You know our columnist Jess Iacullo (@hungryjessbigcity) but do you know the Pittsburgh food influencers that inspire her own orders? She introduces us to four influencers and their favorite menu item to order in August.
Admittedly, I’m currently writing this article five days into August… and 300 miles away from Pittsburgh. In the spirit of keeping things hot and on the pulse, this is your reminder that honoring your need to stay off the grid and off your email is one of the chicest things you can do. Also, admittedly, I had this idea for my August hotlist before I skipped town. It’s been over half a year of reading me yap about what I love each month in Pittsburgh via this column. And I couldn’t help but wonder: have you ever wondered who influences your favorite influencers? Keep reading to find out.
August Menu Recommendations From Pittsburgh Food Influencers
Arjun Manjunath
August Hot Menu Item: Olive Oil Cake, Barcelona Wine Bar
Arjun and I quickly became friends at the start of this year, although I’ve been following his page for quite some time. Also a Pitt Alumnus and NJ native, I’m beyond proud of what he’s built and how he’s helped support local businesses everywhere he travels. He even modeled for my vintage store when it was opening, and they’re some of my favorite photos to this day.
When I texted Arjun about what his current favorite menu item was, his response was a no-brainer: Olive Oil Cake from Barcelona Wine Bar. Currently craving cake for breakfast.
Sophia Chang
August Hot Menu Item: Bara Chirashi, Gi-Jin
Sophia is someone I’ve been following for years (probably over 10 years at this point!), and seeing her account evolve has been incredible to watch. As she’s shared more of her daily life and jewelry collection, I feel like I’m always the first one to tune into her Instagram Stories… which makes her one of the first people I thought of for this piece.
From Soph herself: “I went to Gi-Jin for the first time this July, and it didn’t disappoint. The Bara Chirashi was fresh, with bright pools of ginger, fresh fish, and pops of fish eggs. Perfect for this hot weather streak we’re having.”
Ashley King-Riggs
August Hot Menu Item: Oysters, Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
Whether you’re from Pittsburgh or not, Ashley’s content is like a looking glass into all things historic Pittsburgh. She’s constantly bringing us “the 411 on the 412” by covering topics like Black History in Pittsburgh, events you need to know about, and what cookie table cookie you are based on your zodiac sign… just to name a few.
Ashley’s current favorite bite in the city: “My vote is a platter of oysters from Muddy Waters Oyster Bar. They’re one of the only spots in the city where you not only get fresh oysters, but you can even choose the region that they come from! They’re chilled, perfectly briny, refreshing little morsels and taste even better drizzled with their tart house-made mignonette.”
Janet Loughran
August Hot Menu Item: Eggs Benedict, Lola’s
Janet is not only a boss in the kitchen, but she’s a boss online: with over 100K followers across channels, she’s doing it all, and doing it well. Her cooking hacks guide me in the kitchen daily, and she’s one of the kindest and down-to-earth people I know, making her the ideal person to include on this list.
So, it’s safe to say that I trust her brunch opinion with my life! And when she said she was thinking of the Friends with Benedict from Lola’s while also enjoying some time out of the city, I knew it was a major hotlist item. AKA, their version of a morning classic.
And mine, you may ask? The Pork Belly from Hey Babe.
While the phone didn’t eat first, this photo of the Chicken Katsu deserves the spotlight. The colors alone are my ideal summer color palette. Plus, their happy hour menu is one of my favorites and goes from 4-6pm.
Looking for more recommendations from Pittsburgh food influences? See what they will be ordering up during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week.
Story by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)
Featured Photo From Ashley King-Riggs
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