After bowling in the Greater Pittsburgh USBC BA City Tournament at Wildlife Lanes in Lower Burrell with a friend, we asked for a local lunch suggestion. My doubles partner heard “Tavern” and said let’s go there.  After pulling into the parking lot, we knew we’d be in for an adventure.  While the exterior looks like a dive bar, the interior looks like a 70s Italian restaurant. With plastic over the tables and wax dripped, wine bottles for table decor, we lowered the bar for our food expectation.  We noticed when we checked in on Foursquare, that it was even classified as a dive bar!

My doubles partner, J.M. ordered a personal size pizza with mushrooms and half a meatball hoagie.   I ordered a tossed salad and the pepperoni rolls appetizer.  Arriving first was my salad and the size of the salad reminded me of the table-sized serving you get at Olive Garden.  With the first bite, I turned to J.M. and proclaimed that their Italian Hoagie must be awesome because the dressing was perfection.

J.M.’s pizza and my pepperoni rolls arrived and we knew right away that this “dive bar” must be an overlooked gem.  The pizza (pictured first) and absolutely amazing.  My pepperoni rolls were served as air filled bites with a pepperoni and cheese center.  What made them even tastier was the garlic baked into the middle.

So, while I take a break from my lunch to write this post, I recommend to anyone in the area to give this place a shot and don’t judge it by its appearance.

June 1st: In June we are planning a trip to Lago Winery in Jamestown, PA…right by Pymatuning Lake. We are having discussions with Lago to see if we can work any deals with them, but you will be able to sample wines, buy bottles and drink them on site, buy cheese and meat platters and they have awesome wood fire flat bread pizzas. Afterward, come take the short drive down the street to Conneaut Lake Park to ride the all famous Blue Streak roller coaster for just 3 dollars per ride!

July 20th: In July we will travel to Narcisi Winery. This will be the The Pittsburgh Tastebuds first trip to Narcisi. Updates to come!

August: We are looking to visit Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar. Official date and updates to come.

Please remember to watch for updates here on our website, facebook and twitter.

Food trucks gather behind Coffee Buddha on Perry Hwy on March 30, 2013

Today was the second installment of the food truck roundup at Coffee Buddha in the north hills.  The sun was out and so were the people. Hundreds of people flocked to the back parking lot of the hipster coffee bar to get food served from the side of trucks. In addition to pack leader PghTacoTruck who calls Coffee Buddha home 4 days a week, they were joined today by Oh My Grill, Franktuary, BRGR Truck, Sweet Treats truck, Dozen Bake Shop, PghPierogi truck and Fukuda.

Gourmet street tacos from PghTacoTruck at the North Hills Food Truck Roundup

We arrived right at noon and took advantage of our early bird timing to get pierogis and hot dogs before heading into CB for coffee drinks.  The pierogis were only $2.50 for a trio of potato and cheese.  Though they fell a little short for TasteBudA on flavor, who typically only eats only his mom’s legendary pierogis, they got us going for the day.  The girl working the Franktuary truck was very excited that their 2013 debut was at this event.  TasteBudA got sauerkraut on a standard dog, while I opted for the fresh chopped onion.  Each dog was only $3 with topping.

Inside Coffee Buddha, the motif took advantage of the name buddha and had many ceramic and artwork to thematically set the mood.  I got the signature “Heartmender” which in reality is 2 shots of espresso.  TasteBudA got the Peanut Buddha Latte.  The latte had a little nut crumble atop the frothy cup. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be a peanut butter flavor or a peanut brittle flavor.  Regardless, it perked up TasteBudA enough before we got in the longest food truck line at the event – the PghTacoTruck line.

PghTacoTruck Menu offered a little something for every taste

The menu for the PghTacoTruck was perhaps the most extensive of all the trucks in the roundup, offering everything from a standard taco to vegetarian (maybe even vegan) options.  WIth such a variety, it was tough to decide.  PghTasteBudA got the Korean Steak with truck kimchi for $5. I got the Juicy Pork with sweet thai slaw for $4 (both pictured above).  While I’ve had poor success using raw corn tortillas at home, the taco truck knows what he’s doing.  The tacos were served on a double tortilla base which was perfect to stand up to the juicy meat fillings.  We’d highly recommend the PghTacoTruck to anyone in the north hills throughout the week.  They can be found at Coffee Buddha every Wed-Sat from 12pm-8pm.  Follow @PghTacoTruck on twitter for special event appearances and variations in schedule.

Appetizer – Mussels. There was actual strips of freshly cooked bacon in the broth which added a slightly smoky accent to the mussels.

Black Truffle Ravioli – My ravioli were served with a creamy sauce with fresh tomatoes throughout. The ravs were tender and delicious.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli – TasteBudA got the ravioli with a creamy marinara sauce with his meal. He raved about the dish so much, that you can find it on the wine exchange menu.

Caramel Mocha Gelato – Though at first, TasteBudA thought they brought the wrong flavor, he did not read close enough to know that it was caramel and chocolate with a hint of java flavor.

Interested in the wine exchange event on April 15?  Here is the menu for the event:

APPETIZER BAR
Mini filo cups with mushrooms and gruyere cheese

Polenta pizza topped with an assortment of meats, cheeses and vegetables

Antipasto bar with salamis, provolone and fontina cheese, roasted peppers, olives and artiichokes

SALAD
Girasole Salad – spring mix, carrots, tomatoes, kalamata olives, chick peas, gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, sunflower vinagrette
bread/butter

ENTREE
(Choice of one:)

SPINACH RAVIOLI
spinach and ricotta ravioli in a tomato cream sauce

MUSSELS
mussels with roasted red peppers, tomato and basil

SHORT RIBS
braised port and honey short ribs over creamy polenta

View the Menu and RSVP at:

http://www.thepittsburghtastebuds.com/upcoming-events/

The 1st ever Pittsburgh Mead and Cider Festival will be held Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Old Iron City Brewery from 1pm-4pm

Ok, I’ll admit it. I’ve never actually seen Cider House Rules, but I can say that Arsenal Cider House in Lawrenceville really does rule! Though were had visited in its first year of operation, we recently returned with some great friends to find that the selection has grown and so has the popularity.While the Cider House itself only sells the cider by the growler, visitors can sample up to four different variations of cider for free (valid 21+ ID required).

There were a couple “still” varietals which resembled an apple wine, but more “carbonated” options which were more beer-esque (think of the 16 oz. Hard Cider you can buy at the beer distributor).  TasteBudA was drawn to the apple-fruit fusions of plum and peach, while I found the apple-mead selections to be less complex and enjoyable.

The four of us indulged in the sampling before deciding we were enjoying what we were tasting and wanted more.  So, we required a growler to continue our afternoon.  Growlers, like with beer, are refillable and you can get a punch card to earn frequent-filler-rewards.

The decor is completely dedicated to the history of the Lawrenceville Arsenal located right across the street on 39th street.  As we sat for a while and chatted, the number of folks who came in to simply refill their growlers was astonishing.  Not only did we lose track of time and enjoy and entire growler in-house, but we refilled it and took a fresh growler to go.

Like Arsenal Cider House and Wine Cellar on Facebook for information on the local bars and restaurants where they have Arsenal Cider on tap.  And keep an eye out for the 1st ever Pittsburgh Mead and Cider Fest which will be held Saturday April 27, 2013 at the Old Iron City Brewery from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Pittsburgh-style Hot Dog vs Detroit-style Hot Dog from Franktuary in Downtown Pittsburgh

Last summer there was a gourmet hot dog “battle royale” between Pittsburgh and Detroit at Franktuary in Downtown Pittsburgh.  While Detroit was found winner of this battle, it was just announced that there is a new contender, just in time for Mardi Gras.

Franktuary has debuted a New Orleans style of a hot dog called “NOLA.” This dog is topped with  muffaletta style olive salad, cubed salami, and provolone cheese, served on the meat grade of your choice.  I’ve never been to New Orleans, so I can’t attest to how the ingredients compliment the New Orleans theme.  But I can say, it is just in time for Mardi Gras.

And since today is Mardi Gras, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, which begins the celebration of Lent.  While there will undoubtably be numerous fish fry events throughout the city, Franktuary does have an option for any non-meat eaters.  A frankfurter made from wild-caught salmon, dubbed the fishfurter, will be available from Ash Wednesday through Good Friday.

20 Questions Wine Exchange
hosted at Lola Bistro
Tuesday February 19, 2013 starting at 7:30pm
$30 Fixed Price Menu
Paid as $5 online RSVP and $25 on restaurant bill.
(price includes tax, gratuity and corkage)
Make your RSVP here and join our Facebook Event to spread the word!

AMUSE BOUCHE
this will be a surprise from the chef

APPETIZER
Seared Sea Scallop
Chervil salad with argon oil and black currant gastrique

ENTREE
(Choice of one:)

Braised Beef Short Rib
Herb polenta, rapini and tangerine jus

Chicken Pot Pie
with a house made pastry bowl

Moroccan Vegetable Stew
with Israeli cous cous

DESSERT
Available A la Carte

price includes tax, gratuity and corkage

Disclaimer: The Pittsburgh TasteBuds advise that all attendees are accountable for their own responsible drinking. Participation in the wine exchange is optional.

Bistro 19 was packed on a Wednesday night. Is it because of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week?

Sure, we may be a couple a boys living on the northside, but we have no qualms about traversing bridges or tunnels, especially for a great meal during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. For my fifth meal of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week Winter 2013 we went to Bistro 19 in Mt. Lebanon. The restaurant is located nicely across from a public parking garage, and there is surrounding street parking. Upon walking in, we noticed why street parking wasn’t an option on this Wednesday night – we arrived to a packed house!

After enjoying a glass of Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc (California)  wine at the bar, we were seated at a table for two and greeted by a wonderful waitress.  She promoted the restaurant week special menu well and talked me into getting the wine pairing – okay, let’s face it, I had been eyeing it up since they said they would be offering it.  While my before dinner wine was white, all of the wine through the courses were red.  I wish I would have taken closer notes on what they were by name.  I thought it was slightly odd that the wine selection was not dependent on your menu item selection, but rather presented as a pre-set discounted wine flight through the meal.

PghTasteBudB Appetizer: Braised Pork Mac and Cheese

Despite having tweeted leading up to restaurant week that I was going to have the three coffee courses of (1) Pumpkin cappuccino bisque, (2) Coffee rubbed mahi mahi w yucca purée, coconut rice and candied kumquats and (3) Coffee panna cotta, I made the split second change after I was seated.  Suddenly, I wanted to try the Braised Pork Mac and Cheese for my first course.  The course was extremely savory and paired with a very strong, full-bodied red.

PghTasteBudA Appetizer: Pan seared scallop with local golden beets, leek fondue and toasted hazelnuts

TasteBudA opted for the pan seared scallop and was immediately jealous of my appetizer.  Though his was cooked well, he didn’t feel the delicate scallop paired well with his bold wine.

The ambiance was wonderful, despite being so crowded.  PghTasteBudA was very happy with our table location because it put him in perfect view of the Pittsburgh Penguins Black and Gold scrimmage.

PghTasteBuB Entree: White balsamic marinated chicken breasts w red wine rosemary risotto and truffle butter

My entree was a white balsamic marinated chicken breast with red wine rosemary risotto and truffle butter. The risotto was divine, but the chicken came out blackened and a little dry. I wished there was some white balsamic on the plate to add back to the chicken and give it some moisture.  Eating risotto and chicken in one bite took away from the beautiful risotto. The vegetable that I received with it was some well grilled zucchini.  I noticed looking around that some folks appeared to get some asparagus.

PghTasteBudA Entree: Roasted lamb gnocchi w braised vegetables and sage butter

TasteBudA got a lamb gnocchi.  My guess is because of the Penguins game, he was a man of few words, but he seemed quite happy with the lamb.  I don’t recall anything left on the plate when he finished, so Chef Jessica Bauer should consider that a success!  The wine with the second course was a much more delicate red wine.  Personally, I would have swapped the first course and second course wines to achieve a different progression.

PghTasteBudB Dessert: Coffee panna cotta

For dessert, the wine was a very sweet port wine.  It made me laugh when TasteBudA took a hefty first sip and almost choked on it.  Don’t worry, he lived.  As he ate his rice pudding, I think the wine provided the desired sweetness from the dessert, while the rice pudding was a nice smooth finish to his meal.

PghTasteBudA; Butterscotch rice pudding

Because I couldn’t completely give up on my original goal of three coffee courses, I did get the Coffee Panna Cotta as my dessert.  It was a wonderful creamy dessert, which looked and tasted like heaven.  To my own demise, I thought it was so delicious, I ate it very slowly and ended up feeling too full before I could finish it.  TasteBudA helped put a larger dent in the dessert with “just one bite” which turned into several because he too couldn’t resist.

Bistro 19 was a great restaurant week meal, and the classy atmosphere would be perfect for a romantic engagement, birthday or anniversary.  Weekdays are usually much more calm for the after-work crowd.  When I asked the waitress if it was normally packed on a Wednesday, she said “No, it’s restaurant week.  I wish every week was restaurant week.”

For Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, Bocktown offered a three item tapas and beer pairing for $20.13.  Each tapas comes with a 4oz beer pairing.  For folks that like wine pairings, this would be a nice change from the norm.

Blackboard Artwork at Bocktown for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week

Bocktown hung the simple restaurant week sign throughout the restaurant so folks knew that they were a proud participant

Though their special – called “Where Beer Meets Grill” – was enticing, one of the items was blue cheese covered in  chutney.  Since I’m not much for blue cheese, I opted to order off the regular menu.  I’ll certainly return for the beer-tapas pairings on a future visit.

Ordering off the regular menu, PghTasteBudA opted to share a Jalapeno Popper Dip with the table.  A coworker of his recently gave him a great recipe for this dip, so it was a great opportunity to see how the homemade version would stack up to a pub-style Bocktown version.  Bocktown did not disappoint.  The pretzel bites were perfect size — don’t you just hate when you get a dip and it comes with 4 huge slices of pita and you have to break it all up yourself?  Oh, and other than the homemade version has a crumbled topping, the dips were similar in nature.

Jalapeno Popper Dip appetizer served with pretzel bites

The dip wasn’t really all that spicy, but it was reminiscent of eating a popper.  The pretzel was like the breading and the dip was a sour-creamy popper filling.  It went great with the beers too.

BackDraft Burger, a hamburger with banana peppers and mozzarella cheese

For my entree, I decided to go with the BackDraft burger.  The burger came cooked to temp on a fresh bun with banana peppers and melted mozzarella cheese.  The burger was juicy and you could tell how fresh it was because the burger was not commercially shaped.  It gave it character and me the piece of mind of how fresh it was.  As the son of a dairy farmer, it was a nice change from the grocery store meat case.

The Live-a-Little is a juicy 10 ounce thick-cut CAB served with Mash Tun Potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables and a side of Untouchable Sauce for dipping

TasteBudA had the Live-A-Little, which is a 10oz steak.  Though I don’t remember his exact comments, other than that he liked Bocktown’s version of “medium,” there were no complaints coming from his direction.  I wish I would have asked him about the Untouchable Sauce, because with a name like that, it better be irresistable.

We’ll likely return in the summer to sit in the beer garden off the side of the restaurant.  The vibe and local beers served in an outside setting would be a great summer evening.

And I will be issuing a challenge to my food-challenge competitor, Matt, where we will faceoff in The Beer Belly Challenge.  ”Take on our Mr. Potatohead timer, and receive a complimentary short sleeve tee (valued up to $20) when you finish a Beer Belly Fry with three toppings by yourself in under 30 minutes.”

First, I had the privlige to attend the Kick Off Party at Mini of Pittsburgh Dealership where I was able to indulge in free samples from many participating restaurants like Abay Ethiopian Cuisine, Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen, Hambone’s Pub (pulled pork), and Center Plate from McMurray, PA, just to name a few. While attending the Kick Off Party I had he opportunity to meet new people and make great new contacts.

A few days later Pittsburgh Restaurant Week hosted a blogger dinner at a local partcipating restaurant. This blogger dinner was at Alma Pan Latin Kitchen in Regent Square. This was a very exciting time for any of us food blogges because we had the opportunity to meet with the restaurant owners and truely have an understanding of what inspires them to own a restaurant and to have a successful Pan Latin restaurant in our part of the country.

Finally, I made it to restaurants like Bistro 19 in Mt. Lebanon, Hambone’s Pub in Lawrenceville, Nicky’s Thai Kitchen in Downtown Pittsburgh (not a participant, but a new restaurant for me) and finally Bocktown in Robinson Township. All of the restaurants did a great job with taking full advantage of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week and making it their own special week to provide all patrons with a dining experience that will bring them back again and again.

For more information on Pittsburgh Restaurant Week please visit www.pittsburghrestaurantweek.com.