An unexpectedly busy week at work kept me away from Snickie. But I am back! I want to thank everyone for the great comments on the Sonoma Grille Giveaway post. I have summarized all the questions and suggestions below. Please continue the conversation in the comments if you would like!
Great Tips – Places I want to try…
Embury – This place is located within or near the Firehouse Lounge in the Strip. There was a great write-up of the place in the Post Gazette awhile back (you can find the link on their site), outlining the old school cocktails and quality ingredients the joint was using. I need to try this place!
Dragonfly Diner – I had never heard of this place until a reader commented on it. It is located in the Strip District. I found a menu here. Looks good and reasonably priced. Has anyone been? There are tons of places I still need to try in the Strip District! Chicken Latino is also on my list.
Nine on Nine – This downtown fine dining establishment has been on my radar for awhile but I have yet to find an occasion to get there. After a pretty decent PG review this week, I want to try it even more!
Questions – Answered!…
A reader asked about the Pittsburgh sushi scene. I must admit that I have very little sushi knowledge! I have probably dined at just about every popular sushi place in the ‘burgh and tend to favor Chaya (note: location has changed since my review – check the website) or Plum. If something is fresh, I will probably eat and enjoy it, even if it is not 100% authentic. I think it would be awesome to someday eat at a sushi restaurant that is truly the real deal. From what I gather, Umi might be the spot. I did dine here previously – however, it is more expensive and I think this prevented me from being fully comfortable there. Anyone with more experience have any thoughts on Umi?
Another reader asked about getting hand crafted cocktails in the burgh. As was discussed, maybe try Embury?
Reader Jen asked about Indian restaurants in Pittsburgh. I am ashamed to admit I have never dined at an Indian restaurant in Pittsburgh! Can you believe it? Thanks for motivating me to get to one Jen!
Lindsay asked about good Pittsburgh happy hours. I recently went to happy hour at Eleven (downtown) and thought it was really nice. The bar area opens up to the outside and there is a menu of $6 martinis and glasses of wine.
Although this is a bit late, two readers asked about recipes for Memorial Day picnics. Here are some things I have book-marked recently!
Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips
Additionally, here are some items I have made in the past that I would definitely repeat for a potluck or party.
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Greek Layer Dip – if anything is my ‘signature’, this might be it! My friends request it!
Sushi — well, I’m not about to claim to be an expert (far from it), but I “learned” about sushi while living in Seattle, used to go to NYC quite regularly and would have it somewhere there every time I went, and I ate a fair amount of sushi while I was in Japan on a 2 week trip.
So yeah, I have at least SOME idea about the stuff 🙂
That said, Umi is my favorite place in Pittsburgh, Chaya a close second. The others just aren’t in the same league as far as I’m concerned (including, but not limited to, the incredibly overrated Nakama — ugh). I haven’t tried Plum yet, but I’ve heard very mixed things…
Oh, as for Indian — I’m personally a big fan of Tamarind (Scott Township), and Taj Mahal (McKnightmare Road).
haha I’ll second the Greek Dip notion! It really is your signature and I am now currently craving some…..
The Greek Dip is delicious! Also, on your Sonoma Grille post, I thought it was pretty cool how they put fried potato chips in the salad — sounds like something good to try.
As far as Indian food goes, I’ve been to Prince of India on 5th Avenue in Oakland. It was pretty good! I haven’t been there in years, though.
It was great to meet you last night at CBW! I’m not a sushi person, but I imagine Kiku has some good sushi. When I worked for a Japanese company, that’s where the Japanese guys would go. For Indian, we like Tamarind.
I searched your blog for this recipe! I’m going to make this tomorrow for fourth of july festivities! I’ll let you know how it turns out – thanks Jul!!!
Just found your blog (you’ll see I missed this post from my first comment on your Yama post)
The sushi sampler entree at UMI is well worth the ~30 dollars. You could look to pay twice as much for a comparable dish in a more expensive city. I think it would be a great spot for a blogger meat up as I’ve never had a bad dish come out of Mr. Shu’s kitchen.
My mom requested the greek dip since she tried it over the weekend!