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5 Pittsburgh Chocolate Shops for Valentine’s Day Candy

By
Kylie Thomas
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Various chocolates in square, round, and heart shapes from Pittsburgh Chocolate shops sit on a purple background with boxes poking out of the corners.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the generic drugstore chocolates or candy and treat your sweetheart (or yourself!) to something truly special from Pittsburgh’s artisan chocolate scene. The sweet makers of the city extend beyond just the pastry chefs you see in restaurants. In fact, many talented chocolatiers are crafting exquisite confections that are as beautiful as they are delicious and ready for you to take home. From decadent truffles and bonbons to interactive BashCakes and personalized boxes, there’s a creation to express your love and affection no matter your partner’s taste. We’ve curated a list of the most delectable Valentine’s Day chocolates, all handmade, to shop in Pittsburgh, guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth and make this year extra special by showing your thoughtfulness. 

5 Pittsburgh Chocolate Shops for Valentine’s Day Candy

Tabbara

Melt his/her heart with oh-so-delicious, elegant, handcrafted chocolates from Tabbara. Nancy Tabbara, third generation chocolatier, blends high quality ingredients in ways pleasing to the contemporary palate. This year she is offering a Valentine Bar featuring bright red hearts plus made with 64% dark chocolate and caramelized nuts. She also showcases a boxed assortment of 9 chocolate bonbons that features flavors like ancho chili and almond praline, strawberry, raspberry caramel, and hazelnut praline, and a box of 8 assorted chocolate bonbons with 2 chocolate bars. Indulge in the luxurious Hazelnut Dragee, a roasted hazelnut center enrobed with layers of crispy praline, milk, and dark chocolate. Or, keep things simple and classic with a chocolate Heart Lollipop that never disappoints. 

Lux Artisan Chocolates

The eye-catching hand painted bonbons created by Shelby Gibson, founder of Lux Artisan Chocolates and a pastry chef by trade, deliver unique and special Valentine’s Day flavor combinations such as Meyer Lemon-Guava, Pomegranate-Hibiscus Tart, Sea Buckthorn Berry Caramel, and Raspberry Marshmallow. Made by hand in small batches, her chocolates incorporate only top quality ingredients. You will taste the time and passion Shelby puts into each piece. Other than various boxes of her bonbons, Shelby is also baking up Heart-Shaped Chocolate Bark and Peanut Butter Sea Salt Hearts. 

Mon Aimee Chocolat

Owned and operated by Amy Rosenfield, Mon Aimee Chocolat is home to one of the largest collections of premium fine chocolate in the United States. The shop, located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s historic Strip district, showcases some of the best local handcrafted chocolatiers, as well as chocolates from over 60 countries around the globe. Travel a world of flavors with your partner and embark upon a journey of chocolate indulgence with the vast selection of decadence. Plus, if you’re looking for Valentine’s Day specific chocolates, they carry an assortment of milk and dark chocolate foil hearts. 

Sarris Candies

Even if your loved one lives all the way across the country, you can ship them a sampling of Sarris Candies fine selection. Customize your valentine a heart-shaped box of chocolates with all their favorite flavors to show you care. If your partner is a fan of fruity chocolates you can purchase Cordial Strawberries featuring a gooey center. The Valentine’s Day BashCake is a great option for kids too. It’s a large hollow chocolate cupcake with chocolate covered pretzels inside that your little one can bash open with a small wooden hammer. If any of these options don’t line up with your tastes, there’s plenty more to explore in store from chocolate covered oreos to shaped chocolates too. 

Pollak’s Candies

Gourmet is the mission of Pollak’s Candies near Etna. The shop is run by Dick Pollak, a third generation chocolatier, following after his grandfather and dad. With a strong background in tradition and family recipes, each piece is carefully handmade. Each item in Pollak’s Valentine’s Day selection features precise decorations and comes in a beautiful box. You can pick up one of their boxes of chocolates in either a heart shape or a rectangular box. They also have a Galentine’s Truffle Assortment for those celebrating with friends. The choices continue with Cordial Strawberries, Cordial Cherries, Salted Caramels, Peanut Butter Meltaways, and Coconut Clusters. 

Story by Kylie Thomas and Star Laliberte 
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Pittsburgh Chefs Share Their Date Night Spots

By
Emma Riva
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A table set at Lilith, Chef Jamilka Borges's Shadyside restaurant.

Picking the ideal date spot can be stressful, so why not take a recommendation from the professionals? While some chefs might like to cook a meal at home, others take the opportunity to break from being in the kitchen and enjoy someone else’s culinary skills. We’ve covered where chefs go out to eat on their days off, but what about for a special night out? We asked Pittsburgh chefs where they like to take their special someone, or what their favorite takeout meal is to celebrate not having to be the one chopping, mincing, and braising. For a bartender’s take, also check out where Pittsburgh bartenders go out for drinks.

Pittsburgh Chefs Share Date Night Spots

Jamilka Borges (Lilith)

“We love EYV, Balvanera, and Dish. And of course, I love Lilith every time I have the chance to eat there as a date spot instead of working.”

Kate Lasky & Tomasz Skowronski (Apteka)

“Honestly, the most real answer is Ali Baba takeout with a bottle of Riesling at home. The trick is to order as if company is coming over- but they’re not. Just two people ordering: Mujaddara, Mohomara, sleek, fatoosh, spinach pies, and a baba ghanooj – all large when there’s the option.”

Roger Li (Umami, The Parlor, Allegheny Wine Mixer)

“I like Morcilla and Dish for date night.”

Nathan Hobart (Morcilla)

“I like The Vandal for a date night because of the small intimate vibe and the hyper seasonal menu. Also the awesome beverage program, usually I will opt for bar seating if it is available.”

Gary Marshall (Gari Shoyu)

“Somewhere small/low key for a date night, like Chengdu or Fet Fisk. Senza would be on there too. Or something a little on the bougier side, like maybe gi-jin or Golden Gai.”

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Tom O’Connor, courtesy of Lilith

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Hosting a Garden Party in the Summer

By
Abdul Rafay
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A vibrant and colorful salad plate, filled with a variety of fresh, garden-fresh ingredients. The hands of the person enjoying this "garden party goodness" can be seen in the frame, further emphasizing the fresh, homemade nature of the dish.

On a balmy September Thursday, the TABLE magazine family gathered in a sprawling Sewickley backyard for a farm-fresh garden party feast, plus conversation under the trees and amongst colleagues. Publisher Justin Matisse, also the TABLE’s go-to for concocting complex, delicious cocktails, greeted guests with an off-the-cuff creation to be enjoyed alongside the grazing board and welcome chit-chat. “Justin always mixes up a good cocktail to get the party started!” declares Editor-in-Chief Keith Recker.

Hosting a Garden Party in the Summer

By the time everyone gathered on the grass around the long dining table, conversation was rolling. “We already had some great ‘up and down the table’ banter and storytelling,” Recker recalls. He had set the table well in advance, while Director of Operations Star Laliberte helped him with the flowers. Recker believes one key to any good party is the mysterious balance of planning and spontaneity.

A group of people gathered outdoors in a lush, green backyard setting, enjoying a farm-fresh meal and drinks together.

The evening’s chef was Joey Hilty, co-owner of The Vandal, one of the staff’s favorite restaurants in town. “Joey really cares about his food and the people who eat it,” Recker shares. “We knew he would serve a meal that was simultaneously comforting, surprising and totally delicious.”

A man, dressed in a denim shirt, carefully arranging and plating a colorful, fresh salad on a table set in an outdoor garden setting.

Cooking in the Summertime

Hilty says that cooking in the summer nearly feels “a little criminal,” and that his choice to pair an extremely high-quality, cured French ham with local, peak season melons almost felt too easy. Yet the crowd devoured this decision. “The best kinds of dishes are the ones that you could ‘theoretically’ make yourself except you don’t,” he says. “Sometimes I feel like I’m less of a chef and more of a matchmaker with the best summer has to offer.”

A beautifully arranged outdoor dining table set in a lush, green garden setting.

Hilty finds backyard gatherings special since there’s something about getting a group of people — some family, good friends and (even better) a few acquaintances — to each bring their own magic. “Food plays a huge role in that,” Hilty says, “it’s a universal love language that unites everyone. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be thoughtful.”

A woman in a bright red, patterned top smiling and conversing with another person while holding a drink in her hand.

Matase recalls Chef Hilty being a “rockstar,” adding, “I still remember that fish!” He also reflects on the importance of evenings like this. “Spending time outside the office with colleagues allows you to see a different side of a person, and really get to know them on a different level,” Matase says. “I think that translates into smoother communication when back in the work environment.”

Two individuals, a man and a woman, dressed in festive, stylish attire and posing together outdoors in a lush, green setting.

Welcoming Good Company at a Garden Party

Laliberte agrees that convening beyond work at occasions like the garden party helps everyone strengthen bonds already shared; she credits Recker and Matase for fostering an incredibly encouraging, positive and supportive workplace environment. “We truly enjoy each other’s company, and are invested in one another’s lives both professionally and personally,” she says.

A group of people, presumably the members of the TABLE magazine staff, gathered together in a serene outdoor setting, surrounded by lush greenery.

Gathering with the TABLE family feels natural to Recker. “We like each other!” he says. “We love to laugh at each other’s funny remarks, old stories, foibles and jokes. It’s so much fun to be away from the workday and watch where the conversation goes.” This time they chose to meet in Recker’s garden so a larger group could be invited, including some frequent freelancers in addition to staff.

A delicious-looking dish featuring a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Director of Digital Advertising Stephanie Cravotta believes these get-togethers are a great way to unwind and celebrate the team’s accomplishments. She “absolutely” finds them beneficial in encouraging everyone to take a break from the daily grind and connect on a personal level.

A young woman with an infectious, joyful smile. She is standing in front of a building with a warm, inviting expression, suggesting a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

Relaxing and Connecting with Coworkers

Plenty of laughter added to the garden party evening’s good-natured vibe. Cravotta recalls an eye-opening conversation about The Villages and their loofah system. Other memories made a lasting mark, too, like when Director of Advertising Janet Wizig renamed prosecco “champone” instead of champagne. “New language is what happens when you drink on an empty stomach,” she jokes.

A woman with a camera, seemingly in the midst of capturing a moment at the outdoor gathering.

“The more we know about each other, the more relaxed we are,” Recker reflects. “We know that we all come to work and to life with truly good intentions.” He also loves how these settings encourage folks to share real-life anecdotes. “Nothing is stranger or funnier than the truth,” he says. “Some of those stories came out, and the pleasure of dissolving into laughter was a big part of the evening.”

A group of people gathered around a long dining table in an outdoor setting, enjoying a festive gathering.

Laliberte sums it up: “It was a lovely day, the weather was beautiful, and we all enjoyed a great meal, laughing and conversing with one another.”

Story by Corinne Whiting
Photography by Laura Petrilla (with an assist by Justin Merriman)
Food by Joey Hilty, The Vandal

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5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (February 10-16)

By
Kylie Thomas
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A couple, a man and woman, sit side by side while testing out an exhibit in the science museum of Pittsburgh at an event.

Pittsburgh is full of love and laughter this February 10-16, offering a diverse array of events to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, and everything in between. Whether you’re seeking a romantic night out, a fun-filled gathering with friends, or something that has nothing to do with the holiday, the city has something special in store. These Pittsburgh events promise to make your week one worth loving!

5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (February 10-16)

Palentine’s Day- A Floral Experience Presented by Lilac & Fawn Florals

February 11, Franklin on Penn

Create beautiful floral arrangements alongside your best friends. Jenny of Lilac & Fawn Florals will guide attendees through the process of making their own unique arrangement. Guests will also sip floral-themed mocktails, indulge at the candy bar, capture memories at an adorable selfie station, and take home their beautiful floral creation.

Mix and Mingle: Galentine’s Day Cocktail Class

February 12, Fairmont Pittsburgh

This Galentine’s Day experience not only lets you celebrate with your gal-pals but it also helps your mixology skills. Head in for a hands-on cocktail-making lesson with step-by-step instruction from expert mixologists. Featured cocktails include a Tequila Sunrise Sour and a Chocolate Covered Strawberry that’s topped with chocolate whipped cream and a chocolate-covered strawberry. 

Art on Tap: PAL-entine’s Day

February 14, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Unleash your inner pop star and celebrate friendship with an unforgettable night of karaoke. Singles and couples alike are invited to join the fun and dine on light bites during the night. Your ticket also includes one complimentary drink alongside endless entertainment. It’s a fun way to spend this day with your friends and partner all at the same time. 

21+ Night: Seductive Science

February 14, Carnegie Science Center

This adults-only evening offers a smart twist on romance, inviting singles, couples, and friends to explore the fascinating science behind love and attraction. Sip on Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails while enjoying the Science Center’s captivating exhibits. Delve into the anatomy of pleasure and uncover the secrets of human connection. There’s even a speed-dating event for singles and a planetarium show to end the night.

Morning Reckoning

February 14-23, Richard E. Rauh Studio Theatre

University of Pittsburgh’s Theatre Arts program presents their first play of the season. This story follows the Wayne, NJ chapter of the Morning Reckoning Fan Club, a group of 8th graders who worship the famous boy band Morning Reckoning. Twenty years later, after a devastating situation, the club members come together once more to reconcile their differences and set the story straight.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Carnegie Science Center

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Three Pittsburgh Restaurants Are 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists

By
Emma Riva
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A bowl of Rwaki potato dumplings with dill and mushrooms soup in a white bowl on a table with a side bowl of roasted potatoes

The 2025 James Beard awards mark the 35th anniversary of the ceremony, and this year, three Pittsburgh restaurants made the semifinalists list. These semifinalists will narrow down into nominees on April 2, and then the winners will be announced on June 16. The 35th anniversary of the “Oscars of Food” introduced three new categories focused on beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Pittsburgh got its chance to shine in the Best New Restaurant and Best Chef categories.

Three Pittsburgh Restaurants Are 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists

Fet-Fisk: Best New Restaurant

Since its opening in March 2024, Fet-Fisk has been on fire. Part of what makes Fet-Fisk great is that it’s both cohesive and multifaceted. It can’t be distilled down into just “It’s a Nordic restaurant,” and yet you don’t get lost in a mishmash of different aesthetics or overly twee small plates that some more high-concept restaurants get lost in. The care they take in their image is evident in the fact that the restaurant has a dedicated Creative Director, Sarah Laponte. Fet-Fisk manages to feel both fresh and nostalgic, and this nomination is well-deserved.

Tomasz Skowronski and Kate Lasky of Apteka: Best Chef

Skowronski and Lasky were semifinalists in 2023 and 2024 as well. Lasky and Skowronski have an all plant-based Eastern European menu, but their version of veganism is far from uber-hip corporate salad bowls or tofu scramble. Lasky and Skowronski are culinary artists, and there’s no doubt that Apteka is their vision. It’s all natural wine (many bottles from hard-to-import locations), everything farm fresh, nothing pretentious.

Wei Zhu of Chengdu Gourmet: Best Chef

This is Zhu’s sixth James Beard nomination. Given that he’s been open for eleven years, that’s a pretty strong endorsement for his food and a testament to the restaurant’s longevity. Chengdu Gourmet focuses on Sichuan cuisine and serves not just American-friendly crossovers like Kung Pao chicken but more obscure local dishes like the cumin lamb. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try fry sautéed frog—or stick to the General Tso’s chicken if you’re not there yet. A restaurant like Zhu’s encourages experimentation and curiosity.

Stay tuned to see if these restaurants ascend to the nominations in April! For now, if you haven’t been to any of them, there’s no time like the present to try them.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Laura Petrilla of Apteka’s Rwaki dumplings

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5 Interesting Interiors in Pittsburgh You Can See This Winter

By
Emma Riva
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The gothic interior of the Cathedral of Learning in PIttsburgh.

If you don’t want to go outside right now, we don’t blame you. The temperatures have hit below zero over the past few weeks, and the wind chill is not exactly enticing. But if you’re in the mood for something to do indoors, Pittsburgh has a number of interesting interiors that design buffs can make a day out of seeing. Some of these are public and others are in businesses. But while the weather outside rages, warm yourself up with Pittsburgh’s unique architectural history.

5 Interesting Interiors in Pittsburgh You Can See This Winter

The Cathedral of Learning

4200 Fifth Avenue

“Cathy,” as Pitt students call it, is a recognizable fixture in Pittsburgh’s skyline, but its interior is equally dazzling. A fun, free indoor activity or cute coffee-and-a-walk type date is to wander the building’s Gothic halls and take the elevator to the thirty-sixth floor to see a view from the city from all angles. It’s especially fun (and a little romantic) at night. You could also arrange to visit its Nationality and Heritage Rooms, each designed to reflect the history of the people and places that make up Pittsburgh’s ethnic blend.

The Frick Clayton

7227 Reynolds Street

You’ll need to sign up for the guided Gilded Not Golden tour to get into Henry Clay Frick’s historic home, but it’s well worth it. You can immerse yourself in the Gilded Age finery of the Frick family while learning about how a small number of wealthy oligarchs hoarded money and power while working-class strife boiled over…sound familiar? If it gets too real, just look at Adelaide Frick’s beautiful perfume bottles to keep your mind off of it.

The Abbey

4635 Butler Street

The Abbey’s restaurant, bar, and coffeehouse is in a Lawrenceville building that’s been a funeral home, a church, and a stone carving business. Rather than pave over and renovate, the owners embraced the building’s quirky history and have made it a home for Pittsburgh architectural ephemera. Parts of the former Pittsburgh Arcade shopping center are on the walls, along with meticulously-restored wood paneling from the demolished Mary S. Brown Methodist Church that once stood on Beechwood Boulevard. Oh, and the food and drinks are great, too.

Troy Hill Art Houses

Various addresses, starting at 1812 Rialto Street

Curator and collector Evan Mirapaul put together four full-house art installations in Troy Hill. The art houses are: Thorsten Brinkmann’s La Hütte Royal (1812 Rialto Street), Robert Kusmirowski’s Kunzhaus (1718 Rialto Street) and Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis’s Darkhouse Lighthouse (1913 Tours Street).  And now, Mark Dion’s Mrs. Christopher’s House is also open in the neigborhood. All are open to the public by appointment.  

Mansions on Fifth

5105 Fifth Avenue

Want to be a tourist in your own city? Mansions on Fifth has that old-school East End glamor in its historic Oak Room Pub, where you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to stay for a drink. The bar is meant to bring to mind the robber barons’ oak-paneled dining rooms, where they entertained and talked money, power, and glory. Maybe Pittsburgh’s next big deals are happening inside the Oak Room Pub. The only way to find out is to go yourself.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo by Tivo Latman

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Colorful Crostini Spreads to Brighten your Day

By
webpubpro
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A pink bowl of beet and yogurt mousse with garnish on top of it

A great addition to any meal, easy and delicious, these spreads can be used as a dip for breadsticks or pita chips, or as a base for crostini, topped with roasted or sautéed vegetables, crunchy seeds and soft cheese. Either way, they are a feast for the eyes and a treat for the palate. For larger parties, go ahead and make all of them: the vibrant combination of colors will surely impress your guests.

Colorful Crostini Spreads to Brighten your Day

Cannellini Bean and Purple Cabbage Hummus

A plate of bright purple hummus topped with sesame seeds, spread on top of crostini

Ever wondered if hummus could be more colorful? With a dash of purple cabbage, ordinary hummus can become a beautiful shade of violet. Impress at any gathering with this statement side. Enjoy it with slices of baguette or your favorite crackers, or some toasted pita.

Sweet Pea Guacamole

A green paste of sweet peas surrounded by bread for dipping

Maybe you have a picky eater in your life who isn’t down with guacamole. For a slightly milder flavor that pairs better with crisp Mediterranean crostini, try this Sweet Pea Guacamole.

Red Beet and Greek Yogurt Spread

A pink bowl of beet and yogurt mousse with garnish on top of it

This beet and Greek yogurt spread is almost too beautiful to eat. The color is gorgeous, and the spread is even tastier than it looks. Dip your pita or fresh crudités and enjoy!

Squash and Roasted Garlic Hummus

A yellow bowl of hummus with two sides of vegetables in ramekins on a white background

Garlic and hummus are a classic combination. The squash adds some extra fall flavor and color, too. Try dipping some sweet potato chips, pita chips, or focaccia into this delectable spread.

Recipes and Photography by Sara Ghedina

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5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (January 27-February 2)

By
Kylie Thomas
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A plate of food from EYV restaurant in Pittsburgh with carrots, greens, and other veggies on a white plate.

The end of January is right around the corner, bringing the first month of the year to a close for the city of Pittsburgh. Even though the month is ending, there is still plenty to take in before the month of romance and honoring Black History begins. For instance, the city invites you to discover what’s happening in its famous theaters. It also wants you to dine with one of our finest restaurants. Just make sure you put these events in your calendar before it’s too late.

5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (January 27-February 2)

CKPgh January Guest Chef Dinner feat. Chef Mike Godlewski from EYV

January 28, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

Chef Mike Godlewski from EYV (Eat Your Veggies) Restaurant hosts a Guest Chef Dinner that you won’t want to miss. Start the year off with a delectable multicourse vegetarian feast. This evening will showcase the artistry of plant-based cuisine with innovative dishes like Rutabaga Haluski and a unique take on Cabbage Pastrami.

Life of Pi

January 28-February 2, Benedum Center

Prepare to be amazed by this Tony Award-winning masterpiece. Based on the bestselling novel, this breathtaking theatrical experience tells the extraordinary story of a young boy who survives a shipwreck and finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. Look forward to jaw-dropping visuals, world-class puppetry, and exquisite stagecraft in this powerful story.

Speakers Series: Oren Etzioni

January 29, Heinz Hall

Meet Oren Etzioni, a true visionary in the field of Artificial Intelligence. As the founding CEO of the Allen Institute for AI, one of the most respected research institutions in the field, Etzioni has partnered with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to push the boundaries of AI development. Hear his story and his views on developing technology. 

My Sister’s Lipstick

January 30-31, New Hazlett Theater

My Sister’s Lipstick is a poignant exploration of isolation, queer representation, and the enduring power of human connection. This intimate play tells the story of George, who retreats from the world, seeking solace in solitude. As George grapples with internal struggles, their sister, Morrison, yearns for their return.

Shostakovich’s Final Symphony

January 31-February 2, Heinz Hall

Shostakovich’s Final Symphony, composed in 1971, offers a poignant reflection on his life and career. This intensely personal and passionate work is an exploration of the human condition, featuring unexpected quotes from the music of Rossini, Glinka, and Wagner, alongside references to his own earlier work.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of EYV (Eat Your Veggies) Restaurant

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Derek Mossman Comes to Pittsburgh’s Solera Wine Co

By
Emma Riva
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Winemaker Derek Mossman with bottles of his wine.

Derek Mossman found both wine and love in Chile. The Canadian-born winemaker came to South America to ski and explore, then met his wife, Pilar, and founded Garage Wine Co alongside oenologist Dr. Alvaro Peña. Now, Mossman (and his wines) will make their way from the Chilean mountains to the Alleghenies to share quality Chilean wine at the newly opened Solera Wine Co in Pittsburgh. Mossman will be in the shop on January 21 from 5PM to 8PM pouring a selection of his wines, also for sale by the bottle in the shop. 

Derek Mossman Comes to Pittsburgh’s Solera Wine Co

Pittsburgh is, as Solera Wine Co owner Tyler Borne delicately put it, “not the sexiest wine city.” Pennsylvania as a whole has to contend with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), the single largest buyer of wine and spirits in the world. Essentially, the state owns and controls the purchase of liquor. Non-state stores can only sell spirits made in Pennsylvania, hence the reason stores like Pennsylvania Libations exist. Independent wine shops like Solera can operate, but they have to wrangle through a complex bureaucracy: Prohibition era governor Gifford Pinchot laid it all on the table when he said that he wanted to “discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible.”

Prohibition only ended in 1933—less than a hundred years ago—and it still has its claws in Pennsylvania. Wine shops like Solera and western Pennsylvania importers like Alyssa McGrath of Skurnik Wines (which represents Garage Wine Co) are working to change that, particularly in the western side of the state.

McGrath is a seasoned beverage director who’s gone to battle with PLCB many times. She wanted to “spread the good word for Garage Wine Co” and plan a day of work together with Mossman in the city. Solera seemed like a good fit for a collaborator. “The city needed another great, comfortable little wine bar and bottle shop where you can get value wines from underrepresented regions,” she said. “Regions like Chile, Turkey, Lebanon, Croatia, and Albania are not on the map like France, Italy, and Spain, so these wines have more value and winemakers can do more experimentation.”

Good Wine, Good People, Good Stories

For Tyler Borne, Mossman’s arrival was a match as good as a glass of País with a plate of tapas. Borne loves Chilean wine and felt Mossman perfectly aligned with Solera’s mission of “good wine, good people, and good stories.” Borne said that “Our shop is really focused on wines made the right way. Not necessarily ‘natural’ wine—I don’t like that term, because it’s more of a style than a clear definition—but for us, if you’re spraying or adding fertilizer, it needs to be for a good reason. And those reasons shouldn’t be bigger yields and lower costs.”

Garage Wine Co lined up with this mission. It has quality grapes, a friendly and approachable winemaker at its helm, and a great story. As the name suggest, Mossman literally founded it in a garage. He’s also made his property a refuge for stray dogs in Chile, McGrath said. Skurnik Wines representatives got to see how Mossman’s interest in giving back and doing good extends beyond winemaking when they visited and played with the many dogs he and Pilar take care of.

Meet Semillón and País

So, what will Mossman actually be pouring at Solera? One of the highlights is their skin-contact Isidore Vineyard Semillón. “Semillón is a grape usually known in blends, never the star of the show,” Borne explained. “But it seems to have really found a home in Chile. The whole gist of our wine list is to take familiar varietals or flavors and introduce people to something new. Most people have had Semillón at some point but might not realize it.”

Borne tentatively named País, which Garage Wine Co also grows, as “his favorite grape in the world.” País, also called the Mission grape, came to Chile with the conquistadors in the fifteenth century and now grows all over the world. “I absolutely adore País. It does such a good job of showcasing terroir. It can be something completely different depending on the vineyard. I think everyone should drink it,” Borne said.

Wine Beyond Gatekeeping

Mossman will have more than País and Semillón, but those are the ones Borne is most excited for Pittsburghers to try. Part of why he and business partner Aaron Gottesman started Solera in November 2024 was because they couldn’t find things at Fine Wines & Good Spirits that suited their more eclectic palates. If your only exposure to Chilean wine is Frontera, you should run, not walk, to Mossman’s evening at Solera.

McGrath hopes Mossman’s visit to Pittsburgh as part of his “Northeast Tour” will inspire people to think more about smaller, family-run wineries like the ones Skurnik represents. “Generally, when you’re dealing family-run wineries, everything leans on the success of the vintage. As it’s going into vinification and aging from start to finish, it’s their baby,” she said. To put it in a Pittsburgher context, McGrath compared it to getting a pastry from La Gourmandine or Madeleine’s versus a name-brand cookie at the grocery store.

Borne and Gottman hope to do more events like Mossman’s evening of tasting in the future. “Wine as a community can at times be very gatekept,” Borne said. “We don’t like that. We don’t want to gatekeep anything. Not wine, not winemakers, not knowledge.”

Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Garage Wine Co

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5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (February 3-9)

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
Three men in black dress clothes and a woman in a black dress hold instruments as they stand on stone stairs in front of a doorway.

As we venture into the romantic month of February, the opportunities for events in Pittsburgh expand. And, you don’t have to be in a couple to take in the fun. Before the chaos of Valentine’s Day and its weekend, take the chance to explore a part of the city you may not have seen before. This week’s events happen everywhere from Mellon Park to Sewickley, and even over in Westmoreland. Who knows, you could find your new favorite part of Pittsburgh and a few hidden gems as well. 

5 Pittsburgh Events This Week (February 3-9)

Yoga For Gardeners: Flowing Through Change

February 3, 10, 17, and 24, Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

February’s theme for Phipps’ Yoga For Gardeners series emphasizes adaptability. This session encourages students to embrace life’s transitions with grace and ease. The physical practice will focus on fluid movement. Practices include incorporating breath-linked vinyasa flows, sun salutations, and mobility-focused sequences that enhance range of motion and build body control.

Folk February

February 7, Sweetwater Center for the Arts

For the third year, Sweetwater Center for the Arts is inviting you to relax in their space with the sounds of vibrant folk music. This series brings together the community by featuring various live music acts in a celebration of the arts. For this installation, the folk group Buffalo Rose takes the Sweetwater stage. 

Piffaro: The Bassanos, From Renaissance Italy to Tudor England

February 8, Calvary Episcopal Church

This Renaissance wind ensemble performance delves into the rich history of musical immigration, tracing the journey of an Italian and likely Jewish family of wind players who moved to England during the reign of Henry VIII. Witness Piffaro explore one of the most potent examples of musical immigration in 16th-century Europe in one of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful churches. 

Our Own Work, Our Own Way: Southern Modern Women Artists Exhibition

February 9-May 18, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

Featuring over 40 artists, including renowned figures like Anni Albers and Elaine de Kooning, this new exhibition spans the mid-20th century, showcasing the diverse artistic expressions of these remarkable women. Our Own Work, Our Own Way seeks to rectify historical oversights and honor the unique perspectives and enduring legacies of these influential artists.

Galentine’s Day Fashion Show and Brunch

February 9, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh

Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a stylish celebration of women-owned businesses. Enjoy a captivating fashion show featuring stunning looks from Boutique Blue, 306 Forbes, and Magnolia on Main, providing inspiration for your own wardrobe. Savor a delicious brunch while you shop for unique accessories from these Pittsburgh boutiques.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Piffaro

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