August 11, 2020

Dining Al Fresco with Pittsburgh’s Mediterra Cafe

Bored in the House has been the theme song for 2020. Finding something to do this year has been quite the challenge for this stay at home mom. Can anyone else relate to that? I honestly think about how convenient it is that Charlie is at the age where she hasn’t recognized we aren’t going to the store like we used to or eating out. She’s mentioned on occasion her friends at our gym daycare, but she doesn’t seem to be too phased by all this home time we’ve had. I definitely consider myself lucky, although every phase comes with its own difficulties, so it’s not always a walk in the park.

Each week I’ve been trying really hard to come up with something special or fun to do with Charlie outside of our normal weekly routine. We most certainly love our routine, but having one special day each week to do something out of the norm has really given us something to look forward to. I try to make it somewhat educational or just something Charlie hasn’t done before. I also make it a point for it to involve the whole family.

Dining Al Fresco with Mediterra Cafe

This week we partnered with one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh, Mediterra Cafe and picked up one of their picnic baskets to have a little family evening dining al fresco with the most delicious food. If you follow me on social media you know that I absolutely love their coffee! It’s such a special treat to get one because they make their syrups in house and come up with the best flavor combinations (i.e. Cookies and Cream or Birthday Cake)! And don’t even get me started on their food. Actually, I will! Their avocado toast is a MUST TRY! Joey and Charlie always grab their daily special pizza when we are there, and I can vouch that it’s delicious.

Our basket was packed with the perfect charcuterie plate! I would have Mediterra make my charcuterie any day of the week! There were 3 varieties of cheese (all were just so tasty), nuts, a sweet jam and a savory jam. I didn’t confirm this, but no doubt they were homemade. We had sandwiches with mozzarella, prosciutto, and pesto on a baguette. These were large and very shareable! For our sides, there were bags of chips and Italian soda! I actually never had this soda before, but I’m hooked! Charlie enjoyed the hot dog (and if I’m honest, so did I)! It was wrapped in a yummy croissant. For dessert there was a little fruit pie tart. I’m beyond picky about any type of “pie crust” and I haven’t stopped thinking about this one – another MUST try!

Honestly, the whole vibe of dining al fresco with this picnic was exactly what I needed – delicious food and the best company. Joey and I reminisced about the time we were in Paris and picnicked right in front of the Eiffel Tower. We actually went to the market and picked up very similar items to what was in our basket for an evening under the stars in the City of Love. Charlie had a blast running around and getting to eat our dinner outside! It’s definitely a night we are always going to remember. I’m also so excited that it’s officially documented to look back on!

Mediterra Cafe is offering this picnic basket for lunch or dinner until the end of August! What a perfect way to spend with your little family or even have a date night with your significant other. This is such a great way to support a local, small business right here in Pittsburgh, while doing something out of the norm! It’s a great alternative if you are still not going to restaurants, as well! Just give them a call and date for pick-up and they can prepare your own picnic basket!

2020 has been a YEAR, there is no question about that. If you are a business owner (and even if you aren’t), it’s been a year of PIVOT. And I have a ton of admiration for businesses that immediately did just that: Pivot. Mediterra Cafe is one of those places that did not waste any time sulking over the fact that things had to be closed down. They immediately changed their business and offered prepared foods for take out, pizza kits, cookie kits, (they already offered freshly baked bread), and started getting pantry items like eggs, milk, etc. To say that I am impressed is an understatement. I am so happy to support them and be a loyal customer – truly a family and business to look up to!