By Tim McNellie

In the minds of many, “quality dining” is among the last terms that should be used to describe a typical hotel restaurant.

The George Street Grille is not a typical hotel restaurant, however, and those hardened against hotel dining may have to reconsider their opinions after a visit to the seven-month old restaurant, located at the Holiday Inn Select on Fort Couch Road near South Hills Village. With a menu of offerings like steak au poive blanc and pork with brandied apples, and a wide range of live entertainment, the George is a definite step up from what some would expect from a suburban hotel.

“There are image issues to overcome,” says Chris Hopkins, executive chef. “A lot of hotels have bar and diner-type food, and some people may expect that.”

Instead, visitors get a robust menu of Hopkins’ creations, including the popular Boursin cheese chicken wrapped in proscuitto, which is served with red wine jus.

Hopkins describes the George Street as upscale casual American dining with a twist. Named after owners George Justus and George Cary – who bought the Holiday Inn 16 months ago, the restaurant is unlikely to be confused with the diner-like establishment it replaced in the hotel back in December.

As equally impressive as the George Street’s menu is its monthly calendar of events, which is packed with a variety of entertainment, including regular appearances by a Dean Martin impersonator who does a dead-on impression, complete with Dino’s ribald between-song jokes. If easy listening is not your cup of tea, the George Street has also featured dueling pianos, jazz guitar a rock band and a variety of other acts.

High tea is available every afternoon from 2:30 to 5 p.m., and Sundays brings a brunch buffet that in the past has included live music, including a live harp player. (The brunch of Aug. 26 will feature a banjo performance). Happy hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. features drink specials to go with the selection of appetizers.

Lunch and dinner is available at the outdoor terrace, which features a newly-built tiki bar. The kitchen staff brings years of experience to the George Street. Executive chef Hopkins is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University, and sous chef Ryan Gerst studied at Le Cordon Bleu.

The George Street Grill is located at 164 Fort Couch Road. For more information, call 412-833-7520.