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Trivia Nights in Pittsburgh: The Analog Trend Making a Comeback

By
Kylie Thomas
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A woman writes on a trivia night answer pad at a table.

Six nights a week, all around Pittsburgh’s brew pubs and restaurants, something quietly radical happens: people set down their phones. 

The Analog Trend Taking Over Pittsburgh: Trivia Nights

They instead pick up pencils. Some brainstorm team names. Chairman Meow. 100 Beers of Solitude, Let’s Get Quizzical. Snacks are ordered: ceviche at täkō tôrtä, barleywine pretzels at East End Brewery, candied nuts at The Oaks Theater. Rounds of hazy sours and IPAs arrive. 

One team enthusiastically debates who invented penicillin (Alexander Fleming). Another team goes with the former English major’s assurance that Odysseus’s dog was named Argos (he was correct). Guesses are written down. While playing music between rounds, the hosts tally the answer sheets by hand.

Welcome to trivia night, analog style. 

A group of contestants clap at their table.
Photo Courtesy of Tom O’Connor

The Organizers of the Steel City

For more than a decade, two local organizers have brought people together in what has become for many a weekly ritual. Where some trivia nights are spent on screens, Buzz Worthy Trivia and Drew’s Clues events embrace a phone-free ethos. 

“We miss so many opportunities to meet people when we’re staring at our phone,” says Cassie Roach, who started Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia in 2014 with Rebecka O’Brien.“We’ve always been passionate that for two hours, you can put your phone down, really connect, and kind of go back in time.” 

Now hosting more than 60 events per week, from Wexford to Washington County; from Aspinwall to Ambridge, Buzz Worthy’s games consist of five rounds, seven questions for each round that get progressively more difficult. 

Drew’s Clues, run by Drew Cranisky offers six rounds that include an audio, video (yes, one team member must pick up their phone for that round), and a connections round where teams try and link the common bond between the answers. Cranisky, who has run events at breweries in city neighborhoods since 2015, was channeling The New York Times Connections game, even before the NYT did.

A man takes a trivia answer sheet from another.
Drew Cranisky of Drew’s Clues | Photo Courtesy of Tom O’Connor

Inside the Competition

The Buzz Worthy team and Cranisky each create their own questions, working to balance academic categories, such as science and history, with pop culture topics — all written at just the right levels of difficulty.

Fear not that the night is stacked with double-Jeopardy level stumpers. “The questions are not difficult to the point where you can’t talk it out and figure an answer,” says trivia enthusiast Anita Turner.

There is other staging of the evening’s arc. The pacing is intentional so the games clip along, but make room to give breaks so people can chat, order drinks, and relax. Drew pairs music to match with previous round. At Buzz Worthy, the hosts circulate, welcoming newcomers and chatting up the regulars.

“Our goal is when you walk in, you feel like you’re hanging out with a bunch of friends,” says Roach. 

So, Why Head Out to Trivia Night?

Often, the host will employ a bit of showmanship into the evening.

One such host at Arsenal Cider in Wexford was known to initiate a dance offs when there was a tie score. He also built a Ramen Wheel that participants spin between rounds to win small prizes, like drinks, gift cards, and, of course, ramen.

“Everybody would scream ‘ramen’ at the top of their lungs, hoping their team would win ramen noodles,” says Turner. 

A wheel surrounded by ramen and dvds.
The Ramen Wheel | Photo Courtesy of Anita Turner

This hits on a key part of Trivia Nights: the camaraderie. People often return week after week. Turner and her husband, Dave, who, while in a period of winter doldrums, decided to get out of the house to “exercise their brains” have made lifelong friends at Buzz Worthy events. They’ve gone to trivia-related weddings, met families, and bought each other Christmas gifts, the Turners giving matching ramen pajamas.

“It’s like a built-in plan that you do with your friends every week,” says Drew. “With the loneliness and just all the stuff going on in the world, it’s very nice to have a chance come together and talk about trivial things.”

Where to Go for a Fun Trivia Night in Pittsburgh

täkō tôrtä

East Liberty

Festive Mexican atmosphere with an emphasis on tacos and bowls, plus a bar serving margaritas and cocktails. General trivia is held every Tuesday at 7 pm, once a month they feature theme nights, such as Star Wars, Seinfeld, or Taylor Swift. 

Groups of people sit at tables in the Oaks Theater.
The Oaks Theater | Photo Courtesy of Buzz Worthy Trivia Nights

The Oaks Theater

Oakmont

Trivia questions appear on the theater’s large movie screen while participants sit at cocktail tables and lounge in movie theater seats. Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, occasional theme nights on schedule.    

Hemingway’s Cafe

Oakland

Trivia nights are a good reason for alums of the many Oakland universities to visit their former stomping grounds before Hemingway’s closes in May. Tuesday at 6:30 pm is Name That Tune trivia and Wednesday at 6:30 pm offers general trivia. Arrive early to beat the college-heavy crowd.  

Arsenal Cider Tap House

Dormont

This U.S. Civil War-themed winery specializes in small-batch, hand-crafted hard apple ciders and also offers pressed sandwiches and apps. Dormont trivia nights are scheduled for the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 7 pm. The Lawrenceville and Wexford locations open in the warmer months, with the Wexford site, set behind Soergel’s Orchards, offers outdoor trivia nights.

Drew’s Clues at…

Old Thunder Brewery

Blawnox

Housed in a former post office, Old Thunder is an airy, open setting for the trivia crowd that might enjoy playing in the former post office, now taproom. The curious might look for historical ‘Easter eggs.’ A rotating roster of food trucks will be onsite for Trivia Nights, Tuesdays at 7 pm. 

A man turns in his trivia sheet to a woman at a table.
Photo Courtesy of Tom O’Connor

East End Brewing Co.

Larimer and Mt. Lebanon

The Larimer location features a brew pub, Mt. Lebanon serves as the tap room. At both, look for pizzas of the week, appetizers, 16 rotating brews on tap — and trivia on Thursdays, 7 pm. 

*Buzz Worthy Trivia and Drew’s Clues also both offer private, customizable, and spirited trivia events.

Story by Lauri Gravina
Featured Photo Courtesy of Tom O’Connor

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The Best Spring Break Party Destinations for Beaches and Booze

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A couple sits on a lifeguard stand as another couple stands beside it on the beach.

Spring Break does vacation a bit differently… preferably set somewhere with warm water, loud music, and a bar within reach of the shoreline. The best party destinations know how to blur the line between day drinking and nightlife, turning beaches into social hubs and sunsets into a pre-game for the night to come. If your ideal escape involves sunny bikini-weather afternoons, unapologetically strong cocktails, and nights that stretch into the next day, these Spring Break destinations deliver the kind of party chaos that’s very much by design.

Best Spring Break Destinations When You’re Ready to Party

Two girls dance on a DJ table as a crowd dances in front fo it.
Photo Courtesy of Greater Miami & Miami Beach

Miami, Florida

We know, we know. Miami sounds basic but it’s a great party destination for a reason. Head over to South Beach for clubs with vibrant light shows and killer DJs. But, Downtown is another place to adventure where you could even catch hip-hop performers or celebrity sightings. Even in Wynwood you can spend all night at clubs that play a little something for everyone.

A packed dance floor with steam coming down from the middle of the ceiling.
Photo Courtesy of Coco Bongo

Cancún, Mexico

If there’s one reason to go to Cancún, besides the magical blue waters and awe-inspiring resorts: the viral hot-spot Coco Bongo. Coco Bongo isn’t your average club. Yes, there is an extensive bar program and plenty of body-moving music. But, the club makes sure each night is also an all-out performance. You’ll see acrobats, dancers, and a team of actors who include the audience along the way. Though if this isn’t quite your vibe, there are plenty of more traditional clubs in Cancún too.

A DJ puts his hand up in the air as he plays for a large party.
Photo Courtesy of Amnesia

Ibiza, Spain

If there’s one person we can trust to show us a good time it’s Charli XCX. One of her personal favorites, and a club she chooses to DJ at, is actually in Ibiza. Amnesia is one of the most popular destinations in the city for its two large dance floors, special guests, as well as foam and bubble canons on select nights. Outside of this spot though Ibiza is also known for its boat parties. There’s nothing quite like bumping tunes on the water with your friends.

A group of girls sit on a netted boat on the blue water.
Photo Courtesy of Go Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The white sands of Punta Cana are something everyone should see at least once in their life. This part of the Dominican Republic is all about taking you straight to the coastline for snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, ziplining, and so much more. The endless rows of beaches makes beach-hopping a breeze and many of the resorts in the area are customized for partying all night long. There’s also a Coco Bongo in Punta Cana so you won’t miss out on any of the crazy, theatrical fun.

A girl in a dress walks down the coastline with water coming up over the sand.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Greece

Mykonos, Greece

You think of Greece for its rich history and picturesque lands where Greek gods were thought to have roamed. But under the touristy parts of the Mykonos, especially in the downtown area, are endless basements full of world-renowned DJs. Here it’s normal for girls to be dancing up on the bars, clothing to feel optional, and the nights to extend long into the next morning. It’s considered to be the Ibiza of Greece.

A couple sits on a lifeguard stand as another couple stands beside it on the beach.
Photo Courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

South Padre Island, Texas

Texas has beaches? Actually, Texas has a whole island off the southern coast of state. This tropical island, South Padre, seems designed for college students when Spring Break comes around. The whole island is walkable, the scenery is like the more luxurious coasts but at a lower cost, and each year live artists make their way down to party with thousands of people. In case you’re looking for your all in one guide, Visit South Padre Island even runs a newsletter where you can sign up for exclusive offers and learn about all the latest happenings.

Unable to make it out to the coast this Spring Break? Create your own fun at home by mixing up our Adult Spring Break Spritz!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

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6 Must-Have Items From 2026 Spring Fashion Trends

By
Kylie Thomas
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A woman in a long green trench coat with pants and top to match.

As 2026 spring fashion trends favor thoughtful silhouettes and elevated everyday dressing, a few key pieces are emerging that are true closet essentials. From sculpted tops and fluid trench coats to comfy footwear and relaxed tailoring, these six must-have items capture the season’s focus on balance, versatility, and ease. Each selection reflects how spring style always evolves. We’re seeing a move where classic foundations meet modern proportions for looks that feel both current and enduring.

A woman in a brown pattern shirt.
Photo Courtesy of Àpres Boutique

Àpres Boutique — MUNTHE Brown Top

The MUNTHE brown top from Àpres Boutique offers a structured yet feminine silhouette, making it a standout piece for spring. Subtle sequin details add quiet interest, while lightly puffed short sleeves, a classic round neckline, and peplum hem create shape and balance. The warm brown tone feels fresh for the season and pairs effortlessly with flowy denim or relaxed dress pants, reflecting spring’s focus on structure that softens with movement.

A woman in a long green trench coat with pants and top to match.
Photo Courtesy of Sol Collective

Sol Collective — Melissa Woman Trench (Earthy Olive)

The Melissa Woman trench from Sol Collective is an effortless spring layer with appeal that lasts forever. Crafted from a lightweight, textured fabric, the long silhouette features a relaxed drape, classic collar, oversized patch pockets, as well as a fluid fit that moves perfect with the body. Flowy fabrics are essential this season, and this trench works equally well layered over tailored suiting or styled with sporty separates, instantly elevating any look.

A woman in a pale green shirt and orange shorts.
Photo Courtesy of Le Muse

Le Muse — The Harper Shirt

The Harper Shirt from Le Muse is a refined spring essential designed for effortless layering. Made from a lightweight, slightly sheer woven fabric, the button-down silhouette features a classic collar and long sleeves that feel both timeless and modern. Whether layered under a sweater or vest or styled with a structured jacket or fluid suit, it captures spring’s emphasis on unique basics that transition seamlessly between polished and relaxed dressing.

A pale grey trench coat with the belt tied.
Photo Courtesy of COS

COS — Modular Trench Coat

Trench coats remain a key piece this spring across both women’s and men’s fashion, especially for cooler transitional days. The COS 2-in-1 Water Repellent Trench Coat offers a modern take on the classic, crafted from water repellent cotton-blend twill with a detachable padded vest for added warmth and versatility. Its clean silhouette — complete with a belted waist and relaxed fit — makes it easy to style, whether layered over tailored pieces or paired with sporty pieces, showing the season’s focus on functional yet refined outerwear.

Cream colored loafers on a white background.
Photo Courtesy of Reformation

Reformation — Loafers (Kaylee Loafer & Ani Ruched Loafer)

Loafers are a favorite footwear choice this spring, offering a polished yet effortless alternative to tennis shoes and heels. Styles in suede or sleek leather — especially in classic brown or black — pair beautifully with socks and work seamlessly with denim, tailored pants, skirts, and dresses. Reformation’s Kaylee Loafer delivers a timeless slip-on silhouette crafted in leather with a refined finish, while the Ani Ruched Loafer offers a contemporary update with ruched detailing that adds subtle texture. Together, they prove that these loafers are both versatile and refined — perfect for bringing everything together from casual denim to tailored spring suiting.

A woman wearing a striped shirt and blue trousers.
Photo Courtesy of Everlane

Everlane — The Everywhere Barrel-Leg Pant

Barrel-leg pants continue to hold their place this season, offering a relaxed silhouette that feels both modern and comfortable. Everlane’s Everywhere Barrel-Leg Pant delivers an easy, wearable shape that styles with ease thanks to a light spring jacket or a classic loafer for a timeless look. Available in a range of colors, the agave green stands out as a fresh update for spring, adding subtle color while remaining versatile for everyday wear.

Story by Dominika Bronner
Featured Photo Courtesy of Sol Collective

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Implied Desire Is Made Explicit in ‘Wuthering Heights’

By
Kylie Thomas
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Margot Robbie in Wuthering Heights standing in a white gown.
A graphic for the Wuthering Heights movie.

Emerald Fennell’s bold and artful interpretation of Wuthering Heights uses the classic novel as a jumping-off point. The result is a film that’s distinctly of the moment.

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights

Adaptations of literature, whether high or low, often choose one side of a binary. They are either faithful adaptations that aim at preserving a novel’s intent (think of the fealty in Guillermo del Toro’s recent take on Frankenstein) or loose interpretations updating a tale to modern times (see the teen-targeted versions of classics popular in the ’90s, such as Clueless or 10 Things I Hate About You).

Those choices, however, do not always yield the finest results. While there are strong examples of each approach, many undeniable classics take ample liberties with their source material. All-time greats including Jaws, The Shining and Psycho are less “adapted from” as they are “inspired by.”

Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights belongs in that camp. The proper nouns of the novel are present: Cathy and Heathcliff, Thrushcross Grange and the titular Wuthering Heights. So, too, are the rainy, windswept atmosphere and the dim light of the novel. Beyond those elements and several key story beats, however, there isn’t all that much of Emily Brontë’s gothic tragedy present on screen — and plenty of what does appear is worlds away from the stark, bleak world of the novel.

In this case, that’s a good thing. A faithful Wuthering Heights is certainly possible (though it might have to be a miniseries), but it would not have the electricity, artful flourishes and salacious thrills of Fennell’s film. Traditionalists, step aside: This is Wuthering Heights for 2026.

Robbie and Elordi are Catherine and Heathcliff Unbound

Here, adopted ward Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) and downtrodden heiress Catherine (Margot Robbie) become star-crossed lovers as circumstance and stubbornness hold them apart. Devoted to one another as children, they grow into young adults reluctant to pursue one another’s affections. With a father (Martin Clunes) who drinks and gambles away the family fortune, a companion (Hong Chau) who acts like a governess and a house defined by decay, the notion of love seems alien.

Until, that is, Catherine has a brush with the finer things in life. Recovering from a sprained ankle in the posh home of bachelor Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), Catherine sees a chance at comfort and pleasure — and an escape from her own dire fortunes. Her interest in Linton comes as a betrayal by Heathcliff; when he vanishes, she marries her drab but devoted neighbor, moving into a life where she is more doll than woman.

The film renders this literally, as her sort-of-sister-in-law Isabella (Alison Oliver) crafts an unsettling figurine of Catherine and places it in a scale model of their mansion. It’s appropriately eerie — as is the wallpaper that they model after Catherine’s cheeks, complete with freckles and veins.

Fennell focuses on such anatomic details (with more fascination than prurience) throughout Wuthering Heights, creating a meditation on the physical sensations of desire and discomfort. Bold choices abound; this is a film that never misses an opportunity for invention. While its narrative may be somewhat muted by a sense of inevitability, Wuthering Heights is a sensory delight — and a worthy, if wicked, interpretation.

Elsewhere at the Multiplex: Goats and Gunplay

The animated film Goat, about a diminutive, caprine basketball player, comes from Sony Pictures Imageworks. That group is responsible for the visual style of the Spider-Verse films, as well as last year’s hit KPop Demon Hunters — so Goat will certainly look good. Will it have the heart and wit of its predecessors? Head to the cinema to find out, preferably with a hoop-friendly young person in tow

Hopefully, a strong cast can elevate the thriller Crime 101 beyond its (perhaps deliberately) uninspiring title. The Amazon/MGM release stars Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh and many more… NEON is releasing Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, based on the similarly named Canadian comedy series, in select theaters this weekend. No, the film has nothing to do with Kurt Cobain’s band. Rather, it’s a mockumentary about a pair of friends determined to become rock stars despite lacking all the required talent

If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, sort out the Oscar season contenders and pretenders with me this Sunday afternoon. I’ll be a part of the second annual “Oscar Talk” event at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, alongside my fellow critics Lindsey Bahr, Megan McLachlan and Amanda Waltz. We’ll tell you which movies you actually should watch before Oscar night (catch up with Hamnet, for one) and which you can safely skip (F1, it’s an honor just to be nominated).

Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wuthering Heights

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Shopping Pittsburgh: Jacqueline Stone at Phoenix Boutique

By
Kylie Thomas
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Jacqueline Stone stands at a table with purses on a shelf behind her.

April will mark 12 years of operation for Phoenix Boutique in Lawrenceville, owned and run by Jacqueline Stone. She reveals her favorite items in the shop, the story behind her shop name, and shares a plea to Pittsburgh shoppers and beyond.  

Shopping Pittsburgh: An Interview with Jacqueline Stone at Phoenix Boutique

TABLE Magazine: Why Lawrenceville? 

Jacqueline Stone: Because I looked east, north, south and west. I really went all over this city prior to coming to Lawrenceville, looking for a space. And it was a total serendipitous moment where one of the ladies I used to work with worked next door [to this location] at a former boutique, and told me this spot was opening up.  

A black dress at Phoenix Boutique hangs from the ceiling.

TM: What’s your favorite part of being a Lawrenceville business owner? 

JS: The people. I love the people. From the day I opened, I’ve had regulars. I have people who have moved as far away as Wisconsin, Chicago and Florida who still ship me their stuff.  

TM: What is your favorite item currently in the shop? 

JS: Well, it left yesterday. It was a Chanel Grande tote. My favorite item in the store now is probably some of the Comme des Garçons that I have … It’s a lot of Comme des Garçons pieces that are in right now, like this velvet and tulle blazer. I’m loving the tops, the funk of it all. I have a lot of the Kooples brand in, too — that I really love. This is the designer rack, and I tell you, you can’t fit a sheet of tissue paper. 

TM: Have you noticed more foot traffic — or people consigning, or shopping here as a result of tariff price increases?

JS: I don’t think it’s changed. I haven’t seen a change because of the tariffs. What I have seen a change in is the original sellers — the high end, their prices have skyrocketed.  

TM: As a business owner, all of the economic stuff is worrisome, because it affects your business … 

JS: It affects every business here in Lawrenceville. I don’t worry just for myself. I worry for my neighbors, too. And it goes in waves. It’ll peak, it’ll plummet. It’s been like that for 12 years. I used to guess why: “Now it’s the weather, it’s the construction.” A lot of that has played a part. There has been so much construction down here. But it comes back … It’s like a roller coaster.  

Jacqueline Stone holds up a designer jacket.

TM: What inspired you to open the shop?  

JS: I started working at a consignment store in South Side 28 years ago. I was there for four years and then worked for a nonprofit which had a high-end consignment store that benefitted homeless women. I was there for eight years [and then] took a hiatus for two years knowing that I was going to do this, and now I’m here. 

TM: Why call it Phoenix Boutique? 

JS: I was trying to think of all different names and a friend of mine, who — God bless her soul, she’s passed now, at a young age. She said “Phoenix,” and I said, “absolutely.” She gave it to me. I wished I was the one who had thought of it. I think of her all the time. She gave me that old wooden bench behind the counter. 

TM: Anything you wanted to add that was not asked? 

JS: Please come down. Please shop small. Not just Phoenix. All small shops, because the big people — no names mentioned — are really just making little shops disappear … Shop small or this will be a thing of the past. It’ll be like when I grew up — I never thought we wouldn’t have a mom-and-pop candy store, and we don’t have them anymore. That will be the same going down the road if it continues. They’ve taken over. We need small. 

This interview has been edited for clarity. 

Story and Photos by Amanda Reed 

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Pointe in Time: The Dream Gala by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre 2025

By
Keith Recker
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Two men in tuxes stand together.
Nicholas Dragga, PBT executive director and Adam W. McKinney, PBT artistic director

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s largest event of 2025 raised over $725,000, including over $122,000 for PBT School scholarships. Planned by a committee chaired by Peggy and Steve McKnight, and Ann and LeRoy Metz, 430 guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, dancing, season sneak- peek performances by PBT company artists, as well as auctions and raffles. Performances included, among others, a Stars & Stripes pas de deux danced by Tommie Lin Kesten and Colin McCaslin, as well as Three Preludes performed by Grace Rookstool and David O’Matz, and an excerpt from Giselle with principal dancers Hannah Carter and Lucius Kirst. Many of Pittsburgh’s staunchest arts philanthropists were on hand to show their support.

Pointe in Time: The Dream Gala by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, November 15, 2025

For more information on the 2025/2026 Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre season, check out Artistic Director Adam McKinney’s favorite moments of their key performances.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

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Neighborhood Nosh 2025 by Hello Neighbor

By
Keith Recker
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0
A man in a suit and a woman in a pink and purple dress stand together.
Corey O'Connor and Sloane Davidson

Hello Neighbor raised over $100,000 to support refugee and immigrant families through mentorship, case management, and community-based programs. Neighborhood Nosh, the organization’s largest annual event, took place on October 10 at This Is Red in Munhall. The celebration brought together neighbors from across the city to share food, culture, and connection. Guided by founder and CEO Sloane Davidson, guests enjoyed an international tasting menu from immigrant-owned restaurants, live music, and a moving program that honored partners Brian Stowell, Mayor Corey O’Connor, Kimpton Hotel Monaco, and Church of the Ascension, and shared the story of the Potoys, a Nicaraguan family rebuilding their lives in Pittsburgh.

Neighborhood Nosh by Hello Neighbor, October 10, 2025

To learn more about Hello Neighbor and other non-profits in the city, check out our roundtable discussion we hosted for community leaders.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Hello Neighbor

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That 70s Bling Ding by Sweetwater Center for the Arts

By
Keith Recker
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0
A man in a disco outfit roller skating on a wood floor.
Martel Brown, Jr. of PghSk8 Collaborative

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Sweetwater Center for the Arts stepped back in time to 1975 with a sold-out celebration. The evening started with dinners hosted at 19 houses in Sewickley and finished with an afterparty at the Edgeworth Club. More than 200 guests, some decked out in 70s-inflected duds, danced the night away to live music from the Sweetwater Cottage Band, enjoyed retro cocktails and desserts, and bid generously on a silent art auction. They raised over $100,000 to support Sweetwater’s capital campaign to renovate key spaces in its historic building. The organization looks forward to its next 50 years of creativity, education, and devotion to the enduring impact of the arts in our region.

That 70s Bling Ding by Sweetwater Center for the Arts, October 18, 2025

Visit Sweetwater Center for the Arts yourself and make a night out of the occasion with our guide to Sewickley.

Story by Keith Recker
Photography Courtesy of Sweetwater Center for the Arts

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8 Recipes for Your Mardi Gras Spread

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A gumbo enriched with ham and andouille sausage for a Creole-style feast.

When you think of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, you probably think of bright colors, parades, shiny beads around everyone’s necks, and plenty of comfort cooking. This Carnival celebration is an all-out, all-rich-foods celebration right before Ash Wednesday starts the fasting season of Lent. Join in the festivities this year and cook up a feast fit for royalty! You don’t have to be in New Orleans to enjoy the traditional dishes of Mardi Gras. From flaky, delicious desserts to hearty, flavorful, seafood dinner dishes, we’re sure this spread will leave your stomach so full you’ll be happy the fasting season has arrived the next morning. 

Celebrate Mardi Gras with These New Orleans Recipes

King Cake

A braided bread with berries and other seasonings inside it, surrounded by small blue plates and various ingredients.

The King Cake is a tradition for Mardi Gras and the holiday of Epiphany (Three Kings Day) on January 6. This combination coffee cake and cinnamon roll is sweet and delicious with a baby hidden inside to represent baby Jesus. Whoever gets the slice with the figure wins a prize. We recommend decorating your king cake with the purple, yellow, and green frosting or sprinkles to really get into the Mardi Gras spirit. 

Jambalaya

Jambalaya in a bowl placed on a ceramic surface along with a spoon, spices, and lemon

What says New Orleans more than a big bowl of Jambalaya? It’s warm, spicy, and made from the heart. Our recipe piles the protein high with chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage mixed into rice, celery, onion, green pepper, and a savory broth. It’s a recipe that reminds you there’s nothing quite like homemade cooking.

Green Gumbo

A gumbo enriched with ham and andouille sausage for a Creole-style feast.

Fat Tuesday is right before Lent so feel free to load up your gumbo with ham, andouille sausage, slab bacon, or all three! Our Green Gumbo starts with a rich stock of smoked ham hock or slab bacon, bay leaves, black peppercorn, and allspice berries. Then we add in your choice of protein, onion, celery heart, bell pepper, kale, collard greens, and so much more to make this a fulfilling dish for your celebration. 

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Cheddar Cheese Grits

Tender braised beef atop cheesy grits.

Grits are another staple of Louisiana, especially when they’re cheesy! In this recipe, we pair them with a Braised Beef Short Ribs recipe whose results are so tender, the meat falls off the bone. A perfect accompaniment to creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits. It’s truly a comfort dish at its finest level that’ll make you feel like you’re at a cafe on the streets of New Orleans. 

Turmeric Lemon Beignets

Powdered sugar topped beignets sit in a black bowl while a plate of beignets sits unfocused in the back.

Who would we be if we didn’t include beignets in our Mardi Gras menu? This recipe combines the vibrant flavors of turmeric and lemon to create a unique and unforgettable treat. These fluffy, golden squares of fried dough are not only delightful in their cloud-like texture but in their punch of flavor as well.

Zesty Shrimp Roll

A plate of mini shrimp sandwiches.

If you’re looking for a smaller bite that still incorporates essentials like shrimp and a little bit of spice, our Zesty Shrimp Rolls are your perfect appetizer. Grab your favorite bun and stuff it up with shrimp, celery, carrots, and fennel, then coat in a zesty, tangy sauce of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili flakes, lime, and lemon. So simple to make and just as easy to enjoy.

Wintertime Rice and Beans

Wintertime Rice and Beans served in a steel bowl

Every feast needs a side that matches its excellency. For Mardi Gras, that means red beans and rice which give you a cushion for spicy gumbo and other dishes. Our Wintertime Rice and Beans uses white rice, adzuki beans, black beans, Vindaloo curry spice, and a pinch of saffron for something a little more flavorful than your average recipe.

Oyster Shooter

A look in photo of an etched shooter glass with an oyster on the half shell resting on the top of the glass on a black surface, with another oyster shooter in the background along with a dish of oysters.

What better way is there to end a Mardi Gras dinner than with an Oyster Shooter? This combination of deliciously salty oyster with a rich Bloody Mary shot is simple decadence. We welcome you to dress up your oyster as well though our Bloody Mary mix uses horseradish Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and fresh ground black pepper.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Violinist Mia Asano on Rocking the Classical Music World

By
Kylie Thomas
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Mia Asano in a black dress with her red flying v violin over her shoulder.

Throw everything you knew about classic music and violin out the window because Mia Asano is here to change it all. A skillful, classically trained artist, Mia uses the violin in ways you would never expect or really be able to imagine. With the use of an electric style violin, she shreds as if it’s a mini guitar, transforming music in other genres with the touch of her bow. Think Metallica hits with a wailing, melodic but nearly gritty violin over top. Better yet, see her for yourself at Crafthouse Stage & Grill in Pittsburgh on March 13. 

We sat down with Mia ahead of the performance to get the inside scoop on what killer songs could be in store and what exactly to expect when she and her violin hit the stage. 

Talking Pittsburgh, Classical Music, and More with Violinist Mia Asano

TABLE Magazine: How would you describe your genre?

Mia Asano: This is a great question, because what I do really spans a lot of genres. The best way I can describe it is classical crossover meets symphonic metal. You could also call it violin rock—there are a bunch of ways to describe it—but classical crossover makes the most sense to me. I’ve actually charted on the Billboard Classical Crossover charts. I’m taking a very traditional instrument and turning it into something you’ve probably never heard before, so that’s what I’d call my genre.

TM: What makes the violin so special to you?

MA: Like I mentioned before, the violin isn’t just a traditional instrument. It’s capable of so much more. With electric violin, I can make it sound like almost any instrument, especially an electric guitar. It’s incredibly diverse—I can play so many styles of music, whether it’s something beautiful and symphonic or heavy rock and metal. That versatility is what I love most, because it lets me express my very diverse music taste through one instrument.

Mia in a black dress on stage playing her violin.

TM: How do you blend modern and traditional playing styles to create your own sound?

MA: When I was young, I was a huge fan of rock music—alternative rock, metal, all of it. I realized early on that I could play my favorite songs on the violin. I started by learning the vocal melodies, but pretty quickly I figured out I could play guitar parts, synth lines, even bass parts. With my seven-string violin, I basically try to learn every single part of the song I’m covering.

Now that I’m writing my own original music, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from all these different styles and put it into one record. It’s a mix of symphonic music, metal, electronic, pop—basically all my favorite genres—and I’m really excited about it.

TM: What’s one word you’d use to describe your tour?

MA: Electrifying. It’s going to be so exciting and very rock-focused. You’ve never seen anything like this with a violin. I’ll be headbanging, dancing around, shredding—I have an amazing band. There’s really no better word for it.

TM: What are you most excited about playing in Pittsburgh? Have you been there before?

MA: Yes, I’ve been to Pittsburgh a few times. I’ve played at City Winery before, and I love the city. I used to live on the East Coast—I went to music school in Boston—so I spent a lot of time bouncing around different East Coast states.

I’m especially excited because I’ve never played a solo headline show in Pittsburgh before. It’ll be my first time at Crafthouse. It’s going to be a huge party, and I’m so excited.

Mia Asano on stage in front of a large crowd.

TM: What do you hope audiences take away from your show?

MA: I hope people walk away realizing that the violin isn’t just a classical instrument—it’s capable of so much more. I also hope they enjoy hearing my unreleased original music, because I’ll be debuting it live at these shows for the first time.

It’s going to be a big party. I’ll also be playing a lot of fan-favorite covers that have gone viral online, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a show you can bring your grandma to, or take your friends to—there’s a little bit of everything.

I’m also excited because my good friend Billy Wilkins will be opening for me—he plays guitar with DragonForce—and my bass player, Alicia, is actually also the bass player for DragonForce. It’s going to be a super fun show, and I can’t wait to play in Pittsburgh!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photos Courtesy of Mia Asano

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