Pittsburgh's Eleven a point above perfect
Pittsburgh's Eleven Restaurant, "where downtown meets the strip", is a casual-yet-elegant establishment where food and comfort take center stage. From the low lighting to the soft high-back sofa-style seating, Eleven is a hit all around.
Eleven's menu is indulgent and delightfully gourmet, with Chef Eric Stevens bringing together only the freshest of ingredients as he practices his tasty trade. Fourteen years of experience are what is behind Stevens' culinary creations, and the attention and skill that goes into each and every dish that exits his kitchen is blatantly apparent.
Start off your Eleven experience with an order of Eleven's classic oysters mignonette, complete with Eleven's own hot sauce. Clams and mussels with garlic, crispy potatoes and saffron and a fabulous smoked lamb taco with pumpkin-masa cake, tomatillo salsa, goat cheese and refried lentils also make excellent appetizer choices.
If soup is more your idea of the perfect starter, you can't go wrong with Stevens' delicious lamb and white bean variety. Foccacia croutons, parsley and mint make this soup unlike anything else you've ever tried.
For your main course, the wild striped bass with hot Italian sausage, mussels, cous cous, sun-dried tomatoes and capers; gnocchi with peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, rapini, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; roasted chicken breast with braised leg risotto, Swiss chard and thyme jus; or pork chop with vegetable sweet potato hash, cauliflower, walnuts and maple-red wine jus make perfect choices.
If you are craving something meatier, Eleven serves up a mean Prime New York strip with potato and goat cheese pierogi, spinach, and caramelized onion jus. Beef tenderloin is also available, served with whipped celeriac and potatoes, turnips, braised veal and crispy leeks.
Enjoy a glass of imported wine with your meal as well. If you're not sure how to pair the perfect wine with your meal choice, ask your server and he will be able to assist you.
Business casual attire is required at Eleven and reservations are helpful if not critical.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Pittsburgh Reporter for HelloMetro
(Click to leave a message)
LeeAnn MullenLeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.
