Restaurants to Runways: Fashion Meets Interiors
Got a passion for fashion? In the mood to stare at some food? Us too. Whether it’s a perfectly crafted sushi dish with sauces luminously drizzled overtop, or watching a beautiful woman sashay down the runway in a style that makes you swoon, both food and fashion have the ability to make us glow from inside and out. Maniacs, we want you to gaze at the gloriousness that are these fantastically styled restaurants and how their design and passion for food mirrors the creativity you find in the biggest fashion houses in the world. So what are you waiting for? Take a big, juicy bite out of these restaurants and the runways looks that made us do a double take—and ask for seconds.
Willow
634 Camp Horne Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 847-1007
www.willowpgh.com
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After undergoing renovations this past summer, Willow is looking more beautiful than ever. Thanks to Moss Architects’ design team, owner Rick Stern says that the restaurant now boasts a much more sophisticated and modern atmosphere. The menu, brought to life by Executive Chef John Mottinger, offers different variations of burgers, salads, and sandwiches and includes options for both small and large plates. This allows guests to have the choice of trying several different dishes. Interior features such as the fireplace and the new addition of garage doors create an airy, open feel and a casual, comfortable, dining experience. With its many forest-themed rooms, Willow also offers an abundant amount of space that can be booked for any special occasion or event and allows for up to 160 attendees. The restaurant’s new look has created much more of a neighborhood feel and gathering place.
Sonoma Grille
947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 697-1336
www.thesonomagrille.com
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Having celebrated their 10 year anniversary this past December, The Sonoma Grille is a popular and well-established dining choice. Located downtown, the eclectic Californian restaurant offers a West Coast vibe and an award-winning wine list. Visitors can order from over 100 options that are served by the glass and over 300 that are served by the bottle. All domestic wines are sourced from California, Oregon and Washington. As an ode to this, a gorgeous, sprawling mural inspired by the rolling California vineyards even runs along the back wall of the restaurant. General Manager and Executive Chef de Cuisine Neal Heidekat, and the entire Sonoma team, locally source ingredients in an effort to offer fresh product and support the local agricultural community. This process allows Sonoma to boast a menu that features a blend of organic cultural cuisines built specifically for the Pittsburgh palate. Sonoma Grille is part of the Big Y Group and designed by Charles Stern of Basic Concept Interiors.
Seviche
930 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 697-3120
www.seviche.com
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Seviche’s bright interior, Art Deco design, Latin music and Cuban inspired artwork bring the fun and casual feel of vintage South Florida to downtown Pittsburgh. Designed by Basic Concept Interiors, the large, colorful restaurant is a part of the Big Y Group and joins together delicious Nuevo Latino food with a variety of mojito cocktails to create a unique and sunny ambience. The permanent menu consists of an abundance of starters and entrees from shrimp and sushi, to chicken and macaroni and cheese. With even more selections available from a “create-your-own” Seviche bar, and Executive Chef James Rogers’ taco menu (which changes monthly), the Penn Avenue restaurant guarantees a new and exciting experience with each and every visit.
Monterey Bay:
1411 Grandview Ave #2, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 481-4414
montereybayfishgrotto.com
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After undergoing a complete renovation by Moss Architects, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto re-opened this April. The biggest change to the Mt. Washington restaurant is the addition of a sushi bar and concept lounge on the lower level. Named for the Japanese word meaning “peak, prime, or summit,” Sakari at Monterey Bay features small dishes as well as specialty maki rolls that are dedications to some of Pittsburgh’s landmarks and traditions. Options such as the Phipps Roll and the 1758 are now available under the leadership of Sushi Chef Sushi Chef Mark Chi. The new addition also includes glass walls so that guests of the lounge can enjoy the same beautiful view of the city as guests of the restaurant on the upper level. Upstairs, Executive Chef Edwin Smith continues to provide Monterey Bay Aquarium Certified Sustainable seafood, but on an all-new innovative menu that will appeal to both Pittsburgh residents and visitors to the city.
Arlecchino Ristorante:
133 Camp Ln, Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 260-5414
arlecchinopgh.com
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Located in the South Hills, Arlecchino Ristorante resides inside of a beautiful old school house and provides a truly authentic Italian experience. An open kitchen and bar area join in with sophisticated dining room to create an air of coziness and class that welcomes diners upon entry. A large chalkboard looks out over the kitchen and shares messages for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Outside, an enchanting patio provides additional seating and is perfect for warm summer nights. The restaurant can be booked for events and General Manager Brandy Vlasic makes sure to provide an experience like no other with custom décor and floral arrangements. Executive Chef Jonathon Vlasic creates a new, unique menu each day. While scanning this and the extensive wine list, bread is served and can be dipped into a delicate olive oil. Fish and meat entrees are served with pasta and a house salad. In all, you’d certainly be an arlecchino yourself if you didn’t stop by this Canonsburg restaurant.
Cocothé
541 Beaver St
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 259-8847
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Beautiful and modern, Cocothé Chocolatier and Café offers a menu and environment perfect for a relaxing lunchtime treat. The black, brown, and white color scheme creates a warm and comfortable environment that makes the eatery feel like it is part of the menu. Located in Sewickley, owner Courtney Yates and Chef de Cuisine Elizabeth Thompson offers a variety of chocolates in their traditional form as well as unique “drinking chocolates.” Translation: it’s the next frontier in indulgence. Chocolates can be enjoyed with any of a selection of loose-leaf teas, espresso based coffees, or house made sodas. There is even a chocolate soda which consists of the house made chocolate syrup and seltzer! If you prefer your confections to be had post-meal, Cocothé will fulfill your needs with sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made from the freshest ingredients.
