John and Joanne Dziadyk are turning a favorite local restaurant into a
personal dream come true.
The couple purchased Michael’s Restaurant & Lounge in November 2006.
They’ve kept true to the Baldwin restaurant’s
45-year-old tradition of generous portions, reasonable prices and great service
while adding a few elements they wanted to share.
“Everything is homemade – our dressings, our sauces, our deserts,” John
Dziadyk said.
“We didn’t get rid of our customers’ favorite meals, but we’ve introduced
daily and weekly specials that this place never had before.”
Adventurous taste buds are pulled toward the Santa Fe chicken, blackened Cajun surf &
turf trio, grilled peppercorn prime rib and lobster
ravioli with Langostino cream sauce. Others prefer traditional Pittsburgher
meals such as homemade pierogies, stuffed cabbage, stuffed shells and juicy
prime rib steaks.
“I honestly feel we have some of the best food in Pittsburgh,” John Dziadyk said.
“The variety is phenomenal. We try to cover all the bases.”
The Dziadyks also expanded customers’ options by offering a complete menu
for catered parties. They’ve served wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, birthday
and anniversary parties, and funeral wakes.
“I Hear a lot that we’re so accommodating,” John
Dziadyk said.
“When people ask for this or that, we make sure we have it.”
John Dziadyk said he’s happy to get positive feedback from regular and
first-time customers.
“This place has grown from what it was,” he said.
“We put our whole heart into this. This is our livelihood, and we have a
great staff behind us.”
He praised Michael’s main cook Jason Ketter, who has been at the restaurant
for eight years, and waitress Zenobia Wertelet, who also spends plenty of time
in the kitchen making pastries and cakes from scratch.
John Dziadyk said he’s glad to have the opportunity to work with such great
people while trying his hand at the restaurant/lounge business.
“I wanted to fulfill my dream and own a bar,” he said.
“This place is absolutely perfect.”
Michael’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 3052 Churchview Ave. in Baldwin.
Lunch and dinner hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The
restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, but will open for private parties of 20
or more guests.
