Bama's Southern Kitchen-A Family Affair

Nothing says warm weather like friends and family lounging on the patio and sipping spiked lemonade while smoky aromas emanate from the grill. It is a time when even the most amateur cooks attempt to perfect their techniques and develop their grilling reputations. Ribs, in my opinion, are one of the most difficult foods to cook because of the different types of rib meat, variety of cooking methods, and infinite sauce/rub combinations. While in Texas I had the luxury of having a plethora of BBQ restaurants where I could experience each restaurant’s definition of good ribs. Unfortunately in Pittsburgh the number of BBQ restaurants is sparse but as the food scene and the city continues to grow, with it comes more diverse restaurants with its changing population. Pittsburgh now has a restaurant reminiscent of classic southern comfort right in the heart of Brookline, Bama’s Southern Kitchen.  

As you enter Bama's, you will smell the comforting essence of southern cooking.  It is a family run establishment in which every member has a role-hosts, waiters, cooks, etc. It is evident from the operation and the service that they a new restaurant but the quality of the food makes you appreciate their work and the progress that they have made. The layout of the tables and the placement of the countertop limit the dining space so I would recommend getting your food to go. Comfort food should be enjoyed in your home or on your deck/patio anyway.

A significant distinction of Bama’s is that they serve beef ribs.  Beef ribs are meatier and bigger but will have more fat and be chewier than slow cooked pork ribs. I appreciate both styles and think each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Typically I slow cook pork ribs on my outdoor charcoal grill so I value a restaurant that ventures from the more common method/style.  The ribs are served with one of three sauces and are blackened on the surface though the fat and the thickness of the meat help retain the juices. We opted for the spicy sauce as Michelle and I enjoy bold flavors. I found the sauce to be my favorite part of the rib as it expelled just the right amount of heat to stimulate the taste buds.  

As a southern kitchen, Bama’s offers more than ribs and serves a variety of combos including chicken wings and sides. The wings were lightly breaded, crispy, and not overly greasy. The wings were “naked” and were a good foundation to eat with or without a sauce. Michelle sometimes craves kitchen sink wings from Peter’s Pub in Oakland and Bama’s offers a good local alternative. Bama’s has many traditional sides such as collard greens, green beans, and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was soft and creamy with a sharp cheddar flavor while the greens were perfectly seasoned and have the authentic bits of ham hock that remind you that you're eating real soul food. I will never say that Bama's greens and mac and cheese are better Michelle's because I value our relationship, but they are damn good.

Spring is finally here Pittsburgh so celebrate it at our new barbecue home, Bama's Southern Kitchen.

-Mark

Le Cupcake Shoppe-Sugar Fix

Once a week I am overwhelmed by the craving for something sweet. I scour the fridge and the cabinets looking for food with at least a hint of sugar. The night usually ends with me begging Mark to go to the store or with me whimpering like a child because it is too late and everything is closed. After learning about Le Cupcake Shoppe, we have taken a more proactive approach to managing my appetite. We stop by after work for a half dozen of mini cupcakes and for a friendly visit with the owner Alex.  

Le Cupcake Shoppe is located in Brookline on Capital Ave next to Fiori's Pizza. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. The menu changes daily and includes an assortment of mini cupcakes and a smaller selection of large cupcakes, cake pops, push pops, and sometimes cookies. The cupcakery is cash only but don't freight if you are short on ones, there is an ATM next door. Alex also accepts change. We know from experience.

(Peaches and Cream)

Mark and I visit Le Cupcake Shoppe at least once every two weeks (or once a week according to him) for a half dozen for us or a full dozen to share with family and friends. We have our favorite cupcakes but we are always willing to try Alex's new flavors. We haven't tasted a cupcake that wasn't enjoyable though we do prefer some flavors over others. Because the cupcakes are mini, there is less guilt when eating more than one. If left unattended, I will eat most or all of the cupcakes by myself. I'm not much of a sharer.

(Lemonade)

Alex doesn't use preservatives or chemicals in her baked goods, only gourmet ingredients. The red velvet cupcake is always featured on the menu and it is one of our favorites. The tiny cupcake is light, moist, and full of flavor. The cream cheese icing gives you the illusion that it was baked in your grandmother's kitchen. Another favorite cupcake of mine is the s'more. The cupcake is a chocolate cake topped with marshmallow creme and a mini Hershey candy and sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs. It lacks nothing but the smokey flavor from roasting the marshmallow over a campfire.

(S'more)

(Red Velvet)

Also on menu was the banana pudding cupcake. The cupcake was filled with pudding and real bananas and topped with icing and a small vanilla wafer. Who needs a spoon when you can eat banana pudding with your hands? It was definitely an interesting twist for a traditional dessert. After eating the cupcake, Mark declared the banana pudding as his new favorite.

(Banana Pudding)

During the holidays, Alex features a variety of themed cupcakes. For Easter she had bunny faces and bunny bums (the cutest cupcakes ever!) and for the Fourth of July she had red, white and blue cupcakes. She also makes speciality cupcakes and cakes for birthdays, showers, and weddings. But don't want for a special event to order a half or full dozen. Everyday is a good day for cupcakes.

Mark and I love Le Cupcake Shoppe because it is a local business owned by a Pittsburgh native. The more traditional flavor cupcakes remind you of your favorite childhood desserts or family gatherings. Alex's more imaginative flavors like the Fat Elvis make you wish you could create it in your own kitchen in order to cope when it is not on the menu.

-Michelle