Our regular customer and longtime chef John (Giovanni) graciously invited us all down to his nephew's place, the Firehouse (Penn Ave. between 23rd and 24th), where John also dabbles in the kitchen.
Many of our staff headed down early last night for appetizers that John was cooking up, but Mel and I couldn't get down there until late, so we didn't have the opportunity to sample any of John's or his nephew's creations. We did try several of the cheeses he works with, one which we'd never heard of - a Gouda/chevre blend that is creamy, a bit sharp and savory at the same time.
Thankfully, we did get to sample some of what's available at the bar. There were a couple of beers we've never seen in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately we already forgot their names - but the one from Kalamazoo (it's the white tap handle) is a big rich chocolate stout, with the emphasis on chocolate. We've never tasted anything quite like it.
The Firehouse features a sharp and engaging bar manager from Cuba who mixed us some drinks we never heard of - nor would we have imagined - in the parts. One was christened the "Dirty White Boy" and comprised Guiness and vanilla vodka. The effect was one of butterscotch to me, but Mel liked the vanilla spike. He also created some sort of an esspresso martini.
We're getting a bit long in the tooth the fancy drinks, but we like the creativity and ingenuity that the Firehouse staff exudes as well as the space, which is comfortable and attractive, contemporary without being too trendy or faddy. We hope to get back there soon for some of John's unique appetizers... not that we get out much these days.
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