Comment Archives: stories: Food+Drink
Re: “Twisted Thistle”
Accolades to to "The Thistle!" The aesthetic environment is warm and visually stimulating. The staff are friendly and eager to help. They have a solid wine list that pairs well with the menu, without a hurt on the wallet. (Very Intelligent) The food is prepared with choice ingredients as well as a unique twist on standard dishes...not to mention, the Chef's signature dishes, that prove the kitchen is a talented, tight knit organization. I have enjoyed many dishes there, though if I were to highlight, I would recommend: The New York Strip with Frites and Root Vegetable Succotash, the Pork Belly Wraps, and Duck with Oyster Sauce, Basil, Soba Noodles & Veggies, to name a few. A great dining experience, off the beaten path. You will not regret your time and money spent at The Twisted Thistle!
Re: “Twisted Thistle”
As the photographer who shot the images above, I would like to add to this piece by explaining that the images of the old furniture and the deconstructed interior belong to the upper floors of the building in which the Twisted Thistle is housed. The building is a former hotel, which the owners (who also own nearby Lingrow Farm, a wedding and banquet facility and organic farm, which produces a lot of the fresh produce served at the restaurant in-season) are painstakingly restoring the upper 3 floors of the building into a hotel. I was lucky enough to get to peek around upstairs and snap some "before" photos of the space, which is very inspiring. I am wishing them all the best in giving the building the loving care she deserves and am looking forward to seeing the finished renovation someday. It's going to be a real asset to Leechburg and all visitors to the Kiski River area, which has amazing hiking and cycling trails these days.
Also, in rebuttal to the opinion above, I found the food that I tasted to be definitely above average in quality, thoughtfulness and presentation, as well as in efforts to serve locally sourced ingredients. Chef Michael Oshansky knows his stuff! I work on reviews for CP every week, as well as cover food for several other regional publications, and so I eat out A LOT and I completely disagree with the idea that this place is mediocre in any way. Also, I drive out to that area routinely from Pittsburgh during the summer and fall to hike in the woods and I would happily factor in a stop at Twisted Thistle after my expeditious!
Re: “Twisted Thistle”
Might want to rethink your review city paper over priced and food isn't that good . Its another mediocre restaurant out in the stix and no one is going to drive 50 mile for common food right idea bad location
Re: “Nancetta's”
I'm sure the owner is posting this. You fired the only guy that knew how to make pasta on the machine. Just close down!!
Re: “Big Plans”
To envision a version of Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market or Cleveland's West Side Market (or even better, The St Lawrence Market in Toronto) is ridiculous, the entire Strip district is a version of those markets, and even though Pittsburgh tries its best, “The Strip” really doesn’t compare to any of them. The Public market has potential, but the few vendors that are there in general charge such exorbitant prices that most of the folks I know went once and did not return. Sure local chefs from trendy restaurants can say how much they like it as they pass the prices right on to the customers. But the average “home Chef” (OK cook) is not always in a position or inclination to serve up a $25.00 per person meal ($50.00+ at a restaurant) Now if the City closed off Penn and covered and heated it we would be heading in the right direction, but having a market within a market is a concept that just wont work…JMHO
Re: “Benjamin's Western Avenue Burger Bar”
Great place! Getting better by the week
Re: “Bridge Ten Brasserie”
Cassoulet has no regional affiliation? Tell that to the people in Carcassone or Castelnaudary. Geez, these are food writers?
Re: “The Cambod-ican Kitchen”
You would think that being a regular since the 90's would give you a (at the very least) more timely service. NO. Not at all. I prepaid and sat for 25 minutes. 5 Minutes prior to leaving I asked where my order was and they said it was on the way. I got tired of waiting. I left. They can have my 12.50 but they will NEVER have my patron-ship ever again. Last time they got my order wrong and did not do anything to make it right. The flotsam and jetsam of bar dolts come and go, but regulars you NEED to cater to. They do not have that talent mastered. I am done being shit on.
I have been a regular since they served "cat on a stick" out of their trailer beside what is now Diesel back in 1997. Never again.
I walked down the street to Sal's Pizza and was served IMMEDIATELY. Now that is service.
Re: “Noodlehead”
The info box with the address and prices and whanot was inadvertently left off the web posting. Getting it up there now. Thanks for the heads up!
Re: “Noodlehead”
It says"Shadyside's South Highland restaurant row" -- where Typhoon used to be, next to Oh Yeah, across from Casbah.
Re: “Noodlehead”
This would be great info if it somewhere included in it the location of the restaurant.
Re: “Nancetta's”
I've been to Nancettas and the food was delicious. You should try it again. They have
started making their own homemade Pasta. It's the best. Suggest you try it again soon.
Re: “Mini-cupcakes are the focus of a new bakery in Brookline”
Word is that they don't even have an oven on site...its a microwave and a hotplate! Apparently they can't get zoning approval for baking appliances.
Re: “Janice's Sweet Harmony Café and Catering”
I have eaten at this restaurant many times and I would recommend it to anyone! The staff is very friendly and the food is outstanding! For breakfast, I am a fan of their mariachi burrito and for lunch, I really like their stuffed cabbage! Sounds to me like you went on a Sunday. Try going in on a Tuesday for their stuffed cabbage.
Re: “The annual Spam cooking contest at the Washington County fair picks a winner”
how can i enter into a spam contest.
Re: “Burgh'ers mixes up cocktail improvisations in Harmony, Pa.”
I love Dee's drinks!! You can always walk into Burghers and she has a new fun drink to try!
Re: “Burgh'ers mixes up cocktail improvisations in Harmony, Pa.”
Dee is the greatest!!!!! Her creativity is amazing and it is so nice to see her talents being recognized:)
Re: “Burgh'ers mixes up cocktail improvisations in Harmony, Pa.”
Yay Dee! Great article..So glad that you are getting recognition for what you do so well!
Re: “Burgh'ers mixes up cocktail improvisations in Harmony, Pa.”
So excited to see Dee's love of the organic and making people happy being appreciated! Love ya Dee :)
Re: “Twisted Thistle”
Great review! The food, atmosphere and people are so wonderful there! Everyone I told to go there was very pleased and went back. It is a homey atmosphere that I enjoy going to visit and everyone makes me feel at home. Keep up the good work, Linda, and KUDOS to all the great staff!
Madolyn Hyde