I haven't seen any notes about the Hot Metal Grill, so I thought I'd share my experiences with you all. It's a wonderful place, and it doesn't seem nearly busy enough. I'm hoping that the word will get out, so the place doesn't go under! Firstly, it's smoke-free, which I know is important to some of you. The menu is quite interesting, sporting a mix of California regional cuisine along with some less trendy choices. I think their aim was to offer a blend of exotic fare for the more adventursome diners but still have items that would appeal to a large segment of the Pittsburgh population. Let's face it, we Pittsburghers are not known for trying new things. In any case, I think the diversity of the entrees means that everyone should find something that appeals. I've been twice now, and my girlfriend and I have decided to go at least once a month. The first time, I had a penne dish with sirloin tips in a gorgonzola cream sauce, and Monika had pecan pork loin with a rum composed butter. Both dishes were excellently prepared, and the sauces in particular would be difficult to improve upon. The salads were also quite good. The second time we went, Monika had the prime rib and I had the pecan pork. I wanted to try something new, but I remembered how good Monika's pecan pork was the last time and broke down and ordered it. It was every bit as good as I remembered. Monika found the prime rib's sauce to be salty, but she's very sensitive to salt. I did notice the salt, but didn't find it overly salty. It was finished perfectly -- the chef couldn't have gotten closer to "the rare side of medium-rare" even if he had crawled inside the thing. The wait staff is young, but very well trained and professional. Since the place wasn't very crowded on either occasion, I don't know how they bear up under stress, but I have no complaints on that score. The only negative note is that the dessert we ordered the first time was disappointing. It was a beautifully pressented chocolate mousse, but the berries were thawed, not fresh, and the mousse itself was a bit gummy. We did not give dessert a try the second time because we had some homemade ginger ice cream at home, but I'd be willing to give them another chance at dessert. Anyway, I hope you all try it. It's to good a place to go under for lack of support. It's not an everyday kind of place, with entrees running around $12-22, but it's reasonably priced for a resaurant of its calibre. 2829 E. Carson St. (At the end of the Hot Metal Bridge - surprise surprise.) 412-431-2300 HOURS: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat. - Adam
Pittsburgh, PA