Bravo

 My family and I visited Bravo Italian Kitchen on McKnight Road a few
 nights ago.  I believe it was the second or third day they've been in
 operation.

 We really enjoyed this place...a Cleveland based chain, I believe.  The
 fresh foccacia was terrific and came with a tasty olive oil dipping sauce
 with sundried tomato.  We enjoyed the calamari which was lightly fried and
 very tender.  The pizza was great, and the pasta (a rigatoni with fresh
 tomato, mozzarella and basil) was superb.  My five year old daughter was a
 little unhappy with her kid's lasagna (too much fennel in the sausage) but
 we thought it was delicious.  The desserts and drinks were also
 first-rate.

 Given the limited choices for decent Italian food in the North Hills, I
 must admit that this place is a welcome addition to the NH dining scene.
 While the portions are Pittsburgh-huge, the quality of the ingredients and
 the imaginative menu are definitely a cut-above the red sauce joints and
 Olive Garden ickiness that reign in the suburbs.  The service was also
 very good, very friendly and, just as an aside to those who usually eat
 out with their kids, Bravo is also very kid friendly.  It somehow manages
 to be some what elegant in its design, while still providing crayons, kid
 menus, and paper on the table for kids to doodle on while waiting for
 their dinner.

 It's not incredibly cheap, but as the portions are huge, you don't have to
 order as much as we did and still eat really well.

 Also...we ate at the new seafood place that used to be Mr. Jones.  Have to
 say that the jury is still out (we ate there on the first night and I hate
 to judge anyone too harshly when they're just getting their act
 together).  However...they have a $10.95 early bird menu which includes
 great bread, a wonderful salad, and a sturdy portion of all sorts of
 seafood.  Nice touch...every table gets a fresh fruit basket (melons,
 cookies, nuts, apples, oranges) for desert.  We enjoyed ourselves,
 although.  We like the Big Burrito people for bring some sort of sane
 cuisine to this area, and hope this new enterprise does well.  Again...it
 definitely beats the only seafood alternative in the area...Red Lobster :(

 Although we will probably be eating at home for the next few weeks after
 all these dining out indulgences...just wanted to pass on what's hot in
 the North Hills. :)  To top off our weekend, we finally ate at what's not
 a new restaurant, but new for us...Koto Buki.  Awesome sushi.  My five
 year old practically inhaled an assortment platter herself.  Wish they had
 a liquor license though.  If they served saki, we'd become regulars. :)