Discovering Pittsburgh: Mineo's Pizza

 Discovering Pittsburgh, food  No Responses »
May 042009
 

One of the great things about Pittsburgh is that it's a true melting-pot of cultures, in large part thanks to the communities that had built up around the mills back in the day, and the influx of foreign students in the major universities today.  What that means is there are many non-chain options for food in almost every community, even in arenas such as pizza where the mega-chains dominate so many other regions.

One of the local pizza places that clearly rises above the rest is Mineo's Pizza House, with two locations, one of which is thankfully within walking distance of my house!  Mineo's offers up a hearty and tasty pizza, which can be a little pricey (around $17 for a large), but is well worth it.  They load you up with cheese and toppings, and we have never been disappointed.  And it goes further than you think.  A large should be able to feed 4 hungry adults, which is further than any large chain pizza will get you. 

In addition to my high praise, Mineo's has also won numerous local awards in their 50+ years in the 'burgh.  And if you can't make it to Pittsburgh, or our house for dinner, then you can always order a pizza from them to be FedEx-ed overnight so you can try it yourself.

If you're a lover of pizza, then I highly recommend trying Mineo's at least once (especially the pepperoni!).  You definately won't be disappointed.

Discovering Pittsburgh: Primanti Brothers

 Discovering Pittsburgh  No Responses »
Feb 262009
 

When you talk about food unique to Pittsburgh, it's hard not to bring up Primanti Brothers.  Primanti's is to Pittsburgh what the cheese steak is to Philly.  It's essentially a whole meal in a sandwich:

  • Fresh Italian Bread
  • Grilled Meat & Cheese (Your choice of many options.)
  • Fresh French Fries
  • Cole Slaw (Vinegar Style)
  • Tomato

Slam all that in your mouth, and you're good to go!  My favorite is definitely the Cap 'n' Cheese.  Not only is it their best seller, but if you splash a little cayenne pepper sauce on it as you eat it, it becomes a little slice of artery-clogging heaven.

And even nicer is that Primanti's is a local chain, meaning you can go to a number of different locations, but still find the same quality.  Even the stadiums won't deny you your Primanti's fix!

If you've never had one of the beauties, and you find yourself passing through Pittsburgh, then I strongly advise doing what you can to hit up a Primanti's shop.  It's nothing fancy, but it is great food!

Discovering Pittsburgh: Frick Park

 Discovering Pittsburgh  No Responses »
Aug 222008
 

Around Pittsburgh, there are four major city parks:

  • Schenley Park in the heart of Oakland by the campuses of Pitt and Carnegie Mellon
  • North Park in the North hills of the city
  • South Park in the South hills of the city
  • and Frick Park to the East of downtown

While all of them are great parks (I've spent a fair amount of time in each of them), Frick Park is definitely the most distinct of the four. While the other three have a multitude of facilities (courts and fields for sports, numerous playgrounds, golf courses, dog parks and many other “built” features), the vast majority of Frick Park is simply woods with trails. All times of the year, it's a great place to be in the city, but still be able to “get away”.

Frick Park is named for Henry Clay Frick, a man who made his fortune by starting a company to sell coke (produced from coal) for steel manufacturing. He was also friends with banker Andrew Mellon and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, both of whom have also left indelible marks on the city of Pittsburgh. Upon his death in 1919, he donated 150 acres to be used for a city park, and it has now grown to over 600 acres over the years since then thanks to the fund he left behind to maintain the park.

The park is truly one of the overlooked treasures of the city. It doesn't get all the recognition and events that Schenley Park does, but I find it an absolute joy to explore. My favorite thing to do in Frick Park is to take our dog Jake for a long walk, wearing him out and letting him enjoy new smells and meeting new dogs. Even on a beautiful Saturday morning, the park may be “busy” but is never crowded.

So if you're looking for a new place to explore the outdoors without having to leave the city, Frick Park is the place for you. You won't regret making the trip, wherever you're coming from.

Discovering Pittsburgh: Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

 Discovering Pittsburgh  No Responses »
May 072008
 

grandviewPic Last week at my job, we had one of our clients in town.  Looking for a nice place in town to take them, we decided on the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, a beautiful seafood restaurant that sits up on the top of Mount Washington overlooking downtown Pittsburgh.

First of all, the view is simply amazing.  From our table, we had a direct view of all of downtown, the two stadiums (Heinz Field and PNC Park), and could see for miles in the distance.

Secondly, they have some of the best seafood in town.  To make a point of it, I say that and I don't even like seafood.  However, everything I've tried there has been excellent.  That includes tuna, swordfish, Maryland crab cakes, shrimp and calamari.  Seeing as I avoid seafood almost everywhere else, that is quite the ringing endorsement.

And yes, while it is definitely among the more expensive restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, it is well worth the price.  Whether you're out to enjoy a special evening, impress a client, or simply indulge yourself, the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is one of the premier places in Pittsburgh to consider.

Discovering Pittsburgh: Sesame Inn

 Discovering Pittsburgh  No Responses »
Apr 192008
 

The Sesame Inn has the best Chinese food in Pittsburgh, hands down.  And that's not just one man's opinion, as they have a series of awards to prove it.  Their General Tso's Chicken is simply amazing, and I've enjoyed everything else I've tried there.  The boiled dumpling appetizers are also extremely good, and a favorite of my wife.  That's no small task as we regularly frequent the restaurant because one of their four locations is within walking distance of my home.  And the quality is consistent, as I've eaten at three of the four locations.

It may not be the cheapest Chinese food in the area, but the prices are still reasonable with most of the meals coming in under $15.

The Sesame Inn also has some sentimental value for my wife and I as well, as it's the place that we had our first date a little over 5 years ago.

So if you're in Pittsburgh and enjoy good Chinese food, definitely stop by the Sesame Inn.  You won't be disappointed.

Discovering Pittsburgh

 Discovering Pittsburgh  No Responses »
Apr 182008
 

pittsburgh

I've now been living in Pittsburgh for nearly 6 years, and I'm constantly amazed by what can be found in this city.  While there are plenty of chain stores and restaurants, they are not nearly as abundant as I've seen in most other cities I've visited, and it's one of my favorite things about the city.  There's always new secrets to come across.

From time to time, I'll be highlighting some of my favorite restaurants and locations in and around the city.  With so much to discover, it's hard to find all the good stuff on your own.

So keep your eyes peeled for the occasional update about some the Pittsburgh's best features.