Osteria 2350 (Strip District)

If you haven't noticed, there's a bit of a trend these days with higher end restaurants. All the newer examples are maximizing the size of their market with two restaurants made from what could have been used as a single space. One of those restaurants will be the higher end version to feature the delicate creations of an up-and-coming chef — or maybe even someone more established. The other side of the building, tends to include much of the same culinary inspiration but trends more in the direction of comfortable and casual — with a lower price point. The Spoon / Burger pairing is a good example of the trend, with other examples appearing in other cities (and likely Pittsburgh as well).

Osteria 2350 is the casual side of another example — along side Cioppino, the corresponding higher end destination. I've been to Cioppino, but I'm slightly more intrigued by the side I have yet to experience: the Osteria.

details: Urbanspoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/23/1546720/restaurant/Strip-District/Osteria-2350-Pittsburgh) / Pittsburgh Magazine (http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/February-2011/Osteria-2350/) / Official (http://www.osteria2350pittsburgh.com/)

I'm a big fan of the low key destination that's laid back but still cares about the quality of their experience and the quality of their food. I suspect that Osteria 2350 will espouse just those qualities. I'm looking forward to giving it a try with the meetup.