Restaurant Openings: This Month
Welcome our newest eateries and bars to town.
Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen
From Jamie Wallace, owner of Abay in East Liberty, comes this dining destination that opened in late June at the corner of Forbes and Braddock avenues. Inspired by the African influence in Latin-American cuisine, the globe-trotting menu will offer a range of fare from hearty Cuban-style beef dishes to vegetarian options. At the helm of the kitchen is chef Martin Lamarche, whose background includes stints at well-known spots like the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia and Napa Valley’s Restaurant Terra. Alma comprises a restaurant and a cantina, which offers smaller bites and cocktails.
Both are open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 7600 and 7606 Forbes Ave., Regent Square; 412/727-6320, almapgh.com.
Schenley Plaza Eats
If you’ve been to Oakland’s Schenley Plaza lately, then you’ve seen construction under way near the existing food kiosks and the carousel. A bistro-style neighborhood restaurant is slated to open in early fall. Backed by Eat’n Park, the eatery will have a menu that’s centered around a classic rotisserie. The one-story restaurant’s design will incorporate the latest in green technology and feature a large outdoor patio. It will offer year-round dining (unlike the food kiosks, which are seasonal) and serve all three meals: At breakfast and lunch, a walk-up, carryout window will be used to increase convenience; dinner will include table and bar service.
pittsburghparks.org/plazadining
Lawrenceville Gastropub
Alchemy N’ Ale opened June 24, bringing the gastropub trend to upper Lawrenceville. (Think classic English-style pub with a modern twist and fresh, creative comfort food from around the world.) This spot definitely has a little more shine and polish than your average local beer joint: Chef Patrick MacFarlane is formerly of NYC’s Tribeca Grill (yes, the one co-owned by Robert De Niro). The bar offers specialty cocktails, craft beers and a wine list.
5147 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Weds.-Fri., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., noon-2 a.m.; Sunday brunch. 412/252-2156.
Editor’s Pick:
A new small-batch roastery has planted roots in East Liberty. Zeke’s Coffee owner Chris Rhodes learned the coffee trade while traveling from Pittsburgh to Baltimore, where his uncle operates the original Zeke’s (named after Rhodes’ grandfather). You’ll recognize his label if you shop at the East Liberty Farmers Market, where Rhodes has sold beans for the last few years.
6012 Penn Ave. Mon.-Fri., 6-8 a.m.; Wed.-Thurs. happy hour, 5-7 p.m. Info: facebook.com/ZekesCoffeePittsburgh
