Chicken and Waffles

I spent a couple of days this past week in State College PA, which is the home of Penn State University. I've always really liked visiting State College. It's a small town without the traffic or major crime issues of larger city's, but just about any night of the week you have a choice of many live bands at a number of local watering holes. On a Wednesday night, we were able to catch a blues band, a great bluegrass band, and back at the hotel, a folk duo playing in the lounge, all within walking distance of each other. Anyway, another thing I love about the area is the "stick to your ribs" Pennsylvaina Dutch food found at local eateries.

In the south, chicken and waffles are famous. I know that Gladys Knight has a restaurant in Atlanta that features it as a speciality. Great southern fried chicken served on top of a thick, tasty waffle. It's not like that in Central PA though. Here the PA Dutch version is prepared with shredded chunks of chicken on top of a thick waffle and then smothered with gravy! The sweetness of the waffle combined with the tasty salty gravy makes a great traditional dish.

If you would like a recipe, or to read a little about the Pennsylvania Dutch, just click on the title above and check out Teri's Kitchen.

Pittsburgh Turkey Devonshire

I posted this several years ago, but get so much interest that I thought I'd post again. For those not familiar, the Turkey Devonshire Sandwich was a traditional Pittsburgh dish and can still be found on many local menus. Some restaurants also make Crab Devonshire, just substitute lump crab meat instead of turkey. Enjoy!

Frank Blandi's Original Devonshire Sandwich

Cream Sauce:
3/4 stick butter, melted,
1 cup flour
1/4 pound Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pint chicken broth
1 pint hot milk
1 teaspoon salt

Melt butter in deep pan and add flour, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth and then hot milk, stirring all the while. Add cheese and salt. Bring to boil, then cook slowly for 20 minutes, still stirring. Cool to lukewarm. Beat with wire whip until smooth before using. This makes enough sauce for 6 Devonshire sandwiches.

For each sandwich you need:

1 slice toast, crusts trimmed off
3 slices crisp bacon
5 thin slices cooked turkey breast
Cream Sauce, recipe above
Melted butter Parmesan cheese and paprika

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In each flat, individual oven-proof casserole dish, place 1 slice of toast and top with 3 slices bacon. Add 5 thin slices of cooked turkey breast. Cover completely with cream sauce. Sprinkle with a little melted butter, then with the combined Parmesan cheese and paprika. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Pittsburgh Fish!

In my quest for the best fish sandwich in Pittsburgh, I stopped in the Carson City Saloon on the South Side the other day. I know I've ordered fish there before, but I just forgot how good it really is! The things a monster too. Since its fish fry season, I thought I'd post this for those of you that might be looking for an alternative to you local church or fire hall.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Pittsburgh Fish Sandwich, this city has a history of serving up monstrous filet's, almost always fried, and usually cod. It's common to get a fillet a foot long served on a standard hamburger bun. Some places offer an additional bun for a little more cash. Because of the large Catholic population in the area, hundreds of local church's hold fish-frys during Lent. Volunteers will prepare, cook and serve hundreds of dinners and sandwiches each night to lines of people at these churches.

To get an idea of whats available, or to locate a fish-fry near you, click on the title "Pittsburgh Fish" above.

And yes, that is broccoli....I eat healthy!

Jean-Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery

I don't know much about baked goods, but I know when I really like them. Jean Marc Chatellier's Bakery has the best I've ever had. Really. Look him up online, read the reviews. This is really great stuff. Jean-Marc is a third generation pastry chef from a small town in Brittany, in the northwestern part of France known for buttery pastries. His father and grandfather were both bread bakers who owned boulangeries (bread bakeries), but Jean-Marc went on to become a pâtissier (a pastry and cake baker).

Jean-Marc apprenticed four years with Master Pastry Chef George Merlet in Chateaubriant, France and earned Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle in pastry, ice cream, and chocolate candy making from Chambres des Metiers in Nantes, France.

I had heard about this bakery years ago, but never bothered to stop. What a mistake! On a recent trip, we enjoyed a vanilla cream croissant, and a raspberry brioche. Breton Cake, or French shortbread samples were available and It was so good, I'm not sure why I didn't come home with one. Maybe next time. A variety of colorful Macarons filled one display case along with chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate truffels and a variety of cakes, pies and pastries.

Jean Marc Chatellier's French Bakery is located in Millvale, at 213 North Avenue. Click on the title above to go to Jean-Marc's website.

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

Those of you that read this drivel know that I'm always on the lookout for a unique comfortable tavern, good fish sandwich or exceptional pizza. My favorite pizza's in the area, Franks and Pizza House, are both located Northwest of Pittsburgh, in Ambridge. Harry's in Peters township and Il Pizzaiolo in Mt. Lebanon are also favorites when I'm in the mood for a more traditional style. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza which recently opened in Settlers Ridge, is going into my list of favorites.


Anthony's got their start in Florida. Hometown son and Miami Dolphins quarterback, Dan Marino soon became a patron. Dan's enthusiasm soon compelled him to become an equity partner in the business, as they started to expand throughout Florida and now in the Northeast.

The pizza is baked in a coal fired 800 degree oven and comes out thin and crispy with just a touch of burnt, similar to the wood fired style. A side salad with fresh mixed greens and full bar service (say hello to Tracy!) made for a great meal. The only complaint was that it's a bit pricy for a pizza place, but it's more of a restaurant than a typical pizza joint, so that's understandable.

Anthony's is located in Settlers Ridge in Robinson Twp, just off of the Parkway West.

NOLA

The recent renovation of Market Square has made it the location for several new restaurants within the past year. Joining long time tenants like Ruth's Chris, The Original Oyster House, and Primanti's, are at least five or six new eating establishments. In the past, The 1902 Tavern was one of my favorites, although admittedly it was desperately in need of some updating. Since the 1902 Tavern closed, it's nice to see NOLA on The Square in that space.

The folks that opened NOLA have done a great job of improving the interior while maintaining the charm of the original structure. The classic bar, beautiful tile floors and tin ceiling have thankfully been retained, but have been cleaned and repaired.

Finding good Creole or New Orleans restaurants is not easy in Pittsburgh. Since the James Street Tavern on the North Side closed many years ago I'm not aware of any really good options.

The menu at NOLA offers frog legs, crispy fried alligator, muffaletta, shrimp and grits, along with a number of Po Boys. The Chicken and Andouille Po Boy, described as "Grilled Organic Chicken, Cajun Andouille, Homemade Mozzarella, Fresh Baguette, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Creole Mustard" along with a side of Red Beans and rice made for a great meal. If you feel like a drink with your meal, they can make you a classic Hurricane!

NOLA is located in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. As always, just click on the title to see their website.

At one time this bridge was used to transport prisoners from the Allegheny County Courthouse to the Jail. The Bridge of Sighs mimics the original in Venice. It is one of many architecural highlights of the building which Henry Hobson Richardson considers his best work. The Bridge of Sighs is one of 720 bridges within Pittsburgh city limits, and one of more than 1,700 bridges criss-crossing Allegheny County. Pittsburgh has more bridges than any city in the world except for Venice, Italy.

James Street Gastro Pub and Speakeasy

For 17 years, the James Street Tavern operated on the North Side. Serving Louisiana fare and hosting the best jazz musicians in the area, it quickly became my favorite go-to spot near the city. Since the James Street closed several years ago, several different reincarnations have been tried, but none were nearly as good as the original. The James Street Gastro Pub and Speakeasy finally brings back the great menu offerings, beer selection, live music, and personal service that were the signature of this once great establishment.

On my first stop here, I learned that they had found numerous old framed photos of entertainers that have preformed there in the past. The owners intend to incorporate these into the decor. At one time, the stairway walls leading to the downstairs bar were covered with signatures and notes from many of the famous jazz artists that had played there. Past owners painted over this feature, but the new owners have started to revive the tradition.

While we did not eat full meals, the couple of appetizers that we tried were tremendous. My favorite, the "Tiny Tunas" are described on the menu as: Ahi tuna sliders, avocado, citrus scented sprouts, red onion, wasabi mayonnaise,
pickled ginger. The tuna medallions were perfectly seared on the outside, and beautifully rare on the inside. They were really a great combination of flavors Other offerings include a nice selection of sandwiches, salads and wings with not only several different sauces, but a choice of five different dry rubs.

Their web site (click on the title above) lists 15 different nights in February with live entertainment, and the Pittsburgh Jazz Society has started to hold their weekly Sunday night concerts here. For years the Jazz Society was in a great room at the Rhythm House in Bridgeville. When that closed, they moved to the Rivers Casino but the casino just wasn't a very good venue. Also, while the Jazz Society never charges a cover, the casino would strong-arm you into buying their buffet just to see the band. Now they are back to the kind of place they belong!

The James Street is at 422 Foreland Street on the North Side.

Happy New Year!

As always, just click on the title above!

The Freedom Square Diner

Over the past few years the draw of lower taxes combined with good highways into the city have made the Cranberry area increasingly congested. While I usually try to avoid the area, an abundance of good shopping made it a destination this Christmas season. Aside from the typical chains, the area is drawing some new restaurants. The upscale Echo, along with quality burger joints BrGr and Wingharts (due to open soon) come to mind.

In search of a place for breakfast, we found the Freedom Square Diner near the Shop and Save just off of Freedom road. It was 7:00 am (we start early!) and they had just opened. They have a weekday breakfast special of two eggs, bacon or sausage, and choice of potato, toast or pancake for $3.99, but what caught my eye was the December breakfast special which was $4.00 off of any Eggs Benedict, and they have several tasty choices including spinach and tomato, crab and salmon. The Crab Benedict was so good that I went back a couple of days later and ordered the Salmon Benedict! Very generous portions of crab and salmon make this a hearty breakfast, and at $4.00 off, that makes it a great bargain meal for only $4.29. I've got to say, their promotion worked. I'll be back and gladly pay full price.

To get to the Freedom Square Diner and avoid the Cranberry traffic, just head North on I-79 and exit on the second Cranberry exit. Turn left at the light, cross over Route 19, and it's about a mile ahead on the left side. As always, just click on the title above to see their website.

Rico's

In years past, I would frequent Rico's quite often. I remember sitting at the bar and seeing Art Rooney Sr. (yep, The Chief!), and Lynn Swan come in one evening. The Rooney family and many local sports figures still dine here, probably because it's the kind of place where no one will bother them. The place hasn't changed much, they still have a coat check, valet parking (that's not necessary)and it's still decorated in old school Italian. Rico will usually greet you at the door. The place still has the feel of rare old school elegance.

We started our meal with salad with a nice mix of fresh greens, house Italian dressing and chunky Roquefort cheese. It was really fantastic. For the main meal, my daughter ordered Poached Salmon, I chose Veal Medallions, and Stacy and Jaye went for the Filet Mignon. All of us raved about our meals, and my veal may have been the best I've ever had. I still remembered my favorite selection from years ago was the Walleye Pike, and even though I didn't order it, I was happy to see it was still on the menu!

If you want progressive, inventive food, this might not be the place for you, but if you want a great traditional meal, prepared with top quality ingredients, and a little pampering, try Rico's!

Rico's is kind of hard to find, hidden on a hill just off of McKnight Road at the Millvale exit. As always, just click on the title to see their website.

Merry Christmas

Rachael's Roadhouse

For many years my family owned a little cottage North of Pittsburgh, outside of Meadville Pa. The fastest route is the interstate, but I always liked to travel on Rt. 19, which runs parallel to Interstate 79. While the scenery is great, the food was a struggle until the Iron Bridge Inn, the Springfield Grill, and Rachel's Roadhouse popped up. All are owned by the same group so technically, I guess it's a chain, but it doesn't seem like it! My favorite of the three has always been the Iron Bridge, all are pretty good and comparable to each other.

Stacy and I were doing a little Christmas shopping, and headed to the Grove City outlets. By the way, I was a bit worried about the holiday crowds on the weekend before Christmas, but Sunday was our only opportunity to shop so we had to go then. We arrived just after opening time at 9:00. To my surprise, it was practically empty! After about three hours it started to really fill up, but it wasn't bad. Anyway, after our morning of shopping, I intended to head over to Rachael's.

The menu has a nice selection of salads, sandwiches, steaks, ribs and seafood, but one thing I really like is their variety of different Reuben's. Traditional of course, but they also have a Carolina Reuben, that is loaded with BBQ pork, also a Russian, a turkey, and even one with a fish fillet. I went with turkey on rye and it was very good. Stacy had a salmon salad which had a generous portion of salmon over mixed greens with a balsamic drizzle. Looked pretty tasty!

If you are want to go to any of these places, take 79 to the Grove City exit, turn left, and continue to route 19. Turn right on 19 and Rachael's is just ahead on your right. If you want, the Iron Bridge Inn is just a bit farther on the left hand side. Either one's a good choice!

As usual, just click on the title above to see their website.

The Hop House, Wood Fired Food and Ale

The Hop House has two locations, one on Noblestown Road in Greentree, and the other (formally the Barking Shark) on Three Degree Road in the North Hills. I've been to both several times and was always satisfied. As the name implies, The Hop House has 36 different draft beers and a nice selection of speciality bottles. The menu is also quite varied with choices from their wood fired pizza oven, to racks of ribs, cedar plank salmon, and my favorite, fresh ahi tuna, described on the menu as:

Fresh Ahi Tuna encrusted in a delicate mixture of coconut and sesame seeds and lightly seared to perfection. Further topped with our orange chili sauce.

The Noblestown Road location has live music on the weekends and a great outdoor patio for the summer months. Note that both of these locations permit smoking, but I never even noticed any smokers. I wouldn't really call them smoking bars.

Just click on the name above to go to their website.

The Pretzel Shop

The Pretzel Shop on Carson Street in the Southside is really one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh. I can't stand the rubbery, cold pretzels that are typically sold at Steeler/Pirate games, but these are totally different. If you go in the morning they will be bringing them fresh and hot, right from the oven in the back. I usually get a couple of pretzels (only a buck for two) and some spicy dipping mustard. They also offer a number of pretzel sandwiches, but I'm partial to plain pretzels although right next to the register, they have pretzels with jalapenos and cheese...very tempting!

I've also tried the Philly Pretzel Factory a couple of times, but I don't think they can compare.

If you go, the Pretzel Shop is right on Carson Street, between the Double Wide Grill and the Birmingham bridge.