The ’ Burgh’s best dishes and drinks right now
Here, found and devoured by our intrepid staffers across the city and the region, are the week’s best dishes and drinks.
JERK WINGS AT KAYA, STRIP DISTRICT
Here’s the situation: A recent daylong bike ride traversing the city’s river trails up and down the Mon and Allegheny in brutal heat. Cold beer and sustenance in air conditioning were desperately needed, and a stop at Strip District stalwart Kaya delivered all three in spades.
The skin of the Jamacian jerk wings ($ 11) crackled with a vinegary bite and the juicy meat inside gave way to a sneaky smoldering heat that was offset nicely by a cooling cilantro cream — a gourmet alternative to the standard ranch or blue cheese.
Paired with a Fat Head’s Head Hunter IPA ($ 7.50) — and the AC — it was a perfect respite for the weary legs and angry stomach of an out- of- shape- but- working- to- fixthat weekend warrior. 2000 Smallman St., Strip District. — Dan Gigler
PAD SEE EW FROM THAI TAMARIND, BELLEVUE
Man, was it hot on Sunday. And that’s before tackling a dreaded cleaning project in my un- air- conditioned second- floor hall — organizing my linen closet. By the time I finished sorting 20 sets of sheets, sweat was dripping off my nose, and I’d decided: I deserve take- out! Fifteen minutes later I had a hefty, fragrant container of Pad See Ew from the uber- charming Thai Tamarind ($ 13) in my car.
A popular street food in Thailand, it features wide rice noodles tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy, oyster and fish sauces. I opted for tofu as my protein, and it paired perfectly with the shredded egg, broccoli and thin strips of carrot. I ordered a “3” out of “5” so it was only faintly spicy; next time, I’ll definitely ask for more heat. 72 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. — Gretchen McKay
MEE- MAW PIZZA AT CALIENTE PIZZA & DRAFT HOUSE
Best pizza in America? In Pittsburgh? I took with a Grana Padano the news this spring of local chain Caliente Pizza & Draft House winning the American division at the World Pizza Championship in Parma, Italy. But good on Caliente for this pan pizza topped with shaved Porchetta, chopped and seasoned ( with bacon and tomatoes and garlic) rapini, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and Romano cheese and olive oil. Dubbed the Mee- Maw, a common Pittsburgh nickname for grandmother, it’s $ 29.99 and only 25 are available at any one location a night, according to a flyer that came in my mail. So one weeknight last week, we went to Caliente and ordered one.
I liked it. It’s not the meat bomb I thought from the description and pictures, as ours didn’t have that much pork on it, but the thin slices that were there baked up nice and crispy, like a prosciutto. I liked the seasoned rapini beneath a top crust of cheese, and the actual crust was thick but light and delish — perhaps the best part.
My wife, however, wanted more tomato — more acidity, more something. She wound up putting on some rings of banana pepper.
We had way more than we could eat. I’d suggest ordering one of these big boys with a large group so everyone can try a piece and see what they think. We weren’t offered one, but one of you can take home a “I ate the ‘ Mee- Maw’ ” T- shirt. 329 Castle Shannon Blvd. and four other locations. — Bob Batz Jr.