0UExP6uA6hY/s320/J+Corks.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">26 East Pittsburgh Street- Greensburg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If The Headkeeper is the fun, more casual younger sister, then J Corks is the more mature, sophisticated older sister. As many of my followers know, my husband and I have been a fan of The Headkeeper & it's laid back, yet modern tapas menu & amazing beer selection since I moved to the Greensburg area in January. For my birthday this past September, my husband and I decided to give J Corks, The Headkeeper's sister restaurant, a go. We found that we loved the menu just as much as The Headkeeper's, but just like when you date an older sister versus a younger sister make sure your wallet is a little thicker. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrXyY4oyMDU/TsEm7BnZ9hI/AAAAAAAAAD4/95A6HGcTB4o/s1600/JCork+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IrXyY4oyMDU/TsEm7BnZ9hI/AAAAAAAAAD4/95A6HGcTB4o/s400/JCork+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband & I started our meal with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Pepper Jack Spinach Dip with Soft Pretzels & Adobo Chips</span>. The spinach dip itself had just the right balance of spinach and creamy cheese, and just a hint of spice. All too often, a restaurant will serve you a spinach dip that is cheese heavy or spinach dry. J Corks gets the balance just right. The soft pretzels & perfectly salted blue and red chips are the ideal accompaniment for the dip. My husband & I loved the chips so much that we had to ask for a second helping.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my birthday girl dinner, I ordered the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Black Tiger Shrimp Carbonara</span>. The shrimp were tossed with snow peas, applewood smoked bacon, & a romano cream sauce over linguine. The dish itself was a sublime balance between light and heavy. The applewood smoked bacon brought a nice smokiness to the cream sauce.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband ordered the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Dry Spicy Rubbed Center Cut Pork Loin Chop with Adobo Compound Butter</span>. This is not a chop for the light eater. This 2 inch thick chop was tender and juicy, cooked perfectly. The chop itself was lightly spiced, but the spice rub was not overwhelming. The pork loin chop was served over a generous helping of tomato basil couscous. *<i>It appears that this item is not on their fall menu. J Corks does change their menus seasonally. </i></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can't have a proper birthday dinner without a dessert. ;) The dessert choice was a no-brainer for us. I love gingerbread; he loves carrot cake, so went with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Gingerbread Carrot Cake with a Vanilla Bean Icing</span>. The cake was moist. The vanilla bean icing went perfectly with the gingerbread and carrot cake flavors. What more is there to say? </span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Parking is on the street, so make sure to bring change for the meters.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dinner entrees range in price from around $14-$26. If you are wanting to try J Corks, but are looking for something a little more budget friendly, try coming for lunch. Their lunch entrees range in price from $9-$16. <a href="http://www.jcorks.com/Lunch-Menu.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">http://www.jcorks.com/Lunch-Menu.html</span></a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be in the know about upcoming specials (such as Wino Wednesdays) & events, become a fan of J Corks on Facebook- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jcorksgreensburg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">https://www.facebook.com/jcorksgreensburg</span></a></span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For directions, hours, & menus, click here:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jcorks.com/second-home.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.jcorks.com/second-home.html</span></a></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-69867703407113210402011-09-30T10:12:00.000-04:002011-09-30T10:12:10.430-04:00A Suburghia Girl Recipe- Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with a Pumpkin Tarragon Walnut Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oWuWMBcnw/ToXLhWp_0pI/AAAAAAAAADs/BKeeiX5GIDA/s1600/DSC01200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-68oWuWMBcnw/ToXLhWp_0pI/AAAAAAAAADs/BKeeiX5GIDA/s400/DSC01200.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The very first thing I think of when I hear the world is fall is pumpkin. It embodies so much of what I love about this season. The seasonal foods, the hint of cinnamon & nutmeg, jack-o-lanterns... Besides colorful crunchy leaves, what says fall is here more than pumpkins?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Lately, I have been on a real pumpkin kick. Maybe it is because I am so excited for the fall (if you haven't guess it yet, fall is my favorite season!). Maybe it is because I have been having hormone-induced cravings for the orange fleshy stuff (Yes, pumpkin IS a pregnancy super food!<span style="color: #b45f06;"> </span><a href="http://www.babymed.com/food-and-nutrition/pumpkin-during-pregnancy-it-safe"><span style="color: #b45f06;">BabyMed- Pumpkin During Pregnancy</span></a> ). And yesterday evening I embarked on an adventure to make homemade pumpkin ravioli.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes, I did venture to make my ravioli dough from scratch. I found an easy and fantastic recipe for the dough from the Food Network's Tyler Florence here- <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/ravioli-dough-recipe/index.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Tyler Florence's Ravioli Dough Recipe</span></a> , but I am going to suggest that you do not go this route unless you already own a pasta machine. I do not own one and try as I may, I was not able to roll out my pasta dough thin enough using a rolling pin. But it is a great upper body and arm workout! ;) Until I own a pasta machine (which my husband now knows is on my Christmas wishlist this year), I will stick with the wonton wrappers you can find in your grocery store's frozen food section.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you do own a pasta machine or if you just have incredible upper body strength & feel you can dominate the dough to the right thickness, you should start your dough first. The recipe above calls for the dough to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before you begin rolling it out. If you are opting for the wonton wrappers, make sure you thaw them out in the fridge or on the kitchen counter before using them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">While your pasta dough is in the fridge, you can go ahead and make the pumpkin ricotta filling for the ravioli. I kept the filling very simple since we will be topping the ravioli with a rich and flavorful sauce at the end. To make the filling, scoop about <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 cup of canned pumpkin</span> into a small mixing bowl. Add <span style="color: #b45f06;">3/4 cup of ricotta cheese</span>, and mix together. Next add <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 egg</span> and beat into the pumpkin/ricotta mixture until well incorporated. To season the filling, just add a <span style="color: #b45f06;">1/2 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg</span>, and <span style="color: #b45f06;">1/2 tsp of salt</span>. Mix well and set aside.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWTvaaYx880/ToXL4gGKz3I/AAAAAAAAADw/YEy_b3BA004/s1600/DSC01201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWTvaaYx880/ToXL4gGKz3I/AAAAAAAAADw/YEy_b3BA004/s320/DSC01201.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now prepare your ravioli dough (using the instructions in Tyler's recipe) or take out your wonton wrappers. No matter which you are using make sure to brush the edges of the ravioli squares with an <span style="color: #b45f06;">egg wash</span> (just beat an egg with a little bit of water). The egg wash will make the edges stick better and keep your pumpkin filling from spilling out. I would also suggest at this point you start a pot of salted water to boil. Drop a little less than a tbsp of the pumpkin ricotta filling into each ravioli, but make sure not to overfill. Fold over your wrap or dough, seal the pocket of filling with your fingers, and cut the edges of each ravioli. You can easily do this with a pizza cutter. But if you want to be fancy, you can pick up a pasta dough cutter with the crimped edges like the one I have pictured below. ;) Set aside your assembled ravioli.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At this point, your water should almost be at a boil. While you are waiting, go ahead and start the <span style="color: #b45f06;">Pumpkin Tarragon Walnut sauce</span>. You will start by heating about <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tbsp of olive oil</span> in a medium pan over medium heat. Finely chop <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 small shallot</span> and add to the pan once the oil is heated. Saute for about 2 minutes. Add <span style="color: #b45f06;">2 tbsp of flour</span> to the shallot and cook for another minute. The flour will work to thicken the sauce and cooking it first will make sure there isn't a raw flour taste to your sauce. Pour <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 1/2 cups of heavy cream</span> into the pan with the shallot and the flour and whisk often. Once the cream is heated through, add about <span style="color: #b45f06;">1/2 cup of canned pumpkin</span> and continue to whisk until well mixed and creamy. Your water is probably boiling now. Add your first round of ravioli to the pot. Do not overcrowd them. Your ravioli are done when they float to the surface. Now, let's finish the cream sauce. :) Continue whisking and add <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp of dried tarragon, a few dashes of cinnamon</span>, and <span style="color: #b45f06;">a few sprinkles of pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg</span>. Whisk in <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tbsp of sugar</span>. By now your sauce should really be thickening up. If it is too thick for your taste, just whisk in a little water to thin it out a bit. Throw in about a <span style="color: #b45f06;">1/4 cup of chopped walnuts</span>. Add <span style="color: #b45f06;">salt and pepper</span> to taste. Never forget to taste your sauces! To finish the sauce, add <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tbsp of butter</span> and whisk until melted and well incorporated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Drain your ravioli. Plate 4-5 ravioli and cover with the your Pumpkin Tarragon Walnut Sauce. Enjoy and say hello to fall! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">P.S. The Pumpkin Tarragon Walnut sauce is so good that I also suggest just making it and serving it over prepared, store bought cheese ravioli or over a spinach fettuccine. :)</span>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-32104734647779919022011-09-13T18:28:00.000-04:002011-09-13T18:28:40.929-04:00A Suburghian Girl Recipe: Italian Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSwtfpyAKgw/Tm_XllBuSBI/AAAAAAAAADo/EuPyN_qAKCg/s1600/DSC01182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218px" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSwtfpyAKgw/Tm_XllBuSBI/AAAAAAAAADo/EuPyN_qAKCg/s320/DSC01182.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fall is just around the corner. College football season is already upon on us. And here is a fresh new twist on a cooler weather, game day favorite- an <span style="color: #cc0000;">Italian Chili</span>. The addition of basil, oregano, orzo, and red wine gives this chili it's Italian flare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is actually a crock pot recipe (perfect for your game day get-together!), but can easily be adapted to the stove if you don't have the time for the slow cooking or if you don't have a crock pot in your kitchen. But I think every well-equipped kitchen should have a crock pot. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">First start by browning <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 lb of ground beef</span> in a large frying pan with <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 tbs of olive oil</span>. Once browned, drain the beef of any fat and place into the crock pot. In the same frying pan, heat <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 tbs of olive oil</span>. Add <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 medium onion, chopped</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 medium green pepper, chopped</span> to the pan. Saute for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft. Add <span style="color: #cc0000;">4 cloves of garlic, minced</span> to the pan. Saute for another 1-2 minutes. Place the sauteed veggies in the crock pot with the ground beef. Pour <span style="color: #cc0000;">one 29 oz can of tomato sauce</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">one 29 oz can of crushed tomatoes</span> (diced tomatoes will also work) into the crock pot. Using one of the empty cans, pour <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 can full of beef broth</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">1 can full of water</span> into the crock pot. You could use 2 can fulls of water, but your chili will be much richer with the addition of beef broth. Drain and rinse a <span style="color: #cc0000;">15 oz can of cannellini beans</span> in a small colander. Add the beans to the crock pot. Sprinkle in 2 tsp of dried oregano. Add <span style="color: #cc0000;">salt </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">cracked pepper</span>. Add in <span style="color: #cc0000;">3/4 cups of red wine</span>. You could also use <span style="color: #cc0000;">1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar</span> in place of the wine. I actually used a little of both in mine. ;) At this point, you could sneak in some extra veggies by adding some <span style="color: #cc0000;">fresh or frozen spinach leaves</span> to the chili. Mix all the ingredients together in the crock pot and turn it to the low setting. Let it cook in the crock pot on low for at least 6 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">When you are about 30 minutes from serving your chili, turn the heat setting up to high. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Add</span> 1 1/2 cups water</span> to the simmering chili. Now pour in about <span style="color: #cc0000;">8 oz of orzo or any other small pasta</span>. Chop up about <span style="color: #cc0000;">8 fresh basil leaves</span> and add to the crock pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Before serving, taste your chili! Add more salt or pepper to taste. If the chili seems to be missing a little something, add a few tbsp of sugar. Just a touch of sweetness can bring out the robust flavors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and a crusty Italian bread. Touchdown!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">P.S. If you happen to have a lot of leftovers with this chili (like I did), this dish freezes well. Just pour into freezer safe containers and freeze up to 2 months.</span>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-21025460701357721222011-08-30T12:57:00.000-04:002011-08-30T12:57:16.335-04:00Braddock's Brasserie And Bar- Swank and Upscale Food Without the Pretentiousness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXueUu5Z17U/TjCdFlsSpdI/AAAAAAAAADc/TWkQCguFzbs/s1600/DSC01057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PXueUu5Z17U/TjCdFlsSpdI/AAAAAAAAADc/TWkQCguFzbs/s400/DSC01057.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">107 6th Street- Pittsburgh</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Influenced by a recent Groupon purchase and a raving and tempting blog post from my friend & fellow foodie blogger, Food Collage (click here to see her blog post on Braddock's <a href="http://www.foodcollage.com/2011/05/braddocks-american-brasserie-downtown.html">Food Collage- Braddock's American Brasserie</a></span>), <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my husband and I decided to forgo the Pirates game and the sweltering heat and stepped into the lobby of the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel</span>. Yes, Braddock's is located just inside and straight back from the lobby of this classy hotel. The first thing you notice about the place is the atmosphere- swanky and modern. You begin to wonder if you dressed up enough for the joint! ;) But no worries. Braddock's caters to all, even those patrons who stop in for a bite to eat before heading to a Pirates game. Little black dress and heels, or a Pirates jersey and jeans- everyone is welcome & fits right in.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFIV4Xj_RfY/TjCeP5DsFeI/AAAAAAAAADk/cXtbqCufskA/s1600/Braddocks+2+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QFIV4Xj_RfY/TjCeP5DsFeI/AAAAAAAAADk/cXtbqCufskA/s640/Braddocks+2+collage.jpg" t$="true" width="220px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top to bottom:</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started out our meal at Braddock's quite simply- with a order of their <span style="color: #741b47;">Frites</span> served with a side of <span style="color: #741b47;">Roasted Garlic Aioli</span>. The frites were perfectly salted and seasoned with rosemary. They were light and crisp. The roasted garlic aioli was creamy, but not heavy- the perfect accompaniment for the frites.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I ordered one of Braddock's dinner features of the evening as my entree- <span style="color: #741b47;">Filet Mignon</span> served with <span style="color: #741b47;">Lump Crab Meat & a Bearnaise sauce</span>. The entree was served with a generous side of their <span style="color: #741b47;">Fingerling Mashed potatoes</span> & their fresh vegetable of the day- asparagus. My filet was grilled to a perfect medium-rare. I cannot even express how happy this made me. Lately, my experiences with a steak actually being prepared to a real medium-rare has been few and far between. The crab meat was actual lumps of crab. Actual sweet lumps of crab meat. (You can clearly see that in my photo above. ;) ) The mashed fingerlings were creamy and garlicky. My one and only complaint was the asparagus. It had been sliced instead of left in spears, and in the cooking process had lost it's crisp bite. I am not a fan of mushy asparagus. But the steak, crab, and potatoes were MORE than enough to satisfy me. </span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My husband ordered the <span style="color: #741b47;">Braddock's Caesar salad</span> topped with a grilled <span style="color: #741b47;">Gerber Farms Amish chicken breast</span>. The salad itself consisted of two large and crisp whole Romaine hearts topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, croutons, lemon zest, and a bright Caesar dressing. We loved the addition of the lemon to the salad. It really brightened up the entire entree. The chicken breast was juicy and tender.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">You will more than likely have to pay for parking. There is a parking garage that my husband & I always park at for Pirates games directly across the street from Braddock's. It costs $5 to park there. Even on game days- it is still only $5. :)</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most dinner entrees are priced anywhere from $13 to $30. Lunch at Braddock's is a bit more budget friendly with burger and small plate options available.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, and menus, visit below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.braddocksrestaurant.com/"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.braddocksrestaurant.com/</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"></span></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-36482161430110802412011-07-27T14:52:00.000-04:002011-07-27T14:52:32.069-04:00A Quick (& Sweet) Bite in Suburghia- The Cupcake Shoppe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJdtVF89QzQ/TjBXiatPpEI/AAAAAAAAADU/AkYiWTCosJk/s1600/DSC01061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJdtVF89QzQ/TjBXiatPpEI/AAAAAAAAADU/AkYiWTCosJk/s320/DSC01061.JPG" t$="true" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">20 West 2nd Street- Greensburg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you are in need of a quick sweet treat while in the downtown area, stop in at <span style="color: #e69138;">The Cupcake Shoppe</span></span><span style="color: #e69138;"></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at 20 West 2nd Street. We ducked in for some cupcake yumminess before heading to the farmers market at the Westmoreland Art Museum to pick up local goodies. The shoppe is cute, quaint, and very clean. This was my first visit to the Shoppe, and I was very impressed with how affordable the cupcakes are- just $2 each! :) (Please remember, I am girl who moved here from a larger Midwestern city & had grown used to paying up to $5 a pop for a gourmet cupcake.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So here is the lowdown...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpOuTMHtq7w/TjBZlQmfsTI/AAAAAAAAADY/0AkuAYGZtUo/s1600/Cupcake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vpOuTMHtq7w/TjBZlQmfsTI/AAAAAAAAADY/0AkuAYGZtUo/s400/Cupcake+collage.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From left to right:</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Cupcake Shoppe's selection of cupcake flavors changes daily, so come back often for new choices. ;) It does seem though that the Chocolate, Very Vanilla, and Peanut Butter Cup are regular offerings. On this particular day, the special cupcake offered was Snickerdoodle.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My son ordered the <span style="color: #e69138;">Peanut Butter Cup</span>, a moist chocolate cupcake topped with a peanut butter frosting that is reminiscent of homemade peanut butter fudge.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I went with a classic, the <span style="color: #e69138;">Chocolate cupcake</span>, mainly because it is topped with a rich buttercream frosting and sprinkles. (I am a sucker for a good buttercream!) The buttercream was amazing.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I definitely see more trips to The Cupcake Shoppe in our very near future. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For more information and for the Shoppe's hours, visit below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecupcakeshoppegbg.com/Home_Page.html"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://thecupcakeshoppegbg.com/Home_Page.html</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-50437269462361536372011-07-25T07:13:00.001-04:002011-07-25T07:22:28.226-04:00Beyond Just a Burger & a Beer- Bocktown Beer & Grill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV7S3RZEJXQ/TiTiMZk53BI/AAAAAAAAADM/ioLG9dUT_nU/s1600/DSC00756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV7S3RZEJXQ/TiTiMZk53BI/AAAAAAAAADM/ioLG9dUT_nU/s400/DSC00756.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">690 Chauvet Drive- Pittsburgh (In the Pool City Plaza, across from Target)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many people in the Pittsburgh/Suburghia area visit the Robinson Town Center for the mall and of course, Ikea. And shopping can work up quite an appetite. ;) So, the next time you are at Ikea perusing their many light fixtures and kitchen gadgets, forgo the hoards of chain restaurants (and the mall food court) and head straight for <span style="color: #bf9000;">Bocktown Beer and Grill</span>. Tucked inside the Pool City/Target Plaza, it is a real local gem. Bocktown prides itself on utilizing local vendors and products, and serving some of the best local beers available on tap. You could say it is a locavore's paradise.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was fortunate enough to have a Columbus friend (a transplant from the 'Burgh) turn me onto this place and I haven't looked back since. Confession- there are times when the husband and I just go to Robinson for Bocktown's irresistible fresh cut fries. The shopping is secondary to the grub. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5DJpUgxpIA/TiTiZ74IRUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/B9ZCSgyCdN8/s1600/Bocktown+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N5DJpUgxpIA/TiTiZ74IRUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/B9ZCSgyCdN8/s400/Bocktown+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The glorious <span style="color: #bf9000;">Flat Belly Fries</span> (also comes in Beer Belly). The Flat Belly is perfect for 2-3 people. Order the Beer Belly if you are out with a group or are just REALLY hungry. ;) We start out every Bocktown meal with an order of these fresh cut fries topped with the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Beer Cheese</span> and <span style="color: #bf9000;">Black Peppered Bacon</span>. We keep it simple, but there are 47 different toppings to choose from to slather on top of your order of Bocktown fries.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just to show that Bocktown is not all beer, burgers, and fries, I ordered the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Seared Salmon Salad</span> with the suggested <span style="color: #bf9000;">Basil Pesto </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Vinaigrette</span>. The perfectly seared salmon was served over a fresh mix of greens, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, & other goodies. And yeah, it made me feel a little less guilty for polishing off those Beer Belly Fries. ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My husband, on the other hand, ordered the ultimate trifecta of a burger, the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Three Rivers Burgher</span>. The Three Rivers is served open-faced and generously topped with beer cheese, beef gravy, & Bocktown fries. (Yes, under all of that is a juicy 1/2 lb burger!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Check Bocktown's website often for their ongoing Beer Tastings, Beeried Treasure events, and live music schedule. Every week there is something new and tasty going on! <a href="http://www.bocktown.com/category/events/"><span style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.bocktown.com/category/events/</span></a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bocktown Beer & Grill is becoming one of the first restaurants in the area to utilize the Tabbedout app. Find out more about Tabbedout here: <a href="http://www.tabbedout.com/"><span style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.tabbedout.com/</span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Vegetarian? No problem! Bocktown offers many vegetarian options as well as the option to substitute a fat portabella for any of their burgers on the menu.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In addition to their regular fabulous menu, Bocktown offers daily specials. Check back at their website often. You just might find a new favorite! :) <a href="http://www.bocktown.com/robinson/"><span style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.bocktown.com/robinson/</span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bocktown is currently in the process of opening a second location close to the Beaver Valley Mall. For updates & job opportunities, click here: <a href="http://www.bocktown.com/monaca/"><span style="color: #bf9000;">http://www.bocktown.com/monaca/</span></a></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For directions, hours, menus, and the craft beers tap list, click here:</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><a href="http://www.bocktown.com/"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.bocktown.com/</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-65573142691845283322011-07-16T17:21:00.001-04:002011-07-17T08:39:22.508-04:00A Suburghian Girl Recipe: Summertime Risotto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-_Xrh9cTso/TiH8bn_SoII/AAAAAAAAADA/qE5GRZUFnHM/s1600/DSC01044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-_Xrh9cTso/TiH8bn_SoII/AAAAAAAAADA/qE5GRZUFnHM/s320/DSC01044.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What better way to display the green goodness of summertime than in a risotto? Farmers markets, friends' gardens, and local grocers are teeming now with beautiful green zucchinis and artichokes of all shapes and sizes. (Okay, maybe just the grocers have the artichokes since Pennsylvania's climate isn't exactly conducive to growing them. ;) ) Inspired by the season, a zucchini from a friend's garden, and some beautiful baby artichokes from <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Delallo Italian Marketplace</span>, I set out to make one of my favorite adult comfort foods with a fresh, summery twist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To start your risotto, pour one <span style="color: #6aa84f;">34 ounce container of chicken broth</span> (I use organic just because the taste is so much better) into a medium sauce pan and start to heat slowly over medium heat. Watch it and don't let it boil. We just want to warm the broth to add to the rice and veggies later. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the meanwhile, finely chop <span style="color: #6aa84f;">one medium shallot</span> and set aside. Slice the tops and the ends off of <span style="color: #6aa84f;">8-10 baby artichokes</span>. Pull off all of the tough outer leaves of the artichokes, usually 3-4 layers. Slice each artichoke into quarters. Dice <span style="color: #6aa84f;">one medium zucchini</span>. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aTEzrEO4EY/TiH8mj7lsoI/AAAAAAAAADE/NVhv5ZoZyIY/s1600/DSC01047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aTEzrEO4EY/TiH8mj7lsoI/AAAAAAAAADE/NVhv5ZoZyIY/s320/DSC01047.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Heat <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 tbsp of butter</span> and<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> 2</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> tbsp of olive oil</span> in a large pot. Once the butter has melted, add the shallot and saute for 2 minutes until golden and soft. Now add the artichoke quarters. Saute for 3 more minutes. At this point, I add a <span style="color: #6aa84f;">splash of white wine</span> to help soften the artichokes and cook them. Then throw in your diced zucchini. Sprinkle <span style="color: #6aa84f;">sea salt</span> over the veggie mixture and saute for another 2 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Add <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 1/2 cups of arborio rice</span> to the vegetables in the pot and saute 2 minutes to toast the rice. Pour in about a <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 cup of white wine</span>. Simmer until the wine is absorbed by the rice. Remove your pot of warmed chicken broth from the heat. Add about a cup of the warm broth to the rice/veggie mixture. Stir often- the rice can stick to the bottom of the pan if you don't stay on top of the stirring. Once the broth has been absorbed, add another cup and stir. Continue repeating this process until you have used all the chicken broth. All and all, the adding of broth and the stirring should take 20-30 minutes. Make sure to taste the rice as you add the broth to check for doneness. The rice should be creamy, but firm when it is done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once the rice is cooked to your doneness, remove from the heat. Add <span style="color: #6aa84f;">a tbsp of butter</span> and about a <span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 cup (or a bit more ;) ) of parmesan cheese</span>. I suggest staying away from the domestic parms, and splurging on an Italian one. The taste of an Italian parmesan is bounds and leaps beyond a domestic variety. You are not using much, so it won't hit your wallet too hard. I bought my parmesan in a chunk and then finely chopped it. Shredded parmesan would also work well. Stir the butter and parmesan into the risotto until it is melted and well incorporated. Add sea salt and ground pepper to taste. Plate up and serve immediately. :) </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypMMmsbWkOk/TiH80wio_XI/AAAAAAAAADI/NY9S5_0sPmI/s1600/DSC01050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ypMMmsbWkOk/TiH80wio_XI/AAAAAAAAADI/NY9S5_0sPmI/s320/DSC01050.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-21645722656015899502011-06-27T14:46:00.000-04:002011-06-27T14:46:05.077-04:00A 'Burgh Inspired Wedding Reception in the Mountain State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swsWJ_EZieo/TgYwMQWI_NI/AAAAAAAAAC4/V6VIyJRPc2w/s1600/CPWeddingColor-229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-swsWJ_EZieo/TgYwMQWI_NI/AAAAAAAAAC4/V6VIyJRPc2w/s400/CPWeddingColor-229.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On what turned out to be a gorgeous May Friday evening, my high school sweetheart (delayed) and I exchanged our wedding vows in front of a very small gathering of friends and family at the Shaw House in Fairmont, WV. Our wedding was vintage inspired, and very elegantly simple. I will be sharing more photos on this blog post than I normally do, but hey it is not everyday that a gal gets married, right? ;) The ceremony was sweet and right to the point (just like me most of the time). But let's be real. Most of us really love attending a wedding for the reception grub and usually the free drinks, right? Hehehehe...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The husband and I knew that we wanted to keep the reception menu uncomplicated, delicious, and most of all 'Burgh LOCAL.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FszLcLkctjo/TgYvx-UHJOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/AOQGbpvukkE/s1600/reception+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FszLcLkctjo/TgYvx-UHJOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/AOQGbpvukkE/s400/reception+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our reception spread was provided by the caterer and chef at <span style="color: #bf9000;">Shaw House</span>. This two-person culinary team did most of their shopping for the menu in the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Strip District</span>. Our menu included a lovely Nicoise salad, a beautifully poached salmon, a tender rosemary herbed beef tenderloin, an amazing spinach artichoke dip, and a fresh and gorgeous fruit platter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our reception spread also offered hunks of self-serve (aka, have as big of a piece as you would like) fresh cheeses for our guests- a nice sharp white cheddar, a more mild Porterhouse cheese, and a sweet Stilton with apricots. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cakes... Yes, the cakes. We did not go the traditional tiered cake route here. We delighted our guests with six different cakes all courtesy of the lovely bakery at <span style="color: #bf9000;">Delallo Italian Marketplace</span> in Jeannette. I am pretty sure that most of the guests came back for a second or third slice. I mean, you can't just try one... ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">When I started to think of the wedding favors I wanted to send my guests home with, I knew that personalized M&M's or those Jordan almonds were not going to cut it for me. We offered each of our lovely guests Peanut Butter and/or Dark Chocolate marshmallows (seen in the little silver boxes) from the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Pittsburgh Marshmallow Factory</span>. We also created our own take on the candy bar, but used popcorn from the <span style="color: #bf9000;">Pittsburgh Popcorn Company</span> instead. After tasting every flavor popcorn the Company had to offer that week, we settled on one savory and one sweet- Sour Cream & Onion and Baklava. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Okay, now to share just a few more pics. Who doesn't like pics from weddings? ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5B06uNk1o/TgY2LFHczLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/xq1wMFe7zlM/s1600/reception2+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl5B06uNk1o/TgY2LFHczLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/xq1wMFe7zlM/s400/reception2+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My lovely sister (maid of honor) is featured in the photos on the left and right. And yes, in the pic to the right she is proudly displaying her Yuengling bottled beer. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">*<em>All photos were taken by the extremely talented photographer and my longtime friend, <span style="color: #bf9000;">Mr. William Brian Bee</span>.</em></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-89089451728254103082011-06-22T07:17:00.000-04:002011-06-22T07:17:55.071-04:00Suburghian Ladies' Evening Out- The Parkwood Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYANypPE3Mw/Tel2wfu-ZnI/AAAAAAAAACc/xJ0VTe4fw60/s1600/DSC00728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYANypPE3Mw/Tel2wfu-ZnI/AAAAAAAAACc/xJ0VTe4fw60/s400/DSC00728.JPG" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">1002 Cribbs Street, Greensburg</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">People say that Twitter is for connecting with and eventually meeting new people, and Facebook is for keeping up with friends you already have. Witnessing firsthand (and personally) the many connections that can be made through tweeting, it was the first avenue of social media that </span>I <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">turned to when I made my big move from the Buckeye capital to Suburghia. A girl needs some friends in her new city! I connected with 3 lovely Greensburghian ladies, and now we meet regularly for dinner and drinks. Thus, the birth of a new blog series for me- Surburghian Ladies' Evening Out. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This past Wednesday we decided to meet for dinner and a few drinks, and were on the hunt for a place with a terrific deck to take in the gorgeous weather. The Parkwood Inn won the vote. (By the way, you can see that amazing two level deck in my pic above.) ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8a96mqlIH3s/Tel7ieJXkVI/AAAAAAAAACg/OmYQI2H20NI/s1600/Parkwood+Inn+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8a96mqlIH3s/Tel7ieJXkVI/AAAAAAAAACg/OmYQI2H20NI/s400/Parkwood+Inn+collage.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I ordered what has quickly become a Parkwood Inn fave for me- the Eva Pepper Burger. The Eva is a juicy 1/2 pound burger topped with provolone cheese and banana peppers. I ordered mine with the Deckers, Parkwood's homemade potato chips. I highly recommend the Deckers, although their fries are amazing as well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Colleen had the Eva's Homemade Cheese Ravioli, crescent shaped pasta filled with a blend of cheeses topped with Parkwood's very own tomato sauce and a meatball. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Jaimie also indulged in one of Parkwood's delicious burgers. She had the Asiago Burger- asiago cheese, roasted red peppers, and mixed greens atop a juicy all beef burger. And she also went with the very crispy Deckers as her side. ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Amanda went with one of Parkwood Inn's famous Traditional 4 cut pizzas. (You can't go wrong with that, right??) She ordered her's with ham and green peppers. She was kind enough to offer me a bite. The crust is thin- just a little chewy with a bit of crisp. </span></li>
</ul></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What you need to know before you go:</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Parkwood Inn is very easy to get to from either direction on 30. (In fact, you can see it from the highway.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Parkwood has ample parking, but when it gets busy the lot fills quickly. You may have to park on the street if you arrive during one of their busy times.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Plan to visit Parkwood Inn Monday through Friday from 4-6pm for their Halfly Hour- 1/2 priced drafts, well drinks, and 4 cut plain pizzas.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, and menus, visit below:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.parkwoodinnrestaurant.com/">http://www.parkwoodinnrestaurant.com/</a></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-68189308238655320822011-06-02T13:12:00.001-04:002011-06-02T13:13:18.509-04:00Hip, Big City Cuisine Right Here in Suburghia- Solstice Restaurant and Lounge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MP7-ulhBKIk/TebZndGhOHI/AAAAAAAAACU/dotpOZt-Xp0/s1600/Solstice-Pittsburgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MP7-ulhBKIk/TebZndGhOHI/AAAAAAAAACU/dotpOZt-Xp0/s400/Solstice-Pittsburgh.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Solstice Restaurant & Lounge- 911 Green Street, Greensburg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We visited <span style="color: #990000;">Solstice Restaurant and Lounge</span> for the first time on a Monday evening. We were drawn in by the promise of <span style="color: #990000;">$2 draft microbrews</span>. Being a lover of all things craft beer (and being on a budget most of the time)</span>, <span style="font-family: Verdana;">this seemed like as good a night as any to check out the restuarant we had driven past a few times and wondered about. Now, while we didn't receive $2 drafts (maybe they were only at certain times? Although there was no mention of that on the website), they did have an impressive draft list and amazing food. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hH1GxaKU_Fc/TebaOqVbEiI/AAAAAAAAACY/Oq3iHAJhIVI/s1600/Solstice+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hH1GxaKU_Fc/TebaOqVbEiI/AAAAAAAAACY/Oq3iHAJhIVI/s400/Solstice+collage.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We very pleasantly started out our meal with a complimentary appetizer of l<span style="font-family: Papyrus-Regular;">ahvosch</span> and 3 different spreads- Black bean, a hummus, and a mango orange mint</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dip. The spreads were served on a chilled glass plate, and each of them were very tasty. </span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I ordered the <span style="color: #990000;">Cioppino and Orzo</span> for my entree. They most definitely do not skimp on the seafood in their version of the classic San Francisan Italian dish. Big, soft scallops, large shrimp, and plenty of littleneck clams and mussels all floating in a smoky, spicy tomato broth around an island of orzo which falls apart and into the broth as you dig your spoon in. It is served with a big hunk of ciabatta bread perfect for soaking up the broth. This is by far one of the better Cioppino's I have ever had the pleasure of eating.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My fiance (now husband ;) ) ordered the <span style="color: #990000;">Steak Frites</span> topped with the Maytag bleu cheese. It came with a side of their crispy fries with basil mayo, and a side of roasted asparagus. The steak was cooked almost perfectly (just a tad bit overdone) and the frites (fries) were to die for. Please do dip them in the basil mayo- you will not be disappointed. ;)</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We topped off our meal at Solstice by sharing their <span style="color: #990000;">Apple Crisp</span>. The apple slices were tender and the topping was flaky and crispy. It was the perfect ending to our evening.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Solstice Restaurant & Lounge offers several food and drink specials, Monday through Saturday. I would suggest confirming with your server or bartender for any possible fine print (which I admittedly should have done). You can find their daily specials here: <a href="http://www.solsticegbg.com/specials.php?day=Monday"><span style="color: #990000;">Solstice Specials</span></a></span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Solstice offers both small and large plates. So you can go tapas style or full on dinner. Most of the small plates range in price from $5 to $12. Larger plates are a little pricier at anywhere from $15 to $24. My Cioppino was priced at $18 and was worth every penny of it. ;)</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We were told that Solstice gets very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, and that reservations are highly recommended if you plan on visiting then. You can request a reservation online by going here: <a href="http://www.solsticegbg.com/contact.php"><span style="color: #990000;">http://www.solsticegbg.com/contact.php</span></a></span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, menu, and catering information, visit below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.solsticegbg.com/index.php"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.solsticegbg.com/index.php</span></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-21561813765084651122011-05-27T09:12:00.000-04:002011-05-27T09:12:10.982-04:00Witty (and Tasty) Food on the Mount<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QJc8uC129U/Td6hgCX6III/AAAAAAAAACI/W1Xtkmi2Oy4/s1600/DSC00575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QJc8uC129U/Td6hgCX6III/AAAAAAAAACI/W1Xtkmi2Oy4/s400/DSC00575.JPG" t8="true" width="295px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">123 Shiloh Street, Mount Washington</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Being a Suburghia newbie, I really had no expectations about <span style="color: #990000;">Shiloh Grill</span> when we decided to head there for dinner and a few drinks before a what would be rained out Pirates game. I had purchased a Groupon for the Grill the month before in an attempt to make sure that the husband and I tried someplace new every time we drove into the city. It is easy to become creatures of sustenance comfort, always heading back to your few fave joints when you are only in the 'Burgh a few times a month.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">When we first arrived atop Mount Washington and lucked into a parking meter space right in front of the restaurant, we opted to sit on the spacious outdoor deck. That is, until Mother Nature made other plans and we were quickly bolting for the indoor dining room. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-URFtxqxs/Td6jeioO8VI/AAAAAAAAACM/yaVYFIt7jXE/s1600/Shiloh+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-URFtxqxs/Td6jeioO8VI/AAAAAAAAACM/yaVYFIt7jXE/s400/Shiloh+collage.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The first thing that struck me was <span style="color: #990000;">Shiloh Grill's</span> facetious and very humorous menu listings and descriptions. Even if the food had been sub par (which it was not- thank goodness!), it would have been worth the visit just to browse through the menu. ;) My favorite menu item by far (and only for it's colorful description) is the <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;">Roethlisburgher</span>. </span></span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started with the <span style="color: #990000;">World Famous Patio Gazpacho</span>. Their gazpacho is fresh, with chunks of crisp veggies (think cucumbers, peppers, and onions) in the broth. It packed just enough spicy heat to not overwhelm the freshness of the gazpacho.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Next up- Shiloh Grill's new <span style="color: #990000;">Arugula Steak Salad</span>. Okay, they pretty much had me at arugula and steak. ;) The medium-well grilled steak was sliced over a bed of fresh spinach and arugula and adorned with blue cheese crumbles, radish slices, and pepperoncini's. Divine...</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ahhhhh.... we were there just in time for their happy hour (5-7pm on the weekdays). Happy hour at Shiloh Grill means half off their draft beers, wings, and their frozen cosmos. The <span style="color: #990000;">FROZEN COSMOS</span>! Holy libations, was this a wonderful treat for an almost full-time craft beer drinker. Frozen, smooth, tasty, and it packs a punch. This is no frou-frou Cosmopolitan. They are deceptively easy to drink, but those pink martini glasses of frozen happiness sure do sneak up on you. (Not that I know from personal experience or anything... ;) )</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Bring change for the parking meter! Though I am sure there is free parking somewhere, most parking that I have observed on Mount Washington is metered or valet.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Try to to head to Shiloh Grill on a Tuesday evening if you happen to be a lover of all things bacon. They serve up <span style="color: #990000;">FREE bacon baskets</span> at the bar, $1 a basket in the dining room and deck. They also craft a bacon martini to wash down your bacon basket with. ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, specials, and menus, visit below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theshilohgrill.com/"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.theshilohgrill.com/</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center"></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-23074221872745020312011-05-17T07:05:00.000-04:002011-05-17T07:05:08.965-04:00A Foodie's Oasis in Suburghia- Delallo's Italian Store<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GScUhhkAt7w/TdGDht3oxAI/AAAAAAAAACE/YvWKmpKcoTc/s1600/delallos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GScUhhkAt7w/TdGDht3oxAI/AAAAAAAAACE/YvWKmpKcoTc/s400/delallos.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6390 Route 30, Jeannette</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first visit to <span style="color: #073763;">Delallo Italian Marketplace</span> after arriving in my new home of Greensburg, Pennsylvania was my first realization that I could survive (and probably even thrive!) after my big move from one of the larger locavore capitals of the Midwest to what seemed to me a sleepy suburb of the Steel City. I walked through the doors and my eyes fell upon the colorful and abundant produce area of the marketplace like the eyes of a child to the bountiful gifts below the tree Christmas morning. This is all for me?? ;) And I hadn't even got to the cheese counter or the deli, or to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the bakery. And oh, that bakery...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-se2J-Un6Dc4/TcX5BsZFbpI/AAAAAAAAACA/kNXciDteLmo/s1600/Delallo+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-se2J-Un6Dc4/TcX5BsZFbpI/AAAAAAAAACA/kNXciDteLmo/s400/Delallo+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise (in order of occurrence in store):</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After perusing all the fresh veggies and fruits in the Dellalo's produce section, you are immediately face to face with the enormous <span style="color: #073763;">olive and antipasti bar</span> that lines most of the entire right wall as you walk into the main part of the store. Need hot peppered green olives? They got it! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Need marinated artichoke hearts? Yep, they got that too. Need prosciutto wrapped and cheese stuffed peppers? Yep, check!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cheese counter at Dellalo's is heaven... They sell every cheese from most any country imaginable. The cheese mongers are more than happy to slice you off a little taste of any wedge that appeals to you. They also sell <span style="color: #073763;">fresh, homemade mozzarella and ricotta</span>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before you have even turned the corner past the cheese counter and the deli, the aroma of fresh baked bread floats all around you. Delallo's bakes fresh breads, pepperoni rolls (these are amazing!), and their famous <span style="color: #073763;">egg rolls</span> daily. The egg rolls have become regulars to at least one home cooked meal in my kitchen every week (and that is easy to do when they are only 2 for $1!).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will admit it. Sometimes I come to Delallo's and forgo the deeply purple eggplants and gorgeous avocados and I go straight to the bakery. And nowhere else. For those of us who have the pleasure of suffering from an insatiable sweet tooth, Delallo's baked yumminess may just be the cure. ;) My favorites in no particular order: their <span style="color: #073763;">whole grain biscotti's</span>, their carrot cake, their coconut cream pie, their <span style="color: #073763;">made when ordered cannoli's</span>, the salted caramels (my mother's favorite), and the almost as big as your head <span style="color: #073763;">cinnamon rolls</span>. (Just a tip- they do not always have the cinnamon rolls. So if you go and see them on a plate on top of the bakery counter, have them wrap up as many as you can take home! ;) )</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If this will be your first visit to Delallo Italian Marketplace, make sure you set aside ample time to explore the store & it's many culinary offerings. You do not want to rush your first Delallo's experience. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cheese counter, deli, and bakery get pretty darn busy on the weekends. I suggest going during a weekday if you want to take your time to sample cheeses or ogle the bakery counter. ;)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Above is just a small sampling of what Delallo Italian Marketplace offers it's customers. You can also find pastas there, dried beans and nuts in bulk, ready made Italian meals to go, Italian cigars... the list goes on and on.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For store hours, directions, recipe ideas, and the Delallo's blog, visit below:</span><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.delallo.com/jeannette"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.delallo.com/jeannette</span></a><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-41263874916682346222011-05-06T07:13:00.000-04:002011-05-06T07:13:05.865-04:00Old World Italian in the Heart of Greensburg- Rialto Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGpTVKqUap8/TcHTDEJeAGI/AAAAAAAAAB4/55KEzRYh8G4/s1600/rialto4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGpTVKqUap8/TcHTDEJeAGI/AAAAAAAAAB4/55KEzRYh8G4/s320/rialto4.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">25 West Otterman Street, Greensburg</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rialto Cafe is tucked inside a more than century old stone building (circa 1796) at the corner of West Otterman Street and North Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Greensburg. The bar (pictured above) is the original from the restaurant's opening in 1933, and the staff still serves up cold ones and libations over this bar almost 80 years later. The Montouri family has owned the Cafe for 3 generations now. It has become one of those places that a couple may have come to on a date, then got married and brought their children there, and now those children bring their children there. Tradition, family, and good family recipes is what makes Rialto Cafe a mainstay (and quite literally a historical landmark) in Greensburg.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74iwFeQtPtc/TcHW2hdLESI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Kh57NToM8TA/s1600/Rialto+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135px" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74iwFeQtPtc/TcHW2hdLESI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Kh57NToM8TA/s400/Rialto+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From left to right:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the dinner entrees are served with the<span style="color: #274e13;"> Rialto Cafe House Salad</span>. The salad itself consists of lettuce, chopped mozzarella, pickled beets, and black olives. I ordered mine with the house dressing, the Creamy Parmesan. The salad was simple, yet different. </span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We shared the <span style="color: #274e13;">Fried Zucchini Appetizer. </span><span style="color: black;">I was pleasantly surprised by the cut of the zucchini. The zucchinis are sliced lengthwise, then breaded lightly, and fried. It is served with a side of their traditional red sauce.</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As my main entree, I ordered an Italian favorite of mine, the <span style="color: #274e13;">Cheese Raviolis</span>. Each ravioli was a pasta pillow filled with a ricotta cheese mixture. My favorite part of the dish was the generous meatball spooned right into the center of the plate. It was tender, well seasoned, and quite possibly one of the better meatballs that I have had. The entire plate was smothered in Rialto's traditional sauce, which is a smooth red sauce.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Parking is metered, so bring change!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Rialto Cafe is a fabulous choice on a nice, pretty day. They have a good amount of patio seating (the outdoor space was once where the dining room of one of Rialto's patriarchs used to serve his family his homecooked meals. ;) )</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are menu choices for every budget! The staples of the Rialto Cafe menu are their sandwiches, pasta dishes, and their pizza.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours and directions, call below (Yes, I said call. They do not have a website yet- so very old school.):</span><br />
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<div align="center"> <span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">724-834-8010 </span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-76254205558351519092011-04-29T17:26:00.001-04:002011-04-29T17:29:09.983-04:00A Suburghian Girl Recipe: Creamy Egg Salad with Capers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm8dlyh-m2c/TbhQ44_axqI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TQTyKSeHYH4/s1600/egg+salad+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201px" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm8dlyh-m2c/TbhQ44_axqI/AAAAAAAAAB0/TQTyKSeHYH4/s400/egg+salad+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is a girl to do with leftover hard-boiled eggs? Make a fabulous egg salad, of course! ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I started with <span style="color: #bf9000;">6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped coarsely</span>. Then I added about a <span style="color: #bf9000;">1/2 cup of mayonnaise</span> (made with olive oil). Add more or less mayo , depending on how creamy you prefer your egg salad. That is the great thing about a recipe like egg salad- it adapts easily to your preference. Just add a little more or less of something. Or if you really don't like an ingredient, leave it out or substitute something else. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then dabbed in about <span style="color: #bf9000;">2 tbsp of whole grain mustard</span>. I recommend whole grain versus regular mustard for two reasons: the texture it adds to the salad, and whole grain just simply has a much better flavor. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finely chop about <span style="color: #bf9000;">2 tsp worth of fresh dill</span> and toss that in! Chop about a <span style="color: #bf9000;">quarter of an onion</span> (red or white) and throw that in to. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Next I add about <span style="color: #bf9000;">2 tsp of capers</span>. If capers is a foreign cooking ingredient for you, let me tell you a little bit about them. Capers are actually the flower buds of the caper bush which are commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Typically they are pickled or salted. I used pickled in my recipe. (A-hem, I found my jar of capers at Dellalo's Italian Store in Jeannette. ;) ) Capers add a salty, brininess to any dish. Because of this, please taste your egg salad before adding any salt to it- It might not need it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Finally, add a few squeezes of <span style="color: #bf9000;">fresh lemon juice</span>. Add a little <span style="color: #bf9000;">pepper</span>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Now mix all the ingredients together. Taste, and then add <span style="color: #bf9000;">salt</span> if you find that it needs it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy! :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-66219517027322623022011-04-26T11:29:00.000-04:002011-04-26T11:29:50.017-04:00A Suburghian Locavore's Paradise in the Big 'Burgh- The Pittsburgh Public Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Vz-rn7VsQ/TbYYecYc6_I/AAAAAAAAABo/5OhcKGyTYr8/s1600/DSC00550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Vz-rn7VsQ/TbYYecYc6_I/AAAAAAAAABo/5OhcKGyTYr8/s320/DSC00550.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2100 Smallman Street at 17th, Pittsburgh</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This past Saturday I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the Pittsburgh Public Market for the first time. As a Columbus transplant, I immediately felt that a missing puzzle piece had just been snapped into place for me. (You see, we have a very similiar kind of indoor market place in the Buckeye city. And I had been missing it very much. ;) ) Local bakeries, candy makers, farmstands, food vendors, and what is that?? A local brewery selling growlers in the corner of the market? Yep. This is definitely the place for me- a foodie, a locavore, and a lover of craft beer. I could spend hours in here sampling the goods, talking to the farmers, inquiring about how something is baked or made. So, what goodies ended up in my shopping tote Saturday?</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let's get to it...</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdCpS_hDf-A/TbbDHsr0hrI/AAAAAAAAABs/IBDA5d2ZPVw/s1600/PPM+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdCpS_hDf-A/TbbDHsr0hrI/AAAAAAAAABs/IBDA5d2ZPVw/s400/PPM+collage.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These cookies live up to their name, To Die For. We were immediately drawn to this plate of cookies (and I think you can see why!) despite all the other delicious baked goodness that <span style="color: #cc0000;">Espresso Specialty Foods </span><span style="color: black;">was offering.</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Homemade marshmallows from <span style="color: #cc0000;">The </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pittsburgh Marshmallow Factory</span><span style="color: black;">. We are especially partial to the peanut butter. But we also took home the dark chocolate and bananas foster. (Did I mention that we are going to give away these delicious marshmallows as wedding favors at our reception next month?)</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Gala apples from <span style="color: #cc0000;">Morning Dew Orchards</span><span style="color: black;">. We were offered an apple to sample before we decided to make a purchase. (A whole apple, not just a slice.) The sweet, fresh crunchiness sold us. :)</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A growler of the <span style="color: #cc0000;">East End Brewing Company</span>'s Session Amber Ale. The East End Brewing Company's taps in the market are a new (and a most appreciated!) addition.</span></div></li>
</ul><div align="left"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The above listed are not the only local goodies that ended up in my shopping tote. A jar of Blueberry Butter from the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Berry Patch </span><span style="color: black;">and a couple of yogurt dipped doggie bones (for which our papillon was very grateful!) from </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Four Paws Bakery </span><span style="color: black;">also found their way in there... :)</span></span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PylNB0UQHd0/TbbhVFNQ74I/AAAAAAAAABw/N8yCo4pSmEI/s1600/PPM+2+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161px" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PylNB0UQHd0/TbbhVFNQ74I/AAAAAAAAABw/N8yCo4pSmEI/s320/PPM+2+collage.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The market is only open on <span style="color: #cc0000;">Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays</span> so plan your weekend accordingly.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bring change, for most of the parking near the market is metered (except for Sundays!).</span></div></li>
<li><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Don't forget to bring your own reusable shopping tote (or maybe 2, or 3...). If you forget your's, they have lovely Pittsburgh Public Market totes that you can buy upstairs for $5.</span></div></li>
</ul><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, and a list of merchants by day, visit below:</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-90106196621142765232011-04-14T12:58:00.006-04:002011-04-26T08:50:13.492-04:00Lights, Camera, Carnage in the Big 'Burgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-6ZUd29DKc/TacfaJjayaI/AAAAAAAAABk/ZAo-pODJfeM/s1600/HGBricolage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-6ZUd29DKc/TacfaJjayaI/AAAAAAAAABk/ZAo-pODJfeM/s1600/HGBricolage.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">At Bricolage Theatre, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of attending a special Bloggers' Night preview of the newest theatrical production from Bricolage, <span style="color: #990000;">Hunter Gatherers</span>, yesterday evening. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Let me give you the quick lowdown on the theater itself. It is small and intimate, and if you sit in the front row you are often only a few feet away from the actors. In essence, you feel like you are sitting right in the middle of a very entertaining and somewhat twisted sitcom. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I won't say much about <span style="color: #cc0000;">Hunter Gatherers</span> itself (because I would hate to give away too much of the good stuff!), but there are a few things you should know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This play is for you if you have a healthy <span style="color: #990000;">appetite</span> for raunchy, and at times animalistic humor and have the <span style="color: #990000;">hunger</span> to laugh. Hysterically. Often.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is not one of those theatrical performances in which you glance at your watch every 10 minutes, wondering when it will be over. In fact, you are a little disappointed when the 15 minute intermission is called. ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This play will beckon and <span style="color: #990000;">satisfy</span> the foodie and the theatre lover alike. If you are a hardcore vegan, maybe not so much. ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For further details on <span style="color: #990000;">Hunter Gatherers</span> and Bricolage, please visit below:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webbricolage.org/node/668"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.webbricolage.org/node/668</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-60548048704011613472011-04-07T11:07:00.000-04:002011-04-07T11:07:59.634-04:00Helping to Make Greensburg a Little More "Green"- The Supper Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysMMLn2YYkU/TZypt-JABzI/AAAAAAAAABc/Hx-_mcCn49I/s1600/DSC00436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ysMMLn2YYkU/TZypt-JABzI/AAAAAAAAABc/Hx-_mcCn49I/s320/DSC00436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">101 Ehalt Street, Greensburg</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- at the Greensburg Train Station</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Supper Club is one of those places that you walk into, and you instantly wish the place could speak to you and tell you the stories of what it has seen. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Greensburg Train Station will be 100 years old this August. And the station still welcomes passengers once daily even to this day. You can hear and feel the rumbling of the trains passing by, and even an occasional train whistle if you listen very close. The station now houses one of Greensburg's first ever <span style="color: #38761d;">farm to table restaurants</span>. Owner Deb Driggers told me that when her family became interested in opening a new restaurant in the train station building, their goal was to create a restaurant that they as a family would want to share meals at. They also shared a passion for supporting local farms and businesses, investing money back into the local economy, and their menu of local offerings reflects this. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The building itself evokes a connection with the past; the menu offerings evoke a connection with the community.</span></span><br />
<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, let's get to it...</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMEG53t0Wuk/TZyt-0bbavI/AAAAAAAAABg/fz8kr4x2ENU/s1600/Supper+Club+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMEG53t0Wuk/TZyt-0bbavI/AAAAAAAAABg/fz8kr4x2ENU/s400/Supper+Club+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Since The Supper Club buys from <span style="color: #38761d;">local vendors</span>, the menu changes seasonally as new meats and produce are offered in the area.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mondays are for Meatballs & Martinis</span>! Stop in on Monday evenings for 50 cent (yes, just 2 quarters!) meatballs and $6 martinis. We started our evening with the Swedish meatballs in sauce and the turkey meatballs served with a cilantro aioli (both pictured above). </span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The <span style="color: #38761d;">Friendship Farms Grass Fed Beef Burger </span><span style="color: black;">is by far one of the best burgers that I have had in the Suburghia area. Because the cattle are raised on grass, the meat itself has a clean taste. It is seen here topped with blue cheese & black pepper bacon.</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And I couldn't leave without partaking in one of their $6 martini offerings of the evening. I chose the <span style="color: #38761d;">Liquid Dessert</span>- an almost sinful mixture of Irish cream, amaretto, Frangelico, Kahlua, vanilla vodka, and cream. </span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Entrees run from around $8 up to $34. You can enjoy this restaurant even if you are on a tighter budget. Plus, various wallet-friendly specials are offered Monday through Thursday: <a href="http://www.supperclubgreensburg.com/events.html">http://www.supperclubgreensburg.com/events.html</a></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening or if you are bringing a larger dinner party, you can easily make reservations. The Supper Club is one of the only restaurants in the Greensburg area that utilizes the online reservation system, Open Table: <a href="http://www.opentable.com/the-supper-club-greensburg">http://www.opentable.com/the-supper-club-greensburg</a></span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, events, and seasonal menus, visit below:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.supperclubgreensburg.com/index.html">http://www.supperclubgreensburg.com/index.html</a></div></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-32653128586653758242011-04-04T10:05:00.000-04:002011-04-04T10:05:59.012-04:00Big City Tapas & Craft Beers in Suburghia- The HeadKeeper Tapas Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O88L10ZJkHg/TZeU0ZpZxKI/AAAAAAAAABU/oM1T7hMLnok/s1600/headkeeper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O88L10ZJkHg/TZeU0ZpZxKI/AAAAAAAAABU/oM1T7hMLnok/s320/headkeeper3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">618 South Main Street, Greensburg</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You would never guess from the unassuming facade of the building that houses The Headkeeper Tapas Bar that you are in for a culinary treat that you would only expect in the 'Burgh. The Headkeeper offers an intriguing selection of tapas plates that change seasonally, and takes advantage of local offerings as much as possible. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, let's get to it.</span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEK8NXsTnas/TZeaxWLBJOI/AAAAAAAAABY/NHPmtWh4V-g/s1600/Headkeeper+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEK8NXsTnas/TZeaxWLBJOI/AAAAAAAAABY/NHPmtWh4V-g/s400/Headkeeper+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From left to right:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. We started out with the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Flash Fried Mozzarella with a Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette</span>. Thick slices of buffalo mozzarella are lightly breaded and fried just until crispy on the outside <span style="color: black;">and </span>slightly warmed on the inside. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A hidden surprise of a lovely vinegar cucumber salad is nestled beneath the mozzarella slices.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. The Headkeeper offers more than <span style="color: #cc0000;">600 bottles of domestic and import craft beers</span> in their wall of coolers. You can browse for a brew to pair with your tapas, and then bring it back to your table where your server will open it and provide you with a glass. You can also create your own six packs to carry home. (There is a $1 discount per bottle for taking home your own hand-selected brews.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. By far, one of their tastiest and most popular tapas dishes is the <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Five Spice Pork Tenderloin Drizzled with Chipotle Beurre Blanc</span><span style="color: black;">. The tenderloin is cooked perfectly- tender & moist. The five spice rub gives the pork a spicy and sweet crust. The chipotle buerre blanc offers just the right amount of heat to complement the sweetness of the pork. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></span></span></div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check the website for hours and directions, but not for menu offerings. The online menu does not seem to get updated too often. Also, their MySpace page has not been updated since April 2010. ;)</span></span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Their tapas are perfect for sharing! Bring a date, a best friend, or an after work crew. We found that 3 tapas was perfect for 2 people. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of their tapas are priced from $6-$13. </span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">And for you Big 'Burgh dwellers, this place just might be worth the drive to Suburghia. ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours and directions, visit below:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theheadkeeper.com/">http://www.theheadkeeper.com/</a></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-21020230357617464272011-04-01T09:05:00.001-04:002011-04-03T11:40:31.176-04:00A Quick Sip in the Big 'Burgh- The Milkshake Factory<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before attending my first ever FoodBurgh meetup the other evening, I decided to check out a happy hour of a different caliber. The Milkshake Factory, located at 1705 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh, has a half off <span style="color: #b45f06;"><em>milkshake happy hour </em></span><span style="color: black;">every Wednesday from 4-6pm. When I heard that one of their new milkshake flavors is </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">Carrot Cake, </span><span style="color: black;">I knew that I would be more than willing to pass up the typical happy hour of cheaper drafts for a unique milkshake experience. ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, here is the lowdown...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I ordered the Carrot Cake milkshake. As a big fan of carrot cake, this was a no brainer for me. A creamy mixture of their cake batter ice-cream, actual pieces of carrot cake and cream cheese icing, pecan pieces, carrot slivers topped with whipped cream and a sugar carrot. If carrot cake isn't your thing, The Milkshake Factory has over 54 other flavors of milkshakes to meet your tastes. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1OH1WFj88/TZTgumnVW2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/hHZx4_srWTI/s1600/milkshake+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW1OH1WFj88/TZTgumnVW2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/hHZx4_srWTI/s400/milkshake+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing you notice when you walk through the door is the amazing aroma of chocolate. (Wait. I thought this was a milkshake joint??) It is, BUT they also have an incredible (and pretty massive) selection of chocolates from Pittsburgh-based Edward Marc Chocolatier. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">If you go during happy hour, be prepared for the crowd and the line. But the wait and claustrophobia is well worth it for the half-priced milkshake yumminess you will get to enjoy in the end. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is a $10 minimum required to use a credit or debit card, but they will wave that if you sign up for their <span style="color: #b45f06;">FREE Sweet Rewards program</span>. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There is not much seating space, so you should probably plan to take your milkshake on the go. </span></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, and company info, visit below:</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.themilkshakefactory.com/">http://www.themilkshakefactory.com/</a></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-69045702311109294992011-03-28T12:29:00.001-04:002011-03-28T22:07:44.225-04:00If You Happen to be in the Big 'Burgh- Fat Head's Saloon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9yY9LVUv-M/TZCs5WDQVRI/AAAAAAAAABE/eSDns3yYAfw/s1600/fathead1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9yY9LVUv-M/TZCs5WDQVRI/AAAAAAAAABE/eSDns3yYAfw/s320/fathead1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1805 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every once in a while a Suburghian girl treks to the big city for a bite to eat. After spending a few hours at the Carnegie Science Museum, we had worked up an appetite and decided to head to Fat Head's Saloon for a big bite to eat and some brews. I had been hearing the buzz about their new Flat Heads- panini-grilled wraps, and knew I had to try one for myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqImzYHZDyk/TZC28f2OdYI/AAAAAAAAABM/EEdKPE7gAwM/s1600/fathead2+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqImzYHZDyk/TZC28f2OdYI/AAAAAAAAABM/EEdKPE7gAwM/s640/fathead2+collage.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top to bottom:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Fat Head's Saloon carries a rotating selection of 42 taps. <span style="color: red;">Yes, 42 taps!</span> They typically offer about 4 drafts from their own brewery located in Cleveland, Ohio. Since spring is in the air, I decided on a fruity, light beer- the Blue Point Blueberry Ale. I would describe it as like drinking blueberry muffins infused with beer. :)</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is the famous <span style="color: red;">Fat Head's Global Wall</span><span style="color: black;">. Patrons take their pics in Fat Head's gear from points all over the world. Take your pic, send it in, and invite your friends to take the Fat Head's Global 30 challenge. ;)</span></span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red;">The Southside Flats Flat Head</span>- Fat Head's is known for their overly generous portions of food, and this is still the case when you order a veghead option. The Southside Flats is a panini-pressed wrap stuffed with perfectly marinated portobello mushrooms, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, spinach, sweet caramelized onions, and the signature ingredient- the garlic parm mayo. The wrap usually comes with goat cheese, but I substituted mozzarella. As with all their sandwiches and wraps, it came with a heaping side of their homemade potato chips.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Parking is metered along Carson Street during the day, so bring change. There is also a pay parking lot directly across the street from Fat Head's. You must pay to park there until 11pm, 7 days a week. It does take credit cards. Parking is free on most side streets if you can find a spot. But pay attention to the parking restriction signs!</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Be prepared to wait. There is almost always a wait at Fat Head's. They do take your cell number, so you can explore Carson Street while waiting for your table- they will call you. Or you could also just go to the bar and order a brew. ;)</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once you have finished eating (or boxed up what you couldn't finish), make sure to visit the 6 Pack Shop, a beer carryout and Fat Head's gear shop located upstairs before you leave.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions and a printable online menu, visit below:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fatheadspittsburgh.com/index.php"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://fatheadspittsburgh.com/index.php</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-66386039574079844862011-03-24T19:23:00.000-04:002011-03-24T19:23:31.998-04:00A Quick Bite in Suburghia- Original Baldy's Pizza<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night was a let's order pizza and hunker down kind of a night. It just so happened that we had the pleasure of meeting Angela Rullo, one of the owners of Original Baldy's Pizza and Rialto Cafe, yesterday afternoon before the first major downpour hit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is the lowdown... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I ordered one of their signature pizzas, the Aunt Sue's Pizza. (And yes, we did meet the actual Aunt Sue yesterday afternoon.) </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8n92ARkvrJc/TYvNwFaLopI/AAAAAAAAABA/uqroX_rGGvU/s1600/baldys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8n92ARkvrJc/TYvNwFaLopI/AAAAAAAAABA/uqroX_rGGvU/s320/baldys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Aunt Sue is a sauceless pizza, but you don't really miss the sauce. It comes topped with fresh tomato slices, roasted red peppers, sauteed green peppers, thick cut pepperoni, extra cheese, basil and LOTS of garlic. (Garlic fans- like me- will love this pizza!) The crust was perfect- soft in the middle, crispy on the outside, with a little bubbly, baked cheese along the crust; not super doughy, but not really thin. My only tiny gripe was the basil. I was expecting leaves of fresh basil under the cheese, but the basil was actually dried flakes sprinkled over the top. But overall, a pizza I would order again (and again, and again...). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To order your own Aunt Sue, call 724-834-3600. Baldy's is located at 25 West Otterman Street in downtown Greensburg.</span>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5207210942417253284.post-72729079020913034522011-03-24T10:17:00.001-04:002011-03-24T10:58:16.395-04:00A Warm Cup of Americana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6e2shaayNs4/TYp_KfxckdI/AAAAAAAAAA0/NiWgbKuu4FE/s1600/acoffeeshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6e2shaayNs4/TYp_KfxckdI/AAAAAAAAAA0/NiWgbKuu4FE/s200/acoffeeshop1.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">114 North Main Street, Greensburg</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Why did I pick The American Coffee Shop as my first local establishment to feature? Well, I'll be honest. I had a Groupon to spend. And it doesn't hurt that I am a huge fan of coffee. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So, let's get to it. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FaiDxBU4FCY/TYqircSk9iI/AAAAAAAAAA8/uTmIKhgpwwA/s1600/acoffee+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FaiDxBU4FCY/TYqircSk9iI/AAAAAAAAAA8/uTmIKhgpwwA/s320/acoffee+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From top left, clockwise:</span></div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I ordered the Salad Trio. You get to choose your trio (and who doesn't like choices?) What did I have? The garden salad, tuna salad, and the egg salad. All were excellent, but my fave was definitely the egg salad- very creamy, not dry, and made in house by owner MaryLynn Padgett.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The entire coffee shop is decorated in Americana/Colonial period decor (thus, the name!).</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The selection of fresh roasted beans you can take home is amazing! <span style="color: red;">By far, this was my favorite thing about The American Coffee Shop.</span> Coffee beans are sold by the 1/2 lb and full lb. MaryLynn keeps it local by ordering all of her coffee beans from Prestogeorge Coffee Roasting Company in the Strip District. You can't go wrong with flavors like Cinnamon Apple Pie and Chocolate Marshmallow.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Penny Bar! You will have to visit the coffee shop to get the story on that one. ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;">What you need to know before you go:</span></div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Parking is metered- bring change!</span></div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Credit cards are accepted for purchases over $5.00 (Most lunch choices run around $5-6, so you should be safe.)</span></div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Free Wi-fi is available.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">They serve breakfast & lunch, as well as coffees, and sweets, etc.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh, and the Thin Mint Latte is delish! ;)</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">For hours, directions, and when music acts hit the coffee shop, visit below:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-American-Coffee-Shop/405122685550">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-American-Coffee-Shop/405122685550</a></span></div>keepingitsassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17258460725503199933noreply@blogger.com3