Though not by design, this ended up being an interestingly risky meal. Risky, because I decided to choose one dish of which I already had strong preexisting notions, and another that I had completely no expectation whatsoever.
First, let's start with the Poutine. A French slang that means "a mess," poutine started out as a diner/street food that's drenched in brown gravy and fresh cheese curd. I don't claim to be an expert on poutine, but being Canadian, it is after all my national comfort dish, so I do know a thing or two about it. Those who have been following my blog know that I have been on something of a quest to find that perfect taste of home in Pittsburgh. While I've had some decent poutine in town, I have yet to find the real deal. And then, several weeks ago I came across this photo by Jennie Roth on Foodspotting of Meat & Potatoes' poutine - the most authentic-looking poutine yet in Pittsburgh! OMGIMUSTHAVETHISPOUTINE!!
Ahem. Fast forward to Light Up Night at Meat & Potatoes. I knew that I would absolutely have to try the poutine. Now, let's take a look at this photo from Foodspotting one more time.
Now, compare it to this:
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| Poutine ($7) |
Um. The new version of the poutine was waaaay prettier. And also way less authentic. I went to Meat & Potatoes expecting a plate of hot mess, but instead got its prettified, cosmetically-modified cousin from Beverly Hills. I must admit my heart sank at the sight of my pretty poutine. That said, I have to concede that this poutine was very tasty and well-seasoned - indeed, truly the best tasting poutine I have had yet in Pittsburgh. It may not have the right look, but it certainly has the right taste. So I'll give 'em that.
The second dish I ordered was the Bone Marrow. Also a huge risk, because I have never tried bone marrow before and there was a chance I could end up hating it. But, being a rather adventurous eater, I just had to try it once in my life, and I figured Meat & Potatoes would be the place to do it. The appetizer came with three large bones containing the fatty marrow, which I scooped out and spread onto some grilled toast, topped with condiments like sea salt, capers, onions, and gremolata (a parsley/garlic combo - thanks, Google!). I can tell that Meat & Potatoes took good care in choosing the right combination of flavors, as everything tasted great together. Personally, I decided that I am just not that into bone marrow, but that was no fault of Meat & Potatoes'. Bone marrow is just not my thing, I guess. But as I said, I had to try it once, and I'm actually glad I did.
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| Bone Marrow ($14) |
I had heard great things about the cocktails at Meat & Potatoes, so I ordered a Dark & Smokey, with smoked gosling's rum, root liquer, ginger, and lime. Mmm...yum!
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| Dark & Smokey ($9) |
My friend ordered the Braised Short Ribs for her entree and loved it. In her words, it was the best meal she had had in a long time!
Overall, I liked Meat & Potatoes despite my unusual choices, and I'm definitely looking forward to going back and trying some of the more conventional items on the menu.
Restaurant info:
Meat & Potatoes
649 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412)325-7007
On the web: http://www.meatandpotatoespgh.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeatAndPotatoesPgh
On twitter: https://twitter.com/4meatnpotatoes
