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| - I visited here last night to partake in Pittsburgh Restaurant Week 2015. Avenue B had long been on my list as a "must try" spot in town, however, I've always balked (slightly) at the price for just an average dinner out. Restaurant Week, however, made this a very affordable option for a random weeknight dinner out, so as soon as I saw they were listed on the restaurant week website, I quickly snapped up 7:00pm reservations for myself and a friend. I read online that they have valet, although I did not see a valet stand or any valet attendants out front, so we took our chances and parked in the Market District garage (and we were totally fine-no ticket or tow). We arrived promptly at 7:00pm and it was actually our server who sat us. The atmosphere is very cozy and intimate-nice if you are looking for a romantic evening I would think. We were seated pretty close to the table next to us, however, it was not much of an impediment (except the woman next to me was clearly annoyed she could no longer use my seat to hold her iphone).
Service was prompt throughout the night. She first brought over waters and wine glasses. Of MUCH importance, this establishment is entirely BYOB so come prepared with your favorite varietal to imbibe. She explained the restaurant week concept and also said we could order from the blackboard menu as well, however, the entire restaurant week menu was composed of blackboard items so fiscally, it made sense to order from the restaurant week menu. After we ordered, our server brought out a small bread basket (sourdough and wheat bread) served with a coffee cocoa butter. OMG did that hit the spot! The coffee flavor was not dominating but prevalent and complimented the sweetness of the cocoa flavor nicely. She explained they rotate butters regularly, and in fact, a large party was seated after we had finished our meals and they received some type of ghost pepper butter, so perhaps they had multiple varieties that evening.
The first course came out quickly but with a slight snag. Both myself and my friend received a salad when I had ordered the salad and my friend the reconstructed rainbow roll. The server apologized for her mistake and it was remedied within 5 minutes so no harm no foul there. I cannot really speak to the rainbow roll as I did have a small bite but sushi is not something I typically enjoy. The presentation, however, was superb and artistic. The salad was an arugula & roasted mushroom salad with charred onion and truffled vinaigrette topped with chevre. The dressing was by far one of the best I have had out in a long time and there were plenty of mushrooms throughout the salad which I really enjoy.
For entrees, both myself and my friend ordered the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin with mustard spaetzle, braised cabbage and apple. The pork was cooked to perfection-pink and tender. The bacon had an applewood flavor to it and was complimentary to the mustard sauce that was served with the pork. I rarely order pork out since often it is overcooked, however, I would order this entree again, no questions asked!
There was only one choice for dessert- a phyllo dough concoction with pear, caramel, and (maybe?) vanilla creme. I should have taken a picture of the menu since the flavors were amazing but hard to pick out at times. Our bill came to $80, which at any other time not during restaurant week, I believe it would have been much more for the same amount of food.
I am so happy I chose Avenue B as the first restaurant I am visiting this week! I only hope my second choice lives up to this experience!
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