Clams Fra Diavolo
Mary's Vine

Mary's Vine

211 Kenmawr Ave, Rankin, United States Of America

Wine • Full • Brunch • Drinks


"I’m going to start this by saying I only leaving rating when a place is horrible or phenomenal. My boyfriend and I went to @marysvine followed by @thestudyatmarysvine just outside of Pittsburgh last night. First, the environment is unique for so many reasons. It doesn’t feel like a chain or that you are simply another number coming through the door. Having such a detailed, rich atmosphere, this place makes you feel special, almost regal. The wine room is beautiful to look at, as are the large windows and church organ. The service is knowledgeable and thorough, looking to make sure you have the best experience possible. The wine list is the largest I’ve seen in the area. Being able to see detailed photos of the seasonal food menu on iPads is wonderful. The food is thoughtful, and frankly, exquisite. The flavor of the pairings still makes my mouth water. Unlike other restaurants, we weren’t rushed, making it feel much more like an experience rather than an exchange. At the end of our meal, we quietly looked at each other and asked each other’s ranking of the evening up to that point. We agreed on 9.25 and couldn’t recall another experience we’ve ranked higher. Following dinner we headed downstairs to @thestudyatmarysvine where the entrance is enough to set the tone for the evening. You enter through a painting into what feels like another time. The smell of leather and cigars fills the air while your eyes look over the detailed couches, walls of books, and humidor. The iPad menu allow you to see the options with a beautiful photo and listed details of each crafted cocktail. You feel both relaxed and rewarded in The Study. As we sat in the leather chairs, we decided the rating jumped to 9.75. Although we feel more people need to know about the experience, we also like that it feels like a well kept secret outside of the city. This place would be perfect for a quality, luxurious birthday, anniversary, or intimate reception. I will absolutely recommend this place to everyone. We will be back. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5"

Pearl Oyster Grill

Pearl Oyster Grill

1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, United States

Soup • Fish • Wine • Grill


"This space used to be a very good seafood restaurant named Doc McGrogan's. It changed this year. The first thing I noticed was the change of the menu, much less adventurous with less variety. First the good: our waiter was a very attentive young man who deserves to work in a better restaurant. The Oysters Rockefeller were decent, not the best but tasty and they used huge oysters. Unfortunately, that's where it ends. The hush puppies weren't crisp and came dusted with powdered sugar which my daughter did not like. The oyster stew was a recipe I did not care for. Plenty of large oysters but in a stock that was too thick and clogged with an excessive amount of potatoes which gave it an unsatisfying texture. My daughter had the king crab. It was overcooked and tasteless, and at $75 market price (my fault for not asking) a complete ripoff. My wife had salmon, it was slightly overcooked and bland. The worst were the mussels fra diavolo. The mussels themselves were small and tasteless. I have never had tasteless mussels before. They were in what can only be described as mock tomato sauce bright orange and watery, with no hint of spice or pepper. They would have been better off opening a can of Campbell's tomato soup instead. It was so thin it would not even stick to the tiny forkful of spaghetti they seem to have tossed in as an after thought. The food was so bad I almost feel violated."