Melange Bistro

Melange Bistro Bar is a restaurant I told several people about. I dined there before I started my blogging adventure and thought it was fabulous. I ate with a friend and we sampled multiple appetizers and entrees and overall were very impressed, especially with the chilled soups. The mood is that of a chilled upscale sports bar. It's very modern and industrial in design but comfortable and you can get lost in your own conversations because of the very private, high-back booth seating. They feature live music on Fridays and Saturdays that added to my experience.

That being said, I was very disappointed when I returned yesterday to find the friends I sent there displeased with their introduction to Melange bar. They were out of menu items, dining were small, and the service left a lot to be desired. Despite the food the ambiance was nice and the bartender can make a mean martini. After inquiring with waitstaff about the absence of some items, he revealed a new executive chef was on board and the menu would be changing. I hope this change keeps the feel and quality of my first experience. I hate to think my first impression was simply my desire for new within the downtown area.

I am ordering a use of discretion with Melange bistro as a dining establishment with follow up in 1 month or so after the changes are complete. I do still recommend it as a happy hour spot to meet friends for drinks, music and good environment.

Cheers,
Food Doc


Melange Bistro Bar
136 6th St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Sunday Brunch at Bistro 19

Bistro 19 got it right. They have a perfect blend of ambiance and good cuisine at reasonable prices. Bistro 19 is located in Mt. Lebanon right off Washington Blvd. I arrived on Sunday afternoon hoping to have lunch but instead found they serve brunch on Sundays. I stayed and decided to give it a try. Bistro 19 is a small intimate dining area that is cozy yet contemporary. The ceiling fans are a sleek stainless steel, the wall features a modular art instillation yet the floral arrangements are displayed within wooden logs and the ceiling cover is metallic tin tiles. The opposite wall is actually a row of windows that can open to allow the inside blend with the outside seamlessly.

The menu features sweet and savory options. My server was prompt and attentive. I asked her menu favorites and got honest answers. I ordered the Atlantic smoked salmon which was delivered with great presentation. This dish consisted of salmon, creme fraiche, capers, and lemon juice on a bed of mixed greens. After tasting this with satisfaction, I wanted to try something else. I ordered the eggs benedict. Now this was my first experience with eggs benedict, but they came highly recommended. This is a culinary tribute to traditional eggs benedict because it was served on a croissant with prosciutto. The egg was poached hard as I requested and the hollandaise was a nice addition. Then the first bite welcomes you with crisp prosciutto. The brunch menu varies from creme brulee battered french toast to almond chicken. It can all be washed down with the drink of your choice to include a bloody mary with their own special mix. The subtle music and table conversations provided a relaxing environment to enjoy a delicious meal.
The Food Doc definitely needs a follow up appointment soon to see if dinner is as good as the brunch. The price of brunch is very reasonable. Dinner entrees range from $14 to 34. So far it was worth the expense. I'll get back to you about my dinner, maybe I'll take along friends.

Bon Appetit
Food Doc

Bistro 19
711 Washington Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Late Night Snack Attack

Today I was craving a late night snack but desired more than the usual slice of pizza or hoagie. I heard about a beer and hot dog place and wanted to see what it was all about. I am talking about D’s Six Pax and Dogz in Regent Square. The reviews boasted that it had exclusive microbrews and original Chicago-style hot dogs. Well, I have enjoyed an original Chicago dog and was game for one tonight.

From the street, the exact entrance is a little confusing. It features a garage door window, a two room dining area and a beer cave. My initial feeling was one of chaos. It is seat yourself dining with a décor that is all its own. The doorway is a painted, textured green tree, gargoyles holding beer signs hang on the wall, and a mural is featured on the opposite wall. A flat screen runs ESPN and the variety of high and low-top tables seat a variety of Pittsburgh’s citizens. A group of 20-somethings sits across from me while two gray haired gentlemen enjoy a beer behind me.

The service is speedy. Within moments of sitting, my order has been taken and my drink is on the table. I go for the 1919 draft root beer which is not too sweet, has the perfect blend of malt and would have been enhanced by a single scoop of ice cream ( excuse me while I digressed.) I order a Chicago-style dog, a dog with kraut and a handful of fries. The Chicago dog was just as I had remembered it, including the heat from the peppers. The kraut was a bit more sour than I prefer; therefore, not allowing for the perfect blend of my usual preferred flavors, kraut and brown mustard. I finished this all off with a perfect handful of fries. They were crispy and piping hot.

Overall, for a late night eatery D’s fulfilled the craving for a Chicago-style hot dog. The most disappointing aspect to the meal was the check. My 2 dogs, fries and a root beer came to $12. That’s more than any hot dog combo I encountered while in Chicago. It’s a definite for those looking for a variety of beers and the ability to take home a microbrew 6  pack. 

The Food Doc says only a yearly check up is in order for D’s 6 pack and hot dogs, unless you’re in the mood for a good beer.

 

D’s 6 Pax and Dogz

1118 S. Braddock Ave.

Edgewood, PA

My first food critic experience at Dinette

The night’s plans were originally just an opportunity to get together with friends I had not seen in a while. Turns out it was a monumental occasion in which they shared their engagement story with me. Dinette was suggested as a central place for us to meet. I had never even heard of it before. Where is it? It is located across from Border’s on the second floor of the complex near Whole Foods.

Not only had I never heard of it but also had not even noticed. But it is definitely somewhere I will not forget. Dinette focuses on local, organic and sustainability. The menu constantly evolves based on the products available. It largely contains a variety of salads, upscale pizzas and a selection of 20+ wines. (By the wine by there, cork fee will set you back $20)

When you walk in Dinette you notice the open concept kitchen with a small but spacious dining room. It even includes a sit down counter. The chairs are red, tables metal and the walls provide an almost 270 degree lookout onto the East Liberty/Shadyside neighborhood below.

Each table is provided long slender breadsticks as a starter to your meal. I felt they were out of place and lacked flavor, but that did not deter my excitement to try the rest of the menu. The beginning of the proposal story kicked off the bulgur salad. This was absolutely delightful. It was a beautiful combination of bulgur, avocado, parsley, mint and the perfect pinch of salt.  (It usually comes with onion but we omitted this secondary to diner’s preference. I think it really would have enhanced the salad.) We each order a different pizza and a glass a wine.  Just when the story was getting to the bended knee and rose petals, three pizzas arrive at the table. They are  six slices with a crispy but tender thin crust. The first was a ricotta pizza with red sauce, mozzarella and basil. A classic taste for a traditional pizza. The next featured prosciutto, parmigiano reggiano, arugulla, red sauce and mozzarella- this was a fabulous blend of the salty prosciutto with a peppery arugulla topped off with parmigiano and mozzarella, a sophisticated tribute to the beloved pepperoni pizza. The last pizza was my favorite. It was somewhat of an homage to a chorizo and egg breakfast taco. The pizza featured slices of chorizo and fingerling potatoes and a sunny-side up egg in the center. It was like eating breakfast for dinner. All in all, the menu left me wanting to try the remaining flavors of which included a salt-cured anchovies with chillis.

The Food Doc definitely approves of Dinette’s consumption.

 

Dinette

5996 Penn Circle South

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

www.dinette-pgh.com

Welcome!

Welcome to Just What the Doctor Ordered. 

To expound on the "About Me," I am a medical doctor with a passion for food. Most of the major events in my life can also be associated with a meal, whether home cooked or a family feast in a restaurant.  While riding on a charter bus in the middle of the Midwest, a close friend helped me determine what I could do/be in an alternate life. We determined that my passion for all things food would serve as an escape from my high stress job. 

I want to share my food experiences with you. I am going to sample various restaurants around the city and critique them. I hope you use my editorials as a sounding board for trying new things. Feel free to recommend spots and I will try to get to them, sometimes alone or with friends. If you try a place from my blog, let me know if you agree.

Bon Appetit, 

Food Doc

BTW I will remain anonymous during the process  to assure that my experience will be similar to yours.