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What to Listen to During the I-376 Closure: Podcasts, Playlists, and Audiobooks for Pittsburgh Drivers

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
the closure and rebuilding of the I-376 bridge in Pittsburgh.

For too many of us, the I-376 closure has transformed the daily Pittsburgh commute into an overland expedition. Since provisions are in order, we’ve assembled the podcasts, playlists, and Pittsburgh-set audiobooks that make the miles—and the minutes—go by a little faster. Here’s what to queue up before setting out.

Podcasts

99% Invisible

The design-and-infrastructure podcast from Roman Mars is the thematically perfect companion to the I-376 closure: episode after episode about the hidden engineering that makes cities work.

The Number One Movie in America

Before coming to TABLE, arts and culture editor Sean Collier was already one of Pittsburgh’s best-known film critics. On this long-running podcast, he joins fellow movie experts Kahmeela Adams-Friedson and Robin Hitchcock to revisit movies that once topped the box office. There’s plenty of lively debate and behind-the-scenes trivia, whether they’re dissecting an old-school classic or discovering that nostalgia isn’t always what it used to be.

The Rest Is History

Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook turn everything from the fall of Rome to the Titanic into bingeable, frequently hilarious multi-part series.

SmartLess

Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett surprise each other with celebrity guests, and the result is less an interview show than an hour of friends cracking each other up.

Fiction Audiobooks

Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon

In Chabon’s misadventure-filled novel, Pittsburgh professor, aging writer, and shambolic mess Grady Tripp attempts to juggle a midlife crisis, a weekend writers’ festival, a dead dog, a stolen tuba, and a student who may not be what he seems—all of which might make commuter traffic feel like a minor inconvenience.

Emily, Alone by Stewart O’Nan

In this unsentimental, sharply-observed portrait of aging, O’Nan elevates the shrinking world of octogenarian widow and Pittsburgher Emily Maxwell into an act of quiet defiance. As Emily navigates her twilight years, drives her trusty Subaru, and cares for her demanding dog, she mourns the past while finding an unexpected independence.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon

A coming-of-age novel steeped in 1980s Pittsburgh, Chabon’s debut follows Art Bechstein as he stumbles through love, friendship, and the uncertainty of early adulthood during one sweltering summer. Equal parts funny and wistful, it’s one of the city’s defining novels.

Fine Young People by Anna Bruno

This Pittsburgh-set campus thriller follows Frankie, a prep school senior who tries to understand a classmate’s suicide and unravel a student’s mysterious death 20 years earlier. Propulsive and page-turning, the novel makes the city feel like another character. 

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Claustrophobic and unsettling, this white-knuckle thriller by Pittsburgh author Stage is a psychological throwdown between a chronically ill mother and her mute, manipulative seven-year-old daughter. The suspense builds chapter by chapter, making it the kind of audiobook that can distract you from almost anything—including bumper-to-bumper traffic.

A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

The newest novel from Pittsburgh’s own Marie Benedict—and a Reese’s Book Club pick—follows two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law as they team up to take down mob boss Lucky Luciano in 1930s New York.

The Castle of 1,000 Doors by Kenny Gould

This hilarious fantasy adventure from TABLE contributor Kenny Gould is built for the whole family. The story follows a famous athlete from—where else?—Steel City who is falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to fight through a dungeon with his last choice of weapon: a talking potato.

Nonfiction Audiobooks

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard

This lyrical memoir of growing up in 1950s Point Breeze is reflective, soothing, and full of wonder at the ordinary. Dillard’s prose opens a window into a Pittsburgh—and a childhood—before cellphones, social media, and constant distraction.

A Brief History of Pittsburgh by Daniel Monaghan

Want to know how Pittsburgh became Pittsburgh? Monaghan traces the city’s story from its days as a frontier outpost through the rise of steel, waves of immigration, industrial decline, and modern reinvention. It’s an accessible introduction for newcomers and a satisfying refresher for lifelong Pittsburghers.

Meet You in Hell: Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, and the Bitter Partnership That Transformed America by Les Standiford

The dramatic story of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick reads almost like a novel, chronicling one of the most consequential—and contentious—business partnerships in American history. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Homestead Strike and the forces that transformed Pittsburgh into an industrial powerhouse.

Music

Songs About Pittsburgh

If home is on your mind while you’re crawling across town, Spotify has already done the work for you. Its Songs About Pittsburgh playlist features everyone from Bruce Springsteen and Pete Seeger to Wiz Khalifa and The Lemonheads, all with songs that celebrate—or are inspired by—the Steel City.

Classical Focus

If you need absolute chill, try Spotify’s beautifully calming classical playlist. It’s a soothing soundtrack for those moments when traffic is moving at anything but highway speed.

Make-Your-Own Drinks for the Drive

Two mugs of cinnamon spice lattes on a wooden table next to a newspaper and a small bowl of coffee beans.
an aerial view of three cups of tea, golden in color. nerve-calming natural remedies

A longer commute deserves a better beverage. Make our coffeehouse-style Cinnamon Spice Latte for a morning pick-me-up, or steep one of Triple Moon Alchemy’s restorative herbal teas to de-stress or wind down.

Hungry? Take the Scenic Route

A plate of Chinese stir fry with chicken and vegetables on a table.

Why settle for another drive-thru when the detour can take you somewhere better? Our I-376 Closure Survival Guide: Where to Eat Along the Detour rounds up the coffee shops, bakeries, and neighborhood restaurants worth pulling over for.

Story by Kenny Gould
Photo From PennDOT

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It’s Goat Fest! Why Pittsburgh Throws a Festival for Hard-working Goats

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A brown goat stands up on a fence post.

Most people who come to Goat Fest in Pittsburgh’s South Side Park on July 25 will be expecting a celebration of cute farmyard animals. They might be surprised to find a hard-working herd of four-legged landscapers tackling one of Pittsburgh’s dirtiest summer jobs: clearing poison ivy, knotweed, and other invasive plants from steep hillsides.

This Saturday, the ninth annual Goat Fest returns to South Side Park with a petting zoo, live music, food trucks, an activity-filled kid zone and an artisan market. Once there, visitors can also discover why the festival’s headliners are more than just adorable—they’re among Pittsburgh’s most-dedicated seasonal workers.

A goat standing on a small tree.

Meet Pittsburgh’s Landscaping Goats

The 50-member herd celebrated at Goat Fest is owned by Allegheny GoatScape, a nonprofit that since 2017 has been using goats to clear rugged terrain too difficult and dangerous for people or machinery. The herd includes Nubian, Alpine, Boer, LaMancha and Nigerian Dwarf goats. Together, they can spend up to 10 hours a day chomping through unwanted plants, with a group of 10 clearing an acre in a little over a week.

The eco-friendly goats don’t burn gasoline or require herbicides, and they leave behind natural fertilizer instead of emissions. Their unique digestive systems even render many invasive seeds nonviable, helping slow future growth.

“They do what they were designed to do: eat, ruminate, sleep, repeat,” says Niquelle Abdul-Malak, fundraising and communications coordinator for Allegheny GoatScape.

Fortunately, they’re as entertaining as they are efficient. Most of the herd is happy to greet visitors, while shyer goats would rather hang back and observe the crowds. A few of the sassier members have been known to sample loose hair or remind unsuspecting humans about personal space.

“Every goat definitely has their own personality,” Abdul-Malak says. “But overall they’re very sweet, curious, and gentle.”

Visitors are often surprised by how calming it is simply to spend time around them.

“We often hear from our volunteers and visitors that being around the goats is remarkably relaxing and peaceful,” Abdul-Malak says.

They’re not the only personalities in the pasture. Every herd also includes a donkey whose job is to protect the goats from coyotes and other predators.

“The donkey acts as a protector for the goats,” says Melissa Swenda, a board member of Friends of South Side Park. “Donkeys are so cute, but they can actually be pretty tough if a coyote comes.”

A close up of a donkey's face.

How Goat Fest Began

The goats first arrived at South Side Park nearly a decade ago, after Friends of South Side Park partnered with Allegheny GoatScape to reclaim rugged terrain overrun with invasive plants. Once the goats cleared the brush, volunteers restored trails and planted more than 5,000 native trees, shrubs, and perennials. They’ve even added an orchard with apple, peach, pear, and cherry trees.

After that first season, volunteers decided the working herd deserved a celebration, which became Goat Fest. Today, the goats remain the star of the show, with Allegheny GoatScape volunteers on hand to answer questions and help visitors meet the animals.

One last surprise: the goats don’t smell nearly as much as people expect.

“I don’t find them to be stinky animals in the way people sometimes imagine farm animals,” Swenda says with a laugh.

A white goat in a green field of plants.

Know Before You Go

  • Goat Fest is July 25 from noon to 4 p.m. at Arlington Ball Field in South Side Park, 2000 Julia St., Pittsburgh. Admission is free.
  • Free parking is available at the UPMC lot located at Sarah Street and Steve Seventy Way, near South 29th Street. A shuttle service starts at 11:30 a.m.
  • There is a goat yoga session starting at 9 a.m. Tickets are $35. 

Keep the Goat Theme Going 

If you’re leaving the festival craving some goat cheese flavor, try these favorite TABLE recipes. 

An above shot of three rectangular serving platters holding Herbed Goat Cheese Tart with Summer Vegetables
Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart
Three Watermelon Sandwiches served on a heightened plate. Two sandwiches served on two smaller plates on the side.

Story by Lauren Davidson
Photos Courtesy of Allegheny GoatScape

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Collier’s Cuts: After a Few Thousand Years of Anticipation, Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Arrives in Theaters

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
Matt Damon in The Odyssey stands in long cloths with a grey beard and hair as Zendaya stands behind him in long white cloths and scarves.
L to R: Matt Damon is Odysseus and Zendaya is Athena in THE ODYSSEY, written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
An orange rating card of 4.5/5 stars for The Odyssey featuring a picture of three soldiers from the film.

The wait for Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey has been lengthy. The film was announced nearly two years ago; tickets went on sale a full year in advance. And, if you’ve been waiting for any major film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem — Nolan’s or otherwise … well, you’ve been waiting since the dawn of cinema. While various Italian producers have taken a stab at The Odyssey, Nolan’s is the first Hollywood treatment of the tale.

The Odyssey by Christopher Nolan Conjures Memory and Myth

In keeping with the oral tradition that has preserved Homer’s tale for millennia, Nolan’s The Odyssey shares most of its story in flashbacks. Most are from Odysseus (Matt Damon) himself, stranded in a haze of confused remembrance on the island Ogygia; the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron) has for years been feeding him lotus petals to make him forget his past.

As the memories he can’t quite grasp begin to weigh on him, though, she allows him to recall the tragic journey he’s been on for more than a decade. With these flashbacks comes guilt — first for the death of his compatriots; then for the unintentional abandonment of his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland); and ultimately for the toll of war.

That would be the Trojan War, and we witness it through another flashback, in the memory of Odysseus’ fellow soldier, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal). He recounts the tale of the Trojan Horse to Telemachus, who has gone on his own quest to find his errant father, lest an army of drunken suitors destroy his home in their dogged pursuit of Penelope’s hand.

Gods and Monsters in the Theater

The Greek gods are invoked constantly in this adaptation — Nolan also wrote the screenplay — but only one, Athena (Zendaya), makes her presence known. The rest are alternately cursed, blamed, praised and bemoaned. It seems deliberate that Nolan allows his characters to use the gods as justification for whatever deeds (or misdeeds) they have in mind; this version of the tale does not regard humans as playthings for fate, but rather as destructive, often animalistic forces ravaging the world around them.

While the gods may not be all that present, many other creatures certainly are. The first act of the film hangs on a brutal, often terrifying encounter with the fearsome Cyclops (Bill Irwin); we’ll later see men turned into beasts at the hands of Circe (Samantha Morton), narrowly avoid the call of the sirens and sail into the maw of the tentacled Scylla.

One could read into the reality of monsters and the relative absence of gods in Nolan’s adaptation (which is largely based on the recent literary adaptation by Emily Wilson). Perhaps he’s saying that cosmic forces have little to do with our fate, while tangible things we don’t understand do. The chief villain, certainly, is war itself; there are no battlefield heroes in The Odyssey, no matter what the songs say.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a Captivating, Hypnotic Journey

As Odysseus is trapped by Calypso’s potions, the audience is ensnared by a haze of story and atmosphere. Nolan and his team — notably composer Ludwig Göransson, who crafts an uncanny and hypnotic score, and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema — have created an experience that feels like a journey of its own. Watching The Odyssey feels like more than a commitment of three hours’ time; somehow, the weight of Odysseus’ years in exile comes through the screen and settles in the mind of the viewer.

As was the case with Nolan’s Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, this is weighty, often troubling stuff. Many of the typical hallmarks of blockbuster cinema are deliberately absent here; wonder has been sacrificed to Athena, replaced with pervasive dread. It’s an odd and deeply affecting experience — yet one made with remarkable skill and, perhaps, a bit of magic. Or at least prophecy.

Story by Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of Melinda Sue Gordon / Universal Pictures

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The Truth Is Out There. And So Is the Kecksburg UFO Festival Near Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A family stands with alien ears on their heads, holding blow up aliens.

For nearly 60 years, the tiny town of Kecksburg, about an hour southeast of Pittsburgh, has been haunted by one unanswered question: What crash-landed there on the night of Dec. 9, 1965? Was it an acorn-shaped flying object etched with strange symbols, as witnesses claimed, or an exploding meteorite? Starting Friday, July 17, the annual Kecksburg UFO Festival celebrates the mystery with three days of paranormal lore, parades, contests, and classic small-town festival fun.

Now in its 21st year, the Kecksburg UFO Festival—a fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department—has grown into one of western Pennsylvania’s quirkiest summer traditions. Along with nearly 100 food and craft vendors, live music, and fireworks, the festival takes a deep dive into the unexplained. 

Throughout the weekend, UFO researchers, cryptozoologists, and paranormal experts will share theories, evidence, and eyewitness accounts about what’s been described as western Pennsylvania’s answer to Roswell. Headlining Sunday’s UFO Conference is longtime Pennsylvania UFO researcher and author Stan Gordon, who will discuss the Kecksburg incident and recent reports of unexplained encounters from across the region.

The Mystery That Put Kecksburg on the Map

Festival chair and longtime volunteer firefighter Ron Struble doesn’t have to rely on secondhand accounts. He remembers watching the mysterious fireball streak across the sky while living in nearby Greensburg.

“My wife and I got in the car and drove to Kecksburg,” Struble said. “By the time we got out there on what is now Meteor Road, the military was already there.”

Exactly what crash-landed—and what happened afterward—has been debated ever since. Whatever the truth, the mystery keeps thousands of visitors returning each summer for the festival. 

What to See at the Kecksburg UFO Festival

Beyond the paranormal programming, the weekend includes a Saturday parade, with awards for Best UFO Costume and Best UFO Float. Sunday’s schedule includes the UFO Hot Dog Eating Contest, the UFO Conference, and a hay bale toss.

According to festival co-chair and volunteer firefighter Dave Nelson, the one can’t-miss event is the legendary UFO Bed Race. Scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, it features teams of five—usually decked out in elaborate extraterrestrial costumes—racing wheeled hospital beds through an obstacle course without hitting traffic cones.

“It’s pretty entertaining,” said Nelson. “People of all ages participate, and it’s fun to watch.”

Across from the fire department, visitors can also stop by the town’s photogenic, acorn-shaped UFO monument, created for an episode of Unsolved Mysteries that explored the Kecksburg incident.

Struble, who joined the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1975, said interviewing witnesses over the years changed his own perspective.

“I was a skeptic at first,” he said. “But after hearing so many similar stories, I became a believer.”

Nelson agrees. “I do believe something landed in that field,” he said. “To this day, it’s one of the top 10 unsolved mysteries.”

– The Kecksburg UFO Festival runs from Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, at 5128 Water St., Mount Pleasant. Festival hours are 6–11 p.m. Friday, noon–11 p.m. Saturday, and noon–5 p.m. Sunday.

– Admission and parking are free, and proceeds benefit the Kecksburg Volunteer Fire Department.

– For the full schedule, visit kecksburgvfd.com.

Story by Alyse Horn
Photo From GO Laurel Highlands

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

HEAD OF THE TABLE: The Leaders of Pittsburgh’s Local Businesses, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
Kristen Butterworth and Amnelis Cruz sit side by side at a table in Cork and Crust with wine racks behind them.

We’re continuing our celebration of Pittsburgh’s small business leaders and the passion behind the vision, talent, and hard work that help our communities thrive.

Across the city, from bustling business districts to charming neighborhood streets, locally owned businesses are the heart of Pittsburgh. They create gathering places, fuel innovation, and provide the personal service that makes shopping and dining local so rewarding. At TABLE Magazine, we’re excited to continue our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, highlighting the entrepreneurs and professionals who make our region stronger every day.

Each feature introduces readers to business owners and industry leaders whose dedication extends far beyond their products and services. From creative designers and skilled craftspeople to trusted healthcare providers and neighborhood favorites, these are the people shaping Pittsburgh through expertise, integrity, and genuine community connections. Their stories celebrate the spirit of local business and the lasting impact they have on the places we call home.

Get to Know Pittsburgh’s Local Business Leaders

Jason Grant and Medici Importers Global

Jason Grant sitting behind two bottles of Medici Importers Global wine as he looks off to the right.

Jason Grant founded Medici Importers Global in 2023 with a singular vision — to connect wholesalers with Italy’s most exceptional wines sourced directly from family-owned producers. What distinguishes Grant isn’t just his business acumen, but the foundation from which he operates.

Drs. Brian and Rob Klaich at Cranberry Dental Studio

Drs. Brian and Rob Klaich sit on chairs at Cranberry Dental Studio.

Cranberry Dental Studio continues to redefine cosmetic dentistry in the Pittsburgh region through a personalized, artistry-driven approach led by Drs. Brian and Rob Klaich. Known for advanced smile design and a luxury patient experience, the practice has received national and international recognition for its exceptional cosmetic dentistry.

Kristin Butterworth and Amnelis Cruz at Cork & Crust

Kristen Butterworth and Amnelis Cruz sit side by side at a table in Cork and Crust with wine racks behind them.

The Oaklander’s Cork & Crust, located on the bottom floor of The Oaklander Hotel in the heart of Oakland, has quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s standout dining destinations, thanks in large part to the leadership of Executive Chef Kristin Butterworth and Food & Beverage Manager Amnelis Cruz.

Dr. Sunjay Mannan, PA-C Sophia Moses and Master Aesthetician Shelby Hudepohl at The Wellow

Three medical experts at The Wellow in East Liberty stand in medical jackets.

The Wellow brings together a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping patients age well, feel well, and look naturally refreshed. The practice is led by Medical Director Dr. Sunjay Mannan, alongside PA-C Sophia Moses and Master Aesthetician Shelby Hudepohl.

Demeshia Seals, Mike Waruszewski and Bonnie Banze at Sarah Heinz House

Three leaders of Sarah Heinz House with one woman sitting in an orange chair and another woman and man standing behind the chair.
Left to right: Demeshia Seals, Chief Executive Officer; Mike Waruszewski, Chief Administrative Officer; and Bonnie Banze, Senior Programs Director of Adult Programs

The Sarah Heinz House Association has provided quality youth programs for area children for 125 years. The House offers a diverse range of programs designed to inspire and engage members of all ages. Activities keep participants physically active and cultivate their personal and social development.

Culinary Team at Common Plea Catering

The Common Plea Catering culinary team stands with four members in black outside the catering truck and one member in the drivers seat of the truck.

Pictured here are: Jon Zdravecky, VP of Culinary Operations in the driver’s seat, and then, left to right, Executive Chef Theo Mason, Executive Chef Al Alexandar, Executive Chef Chris Helsel, Executive Chef Meach Richardson. This is the culinary team that brings Common Plea Catering’s events to life every single day. From building custom menus and over-the-top grazing displays to plating thousands of meals with precision.

The Ladies at SPLASH

A group of the women sales team at Splash in a kitchen showroom with oak cabinets and counter and silver sink.
Left to right: Sandy, Janice, Amanda, Sally, Lyndsey, Caroline, Terri, Olivia, Taylor, Andrea, Maria, Cindy, Jill, & Sunshine

SPLASH celebrates its commitment to sourcing kitchen and bath products that are responsibly made, ethically sourced, and when possible, made locally in our own backyard. The ladies of SPLASH boast exceptional relationships with their manufacturers. Having toured their workshops, the team is trained and ready to guide you through every step of your project.

The Guarino Family at Louis Anthony Jewelers

The Louis Anthony Jewelers family sit together in the showspace all in black elegant clothing.

This family-owned business blends cutting-edge technology with timeless, personal service to create a shopping experience that feels both modern and meaningful. As the next generation of Guarinos steps in, they carry forward a legacy built on integrity, craftsmanship, and the belief that thoughtful service is the ultimate luxury. At Louis Anthony Jewelers, it’s not just jewelry—it’s a family tradition.

Read February’s HEAD OF THE TABLE to meet more business leaders.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Louis Anthony Jewelers Combines Family Tradition With Fine Jewelry: Head of the Table, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
The Louis Anthony Jewelers family sit together in the showspace all in black elegant clothing.

While communication has evolved—from handwritten notes to AI support— customers still seek connection, care, and quality. They want to be dazzled…and happily so! That’s what Louis Anthony Jewelers delivers to Pittsburgh. The family-owned business blends cutting-edge technology with timeless, personal service to create a shopping experience that feels both modern and meaningful.

Louis Anthony Jewelers Continues a Family Legacy of Exceptional Service

As the next generation of Guarinos steps in, they carry forward a legacy built on integrity, craftsmanship, and the belief that thoughtful service is the ultimate luxury. At Louis Anthony, it’s not just jewelry—it’s a family tradition.

In our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, we spotlight innovative trailblazers who not only deliver exceptional goods and services but also build meaningful relationships within their communities. Whether it’s a design company transforming local homes, a jeweler bringing sparkle to our lives, or a duo of dentists helping us look our best, these folks deserve a seat at the head of our table and yours. We hope their stories both inspire you, and remind us all what makes Pittsburgh truly special.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Express Yourself with Kitchen and Bath Inspiration at SPLASH in Pittsburgh: Head of the Table, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
-
0
A group of the women sales team at Splash in a kitchen showroom with oak cabinets and counter and silver sink.
Left to right: Sandy, Janice, Amanda, Sally, Lyndsey, Caroline, Terri, Olivia, Taylor, Andrea, Maria, Cindy, Jill, & Sunshine

In the heart of Pittsburgh’s legendary industrial landscape, SPLASH advocates for American craftsmanship with an all-women sales team that designs stunning kitchen and bath showrooms filled with premium products, many proudly manufactured in the USA. SPLASH is Pittsburgh’s leading resource for exceptional plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bath, cabinetry, tile & stone, and architectural hardware.

Upgrade Your Kitchen and Bath at SPLASH in Pittsburgh

SPLASH has four showrooms throughout the Pittsburgh region. Each features a curated collection of American-made products. From cabinet hardware crafted from solid, art-grade bronze to locally made cabinetry, hand-glazed ceramic tiles, hand-cut glass mosaics, faucet collections that boast 30+ finishes, and natural stone quarried in the states – the design options are endless.

SPLASH celebrates its commitment to sourcing kitchen and bath products that are responsibly made, ethically sourced, and when possible, made locally in our own backyard. The ladies of SPLASH boast exceptional relationships with their manufacturers. Having toured their workshops, the team is trained and ready to guide you through every step of your project.

Showroom locations are conveniently located in Collier TWP, Cranberry TWP, Glenshaw, & Murrysville.

In our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, we spotlight innovative trailblazers who not only deliver exceptional goods and services but also build meaningful relationships within their communities. Whether it’s a design company transforming local homes, a jeweler bringing sparkle to our lives, or a duo of dentists helping us look our best, these folks deserve a seat at the head of our table and yours. We hope their stories both inspire you, and remind us all what makes Pittsburgh truly special.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Meet the Team Behind Common Plea Catering’s Unforgettable Event Services: Head of the Table, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
-
0
The Common Plea Catering culinary team stands with four members in black outside the catering truck and one member in the drivers seat of the truck.

Common Plea Catering is powered by a team guests rarely see but always remember. Behind every beautifully plated dinner, late-night wedding snack, corporate lunch drop, and perfectly timed event is a group of chefs who genuinely love what they do.

Common Plea Catering’s Culinary Team Make Dreams Come True

Pictured here are: Jon Zdravecky, VP of Culinary Operations in the driver’s seat, and then, left to right, Executive Chef Theo Mason, Executive Chef Al Alexandar, Executive Chef Chris Helsel, Executive Chef Meach Richardson.

This is the culinary team that brings Common Plea Catering’s events to life every single day. From building custom menus and over-the-top grazing displays to plating thousands of meals with precision, the team combines creativity, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of personality behind the scenes.

Whether preparing an intimate dinner party, a major gala, or feeding an entire corporate campus, the focus is always the same: make it memorable, make it beautiful, and make guests feel taken care of.

Operating out of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, Common Plea Catering has spent decades creating experiences that feel thoughtful, personal, and seamless from the first bite to the final course. Because at the end of the day, great hospitality is not just about the food. It is about the people behind it.

In our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, we spotlight innovative trailblazers who not only deliver exceptional goods and services but also build meaningful relationships within their communities. Whether it’s a design company transforming local homes, a jeweler bringing sparkle to our lives, or a duo of dentists helping us look our best, these folks deserve a seat at the head of our table and yours. We hope their stories both inspire you, and remind us all what makes Pittsburgh truly special.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Sarah Heinz House Empowers Pittsburgh Youth Through Programming: Head of the Table, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
-
0
Three leaders of Sarah Heinz House with one woman sitting in an orange chair and another woman and man standing behind the chair.
Left to right: Demeshia Seals, Chief Executive Officer; Mike Waruszewski, Chief Administrative Officer; and Bonnie Banze, Senior Programs Director of Adult Programs

The Sarah Heinz House Association has provided quality youth programs for area children for 125 years. The House offers a diverse range of programs designed to inspire and engage members of all ages. Activities keep participants physically active and cultivate their personal and social development, ensuring they remain interested and involved in their growth journey. A caring staff and dedicated volunteers encourage members to explore new interests, develop social skills, and dream big. With this kind of support, members gain self-confidence, achieve goals, and give back to their communities.

Sarah Heinz House Programs Help Pittsburgh Youth Build Confidence, Skills, and Bright Futures

The House prioritizes members’ safety and elevates their voices in every way, every day, in pursuit of its mission. The House’s mission is to provide best-in-class services for its communities, ensuring that success is attainable for everyone who walks through its doors. This mission is influenced by The House’s guiding principles of excellence, belonging, continuous improvement, accountability, and collective impact.

In our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, we spotlight innovative trailblazers who not only deliver exceptional goods and services but also build meaningful relationships within their communities. Whether it’s a design company transforming local homes, a jeweler bringing sparkle to our lives, or a duo of dentists helping us look our best, these folks deserve a seat at the head of our table and yours. We hope their stories both inspire you, and remind us all what makes Pittsburgh truly special.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

The Wellow’s Physician-led Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Practice in East Liberty: Head of the Table, July 2026

By
Kylie Thomas
-
0
Three medical experts at The Wellow in East Liberty stand in medical jackets.

The Wellow brings together a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping patients age well, feel well, and look naturally refreshed. The practice is led by Medical Director Dr. Sunjay Mannan, alongside PA-C Sophia Moses and Master Aesthetician Shelby Hudepohl, who work collaboratively to deliver personalized aesthetic and wellness care.

Head to East Liberty’s The Wellow for Your Aesthetic and Wellness Needs

The Wellow offers injectables, advanced laser treatments, microneedling, medical weight loss, and evidence-based wellness services, all guided by a philosophy that prioritizes natural results and long-term well-being. Rather than chasing trends, the team focuses on building meaningful relationships with patients and creating customized treatment plans that evolve with their goals over time. By combining medical expertise with compassionate, individualized care, The Wellow has become a destination for those seeking a more thoughtful approach to aesthetics and wellness. Rooted in education, innovation, and patient trust, The Wellow is redefining what modern medical spa care can look and feel like.

In our HEAD OF THE TABLE series, we spotlight innovative trailblazers who not only deliver exceptional goods and services but also build meaningful relationships within their communities. Whether it’s a design company transforming local homes, a jeweler bringing sparkle to our lives, or a duo of dentists helping us look our best, these folks deserve a seat at the head of our table and yours. We hope their stories both inspire you, and remind us all what makes Pittsburgh truly special.

SPONSORED

Story by TABLE Magazine Staff
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

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