If you’ve found yourself strolling through the Strip District on a Saturday evening, you’ve probably come across the packed dining room through the large pane windows of Balvanera. This restaurant’s commitment to authentic Argentinian cuisine from tapas to cocktails and their excellently grilled steaks shows the effort and care that’s put into each and every service. Now, you can get that same passionate commitment with owners Meredith Boyle and Chef Fernando Canales’ upcoming coastal seafood eatery, Casa Anchoa.
Casa Anchoa from Balvanera Owners Brings Coastal Seafood to Downtown
The project from Boyle and Canales will add a new spot to dine before and after shows in the Cultural District Downtown. The location takes them from their busy foot-traffic in the Strip District to a similar area in the former Nine on Nine space where on-foot is the way to explore. It’s a dream placement not only for their restaurant’s vision but for the couple in general.
“We’ve always had our eye on Downtown,” says Meredith Boyle. “Pittsburgh’s incredible Downtown skyline and Golden Triangle is the first thing you see when you exit through the tunnel; it’s the heart of the city. In fact, we looked at 900 Penn for Balvanera when we were making the move home from NYC, and now we’re circling back to take it.”
Now is the Moment for Moving Downtown
As Pittsburgh comes off of the NFL Draft and the Cultural District continues to grow its presence through partnerships like with Pittsburgh Playhouse, it’s the perfect timing for a new establishment. More and more shops, restaurants, and pop-ups are appearing Downtown, creating a space not only for those visiting the Cultural District but also those coming Downtown for any reason.
“It’s an exciting moment for the city with the debut of Arts Landing,” says Boyle. “It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are to have so much arts and culture thanks to the Cultural Trust, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, the August Wilson Center, Point Park University – the list goes on!”
From Balvanera’s Steak to Casa Anchoa’s Seafood
Casa Anchoa will be your place for taking in a taste of luxury whether you’re dining with family or enjoying a specialty cocktail at the bar. They’ll take you straight to the coast with light but lively staples like fish, shrimp, oysters, and even a caviar service. This movement from hearty steaks to decadent seafood is exciting for Chef Canales, especially with his background in the culinary scene.
“Fernando’s culinary career included work for Japanese concepts, Nobu and SUSHISAMBA, and elBulli in Roses on the coast of Spain,” explains Boyle. “Creatively, he has always loved working with seafood so he’s excited to bring different ingredients and explore new flavors; a departure from Balvanera’s offerings.”
The menu for Casa Anchoa is in progress but you can still expect the same locally-sourced ingredients, creative processes, fine detail in plating, and impeccable service. Meredith refers to the vibes as “a cozy, buzzy party at your friend’s house by the sea.” Needless to say, we’re hooked just by the idea of fresh seafood in Pittsburgh.
“We’re thinking briny oysters with crispy white and sparkling wines, clean cocktails that capture the feeling of a vacation on the coast,” says Boyle. “Plus lighter, but super flavorful, fare highlighting ingredients and cooking styles less commonly used in the Pittsburgh market like salt baked fish, scarlet shrimp (carabineros), west coast oysters, caviar service, and bacalao.”
While there is no official opening date set for Casa Anchoa, the restaurant is looking to open this fall. You can stay up to date with the details on their Instagram.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo by Laura Petrilla
Logo from Casa Anchoa
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