Everyday Noodles: Noodles with a “Show”

So, confession time… yes, it’s true…I have been to Benihana.  You know, one of those hibachi establishments where you pay a fortune to witness the “showmanship” of some guy throwing a few shrimps at your mouth.  Do yourself a favor; don’t go (even if they did send you a “Free Entrée for Your Birthday” coupon).  Instead, head over to Everyday Noodles in Squirrel Hill.  Here, you can be entertained and eat Taiwanese-style noodles gimmick-free. 

When you enter Everyday Noodles, the first thing you notice, besides the aroma of delicious eats, is the row of cooks/chefs stationed behind a large pane of glass.  While being escorted to your table, you’re very likely to witness (and be totally mesmerized) with a gentleman who is wielding an enormous stretch of dough.  He’ll continuously stretch and pull the dough, making you jump as he slaps it down to the counter from time to time. These cooks are masters at what they do.  Considering the owner, Mike Chen, personally selects cooks from Taipei to visit Pittsburgh to train his employees, it’s no shock to see such expertise.

Once seated, you’ll have to peel your eyes away from the men in the window, to take a gander at the menu.  Paper menus can be found on your table, complete with pencils to mark your dining choices.  You’ll notice that the menu ranges from appetizers to a variety of noodle categories.  For example, you can get your noodles in broth, aka soup, or dry. My favorite noodle soup is the Braised Beef.  The meat was a bit fatty, but it was very tender and flavorful.  I prefer the Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce when ordering from the dry noodle items.  You get the option of trying the thin or wide flour-based noodles (made in-house), or opting for rice noodles. 

Marinated Sliced Beef Shank (Appetizer)

Braised Beef Noodle Soup

Noodles with Minced Pork Sauce ("Dry" Noodles)

There’s no denying that the noodle dishes are amazing, but I have a serious obsession with their dumplings. The steamed pork soup dumplings are what foodies’ dreams are made of: little purses of dough filled with the perfect union of a tender, pork meatball and velvety broth.  Be forewarned though, these lil’ dumplings are equally adorable and dangerous!  If eaten incorrectly, you will scald your tongue and make a mess of yourself… causing those patrons around you to giggle at your tomfoolery. 

 

Steamed Pork Soup Dumplings

When eating a soup dumpling, you have a couple of choices. 1.) After the dumplings have cooled a bit, dip your dumpling in a mix of soy sauce and vinegar (make sure you get some of the ginger they bring you as well) and then place the whole dumpling in your mouth. 2.) If have no will power to let them cool down, put a dumpling in the spoon they provide you (after you dip it in the sauce).  Then you can hold the dumpling close to your mouth while you bite the top of the dumpling off.  (Some people even suck the broth out at this point.)  Once the steam escapes, eat the rest in one bite.

The potstickers are also a treat for the palate.  We often order the Pork and Vegetable.  When people ask me what potstickers are, I describe it as an Asian pierogie of sorts.  It’s a thin fold of dough filled with meat and vegetables and has a crust on one side where it “stuck to the pot”…get it…potstickers. 

 

Pork and Vegetable Potstickers

One gripe some folks may have, is that the majority of menu items feature pork or beef.  If you’re a chicken lover, this isn’t the best place for you.  Also, when it’s busy, drink refills are sometimes hard to come by.  Overall, however, Everyday Noodles is anything but “every day”.  On the contrary, dining here is a fun event.  For a reasonable price, you get expertly prepared food and a “show”. 

I give Everyday Noodles: 4/5 forks

Will I return? Absolutely

Everyday Noodles

5875 Forbes Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

412.421.6668

Mercurio’s: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza and Artisanal Gelato

While visiting family and friends this weekend in upstate NY, my husband and I were sharing our infatuation for Mercurio’s pizza.  Our declaration of love for this charming little pizza and gelato eatery came after dining on a sad pie from the local “pizza shop."  Let it be said now, Mercurio’s is not your average pizza shop.  It’s more like a mini vacation to Italy.

Mercurio’s is operated by Anna and Michael Mercurio (siblings).  It’s obvious that this family run business cares about quality ingredients and the tradition of making food from one’s heritage.  Michael is the head chef and is certified by the Italian government to make Neapolitan pizza.  Neapolitan pizza is distinct from other pizzas because Michael must follow certain rules.  I learned, after reading up on the guidelines on Mercurio's site, that the foundation of most pizzas is simple, fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce and mozzarella cheese.  The dough consists of wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water.  Michael is not allowed to use a rolling pin while ensuring that his dough is no more than 3mm thick.  He then bakes the pizza 60–90 seconds in a 485 °C (905 °F) stone oven with an oak-wood fire.  The flavors and textures you get from this specialty oven are incredible.

The toppings are also mind-blowingly fresh and healthy.  Sorry, folks, if you want a grease-laden mountain of processed meats you’re in the wrong spot.  Rather, most pizzas are topped with items such as arugula, artichokes, Prosciutto di Parma, grape tomatoes, basil, and so on.  No napkin blotting or guilty feelings required when dining on this pie. 

Pizza Della Casa (prosciutto, grape tomatoes, arugula, and shaved parmigiano reggiano)

Salsiccia (Italian Sausage, basil, and mozzarella)

Pizza Roberto (basil, grape tomatoes, house-made burrata, and extra virgin olive oil)

If you’re not in the pizza mood, you can choose from a variety of grilled Panini, salads, or munch on an antipasti plate.  My favorite salad is the Insalate Rustica.  It’s big enough to share and consists of spring mix, Prosciutto di Parma, artichokes, Gaeta olives, grape tomatoes, and is tossed in a perfect union of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Often times, we order this salad and a pizza to share. 

Insalate Rustica

You would have to be mad, or lactose intolerant, to pass up on Mercurio’s homemade gelato.  The toughest part is choosing from the day’s 30 or so flavors. (They rotate their flavors fairly often as they have 200+ recipes in their arsenal.)  One tidbit to mull over is that although gelato may seem more fattening than ice cream due to its creamy texture; it’s actually lower in fat.  The texture is due to the fact that is has a little air pumped into it, unlike American ice cream which has 50-100% air injected prior to freezing.  The best part is that it is sold by the ounce ($.70/oz) so you can mix and match and get as little or as much as you’d like. 

It’s time to taste what authentic, fresh ingredients can create.  Throw away that Pizza Hut delivery menu and take a trip to Italy…or Shadyside… and give Mercurio’s a try!

I give Mercurio’s: 5/5 forks

Will I return? Absolutely

Mercurio’s

5523 Walnut Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

412.621.6220

Coca Café: Best Brunch in the ‘Burgh

So, when my husband and I moved to Pittsburgh in 2006, our first habitat was a rental in Bloomfield.  What does this have to do with Coca Café you ask?  Sadly, my dearest readers…we had no idea that Coca existed at that time!  It wasn’t until we moved 6 miles down the way in 2008, that we discovered this culinary delight…a haven for all those seeking sanctuary from unimagined “greasy spoons”.  

Coca Café serves up an array of eats.  They have delicious sandwiches for the lunchtime crowd and small plates Thursday through Saturday (from 5-9pm) for the dinner patrons, but I have a dangerous obsession with their Sunday brunch.  Yes, lots of upscale eateries are boasting gourmet weekend brunches these days, but Coca is simply the best.  Coca offers a stellar spread of breakfast items Tuesday through Saturday.  I often get the Pumpkin Pancakes (Fall Menu) or the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes (Summer Menu), and my husband is always up for ordering their fluffy Avocado Omelet on a weekday.  While their “standard” menu items are already plates of perfection, Sunday is a true event.  Don’t believe me?  The line outside the door (which begins forming just before 9am) doesn’t lie.  (Hint: While they do not take reservations, you can call ahead to put your name on the list.  Just make sure you have your entire party present when they call you, or you won’t be seated.) 

Arugula Salad with Beats, Goat Cheese, and Salmon (Lunch and Dinner Menu)

Avocado Omelet with Roasted Potatoes 

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes (Hoping to see these back on the summer menu soon!)

Once inside (and you’re so pumped when they call your name) you are greeted to funky, retro décor and the aroma of freshly brewed La Prima coffee.  The front room has larger tables that can seat relatively large parties quite comfortably.  My favorite spot is the “sun room” in the back.  Here, you can bask in the rays in cozy little booths and tables for two.  The atmosphere is usually quieter back there and the servers can focus more of their attention on you.

The Sunday brunch menu is printed weekly, and it’s clear that careful consideration is put into its creation.  Many of the weekday items are still present, but there is also a list of five to six specials of the day listed at the top.  And man, are they special.  Each Sunday, I struggle to make up my indecisive mind.  I’ve had or tasted (stolen bites off of my dining companions' plates) everything from Braised Short Ribs over Manchego Cheese Grits to Seafood Cakes Eggs Benedict.  As frequently as I go, there are just too many goodies to list here.  It's rather pointless anyways, Coca doesn’t repeat specials too often.   They cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients so each week is a new culinary surprise. 

Chicken Stuffed Banana Peppers with Egg

"Waffle" Challah French Toast with Grilled Peaches and Cardamom Mascarpone Sauce

Don’t be like me and miss out on Coca longer than you need to.  Go this weekend if you can handle waiting for a table or go on your next weekday off (you should be able to get a table quickly).  I’m still mad I’ll never get those two years of Sunday brunches back.


I give Coca Cafe: 5/5 forks

Will I return? Absolutely

Coca Cafe
3811 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201

(412) 621-3171

SMOKE (Barbeque* Taqueria): Homestead’s Diamond in the Rough

            I’m sure many of you have ventured over to the Waterfront, to go shopping or catch the latest flick at Lowes Theatre, but how many of you non-Homesteaders have literally crossed the train tracks and ventured over to Smoke on 8^th Avenue?  It’s true that Homestead has seen better days, but you owe it to your foodie self to take the trip. 

            When entering Smoke, the namesake of this taqueria is fully realized and you’ll, at no fault of your own, begin salivating like one of Pavlov’s dogs as a result of the all-consuming aroma of barbequed meats.  That’s right folks, you’re not going to find any bland, dry meats in this joint.  On the contrary, all meat options (chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket) are tender and seasoned to perfection.  For the non-meat eaters (you are enigmas to me), there is also a spicy veggie option.  You also have the offerings of two breakfast tacos which can be made with or without meat and are served all day.

The quality doesn’t stop at the filling, like some other taquerias in the area though.  All tortillas are made in-house on the daily.  Never have I tasted a tortilla so delicate, yet sturdy enough to serve its purpose: to get that scrumptious filling to my pie hole without making a sloppy mess.  The taco list is limited, but each offering has been thoughtfully envisioned to create a stars-aligned experience in your mouth.  A favorite menu item of mine is the chicken apple taco, which is topped with house-made bacon, cheddar, and jalapeno mayo (not spicy, just flavorful).  My second choice is often the pork taco, topped with apricot habanero sauce and caramelized onions (this one does pack some heat).  There is also a daily specialty taco.  

Chicken Apple 

Pork

Smoke also offers salads and sides to accompany your eats.  The potato salad is creamy and flavored with grilled leeks. A side of smoky beans or a dish of slaw is always a good choice too.  In terms of beverages, agua fresca, lemonade, and iced tea are sure to quench your thirst.  Smoke is BYOB ($2.50/person) so you can feel free to bring your favorite brew or some tequila to make a delicious mixer. 

Brisket Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing

So I know I’ve got you hooked on the idea of going to Smoke already.  You’re saying to yourself, “What could possibly make this taqueria any more enticing?” How about smoked wings?!  It was so hard for me not to talk about wing night first, but I had to give the tacos their limelight (it is a taco shop after all).  But let me say this now, Smoke has the best wings in all of Pittsburgh.  These smoky, crispy, saucy delicacies have officially made Thursday the best day of the week (Fridays?  Who cares?).  And my word, the house-made Gorgonzola dressing is drinkable (minus the big hunks of cheese).  

Wings

The moral of the story is that Smoke is outrageously satisfying.  And while Nelda and Jeff (owners) may not have the notoriety of being the next “Kevin Sousa” just yet, they most certainly deserve major props for bringing fresh, delicious food to the once vibrant Homestead business district.  Do yourself a favor and treat your mouth by visiting Smoke some day soon-give Homestead a chance.

I give Smoke: 5/5 forks 

Will I return?  Absolutely

SMOKE

225 E 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120

(412) 205-3039