The Park House

Now, I'm gonna let you in on a lil secret.  Ever since I turned 21, I have been quietly pining for a low-key, homey bar where I can go and chill, drink beer, and eat some amazing bar food.  I can't handle the loud, chaotic, and pretentious bar scene of most popular and trendy bars.  I want a place like Cheers where when I walk in, the bartender knows me by name and knows my beer order.  My friends, I have indeed found it.  Well almost, the bartender knows Mike's name and his order- but I'm sure if I keep showing up he'll know mine too. 

I'm talking about the Park House on Pittsburgh's Northside.  You walk in and it's a nice, tavern style bar, longer than it is wide with a long bar area and then a row of tables.  They have a great selection of beer, specializing in microbrews and craft beer, and they also have wine and spirits.  While I enjoy an ice cold Straub when I walk in the door, especially with in this summer heat, I have to admit I'm really there for the food. 

You won't find any wings or cheese sticks here my friend, but you will find a delicious array of hummus, gyros, falafels, and grilled chicken- super super noms. 

I was pretty famished when we headed to the Park House after watching a hilarious improv show at the Steel City Improv Theater.  I needed sustenance fast.  Good thing they have free popcorn and peanuts available- I grabbed us a bowl of popcorn and ordered up a glass of ice-cold Straub. 

Mike regrets to tell me that the main cook is still on vacation so it's just fries and hummus available tonight- darn it!!! Nevertheless I'm hungry so we order some spicy hummus served with pita...

....and some sweet potato fries with honey mustard sauce. 

And also another beer. Or two. 

I'll be sure to post pictures when I'm actually there to have a full meal but even better, go there and see for yourself if you can! 

Happy Fourth of July!

The 4th was my holiday for the year to be on call so we had to laze around the house in case I actually did get called in. But seriously, who in the heck needs a dietitian STAT? We are so not an emergent field I don't even get the point of this.  I also don't get the point of working weekends- it's stupid. But regardless, it is what it is. 

I started my morning with a delicious omelet made by my boo, made of onions, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, Morningstar Farms veggie patties, and eggs. I also had some toast with butter and blackberry jam (which in my opinion is the jam of jams). 

After I got the go ahead that I would not be called in for the day, I worked out to one of my Firm DVDs, showered, did some laundry, and then we headed downtown for the regatta and fireworks.  We first started out at McFadden's where I had a grilled chicken caesar salad which was delicious, followed by two Miller Lites, a Corona with lime, and an I.C. Light Mango. 

We then headed over to take our seats on the river bank and watch the regatta (I also ate a basket of chicken fingers and fries). I sucked at healthy eating today- boo. 

Here's the regatta 

Close up! 

Beautiful Pittsburgh skyline

Some crappy fireworks photos that don't do it justice.

Pittsburgher's sure like their fireworks!! 

After the fireworks we ran for a bus and got home ASAP because I have to work in the morning. When we got home I threw some clothes in the wash, did the dishes, ran the dishwasher, showered, packed my lunch, and got all set for tomorrow morning. 

I DON'T WANT TO GO BAAAAAAACK!!! 

Here is my frazzled, haphazardly made breakfast/lunch: 

Breakfast: Larabar and two peaches

Snack: almonds and prunes

Lunch: PB & J with crackers and hummus

Carb fest tomorrow! Looks like veggies and protein for dinner- oh well!! 

Annndddd I'm out....

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!