Category Archives: Uncategorized

Fresh Italian Food + Art

There is something so special about dining while surrounded by art. It is made even better when the food is excellent. My experience at Ricolita’s Cafe was so great that I came back the next day for breakfast. Ok, I’ll be honest… I had breakfast during what could be loosely called “brunch hours” because theseContinue reading “Fresh Italian Food + Art”

This Could Be My Favorite Italian Restaurant

I think I may have found my favorite Italian restaurant in Westmoreland County. On New Year’s Eve, my cousin K. and I started a new tradition: celebrating with dinner “together” from Olives & Peppers. Though socially distant, we still dined together talking by phone after I dropped off a meal at her doorstep. I pickedContinue reading “This Could Be My Favorite Italian Restaurant”

Hello, Gyro

I love gas station food. Not the fast food chains with their mediocre predictability, but the locally made delicacies that give you a sense of place. I suppose this began after college when I lived in Mississippi and was introduced to the late night wonder that was “chicken on a stick” from the local Chevron.Continue reading “Hello, Gyro”

Lunch Made By a French Chef

Who knew that one could find authentic and approachable French cuisine from an accomplished chef in a Latrobe strip mall? I was supposed to be backpacking through Europe this fall, but COVID-19 had other plans. Having accepted my fate that I would not be exploring European cuisine, I was delighted to find The French Express.Continue reading “Lunch Made By a French Chef”

Pierogies & Brussels Sprouts Skillet

Craving comfort food after a long hike in the Laurel Highlands, I ordered the Pierogi Skillet at Balance Restaurant in downtown Johnstown. Served in a small cast-iron skillet, the first thing that I noticed were the bright colors of the brussels sprouts, a mound of greenery that sat atop the pierogies and kielbasa. My waitressContinue reading “Pierogies & Brussels Sprouts Skillet”

Buckwheat Pancakes & Syrup

Who knew that the ingredients for a delicious breakfast could be found in a hardware store? Having just moved in to my new place, I visited Hepler’s Hardware to run a few errands. After ringing up my order, I noticed the display of locally-made flours, mixes, honey, and maple syrup, so I got back intoContinue reading “Buckwheat Pancakes & Syrup”