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| - An update is in order, since I ordered take out from UP&C yesterday after a Yelp event. I ordered the following items: Pork shoulder sandwich ($12) and mac and cheese ($4), which I took home and consumed shortly after the event. In addition to these items, my take out bag included condiment sized containers of both of their BBQ sauces (tomato and vinegar based). My order took only about 10 min. to prepare. By the time I arrived home, about 30-45 min. after receiving it, the items weren't as warm as I'd like, but a quick stint in the toaster oven/microwave solved this problem in short order.
Consistent with my last visit over a year ago, the flavors were bold and delicious, delivering mouthwatering bliss. The pork, which comes in chunk form rather than the usual pulled variety, was tender and savory, and both the whole grain mustard that coated the meat and the BBQ sauces, which I added, upped the ante to a whole new level. The sandwich stayed together well despite the application of all of these sauces, which was no doubt due to the substantial, chewy bread enveloping it. My one criticism was that I felt that more pork should have been included for the price, given that the going rate for a sandwich in PGH is $7-$8.
As for the mac and cheese, it was just as good as I recalled. The cheese was incredibly creamy, with the perfect amount of stretchiness (due to the use of mozzarella, I'm guessing) adding some textural interest. The flavor, like that of the sandwich, was mouthwatering, and the cheese:noodle ratio was perfect. Because I was at home, I added some bread crumbs, which further enhanced its flavor and texture, taking it to the next level. Without a doubt, this is still one of the top mac and cheeses in PGH (revised score: 8.5/10).
Although the flavors of these items were excellent, I'm sticking with my former rating of 4 stars due to the cost (total check, w/ tax and tip: $18.10), which I feel is quite pricey for BBQ. Even so, I stand by my former assessment that UP&C offers great fusion BBQ, despite the departure of their former owner (Kevin Sousa), a local celebrity chef. Just go in with an open mind knowing that (1) it's not perfectly authentic BBQ; (2) it's more expensive than BBQ usually is, and you'll be in for a great experience!
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