I am in the pizza oven business, I have done work for a multitude of restaurants all over the place. Goodfella’s Pizza in lexington Ky. is the best pizza shop I have ever eaten at, hands down no debate. They are on mill street, if you are ever there try it.
Not to interrupt the thread, but I think this was the 13 millionth post on the SDMB.
I ate there when I was in Pittsburgh for a conference, and it was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. I loved the smoked chicken wings and the pork shank.
For Austin:
Hoover’s, the original location. Everything I’ve ever had there has been good, but my favorite is the chicken and dumplings they have on the breakfast menu.
Glad you liked it! What can I say, I’m a connoisseur of anything I can put in my mouth and chew ;). I’d start a blog, but then I’d have to start making fun of myself.
I forgot another for Pittsburgh - Legume. Located in Regent Square, it is decidedly a date night place. Seats maybe 25 people. 15-25/plate. The food is really spectacular. Second best steak I’ve had in my life. (The first by way of my best friend’s best man’s family, who are cattle ranchers. Hard to compete.) The appetizers are fresh and unlike what you’ll see in any other Pittsburgh restaurant. If you like your food fresh off the farm and a menu that changes daily (it’s posted at 5pm on their website, they do take reservations) then this is your place. If nothing on the menu is to your fancy, ask for “chicken under a skillet” - they sometimes have it when it’s not on the menu and then you’re in luck. I would not come here with a group larger than 4. It’s also BYOB, free or a nominal fee.
And one more - Jimmy Wan’s in Aspinwall. Actual Chinese food that’s totally delicious. Made by Chinese people too, something you don’t see in Pittsburgh. Known for sushi, but I’ve never had it. Fresh ingredients, deft hand at seasoning - it’s a place that takes your “I want it spicy” request seriously. They offer “steamed or brown rice” with most entrees - I like a place where brown rice isn’t a special request. Extensive beer and wine list. Get a reservation if you’re coming on a weekend night. Service is impeccable. Full disclosure, the owner’s niece is an acquaintance; she is dating my boyfriend’s best friend long distance.
FYI, I was specifically looking for LA places here and did a search to figure out where “Mariella’s Tacos” was. Note that there is a Mariella’s Tacos in Los Angeles and a Marielas Taco. I think you’re referring to the latter, not the former, which is a food truck serving mostly factory workers near LAX/Manchester. That’s a little out of my range for dinner tonight, so I’ll bookmark this and try it another time. Thanks. Peruvian also sounds like a good option. Any South Bay recommendations?