Pittsburgh Breakfast

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:32:31 GMT

A couple recent reviews in the Trib:

I have passed Eggs N'at in Moon Twp. many times, on the way to the airport, but have never stopped in. That is going to change soon!

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_673233.html

And Jo Jo's, a long time favorite of the Sterns:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_674289.html

I was shocked to read that Jo Jo's makes their own chili, spaghetti sauce and roasts their own turkey. All my meals there have always been breakfast.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Ralph Melton)

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:05:30 GMT

It's been a little while since I've been there, but I think they do have hush puppies but do not have biscuits.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Foodbme)

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:58:54 GMT

Ralph Melton

You and I both will be delighted to find a soul food restaurant that delights me.

Of course, these comments have been about restaurants in Pittsburgh; I haven't mentioned outstanding soul food places like Swett's or Cafe Napoleon in this thread. It may be that Pittsburgh has no reputation as a soul food haven because it does not deserve any such reputation--or it may be that I allow the lack of reputation to prejudice me against these local places.

Within Pittsburgh, the closest I've come to sock-dislodging soul food bliss has been the fried okra from Al's Fish and Chicken in Wilkinsburg. The breading is splendidly flavorful, with salt and pepper and a sweet touch that makes me think of lemon zest. I eat that fried okra with gusto--but as much as I love it, Al's portions overwhelm my appetite. A regular order is about a pound of okra, and if we get any entrees, the two of us will be straining to finish it all. We have come to learn that the right dinner for the two of us is a single fish dinner (I'm fond of the catfish, also fried in the same breading as used for the okra), an order of okra, and a reluctant acceptance that we won't be able to eat it all.

I'm not sufficiently certain about soul food to be sure whether Al's qualifies as soul food. There's certainly a lot of overlap; the menu has fried fish and chicken, cole slaw and okra and blackeyed peas are among the sides, there's banana pudding in the dessert tray. Perhaps it's just the abundant french fries that make me think twice about whether it qualifies as a soul food restaurant.

Sounds like Al's qualifies as a Semi-Soul Food place. If they have Hush Puppies or from Scratch Biscuits, that may put them over the top!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Ralph Melton)

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:07:31 GMT

You and I both will be delighted to find a soul food restaurant that delights me.

Of course, these comments have been about restaurants in Pittsburgh; I haven't mentioned outstanding soul food places like Swett's or Cafe Napoleon in this thread. It may be that Pittsburgh has no reputation as a soul food haven because it does not deserve any such reputation--or it may be that I allow the lack of reputation to prejudice me against these local places.

Within Pittsburgh, the closest I've come to sock-dislodging soul food bliss has been the fried okra from Al's Fish and Chicken in Wilkinsburg. The breading is splendidly flavorful, with salt and pepper and a sweet touch that makes me think of lemon zest. I eat that fried okra with gusto--but as much as I love it, Al's portions overwhelm my appetite. A regular order is about a pound of okra, and if we get any entrees, the two of us will be straining to finish it all. We have come to learn that the right dinner for the two of us is a single fish dinner (I'm fond of the catfish, also fried in the same breading as used for the okra), an order of okra, and a reluctant acceptance that we won't be able to eat it all.

I'm not sufficiently certain about soul food to be sure whether Al's qualifies as soul food. There's certainly a lot of overlap; the menu has fried fish and chicken, cole slaw and okra and blackeyed peas are among the sides, there's banana pudding in the dessert tray. Perhaps it's just the abundant french fries that make me think twice about whether it qualifies as a soul food restaurant.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Foodbme)

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:59:37 GMT

Ralph,
All your comments about the Soul Food places you've tried so far indicate that none of them have caused you to get too excited about any of them. I'll be anxious to hear about a place that knocks your sox off!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Ralph Melton)

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:53:26 GMT

Foodbme's post inspired me to visit T & K's Soul Food today.

Some pictures:

The main menu; other offerings are posted around the walls.

The self-testimonial:

The display case of food:

I had the chicken and sausage jambalaya. It was pretty good, but it was in a league with Zatarain's jambalaya mix with some added carrot and good sausage.

For dessert, I had the peach cobbler. The chunks of peach were firmer than I normally expect from peach cobbler, but were still toothsome. The seasoning was strong, with lots of cinnamon. The crust was nondescript, but avoided the trap of being doughy.

Overall, everything I had was pretty good, but I won't be hurrying back.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Kenny Joe)

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:16:11 GMT

I used to go to Barb's Corner Kitchen frequently. I haven't been there for a couple of years, but I would recommend it as for breakfast. (I don't think I've eaten anything there except breakfast.)

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Ralph Melton)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:26:04 GMT

I've been to some of those.

Mr. Willie's BBQ did not impress me that much--but that's partially because I'm not very fond of ribs-and-chicken restaurants among barbecue restaurants.

We tried the buffet at Jean's Southern Kitchen. It was all decent, but none of it was outstanding; some of the food had clearly suffered by being out on the buffet too long.

We've been meaning to try Yvette's on Eighth, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Foodbme)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:24:16 GMT

buffetbuster

Foodbme-
Well, I certainly love soul food. I previously bookmarked that list and plan on hitting some of them when I get a chance. Like you, I had no idea that most of these places existed.

Well then, hit them all & you will be a renowned authority on all things Soul Food in the Pittsburgh area!!! You can become an Adjunct Professor of Culinary History at Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne or Bob's School of Transmission Repair and Storm Door Company!!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:07:02 GMT

Foodbme-
Well, I certainly love soul food. I previously bookmarked that list and plan on hitting some of them when I get a chance. Like you, I had no idea that most of these places existed.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Foodbme)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:43:42 GMT

buffetbuster

A place I've never heard of, Barb's Corner Kitchen in Lawrenceville, got a nice write up.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_668785.html

Has anyone been here?

BB,
I read the article you mentioned but while on there, saw another article about Soul Food Places in Da Burgh. Very interesting. There are 19 places listed. How many of the following places have you been to??? Didn't realize Da Burgh had that many Soul Food Places and the article indicated there were many more, some have closed.

Where to find soul food http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_668590.html

CJ's in the Strip: 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. 412- 642-2377
Soul Food Connection: 819 Wood St., Wilkinsburg. 412-241-4910
Big Sam's Memphis BBQ: 1204 Federal St., North Side. 412-323-0333
Wilson's Bar-B-Q: 700 North Taylor Ave., North Side. 412-322-7427
Mr. Ribb's: 1315 Fifth Ave., Uptown. 412-281-4292
Gibson's Take Out: 10731 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. 412-241-2821
Jean's Southern Cuisine: 730 Penn Ave., Wilkinsburg. 412-242-4084
Food 4 the Soul: 4707 Centre Ave., Bloomfield. 412-681-1429
JT's Rib Shack: 11814 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills. 412-793-6264
Chef J Tropical — at Envy Nightclub: 4923 Penn Ave., Garfied. 412-512-2226
Yvette's on Eighth: 106 E. Eighth St., Homestead. 412-462-8450
The Dream Bar-B-Q Spot: Corner of N. Braddock and Hamilton, Homewood. 412-361-7469
Z-Best Barbecue: 5165 Penn Ave., Garfield. 412-450-8263
Patricia's: 418 Saint Clair Ave., Clairton. 412-233-3373
Simmie's Restaurant: 8500 Frankstown Road, East Hills. 412-731-5357
T&K's Soul Food Kitchen: 305 N. Craig St., Oakland.
Mr. Willie's BBQ: 2121 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. 412-325-3332
Savor the Flavor: 705 Brushton Ave., Homewood. 412-871-3021
Miss Lucy's Soul Food Cafe: 101 North Mill St., New Castle, Lawrence County. 724-598-4044

Edit:
You could make it a Quest to visit all 19 and make a trip report out of it and besides------Look at how much you would save on airfare!!!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:42:04 GMT

A place I've never heard of, Barb's Corner Kitchen in Lawrenceville, got a nice write up.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_668785.html

Has anyone been here?

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:47:18 GMT

More love for the excellent Pamela's in the Trib this week:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_662059.html

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:20:55 GMT

paamie-
Well, we're glad you are here! We hope to hear much more from you.....

I ended up in Pittsburgh for breakfast on Saturday. Since it was 6:30AM, before Pamela's opens, we ate at De Luca's. As good a breakfast as always, but the surprising thing is that two of my photos of food items on the Roadfood review are now used on their menu. That is the first time I have seen that!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (paamie)

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:25:00 GMT

Thanks for the welcome. I've been reading roadfood for years. just never commented before. Have to read the bad and good. Always trying to be better.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (divefl)

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:16:24 GMT

I was at Pamela's last weekend. Great cakes, perfect after night out food. Hash was good as well but could have been chunkier. Not from a can, so not bad.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:28:24 GMT

TTM-
True, but then you have never returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Super Bowl, either. At least, I don't think you have.....

Since I am actually home this weekend, I will be having two breakfasts in Pittsburgh. Thinking of having at least one of them at Pamela's to get some pics.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (The Travelin Man)

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:21:59 GMT

buffetbuster

TTM-
Extremely well put and you summed up my feelings exactly. If only Steeler linebacker James Harrison understood this.....

I have learned, fairly recently, that not everyone can be as smart as me.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (wanderingjew)

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:09:32 GMT

Pamela's is definitely my favorite breakfast spot in Pittburgh- bar none!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:02:52 GMT

paamie-
Welcome to Roadfood! And congratulations on the honor!

TTM-
Extremely well put and you summed up my feelings exactly. If only Steeler linebacker James Harrison understood this.....

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Baah Ben)

Fri, 29 May 2009 01:40:13 GMT

Well..He sure has good taste in pancakes.

He might also want to try the 49er pancakes that The Original Pancake House chain makes. Also crepe-like and really good.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (The Travelin Man)

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:27:16 GMT

That's pretty cool. Honestly, the best words in the whole story are right here....

"Ms. Klingensmith said neither she nor Ms. Cohen are very politically involved (though they appreciate the president's pro-pancake stance), but they are "very patriotic," and regarded it as a high honor to cook breakfast for Mr. Obama.

"Both of us think very highly of President Obama," she said. "Who in their wildest dreams would dream this that the president would say, 'Hey I really like those pancakes'? Never in a million years.""

I think this is the ultimate correct sentiment - it doesn't matter who the president is - but, when the president asks for something like this - recognizing it as the proper honor is spot on.

Kudos. Hopefully, I will get the privilege to dine there soon enough.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (paamie)

Thu, 28 May 2009 22:44:52 GMT

PS Obama invited us to make hotcakes for the Veterans and Mother's of fallen soldiers at the White House not for the White House.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (paamie)

Thu, 28 May 2009 22:34:00 GMT

It cost the taxpayers $290 for 2 nights in a hotel. We paid for the ingredients, our travel, our own food, parking etc.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Foodbme)

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:22:41 GMT

buffetbuster

PLEASE don't turn this into a political thread, but it was interesting to see that President Obama had the owners of Pamela's come to the White House and make their famous strawberry crepes for him.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09146/972657-84.stm

There really should be a Roadfood review for this place. Maybe I will get a few more photos and get one written up soon.

I wonder how much that breakfast cost the Taxpayers in travel expenses???

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Tue, 26 May 2009 12:46:13 GMT

PLEASE don't turn this into a political thread, but it was interesting to see that President Obama had the owners of Pamela's come to the White House and make their famous strawberry crepes for him.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09146/972657-84.stm

There really should be a Roadfood review for this place. Maybe I will get a few more photos and get one written up soon.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:09:12 GMT

We made it to The Dor-Stop in Dormont for breakfast this morning. Kenny Joe sorry we didn't ask you to join us, but we just decided to go this morning.

Emilou got the chocolate chip pancakes.

She liked them, but wishes there were more chips in them.

Mariton had the walnut french toast

She was very happy with it. She also got a side of the ham

and you can see they are generous with the portion sizes here.

I went with one of the dishes Guy featured on the show, the raspberry french toast (although I know that isn't the proper name on the menu).

You can see the corn flakes it is dipped in. No syrup needed for this. I loved my breakfast! I very much recommend this place.

We arrived around 8:30AM and there was quite a long line. I'm sure the tv publicity has increased business. Still, they kept things moving and we only had a 20 minute wait.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (mncorn)

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:53:01 GMT

I have been in 35 of the U.S. States and 10 countries, but never had the pleasure to stay in Pittsburgh. I have drove through it, but never stopped...next time.

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (Baah Ben)

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:39:50 GMT

Hey BB - Thanks for pictures. For those of you that have never been to Pamela's, I think you can now see why so many people rave about this place. I didn't think they could do anything but roll their signature pancake up with stawberrys. Don't look like fresh strawberries, but it could be the time of the season. Hey, they look very, very good. I just love those pancakes (I call them crepes) Oh, would I love to have them this morning!! They are truly some of the best pancakes/crepes I've ever had. I use to love the IHop Cream of Wheat pancakes..also very rich tasting.

I have to believe it is very difficult to run so many Pamela's. Hey, I am thrilled for them. This place started out as nothing and look where they have come. Only in America. An amazing success story for Pittsburgh and really it's just a breakfast destination so think how well they have to do in just say..6 hours...I know they are open longer, but really do you go there for anything other than breakfast? Not likely.

Hey, good for them. Let's hope you just hit the new location that hasn't got it together yet. I've been to the ones in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and near the University in Oakland. I like the one in Squirrel Hill the best. This is a great story for anyone who knew them and has moved away. I wonder if Pamela is really the name of the owner?

When I was in business there, I did know several of the owners of the successful places like the Benkowitz family, the owner of Tessarro's (Kelly - He sold it and brought City Grill many years ago) the owners (brothers) of Roland's (in the Strip), etc. Never knew who owned Pamela's though. Hot Licks ..Louis Lipps. Boy, someone mentioned that one...That's great. Pittsburghers are amazing..They really are.

I wish I knew that pancake recipe!!! I have to believe that batter is loaded with butter. I've tried watering down my mix but I can never get it to come out like Pamela's

I saw the spot on the Dor-Stop last night on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives (my all time favorite food show) and it was great. Nice to see Guy's family, too. There's a success story. I love this guy! I really do not think I will get tired of him like I got tired of Emerill. He's my kind of food guy. HE'S MONEY!

RE: Pittsburgh Breakfast (buffetbuster)

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:24:51 GMT

Baah Ben-
I'm not to the point where I would call Pamela's inconsistent, yet. Considering I have had at least 50 breakfasts here over the years and this was my first subpar meal, I would say that is an acceptable ratio. But, since this was only my second meal at the Mt. Lebanon location, I am going to keep an eye on it.

There are six locations right now: Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, The Strip, Millvale and Mt. Lebanon. Even if they aren't being franchised, I would think it would be difficult for the owners to oversee that many places. You were in the restaurant business.....what do you think?

As for the strawberry hotcakes, yes, they are a more crepe style, than what most of us call pancakes.