Oct 30 2009
The Liberty Avenue storefront across from West Penn Hospital, once home to Cafe Roma, has become the home of a new Italian restaurant. Stagioni will open its door this Sunday for brunch and then for a grand opening dinner on Tuesday. Chef Stephen Felder and restaurant owner Cara DelSignore moved to Pittsburgh -- DelSignore's hometown -- almost three years ago, hoping to open up their own restaurant.
The restaurant is named after the Italian word for seasons, becauseFelder gets much of his inspiration from what's available at the local farmer's market. Diners can expect to see menu items such as market-inspired salads, braised beef short ribs with root vegetables, and house-made gnocchi. Felder and DelSignore designed the menu to be affordable without sacrificing quality of ingredients, and most entrees will be priced at around $15 to $18.
Stagioni will be open seven days a week, with brunch only on Sundays, lunch only on Mondays, and lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday; BYOB; 4770 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield; 412-687-5775.
Oct 01 2009
Dianne Porter, whose been making fabulous cocktails behind the bar of Morton's for fifteen years, is turning her attention to other parts of the menu as well. She's opening her own place in Allegheny West on the North Shore. Cassis, which is located near the corner of Western and Galveston Ave, will open October 13 for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch.
The restaurant has two dining rooms, which together can seat about 50. There's also a two-level back patio and a permit for sidewalk seating, but given the cold weather, Porter will likely wait until next summer to add outdoor seating. The dining rooms are decorated in "rich jewel tones," said Porter. Tables are covered with burgundy linens and white butcher paper, and the walls are decorated with photos of North Side windows and doors taken by a local photographer.
The menu ranges across a number of styles and cuisines. There are steamed dumplings of the day (6 for $8) and smoked trout spread with sliced apples and baguette ($7). There's also squid salad with Greek dressing ($10) and flank steak fajitas with black beans, spicy tomatillo salsa and sour cream ($10). The vast majority of the dishes are inexpensive, including lots of interesting sandwiches and salads for less than $10.
Since Porter certainly knows her way around a bar, it's no surprise that she's also enthusiastic about the wine list --about 30 bottles, 20 of them under $40 -- and cocktails. There will be several signature drinks featuring creme de cassis (black currant liqueur), including the Kir Royal - creme de cassis and champagne.