The Borough of Forest Hills has been keeping a secret...........................
and KannoliandKraut is blowing the whistle.
For almost a year and a half now, the Forest Hills Comunity has tried to keep this secret hidden but it's too late...the cat is out of the bag.
Tucked away on Ardmore Boulevard, between Sumner Ave. and Lenox Ave, just a couple of doors down from the Forest Hills Coffee Co. is, what we consider to be one the best sandwich places around, the "Simple Gourmet".
Julie Chantz , owner of "Simple Gourmet" has re-invented the art of making sandwiches.
The formerly trained Interior Decorator married her art background of 18 years and her long lasting love for cooking and baking and developed an ever changing selection of sandwiches that are truly out of this world and by no means simple.
Panini's that make your mouth water and sandwiches with combinations that are clever and, more importantly, delicious.
Kraut's favorite is the "Fresh Motz" panini. Made with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, sweet roasted onions on a chiabatta square. Hmmmmmm!
Kannoli has her eyes on the Havana.
And Julie's favorite?
The Jackster Panini. "Because of the sundried tomato mayo." But she doesn't stop at sandwich making. She also offers homemade soups, baked goods that change regularly and, of course, salads.
A warning about the salads.
They are huge! And Julie's meticulous attention to detail lets you enjoy a gorgeous salad that more than rivals your regular chain sandwich places.
The chicken salad is a MUST!
"I've always been somehow involved with the food industry and it has taught me a lot about life and people".
She finally realized a dream of hers, to own a little "shop", when she noticed a storefront for rent on Admore Boulevard. She thought about it for a while and, after a bad week at work, she just went for it. "The timing was right".
She spent a week on the floor of her bedroom surrounded by magazines and cookbooks to develop her creations. One of the things Julie takes great pride in is using fresh and, when available, local produce. Julie even started a small garden last year, and everybody enjoyed her home grown cherry tomatoes in those awesome salads.
So think of the Simple Gourmet the next time you are looking for a great, quick lunch.
Please call ahead!
You will get hooked!
Simple Gourmet (click here to see the menu)
2203 1/2 Ardmore Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
412 271-2246
Hours: 9am - 6pm Mo.-Fri.
8:30am - 3:00pm Sat.
We had the Southwest Chicken Panini and Fresh Motz Panini this afternoon and they were absolutely wonderful! I didn't want the sandwich to end...it was THAT good!
Posted by: Diane | April 09, 2011 at 12:19 PM
my favorite is the chicken salad with the balsamic dressing. If they would throw some fries on there......... hmmmm
Posted by: Kraut | April 10, 2011 at 10:52 AM
The idea has alternative. A little mystery novel!!
Posted by: Nike Shox | May 18, 2011 at 12:54 AM