PGH Dining: Grandview Bakery

Heads up - This will be a retrospective post. When James was here, visiting from Texas, we stopped in on a late, rainy morning, to have a second {or third?} breakfast before diving in to a noon beer. It was Pittsburgh's Craft Beer Week after all. 

We'd heard about Grandview Bakery from a random party-goer at one of my coworker's Mustache Party/BBQ {?!}, and sampled a chocolate cupcake and a peanut butter kiss cookie. I finished off two of the cookies, and vowed to visit the next time we were up on Mount Washington. It just so happened, we were there, after riding the Duquesne Incline.

We stepped into the bakery/store and walked immediately up to the colorful case of baked goods.

Gorgeous.

PGH Dining: Bar Marco

If you're walking in the right direction on the right street in Pittsburgh, you'll be lucky enough to see Bar Marco.  Walk in, sit down, and order a drink, because this is an experience all to itself.

PGH Dining: SMOKE Barbeque Taqueria

We visited SMOKE Barbeque Taqueria on a weeknight, mainly because I didn't feel like cooking. Husband wanted something comforting, so what else do folks raised in Texas do? Go to a place that serves tacos.  

 SMOKE is in Homestead, which is something of a journey from Lawrenceville. {I realize you're jumping for joy to hear we went somewhere outside of our neighborhood.} Across the river and down the street in Homestead is an unsuspecting storefront, adjacent to empty shops, where SMOKE makes it's home. If you don't slow down, you might miss it.

 Inside the small, cozy restaurant is about 15 seats, some of which are at a bar/counter. You order from a two-page menu, and pay cash. {ATMs are nearby} This paying cash business can be a nuisance to some, but it helped us not go overboard because we just had a $20 on us. It's also BYOB, so be sure to have more foresight than we did and be stuck without some nice Mexican beers. {There is a beer store around the corner, though, if you're really in need.}

 Step up to order,

 under the cute chicken wire light fixture.

 Husband ordered a Mexican Coke, and I stuck with water. 

 We ordered their macaroni and cheese, and three tacos:

 Look at that setup!

 The macaroni and cheese was delicious, and was gone within minutes. It was right up our alley, with lots of coarsely cracked black pepper bits scattered throughout. 

Beef Brisket Taco

Vegetarian Taco

Migas with Chorizo.

 Fluffy white tortillas, with hot, flavorful filling. Winners. All three tacos were good, but the veggie taco was my favorite, featuring avocado, black beans and bruised cilantro leaves. 

Glass-Based Lamp

 The atmosphere is cozy, which is a nice way to say it was tight. This is a good way to meet people, however, since you're sharing elbow room at the bar seats. There were so few seats in the house, and SMOKE is still super popular - so you can see those two factors don't make for an easy seating. If I were the owners of SMOKE, I would line both sides of the bar with stools, adding at least 4 more seats. That's just my two cents!

 Neighborhood: Homestead/Munhall

Good For: Meeting people, BYOB

Gems: Vegetarian Tacos

Drawbacks: Seating

 

PGH Dining: The Sewickley Cafe

Yes, I'm still writing about Sewickley. It seems like we were there ages ago, but I still have so much to say. Maybe by this weekend I'll be finished, and can get back to city musings. 

Husband and I grabbed an early lunch at The Cafe Gourmet Provisions Sewickley The Sewickley Cafe, located on one of the main drags of the town, Beaver Street. As more people piled in, we discovered there was patio seating in the back {which would had been lovely on a sparkling, sunny day like that.} Instead, we sat at a table near the wall, and took in the long bar, open kitchen and cold case full of layered cakes. We made a mental note.

 We decided to try and order something healthy, but completely lost that thought when we saw the chicken salad and truffled fries. Now, I've had a truffled fry in my time, and could have chosen to pass these up. But, I'm glad I didn't. 

 They were delicious. Crispy, and odorous with that truffly stink. Loved it. 

The chicken was in chunks, which is fine in my book. I can eat this version or the milled-up kind and be happy. This particular chicken salad had a mayonnaise dressing, and featured halved purple grapes. 

Seeded bread crust.

 We also shared the coconut shrimp salad. That's healthy, right? Shrimp? Lettuce? Well, it does have fried shrimp and a butter croissant, but it was light and fresh. We were pleased with the tart dressing that accompanied it, too.

 Finally, since everything had gone to hell in a hand basket, we ordered a large, thick slice of lemon cake. {Which strangely turned out to look strikingly like birthday cake.}

 I'm not a fan of the fluffy, Cool Whip-like icing this cake was covered in, but that didn't stop me from taking a few bites. The lemon flavor of the cake came shining through, but Husband finished it off.

There are so many food options to try in Sewickley, and The Sewickley Cafe holds it's own. My one comment would be for management to consider a less confusing logo, and maybe stick with featuring just the name of the restaurant. Too many words confuse people!

Neighborhood: Sewickley

Good For: Brunch, Lunch

Gems: Patio Seating, Cake

Drawbacks: What is this place called?

 

PGH Dining: Dozen Bake Shop

This past weekend, Husband and I went shopping to grab a few things for the guest room. On our trip, we stopped for a snack at Dozen Bake Shop in LoLa. {I just love saying LoLa.} We walked into an empty shop, and I did a silent hoo-rah because I knew I'd be able to take photos and ask questions at my leisure. {How lucky on a Saturday!} There were two young folks manning the counter, who had great attitudes. We began to eye the treats behind the glass:

Blueberry-topped Danishes.

Cinnamon Rolls. Can you imagine these heated up?!

Peanut Butter Bars and Chocolate Brownies.

Dog Treats!

Do you see the Poptarts?

 But, let's be real. We were there for the cupcakes. 

Saturday's Cupcakes. 

Dozen has a schedule for their cupcakes, to keep the sweetness in order. Saturday's cupcakes are: Vanilla Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Pumpkin Chai, Chocolate Maple & Bacon, Cosmo, and Vegan Mostness. It's nice to see they have a vegan option every day.

Trays of Treats on the way to order.

 As we stepped up to order, we sampled a hazelnut and fruit biscotti, which tasted like it was only once-baked, not twice. Perfect for me, because I didn't have coffee to dip it in, and soak it soft.

 After much debate, we finally ordered a Pumpkin Chai and a Chocolate Maple & Bacon. 

 The Pumpkin Chai cupcake was a star. It had great pumpkin-y flavor, which wasn't overpowered by "pumpkin pie spice" that people usually throw in by obligation. The chai spices were a proactive replacement of these usual culprits, and it matched the pumpkin base. This flavor will always make it into the boxes I buy from now on.

Pumpkin Chai.

Chocolate Maple & Bacon.

The Chocolate Maple & Bacon was like a mini competition in itself. The maple and bacon icing was incredible, and the chocolate cake had bacon shards and a hint of coffee...how can you reconcile this in your mind?! 

The icing consistency on both cupcakes was that of what dreams are made of {for me}. It was thick, sugary, and had intense flavor. Probably my favorite cupcake icing of all time. The cake was good, but wasn't able to match that icing. 

While we were in the shop, I briefly spoke to Megan Hart of TLC's Next Great Baker, who was on her way out for the day. If you're reading this now, Megan, I apologize for the absolutely ridiculous comment I made - I was struck by the celebrity bug, and shot my mouth off. Thanks for being so kind with your answer! 

Up next on my list at Dozen Bake Shop, I'll have to try the Elvis and the East End Chocolate Stout. Husband plans to order the Salted Caramel and the Lemon Drop. We may have to stop by for a happy hour for $2 spiked cupcakes!

PGH Dining: Legume Bistro

Husband and I went on a spur-of-the-moment dinner date on a weeknight to Legume Bistro {on Leap Day}, and made reservations via Open Table thirty minutes prior. The location in Oakland is fairly new, and it's evident it's in a space that's been remodeled. The tables are covered in white tablecloths, and the walls look up-to-date; however, the ceiling tiles and floor need work. The hostess and our waitress were both knowledgeable and pleasant. 

Leap Day Menu.

Their menu looked interesting and fresh, and we were happy with their wine choices. 

Wine List.

The small plates and side dishes looked the most appealing to us, so we ordered a meal of just that. I started with the Maine-Style clam chowder, and Husband chose the vegetarian mushroom soup.

Chowder.

Mushroom Soup.

The chowder was very clammy, which is just how I like it. Husband's soup had a nice depth.

We then moved on to the small plate of duck confit with kumquat-shallot marmalade and an escarole salad. Luscious! {What else can a confit be?} 

A small crock of brussel sprouts came next.

Filled with bacon and butter! Yum!

Then, maple glazed carrots hit the table. 

Finally, we finished our dinner with another appetizer of pork and pistachio pate. It was more of a terrine, but was still flavorful and lovely. 

Each dish was a buttery composition of fresh vegetables with a savory sauce. At several points during the meal I tried to fool myself into thinking I was eating healthy because it was vegetables, but that was a complete lie. A tasty lie.

We ended the meal with the salted caramel pot de creme, which was decorated with espresso meringues. 

Husband loved this dessert, but it was a smidge too rich for me. I could only take two bites!

Legume Bistro was laid-back enough for a quick weeknight dinner, but could be great for a double date or dinner with a girlfriend. If you're looking for a vegetable-rich or healthy dinner, don't be confused by Legume's name - the dishes here are buttery and creamy. You've been warned! Enjoy!

Dashes and Dots: March

I'd be a little late on getting this post out if it were a February post, but I've been working full-time {and completely forgot!}...so, this will be my March Dashes and Dots post! Forgive me!


{1.} Atelier Glass Studio has so many lovely items I am lusting after! I'd like to revisit their store soon to outfit the house with glass creations.

{2.} I'm a big fan of "local" art, and I'd love to hang this on my wall:

Source: etsy.com via Cristin {Ashley} on Pinterest

{Are we friends on Pinterest? If not, we should be!}

{3.} Much later this year, Husband and I are planning to make a trip to Seven Springs with some friends! Since this year's "winter" hasn't been much to speak of, we'll try again later this year. It seems like a incredibly fun place. Bring on the spiked hot cocoa and snowboard lessons!

{4.} I still need to have a celebratory dinner at Meat and Potatoes, and STAT!

{5.} Guess what! {A Dash of Spectacular} is now a RANKED BLOG on UrbanSpoon for Pittsburgh. Check me out!

{6.} Thanks to my fabulous Husband, I've booked two De-Knotting Neck & Back massages with this spa in Sewickley! I can't wait for our appointment!

{7.} I'm wishing I had these shoes to begin spring in PGH...but I need these shoes more! The Pittsburgh Half Marathon is less than 2 months away! Eek!

In other news, I've finished my first week at my new job! Since it's with a University, I have today off in honor of their Spring Holiday. The perks have already started!

Also, good luck and best wishes to the Texas Style Council  {TxSC} this weekend!