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Thai Cottage, Pittsburgh, PA

April 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Thai Cottage Restaurant

Thai Cottage Restaurant

When Green Mango left Regent Square I was in mourning for several weeks- would I really have to travel to Monroeville just to get my beloved summer rolls? I guess so.

Thai Cottage now occupies the space that Green Mango once did. The ambiance is similar to that of the former eatery- minimal décor ornamented the walls; soft ethnic music played in the background.

Our server was extremely attentive and helpful, educating us about the menu, and other specials that weren’t listed. While reviewing the menu we decided to sample the Fresh Rolls ($5.50) served with sweet sauce and crushed peanuts. Our rolls arrived immediately, and as I ate them, thought they may have been prepared ahead of time. The rice paper was thick and gummy- the fresh mint and basil provided a nice freshness to the dish.

Thai Fresh Rolls

Thai Fresh Rolls

My dinner mate chose a seafood-curry dish served in a trimmed coconut shell. The presentation was impressive, but it was difficult to see what was inside. Colored peppers, fried calamari and large shrimp emerged. The coconut-flavored seafood was flavorful and extremely spicy. A large dish of steamed rice helped quell the heat.

Seafood and Coconut

Seafood and Coconut

I opted for the barbecued beef (not listed on the menu). Flat strips of tasty marinated meat were served over chopped lettuce. I asked for brown rice (which never appeared) but was instead served a small ball of sticky rice in a foil wrapper. I was a bit perplexed by the rice- it was served in a strange manner and lacked flavor.

Thai Barbecued Beef

Thai Barbecued Beef

Thai Cottage is a nice local restaurant. The food is authentic Thai, and the service is above average. If you’re looking for a nice summer-spot to sit outside during the warm summer months, give it a try.

Chef Chuck Kerber

chefchuck@pittsburghhotplate.com

pittsburghhotplate.com

Thai Cottage on Urbanspoon

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Dining in the Suburbs

January 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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

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Bonefish Grill, South Hills, PA

January 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Baja Fish Tacos

Baja Fish Tacos

I had the opportunity to have dinner at the new Bonefish Grill in the South Hills. It was opening night, and the place was packed with hungry patrons eager to sample the cuisine. I sat at the Press table near the bar with another couple- they had already ordered an appetizer- Bang Bang Shrimp. This particular dish is one of Bonefish Grill’s specialties. I grabbed some chopsticks (available at every table) and quickly dug in. The shrimp were impeccably fresh and sweet with a light crust. The creamy sauce was spicy (hence the bang-bang) and provided an awesome flavor component. We quickly devoured the whole bowl, and commented that we could have eaten several dozen more.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp

We were also served a platter of Lobster Rangoons- small wonton pouches stuffed with cream cheese, lobster, deep fried, and drizzled with a sweet dipping sauce. The Rangoons were crispy and delicious. The mixture inside the pouches was succulent and bursting with lobster flavor. Other appetizer options at Bonefish Grill include Wagyu Beef and Ginger Dumplings ($7.90), Steamed Edamame ($3.90), Ahi Tuna Sashimi ($16.50), and Thai Coconut Shrimp ($9.30).

Prior to ordering our entrees I asked for a house salad with bleu cheese. “Would you also like crumbled bleu cheese on top?” You bet. My salad came topped with fresh tomatoes, crisp greens, pepitas, homemade dressing, and a large stalk of hearts of palm. The salad was crunchy and flavorful; I especially liked the zesty, homemade dressing.

Dinner Salad

Dinner Salad

My favorite fish to order while dining out is Chilean Sea Bass. Luckily, Bonefish Grill had it on their menu. It came in a small or large portion ($23.30 for the small, $27.30 for the large), and was prepared with a choice of Mango Salsa, Chimichurri Sauce, Pan-Asian Style or with a simple Lemon Butter sauce. Each entrée was served with a choice of whipped potatoes, potatoes au gratin, steamed veggies, French green beans, Broccoli, or asparagus. My dinner mates ordered the American-Style Kobe Beef Burger ($11.30) and the Longfin Tilapia Imperial with shrimp scallops, crab and lemon caper butter sauce ($17.90). While waiting for our entrees we enjoyed some warm crusty bread with herbed dipping oil.

My entrée came to the table first- a colossal cube of Chilean Seabass with chimichurri sauce. Also on the plate were haricot verts (French beans) and a warm chickpea salad. The sea bass was cooked medium (just as I ordered) and was naturally buttery and delicious. If you’ve never had Chilean seabass- this is the place to try it. The chickpea salad was appetizing and savory. My favorite part of the dish (besides the fish of course) was the French beans- they were cooked perfectly and impeccable fresh.

Chilen Sea Bass

Chilen Sea Bass

I had a chance to try the tilapia, which was equally flavorsome. Packed with shrimp, scallops and crab, this would be an easy choice for any seafood lover.

Longfin Tilapia Imperial

Longfin Tilapia Imperial

I glanced next to me and noticed that my buddy’s Kobe Beef Burger was gone- I guess it was good as well.

Kobe Beef Burger

Kobe Beef Burger

If you’re not a seafood fan, Bonefish Grill can accommodate you. They offer a wide variety of pork, chicken, beef and pasta dishes.

Grilled Fish and Steak

Grilled Fish and Steak

Our evening concluded with a Chocolate crème Brulee. When it was served, we were amazed at its size. “Is this a single portion?” The rich custard came in a large crock with a mountain of fresh-whipped cream and fresh mint. A thick, chocolate candy crust lay above the chocolaty goodness. We quickly cracked through the chocolate crust and scooped up some of the rich, chocolate cream. Each bite was better than the last- probably one of the best crème brulees I’ve ever had.

Chocolate Creme Brulee

Chocolate Creme Brulee

In addition to the great food, the service at Bonefish Grill is exemplary.

If you’re looking for a top-shelf seafood restaurant, give Bonefish Grill a try- you won’t be disappointed.

Chef Chuck Kerber

chefchuck@pittsburghhotplate.com

pittsburghhotplate.com

Bonefish Grill - South Hills Village on Urbanspoon

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Bonefish Grill, South Hills, PA

January 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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.

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Jumper’s Junction, Washington, PA

October 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Jumper's Junction Bar

Jumper's Junction Bar

I had the opportunity to go to Jumper’s Junction in Washington on Tuesday night for a debate party. The large, sports-themed bar/restaurant had a reserved, semi-private area for our party of 25. I had never heard of Jumper’s before… it is after all a bit out of the way. When I arrived I was greeted by an enthusiastic, young woman who hurriedly directed to the debate-party location. I noticed only one other person at Jumper’s Junction when I got there. That being said, it was Tuesday night at 7pm.

Jumper's Junction Dining Room

Jumper's Junction Dining Room

As I said, the restaurant is quite large. I estimate that it seats at least 150, with room for an additional 20-30 people at the bar. The walls were decorated with various sports memorabilia. The restaurant was clean and organized. Several large screen TVs were hung about; this seemed like a great place to watch a sporting event.

Before the debate started, our servers showed up with mounds of wings. These were full-sized wings, not the half or ¼ sized. The wings were served with standard barbeque, red-hot, ranch and blue cheese dressings. In addition to the wings, the wait-staff gave us a large cheese/meat platter, barbeque dip, and buffalo-chicken dip. The dips were presented with large tri-colored chips.

Jumper's Wings and Cheese Platter

Jumper's Wings and Cheese Platter

Jumper's Buffalo Dip with Tri-Colored Chips

Jumper's Buffalo Dip with Tri-Colored Chips

The wings were good, but some were moist-free and overcooked- the sauces were a nice accompaniment, and helped ease some of the dry chicken parts down my throat. The cheese/meat platter was good, and the dark mustard was a nice addition to the salty fare. My favorite food of the evening was the buffalo chicken dip. Large chunks of chicken were saturated with Frank’s Red Hot, gobs of melted cheddar cheese and plenty of salt and pepper.

Bright red, blue, and regular corn chips were perfect vessels for lapping up piles of the tasty concoction.

The best part of my visit to Jumper’s was the service provided by our servers who kept our drinks filled, platters stocked, and cleared soiled dishes.

I’m not sure if I would go to Jumper’s Junction again- it’s just too far off the beaten path. It may however be a fun place to get some wings and watch the game.

Chef Chuck Kerber

Pittsburghhotplate.com

chefchuck@pittsburghhotplate.com

Jumper's Junction on Urbanspoon

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