Recipe developer, food photographer and full-time foodie Carla Cardello knows where to find the best food in town – in her kitchen. As she shares with her thousands of readers on her blog Chocolate Moosey, Cardello spends her days creating savory and sweet recipes that even novice home chefs can follow.
But, when she’s not cooking for herself, she’s eating out around town, and always on the hunt for her next great cup of coffee.
In her own words, Cardello shares her must-try spots.
21st Street Coffee and Tea: Out of all of the numerous coffee shops in the Strip (I believe there are five), I always head to 21st Street Coffee for my caffeine fix because they always make my latte or mocha to perfection. You don’t need to add any additional sugar because it’s that good. (21st Street Coffee and Tea, 2002 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA)
Espresso a Mano: Another coffee shop favorite of mine. I almost always get a mocha here when I’m in Lawrenceville – not too sweet, yet not too bitter. No need to add any additional sugar. They make the best iced mochas, which is important during the summer, because a lot of places end up watering down your drink with ice when not made properly. (Espresso a Mano, 3623 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA)
Antney’s Ice Cream: This ice cream stand (with their lack of a website!), may look ordinary, but they serve some of the best homemade ice cream in Pittsburgh. They offer up to 16 unique flavors with a rotating menu each week. Every time I go back, there are new-to-me flavors for me to choose. (Antney’s Ice Cream, 1358 Poplar Street, Pittsburgh, PA)
La Gourmandine: Although you can never go wrong with eating at an authentic French bakery, discovering their croissant aux amandes (crossiant stuffed with almond cream) was a happy accident. They were sold out of pain au chocolat for the day, so I went with the almond croissant. I never knew almond could be one of my favorite dessert flavors until I took a bite. (La Gourmandine, 4605 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA)
Peace, Love and Little Donuts: I hate frying at home, so when I’m craving a sweet treat, I usually go for donuts because I rarely make them myself. I end up at Peace, Love and Little Donuts a lot because their donuts are smaller than traditional donuts, making them the perfect size for a small snack. Bonus points for being located near 21st Street Coffee! (Peace, Love and Little Donuts, 2018 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA)
Follow all of Cardello’s food adventures (and definitely make her Award-Winning Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes, one of our all-time favorite recipes) at Chocolate Moosey, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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