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 Pino's Contemporary Italian Restaurant
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Back in 1994, in an unassuming storefront located along Reynolds Street in Point Breeze, a vision took shape. Chef Joseph Mico, also known to his devoted clientele as “Pino” took Point Breeze and the East End Community by storm introducing “Gourmet Pizza.” Little did anyone really know, prior to its opening, “Pino” knew very little about making pizza. Born in Calabria, Italy, Pino came to the United States with his family from a region well known for its napolitano style pizzas. So this young man with a vision had some serious work to do. The Chef applied his culinary school knowledge and his professional experience in local restaurant establishments to create his own unique brand of pizza. Duck, salmon and tuna on pizza? And so it was, “Gourmet Pizza” was born!
This “cubicle size” takeout & delivery operation would receive many accolades over the years including “Best Gourmet Pizza” and “Top 20 Takeouts” among others. But the fire would still burn for “Chef Pino.” And that was a dream to lead a culinary team in a full service restaurant setting of his own.
In December of 1998, Pino’s Pizza Kitchen & Restaurant would emerge on the Pittsburgh dining scene—BYOB, “open kitchen” environment with a very sleek, contemporary design setting the standard for new establishments to follow. It received an award for “Best New Contemporary/Casual Restaurant” within three months of opening. Fresh pasta selections, veal entrees and other contemporary Italian plates would please diners. The restaurant would run its course for six steady years.
Later, Chef Pino would decide to merge the two operations--taking the best of each and call it Pino’s Mercato (translates to “market place.”). The setting was an old family owned & operated grocery store located across the street from the original Pino’s location.
Now Chef Pino invites you to immerse your culinary senses into Pino’s Contemporary Italian. Here you will find creative interpretations of the classics as well as cuisine that is thoughtful and complex.
The restaurant philosophy has remained the same. First, Pino’s is committed to quality using the best available ingredients and local purveyors and using locally grown, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Second, Pino’s appeals to a broad range of customers, those looking for comfort and those looking to impress. And lastly, in an industry where there are lots of choices, Pino’s is committed to impress guests beyond their expectations and to extend a sincere appreciation for their patronage.
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You can now follow Pino's on Facebook and Twitter! Just click on the links below:
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