Wieners

There are several things that, to me, mark the beginning of the spring and summer seasons.  The smell of fresh cut grass, girls in sundresses (even when it's still too cool outside), day drinking, and hot dogs.  Glorious, glorious hot dogs.  I can't bring myself to eat hotdogs during the winter, so by the time that warm weather comes around, I am usually ready for a crispy grilled wiener.  Unfortunately, my grill is still hibernating from winter.  Fortunately, there exist places in Pittsburgh like Franktuary. 

I've previously mentioned Pittsburgh's plentiful and diverse neighborhoods with the wide variety of inhabitants contributing to the overall color of the city.  Last night, Stemstar and I ventured to the city's Lawrenceville neighborhood, an area brimming with eclectic flare, hipster localvores and unique dining venues nestled among refurbished buildings and repurposed spirit.  The sidewalks are teeming with flannel shirts, non-prescription oversized glasses and ironic Oxford shoes; naturally, Stemstar and I stood out in our J. Crew preppy threads.

We intended to visit Lawrenceville's annual Art All Night event, an overnight art show featuring the works of local artists, highlighting performers and allowing many cultures to collide within a warehouse setting.  Before surrendering ourselves to artists and artwork that we are not deep enough to understand, Stemstar and I first surrendered to gourmet hot dogs at Franktuary.

Franktuary is located conveniently on Butler Street, but does offer a Downtown location and food truck.  Ginger Sister and I had dined at Franktuary last summer and immediately fell in love (lust) with the many topping options and eclectic atmosphere.  The booths are repurposed church pews and the entire environment evokes the feeling that you're about to eat hotdogs sent from heaven.  After my second dining experience there, I'd say that sounds about right.  

Stemstar and I were told to anticipate a 20 to 30 minute wait, so we took seats at the bar to enjoy house mojitos and conversation.  The house mojitos were made with basil, versus mint, with a hint of ginger.  I loved the alternate version of a classic summer cocktail and had no trouble slurping down a few. The bartender was attentive and quick to fill up our glasses.

We did not wait long for our table and once seated, our busy waiter came by to offer a bottle of water for our table and two small glasses.  We reviewed the menu while our server scuttled back-and-forth between tables serving awesome-looking hotdogs.  Finally Stemstar and I decided upon our meals.  I ordered the underdog (New Zealand grass fed beef) served Oahu style, with pineapples, bacon and teriyaki sauce.  I also ordered poutine buffalo, Canadian fries served with bleu cheese dressing, wing sauce and celery.  

My hotdog was perfection in a bun.  It was grilled just right and the combination of the fruit, teriyaki sauce and subtle bacon made me wish that I had ordered two.  The poutine seemed to be the same as Franktuary's standard frites, but the buffalo-style was delicious.  The wing sauce was not overbearing, nor was the blue cheese.  Everything blended together amazingly well and I was sad to leave some on the plate at the end of dinner. 

Stemstar ordered both the Oahu dog and the PA Dutch dog, featuring apple onion jam and cheddar, plus a side of standard pomme frites.  We were confused about the difference between poutine and frites, but that didn't stop us from enjoying both.  This was Stemstar's first visit to Franktuary and when asked, he voted the PA Dutch dog supreme.

Judging by the way that we devoured our meals, I'd say that both Stemstar and I enjoyed our fancy schmancy hotdogs and fries.  My favorite summertime food paired with a deliciously crisp summertime mojito was a perfect dinner to enjoy on a warm Saturday, despite the falling temperatures later that night.  I will definitely be back for a summertime visit when the windows open, but I may just have to order two hotdogs next time.

Triflin' Easter

Happy Easter, everyone! 

This weekend was full of family, great food, and perfect spring weather.  Boyfriend and I spent yesterday with my family for a traditional Easter dinner of ham, plus a search for our hidden Easter baskets (that Easter Bunny sure is a tricky).  Today, we spent Easter Sunday with Boyfriend's family and had a tasty brunch of waffles, eggs and mimosas.  

Since we've been attending family holidays as a couple, I always find myself begging boyfriend to ask his mother what I should contribute to dinner.  He usually forgets, but this Easter, Boyfriend made my job easier by requesting a berry trifle, my sort of trademark dessert.  I first made the trifle several holidays ago and it has quickly become a crowd-favorite and especially a Boyfriend favorite.  

This time around, I did not have time to bake an angel food cake, so I cheated and purchased one from the local Giant Eagle.  I begin by tearing the cake into tiny squares and setting them aside until later.  Also, I wash about two cups worth of blackberries, red raspberries and sliced strawberries.  

Then, I beat two cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.  In another bowl, I beat one cup of cold water with a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and a teaspoon of pure almond extract, then whisk in 3.4 ounces of instant vanilla pudding mix. I allow this to set for about five minutes, before folding in the whipped topping.

I've made several trifles in my lifetime; however, I must admit that I don't have a trifle bowl... 

I use a glass bowl vase-type thing that I bought from Ikea ages ago, much to the amusement of Stemstar and my family.  Hey, it works just the same, even if it is sometimes used as household decor.

I layer the bottom of the bowl with angel food cake, then pour half of the cream mixture on top.  Then, I add a glob or two of wild berry preserves and spread it around.  Then, I add half if the berry supply and repeat layers once more, ending with berries on top. 

This dessert is honestly pretty simple, especially when you use store-bought angel food cake.  It's light, fruity and is definitely a springtime treat.  Really, all that needs said is this dessert is triflin'. 

Localvore

For those of you not familiar with Pittsburgh and it's many neighborhoods, there exists a land inhabited by a vast cocktail of characters. There are indie hipsters.  There are drunken frat boys.  There are Woo Girls. In the warm summer months, there are homeless Rastafarian teens with dogs living on the streets eating gyros.  Welcome to the South Side.

The South Side is most well-known for East Carson Street, a stretch of restaurants, shops, and a few scattered boutiques... But most people come for the bars.  It's dirty, loud and shameful, but sometimes, it just feels right.  It seems that there is a bar for everyone, no matter their personality, whether they're seeking dance clubs, pool halls, or jungle-themed hot spots.  Seemingly, the South Side has an offering for anyone... Until you go there with your parents. 

When I was growing up, I was attached at the hip to a neighbor that we'll call Tata (a nickname she gave herself at the age of three).  We were the same age (two months and three days apart), in the same class, and spent a huge chunk of our childhoods together.  As we transitioned through high school, we found our own groups of friends, but attempted to maintain the obligatory friendship based on memories and my mom's wishes, despite having limited shared interests.  During college, she found an internship in L.A. and decided to relocate there following her graduation.  I haven't seen her in years. 

Recently, however, Tata has decided to move back to Pennsylvania just in time for her mother's 60th birthday.  When planning a party for one's 60-year-old mother, it only makes sense to do so in a rat den of a South Side bar like the Smiling Moose,  right? (Commence eye rolls now)

My mother, sister and I decided to attend the party in the South Side; but as neither my mom nor my sister had ever stepped foot on East Carson, I was a bit concerned. To ease them into an evening on the South Side, I determined that we should have dinner beforehand and I asked Ginger Sister to choose between Urban Tap or Local Bar + Kitchen. She opted for Local.  

I had been there before for brunch and experienced decent food and service with a relaxed Sunday vibe.  I hadn't anticipated that a mid-day dinner vibe would be the polar opposite.  Despite reserving a roof top table, my sister, parents and I were crammed into a corner table next to a group of rowdy day-drinkers cheering on the Penguins.  

The server seemed confused by the fact that we weren't drinking alcohol, but was still curteous and initially attentive.  We skipped on appetizers and shouted our orders to the server, trying to be heard over the roaring crowd at the bar.  I blame myself for the noise factor, as I should have known not to base a restaurant environment on brunch experience alone.  Brunch is a whole different animal.

While we waited for our food, we were able to watch the South Side passersby, which added an entertainment factor needed due to lack of conversation for want of a quiet environment.  Dogs with Mohawks, women dressed like hookers and dudes in tank tops shuffled past the open window restaurant and on to their bars of choice.  

Our food arrived within a reasonable timeframe and looked good. I ordered loaded pierogie, which sadly seemed to have been made directly from a Mrs. T's box. The subpar pierogie was topped with cheddar, bacon, green onions and sour cream.  Had the pierogie been homemade, this meal would have been fantastic. 

My parents and Ginger Sister ordered burgers.  Dad ordered the Pittsburgher, topped with carmelised onions, a fried egg and cheese, while Momma ordered a basic cheeseburger.  Ginger Sister was a bit more adventurous with the Mexican War Street Burger, topped with guacamole, pico de gallo and pepper jack cheese.  Everyone who received a burger also ordered sweet potato fries and they all enjoyed their meals.  

    Mexican War Street Burger

It wasn't until after our food arrived that our server seemed to disappear.  She returned a few times to take a plate or two, but must have thought that the family without alcoholic beverages was enjoying quality time with the cursing drunkards next door, because it took her ages to return with the check.  When she did, we made our way out to the busy sidewalks before beginning our trek to the Smiling Moose for an anticipated awkward birthday party for a 60-year-old who refers to herself as a "Glitter Bitch" (and no, I don't know what that means either). 

Needless to say, we didn't last long at the Smiling Moose, with its sticky floors, bearded doorman and the party crew that was 30 minutes late to their own party.  Somethings will remain the same from childhood, like the fact that my family will always be early and Tata's family will always be inconsiderately late.  I was home before dark and enjoyed dramatically regaling the tale to Boyfriend before hunkering down for an evening of Orange is the New Black on Netflix.  

Contrary to my initial belief, the South Side is not for everyone, at least not on a beautiful spring day during an afternoon Penguins Day.  For family outings, it's best to stick with South Side Works or Local brunch.  Keep your parents away from the drunkards and keep the Rastafarian teens away from your parents.