I'm tryin' this. Here's why: it allows you to bring hot, evidently delicious asparagus to the table without last-minute preparation.
To me, one major key to successful dinners with guests is to have only 1 item requiring last-minute attention. So, I love finding good dishes that are flexible enough to be served whenever my risotto decides to be perfectly done!
Thanks!
Just a quick "heads-up": while following the Cooks Illustrated method for baking bread in a Dutch oven, the plastic handle on the lid of my le Creuset popped apart into two pieces.
You may wish to remove the handle when using this technique.
Folks should be aware that Primanti Bros puts both fries AND cole slaw on your sandwich! But don't expect "serious eats" there. It's sorta like Pgh's version of the Philly cheesesteak: it's local "diner" fare -- nothing fancy. In fact, it's downright sloppy.
Also, please be advised that the "Strip District" is not at all what it sounds like! It's a "strip" of land along the Allegheny River where all the wholesale markets are (Penn & Smallman streets). The dry goods in the Asian markets are as varied as we have here in north Jersey. There's also a local coffee roaster there who does a heckuva local and internet business. "Lydia's" is indeed in "The Strip," but don't expect anything like the Bastianich places in NYC.
And I can't believe nobody's mentioned the South Side! To the extent that Pittsburgh has a "happenin'" neighborhood, that's it. Just drive along E. Carson St., about 10 blocks or so either side of 18th. Go much further to the East and you'll be in a "new" area where it's all chain stores & restaurants. I can particularly recommend "Nakama" for sushi (and the wonderful chocolatier 1/2 block east) and "Le Pommier" for French.
While in the South Side, go west along Carson until you reach one of the 2 inclines that will take you up to the top of Mt. Washington. It's cheap, fun, and you get stunning views of Pgh. While up there, you can enjoy a number of more formal restaurants. "Monterey Bay Fish Grotto" is always a good place to take your parents!
And, if you go through the Liberty Tubes and into the South Hills (not to be confused with the South Side), go on to Mt. Lebanon and have Minneo's Pizza. My Dad used to bring us take out from there onceinawhile when I was a kid -- and I'm talkin' 30-some years ago! It was right by the trolley stop, and he could walk to our house in Mission Hills. Mmmm, nice memories!
The coolest thing about Pittsburgh is that you can park centrally and walk to all these places. The Strip and the South Side are at opposite ends of the city, but it's no more than a 30-40 minute walk -- and a very nice one, right through the city center.
Good luck!
I won't "hammer" any vegetable and especially asparagus that for me, must be tender-crisp. Over-cooked asparagus is soft and shreds into long unappetizing lengths - very poor 'mouth feel'. Grilled asparagus aren't 'hammered' on my grill but just heated through and succulent with a glistening anointment of of olive oil. Over-cooking any vegetable is a sacrilege.
you can buy an all metal le creuset pot knob for about 8 bucks at bed bath and beyond or williams sonoma. i replaced the plastic knob on my rachael ray dutch oven just for baking bread.
I recently made Jim Lahey's (from the Sullivan Street Bakery in NYC) No Knead bread. (http://thecuttingedgeofordinary.blogspot.com/2008/04/this-is-yet-another-recipe-from-new.html). There's a few photos on my blog. It came out wonderful! Cripsy and delicious - the best bread I've made so far. I used a cast iron dutch oven to make mine.
@susquehanna, regarding Bourdain:
Yes, I was really frustrated too. I guess that it was to be expected, with a young crowd of line cooks. Though I probably wouldn't mind having a beer with Tony, that is for sure! I think that he was probably slightly amused but I'm sure he thought it was a little obnoxious and was being gracious. I also, was a little too shy - the girl next to me asked a question. Although, after I got home, I thought of the perfect question: "Was the photo shoot in My Last Supper your idea?" :)
@Susquehanna:
My husband and I were at the Bourdain lecture last night too. I was also seated in the second balcony, right in front of a group of restaurant folk who were so rowdy they made it hard to hear his responses during the Q&A. I think anyone who has read his books or watched NR fairly often has heard what he had to say before, though he certainly has his schtick down pat! We did enjoy the lecture despite the lame Q&A.
please, for the love of all that is holy, visit Uncle Sam's Subshop in Oakland (near Pitt campus). I lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years, and now live in Philly, and I have to say Uncle Sam's steak and their fries kick Philly's "authentic" variety to the curb.
Spice Island is also in Oakland, and has pretty good Burmese/Thai/Chinese food. Tip: skip the noodles and get a curry or the 5 spice chicken, very very good and you won't pay more than $10 for a big meal. Also extensive tea menu.
Southside (Carson St) is great, lots of energy and interesting people, and amazing restaurants. Perfect place for a night on the town.
@Littlebluesiren: I was at Bourdain's lecture. Up in the second balcony. Weren't you frustrated with the audience's lame questions? Nobody asked about projects he may be developing, Top Chef, his best frenemy Ruhlman, or what it's like being a new dad. Shyness kept me from the Q & A mike. Wish I wasn't that way.
Anyway, the Pgh line cook contingent was out in full force! Can you believe how they were begging the man to go out for drinks with them or to "come back to my restaurant"? Do you think he was genuinely amused with this -- 'cause he was laughing pretty hard -- or was he just smitten with how pathetic the quality of the Q & A had become? Maybe it's a common thing at his public appearances.
@anybody: Did anybody else go to Bourdain's Drue Heinz lecture?
I used to live in Pittsburgh in my 5 years at CMU and I just have to toss in my 2 cents about some of the places already mentioned:
1) Church Brew Works: Take the trip. Beautiful atmosphere, some very good food (I really enjoyed their venison meatloaf the one time I went), and some excellent beer as well. For me that's really something because I really don't like most beers!
2) Chaya: I went there numerous times with my friends when we decided that Friday night meant emptying our wallets and eating big. While you may have to wait for seating at dinner hours (usually crowded) it's worth it. Absolutely magnificent food, spot-on every time. The sushi boats are quite a sight to behold and are quite fresh.
3) Lulu's: Yup, a fine place for the collegiate crowd to go for some good Pan-Asian eats. Very reasonable prices, some excellent takes on old classics. I still miss their wonton soup quite a bit, mostly because it involved bonito broth instead as well as many other veggies and ingredients I usually don't expect. Quite flavorful!
Great, now I miss the ol' place. Guess I'll have to go back eventually to catch up with friends and food!
I can't believe how late I'm coming to this post, but I also live in Pittsburgh and can't say enough about the food scene. Everyone has really wonderful suggestions, so I'm only going to add two places that I dont' think were mentioned:
Udipi Cafe in Monroeville - South Indian diner, amazing dosas and uthappam
Legume Bistro in Regent Square - french/italian country cooking, with a commitment to the local and seasonal
The Strip, as mentioned, is the mecca of food in the city.
I just came back from the Bourdain lecture and I am so happy to read this post and see all the connections to Pittsburgh on SE. Now I want to go and have a meal with you all!
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