Winghart’s Burger and Whiskey Bar

Posted on by Jenny MacBeth

My foodie partner, Nicole and I headed out for the evening for dinner and a movie. She mentioned this new place opening up in the South Side of Pittsburgh. A few month’s ago, Winghart’s Burgers & Whiskey Bar first opened in Market Square, and with much success, Winghart has opened a second location at 1505 East Carson Street (South Side). Who doesn’t like a burger? And, a gourmet one to boot!

As you can see, it was a perfect day to enjoy a burger and a beer on the South Side. With Winghart’s just opening, be prepared for a few kinks. Nothing I didn’t mind. The staff were very apologetic, and their excellent customer service made up for it.

I hear this was the location of a laundromat or dry cleaners. It’s hard to believe. The atmosphere is small and rustic. Thankfully, it was not busy. I’m not sure I would enjoy the space during happy hour. – Very tight, and I’m not much of a crowd girl.

I could be wrong, but looking behind the bar, I noticed more craft beers than whiskey. Which was fine by me. Whiskey is not something I drink. However, I would have liked to try a whiskey beer, such as 1488, an English strong ale. I don’t believe they had anything like this on tap.

Since I’m always wanting to try a new craft beer, I had lots of questions. The bartender was very helpful in finding me one. The beer of choice this evening was Lagunitas an India Pale Ale. I liked it so much I had two.

Nicole had The Market Square Burger ($8.75). This burger comes with bacon, mushrooms, and Gruyere cheese smothered in house-made honey mustard dressing. The bun is grilled. She let me try a bite, and the Gruyere was a perfect choice for this burger. Delicious!

I had The Shipwrecked Burger ($12). As the menu states, “this burger has a very sophisticated taste.” So, I had to have it. On top of a grilled bun we have Brie, caramelized onions, bacon, arugula and white truffle aioli. Oh my, it was yummy. The blend of all those flavors melted together on my tongue. Moan-worthy. It is by far one of the best burgers I’ve had in a very long time. Not to mention, my Lagunitas paired well with this burger.

Winghart’s menu consists of six different gourmet burgers, or you can always get a plain ole burger. Boring. They also have six types of wood-fired pizzas. – On my list for my next visit. You can also get soups, salads and sides.

Winghart’s burgers definitely taste better than Burgatory.

Spadafora’s

Posted on by Jenny MacBeth

Sunday night, we met up with our friends Christy and Mike for dinner at Spadafora’s. They recommend that us foodies try it. Spadafora’s is located at 3932 William Flynn Highway, Allison Park, PA 15101. Just like Sieb’s Pub, this restaurant is close by and we never discovered it. I’m going to need to pay attention more when I’m driving.

Beer selections were slim picking, but the wine list has a lot to offer. I opted for a good vintage of Riesling. The place is pretty small, and the indoor decor does not match the delicious dishes. The atmosphere is very casual and simple but the dishes have a lot of complex layers.

For starters I had their shrimp bisque. Sorry, but no photo. I can say it was moan-worthy with big chunks of shrimp.

Mike and I had one of the specials. Tiella Diavolo. – A spicy traditional Sicilian pasta dish: rotini with marinara sauce, miniature meatballs, zucchini, eggs, provolone and mozzarella with hot banana peppers. The portion was big, and I couldn’t finish it. I love the different layers of textures in this meal. A+

Another special, Christy had the Baked Wild Salmon with Korean BBQ Sauce. – Served on a bed of fried julienne potatoes and roasted broccoli and carrots. I love Salmon, but I’m not a fan of BBQ sauce. Imagine that! I didn’t taste it, but could tell it was yummy from all the praise from everyone else.

The Boy also ordered from their specials. Bacon and Brie Chicken in White Wine Garlic Butter Sauce. – Romano batter chicken covered in a white wine garlic butter sauce. Topped with melted Brie cheese and bacon. Served with sautéed spinach and roasted red tomatoes. This was amazing. I would say the best Romano chicken I’ve had in a long time. I wanted to order another one to go. A++

For the sweets we shared Praline ice cream rolled in crushed pecans and smothered in caramel sauce, and a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake. Its perfect liquid center literally melts in your mouth. Did you know that the lava cake was the result of a major culinary disaster? A cook took them out of the oven to soon, and the centers where still liquefied. Since there was no time to cook them further, the Chef simply introduced the dessert as chocolate “lava” cake! (from About.com).

Reservations are not needed for this Italian bistro.The service was good, but a little slow at filling the water glasses. Being big water drinkers, I’ll ask for a pitcher of water the next time we go. I’d also recommend they carry a few Italian beers for us beer drinkers.

Spadafora’s Marinara Sauce was voted “Best in the Burg” 2010 and in 2011 Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best Kept Secret” and 2011 “Best Non-Chain Italian Restaurant.” I would have to agree. The Boy and I are not fans of chain restaurants, and this is a small pleasure close by. Not to mention, it’s very hard to find really good Italian food. Spadafora’s is at the top of my list.

Sieb’s Pub

Posted on by Jenny MacBeth

Friday night, I headed out with my friend Carey to see a high school musical of My Fair Lady. It was amazing. Shout outs going to my other friend Monica’s son, Drew. Outstanding job as Colonel Hugh Pickering.

Before we headed to the musical, we had to eat of course. Carey introduced me to a family-run neighborhood pub called Sieb’s located at 3382 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The funny part is that it’s very close to me, and I never knew it. It reminded me of Ireland with all the Irish decor and live music. It’s more modern than an old Irish pub in Ireland, but had that same fun atmosphere.

The place is pretty big with plenty of parking. Considering it was prime-time dinner hour on a Friday during Lenten season, the wait wasn’t long, however, we opted to sit at the bar.

The staff was friendly and outgoing. Our Bar Wench immediately greeted us, and was patient to help me decide on the perfect beer. Irish pub equals an Irish beer on tap. Smithwick’s was my choice for the evening.

The menu has something for everyone with traditional flavors. It can take me a long time to make a food decision because I want it all. I didn’t even look at the full menu until I put my order in. I had the beer battered fish sandwich – deep fried and served on a kaiser roll with coleslaw. The fish portion is not overwhelming as some pubs. It is the perfect size without needing a To Go container.

Carey had mini crab cakes – a creamy blend of seafood, rolled in breadcrumbs, deep fried and served with a chipotle ranch dipping sauce. Oh my lord! They were so good and I loved the sauce. I rarely find a good crab cake when eating out. I highly recommend you try this.

I’m definitely going back with the Boy. I want to try their aged white cheddar lobster mac & cheese. The menu description says, “Clumps of Succulent Lobster.” Doesn’t that just sound yummy? That’s moan-worthy without even tasting it.

And, for dessert, I need to try Sieb’s funnel cake fries served with different sweet dipping sauces. I hear their heavenly.

Sieb’s talented chefs and staff are worth a visit to experience yourself.

SPOON

Posted on by Jenny MacBeth

For my Birthday, the Boy took me to Spoon located at 134 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted immediately by an energetic host.

The menu has something for everyone with unique layers to each dish. I had to make a hard choice, but I’ll try something different next time.

For starters we ordered the yellowtail crudo – thinly sliced raw yellowtail, marinated artichokes, red pepper coulis, and preserved lemons. A very subtle tasting dish.

I had the duo of lamb – a olive crusted loin, braised shoulder, goat cheese and mushroom bread pudding, braised kale, and parsnip puree.

The Boy had the Spoon burger – an 8 oz. Kobe beef, aged white cheddar cheese, Parmesan plus herb fries, on a challah bun.

For dessert we shared the Spoon Bar – Bailey’s coco bar, milk chocolate nougat frozen mousse, and semi-sweet chocolate pudding. We wanted to order a second one, regrettably, we past. Of course, I ordered coffee with my dessert. They serve it in a French Press with thick cream. Just the way I like it. It was heavenly.

The atmosphere also is pleasing, a contemporary design with warm tones. A very intimate dining experience. Exemplary service. – I especially enjoyed the way servers described each plate as it was served.

Spoon’s talented chefs and staff is worth a reservation to experience yourself.