Kaya: An Island Brunch

Kaya is a part of the big Burrito chain in Pittsburgh. Although I say 'chain', Big Burrito does not have the typical chain restaurant service and favor, hence they call themselves 'big Burrito Restaurant Group' and almost EVERYTHING is fantastic; I would vote the best food in Pittsburgh.

Alex Cage and I went out for a celebratory Kaya brunch during my final maymester to celebrate 3 years of being excellent flatmates and a beautiful 5 year bestfriendship. It was touching and the food was delicious.

I had the Smoked Salmon Benedict: crisp cornbread, two poached eggs, smoked pepper holandaise sauce (found on the brunch menue). You can see the grilled pineapple side and and hash browns (I think I remember them being sweet potatoes!) 

Totally yummo and totally worth it for an hardy, yet elegant $12 brunch.


Alex and I have had a number of other dishes at Kaya as well. Maybe you'll see a followup blog. :)

A Special Favorite: Point Brugge Cafe

I would have never pegged Pittsburgh to win my heart with excellent mussels, but Point Brugge Cafe is the most delicious concoction of mussels, beer, and brunch. Brugge is really tucked back off 5th Ave where I'm very jealous of the neighbors who could sleepwalk to morning treat. They're very loyal to their regulars too as they don't take any form of reservations including a reservation of 20 for me to celebrate my graduation! The often 45 minute waits, I think, are well worth it. Sip your beer on the curb and enjoy the company.

THE "MUST HAVE" dish and i'm sure almost all agree: Red curry, coconut creme, cilantro and lime juice Moules Bowl. If you're familiar, it essentially is a very tasty Tom Kah soup. 

The full bowl is big, but if you're hungry or willing to share, go for it. Otherwise, the smaller bowl is good for one. If you're not scared of french [read: belgian] fries, then they are a MUST order. fried twice in duck fat + a homemade basil mayo = TO DIE FOR. And if you eat too much it might be 'TO DIE OF' too because that would not be the worst way to go. Please don't be wasteful; finish those soupy juices with the fresh baguette.

(No photos of this one- you need to go see and taste it on your own! Please report back.)

Here are some photos from a random brunch we had there.

Belgian Waffle: How very traditional of you, Alex!

Onion Fritta Maybe?

Soba Experiences

So I'd like to go back in time and look at past food eaten too, since we just started this and all. Those of you in Pittsburgh, will probably love this because we've got a lot of those pictures.

This dinner was a delicious and gracious "good-bye Pittsburgh" dinner from Alex's parents at Soba on Ellsworth the night before we took off for Chicago.

Irina's fish. (too long ago to remember what kind)

My total bomb scallop and soba noodle dish that I could probably eat for the rest of my life.

Alex's filet which he claims is one of the best he's ever eaten, which is saying a lot since he is the Global king of beef.

Yuri's ramen dish that I've had 2 other times. It's amazing with 3 spicy sauces to add as you please with a light ramen soup (the real kind, not the college kind) with chicken light meat, dark meat, and a egg over easy that you're supposed to break into the soup. If you like check and noodles this is an very very good choice for you.

Also, look into some of the drinks soba has because they're interesting and worth a taste.
-Tierney