Duquesne University opens new restaurant
Students and staff aren't the only ones invited to dine at Duquesne University's newest restaurant.
The Red Ring, along Forbes Avenue in the new Power Center building in Uptown, offers burgers, wraps, steaks and pasta to the general public, too.
Named for the ruby-colored stone in the school's official class ring, the restaurant opened in December. The university jumped into the restaurant business to get a leg up on expected crowds once the Penguins build their new arena a few blocks away, general manager Jason Hibshman says.
"One of the big goals of the restaurant is to integrate the university community with the Downtown community," Hibshman says.
The Philadelphia food service corporation Aramark manages The Red Ring along with Duquesne's dining hall and snack bars, and the concessions at Pittsburgh's three pro sports venues. Big contracts are old hat to Aramark, but this is only its second restaurant, Hibshman says, after one at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Some of the institutional influences are evident, like the red plastic beverage tumblers and instant iced tea. But if The Red Ring sometimes seems as though it's still finding its bearings, the bright, appealing dining room and bar is something new in the neighborhood, with friendly staff and some creative menu choices that broaden the Uptown dining options.
That doesn't include the appetizers, which are pretty standard fare. The "Skywalk" Zucchini Planks ($7.95) were thick enough to taste the zucchini, crunchy and served with big flakes of parmesan. "Duquesne" Wings ($8.95) were of the breaded, boneless variety.
The Roasted Bruschetta ($6.95) includes three pieces of bread laden with thick slices of tomato, black olives and melted mozzarella. Instead of toasting the bread first, then adding the toppings, The Red Ring puts the whole shebang under the broiler, with slightly soggy results.
Otherwise bread, supplied by North Side bakery Breadworks, is a strong point. Several sandwiches are served on toasted ciabatta, like the Ultimate Steak "Towers" Sandwich ($8.95) with shaved prime rib, gruyere and horseradish or A-1 mayo.
Artistically presented on a long, black platter, the "Three Rivers" Tapas ($21.95), on the dinner menu and available after 4 p.m., is the best-looking plate. Marinated ahi tuna on a fennel-flavored slaw, a pair of scallops on a savory blend of couscous and corn, and a crabcake with remoulade are all excellent. Two bite-size spring rolls with wasabi sauce give it crunch, but the three shrimp dipped in chipotle barbecue sauce seem not quite right propped in The Red Ring's unique mashed potatoes, which are made with apples and bourbon.
Pasta choices include Chorizo Ratatouille ($12.95), with mild Mexican sausage chunks tossed with grilled green peppers in marinara sauce, and Mac & Cheese ($12.95), a seven-cheese mix served casserole style, mixed with bits of pancetta.
The typical steaks are served at dinnertime, plus the "Vickroy" Veal Chop ($26.95) in demiglace, with roasted garlic and herbs, wild mushrooms and chopped tomatoes. The Filet Mignon ($21.95) we ordered medium-rare arrived bright red inside, and just minutes after the huge salad arrived, so both cooking and timing need some brushing up.
But the attempt to stretch beyond the tried and true might be appreciated by Duquesne denizens and those looking for post-hockey food and drink.
"We're just trying to create a unique taste people get here that they're not going to get anywhere else," Hibshman says.
One thing is for sure. With a dessert like the Deep Fried Brownie Sundae ($5.95) -- which is just what it sounds like -- The Red Ring is sure to have repeat customers.
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Additional Information:
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The Red Ring
Cuisine: American
Entree price range: $12.95-$26.95
Notes: Weekday appetizer specials from 5-7 p.m. No smoking. No reservations for parties of fewer than 10.
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays; noon-11 p.m. Sundays.
Address: 1015 Forbes Ave., Uptown
Details: 412-396-3550
