Two Great Tastes

We've had really good luck with restaurants recently!

First was Spice Island Tea House in Oakland on Wednesday night. Parking is really a bitch in these parts because it's right next to Univeristy of Pittsburgh (aka Pitt). There are a few places on Atwood Street worth visiting, so unless you are willing to take a bus, plan on a 20 minute tour of the neighborhood to find parking.

The ambiance reminds me of San Francisco cafes, or the old location of the Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The restaurant is a single large room filled with mismatched tables and chairs, and the darkness makes it feel cozy and private. The menu is a blend of south east Asian cuisines. Dave had the lemon grass beef curry, and I had the Burmese barbequed chicken. The servings are not large, but they are generous with the meats, making it a nice light savory meal.

Our second find was the Square Cafe in Regent Square on Saturday morning. We went expecting a sad dingy old-school diner with surly waitresses, and it was sort of retro 50s, but bright, shiny and clean, and the wait staff were very friendly.

Dave had the challah french toast which he loved, and I had the veggie overload omlette with brie, which was delicious. We also enjoyed some excellent coffee drinks which were served in large interesting stoneware mugs. We're definitely going to be there often, even though it's not a cheap place.