Comments on: IS ANYONE OUT THERE?

By: Pandora McNatt

Pandora McNatt — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:11:29 +0000

Hi, Chris —
I always enjoy the WQED cooking shows. Reading your blog and the comments on “favorite things” makes me remember the best submarine sandwiches in the world, served at the White House in Atlantic City. (My husband and I are often at the New Jersey shore, and the only reason we go to Atlantic City is to eat at the White House.) It is a very small, family-owned place, lined with autographed celebrity photos, that has been there since 1946. My favorites of all the many types they offer are: To eat there, the cheesesteak with fried onions and hot peppers; To take out, the regular (Italian) sub. (Of course, the sandwich has tomato and lettuce and onions and olive oil.) They buy their bread, several times a day, from a bakery less than a block away, and it is delicious all by itself! They cook and slice their own meat for the steak subs, and they use provolone cheese; and they use good Italian meats for the “regular” sub. There are about 10 booths and usually a long takeout line. I once met a man coming out of the shop with a big brown bag. He said he was taking 18 subs home to Johnstown, PA.

Now that my mouth is watering, I’m reminded of something I wanted to ask you. I remember that you once showed how your mother used to make a meal (your lunch, I think you said) from leftover pasta and eggs. It was done in a skillet with a lid on it, and you flipped it halfway through. I know it was a simple recipe, and I was wondering whether you would be willing to share again the ingredients and steps to take. Thanks.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:04:07 +0000

Hi Chris,

The best thing I have every eaten is the mac and cheese from the Iron Bridge in Mercer, PA. It is terrific!

By: chris

chris — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:44:16 +0000

As many times as I have been to New Orleans I have never had a Po’boy sandwich. So many good things to eat – so little time. Thanks for the memory.

By: Laura Bowden

Laura Bowden — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:30:37 +0000

I would have to say the best thing I ever ate was a shrimp po’ boy in Meridian, Mississippi. We were in Meridian visiting my husband’s family and stopped at a little gas station with a take out restaurant attached. He went in a got two overstuffed shrimp po’ boys – which I had never had before. I can’t describe how good it was! Crusty french bread, piled high with crispy deep fried shrimp, homegrown tomatoes and shredded lettuce topped with a creamy homemade sauce. A fork was recommended. Yummy! Everytime we go back I make him buy me one.

By: chris

chris — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 03:51:12 +0000

That’s exactly what I had when I went – the Vegas. I ordered the half sandwich and could barely finish that! And their soups are terrific. In many ways, this kind of family owned and operated business is the best that Pittsburgh has to offer and it is sadly disappearing from the American landscape. I’m glad Pasqualino’s is still here.

By: Candi Kaplan

Candi Kaplan — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:54:45 +0000

Chris,
Reading a previous blog here I was reminded of one of the best things I have ever eaten. Hence, I am so glad you found our favorite pizza and sandwich spot. Pasqualino’s. I grew up in Penn Hills and moved back here in 1972 when we were ready to buy a house. Then the place was called Pizza Palace, and has developed into the restaurant it is now. The pizza is still our family favorite. BUT, you haven’t had a hot hoagie until you eat their Las Vegas, with sliced Hot Sausage, Provolone, Bell Peppers, Fried Onions and homemade sauce, all melted together on an Italian roll. When my kids come home that is what they want; Pizza and the Las Vegas from Pasqualino’s (Pizza Palace.) It is the best thing they have ever eaten too. As well as most of the Penn Hills residents.

By: chris

chris — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:52:06 +0000

Hi John,
You are the Number 1 response so I will be happy to send you one of our QED Cookbooks. Fancy breakfast on a Tuesday? You must be living right. The combination of sweet and savory elements is intriguing.
Send me a note with your mailing address at recipes@wqed.org.
Thanks,
Chris

By: John Michael Keba

John Michael Keba — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:19:09 +0000

Well, I cannot be sure this is the “best” I have ever had or made, because I have a memory like a steel sieve, but it was the best I ate this morning, and I am reasonably sure it is “up there” in the ranking. But then again, I just might be biased

I call it “Good morning, Toad-in-the-hole!” and it is browned off Italian sweet sausage, baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter that has Italian herbs and vanilla added to it, until the pudding is nicely risen and golden brown. Drizzle maple syrup over all, and serve with chilled fruit.