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food tour

by AndreA bosco

PhotogrAPhs by cAylA ZAhorAn

styling by Allie Wist

From open-faced to house-cured, the sandwich revolution has hit home —

and it’s the best thing since sliced bread

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BLT Sonoma

Like its mission, Sonoma presents its BLT as simple and pure, from earth

to plate. With ingredients served on toasted sourdough, including house-cured pork belly, applewood bacon, pickled cherry tomatoes, romaine,

and Moody Bleu cheese dressing, how can you go wrong? 947

Penn Ave., Downtown. 412.697.1336 thesonomagrille.com.

Grilled Vegetable and Chèvre Whole FoodS market

If you prefer a meatless sammie, Whole Foods has your ideal meal. Its Grilled Vegetable and Chèvre,

featuring zucchini, squash, red pepper, red onion, and spring lettuce blend

— layered with sun-dried tomato and basil pesto chèvre — is the perfect mix of cream and crunch. Served

on a whole wheat roll, it’s guilt-free. You’ll want another. 5880 Centre

Ave., East Liberty. 412.441.7960. 10576 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.940.6100.

wholefoodsmarket.com.

Chicken Sandwich the terrace room at the

omni William Penn hotel

Any sandwich constructed with pancetta, fontina, and basil aioli, you

can count me in! The Terrace Room at the Omni William Penn Hotel takes it one step further with its Chicken

Sandwich, served on olive bread and with a deep-fried pickle. Yes, you

read that right! Let’s call it a date. 530 William Penn Place, Downtown.

412.281.7100. omnihotels.com.

there is no shortage of solid sandwiches in Pittsburgh.

The region’s chefs are whipping up some stellar ‘wichcraft with elements

including a delicious dippy egg, Sriracha-spiked mayo,

and house-made pickles. We’ve piled high 20 for the picking — all of which are

pretty enough to dissect and tasty enough to leave no

morsel behind. So grab your friends, and extra napkins!

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Shady Steak Sandwich Shady Grove reStaurant + Bar

Co-owner Matt Turbiner says this Shady Grove staple is “for the rainy day, a hangover, or just when you want to blow up your diet,” and we couldn’t agree more. A breakfast-y blast of everyone’s favorite things, the Shady Steak Sandwich features shaved prime ribeye, provolone, hash browns, caramelized onions, green peppers, a sunny-side up egg, and jalapeño garlic aioli on crusty ciabatta. 5500 Walnut St., Shadyside. 412.697.0909. eatshady.com.

Short Rib Sandwich induStry PuBlic houSe

A place of comfort and sustenance, one perpetually leaves Industry satisfied with abundance. The Electric Cheese does it for me, with its aged white cheddar and fresh mozzarella on sourdough. New on the menu is the Short Rib Sandwich, or handheld, as the menu suggests. Topped with arugula, sautéed onions, and habañero-Jack cheese, the house-braised short rib with veal au jus will have you tasting fresh ingredients and an artisanal smoky recipe with each big bite. 4305 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412.683.1100. industrypgh.com.

Five Families Delicatessen Giant eaGle market diStrict

You don’t have to travel east for this New York City-style corned beef sandwich. Market District prides itself on the flavor and texture of the beef, which is brined and cured in- house, and sliced thin to give that “melts-like-butter” effect. Served on house-made rye bread, the Five Families Delicatessen sandwich is layered with Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce, and spicy brown mustard. Crunch on a Kosher pickle between bites! 100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive, Robinson. 412.788.5392. 5550 Centre Ave., Shadyside. 412.681.1500. 7000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park. 412.831.1480. 155 Towne Centre Drive, Wexford. 724.934.0155. marketdistrict.com.

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Grilled Chicken Torta

mad mex

Dodge the heat and hunger with Mad Mex — Shadyside’s Grilled Chicken Torta. Made with margarita chicken breast, pepita hummus, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce, pico de gallo, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced red onion, it’s tucked deliciously into a grilled flatbread. Served with chipotle aioli dipping sauce, you’ll want to wash it down with a frozen, fruity margarita. 220 South Highland Ave., Shadyside. 412.345.0185. madmex.com.

Chili-Lime Steak Wrap PittSBurGh Grille

Cold-Smoked Salmon BLT rumFiSh Grille

You can’t beat the Cold-Smoked Salmon BLT at Rumfish Grille. Its classic combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is topped with dill mayo and served on toasted wheat bread. The restaurant prides itself on a locally sourced menu and high-quality seafood. The open kitchen concept is fastidiously run and entertaining. You’ll enjoy your meal in its entirety. 61155 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. 412.914.8013. rumfishpgh.com.

Top your lunch or happy hour with Pittsburgh Grille’s Chili-Lime Steak Wrap. Wrapped in a soft-grilled tortilla, its ingredients, which include ancho chili and lime-marinated flank steak, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar-Jack cheese, chimichurri sauce, and chipotle cream, will certainly spice up your workday. Note: It’s available at the al fresco stand only. 600 Grant St., Downtown. 412.434.0800. pghgrille.com.

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Sorrento Sandwich GiraSole

Dine on Girasole’s patio and it’s easy to daydream of Sorrento, across the pond, with its hotels and homes nestled in the hills, and renowned restaurants serving up hot plates. The Sorrento Sandwich is a gastro getaway in itself, with its lemon chicken, zesty peppers, feta cheese, and zucchini pesto on ciabatta bread. And, the Girasole salad, peppered with tomatoes, red onions, garbanzo beans, olives, and gorgonzola, in a sunflower vinaigrette, is a must. Take us with you! 733 Copeland St., Shadyside. 412.682.2130. 733copeland.com.

Seared Chicken Breast Slate BiStro

Nestled on Donati Road in Bethel Park, Slate Bistro offers an extensive menu of fine cuisine with items like Goat Cheese Profiteroles, Risotto Limoncello & Tiger Shrimp, and Hot Banana Pepper & Asiago Ravioli. On our sandwich radar is the Seared Chicken Breast, which is flat-iron grilled, and topped with Bosc Pear slices, fresh arugula tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette, and Maytag blue cheese garlic agli e olio. This delicate delight is served on toasted Asiago ciabatta and with a slaw. Mangia! Plan to order this pick when Slate opens for lunch in early September. 24 Donati Road, Bethel Park. 412.833.7000. slatebistropgh.com.

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Smoked Salmon Croissant PariS 66

One of its divine offerings, this French croissant, sliced and stuffed with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and dill is a Parisian party in one bite. A bistro and full-scale restaurant, serving delectable everyday French cuisine, Paris 66 is an escape to the streets of France and a chance to refine your palate with gusto! 6018 Penn Circle South, East Liberty. 412.404.8166. paris66bistro.com.

Steak Neapolitan vallozzi’S

Take a bite of the Steak Neapolitan at Vallozzi’s Pittsburgh and enjoy

melty goodness. Served on grilled ciabatta, this ‘wich is comprised of

shaved ribeye steak, sautéed peppers, onions, and provolone cheese. On

any given day, it rivals the finest Philly cheesesteak. And, better yet,

it’s served with lemon-dressed greens and marinated tomato salad. Going

to Greensburg? Try the Blue Crab Stackwich. Vallozzi’s Pittsburgh,

220 5th Ave., Downtown. 412.394.3400. vallozzispittsburgh.com. Vallozzi’s

Greensburg, 855 Georges Station Road, Greensburg. 724.836.7663. vallozzis.com.

Meatball Sandwich

anGelo’S reStaurant

Just like your grandmother’s, Angelo’s Meatball Sandwich has been a tradition for more than 74 years. The restaurant’s famous homemade meatballs, served on a rustic Italian roll with melted provolone cheese, will melt in your mouth and warning: may cause nostalgia. The recipe hails from owner Michael Passalacqua’s grandmother. Savor it, and save room for homemade gelato — there are 18 flavors to choose from. 2109 North Franklin Drive, Washington. 724.222.7120. angelosrestaurant.com.

Wood-Fired Turkey Cuban nola on the Square

This combination of house-smoked turkey, house-made pickles, tomato, creole mustard, Jarlsberg cheese, and sweet pepper jam on a baked baguette will transport your mind — and your tastebuds — to the French Quarter. The Wood-Fired Turkey Cuban will please your palate and your travel craving. 24 Market Square, Downtown. 412.471.9100. nolaonthesquare.com.

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Eleven Burger eleven, BiG Burrito reStaurant GrouP

Indigenous and seasonal ingredients spike the minds of Chef Derek Stevens and his team, hence Eleven’s innovative menu. Try the Eleven Burger for its braised veal, bacon, crispy onions, fries, and — bonus! — your choice of white cheddar, Maytag Blue, goat cheese, or Emmenthaler Swiss. Amuse your bouche and beyond with this pick. 1150 Smallman St., Strip District. 412.201.5656. elevenck.com.

Curried Chicken Salad Wrap Fairmont PittSBurGh + andyS Wine Bar

Made with precision, Fairmont Pittsburgh’s Executive Chef Jason Dalling presents this stacked work of art, made of summer greens, tart apple, Ruby grapes, walnuts, and celery, as part of his new menu. Grab a seat on Andys patio, a Lemon Ginger Caipirinha, and you’re set. 510 Market St., Downtown. 412.773.8800. fairmont.com/pittsburgh. andyswinebar.com.

Open-Faced Meatloaf

Sandwich reStaurant echo

Resting atop a piece of semolina bread, Echo’s

Open-Faced Meatloaf Sandwich comprises ribeye, filet mignon, veal, and pork. Prior

to the pile-up, the bread is spread with

tomato jam, which Office Manager

Terri Hammond dubs “to die for.”

Caramelized onion and brandy sauce

complete this delicious package. 1740

Route 228, Cranberry. 724.779.3246.

restaurantecho.com.

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Turkey Club Walnut Grill

Give thanks to Walnut Grill for its Turkey Club. The sweet and smoky layers of house-roasted turkey, candied bacon, field greens, cheese, tomato, honey aioli, and cranberry relish are a must. So join the club! 660 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412.668.0951. 911 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. 412.782.4768. 12599 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.933.8410. 1595 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. 724.940.7177. walnutgroverestaurant.com.

Italiana Beef Sandwich cioPPino reStaurant &

ciGar Bar

A new addition to its bar menu, Cioppino boasts a braised short rib sandwich, which is as scrumptious as it sounds. Served with giardiniera on a rustic roll, you’ll savor this fusion of modern and traditional, and ask for it time and time again. Order a bottle, and stay a while. 2350 Railroad St., Strip District. 412.281.6593. cioppinogroup.com.