Winter’s on its way out, the days are getting a little longer, and the city is buzzing with energy for us to explore the outdoors in Pittsburgh again. If you’re looking for a reason to get off the couch, explore a new neighborhood, or finally make plans with friends, this is your week. From March 9-15, Pittsburgh events are the best way to fill your calendar with live entertainment, low-key nights out, or even a bit of alone time.
The jazz musical Chicago is Broadway’s current longevity champion. Since the opening of the show’s 1996 revival, audiences have filed in more than 11,000 times. The stage version is even better than the film adaptation. Talk about a spectacle from start to finish with intrigue, attitude, and genuinely catchy tunes.
In this intro level garden basics workshop, attendees will learn about the basic needs of plants. Bring all your questions as you learn how to choose a garden location, when and how to plant your garden, and the different types of plants you can grow.
MasterDeceased Theatre settles in for a bumpy night at The Conjure Bar in Inspired by Spirits Distillery, hosted by the infamous Dr. Tumblety himself. Your ticket includes three unnerving performances guaranteed to make you think twice about who you can trust.
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s annual Tribute Concert series returns with a soul-stirring celebration of Marvin Gaye. Led by musical director Jerome O. Kirkland, Jr., this evening brings together some of Pittsburgh’s finest vocalists and musicians to reimagine Gaye’s legendary catalog.
What better setting could there be to customize your own mosaic lamp? Using 12 colors of hand-cut glass and beads, you’ll bring to life a design of your own with easy instruction. Choose from different styles including table lamps, swan lamps, moon lamps, and candle holders.
TABLE Magazine’s second-ever Cocktail Shake-Off brought together the city’s most talented bartenders and a crowd of people ready to sip to impress.
One of the most repeated phrases I heard throughout the night: “This may just be my new favorite event in Pittsburgh.” And I couldn’t agree more.
Cheers-ing to TABLE Magazine’s 2026 Cocktail Shake-Off
When the party really got underway, the energy at ROOST downtown couldn’t be denied: SELECTA had the music going, the dance floor was busy (there was even a shoutout to a sash-wearing birthday girl!), and the food was flowing. What’s not to love about endless charcuterie, your favorite songs, as well as 12 different cocktails to try?
Major emphasis here on different.
When I asked some of the high-energy, excited TABLE Staff what they were most excited about for the night ahead, the overwhelming response was creativity.
“I’m excited to see the people who come and enjoy the creative aspect of each cocktail. It’s a competition, so it’ll be fun to see who excels in their wheelhouse and also uses unique ingredients we don’t normally see,” explained Keith Recker, TABLE’s Editor-in-Chief.
And WOW, were the ingredients different.
Something New From Pittsburgh’s Mixology Scene
As I was handed my tasting glass and started to pace myself around the room (but not before stopping by the VIP area for a quick bite of a mini cheeseburger and water, because priorities), it was evident just how unique and different each bartender’s creation was.
Right out of the gate, I made my way to Bar Marco, where Kelsey Holmberg and Shelby Ciarallo were influenced by elements of spring (which I know is something we all could use right now). Specifically, elements of pollinating plants and hummingbirds. The Sage Advice incorporated sage infused Ginzer Gin, Suze Gentian Liqueur, sage & green peppercorn syrup, and also pineapple. I can confirm I’m now ready for spring!
Other elements of creativity ranged from a Barley Tea Old Fashioned inspired by a cookbook club from Lo Bar, a Banana Bread Bourbon Cocktail to acknowledge the plethora of banana bread at Spirits & Tales, as well as a locally sourced creation from the Scratch & Co. team.
Take It From the Party Goers…
With so many cocktails to try, I was also able to connect with some standout attendees! Jessie Nardelli, a.k.a Jessie’s Eddies on Instagram, was invited to be a judge and was ready to take her job seriously.
“I had no idea what to expect tonight, but I have been blown away so far… and I haven’t even tried half of the cocktails!” she explained. “I don’t know how I can pick just one favorite.”
As Jessie emphasized in her Instagram Reel recap from the event: “It honestly ended up being one of the most-fun, well-executed events I’ve been to.”
“I am so impressed with everyone’s different takes on craft cocktails so far tonight. Seeing how guests are interpreting the originality, while the bartenders are showcasing what they’re good at, is the intersection that this event is all about.”
In the midst of chatter, clinking glasses, as well as dancing, many attendees were living it up in the photobooth moment by Oh Snap Pittsburgh. As a selfie queen myself, I’ll always take the opportunity to step into a photo!
As the desserts roll out from Sweet Tillies and Sweet Talker Treats (the martini glass cookies were BEYOND adorable), the winners stand in anticipation!
The people clearly loved a unique element from these teams: The Warren with an Isaly’s chipped ham washed vodka and then a passion fruit air (foam), Space Bar with a peach thyme foam, and Palm Palm giving elevated green juice energy like you were on a beach in Miami… or perhaps that’s just why they were my winner of the night.
As the FOMO sits in from reading this recap, promise yourself this now: you won’t miss out on next year’s Cocktail Shake-Off!
Story by Jess Iacullo, Hungry Jess Photography by Laura Petrilla
Braving the chilly elements or late autumn makes for a bracing afternoon of family fun featuring a bonfire, the essential fall apples, as well as delicious food.
The Beauty of Dining at an Outdoor Table
Before the weather turns, while the wide-armed outdoors can still satisfy the energy of a full-family gathering of friends, city dwellers return to suburban roots for a seasonal soiree and some good old-fashioned pumpkin-carving.
Winter is close enough at hand, but autumn’s lingering warmth and faded backdrop allows a colorful feast of mix and match grilled cheeses and charcuterie – dark purple grapes, burnt orange persimmons, bonfire-roasted sausages and cauliflower, large bowls of bright white popped corn – to take center stage.
Just fifteen miles outside of Pittsburgh city limits, the feast cascades over a large marble slab sitting atop a makeshift sawhorse table on a rustic stone patio. A haphazard sky-blue gauze table linen catches stray morsels dropped from excited hands as well as the occasional subtle breeze.
How to Prepare a Dinner Outdoors
To suit the tastes of kids and adults alike and the appetite of a crowd, anything table-top goes for assembling grilled sandwiches. Tonight, a few standout combinations steal the show thanks to Pennsylvania Macaroni Co’s diverse assortment of cheeses. Gouda, bacon, and caramelized onion makes for welcome contrasts between sweet and savory, creamy, and also crunch. Rich hard cheddar plays well against sweet apple and peppery arugula. And a nutty comte with roasted cauliflower feels especially fresh and sophisticated for its easy assembly.
Hosts Cynthia and Mark share bounty from a stationary rusted wheelbarrow that once made trips to the compost -now planted with herbs and still producing for a meal’s quick garnish. The vessel is a work of art itself, fresh green magically sprouting from aged metal. White gourds are tucked like Easter Eggs amongst the parsley, chives, and sage.
Just a popcorn-toss beyond the outdoor table, a wire gate stands open to a fenced-in raised-bed garden armed against clever groundhogs. Today, between spent onion blooms and berrying asparagus ferns, it houses a rolling bar cart topped with fixings for smoky cocktails, a cast iron pot of warm apple cider, as well as an ice bucket of cool, seasonal beers. Friends tour the garden with a drink in hand and get curious about the summer’s plantings. Evidence of strawberry patches, zinnia and dahlia beds, and green bean spreads all play to the senses and to curious kids.
A Balance of Energy and Peace
With her youngest tied firmly to her front, guest Chelsea Barber props a smoked old-fashioned on a fence post and surveys the scene. While the food and drinks are picturesque, the hill is buzzing with activity. On the grounds, a covered play “fort” on stilts sits mid-hill. It provides a convenient “messes welcome” spot for a group of young friends gutting overgrown pumpkins. A zip line mounted to the fort runs down to a large Black Locust tree where grilled-cheese hands slip from the rolling rope and brace against the ground.
In this moment, parents and kids alike are content. There are leaf piles to jump in, a quiet colorful honeybee house to examine, a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins to be carved, a web swing to hold multiple friends, and also a roaring fire to cozy up to as light fades. It feels remarkable to enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of screens and schedules. Around the bonfire, brothers toast sausages for sandwich-making and the large wooden bowl of popped corn makes its way hand to hand around a circle of friends.
By the end of the evening wax candles have poured over their simple wooden holders leaving sculptures on the table. Dirty knees, and a face-full of freckles remind us of summer’s stories. Before bed, there will be hands to scrub and a tick check to complete(!), but full bellies and exhausted bodies will dream happy dreams.
Story and Styling by Leah Hohman Esse Production by Meg Van Dyke Photography by Katie Long
Just when it comes time to transition into springtime recipes, you’ll start to see mangoes popping up in stores again. By mid-March to early April their peak is in full swing. Tender, juicy, and gorgeous in color, the mango has a ton of different uses besides just eating it as is or adding on top of desserts. Plus, mangoes are great for your health and can benefit your gut, hair, skin, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Think vitamins, minerals, and fiber that all help supply your body with what it needs.
Where Do Mangoes Grow?
Let’s just say the cold and mangoes don’t quite get along. This fruit grows most abundantly in tropical and subtropical regions where warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall create ideal conditions. The largest producer in the world is India, which accounts for a significant share of global mango production thanks to its hot climate and long growing season. Other major producers include China, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan. In the Americas, mangoes also thrive in parts of Central and South America, while in the United States they are mainly in southern Florida and Hawaii.
Fresh fruit makes the best Coco & Mango NA Milk Punch. If you’re looking to sip a mocktail that feels like springtime then this is it. Make a mango puree at home to use in this recipe along with coconut water, pineapple juice, milk, lime juice, and a dried chili “hair” topping.
We’re always looking for new ways to dress up our salad. Here the soft texture of mango meets the crunch of grilled bread. To bring these two elements together we also mix up a citrusy dressing to pour over cherry tomatoes, green onions, and a bit of cilantro.
Kick your feet back and try to imagine the warm sands of a sunny beach with blue waters as you sip on a Tropical Mango Smoothie. Mango is the star here but we have a secret ingredient that takes this recipe over the top: rosemary simple syrup. It makes all the difference.
You could grab mango that’s already dried for this recipe but making your own in the oven is half of the fun. After some patience, you can dice up your dried mango to place in a sticky, gooey blend of matcha and Rice Krispies Treats. Get the kiddos involved on this one, they’ll love forming the bars!
If you thought scallops were decadent let us introduce you to a recipe that’s luxury on luxury. We wrap tender scallops in bacon and then finish on a plate with a mango and pineapple salsa. Easy to make and we recommend saving any extra salsa for chips another night.
Don’t be fooled, this recipe isn’t all sweet. While the flavor of mango shines with a fresh cut of salmon and pineapple, a bit of spicy chopped jalapeño takes this dish to new heights. The heat is just enough to let you mull over the sweet flavors without overwhelming yourself.
When markets start filling with artichokes, usually from March through May at their peak, you know the season has shifted to springtime. Fresh spring artichokes are more tender and flavorful than their fall season counterparts fall. Spring artichokes have tighter leaves, sweeter hearts, and a signature earthy, slightly nutty bite. They pair beautifully with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, Parmesan, and citrus, making them one of the most versatile vegetables of the season. These spring artichoke recipes celebrate them at their very best when they’re fresh, vibrant, and absolutely worth the little extra prep.
Starting off with a comforting classic, Artichoke Dip is a friend to crusty bread, tortilla chips, pita bread, and raw veggies. It’s creamy with savory roasted artichokes as well as a blend of cheeses that make it perfect for any party.
If you aren’t quite an artichoke lover then Stuffed Artichokes are an easy way to get into this vegetable. Large artichokes meet chorizo sausage, white wine, and plenty of seasoning before baking till crisp and golden brown.
Grab a pack of puff pastry from your local grocery store and a jar of artichokes to make up an appetizer that will also appease all your friends and family. Simply lay out your puff pastry then get to work with sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, basil olive oil, and the goodness of artichokes.
The Lemon Artichoke Hummus here reaffirms that homemade beats store-bought every time. As long as you have a food processor then you can break down chickpeas to mix with tahini, lemon olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and preseved artichoke hearts.
Those who are looking to indulge in all of spring’s bounty will want to turn to the dandelion flower. The leafy green part of the dandelion also adds a little peppery taste to your usual artichoke dip. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of cheese too!
As we transition from the end of winter into spring, we can still take advantage of winter citrus like oranges, lemons, and limes, as well as fresh baby kale. You’ll even make your own dressing for this salad that’s lemony with hints of agave and spice.
We’re letting the flavors and textures of roasted artichoke hearts shine with this recipe. A crunchy breadcrumb mixture of panko bread crumbs, butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, as well as herbs coats each of these artichoke hearts. Just don’t forget the extra lemon slices for serving.
Artichokes can add a depth to any dish you combine them with. Here, we use artichoke hearts as a part of a pesto sauce with pepitas. Then, build a gourmet grilled cheese with sourdough bread, Goat Rodeo Wild Rosemary Cheese, fresh artichoke hearts, tomato slices, and your pesto.
If one of the main goals of a movie is to give us attractive, likable people to stare at, How to Make a Killing does a fine job. Heartthrob of the moment Glen Powell plays Becket Redfellow, the estranged youngest scion of a billionaire family; Margaret Qualley plays Julia, a childhood friend turned devious schemer; and Jessica Henwick plays Becket’s well-meaning girlfriend.
Cast out of the Redfellow dynasty, Becket is determined to reclaim his place — and substantial fortune — by any means necessary. If that involves killing off his generally despicable relatives, so be it. Julia watches the (mostly comedic) carnage from afar, seeking an advantage; as the body count piles up and the walls close in, Becket is forced to make a series of desperate decisions.
Unfortunately, How to Make a Killing — a sophomore effort from Emily the Criminalhelmer John Patton Ford — either doesn’t decide what it is or fails to convince the viewer that such a choice has been made. It certainly has funny moments and positions itself as a dark comedy, but it operates more like a tense drama … minus the tension. The likable cast also features Topher Grace, Ed Harris and reliable character actor Bill Camp; the performers make what they can out of the ho-hum material. By the time the twists untangle, though, you may well have mentally left the theater.
Psycho Killer Movie Review
Andrew Kevin Walker can be counted as minor nobility in the horror genre, having penned the excellent script for Seven. That’s a credit to make a career out of, and Walker has done just that, contributing to the screenplays for other David Fincher products (including Fight Cluband The Game) while turning in a number of other less memorable, but not unsuccessful, efforts (Sleepy Hollow, Windfall).
Psycho Killer, a fairly straightforward slasher with a sinister atmosphere, is not quite up to the standard of even Walker’s middling efforts. A cross-country police pursuit in the guise of a slasher movie, Psycho Killer concerns the rampage of a hulking, Satanic murderer (James Preston Rogers). That spree includes the killing of a highway patrolman during a traffic stop; the fallen officer’s widow (Georgina Campbell) undertakes a quest for vigilante justice.
The great Malcolm McDowell turns up for a bit as a hedonistic devil worshipper, livening up the middle act, but Psycho Killer sputters long before a series of undercooked revelations in the final reel. What merit the film has belongs to director Gavin Polone, in his feature debut; in the early-going, he captures the bleak and cold reality of modern travel, depicting desolate roadsides and hardscrabble motels with no shortage of atmosphere. I’m eager to see what Polone does next; hopefully, he’s given better material.
Imaginea Little Midwinter Break … or Just Hang Out with Paul McCartney
The actors Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville are phenomenal, but early reviews have been mixed for their two-hander, Midwinter Break. The film follows a married couple as they’re reminded of the past on a visit to Amsterdam.
The faith-based film I Can Only Imagine, about the writing of the song of that title — the top-selling single of all time among Christian tunes — was an unexpected hit. Hence, there’s a sequel (even without the benefit of another hit record), I Can Only Imagine 2…
The Flashback Cinemas series, found in smaller theater chains throughout the country, revives a Hollywood favorite every Sunday night. This week’s pick remains one of the best in-theater experiences of all time: Jurassic Park. Visit Flashback Cinema for screening locations.
Story by Sean Collier Photo Courtesy of A24‘s How to Make a Killing
The end of February and the start of March in Pittsburgh finally gets us a step closer to the warm spring season. But, while we wait for the sun to shine, there is still plenty going on around Pittsburgh to keep you busy like our endless calendar of classical concerts. Take advantage of this time of transition and get your week planned out with these events from February 23 to March 1.
Be their guest for Disney’s enchanting and timeless tale! Beauty and the Beast returns to North America in its first major production in over 25 years, reimagined with spectacular new sets, dazzling costumes, and the beloved magic of the original. Don’t miss your opportunity to see it right in Pittsburgh alongside the whole family.
Photo Courtesy of Rondo Vision for All You Need is George
So lasting is the influence of the Beatles that many great musicians are happy touring to play tunes by the Fab Four. A roster of virtuosos, led by guitar master Steve Kimock, brings the music of George Harrison — both Beatles-era and songs from his later career — to Munhall. Perfect to attend in anticipation for the future Beatles biopics.
Don’t let the juxtaposition of the words “winter” and “dance” conjure only visions of The Nutcracker. Point Park’s lauded dance program recently added a hip-hop degree program to its well-established work in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. See pieces from all those disciplines performed at the school’s Downtown theater.
A world‑premiere contemporary opera by composer Laura Kaminsky with libretto by Emmy nominee Crystal Manich is a must-see. Set in present‑day America, Time to Act follows high school students preparing a production of Antigone when a new student’s secret—triggered by a school safety drill—reveals profound questions for the rest of the group. A very timely opera for today’s schooling world.
The Aviary’s most popular special event returns! Grab the kiddos and get ready to create a flamingo name tag, try out kid-friendly yoga, measure up to a flamingo, and even get to meet an Avian Ambassador up close and personal. Of course it all includes every exhibit of the Aviary so you can take your time exploring and learning.
Story by Kylie Thomas Featured Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Opera
For nearly nine decades, Hyeholde has been a beacon of French-inspired fine dining with a gorgeous storybook-like setting in the countryside. Now, the historic property enters an exciting new chapter as the restaurant and Chef-Owner Chris O’Brien debut The Tavern — a warm, dining space housed inside the estate’s former carriage house, long known to regulars as Q’s.
The Tavern at Hyeholde Restaurant Opens to the Public
The Tavern features dark wood interiors, a glowing fireplace, and a welcoming bar designed for relaxed evenings, date nights, and intimate gatherings. The menu highlights approachable, comfort-driven dishes like smoked cod chowder, veal osso buco with creamy polenta, lamb cassoulet with cranberry beans, charcuterie boards, and other tavern classics.
To celebrate the opening, The Tavern is also launching a limited-time Fish Fry-Day Lenten special to join Pittsburgh’s Fish Fry scene. Available every Friday through March 27, order up a tempura cod Fish & Chips sandwich with malt vinegar slaw and truffle chips, paired with various brews.
In a talk with Chef O’Brien, he shares the inspiration behind The Tavern, the new exciting elements it holds, and what guests can expect from this new gathering place.
Q&A with Chef Chris O’Brien on The Tavern
TABLE Magazine: What are you most excited for guests to experience at The Tavern?
Chef Chris O’Brien: I’m excited for them to experience the same Hyeholde standard of food and service, but in a more approachable setting.The Tavern keeps our culinary integrity intact, but loosens the laces a bit.
TM: What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to evoke?
O’Brien: Our nearly 90-year legacy is so focused on fine dining. This is an exciting opportunity to be a bit more relaxed. We wanted to create a space that invites conversations over shared tavern classics. Or a place to pop in for a drink pre- or post-dinner in the main dining room.
TM: How will the menu differ from the traditional Hyeholde menu?
O’Brien: There are menu items in the tavern that we could never do in the main dining room. Ouur Fried Fish Sandwich is one example. We’re still respecting and highlighting the seasonality of locally-sourced ingredients, but presenting them in more modest ways. Another good example – we serve a Black Cod with champagne caviar cream in the main dining room. But at The Tavern, we are doing a Smoked Cod Chowder with potatoes, fennel, cream, onions and parsnips. It’s a much more humble dish befitting a tavern menu.
TM: What can guests look forward to with your new Lenten Fish-Fry Fridays?
O’Brien: Fish Fry-Day is our Hyeholde nod to Pittsburgh’s deep-rooted love of the tradition. The sandwich is made with a malt vinegar slaw that we ferment ourselves. We add a zesty remoulade with tarragon, pickles and capers. It’s a comforting dish, and the homemade chips provide a nice crunch. Two glasses of Hyeholde Grisette house beer, or a house wine, make for a nice way to celebrate Lenten Fridays.
TM: Can you tell us what the perfect night at The Tavern looks like?
O’Brien: The perfect night at The Tavern is when guests realize they don’t have to choose between quality and convenience. It’s a place where you can have a great meal or a great drink – without it being an event. That accessibility is what makes the experience special.
Story by Kylie Thomas Photography Courtesy of Laura Petrilla for Hyeholde
The Oscar-nominated film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is set in a nightmare version of Montauk, New York. Its journey to the screen, however, routes through Los Angeles — and Pittsburgh.
Conor Hannon on Growing Up in Pittsburgh, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, the Oscar Nomination, and Bronxburgh
Producer Conor Hannon is one half of the production team Bronxburgh, who brought If I Had Legs I’d Kick You to the screen. Hannon’s western Pennsylvania roots are responsible for the back half of the Bronxburgh name, while partner Richie Doyle hails from the Bronx.
He also had his first experience on a film set during one of those summer breaks — appearing as an extra in the locally shot Perks of Being a Wallflower.
“I was just amazed. I had never been on a real film set before,” he says of his time on the Wallflower set; the film was written and directed by fellow Pittsburgh native Stephen Chbosky, adapting his own novel. “Every department is working in conjunction with each other … I was just enamored by the whole thing.”
Producer Conor Hannon (second from right, top row). He’s with Rose Byrne and the cast of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You at the Gotham Awards
Making an Instant Impression with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Hannon relocated to Los Angeles after college, working on FX’s Dear Mama documentary miniseries, about the life of Tupac Shakur, and spending time at Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Productions — where he met Doyle. The pair formed Bronxburgh in 2021; If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is the first feature for the team.
Unlike most debuts, it’s one of a number of Oscar nominees; lead actress Rose Byrne, best known for memorable turns in Bridesmaidsand the Insidiousseries, is up for Best Actress. (Byrne already won a Golden Globe and a Film Independent Spirit Award for the film.) “She’s in every scene. She’s so amazing in it,” Hannon says. “She really carries the weight of the project … [She] has been doing it for a long time, and it’s great to see her finally getting well-deserved recognition.”
Byrne plays Linda, a professional therapist fed up with an absent husband and a demanding daughter. Her daughter’s feeding disorder, and required daily hospital visits, have left Linda threadbare; when a burst pipe causes a hole to spontaneously open up above her bed, flooding their apartment, mother and daughter relocate to a seedy motel. Things get worse from there — though the film remains in the realm of pitch-black comedy, even at its most dire. (Byrne’s Golden Globe win was for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy; her primary Oscar rival, Jessie Buckley, took Best Actress in a Drama for Hamnet.)
“It was a deeply personal script for [writer and director] Mary [Bronstein],” Hannon says. “It was based on a lot of real-life events that she had experienced with her family … When we met with Mary, she was an amazing person; you could tell she was going to do a great job with the movie.”
Oscar Night and Beyond
Did they expect enough success to attract the Academy’s attention? “I don’t think we expected Oscars! We’re big dreamers and always hope for the best — but nothing is ever guaranteed. You can’t celebrate anything until it happens.”
Conor Hannon (left) with Mary Bronstein, Amy Judd Lieberman and Richie Doyle at Beyondfest
Bronxburgh’s second feature, the documentary The History of Concrete, premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival; they’re currently seeking distribution for that film, while developing several other projects.
The goal, Hannon says, is to fill a niche in modern moviemaking.
“No one was really making $1 million to $15 million movies anymore — there’s kind of a gap there … We set out with the intention of making movies that we wanted to watch.”
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is streaming on HBO Max.
The generous spirit of a family of new refugees from Afghanistan brings them together with a family of Pittsburghers, showcasing the city as a hub for immigrant care and resources.
Community Connection Through an Afghan Refugee Story in Pittsburgh
Fatima and Shelley stand in a dimly lit kitchen, their silhouettes partially hidden by a cloud of steam escaping a tiered metal basket on the gas stove. Lifting the lid, the women pause to appreciate the layered aromas of beef, onion, and coriander escaping from a batch of dumplings. Three years ago, their paths converged – Fatima, mother of four, from Kabul, Afghanistan and Shelley, mother of six from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
At the time, Shelley and her eldest daughters were attending a baby shower for recent refugee arrivals with new or soon to-be expected babies. Fatima’s youngest child was two months new at the time. Shelley, whose youngest was two years old, felt a distinct tug to attend. Seated at the same table, the mothers connected through maternal experience alone and despite a language barrier, the two left the event intent on meeting again.
One month later, a reunion happened over a meal – traditional Afghan cuisine prepared at Fatima’s and husband, Zubair’s, new home in Pittsburgh for the two sizeable families numbering fourteen in total. Despite juggling new culture and customs, care for their new Pittsburgh friends remained the focus. While meals in Afghanistan are typically enjoyed seated on the floor – a shared spread placed on a dastarkhan (tablecloth) laid between gatherers – on this occasion, Fatima and Zubair adapted their practice to accommodate their guests with their very first dining table.
Sharing Life Over a Meal
Seated again at a table with Fatima, Shelley was moved by the details of her story. Their family had, after several failed attempts, escaped Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover. Their long journey took them from Hamid Karzai International Airport, to Qatar, to Germany, and to temporary housing at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin before the family finally settled in Pittsburgh. Zubair now works to support others who have fled their homelands amid war and oppression. A journalist, he previously documented the war in Afghanistan for publications across the world.
Today in the kitchen, while the women work to recreate their first meal together, Fatima’s now 14-year-old daughter translates from Pashto to precise English (and vice versa) as the occasional cooking conundrum arises. A purposeful Fatima gently tops the steamed mantoo – dumplings filled with minced beef, cabbage and onion – with yellow split peas cooked in tomato paste, yogurt, and fresh coriander.
Careful hands carry the finished dish to a low round table and place it alongside the colorful Afghan Kabuli Pulao, a popular Central Asian dish of long basmati rice, lamb shank, red raisins, and matchstick carrots. Flat Bread (naan), Sabzi Chalaw (spinach cooked with onions and garlic) and a tender Chicken Karahi on a bed of greens complete the spread. In the cozy space upstairs, the two families settle in to share slow, careful conversation and Fatima’s feast – each dish like a layered story of its own.
You’re Never Alone
Three years after first meeting, the adults share surprisingly similar challenges and concerns common to large families living in the United States with growing broods. They navigate best educations for their children, public schooling and home schooling, and even have a common bond in the excitement and anxiety that accompanies the parents of new teenage drivers.
Fatima and Zubair’s eldest son, now 16, is working to get his driver’s license in a city that boasts many more hills and bridges than someone who came of age in the terrain of Afghanistan might ever imagine. But Shelley still marvels at the path that brought the Babakarkhail family to Pittsburgh and the strength that continues to carry them. “Seeing [our kids] laughing together, playing together, eating together – if you were an outsider looking in, you would never know how immensely different their lives have been.”
Back around the table, bellies are mostly full but surely satisfied. The youngest two guests -a daughter from each family – share apricots from a bowl of fruit with mahogany-colored dried dates and magenta pomegranates. The adults sample Sheerbrinj, Fatima’s sweet rice pudding topped with flavors from Afghanistan, cardamom, and crushed almonds.
Deeper Than Just a Meal
With a sentiment that mirrors an Afghan tradition of placing the most favored dishes near a guest, the two families demonstrate a selflessness with each other that is inspiring. Shelley visits once a week to encourage Fatima in her learning of the English language. Hospitality deeply ingrained in her, Fatima sets out a big tray of food, and always tea, for her friend. They spend an hour studying, then Shelley shifts to playing card and board games with Fatima’s kids.
The swift and frightening disruption to Fatima’s life could easily have sent her into survival mode. Instead, she has felt encouraged to lean into her culture, and new friends, for comfort. A shared meal fosters a sense of community and demonstrates honor and gratitude. Her food expresses love. Her hospitality, drawing from an ancient ethos of placing neighbor before self, nourishes the likelihood that each new day holds new possibilities.
