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| - This is my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh and one of my favorite restaurants, period.
But in a nutshell: Vibrant, beautiful, bold flavors that compliment an atmosphere decorated by an interior that speaks trend and class with an experience higher than the mountain upon which it sits. Must try. Like today.
Name:
Let's start with the name, I mean Altius. Beautiful. It means higher (think Olympic mantra citius, altius, forties - Faster, Higher, Stronger. This is not a Kanye West shout out. He irks me. I digress). Nestled cozy atop beautiful Mt. Washington, they couldn't have named this anything more appropriate.
Intro:
Walking into Altius is brilliant. It does have this gravity defying look to it. I don't know if it's the colors or the overall atmosphere but the layout is perfect. Coming from a film background I can tell you it was beautifully designed and gives you this feeling of escalation. With the view of Mt. Washington at bay you really "enjoy" being at this restaurant. In fact, you savor it. Though modestly different, It reminds me, for some reason, one of my favorites in NYC, ABC Kitchen.
Service:
Impeccable. Our server was super funny, friendly, professional and knew exactly what he was talking about it. This hits hard with me because it is a reflection of the chef and owners and I think this is important for such an upscale restaurant. The servers all work well with one another to ensure every t and I is crossed and dotted, respectively and that every glass is full and sparkling.
Food:
Wow. Just wow. Never in Pittsburgh have I enjoyed every single piece of food I unwillingly gently placed in my mouth (unwillingly because I wanted to just scarf everything down indian food style eaten at home- hands and all).Let's start from the beginning. I am huge on presentation and they nailed it with everything.
The amuse bouche was delightful. It was a small crepe like concoction filled with a lime glazed filling sitting in a small custard. One of the most heavenly single bites I have ever had in Pittsburgh.
For starters we got the:
Steak tartare (delicious, blended with this mustard seeds and this relish founded on capers - good lord the flavors were beautiful. The egg yolk gave it a gorgeous texture and the crostini upon which I parked this delicious meat was grilled perfectly with the right amount of crunch)
Chicory Salad (fennel, burrata and figs - muito gostozo, muy delicioso, I mean everything from salad texture to flavors was perfect).
Main:
Rack of Lamb: The seasoning was sensational and the meat was cooked PERFECTLY. Every bite just melted in my mouth. I literally thought the lamb was a part of me, seriously, I almost starting Baa'ing, or whatever sound lambs make. If Mary had a little lamb, I'm taking it to Altius. One of the best lamb racks I've had, period. This chef knows what she is doing!
Strip Steak: First off, the choice of cut was perfect and you can tell they pick their meats meticulously. Cooked to perfection, just the perfect amount of mouth watering juiciness and redness. What I am about to say will make my Hindu ancestors cringe in their grave and curse with me horrible karma, but I like my plate to slightly moo when it comes out and this plate sang sweet nothings into my mouth.
Dessert:
The "Ball" - a cake adorned with chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, and a freaking journey in your mouth through full throttle with turbos made out of extremely beautiful textures. If I could make a EDM song about this "ball" it would be Crunch, Melt, Moan, Repeat.
Minds out of the gutter people.
Anyhow, I wanted more and that's all I am going to say.
Overall,
My favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. It is my go to with my family and girlfriend and my recommendation for anyone who wants the fine dining experience in Pittsburgh. I think you get more than what you would anywhere else for the price (which to be honest, isn't even that bad).
From start to finish Altius really does take you to culinary heights and I doubt anyone will be disappointed.
If you are, then you messed up. Yes, YOU.
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