2 minute read
Ava Mae's Bistro & Pizzeria offers fresh fare in South Fayette
Feed them good food
Ava Mae’s offers fresh fare in South Fayette
By Andrea Iglar
Four friends from the Alpine Hunting and Fishing Club in South Fayette have opened Ava Mae’s Bistro & Pizzeria.
While both spots are known for tasty food, Ava Mae’s, in the Cuddy area, is a separate venture with distinctive offerings.
“It’s a unique place,” said Jack Albenze, co-owner of Ava Mae’s and caterer/manager of Alpine Club. “It’s a coming-together of minds and recipes and ideas.”
The other owners of Ava Mae’s are Steven Buchanan (Alpine Club president) and chefs Luke Collins (30 years of experience) and Matt Janota (a cook at Alpine). Ava Mae’s is named after Janota’s 18-month-old daughter.
Janota had aimed to open his own place since he was a kid: “I just like serving people and putting in hard work. It’s gratifying.”
The scratch kitchen prepares everything fresh, focusing on Italian fare such as Roman-style pizza with an airy, crispy dough that's prepared over the course of several days.
The menu features pizza, pasta, chicken dishes, salads and appetizers. A bar offers wines from Burgettstown-based Borelli Cellars, Pennsylvania beers and specialty cocktails.
Ava Mae’s opened in November in a renovated building at the corner of Battle Ridge and Millers Run roads. The restaurant seats about 50 people, with outdoor tables available in warm weather.
Buchanan said the central location and proximity to neighborhoods is convenient for dine-in and takeout. Customers can call ahead or place orders in person.
As the restaurant becomes more established and adds staff, the owners will expand the hours, menu and ordering options. Meanwhile, the focus is on feeding families good food, Collins said.
“The food and the people—those are the two things that I love about the restaurant business,” he said.
Ava Mae’s Bistro & Pizzeria, 4097 Battle Ridge Road, South Fayette: 412-226-8877; Facebook, Instagram; avamaepizza.com.
