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
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