We were invited to partake in a sampling of some of Chef Kevin’s finest offerings, and we are here to tell you that you should know about Savoy. You should go eat at Savoy. You should sit outside on the rooftop deck that has awesome views of Polish Hill and The Strip. You should listen to jazz here on Mondays. You should brunch here on Sundays.

All together now: Go to Savoy! Try it out!

Do you need more convincing? Here is the meal that wowed Julia, Mandy, and I:

Calamari and awesome sauce

First up? Calamari and shrimp. Pedestrian, right? False! Cooked to perfection, and tentacle free, this dish surprised us all. I personally would never order calamari at any restaurant. I just don’t care about it. However, I would order this at Savoy. In fact, I would make a special trip to Savoy just for this calamari.

Veggie salad!

Warm! Vegetable! Salad!

Chocolate ravioli

So we were a bit scared to try the chocolate ravioli filled with butternut squash accompanied by lobster. The most popular item on the menu, Chef Kevin had to outsource his recipe to a supplier to make so he could keep up with the demand. But chocolate and lobster? Really? What the what? Well surprise, surprise: This was good freakin’ stuff.

So good, in fact, I composed a chocolate ravioli haiku:

chocolate ravioli
lobster, cream, and heaven dust
belly full of dreams

BOOM. POETRY.

Palate cleanser

Palate cleanser. SERVED IN A FLOWER DISH.

Chicken and waffles

Beef two ways

 At this point in our meal, we were thinking, “how could this get better?” Enter: Beef two ways. Beef brisket and grilled filet… Or, melt in your mouth and melt in your mouthier. (The secret is in the sous vide.)

Salted caramel chocolate torte

The goodness keeps coming: Salted caramel chocolate torte.

PHEW. OK, so that was our meal. We left with very full stomachs and an appreciation for a very attentive wait staff and the unique Savoy atmosphere. Cozying up in a large banquette while the house lights danced and savoring an after dinner port, we felt fancy.

Go feel fancy at Savoy. Let us know what you think. We can’t wait to try the brunch buffet. We here it is epic!

***Note: our meal was free, courtesy of Savoy!

They cook everything after you order… and you can stand there and watch. None of that behind the scenes business. None of the prepared and warmed up business either. We love that.

Here were a few of our favorite things about Thin Man. The drinks made with Pittsburgh Seltzer Works. BOMB.COM. I had the ginger (with tiny flakes of actual ginger floating around) and Julie had some special blueberry business that isn’t on the menu anymore. Sorry!

Sweet Ginger bev with Pittsburgh Seltzer Works

We loved the fact that their menu is pretty basic. Not overwhelming, yet interesting and unique. They have a few specials that change so always check to see what’s new!

We loved that you had the option of sides other than chips. Soup, veggies and salad. And we loved that their soup was served in a BA bowl with a lid that featured their equally BA logo.

Potato Kale Soup with Garlic Puree

We recommend the Sauteed Shrimp sandwich on a Challah Roll with smoked cauliflower puree and rosemary vinaigrette. Ooo and the Potato Kale Soup! And seltzer.

Sauteed Shrimp Sammy, Blueberry Seltzer and Sweet taters/beets

Who knew learning things could actually be a seriously good time.

We were greeted with a cocktail.

Then Meredith took us on a tour of how Wigle makes its Ginever (Dutch-style Gin).

Then we pretended we were fancy bartenders and made Gimlets! Yay for booze.

Then came the learning which was surprisingly fascinating and entertaining. Mainly because Meredith is a serious gem. And should probably pursue a comedy career.

Next time a class is offered, I suggest you wigle on over to Wigle and sample some delicious spirits and learn a little history while you’re at it.

I had a half day last Friday and made a pit-stop on my way to the car. I was in search of lunch and boy am I glad I stopped. That place is jam packed with tasty treats. I did a quick loop before deciding on a Sausage Roll from Blighty. It was so good in fact that when I went back to gush to Chris Johnston, the chef, he gave me another one for free which I quickly gobbled up. More things should be that simple: Sausage (sweet or hot) wrapped in puffed pastry.

I also had to get some homemade pierogies from Gosia’s Pierogies. You know, because I’m a yinzer and n’at. They were good… I’ve had better for sure. I’m going to assume because they looked like they had been sitting awhile. They were a little too crispy and chewy. They do have a few frozen varieties you can take home and try which I might have to do when Mrs. T’s just aren’t cutting it anymore.

The Market is also filled with various kinds of pastry and other unique eats you can’t find anywhere else. It has an impressive list of merchants that seems to be constantly growing.

I only wish there were more produce stands. I dream of the kind of unique open-aired markets you see in Portland and Seattle and New York. But this is pretty darn exciting start in my opinion.

It’s like the perfect accessory. It has a tendency to brighten your mood and leave a little pep in your step. Plus some barastia’s can even form a leaf or a heart with the foam. I bet your pop can’t do that?

No longer do you have to search the city to find exactly what you’re looking for. So whether you order a latte or a drip or it black, here are a few good choices to get your cup of joe on around our fine city.

Zeke’s Coffee
6012 Penn Ave., East Liberty

http://zekescoffeepgh.com/

@ZekesPGH
Zeke’s roasts small batches of beans to win over your heart and your taste-buds.  You can get their coffee at their East End roastery, farmer’s markets, CSA baskets and Kelly’s will be pouring Zeke’s starting Saturday. Stop by opening day on July 9 and check it out for yourself from 6-10 p.m.

Voluto Coffee
5467 Penn Ave., Bloomfield

http://www.volutocoffee.com/

@Voluto_Coffee
Can “mixologist” apply to coffee? If so the people serving up the coffee here deserve just as much credit as anyone who puts booze in our cup. Plus they make a lot of the sauces used in the drinks in house!

Espresso a Mano
3623 Butler St., Lawrenceville

http://espressoamano.com/

@Espressoamano
When you have “espresso” in your name, you better serve a great espresso. Don’t worry it is better than great. They just got a new fancypants espresso machine to make it even greater-er!

Delanie’s Coffee
1737 East Carson St., South Side
@DelaniesCoffee
Opening its doors bright and early for the first time at 6 a.m. on July 18.

Big Dog Coffee
2717 Sarah St., South Side

http://www.bigdogcoffee.net/

@bigdogcoffee
They brew Intelligentsia Coffee made by barista-wizards. Enough said? Plus they have an oatmeal bar. Yes, we know it isn’t coffee but OATMEAL. BAR.

Beehive Coffeehouse
1327 East Carson St., South Side
@beehivepgh
Nothing is ordinary here especially not the coffee. They have games. They have karaoke and cover bands. They  serve libations. Once we even registered to win the sweetest bike ever here.

Kiva Han
420 South Craig St., Oakland

http://www.kivahan.com/

Inspired by a chance encounter with a fancy world traveler, Kiva Han is a coffee bar dedicated to providing customers with the highest quality products and services. It has an extensive list of options, all roasted on demand.

21st Street Coffee & Tea
225 5th Ave., Downtown
50 21st St., Strip District

http://21streetcoffee.com/

@21streetcoffee
Focused on brewing quality coffee, this coffee bar has been churning out delicious cups for 5 years now in the Strip. It’s also been making waves since moving Downtown last year.

I had this past Monday off so I went to the Strip District to stare at food I’d never be able to make. Nothing like the sight of fresh pasta and the wafting aroma of blue cheese and sausage to make you wish you were blessed with some cooking abilities.

While perusing the grocery stores, I stumbled upon Enrico’s Cafe. It’s one of those places you can forget makes anything other than delicious bread and pastry until you’ve actually had a meal there.

The tight alley-way adorned with a string of lights and cafe-style tables is the perfect entryway for Enrico’s. It’s rustic and charming. And anytime there are old men sipping on wine from small unpretentious glasses, clearly enjoying life, I’m sold.

We were given some crusty bread and olive oil as we looked over the menu. Making decisions is not easy for me. I saw no less than four dishes I eagerly wanted to try. Decisions…

I finally selected the half of a Rosa Sangaweech made with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, mozzarella and field greens. Accompanied by Greens and Beans, kale with cannellini beans. The “sangaweech” was good. Simple, fresh ingredients wrapped in a half of sweet wood-fired pizza crust.

The greens and beans was fantastic though. I’d never had kale before this experience. It was a green I was afraid of. I expected bitter and bad childhood memories. I got tender, flavorful and my new favorite vegetable.

Nothing like discovering two gems for the price of one.

I went to Osteria 2350 last week before the Pittsburgh Power season opener (uh, weird) with low expectations. I walked in and was immediately put at ease by its easy-going atmosphere. It may be more open and sterile than Cioppino but it recovers nicely with its food.

I sat at the “bar” (I love sitting at bars when the opportunity arises. It provides a whole new perspective of a place). It’s not exactly a bar but more of a “lunch counter” as they only serve beer and wine at Osteria.

The entire menu looked appealing. It’s mostly filled with classic Italian dishes at very affordable prices. I selected one of the most expensive menu items, Gnocchi house made and baked with Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano, for $12.00.

Just because something says “house made” doesn’t necessarily mean its good. The house made gnocchi at Osteria are good. Actually, better than good. They were light and fluffy, not starchy and heavy like most gnocchi can be. And the sauce… oh boy. It was light and sweet and tasty and one of the best sauces I’ve tasted in Pittsburgh. Plus how can you go wrong with a sprinkling of Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano? I don’t think you can.

I couldn’t help it. The pancakes were calling to me. I made the right decision of getting a full stack of pancakes as well – no short stack for me!* Now, I’m going to make a bold statement. Wait for it…

DeLuca’s makes the best pancakes in the city.

Sure, the White House loves Pamela’s. Yes, their crepe style pancakes are interesting and quite tasty. But nothing can beat a nice fluffy, old-fashioned buttermilk delight – and DeLuca’s nails this. And if your ‘cakes need some pizzazz, they offer a long list of things to throw in. I opted for chocolate chips. Perfection:

DeLuca’s always has a ridiculous line on the weekends. If you have the option to go during the week, chances are you can walk right in and get eatin’.

*note: when asking my waitress how big the pancakes were, she replied: “depends on who is working the grill.” Gotta love it!

I was planning on going to Osteria 2350 but when I drove past and saw Cioppino brimming with people and Osteria’s waiters twiddling their thumbs I made an executive decision to explore other options.

When I picture a chophouse it’s dark and romantic in its decor and heavy scents fill the air. Cioppino has hints of that with its rich burgundy interior but its ceilings are high and airy which make it more closely resemble a store front than a restaurant.

I’ve been on a vodka-water kick so when I saw they had Boyd & Blair I decided to give it a whirl. Typically I drink Ketel One and I’ll probably stick to that. Yes, Boyd & Blair is made in PA and yes it’s made with potatoes but it reminded me of the cheap tequila I used to drink in college. And I had my fair share of that in college… ask my mother.

My dining partner and I decided to split Beef Carpaccio, Tuna Tartara and Scallops with risotto in a lobster cream sauce. While we waited the bread basket came. Sarah would have been impressed (I think). This freshly baked bread was amazing and accompanied by some very frothy butter.

Next came the Beef Carpaccio and Tuna Tartara. I’ve never had Beef Carpaccio and I’m totally sad about that. The combination of thinly sliced beef, salty capers, roasted peppers and Parmigiano-Reggiano was to die for. I could have eaten the whole place myself. The Tuna on the other hand was mushy and lacked any real flavor depth.

The Scallops were sweet and buttery and cooked to perfection. The risotto on the other hand was beyond al dente and not very rich and creamy. The lobster in cream sauce though was yummy! So yummy that if I weren’t so full I would have asked for more bread to dip in it.

I’m on the fence about Cioppino but next time I visit I think I’ll sit in the bar and take in the woody aromatic cigar bar atmosphere and live music…

<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/23/711310/restaurant/Strip-District/Cioppino-Pittsburgh”><img alt=”Cioppino on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/711310/minilink.gif” style=”border:none;width:130px;height:36px” /></a>

Not being a lawyer or a stately gentlemen, one would think that I would feel out of place at The Common Plea. It does in fact have the feel of a old boys’ club, with the wood panelling, low lighting and walls lined with wine. But once a spiral cone basket of the most delightful onion rings I’ve had in a long time was set on the table, I felt right at home.

My friend and I bought a Groupon for The Common Plea, worth $35 of appetizers and drinks. This meant we could purchase the small plates or what was listed on the menu as “briefs.” The onion rings were one of the “briefs.” 2 weaker people may not have been able to power through that rather large basket of whimsical rings, more fried coating than onion, really, but we made it.

I also ordered the small plate of 3 appetizers: prosciutto wrapped asparagus, pesto grilled vegetables, and bruschetta. The asparagus and grilled vegetables were really excellent. Cooked perfectly, to the right crispness. The bruschetta was fine, but I could have just continued eating the grilled vegetables.

We capped off our meal of starters with a pecan ball and chocolate sauce. Good stuff.

I certainly wouldn’t object to eating at The Common Plea again.