Bites Nearby: Walnut Grove Restaurant and Bar

Plenty of parking, great food at this Wexford eatery

It would be easy to just drive by Walnut Grove Restaurant and Bar in its stand-alone location on Perry Highway, north of the main retail district of Wexford. Surrounded by hedges, its parking lot seems almost sunken. But definitely make a point of turning in; your taste buds will be glad you did. Overview: Walnut Grove is a bit of a study in contradictions. It's not an inexpensive restaurant, and yet it lacks the details to be considered upscale. That makes it difficult to justify paying upscale prices for dinner entrees, good as they might be. The food is excellent, but the service is more typical of what you'd find at a bland, national chain. The bar area is warm and welcoming, like a happy little community off the main dining room. In …

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Bites Nearby: Ryan's Red Box Deli Known for Delicious, Fresh Sandwiches

Don't miss this deli's stand-alone building tucked in and behind a shopping mall.

Overview: Once you locate Ryan’s Red Box Deli, the bright, contemporary style automatically prepares you for the fresh, fun deli sandwiches and soups served here. Just don’t overlook it since it’s tucked in and behind shopping malls – the food is too good to pass by. Decor: Ryan’s Red Box Deli is a contemporary, stand-alone building set off by itself. It is fresh and bright inside with primary colors, hardwood floors and lots of windows. The large silverware set on the wall is fun, and the clean lines are carried through -- even to the restrooms! The drinks: Ryan’s Red Box is a deli and that is what you should expect. Drinks are traditional Coke products, Snapple brand drinks and coffee. There isn’t much else. But hey, it’s a deli. …

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Bites Nearby: Cala Lily Cafe Is Hidden Gem

Don't let the unobtrusive location in a Route 8 strip mall fool you.

Nestled in a tiny strip mall off Route 8, the Cala Lily Cafe is unobtrusive from the outside, but unforgettable from the inside.  It's also more proof that area residents don’t have to drive into the city to enjoy upscale cuisine in a posh atmosphere. Overview: Cala Lily is tucked into a small, not-very-welcoming strip mall at 5499 William Flynn Highway in Gibsonia. But don’t let the humble location fool you, this is a popular and well-known restaurant for locals. Plan to sit and savor the experience of dining in a fine restaurant featuring a creative fusion of Euro-American cuisine. Décor: The dining room and bar area are small, but cozy and warm, with a décor featuring lush burgundies and creams.  Like the food, the décor seems to be a …

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Jessica Sinichak

10:04 am on Friday, March 4, 2011

Thanks Deb! We'll look into it for a future Bites Nearby!   more ›

Bites Nearby: Traditional Mexican Food, Artwork Make Patron's A Fun Place to Dine

Authenticity is the key to this Wexford restaurant.

In the mood for Mexican food this weekend? Every Thursday, Cranberry Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Overview: When you come to dine at Patron Mexican Grill, you’ll certainly enjoy its traditional Mexican foods as well as its authentic Mexican artwork and lively décor. Best of all you’ll savor its reasonable prices. Decor: You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Mexico. The chairs, wooden booths and tables were hand carved and painted with sombreros, peppers, pottery, maracas, and various Mexican artifacts. Bright, colorful Mexican paintings grace the beautiful stucco walls throughout the dining area. The atmosphere is pleasant and festive.  The Drinks: The…

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: The Sewickley Cafe

Hungry for something different? Bites Nearby ventures to Sewickley this week.

This week, Cranberry Patch ventures beyond the community into the heart of Sewickley. Read on to experience this week's choice, The Sewickley Cafe. The Sewickley Cafe Overview: The Sewickley Café has been a staple on the village drag for more than 13 years. The back outside courtyard is a perennial favorite for lounging with wine and friends. An extensive American menu is a little pricey, but it's OK for the outrageous, locally made desserts. A bustling, congenial atmosphere hosts lunchtime families, singles, groups of business people and friends. Dinner is a bit older and the small bar area at the entrance can get lively on a good night. The place is decidedly casual. Decor: The coolest thing about the Café has always been the art hanging…

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Jimmy Wan's

As you plan your weekend outings, Bites Nearby will give you a sampling of the Cranberry area's tastiest selections every Thursday.

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. We've got a better idea. Each week, Cranberry Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice: Jimmy Wan’s Overview: Jimmy Wan’s is a family-owned Pan-Asian restaurant with an impressive menu. The upscale atmosphere, energetic bar, attentive service and food make it appealing to a range of Cranberry diners. Young singles will feel at ease alongside couples and groups of friends of any age. This is a place for local foodies who love natural, authentic dishes. Decor: Jimmy Wan’s is tucked in with a lot of chain restaurants, but the vibe inside is anything but cookie-cutter. The mood is chic, conveyed…

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