Barbecue restaurant Owl's Nest open in Upper St. Clair

Kirill Faerovitch owns several cigar businesses, so it is not surprising his latest venture also involves smoke.

Owl’s Nest is a barbecue restaurant that opened four months ago in Upper St. Clair.

“We specialize in traditional smoked meats with a European twist on presentation, bringing a unique flavor and dining experience to the area,” said Faerovitch, a native of Russia. “The meat cooks low and slow.”

An offset smoker sits outside — a barbecue smoking device with a firebox attached to the side of the main chamber.

It’s called “The Queen.”

When Faerovitch lifted the lid on the massive cooking tool on a recent fall day, he discussed the advantage to preparing racks of fall-off-the-bone ribs and brisket cooked to a desired tenderness and flavor. With this way of cooking, smoke travels evenly throughout.

Courtesy of Kirill Faerovitch

Owner Kirill Faerovitch (left) and pitmaster and chef Grigorii Vartanov holding a sign that says “Queen,” which is the name of the offset smoker at the Owl’s Nest barbecue restaurant in Upper St. Clair.

The equipment is on wheels so it can be used for traveling to various barbecue events. There is an art to smoking meat, which is why Faerovitch hired pitmaster and chef Grigorii Vartanov, who is skilled in this style of cooking where meat can take 10-15 hours to cook.

Vartanov said being the chef in this restaurant is a dream.

“I love to cook” said Vartanov, who has barbecue-inspired image tattoos on his arm.

Vartanov is a partner in the business. Faerovitch hopes to offer other employees ownership through profit sharing.

“We have a great team,” said server Daniel Rozovsky. “We work together.”

Courtesy of Kirill Faerovitch

Meat at the Owl’s Nest in Upper St. Clair is prepared in a low and slow process by using an offset smoker.

The Owl’s Nest is located in the former Calabria’s restaurant near the Frosty Valley Golf Links nine-hole course. The space includes both indoor and outdoor dining, which will be heated for use most of the year. There is a bar, which will serve alcohol once the liquor license is finalized.

The name was inspired by Faerovitch’s wife, who is a Harry Potter fan. The menus have a singed look and miniature owls sit on each table as decorations. The atmosphere is inspired by a “Great Gatsby” theme. They play blue grass and swing and roaring 20s music — upbeat by day and more classical tunes at night.

”We wanted to create a cozy feeling and family-oriented space,” said Faerovitch, a father of three. “We wanted a relaxed space.”

Courtesy of Kirill Faerovitch

Smoked salmon is on the menu at Owl’s Nest in Upper St. Clair.

The menu includes fresh ingredients grown on site such as basil, mint, rosemary and oregano. Starters include charred broccoli and grilled watermelon. There are soups, salads and signature sandwiches such as chopped brisket and pulled pork. Main entrees include pork ribs, smoked sausages, duck breast, lamb chops and salmon.

And there is honey cake for dessert — a multi-layered honey biscuit with homemade cream and seasonal berries.

Faerovitch said the menu will be evolving based on diners’ and Vartanov’s suggestions.

“I got into the cigar business because cigars are associated with happiness, from the birth of children to weddings and other celebrations,” Faerovitch said. “We hope the Owl’s Nest will also be a place to enjoy a good meal for those special occasions.”

Details: 412-676-7474 or owlsnest.restaurant

Hours are Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Hours will be expanded once the liquor license comes through.