Thin Man Sandwich Shop (Strip District)

The corner of 21st and Smallman Streets—the loft space that was once 21st Street Coffee (which is no longer on 21st Street, by the way)—is now home to the Thin Man Sandwich Shop. It is not your typical run-of-the-mill sandwich shop, however. Growing up, I was never really into sandwiches as I found them rather boring, but the flavor and ingredient combinations at Thin Man are, on the contrary, creative and mouth-watering.

Take the signature Thin Man, for example: a perfectly-crunchy baguette filled with local bacon, chicken liver mousse, frisée, and dressed in red wine vinaigrette. (And yes, I did have to look up what frisée is.) I loved this sandwich for its excellent flavors—the rich chicken liver mousse providing a savory complement to the bacon—if not for the fact that it will definitely not turn me into a thin woman. (Or a thin man...thankfully!)

The Thin Man

In addition to the handful of standard signature sandwiches, there is a seasonal menu that changes regularly, keeping things fresh and interesting. I have tried the Roasted Pork Belly, with caramelized Brussels sprouts and ponzu-tofu sauce on a baguette, which I thought was fantastic—and this is coming from someone who doesn't care much for Brussels sprouts!

Roasted Pork Belly

Roasted Pork Belly

Just this past weekend I brought my former high school teacher Mr. B., who was visiting from Canada, here to Thin Man for lunch. He raved about his Thai Fish and Shrimp Cakes sandwich (with pickled cucumbers, red curry, Thai basil, and peanuts), which I will have to try next time. But as soon as he saw my Braised Beef Cheek sandwich, served with fried plantains and chimichurri, he exclaimed, "Nice cheeks!" (As a joke, of course. He is no creepo.) And yes, those cheek were indeed nice. Better than nice, in fact. Friend Jenn who was also with us enjoyed her salad, so it appears that Thin Man Sandwich Shop excels at not just sandwiches, but also its side items.

Braised Beef Cheek

Thin Man also serves drinks made using selzer from Pittsburgh Selzer Works. The Cucumber Basil I had was just the most perfect refreshing summery drink, but just like the sandwiches, the beverage flavors also change regularly. Based on my experience though, you can't really go wrong with anything here!

Restaurant info:
Thin Man Sandwich Shop
50 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 586-7370
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Bar Symon (Pittsburgh International Airport)

Last year I wrote enthusiastically about my visit to Chef Symon's Lola in Cleveland, and so ever since it was announced that Bar Symon would be coming to the Pittsburgh International Airport, I had been looking forward to paying a visit.

Only problem: Bar Symon is located inside the gate area, past the security checkpoint...which means no flying, no Bar Symon.

Well, my opportunity finally came on our trip back from New Orleans to Pittsburgh when our flight landed conveniently around lunch time. The menu at Bar Symon features appetizers, salads, frieds, sandwiches, and several varieties of mac and cheese.  My choice was the Fat Doug Burger, with pastrami, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and mustard on a challah bun.

Fat Doug Burger ($10)

Fat Doug Burger (another view)

The burger tasted as good as it looked.  And, although I did not imbibe, it looks like there were some good craft beers on tap as well.

Although I wish I could visit Bar Symon anytime the fancy strikes (and not just when I'm flying), I am certainly glad that we have such a great dining option at the airport.  Chef Symon, thank you for landing in Pittsburgh!

Restaurant info:
Bar Symon
1000 Airport Blvd, Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412)472-5067
On the web: http://www.unitedconcessionsgroup.com/barsymon.html
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bar-Symon/327286140685


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Zozo's Pub (Greensburg)

Update (4/26/2013): Zozo's Pub is closed.

We met up for dinner with some friends who live in Greensburg and they suggested Zozo's Pub.  Despite its name, and the connotation that comes with "pub food," Zozo's Pub is really much more than "just a pub."

First off, Zozo's Pub has a fun, hip atmosphere, as these photos from Zozo's Facebook page can testify.  Secondly, the food is excellent.  Though featuring casual fare like sandwiches and burgers, each dish is thoughtfully crafted and made well.

R. and I shared a Sweet Corn Risotto Cake appetizer.  The risotto cake was made with a nice balance of corn and parmesan, and the light panko breading gave it a perfectly crunchy texture that didn't feel too heavy or filling.  The cake was topped with parmesan crisps, which was a nice touch.

Sweet Corn Risotto Cake ($7.95)

Our waitress seemed like she was new, as she appeared young and was rather forgetful.  She had submitted the wrong order for my meal, though she had caught the error herself prior to serving our meals.  Because my real order of Pig Burger was put in later than everyone else's order, the waitress gave me some free Pig "Wings" while I waited.  These Pig Wings were wing-sized pork tenderloin strips wrapped in bacon and grilled with a lovely Asian barbecue sauce, served atop coleslaw.  These were quite good as well.

Pig "Wings" ($6.95)

I was quite full by the time my Pig Burger finally arrived, but I still manage to eat half of it because was absolutely delicious!  The patty was made with juicy sweet Spanish sausage, and served with grilled apple slices, bacon, and smoked gouda cheese.  It was easily one of the best burgers I've ever had.  The side of Sweet Potato Wedges was generous in proportion and chock full of flavor.

Pig Burger ($9.95)

Maple Butter Sweet Potato Wedges

Despite the waitress's mistake, we had a fabulous meal at Zozo's Pub.  I will be back!

Restaurant info:
Zozo's Pub
1517 Broad St, Greensburg, PA 15601
(724)420-5290
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zozosgreensburg


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Marty's Market (Strip District)...and more Pgh Taco Truck

The Strip District has been undergoing some exciting new developments lately, and if you're in the neighborhood for some food shopping - because what else would you be doing in the Strip?? - you will find a new wonderful option in Marty's Market.

Since the departure of Right By Nature last year, the corner of 23rd and Smallman Streets had remained vacant for months, which gave this part of the Strip District a somewhat desolate feel, in my opinion. But when Marty's Market, named after owner Regina Koetters' father, took over the space, it has brought along a sense of renewal and vibrancy.  With an open design and transparent garage doors that give the shop plenty of natural lighting and a bright and welcoming atmosphere, Marty's Market is dedicated to providing natural, regionally-sourced, ethical, and organic foods to our community.

But Marty's Market is so much more than just a grocery store.

The front of the shop houses a coffee bar with a sidewalk counter.  Inside, you'll find a cafe serving panini, soups, appetizers, and hot dishes, all prepared in the open kitchen in the back, with cafe seating both inside and out.  Sitting prominently between the cafe and the groceries is a modern food theater where cooking demos, classes, and other events are held.  Indeed, Marty's Market is not just a grocery store, but a community-oriented space where you'll want to hang out.  In addition, Marty's Market is so dedicated to the local community that not only is the food sourced locally as much as possible through connections with nearby farms, but even the decor reflects the restaurants and artists of Pittsburgh, like the light fixtures made with colanders donated by local eateries and the pasty domes featuring handles made by local artists.  Every single detail has been thoughtfully put together.

The coffee bar with sidewalk seating at Marty's Market

Inside Marty's Market

Fresh produce at Marty's Market

Fresh produce at Marty's Market

Lamp fixtures in the food theater featuring colanders donated by local Pittsburgh
restaurants

Pastry dome featuring cupcake top made by a local artist

As if the herbicide-, pesticide-free produce and the shop's own butcher counter featuring antibiotic-, hormone-free meat aren't awesome enough, I was especially impressed by the fact that Marty's Market is the only store I'm aware of in Pittsburgh that stocks two very amazing products: Askinosie chocolate, recently named amongst the best chocolate in America by Bon Appetit Magazine, and ice cream sandwiches from Jeni's Ice Creams (in addition to Jeni's ice cream pints, of course - also considered among the best in the country).  Regina Koetters is a woman after my own heart, as Marty's Market is pretty much the kind of market I would open if I were to be in the business.

Askinosie Chocolate at Marty's Market

Jeni's ice cream sandwiches, available only at Marty's Market

I've also had a chance to try out something from Chef Alan's cafe menu: Fresh fiori pasta with perfectly  tender and juicy beef short rib ragout, topped with delicious fresh Burrata cheese and gremolata to round out the dish.

Fiori pasta with beef short rib ragout, fresh Burrata cheese,
and gremolata at Marty's Market ($15)

I mentioned earlier about the food theater at Marty's Market.  Several weeks ago, my friend James whose Pgh Taco Truck will be opening shortly hosted the inaugural demo and tasting event at Marty's Market.  Here are some photos of the demo in action.

Marty's Market's owner Regina Koetters explaining that the food theater is about
people cooking together

James of Pgh Taco Truck makes a salsa with mango,
pineapple, pickled red onion, and dehydrated jalapeno

James explaining the virtue of spicing the pork (to absorb
the juice) and not putting too much meat into the pan
all at once when cooking

Corn tortillas are doubled up and toasted on a crepe grill before serving

The audience gather around the food theater

Regina and James serve up some tacos

Pork taco with mango pineapple salsa

Veggie taco with crumbled portabello, diced zucchini, and salsa with tomato, corn,
black bean, lime juice, and green onion

As always, the tacos were fabulous.  Attending the demo has really given me the opportunity to understand and appreciate the amount of thought and detail that has gone into every seasoning, every cube of meat, and every bite of veggie that make these tacos great.  You can read more about the Pgh Taco Truck in my earlier post here.

Market Info:
Marty's Market
2301 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412)586-7177
On the web: http://www.martysmarket.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martys-Market-LLC/310946958958179
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartysMarketPGH


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Truck info:
Pgh Taco Truck
(412) 841-9234
On the web: http://www.pghtacotruck.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pghtacotruck
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/PghTacoTruck

Hello Bistro (Oakland)

I love salads, but I never like the salads I make at home because they are generally too bland and too boring.  Anything that would taste good in my books would require too much ingredient prep on my part.  (Go ahead, call me lazy.)

As such, I am very happy to have discovered the new Hello Bistro, a salad and burger restaurant that recently opened in Oakland.  Boasting over 50 salad toppings, I knew going in that this would be nothing like any Eat 'n Park salad bar.  (Hello Bistro is owned by Eat 'n Park.)

Here's how this place works:  You are handed a menu as you line up.  I can't speak for the burgers and sandwiches, but for salads, you can either opt for one of the few Hello Bistro creations or make your own for $7.  There are little notepads you can use to check off your unlimited topping choices - yes, I said unlimited.  Here's an example (not mine):

Create your own salad

Instead of coming up with my own salad concoction, I went with one of Hello Bistro's creations - the Caribbean Shrimp Salad, which consists of mixed greens, marinated shrimp, avocado, black beans, corn, tortilla strips, and citrus lime vinaigrette.

Once you place your order, a staff walks down the display of salad toppings filling a bowl with the appropriate ingredients.

Over 50 toppings!

Then your bowl is handed off to another staff member.  In my case, it was a friendly young man named Peter who posed in a photo for me.  He chopped my salad whichever way I wanted (medium chunks, please) and added the amount of dressing I wanted (moderate, please).

Chopping the salad and tossing in the dressing

And voila!  My salad!  Fresh, tasty, and great combination of ingredients and flavors.  Way better than what I can make at home, and the portion is huge, too.  I filled up on just this salad alone.

Caribbean Shrimp Salad ($9)

The setting at Hello Bistro is contemporary, casual, and a bit quirky.  I sat at the bar in front of this gigantic blackboard...as though all the students coming in would really want to see another blackboard.  But I must admit, it does add a certain playfulness the space.

Hello Bistro exudes an image that's fun-loving and playful

And speaking of students, expect to run into drones of them as Hello Bistro is located on Forbes Avenue in the heart of "college central" (and just a couple doors down from my favorite Razzy Fresh - BONUS!).  It was pretty busy even in the summer, so it'll be interesting to see what the lines are like when school is back in session.

As a salad lover, I will be back for sure.  Will I ever try a sandwich or a burger at Hello Bistro?  Maybe.  But the big draw for me is definitely the delicious and fully customizable salads that I am unable to replicate at home.  I might even create my own salad next time at Hello Bistro.

Restaurant info:
Hello Bistro
3605 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412)687-8787
On the web: http://www.hellobistro.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloBistro
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelloBistro



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Szmidt's Old World Deli (Greenfield)

The first time I heard of Szmidt's Old World Deli, I was at a work party and someone had brought along some of Szmidt's pierogies - two sweet varieties and a savory kind.  It made such a positive impression on me that when R. was looking for a place to take an out-of-town friend, I suggested Szmidt's, even though I hadn't been there myself.  They came back raving about it, which made me proud.  I am always glad when I can help show off to outsiders the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

I finally made my way to the little shop myself earlier this month.  I ordered a McCarthy Sandwich, loaded with slow roasted beef, onions, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms, peppers, provolone cheese, and horseradish mayo.  The meat was juicy and perfectly done and the veggies were fresh, and the soft homemade bun was icing on the cake.  I came here with pretty high expectations and I was not disappointed.

McCarthy Sandwich ($7.99)

Of course, I had to have some pierogies, especially the sweet pierogies, because I like how they gave this classic a twist and, well, I have a sweet tooth. (*blush*) I ordered three Apple Mango and three Strawberry with Chocolate Sauce (a seasonal special).  The homemade pierogie dough was fried just right and the fillings were simple yet worked nicely.

Apple Mango Pierogies (left, $3.99) and Strawberry Pierogies with Chocolate
Sauce (right, $3.99)

What a great deli!  Can't wait to try some of the other sandwiches and pierogies at Szmidt's.

Restaurant info:
Szmidt's Old World Deli
509 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
(412)904-3558
On the web: http://www.szmidts.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Szmidts-Old-World-Deli/168361829868671


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Station Street Hot Dogs (East Liberty)

I had been pretty excited about Station Street Hot Dogs since the day it reopened under the new ownership of the Sousa brothers.  A good friend I will lovingly refer to as "Hot Dog Fiend" and I had been talking about going for ages, and we finally made it out there a couple weeks ago.  Station Street is located a bit off the beaten path, behind the new Target in East Liberty.  We were both surprised by the sizable and bright indoor space, and there are a few outdoor picnic tables as well that are perfect for the warmer weather.

I had examined the menu online when Station Street first opened, and had been looking forward to trying the Sweet Bread Dog.  Unfortunately, it has since been taken off the menu (for the time being anyway), so I went for the next best thing: Banh Mi Dog.

Banh Mi Dog ($7)
Pork liver, pickled cucumber, pickled red onion, jalapeno, sweet chili, cilantro

I also wanted to try a second variety, and after some internal debating I settled on the Hawaii Dog.

Hawaii Dog ($5)
Pineapple Salsa, bacon, sweet soy, mint

Both were delicious and satisfying.  The combinations of the flavors worked out well.  I think it is definitely true that the toppings are what made these hot dogs great.  The frank itself isn't bad, but I personally prefer the locavore at Franktuary.  Hot Dog Fiend had only good things to say about her Chili Cheese Dog, and she was nice enough to share her fries.

Fresh-Cut Fries ($3)

Needless to say, we enjoyed our visit to Station Street.  Hope to come back and try some other dogs soon!

Restaurant Info:
Station Street Hot Dogs
6290 Broad St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412)365-2121
On the web: http://www.stationstreetpgh.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Station-Street-Hot-Dog-and-Sandwich-Shop/63078237726
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StationStHotDog


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Chicken Latino (Strip District)

This is a long belated post on Chicken Latino in the Strip District.  My first visit there was back in December, after receiving positive recommendations from multiple sources.  I recall trying to decide between something with rotisserie chicken and the weekend ceviche special, but given the name of the restaurant I had to go with the Quarter Chicken (dark meat), while R. had the Chicken Quesadilla.  Both were mouthwatering delicious.  In fact, I didn't expect much of the chicken quesadilla, and it turned out to be quite good.  Not pictured is Chicken Latino's special green sauce that's quite spicy but very, very good.

Quarter Peruvian Style Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken Quesadilla

I didn't post about my first trip right away because I had hoped to be back soon for the ceviche and figured I would combine both visits into one post...only "soon" didn't happen until four months later for one reason or another.  In any case, I finally made it, and on this particular weekend the special was a Shrimp and Fish Ceviche, which also didn't disappoint.  The flavor was strong but not overwhelming.

Shrimp and Fish Ceviche

Chicken Latino is a great, casual place to grab a bite during weekend "Stripping" trips, or any other time one happens to be in the Strip.  They are also great about announcing their weekend special on Twitter and Facebook.

Restaurant info:
Chicken Latino
155 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412)246-0974
On the web: http://www.chickenlatino.com
On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chickenlatino
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicken-Latino/145153807143


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Square Cafe (Regent Square): Take Two

I met up with Señorita Cibulka and Burgh Gourmand for brunch at Square Cafe this morning.  I hadn't been there since my first visit last summer and I was definitely excited to be back.

I'm a big fan of crepes so I really couldn't resist ordering something from the crepe column.  Unfortunately, they no longer have the amazing Creamy Salmon and Roasted Tomato Crepe I loved last time, so I chose the Vegetable Crepes instead, with mushrooms, zucchinis, onions, green peppers, spinach, topped with a sundried tomato spread and parmesan cheese.  It was good, and my favorite part was definitely the sundried tomato spread which gave everything else a bold flavor.

Vegetable Crepes ($9.59)

BG invited me to take a picture and a bite of his White Bean and Pancetta Soup, and it was great as well.

White Bean and Pancetta Soup

And of course, our caffeinated beverages gave us a nice little energy boost.  I have been trying to watch what I eat, but when I saw the Banana Nut Toffee Latte, I just couldn't resist!

Coffee, Peppermint Patty Latte,
and Banana Nut Toffee Latte

It was most certainly a lovely brunch to kick off the weekend.  I also verified with the server that they are able to use egg whites for their egg items, which is good to know for future visits. :)  Hope to be back again soon!

Restaurant info:
Square Cafe
1137 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412)244-8002
On the web:  http://www.square-cafe.com
On Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/TheSquareCafe
On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SquareCafe