A turn of fortunes
Several events over the last couple of days have conspired to make me believe that perhaps Pittsburgh isn’t as bad as I made it out to be. And if not the city, at least the Mexican restaurant scene.
On Friday night, following yet another recommendation, we set out, strangely enough, towards the northern suburbs. We found the restaurant, El Campesino, in a small strip mall. Knowing that sometimes the best ethnic food comes from the much-maligned strip malls, we were eager to dive in.
Thankfully, the place did not disappoint. The decor was nice, the wait staff was friendly and accommodating to our vegetarian needs, and, most importantly, the food was good. Not knock-your-calcetines off, Pancho Villa or Tequila stuff-yourself-silly good, but in this land of pierogies and pizza, it’s a welcome treat.
Adding to my growing fondness for this city is the fact that between yesterday and today, I will have done all of my Christmas shopping without setting foot in a mall and without encountering any hyperactive, Starbucks-fueled, suburban commandos. My shopping experience has been confined to walking between downtown stores on (sadly) uncrowded sidewalks while the snow falls beautifully between old buildings.
It’s refreshing to discover that the city can still surprise.
