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