5 Pittsburgh Events This Weekend (December 30-January 5)

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December 20, 2024

A little girl in overalls looks at a penguin swimming in an aquarium tank.

It’s a New Year in Pittsburgh which means more opportunities to immerse yourself into cultural, food, and nature events this weekend that energize the city. Start your year off right by getting out of the house and exploring all parts of the city. Maybe you’ll take the family on a winter nature walk. Or, maybe you’ll take a step forward in your career with a networking brunch.

5 Pittsburgh Events This Weekend (December 30-January 5)

Winter Camp

December 30, National Aviary

Give you and your kiddo a break from the time at home this holiday break. The National Aviary is offering an opportunity to learn the behind the scenes of their birds. This perfect cure to boredom includes 6 hours of guided learning sessions, interactive activities, and up-close encounters all while exploring the facility.

Roger Humphries Celebrates Ray Charles

December 31, Byham Theater

Celebrate the legendary music of Ray Charles in a concert led by the iconic drummer Roger Humphries. Listen to the original arrangements that he personally played with the Ray Charles Big Band. You’ll experience the soulful blend of blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel that made Ray Charles a true musical icon thanks to Roger Humphries’ 16-person Big Band.

Burt Bacharach Brunch feat. Katie Simone and Friends

January 1, City Winery

Sip a glass of the finest wines in the world while rejoicing in the company of Burt Bacharach’s music. Katie Simone and Friends will perform some of this musical genius’ greatest hits like I Say A Little Prayer and What The World Needs Now is Love. You can even take part in the brunch buffet full of carving stations, eggs, bacon, and much more.

Muffins, Mimosas and a Movie Networking Brunch

January 4, COhatch Waterfront

Get the career inspiration you need while networking with professionals and enjoying muffins, coffee, tea, fruit and mimosas. After a period of connecting with others and tasting the selections, you’ll sit down to a thought-provoking film. Stick around for a discussion about the film and further networking opportunities.

Family Nature Hike at Powdermill

January 4, Powdermill Nature Reserve

Discover the beauty of the winter season and start your New Year off on a healthy foot with a guided nature walk at Powdermill Nature Center. Explore the trails, observe wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem that contributes to the community. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and offers a chance to connect with nature as a family.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of National Aviary

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An Italian Affair 2024

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 20, 2024

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A man in a blue suit smiles next to a man in a black suit who is holding an obscenely large bottle of Il Borro wine.

On November 1, 2024 Pittsburgh’s Omni William Penn Hotel transformed into a haven of Italian elegance. An Italian Affair event, presented by Medici Importers Global and TABLE Magazine, featuring Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro wines, was a captivating evening of wine, food, and culture. Guests were treated to an exclusive tasting of some of Italy’s finest wines from Il Borro, Castello di Montepò, and Giusti, each expertly paired with delectable culinary creations by Executive Chef Rommel Guevara. As Pittsburgh Opera singers serenaded the crowd, attendees immersed themselves in the beauty and sophistication of Italian culture.

An Italian Affair in Pittsburgh

A group of men, two in blue suits, two in black suits, and one in a green suit jacket stand together and smile.

A man in a black suit jacket and bowtie sits with a woman in a black and red dress leaning back against him with her arm around a man in a red suit jacket.

A man in a grey suit and yellow tie stands next to a woman in a black dress, both with wine glasses in hand.

Two men in grey suits, one with a tie, one with a bowtie, stand with glasses of champagne in their hands.

Two women laugh out loud with a man and another woman in the background, all in black and white.

A woman in a black dress with her hair in a ponytail sits at a table, clapping her hands.

A man tastes a small sample of wine from a wine glass.

Two women in dresses stand on both sides of an older man in a black suit and tie.

A man in a black suit jacket and tie smiles with a woman in all black.

A woman in a pink dress grabs onto the suit jacket of a man.

A man in a suit jacket has a woman in a black dress holding on to him.

A man in a green suit stands with a woman in black, and two other men in blue suits.

Two large bottles of Il Borro wine sit next to each other as a man in a black suit handles one.

A woman with blonde hair and a black lace top smiles for the camera.

A group of three men and two women speak to each other.

A man in a green suit jacket smiles with a man in a black dress, a man in a blue suit, another woman in a white and black dress, and a man in a dark blue suit.

A man with an orange tie smiles with a woman in a black dress.

A man in a grey suit jacket with a glass of wine leans down to smile with a woman in a black dress.

Two women stand with a man in a suit jacket and tie between them.

A man in a blue suit shakes hands with a man in a black suit as another man and woman watch the two.

A man in a black suit jacket holds up a small cup of coffee with a small plate in his other hand.

A man in a blue jacket side hugs a woman in a black jacket with white accents.

A man in a grey suit jacket and blue tie holds a large bottle of wine in between a woman in a black dress and a man in a dark blue suit jacket.

A man in a black suit jacket and glass of wine in hand poses with a woman in a black dress who has her hand on his jacket.

A large ballroom with chandeliers holds many people sitting at large rectangular tables filled with wine glasses.

A man in a black suit jacket and tie talks to a man in a red suit jacket sitting at a table while a woman beside them cuts her meal on her plate.

A woman tastes from a large wine glass while a man cuts his meal at the table.

A man in a black suit and glasses smiles next to a woman in a black shirt.

A man in a black suit jacket stands with his hand on a beige chair next to a man sitting with a bowtie on.

A man in a black suit jacket looks at a folder full of wine options as he sips from a wine glass.

Two women and a man smile in warm candlelight at a table with wine glasses.

A man in a blue suit jacket rests his elbows on a white table.

Three women smile while sitting at a table, wine glasses in hand.

A man in a dark blue suit jacket and bowtie with glasses laughs hard.

A man in a black suit jacket smiles and talks to a woman in a black dress with blonde hair and a tattoo.

People sitting at tables with wine glasses and candles look up towards the ceiling of a ballroom.

People sit at a candlelit table with wine glasses on them and clap their hands.

Three women in black dresses, each holding a wine glass stand with three men in different colored suit jackets.

Two women in black dresses with wine glasses in their left hand stand with three men in suit jackets.

A woman in black hugs on to a man in a black suit jacket.

A man in a black suit and a woman in a black dress smile in front of a huge room full of people sitting down at tables.

A man in a black suit jacket stands with his hands on a man's shoulders sitting in front of him with a woman on his right and another man on his left.

A group of three women in dresses and five men in suit jackets stand arm and arm behind a table scattered with wine glasses.

A group of three men in black suit jackets and three women in dresses stand together in a ballroom.

A man in a black suit and a man in a blue suit with a glass of wine and a microphone speak to one another over a podium.

A person holds the stem of a wine glass on a table amongst other glasses of wine.

A woman in a red dress and a woman in a black dress smile in front of a red print curtain.

A man in a grey suit jacket stands behind a woman in a black and green dress who is sitting in a chair.

A black and white photo of a man with a jacket and bowtie next to a woman in a tank top style dress.

Two women, one in a blue dress with pearls, and another in a black dress with a simple gold chain, smile together.

A man in a black suit jacket with a white flower pinned to it smiles with a woman in a black dress.

A man in a black suit jacket and tie smiles with a woman in a black dress with a bunch of wine glasses sitting in front of them.

Two women in matching black dresses smile together at a table.

A man in a blue suit smiles with a woman in a black dress.

A group of 8 people sit at a white rectangular table with wine glasses and plates of food scattered throughout.

A group of people at a rectangular candlelit table sip on different wines sat around their plates of food.

A bunch of rectangular tables with people sitting at them sit underneath a huge chandelier on the ceiling.

A man in a dark blue suit uses a microphone as he talks to a room full of people.

A man in a dark blue suit claps his hands under a gold balcony and screen.

A variety of partially filled wine glasses sit on a candlelit table around a folder with a red seal.

A variety of barely filled wine glasses sit on a pale green table with purple lights coming down in the back.

Two women in black dresses smile and sing from a gold balcony as a man in a blue suit watches.

A man looks at a folder which displays TABLE Magazine and Medici staff.

A man in a blue suit sings from the balcony of a high class regency room.

A woman in a black dress smiles and holds a champagne glass amongst other persons in black dress clothes.

A woman in a colorful red and purple dress stands with a man in a black jacket holding a champagne glass and a woman in a black suit jacket.

A woman in a purple dress leans against a wall as her reflection sits on the wall to the right.

A woman in a black dress smiles with a man in a grey, plaid style suit jacket and blue undershirt.

A man in a black suit jacket and tie stands next to a woman in a black suit jacket and another woman beside her in a black suit jacket.

Three men in a green jacket, black jacket, and blue jacket stand together, smiling.

A man in a blue suit holds a very large bottle of Il Borro wine over his head.

Two men in dark blue suits stand on both sides of a woman in a polka dot dress and a suit jacket over her shoulders.

Three men, two in blue suits and one in black stand with smiles and wine glasses in hand.

A variety of wrapped and unwrapped wine bottles sits on a black table with wood boxes behind them and people mingling in the background.

A man in a dark blue jacket holds a glass of wine next to a woman in a black dress with white pearl necklaces.

A man in a black suit jacket and white bowtie holds a glass of wine on a black table by the bottom of its stem.

Two younger men stand with champagne glasses in hand next to a man in a black suit.

A man in a black suit jacket smiles with his arm around a woman in a black dress.

A black envelop sits on a table with a red seal on it that says Medici.

On a black plate sits roasted quash blossoms with tiny edible flowers in red, yellow, and green placed on top delicately.

Various black bottles of wine with red, silver, and purple tops sit on top of wooden boxes. A wine glass sits on top of one of the wooden boxes while another has wine poured into it from the table.

A semicircle of shrimp, lobster, and gains sits on a black textured plate with another plate peaking in from the top.

A collage of four white spoons with fresh veggies in them, three wood bowls with crab cakes and white and yellow flowers, four round appetizer bites on a black plate, and four cracker appetizer bites on a rectangular black tray.

Three brown wood bowls hold lumps of cake cakes with a yellow sauce over top and white and yellow edible flowers.

Four rectangular crackers sit on a black background with a salsa mix of vegetables topped on each.

Four small round appetizer bites topped with yellow and red edible flowers sits on a black plate on a black background.

Three white spoons sit on a black plate holding slices of white and pink round vegetables with a pink edible flower on top.

Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Try These Restaurants for Clean Eating in Pittsburgh

By

Emma Riva

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December 17, 2024

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A set of plates on a table at EYV, a hotbed for clean eating

After the you’ve hefted the last big holiday meal onto your plate and poured the last glass of champagne, maybe you want to clear your system out with some cleaner eating. January is the time when gym memberships skyrocket, 27% of people cut out alcohol, and we all try to be a little healthier. The challenge, though, is that the dismal weather in Pittsburgh and post-holiday depression can make you want to do anything but behave with self-discipline. Luckily, eating more vegetables and more foods from more organic sources can still be an epicurean pleasure, and doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality.

What is “Clean Eating” Anyway?

When we say clean eating, we don’t necessarily mean cutting out everything you love. Rather, clean eating “focuses on eating whole foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.” So it means less processed, less salt, less sugar, more vegetables. Clean eating doesn’t always mean vegan, either, because despite meat often being one of the most processed foods, meat is a natural part of the human diet. And what’s advertised as healthy isn’t always the closest to its natural state: A protein bar is much more processed than a slice of Pecorino cheese or an egg. Protein bars aren’t bad for you, per se, but if you’re focused on eliminating preservatives, you have to look at the whole picture. For this list of Pittsburgh clean eating, we’ve focused not just on vegan or organic on the outside, but the quality of the food and its sources.

Try These Restaurants for Clean Eating in Pittsburgh

EYV

424 East Ohio Street

EYV is vegan, but their focus isn’t on replacement meats. Instead, the restaurant, whose name stands for “Eat Your Veggies”, is a vegetable-forward dining experience that elevates a food group usually relegated to a side. They have an inventive, upscale approach to vegetables and specifically make a point to source everything from local farms. Cute and creative dishes like the “oyster mushrooms as oysters” make eating vegetables into an adventure rather than a chore.

Apteka

4606 Penn Avenue

Apteka is a vegan restaurant that doesn’t bill itself as such. Now, if you’re in the Pittsburgh food scene and haven’t heard of Apteka, it’s likely you live under a rock, but in case you haven’t, it’s an Eastern European restaurant that’s all-vegan. One thing to watch out for, though: there is a lot of gluten on the menu—but the good news is that it’s all sustainable sources. They make almost everything in-house, including all the drink cordials, so you get a curated and healthy experience.

Fet-Fisk

4786 Liberty Avenue

Perhaps you think, hold the phone, the restaurant where you’re eating blackberry chicken and cavatelli is a clean eating restaurant? But, as covered above, clean eating isn’t just about a specific diet. It’s about whole, natural foods, and organic sources. Lean protein like fish, Fet-Fisk’s specialty, is also rich in nutrients. Fet-Fisk’s menu has very minimal gluten, and I’ve never walked away from a meal there feeling unwell or doubtful about what I ate. Chef-owner Nik Forsberg has worked on a number of farms and part of the restaurant’s concept is Appalachian agriculture.

Playa Bowls

1707 Smallman Street

The açai bowls you can get at Playa Bowls are healthy, indulgent, and Instagram-worthy. Açai is a superfood with its makeup of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats—another element of seeking out clean eating is to embrace that fats aren’t a bad thing. Fats in foods like avocado, dark chocolate, or eggs are helpful to the body. Açai bowls and their cousin, Pitaya bowls, are chock-full of nutrients and make for a nice treat.

Allegro Hearth Bakery

2034 Murray Avenue

If you are craving sweeter or more carbs, Allegro Hearth is a great option where you’re not just buying wrapped-up store-bought bread or cookies. They’re a 100% plant-based facility and use all organic flour, plus they use their own sourdough starter for all of their breads. Now, at the end of the day, you’re eating wheat and sugar, but wheat and simple sugars are naturally occurring ingredients. It’s all about how you use them and how aware you are as a consumer.

Roots Natural Kitchen

3610 Forbes Avenue

The “bowl” can be a good way to hit a ton of food groups at once, with easy preparation. For me, part of the benefit of a restaurant like Roots is to go there, see what they put in their bowls, and then incorporate it into your home cooking for a quick-and-easy meal. Their Oakland location makes for a great on the go, healthy snack on the way to the Carnegie Museums or Phipps Conservatory.

Clean Eatz

20436 Rte 19 #610

Besides their restaurant service, Cranberry-based Clean Eatz also offers weekly meal prep plans with a menu that goes live every Tuesday. While you can eat in at their café, you can get grab’n go protein smoothies and healthy snacks to encourage a more protein and nutrient-rich diet.

Don’t like any of these options and want to cook at home? TABLE’s salad recipes offer luxurious, vegetable-forward meals. But don’t fret. Soon, it’ll be summer and time to sip spritzes and indulge in ice cream all over again.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of EYV

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Find a Pop of Color in Pittsburgh as the Days Get Darker

By

Emma Riva

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December 17, 2024

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A red room where Catalina Schliebener Muñoz's exhibition is on display at the Mattress Factory. The legs of a raggedy Andy doll sit in the center, providing a pop of color in the Pittsburgh winter

Daylight savings time is here, and as the blue skies fade into that gray that could be the official color of Pittsburgh for much of the year, maybe you’re craving happier hues. The lack of natural light can make you feel sad and sluggish, and as the leave fall off the trees, the one thing that makes fall less gloomy falls away with them. We’ve got some suggestions to put a pop of color into the gray.

Find a Pop of Color in Pittsburgh as the Days Get Darker

Sensory Overload at Mattress Factory’s Monterrey Annex

In the Mattress Factory’s Monterrey Annex, Catalina Schliebener Muñoz, Marvin Touré, and Isla Hansen’s installation spaces are overwhelmingly colorful. All three take inspiration from nostalgia and cartoon aesthetics, and the greens, purples, and reds both artists are meant to conjure make-believe and whimsy. We could all use a little bit of that right now.

See the Flowers at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation

Tucked away in the Carnegie Mellon library, the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation is featuring forty-six international artists’ drawings of plants from around the world through mid-December. If you miss spring flowers, ducking into the Hunt Institute is a great, totally free way to get that pop of color your mind is looking for.

Spend a Day at Phipps Conservatory

But you can also see actual plants, even out of season ones, at nearby Phipps Conservatory in Oakland. The holiday display is always full of twinkling lights. The orchid room is also a surefire mood-lifter with the brightness and elegance of the flowers. Or, wander the desert room, if you really miss summer that much. Just don’t touch the cacti.

Cheer Yourself Up with a Colorful Meal at Lilith

The soft, pink lighting inside Lilith, Mediterranean-chic tableware and bar, and colorful cocktails and dish presentation always cheer me up. Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano curate a space that feels cozy and happy. It’s hard to feel the winter blues while sipping on a hot pink cocktail from bartender Landon Frame and eating a yuca pierogi on a floral pink and white plate.

Take a Walk to The Color Park

The name says it all. On the banks of the Monongahela, street artists and graffiti writers have covered the riverfront trail with colorful designs, ranging from full-scale murals to small tags. When the sky is white and the river is gray, the paint looks even more colorful. See, there’s an upside to the gray after all!

Story by Emma Riva
Photo of Catalina Schliebener Muñoz’s work, courtesy of the Mattress Factory

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2024’s New Shop and Restaurant Openings in Pittsburgh

By

Emma Riva

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December 16, 2024

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It’s an exciting time to be in Pittsburgh with tons of new shops and restaurants opening and new opportunities popping up. With help of Pittsburgh real estate star Herky Pollock and some of our own sleuthing, we’ve identified the hottest new shops and restaurants coming to the city. Some of these businesses are already open, but many are upcoming, so keep your eyes for some of these new arrivals.

Want to see what’s happening in 2025? See the hottest openings this year, too.

2024’s Shop and Restaurant Openings in Pittsburgh

Polska Laska

Sharpsburg

Many have enjoyed Olive Visco’s pierogi, haluski, and kielbasa at her popups, but as of this winter, she’s moved into her own space. Right now, you can get 6oz of kielbasa, 5 pierogi, kapusta, and homemade spaetzle Haluski for $25. I’m already on my way over.

Curry Mouth

Coraopolis

This recently opened restaurant just outside of the city celebrates the hospitality of Trinidadian cooking. The owners say “Our mission is to bring you more than just a meal—we want to immerse you in the rich culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and lively spirit of ‘Trini’ life.” Definitely a welcome addition to Pittsburgh!

Title 9

East Liberty

Set to open in February 2025, this women’s sports-themed sports bar is s a side project from Square Café owner Sherree Goldstein. The bar will be in the garage space besides Square Café and show exclusively women’s sports with creative cocktails and bar bites.

Local Remedy Brewing

Oakmont

This brand new brewery and community space had its grand opening on January 3. The owners stated that “Local Remedy Brewing is a passion project – a hobby elevated to a business. We have always been very particular about the way we brew, the ingredients we use, and the beers we offer.” They also promise to donate 1% of their gross sales to local organizations.

Mi Cita

Sewickley

This new bar’s name means “my date” in Spanish and it promises to be as romantic as its nomenclature. This craft cocktail lounge also has a diverse wine list and chef-curated small plates to share with a group of friends or a special someone.

Mary’s Bar

Garfield

This long-awaited glamorous drag and cabaret bar is finally open as of December 2024. Names like Pittsburgh native drag queen Sharon Needles have talked this joint up, and its leopard-print floors, red velour seating, and sumptuous mood lighting do not disappoint.

Latino Spot

Oakland

Pittsburgh just got another Latin American restaurant, this time a buffet in the bustling Oakland neighborhood open as of December 2024. This offshoot of the nearby Colombian Spot has delicious appetizers like loaded fries and yuca bites, plus classic Latin cocktails like caipirinhas and margaritas.

Cucina Vitale

Green Tree

This South Side staple moved to a larger dining room in the suburb of Green Tree. You’ll get the same large portions of family-style Italian meals from the East Carson Street location, just with even more room to enjoy them.

Vintage Max Mercantile

Bellevue

Newly opened as of December 1, this mom-and-pop vintage book and record store in Bellevue is a great option for holiday gifting. They also offer gift cards if you’re not sure what to buy, and holiday storytime for the kids.

Mediterra

Northpointe Circle

You know Mediterra from Mt. Lebanon, and if you don’t, you need to get hip. This café, bakery, restaurant, and Italian gift boutique has just opened a new location in Northpointe Circle so those from the North Hills won’t have to cross two bridges to enjoy it.

Happenstance

Lower Lawrenceville

Happenstance, a European-style café bar, just opened its doors the first weekend in August. They serve woodfired pizza along with café bites, La Prima Coffee, and a robust wine list from Papa Joe’s Wine Cellar.

Camino

Bloomfield

This restaurant has been in pre-opening purgatory for a hot minute, but signage on Liberty Avenue suggests it will be coming soon from Juan and Danielle Grimaldo of Tocayo. Construction started earlier this year, so fingers crossed!

Rockaway Pizzeria

Regent Square

This maker of “authentic New York style pizza” from just outside of the city in White Oak will soon be expanding to Regent Square. The new location will be right across the street from local favorite Hemlock House.

Arhaus

Robinson, Wexford

High-end furniture store Arhaus has expanded northward from Shadyside into Robinson and Wexford. In Wexford, you can find it in the Pine Tree Shoppes mall and in Robinson, it’s right beside Armina Stone.

Playa Bowls

Strip District

Pittsburgh’s first Playa Bowls location will soon be open at The Terminal in the Strip District. Keep summer alive any time of year with the healthy and refreshing options available from this wellness-forward franchise.

Barnes & Noble

East End

Book lovers will soon no longer need to drive to Homestead, Waterworks, Cranberry, or South Hills Junction in order to shop at Barnes & Noble. As part of The Meridian in East Liberty, the East End will be getting a new Barnes & Noble location.

Shabu Shabu

Robinson

A hotpot restaurant will be coming to Old Navy Plaza in Robinson. This is the sixth all-you-can-eat hotpot and Korean barbecue spot to open in Pittsburgh in 2024—a welcome addition the city’s food scene!

Kyuramen

Cranberry and East End

This nationally known ramen franchise is opening in Pittsburgh in 2025. Kyuramen serves high quality noodles devised by a founder devoted to both quality and accessibility in ramen.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers

East End

Layne’s Chicken Fingers’s newest location on Baum Boulevard in December 2024 mark the third location in Pittsburgh. Since the success of their other East End location and South Side outpost, this marks a further proliferation of the nationally-known delicious chicken tender brand in Pittsburgh.

Spigolo

Regent Square

This coffeeshop in Regent Square opened in 2024 and gives you all the cozy vibes, with gluten free pastries along with espresso drinks and scenic outdoor seating.

Uncorked

Sharpsburg

Try a new wine and jazz bar in Sharpsburg that hopes to honor the city’s rich musical tradition while offering light bites, cocktails, and a varied wine list.

Braddock Public House

Braddock

Brew Gentlemen, a Braddock-based tasting room focused on local beers, is expanding into a larger pub space in a historic building that once housed one of America’s first indoor car dealerships, Superior Chevrolet. It’s set to open this summer with the goal of bringing more foot traffic and some economic revitalization to the Braddock area.

Solera

Lawrenceville

A new wine bar and wine shop comes to Butler Street this fall, with a grand opening October 25. Solera will also be serving cheese plates and snacks from nearby Chantal’s Cheeses.

Torogoz

Sewickley

A “contemporary Latin cookery” in Sewickley known for shareable plates, flavor-forward dishes, and great wines. They’re opening up a brick-and-mortar restaurant in town this fall, though no precise date has been announced yet.

Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

Homestead

The national milkshake brand will be adding one of its dessert eateries to The Waterfront shopping complex by the Monongahela River in Homestead.

Madeleine George

Shadyside

Madeleine George comes from the two founders seeing a gap in the market for high-end women’s fashion in Pittsburgh. They’re devoted to “unique finds, high-demand staples and uncompromising style at a variety of price points that fit into any budget.” They’re moving from Ellsworth Avenue to Walnut Street, across from Glassworks.

Mezeh

South Fayette

Mezeh is a Lebanese regional mid-Atlantic chain whose only other Pennsylvania location so far is in State College. It will be coming to The Piazza, a new South Fayette 8-acre retail development this coming year.

Shake Shack

East End

Pittsburgh got its first Shake Shack in the Strip District, and people lost their minds. There were lines out the door for the milkshakes and burgers from this New York-based chain founded by famed restauranteur Danny Meyer. In 2025, Shadyside and East Liberty residents get one closer to home in new development The Meridian.

Von Maur

South Hills

Iowa-based department store Von Maur opens its first location in Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh this summer in the former Sears location in South Hills Village. This will be a two-level department store offering the popular brands and superior customer service Von Maur is known for in the Midwest.

Paris Baguette

Shadyside

Korean bakery Paris Baguette is eye-ing a location in Shadyside’s shopping district, Walnut Street. No opening date has been released yet but there’s visible signage. After the success of fellow Korean bakery Tous Les Jours in nearby East Liberty, Paris Baguette is sure to follow in its footsteps in another high-traffic area.

Picket Fence

Sewickley

Picket Fence, Shadyside gift and clothing boutique, is expanding its reach to a second, larger location just outside downtown Pittsburgh in Sewickley. Their grand opening will be September 7, and the owner is looking forward to expand their offering into special events.

Brothmonger

Bloomfield

Longtime local favorite Brothmonger has just opened physical space to make and sell her soup in Bloomfield at 4770 Liberty Avenue as a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Louis Anthony Jewelers

Nemacolin, Laurel Highlands

This beloved Pittsburgh luxury jeweler is opening its first resort location in Nemacolin’s Laurel Highlands resort. It will be inside The Chateau, Nemacolin’s recenly renovated hotel. The new store plans to feature one-of-a-kind curated items as well as luxury timepieces.

Cilantro & Ajo

Lawrenceville

The South Side-based Venezuelan street food restaurant, owned by couple Anthony Goncalves and Marlyn Parra, will bring their arepas and cachapas to a second location right beside Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. This will be a Pittsburgh restaurant opening not to miss.

Story by Emma Riva and Herky Pollock
Photo courtesy of Arhaus

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Seven Fishes Recipes with Chefs Gary Klinefelter and Chris O’Brien

By

Abdul Rafay

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December 13, 2024

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Two professional chefs posing in a kitchen, one with tattoos, preparing for an Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition. — Chef Chris O'Brien (left) and Chef Gary Klinefelter (right)

Two chefs, one with German roots, the other Irish-Ukrainian, walk into the kitchen of a restaurant housed in what looks like a French chateau. What do they cook? The Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian American Christmas Eve tradition, of course!

The Seven Fishes with Chefs Gary Klinefelter and Chris O’Brien

It’s not as unusual as it might seem. Gary Klinefelter works with Chefs Helping Chefs International to assist great kitchens in becoming even greater. Chris O’Brien, chef-owner at Hyeholde, is married to an Italian American who has fond memories of her childhood holiday feasts. “My wife has wanted to do this for a long time,” says Chef Chris, who hosted the event at Hyeholde in Moon Township.

Brodetto di Pesce (Tomato Seafood Stew)

Unlike stereotypical dueling chefs, these veteran restaurateurs with very different culinary styles seamlessly created a memorable holiday meal for a dozen guests. It’s easy to collaborate, the chefs agree, when you’ve known each other since North Hills High School and your wives (Chris’s wife is Jen; Gary’s is Lauren), have been friends “forever.” Both men were high school athletes who knew early on they wanted to cook. In pre-Food Network days, they watched Julia Child and read Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volumes I & II.

Grilled Octopus and Warm Potato Salad

“I grew up in a family that was continuously running back and forth to sports, so we never had a ton of family dinners,” says Chris. “Maybe one reason I enjoy food so much is because it brings people together.” Gary started out washing dishes in a restaurant to pay for his expensive ski equipment.

Seafood with Pancetta and Caramelized Fennel

Post-high school, they pursued degrees, apprenticeships, and increasingly important cooking jobs in venues and cities around the world before returning to Pittsburgh. Back home, they each played a role in helping to build a nationally recognized food culture.

What is The Feast of the Seven Fishes?

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is not on any official church calendars and there is no agreement on its significance. Some say it refers to the Seven Deadly Sins or the Seven Hills of Rome; others think it represents the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church or the Seven Days of the Week. In all likelihood, it was the invention of early 20th century Italian immigrants to the United States who were creating new traditions in their new homeland, while fondly remembering what they loved about the culture that raised them. Historical details aside, Seven Fishes is a much-loved tradition celebrated in homes and restaurants across our country.

Fried Calamari and Smelts

For Chris and Gary’s feast, the guests were an extension of family—Hyeholde staff. The requisite long hours and teamwork mean “sometimes you have more of a relationship with your work family than your actual family,” Chris says.

Having worked together before, the chefs have an easy rhythm. They begin by brainstorming on the phone. “We kind of divide things up,” says Chris. “Gary takes a course. I take a course. I say, ‘I’m thinking about doing this.’ He says, ‘Awesome, I’ll do something different.’ It’s fun. We go back to the drawing board, and then it’s I’ll see you on the day of.”

The Hyeholde on a winter afternoon.

Bringing Intimacy to a Feast

Their goal for the feast was to create a warm family gathering by serving upscale but not intimidating takes on the classic ingredients, such as smelts, clams, mussels, halibut, shrimp, anchovies, calamari and scallops. “We wanted homey, rustic food,” says Chris. “Good food done with integrity that might look fancy on a plate, but nothing you couldn’t do by yourself.” Adds Gary, “We did mostly traditional items but put our twist on them. Everything was approachable, not too too crazy!”

On the aforementioned day of, Gary prepped his dishes and brought what he needed to Hyeholde. Then, he and Chris started cooking and tasting each other’s stuff. “More times than not, there’s a lot of stress making sure you get every detail done,” says Chris, “but we just took a deep breath and had fun.”

They couldn’t join their guests at the table, but they heard plenty of “Wows,” both from Italian Americans familiar with the tradition, as well as first-timers. In addition to the gorgeous presentation of the fishes, an artfully decorated table, candlelight, and softly falling snow outside the window upped the essence. And, of course, there was plenty of wine.

Scungili Salad and Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Going Beyond the Meal

Months later, when they were interviewed for this article, neither chef remembered what he had cooked — they needed pictures to remind them. “It wasn’t about any one dish,” explains Gary. “I loved the food, but honestly, it’s the friendship and camaraderie that Chris and I have working together. The mutual respect. It’s magical.” Chris says he‘d cook this meal on a Sunday for friends. That means, with a little extra effort, you can probably do it, too.

Broiled Lobster Tails and Fresh Pasta

The Menu at Gary Klinefelter and Chris O’Brien’s Feast of the Seven Fishes

Brodetto di Pesce (Tomato Seafood Stew)

Grilled Octopus and Warm Potato Salad

Seafood with Pancetta and Caramelized Fennel

Scungili Salad

Roasted Lemon Potatoes

Broiled Lobster Tails with Pernod Sauce and Fresh Pasta

Fried Calamari and Smelts

Story by Susan Fleming Morgans
Food by Chef Gary Klinefelter, Helping Chefs International, and Chef Chris O’Brien, Hyeholde
Styling by Anna Franklin
Production by Star Laliberte
Photography by Joey Kennedy
Shot on location at Hyeholde
Featured image by Cody Baker

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Where to Buy the Perfect Stocking Stuffers in Pittsburgh

By

Kylie Thomas

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December 13, 2024

0

Four white stockings hang from a rope, each stuffed with wrapped presents.

The holidays are upon us, and the pressure is on to find the perfect stocking stuffers for your loved ones before time runs out. Fear not, fellow gift-givers! Pittsburgh is a treasure trove of unique shops brimming with quirky finds and locally-made treasures. From eccentric gift shops to charming bookstores, this city is a haven for stocking stuffer inspiration. So ditch the department store monotony and get ready to discover some truly special and memorable gifts that will make this holiday season extra festive.

Where to Buy the Perfect Stocking Stuffers in Pittsburgh

Kards Unlimited

There’s something to be said about Kards Unlimited. This store truly has just about everything you could imagine for gift giving and so much more. Shop through aisles of books, stationary materials, shirts, mugs, tote bags, desk accessories, and bumper stickers. Plus, their selection of greeting cards spans from classic designs to unique sayings and jokes.

Songbird Artistry

Handmade jewelry, soaps, and custom apparel line the walls of Songbird Artistry. You may recognize this shop from their stall at the People’s Gas Holiday Market in Market Square. Not only will you find Pittsburgh themed earrings and soap but you’ll also browse pop culture reference pieces like Disney characters and other figures.

Love, Pittsburgh

If your family has a soft spot for Pittsburgh, this is the ultimate place for all things pierogies, Steelers, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for a candle that smells like the city’s famous cookie tables or a bookmark with the city’s skyline, they have everything to make your little yinzer heart beat with joy.

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

Is grandma always talking about an old school candy she can no longer find? Head out to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop to find retro candies you forgot about and exclusive types from other countries. They also carry a number of little gifts you won’t find elsewhere like Mr. Rogers Encourage-Mints or a gag gift that’ll have the whole room laughing.

Caliban Book Shop

Nothing says care and thoughtfulness like picking out a book from a bookstore. Carefully selecting the perfect work for someone takes an extreme amount of reflection. The best part about Caliban Book Shop is that they carry both used books and new books on their Karen’s Book Row. This way you’re sure to find the best book to stuff their stocking with.

Wildcard

This gift shop has a little something for even the hardest person to gift on your list. Their capacity for stocking stuffers houses fun sock designs, cute tote bags, Pittsburgh keychains, and so much more. Plus, if you need to pick up one or two more big gifts on your list, they have shirts and other accessories for everyday life.

Mon Aimee Chocolat

Who doesn’t love to open their stocking to find a box of chocolates sitting on top? Mon Aimee Chocolat specializes in handcrafted chocolates, some of which even come from other countries. These exquisite pieces come in classics like milk and dark or other varieties like almond bark, malt balls, and bon bons.

Pennsylvania Macaroni Company

For the culinary lover in your life, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company carries imported and specialty foods and beverages that anyone would love to receive. Pick them up a special jar of olives for their stocking or maybe even a block of fresh cheese with a cheese knife to accompany it.

Museum Gift Shops

Another great place to pick up stocking stuffers is at the museum stores stationed throughout the city. Check out our article on must-shop museum stores to find something for the artsy, unique person in your life.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of Annie Spratt

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Warm Up with Winter Menu Updates at Pittsburgh Restaurants

By

Emma Riva

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December 13, 2024

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Three plates of potato hash from Square Cafe's winter menu update on a white background

The colder months of the year bring out hearty soups, hefty sides, and rich, warm dishes in restaurant menus. Gone is the plethora of pumpkin that appears each fall, replaced with soups and stews. TABLE has compiled some new menu items, as well as seasonal trends, to try during the rather gloomy Pittsburgh winter. After the Christmas decorations go down, it can be a challenge to feel good about, well…anything, so going out to eat can be a welcome balm for those first quarter blues.

Warm Up with Winter Menu Updates at Pittsburgh Restaurants

Square Café

Need a winter pick-me-up? Three words: Hot chocolate pancake. Square Café now has Hot Chocolate Pancakes, breakfast treats made with hot chocolate mix and chocolate milk, topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolate chip. If you’re not into all the carbs, try the protein-filled Chicken Sausage Hash with garlic, shallots, potatoes, mushrooms, and a kick from diced granny Smith apples.

Brothmonger

The newly-opened Brothmonger menu is always changing based on ingredients and customer interest. Founder Sarah Coppolo said recently that there’s been a strong interest in mushrooms, so she added Mushroom Farro Soup to her rotation. You can now also get a Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese at Brothmonger as well as Tabbouleh Couscous along with your soups.

Fet-Fisk

Fet-Fisk adds new items to their menu periodically without straying from the seafood classics they’re known for, but this winter you can order Beef Stroganoff, as well as luxurious mushroom dish Pan Roasted Chanterelles with white wine sauce and drizzles of chicken juice from their ever-popular chicken dish.

Polska Laska

Want some holiday pierogies for the Yinzer in your life? Beloved pierogi shop Polska Laska has limited time only Christmas offerings including a Christmas Cheese Ball Pierogi that, according to owner Olive Visco is “like the cheese-y, savory nutty thing in plastic wrap in your auntie’s fridge. But in a pierogi.”

Altius

Chef Jessica Bauer’s menu adds seasonally inspired meat and seafood with newer items like Hokkaido Scallop and Footprints Farm Pork Belly, Heron Park Crab Toast, and Ora King Salmon. That final item is in lobster fennel broth, shellfish risotto, broccolini, and crab croquette. Altius’s luxurious chef-driven menu makes it one of the best truly upscale nights out in Pittsburgh—consider it for a holiday dinner or New Year’s Eve gathering.

Sprezzatura

Jen Saffron’s Italian to-go business should be your go-to for holiday treats. Sprezzatura is serving classic Italian winter meals like Gnocchi Pork Ragú and Braciole. She also has festive holiday platters, Winter Greens and Caramelized Onion Tart, and her famous lasagne, plus pies and cakes, roasted and carved Chickens, and more.

El Colibri

To warm you up during the colder months, Mexican “ghost kitchen” El Colibri is bringing on the 32oz Birria Ramen with rice noodles. It’s amazing fusion dish that combines the rich, spicy flavors of birria with the comforting, chewy texture of ramen. The result is a deliciously flavorful soup that’s hearty and satisfying—and gluten free, because of the rice noodles. You can also now order Warm Tamales and the recent Birria Tamale.

Dish Osteria

Dish Osteria has been around longer than most of Gen Z has been alive, but Fettucce di Mare allo Zafferano features Fettucce “Setaro” with jumbo lump crab meat, shrimps and scallops in a saffron cream sauce with chives. The new Rigatoni alla Scamorza Affumicata is Rigatoni with smoked scamorza, prosciutto di Parma, peas and roasted and salted pistachio nuts, in a cream sauce with Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ground black pepper and parsley.

Arrivis te

This Shadyside coffee shop debuted its in-house food program in 2024 to celebrate owner Kim Lopez’s Filipino heritage. You can now get hot Pan de Sal as well as coffee—the egg and cheese Pan de Sal makes for an excellent middle-of-the-workday refuel (Ask me how I know). You can also get sweet Pan De Sal or unseasoned Pan De Sal with a side of butter and jam.

Fish Nor Fowl

As always, you can get the Trust the Chef charcuterie board at Fish Nor Fowl for a selection fromtheir all-star culinary team. The Duck Confit uses white bean ragout, pancetta, and duck fat pan fritto. You can also get their decadent Swordfish Puttanesca with celery root, Castelvetrano olives, capers, San Marzano tomatoes, and crispy kale.

Khalil’s

A new Mediterranean Charcuterie Board from Khalil’s allows guests to sample all the best of the restaurant’s offerings. For only $37.50, you get red, yellow, orange peppers, cucumbers, lifit (housemade pickled turnips) Syrian cheeses, Feta, imported olives, hummus, dolmas, spanakopita, pita, Syrian pickles, fried squash, fried cauliflower, fried eggplant, tahini, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, figs, dates, apricots, and macdouse (pickled eggplant, walnuts). A literal mouthful! You can also get a new side of Syrian Nachos for a deliciously shareable side.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Square Café

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Sip on These Limited Edition Winter Cocktails from Pittsburgh Bars

By

Emma Riva

-

December 13, 2024

0

Three winter cocktails from Ritual House sit on a black bar

The holiday season brings, along with cheer, many reasons to get together with friends. Gather together at a festively decorated bar and sip on something delicious and well-crafted. The care put into drinks, the cheery environments, and warm service can help lift your spirits and fuel your social battery well into January. Whether you’re looking for a new cocktail to share or a reassuring classic, Pittsburgh bars and restaurants have a variety of winter cocktail menu updates.

Sip on These Limited Edition Winter Cocktails from Pittsburgh Bars

Scratch & Co

Never one to move with the crowd, Troy Hill’s Scratch & Co dropped their cocktail menu update in January. If nothing on their menu appeals to you, you can always do their Dealer’s Choice option and get one of their bar staff to

The Flightless Bird is Diplomatico white rum, kiwi, lime, mint, and Jackworth spicy ginger beer.
Warm up with their house-made hot cocktail. The Freedom Peaches is Iron City gin, Juliette peach liqueur, earl grey tea, cinnamon, and lemon.
One of the stars of the show is the Scratch & Co Radish Spirit. This drink is Lucky Sign aquavit, watermelon radish, tarragon, sweet vermouth, lemon, and Hellfire bitters
For a “caramelized onion martini,” try the extra-dirty Style of the Times: caramelized onion infused vodka, pickled green tomato brine, blanco vermouth, goat cheese stuffed olive.
The Puppies and Socks is a classic winter cocktail with single prop dark rum, spiced rum, molasses, orange, ginger, spiced cranberry
And, finally, the Zoot Suit Riot is a take on a sour with bourbon, Vietnamese creme de cacao, liberty belle sour cherry liqueur, lemon, egg white.

Fet-Fisk

If you can actually get a reservation at Fet-Fisk (a challenge since their recent buzz from The New York Times and Eater), they’ve changed their cocktail lineup for the colder weather with richer, smokier spirits. Fet-Fisk separates each cocktail by its quality and changes up the ingredients seasonally, so every couple of months there’s a new combination to look forward to. (And to be sad about when they leave—real Fet-Fisk fans remember the Swedish fish Bubbly cocktail from their early days of opening. RIP).

The Bubbly is Nordic gin, Granja Nomada mezcal, and cava.
The Sour uses Granja Nomada mezcal, Aperol, Genepy, lemon, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.
The colorful Aromatic is house aquavit, basil eau-de-vie, and lime sherbet.
And, finally, Fet-Fisk’s Bitter is a mix of gin, Casa Mariol Blanco, Fernet, and Averna. Fernet and Averna together will definitely clear the sinuses out for the winter!

Jackworth Ginger Beer

Jackworth Ginger Beer has made quite the splash since it opened, becoming a staple ingredient in many bars’ ingredient lists, including the TABLE team’s staff cocktails). Along with their normal offerings of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer, Jackworth has some limited-time-only cocktails and liquors you won’t want to miss.

Just for the holiday season, Jackworth has started making Sorrel, a traditional Jamaican Christmas drink (6% ABV) made with hibiscus, cinnamon, clove and ginger. It’s on draft exclusively at the brewery beginning Wednesday, December 11th.
The bright-red Blood in the Water is gin, cherry syrup, and lemon, for a zesty and festive vibe.
Feeling flirty? Try the Boyfriend Daiquiri with white rum, overproof rum, sea salt, lime, and simple syrup for a taste of summer.
For Christmas, Jackworth has the limited-time-only Cranberry Gin Fizz: verproof gin, cranberry, house-made spiced syrup, classic ginger beer, lime, and angostura bitters.

Goodlander Cocktail Brewery

Right across the street from Jackworth is Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, a unique taproom with to-go growlers and a plethora of great non-alcoholic options, too. Goodlander is a great night out starter for its earlier hours and chill vibe, and the to-go growlers can be a fun way to make sure your house parties this season have the highest-quality drinks.

About their limited edition White Grapefruit Highball, Goodlander says “Grapefruit. It’s the best fruit. And for cocktails, we like white grapefruit. Grapefruit classic. Grapefruit the way your grandparents did it before Ocean Spray started filling our minds and hearts with all that Ruby Red kinda crap. Trust us. We’re grapefruit-stans. We wouldn’t lie to you.” Don’t you want to try it now?
The Spiced Pear Mule is a holiday version of the classic Moscow Mule (which Goodlander does have a delicious take on). They start with Washington-grown Bosc pears and work them two ways: poached in a spiced sugar syrup and in a homemade pear extract. They then mix those with vodka, San Francisco-style ginger syrup, and lime super juice.
For a limited time only, you can also get a special holiday non-alcoholic Cranberry Lime Ginger Ale made with cranberry, lime, ginger, sugar, and seltzer. It mixes well with whiskey, if you want to buy a growler to-go and use it as a cocktail ingredient.

Unspeakable

This Vietnamese inspired speakeasy is one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets, but we’re telling you. Their winter cocktail update is massive, with some of the most creative liquor combinations around.

The Eggspionage is Ransom Bourbon, house eggnog, coconut flakes, and nutmeg.
The Mezzy Star has banana-Infused Mezcal, absinthe, and creme de cacao.
The Frosted Maple is made up of Lost Republic bourbon maple syrup, lemon, cranberry Simple, and egg white.
For a smoky but holiday-esque drink, try the The Northern Mule with Country Smooth Bourbon, lime, maple syrup, and ginger beer.
For the beer lover, the Kirin Ichibanana is banana-Infused Mezcal, pineapple, Pho spice simple, lime, Kirin Ichiban.
The Home Sweet Home is cinnamon orange-Infused 2 Bar Bourbon, chocolate Llqueur, Vizcaya black rum, honey simple, and house orange Bitters.
More mezcal, the Golden Smoke is Banana-Infused Mezcal, Lime, Pineapple, Simple, Egg White, and Aromatic Bitters.
Warm up with Not Your Grandma’s Hot Chocolate: Noire Vodka, chocolate liqueur, chocolate simple, and oatmilk.
And to top it off with a delicious-sounding Fernet-forward drink: the Invitation Only, Luigi Francoli Fernet, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Lemon, Chai Simple, Star Anise.

Dish Osteria

Dish Osteria is a South Side classic with a constantly-changing bar program from chef Michele Savoia’s all-star bar team. Go in and sit at the bar. While you can’t go wrong with their wine list and extensive digestivo program, their custom seasonal cocktails are also wonderful.

The Oaxaca Old Fashioned has Mezcal, reposado tequila, Cynar 70, fresno infused agave, orange twist. Served over a big cube.
For a classy glass of bubbly, Dish is offering the Signorina Ciccia. Super Gay vodka, prickly pear syrup, lemon juice and Prosecco, in a flute with a lemon twist.
You can also get the Lambrusco Spritz with Lo-Fi amaro, Amara Rosso, grapefruit, dry Lambrusco, castelvetrano olives, and an orange slice.
For the digestivo fans, the Mezzo-Mezzo has one of my favorite amaros, Sfumato Rabarbaro, with Aperitivo Cappelletti, soda, and a lemon twist tall over ice.
A featured winter cocktail is the Winter Negroni with Gin, Sweet Vermouth Gran Classico, and Zirbenz Pine Liqueur.

Ritual House

Head downtown for a holiday drink at Ritual House, which makes for a great date spot, family meal, or solo dining spot on the way to see the holiday lights across downtown Pittsburgh this year.

Slay Bell Sangria is a white wine blend, vodka, their house hibiscus berry syrup, white Cranberry Juice, and pink shimmer.
Treat your sweetheart to the Mistletoe: vodka, mulled cranberry juice, pomegranate, cranberries, and rosemary.
I have a theory that the Espresso Martini is the winter version of the Aperol Spritz. Ritual House has its own version of it for Christmas cheer, the Sugar Cookie Espresso Martini, which is Vodka, Butterscotch Liqueur, Ritual Sugar Cookie Sauce, Cream Cheese frosting and a sprinkles half rim.

Altius

If you have some VIPs coming to town for the holidays and you want to show them a good Pittsburgh time, Altius is a great option. The beautiful view of the city Mt. Washington is perfect for sipping these new winter cocktails and enjoying a delicious, upscale meal in Altius’s dining room.

Bring Your Green Hat is Maggie’s Farm white rum, Cointreau, house made orgeat, Genepy le Chamois, and fresh orange.
You can also enjoy the new Cacao Nightcap dessert cocktail if you want to indulge a holiday sweet tooth. That drink is Meletti chocolate liqueur, house-infused vanilla vodka, Frangelico, and Demerara sugar.

Apteka

For the holiday season, Apteka has spruced up their menu—literally, with a new Spruce Cordial among other creative, Slavic-inspired cocktails. Like Fet-Fisk, they often separate out their cocktails by a dominant quality, rather than coming up with a fancy name. This no-frills approach to a cocktail menu allows for the drinks to speak for themselves, and I have to say, this winter cocktail menu is one of my favorites I’ve seen so far from Apteka.

The Wine Spritz is the rare cold weather spritz with Grüner (a Slovakian wine grape also available by the bottle at A p teka), plum pit, and apple blossom to create a bubbly but savory black fruit-forward cocktail.
The Spruce Cordial is vodka, wild juniper, and Zwack. Wondering “what the hell is a Zwack”? Zwack Unicum is the national liquor of Hungary, and is a bittersweet, herbal liqueur. This is one of the more liquor-heavy drinks there. Don’t imbibe before driving your car. Or Santa’s sleigh.
Becherovka herbal liqueur is a Slavic classic, and Apteka makes it with plum, lindenflower, and Jäger.
Whiskey is made up of 2021’s fruit cordial, aged, and vermouth.
Apteka’s house Gin is orange wine and silverberry nectar, a fascinating combination of flavors.
A brand-new liquor offering is their Mezcal, made of mint, tequila, nettles, and Gorki List liqueur.

Square Café

If, instead of a night out, you’re craving a holiday brunch, Square Café in East Liberty has you covered. Their mimosas and spritz bring a little bit of that light, bubbly pick-me-up better suited for a midday brunch drinks.

Square’s Holiday Mimosa is Italian sparkling wine, Jackworth Ginger Beer and Cranberry-lime juice.
For the non-drinkers, Cranberry-Ginger Punch NA has non-alcoholic Jackworth Ginger Beer with cranberry juice and splash of lime.

Fish Nor Fowl

Fish Nor Fowl has one of Pittsburgh’s most impressive bar programs. Where else will you see more obscure aperitifs like Italicus along with Eagle Rare 10yr aged whiskey and Drumshambo Sardinian gin?

The Bellissima has Montenegro amaro, Saliers Gentian liqueur, Prosecco, and orange for a mixture of smoky and refreshing.
Estate Tea is a refreshing mixture of tequila, Genepy, mint iced tea, and tequila for a light, minty sip.
The Sardinian Squeeze uses limoncello, gin, aperitivi, and a lemon if you’re feeling a little sour this winter.
But, for an insider tip, Fish Nor Fowl’s General Manager Alexander Riola developed the Three French Hens cocktail for our Twelve Days of Christmas cocktail series. You can order it right there at Fish Nor Fowl!

Bar Botanico

Bar Botanico contributed a cocktail to TABLE’s Twelve Days of Christmas with the Eight Maids-a-Milking cocktail. This delicious vegan coquito is made of Aged Puerto Rican Rum, Licor 43, Damiana, Condensed Milk, Coconut Milk, Allspice, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.
The Bolivia Rodrigo uses an impressive lineup of liquors and mixtures. Singani 63, Mulled Wine, Iris Blanco Vermouth, Salers Apéritif, Fruited Chamomile, Absinthe.
For a hot drink to warm you up as the temperatures get into the 20s, try the Toki-o Drift with Toki Japanese whiskey, Cocchi Americano, Barley, and Cinnamon.

Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Ritual House

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Keep Your Holiday Gift Wrapping Eco-Friendly

By

staff-author

-

December 13, 2024

0

An eco-friendly wrapped gift, tied with twine and a natural paper tag with a stamped Christmas tree, next to a woven yellow fabric roll.

Americans add approximately four million tons of gift wrap to landfill in just the last quarter. This is a statistic we can change by following “the three Rs.”

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Tips

Reduce:

Avoid layers of wrapping paper that are discarded seconds after opening. Instead, let your gift speak for itself with minimal wrapping. Add a thoughtful, handmade tag with a personalized message. Garnish naturally with sprigs of greenery, a pinecone, found bird feathers, or the end of a skein of yarn.

A vintage green wooden bench topped with a white fur throw, holding several gifts wrapped in reusable fabric and natural materials like furoshiki.

Re-use:

It’s time to rethink single-use items, like traditional wrapping paper. Enter furoshiki – the zero-waste Japanese art of wrapping with fabrics that you can use again and again. Take this a step further by wrapping your gift in a secondary gift: a tea towel, a cloth napkin, even a scarf that the recipient can reuse.

A gift wrapped in brown paper with a braided yarn ribbon and a sprig of fresh thyme, on a rustic shelf.

Recycle:

Give a second life to newspaper, an old map, pages from a tattered book, or even a brown paper bag. Create bands of contrasting papers for rich visual effects. Ecoprint with floral waste or windfall botanicals. Save ribbon and scraps of yarn all year round and deploy them now in braids or single strands. Creative reuse centers provide a veritable trove of found and donated materials. Remember not to add glitter, sparkles, plastics, or other non-recyclable elements: these create downstream consequences that are easily avoided.

Story by Anne Reynolds
Styling by Quelcy Kogel
Photography by Erin Kelly
Materials from Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

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Table Magazine

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Find a Pop of Color in Pittsburgh as the Days Get Darker

2024’s Shop and Restaurant Openings in Pittsburgh

The Seven Fishes with Chefs Gary Klinefelter and Chris O’Brien

What is The Feast of the Seven Fishes?

Bringing Intimacy to a Feast

Going Beyond the Meal

The Menu at Gary Klinefelter and Chris O’Brien’s Feast of the Seven Fishes

Where to Buy the Perfect Stocking Stuffers in Pittsburgh

Warm Up with Winter Menu Updates at Pittsburgh Restaurants

Sip on These Limited Edition Winter Cocktails from Pittsburgh Bars

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Tips

Reduce:

Re-use:

Recycle:

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