Author Archives: michael

Everyone Could Use A Little Head Cheese

Achievement: #44. Kimpton Staycation | #57. Eat Head Cheese

During our Kimpton Staycation, we had planned on going downstairs to the Commoner to judge their charcuterie. Little did we know that their charcuterie boards would also allow us to strike another long-in-the-coming achievement: try head cheese! Come read the verdict. Continue reading

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Filed under #44, #44-15, #57, #57-15, charcuterie, downtown, head cheese, kimpton, pittsburgh, staycation, valentine's day

The Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh: Our Wondrous Kimpton Staycation

Achievement: #44. Kimpton Staycation

When we learned that Pittsburgh was getting its very own Kimpton hotel, we immediately made a date for a little staycation. Here is the chronicle of our trip down the road to the Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, a lovely new jewel in the Kimpton chain. Continue reading

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Filed under #44, #44-15, breakfast, cocktails, dessert, dinner, downtown, hotel, kimpton, pittsburgh, restaurant, staycation, valentine's day

Cheese Of The Month Club: In Which We Begin Frenching

Achievement: #41. Cheese of the Month Club

We return with another installment of Cheese of the Month Club, this time highlighting some delicious and versatile cheeses from France. Come take a look; maybe you’ll get some ideas for your next friendly get-together! Continue reading

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Filed under #41, #41-15, charcuterie, cheese, cheese of the month club, france

We Would Die 4 A Prince Movie Marathon

Achievement: #90. Prince Movie Marathon

This year, our main movie-related achievement was to watch all three Prince movies in a row, with cocktails to match each one. What were the highlights? What were the lowlights? Come and find out! Continue reading

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Filed under #90, #90-15, cocktails, movies, music, prince

Charcuterie Face-Off, Round 2: Braddock’s Pittsburgh Brasserie

Achievement: #21. Charcuterie Face-Off

Continuing our quest to spotlight and rank some of the best charcuterie in town, we travel to Braddock’s Pittsburgh Brasserie in downtown Pittsburgh. What does Chef Jason have in store for you when you visit? Check it out here. Continue reading

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Filed under #21, #21-15, charcuterie, cheese, downtown, pierogies, pittsburgh, wine

The Baller Meatball Ball-Off: Franco’s Pizzeria Italiana

Achievement: #22. Meatball Ball-Off

Might we have already found the winner of the Ball-Off? Come and have a look at the delectable meatballs served at Franco’s Pizzeria Italiana. Continue reading

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Filed under #22, #22-15, italian food, meat, meatballs, pizza, south hills

Italian Feasting (With A Side Of Decorative Weaponry) At Zarra’s

Achievement: #66. Dinner at Zarra's

Zarra’s: cutting between Polish Hill and Schenley Park, you might have been past it once (or if you’re us, a hundred times). What’s inside? Some unique style, some wild history, and some big, bold Italian dishes. Take a look! Continue reading

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Filed under #66, #66-15, dessert, dinner, italian food, oakland, wine

The Baller Meatball Ball-Off: Emporio at Sienna Mercato

Achievement: #22. Meatball Ball-Off

We continue our quest to find the ideal set of meatballs by visiting a specialist: Emporio on the 1st floor of Sienna Mercato, a meatball joint (or “ball joint”) with a massive variety of meaty options. Did their meatballs truly ball, or were they merely “meaty-ocre”? (Sorry.) Click to find out! Continue reading

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Filed under #22, #22-15, downtown, italian food, meat, meatballs

Cheese Of The Month Club: Penn Mac’s Finest

Achievement: #41. Cheese of the Month Club

Our Cheese of the Month adventure continues with a package of the most popular cheeses offered at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. Come dig in with us as we seek out top pairings and flavor profiles. Continue reading

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Filed under #41, #41-15, charcuterie, cheese, cheese of the month club, denmark, english, france, italy

Jelly Of The Month Club: Rhubarb Jam

Achievement: #42. Jelly of the Month Club

We start the year with round one of 2015’s Jelly Of The Month Club. We’ll be trying out a dozen jellies throughout the year; first up is a rhubarb jam from Penn’s Corner. How’d this farm fresh jam turn out? Have a read and see! Continue reading

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Filed under #42, #42-15, CSA, jelly, jelly of the month