Lunch on the Boss

A team lunch brought up the age old question…where do we want to go? When your only limiting factor is it needs to be on the Southside, we found ourselves at the Double Wide Grill. As the snow billowed down, I arrived at a restaurant with a trailer park set up in the outdoor dining area complete with a pink flamingo. The warmth inside greeted us to a beer-can Christmas tree, beer-bottle chandeliers, and a hubcap ceiling.

The boss had already ordered some wings to arrive while we browsed the menu. Lunch started off with honey garlic and bar-b-que chicken wings. Yes, I too thought honey and garlic. But the warm honey, black pepper, garlic and red chilies were well blended and executed with a perfectly seasoned wing. The plain bar-b-que even had a subtle bite too them. This was going to be good, because the Food Doc can definitely put away some wings. They weren’t over fried and didn’t depend on the sauce as the sole flavoring.

Several at the table toyed over how fantastic the ribs were. As a person from BBQ country, I took this comment very lightly.  The table was a culinary smorgesborg. Let’s work my way around the table.  The beef chili was a chunky meat and vegetable blend of spices that provided heat and a comforting sensation that made you want to curl up at home. It was served with a perfectly moist piece of corn bread that had the perfect touch of sugar. The pulled pork sandwich was tender pork shredded coarsely with a Carolina style bbq sauce, with pickles on an onion bun. I added the Memphis style bbq sauce to cut the very pungent sense of vinegar as I ate it.  The coleslaw was a vinegar-based crisp sensation in my mouth. Finally, I give my break down on the ribs.

First I must analyze the sauces. They have a Carolina style that looked like a sweet and sour sauce. It was truly a reduced vinegar, slight touch of sugar, and red peppers. For this style of sauce it was flavorful, but not my personal favorite. I preferred the traditionally thick molasses/ketchup based sauce with a hint of garlic and a touch of heat that captures the tastes buds once you’ve swallowed and moved on to the next bite. The ribs were tender and fell off the bone, but without the sauce I felt they lacked seasoning.

All in all, lunch was fabulous. The only sad feelings involved having to return to work. Happiness came from enjoying our meals without a pager going off.

As an aside, during the summer, the Double Wide is space to enjoy the outdoor dining room (near the gas pumps). Kick back with the frozen mojito, some chili cheese fries and burger and a game of cornhole. An interesting fact about this establishment is that the avid meat lover and vegan can dine together in very flavorful harmony. They offer many vegetarian and vegan options.

Double Wide Grill is a frequent Food Doc take out destination and I also sit at the bar and enjoy a drink after work.  With a Wide selection to choose from, I recommend a weekly dose of the Double Wide, but try a variety of proteins including the seitan options

Maybe I’ll see you there

Food Doc

Double Wide Grill

2339 E. Carson St

Pittsburgh, PA

(412) 390-1111

doublewidegrill.com

A Brunch Amongst Co-workers

After a long morning at work, I was sharing my passion for breakfast with a co-worker who suggested we go check out a popular breakfast spot. Now clearly it was brunch. It was around 11 on a Saturday morning. I had been to Coca Café in Lawrenceville before but it had been ages. Pleasantly, it was as charming as I remembered.

Coca Café often has a line during prime breakfast/brunch hours but we happened in with no wait at all. It is filled with the young, I appear earth conscious, we all love Lawrenceville patrons. Old knick-knacks and records fill the bookshelves of this eclectic restaurant. Neighborhood artists’ work decorates the walls. We took the table for two that was raised in the corner window of the restaurant. I had hoped they had the same omelet I had before but no such luck. My mouth had watered for the proscuitto, arugula and asiago but instead I had to ponder the menu searching for what would fill the empty space. I settled on a Southwest Omelet (the special) and my colleague got the Avocado omelet. My side of home fries were a little too fried but that did not damper the meal.

The menu also features regulars like the herb-crusted goat cheese stuffed French toast, wild mushroom omelet and fresh squeezed juices. I only wish some of the specials were served more frequently. But if breakfast is not your thing they do offer a lunch menu that looks just as delicious. For the health conscious, you can enjoy scrambled tofu or egg white omelets.


Don’t be afraid of a line. They will take your number and call you when your table is ready. While you wait, explore Lawrenceville. Something about it makes you want to get out of the car and walk past the boutiques and interesting shops.

Coca Café definitely warrants a quick trip up hwy 28 for a breakfast pick me up. The Food Doc says breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat it when you can.

Yours truly,

Food Doc

Coca Café

3811 Butler St

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Cocacafe.net

Mexican Food Texas Style

Perico’s Mexican Cuisine satisfied a desire that I had been missing while in Pittsburgh. This Mexican restaurant located in San Antonio off Sonterra and 281N provided atmosphere, great drinks and even better food. This property features a large bar area for after work drinks and seating to permit eating in the presence of the flat screen TVs. They also provide meeting spaces for large parties.

Dinner was started with a thirst quenching margarita and Perico’s queso. This large bowl of cheese tantalized the taste buds with hidden picadillo (ground beef), avocado and pico de gallo. Once mixed, each bite provides a taste profile rich from the avocado and salty from the meat. Careful not to enjoy too much or there will be no room for more.

The tortilla soup was a perfect broth with a little kick, chicken cilantro and Monterrey jack cheese.

The entrees sampled included the carne guisada, tender, well-seasoned beef overflowing with delicious gravy all stuffed into homemade fresh tortillas. The fajitas were a plate full of mouthwatering, sizzling meat accompanied by roasted pepper and onion, beans and rice.

I couldn’t help but leave stuffed but happy to know I was leaving with a to-go box.

Food Doc recommends regular trips to Perico’s. You won’t be disappointed.

Mucho gusto

Food Doc

Perico’s

1439 E. Sonterra Blvd

San Antonio, TX 78258

Pericosgrill.com

Texas Wine Bar

On a recent trip to San Antonio, Texas, friends and I needed somewhere to relax after dinner. Not wanting to do the nightclub scene we happened upon Copa Wine Bar. Nestled among the clubs and restaurants of Stone Oak sat this wine jewel of south Texas. The Copa bar features wines from around the world. The wines are listed by flavor profiles and can accommodate any budget.

In addition to good wine, the Copa Wine Bar also has tasty appetizers, pizzas and a variety of cheeses. The space is a two-story lounge with candlelight and comfy club seating. An eclectic mix of soft music plays in the background without drowning the current conversation.

Food Doc will definitely take in a glass of heart healthy vino at Copa when in San Antonio again.

Copa Wine Bar

19141 Stone Oak Pky

San Antonio, TX

(210) 495-2672

thecopawinebar.com

A Downtown Eatery

I met a friend at Palomino’s before heading to the theater. I arrived before my party and had time to truly relish in the atmosphere. It reminded me of a 21^st century version of the classic steakhouse. The deep reds with dark wood and leather combined with low lighting and an open kitchen encouraged intimate dining even amongst others.

I had dined here before and hoped my night would be as good if not better than before. From the hostess to our ever-patient server, this met my expectations.

I knew it would be good when my neighboring table kept mumbling comments like “this is the best” or “oh my try this” as he dined on the filet and fingerling potatoes.

Dinner started with a great focaccia and an ever better bruschetta. The tomato, basil and whole roasted garlic were blended perfectly. I decided to try one of the Palomino’s signature entrees: the lobster ravioli. I had hesitation because the filling featured an herb I am not comfortable with-tarragon. The risk was well worth it. The filling could have stood alone. The cream sauce and too much pasta overpowered the excellent blend of lobster, scallop, tarragon and mascarpone. I also could not appreciate the saffron pasta. But, in spite of the pairing, I would order the dish again. The rigatoni bolognese was the perfect spicy and was covered in just the right amount of sauce.

If only the show didn’t trump dessert. I’ll have to return again. By the way, the cocktails and wine list compliment anything on the menu.

Food Doc recommends frequent visits.

Palomino’s

444 Liberty Ave

Pgh, PA

palomino.com

Modern Pan Asian

I happened upon Plum on a Sunday evening when my first choice restaurant was closed. I had never even heard of this Shadyside/East End modern Asian restaurant. It is located at the far end of the Border’s complex at the corner of Highland and Centre. The décor was filled with clean lines, dark wood and natural light. Cherry blossom designs cover the glass that converts an open space into private dining areas. Hung from the ceiling were large modern lanterns. Even the bathroom demonstrated a perfect juxtaposition of hard and soft with rough cement mixed with smooth glass tiles.

The food was just as appealing. I started with sunomono with octopus and the hot and sour soup. The green curry carried just the right amount of heat, sweet from coconut milk and curry seasoning. The savory green beans left my palate challenged to identify the components in hopes of recreating them at home. The chow fun boast a broad noodle, stir-fried but not greasy. The meal was finished with a trio of sorbet: pomegranate, ginger, and lychee. In addition to good food the plating was phenomenal.

I will return to try the sushi bar next time.

Try Plum if you’re in the mood for any Asian style. Food Doc says fruits are part of a balanced diet.

Plum

5996 Penn Circle South

Pgh, PA

(412) 363-PLUM

plumpanasiankitchen.com

Another Late Night Flop

Unfortunately, the only thing good I can say about Ritter’s Diner on Baum Blvd is that it is a 24-hour establishment. In another attempt at late night cuisine in Pittsburgh, two friends and I headed to Shadyside to satisfy our late night hunger. This is a true diner with a single waitress, a counter with bar stools and a menu that features everything from breakfast, home-style entrees and desserts. We tried the full range.

The chili cheese fries were limp, undercooked and under seasoned. The burger provided nothing more than something to fill the stomach. The s’mores pancakes were expected to be a breakfast version of a campfire classic, but fell quite short of expectation.

To top the culinary disappointment, the service was seriously lacking. As we left the establishment we encountered patrons who turned around on the steps after recalling and sharing their previous experience with us.

My only recommendation is if you choose to dine here know that it is cash only, no separate checks and disappointment is probably close at hand. The Food Doc says avoid in sober moments.

Ritter’s Diner

5221 Baum Blvd

Pgh, PA