Tiny Tales

The Pittsburgh Food Diaries: Butcher and the Rye.

June 4, 2014May 24, 2018by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

As soon as I walked in the front door of Butcher and the Rye, the energy was captivating. The first floor bar was humming with young professionals stopping by for an afterhours cocktail, as a bartender scaled a ladder up the 2-story bar to reach a bottle of whiskey. The hostess led us up a winding staircase to a dimly lit and quiet third floor table. I ordered a cocktail: Lost In Thought, a vodka concoction mixed with Meyer lemon cordial, lemon, green chartreuse and fee walnut bitters. I’m not much of a cocktail girl, but it was sweet and tangy and perfectly refreshing on a hot day.

Then, because I consider myself a brusselaholic, I ordered sprouts as an appetizer. Cooked in brown butter, seasoned with dill, topped with parmigiano reggiano and drizzled with preserved lemon aioli, the brussel sprouts were decadent and I swear, I spoke maybe five words as I shoveled them into my mouth.

For dinner, I decided to take a slight step outside of my comfort zone, and I ordered the pan-roasted trout with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The best part about Butcher and the Rye, in my opinion, is the décor. The walls were adorned with antique handheld mirrors, stuffed and mounted game, and a kind of Prohibition-esque wallpaper. Chandeliers made of antlers hung from the ceiling, and the entire restaurant reminded me of the cabin in the woods I never had as a child. It was calming and quaint and unlike any other place I’ve been.

When dinner arrived, I dug in. The scallops sat on a bed of blue crab risotto, asparagus, chanterelles (which he quickly brushed to the side) and capers. It was creamy and light and perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the capers and asparagus. A cauliflower steak, capers, golden raisins, almonds, parsley and beurre noisette accompanied by trout, and created a perfectly composed dish. The trout was soft and flaky, but the almonds added the perfect amount of crunch to every bite. I expected the fish to be, well, fishy, and was pleasantly surprised when the butter and cauliflower brought out only the best flavors in the trout.

For dessert, I chose the perfect summer sweet: s’mores… with a twist. The waiter placed a giant bowl of brown butter friend ice cream, bourbon marshmallows, chocolate rope and graham cracker soil in front of us. I mean, COME ON. I was on that fried ice cream like white on rice.

So, with the second restaurant of The Pittsburgh Food Diaries challenge under our belt, I’m so excited to see what else this city has in store for me… and my belly.

Dining Out, Food

The Pittsburgh Food Diaries: Grit & Grace

May 29, 2014August 3, 2017by Abigail Hunt1 Comment

Yesterday was the perfect storm of inspiration.

I stumbled upon the list of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants of 2014 first thing in the morning, and it just so happened to be a Wednesday, my weekly night out. It didn’t take long to decide that we should try to eat at every restaurant on the list before the end of the year. A few hours later, I was on set at work, telling our director about the challenge I had given myself. He casually responded, “You should blog about it.” And there it was, the beginning of a series: The Pittsburgh Food Diaries.

Our first stop was Grit & Grace, a new restaurant located on Liberty Avenue downtown. It’s long and narrow space offers diners an intimate atmosphere, and the menu captures the essence of cuisine from all around the world.

We sat down at our table, a quiet little booth towards the back, and ordered drinks. A crisp Reisling for me, a hoppy beer for him. The waitress introduced to us their Dim Sum offerings, and we decided we’d try a few as our appetizer. As soon as the plates came around, we quickly grabbed the Hangar Steak Tartare and the Mortadella Congee to share. The tartare was topped with an egg yolk, and accompanied by sourdough crisps and caper berries. It was buttery and smooth and meaty and we devoured it in approximately .5 seconds. The Mortadella Congee sat on a bed of risotta, with broccoli rabe and kimchi. The marriage of creamy risotto, salty mortadella and acidic kimchi was to die for. This one only took us about .3 seconds to inhale.

Then, the main course. I ordered dayboat scallops with shaved brussel sprouts, crispy pepperoni, buttermilk, pickled banana peppers and garlic croutons. With my first bite, I understood the whole idea of Grit & Grace. Opposites. The acidic flavor of the banana peppers and brussel sprouts and the saltiness of the pepperoni were perfectly balanced by the soft, creaminess of the scallops and buttermilk.

For dessert, we enjoyed salted caramel mousse with rhubarb jelly, topped with rosemary. (Unfortunately, we dug in so fast that we didn’t even get to take a picture.) Again, the balance of the tangy fruit and the sweet and salty caramel had us wishing for more.

I think we can agree: Grit & Grace rightfully earned their place on the list of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants. Tune in next week to read all about the eatery on our list!

Fashion

Vested Interest

March 8, 2014July 17, 2014by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

90s style is back and it’s better than ever. From hi-rise to overalls, from crop tops to fringe, this spring season is sure to take you back to your grunge-loving days. My personal favorite full-circle trend: Vests.

Oversized denim, vegan leather and army green vests are making statements throughout the fashion world. Designers like Rebecca Taylor, Suno and Peter Som made vests a focal point during New York Fashion Week. Recently, celebs from around the world joined in the City of Lights for Paris Fashion Week, and lo-and-behold, so many of them were sporting their favorite vests!

So, get in on the trend! Make any dress a little more casual by adding on a denim vest, or dress up a basic shorts and tee look with the addition of a vegan leather vest. But remember: let the vest be the focal point! Keep the rest of your look neutral, so your style can shine!

Take a look at some of my favorite looks!

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Thoughts

Sunday Morning.

February 23, 2014August 3, 2017by Abigail Hunt1 Comment

Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week.

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Sunday mornings are so serene. They are calm; they are quiet; they are productive. On Sunday mornings, I feel like I can take over the world, that I can do anything I set my mind to. They are introspective. It’s the time that I spend thinking about what I want to do, where I want to be, and all of the steps that I need to take to get there.

Sunday mornings are encouraging. Today, in particular, the sun is dancing through the window, casting hopeful designs on the floor. Spring is almost here, and the chill of winter is slowly fading.

The past few Sunday mornings have been teaching me the importance of “me” time. Taking time to read, to write, to watch trashy TV, to cook — it’s important that I have time to do the things I enjoy. Then, and only then, will I be able to contribute the best version of myself to “we” time, with those I love.

Thoughts

“Aha” Moments

February 16, 2014August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

As an average 20-something living in a city in the 21st century, there is little that is out of my reach. I’ve got endless opportunities, and that is both exhilarating and terrifying. I can do anything… but what is it, exactly, that I want?

Although I’m young, I have an idea of what I want from life. I didn’t always, but as I grow, my goals and aspirations come into focus more clearly. I want to experience the world, I want a family, and I want career I’d be proud to hang my hat on.

In Hollywood (think: Eat, Pray, Love), “aha” moments are beautiful and dramatic. They come after a long period of time spent trying to find oneself. My “aha” moments, on the other hand, are mostly just dramatic, following a period of intense frustration and mental breakdowns. They happen in my car, in my bedroom, and across the table at dinner.

I’m thankful for these messy moments, and here is why: I’ve never had to find myself inside the parameters of the perfect situation. I don’t need to be doing yoga in the East or eating a perfectly prepared meal in Italy to understand who I am and what I want. I’m in control.

My most recent “aha” moment happened on Valentine’s Day. I had just ended a breathy rant about my career frustrations, and how I could turn what I love into what I live. (You know that saying? “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” That. I want that.) The gist of the response that received: Do it. Boom. There it was. In that moment, surrounded by dozens of couples wearing red and trying to speak French to the waiters, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I can create the future that I want; I don’t have to find it. That was an empowering “aha” moment.

So, before you book your flight to Bali to find yourself, take a minute to think about what kind of self you can create.

Thoughts

Thankfulness Project: Bird.

November 5, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

Today, I’m thankful for my grandmother. Grannybird, if you will.

My whole life, Granny has been someone I could count on. When I was young, I remember meeting her in a Friendly’s parking lot in Gettysburg. It was the halfway point between home and Frederick, so it became the place that my mom or dad would drop Tyler and I off to go spend the weekend on the farm. Every Christmas, she’d read me Mr. Willoby’s Christmas Tree. As I grew older, her steadfastness never faltered. She gave me my first glass of wine, and she taught me how to make homemade mashed potatoes. (Although, we still disagree on how much butter is “too much” butter.) For my 16th birthday, she strutted her stuff all over New York City. A few months later, I was nervous to bring my first boyfriend over, but she didn’t hesitate to accept him with open arms. (To this day, a picture of Nate Lebo in front of a closed bar in New Orleans remains stapled to the picture board in the kitchen.) She made the drive to Carlisle for a picture or two before every dance during my high school years, and when graduation came around, she excitedly boarded a plane with me and we jet-setted to Paris. With my first year of college came many transitions, and she helped me through every one. She then supported me in my difficult decision to transfer to Pitt. I have now lived in Pittsburgh for over four years, and she has physically helped me move twice, visited a large handful of times, stocked my kitchen with groceries, and listened to my tearful “What am I going to do with my life?” phone calls. She drove through the awful winter weather to support me as I received my college diploma, and throughout my lifetime, she’s given me gifts that I’ll never be able to repay.

Today, she did it again.

Although I’ve never lived just down the road from her, she has always been such an important part of my life. We have traditions and inside jokes and we know each other’s history. She’s strong and steady, adventurous and a creature of habit, all at the same time. I talk to her like she’s one of my best friends, and maybe that’s because she’s my grandmother, and she is.

I’m thankful every day for the things she’s taught me, the traits she’s passed on to me, and the opportunities she’s given me.

Thank you, Bird. You’re my #1.

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Thoughts

Thankfulness Project.

November 3, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

Thankfulness Project.

I’m sure you’ve seen it all over social media. November is the month of thankfulness, so each day is dedicated to something you’re thankful for. I’ve decided to jump on this bandwagon, because I’m not sure I ever adequately express my gratitude for the things I’ve been blessed with in my life.

Continue reading “Thankfulness Project.” →

Thoughts

October: A Recap.

October 31, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail HuntLeave a Comment

As many of you know, I think October is the most wonderful month. It’s a time of transition and change, and it always excites the what if and the why not within me.

Because October excites me in such an inexplicable way, it’s also one of my busiest months of the year. I feel like the Energizer Bunny and I just go, go, go.

Relive my favorite moments as I recap my favorite month.

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October 1: My month started with two tickets to see the Pirates play the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card game at PNC Park. (Shout out to American Eagle for the sweet hook up.) It had been 21 years since the Pirates played in the Playoffs, and this year’s fate rested on the game that night. It was crisp, dark, and the energy in that stadium was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion. The Pirates won 6-2 that night, spurring a city wide celebration.

October 3 – October 6: A few days later, I crossed the Mason Dixon to spend a wonderful weekend with my grandparents on their farm in Maryland. Read all about my stay here.

October 11 – October 13: The next weekend, I hopped back into my car and drove back to Maryland. I had been anticipating this weekend for weeks. See, my mom, aunt and grandma have forever been this adventurous and unstoppable foursome, but when I moved to Pittsburgh and Stella was added to the mix, I found myself appreciating our time together so much more. Saturday night, we celebrated my birthday at Ayse Meze, a unique Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with food that is mouth-watering, finger-licking, order-seconds delicious. (Also, for any wine connoisseurs out there: Yarden’s 2012 Syrah is impeccable.) I sadly returned to Pittsburgh the next day, with a heart full of love and happiness from two wonderful weekends with my family.

October 16: The most wonderful day of the month — my birthday! (Just kidding. Sort of.) I spent my day at work, which I felt was a very adult thing to do. In college, it was like a rule to not go to class on your birthday. I knew someone had made plans for the night, but for once — and I say this with love — they were actually able to keep the secret from me! I left work a little early to take a nap (true story), and was rudely woken up by Nate Williams, whose presence was my present. We cracked a beer, and I started to get ready for our 8:30 reservation. At 8:31, I arrived at Tamari, one of my very favorite restaurants in the city, with some of my closest friends. The wine, champagne and food was flowing! Among the several dishes we ordered, my favorite was bone marrow. Plated with cauliflower, kabocha crème, pickled jalepeños and grilled bread, tissue has never tasted so good.

October 19 – October 20: Our friends packed up a few belongings, and headed north to taste wines in Erie. The day was a success, and I came home with 8 bottles of delicious wine. Most other details are hazy.

October 23: American Eagle put a ring on it. (Metaphorically.) I’ve been working at AEO’s corporate office for over a year, but I was cheating the system to do it. Today, we made it officially official with a giant raise, benefits and a 401k. I’m now a real adult.

October 24: My first “official” day of work consisted of zipping around in a bright yellow convertible with 12 red balloons. Not a bad “first day” at all.

October 27: I walked out my front door Sunday night and quite literally ran into a couple on a tandem bike. They looked a little lost, so I asked them if they needed any help. Turns out, they had biked from Minnesota in 28 days, sleeping at hostels and YMCAs along the way. When they arrived in Pittsburgh, they found that the hostel they had been searching for was now a Chinese restaurant and they were looking for a place to stay. Long story short, we opened up our house to them and they spent the evening telling us stories of their past travels and future plans. Carl said it best when he said that karma is a real thing, and I believe this couple (Lacey and Snot, by the way) will pay it forward when the time comes.

October 31: Today has been pretty uneventful, besides the ounce of sadness that arises when I think about how my favorite month is coming to an end. Maybe I’ll go out with a bang. It’s Halloween and our last softball game of the season, so I’m sure I’ll have one heck of a story tomorrow.

On a happier note, Christmas is in 55 days!

Dining In, Food, Lifestyle

Fall on the Farm.

October 5, 2013August 3, 2017by Abigail Hunt2 Comments

My whole entire life, I have loved fall on the farm. 153 sprawling acres of nature calling my name.

I used to play in the leaves and the flowers until I squealed. In my little grip, I carried the small pumpkins my grandma used as decoration in the front yard. I even tried to befriend the farm cats. Something about this place as the weather gets cool and the leaves begin to change just has always felt like home.

This year, I’ve been lucky enough to spend two wonderful autumn weekends here (and next weekend makes three). My days have been filled with walks to the barn, sipping on hot coffee, and sitting on the picnic table reading Real Simple. But the best part has been spending time with my family.

I drank PBR with Claude, and as I type, he’s making his traditional Saturday night pizza. (He buys a pepperoni pizza from a local joint, picks it up, brings it home and towels off a hefty amount of grease. Then, he adds his own peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and cooks it a little more. Truly, he’s been doing this every Saturday since I can remember.) I got to catch up with my aunt Michelle, whom I don’t see nearly enough. I may look exactly like my mother, but my adoration for the finer things in life comes directly from her.

I played with my baby cousin Stella, who in all sense of the word is not really a baby anymore. She walks, she talks (“Ab-by! Ab-by!”), and she laughs the kind of laugh that is loud and moves her entire body. (And, as it turns out, her love for the leaves on the fall is the same as mine at that age.) I even got to spend some quality time with my mom and all my brothers on a spontaneous lunch excursion to Pennsylvania.

And, I got to bake my very first apple pie with Granny. On our drive home from Pennsylvania, we stopped at Peter’s Orchard in Adams County to load up on Northern Spy apples. We were on a mission to bake the perfect pie. As soon as we got home, we started coring, and peeling and slicing, and soon we had the most wonderful, decadent, aromatic apple pie I’d ever seen. And, it was the fruit of our own labor — no pun intended.

Ingredients: 6-7 cups Northern Spy apple slices / Sugar / Cinnamon / Nutmeg / Salt / Flour / Pie crust (store bought, or my homemade recipe)

Directions: Preheat oven to 375° / Evenly coat sliced apples with mixture of dry ingredients. / Fit half of pie crust dough into the bottom of a pie pan. / Add apple mixture to pie pan. / Top with 4-5 small pads of butter for a little extra oomph. / Cover with remaining pie crust dough. / Lightly brush top with milk and eggs. / Sprinkle sugar onto pie crust. / Bake 50-60 minutes. / Enjoy your lovely fall treat.

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