Tag: Restaurant review


Aug
2014

Fish Week Finale: Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Restaurant Review, Shopping, Travel

It is hard to miss the small crowd gathering on the sidewalk as the oysters are being shucked at 2106 Penn Ave in the Strip District. Open garage doors, a long fully stocked bar, undersea cartoons painted on the walls, and warm inviting smiles make Luke Wholey’s restaurant almost impossible to walk by without a little taste.

Luke drew quite the crowd while shucking an obstinate oyster Saturday night.
Luke drew quite the crowd while shucking an obstinate oyster Saturday night.

An avid adventurer and fisherman, Luke Wholey’s dreams exceeded sales and prep work at the family’s Strip District grocery store, Wholey’s. After working on a commercial salmon fishing boat in Alaska, Luke found himself behind a large grill in front of the family grocery store grilling fresh fish for Pittsburgh. As his skills as a chef outgrew the outdoor grill, Luke leased a great spot and Luke Wholey’s Alaskan Grille was born.
http://lukewholey.com

Luke works in his kitchen and actually at one time lived at his restaurant, Luke Wholey's Alaskan Grille. So passionate about fishing and his dreams, Luke is willing to do what it takes to be successful.
Luke works in his kitchen everyday and actually at one time lived at his restaurant.  So passionate about fishing and his dreams, Luke
is willing to do what it takes to be successful.

After a short meeting with Luke, I knew his restaurant would be the perfect fish week finale! He catches and prepares the freshest seafood in very unique ways. Wild Bill from The Deadliest Catch has frequented the restaurant this summer! The best part is that Luke loves explaining what you are eating, where is comes from, and why he prepares it the way he does. Let’s face it, when it comes to fish, I need solid explanations from an expert :)

Luke chose one of his favorites, a yellowtail collar appetizer as the first bite. I never would have ordered this on a menu myself!

Yellowtail collar was my favorite!! Being that my favorite Sushi order is unagi (eel), I was in love with the sweet sauce and crisp flavor of the skin!
The Yellowtail collar was my favorite!! Being that my favorite Sushi order is unagi (eel), I was in love with the sweet eel sauce and crisp flavor of the skin!

My party ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna, the Thai Chili Catfish Bites, and the Lobster Bisque French Fries to start!

All of the dishes are served with a beautiful presentation! I didn't expect that!
Seared Ahi Tuna- All of the dishes are served with a beautiful presentation! What a nice surprise!
Thai Chili Catfish Bites-The layers of flavor were incredible!
Thai Chili Catfish Bites-The layers of flavor were incredible!

The entrees we shared were the Shrimp Volcano, the Crab Stuffed Sockeye Salmon, and the always comfortable Fish ‘N Chips with added fried shrimp and scallops!

Luke's fried scallops are amazing! Something about the texture of fried with the meaty scallop did it for me!
Luke’s fried scallops are amazing! Something about the texture of fried with the meaty scallop did it for me!
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Have you ever seen such a bright and beautiful piece of salmon?

The salmon dish was a beautiful bright color. Luke explained that the bright red flesh color is indicative of the sockeye salmon variety. The adult spawner sockeyes turn a bright red color when migrating.

The Shrimp Volcano as well as the lobster bisque french fries featured the reataurant’s lobster bisque. Delicious, dark, and dippable, the soup did not disappoint!

One of Luke Wholey's Alaskan Grille's most popular entrees, it is also the favorite of the restaurant's maître d, Jerry!
The Shrimp Volcano- One of Luke Wholey’s Alaskan Grille’s most popular entrees, it is also the favorite of the restaurant’s maître d, Jere!

For dessert, Luke Wholey’s Alaskan Grille serves A.Ward’s cheesecakes! A favorite of one of Pittsburgh’s favorites, Christina Aguilera! I was lucky enough to have one of A.Wards limoncello cheesecakes for my birthday this year! Also my favorite!

Visit Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille! Prepare to learn something about fish and be wowed by the food! Enjoy!

Ciao!

Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille
2106 Penn Ave. in the Strip
http://lukewholey.com

 

 

 


Jul
2014

NOLA On The Square’s Reopening Is Here! Pittsburgh’s Taste Of New Orleans!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Restaurant Review

NOLA On The Square, Pittsburgh’s taste of New Orleans, is located in Downtown’s quaint brick road Market Square. After a 6 month fire damage repair hiatus, NOLA reopened its doors today and we were thrilled to be a part of the excitement!

Looks great on the outside. Taste great on the inside! NOLA on the square reopens with new menu offerings!
Looks great on the outside. Tastes great on the inside! NOLA on the square reopens with new menu offerings!

Keeping the menu favorites of old, NOLA has a few new surprises up their sleeve!
Flatbread pizzas topped with ricotta, a chicken panini, smoked tomato soup, and many more! Definitely some new menu offerings for those who don’t care for a Creole/Cajun kick. I tried the Roast Beef “Debris” Po Boy for lunch.

NOLA's Roast Beef "Debris" PoBoy is amazing! A new item to try!
NOLA’s Roast Beef “Debris” Po Boy is amazing! A new item to try!

The roast beef is marinated with a New Orleans rub for 24 hours and it is served on a fresh, super soft Mancini’s hoagie roll, and topped with pickles, sprouts, and horseradish aioli. The Mancini’s roll made the sandwich for me! There is nothing worse than a sandwich with delicious ingredients served on a rock hard roll!

The kids and I sat outside and enjoyed people watching and the hum of the jazz music in the background. The servers were attentive and enjoyed the monkeys (I think). Unfortunately, we were never offered dessert! We definitely would have tried something sweet!

My little foodies were happy! When asked about returning to NOLA to dine, Brady , age 5, responded, "Oh Yeah! See you soon!"
My little foodies were happy! When asked about returning to NOLA to dine, Brady, age 5, responded, “Oooooooh Yea! For sure! See you soon!”

We are happy to have NOLA On The Square back in business and we can’t wait to try something new next time!

Ciao!