Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Big Jim's

I venture 'out' of the normal Hidden Gem region for this week's gem!

And I dare say WHERE Big Jim's is located for fear of wrath from readers. But, I've always been an adventurer and a chance-taker!

Mom and I were lucky enough to take a day trip to Pittsburgh, PA to see our Tribe! Well, the outcome of the game was not to our liking, but the experience very enjoyable!

In our travels, we popped into a local joint for lunch on the way to the game.

I must admit, it was a 'planned' visit because a college buddy, Gary Burdick, is co-owner of the restaurant.

Big Jim's on Saline Street perfectly describes the portions served.

Every appetizer, meal, serving is BIG! Huge! Yet the price is right! More than right! Perfect, especially in today's economic times.

And, the food is tremendous.

Not only do the locals and travelers share this opinion, but earlier this year, Guy Fieri from the Food Network Show, 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives' featured Big Jim's and singled out their Veal Parm Sandwich as well as their world famous wedding soup...

It's not fancy, but welcoming and a nice little place to share a meal, visit with friends, or grab a beer on the way to the game.

You can park right on the street out front...walk in and to the right is the bar area and a dining section or to the left another dining room. They have big screen tv's all over so you can catch the latest game, news or weather report....and there are various sports memorabilia hanging from the rafters, including little league team pictures from the teams Big Jim's has supported through the years.

Only about 15 minutes to PNC Park and Heinz Field, a great pre-game spot for delicious appetizers such as onion rings, breaded mushrooms, fries or a dozen or so other tempting dishes.

But you don't want to fill up on too many pre-dinner treats!

No way!

When our dinner came out, our eyes bugged out of our heads.

Mom's 10 oz steak was PERFECT! She has never been able to get a steak made to her liking up until Big Jim's. But with her steak she received a good size salad, garlic bread, and a side of spaghetti. Now, the side of spaghetti was a meal in itself. It was ridiculous, yet wonderful!

I have never been a veal lover, so I passed on Guy's featured meal, and went for a cheeseburger. Again, terrific meal and so filling!

I give it two thumbs up and a full belly!

If by chance you venture to Pittsburgh to see the Browns crush the Steelers or the Indians try to redeem themselves at PNC Park, give yourself extra time to grab a bite at Big Jim's and, you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!