Pittsburgh Restaurant Week: Winter Kickoff Party

Ahh, Restaurant Week, how we’ve missed you!

For those of you new to the blog (or to our beloved city), Restaurant Week is a twice-yearly event in Pittsburgh that has been happening (and growing) for a couple of years now. It’s run by our fellow blogger Brian (TasteBudB) of the Pittsburgh TasteBuds.

This winter’s Restaurant Week runs from January 13-19. However, one of our most favorite parts of Restaurant Week actually happens before the restaurant specials kick in. That would be the kickoff party, where a whole bunch of participating restaurants offer small-bite samples from their menus.

This season, we got to taste ridiculous amount of delicious stuff — and we’d like to share it all with you! We’re going to step aside and let our pictures do the talking. If you see something that catches your eye, we highly recommend getting a reservation and having a night out this week! As you can see here, a lot of restaurants have terrific deals. And now for the stars of the show!

Roasted tomato balsamic pasta from Skinny Pete’s Kitchen. (RW Menu)

Tuna on wonton from The Carlton. (RW Menu)
** See our previous review of The Carlton! **

Sirloin in butter shallot sauce from The Capital Grille. (RW Menu)
** See our previous review of The Capital Grille! **

Salmon red snapper ceviche from Nine on Nine. (RW Menu)
** See our previous review of Nine on Nine! **

Duck confit mousse from Lola Bistro. (RW Menu)

Beef carpaccio with arugula from Donato’s. (RW Menu)

Tomato basil bisque and gourmet grilled cheese from Skinny Pete’s Kitchen. (RW Menu)

Pulled pork taco from Diamond Market Bar and Grill. (RW Menu)
** Read about our adventure at Diamond Market Bar and Grill! **

Risotto balls from Cornerstone Restaurant. (RW Menu)

Turkey cranberry meatballs with duck fat in brie cream from Kaleidoscope Cafe. (RW Menu)
** Check out our previous visit to Kaleidoscope! **

Mushroom tortellini from Matteo’s. (RW Menu)

Gnocci from Lombardozzi’s Restaurant. (RW Menu)

Beet Napoleon from The Terrace Room. (RW Menu)
** Read our previous review of The Terrace Room! **

Pulled chicken falafel from Mediterrano. (RW Menu)
** Check out another tasty encounter with Mediterrano! **

And for dessert, flourless espresso cake from The Capital Grille. (RW Menu)
** See our previous review of The Capital Grille! **

Those were but a few of the things on offer at the Restaurant Week Kickoff Party; we didn’t even manage to try everything! But hopefully, at least one of those will inspire you to check out a restaurant this week. We know we’re excited!

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week Winter 2014 runs from January 13th-19th. Again, here’s the full list of participating restaurants; we hope to see you out and about!