rev:text
| - I am in complete disbelief that such a great, unusual new restaurant has opened in Bloomfield. When a friend and I checked it out, we were VERY hungry, and had somewhat low expectations (sign looked a bit sketchy out front, we weren't sure if we even liked eastern European food). I could not have been more wrong! The interior has a hip, grungy vibe, that is reminiscent of the old country - a little eastern soviet blockade feel to it. The servers and bartenders are so cool, and if you're lucky, take a moment to chat with them.
The concept is pretty cool - you order at the bar, cafeteria style, then pick a table. They bring you your drinks and food. The drinks are magnificent and the pricing is excellent for Pittsburgh (average drinks $6-9). I ordered a gin drink with citrus and celery salt which is now my favorite gin drink of all time. My buddy ordered a campari and vodka based concoction that was not too sweet, but tasted of freshly juiced black cherries.
We ordered the large plate of pierogies and the trio of open faced tartines. The bread on the open faced sandwiches was dark and crusty, clearly home-made, and reminded me inescapably of happy childhood days baking dark bread with my family. The toppings were great - one had chopped seasoned root vegetables, one was some sort of tapenade, and the final one was pickled radishes and cucumbers over another tomato tapenade. Each one was unique and delicious. Then came the pierogies. Utter. Perfection. They were fried, which gave the nicest crunch when you bit in. There are two types they make - sauerkraut and mushroom (a little spicy with pepper), and potato. Both were incredible, and had layers of flavor that made me want to order three more plates. Honestly, I would have never even known it was a vegan restaurant if I hadn't looked it up ahead of time. I never missed meat once, and barely noticed there was none present.
After all of this food, we sadly didn't have any appetite for dessert. However, I am confident I'll be back. And soon! This place is heating up and I can only imagine that the sky will be the limit for them.
Two pierogie covered thumbs up!
|