Head to Pistacio Bar & Grille for Some Casual Fine Dining

A lot of people forget about Pistacio Bar & Grille. Maybe it’s overshadowed by the restaurants around it like T.G.I. Friday’s, Carrabba's, and Friendly’s.  Maybe it’s the name. Or maybe it’s just too pricey. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely worth a trip – even if it’s for a one-time splurge.

What I find great about Pistacio is that it offers a fine dining experience without feeling the need to dress up. The atmosphere is elegant, but with a modern, southwestern twist. The walls are a dark amber color and splashed with mirrors, mosaic tile art, and colorful chandeliers. There are large silver industrial pipes that line the high ceiling and small beaded lamps that light each table.

The menu is vast – almost too vast. It took me and my friend quite a while to decide on what we wanted. The list of salads is fantastic, with almost 20 variations like the Seafood Cobb, Crabmeat and Artichoke Stuffed Portobello, and Roasted Beet. There’s an equally versatile list of pastas as well, like Rigatoni with Roasted Eggplant, Penne Gorgonzola and Pasta Puttanesca. The entrée list features a lot of seafood, like Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna and Prince Edward Island Mussels. But it also has a list of chicken and steak options, like Chicken Breast Oscar and Filet Mignon.

Pistacio is known for its martinis. The list is almost as long as the whole menu and features everything from fruit martinis to dessert martinis. But if you’re not a martini person, there’s always something decent on tap and a list of red and white wines.

My meal: A Mango White Star martini and Apricot Glazed Pan Seared Salmon with wilted spinach and red beets (the daily special). The salmon was cooked perfectly and the spinach was finished with a delicious garlic butter. I have to give it a 4.5/5 (the price is a little high for what you get).

Details: 
341 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown
(610) 435-7007
Open Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Price range:  $$$ (the average entrée is around $20)