Spring Nourishment

Deval (Reshma) PaRanjPe, mD, mBa, FaCs

Although snowflakes are still falling, the blustery winds of March will soon give way to April, and if all goes well, flowers and fair weather. All the better, I think, to dodge the pollen and explore the culinary offerings of Pittsburgh as the sun returns to our city for a long sojourn.

Here’s a brief roundup of the new kids on the culinary block, and some openings to look forward to:

Blue Sky Kitchen and Bar

211 North Whitfield Street, East Liberty

Eatbluesky.com

412-941-1232

Enjoy killer craft cocktails and casual fare while enjoying outdoor patio seating and a game of cornhole as the weather warms! Four kinds of chicken sandwiches, burgers, Banh Mi, Chimichurri Cheesesteaks and Shazam Shrimp Tacos await, all served with shoestring fries. In the mood for something lighter? Seven entrée salads plus a variety of inventive apps and dips ensure that there is something for everyone. Sweet potato tater tots with chipotle romesco sauce and Peruvian shrimp with Aji Amarillo sauce are just a few of the offerings. A seriously decadent and hearty brunch menu cements Blue Sky’s status as a solid all-around choice.

Sally Ann’s

136 Sixth Street, Downtown (Cultural District)

Sallyannspgh.com

412-338-1876

Wed-Fri Breakfast and Lunch; Brunch Sat-Sun. No reservations.

You know there will be love involved when the chef (Richard DeShantz) has named his restaurant after his mother. Sally Ann’s serves “elevated childhood favorites” and offers an espresso and regular bar, arcade games, and retro décor. Enjoy sandwiches like the custard battered Monte Cristo with jalapeno jam, the Pastrami Reuben with housemade sauerkraut, or the whipped ricotta toast with date jam, pistachio, and mint. The requisite crispy chicken sandwich, grain bowl, salad, and avocado toast are also on offer. Patio dining available.

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Mambo Italia

424 Broad Street, Sewickley Village

Mamboitalia.net

412-741-3777

Dinner 4pm onwards, closed Monday. Reservations recommended. BYOB.

And ready to enjoy in the near future:

Barcelona Wine Bar (coming soon)

922 Penn Avenue (the site of the former Sharp Edge Bistro)

Those mourning the loss of the Sharp Edge Bistro can take consolation in the 2023 arrival of this chain wine and tapas bar. With locations in major cities across the Eastern Seaboard, Pittsburgh is the next outpost for this oft-acclaimed business. Its branch location in Boston is a mecca for afterwork food and wine connoisseurs of all ages, and the vibe is respectable, elegant and mature. A seasonal menu and award-winning Spanish and South American wines make this something to look forward to!

Kura Sushi (coming soon)

Former South Side Works Cinema Location

The Derby (coming soon)

Butler Street, Lawrenceville

This new offering from partners John Schiavo and Joe Piccirilli (who co-owns the excellent 424 Walnut restaurant nearby) aims to provide a geographic tour of Italy and Italian-American dishes. The menu is limited but well curated and includes many Italian-American favorites and takes advantage of a wood burning pizza oven that reaches temperatures greater than 900 degrees. A special highlight is a traditional Italian-American Sunday dinner for parties of 4-6 ($40pp) that includes soup, salad, pasta, meatballs, sasusage, bread, cannoli or gelato, and grapes.

Conveyor belt sushi comes to Pittsburgh! The novelty alone warrants a visit and provides a reason to brave the South Side (just kidding—this place is relatively far from the recent troubles on East Carson Street). Kura is a national chain with a set formula, but this formula includes such things as Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), yellowtail cheek, softshell crab tempura, udon, ramen and a variety of Japanese desserts.

The Derby rises from the ashes of the venerable Hambone’s, a venue which hosted comedy and music for 35 years before the sudden passing of the owner, Jeff Holt, in 2019. The Derby will be a bar and restaurant serving smash-burgers and fries. More importantly, the new owners plan to resurrect the live music, comedy and game nights Pittsburghers loved there.

Wishing you a wonderful Spring sharing meals with family and friends old and new.