Course #1 at Altius: Heron Point Crab Toast! Wild caught colossal crab, grilled artichoke cream cheese, basil aioli, rustic baguette and petite herbs.
*NOTE*: Altius did not ask me to write this post. I am just a Friendly Pittsburgh Foodie and Yogini, who enjoys sharing her foodie and yoga adventures with others. Photos captured on an iPhone 7s, and were edited with Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended, and Instagram.
A few days before Christmas, my Mom and I went to see a show at the Pittsburgh Public Theater (about Rocky Bleier, who was a Pittsburgh Steelers! He was even narrating the play). Before the show, Mom and I dined at Altius for dinner on Mt. Washignton! Chef Jessica Bauer’s first Restaurant, Bistro 19 (in Mt. Lebanon) was so enjoyable (and Altius had received lots of praise), we decided to dine at Altius! Plus, the view from one of the windows at Altius is BREATH-TAKING!
Another view of this very TASTY crab toast! Oh baby, oh baby! 😉
Course #2: She Crab Bisque! Golden crab roe, Sherry creme fraiche, and honey roasted peanuts. I must say, this was pretty incredible! Pretty darn close to being just as good as the Sherry Bisque at The Hyeholde!
A close-up of this HANDSOME dish!
Main Course (which was also one of the specials that night): Red Snapper (my first one!) on top of a red of risotto, with porcini mushrooms and broccolini. Everything laid in a lobster broth! Can you say decadent? This dish totally blew me away!
A close up of this beauty!
As you can probably tell, the food was truly impressive. Plus, the view of the city!!!
On the other hand: the fancy restaurants and white tablecloths do not impress me. There was a dress code–when I go to a restaurant, I just want to wear a nice top and jeans (and sometimes I dine in my yoga clothes! Ask Bar Marco or The Vandal lol!). I like a more rustic dining decor (a la any Richard DeShantz Restaurant, Bar Marco, The Vandal, and Justin Severino’s restaurants).
I especially enjoy most when the staff says more than “hello”, and “here is the explanation of this dish”. I like to get to know the wait-staff, sommeliers, barista, and owners of the restaurants. I want real conversation.
If you like a classic look, a dress code, and you don’t want the wait-staff to talk to you, then this restaurant is right up your alley.
It probably goes without saying that when you dine on Mt. Washington, you are “paying for the view”. That being said, I definitely view Altius as more of a special occasion restaurant (birthday, anniversary, etc).
Is the food good? YES! Is the staff professional? YES! I definitely suggest (whether you’re from Pittsburgh or are visiting) that you dine at Altius at least one. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the place. ❤
Next up on the blog: Dinner at Pork & Beans!
-Friendly Pittsburgh Foodie
Mindful Pittsburgh Foodie 