Looking to throw a celebration that feels unforgettable? Pittsburgh has no shortage of talented party planners who know how to turn weddings, birthdays, and every milestone in between into seamless, stress-free events
Wedding planner Meg Van Dyke brings her radiant sunshine and boundless energy into every event she takes on. She takes your budget seriously, and your happiness even more so. Start with a free consultation, and the rest is easy.
The staff at Shayla Hawkins pursues every event with a passion: they want you not just to enjoy your party but to really love it and feel at home while the festivities go on. Their command of detail is what makes their services special—presenting and planning everything with care.
Women-owned and -operated, Wanderlust brings a personal approach to their work. They design your event for you, with a keen interest in your vision and goals. They will help you walk through the process towards a stress-free day of joy.
Some of Pittsburgh’s swankiest corporate events are planned by The Event Group. They know their way around all of Pittsburgh’s event resources and major venues, so you can focus on having fun, not the planning busywork.
Alexis Allen designs events because she loves the work. She’s been in the event field since college, taking her skills to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and New York City. Count on her for originality, fun, and attention to detail. As she says, “The perfect event is your wildest dreams made manifest.”
Martin Edwards designed lighting for Madonna, Rihanna, and others, and he brings a special sense of flair and drama to every wedding and gala he plans. His team provides turnkey services from the initial planning phase right up to the big night, and beyond.
In a wedding planner, kindness and sensitivity really count. Olive & Rose pride themselves on being warm and authentic for the couples that trust them with their special day. Their event planners are all local Pittsburghers who love what they do and promise to make your party modern, memorable, and chic.
Story by Jordan Snowden and Emma Riva Photo by Rachel Rowland
Great food has a way of setting the tone for any gathering. Around Pittsburgh, caterers are serving up comfort classics and elevated crowd-pleasing spreads that work just as well for intimate dinners as they do for packed events. Each proves that local is just simply better.
A customizable menu and a 500-person wedding facility make The Fluted Mushroom a highly sought-after catering service. They know that every party is unique, so they’ll help you pick the best space, create a menu that best suits your guests, and have the best time.
Whether you’re after light bites and appetizers or a full-plated meal or buffet, this off-site caterer in Brackenridge offers a range of cuisine options, including American, Italian, Indian, Southern, and Cajun dishes.
Common Plea Catering is the exclusive caterer for the Heinz History Center and a preferred vendor at many corporate venues throughout the city of Pittsburgh. Plus, they were originally a restaurant known for its seafood, so you know the hospitality is top notch.
Sausalido strives to creatively present delicious, diverse meals by offering a variety of choices from starters like white truffle deviled eggs to family-style dining with themed menus like Pittsburgh Yinzer as well as Asian Fusion. Don’t forget to try the Sausalido Premier spice line!
At Bistro To Go, the chefs are committed to using only the freshest ingredients. They want you to think of them as your culinary designers, ready to create unforgettable menus and flavor combinations that fit your budget, vision, and dreams. Since the food is prepared off-site, it also makes managing logistics a breeze.
Led by Kate Romane, Black Radish Kitchen is a queer-owned boutique catering business offering customizable seasonal menus from BBQ to Middle Eastern and seafood. They provide on-site chef services, rental coordination, as well as bartending and server staff. They also collaborate with various wedding service providers in Pittsburgh and offer kosher, vegan, vegetarian, organic, and nut-, dairy-, and gluten-free options.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big Italian family, but with Jen Saffron and her staff from Sprezzatura handling your catering, you’ll feel like you do. They also operate at the Gold Level of Sustainable Pittsburgh’s food industry model, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. Saffron is an artist and brings a creative eye to all of her platters, turning delicious ingredients into works of edible art.
Story by Jordan Snowden and Emma Riva Photo by Rachel Rowland
Finding the right wedding look is a big moment and Pittsburgh has plenty of stores that make it feel special. Bridal boutiques and modern spots for suits around the city offers options for every style, budget, and vibe. Not to mention, you can pick up looks for your bridesmaids, flower girl, mother of the bride, and groomsmen too.
Pittsburgh Clothing Stores for the Bride, Groom, Flower Girl, and Everyone in Between
Bridal Beginning in Mount Lebanon boasts Pittsburgh’s largest collection of wedding gowns, including Hayley Paige’s classic designs with a modern twist, the bold styles of Ukrainian designer Milla Nova, and the urban chic creations of Sareh Nouri. Appointments are required.
A renowned men’s clothier specializing in classic fashion and tailored suits, Heinz Healy’s has a reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. They offer a curated selection of high-end clothing and accessories, along with personalized fittings to ensure a flawless look.
Pale Blue Thread will help you discover your dream gown through custom, one-of-a-kind creations to make you look your best and let your unique personality shine through. Unexpected textures and innovative silhouettes make their styles ideal for bold, unique, and unconventional clients!
Blanc De Blanc Bridal brings classy, international style to Pittsburgh. The boutique features a curated selection of fresh, modern gowns from around the world, offering something for every taste. Bring your maids of honor, pop the champagne, and let the good times roll!
Want to save the planet while celebrating your loved ones? Knotzland upcycles discarded fabrics into unique, stylish accessories, combining fashion with environmental responsibility. Each bow tie is blends meticulous crafting with individuality, creating something for every wearer.
For a chic shopping experience in Lawrenceville, look no further than Clarissa Boutique. Whether designing a custom veil or headpiece, incorporating a family heirloom, or selecting, restoring, modernizing, or recreating pieces, their creative expertise ensures you’ll look like your most gorgeous, authentic self.
Larrimor’s stands out as a top luxury clothing retailer in Pittsburgh, featuring a carefully curated collection that includes everything from tailored suits and elegant dresses to stylish casual wear. With offerings like custom tailoring and personalized style consultations, Larrimor’s ensures a perfect fit.
Not all bridal shops prioritize inclusivity, but Bridal Maven, Pittsburgh’s premier bridal consignment boutique, makes sure there’s something for every bride in their inventory. Their emphasis on plus-size options stands out, and they are one of the few bridal shops in Pittsburgh to offer brides the opportunity to buy and sell their gowns. If you want to “save the Earth, save money, and look fabulous,” this is the shop for you.
Luxe Redux Bridal specializes in offering designer wedding gowns — like Hayley Paige, Lazaro, and Vera Wang — at a fraction of the original cost. Pittsburgh brides-to-be can shop in-store and take home their dream dress straight off the rack or enjoy the convenience of the Luxe in a Box service, which delivers luxury gowns to your door for an at-home try-on experience.
Sorelle Bridal Salon is where brides, bridesmaids, mothers, and flower girls can all find something special for the big day. True to its name — Sorelle means “sisters” in Italian — this family-focused salon creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Appointments required.
Story by Jordan Snowden and Emma Riva Photo by Rachel Rowland
Ancient lore says that aphrodisiac ingredients put a tiger in our proverbial tank; there could be some scientific truth in the old beliefs surrounding aphrodisiac foods for love.
Aphrodisiac Foods for Love
Pomegranate
The juice of the pomegranate contains over 100 phytochemicals including polyphenol, the antioxidant that gives it a lovely red color. Antioxidants help decrease inflammation and remove plaque from your vascular system, which means the blood flows more freely everywhere…if you get the message. It is thought to be helpful in combatting heart disease and blood pressure, as well. Lastly, drinking pomegranate juice has been shown to increase testosterone production in both sexes, helping our sex drives to stay on the highway to happiness.
The antioxidant flavonoids in dark chocolate, like those found in pomegranates and berries, help address inflammation, which is essential in fighting cancer and keeping the heart healthy. Paradoxically, antioxidants help with weight loss, which puts small doses of good, pure chocolate on many healthy food lists. The natural caffeine and phenylethylamine in chocolate give us a little extra energy and a sense of well-being, as well. Les bonbons sont si bons!
Many aphrodisiac foods get their sexy reputation because they look like something sexy. Does a firm spear of asparagus work any magic on you? If not, perhaps its high levels of vitamin E and potassium will. Vitamin E helps direct blood and oxygen to erogenous zones, and potassium is linked to the production of sex hormones. Have a mouthful and see what happens?
When capsaicin, the chemical that makes peppers red-hot, puts a stunner on your tastebuds, your body releases adrenaline, which in turn calls up an endorphin response. With those stimulating, sexy juices running through the body…it could be midnight at the oasis at any hour of the day.
Ancient Mediterraneans were fascinated by saffron. The crocuses that bloomed early in the spring signaled a return of the Earth’s fertile season, and their bright golden stamens were infused into milk, wine, honey, and other foods. The deep yellow results were beautiful to look at, delicious, and possibly, according to modern science, helpful with infertility in men. Certain chemicals in saffron could embolden neurotransmitters that stimulate libido, which could explain why Cleopatra is said to have bathed in saffron prior to a visit to the boudoir.
Try pastry chef Selina Progar’s recipe for Lemon Saffron Tort and see what happens?
Walnuts
Rich in vitamins B1, B2, A, E and F, walnuts pack a powerful nutritional punch. Their concentration of zinc is said to help regulate testosterone levels in men. Part of their allure may have something to do with their frequent appearance in ancient desserts…and we know what happens after dessert.
Like figs, another legendary aphrodisiac, honey has high levels of boron, an element that helps women produce estrogen. It also increases levels of nitric oxide, a chemical that helps blood flow to the nether regions of both sexes. Ancient Greek medico Hippocrates may not have known about nitric oxide, but he did prescribe honey for a little extra vigor in the bedroom.
Honey, honey, keep the passion hot with a Hot Honey Hot Toddy that’s sure to warm you up both inside and out.
Coffee
Caffeine gets us going in the morning, and evidence suggests that, like chocolate, coffee increases stamina and can elevate dopamine levels. All of which means you might want to get your partner out on the dance floor and…dance?
When her handsome lover Adonis died in a hunting accident, Aphrodite’s tears mingled with his blood, and strawberries grew from the mixture. (Or was it anemones? Both versions are out there.) Does that story turn you on? Perhaps the vitamin C in strawberries will: it is essential in the production of sex hormones and libido-related chemical neurotransmitters. It also helps keep the immune system up to snuff…because no one is turned on by sniffling.
We couldn’t pick just one recipe, so have 20 strawberry recipes instead to create a feast as pretty as it is healthy.
Cherries
The anthocyanins that make cherries red are also powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation to promote overall health. Their sweet, complex, musky scent may have a pheromone effect. Their vitamin C content can help brighten the skin and eyes, as well. Which can’t hurt one’s efforts in the wooing and courting department.
It’s oozing with gooey, warm filling… we’re talking about the Sour Cherry Crisp of course! Prepare it with a scoop of ice cream on top for the ultimate finish.
Still craving more? Indulge in an Aphrodisiac Board for Two that includes many of the foods listed above and plenty of other ingredients to get you hot and bothered before the main course even hits! Or, check out our Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day to make all your partner’s fantasies come true.
Story by Keith Recker Styling by Brittany Spinelli Photography by Dave Bryce
Love them or loathe them, romantic comedies (rom-coms) just about rule Valentine’s Day. These stories of blossoming love and up-and-down relationships whisk us away to a fantasy world where the girl always seems to get the boy. Whether it’s the dreaminess of finding true romance or the consistency in a happy ending that keeps you watching these films, we’re sure you’re ready to binge all your favorites for the holiday.
If you’re planning a night in with a rom-com, consider mixing up a cocktail that’s made to accompany your watch party. These recipes take inspiration from well-loved rom-coms that have been watched for generations. Invite your partner, bestie, or even your mom to join you, and then double the recipes for sharing. After all, the spirit of Valentine’s Day is spending time with and being grateful for the ones you love, regardless of if you’re dating or not.
Rom-Com Cocktails for Spicing Up Your Valentine’s Day
Ah, the famous love poem that Kat’s character writes about Patrick sticks in our head each and every day. Who could forget the tense moment of build up when you realize she has truly fallen for the most unlikely pairing. Our Kat’s Love Poem Cocktail from 10 Things I Hate About You packs all that passion in a drinkable form. The fire of her words are in the form of a whiskey and orange juice cocktail with a few dashes of bitters and a cinnamon-sugar rim.
A variation on a Brooklyn Godfather seems just right for the dreamy Brooklyn Heights nights in the rom-com Moonstruck. Even if you’ve never had a Brooklyn Godfather before, take a leap much like Loretta and try this sweeter version with a hint of maraschino liqueur. With notes of amaretto, bourbon, and dry vermouth, you’ll taste the complexity of Loretta and Ronny’s relationship with every sip.
When you’re going back to your roots such as Melanie Carmichael, it doesn’t hurt to have a beverage in tow. After all, it could help you deal with the extra stress and drama. This Alabama Slammer in honor of Sweet Home Alabama uses a homey blend of Southern Comfort, amaretto, sloe gin, and orange juice. It’s a cocktail that transports you to Melanie’s rural hometown and stirs a heat much like the one Jake stirs in her.
Friends to lovers: it’s a trope widely used in literature and movies alike for its tension and satisfaction when the two finally share a kiss. The rom-com When Harry Met Sally, is one of the finest examples of this pull between friendship and something more. To follow this unexpected progression of Harry and Sally, we’ve made a cocktail that combines Aperol, champagne-style cider, and bourbon to create a brand new elevated spritz.
Who could forget the famous boombox scene from Say Anything? We sure can’t. Though, we happen to love the youthful romance between Diane and Lloyd as they meet in a 1950’s style dinner. In honor of this scene, we’ve made a shake that the two may share as adults returning to the diner. It’s sweet and creamy with an orange base plus a healthy dose of vodka and orange liqueur. Be sure to have two straws on deck to share with the one you love the most.
Sultry, sensual, and beautiful, this Pretty Woman Pomegranate Cosmo captures Vivian and Edward’s underlying feelings for one another. It’s a bright, fresh cocktail with pomegranate juice, lime, Cointreau, and vodka. The deep red finish also reminds us of Vivian’s stunning gown and vibrant attitude. Think sophistication meets familiarity, something that this pair’s relationship seems to know much about.
A show that’s this spicy deserves a cocktail to match! We couldn’t have a rom-com list without featuring one of favorite newcomers, Heated Rivalry. This hot, hot, hot show follows two hockey stars through a budding romance and plenty of uh… “heated” scenes. Just be sure to keep a towel nearby in case of any “spills” if you get our drift (*wink wink*).
Perfect for anyone looking for a non-alcoholic beverage on Valentine’s Day, a Tropical Mango Smoothie takes us away to the beaches in People We Meet on Vacation. This rom-com and friends-to-lovers tale started as a book by Emily Henry but its 2026 movie adaptation has quickly won over hearts thanks to the connection between actors Tom Blyth and Emily Bader.
Whether you read the book in English class and immediately fell for Heathcliff or heard Kate Bush’s inspired-song and started itching for more, Wuthering Heights earns a spot in everyone’s life. Now in 2026 we finally get a movie adaptation releasing February 13. This version by Emerald Fennell (director of Saltburn) stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie who perfectly convey the yearning of Catherine and Heathcliff’s tale. Plus its been said the two actors now cannot be without each other which gives us a pretty good sign we’ll be sobbing by the end of it.
Story by Kylie Thomas Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
After surviving a winter in Pittsburgh, kids aren’t the only ones who deserve a spring break. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing road trip, a sun-filled destination, or a ready-made international getaway, there are plenty of easy options for you to escape the city. Here are five recommendations for perfect March or April getaways.
Take a Spring Break for Grown-Ups with these Relaxing Getaway Trips from Pittsburgh
You may have seen Postcard Cabins on social media, complete with their picturesque windows overlooking uninterrupted forest views. If you’re looking for a relaxing, solitary getaway from Pittsburgh, the Beaver Creek location of these cozy cabins is a perfect fit. They provide all the basics you need for an easy stay: cookware, dishes, wood and a fire starter, and an incredibly cozy bed with heating/air conditioning, while still letting you connect with nature and get away from city life for a few days. Camping can feel like a big undertaking – especially in spring weather – but Postcard Cabins are a great stepping stone to the outdoors, especially in the shoulder season.
While most people visit the Finger Lakes in the summer or fall, they can be just as beautiful in the spring. The crowds are thinner, the air is crisp, and it’s also an amazing time to take advantage of the area’s wineries or wellness facilities. In addition to their world-class spa, the Inns of Aurora offer an impressive daily schedule of guided activities, including morning yoga, nature hikes, painting workshops, and more. But the best wellness amenity? Their hydrotherapy offering, complete with hot pools, cold plunges, as well as a sauna and steam room, which can be added on to a spa package or purchased as a standalone treatment.
If you’re after warm weather, take advantage of direct Allegiant or Southwest flights from Pittsburgh to Phoenix, and treat yourself to a spring break getaway to Scottsdale. The drive from Phoenix to Scottsdale is less than 30 minutes, and you’ll be instantly transported to a desert oasis. There’s no shortage of amazing hotels in the area, though a stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will give you Nemacolin vibes… only in warm weather and sunshine. Once you’re there, you can easily spend the whole time relaxing by the pool, or you can enjoy a round of golf, explore the nearby Desert Botanical Gardens, indulge in Old Town Scottsdale’s food & drink scene, or explore the outdoors and take a hike on Camelback Mountain. It’s a great place to get some much-needed Vitamin D after several months of grey in Western Pennsylvania.
Blue skies, warm weather, unlimited wellness activities, and all-inclusive healthy meals? That’s what guests of Miraval’s Austin property will get upon check-in, and it’s all accessible via a 3.5-hour direct Southwest flight from Pittsburgh to Austin. Miraval is one of the top names in wellness, and for good reason. Their Austin resort is on 277 acres, 170 of which are a nature preserve, which invites guests to unplug and truly embrace the beautiful surroundings. Though the cost of a room at Miraval Properties is on the higher end, it’s an all-inclusive stay (including transfer to/from Austin’s airport!). Nothing at Miraval feels like an afterthought: the rooms have beautiful designs, the food will leave you feeling fantastic, and their wellness offerings are world-class.
Coordinating work and family schedules as adults can be tricky. If you’re itching for spring break travel but can’t seem to corral your friends, joining a group trip might be the perfect solution. FTLO Travel plans group trips for solo travelers ages 25-39 to destinations worldwide. Last spring, I traveled with FTLO to Belize and have been recommending the company ever since. Everything about the trip is easy: accommodations, meals, activities, and it also proved to be a great way to make friends as an adult. Nothing about the experience felt forced or awkward, and I left feeling like I’d gotten an incredible vacation without the stress of planning. With over 35 trips to choose from, my biggest issue is choosing which one to take next!
Story by Lillian Rafson Featured Image Courtesy of FTLO Travel
With Super Bowl LX set to pit the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots on one of the biggest stages in sports, fans are already just as excited about what’s on the party menu as what’s on the scoreboard. Boston’s rich seafood traditions and classic comforts as well as Seattle’s bold Pacific Northwest flavors offer delicious, local pride that connects you deeper to the team you love. Whether you’re planning your game-day spread or just craving regional inspiration, take a look at the cities behind these teams with a spread for each.
Fill Your Super Bowl LX Sunday with Famous Boston and Seattle Foods
It’s no surprise that oysters are one of the prime foods of this seafood town. If you’re making oysters at home, we have a way to shake things up besides mignonette sauce. These Roasted Oysters contain a cornbread, leek, and banana pepper crumble that expands the oyster flavor you know and love.
There’s a little something for everyone in this sheet pan seafood mix. We’re featuring tasty clams, shrimp, asparagus, and leeks all in a savory white wine butter. Super simple, this dinner doesn’t take much prep leaving you with a delicious product easily.
We know clam chowder is the usual soup in Boston but we’re incorporating cod instead. This chowder warms the winter chill with chunks of potato in a creamy and tangy coconut milk broth. Plus there are jalapeños that add just the right amount of spice.
Quality lobster is hard to come across if you don’t live on the coast so we’re utilizing shrimp instead to create a roll with the same great flavor. These Zesty Shrimp Rolls use a coating that’s light but full of citrus and a punch of heat. It all comes together for a bite that’s well-rounded in taste and texture.
Boston is Irish to its core with a large population of its citizens loving corned beef, Irish soda bread, and Guinness. Our Reuben Salad is the beloved sandwich in a healthier form. But don’t be fooled, it’s just as delicious with grilled cheese croutons, corned beef, and a homemade thousand island dressing.
In case you’re looking for an appetizer bite with Seattle flair, a smoked salmon topping along with fresh crushed peas makes for a decadent bruschetta. There’s notes of dill, lemon, and olive oil layered here that make this finger-food feel elegant all the way throughout.
Did you know teriyaki is wildly popular in Seattle thanks to Toshihiro Kasahara who also started the trend in the 70’s. Our version of teriyaki includes using it as a glaze for perfectly-grilled octopus. It’s rich and acidic but plenty delicious with yuzu and a bit of wasabi.
Here we give you two choices for featuring one of Seattle’s most prosperous ingredients, salmon. You could choose to make a Salmon Tartare on its own featuring a white soy dressing and avocado purée. Or, you could choose to make a grilled cheese sandwich that stuffs it full of cold-smoked salmon, pickled onions, and horseradish vinaigrette.
Hot dogs are something special in Seattle. Some call it a Seattle Dog, some call it a Bagel Dog but the important part is the bun is slathered in cream cheese. Sometimes you’ll also see other topping like caramelized onions. But, we have our own topping for hot dogs. Fire-roasted Jalapeño Ketchup, Cilantro Aioli, and Pineapple Salsa are all amazing drizzled atop a dog but we wouldn’t blame you if you added cream cheese too.
The Dutch Baby, a German pancake-like dish actually comes from Seattle thanks to Manca’s Cafe in the 1900’s. This particular recipe uses blueberries to blend with the sweetness like the powdered sugar and honey on top. It’s kind of like a dessert, kind of like breakfast, and absolutely devour-able.
Continue prepping for the Super Bowl with a Seattle Seahawks and a New England Patriots cocktail in our ultimate guide.
Efforts to dress up Downtown Pittsburgh in time for the 2026 NFL Draft this spring are meeting — or beating — their benchmarks for completion.
Downtown Pittsburgh Renovations for the NFL Draft are on Time for Completion
A Point State Park facelift was finished sooner than expected, while a redo of historic Market Square and development of the new Arts Landing area are progressing on budget and on schedule.
The city expects as many as 700,000 fans for the April 23-25 event officially known as the Annual Player Selection Meeting. Draft festivities are forecast to generate up to $213 million in economic impact. Activities such as a free fan festival come to the North Shore (including at Acrisure Stadium) and at Point State Park, where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers converge.
They upgraded the park’s iconic, 52-year old with leak repairs, enhanced lighting, and a new pump house control system. Those improvements are part of a $3.4 million state-funded project that also includes improved lighting, hardscape renovations and a refreshed landscape.
The Point State Park refresh is just one of the many facets of a 10-year, $600 million Downtown revitalization plan.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Redding Up Market Square
Another key component: the $15 million makeover of 242-year-old Market Square, which is half complete. “Crews are continuing to work diligently, making necessary accommodations to stay on schedule despite the winter storm,” reports Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership spokesman Richard Hooper.
The reimagined square will feature more trees, fewer cars, enhanced lighting, flexible event spaces — and a pavilion for performances, markets and community gatherings. The centerpiece will be a 20-foot-tall, semicircular trellis with a blue-and-green glass canopy and sound system.
A New Look for the Cultural District
Just blocks away, The Cultural Trust is transforming a four-acre property into Arts Landing, a creative space that will include a bandshell and great lawn, garden walk, family-friendly play space and “flex zone” with pickleball courts, a small running track and backyard. The city will use the space for special events and will feature numerous temporary as well as permanent public art installations.
Photo Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
“The park will be as much a destination for relaxation and recreation as for Cultural Trust events,” Trust spokesman Derek Scalzott says of the $31 million project. “We’ll have a soft opening just before the draft.”
Filling the Storefronts With Business — and Art
With 50 vacant storefronts in the Golden Triangle, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has revived Project Pop-Up, a program that helps retailers lease space in the short term — provided that they’re open for business by April.
The goal is to fill at least 25 empty venues in time for the draft, says Cate Irvin, the Partnership’s senior director of economic development. Irvin notes that the program could pave the way to longer-term commitments.
Other storefronts will host art-based activations, she says. “This includes collaborations with local artists and organizations, as well as local artist-led interior installations and exterior vinyl treatments,” created in partnership with Shiftworks, the former Office of Public Art.
Some installations may see the light of day in February, the PDP says, but most will appear between March 15 and April 15.
The week of February 9 through February 15 brings a flurry of romantic and intimate events to Pittsburgh, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. Looking for a romantic evening out? An emotional cultural experience? Or what about discovering new establishments around the city? You’re in luck because there’s a little bit of everything this week, making it a perfect one to break out of your house. Mark your calendars and make plans to enjoy all that Pittsburgh has to offer.
In this guided, hands-on evening, you’ll explore how different styles of wine interact with chocolate. WSET-2 wine specialist Jill Kummer teaches you pairings like dark chocolate and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as ones that feature milk and white chocolate. After your course, you can expand your knowledge by testing pairings on your own at home.
The intimate space at Carnegie Stage is perfect for this emotional production. Real-life husband and wife Tammy and Zach Wyatt perform this two-person play through their authentic connection. It helps bring to life a story of two friends sharing a lifetime of letters and a complicated relationship that examines the meaning of love.
Led by George Vosburgh and Stephen Story, the ensemble’s upcoming performance takes you through contemporary writing and enduring classics. The program features Ron Nelson’sSavannah River Holiday, John Mackey’sHarvest with trombone soloist Ethan Whitlow, Gustav Holst’sHammersmith, and William Schuman’sNew England Triptych.
Finish your Valentine’s night at the historic Allegheny HYP Club, where classic charm meets live jazz. This intimate after-dinner experience lets each couple cuddle up with a shared dessert platter, drink tickets for wine, beer, or champagne, and the smooth sounds of The Jazz Trio. So if you don’t want Valentine’s to end just yet, plan to relax to some tunes over candlelight.
We’re on the search for the best slice of pizza in Pittsburgh. From corner neighborhood joints to longtime institutions, Pittsburgh’s pizza scene is as passionate and opinionated as the Yinzers who love it. To celebrate National Pizza Day on February 9, we asked some of the city’s most familiar faces—local chefs, TV personalities, and community standouts—to share their go-to pizza spots and exact orders. The result is a crowd-sourced guide to the Pittsburgh pizza places locals swear by.
Yinzers Name Their Favorite Pittsburgh Pizza Spot and Order
Not only is Hungry Jess our resident restaurant hot-list specialist but she brought her food content background to a round up of her favorite pizza spots in our 2025 How to Pittsburgh issue. Lately, Alberta’s on the North Side has been a favorite of hers. “I’m currently talking about Alberta’s on the North Side a lot; really cozy energy, moody lighting, an awesome staff, great cocktails and wine,” she says. “I could clearly go on and on. But for the pizza: I was pleasantly surprised and impressed: crispy crust, depth of flavor, and a wide array of classic yet elevated topping options. Grab a friend and split everything.”
Dan Gigler is a familiar name for readers of TABLE Magazine. Not only has he written our pizza round-up for How to Pittsburgh in the past but he’s also currently working on a new round-up for this year. New to town favorite F&F Pizzeria takes it for him thus far. “At the risk of sounding provincial, the Yinzer lurking in my dyed-in-the-wool, black-and-gold soul takes umbrage when locals lose their minds over some new shiny thing that enters our market from out of town,” he says. “To wit: I’m wholly unmoved by Shacks that Shake or the expense account crowd’s latest steakhouse darling in some Downtown office tower lobby.
So I gave healthy skepticism to the much hyped grand opening of F&F Pizzeria in Mount Lebanon, the Pittsburgh outpost of the famed New York City collaboration between chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. My hairy eyeball was unnecessary – this pizza is fantastic. They do it New York-meets-Neapolitan style, and manage to honor both pizza lineages using ingredients as good as any on this earth to create an almost microthin crust, which positively crackles when you bite into it. That its served in a gorgeous renovation of the former longtime Bado’s home on Beverly Road (as place I ate at as a kid), well these are the kind of new neighbors we’re happy to welcome to town.”
You’ve probably heard his voice over the DVE Morning Show or perhaps you’ve stopped into one of his acts at comedy clubs across the city. Bill Crawford is a pizza-lover at heart. Right now he’s spending his evenings picking up a pizza from Badamo’s in the North Side and Dormont. “Right now, it’s Badamo’s Sicilian ‘square’ pepperoni pizza,” he says. “Why? Because it’s absolutely delicious, it comes in a fancy rectangular pizza box and it feels like I’m opening the briefcase from Pulp Fiction when I get home.”
On your television screen, Ryan Recker is there to tell you the news of the morning, keeping you up to date on all that is happening. Now he’s informing you on where to get your pizza too. For his choice, he’s heading over to Fiori’s Pizzeria in both Brookline and McMurray. His order is a small Mushroom Pizza which he tells us is, “Potentially devoured in less than 10 minutes.”
If anyone knows Pittsburgh restaurant it’s Legacy Realty Partners founder Herky Pollock. He owns 12 successful restaurants in the city including Ritual House and Palm Palm. For Herky, it’s hard to choose just one favorite, so he has two favorite pizza places and a different go-to order at each. The first is Pizza Lupo’s Drunk Meatball which comes with vodka sauce, Lupo’s meatballs, a house cheese Blend, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and basil. Otherwise he’s going with a Sicilian Pepperoni pie over at Badamo’s.
If you haven’t been to one of Roger Li’s spots then you’re missing out on authentic Asian cuisine that also takes inspiration from other global flavors. But even as a chef who specializes in sushi, he still has a soft spot for pizza. When he’s roaming the city, he goes for Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville for a slice of something unique. “I like to order their Mortadella Pistachio Pizza.. that’s my favorite,” he says.
If Fiore Moletz seems excited about pizza it’s because he also has a hand in pizza-making at his Italian restaurant Della Terra. His favorite is Mamma Lucia’s right in Downtown. “The simple answer: My go to pizza is Mamma Lucia’s round or square. It’s my childhood and I love it.”
He points out, however, that there are plenty of other places that put out excellent pizza. “I almost never get Slice of NY because it’s far from me, but wow, it’s great pizza. I go to Driftwood Oven if I have a little extra cash. If I’m in Zelienople, it’s Goodfello’s, which is the best in Butler County. But if I want a DOC Neapolitan pizza, it’s my own place in Zelienople, Della Terra, hands down. Not because I created it, but because it is basically built to make my tastebuds happy.”
Looking for more on Pittsburgh pizza places? Check out our story on a family pizza party with Driftwood Oven.
