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8 More Delicious Pizza Places to Explore in Pittsburgh

By
Kylie Thomas
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A large cheese pizza sits on a wood table with big and small bowls of sides and salads.
F&F Pizzeria

Pittsburgh is blessed with so much outstanding pizza that Dan Gigler is pleased to report that his 2026 list has no repeats from the last few How to Pittsburgh issues. He’s found fresh sauce-and-dough options for us all to try ASAP.

Craving Cheesy, Crispy Crust and Sauce? Head to These Pizza Places Around Pittsburgh

F&F Pizzeria

307 Beverly Road, Mount Lebanon

At the risk of sounding provincial, the Yinzer lurking in my black-and-gold soul takes umbrage when locals lose their minds over some new shiny bauble that enters our market from out of town. To wit: I’m wholly unmoved by shacks that make shakes or the expense account crowd’s latest Downtown steakhouse-of-the-month. So I gave healthy skepticism to the much-hyped grand opening of F&F Pizza in Mount Lebanon, the Pittsburgh outpost of the famed New York City collaboration between Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. The hairy eyeball isn’t necessary, though: this pizza is fantastic.

They do it New York-meets-Neapolitan style and manage to honor both pizza lineages with a micro-thin crust which positively crackles when you bite into it. That it’s served in a gorgeous renovation of the former Bado’s home on Beverly Road is poetic. These are the kind of new neighbors we’re happy to welcome to town.

Il Pizzaiolo

703 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon

It’s been 30 years since Ron Molinaro opened this temple to Neapolitan pizza and somehow it only manages to get better. You can’t go wrong here, but try the purist’s choice, the Margherita DOC with San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala, Parmigiano, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. This is the truest pizza this side of the Spaccanapoli.

LaGrassa

5336 Butler Street, Lawrenceville 

At a recent pop-up, Eric Grasso pulled a gorgeous Detroit-style square pizza out of the oven. After letting it rest, he slowly cut it with his rocker blade, unleashing a slow hissing CRONCH sound that could be the stuff of an ASMR video. Their guiding ethos, “everyone gets a corner slice” is the kind of pizza populism we can get behind. La Grassa has moved up and down Butler St. from pop-ups at The Vandal to a regular Tuesday residence at Field Day. Later this year, Mr. Grasso opens a permanent spot on the 5400 block of Butler in the former home of Cure.

La Vera Brooklyn Pizzeria 

656 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon 

The emergence of his fellow New Yorkers at F&F understandably garnered all the social media attention, but Chef Richie Sphatt Sr., a Brooklyn-native, opened La Vera with his sons Richie Jr., Matthew, and Thomas, further burnishing Mt. Lebanon’s embarrassment of Pizza riches. The elder Richie worked for years across the street at Il Pizzaiolo and is the executive chef at Mt. Washington’s Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. The slices are excellent, but the Sicilian pies are worth the visit – get the trio with vodka, pesto, and San Marzano tomato sauces, fresh mozzarella, and pecorino.

A round pizza with pepperoni and jalapeños sits on a wood table beside a plate of garlic bread and a white spread.
Woodfired by Lorelei

Woodfired by Lorelei

126 South Highland Avenue, East Liberty 

If this place didn’t exist you’d have to invent it: a combination cocktail and coffee bar with a wine shop and a colorful  “modern German beer hall” that looks like it came out of a Wes Anderson movie. AND they also have stellar pizza – woodfired, as you might’ve guessed from the name. A ton of places do a sweet and spicy pie with pepperoni and hot honey but Woodfired kicks it up a notch with the addition of pickled jalapeños.

Lucatino 

106 East Main Street, Carnegie 

For over 15 years Rico Lunardi and his Slice on Broadway squad have turned out excellent “New York Style, Yinzer Made” pies with remarkable consistency at multiple locations around Allegheny County. His new Carnegie restaurant, named for his sons Luca and Santino, is an homage to the red sauce restaurant his parents owned and ran in Beechview when he was growing up, but with modern updates to the decor and especially the menu. Loud and bustling, it’s like walking in on a lively family dinner, but the only one in Pittsburgh that serves round Roman tavern pies called Scrocchiarella – an onomatopoeic Italian word for “crunchy,” as these flavor-packed pies practically shatter like glass when you bite into them. Try the white clam pie for something completely different.

The PA Market

108 19th Street, Strip District

Come for the wine and vibes, stay for the pizza. The wine library at the PA Market is as chill a hang as you can ask for in the Strip – a ton of space, lots of comfy seating, and a wine list as good as you’ll find anywhere – not to mention excellent beers and cocktails. Their thin crust New York-style pizzas make an excellent drinking partner. Pick a bold Italian red to pair with the rich and earthy White Oak – a white sauce base, with mushrooms, sautéed spinach, caramelized onion, and truffle oil.

Penn Ave. Pizza & Steaks a.k.a. “PAPS” 

4065 Penn Avenue, Lawrenceville 

This new pizza shop is such a recent addition to the scene that it opened the same week this article’s deadline came due, so details are scant except for one very important one: this is exceptional New York-style pizza. Chris Firman, owner of the South Side nightclub Enclave, opened this shop with his brother and his wife in a spot that’s been pretty much a revolving door location over the past few years. This place has the makings of a place that’s going to be around for quite a while.

Story by Dan Gigler
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Rick Sebak’s Favorite Places to Eat in Western Pennsylvania

By
Kylie Thomas
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A black table full of plates featuring dumplings, Korean beef, stir fry, cans of beer, and little bowls of vegetable sides and sauces.
Pocha by Kye-Won

WQED’s Rick Sebak shares a list of just a few of his favorite places to eat around Western Pennsylvania (Okay, well, maybe a little outside Western PA too, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new!) He loves new surprises as well as tried-and-true stalwarts, and values the immigrant influences that enrich American foodways so beautifully and deliciously. Warning: Prepare to be hungry after reading this list!

Rick Sebak in a yellow jacket points out the window of his white mini Cooper.

Where Rick Sebak Eats in Western Pennsylvania (and Beyond)

Independent Brewing Company

1704 Shady Avenue, Squirrel Hill 

I eat dinner at this neighborhood bar and restaurant almost every Wednesday night (after spinning vinyl records there in the bar for a couple of hours) and it’s consistently superb. Chef Dante Rau creates great bar foods like wings (get the Huli Huli sauce) and smash burgers, but unusual choices like Cucumber Salad and Street Noodles make meals here exciting and often spicy. All the classic and crazy cocktails from head bartender Madison Delia are worth a separate story. Get the Pittsburgh Handshake as a nightcap. 

Pocha by Kye-Won

270 West Water Street, Saxonburg 

I met Kye-Won last year when she won Pittsburgh City Paper awards for her Korean foods and her glorious chicken wings. I’ve since found out that both honors were well deserved! Her restaurant, Pocha, shares a comfy space with Grist House Beer in one corner of the Sprankles Neighborhood Market in Saxonburg, and I’ll gladly drive there for her BiBimBop, her Bulgogi, or her family-made Mandu. However, her “Left-Handed Crab Cakes” may be among the best I’ve ever had. And there’s lots more on the menu (Dakdoritang!?) for me to try! 

Assorted Chocolate Shops 

Various locations 

Across the Easter season last year, I learned that Western Pennsylvania is blessed with an outstanding number of local chocolate shops, making candies that have a smooth, rich taste that puts them in a different league from ordinary candy bars and national brands. I wholeheartedly recommend the chocolate-covered potato chips at Dorothy’s Candies in White Oak, the Himalayan Salt Caramel Truffles at Clark Candies in Tarentum, the Pecan Treats (aka Turtles) at Anderson’s in Baden, and the scrumptious Dubai Chocolate Bar at Pink House Chocolates in Finleyville. This list could go on for miles.  

Serbian Chicken Blast 

80 Serbian Way, Weirton

This is a summertime treat of astounding deliciousness created with whole chickens roasted over open fires every Wednesday by a battalion of mostly men who clean, season (with just salt and pepper), skewer, and cook some of the best poultry I’ve ever encountered. The scene on Wednesday evenings when folks come to feast at the Serbian Picnic Grounds in Weirton, WV is world class and reassuring. The hardest thing is getting on the list! Look for my WQED video on YouTube. 

HK Dim Sum 

42500 Centre Avenue, Oakland

The HK stands for Hong Kong, and they say the dishes are carefully cooked with “authentic Cantonese soul.” I don’t have a lot of dim sum experience but this relatively new, beautiful Chinese restaurant in North Oakland has delighted me with delicious dumplings, lovely lunches, and even a tasty bowl of congee with sliced fish one afternoon. Great spices. Superb flavors and presentation. Fine friendly service. I’m quickly becoming a regular. 

Badamo’s Pizza 

North Side and Dormont

Anthony Badamo and his staff have been making great pizza since 2010 when they opened in Mount Lebanon, where I learned to love his bright little red peppers on top of his excellent slices. They’ve since moved that shop to Potomac Avenue in Dormont and opened another location on Federal Street on the North Side. You can get superb whole pies, either traditional round or rectangular Sicilian, but they also offer a beautiful array of slices with lots of toppings to choose from at both locations. And I can’t stop at either shop without getting a half dozen garlic knots for snacking in the car and on lots of other occasions. And if they have any of Anthony’s unpredictable focaccia sandwiches (mortadella? porchetta? Calabrian chiles? chimichurri?), grab a couple for lunch the next day. 

Tillie’s  

308 36th Street, McKeesport 

The last time I visited this fabled Italian restaurant in McKeesport, I had their exclusive Parmioli entree: chicken parm baked with a cheese ravioli on top. Sublime. This is just one of those lovely places that can be instantly comfortable and totally delicious, almost like being at the home of a friendly family. Owner Angelo Teti — his mother Matilda was Tillie —has been helping to keep the kitchen and the service in top form since it opened in 1962. Homemade pastas. Great sauce. And next time I want to try the special Pork Palena because the bacon-and-artichoke-butter sauce sounds so good.  

Weatherbury Farm 

1061 Sugar Run Road, Avella

This family-owned-and-run farm near Avella in Washington County produces a variety of organic grains, grass-fed beef, beans, and eggs, but several years ago I first learned to love putting their rolled oats in my oatmeal-raisin cookies. Then one of the Tudor family — mom Marcy, dad Dale, or son Nigel — told me to consider einkorn flakes, and I’ve never looked back. Their ancient grains (spelt, emmer, and einkorn) add texture and flavors to all my baking now.  They also make a startling variety of flours from rye to buckwheat to Appalachian bread flour. And you can order their products online then drive out there once a month to pick them up and chat with the Tudors. Weatherbury corn also led to Wigle Whiskey creating its very tasty Pennsylvania Wapsie Bourbon. All good. 

Chick ’n Bubbly 

117 Oakland Avenue, Oakland

This small Korean cafe is a favorite of mine after work. Easy parking nearby. Friendly staff. I love the crispy, spicy soy garlic wings, the pork gyoza, and also the soft and scrumptious Japanese fried octopus called takoyaki. One time a fellow patron told me, “Oh, get the taro milk tea with the tapioca bubbles here!” And I’ve added that “bubbly” to my order ever since. There are a few outdoor tables, or you can take the food next door to their brother business called Oishii Bento. I usually get it to go, sample some in my car, and reheat what’s left in my air fryer at home. Happy. 

Rick also shared some of his favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh with us in our 2023 How to Pittsburgh issue.

Story by Rick Sebak
Food Styling by Keith Recker
Food Photography by Dave Bryce
Portrait by Jeff Swensen

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The Art of the Milestone: How Common Plea Catering Is Redefining Graduation Celebrations

By
Star Laliberte
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A photo of a Dirty Soda Bar with sodas, syrups, and fresh fruits in front of a lighted tree outside.

This generation has grown up in a world where milestones are both honored and reimagined. They understand that a moment isn’t just lived, it’s remembered, shared, and shaped in a way that feels personal.

From the first day of school to the final walk across the stage, a graduate’s journey is a shared family story. While the ceremony honors the achievement, the celebration honors the person.

Redefining Graduation Celebrations at Common Plea Catering

“The celebration should feel like an extension of who the graduate is,” says the team at Common Plea Catering. “And what better way to do that than through food.”

An overhead photo of different pizza slices and pasta dishes on slate and a textured black surface.

That shift is changing how people approach graduation parties. Hosts are moving away from one-size-fits-all gatherings and toward something more thoughtful and reflective. Food, design, and flow are all working together to create an environment that feels natural, welcoming, and distinctly personal, where guests can move, interact, and enjoy the moment as it unfolds.

The Menu as Identity

If the ceremony honors tradition, the menu expresses the individual.

At Common Plea Catering, graduation menus are no longer built around standard packages. They are designed around the graduate.

A wooden board with several miniature hamburgers help together with appetizer toothpicks.

“We’re seeing clients want the food to reflect personality,” the team shares. “It could be elevated versions of comfort foods, global flavors, or small plates that let guests try everything. The goal is to make it feel intentional.”

Several stemmed glasses with small salads covered with grated cheese.

Interactive dining continues to lead this shift. Stations are designed to encourage movement and engagement, allowing guests to experience the event rather than simply attend it.

Styled, Not Piled

A photo of a seafood display tiered on different levels of ice.

Grazing tables are still a staple, but the approach has evolved. What was once about abundance is now about intention. Instead of filling a table edge to edge, the focus has shifted to thoughtful presentation. Layered compositions, varied heights, and curated elements turn these displays into part of the overall design. From smaller, reimagined grazing moments to individual portions and more dimensional setups, the goal is to create something visually engaging while still allowing guests to move and interact naturally.

Small Plates, Big Impact

An overhead photo of a bite of meat garnished with micro greens and rosemary on a blue and white patterned plate with a gold fork.

One of the biggest shifts in catering right now is the move toward smaller, more intentional portions. Instead of committing to one plate, guests are given the freedom to try a little bit of everything. We love composed bites served on spoons, in mini glasses, or as handheld portions that are easy to enjoy while mingling. These smaller plates allow for more variety across the menu and keep the energy of the event moving.

Small plates of a scallop appetizer dish garnished with violet flowers.

“We’re seeing clients want more options without making the event feel heavy,” says Common Plea Catering. “Small plates create that balance, while also making it easier to accommodate dietary restrictions and different preferences.”

The Bar as a Focal Point

The bar is no longer secondary. It is part of the experience.

One of the most requested features this season is the Dirty Soda Bar, a customizable station where guests mix soda bases with syrups, citrus, and cream finishes to create something uniquely their own.

A photo of a Dirty Soda Bar with sodas, syrups, and fresh fruits in front of a lighted tree outside.

“It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it works for every age group,” says Common Plea Catering.

As a full service caterer, Common Plea Catering also offers a traveling liquor license, allowing hosts to seamlessly pair non alcoholic options with full bar service. Dirty sodas for the kids and elevated versions for the adults create a cohesive experience.

“It’s about making everything feel effortless for the host and engaging for the guest,” the team adds.

A Celebration That Stays With You

There’s a growing shift toward graduation parties that feel more thoughtful and put together, where the food, design, and flow all work naturally together.

“At the end of the day, what people remember is being together,” says Common Plea Catering. “The food and the experience just help create the space for that.”

A stemless wine glass on a striped plate filled with fresh vegetables and hummus at the bottom.

Because in the end, a graduation party is more than a gathering. It marks a transition, and it should feel as meaningful as the journey that led there.

With decades of experience, Common Plea Catering approaches every celebration with a focus on personalization, thoughtful design, as well as seamless service.

Because the best celebrations are not just seen. They are experienced.

Story and Photos Courtesy of Common Plea Catering

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Three Rivers Arts Festival Announces Music Headliners and Performances

By
Kylie Thomas
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Joan Osborne with long blonde hair in front of a building.
Joan Osborne

The headlining music artists for this year’s Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival — the first to be held at the newly unveiled Arts Landing development — were revealed on Monday. The lineup of shows, all of which are free and open to the public, features hitmakers and critical favorites across a variety of genres, as well as spotlight appearances by local performers.

Who’s Playing Music and Performing at Three Rivers Arts Festival 2026?

These headline acts will take the Dollar Bank Stage which is also the centerpiece of Arts Landing’s Great Lawn:

Four members of Spin Doctors stand together in front of a black background.
Spin Doctors

Osborne, best known for her hit One of Us, has also spent recent years exploring Bob Dylan’s catalogue through tours and albums. ’90s favorites Spin Doctors, whose modern-rock hits Two Princes as well as Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong you may know, played to a packed crowd in late 2024 at Pittsburgh Brewing Company.

Pittsburgh stalwart Buffalo Rose will headline a night of local acts on the Dollar Bank stage; fellow regional standouts Coltt Winter Lepley and the Briar Valley Rangers will also appear on the bill (playing from 6-7 p.m., before Buffalo Rose takes over at 7:30 p.m.).

Headlining sets begin at 7:30 p.m., with additional entertainment scheduled throughout the day.

The two members of War and Treaty sit together on a brown couch, the man has a cowboy hat on and the woman has her hand on his shoulder.
War and Treaty

Much More to Discover

In addition to the annual art shows and visual-art displays throughout the Cultural District — and the opportunity to explore Arts Landing itself — several large-scale installations were announced for the festival.

Squonk, the Pittsburgh-based arts collective known for innovative, large-scale performances, will also present the world premiere of Joy Machine. In this original creation, the audience joins the performers onstage throughout the performance, collaborating in the creation of the show.

Five performances of Joy Machine are scheduled between June 5-7.

An eye-catching exercise in “vertical performance” is also on the schedule. Taking over the facade of Arts Landing’s BNY Visitors Center as their stage, BANDALOOP, a California-based dance group, will present the perspective-shifting The Sky Is Not the Limit. Two performances per day are scheduled for June 12 and 13.

A full list of events as well as performances is available now.

Story by Sean Collier
Photos Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

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Heinz History Center Set for Major Expansion Opening by 2028

By
Kylie Thomas
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The outside of the Heinz History Center in a rendering of the future expansion.

One of Pittsburgh’s iconic institutions is about to get a lot bigger. The Sen. John Heinz History Center on Thursday, April 30, broke ground on an expansion that will add more than 92,000 square feet of exhibit and event space.

The Smithsonian’s Heinz History Center Expands Its Offerings

The expansion, which is projected to be completed by 2028, will be visible immediately upon entry, as visitors encounter an expanded Great Hall and a new theater for film screenings and events. Another new, interactive exhibition will focus on the life and work of Fred Rogers; added outdoor spaces, including a new dedicated gathering space dubbed Penn Avenue Plaza, will incorporate more of the surrounding area into the History Center’s offerings.

The museum will be expanding existing offerings, including the Franco Harris Sports History Museum and collections focusing on the region’s Italian and Jewish heritage.

A new “museum within a museum” is also opening as part of the expansion. The forthcoming Museum of African American History, located on the fourth floor of the expanded History Center, will the impact and importance of Black communities to the history and culture of both Western Pennsylvania and the nation.

A rendering of the new African American expansion of the Heinz History Center.

More Room for Kids

The expansion will also add “smart” classrooms to the History Center, part of a stated goal of increasing field trips by 50%.

Admission to the History Center is free for kids 17 years of age and under, the result of a major gift from Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin. That gift allows free admission to young visitors — including school groups — in perpetuity.

A capital campaign has already raised more than 70% of the $80 million targeted for the expansion project.

The inside of the Heinz History Center showcasing a new space to be open in 2028.

On Now at the Heinz History Center

The facility will remain open during expansion. Programming and exhibits are scheduled throughout the year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, including the current exhibit My America: An Illustrated Experience, for which the History Center partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators; 35 individual artists participated in the vivid display.

Next week, the History Center will host Hidden History Trivia Night, a nighttime competition quizzing guests on Pittsburgh’s crossovers with pop-culture.

The Heinz History Center also has a pair of sister institutions: The nearby Fort Pitt Museum, and the sprawling Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village in Avella, Pa.

Story by Sean Collier
Renderings Courtesy of Heinz History Center

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Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week Returns May 11-17

By
Kylie Thomas
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A vegan restaurant week dish featuring a potato stack with vegan melted cheese and other garnishes.

Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week is back May 11-17, bringing a lineup of plant-based dishes to restaurants all across the city. Whether you’re fully vegan or just curious, this is your chance to see how creative and satisfying vegan food can really be.

What is Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week?

Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week is a limited-time event by Humane Action Pennsylvania where local restaurants feature special vegan dishes or menus. Some spots are fully plant-based year-round, while others create exclusive offerings just for the week. It’s a great way to try something new, support local businesses, and explore different neighborhoods all at once. Expect everything from comfort food favorites to globally inspired meals and plenty of desserts too. Many restaurants only offer these items during the event, so it’s worth checking them out while you can.

What Restaurants are Participating in Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week?

We Cook, We Eat

339 Anthony Street

For the week, We Cook, We Eat is providing a line-up of vegan dishes so you have a meal consisting of an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Start off with Raw Spring Gazpacho or Cooked Curry Lentil then choose from Rainbow Pad Thai, Mushroom Sietan Riblets, Garlic Kale, and Vegan Mac for your entree. Finally, finish with Fruit Sorbet or Lemon Panna Cotta with Lemon Crumble.

Con Alma

613 Penn Avenue

Not sure what to try? Con Alma make sit easy with a prix-fixe menu that ensures your night is a success. You’ll begin with a choice of Sesame Noodles or Watermelon Salad. Next comes Panang Curry or Crispy Tofu featuring plenty of flavor. For dessert you’ll savor a Mango Brulee while listening to the live jazz of Con Alma.

Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine

124 6th Street

Mediterranean cuisine makes creating vegan dishes easy with its influx of fresh vegetables and other vegan ingredients. Take part in this restaurant’s meal including choices of Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves served with Turkish Bread, Falafel with Hummus, an Eggplant Turkish dish, or Veggie Saute, and then Turkish Delight or Raw Truffles to finish things off.

EYV Hospitality

424 East Ohio Street

While this restaurant is all veggie all year-round, they’re cooking up something special for Pittsburgh Vegan Restaurant Week. Chef Michael Godlewski starts you off with welcome snacks before letting you choose from three entrees and three desserts. While specific dishes are not yet released, they’re sure to be detailed, fresh, and delicious.

Nurture Pgh

There isn’t a specific location for Nurture Pgh but they’re offering home delivery or pick-up at the Bloomfield Saturday Farmer’s Market for Vegan Restaurant Week. For just $50 you get a whole meal full of Vegetable Japchae Noodles with Sesame Sauce, Vegetable Pancake with Korean Barbecue Sauce, Braised Trumpet Mushrooms, and Gingerbread made with fresh ginger and topped with sunbutter frosting.

Abeille Voyante Tea Co.

211 Grant Avenue

Fancy a cuppa? For those always wishing vegan treats become widely available at coffee and tea shops, this one is for you. Abeille Voyante Tea Co. is providing you with options for vegan Scones, Finger Sandwiches and Salad, as well as Cookies and Cake. Plus if you order the Finger Sandwiches and Salad entree you also get an iced or hot 12 oz tea.

Iron Root by City Kitchen

Bakery Square

Sit down for a taste of Asian-inspired flavors with City Kitchen’s exclusive vegan week specials. Right inside Bakery Square, City Kitchen invites you to try Bruschetta with Whipped Tofu, Golden Miso Claypot, and Cherry Blossom Dessert Mocktail. It’s a journey of the senses as you make your way through each.

Cucina Vitale

661 Andersen Drive #100

Wouldn’t Italian food be so much better if it was vegan? At Cucina Vitale your vegan-Italian dreams come to life so you can dine on pasta without worrying about the dairy inside. You’ll start with Vegan Meatballs featuring a Marinara Sauce before moving to a Lentil Bologonese for your entree. Then, dessert puts this lineup over the top with Vegan Brownies featuring Chocolate Frosting.

Senyai Thai Kitchen

5865 Ellsworth Avenue

We here at TABLE love Senyai and even order it often for lunch since their location is conveniently near our office. We may even have to try their Vegan Restaurant Week offerings like Mee Krob noodles, a Thai Summer Roll, Kale Salad, Pineapple Fried Rice with Tofu, and Green Curry with Grilled Tofu. After your appetizer and entree you’ll refresh with Coconut Ice Cream and Sticky Rice for dessert.

Cafe Chocolade

57061 Steubenville Pike

Treat yourself to authentic European dishes at Cafe Chocolade. In case you’ve never had vegan cheese before, here’s your chance to try a Cheese Plate as your appetizer. Along with a Tomato and Feta Galette and Macarons, you’ll leave feeling like you just took a vacation across the ocean. Plus, everything is gluten-free and the bakery is plant-based friendly even outside of the week.

El Sabor Latin Kitchen

4100 Penn Avenue

When you think of Latin food, you probably think of heavy tacos with piles of meat and cheese. But, El Sabor Latin Kitchen is changing that by introducing you to a menu that’s completely vegan. Start with an order of Guacamole and Chips before biting into a crisp Veggie and Tofu Chimichanga with Salsa Verde. For dessert, things turn tropical as you enjoy a Pineapple Coconut Cake.

Esquina Cantina

3720 Butler Street

In case you are craving classic tacos as comfort food, Esquina Cantina is ready to provide. Much like the menu above, you’ll begin with their housemade Guacamole. But instead of a chimichanga, Setas Tacos are the star of the show that use mushrooms for the filling. End things with their Nicuatole, a sweet corn-based pudding that uses fresh seasonal fruits as a flavoring.

Khalil’s Middle Eastern Restaurant

4757 Baum Boulevard

The Khalil sisters put love and care into all their dishes and their specials for Vegan Restaurant Week are no different. Their prix-fixe menu takes you through the staples of Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll get to try Hummus bi Tahini, Felafel, Khalil’s Signature Salad, and Blueberry Baklava. If the weather’s nice, enjoy it on their patio that sets the atmosphere just right.

Ruggers Pub

40 South 22nd Street

Vegans should be able to dig into pub food too! On those nights where partying is key, head to Ruggers Pub first to fill up on the pub food you love. They’re serving up Seitan Wings with your choice from three vegan sauces and a side of vegan ranch, a Vegan Falafel Crunch Wrap served with Pickle Chips, Fresh Cut Fries, or Tater Tots, and even a Vegan Funnel Cake that’ll have you feeling like a kid again. Then you’ll be ready to hit up the bars on the South Side.

Spirit Lounge

242 51st Street

Over in Lawrenceville, you can stop by Spirit Lounge as you explore the shops and galleries for a comforting dinner. Feel right at home with a Caesar Salad to start, Spaghetti and Seitan Ball for your entree, and then a Sorbet for dessert. Some nights they even have live music so be sure to stick around and hang out after your meal.

Spice Delight

3513A Butler Street

Vegetarian and vegan cuisine are the mission of Spice Delight. Their goal is to bring you authentic Indian food that all those with dietary needs can try. During Vegan Restuarant Week you can try their Fresh Watermelon Juice and pick two appetizers; Samosa Chaat, Vada Paav, or Dabeli, Dhokla. Then you’ll choose three of their entree options that include Fried Rice, Cilantro Rice, Curry, Lentil, and Chapati. Finally the last decision you’ll have to make is between a Vegan Cookie and Coconut Ball to end your meal. Bring a few friends and try a bit of everything!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo from EYV Hospitality

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Pittsburgh Markets for Shopping Artisan Art, Food, and More

By
Kylie Thomas
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Craft market tents in front of tall buildings in Downtown Pittsburgh.

With sunny blue skies and warmer weather hitting Pittsburgh, it’s the perfect time to get out of the house and explore one of the city’s many markets. Whether indoors or outdoors, these markets bring local artisan vendors all to one spot so you can shop art, food products, handmade crafts, and so much more. Many of these markets even happen multiple times throughout the spring and summer (and even winter for some) so give their socials a follow to stay up-to-date.

Shop Artisan Art and Food at Pittsburgh Vendor Markets

Neighborhood Flea

From May through October, the Neighborhood Flea operates every second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SouthSide Works. But, this market also pops up in Schenley Plaza on each first Sunday of the month from June to October. The Neighborhood Flea invites you out to shop and interact with makers and shop-owners all across the city. Think vintage wears that you won’t see anywhere else, handcrafted woodworking for your home decor, and local deliciousness.

I Made It! Market

Sick of the commercial vendors taking up local market space? At I Made It! Market, you can rest assured that every vendor is a small, local business. Here you’ll find a lot of handmade goods, whether it’s a painting to hang on your wall or a stunning notebook that you can use for work. On top of their own markets that they run throughout each season, they also help to put on the Squirrel Hill Night Market to bring you over 100 local vendors. Plus, there are food trucks and live music at each night market too.

Steel City Spooky Market

This one is for all the people who wish Halloween was a year-round affair. What started as pop-ups around the city now has a permanent home in Allegheny Commons West to host multiple markets each month through October. Visit local vendors who bring uniqueness right to Pittsburgh with goods like jewelry, decor, handmade gifts, and oddities. There are also flash tattoos available from Bridge City Body Art and rotating food vendors at each event.

Greensburg Night Market

A little outside of the city, Downtown Greensburg hosts their own night market all the way through December. This market stocks four city blocks and a parking lot with vendors covering all types of products. The last Thursday of each month you can grab a bag of small-batch pretzels, plants from local growers, or even handmade jewelry with flair. For all vintage lovers, you’ll also want to mark down dates for their Vintage Market in May, August, and October this year.

Garfield Night Market

Each first Friday, the Garfield Night Market coincides with Penn Avenue’s Unblurred, which features galleries, performances, and more along the avenue. Continue supporting artists by shopping at the night market which features homemade food and craft goods. There are also live painters at the night market so you can continue your time at Unblurred, uninterrupted. This year, they’re still looking to fill vendor spaces so if you’re a local creative, try reaching out.

Three Rivers Arts Festival

You know it, you love it! the Three Rivers Arts Festival returns on June 5. You’ll have seven days to immerse yourself in local and national music acts, hands-on activities, family-friendly fun, cultural cuisine favorites, and their Artist Market. This year, the festival finds a new home with the official opening of Arts Landing in Downtown. There’s a gorgeous green lawn as well as a large permanent stage and public art exhibits. The festival is also known to bring national acts into town for free concerts so keep an eye as their schedule develops.

Allentown Night Market

Twice a year up and over Mount Washington, the shops along Warrington Avenue gather together to put the unusual on display. This year’s first night market occurs on June 13 and it’s an evening you won’t want to miss. Offbeat artisans and crafters along with food vendors take up the 800 block of Warrington Ave and the RE360 Warehouse. Step up to find gorgeous jewelry suing real crystals, magnets of your favorite horror movie characters, interesting art prints, custom tarot card decks, taxidermy animals, and just about anything else your brain can think of. This is also the last time you can catch the spring market. Next year they’ll be changing to a once-a-year market.

Handmade Arcade

Last but certainly not least is Handmade Arcade, one of the favorite markets in the city. Handmade Arcade has been around since 2004 and for good reason, everything you see here is locally-made by passionate crafters. Every year they host three different markets; an Emerging Craft Market, Holiday Market, and Modern Craft Market. All of the vendors at each event are picked specifically by the organization for many applications. This way you know you’re getting the best quality and nothing derived from “AI slop.” Their next upcoming event is the Emerging Craft Market for early career and emerging makers on August 29.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo from Three Rivers Arts Festival

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From Earth to Skin: The Story Behind PomPom Oil

By
Star Laliberte
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A jar of Pom Pom Oil with the dropper held above the opening.

In a world where skincare routines are often layered with complexity, PomPom Oil offers something rare: simplicity, intention, and integrity.

The Power of Simplicity: Inside PomPom Oil

The story behind PomPom Oil didn’t begin with a formula, it began with people. Two families, longtime friends, who came together through shared curiosity as well as a deep appreciation for the natural world. What started as an exploration into the potential of a little-known fruit evolved into something far more intentional: a skincare product rooted in trust, tradition, and simplicity.

A woman (Kelly Cheatham Lapinsky, founder of Pom Pom Oil - From Earth to Skin) holding a bottle of Pom Pom oil for the camera.

At the center of it all is founder Kelly Lapinsky, who brings over 27 years of experience in the beauty industry. Having spent decades behind the chair as a hairstylist, she developed an instinct for what truly works, not just for hair, but for skin. “I’ve always believed that what you put on your skin matters,” she says. “After years in the industry, I wanted something honest-something simple that actually works.” That philosophy became the foundation of PomPom Oil.

One Ingredient. Handled Properly. Made Right.

At its core, PomPom Oil is exactly what it claims to be: one ingredient, handled properly, and made right. That ingredient is Maclura pomifera, more commonly known as the Osage Orange, a resilient and historically significant tree native to North America. Long before its place in modern skincare, the Osage Orange was used by Indigenous communities for crafting strong, durable bows and later planted as natural fencing across the Midwest. Its strength and longevity made it valuable then and those same qualities are what make it uniquely powerful today.

The hand of a person holding an osage orange used for extraction of Pom Pom oil.

PomPom Oil is cold-pressed from the fruit shortly after harvest in the Midwest, preserving its naturally occurring properties and ensuring the highest level of quality. The result is a lightweight, deeply nourishing oil designed to support skin hydration over time—without fillers, additives, or unnecessary processing.

A closeup picture of a puddle of Pom Pom oil being dropped out of a glass dropper.

Designed for daily use, PomPom Oil functions as both a moisturizer and serum. It absorbs easily into the skin, delivering hydration without heaviness and supporting overall skin health with continued use. With approximately 90% of its benefits focused on hydration, it works over time to improve the look and feel of skin in a way that feels effortless.

One Oil, So Many Uses

Its versatility is part of its appeal. Suitable for face, body, and hair, it can be used to simplify even the most complex routines, replacing multiple products with one thoughtfully made oil. But beyond its performance, PomPom Oil represents something deeper. It challenges the idea that more is better, instead embracing a philosophy centered on sourcing, process, and intention. Every step—from harvest to formulation, is done with care, resulting in a product that feels as honest as it is effective.

Two jars of Pom Pom Oil side-by-side with the front and back labels showing on a concrete surface.

From earth to skin, every step is intentional. No shortcuts. No filler. And, no noise. Just one ingredient, handled the way it should be.

Story and Photographs Courtesy of From Earth to Skin

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Pittsburgh Events: Your Guide to May 18-24

By
Kylie Thomas
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Pint of Science Festival

We simply cannot wait for summer and this week in Pittsburgh from May 18-24 puts us just one month away from the Summer Solstice. While you wait for those sunny days by the pool to come, get outside and attend these events around the city that invite you to slow down and enjoy yourself.

Pittsburgh Events Happening May 18-24

Pint of Science Festival
Photo from Space Bar

Pint of Science Festival

May 18-20, Space Bar and Trace Brewing

Bringing accessible and fun science lessons right to your favorite local bars and breweries, Pint of Science Festival gives you a chance to learn from real professionals. You can choose from programs like 3D printing and rocket science, exploring space, looking into why microbes matter, and even examining the impacts of government and policy on our lives. So grab a cocktail or beer and sit back to feel like you’re in science class all over again but in a better way. 

Lunchtime Fishing - Downtown
Photo from Venture Outdoors

Lunchtime Fishing – Downtown

May 20, Downtown Dock Near the Convention Center

Do you miss fishing as a kid or wish to take your own kids out fishing on a nice day? Venture Outdoors has you covered with a lunchtime fishing session for kids as well as adults. They’ll supply all the fishing gear you need and walk you through the steps from hooking bait to reeling in and more. The best part is no fishing license is required and you can pay a small fee to bring your own equipment too. 

Three people in American outfits like the statue of liberty and ben franklin.
Photo from Bethel Park Public Library

Discussion: The Presidential Election of 1800

May 20, Bethel Park Public Library

You probably learned about the election of 1800 in history class but for America’s 250th anniversary, speaker Jack Puglisi is here to tell you all the details. Learn about one of the most fiery elections of early United States history between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, creating the two-party system we know today. This talk gives all a chance to connect history to what we’re going through today. 

PBT School Spring Performance
Photo from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

PBT School Spring Performance

May 21-23, Pittsburgh Playhouse

Come see what the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School has been up to at this spring performance. Celebrate the next generation of artists as they showcase all the skills they’ve learned in the different age groups featuring Children’s, Student and Pre-Professional Divisions. The performances take place over three days so be sure to look into which division you wish to attend. Or, simply head to all three!

The Wellness Rave
Photo from Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh

The Wellness Rave

May 23, Allegheny Commons Park

Celebrate 10 years of Yoga in the Park with the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. They’re hosting a wellness rave for all to take a moment of meditation and relaxation. Dance along to DJs. Take part in yoga that focuses on breathwork. There’s also a drum circle and a group reiki session. You can recover in a mobile sauna and cold plunge. You can even bring the kids along for child’s yoga and then browse the local vendors.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Featured Photo Courtesy of Space Bar

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Balvanera Owners to Open Coastal Seafood Restaurant Casa Anchoa in Downtown

By
Kylie Thomas
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Chef Fernando Canales in his blue apron and Meredith Boyle from Balvanera stand together in front of a brick wall.
Left: Chef Fernando Navas, Right: Meredith Boyle

If you’ve found yourself strolling through the Strip District on a Saturday evening, you’ve probably come across the packed dining room through the large pane windows of Balvanera. This restaurant’s commitment to authentic Argentinian cuisine from tapas to cocktails and their excellently grilled steaks shows the effort and care that’s put into each and every service. Now, you can get that same passionate commitment with owners Meredith Boyle and Chef Fernando Navas’ upcoming coastal seafood eatery, Casa Anchoa.

The Casa Anchoa logo and type on top of a photo of people enjoying dinner on the coast.

Casa Anchoa from Balvanera Owners Brings Coastal Seafood to Downtown

The project from Boyle and Navas will add a new spot to dine before and after shows in the Cultural District Downtown. The location takes them from their busy foot-traffic in the Strip District to a similar area in the former Nine on Nine space where on-foot is the way to explore. It’s a dream placement not only for their restaurant’s vision but for the couple in general.

“We’ve always had our eye on Downtown,” says Meredith Boyle. “Pittsburgh’s incredible Downtown skyline and Golden Triangle is the first thing you see when you exit through the tunnel; it’s the heart of the city. In fact, we looked at 900 Penn for Balvanera when we were making the move home from NYC, and now we’re circling back to take it.”

Now is the Moment for Moving Downtown

As Pittsburgh comes off of the NFL Draft and the Cultural District continues to grow its presence through partnerships like with Pittsburgh Playhouse, it’s the perfect timing for a new establishment. More and more shops, restaurants, and pop-ups are appearing Downtown, creating a space not only for those visiting the Cultural District but also those coming Downtown for any reason.

“It’s an exciting moment for the city with the debut of Arts Landing,” says Boyle. “It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are to have so much arts and culture thanks to the Cultural Trust, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, the August Wilson Center, Point Park University – the list goes on!”

From Balvanera’s Steak to Casa Anchoa’s Seafood

Casa Anchoa will be your place for taking in a taste of luxury whether you’re dining with family or enjoying a specialty cocktail at the bar. They’ll take you straight to the coast with light but lively staples like fish, shrimp, oysters, and even a caviar service. This movement from hearty steaks to decadent seafood is exciting for Chef Navas, especially with his background in the culinary scene.

“Fernando’s culinary career included work for Japanese concepts, Nobu and SUSHISAMBA, and elBulli in Roses on the coast of Spain,” explains Boyle. “Creatively, he has always loved working with seafood so he’s excited to bring different ingredients and explore new flavors; a departure from Balvanera’s offerings.”

The menu for Casa Anchoa is in progress but you can still expect the same locally-sourced ingredients, creative processes, fine detail in plating, and impeccable service. Meredith refers to the vibes as “a cozy, buzzy party at your friend’s house by the sea.” Needless to say, we’re hooked just by the idea of fresh seafood in Pittsburgh.

“We’re thinking briny oysters with crispy white and sparkling wines, clean cocktails that capture the feeling of a vacation on the coast,” says Boyle. “Plus lighter, but super flavorful, fare highlighting ingredients and cooking styles less commonly used in the Pittsburgh market like salt baked fish, scarlet shrimp (carabineros), west coast oysters, caviar service, and bacalao.”

While there is no official opening date set for Casa Anchoa, the restaurant is looking to open this fall. You can stay up to date with the details on their Instagram.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo by Laura Petrilla
Logo from Casa Anchoa

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