Hemlock House Serving An Eclectic Menu in Regent Square; Quantum’s ‘Hamlet’ Opens at Carrie Furnace (Fri., 8/4/23)

Hemlock House in Regent Square.

1) It might have become another Rockaway Pizzeria, the well-attended joint in White Oak owned by Josh Sickels, but the kitchen was not large enough. So Hemlock House, formerly The Map Room, will feature what the menu calls “irreverent food and cocktails.” Small plates include Crab & Bacon Hushpuppies, Mushroom Toast, and Beef Tartare. “Snacks” feature a Kielbasa Corn Dog, Shishitos (those mild Japanese, charred peppers,) and Fried Smelts. Of course there are special burgers and chicken sandwiches, and large plates featuring Ribeye, Pork Tenderloin and a Gouda-based Mac ’N’ Cheese. For the “V” crowd, Hemlock House offers up a wild mushroom Farrotto, Fried Artichokes and a decadent Kale Salad, among other intriguing fare.

Until Hemlock House can secure its own liquor license (an issue having to do more with the PLCB, than the weird jurisdiction of Edgewood v. Swissvale that scratches many a head in this otherwise super-friendly neighborhood,) thirsty patrons can sip pre-mixed spirits and craft beers provided by third-party vendors. For the record, I’m told, “soft opening” night was July 14. 1126 S. Braddock Ave, Regent Square. (C.P.O.)

HAMLET by William Shakespeare. Quantum Theatre, at Carrie Furnace, August 4 – 27

2) Producing Hamlet with “fresh originality” is about as challenging as whipping up a new steak sauce. No matter how creative, complimentary, savory or distinct, the sauce must always honor the king of the dish. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s best steak, ever. 

Quantum Theatre’s upcoming production plans to serve this well-aged, prime cut of beef with some rock n’ roll influences and challenge the audience with a contemporary exposition of appearance versus reality. Okay, sounds good. But the sizzle that should best sell this steak is its stage. Quantum Theatre will once again command the site of Carrie Furnace where it last staged King Lear in 2019. It’s a majestic location, historically industrial, yet modern and (as scenic designer Tony Ferrieri will assuredly prove) transfixing. Belaboring the metaphor, it’s a sizzling hot platter on which most anything served promises to be delicious and satisfying. 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Rankin. (C.P.O.)

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