Inspiring Lives Magazine Spring 2017: Issue 4 | Page 62

RESTAURANT REVIEW MONTEREY BAY FISH GROTTO • PITTSBURGH, PA By Jen Forsyth • Photos Monterey Bay Fish Grotto Exquisite Views, Service, and Food Combine for a Perfect Night at Monterey Bay A night out at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto (Pittsburgh, Pa.) can be summed up as “stunning.” From the panoramic view to the fantastic menu of- ferings, there is good reason why this award-winning restaurant is such a popular hotspot. The service is first- class, perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. The experience begins with friendly and reasonably priced valet parking—your best bet, as parking on Mount Washington can get tricky. In the lobby, an elevator takes you upstairs to the elegant main dining room. My party was waiting in the bar area, which has a panoramic view of the stunning Pittsburgh skyline. The vibe is laid back, with patrons snapping pictures in front of the city backdrop. The bar service was friendly and fast, and the drinks were absolutely perfect. In fact, I don’t think I have ever been in a bar where the staff has been so attentive. Our party was seated quickly, and the table in the dining room again featured the view of Pittsburgh. Our wait staff knew the menu inside and out, and our server encouraged us to ask questions about the menu to really get to know Monterey Bay. He also added fun facts as he went over the menus, such as how Monterey Bay serves 12 different fish from all over the world. We started with a sample of ahi tuna with micro- greens, chili oil, and pickled vegetables. I’m not much of a tuna eater, but I loved it! The pickled vegetables had an amazing flavor and were paired perfectly with the tuna, which had a spicy kick. Eating both together presented the ultimate flavor. Overall, absolutely excellent. From the exclusive cocktails menu, we ordered the Arctic Kiss—Absolut Pear, champagne, and elderflower. It was fun but not too sweet. Next our Combo Platter appetizer came, featuring Monterey Bay’s famous crab cakes, Cajun shrimp, and an Ichiban skewer, which consists of marinated salmon, tuna, and swordfish chunks. The winner of the trio was definitely the Cajun shrimp. The crab cakes were okay, and the Ichiban skewers were good. However we were unable to tell the different fish apart by taste. After the appetizers, soups, salads, and dinners, be- gan to roll out. One of the highlights was definitely the lobster bisque presentation. Our waiter placed the bowl with the lobster pieces and cream in front of me and then poured the bisque in on top. It was delightful. Another highlight was the Champagne Braised Cab- bage. It’s a simple enough concept: cabbage soaked in champagne. It was absolutely delicious, and we finished every bite. For dinner, jumbo shrimp, jumbo sea scallops, and Chilean sea bass graced our table. Guests in my party described their dinners as “excellent,” “perfect,” and “amazing.” Truly, Monterey Bay has perfected the art of making seafood. Finally, we ordered desert: the Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake and Monterey Bay’s signature dessert, the Angel Food Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which is cara- melized angel food cake, cream cheese filling, seasonal berries, vanilla ice cream, and almonds. It was a perfect end to a perfect evening. The desserts were just as heav- enly as all the food that came before it. If you are looking for a perfect night out with stun- ning views, perfect service, and food that is out of this world, visit Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. It lived up to all expectations and so much more. Location: Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh, Pa. Price Range: $31 to $50 Attire: Dressy 62 INSPIRING LIVES SPRING 2017