With 2013 upon us and New Year’s resolutions underway, I want to dedicate this article to helping everyone maintain their goals and ALSO eating them— err, meeting them. Let’s make 2013 the year to share with others, support others, and also experience what others have to offer when it comes to food.
I should eat less but gluttony gets the better of me, so I like the small plate(s) approach or sharing food with my dinner partners. Most restaurants will split entrées if you ask nicely.
Best Places to Share in 2013:
IBIZA, SOUTHSIDE.
The menu is enormous, with a multitude of menu items for every palate.
Order:
• Kobe Carpaccio
• Fresh green asparagus with smoked salmon
• Spanish cheeses and cured prosciutto
CASBAH, SHADYSIDE.
Not just another pretty place.
Order:
• Grilled Bruschetta with date and apple butter, prosciutto chervil, Maytag blue cheese, and pecans
• One woman Farm roasted beets pea tendrils, goat cheese, Anjou pear, roasted shallot vinaigrette, herbs, and walnuts
• Orecchiette, grilled chicken, dried cranberries, Riverview Farms goat cheese, and sage cream
Best Places to Eat A Lot Without Paying A Lot in 2013:
CASA RASTA, BEECHVIEW.
New and Interesting
Order:
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken Burrito
• Vegetarian Poblano Chilis and Potatoes Tostada
• Shrimp Curry Tacos
FRANKTUARY, DOWNTOWN.
They donate 2 percent of their profits to charities.
Order:
• Pittsburgh – Hot dog with pierogies and cole slaw (It’s a ‘burgh thing)
• Buffalo – Bleu cheese dressing and Frank’s buffalo sauce
• Hyprocrite – veggie dog smothered in chili
Best Places to Shop if You Want to Make Your Own Food In 2013:
MCGINNIS SISTER’S, MONROEVILLE, BRENTWOOD AND ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
The original family-owned, farm fresh, local butcher, specialty market. They have everything from olive oil to specialty seafood items.
DELALLO, JEANNETTE. It is totally worth the trip from Pittsburgh!
First opened in 1954, this landmark in Pennsylvania revolutionized the olive and antipasti bar concept. Their fresh cheeses are cut to order, and homemade pasta and desserts are made fresh daily.
PENNSYLVANIA MACARONI COMPANY, STRIP DISTRICT. The best days to hit this market are during the week, but if you can’t, get there EARLY on Saturday, like when the doors open. They have cheeses from more than 200 countries and they are always willing to give you a taste. The staff is uber friendly and always willing to go to great lengths to answer your questions or help you make a decision.