Dining in the Suburbs

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Written by: Alexander F.

Some people say that the suburbs can’t match the city as far as innovative and exciting restaurants go. I am not one of those people. That’s because I don’t say it, I scream it! My wife and I moved deep into the ‘burbs this past summer and our proximal dining options went from Tamari and Yo Rita to Outback Steakhouse and the South Hills Village Mall food court. I tried my best to avoid this new harsh reality initially by eschewing the local fare and making the long trek along with my wife into the city for dinner.

It only took a few near-misses while navigating the contemptible nightmare that is West Liberty Avenue to make me abandon that plan post-haste.

I’ve since accepted that our place in the culinary solar system is but a satellite moon* to the city’s elevated planetary distinction. Fortunately, the gentrified landscape filled with strip malls and Ryan homes does have a few singular gold nuggets that surpass even what our beloved Pittsburgh has to offer. Below are my highly recommended highlights from the South Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh. Feel free to visit one of them the next time you’re on the way home from Kohl’s.

* A proverbial moon that is, not Moon Township.

Best Soup – Sherry Crab Bisque at Atria’s Mount Lebanon*

The sweet, almost smoky hint of sherry in this creamy delight elevates it from appetizer afterthought to star performer. It’s common knowledge in the oceanic kingdom that the crabs that give their lives to be in this soup are considered heroes by all other crustaceans.

* There are other Atria’s locations, but the one in Lebo is the first and best**.

** That is unless you have to number 2. The upstairs bathroom is small and it’s a onesy. This means you can’t linger for more than two minutes without someone knocking or jiggling the doorknob. #nodumpingallowed

Best Pizza – Pepperoni’s in Bethel Park

Though her taste in men is dubious, my wife is an expert when it comes to pizza and her all-time favorite is Pepperoni’s. Along with their great pies, the staff is super-friendly and the casual BYOB atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend a relaxing Friday night in your yoga pants.

Best Milkshake – Sarris Candies & Ice Cream Parlour in Canonsburg

First of all, the chocolaty treats from this Washington County institution are as rich and deliciously smooth as Beyoncé. Second of all, their milkshakes are not just tasty, they’re huge! I’m usually the first one to say “size doesn’t matter”, but when it comes to milkshakes, the bigger the better!

Best Place for a Date – Il Pizzaiolo in Mount Lebanon

The wine bar upstairs at Il Pizzaiolo is the best combination of cool and cozy anywhere around. The place is a little pricey, but the pain of paying $19 for a pizza isn’t really much worse than paying $12 for a burger at the BRGR’s and Burgatory’s of the world. I guarantee you’ll reach at least second base if you take someone special here for dinner.

Best Brunch – Sugar Café in Dormont

This Potomac Avenue gem* has had the perfect amount of innovative menu items, fancy coffee drinks and funky atmosphere to satisfy even the most jaded hipster. More importantly, everything is was f*ckin’ delicious.

* Unfortunately the Sugar Café closed earlier this month. Disirregardless*, I still think it’s warranted to give them a shout-out since they were awesome. Hopefully they’ll re-open soon!

** Hey, if people are allowed to use “irregardless”, then I see no reason why I can’t use “disirregardless”. #grammar #swag

Thanks for the contribution Alexander F.!

Author, Alexander F.

Author, Alexander F.

Catch Alexander on twitter: @alexanderfiv

Yoga at Mookshi Wellness Center with Rachael Goss

Rachael Goss, Yoga Instructor

Rachael Goss, Yoga Instructor

I started taking Yoga at the Mookshi Wellness Center (above Biddle’s Escape in Regent Square) a few weeks ago. I was amazed at what fun the class was- Rachael Goss is a fantastic teacher, and don’t worry if you’re a beginner- you can move at your own pace. Classes last about an hour, and are fun and educational. Come see what you’re capable of!

Breath and Body is held at Mookshi Wellness Center on Wednesday nights from 7-8:15pm. The class is a suggested donation of 5-15$ and we hope you’ll join us!

Bio: Rachael Goss, RYT, completed her teacher training in 2010 with Pittsburgh’s Third Street Yoga and has been teaching for 6 years. She has a long history of martial arts and study of Western Buddhism, which she brings to her practice. She works closely with Joanne VandenHegel and the 3rd Street Yoga Training Program to train aspiring teachers and plan bi-annual retreats. Her teaching is most aligned with Hatha Yoga, but she infuses an element of “Mindfulness Meditation” and “gentle flow” to her classes.

Rachael Goss

Rachael Goss


Rachael Goss Striking a Pose!

Rachael Goss Striking a Pose!

Bonefish Grill, South Hills, PA

Bonefish Grill

Bonefish Grill

BONEFISH GRILL WILL OPEN NEW LOCATION JANUARY 14
This location will employ 100 South Hills-area residents

South Hills, Pa. (Jan. 7, 2013) – Bonefish Grill has a great fish story to tell when it opens its doors for business on Monday, January 14 at 4 p.m. in the South Hills area at 1835 Washington Road, Upper St. Clair. The polished casual seafood restaurant is appealing to those who crave high quality cuisine in a comfortable, lively atmosphere at a good value.

Founded in St. Petersburg, Florida (January 2000), the Bonefish Grill dining experience originated upon the premise of simplicity and consistency. Bonefish Grill specializes in market fresh fish prepared to order over a wood-burning grill, which gives the fish a savory, even cook. A tantalizing array of signature sauces ranging from fresh and light to rich and flavorful are offered to enhance the flavor of the fish.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp

Recognized as the “Fresh Fish Experts,” the restaurant offers a variety of eight species from which to choose on any given day. The fish is flown in fresh, inspected for quality and hand-cut daily.

“How the fish is handled is a key component to our restaurant culture,” said Chris Crawford, joint venture partner for the Northeast area. “Our passion for its provenance and preparation is behind our commitment to provide our guests with seafood that is as fresh as fresh can be. We like to say that we take the mystery out of fish,” said Crawford.

Ceviche

Ceviche

The 4,200 square-foot restaurant features a spacious dining room with an open kitchen and a large bar area, which includes three large community tables each seating eight guests. Overall, the restaurant has a seating capacity for approximately 218 patrons, including 60 in the bar area. This location will employ 100 South Hills-area residents.

As guests settle into their comfortable surroundings, they will be treated to a level of hospitality that incorporates friendliness and attentiveness as directed by Managing Partner Joshua Ward. Dressed in chef whites, the servers’ attention to detail is a direct result of a customized training program that is totally oriented to customer satisfaction.

Sea Bass

Sea Bass

“We are so thrilled to become a part of the South Hills family,” said Ward. “We look forward to providing both the community, as well as those visiting, the Bonefish Grill experience. From the fresh fish and innovative dishes to the warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere—our goal is to ensure exceptional dining across the board.”

The South Hills location will serve dinner seven days a week: from 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Sunday, which includes Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. While reservations are not required, they are available on a limited basis by calling (412) 835-3239. An ample number of seats are available nightly for walk-ups.

About Bonefish Grill
Founded in 2000 in St. Petersburg, Fla., the Bonefish Grill experience is the perfect recipe marrying simplicity, quality and consistency in food, service, ambiance and value. As the “Fresh Fish Experts,” Bonefish Grill specializes in market-fresh fish and other wood-grilled specialties. Knowledgeable and attentive Bonefish Grill Anglers (our service staff) provide the best in what we like to call “chef’s coat service.” Our Anglers pride themselves on guiding our guests’ journey through our innovative, seasonal menu and specials, which feature only the highest-quality, freshest ingredients, including traditional and unique varieties of fish and seafood as well as numerous non-seafood items. We combine this with a big-city bar that offers bar fresh cocktails and an affordable, interesting wine list.

Recently “Best Seafood Restaurant in the Nation” by a leading consumer product guide, Bonefish Grill has locations in several states and prides itself on the local feel of each restaurant. For more information on Bonefish Grill, visit www.bonefishgrill.com, facebook.com/BonefishGrill or follow us on Twitter via @bonefishgrill.

Whirl and The Pittsburgh Social Exchange Holiday Party

Whirl Holiday Party!

Whirl Holiday Party!

There is still time to register to join us at Stage AE for the largest holiday business reception Pittsburgh has ever seen! Kick off the holiday season as The Pittsburgh Social Exchange and Whirl Magazine partner for a celebration 600 strong! Limited space, register ASAP. See below:

• Fully catered with delicious hors d’oeuvres
• Mix and mingle with hundreds of the Greater Pittsburgh Area’s business owners, corporate level executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals
• Incredible live entertainment from Elite Show Band!
• Free chair massages courtesy of ESSpa Kozmetika
• Chinese auction, Door prizes, and Drawing
• Signature drink ‘The Grinch’ from Clique vodka
• Meet local/regional celebrities and special guests
• Support the community food bank (see below)
• Business Professional please, and Cash bar

Last year we had 250 guests at our Holiday Party at Savoy. This year, we expect 600+ attendees to fill the entire floor! Join us at Stage AE for a business networking event you won’t forget! Bring business cards! This event may sell out!

Last minute/door registrants = automatic $50 at the door

register here for info, costs, and RSVP

Coming Home to Sicily Cookbook Cooking Demonstration

Coming Home to Sicily

Coming Home to Sicily

I wanted to let everyone know that the authors of the new cookbook, Coming Home to Sicily will be doing a cooking demo at the Robinson Market District store on Saturday, Dec. 15, at noon. They’re going to be making several dishes from the book, which could make interesting holiday side dishes:
Zucca in Agrodolce (Grilled Sweet and Sour Squash) Caponata di Melanzane (Eggplant Caponata) Insalate di Arance, Cipolle Rosse e Olive Nere (Blood Orange Salad with Red Onion and Black Olives) Patate Saltate con Origano (Pan-Roasted Potatoes with Oregano)

You can see the book here

And learn more about the authors here

Web development by Pajamadeen.com