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Celebrate the 2026 Grammy Awards with Nominee-Inspired Cocktails

By
Kylie Thomas
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Two glasses hold a hot toddy orange liquid with lemon slices inside and a smoking cinnamon stick on top to represent Teddy Swims in a cocktail.

Every music lover’s favorite time of year is here: it’s Grammy Awards season! The 2026 Grammy Awards take you through the best of the best in 2025. The list of nominees spans through generations of artists in a number of different genres and mediums. This year when you plan your Grammy Awards watch party, be sure to include a couple of these cocktails. Whether you’re cheering for Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, or even Bad Bunny, we have a cocktail to celebrate when your favorite wins! All you have to do is turn on the telly.

Grammy Awards Nominee-Inspired Cocktails for Your Watch Party

Naked in Manhattan Cocktail for Chappell Roan

A cocktail in am amber color sits in a tall glass on a table in the evening light.

Our pop queen Chappell Roan is up for Record of the Year for her heartbreaking ballad The Subway. She also recieves a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance thanks to the same song which features her strong vocals and emotional bellows.

A Sabrina Carpenter Cocktail, The Short ‘n Sweet

A limoncello spritzer cocktail on a white background

Even though we made this cocktail in honor of Sabrina’s last album, Short ‘n Sweet, we think the fun and playful vibes still apply. This little pop star comes up with some big nominations including Record of the Year for her song Manchild, Album of the Year for Man’s Best Friend, Song of the Year for Manchild, Best Pop Solo Performance for Manchild, Best Pop Vocal Album for Man’s Best Friend, and Best Music Video for Manchild.

Hot Bunny Rum Smash (A Bad Bunny Cocktail)

A Hot Bunny Smash in a yellow color sits in a cocktail glass with a tajin rim, lime slice, and hot pepper garnish.

Finally surpassing Taylor Swift as most popular streaming artist globally is Bad Bunny. Hailing from Puerto Rico, this rapper uses his Latin influences to create trap music that’s addictive to every listener. For the 2026 Grammy Awards he receives nominations in Record Of The Year for his song DtMF, Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Song of the Year for DtMF, Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Best Global Music Performance for EoO, and Best Album Cover for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

A Track by Track Wine Pairing List for Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM

Lady Gaga sits beside several glasses of wine in a photoshoot for Dom Perignon.
Photo by Mark Seliger

Rather than a cocktail, wine seems better suited for the mature pop sophistication of Lady Gaga’s latest album, MAYHEM. It’s no surprise this album saw plenty of love from the Recording Academy with its unique approach to today’s hits. She gains nominations in Record of the Year for Abracadabra, Album of the Year for MAYHEM, Song of the Year for Abracadabra, Best Pop Solo Performance for Disease, Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM, Best Dance Pop Recording for Abracadabra, and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Harlequin.

Teddy Swims Cocktail: Smokin’ Hot Teddy

Two glasses hold a hot toddy orange liquid with lemon slices inside and a smoking cinnamon stick on top to represent Teddy Swims in a cocktail.

The gritty tone of Teddy Swims is back and wow-ing the Recording Academy. There’s no mistaking Teddy’s vocals so we’ve made a hot toddy to match his sultry touch. For the 2026 Grammy Awards he earns a nomination in Best Pop Vocal Album for his release of I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy — Part 2.

Defying Gravity, A Wicked Cocktail

In a coupe glass sits a Defying Gravity Wicked cocktail white in color while the glass is tangled in a vine.

While the Grammy Awards normally call out creations outside of movies (there’s a whole category for that anyways) there are times a musical or movie song makes it into the mix. It’s no shock that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s rendition of Defying Gravity takes a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with their mystifying vocals and undeniably compatible tone. Not to mention, the Wicked soundtrack also gets its own nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media and Erivo herself gets a nomination in Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for her song Be Okay.

The Boss Cocktail for Springsteen

A rocks glass with The Boss rum cocktail in it with a salt and sugar rim. It sits on a blue surface beside a chile pepper.

We love seeing classic rock artists like Bruce Springsteen hitting the Grammy Awards list again after so many years. You may have missed Springsteen’s release of his compilation album Tracks II: The Lost Albums last year but we promise it’s worth a revisit, after all it is up for Best Recording Package. The box set as a whole takes listneers through previously unreleased songs from between 1983 and 2018 as a follow-up to his 1998 box set Tracks.

Rio Cocktail, Inspired by Duran Duran

Two identical cocktails in iridescent wine glasses garnished with dragon fruit pinwheels and mango rolls made to look like roses.

Another artist who released a special collector’s edition last year is Duran Duran. Their update to their 2023 album Danse Macabre: De Luxe includes three new songs, including an instrumental of Masque of the Pink Death. There is also a cover of Evil Woman by Electric Light Orchestra. Don’t sleep on the rare B-side, Secret Oktober 31st, as well as vintage séance photos that member Nick Rhodes found at an auction. It receives a nomination for Best Recording Package.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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On the Beach, for Better and for Worse: ‘Send Help’ Movie Review

By
Kylie Thomas
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A woman stands holding a large stick in the firelight.
Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios' SEND HELP. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
A graphic for the Send Help movie featuring a screengrab of the two actors and other information.

Whenever Sam Raimi gets some time off from franchise filmmaking, he returns to his favorite pastimes: ambiguous characters, survival situations and (forewarning) indulgent grossness.

An Honest Review of Sam Raimi’s Send Help

For the past few decades, he hasn’t had much opportunity for passion projects. In the 2000s, he helmed the gargantuan Spider-Man trilogy, a blockbuster demonstration of the narrative power and global appeal of superhero tales. In 2013, he tried to get Disney into the Oz business, taking the reins on the visually inventive but forgettable Oz the Great and Powerful. (Perhaps the Mouse should’ve gone for the Wicked rights.) Later that decade, he returned to the comic-book game; after some delays, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proved a mixed success.

In the past quarter-century, then, he’s had just two opportunities to return to his roots. The first is 2009’s Drag Me to Hell, a campy yet occasionally troubling tale about a mild-mannered woman driven to extremes to survive. Then there’s this year’s Send Help, a campy yet occasionally troubling tale about a mild-mannered woman driven to extremes to survive.

He likes what he likes. And it’s usually pretty entertaining.

Making Movies on the Workplace

He also, at least in Drag Me to Hell and Send Help, enjoys a bit of corporate commentary — or at least the appearance of it. The latter film stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle, a frumpy middle-management type who toils in an undefined corporations strategy and planning department. She’s convinced her years of dogged service will land her a promotion and the attention of the dashing young CEO, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien). Unfortunately, he’s got a fraternity buddy to promote — and he’s put off by Liddle’s unrefined exterior. (Casting the undeniably gorgeous Rachel McAdams as a Plain Jane stretches credulity, despite McAdams’ considerable acting chops.)

Preston invites Liddle to join a planned business trip to Bangkok, partially out of pity and partially to provide the boys’ club with a carry-on subject of ridicule. The plane crashes into the ocean in a harrowing sequence; only Liddle and Preston survive, finding themselves marooned on a desert island. Fortunately, Liddle is prepared; a devotee of the reality series Survivor, she’s been training for decades for just such a scenario. Whether Preston will accept that his former scapegoat is now his only chance at survival remains at question — all the way through the final reel.

Well… Maybe Don’t Send Help Too Quickly…

The marketing for Send Help has been primarily as a corporate satire, selling itself as an inversion of intraoffice power dynamics. To Raimi — and co-screenwriters Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, best known for the slasher-fight curiosity Freddy vs. Jason — this is just an opportunity for twists and shocks in an island paradise. (Drag Me to Hell had a similar relationship with current affairs, using the housing crisis as the backdrop to a tale of demonic curses.) The end product is far from cohesive and decidedly indulgent, but damn good fun — provided, of course, you’re comfortable with all manner of on-screen viscera and violence.

If it’s ever too much, just look at the sandy beaches in the background.

Others Movies Coming Out at the End of January 2026

Elsewhere at the multiplex, Jason Statham has typical business to deal with in Shelter, an actioner about — what else — an assassin on the run. This one has a sturdy supporting cast, though, including the unimpeachable Bill Nighy and rising star Naomi Ackie (who had a phenomenal 2025 thanks to Mickey 17 and Sorry, Baby). Reviews haven’t dropped yet, but there’s slightly more buzz around this one than the typical January beat-em-up … A pair of curiosities are also theater-bound this weekend.

Iron Lung, a dark scifi/horror fable, is the feature debut of YouTube star Mark “Markiplier” Fischbach. He financed — and directed, wrote and edited — the picture himself, so it’s hard to know what to expect. (Given the size of his audience, though, it will hardly matter.)

Meanwhile, A24 releases the mockumentary, The Moment, starring Charlie XCX in a spoof of her own world tour…

On the small screen, build anticipation for the Milan Olympics with a viewing of the new doc Miracle: The Boys of ’80, an account of the underdog American hockey team that famously toppled the USSR’s squad at the Lake Placid games. The film, which features newly unearthed footage, should get even hockey novices to consider watching when the games kick off next weekend.

Story by Sean Collier
Photo Courtesy of 20th Century Studios’ Send Help

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Where to Find the Best Pizza in Pittsburgh

By
Jordan Snowden
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An above shot of three large slices of pizza on a wooden cutting board.
Pizza from Benny Fierro

When asked to write this article on pizza in Pittsburgh, Jess Iacullo was intimidated. After living here for 10 years, she’s seen how seriously people take their opinions on pizza. “Pizza is held to a high standard, everyone has their go-to spot, and pizza slices are just as important as pizza pies,” she states. As a new year with old favorites and new emergences continues, Jess shares just a few of the spots that have kept her coming back consistently for their charm, character, and memorable “‘za.”

8 of the Best Pizza Spots in Pittsburgh from Hungry Jess

Fazio’s

4028 Penn Avenue, Bloomfield

In my experience, the spots with no frills, no social media presence, and a family-staff feel always deliver the slices that feel like home. For me, Fazio’s is that spot. The plain pizza slices give me the nostalgic feeling of what I grew up eating: a crispy-bottom yet doughy crust, the perfect tang-to-sweet ratio of sauce, and cheese melted just right.

Badamo’s

1509 Potomac Avenue, Dormont

While they’re best known for their North Side location, their South Hills spot deserves some love. It’s similar to the original location, including a standing room for ordering pizza by the slice or by pie. But they also have some tables to stay and enjoy. They passed the takeout test for me, especially their square pepperoni slice. Their slice options change daily and per location, but I highly recommend any of their Sicilian options.

Pizza Lupo

5123 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

If you need to know something about my dedication to pizza, it’s the fact that my boyfriend and I have celebrated the past two Valentine’s Days with a pizza crawl … and Pizza Lupo is always the star of the show. While you can’t go wrong with any of their specialty pies, our favorites are the ‘Drunk Meatball’ (vodka sauce, Lupo’s meatballs, house cheese blend, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, basil) and ‘Lupo Loco’ (arrabbiata sauce, mozzarella, soppressata, pepperoni, pickled jalapeño, hot honey drizzle). This spot is strictly takeout only, and I suggest ordering online with plenty of time beforehand.

Benny Fierro’s

1906 East Carson Street, South Side

As a proud Pitt grad, I can’t leave out a college staple. While the pizza of Oakland has drastically changed since my time as a student (Sorrento’s is greatly missed), Benny Fierro’s has been proud and true to the late-night pizza scene, not to mention the value per slice. All slices are bigger than your head and range from plain and pepperoni to rotating monthly specialty slices. They now make their own ranch as well, for those who prefer a ranchy pizza bite. Need even more convincing? They’re also BYOB. Check on their social pages for the specialty slices of the month. If you show up at a party with a whole pie, I can almost guarantee you’ll be the favorite guest of the evening.

Pizza Milano

1304 Fifth Avenue, Uptown

Speaking of pizzerias that have stood the test of time and have never let me down, Pizza Milano is high on that list. If you’re a student or grad of Duquesne, this was most likely your go-to pizza joint. Aside from hot, delicious, cheese-pull-focused plain pizza pies to surprisingly flavorful and juicy chicken wings and loaded buffalo fries, this is an ideal spot for multiple takeout (and delivery) purposes, whether watching the game, entertaining guests, or craving late-night pizza any day of the week. In case a Hawaiian pizza is your thing, they make a memorable one.

Pizzeria Davide

2551 Penn Avenue Rear, Strip District

When I first moved to Pittsburgh, DiAnoia’s was one of my go-to spots for every meal of the day. I didn’t think they could get any better, but then they opened a pizza spot. Focusing on Old World and New York-style pizza, there’s truly a slice here for everyone. Their Old World slices are memorable. Let your tastebuds explore this creation of provolone cheese on the bottom with sauce on top, parmesan, oregano, and basil. They also make an incredible cheesesteak, and I highly recommend trying them while they last: they make a limited amount per day.

Rockaway Pizzeria

1137 South Braddock Avenue, Regent Square

While the owner, Josh Sickels, made history during his time in White Oak, there’s a vast following anxiously awaiting his Regent Square opening … me included. While everyone has their favorite at this New York-style pizza spot, their sesame-seeded, beautifully crusted, square Sicilian pies put them on the map for me. I still think about their vodka pie to this day. Plus, Josh did a dedicated pizza tour up and down the East Coast recently as research and included one of my childhood New Jersey staples. That’s how I know he’s the real deal.

Piccolo Forno

3801 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

While most of my list includes restaurants focused on takeout and casual dining, Piccolo Forno hits all the marks for an upscale, classic pizzeria. There’s nothing I love more than meeting a friend for dinner and being lucky enough to snag a seat outside. It’s everything a pizzeria and Italian restaurant should be. Be sure to go hungry, with room for antipasti and their traditional pizzas. My recommendation: the Calabrese with crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, Calabrian chili peppers, crispy pancetta, and hot honey drizzle. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Continue the ideal evening (or lunch!) by visiting their wine and cocktail bar, Grapperia, next door.

A Pittsburgh pizza sits on a white table with pepperoni on it.
Alberta’s | Photo by Hungry Jess

New Additions to Try

Jess has recently been exploring some of the newer pizzerias around Pittsburgh so here’s her top suggestions with some from her original list and some new blood too!

  • Alberta’s on the North Side: “I went there last week, and I’m still thinking about it. I regret giving my friend all of the leftovers, that’s how much I loved it! They are definitely up there for the best pizza I’ve had in a while.”
  • Benny Fierro’s: “They’re just celebrating 10 years, and they’re delivering deals in honor.”
  • Pizza Lupo: “Their burrata pie stays on my mind.”

A Few Extra Options from Dan Gigler

Our other resident pizza expert Dan Gigler has been busy exploring new pies for himself. Here are some of the latest restaurants on his radar to check out in the coming months.

Story by Jess Iacullo
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Florists in Pittsburgh for All Your Valentine’s Day Needs

By
Kylie Thomas
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A woman and man walk with a bouquet of pink flowers between them.

Valentine’s Day is all about saying what words sometimes can’t. Often flowers do the talking beautifully. Classic red roses and modern, artful arrangements turn romance into something you can hold in your hands, and give to your beloved. Whether you’re planning a grand gesture, a sweet surprise, or a last-minute delivery that still feels thoughtful, Pittsburgh’s local florists shops offer creativity, quality, and heart on this special day.

Valentine’s Day Florists in Pittsburgh

Gold Dust Floral

Lawrenceville 

Pick up a bouquet of flowers or a special arrangement for your partner. Choose from bouquet, vase, and arrangement designs to perfectly suit their personality. You can even pick out a special arrangement that’s just for pet owners to make sure toxic flowers don’t come into the home.

The Farmer’s Daughter

North Side

The magic of floral designs at The Farmer’s Daughter starts at their farm where they source many of their flowers. After careful prep, they form the flowers into beautiful arrangements in colors of pink and red for Valentine’s Day. Then, they’re delivered straight to your home to make gift buying as easy as possible. They have an excellent gift assortment, as well.

Fox and the Fleur

Aspinwall and Sewickley

At Fox and the Fleur the vase the flowers are arranged in is just as important as the flowers themself. Whether you’re looking for bursts of red and pink as lovey colors or a more neutral arrangement, they’re each finished off in an exquisite vessel.  

Armful of Flowers

Mt. Washington

Don’t give your loved one just flowers this Valentine’s Day! Shop Armful of Flowers’ selection of edible gifts alongside their beautiful floral designs. When you go to order your gorgeous bouquet in person, check out their shelves of novelty items too that are perfect beside an arrangement.

Honey Bunch Bouquets

North Hills 

For the men (or women) who have no idea how to order flowers, Honey Bunch Bouquets makes it easy with three size options for Valentine’s Day. Choose from large, small, or a Galentine’s duet of two mini arrangements. Each order comes with free delivery or in-store pick-up, fresh roses, satin ribbon, color options of soft pink or red, a black hat box, and loose rose petals for an extra touch.

Jim Ludig’s Blumengarten 

Strip District

The Ludig family is proudly celebrating their fifth generation as Pittsburgh florists, so you know you’re getting an expert with their flower service that goes the extra mile. Take a look at their homepage to find the best flowers for your loved one. They have large vases full of colors and greenery, small vases of just roses, and much more.

Pair your flowers with a deliciously indulgent treat from your local Pittsburgh Chocolatiers.

Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo by Rachel Rowland of Gold Dust Floral Arrangement

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Naked in Manhattan Cocktail for Chappell Roan

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A cocktail in am amber color sits in a tall glass on a table in the evening light.

We know you want it, baby, you can have it, Naked in Manhattan! Bold, smoky, and unapologetically extra—Naked in Manhattan is a cocktail that captures Chappell Roan in a glass. This drink struts in style with mezcal’s sultry smoke, the rich sweetness of Cocchi Torino Vermouth, and the herbal draw of yellow chartreuse, all finished with a bit of stunning red Maraschino liqueur. Think of each sip as an invitation to try something new, try something more, and let all your inhibitions go—just the way Chappell intended.

An amber cocktail sits against a dimly lit wall as a woman's hand pushes it forward.
Print
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A cocktail in am amber color sits in a tall glass on a table in the evening light.

Naked in Manhattan Cocktail for Chappell Roan

  • Author: Kayla Kobialka and the Andra Hem Team
Print Recipe

Description

If you don’t try, then it’s your loss!

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Rinse a Nick and Nora glass with Elisir Novasalus.
  3. Strain cocktail into Nick and Nora glass.
  4. Garnish with an Amarena cherry.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Do you also have a crush on Regina George? Then couple our Naked in Manhattan with our Regina George Mean Girls Cocktail in her signature pink style!

Recipe and Drink by Kayla Kobialka and the Andra Hem Team
Photo Courtesy of Neal Santos

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Throw a Colorful Cocktail Watch Party for the Premiere of ‘Bridgerton’ Season Four

By
Kylie Thomas
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Two champagne flutes of a dark purple Lord & Lady Bridgerton cocktail with a lemon peel twist garnish, butterfly pea flowers below, and a bottle of champagne pouring into the background glass. It's all set against a blue floral background.

The ton is abuzz once more, and the return of Bridgerton season four calls for a celebration as vibrant and dramatic as the show itself. What better way to mark the premiere than by gathering friends for a colorful cocktail watch party filled with stunning drinks and indulgent treats that feature a touch of Regency-inspired flair? We promise each recipe below has Lady Whistledown’s approval, which means that you can host an evening worthy of the Queen. After all, the most intense drama is best enjoyed in good company.

Colorful Cocktail Recipes for a Bridgerton Season Four Watch Party

Lord & Lady Bridgerton Cocktail

Two champagne flutes of a dark purple Lord & Lady Bridgerton cocktail with a lemon peel twist garnish, butterfly pea flowers below, and a bottle of champagne pouring into the background glass. It's all set against a blue floral background.

Our Lord & Lady Bridgerton Cocktail makes for a mix between afternoon tea and a party. Lord Bergamot Tea leads the way here steeped in dried butterfly pea flowers. Then we layer Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, lemon, and a topping of Perrier Jouet Champagne Grand Brut for a beverage high society just must gossip about.

Aloe & Apple White No-Groni

ALOE & APPLE WHITE NO-GRONI greenery in the background

Skipping the alcohol? No problem! This mocktail version of a negroni features the coolness of aloe and tart shrub of apple. The herbal notes of the Seedlip Garden 108 gin replacement perfectly complement the various elements at play.

Aperol Sour

An above shot of two Aperol sour cocktails, light red in color, garnished by lemon slices.

The beautiful sun that always seems shining in Bridgerton makes us crave a cocktail that’s meant for the summer. An Aperol Sour adds a splash of gin to your zesty Aperol and bright lemon for a beverage that glimmers. Plus it’s a way to make sure you’re wide awake for the steamy scenes bound to ensue.

Matcha Mule

Two glasses hold a Matcha Mule with a lime wheel and sprig of mint on top of the glasses all on a white background.

We’re just saying, if Daphne, Francesca, Eloise, and the rest of the Bridgerton girls existed in 2026, they would definitely be in on the match craze. Using matcha powder in a classic Moscow mule adds a subtle umami profile that meshes with the heat of the ginger. Mix up our Matcha Banana Bread on the side and make it a true matcha feast!

The Fitzgerald Cocktail

Two pink Fitzgerald gin cocktails garnished with red currants and lemon slices on a white wooden surface.

Pretty in pink, this elegant gin drink that feels right at home in any Bridgerton-inspired soirée. Shaken with gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a few aromatic dashes of Angostura bitters, indulge in a bit of subtle spice and sophistication. Talk about the perfect way to set the mood for the regency-era.

All Hearts Cocktail

Glasses of a red cocktail garnished with a blood orange slice, surrounded by strawberries, oranges, and mandarin orange slices on a white surface.

We’re red with passion for this All Hearts Cocktail. A refreshing blend of vodka, strawberry puree, and lemon juice, meets bubbly Prosecco for a touch of effervescent romance. Smooth and fruit-forward, its ruby hue makes it an ideal celebratory drink when your favorite ship becomes canon.

Snowbirds, A Festive Coconut Cocktail

A champagne flute on a black background, topped off with coconut flakes and surrounded by festive decor

Like two Snowbirds nestled together, this cocktail brings a wave of comfort with nostalgic and familiar flavors. It’s a creamy, dreamy mix of coconut rum, cream of coconut, and fresh lime that’s shaken and served over ice for a smooth sip. Plus a bit of the tropical in the winter season is always a welcome reminder of the warmth to come.

Snacks to Accompany Your Watch Party

Bridgerton Teatime Pecan Balls

A green plate full of Pecan Balls stacked in a tower as some sit open with yellow cake on the table.

Don’t go through your watch party without a succulent snack to nibble on during the most nerve-wracking of moments. These Teatime Pecan Balls tossed in powdered sugar gift you a buttery bite every time. Not to mention the salty pecans the embed in this deliciously crumbly cookie.

Lady Whistledown’s Bridgerton Snickerdoodles

Cookies in green and pink sugars spread over a table and plate.

These warm and soft Snickerdoodles are made special with pastel sugars that dust on top of each golden round. Infused with bright orange zest and ginger even if you’re not serving these cookies at a cocktail party, we recommend at least having them with your favorite cuppa.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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Top Jewelry for Valentine’s Day Gifting

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
A pink bead necklace and gold heart locket sit on a red table.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate love with jewelry that dazzles and delights. Sparkling diamonds mingle with vibrant gemstones, playful hearts, and celestial-inspired motifs, creating pieces that feel personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Whether marking a new romance, a lifelong partnership, or simply indulging yourself, this season’s hottest jewelry trends offer statement-making sparkle and timeless elegance in every design. The best part? You can find every piece locally at these Pittsburgh jewelers.

Two gold heart chains lay on an orange background.

Caesar’s Designs Heart Pendants

Fall in love with both timelessness and trending with these heart‑shaped diamond pendants. Each features a bezel‑set natural heart diamond cradled in warm 14K yellow gold, marrying classic elegance with modern sophistication. Caesar’s Designs offers these on 16‑ and 18‑inch chains for versatile wear and a a luxurious expression of affection. They’re the perfect way to say “you have my heart” in brilliant sparkle.

A stack of gold and pink bangles.

Louis Anthony Penny Preville’s Bracelet Stack

This Penny Preville bracelet stack from Louis Anthony is pure jewelry artistry. Crafted with the impeccable heirloom quality that has made the designer famous for over half a century, the stack pairs 18K gold with brilliant natural diamonds and vibrant sapphires in a dazzling array of colors. Whether worn together or layered with favorites, this stack will be treasured for years to come.

A dainty gold necklace hands over a red table.

Suma Jewelry Co. Mesa Ring and Triangular Diamond Bezel Necklace

Hand-carved and cast into metal, the Mesa Ring is an original Suma Jewelry Co. design inspired by organic form and quiet strength. Flush set with three lab-grown diamonds, it’s sculptural, subtle, and made to be worn every day. Pair it with the Bezel Necklace that showcases your love with a triangular lab-grown diamond, hand-set in a 14k gold bezel and suspended from a delicate chain. Clean lines, quiet luxury, and modern heirloom energy.

A woman holds various chain necklaces on her hand.

Orr’s Jewelers Pendant Necklaces

Celebrate your beloved’s uniqueness with a curated collection of celestial-inspired necklaces perfect for Valentine’s Day. The Moon Quartz and Diamond Pendant from SYNA glows with serene elegance, while Sorellina’s Crescent Moon Inlay Pendant dazzles with onyx, emeralds, and diamonds. The Evil Eye Blue Sapphire Pendant from SYNA offers meaningful sparkle, and the Penny Preville Open Round Link Necklace adds versatile, refined texture. Then, layer with the Crescent Diamond Moon or Starburst Diamond Enhancers for a personalized, luminous look.

A pink bead necklace and gold heart locket sit on a red table.

Henne Jewelers Necklaces and Earring Set

Add a bit of fun to your jewelry collection with these standout pieces from Henne Jewelers. The Shy Creation Kate Collection Heart Necklace pairs a matte 14K yellow gold puffed diamond heart pendant with a chic 18-inch paperclip chain. Complementing it perfectly are heart dangle and hoop earrings. For a splash of color as well as versatility, the Anne Sportun 18K yellow gold beaded wrap bracelet (or necklace) mixes multi-colored pink rubies with a single gold hexagon bead. Feel free to wear any of these pieces solo, too.

Gold and silver gem hoop earrings.
Gold pensant and silver gem dangling earrings.
A gold bangle bracelet with silver gems.

Brooks Diamonds Earrings and Ring Set

Elevate your everyday with this trio from Brooks Diamonds. The Teardrop Hoop Earrings in 14K yellow gold feature an inside/outside teardrop silhouette encrusted with .91 ctw of diamonds. For a more whimsical touch, the Fluted Design Dangle Earrings showcase a marquise‑inspired shape with intricate fluted detailing. Catching the light at every monet are .35 ctw of diamond accents. The Floral Bead Set Band offers delicate openwork as well as bead‑set diamonds (.25 ctw) in a charming floral motif.

While you’re here, grab a Valentine’s Day dinner reservation for the most romantic night of the year before the best of the best fill up!

Story by Kylie Thomas
Styling by Keith Recker
Photos by Dave Bryce

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Leave Pittsburgh and Avoid the Chaos of the NFL Draft at These Destinations

By
Aakanksha Agarwal
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0
A waterfall in Allegheny park with trees in the background.

This April’s NFL Draft will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars to Pittsburgh. While the multi-day event is a boon for the city, not every resident will want to navigate crowds, road closures and packed reservations. For Pittsburghers inclined to trade crowds for less crowded coastlines, forests or culture destinations, these spots offer a well-timed respite. (And you can still watch the draft online or on tv.)

Escape to These Destinations and Avoid the NFL Draft Craziness in Pittsburgh

The Allegheny parks forest with a river running through it.
Photo by Alisen Downs

Allegheny National Forest 

Just hours from Pittsburgh, the state’s only national forest spans more than 500,000 acres of hardwoods, water and wilderness. The sprawling wilderness in the state’s northwestern corner offers one of the East Coast’s most under-the-radar escapes and a true off-the-grid respite. 

Accommodations range from lake-adjacent cabins and understated vacation homes near the reservoir to refined accommodations such as The Lodge at Glendorn in nearby Bradford, along with charming inns in Warren. By late April, trails are open, the reservoir welcomes paddlers and daylight stretches into evening. 

The Longhouse National Scenic Byway offers a natural introduction, tracing a 36-mile loop along the Kinzua Creek arm of the reservoir. From there, days are best spent hiking shaded trails like Minister Creek, reading beside the water or drifting across the lake. Boat-access campgrounds such as Pine Grove and Morrison allow travelers to arrive by water, leaving road noise behind entirely. For a brief counterpoint, the Kinzua Sky Walk rises above the gorge, a moment of vertical drama before returning to the forest’s defining luxury: stillness. 

The dock in Seattle with restaurants and buildings in view.
Photo by Sean Pavone

Seattle 

An easy nonstop or one-stop flight from Pittsburgh — often with some of the shortest itineraries via Alaska Airlines — brings you to Seattle, where the city’s most striking quality is how seamlessly it holds urban life and landscape in the same frame: salt water at its feet, mountains on the horizon, forests threaded through daily life.  

Stay downtown at the Thompson Seattle, where floor-to-ceiling windows look out over Pike Place and Elliott Bay, and begin the evening at The Nest, the hotel’s rooftop bar, for cocktails with ferry traffic gliding below. Visit famous Pike Place Market early before crowds arrive, then take a trip to the top of the Space Needle, which clarifies the city’s relationship to water and wilderness in a single sweep. Just beneath it, Chihuly Garden and Glass adds a luminous, distinctly Pacific Northwest counterpoint. 

Seattle’s dining scene reflects its global outlook without excess. Serious Pie remains a benchmark for wood-fired pizza, while spots like Din Tai Fung (soup dumplings), Revel (Korean-influenced plates) and Maneki (a historic Japanese institution) underscore the city’s long-standing international palate. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, as well; walk the loop at Green Lake, ferry across to Bainbridge Island or explore the bluffs of Discovery Park. Close out your evenings with drinks at Seattle’s growing cluster of urban wineries, including Structure Cellars, Browne Family Vineyards or Cairdeas, where Washington wine is poured in its place of origin. 

The government building on the downtown streets of Philadelphia under a blue sky
Photo by Leo SERRAT

Philadelphia 

If Pittsburgh’s charm lies in its neighborhoods, Philadelphia turns that idea up to eleven. Less than five hours east, the city layers American history, neighborhood life and food culture into a walkable, lived-in whole. 

A single day can include cobblestone walks around Independence Hall, an unhurried afternoon eating through Reading Terminal Market and a quiet escape into the wooded trails of Wissahickon Valley Park before dinner. 

Old City’s brick townhouses and pocket museums give way to the grand sweep of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Franklin Institute line a tree-framed boulevard. Inside Reading Terminal, DiNic’s roast pork, Amish baked goods and steaming bowls of pho share space beneath an iron-and-glass roof, while Chinatown’s bakeries and noodle shops spill just beyond its doors. 

The beach full of umbrellas and blue waters at Turks and Caicos.
Photo by Meg von Haartman

Turks and Caicos 

By April, Pittsburgh is edging toward spring; Turks and Caicos is already in the throes of tropical summer.  

The journey is straightforward, roughly a six- to seven-hour travel day from Pittsburgh (typically with a single connection through Miami, Charlotte or Atlanta) to Providenciales, the island that anchors most first-time visits. 

April hits a rare sweet spot: dry, sunlit days, steady trade winds and a thinning of peak-season crowds. Grace Bay Beach remains the centerpiece, its pale sand and shallow, shimmering water ideal for morning swims and long walks. Snorkeling requires little planning at Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef, both accessible from shore, while half-day catamaran sails drift toward uninhabited cays for sandbar swims and freshly prepared conch ceviche. 

Evenings favor simplicity — grilled seafood, open-air dining and the convivial ease of a weekly fish fry. Grace Bay Club and The Shore Club offer restrained, oceanfront luxury, while Beaches Turks & Caicos provides a seamless option for families. 

Bourbon street in New Orleans busy with customers walking down the street.
Photo by Kristina Volgenau

New Orleans 

New Orleans is an easy city to settle into, with easy nonstop flight options from Pittsburgh. In the French Quarter, wrought-iron balconies frame quiet courtyards and Creole townhouses just steps from the Mississippi River, while Uptown’s oak-canopied streets remain anchored by streetcar lines. 

Staying in the Quarter (or nearby Marigny) places Jackson Square, Crescent Park and the music clubs of Frenchmen Street within walking distance. Days begin with cafe au lait and beignets, stretch into long lunches of gumbo or oyster po’boys and end in candlelit dining rooms shaped by Gulf seafood and deep-rooted culinary traditions. 

Between meals, historic cemeteries, streetcar rides and the galleries of the Bywater and St. Claude corridor offer an unforced sense of discovery. 

Story by Aakanksha Agarwal
Photo Courtesy of USDA Forest Service and K. Creek

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What Happens After Dry January on February 1?

By
Kylie Thomas
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A series of non-alcoholic beverage cans from Dry January on an orange background.

Spoiler alert: there’s no graduation ceremony when Dry January ends.   

February rolls around with a simple calendar flip and you’re left without a roadmap on what happens next. Suddenly, there goes the structure. It’s just you, a night out and a pause as your inner voice asks, “now what?”  

What Do You Do When Dry January Ends on February 1?

You’re not alone in asking it. According to the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association Industry Statistics Report, one in five Americans participates in Dry January each year. And that same study showed that more than 70 percent of challenge completers reported developing better long-term drinking habits afterward.   

For many people, there’s a heightened awareness going into February; Dry January changed something.   

Maybe your sleep improved (research by The Sleep Foundation suggests the majority of participants sleep better when they don’t drink). Maybe your mental health improved (doctors suggest alcohol amplifies anxiety, irritability and depression). Or maybe you reaped a few physical benefits (research has shown participants are likely to lose weight, decrease blood pressure and liver fat).  

Why Stop?

If you’re happy with your results, February doesn’t have to be a complete return; there can be a transition.  

Perhaps that means continuing to dip your toes into the non-alcoholic world. The good news is that the non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing rapid growth, according to reports by Mordor Intelligence.   

Tables sit against windows while walls sit in bright orange.

An Uptick in the Non-Alcoholic Marketplace

And with growth comes more opportunities for connection, like at Oakland’s new pop-up SAD BAR, a bright, uplifting alternative for Pittsburgh’s greyest winter weeks. The name is a play on both Seasonal Affective Disorder and Sans Alcohol Drinks. Located at 3701 Forbes Avenue, the space blends elevated zero-proof cocktails with warm-spectrum lighting and Vitamin D lamps to create a mood-boosting environment for those seeking an alternative.  

Two lawn chairs sit amongst orange walls and plants.

“We have seen an influx of people who are visiting to experience what it feels like to be in a space that feels like a cocktail lounge or bar, but isn’t centered around alcohol,” said Bethany Paolo, the bar’s communications director. “It’s a space that feels exciting to both sides of the aisle — built for anyone abstaining entirely but welcoming to those exploring.”  

Other Non-Alcoholic Options Throughout Pittsburgh

Elsewhere, at any of Richard Deshantz’ concepts throughout the city, you’ll find thoughtful non-alcoholic options on the menu as well.  

“I think the Ginger Pineapple No-Jito at Coop De Ville might be the most approachable,” said Brian Maxwell, Director of Beverage for the Richard Deshantz Restaurant Group. “You get the feeling of having a cocktail, but there aren’t any spirit alternatives or any other booze-specific flavors someone might be trying to avoid altogether.”  

Three Sad Bar coasters sit on a white table.

How to Ease Back Into Drinking After Dry January

If you decide to jump back into drinking come February, an emerging trend called Zebra Striping—where individuals alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks— may help you avoid common pitfalls like bingeing.   

“I have noticed a lot of guests working in N/A drinks between their alcoholic choices as a way to pace themselves,” Maxwell said.   

Victoria Miller, a bartender at Cork Harbor Pub in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, has seen this trend firsthand as well.   

“Alternating with non-alcoholic options is a fantastic way to still indulge without suddenly losing control,” Miller said.

Pittsburgh Bars Lending a Hand When Dry January Ends

Cork Harbor Pub boasts a plethora of non-alcoholic drinks alongside their alcoholic counterparts, but there’s also a third option: low-ABV beverages. These drinks are lower in alcohol volume, giving guests that same experience, while keeping their blood-alcohol level in check. At Cork Harbor Pub, Miller suggests Smithwick’s Red Ale, which is only 3.8 percent ABV.   

“For mixed drinks, getting a single shot in a tall glass is a popular option for people not wanting to drink too fast,” Miller said. “You can even take it a step further by ordering a separate drink on the side like Club Soda or Diet Coke to sip on with your mixed drink.”  

Remember, February 1 isn’t merely a finish line. It’s the moment you get to decide what the next version of your relationship with alcohol looks like, and you can take that one choice and one evening at a time.  

Two orange lawn chairs sit on a fake green patch.

In case you choose to keep your Dry January promise going, check out our recipes for ways to mix up from your regular mocktail. Or, if you’re choosing to slowly reintroduce alcohol back into your life, indulge in a recipe that’s on the lighter side with a Hot Toddy.

About the Author

Katrina Tomacchio is a Pittsburgh-based restaurateur and writer, widely known as Pittsburgh’s Mocktail Queen for her role in shaping thoughtful, non-alcoholic beverage culture. She stopped drinking nearly six years ago and is the author of Going in Dry, a sober-curious book that blends personal insight with practical guidance for building a rich, connected life with less alcohol. Find the book on Amazon, and find her on Instagram @thenortheastginger.

Story by Katrina Tomacchio
Photos Courtesy of Cody Baker for SAD BAR

Black History is Pittsburgh’s Future with Pastors Cynthia and John Wallace

By
Kylie Thomas
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0
Cynthia and John Wallace together in white outfits with smiles on their faces.

At one time, the rhythmic clatter of the Pittsburgh Courier’s printing presses and the energetic swing of legendary jazz artists in the Hill District carried the pulse of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh defines itself mainly by the steel, smoke, and iron of it all. But that’s only half of the picture. Black history in Pittsburgh isn’t a separate, tucked-away chapter of our story, it’s the foundation.

In addition to the significant number of international immigrants who came to this city, there was also a large population of Southern Black people who participated in the Great Migration. With the first wave occurring between 1914 and 1945, Black families moved North in search of better opportunities and found them. They found refuge and thrived in neighborhoods like the Hill District. Among this group of new Pittsburghers were a number of Black Americans who contributed to this city of innovators by taking “innovation” to a global scale.

A Historic Start for the Black Community

In the 1940s, the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the first Black newspapers to publish both national and local editions, launched the “Double V” campaign, a civil rights movement to secure a “double victory” for Black Americans fighting in WWII. “Victory over fascism abroad and victory over racism/segregation at home.” This helped spark a national movement for civil rights that changed the course of American history. 

In the late 1960s, a group of medically trained Black men from the Hill District formed Freedom House Ambulance Service. Before them, if you had a medical emergency, your best bet was getting a ride in a cop car. Thanks to those men, the modern paramedic was born. This type of progressive thinking became the very soul of the Steel City. Once we understand the many major contributions made by the Black community to this city, we can honor our past while better navigating our future.

Pastors Cynthia and John Wallace on Black History and Pittsburgh’s Future

Cynthia Wallace has a theory on why these contributions are often missing from the Steel City conversation. The Bible Center Church Executive Pastor and Executive Director of the Oasis Project believes that Pittsburgh’s history of segregated neighborhoods is the cause of so many oral histories being siloed.  “I don’t know that we hear as much about what African Americans have done because of that,” Cynthia commented. She continued, “We hear about Andrew Carnegie and all of those that made Pittsburgh famous for steel, but it was really on the backs and the shoulders and the hands of African-Americans who did that work. That isn’t often recognized.”

A woman stands against a brown wall with a flannel on.
Cynthia Wallace

Investing in Pittsburgh’s Future Through Proper Education

While parts of this country are questioning the importance of making Black history a part of our children’s education, or even a part of adult education through information on display at museums and historic sites, it’s dire that we no longer rely on others to tell our stories. We are in danger of having stories of Black triumph, innovation, artistry, and contributions whitewashed and diminished. John Wallace, Senior Pastor at Bible Center Church and Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement at the University of Pittsburgh, cites the obvious problem as “the attack on telling the accurate history of African people in America.” The loss or distortion of history affects the way we view ourselves.  As a community, we must be vigilant in countering negative narratives and in ensuring that we educate young people to be able to envision themselves as leaders and innovators. 

John Wallace sits in a black suit and tie against a black background.
John Wallace

John went on to say, “We as a community have to make sure that our children are educated and given the truth about our nation’s history.” The legacy of innovation in Pittsburgh’s Black community is strong and extends far beyond February. 

The Black History of Pittsburgh Stands Today

Although much of the physical landscape has changed in Pittsburgh’s historically Black neighborhoods, such as East Liberty, the Hill District, and Homewood, you can still find history as you walk the streets. 

In the Hill District, the August Wilson House stands as a living monument to the literary giant’s art and life. Across the river in Homestead, the Negro League legends come to mind every time we cross the Homestead Grays Bridge. Thanks to photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris, who captured over 80,000 images of Black life, we have a visual record of Black life on display at The Carnegie Museum of Art. From the glamour of the Crawford Grill to the quiet dignity of a family Sunday dinner, these memories became the blueprints for a community that has always known how to build its own greatness.

“We’re not only sharing what past generations have gone through, endured, accomplished, but we encourage our young people that their story is valuable,” Cynthia explained. “Talk to people so that your story is not lost because that’s the only way that we are in control of our narrative.”

What Steps Come Next to Preserve Black History?

Preserving Black history in Pittsburgh demands an active, year-round investment in the community’s strength. To truly honor the legacy of our pioneers that came before us, we must support the “modern-day firsts” by moving beyond symbolic gestures and into tangible support. It means patronizing Black-owned businesses like Everyday Cafe, supporting the Greenwood Plan’s mission to empower Black entrepreneurs, and visiting the August Wilson African American Cultural Center with an open mind and a willingness to learn. 

There is also major importance in creating your own history through the arts. Cynthia encourages everyone to “chronicle history and to leave that artifact” as well as taking time to record and preserve the stories of our elders. If we don’t support the people actively making history today, we risk leaving the legacy of Black Pittsburgh to someone who doesn’t respect the beauty in it. It’s not just “Black” history. It’s “American” history.

Learn more about what Black History Month means to the city of Pittsburgh here!

Story by Kahmeela Adams
Photo Courtesy of Cynthia and John Wallace

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