#92: Trader Joe's - "Cheeeeeessseeee"

Best Place to Find Gourmet Cheeses for a Steal

I usually shop at Market District because of the convenient location and the fuel perks (gas prices are insane!). Emily on the other hand, drives alllllll the way out to Walmart in West Mifflin because of the lower prices. Insert Walmart rollback jingle here. We made the trip to Trader Joe's in search of English Blue Stilton, Livingsocial's favorite.

The cheeses are displayed with a brief description of where it is from, how it was made, and how it should be eaten. Unfortunately we couldn't find the English Blue Stilton, so we had to settle for an alternative. I selected Trader Joe's spotlight cheese, Idiazabal, a Spanish cheese that is only available during the summer months and should be paired with spring fruits. Perfect.

-Michelle

40 down, 325 to go.

#87: Anthropologie - Funky Expensive

Best Place to Buy Funky Dinnerware

This was my first time in Anthropologie and in my opinion, the store was a blend between Ann Taylor and Pier One Imports. When Emily and I entered the store, our attention was immediately drawn to the clothing sale rack. I eventually drifted over to a sale table full of trinkets, journals, and other books. I stumbled across a book of William Shakespeare's sonnets and found my favorite poem, sonnet 132. "Then will I swear her beauty itself is black. And all they foul that complexion lack."

Emily and I browsed the vibrant dinnerware but with no place to put it, we left the store only with this picture and dreams of one day owning our own homes.

-Michelle

39 down, 326 to go.

#162: Rowdy BBQ - There's a First Time for Everything

Best Place for Deep-fried Perogies

Emily and I have driven past Rowdy BBQ on several occassions on our way to and from Walmart in West Mifflin. Each time Emily would mention how she wanted to try the food there and I would always refuse because it didn't seem like a very welcoming establishment. Well thanks to Livingsocial and the list of 365 things, we had to go.

After our trip to Sur La Table we made our way over to the good ole Rowdy BBQ. Emily was quite excited about the deep-fried perogies because neither one of us had tried them. Emily also ordered a pulled pork sandwich and I ordered a half rack of ribs with fries. The deep-fried perogies were ok and seemed to taste the best when they were covered in the butter sauce. After trying them, I still don't understand what the rave is about.

After eating at Rowdy's BBQ, I woke up the next morning feeling like death which is usually my body's way of telling me that I have been eating out too much. But I would like to think that Rowdy's BBQ was truly out to get me.

Rowdy's BBQ-1, Michelle-0

-Michelle

38 down, 327 to go.

#79: Sur La Table - Nothing Special

The Best Place to Buy Bakeware for the Holidays

Michelle and I made a side trip to the South Side to explore Sur La Table. Located in the South Side Works just off of Carson Street, Sur La Table is complete with every type of gadget and gizmo you could ever want or need for your kitchen. I found myself a bit overwhelmed with everything that was on display. (For those MBTI types - my S was going crazy!) Pots, pans, bakeware, plates, apple cutters and corers, teaspoons, tablespoons, salt and pepper shakers, colanders, spices, oils, candy, cards... whatever - you name it they have it.

Despite having everything, we agree that this kitchen store is not entirely unique. In fact, we feel that you may find many similar items at stores such as Bed, Bath, & Beyond (plus they have linens!) that are slightly less expensive. Your thoughts?

- Emily

37 down, 328 to go.

#23: PPG Place Plaza - Feel Like a Kid Again

Best Place to Cool Off Downtown

On our way back from the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Michelle and I decided to stop off and check out the fountain at PPG Place. Not only is this the best place to cool off downtown (unless you're brave enough to hop in one of the rivers...), it's also the best place to remember the pure joy that kids feel as they run around attempting to hug, kick, or stomp on water. There were at least a dozen kids wearing various outfits screaming, laughing, and generally just enjoying themselves without a care in the world. If only we could do that every day...

- Emily

36 down, 329 to go.

#215: Three Rivers Arts Festival - Look at Art, Eat Food

The Best Way to Get Your Summer Culture Fix

The Three Rivers Arts Festival is a 10-day celebration of the arts held annually in downtown Pittsburgh. This year, the festival was held June 3-12 and featured performances, visual art, hands on activities, and an artists market. Michelle and I took the bus downtown on a warm Thursday evening to check out what the artists market and, perhaps more importantly, make a dinner out of festival food. 

As we perused the rows and rows of artists work, I found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the prices of some of the art. I understand these people have to make a living, but this served as a strong reminder why I have very little art in my apartment. I was drawn most strongly to the photographers' work, particularly if it was from a location with which I am familiar. Someday, when I'm a real grown up, I going to have an entire wall of photographs from around the world.

It didn't take long for the smell of sugar to make it our way. We walked to Point State Park and moseyed our way to the largest carnival-type food selection I've seen in a while. Michelle went for a huge gyro while I opted to try the kettle corn. Both were quite delicious. 

The one thing you should know about our trip to the Arts Fest is that we arrived about an hour before everyone closed up shop for the evening, which caused us to miss out on demonstrations and hands on activities. I suggest heading down in the middle of the afternoon as I think you may have greater success.

- Emily

35 down, 330 to go.

#129: Gluuteny - Big Enough to Hurt Somebody

Best Place to Find a Gooey Whoopie Pie

While Michelle took responsibility to try the deserts at Gullifty's, I quickly volunteered to taste one of the huge Whoopie Pies from Gluuteny. Gluuteny is a gluten- and casein-free bakery located on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. This cute little shop features wheat-free and dairy-free goodies. This massive piece of goodness proved to be a tasty little post-lunch treat and was certainly big enough for two, three, or even four people to share. I also picked up a pumpkin loaf which I intended to compliment my breakfast over the course of a week or so. Unfortunately, it lasted just three days as I felt an overwhelming desire to gobble it up.




Check out Gluuteny. Just do it.

- Emily

34 down, 331 to go.