When Pittsburgh Blue (11900 Main St.) first arrived in Maple Grove, I thought, “Nice. We could use an upscale steak joint.” But I knew that basic identity would only go so far in the burbs. Parosole, creator and operator of not only Pittsburgh Blue, but also Chino Latino, Manny’s and Il Gatto (the list of successful establishments goes on), was way ahead of me. It’s safe to say, PB not only got the clues, they executed them to perfection.
Clue 1: The Great Outdoors
Pittsburgh Blue added a patio, now equipped with an eight-foot waterfall and a copper fire pit, last year to compete with scenic Maple Grove patios such as The Lookout and 3 Squares.
Clue 2: Sunday Funday
PB also recently added a Sunday brunch, (10 a.m.- 2p.m.) featuring the Blue Breakfast Steak & Eggs and a bloody bar—choose a Grandma’s Breakfast, the No Bull Shot and the PB Classic Bloody Mary. With popular Sunday brunches at neighboring Champps and Granite City (and now Malone’s), this unique Sunday menu—highlights include Eggs Benedict ($9.95), Baked Apple Pancake ($8.95) and the Blue Breakfast: three eggs, choice of bacon ham or sausage, tast and creamy blue hashbrowns ($7.95)—was exactly what PB needed to end the week on a high note.
Clue 3: Promos and Beer
If the patio and brunch wasn’t enough, Pittsburgh Blue keeps the mouth-watering promotions coming. For example, a Beer Dinner is being served May 25 at 6 p.m. (limited seating available, so make reservations by calling 763.416.2663). This four-course meal at $50 per person includes the following courses: 1. Shrimp & Asparagus Lollipop with Blue Moon Belgian White; 2. Summer Salad with Fresh Strawberries, Goat Cheese and Grilled Granny Smith Apples with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy; 3. Gorgonzola Crusted Filet Mignon & Olive Tapenade Bruschetta with Pilsner Urquell; 4. Sebastian Joe’s Beer Ice Cream with Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss.
To make a reservation, scope out a menu or join the Parasole Dining Club, go to PB’s website.
