Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar-Neighborhood Diner

Winter stifles productivity and any hope of a sense of accomplishment. Creating a grocery list, driving to the supermarket, and trudging mindlessly through the aisles only to come home to cook are equivalent to training for the Olympics (Well not really but you get my point). After surviving the holidays, Mark and I decided to detour from our regular Sunday routine of grocery shopping and opted for brunching instead. We referenced Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Where We’re Eating in January” to guide our stomachs and Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar was at the top of the list.

Mark and I ventured out of the South Hills and set out on an expedition to end our hunger at Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar in Aspinwall. I requested a table while Mark parked the car in anticipation of a long wait. To our surprise we were seated immediately, which doesn’t often occur on a Sunday at 11am. The lights were dimmed and “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna was playing in the background.The music and lighting created an ambiance that didn’t fit the occasion, mood, or clientele.

Mark ordered the Potato Benny-potato pancakes, corned beef, poached eggs and chive hollandaise served with a side of fruit. Eggs benedict is one of Mark’s favorite brunch dishes and he admired the creative substitution of the potato pancake in place of the English muffin. The dish wasn’t too heavy (or greasy) and was enough to satisfy his appetite.  

  

I had the Cornerstone Scramble-ground lamb, roasted tomatoes, onions, spinach, feta cheese, scrambled eggs, home fries and toast. It was a Mediterranean party in my mouth. The flavors were distinct but blended together well. I also had a Bloody Mary but there wasn’t enough Tabasco sauce and black pepper to save it.  I recently discovered McClure’s Pickles Bloody Mary Mix at Marty’s Market and find it hard for other mixes to measure up.

Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar reminded both Mark and I of a small town diner. The food and setting were more traditional and less trendy than most other restaurants in Pittsburgh. The wait staff was attentive but slightly uninterested which reminded me of my days (and nights) at the Waffle House. The success of any good diner is hearty food at an affordable price with quick turnaround and Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar offered all of these. Mark and I will definitely go back.

 -Michelle