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| - I feel like my previous reviews are not super helpful due to the ever-changing menu at Salt, and after eating here five times now I feel like I can make some generalizations.
Cocktails: Delicious, but sometimes a little boring in comparison to the food.
Appetizers: Tartare, sashimi, soup, and salad are, in my experience, always on point. I've dabbled with some of the other things and had mixed feelings, from excellent (octopus, escargot, scallops, beef tongue) to interesting-but-not-sure-if-I-like-it (cockscombs, chicken liver) to I-want-to-like-this-but-I-really-don't (chawanmushi). Sometimes I feel like things go a little overboard and the food is weird just for the sake of being weird. After my last visit, I've vowed to always ask about the preparations--I ordered the lobster appetizer and what I expected was succulent chunks of lobster. What I got was a texturally disturbing cake of ground lobster. Even with the foolproof garnish of shaved truffle and chicken skin, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was eating really expensive cat food.
Main courses: Compared to the adventurous appetizers, the main courses are less crazy. But simple doesn't make them boring, and I haven't had a bad one yet. I usually get whatever the steak or shortrib option is (favorite combo was with beet puree and bleu cheese), but I always try to sneak a bite of my dining companions' plates since just about everything else is awesome too. And the portions are larger than you would expect for this type of restaurant (good thing).
Desserts: Like the appetizers, this is where things get a little weird again. Unlike the appetizers, which can be hit or miss, the desserts are usually a win. Strange custards, gelatins, and foams abound but somehow something as unappetizing as a celery sorbet or candied parsnips ends up being not only good but memorable.
Overall, Salt earns its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, and the food being served here would easily cost twice as much in a large city. Some of their selections might be more successful than others, but at least the experience is always interesting!
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