One by Spork debuts limited dinner service
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One by Spork diners at the circular chef's counter. Photo: Courtesy of Laura Petrilla for One by Spork
Pittsburgh's fine dining scene is about to get more elevated with Spork transitioning to a new concept called One by Spork.
Why it matters: The Steel City continues to push the boundaries of its traditional food scene, which is leading to national recognition and happy diners.
Driving the news: One by Spork in the city's Friendship neighborhood opened last week, which moves the fine dining spot from traditional service to one dinner per night for reserved guests only.
- The restaurant has been quietly serving diners in this manner since the start of this year, fine-tuning the process ahead of the official launch.
How it works: Service starts at 6:15pm with a drink and small bites in the lounge before guests transition to the circular chef's counter in the middle of the restaurant.
- Sixteen guests sit around the kitchen and bar staff and are served a variety of dishes and drink pairings throughout the evening.
- The night ends back in the lounge with a final dessert and drink. Guests also receive a house-made chocolate bar made from cacao beans roasted on site.
Dig in: The menu is constantly evolving, and dishes and drinks are swapped out weekly. Some early examples include:
- On-site milled freeze-dried rye ramen noodles with king crab and Peruvian Bay scallops, all rehydrated tableside
- Australian wagyu steak served with a Roquefort cheese soufflé and caviar
- Maple oatmilk ice cream made with a Japanese fermented rice drink and topped with bourbon black apple butter
Drinks include cocktails, wine, sake and alcohol-free creations, like a highball made from gin, tomato honey, horseradish and green tea, and a nonalcoholic milk punch mixing coffee, coconut water, apple, tamarind, orange and pomelo together.
Fun fact: Fifty types of vegetables, fruits and herbs are harvested from the restaurant's on-site garden.
What they're saying: "If it will take 50% more time, but make a dish or drink even 10% more interesting or delicious, we do it," said James Beard-nominated chef Christian Frangiadis.
Cost: $275 per person, which includes beverage pairings but not tax and tip.
If you go: One by Spork is located at 5430 Penn Ave. in Friendship.
- Open Thursday-Sunday.
- Reservations are required.