“Pittsburgh’s Little Italy & More” has received a lot of recent recognition for its international dining. In the spread “Bloomfield’s Stagioni takes a different approach with its Italian-inspired menu“, the Post-Gazette’s China Millman emphasises the Italian in Stagioni’s Italian-American menu:

Stagioni, a restaurant that opened in November, has chosen to go in a different direction and is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Owners Cara DelSignore and chef Stephen Felder are not obsessed with Italian authenticity — salads are listed before entrees and pasta is listed as an entree rather than a first course — but whatever liberties are taken, the heart and soul of this restaurant is Italian. Felder understands the cuisine’s most important dictates: Keep it seasonal, fresh and simple; let each ingredient contribute clearly to the flavors of the finished dish.

Relative newcomer Sausalido was also the subject of a recent article, this one in the Pittsburgh Business Times. The gourmet bistro has received plenty of praise from both press and patrons since its opening in 2008, and it looks like this year will be another one of success for owners Nicholas Mineo and executive chef Michael Simpson. In “Sausalido: Good food, casual elegance“, R.J. Phillips wrote that “Sausalido in Bloomfield brings a contemporary and casual elegance to a business district chock full of some of the most delicious food in town.”

Guests of both restaurant are spreading the good word as well. On Chowhound, an online community where users can swap recipes and share their opinions on restaurants, bars, and basically anything food, one woman called Sausalido’s French double cut pork chop with gorgonzola, caramelized pears, and a leek risotto “perfection!” In her review of a meal at Stagioni, the same foodie recounted having “the best gnocchi I have had in Pittsburgh”. In fact, she describes an impressive selection of dishes ordered by her party of eight that I recommend reading, but not on an empty stomach.

Bloomfield is such a foodie paradise, we even have much to offer for the home cook. Merante Gifts holds cooking classes several times a week, and they have just released the entire winter/spring schedule. They will also be planning three more spring/summer trips: the wineries in Erie, the Greensburg area DeLallo trip and New York in early June. Call 412-682-3370 or email if you’re interested in the classes or trips.

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