"At some point this summer you may find yourself admiring the gorgeous Pittsburgh skyline from Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington. You may even find yourself strolling down Shiloh Street for a drink or some late night food. You most likely, though will not find yourself stepping through a creaky doorway at the top of a ramp across from McGuinn’s Barber Shop on Southern Avenue. But I am here to tell you that you should. 16 Southern Avenue is home to a cozy Uzbek eatery called Kavsar. When you walk inside you will be greeted by a cheery host with a pleasant Russian accent. She will ask you where you want to sit and you will most likely have many options. Although the space is small, I have never seen it close to crowded. I always choose a secluded room in the back where a black tablecloth with simple plate-ware lines a table set for six. The host will ask you how you are doing, what’s new in your life, and so on. You begin to feel at home in this place, with traditional Uzbek music playing softly in the background. There are simple pieces of artwork on the walls and not much else to distract you from what is to come: the food. Oh, the food! The menu is full of authentic Uzbek and Russian dishes; as your eyes scroll down the entrée list you may feel overwhelmed not being able to pronounce half of the plates. And then you will find yourself picking out words in the descriptions, like “beef broth”, “potato pancakes”, “dumplings”, and “chopped onions” and thinking, “well that sounds good. And so does that – and that, too.” The host, who also serves as a waitress, will come back with a sweet grin on her face. She will ask you if you are ready to order – you won’t be – she will give you more time and on her second round you will ask her for recommendations because there are too many delicious options running through your mind. The first time that I ate here, I could not decide if I wanted something sweet or savory. The same host suggested that I get a little bit of both…so, I did. The mashed potato mushroom crepes and cherry crepes did not disappoint. Last night though I settled on the Eggplant Rolls and Manti stuffed with spinach and pumpkin. The host told me that this dish would take up to twenty minutes to prepare and I said, “Give them as much time as they need”, knowing that time equals quality when it comes to the kitchen. Eggplant Rolls: these thin pieces of eggplant dipped in a minimal batter had the texture of nothing I have ever tasted before. They are light and fluffy, almost melting on your tongue. I didn’t know that eggplant could do that. Stuffed with tomatoes and onions and topped with dill, this appetizer was the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Manti with spinach and pumpkin: when this plate came out, I was in awe. It was a gorgeous dish including three dumpling pieces with a green filling and three with an orange filling delicately placed in the shape of a circle; in the center stood a little dish of white dipping sauce consisting of yogurt and garlic. I cut into a green Manti first and was delighted to find just the right amount of transparent dough to balance out the green spinach that it held. This dish was heavenly, requiring minimal chewing and involving maximal flavor. The pumpkin Manti was just as delightful, taking my mind back to images of Pennsylvania lighting up with the colors of fall. Uzbekistan's location along the old Silk Road (an ancient network of trade routes connecting the West and East from China to the Mediterranean Sea) made it a crossroads for versatile cultures and cuisines. Kavsar's menu clearly reflects both Uzbekistan's history as a former Soviet Socialist republic, with strong Asian and Mediterranean influences. It is impossible to choose a bad plate on Kavsar’s menu. And, it is impossible to have a bad experience here. Why? Because this place has got everything right: tight-knit quarters in an intimate setting with authentic people cooking traditional dishes from their childhood. Kavsar feels more like coming home to your mother’s house than it does eating out on Mount Washington. The next time you are craving an authentic twist on a home cooked meal, make your way up to Mount Washington for a stellar view and a secret dining spot. That is the beauty of a place like this. It’s sweet and simple: a restored house sitting on a dimly lit residential street at an iconic location in a re-invented American city. I believe that Pittsburgh is the best-kept secret of the East Coast. And Kavsar may be one of the best-kept secrets of Pittsburgh. Keep your craving for adventure alive do not allow yourself to be bored. Pittsburgh will not disappoint. – xoxo, A"
