Sushi Kim

Sushi Kim - www.sushikim.com

1241 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-9956
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Sushi Kim is one of only two Korean restaurants in and around Pittsburgh. It has a slightly unfortunate location which places it just out of downtown but not quite in the Strip District, however the food and the walls papered with awards make up for it. The cuisine is a mix of Korean and also a smattering of Japanese dishes as well as Mr. Kim's outstanding sushi. They also offer a buffet-style Korean BBQ at certain times and days which is a worthwhile excursion, call for details.

It is a bit pricey both for lunch and dinner, but for such a rare treat in this city it is worth the splurge. Lunch will run about $10-15 and dinners go from the same range and upwards. A favorite lunch is the "Sushi Lunch" which is a tasting tour of 10 pieces of Nigiri started off with a small bowl of some of the best Miso soup you will find. Mr. Kim offers a number of great rolls with items like: Bulgogi Roll, Pittsburgh Roll, Atomic Roll, and many others beyond the standard fare. "Box" lunches resemble Japanese Bento Boxes and come with the main item and three sides which rotate daily and there will surely be at least one new experience in there. Salmon skin fried and served cold, super tiny fried whole fish, delicately pickled radish, and some truly phenomenal kimchi. The tiny fried fish sat uneaten once the first time I was served them, but after trying them they have since become my favorite side dish and totally addictive.

Soups and dinners are a whole other ballgame and offer some amazing food unattainable elsewhere in the 'burgh. I highly recommend the Bulgogi which is cooked at the table on a conical grill and consists of tender beef marinated in a soy/sesame/Asian pear sauce placed on a lettuce leaf with rice... it is pure heaven. They also do great Katsu which is a breaded crispy fried cutlet (I go for pork), but I have never been fond of their Katsudon which is the same but cut up with vegetables over rice with sauce in a bowl. The sauce ruins it.

If you are looking to try something new, or just more authentic than standard "Chinese" takeaway then treat yourself to Sushi Kim.

Overall Sushi Kim earns a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

The Quiet Storm

The Quiet Storm - www.quietstormcoffee.com

5430 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

(412) 661-9355
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Without a doubt The Quiet Storm is one of my favorite joints in Pittsburgh. It is slightly out of the way, unassuming, and vegetarian, yet even for an omnivore such as myself it eclipses almost anything available in this city. It's hard to figure out where to begin describing this coffee shop/restaurant, the menu is as unique as you will find and daily specials that are truly special as well as daily exotic curries. Prices are beyond reasonable for the portions and quality with lunches in the $5-7 range and dinners just $9! In addition they serve great bottomless coffee, desserts, and a dizzying array of other options. The only problem is that you will be hopelessly torn between at least two items each and every visit.

B.Y.O.B. (Build You Own Burritos) out of around 30 options and Gyro Burgers of seitan steak to salads, quesadillas, sandwiches, and sides all worthy of song and dance. Specials could be a spinach and rice burger with salsa and chips or stuffed cabbage and salad with their smashed taters and almost anything else the magicians in the tiny kitchen dream up. The dishes are all prepared and served with such attention to detail and care that you almost feel guilty it costs so little. Meat is substituted with standards like tofu, but also seitan, tempeh, and soysage and you won't miss it for one minute.

My last lunch trip resulted in feasting on the Home Fries. Not your average home fries, but a full plate of smashed taters, soysage, cheddar, mozzarella, carmelized onions, tofu (or eggs), and topped with an aioli sauce. My grand total, $6.00. Truly unbeatable. Other notables and unique items like the quesadillas and sandwiches are what will have you torn and leave you counting the minutes until you can return. The Artidilla with artichokes, spinach, roasted red peppers, cheese and aioli or even the Monkeydilla featuring peanut butter, bananas, apples, and raisins drizzled with honey.

The ambiance is a bit eclectic as are the patrons, with a nod to the "hipster" crowd, and it certainly is not a destination for a formal meal, but that is what makes it unique and special. Don't miss this one.

Overall The Quiet Storm earns a 4.5 out of 5 rating.