Home Cooked by Donna

You know how you go out looking for something, find it, then realize you had something just as good RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE?

Yeah, that just happened.

Having time off for spring break means a few things for me: 1.) Time to clean my house - like REALLY clean - not just get it "clean enough" to not be gross, 2.) Time to like, sit, relax, and do enjoyable things, and most importantly, 3.) Time to try restaurants that close early.

My plan, actually, was to try out the Braddock Community Cafe; however, on Holy Thursday, they were closed due to some work being done on the building (which includes the Community Center, housed in the old First Presbyterian Church of Braddock).  So, I turned around, and headed to Homestead to try another restaurant that I had been meaning to get to: Home Cooked by Donna.

I pass this place SO MANY TIMES in a week - any time I have to travel across the Homestead Grays Bridge, eat at Smoke BBQ Taqueria, or eat at the Tin Front Cafe, I pass it.  I always say to myself, "I need to try that place sometime."

Well, here we are.

Home Cooked by Donna To-Go Menu

I parked at a metered space right in front of the restaurant (cheapest metered parking anywhere around - 1 quarter - 30 minutes!).  I entered - and realized I was going to be their only customer at the time.  The host was seated at a booth toward the back, asked if it was "for here or to go", then told me to sit anywhere when I said I'd eat in.

View of the entrance and counter from my booth

Well, ok, then.

I ordered a water, and he presented me with the menu.  It was almost 11:00 AM, so I was faced with the breakfast-or-lunch conundrum.  Donna herself came out and said hi, and I asked if she had any suggestions - and, of course, it was all good, so that didn't help.

Gorgeous (fake) flowers, but I feel bad for the bear

Finally, I decided upon the French toast, 2 eggs my way (over easy, of course), bacon, and home fries.

As I waited for my food, another customer came in, then another.  The first seemed as if he was there for his first time, while the other seemed to be a repeat customer.  As Donna cooked the food in the back, the aromas permeated the restaurant, only making me more eager to see how this food turned out.

And turn out it did.  Wow.

Italian Bread French Toast

After being cut and drenched in syrupy goodness

This French toast is AWESOME! 2 THICK slices of Italian bread, with what seems like some cinnamon added it, and way more syrup than I would ever need (presented on the side, so I didn't have to use all of it).  This French toast was the smell that made me salivate, and rightfully so.

Eggs over easy, bacon, homefries

The eggs, bacon, and homefries were all well-prepared, yummy - and much like home-made.   The bacon was crispy, the homefries had flavor, and the eggs were nice and dippy.  I could feel myself getting full about halfway through my meal, but there was no way I was letting ANY of that food go to waste!  The serving size was fairly large, though, but a great value at $9.10 with tax.

When Donna came to ask how my food was, I made sure to tell her that I didn't want to NOT finish it.  She then went to the table of the gentleman that came in after me to see how his was, and he replied  "EXCELLENT!" very enthusiastically.

So, about 5 minutes from my house, is a fantastic, local restaurant with many yummy breakfast options - AND they do take-out? I guess I'm going to have to go back for lunch and dinner sometime.

It's just too convenient.  And it's been right under my nose this whole time.


Home Cooked by Donna
406 E. 8th Avenue
Homestead, PA 15120

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homecookedbydonna
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeCookedDonna

Ritter's Diner

Obviously, I've been on a diner kick lately.

I can't help it.  I never used to get up early on weekends.  EVER.  Now that my weekday wake-up time has been 4:30 AM (yes, I know - it sucks), and James is often up early on weekends to get the taco truck ready - well, I'm up early.  And, as you know from my previous post, I need breakfast.  So, "diner" is an obvious choice.

On one of these crazy weekend mornings, James had asked me if I had ever been Ritter's (which isn't far at all from his place).  I told him no, and the deal was sealed - that was where we were going to have breakfast.

Ritter's Diner Sign.  The building itself has "PITT" on the side.

Talk about an old-fashioned diner - the place opened in 1951, and doesn't look like it changed much since.  Not that everything looks old and worn-out (because it certainly doesn't), but each booth was equipped with a jukebox to spin your favorite tunes while you eat:

Jukebox at our booth. Opened to "Toby Keith", but I would never listen to him.

Since Ritter's is a 24-hour establishment, the menu was big, but I only paid attention to the breakfast options. Without question, the one thing that stuck out as my menu choice was the Peanut Butter Pancakes:

Peanut Butter Pancakes *drool*

Feeling guilty about the enormous amount of carbs, I also ordered a side of eggs and bacon (protein, you know):

Eggs (over easy) and Bacon. Not pictured: Toast

I really feel horrible for people with nut allergies - these pancakes were AWESOME! So much peanut butter flavor in pancake-form.  The bacon was crisp, and the eggs were made to runny perfection (just the way I like them).  My toast dipped nicely into the yolk, and the dishwashers were probably singing my praises, because that was one clean plate!

James ordered the Greek Hobo Omelette with homefries, which is apparently a popular item:

Greek Hobo Omelette

I tasted it, and it was a decent omelette - James actually had to ask for more tzatziki sauce, because he couldn't stop eating it...but to me, nothing could beat my Peanut Butter Pancakes.

I'm sure I'll end up at Ritters another time, at some point - the charm of the place is enough to keep me coming back...


Ritter's Diner
5221 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Bloomfield)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ritters-Diner/117314791681582

Hot Metal Diner

It's sad how many businesses have left West Mifflin.

I remember being young and realizing that everything that we could ever need was right in our little borough - a mall, an amusement park, plenty of restaurants, and even an airport.  Going shopping someplace else was an excursion - Monroeville Mall was a treat, South Hills Village was like going to the high-end markets, and Ross Park...no one went to Ross Park (too many bridges to cross).

I've also mentioned that this is why I never went to restaurants other than chains, as the Century III Mall area was full of them - Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, Bob Evans.  Any national chain that you could think of was within 5 minutes of the area (yes, including Taco Bell).

Unfortunately, so many things have changed.  Pretty much every Pittsburgher knows about the decline of Century III Mall, which is supposed to be changing now that Simon Malls no longer owns it.  However, its assessments have declined DRAMATICALLY over the past several years, therefore cutting a deep hole into West Mifflin's tax base.  In addition, P.J. Dick & Company pulled out of West Mifflin, along with many smaller businesses.  I thought that it was devastating when the penny candy store behind my house closed when I was about 7 years old, but these businesses leaving our borough have done much to drain our financial resources.

This is why it is so important to patronize businesses in your own hometown - without stimulating your (very local) economy, it will only cause tax increases, program cuts in your town and school district, and overall business collapse.  I know.  I've seen it first hand from many angles.

Knowing this, I found it important to have my usual Sunday brunch at a West Mifflin business - and what better place to do so than the well-revered Hot Metal Diner.

Hot Metal Diner

Recently, Rick Sebak featured the diner in his PBS special, Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelettes (the segment can also be seen on the Hot Metal Diner's webpage as an In Pittsburgh special).  I was happy to see something so local on TV, but I was surprised to see my 7th grade Science teacher (who is now retired) talking to the camera.  Wow.  Talk about keeping it local.

A friendly warning as you enter

James and I arrived late in the morning, and the entrance was full of people.  However, tables were being turned over quickly, and the line was reducing just as quickly.  An older couple was in front of us, and the hostess offered to seat the 4 of us together at a bigger table.  "You don't even have to talk to each other," she offered.

Counter seating with more humorous decor

The older woman declined.  "We'll wait."  Oh, ok.  Thanks, lady.

Luckily, the younger couple behind us had no problem co-habitating a table with us, so we sat at a table for 6, with this looming over the wall cut-out from the private room next door:

The Chicken Creeper next door

We made our introductions to the couple across from us - they are from Carrick, and he is a Pittsburgh Firefighter.  They had been to the diner once before and knew how the place worked.  James struck up a conversation, as he is so good at doing, making the awkwardness of dining with complete strangers disappear completely.

As we reviewed the extensive menu, the table to our right received their order - including a massive pancake.  I had wondered why one single pancake a la carte would cost $3.00...well, this was definitely $3.00-worth of pancake!  James and I decided to split one as an "appetizer":

One pancake.  Yes, one.

Oh, yum, pancake!  Very fluffy, and definitely split-able.  With some syrup (which you can also request hot), it was scrumptious.

For my "entree", I ordered the BB Breakfast (formerly known as "The Hog"): 2 eggs my way (over easy), home fries, bacon (my choice), and Italian toast.  When the waitress took my order, she literally said, "homefriesItaliantoastsayyes", to which I replied, "I'm sorry?" and she repeated, "home-fries-Italian-toast-say-yes".  How dare I say no (I wouldn't have any way!)  The waitresses describe themselves as a bit "saucy"...but I wouldn't ask for extra sauce.

BB Breakfast (aka "The Hog")

It was a classic diner breakfast - not overpowering on flavor, but not by any means bland.  Greasy - a bit, but I've had much greasier at Denny's (it IS breakfast, after all!).  I don't know HOW they cook their bacon, but I wish I did, because it was crispy and AWESOME.  The Italian toast was great for dipping into my egg yolks.

James decided to go the lunch-route and ordered the Best Burgher Ever with the whole kit and caboodle: bacon, cheese, onions, mushrooms, and BBQ sauce:

Best Burgher Ever with the whole kit and caboodle

I tried a bite, and it was one darn good burger.  It was served with potato chips - not a favorite of his nor mine, so they went untouched.  We sat in fear that we might get yelled at for not eating them, but...we didn't, thank goodness.

While eating and still conversing with our table mates, Wendy, the owner, decided to play some music on the Touch Tunes machine to liven up the place.  Well, heed this warning, which is at the register:

It even says "True" in the top left corner...

Her song selections included a polka classic, "Grab Your Balls (We're Going Bowling)", followed by "A--hole" by Dennis Leary.  Not exactly a family atmosphere, but if you want to dine there, you'd better get over it and find a sense of humor.  I've read reviews online about the "horrible service" that people received - well, we got our food quickly and without any mistakes on a busy Sunday morning.  The staff did their best to seat us quickly, and we ended up meeting a very nice couple and having a nice conversation.  So you know what?  Thumbs up to the Hot Metal Diner.  I hear and deal with much worse as a high school teacher, and I'll deal with your waitresses - along with having a great breakfast.

Do as I tell my high school students - follow the rules, and you'll be fine.

The Rules

Hot Metal Diner
1025 Lebanon Rd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122

Website: http://www.hotmetaldiner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Metal-Diner/236685476442536?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotmetaldiner

Coca Cafe [off-topic]

It's weird having time to do stuff.

School has been out for less than a week, and I have not adjusted.  Normally, when the school year ends, that just means that I work more hours at Kennywood - but this year, it's not the case.  I work 8 hours at most, and that's it.  6 days per week, yes, but not 10-12 hours a day like I used to.

Not helping my bank account.

It's also weird.  I'm like, home.  I can like, do stuff.

So when James asked if I wanted to go to breakfast - on a Wednesday - it felt strange.  Going OUT to breakfast on a WEEKDAY?!  Unheard of.  But the weather was absolutely perfect this day, so going out and doing something was a must-do.  No questions asked.  

Breakfast seemed necessary.

Coca Cafe

 We drove down to Lawrenceville to have breakfast at Coca Cafe, a quaint little cafe on the corner of Butler St. and Lodi Way (near 38th St.) that serves breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch (of which you know I'm a fan).  Being that it was late morning on a Wednesday, it was not crowded, with only a few tables occupied.  We were seated in the back room, where only one other table was occupied.  

Corner seat in the back of Coca Cafe

 The space was cute and relaxing.  We were in a back corner, with plenty of sunlight reflecting off of the brightly-painted yellow walls on this perfect-weather morning.  I was a fan of the retro design on the tables:

Retro design on the table

 We started off with our usual morning beverage - coffee - and James had mentioned that the orange juice is fresh-squeezed, so we each ordered a glass:

Coffee and Freshly-squeezed Orange Juice

 Apparently, the menu changes at times, because James raved to me repeatedly about the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes - which were no longer on the menu.  Our waitress confirmed that they were no longer available, but recommended the Brown Sugar Griddle Cakes with Strawberry Butter, which he agreed to try.

My choice, of course, had to be something Mexican-like - I chose the Breakfast Quesadilla: 

Breakfast Quesadilla

Not that I can remember everything that was stuffed between the tortilla, but I know that that is lime-flavored creme fraiche on top, and scrambled eggs, guacamole, black beans, and cheese - at least - in there.  It was very tasty and full of some of my favorite flavors.  The creme fraiche was a great way to get some lime flavoring into the quesadilla, a staple in a lot of Mexican cooking.

The potatoes were equally great - crispy, but not greasy.  They were so good that I caught James stealing some off of my plate, and he felt compelled to order another side of them.

I did have a chance to taste James's griddle cakes - the strawberry butter that accompanied the cakes can be described in two words - SCOOTER CRUNCH.  Imagine slathering your pancakes with a Scooter Crunch Bar. 

Yeah.  Dream come true, right?  I thought so.  The waitress wasn't kidding.

Coca Cafe is quaint, cute, and has delicious and different breakfast options.  I will definitely return for another round of breakfast, or lunch, or even Sunday brunch.

Because now that it's summer break - I can.

Coca Cafe

3811 Butler St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Website:  http://www.cocacafe.net

...Smoke (again)

Breakfast for dinner is one of my favorite things in the whole world.  I love breakfast, but who has time to make eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. in the morning, every morning?  I guess if you didn’t have to be at work until 9 AM, it would be feasible, but for those of us who are at work between 6:30-7:00 AM – cereal or oatmeal will do.

Breakfast for dinner is the perfect solution.

I make breakfast for dinner usually once or twice a week – usually an Egg Beaters omelette, turkey bacon or turkey sausage, maybe some waffles (high fiber, of course), and fruit.  I could probably eat breakfast for every meal, but

I had wanted to visit Smoke in Homestead again for a while to try their breakfast, which is served all day.  ALL DAY. 

Breakfast for dinner! 

This past Monday, I was already in Homestead for a doctor’s appointment, so I figured I would all in my order and pick it up on the way home.  Much to my dismay – they are closed on Mondays!  They also rattled off their new hours for me – they used to open at 7:30 AM, but now they don’t open until 9:00 AM, plus they have set closing times of 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, depending on the day – before it was basically they closed whenever it wasn’t busy.  The new opening time was no big deal for me, since I go for lunch and dinner.

Breakfast for dinner….OR lunch…mmmm….

Since I was so disappointed that I couldn’t have Smoke’s awesome tacos on Monday, I made it a point to go on Tuesday.  It worked out well, since I had been at school all day – from 8 AM to 5 PM - organizing my classroom, and I did not feel like cooking after working so hard all day.  I called in my order before I left the school, stopped at the ATM (they only take cash), and drove to 8^th Ave.

I picked up my order – Mexican migas (basically a breakfast taco with egg, crispy corn tortilla strips, and Mexican veggies), a veggie taco (which I had before and was delicious), and an agua fresca, which today was raspberry-flavored.  I had wanted a horchata, which is a corn drink, but they were out of it.  The bill came to just over $10 with tax, and I paid and took my order home, drinking some of my agua fresca on the way.

I tried the Mexican migas first to satisfy my “breakfast for dinner” desire, and it definitely did the job – I wish that I knew how to combine flavors when I cook the way that they do at Smoke, because whatever magic they work in the kitchen is worth more than the money I paid.  The tortillas are made from scratch, the veggies are fresh, and the eggs are cooked perfectly – not runny and not rubbery.  

 By the way - it was rolled up completely, but I unrolled it so that you could see what was inside (it may not look too appetizing, so I wanted to explain why).

My veggie taco was just as delicious as the first time I had had it.  I’m glad there was consistency.

There are even more menu items that I want to try – I really want to try the horchata, and I hope they’re not out again the next time that I go.  I haven’t tried the side dishes yet, but I’ve heard from others that their mac n’ cheese is great, and I want to try the jalapeno apple slaw, since I can’t imagine what jalapenos and apples taste like together.

To my students - whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Smoke is your closest, cheapest option for the extra credit assignment.  I hope that if you try anywhere, it is there.

Smoke Barbeque and Taqueria

225 E. 8^th Ave.

Homestead, PA 15120