Bahama Breeze provides island getaway in the city

If you need a vacation to the beach, you do not have to go far. Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean inspired restaurant, is located just outside of Pittsburgh and minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The day I went the weather was cold and miserable, but as soon as I got out of my vehicle, the smells and sights did a 360. Outside, a gazebo is attached to the restaurant and covers a fire pit that so patrons can sit and enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for a table. When inside, they escape to a beach party with steel band drum music.

By Vanessa Kolberg

Arts & Entertainment Editor

If you need a vacation to the beach, you do not have to go far. Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean inspired restaurant, is located just outside of Pittsburgh and minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The day I went the weather was cold and miserable, but as soon as I got out of my vehicle, the smells and sights did a 360. Outside, a gazebo is attached to the restaurant and covers a fire pit that so patrons can sit and enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for a table. When inside, they escape to a beach party with steel band drum music.

While at Bahama Breeze, I recommend going for a lunch dish. The menu offers smaller portions at a reasonable price. I ordered the chicken and vegetable quesadilla that was accompanied by the chicken tortilla soup.

With a combination of chicken, tomatoes, spinach and cheese, the quesadilla was light and refreshing. It was accompanied with sour cream and salsa. The soup was very good but it could have had a little more spice, in my opinion. To kick the soup up, I added salsa to the it and was delighted.

My friend ordered the barbeque chicken flat bread and Caesar salad. She too was extremely satisfied with her lunch. Both meals were worth the price for amount of food we received at about $8 per person.

The restaurant also has Aruba Red, a beer made exclusively for Bahama Breeze. According to legend, Aruba Red guided pirate ships through the Caribbean and as the pirates were asleep, she would steal treasures on the ships.

While Aruba Red was looting a ship, she fell in love with the brew master and his special beer recipe. They escaped the ship by row boat after she placed the recipe in a locket. Aruba Red and the brew master were never to be seen again but two centuries later, the recipe was found by a brew master and everything is history.

So, the next time you are in the area or coming to or from the Pittsburgh International Airport, make a trip the Bahamas and relax.