My Recommendation for the Best Italian Restaurant in Pittsburgh – Alla Famiglia
Our favorite dining companions called and asked “Fredo – what’s the Best Italian Restaurant in Pittsburgh?” and without hesitation, I responded “Alla Famiglia!”.
Their response back was we’ve never heard of that restaurant, where is it? I advised them the restaurant was in Allentown, the opposite side of Mt. Washington and you won’t be disappointed.
So off it was to Alla Famiglia on Saturday evening with 8:30 reservations, much later than I prefer but it is Alla Famiglia and you have to book weeks in advance if you want an earlier seating.
Upon entering the restaurant we were warmly greeted and seated immediately. Our server who was also the Sommelier explained the menu and wine list. We opted out of the appetizers at my recommendation because of the family style salad, pasta and bread pre meal and it was pretty late in the evening as well.
We enjoyed the salad and pasta, next it was on to our entrees. I had the Filet Mignon and my wife had the Chilean Sea Bass, again on my recommendation our friends had the Veal Chop Milanese, which is pan fried in clarified butter topped with lump Crabmeat, Pignoli and locatelli Romano, and the Linguine Del Mare with Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels all (oversized) in a spicy red sauce.
The presentation, quality and taste were all outstanding. To top it off, we shared the Raspberry Tiramisu for dessert, fantastico! Our Friends were thoroughly Impressed.
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh, or have a special occasion, or are just looking for the best Italian Restaurant in The Burgh – you must visit Alla Famiglia!
Baltimore Md Fork and Wrench and the Charmery
One Night in Baltimore – A Visit to Baltimore, Md –
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I had one evening to explore the city of Baltimore, Maryland this past weekend. I have only visited the suburbs of Baltimore for soccer tournaments never venturing downtown into the city. Getting into the city just in time for dinner, I decided to try the restaurant Fork and Wrench. It had a very cool industrial vibe and a classic drink menu. I ordered the Classic French 75 Champagne, Gin, Citrus Cocktail which was fantastic.
I then ordered the Beets and Burrata Salad. It had the perfect mix of sweetness from the pickled beets to the creaminess of the Burrata and the salt of the Pine Nuts. For my Entree I choose the Cider Braised Beef Cheeks. The Beef melted in my mouth and it was perfectly seasoned. Definitely a great choice. This restaurant is a Baltimore must when visiting, it reminded me of my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh, Vivo!
Next it was off for a walk on the cobblestone’s of Thames Street in the Fells Point area. It’s an area with many shops, restaurants and bars leading to the harbor front. After a nice walk along the harbor, I visited The Sagamore Pendry Hotel. Kevin Plank, the CEO of Under Armour, purchased the former Recreation Center and transformed it into one of the coolest and hippest hotels anywhere. It’s a classic mix of old and new (modern) architecture.
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Next it was off to Hampden, a cool neighborhood that reminded me a lot of Hoboken NJ, for dessert at the Charmery. The hand crafted Ice Cream flavors and topping combinations are over the top. I opted for “The Classic”Hot Fudge 2 scoops, Whipped Cream and a Cherry Sundae. It was possibly the best Ice Cream I have ever eaten. A great way to end a perfect evening in Baltimore, Md.
Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel
Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel – Review
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Hello Everyone,
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I just spent 2 days and 1 evening in Cleveland Ohio. We checked into the Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel and were pleasantly surprised at the newly built property.
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It’s a very modern hotel with a great vibe. The common areas are very sleek with clean lines and the rooms are also very nice, especially the bathrooms.
The bar on the 32nd floor named Bar 32 is a great place to have a drink and light snacks. The view’s are amazing. I would definitely recommend this property.
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We also went to an excellent Seafood Restaurant named The Blue Point Grill. The atmosphere, service and food were all fantastic. We started with the Crab Cake over Napa Slaw then for entrees I had their signature dish the Nags Head Grouper over Lobster Mash Potatoes and my wife had the Gulf of Maine Salmon over Creamy Parsnips, both dishes were amazing.
Next time you’re in Cleveland stop by and try this wonderful restaurant and stay at this great hotel.
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Ciao,
Fredo
The green wall is a green moss wall behind the front check-in desk. Beautiful to see when you walk in the lobby.
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The Beautiful Bar 32 on the 32nd floor of the Hilton
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Lobby of the Hilton Cleveland Downtown Hotel.
The Beautiful Interior of the Blue Point Grill.
Exterior of the Blue Point Grill.
My Delicious Dinner at the Blue Point Grill.
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Pittsburgh to New York Road Trip
Pittsburgh to New York Road Trip – Food – Family – Fun!
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Hello Everyone,
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If you thought you missed my recipe this week, good news you didn’t I took a family road trip to NY. I will share with you my favorite culinary experiences and other highlights of our trip!
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We started our journey driving a little more than half way to Hershey Pa. Where we stayed at the Hotel Hershey a AAA Four Diamond Award winning hotel. The hotel and grounds of this grand property are just magnificent. We dined at Harvest their Farm to Table Restaurant which was very good.
The next morning it was off to NYC’s Meatpacking District and the Gansevoort Hotel. The hotel is a chic modern venue with a great rooftop pool and bar. Next we walked across the street to Chelsea Market ( a food hall with shops) and had lunch at the Lobster Place a fresh fish market and Sushi/Sashimi Bar. That evening we dined at Tim Ho Wan, a Dim Sum restaurant that features a Three Star Michelin Chef and is a One Star restaurant winner. It’s also touted as the least expensive Michelin Star Restaurant in the world. Next it was off for dessert at the Sugar Factory where the drinks and dessert’s are more like works of art, not to mention delicious and huge!
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Our next day featured a lite breakfast, aside from the French Cream Donut at Le Pain Quotidien. Then off to the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center. The 60 second elevator ride is simply amazing as were the views from the top. Then off to Eately, ( which is a modern Italian Mercato) for lunch. Next it was off to Little Italy’s Ferrara Italian Bakery for some pastries and Italian Ice. Dinner that night was back in the Meatpacking District at Santina, a coastal Italian Restaurant located directly under the Highline ( which is an abandoned elevated railroad track filled with gardens and vegetation) where we walked off our meal.
Santina Restaurant, Fusilli Santina
We woke up early the next morning and headed out to Long Island and the Hampton’s to visit family. We made 3 stops on the way. The first was in Brooklyn at Landi’s Italian Pork Shop. The cuts and quality of their meats along with their prepared foods are second to none. We picked up some steaks and prepared foods to take to our relatives along with an Italian Hero for us to share on our car ride there. Next stop was at my favorite Italian Bakery on Long Island Dortoni’s, more pastries to go!
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Our last food stop of the day was in Huntington at Kerbers Farm where we had Lobster Rolls, Nathan’s Grilled Hot Dogs and fresh mini berry pies.
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Our final day on Long Island was off to one of our favorite beaches anywhere Coopers Beach in South Hampton. If you go remember to bring cash as its $40.00 cash only to park. The $40.00 is money well spent once you see this beautiful beach, they have bathroom’s for changing and a great beach cafe along with umbrella and chair service.
After a wonderful Eclipse beach day we visited the town of South Hampton and our new favorite restaurant The Plaza Cafe. This seafood restaurant was definitely something special. The quality and freshness of the seafood was outstanding, along with the service and house made dessert’s. A definite not miss restaurant when visiting the Hampton’s. One last stop was at Sugarfina for Champagne Gummy Bears to bring home to my oldest daughter who couldn’t make the trip.
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Plaza Cafe, South Hampton, Grilled Lobster
The Lobster Place, Chelsea Market , Lobster Sushi Roll
One World Trade Center and View
Kerbers Farm, Lobster Roll
Ferrara Italian Bakery Cookie Counter, Little Italy
Le Pain Quotidien, Avocado Toast and French Cream Donut
Sugar Factory Spiked Carmel Macchiato and Snickers Milkshake
Eataly, Burrata, Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza
Now Back to Pittsburgh!
Ciao,
Fredo