For the record, here’s my list applying the criteria that psu sets out.
| Food Not Great |
Food Good or Great | |
|---|---|---|
|
Not Pretentious | Chiodos, Dee’s Hot Dog Shop, The O | Il Piccolo Forno, Rose Tea, Tram’s Kitchen |
| Pretentious | Le Pommier, Mallorca, Cafe Sam, Church Brew Works. | Baum Vivant, Chez Gerard |
As a special case, as far as I’m concerned, if your menu says “hominy polenta” instead of “grits,” you are automatically placed in the “pretentious / food not great” category.
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It is terribly convenient of you to have listed Le Pommier. I’ve been considering trying it, but now, perhaps, I will not.
And before I forget it, a thought that — yes — I *did* have long before I read today’s articles:
Tea Leaves: Very tasty. Colossally pretentious.
Like I said, it’s not a negative for me.
Laura,
I can only talk about Le Pommier based on my experience. The last time I bothered to go, it was absolutely average, but with the added bonus that they made me feel guilty for being there. I have heard it’s under new management but I’m not willing to risk it again. Perhaps you can take a hit for the team, and report back?
I had been thinking about giving Pommier another chance. The last time we went we got a warm goat cheese salad that ended up being stale greens, stale toast, and cold cheese that tasted like paste.
But, looking at their menu online, I see this
Tofu Exotique
Seared Tofu Steak with Mild Red Curry Sauce with Coconut Milk, Enoki Mushroom, Sugar Snap Peas & Cilantro
Served over Jasmine Rice with Roasted Peanuts $20.00
So I think the place can be rejected out of hand.
What’s the connection between Piccolo Forno and Regina? I see they’ve taken over Regina’s former Lawrenceville spot. Same owner, different name? New owner/new menu?
The new owner/manager is the son of the owner of Il Picolo Forno in the Strip, who is a good friend of the owner of Regina, who wanted to close the Lawrenceville location.
Baum Vivant has unfortunately closed effective 12/31/06. The good news is that award winning Executive Chef Sean Carlson and his fine staff have moved just a few blocks away to Sunnyledge Boutique Hotel In Shadyside. Pittsburgh’s finest contemporary Mediterranean cuisine continues !!