Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill: An Open Air Dinner

Serendipity is defined as the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.  Call it what you like, but I was definitely in the right place at the right time last Thursday when I decided to spend time at the Market Square Farmer’s Market before the Pirate’s game.  If I hadn’t been strolling around with a serious sugar craving I might never have had the opportunity to eat at Greendance Winery’s first “Open Air Dinner"... one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever been lucky enough to attend. 

While there were several options for raising my glucose levels at the farmer’s market, I decided on eating a slice of Three Berry pie from Sand Hill Berries, a farm located in Mt. Pleasant.  My plan was to scarf down the slice with a cup o’ Joe and then make my way to a pregame lunch date (don’t judge me).  About half way through, I decided I had to go back and give these guys some face-to-face kudos.  This pie was loaded with plump blackberries, red raspberries, and blueberries and the crust was tasty but subtle enough to let the berries be the headliners.

Three Berry Pie

I was able to give my praises to Robbie Schilling.  It is he who encouraged me to go over to the Greendance Winery table and speak with his wife, Amy, to sign up for their first Open Air Dinner.  As it turns out, the Schillings are one part of the trio (along with the Vinoskis and Lynns) that brought the idea of having a winery on a berry farm to fruition.  It was actually Diane, their tasting room manager, who gave me the scoop: wine tasting and amuse bouche (that’s fancy speak for finger food) from 6-7pm at the Café and an outdoor family-style dinner from 7-10pm.  Her description was lovely and the menu sounded almost too good to be true.  For the reasonable price of $45 (tax/gratuity included), I was sold and super excited.  

On Saturday night, we hopped into the car with some of our favorite neighbors and took an easy drive out of the city into peaceful Mt. Pleasant.  After checking in, we made our way to the tasting room.  We tasted several wines (they have a full range, including fruit wines), and decided to go with their Pinot Gris for dinner.  I don’t even like Pinot usually, but Greendance does theirs right.  With bottle and glasses in hand, we made our way out to the Café area to nibble on a spread of fruits, cheeses, and dips…even some spicy stuffed banana peppers.

The Cafe 

At 7 o’clock, Amy came out to the Café and announced we would need to gather our bottles and follow her on the wagon trail by foot to our dinner table.  (Ladies, wear sensible shoes, please.  You’re on a farm!)  Maybe it was my first glass of wine, but I was downright giddy as we made way our way past the orchard to a small clearing around the bend.  As each person approached the table a look of astonishment spread across their face.  It was absolutely stunning. 

Our Open Air Dinner Table

Upon taking our seats, we were encouraged to introduce ourselves to those seated near us.  It was quite fun getting acquainted.  We had everyone from car salesmen (salesladies actually), to maritime lawyers, to teachers.  There were 48 of us all together.  Once situated, food began appearing at our table.

To start, we passed around large bowls filled to the brim with the biggest berries I’ve ever seen along with baskets of cheese bread.  Next, came plates of halved avocados filled with shrimp ceviche.  Oh my word, the avocados were perfectly ripe and provided a velvety foundation for those citrusy crustaceans.  Just as plates were beginning to empty, we filled them up again with Farm Blueberry Salad.  I agreed with others who claimed they could eat this salad all night.  Fresh greens were lightly dressed and tossed with huge blueberries, feta cheese, and candied nuts…simple and delicious. 

Avocado Halves with Shrimp Ceviche

Farm Blueberry Salad

I started to get nervous at this point. Everything thus far was literally perfect.  Could the entrées meet such high expectations?  As the salad plates were cleared, heavy bowls and bountiful platters of food started rolling out.  I no sooner passed one bowl and another appeared! This continued for a while until I realized I had no more room on my plate.  Here’s the rundown: Filet with Port Demi-Glace, Roasted Herbed Chicken, Grilled Vegetables, Garlic Buttered Red Potatoes, and Parsley Fingerling Potatoes.  The beef was succulent and cooked perfectly for most everyone…some pinker slices and some closer to well done.  The chicken was phenomenal as well.  It was moist and the herbs hidden under the crispy skin added intense flavors.  The sides were masterfully executed also.  The vegetables were charred a bit and had a great texture (not too mushy or crunchy) and the potatoes were rich and fork tender. 

Filet with Port Demi-Glace

Roasted Herbed Chicken

Grilled Veggies

Garlic Buttered Red Potatoes

Parsley Fingerling Potatoes

My plate!

By this point, the night sky was approaching, allowing the outdoor decorative lights and candles running down the length of our table to illuminate our conversations.  By the time dessert came, everyone was chatting as if we had all been long-time friends (bottles of wine and delectable food helped the cause).  Speaking of dessert, massive English Pudding Cakes were making their way to our table.  The cake was a single layer, but easily 6 inches high.  And I say cake loosely, because each slice was consumed with endless berries of all varieties.  You could even taste the sweet tartness of the currents that grow on Sand Hill Berries.  The few bites I tasted, complete with fresh whipped cream, had maxed me out.  I simply had no room left in my stomach.  I, along with several other diners, requested a “box” to go. 

English Pudding Cake with Sand Hill Berries

I was honestly sad to see this night come to a close.  Greendance Winery made me feel like an honored guest attending an elegant feast somewhere in the hills of Tuscany.  I’m not sure if it’s possible to put into words just how amazing this night was.  I suggest you bookmark Greendance Winery’s event calendar so you can experience this place yourself.  Not only is there another Open Air Dinner in September, but they also have live music on the weekends and hold various celebrations.  Their annual Wine Festival and Open House are coming up in October.  Don’t wait for a serendipitous event to come and enjoy all that Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill has to offer. 

I give Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill: 5/5 forks

Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill

306 Deer Field Road

Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666

412.434.7200

Neighborhood: Not in the city limits.

Penn Avenue Fish Company: Hook, Line, and Sinker

When you think of Pittsburgh cuisine, you might not think of sushi and fresh fish.  Sure, we’ve got three rivers, but the Mon isn’t exactly the source of sushi grade tuna.  And we’re not living the Japanese life where you can munch on sushi from a vending machine…hmmm.  So where can you go to quiet your craving for aquatic-dwellers?  The Penn Avenue Fish Company has your back…or your stomach. 

The PAFC has two locations (the Strip District and Downtown).  We’ve been to both locations, but we’re always drawn back to the Strip location.  Not only is the Penn Ave location where it all began, but the amount of stimuli in this place is unreal.  Not only is it packed with patrons getting their eat on (it’s always jammed at lunch), but the guys and gals who run this eatery are really working! 

If you look to the left, you’ll see the fishmongers filleting up whole fish and wrapping up various fresh orders for the at-home cooks.  In the center, is the sushi counter.  Here you can sit and watch the sushi masters create art on a plate.  Some of those rolls are almost too picturesque to eat…almost.  At the front counter, people are jockeying for their turn to check out the chalkboard menu and place their orders.  (Don’t be surprised if Angela Earley, co-owner alongside Henry B. Dewey, writes your ticket herself.) This is also where you pay when you’re done eating. 

Fishmonger

Fresh Fish

Sushi Master

Chalkboard Menu

Besides sushi, the regular menu ranges from sandwiches and tacos to pizzas and salads.  They also have daily soups and specials.  While you might have trouble deciding what you want, trust me when I tell you that everything is fresh and delicious.  No matter what you pick, your mouth will be happy. One of my favorite sandwiches to order is the Broiled Cod Parmesan.  It might sound a lil’ boring but picture this: two generous fillets lightly coated with crispy breadcrumbs, tomato-basil sauce, and a blanket of gooey cheese all sandwiched between a fresh Ciabatta roll.  I always order extra sauce on the side and try to refrain from drinking it in public.  The hubby ordered one of the specials the other day: New England Style Lobster Salad on a Pretzel Bun.  The pretzel bun was easily the best I’ve ever tried.  (You can buy them for $2 apiece if you become obsessed like me.)  The lobster was perfectly cooked and lightly dressed.  All sandwiches come with slaw and a deli side (changes regularly). 

Broiled Cod Parmesan

New England Style Lobster Salad

If the daily grind of work keeps you away from the Strip District location (open 9am-4pm), you can eat dinner at the downtown location Wednesday-Saturday from 6-10pm.  They’re also open for lunch but don’t expect to see the orange-clad fishmongers at this locale. 

I have a few more tidbits for you before I go.  One, Tuesday is “Taco Tuesday” and you can get quite the deal (2 for $4.99, 3 for $6.99, or all-you-can-eat for $8.99).  You’ve got to try the all-you-can-eat special at least once.  Also, on Sundays….ah-hem…on Sundays…man I don’t know if want everyone to know this…okay, here it goes because I like you all so much…they have brunch!  Yes, I’m talking lobster and egg burrito and smoked salmon benedict.  I'll see you in line.  

Tuna Steak and Eggs

Penn Avenue Fish Company is serving up the freshest fish in the most amazing ways.  If you love seafood, you need to stop in here the next time you visit the Strip.  Who wants sushi from a vending machine anyway? 

I give Penn Avenue Fish Company (Strip Location): 5/5 forks

PAFC

2208 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.434.7200

Neighborhood: Strip District

PAFC

308 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412.562.1710

Neighborhood: Downtown

Legume: Taking the Industry Out of Food

So, here’s a lil’ secret for you.  I avoided dining at Legume for quite some time.  Why?  It’s simple really.  You see I am a carnivore at heart and the namesake of this eatery led me astray.  Silly little me assumed that a place named Legume (defined as the fruit or seed of plants…think beans for example) was a sole provider of vegetarian delights.  After stumbling upon their website, I realized I was wr…wr…wrong.  It turns out that Legume does plate up some tasty greens, but it’s also one of the best places in the ‘Burgh to savor just about anything. 

Legume is an upscale restaurant in the Oakland area that sources as many of its ingredients from local farms and artisans as possible.  Once those items are procured, the magic begins in their spacious kitchen.  Executive chef, Trevett Hooper, and his team take pride in preparing each dish by hand.  These folks are no strangers to butchering whole animals fresh from the farm or rolling out fresh pasta.  It’s commonplace to witness the grinding of grains to make polenta or to see all hands on deck when pitting bushels of sour cherries.  You can literally taste the time and the love that goes into every thoughtfully prepared dish.

On our latest visit to Legume, my in-laws (visiting from NY) were willing participants in trying one of my favorite dining spots.  As they perused the menu, they asked if we’d ever tried this (Blue Fish with Carolina Gold Rice and Chive Butter), that (Short Rib Ravioli), or the other thing (Lamb and Mashed Pototes).  The answer each time was, “Nope.”  That’s one the qualities I admire most about Legume.  The menu constantly changes because Chef Trevett only uses what’s fresh and in-season.  So if you’re the kind of person who orders the same dish each time you eat at a particular restaurant, you might be saddened by Legume…but only for a moment. Your frown will be turned upside-down because the daily menu (released each day by 5pm) is so masterfully constructed that you won’t be disappointed in trying the latest masterpieces.  (Okay, okay, one time I was looking pitiful because the Cherry Pie for Two they had earlier that week was all gone.)

Blue Fish with Carolina Gold Rice and Chive Butter

Lamb and Mashed Potatoes

Pork Three Ways (Crispy Pork Belly, Pork Loin, and Sausage)

Rhubarb Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream 

Legume also serves up some delicious, craft cocktails as well.  Drinks are prepared next door at the Butterjoint.  If you don’t have reservations for Legume or you’d like a more relaxed atmosphere, the Butterjoint will not disappoint.  You can still order from Legume’s menu if you choose or you can eat some spectacular “bar food” like fresh ground burgers or house-made pierogies. 

Legume is downright special.  It’s no secret as to why they’re getting some much-deserved attention.  If you care about where your food comes from and you appreciate genius flavor combinations, that only skilled hands can create, then I’ll be seeing you at Legume soon. 

I give Legume: 5/5 forks

Legume

214 North Craig Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412.621.2700

Neighborhood: Oakland

Café Kolache: Putting a Unique Spin on a Czech Tradition

If you’ve ever visited Burleson County, Texas you’ve probably eaten a Kolache.  For those of you who are scratching your heads, Kolache are a favorite dessert for those of Czech heritage. It’s basically a slightly sweetened dough with a tasty dollop of filling (poppyseed, cheese, or fruit is traditional) that nests in the center.  Texas is home to many with Czech roots due to immigration during the 1800s. If you can’t visit Texas any time soon, or Czechoslovakia for that matter, then it’s time to set your GPS for… Beaver, PA?  That’s correct!  Thanks to Kristi Harper, once a resident of Austin, Texas, we only need to take a leisure drive to enjoy sweet and savory treats at Café Kolache.

We arrived to downtown Beaver on a sunny, summer afternoon and were tickled to see such a charming strip of shops and eateries!  While there were several distractions on the way (antiques, jewelry, and shoes oh, my!), we were starving and decided to fill our bellies with Kolache first.  It was of the luncheon hour and Café Kolache was brimming with patrons. 

While anxiously awaiting our turn to order at the counter, we were able to see the offerings of the day in the glass case.  At first, my eyes were drawn to the traditional sweet-filled Kolache.  There were blueberry and cheese still left for the taking.  Next to those were the biggest, most scrumptious-looking cinnamon rolls.  The gentleman at the counter informed me that the cinnamon rolls were made out of Kolache dough as well.  Well, dessert was a no-brainer; we ordered one of each.

With my sweet tooth at bay, we moved onto some unique, savory Kolache.  This is the real reason we had made the trip.  At our arrival, they had Ham and Cheese, Chicken Fajita and Jalapeño, and Sundried Tomato and Artichoke.  They also had a few of their “Lunch Kolache of the Day” left: Balsamic Chicken and Mushroom.   We ended up filling our tray with three different choices to share.  We threw in two freshly brewed iced teas to quench our thirst (they also have an array of coffee choices roasted by Prestogeorge) and made our way outside to grab the last table.  Café Kolache also has a lovely indoor seating area if al fresco dining isn’t in the forecast.

When cutting our savory Kolache into halves, I realized how much they resembled little calzones.  Taking my first bite of the Balsamic Chicken and Mushroom variety, however, I realized that Kolache dough vastly contrasts with pizza dough.  Rather than being dense and chewy, it was soft and delicate.  The pocket was loaded with big chunks of mushrooms and tender chicken, and it oozed a bit of the balsamic sauciness with each cut.  Next up was the Sundried Tomato and Artichoke.  The flavors of sweet and salty were nicely balanced, but the filling was sparse.  I was feeling a tad deflated after the first Kolache was so scrumptious. I was unsure of what to expect from the last of our trio.  Any feelings of doubt completely vanished when I took a bite of the Chicken Fajita and Jalapeño.  Once again tender chicken galore, but this time loaded with a spicy punch of flavor.  It was difficult to share this one! 

Balsamic Chicken and Mushroom

Sundried Tomato and Artichoke

Chicken Fajita and Jalapeño 

After getting a free refill of ice tea, I decided I had to at least try a bite of the cinnamon roll that was beckoning me from its “To-Go” bag.  As mentioned, I have a serious sweet tooth and this was not my first face-to-face encounter with yummy looking cinnamon rolls.  Yummy looking is the key here, though.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bitten into a picturesque roll that was dry or sweetened beyond palatable judgment.  When peeling off the first layer (yes, I’m one of those people), I could see it was moist and had a nice dusting of cinnamon hidden inside.  But did it taste good?  I here by declare, Café Kolache to have the best cinnamon rolls I have tasted to date.  Not only was it fluffy and perfectly spiced, it had just the right amount of sweetness.  The glaze on top was an excellent decision as well.  I’ve always been a fan of the glaze over the 1-inch spread of frosting kinda girl. 

Cinnamon Roll

My husband ate most of the traditional sweet Kolache before I could snap a picture (sorry!).  I took a bite of each, and both were equally amazing.  The blueberry Kolache was filled with plump, juicy berries and the cheese Kolache was rich and velvety.  With these, the filling sits atop a square-cut of dough, rather than inside like the savory varieties.

Café Kolache is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year.  If you’ve never been, it’s time for a day trip out of the ‘Burgh.  I’m positive you’ll be smitten with this little town and the friendly folks you’ll meet.  

I give Café Kolache: 4/5 forks

Café Kolache

402 3rd St

Beaver, PA 15009

412.421.6668