#26: Gullifty's - Just Nutty

Best Dessert Selection

As Emily and I waited outside of Gullifty's for it to open, we overheard a couple discussing how they had gotten dessert there before. Popular place I guess.

We were greeted by who we presumed to be the manager and told him we didn't need to be seated and just wanted to order dessert to go. Emily asked if they had a macadamia tart thingy (we like to get technical) because she didn't see it on the menu. The manager said that the macadamia truffle tart was a seasonal dessert but they had made some for the Pittsburgh Magazine party and he would check to see if there were any leftover. I had my eye on the New York style cheesecake with strawberry, so I was hoping that there weren't any left but of course there was one.

The macadamia truffle tart wasn't the best dessert I had ever had but it wasn't the worst either. The inside was made of a chocolate pudding and a plethora of macadamia nuts. I like nuts but I don't need a mouthful in every bit. I shared the dessert with my supervisor and she enjoyed all of the nuts but didn't care for the chocolate.

Though the macadamia tart thingy wasn't my favorite, I'll definitely go back to Gullifty's to try the cheesecakes.

-Michelle

33 down, 332 to go.

#171: Prantl's Bakery - Sugar Shack

Best Place to Wreck a Diet

My diet consists of EVERYTHING, so eating a burnt almond torte from Prantl's Bakery wouldn't ruin it though I prefer greasy foods over sweets. For $20, baked good lovers can enjoy a log of the burnt almond torte or the cupcake version for only $1.25. Emily and I each got a cupcake to go and Emily devoured hers on our walk to Victoria's Secret. I on the other hand began to develop diabetes on the spot. The custard was too rich for my taste and I begged Emily to eat the rest but she refused. In an effort to not waste food, I took a couple more bites but then had to throw the rest away.

-Michelle

32 down, 333 to go.

#19: Hey Betty! - A Trip Back in Time

Best Place to Buy a Vintage Frock

After two failed attempts, Emily and I finally made it to Hey Betty! (Third time's a charm I guess). Hey Betty! is your average vintage boutique with clothing that was worn before we were born or maybe even thought of. There was a variety of women (and men's) clothing including dresses, skirts, shoes, tops, and jewelry. Getting married? They even had a wedding dress. While we were browsing, I was a tad bit creeped out by the bathsuitings. There are just somethings you should not buy used. Though Emily and I both agreed that we would not shop here regularly, Hey Betty! is the best place to shop for a Derby or royal wedding hat.

-Michelle

31 down, 334 to go.

#178: Schenley Park Plaza and #117: Pittsburgh Magazine - The Best of the Best

The Best Place for Green WiFi AND The Best City Magazine

Michelle and I are semi-frequent visitors to Schenley Plaza. We enjoy sitting outdoors, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the free music that is often played under the tent. Last week, we decided to use the free WiFi to check out Pittsburgh Magazine's "Best of the 'Burgh 2010." We found that a lot of the items listed as "Best of the 'Burgh" were also on LivingSocial's list of 365 Things. Oddly enough, Schenley's free WiFi was one of these items. Coincidence? We're not so sure. 

- Emily

29 and 30 down, 335 to go.

#110: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - A Little Slice of Nerd Heaven

The Best Place to Give Your Library Card a Workout

I love books. I mean, I really love them. I love to look at them. I love to buy them. I love to read them. And I really love to be the very first person to open them. Because I love books so much, I also love libraries. And, as far as public libraries go, I have never in my life seen one better than the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh. Not only is there a large collection of books, movies, and CDs, but they have made it sooo easy to use them! Anyone with a library card can go online and request the items they want. The library contacts you when they are ready for pickup and you pick them up! If, however, you are one who likes to browse the stacks, the Carnegie library offers a "self-checkout" similar to the grocery store (only this version actually is quicker than waiting for a staffer to do it). 

Recently, my friend Ms. Kelsi Bridgeman (née Robinson) suggested I read "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. When I failed to respond to her tweet, she e-mailed me a recommendation from Goodreads.com. She meant business. Anyway, it was this book that I requested through the library's interlibrary loan. It took only a few days before I had an email telling me the book was waiting for me. I walked from Pitt's campus to the library, picked up my book, and returned to my apartment in about 20 minutes. It's that easy. So go check out the library. I promise you won't be disappointed.

- Emily

PS - I started "The Help" this past weekend. It's pretty good. I suggest you give it a try.

28 down, 337 to go.

#39: The Duquesne Incline - The Best View in Pittsburgh

The Best Touristy Thing to do With Out-of-Town Guests

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of hosting a friend from OSU, Rob Richardson, for an overnight. When he called to ask if he could stay the night as he passed through town, he also said, "And can we please do one of the 365 Things?" Why of course! Seeing that Rob had never before been to this great city, Michelle and I decided the best thing to do was to show him how beautiful it is so we took him to the Duquesne Incline. Rob was a ball of excitement the entire trip. I knew it would was a success when he whispered, "This is so cool!" as he got his first glimpse of the city skyline as we climbed Mount Washington. We rode the incline down the slope and Michelle and I pointed out some of the more important Pittsburgh things on the way - Heinz Field, PNC Park, the Golden Triangle, etc. With nothing to do at the bottom, hopped right back on to ride to the top again. While it was a brief glimpse of all the city has to offer, it was great to share the excitement of new eyes and, for me, to remember riding the incline as a small child.

- Emily

27 down, 338 to go.

#173: Ibiza - Tapas, tapas, tapas!

The Best Sangria

On Wednesday, May 25, Michelle and I joined our co-workers to help celebrate the 30th birthday of Ms. Karyn Rabourn at Ibiza Wine and Tapas Bar on Carson Street. The Ibiza menu feature over 45 tapas from around the world and changes with the seasons. To those on a tight budget, the prices may be a bit daunting at first; however, a second glance at the website will reveal great happy hour specials that runs from 4:00-6:30pm every day. 

Our group was literally the very first to arrive for happy hour. We chose to sit on the "outdoor" patio in the back, but were disappointed to discover that it was really indoor seating as the entire patio was surrounded by a plastic tent causing the room to feel more like a sauna than a restaurant. Michelle and I elected to split a pitcher of white wine sangria (a glass was $11.50, a pitcher was $22... we each had 4 glasses out of a pitcher). I also ordered the shrimp dumplings and fruit and cheese platter off the happy hour tapas menu while Michelle opted for a couple of that night's specials - a meat, cheese, and olive platter and some sort of cilantro lime shrimp. As anticipated, all the food was delicious. And, like any tapas place, the best part is tasting a little bit of everyone else's food. =)

- Emily

26 down, 339 to go.