Lifestyle • June 14, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! June Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

Follow me on this journey of tasting new things and learning more about the city I love! Feel free to use this game with your own family or friends and share below the amazing places you find throughout your travels!

-JUNE-

Yesterday we enjoyed our monthly dinner and it was Rachael’s restaurant choice this month. We started the evening at Emerson’s in Market Square, located on the second level. We climbed the long stairway and were pleasantly impressed by the space.

It felt like a big city eatery with a long bar, a mixture of of high top and regular tables, conversation areas with overstuffed furniture and a fireplace. The walls were interesting, some nicely finished and others ancient, scraped old paint with exposed piping. We had great service. The food was adequate but not impressive.

Rachael started with a refreshing, light mango cocktail. ($12)

We shared the mezze platter, a generous portion of mediocre hummus, artichoke hearts, grape leaves, assorted fresh vegetables, feta and grilled pita. ($20) The crispy Brussel sprouts topped with Parmesan were very good. ($10)

We shared the stuffed pork chop topped with a touch of pear miso sauce, plated with roasted heirloom carrots. ($28) If I would return I would stop for the ambiance and a drink and appetizer.

Then we headed to the Art Festival and it was a nice evening to stroll through the vendors.

Dessert was a must—a funnel cake. Very disappointing, odd texture, greasy and light on the powdered sugar.

We enjoyed a bit of it, saw a few of Rachael’s friends and listened to a little music. Overall a pleasant evening out.

Until next month, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • May 3, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! May Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-MAY-

This will be our New Orleans edition of the monthly dinner blog and it was my choice for dinner. We had a fun afternoon of meandering through the shops and listening to some street music. The culture here is so different that it is actually fun to watch the sights pass by. Of course we have to visit Cafe du Monde. During Covid-19 they were bagging the beignets and they just did not taste the same. Thankfully, they are back to table service. We heard some fun piano music and stopped to listen to Big Joe Kennedy at Mahogany’s Jazz Hall. Good Hands for reflexology is out of this world. We have been visiting them for a number of years. Sore feet are a regular occurrence in a city where you walk for hours and we enjoy the hours immensely, often more than once per trip.

Then we made it to our monthly dinner at Gianna’s. It is a pretty place with great service.

We started with tasty beef shank arancini and chopped salad with salami, artichokes and cheese with some kick to it. Our dinner was veal saltimbocca with capers, accompanied by pasta bordelaise.

The lamb lasagna with mushrooms and bechamel was good but underwhelming but the side salad was good. Everything was fresh and was plated well.

We planned to visit another place for coffee and dessert but it was close to 10PM and they stopped serving.

On to next month, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • April 13, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! April Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-APRIL-

This month was Rachael’s choice of restaurants and she picked the Ritual House Downtown in the Union Trust Building, next to the Omni William Penn. They had really nice service, a friendly, attentive waitress. Fun decor with murals by local artists and unusual dessert presentations. Appetizer and dinner menu could be a little better rounded.

Really enjoyed what we did eat – meatloaf with mashed potatoes ($28) and lobster pot pie with a flaky crust ($38).

Desserts were seven layer chocolate cake ($18) and baked Alaska topped with table side torched cotton candy ($18). Prices moderate to slightly high. Music a little too loud, had to concentrate on conversation.

Next we headed to the Puttery in the Strip District. Adult indoor miniature golf and restaurant, nice concept. The decor in funky and there are 3 courses and skill levels, the lodge, the garage and the library. The courses are 9 short holes. The food looked good but we were definitely full.

Until next month, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • March 6, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! March Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-MARCH-

Last evening we went to our monthly dinner and it was my choice. I have had Olives & Peppers on my restaurant list for quite some time and this was it! Located in Trafford, it is an easy drive off of Route 30 once you navigate the Squirrel Hill tunnel out of the city. I was surprised with the size of the restaurant. It is located in a strip mall and is large, a great looking bar area and a large modern dining room, with my era music playing at a nice audible level to hear but easy enough to have a conversation.

They have an attentive wait staff and the artwork on the walls bring a smile to your face. They are classic pieces with added pasta overlays, see above our photo.

Nice, warm bread with whipped butter was brought to share.

The warm bake burrata cheese was scrumptious, circled with crispy focaccia, topped with fire roasted tomatoes, roasted red peppers, basil pesto and balsamic reduction. ($9) Delicious!!

The meatball parmesan—as Justin Lee would say, “the meatballs are the size of your head”. Seriously they were as big as a soft ball. Three of them. We split one and each took them home. ($16) We wanted some pasta with our meatballs so the waitress suggested a child size portion of Tortiglioni. ($9)

Piccata chicken included wedding soup (already pictured), very good, hot and loaded with chicken and meatballs. The piccata was light and lemony with capers served over a bed of parmesan risotto. ($22)

There was a nice multi generational family seated next to us and we all enjoyed talking about our food and chuckling about the portion size. Rachael and I both said we would definitely return. Their pizzas looked tempting, to be tried next time.

Off to Irwin to McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate and Ice Cream. A cute little shop, they serve Perry’s ice cream and a nice variety of chocolates. Their sign said they offer cake decorating classes.

On March 1 we sat at a table on the sidewalk to eat our ice cream!! It was a lovely evening in the 60’s. Until next time, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • February 9, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! February Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-FEBRUARY-

We had an interesting beginning to our monthly dinner. It was Rachael’s month to pick the place. Online it listed Cadence Cellars on Smallman as open but when we arrived the door was locked! Now what? We decided that we had not been to PaPa J’s in such a long time and since it is a new location that it was a go. We had a nice, attentive server. The appetizer list looked good so we ordered three appetizers and shared an entree.

We started with their home baked bread, served with an olive oil/balsamic dipping sauce with olives, very good.

Our apps were greens & beans ($11.99), meatballs ($9.99), and a buffalo mozzarella with, once again, their warm crusty grilled bread. We shared mmmm’s many times enjoying each bite.

Then we shared the Napolitana pasta ($14.99), rigatoni with red sauce mixed with mozzarella and provolone with a side of sausage ($5). The sausage, rigatoni and hot gooey cheese hit the spot.

We topped it off with gelato. Rachael hazelnut/pistachio and me chocolate caramel coconut/blood orange. Not the tastiest gelato. ($5.50 each)

We really enjoyed our dinner and the portions were very generous that we both had leftovers to enjoy again.

As a side note, after dinner we went to the new Pins Mechanical Company in the South Side Works. What fun! Two floors of pinball, duckpin bowling, giant Jenga, bocce, a bar and adult size slides from the second to the first floor and more…. Give it a try! Fun for all ages.

Until next time, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • January 17, 2023

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! January Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-JANUARY-

Happy New Year everyone! We hope all of you have a happy and healthy 2023.

Speaking of health, in case you missed us for our December blog, I was out of commission. I had pneumonia and was in the hospital! We’re back but we’re kind of lame for our New Year kick off dinner. It was my pick. I chose Blue Sky Kitchen and Bar in East Liberty. It was more casual than I expected. The food was decent but the service was really off.

Rachael started with a cute apple pie drink with a salted caramel rim. Unfortunately, she said it was mediocre. ($12)

For our appetizer we ordered burrata with a balsamic reduction over arugula and mixed greens served with nice grilled bread slices. Very tasty. ($13)

Rachael had the French dip and fries as her main course. She commented on the fresh roll and the great quality of beef. ($16)

I ordered a Caesar salad with salmon. It was a generous portion but nothing out of the ordinary. ($18)

We passed on dessert!?! We both laughed and said we need to step it up for next month.

Until then….cheers!

Lifestyle • November 11, 2022

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! November Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-NOVEMBER-

This month was Rachael’s pick and we decided to keep it light. Apps and drinks. We went to Ruby’s Wine House in Coraopolis, cute place with nice patio space and heaters. It was a warm fall evening so we chose to dine outside.

Rachael ordered a Malbec and I had a biscotti coffee that was very tasty.

We ordered bruschetta ($11.99), a goat cheese and onion tart ($10.99), meatballs with a dollop of ricotta ($13.99), greens and beans ($12.99) and arancini stuffed with prosciutto ($13.99). They were all very good, generous portions but could have been served a little hotter. We took plenty home! Attentive service. Nice place to dine and relax.

We shopped a bit and stopped at Remember When in Robinson for ice cream. They make their own and we enjoyed it. They offer a variety of soft serve and hard ice cream, fruit whip and coffee.

I had my normal hot fudge sundae and Rachael had a chocolate peanut brownie ice cream hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top. They were short staffed so the poor guy who was scooping all of that ice cream surely went home tired at the end of the night!

Until next time, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • October 13, 2022

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! October Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-OCTOBER-

This month was my pick and this is a special one. Rachael and I are in the Big Apple. What fun! We are staying at the MSocial right off of Times Square.

When we arrived we were hungry; so we started at Angelia’s, an Italian bakery full of beautiful pastries, sandwiches, delicious pizza and gelato.

Then, we were off to see the city; walking on Fifth Avenue, making a stop at Rockefeller Center, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, window shopping on Madison Avenue, and indulging in luscious cocktails at Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel.

Dinner was at Gallagher’s Steak House, right next to our hotel. It is an old time, rich dark wood establishment with 100’s of photos of movie stars and sports figures hanging everywhere. The service is impeccable. Our starters were a beet and arugula salad, a little too light on flavor, and French onion soup that was delicious.

We both ordered a 10oz filet mignon, grilled perfectly with a side of onion rings.

And then off to see the Music Man at the Winter Garden Theatre, starring Hugh Jackman. And yes, he was fabulous!

We made our way through the crowds at Times Square to sit on the bleachers and listen to a band complete with flags and costumes with large feather headdresses to take in the sights. And oh the sights we did see!

We waited in line to go to the Stardust. It is not the most beautiful place but the waiters all take turns singing and do a great job.

We shared a very mediocre hot fudge sundae AND have been there before but it is always fun. Our waiter sang a tune from the Phantom of the Opera.

After a long, fun day we headed back to the hotel to take in a view from our rooftop deck and to rest our feet and get a good night’s sleep.

Back to normal next month and until then, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • September 13, 2022

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! September Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-SEPTEMBER-

It was a really nice Fall-like evening on the night of our monthly dinner and Pittsburgh was bustling with activity. Nice to see! We took a quick walk through the new Target Downtown. Certainly not Kaufmann’s, but it is a nice bright store and will serve residents and workers of the city well. It is small and they kept the old flooring that is really unattractive.

This month was Rachael’s choice of restaurants. We started our night at Sally Ann’s, one of the DeShantz group eateries located at the former site of Pork n Beans in the Cultural District. The restaurant has a really cute, open floor space with plenty of outdoor seating.

When you enter it says “Order Here”. They give you a number and serve your food at the table. They offer a cafe menu with a wide array of crafted coffees, a full bar, and self-serve soft drinks.

For starters, we shared the avocado hummus served with crunchy bread. ($11) Interesting flavor.

I ordered the pastrami reuben. ($16) It was delicious. Rachael ordered the Italian hero that she claimed was the best Italian-type sub that she had eaten in a long time. ($17) Very pleasant.

Then we headed to the North Side to Siempre Algo for dessert. We cracked up when we walked in and realized that we had been there before: a “No-No” with our monthly dinner rules. But, oh well. We indulged!!

They welcomed us by serving a complimentary glass of champagne and prosecco–nice touch.

Rachael ordered a chocolate hazelnut dessert served with strawberry sorbet and strawberries. ($11) Just OK. Left some on the plate–unusual not to finish dessert! I really had a treat, a pavlova, one of my favorites. It was HUGE! We did not finish that either. The meringue was plentiful, topped with fantastic tart lemon curd, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. ($12) I was in heaven and will return but will need help to finish it.

Until next time, stay safe and happy eating!

Lifestyle • August 17, 2022

Restaurant Roulette with Suzanne! August Issue!

by Suzanne Lorenzi Sala

There are 3 rules to the game:

1) Every month one person picks the places to dine.

2) No one in the group could have eaten there before.

3) Everyone splits the bill.

-AUGUST-

It was my pick this month and we enjoyed a lovely evening for our monthly dinner. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that it was Restaurant Week! I decided on Revival on Lincoln in Bellevue. What a beautiful place to dine, and we lucked out with great weather. Our gracious waiter shared with us that this was originally a residence, then a funeral home, sat vacant for about 10 years and then underwent a huge renovation by the current owner. A photo collage hangs by the second story ladies room showing all of the stages of the remake. Wow! What a gorgeous, grand building with much of the original woodwork, fireplaces, coffered ceilings and lead and stained glass windows. Stunning!!

The dining was really nice but comfortable, not stuffy and there were various small dining areas, a nice outdoor patio and a private building to accommodate a small party that was built by the original owners as a ladies dress shop for their daughter’s first venture. A man played show tunes on the patio and it really added to the ambiance.

The 3 course Prix-Fixe Menu, for $40.22 included a choice of 3 courses. Rachael ordered the tomato mozzarella basil salad and I had the tenderloin of pork tonnato – a blended tuna sauce, olive oil, parsley and sweety drop peppers. It was plated well and was absolutely delicious.

As a second course I chose a breast of chicken and Rachael ordered the Chesapeake style crab cake, served on a bed of vegetable rice pilaf and creamed spinach. She said hers was all crab meat and was outstanding.

Dessert was pleasant, a lemon curd bar topped with fresh raspberries and a chocolate mousse. This was a nice find and we had a really nice visit to Revival on Lincoln. Check it out.

Until next time, stay safe and happy eating!

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