Hours: Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Quiet Storm Vegan & Vegetarian Café is an oasis for vegans looking for a tasty meal that suits their preferences. The menu is large, offering dishes that are either made from scratch or sourced locally from independent, local businesses. As an added bonus, almost anything on the menu can be made vegan-friendly. Quiet Storm has some favorite dishes, the main one being their vegan home fries. This dish serves a trio of smashed red potatoes, tofu and seisage (vegan sausage) with roasted veggies and vegan red pepper mayo or vegan queso. Another favorite is the Graham Street Tofu, which comes with sesame-soy tofu cutlets, tomatoes, baby spinach and pickled onions on wheat or pita.

Quiet Storm has a weekly menu, as well as a Sunday brunch that will end your weekend on a great note. They have breakfast burritos, toast, and bagels—really something for everyone. For those with an international flair, check out the Lucky Panda—a Chinese five spice breakfast rice with carrots, peas, TVP bacon (textured vegetable protein) and served with scrambled tofu and a spicy vegetable salad. Quiet Storm also has a great espresso, milkshake and tea menu with inventive ingredients and tasty flavor combinations.

Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Double Wide Grill, also one of our favorite spots for gluten-free food, is one of those overachieving restaurants. Not only are they serving up tasty barbeque dishes, but they’re also pulling double duty with their dishes by providing a healthy dose of vegan options. In fact, most of their menu options can be made vegan with a simple request to your server. Marketing Manager Kris Arnold says that their three most popular vegan dishes at Double Wide Grill are the seitan wings, BBQ pulled seitan (wheat protein) sandwich and the Caribbean coconut tofu. The wings (which are crisp fried seitan cubes) can be served with one of their tasty vegan sauces, such as the traditional BBQ, Our Very Own Hot Sauce or covered in their Cajun dry rub.

The pulled seitan sandwich is also a killer option, served on a multi-grain vegan bun with our choice of shoestring potatoes or garlic and vinegar slaw. The third most popular vegan option is the Caribbean tofu, a perfectly marinated organic tofu, fried and tossed in an onion coconut rum sauce, served with caramelized onions, cilantro rice and the veggie of the day. There are plenty of other vegan options, and each menu item is clearly marked and described. Here at Double Wide Grill, you can be certain you’re getting a legitimate and delicious vegan meal at a reasonable price.

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

When the owners of Bite Bistro were building their restaurant concept, they felt there was a void in the North Hills area as far as vegan options go. And they realized the growing populations of vegans and vegetarians weren’t going away anytime soon—and they also needed somewhere to eat. That’s where Bite Bistro steps in, with a great mission: to please everyone. They want to make sure that carnivores are also pleased with the vegan dishes, as well creating dishes that aren’t your stereotypical vegan options. Bite Bistro wanted to step it up a notch for the vegan community, and they’ve done just that.

While the menu changes daily based on seasons and availability, what is consistent is their abundance of fresh ingredients. Throughout the fall, some favorite dishes included the red and yellow beet salad, the wild mushrooms with grilled vegan polenta, a cucumber salad with kiwi berries and the roasted red pepper sandwich with confit scallions and sprouts. Bite Bistro typically offers between 6-10 vegan offerings on the menu as well as one-two vegan desserts, such as the apple cake, chocolate truffle and sorbet. All vegan items are clearly labeled, and the restaurant staff uses the utmost care in preparing the vegan dishes.

Sunday Brunch Hours: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Zenith is one of the more unique spots in the area. Serving as both an antique shop and a vegan/vegetarian café, there’s nothing like it in the area. While the weekly menu is a treat, the Sunday brunch is heavily catered toward vegan diners and is a tasty and affordable option. At just $10, diners get their pick at the buffet, a main dish, coffee or tea. The menu changes every week, but here are some sample options: orange pancakes with raspberry topping, BBQ seitan sandwich, black bean burger with lettuce and pineapple salsa, portabellas in wine sauce over broccoli and linguine and artichokes in a white bean sauce. They also offer at least 18 different options of dessert, including a host of vegan cakes.

The Zenith is so committed to producing vegan creations that they are only open 4 days a week so that they have the time to create their best food possible. While you’re there, you definitely need to grab a cup of tea—herbal, black, green or white in hundreds of different varieties. Also, the place doubles as a shopping destination where you can browse at the vintage clothing and accessories as well as the one-of-a-kind antiques and collectibles. There’s really no better combination than some shopping and a great meal.

Hours: Tues-Sat, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun, noon – 9 p.m.

While the Loving Hut may be available in several locations across the country, this is a special spot for vegan foodies. This fastest-growing vegan chain has a huge menu, with a ton of different offerings and exciting combinations. For an interesting fruity dish, try the Jackfruit salad, served with jackfruits (a sweet-tasting Asian fruit), onions, mint, carrots, peanuts and a sweet and sour sauce with baked rice papers. If you’re a soup junkie try the sweet and sour soup, which is created with celery, tomatoes, pineapple, okra, soy shrimp, tofu and taro stem.

Seaweed, a delicacy in many parts of the world, is a great dish here. It’s grilled, served with cucumber, soy protein, fried green onion and vermicelli noodles wrapped with rice paper that you can dip into their salted bean curd dip. If you’re a newbie at going vegan, try one of their Western specialties, like the savory spaghetti (mushrooms, olive, soy protein, onion, celery, fresh parsley and tomato sauce). For those with a sweet tooth, taste their mango tango smoothie, an espresso drink or their tasty carrot cake. The Loving Hut is a perfect option for vegans looking for a creative twist on some of their favorite dishes.

Hours: Mon, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Wed-Sun, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Newly opened Eden restaurant has an important mission: to serve healthy food that makes diners feel good about what they’re eating. And vegans should feel right at home here. The dinner menu offers raw foods in addition to sandwiches, salads and wraps. The raw menu changes all the time, but there are some great options if you have the chance to catch them, like the squash pad Thai (butternut squash noodles, mint, peanut, orange) or the kale mushroom pizza (cashew, tomato, spinach and sunflower seed). Some more mainstay items are the salads and wraps. The garden vegan contains some of the freshest ingredients—baby lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red peppers, sunflower seeds, carrots, broccoli, avocado and a garlic mustard balsamic dressing. For burger fans, try the black bean version, which is served on rustic Italian bread with veganaise (vegan mayo), lettuce and tomato. Their drink menu is just as great, with tons of different concoctions and ingredients that will keep your palate pleased. While this is a relatively new established, look out for this place to be a major vegan hotspot.

Other highlights: Mad Mex, East-End Food Co-Op, Abay Ethiopian Cuisine

Roasted Tomato Bruschetta

You’ll Need:
15-20 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus 15-20 full basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 ounces goat cheese
Salt & pepper

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Place the halved Roma tomatoes on a sheet pan and brush the tops of the tomatoes with the oil mixture. Roast for about 2 hours or until softened and the edges begin to darken.

Toast the bread slices in the oven or under a broiler until just lightly browned. Spread each piece with goat cheese. Top with a tomato half and a basil leaf.

Baked Brie

You’ll Need:
One wheel of brie cheese
Honey
Pumpkin seeds

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the wheel of brie on a small baking sheet and back for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is oozing out of the bottom. Place the baked brie on a serving platter. Top the brie with about 1/2 cup of honey and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. Serve with pieces of crusty bread or crackers.

Parmesan Popcorn

You’ll Need:
Heavy-bottomed, deep pan with a lid
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:
Pour the oil into the pan and heat briefly before adding the kernels. Once the kernels are added, cover the pot and shake it over the heat until you start hearing the popping. After the popcorn has finished popping, pour the popcorn into a large bowl and add the butter. Toss to coat, then add the grated cheese and garlic powder. Toss again to coat.

Chocolate Fondue

Just because this isn’t a traditional Valentine’s Day party, doesn’t mean you can have a Valentine’s Day themed dessert! This one is kicked up with a little liqueur for added flavor and fun.

You’ll Need:
1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur

Directions:
In a double boiler over barely simmering water, heat the cream, and then add the chocolate and liqueur, stirring until melted.

Once melted, serve with skewers and any one of these delicious accompaniments: sliced banana, halved strawberries, pound cake cut into cubes, salted pretzel sticks, graham crackers, brownie bites, raspberries, or whatever

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.

Minestrone Soup

Makes 4 large portions

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ medium yellow onion, minced fine
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 15-oz can white beans
2 carrots, peeled & diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped into one-inch pieces
1 15-oz can chopped tomatoes
1 15-oz can kidney beans
1 quart of vegetable stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 parmesan rind (available at most markets)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup short pasta (I used elbow macaroni)

Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add the can of white beans and using a potato masher, mash up most of the beans. This will thicken the base of the soup.

Add the carrots, green beans, tomatoes, kidney beans, stock, oregano, parmesan rind, salt & pepper, and veggie stock. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. Uncover and add in the dried pasta. Once the pasta has cooked, remove from heat and serve. Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cut basil. Enjoy!

Vegetable Noodle Soup with Dumplings

Makes four large portions

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
1 leek, light green & white parts, washed, halved and sliced thin
2 cups frozen egg noodles
1 quart vegetable stock
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
4 eggs
¾ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoon salt
Flour

Directions:
Prepare the dumplings by beating the eggs, milk, & salt together. Add flour to the mixture until you just cannot add anymore. This will make a very stiff dough. Set aside to prepare the soup base.

In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and shallots for about three minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots, celery, and parsnips (and any other veggies you want) and sauté until tender. Add the leeks and sauté for another minute. Flavor the vegetables with a dash of salt & pepper. Toss in the frozen noodles, and sauté briefly.

Pour the veggie stock over the vegetables and bring to a boil. Add the soy sauce and stir.

Add dumplings to the soup, using rounded tablespoons to create the dumplings. Reduce heat and boil covered for about 10 minutes or until the noodles have thickened up. If the soup is losing too much water, add more stock.

Garnish with basil and serve!

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.

Popcorn Anyone?

The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company
Downtown Store (822 Liberty)
Strip Store (209 21st)
Oakland Store (3710 5th Ave.)
PittsburghPopcorn.com

You can step outside the box a bit with some very novel approaches to popcorn. The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company makes it easy to customize a treat for your sweetheart with novelty tins and even more novelty flavors. You can fill a tin with something from their regular menu of Chocolate Caramel, Caramel Corn, Wisconsin Cheddar, Kettle Corn, Peanut Butter & Choc Kettle or Movie Style Butter. Or take a chance on one of the items from their rotating, weekly menu. Weekly offerings include hot and spicy flavors, like Mesquite BBQ and Dill Pickle, along with sweet chocolate and fruit varieties. One of the three locations should be within your range.

You can further personalize your gift with a container of your own selection. A lunchbox, with favorite cartoon characters, or a hatbox filled with a variety of favors, would be appealing.

Spicy!

Does your sweetheart love to cook? A selection of spices and herbs can make a lovely gift, especially if they are chosen with care. Peruse your love’s spice rack to see which are in the most demand and shop for replacements. (Pro tip: a relatively new-looking container that is only half full is a good indication that the spice is much used.)

The use of spices and herbs in cooking spans human history. In Victorian England, the language of flowers was formalized into significant meanings. By referencing this history of the symbols associated with herbs, you can write a love note using herbs and spices. Some of the herbs and spices associated with love are basil, clove, coriander, ginger, and rosemary.

Package your selection up in small glass jars, and be sure to label them clearly! Penzey’s, located in the Strip District, has a comprehensive selection and has containers available. The East End Food Co-op is a great source for fresh and local produce.

Chocolate!

Don’t underestimate the power of chocolate. Rich and deep, filled or flavored; assorted boxes can be a solid treat. It doesn’t have to be some standard box of creams, though. Christopher George, a recent transplant to Pittsburgh, creates chocolate bars in traditional chocolate flavors, all handcrafted for you at Sinful Sweets. A unique item is the White & Milk Chocolate bar, swirled into intricate patterns.

Even more exotic are the imported chocolate selections available at Mon Aimee. They offer a selection of artisan candies with unusual combinations of chocolate and Sage, Cayenne Pepper, Rosemary, and more. The store is packed with a wide selection of chocolates in traditional flavors that will satisfy the quest for something very finely made.

A Sweet Twist on Cake

Dozen Bakeshop

3511 Butler St (412-683-2327)
417 S. Craig St (412-682-1718)
DozenBakeShop.com

Lolly Cakes, a trendy treat that is popping up in bakeries and confectioners, are a sweetly small indulgence. Just a single bite of cake, covered in icing or fondant, or dipped in chocolate; no fussing with plates and sure to bring a smile. Vanilla Pastry has a regular Lolly menu that includes Salted Caramel, Chocolate Custard, Tiramisu and Dark Chocolate-Espresso. The desserts can be trimmed with a bow, or boxed in custom selections.

Cupcakes are a little more substantial than Lollies, but also give you an opportunity to create a customizable gift. Dozen Bakeshop has a lovely selection of cake flavors and their buttercream frosting is the best. My favorite is their Red Velvet cake; a rich deep color with a creamy vanilla frosting. Small three-layered cakes are also available, to top off that intimate dinner at home.

Susan Constanse is a painter, living and working in Pittsburgh. Examples of her work can be viewed on her website.

Hours: Mon, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Wed-Sun, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Most times when you leave a restaurant, you feel a little fuller and guiltier than when you first stepped in the doors. But Eden may be the exception. This unique restaurant is all about serving food in its purest, healthiest form in a variety of different ways—raw or vegan using local produce, chicken and more. Literally anything on the menu can be made vegan if requested.

With its fall opening in Shadyside, Pittsburghers can now get a taste of delicious healthy foods at a reasonable price. The menu changes seasonally, but Eden is careful to always present the freshest ingredients available that they receive from local co-ops and farms, giving locals the increasingly popular farm-to-table dishes.

Eden’s dinner menu offers a raw selection in addition to sandwiches, wraps and salads. Some great raw options are the spiced cabbage slaw (with ginger, cilantro and lime) and the apple and beet salad (with lemon, mint and coriander). Its fall season menu included the pumpkin curry (with coconut, green peas, cinnamon and carrot) as well as the squash Pad Thai (butternut squash noodles, mint, peanut and orange). Following the fall theme, the dessert options are delicious and uniquely crafted —pumpkin pie (walnut, date, coconut and apple) and the sorbet and ice cream (avocado, banana and bosc pear).

The mainstay options are the wraps, salads and sandwiches that are handcrafted with harmonious ingredients and loaded with fresh veggies. The garden vegan salad has five different vegetables loaded in it (baby lettuce, cucumber, tomato, carrots and avocado) topped off with a garlic mustard balsamic dressing. The black bean burger is a favorite, served with rustic Italian bread, veganaise (egg-free mayo), lettuce and tomato. But if you’re still a meat-lover, try the grilled turkey and avocado sandwich, served on that perfectly crunch rustic Italian bread, with a cilantro avocado spread, cheddar cheese and spinach.

But food isn’t the only delicious and healthy options that Eden is serving daily to its loyal fan base. Eden offers a great selection of juices and smoothies, all created from 100 percent fruits and vegetables—with absolutely no added sugar. You can choose from regular smoothies, premium smoothies, low-calorie smoothies, juice and shots. A great regular smoothie is The Magic Hour, which is a blend of peanut butter, almond milk and banana. An interesting option for the premium is the loaded Immunity Booster, which has it all—yogurt, strawberry, mango, orange, banana and even bee pollen. The low calorie smoothies are under 60 calories, a bargain for the great flavor. Try the citrus smoothie, highlighted with orange, lemon, stevia and ice. Eden serves several different juices, and the “Pink” juice (apple, grapefruit and lemon) is a great place to start. If you’re looking for a quick burst of goodness, take a shot of one of their concoctions: Kale (lemon and ginger) or the spinach drink (lime and ginger).

Eden is here to serve you, mind, body and soul—their mission is simply to create healthy dishes for their customers by using the freshest ingredients in their purest form.

Hours: Mon-Sun, 11 a.m. –10 p.m.

The Primanti Bros. owners are looking to create another Pittsburgh staple restaurant with the October opening of Diamond Market Bar & Grill, a full-service tavern that serves American cuisine with an extra punch.

Executive Chef Clare Lise runs the place, bringing in customers looking for a hearty meal, in a great environment for a reasonable price. Couple that with friendly service and an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients, and Market Square has got a top-notch addition to the growing food mecca.

Diamond Market Bar & Grill has a fantastic menu, pulling from all different types of cuisine that can suit just about anyone’s preferences. The appetizers are homey with a unique twist on each one. The macaroni and cheese uses cheddar, Gruyere and pepper jack cheese, melted over Cavatappi pasta, bacon and spice and truffle oil. The Pittsburgh-made Potato and feta pierogies are crispy on the outside and filled to the brim with potatoes and feta and topped with braised cabbage, onions and olive sour cream.

In addition to appetizers, this restaurant offers salads, sandwiches, burgers, entrees and more. If you’re hungry and want a salad, stick to the Cobb, served with house-roasted chicken, a hard-cooked egg, bleu cheese, bacon, avocado and French dressing. If you’re a BBQ fanatic, then this place has got your fix: choose from hickory smoked pulled chicken, pork or beef brisket, all served on a toasted brioche bun. If you’re more of meat and potatoes kind of guy or gal, their home-style options will make your mouth water. Choose from the house-roasted beef, turkey breast or meatloaf, served open-faced on country bread with mashed potatoes or French fries (choose from several unique kinds of fries—Pittsburgh poutine, sweet potato and more).

But the big winner at Diamond Market Bar & Grill is the two-fisted, juicy half-pound, char-grilled Angus burgers. They’ve got everything from the usual combos to the sky high creations. For spicy eaters, try the “XXX”: extra jalapenos, Pepper Jack cheese, mango-habanero chutney, lettuce, tomato and onion. For Primanti Bros. faithful, try the “Ultimate Market”, piled with Cajun fries, Ameri-Swiss cheese, coleslaw and a fried egg.

They’ve also got entrees, like the Turkey Devonshire Clare’s Way and fresh gnocchi tossed with spinach, among many other options. But this place isn’t all about the food. They’ve got wine, craft beers and imaginative cocktails. For fruity fans, try the pomegranate mojito (white rum, fresh lime, mint and house made pomegranate syrup). For those with a sweet tooth, the Root Beer Float martini is a safe bet (vanilla vodka, root liqueur and cream soda).

And you can’t skip dessert here no matter how full you are. They serve milkshakes, banana bread pudding and banana splits. For those 21 and older, indulge in one of their hard shakes, like the Bananas and Chocolate, made with 99 Bananas schnapps, peanut butter syrup and chocolate ice cream.

Great food, unique creations, a wide variety of drinks and divine desserts—Diamond Market Bar & Grill is doing more than enough to keep the locals coming for more.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

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Soba is a great local restaurant that seems to offer every different type of Asian cuisine you could think of—like Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Chinese. The menu changes often, but the quality doesn’t. Two Chinese staples can be found on this menu at reasonable prices: pork dumplings, served with sweet vinegar dipping sauce and the shrimp and vegetable spring rolls, served with hot mustard sauce. All different types of fish dishes popular in Asian cuisine are scattered throughout the menu: cod, tandoori grilled salmon, scallops, shrimp, mussels and sea scallops, just to name a few.

Soba annually celebrates the Chinese New Year by creating a special menu program that successfully highlights some major staples of this Chinese holiday. Last year’s menu was a creative concept, influenced by the “Year of the Rabbit” designation. Some highlights included the braised rabbit leg, pork dumpling (served with fermented black bean-lime sauce), the shrimp spring roll, and the sea scallops, served with taro root cake and mixed choy.

But the menu pairing is not just thrown together for the sake of it. The Chinese New Year holds special meaning to those who celebrate it, and the food is no different. The pork dumplings represent wealth and strength, while the shrimp spring roll symbolizes happiness. Soba’s menu also includes some great desserts, like the Meyer lemon panna cotta, served with candied kumquats and whipped coconut. Kumquats traditionally symbolize gold or wealth, while coconut represents togetherness among each other, an important aspect of Chinese culture. Soba plans on having another Chinese New Year celebration from January 23-26, so look out for an updated menu featuring a new year of perfected delicacies.

Soba is one of the highlights in the area when it comes to a great Chinese New Year menu. But Pittsburgh has plenty of other options for locals to celebrate this holiday.

For Sichuan style Chinese food:

Sichuan style Chinese food is for those who love some spice in their meal, and How Lee really does it really well… and really hot. This Squirrel Hill favorite has a great menu featuring some Americanized options as well as some traditional Chinese grub. But most people come here for the back page of the menu, which features Sichuan-style food.

New Year Favorites: Chongqing fried dry hot chicken, double cooked pork belly with spicy capsicum, Szechuan Kung pao chicken with peanuts, chili pots and the seafood hot and sour soup (not Sichuan style).

For some Asian Fusion:

Of course, most people are after Chinese food on the Chinese New Year, but a mix of several different Asian cuisines can also be fun. Plum Pan-Asian Kitchen covers it all, from Thai, Asian and Japanese to Chinese and Vietnamese. The dishes are imaginative, and the menu is huge, featuring over 50 combinations of fish. A sushi bar is also available for those craving spicy and vegetables rolls or fatty tuna, yellowtail, snapper or even eel. Chicken and beef dishes are also highlights. With its modern décor and huge menu, it’s a perfect Chinese New Year outing.

For more Chinese food, read our picks for Best Chinese Restaurants in Pittsburgh.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

You might not expect to find an authentic Caribbean restaurant thriving in Pittsburgh, but Kaya has been a bold presence in the Strip District for nearly 15 years. Serving high quality and fresh food, Kaya draws inspiration from the Caribbean Islands, South American and the Pacific for its culinary creations.

Expertly manned by Executive Chef Jason Watts, the kitchen is putting out some fantastic dishes with an island twist. And it all begins with the appetizers (tropas). A favorite starter is the Jamaican Jerk wings, kicked up a notch with a cilantro cream sauce. The corn and lentil beignets (served with green curry sauce) and the conch chowder (cooked with corn, yams and poblano pepper) are Caribbean cuisine in a nutshell.

While the appetizers will surely whet your appetite, the Entradas (or entrees) are the centerpiece to the whole menu, which appeals to just about anyone—from meat lovers to strict vegetarians.

The most popular dish at Kaya has got to be the crispy fish tacos. These creations start with strips of golden-fried tilapia, topped with sliced avocado, cilantro sprigs, and a spicy crème fraiche (sour cream, Sriracha, Kewpie mayo and spices). All of these ingredients are then piled on top of small, fresh tortillas from its neighbor down the street, Reyna Foods and served with a cabbage slaw (red bell pepper, horseradish, ginger, white vinegar). The combination of different textures, contrasting flavors and fresh ingredients makes this a definite must for fish fanatics.

The other entrees that Kaya really shines at are the several pork dishes on the menu, starting with the slow-cooked pork and banana sandwich on the lunch menu. For those diners used to the North Carolina, vinegar-based pulled pork barbeque, take note: you’re not going to get that here. Instead, the pulled pork is served in a sweet banana infused sauce, topped off with mayo, red onions and lime, served on a fresh bun.

For two other variations on pork dishes, try the Cuban sandwich and the jerked pulled pork quesadilla.

The Cuban sandwich is piled with pork, turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard and a chipotle aioli, while the quesadilla is filled with well-seasoned, tender pulled pork, a tangy slaw and a refreshing cucumber aioli complement.

Another strong dish is the Kaya burger, a perfectly crafted burger, topped with the whole kitchen pantry—pickles, avocado, bacon, tomato, Chihuahua cheese, a sunny-side-up egg, a secret Kaya sauce and Kaya chips (be sure to order a side of their delicious sweet fries!)

In addition to their Caribbean-infused dining menu, they’re serving up some great island-style beverages, like the red sangria (red wine, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, with freshly cut fruit) and the Dark & Stormy (Gosling’s Bermuda Black Seal Rum, fresh lime and Fever Tree ginger beer). For simpler choices, they’ve got it all—from Mojitos, margaritas and wines to draft beer, bottled beer, tequila and more.

Kaya also has some special offerings to its customers. The restaurant offers a weekly brunch on Sundays, with a huge menu of Caribbean dishes. One favorite is the slow roasted pork Benedict which is served on crisp cornbread, with two poached eggs and a smoked hollandaise sauce. At Kaya, Thursday nights are “Fried Chicken Nights,” a fried feast of buttermilk-marinated chickens that brings out hoards of people every week.

But while the food is obviously the highlight of Kaya, the other elements are just as important. The dining space itself is a unique concept with an industrial island feel. Caribbean artwork, bricks and wood give the place just enough warmth, while the wait staff brings the rest of it. The waiters are especially friendly and excited to introduce and patiently explain the menu to newbies. If you’re not sure what something means or what to get, ask your server for an insider recommendation.

For diners looking for a restaurant with a unique and bold concept, Kaya is your place. With an ever-changing menu, fresh ingredients and inventive menu, this Caribbean joint will become your go-to spot in no time.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

For a Hot Cup of Cocoa: Inn on Negley and Mon Aimee Chocolat

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This inn is serving guests with much more than just room accommodations. Head to their Fernwood Tea Room and grab a cup of their delectable hot cocoa. It’s an elegant treat, served in a traditional cocoa pot with laced chocolate-topped cups, homemade marshmallows, along with an assortment of housemade cookies. If this doesn’t warm the soul, what else will? At $12, this is one those times to treat yourself. If you’re not a cocoa fan, they also serve tea and a selection of housemade pastries and seasonal fresh fruit.

Hot chocolate comes in so many different varieties that it’s hard to just list one. The hot chocolate from Mon Aimee isn’t for the faint of heart, but for chocoholics – this is your definite fix. Mon Aimee offers two different kinds of hot cocoa. The spicy hot chocolate is an intensely thick and creamy drink, combined with spices to give that extra kick. They even give you a spoon for easier consumption! For more traditionalists, they also offer a house made hot chocolate using milk chocolate. The owner of this chocolate shop brought this recipe back from Spain, which is a delicacy in the European county.

For a Unique Bowl of Soup: Eat Unique

Soup is one of those dishes that tastes extra good when the temperature drops in the winter—and Eat Unique in Oakland keeps the delicious soups coming. This establishment offers eaters a pretty big menu, but the highlight is definitely the soups. The mainstays are the cream of tomato with feta and basil (vegetarian), garden chili (vegan) and the white chili. They also have a new soup every day to try, like the chicken noodle soup or wedding soup. The soup has earned rave reviews and definitely worth the sometimes long wait: remember fresh food comes at a slight cost!

For the Right Cup of Tea: Te Café

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This Squirrel Hill joint is the perfect place to grab a book, a piping hot cup of tea and stay away from the freezing weather outside. Te Café offers literally hundreds of different kinds of options for tea connoisseurs. They’re divided into greens, whites, blacks and herbals, as well as tea of the day, which you can find cheaper prices. From lavender to gunpowder tea, they’ve got that specialty tea that’s just right for you. It’s also a great way to test out teas to buy in bulk. You can even ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff for recommendations on what you may like.

For a Full Bar With Fireplace: Soba Lounge

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There aren’t many bars that offer a huge drink menu coupled with a comfy atmosphere—and Soba does that perfectly. The atmosphere is what stands out from most lounges in the area. It has a great fireplace, a beautiful waterfall and warm, earthy colors that are inviting. Not to mention, they’ve got an extensive list of drinks—such as martinis, cocktails, spirits, sake, bottled beer, champagne and a huge variety of wines. And the food can warm you up inside as well. They always carry some great soups that change from time to time (like the Thai corn chowder with jumbo lump crab meat and roasted corn). Or try some of their delicious entrees (like the seafood hot pot with scallop, shrimp, salmon, halibut, squid and mussels or the filet mignon with chili-garlic mashed potatoes and pan roasted shitake). A cozy bar atmosphere is hard to come by, but Soba has mastered it.

For a Cozy Setting: The Melting Pot

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Prepare to melt way the winter chills in Station Square at the Melting Pot. This place offers guests a special experience that’s not typically found in Pittsburgh—fondue. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet or savory melted concoction, the Melting Pot has got you covered. On the savory side, they’ve got several different kinds of cheese fondue, like the Wisconsin Trio Cheese (Fontina, Butterkase and buttermilk Bleu cheeses with white wine, scallions and a hint of cherry) or the Traditional Swiss Cheese (Gruyere and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, white wine, garlic, nutmeg, lemon and Kirschwasser). Pair it with a glass of wine, and you’re good to go.

But if sweet is more of your thing, it’s time to warm up to a big pot of warm, gooey goodness— chocolate fondue. Of course there’s the original flavor, but here are some crazy good concoctions: Bananas Foster (silky white chocolate, swirled with bananas, cinnamon and flambéed tableside) or the Flaming Turtle (milk chocolate, caramel and pecans also flambéed tableside). All of these can be dipped with fresh strawberries, cheesecake, marshmallows, pound cake and more. For an even better deal, be sure to check out their Late Night Fondue for a fun and sinfully sweet night out.

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am – 11 pm
Cuisine: Malaysian and Thai

Sun Penang is located in the heart of Squirrel Hill, and the menu is chock-full of flavorful and delicious items. Customers can opt for starchy goodness (rice and noodle dishes abound here) or more adventurous meals, like fried squid or chicken feet with black bean sauce. Patrons love the dim sum offerings here – to really capture the spirit of family bonding during the holidays,order a roti canai. This crepe-like appetizer is meant to be ripped apart and dipped into a delicious chicken curry.

Cuisine: Greek

Greek favorites like spanakopita, hummus, and baklava are prepared to perfection at Christos. Stop into the humble downtown eatery for a long holiday meal, including an authentic Greek salad, appetizer, and entrée of your choice, all topped of with a perfectly warm, nutty baklava. Customers rave about all the dishes, but it’s the homemade red wine that really has everyone talking.

Hours: Mon-Wed, Sun 11 am – 12 am; Thu 11 am – 1 am; Fri-Sat 11 am – 2 am
Cuisine: German

Arguably Pittsburgh’s most raucous restaurant, Hofbrauhaus represents the liveliest option for holiday dining. It may not be the most family-friendly, but a meal here is a guaranteed good time. Diners nosh on German favorites like bratwurst and schnitzel. If those dishes don’t appeal to you, you can always opt for a burger… but that wouldn’t be very exotic, now would it?

Hours: Mon-Sat 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Cuisine: Japanese

Chaya boasts one of the most extensive sushi menus in Pittsburgh, and the restaurant’s loyal clientele swears up and down that it’s the most authentic Japanese meal available in the area. The menu also includes Japanese staples like gyoza, tempura udon, and seaweed salad. For a true holiday experience, opt for the omakase, a multi-course sampling of the chef’s choices. This option requires two-day advance notice and a minimum of two orders.

Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 5 pm – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 5 pm – 11 pm; Sat-Sun 11 am – 3 pm
Cuisine: Ethiopian

A meal at Abay redefines the idea of communal eating. Customers sit around a platter of flatbread – known in Ethiopia as injera, this bread takes the place of silverware, and patrons use this to scoop up bites of food. The menu includes soups, appetizers, and entrees, all of which are flavored with authentic Ethiopian spices.

Breakfast:

I can’t choose just one, and you can’t make me! Two of my all-time favorite fall dishes just happen to be breakfasts. So, to be fair, I’ve decided to list them both!

Pumpkin Hotcakes

Dor-Stop

1430 Potomac Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
(412) 561-9320
Hours: Mon to Sat 6am-3pm; Sun 8am-2pm
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Butternut Squash & Nutella Crepes

Square Café

1137 S Braddock Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412) 244-8002
Hours: Mon to Sat 7am-3pm; Sun 8am-3pm
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Mid-morning Coffee:

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Jitters Café

5541 Walnut St
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 621-2316
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
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Lunch:

Once again, I simply can’t choose just one. I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m a sucker for good ravioli, but TWO delicious fall ravioli’s in one city? Be still my heart…

Squash Ravioli with Marjoram Sauce

Lidia’s

1400 Smallman St
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 552-0150
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-
10pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-8pm
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Pumpkin Ravioli

Girasole

733 Copeland St
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 682-2130
Hours: Tue to Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri to Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 4pm-9pm
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Happy Hour and/or Appetizers:

In the spirit of continuing to list both pumpkin AND squash flavors, I must share with you yet another tie. Fall bisques are a must-try whenever I see one on a menu, and these two are must-tries for anyone searching for that perfect rustic flavor! Tie it all together with a hard apple cider.

Hard Apple Cider

Arsenal Cider House

300 39th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 260-6968
Hours: Wed to Thurs 4pm-8pm; Fri 4pm-9pm; Sat 12pm-9pm; Sun 12pm-4pm
Website

Butternut Squash Bisque

Spoon

134 S Highland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206|
(412) 362-6001
Hours: Sun 5pm–9pm; Mon to Thurs 5pm–10pm; Fri to Sat 5pm–11pm
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Pumpkin Soup

Elements Contemporary Cuisine

444 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 251-0168
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm
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Dinner

Honestly, so many restaurants do an amazing job updating their menu with exciting new seasonal options year after year, it was hard to choose my favorite fall dinner. Though I must admit, this next item was on last year’s menu, it was so good it will bring me back to try out the 2011 version. Fingers crossed they serve something similar!

Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with Autumn Lentils and Cranberry Duck Confit Salad

Bistro 19

711 Washington Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 306-1919
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri to Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm
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Dessert

I bet you thought I was going to list a place to get a great pumpkin pie, didn’t you? Well for that, I’d say go to Grandma’s house. Here in Pittsburgh, one of the tastiest desserts I’ve had the pleasure of tasting just happens to be perfect for fall… and it ain’t pumpkin pie!

Maytag Bleu & Bacon Apple Crisp

Sharp Edge Bistro

922 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 338-2437
Hours: Mon to Thurs 11am – Midnight; Fri to Sat 11am – 1am; Sun 11am – Midnight
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A simple tip to finding the most amazing fall flavors is to do a quick search online! Typically, menus change in mid-late September. Many restaurants featuring local sourcing will update their menus seasonally and keep an eye on American cuisine locations that will be more likely to feature the fresh flavors you love. To make sure you’re making the best choice, check out user restaurant reviews by searching right here at CBS Local Pages!

Blake is the opinionated foodaholic behind the Taste of Pittsburgh restaurant review blog. As a Steel City transplant originally from Chocolatetown, USA, she’s on an adventure to find the best-kept culinary secrets of the city and revel in every bite.

Penn Brewery’s 2011 Oktoberfest

Penn Brewery
800 Vinial Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-237-9400
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Enjoy live entertainment, seasonal beers, contests and more at this annual Oktoberfest on the Northside. It’s free to attend, and offers affordable food and drink! Visit Penn Brewery’s website!

Johnny Cash Day

Elks Lodge
400 Cedar Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-321-1834
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Celebrate the life, music and legacy of the Man in Black. The $10 cover charge includes food & drink specials, door prizes and raffles. Enjoy the live music, putting their own spin on Johnny Cash’s classics! Visit the Johnny Cash Day 2011 website!

Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival

South Side Riverfront Park
Park Entrance is on 18th Street near the Mon River
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15203
724-348-4836
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Free & open to the public, you’ll find traditional Asian music, dance, food, children’s arts & crafts, and so much more!. You can learn to use chopsticks, watch demonstrations of Tai Chi, and even try your hand at Dragon Boat Racing! Visit the Dragon Boat Festival’s website!

Green Business Blitz

Butler Street in Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Check out this free event showcasing how Lawrenceville businesses are going green, including giveaways! Visit the Black & Gold City Goes Green website!

PodCamp Pittsburgh 6

Point Park University
414 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

This is a great one for those who create, enjoy or are interested in learning more about social media. This free UnConference covers blogs, vlogs, audio podcasts, web videos, and everything in between (don’t forget FB and Twitter)! Visit PodCamp Pittsburgh’s website!

Georgetowne Inn

1230 Grandview Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 481-4424
Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11:30pm; Sun 5pm-9:30pm
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Georgetowne Inn Website

About six months ago, PID and I celebrated our anniversary by sharing our first experience here. We had read some mixed reviews, but had found a coupon on Restaurant.com and thought we’d decide for ourselves. Our first trip was nothing less than impressive. We thought everything was completely delicious and, with our coupon, spent significantly less than we had even thought possible. So this time, we thought we’d approach it from a different angle and set ourselves a lower budget in an attempt to prove you can eat at one of the area’s priciest restaurants for a reasonable price.

We set the bar at $50 because we know all too well that, on Mt. Washington, you don’t just pay for the food, you pay for the view (which is breathtaking, by the way…).

We made sure to abide by our budget rules by dining on a weeknight and avoiding the alcohol, but were pleased to realize that every entrée comes with soup, salad and choice of side. This meant we actually could avoid an appetizer as well and still be satisfied.

We both began with the French Onion Soup and spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette. The soup was very unique (as French onion’s go) and I really enjoyed it. The bacon vinaigrette certainly awakened the taste buds.

For our entrees, PID and I went with the Prime Rib Au Jus and Jumbo Lump Crab Florentine respectively. Unfortunately, PID’s meal was a bit disappointing. I’d suggest going in a different direction (last time he had the New York Strip Steak with Bleu Cheese and loved it). My meal was much better, but I was certainly glad I had the coupon because it didn’t quite equate to its menu price for me.

We skipped dessert, not simply to stay within budget, but because we just plain didn’t need it! Even without an appetizer, we were stuffed.

Here’s how the night broke down:

Double Deals Coupon	$25
Drinks:	$5.50
Entrée:	Prime Rib Au Jus, $28.95
Entrée:	Jumbo Lump Crab Florentine, $27.95
Coupon Discount:	$50
Tax:	$2.62
Tip:	$10 (Always tip on the total, prior to discount
Total:	$47.40

Not long ago, I noticed a creeping trend in the city of steel. When The Goodie Truck rolled on to the scene a few years ago, I was ecstatic. It made Pittsburgh feel trendy in the food scene! But it stood alone, save the amazingly delicious Pad Thai truck that, for as long as I can remember, has served the heat from the corner of Fifth and Bigelow.

Last year, the owners of downtown’s hip hot dog shop Franktuary took their meat to the streets. So I decided it was time to check them out.

On the hottest day of the year (or maybe years…) I ventured to Oakland, my old stomping grounds, with a sweaty forehead and a growling belly. I first stumbled upon a multi-cultural collection of food trucks on Bigelow Boulevard, just where I’d left the Pad Thai truck five years ago. Typically when you see a truck, the smell of gas fumes comes to mind. But lucky for me the smell of Dosa, kabobs and curry-filled the air instead.

But I knew I was just a bit more hungry for a juicy hot dog, so I ventured across the Soldier’s & Sailor’s lawn to the Franktuary truck.

The truck boasts a limited but rotating version of Franktuary’s gourmet dog menu but I wasn’t the least bit discouraged. Without a moment’s hesitation I knew I wanted the Memphis Dog: a combination of all- beef hot dog, barbecue sauce, red cabbage slaw and crispy fried onions. Oh I’m sorry, have you never tried these ingredients together before? Well, you should. Even on a hot and steamy day this hot dog hit the spot. The cool cabbage slaw certainly helped with that a bit. And the crispy friend onions? Nice touch! So many textures and flavors on one little hot dog. My taste buds were dancing.

And I just couldn’t help myself, when I see a word in the world of food that I can barely pronounce let alone define, I’ve got to expand my culinary vocabulary and give it a shot, so I ordered the Poutine.

News flash: Poutine is a traditional Canadian dish (I know, you’re wondering what on earth can be classified as “traditionally Canadian,” but bear with me here) composed of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. At the Frank Truck, they used massive, well-cooked steak fries. Admittedly, this dish would have tasted much better in anything less than 100 degree weather, but I certainly recommend it for those of you smart enough to not eat outside on a 100 degree day.

In short, my brief beef experience with Franktuary has taught me one thing: Pittsburgh needs more food trucks. I know, I know – the city’s weird, wild vending ordinances make it somewhat difficult to execute such a business in the way many other city vendors can, but if Franktuary, the Goodie girls and Pad Thai Express can find a way, I would strongly encourage more entrepreneurs to give on-the-go a go.

As far as finding these food trucks goes, head to Bigelow and Fifth any weekday for delicious cultural findings or follow both Franktuary and The Goodie Truck on Twitter for truck stop updates. However, Franktuary can usually be found at these places and times:

Tuesday
SOUTH SIDE – Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community parking lot, 2700 Jane St, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday
OAKLAND – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, side parking lot, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FOX CHAPEL – Farmers’ Market @ Shadyside Academy, 3 – 6 p.m.

Thursday
SOUTH SIDE – Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community parking lot, 2700 Jane St, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
EAST END – Bakery Square parking lot near Google building, 6425 Penn Avenue, 4 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday
OAKLAND – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, side parking lot, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Saturday
BELTZHOOVER – Venture Outdoors’ free Family Festival, McKinley Park, 12 – 4 p.m.

Sunday
NORTH SIDE – Tree River Circus, corner of E Ohio & Cedar Ave, 12 – 3 p.m.

Monday – Friday (Storefront)
DOWNTOWN – 325 Oliver Avenue (yes, it’s in a church), 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Blake is the opinionated foodaholic behind the Taste of Pittsburgh restaurant review blog. As a Steel City transplant originally from Chocolatetown, USA, she’s on an adventure to find the best kept culinary secrets of the city and revel in every bite.

Prantl’s

5525 Walnut Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15232
(412) 621-2092
Hours: Tues-Sat, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
and
438 Market Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
(412) 471-6861
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.prantlsbakery.com
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If there was ever a bakery institution in Pittsburgh, then this is it. This isn’t your brand new, state-of-the-art pastry shop. In fact, this German-influenced shop is old-school, delivering products that have been crazy-popular for decades. While they have plenty of mouth-watering options to choose from (like their Burnt Almond Torte and lady fingers), let’s stick to another highlight of Prantl’s — their donuts. Tradition seems to be the cornerstone of the place, as they continue to make their donuts the old-fashioned way, flipping the donuts with chopsticks! And there’s plenty of different options, such as the Danish dough donuts, raised donuts and the traditional cake donuts. Depending on what floats your boat, you can purchase ones filled with fruit, buttercream icing or custard, or if you’re feeling minimalistic, head for the glaze or icing toppings.

Peace, Love and Little Donuts

963 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
and
2018 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com
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If their slogan “Feed Your Inner Hippie” gives you any indication of what kind of place this is, then you know you’re in for a real treat. This unique family-owned and operated shop creates little and mini donuts, packed with some big flavor. The shop sells the little donuts (which are bigger than the mini ones) in the morning, and then they switch to selling the mini ones after 11 a.m. Their little donuts are named after every hippie term you can think of and wish you could forget. But they do have a pretty groovy menu going on here: a Funkadelic donut with frosting plus any of the various toppings, such as Oreo, coconut, jimmies, chocolate morsels, cereal toppings and more; or their Far Out Dozen, with donuts frosted with vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, maple strawberry and orange. The Mini’s also feature some of their Far Out Frostings and Groovy Toppings. Check their website for specials!

Oram’s Donut Shop

1406 7th Ave.
Beaver Falls, Pa. 15010
(724) 846-1504
Hours: Mon-Sat, 5 a.m. – 2 p.m.
www.orams.com
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If a donut shop has been in business for over 70 years, there’s no question they know what they’re doing — and what they’re doing is donuts the right way. For Oram’s, the focus isn’t on the current donut trend or offering the largest menu. Instead, their mission is to continue providing high quality products to customers. Their menu features traditional filled donuts, with selections such as crème, custard, black raspberry, blueberry and lemon. And they’ve also got raised donuts and vanilla and chocolate cake donuts. But their most popular donut is their delicious cinnamon rolls that require two hands to eat. These huge creations would normally cost double what this local shop is charging, a mere $1.10 a piece. But for Oram’s Donut Shop, pleasing the customer seems to be just another one of their traditions.

Oakmont Bakery

531 Allegheny Ave.
Oakmont, PA 15139
(412) 826-1606
Hours: Mon-Sat, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.oakmontbakery.com
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For over 20 years, Oakmont Bakery has been a favorite of many Pittsburghers looking for that delicious slice of heaven in the form of coffee cakes, cupcakes, cookies and most importantly, donuts. Just by glancing at their menu, you can tell that this bakery doesn’t do anything small. In fact, there are seven different varieties of cinnamon rolls! (Who knew there were even that many?) They have over 30 different types of donuts ranging from the most basic (chocolate iced) to something a little more filling (Boston cream donut). Oh yeah, and they even have Long John’s, a long, skinny donut that comes iced, sprinkled or filled. Plan on making quite a few stops to this beloved bakery to try everything on their menu — it might take a while.

Kretchmar’s Bakery

664 Third Street
Beaver, Pa. 15009
(724) 774-2324
Hours: 5 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
www.kbakery.com
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Kretchmar’s Bakery opened its doors over 50 years ago and ever since then, it doesn’t seem to have slowed down. Kretchmar’s has a huge menu ranging from breads, tarts, pies, pastries and more. And you can’t forget the donuts, a crowd favorite which means you’ve definitely got to get there early. This bakery has got quite a mixture of donuts that is sure to please just about any palate. If you’re a fruit fanatic, try their apple or apricot filled creations. Or if you’re more of a Bavarian Crème connoisseur, they’ve got that on hand too. Churros and cruellers also grace the menu, offering eager eaters two different styles of donuts that aren’t seen at just any shop. Be sure to check out their other options because for donuts less than a dollar, you’ll have plenty left over to splurge on.

Carol’s Pastry Shop

142 S Main St.
Zelienople, Pa. 16063
(724) 452-7920
Hours: Tues-Fri, 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sat, 5:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:
www.carolspastryshop.com
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Just north of Pittsburgh, Zelienople, Pennsylvania has a great bakery that is definitely worth the half-hour trip for donuts. Carol’s Pastry Shop opened in 1974, and ever since then, they’ve given customers exactly what they wanted. In fact, they even had to move a few years ago for extra space. Their donuts are made on-site daily in a variety of different options — cake donuts, iced raised, glazed, chocolate and vanilla cream filled, raspberry filled and Boston Cream-filled, with their most popular items being the fried cinnamon donut and apple fritters. But don’t go home with just some donuts — they’ve got plenty of other baked goods that will surely hit that sweet spot of yours.

Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State’s Valley magazine.

When Pittsburghers do burgers, we tend to class it up a bit. Some the city’s best burgers exist in “nice” restaurants – or, at the very least, prominent ones. Examples: Tessaro’s, which is practically iconic as far as Pittsburgh dining establishments go, the uber-trendy BRGR, and Eleven, which is one of the city’s go-to spots for a swanky night.

And then there’s Winghart’s. If you’re looking for pretension, you won’t find it here – in fact, you may not find anything, as the restaurant is minuscule and extremely easy to miss. Nestled next to – and practically dwarfed by a neighboring Starbucks – Winghart’s is one of the restaurants in downtown’s Market Square.

The place is marketed as a “burger and whiskey” bar, a place for friends to escape the crowded nightlife scene and bond over great food and great whiskey, and I suspect it will become this, as soon as their liquor license goes through (which will be soon). As of now, the lack of alcohol and daytime-only hours prevents Winghart’s from morphing into what it wants to be.

As it stands, the restaurant itself is mostly a lunch stop – my guess is that local professionals drop in to grab burgers to go quite often. Dining in is certainly an option, but the restaurant’s interior is less than impressive. The bar takes up most of the restaurant’s space, and patrons generally opt to enjoy their burgers right there. The staff is friendly enough that they’ll gladly engage in conversation with customers, if it isn’t too busy. Orders are placed at the bar itself, and when you’re order is ready, it’s served in the most bare bones way possible. I ordered The Shipwrecked Burger (more on that soon), which came packaged in a paper bag – no plate included.

The inside of the eatery is, quite frankly, ramshackle. Winghart’s may not be the cleanest restaurant; it’s certainly not the most refined. For starters, there’s a fireplace that seems as though it’s regurgitating ashes all over the floor on one side. The lighting is dim, even in the day; the feel is decidedly grungy, which is something that can’t be said for too many eateries in the ‘Burgh.

Anywhere else, all this may be off-putting, but the burger at Winghart’s is so good, its setting seems almost charming. As simple as the place may be, the food itself is obviously made of high quality ingredients. The “Shipwrecked” burger, which is named after a staff member, is probably Winghart’s most buzzed-about. A luscious combination of beef, brie, caramelized onions, arugla, and white truffle oil, this burger is definitely something new. Truffle oil and Brie happen to be two of my favorite things, and are probably two of the main reasons that I’ll be going back to Winghart’s in the near future. The bottom line is: Winghart’s has earned the right to come as it is: a place that seems to be in a perpetual state of shambles – because they’ve managed to put a new, excellent spin on a classic dining staple. They take the food more seriously than the digs, and it shows. The meat is perfectly cooked to order, and the fillings all blend together on a soft, buttery bun. The pizzas have been getting great reviews as well.

I think the very essence of Winghart’s lies in its contradictions; it’s a place that proves that you don’t need a gourmet location in order to serve up gourmet food. As the restaurant grows into a bar, I hope it retains this authenticity. Only time will tell, but as of now, Winghart’s is clearly filling a Pittsburgh niche that, up until now, has gone neglected.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri and Sat 11:30am-midnight, Sun 10:30-10pm
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Authentic Italian food and tradition and an ambiance which threatens to make any patron a regular make this family owned restaurant a local favorite. I would suggest sticking with the pizza, it’s what they do best! I was shocked to find that Del’s has a received bad rap on Urbanspoon, but I’ve been going there for delicious pizza and fun with friends since my sophomore year of college and don’t plan to stop any time soon.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm

A few blocks away from the main strip in Bloomfield lies a tiny hole-in-the-wall by the name of Alexander’s. This place serves Italian comfort food. No tricks, no slights of hand — just delicious (like Nonna used to make). Stop by in the spring, summer or fall and sit outside on the covered patio — it’s perfect for people watching! The “Pastabilities” (where you create your own pasta dish) are okay, but I suggest the Salmon with Walnut Pesto!

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-3pm

I first tasted J’eet’s clean and modern cuisine at Pittsburgh’s Hot House, 2009. I was so blown away, I waited in an obnoxiously long line twice to get seconds. I would have gone back for thirds, but their food was so delicious, they ran out of samples very quickly. J’eet (which, in Pittsburghese translates roughly to “did you eat?”) is a breakfast and lunch joint famous for their crepes. I happen to love them for their bold salad combinations and their Turkey Fig sandwich. That’s right, I said Turkey Fig. G’head and give it a try n’at!

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm, 4:30-9pm; Fri 11am-3pm, 4:30-10pm; Sat 4:30pm-10:30pm

Where food is art. The new kid on the block in late 2008, this adorable bistro burst on to the scene in style offering an inventive seasonal menu that never fails to impress. In my mind (and to my tummy), it takes a talented professional to make a good risotto. These guys pull it off quite well. Sausalido is also a BYOB restaurant which helps you save on the cost of indulging.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm

Sure, it may look like I’m just making my way down Liberty Avenue, but Tessaro’s is a must-try on this block. If being the consistent winner of the coveted “Best Burger in the Burgh” title and being featured on Serious Eats and Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” isn’t enough to convince you then maybe you’ll take my word for it: these burgers CAN’T be beat.

Blake is the opinionated foodaholic behind the Taste of Pittsburgh restaurant review blog. As a Steel City transplant originally from Chocolatetown, USA, she’s on an adventure to find the best kept culinary secrets of the city and revel in every bite.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 4pm-2am, Sunday closed
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With a strict budget of $40, we ventured to the South Side for a tapas treat at Ibiza Tapas and Wine Bar (cue record scratch of disbelief). It was a bold move for a budget meal, but we were on a mission.

The dining room was narrow, but elegant – typical of Pittsburgh’s main street restaurants. The large window in the front of the space worked well with the hanging lanterns and table candles to keep the dining room from being too dimly lit – but it certainly did its job to get our tummies growling.

Though Ibiza is a tapas and wine bar, we practiced restraint and kept from ordering wine. Alcohol tends to rack up the bill and we were determined to not let that happen.

We started with the Chorizo – or Spanish sausage – the second to least expensive tapas on the menu. The sausage was cooked with a hint of a crisp and gobs of Spanish flavors. Though we chose a slightly less expensive starter we didn’t feel as though we were settling at all. It was absolutely delicious.

After reviewing the menu, I was surprisingly attracted to the lowest price entrée, the Pork Chop with Spinach & Goat Cheese. PID went with gut decision, the New York Strip Steak with melted maitre d’hotel butter (which is fancy talk for butter, parsley, lemon juice and pepper).

Let me start by saying we thought this budget dinner was going to be a challenge. We’d eaten at Tapas restaurants in the ‘burgh before and paid an awful lot of money for an awfully unsatisfying amount of food. Not this time.

When our entrees arrived, our mouths dropped for all the right reasons. PID’s steak was absolutely enormous and I was beyond thrilled when two hearty chops were placed in front of me, covered with sautéed spinach, goat cheese and (wait for it…) cranberries!

We exchanged few words during the consumption of this meal mostly because we were enjoying it so much. One look from him after a juicy bite of steak and I knew he loved it – as well he should since his steak was cooked to perfection. Pork, in my mind, can be fickle. It’s one of the tastiest meats if it’s properly prepared and at Ibiza, paired with the saltiness of the spinach and sweetness of the goat cheese and cranberries, it was remarkable. It did not taste worthy of being the least expensive entrée on the menu. In fact, I thought I deserved to pay a lot more (not that I wanted to).

At the end of our meal, we decided against dessert. Not only to save money, but because we were already so satisfied. We presented our server with a $25 certificate that we had purchased at Restaurant.com for only $3. We thought we did pretty well!

Coupon	$3
Drinks:	$4
Appetizer:	Chorizo, $7
Entrée:	New York Strip Steak, $22
Entrée:	Pork Chops, $15
Coupon:	$-25
Tax:	$1.61
Tip:	$10 (Always tip on the total, prior to discount
Total:	$37.61

Overall Opinion:

Ibiza blew us away. Not only did we have one of the most delicious and satisfying meals in months, but we managed to do it well within budget. The dining room and outdoor patio were beautiful and we look forward to dining there again (maybe trying the wine next time…)!

After this experience, we’ve discovered there are 3 main steps to fine dining on a dime in Pittsburgh:

Step 1:

Utilize the resources to purchase restaurant coupons. Don’t just think about the obvious like Groupon. There are many local options as well like CBS Local Offers and more. Be sure to sign up for the e-mail alerts and downloading the Apps. With resources like these at your fingertips, you should never pay full price for a meal again!

Step 2:

Avoid the alcohol. At fine restaurants, cocktails and wine tend to be far over priced and often take your final bill to an unexpected level. Instead, look for BYOB or head out to a bar with specials after dinner.

Step 3:

Remember that less expensive does not always mean less satisfying. Some of the most delicious menu items are those with the lowest price tags. I experienced this tonight and will never forget it.

Blake is the opinionated foodaholic behind the Taste of Pittsburgh restaurant review blog. As a Steel City transplant originally from Chocolatetown, USA, she’s on an adventure to find the best-kept culinary secrets of the city and revel in every bite.

Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District

Between 6th and 10th Streets on Penn & Liberty Avenues in the Cultural District Downtown
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Enjoy this free quarterly showcase of art & entertainment in the heart of the Cultural District! You’ll find gallery exhibits, music, performances and lots of fun packed into roughly three square city blocks. Visit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s website for more information!

South Side Works Exposed

Town Square at South Side Works
In front of South Side Works Cinema and the Cheesecake Factory
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15203
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

The annual “Southside Works Exposed” event features local artists from I Made It! Market, musicians and bands on two stages, food vendors, sales and fun activities. Plus it’s free to attend! Visit the South Side Works website for more information!

Fresh Fridays at the Northside Farmers Market

At the corner of Cedar and E. North Avenue, East Allegheny/Deutschtown
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
Deal details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Enjoy free cooking demonstrations by local chefs, family art projects presented by neighborhood cultural institutions, and the 2011 Alcoa Environmental Series, featuring a variety of environmental organizations at this weekly summer event at the Northside Farmers Market! Visit Deutschtown.org for more information!

Culture Club

Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Avenue in Oakland
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213
Deal details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Join arts professionals for cocktails and conversation focusing on a new topic each month. The $10 admission price includes your admission and two drink tickets! Visit the Carnegie Museum’s website for more information!

Stars at Riverview

Riverview Park in Observatory Hill, off of Perrysville Avenue
Riverview Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214
Deal Details from LivingPittsburgh.com

Catch free live jazz concerts in Riverview Park all summer long, right in front of the Allegheny Observatory! Visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website for more information!