It was a typical Friday the 13th - Murphy's Law was very much in evidence when I got home over an hour later than usual. Needing to have a change of pace, I suggested that we go out for dinner, and try a place we'd never been to before. I remembered reading a good review of Tomatoes, a place way up on a hill overlooking the intersection of Cochran and Greentree Rd. in the South Hills. We got there and the bad luck of the day disappeared. The restaurant is pretty airy, with high ceilings and a mural of the Italian countryside. We got an appetizer that I thought would be a little like bruschetta with sauce rather than tomatoes, but it turned out to be something close to a Monte Cristo made with mozarella cheese. It was a little much for an appetizer, but not bad. The salads were not awe-inspiring, but the dressings were good and the bread for the table was probably a rustic Italian from Breadworks (or some similar excellent bakery). My only other mild complaint is that the beer selection isn't great, and the Penn Pilsner I had tasted a little off (maybe it was old). The main courses were huge and very good. Jim had spaghetti and meatballs, and I had grilled chicken with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese and penne pasta. The grilled chicken was perfect, and it was nice and spicy. I have plenty of leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. Jim finished the spaghetti but declined the interesting-looking desserts. There are plenty of sandwiches if you don't want a whole meal, along with a selection of salads, appetizers, and kids' meals. Dinner cost about $45 (inluding appetizer, two dinners and three drinks, tax and tip).
Pittsburgh, PA