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Journey of the Senses at Larrimor’s

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A woman in a black long sleeve holds a wine glass, smiling.
Another enthusiastic taster of Italian wine

Guests gathered at Larrimor’s Downtown—the premier destination for fashion in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle—for an elegant, Italian-themed evening. Performers from Pittsburgh Opera “sang for their supper,” filling the room with arias asJason Grant of Medici Importers and Jason Capps of Bella Sera paired exquisite Italian bites with fine wines. Among the notable sips: Castello di Montepo Sassoaloro, produced by Jacopo Biondi Santi, and Bolle di Borro, produced by the Ferragamo family’s Il Borro estate. La moda italiana took center stage with striking mens suiting from Isaia, known for its command of fabrics, stitching, and sartorial detail. For women, Designs by Fuzzi showcased a timely and timeless blend of classic style with sumptuous pattern and luxury fibers. Viva l’Italia!

Journey of the Senses at Larrimor’s, March 13, 2025

Story by Keith Recker
Photos Courtesy of Jeff Swensen

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A Luxurious Wade Weissmann-Designed Addition in Fox Chapel

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A woman decorates a stone fireplace with a large green wreath.
Anne Dickson of Fox and the Fleur readies the mantel for the holidays.

The owners of this Wade Weissmann-designed structure call it “The Cabin.” But banish any frontier images from your mind. This Fox Chapel addition speaks in a luxurious vocabulary of natural materials, fine craftsmanship, noble proportions, and great taste.

A table and counter in an office in a wood cabin space.

Looking Inside a Wade Weissmann-Designed Addition in Fox Chapel Donned “The Cabin”

When ardent fans of the show Yellowstone wanted an addition for their existing house—with a cozy lodge vibe that channels the TV drama—they reached out to Wade Weissmann Architecture. The result, a large structure which the homeowners affectionately call “The Cabin,” serves as an office, wine cellar, and tasting area— as well as a gathering space for their family.

A vase of white flowers on a desk in a cabin space.

Interestingly, the woodsy interior is different from the more contemporary main house, although the exteriors are unified. And while it resembles a rough-hewn cabin in the woods, it was built with traditional frame walls and insulation. The effect is largely cosmetic—but incredibly effective. Both mood and modern systems are in full force. To achieve just the right vibe, Weissmann had a very specific vision.

A slab of old rustic wood.

Wood reclaimed from a 19th century barn was used as often as possible in this addition designed by Wade Weissmann Architecture.

“The best way we could deliver a finished product with that charming character was to use reclaimed materials,” he said. Walls feature stacked logs with simulated chinking between them. “A majority of the wood inside is oak, reclaimed from a barn that was going to be replaced by a metal structure. The rounded log walls were formed from the existing historic floor beams,” says Sean Rasmussen, Principal Architect at Triglyph Design, formerly a Senior Design Associate and Project Manager at Weissmann.

A dark blue china cabinet in front of a plaid wall.

Taking Care of Cozy Details

An enormous stone hearth flanked by a pair of cozy nooks anchors the space, which has the feeling, when approached from the main house, of a secret lair. “There’s a hidden door and you walk into a wine cellar, and then you proceed into the tasting room. Then you’re greeted with the view of the fireplace,” says Weissmann. The rocks are Pennsylvania river boulders, found locally. “It was important to source natural and old materials with patina to give the interior an authentic look,” affirms Rasmussen.

White orchids in front of a window in a wood cabin looking space.

While the overall feel skews masculine, the bar and tasting area provided an opportunity for balance. “The interior designer Cassidy Miller Weitz and I really liked the juxtaposition,” Weissmann explains, where the area has more of what he describes as “a European aesthetic, with painted woodwork, a bit of color, and upholstery on the walls to warm up the big, rustic scale of everything else.”

A china cabinet in front of a plaid wall.

Making a Home for the Holidays

For the holidays, the owners called on Anne Dickson, founder of Fox and the Fleur, to decorate. “We do about 40 homes each year,” she says. “And we really take into account the home’s architecture, the era in which it was built, etc.” In this case, the scale was definitely a factor—and certain adjustments had to be made to match it. “If I had put a 24-inch wreath on that mantle, it would have just disappeared.” She fashions an over-scale one from grape vines, pairing it with an asymmetrical evergreen arrangement with a pop of red anemones, in water-filled tubes so the owners can easily replace it once they wilt. (This is a great tip for keeping greenery fresh for the weeks-long holiday period.)

A counter area in a home with lights and a plaid wall.

The balance between fresh and lasting flora is an obviously a challenge. Cut arrangements are the most fragile, typically brought in for a special party. Dickson likes to wind in fresh magnolia greens, which dry beautifully, and to use an abundance of pinecones, which have unlimited life and are festive and seasonal.

A woman sets a table in what looks like a wood cabin.

The bar area provided a different sort of canvas, with smaller nooks and that unique fabric backdrop. “We used some jewel-tone cups for some of the arrangements. It’s also fun to get creative with water pitchers and votives. In reality, anything that holds water can hold flowers,” she adds. “I love when a client gives us the opportunity to explore—and what I love about this is that it becomes a destination within the house,” says Weissmann.

Story by Stephen Treffinger
Styling by Keith Recker and Anne Dickson
Architecture by Wade Weissmann Architecture
Interior Design by Cassidy Miller Weitz
Florals by Fox and the Fleur
Photography by Erin Kelly

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These Sangria Recipes are What’s Missing from Your Holiday Celebration

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A pitcher filled with a dark red sangria cocktail garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise pods, as described in the recipe for the "Spice is Nice Sangria" batch cocktail.

Holiday gatherings are often full of tradition, but if your drink menu is starting to feel a little too predictable, we have the perfect solution. Elevate your festive cheer with these winter Sangria recipes in red and white. Bursting with seasonal fruit, rich spices, and plenty of warmth, sangria is the vibrant, customizable cocktail that also makes a gorgeous centerpiece for your next celebration. Deep, spiced reds and fizzy, bright whites are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or ringing in the New Year!

Sangria Recipe for the Holidays

Eva Longoria Inspired Sangria

Two deep red sangria cocktails sit in wine glasses and garnished with lemon wedges. Sangria Recipe

This Eva Longoria-Inspired Sangria is the ultimate party starter. It takes the traditional Spanish red wine punch and loads it up with the bold flavors of brandy, Cointreau, and fresh citrus. Pack it with sliced apples, lemons, and oranges for a festive and refreshing cocktail. Just remember to make it ahead of time—it gets better the longer those flavors sit.

Beet Red Sangria

Two cocktail glasses full of beet sangria in a red color sits on a white wood table with orange slices and herb garnishes.

This Beet Red Sangria achieves its stunning ruby-red color and bold, earthy-sweet flavor by integrating fresh beet juice into a base of red wine, Cointreau, and tart citrus. The secret to its complex profile is a homemade beet and herb simple syrup infused with aromatic thyme, rosemary, and mint that complements the beet’s earthiness.

Spice is Nice Sangria, A Batch Cocktail

A pitcher filled with a dark red sangria cocktail garnished with cinnamon sticks and star anise pods, as described in the recipe for the "Spice is Nice Sangria" batch cocktail.

Looking for a batch cocktail to make winter gatherings a bit easier? This low-ABV punch fuses the traditional fruity wine base with a profile reminiscent of mulled wine. A lot of the flavor comes from the combination of Cabernet wine with a strong, aromatic chai tea, and sweet Giffard vanilla liqueur. Serve from the pitcher over ice and garnish with star anise.

Traditional White Sangria by Minimalist Baker

A traditional white sangria in a glass jar with lemons, strawberries, and limes.
Photo Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

An Easy Traditional White Sangria recipe, provided by the Minimalist Baker, is the light take on this Spanish classic that is perfect for serving a crowd. By using just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a sophisticated, bubbly, and fruity punch that wows guests. As a vegan and plant-based site, the Minimalist Baker prioritizes simple, delicious food that is accessible to all eaters.

Blood Orange Sangria by Our Italian Table

A blood orange sangria in a glass jar with slices of blood orange, mint, and lime.
Photo Courtesy of Our Italian Table

Adding a splash of Sicilian flavor to your holiday table is Our Italian Table’s Blood Orange Sangria. It utilizes fragrant blood oranges, which are in season during the winter months. The recipe combines the sweet-tart blood orange juice with dry white wine, brandy, and fresh lime. It’s an easy, elegant way to recharge your palate and bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your gathering.

Story by Kylie Thomas

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How to Decorate for the Holidays by Upcycling Vintage Finds

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Fall Wreath Vintage Holiday Style

The eco-mantra of “reuse, recycle, and reduce” can be tough during the holidays. However, by turning to local thrift, vintage, and antique shops, it is a goal well within reach.

Upcycling Vintage Finds

Upcycling Vintage Finds for Our Holiday Decor

Use the good old-fashioned principles of “waste not, want not” and “shop local” to create a Vintage Holiday Style atmosphere at home. Showcase and upcycle beautiful old glass, then add handmade gift tags and touches of vintage silver to set the scene for a very special (and responsible) celebration!

Treasured Traditions and Upcycled Inspiration

Treasured Traditions and Upcycled Inspiration

What are your favorite holiday talismans? So many of us treasure grandmother’s time worn starry tree-topper and the patinaed baubles that we have hung on the tree since childhood. We unpack them at the start of the holidays, and then safely store them away in January for use again and again. For some, this annual reacquaintance with these spirits of Christmases past is a tender as well as emotional affair. If you, too, are inspired by this old-school, sentimental take on Christmas, use all sorts of upcycled elements—think old silver gravy boats, handmade cards, or tree decorations fashioned from junk-shop ephemera—to set the scene for your festivities this year.

Setting the Table with Vintage Warmth

Setting the Table with Vintage Warmth

Enchantingly rustic, an inviting Christmas table combines organic charm with a little of our region’s industrial history. Combine rich tones of amber as well as ochre with sparkling glassware interspersed with the gleam of heirloom silver for a warm and welcoming look.

Use a large piece of raw linen to clad your table. We’ve known a few designers to run a painter’s canvas drop cloth through the laundry and then use its earthy sincerity as a neutral backdrop with tactile appeal. Top this with a mix of clear and amber glassware, and old silver trophies filled with seasonal botanicals.

Unique Touches for a Personalized Gathering

Unique Touches for a Personalized Gathering

To make your Vintage Holiday Style place settings unique, center each around a vintage silver tray topped with a vintage charger, glassware, and linen napkin—everyone around the table will feel special. Create a centerpiece of silver trophies filled with seasonal flowers, and for a quirky touch, you can also make homemade candles out of vintage silver gravy boats. A drop of essential oil like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla will add fragrance and warmth.

Upcycled Décor That Dazzles

Upcycled Décor That Dazzles

To create a ceiling decoration, make a series of wreaths from cast-off metal bits like old wheels wrapped with twigs and vines. Forage for autumn leaves and winter berries, fix them with wire, and suspend the wreaths at different heights. Add vintage glass baubles for gleam and shine to have Vintage Holiday Style.

Personalized Details and Creative Wrapping

Personalized Details and Creative Wrapping

Instead of ordinary place cards, personalize your table with custom-labelled water carafes made from ornate, multicolored glassware found in vintage shops. Label with string and paper tags or collect old bar medallions to transform into keepsakes.

When wrapping gifts, stick to brown craft paper with accents of silver, gold, and white to match your décor. Layer papers and raffia string for texture, and add hand-painted or glittered natural objects—shells, feathers, pinecones, and acorns—for a magical finishing touch.

Industrial Meets Sentimental

Industrial Meets Sentimental

This old cast-metal turnstile, found in someone’s garden, sparked the idea of using a piece of junk to “grow” a tree. Now it’s transformed into a festive focal point, trimmed each season with upcycled cut- and cast-glass ornaments. The blend of industrial structure and warm sparkle creates a sophisticated juxtaposition that captures the spirit of a mindful, memory-filled holiday.

Styling and Photographs Micky Hoyle

Story by Robyn Alexander
Styling and Photographs Micky Hoyle
Production by Bureaux

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Shop Western Pennsylvania for Vintage and Antique Decor Items

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Various colored glassware on a table.

There are hundreds of antiques/vintage shops in Western Pennsylvania, and every collector has a favorite. Most do not have websites, but you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, or Trip Advisor. Start with this list and branch out by exploring the region to attain that unique style. Let us know what great shops you discover!

Where to Shop for Vintage and Antique Decor in Western Pennsylvania

Wexford General Store Antiques

150 Church Road, Wexford, PA 15090

Showcased in a 10,000 square foot converted general store are treasures from 20 dealers who comb the countryside for high quality antiques, collectibles, stained glass, and original works of art. The main building itself is an antique dating to the mid-1880s. Check out the owner’s awesome personal tin and sign collection at the front counter.

Kensington Court Antiques

3464 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

With eclectic offerings, this large Ross Township store features collectibles, oddities, and vintage finds from 30 dealers. In business for 18 years, it’s a clean, well-organized space with a friendly vibe. Fans say it’s a go-to for gifts, decor, collectibles, furniture, and vintage clothing. 

Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse

214 North Lexington Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208

This funky nonprofit designed to inspire creativity, conservation, and community engagement, isn’t filled with antiques, but depending on who donated what, you might find a keeper. You’ll certainly find objects with which to make your own ornaments and décor. Among the myriad doodads you’ll find vintage board games, comic books, dolls, eyeglasses, film projectors, hankies, cutlery, suitcases, and sunglasses.

Dunn’s Antiques

1278 Perry Highway, Portersville, PA 16051

Take time to explore this one-floor shop to embrace the Vintage Holiday Style, which regulars call “charming” and “quaint,”. You’ll likely find exactly what you’re not looking for among the antique toys, combat knives and antique firearms, vintage glass and pottery, paperweights, beer signs, fine jewelry, and more. Grab it; take it home!

E.N. Miller Antique Mall

615 East Railroad Avenue, Verona, PA 15147

With four floors and 100 dealers, this is a day trip. Each booth—some cluttered, some neat as a pin— has its own personality. There’s antique furniture, collectible glassware, retro jewelry, old kitchenware, tools and sports equipment, original art, textiles, and farm items.  Something for everyone. 

It’s New to Me

522 Valley Brook Road, Venetia, PA 15367

You’ll find high-quality vintage at this full-of-surprises store south of Pittsburgh. From depression glass, needlepoint, Rose Medallion, Imari, Wedgewood to Fiestaware. As well as costume jewelry, tables, lamps, crystal, linens, prints and paintings, fur coats, stained glass, and more.  Worth the trip.

Antique Center of Strabane

2510 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317

Well-lighted and organized, this shop features 24 booths of fine antiques and vintage items. There’s fine furniture, along with more affordable collectibles. Such as; Steiff bears, decoys, flow blue, crocks, leather books, crystal, oil paintings, turquoise jewelry—even an alligator guitar case.  Some prices are negotiable. Fun to browse even if you don’t buy.

Route 19 Antique Mall

2597 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317

Multiple rooms on two floors are stocked by 24 dealers. The place is packed, so shop like a detective. You’ll find antique furniture, oriental rugs, signed art, baskets, cookie jars, hand-painted tole trays, vintage clocks, and more. Did someone throw away your mom’s 1970s Corning Ware casserole? It’s here.

Story by Susan Fleming Morgans
Styling and Photography Micky Hoyle

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Winter Spice Cake

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Winter Spice Cake by Nate Batemen and Julia Lombardi, Altius. The judges noted its beautiful icing and decoration!

This Winter Spice Cake by Chef Nate Bateman and Julia Lombardi of Altius captures the warmth and aroma of the season in every bite. Rich gingerbread layers meet tart cranberry compote and silky rosemary mascarpone ganache for a comforting, elegant dessert. Perfect for the holidays, it combines cozy spice, bright citrus, and herbal notes in every slice.

A man and a women standing together while the woman displays her white iced cake for the camera.

Chef Bateman and Lombardi made their Winter Spice Cake as a part of our second annual TABLE Magazine Holiday Bake Off where five professionals and five student pastry chefs go head-to-head in a battle for the most decadent dessert.

Winter Spice Cake by Nate Batemen and Julia Lombardi, Altius.
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Winter Spice Cake by Nate Batemen and Julia Lombardi, Altius. The judges noted its beautiful icing and decoration!

Winter Spice Cake


  • Author: Julia Lombardi and Nate Bateman

Description

Rich gingerbread layers meet tart cranberry compote and silky rosemary mascarpone ganache.


Ingredients

Scale

For the gingerbread cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups (248 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (21 g) cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ tsp clove
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground white pepper
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • ¾ cup molasses
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 ½ cups (298 grams) sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger

For the cranberry compote:

  • 5 tbsp (80 g) orange juice
  • ½ cup (80 g) sugar
  • Splash of Grand Marnier
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 star anise
  • 4 cups (400 g) frozen cranberries
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) glucose powder
  • 2 tsp (5 g) pectin NH
  • ¾ tsp (4 g) citric acid
  • 2 ½ tsp (8 g) cornstarch

For the rosemary mascarpone ganache:

  • 11 g powdered gelatin
  • 65 g cold water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
  • 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 300 g white chocolate
  • 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
  • 300 g mascarpone
  • 25 g Grand Marnier


Instructions

For the gingerbread cake:

  1. Grease, flour, and parchment line a half sheet tray and heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, and spices in a large bowl.  In a second large bowl, whisk coffee, molasses, and baking soda together.
  3. Add sugar, oil, eggs, and fresh ginger to coffee mixture and whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixes together until smooth. 
  5. Bake until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean. 

For the cranberry compote:

  1. In a saucepan heat orange juice, zest, sugar, and Grand Marnier.  Bring to a boil and cook until syrupy. 
  2. Add frozen cranberries, cinnamon, and star anise.  Combine glucose, pectin, and citric acid in a separate bowl.
  3. When the cranberries start to release their juices and the mixture is warm, add the glucose mixture.  Heat to 215 degrees then stir in the starch mixed with 30 grams of water. 
  4. Boil for 1 minute, then cool rapidly.

For the rosemary mascarpone ganache:

  1. Heat cream, vanilla, rosemary, and orange zest to a bare simmer.  Remove from heat, cover and infuse for at least 30 minutes. 
  2. Hydrate gelatin in cold water. 
  3. Once cream is infused, bring back to a bare simmer, and strain over white chocolate and hydrated gelatin.  Immersion blend.  Add cold cream, mascarpone, and Grand Marnier and immersion blend again until smooth. 
  4. Chill overnight with cling film covering, making contact with surface of ganache.
  5. The next day in the bowl of a KitchenAid with a whisk attachment, whip on medium speed until stiff peaks form.  

Check out more recipes from our Annual Holiday Bake Off!

Recipe by Julia Lombardi and Nate Bateman
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Vegan Brownies

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A women dressing in black showing the camera a large vegan brownie decorated with peppermint candies on a glass cake pedestal.

Lene Pietrusza from CCAC’s Culinary Arts Program’s Vegan Brownies deliver rich, chocolatey flavor without dairy or eggs. Flaxseed, aquafaba, and coffee create a fudgy texture, while peppermint adds a festive touch. Topped with fluffy icing, chocolate bark, and crushed candy canes, these brownies make a cheerful plant-based holiday dessert.

Vegan Brownies

Pietrusza made her Vegan Brownies as a part of our second annual TABLE Magazine Holiday Bake Off where five professionals and five student pastry chefs went head-to-head in a battle for the most decadent dessert.

Left: German Christmas Market in a Cake by Nelly Anderko, culinary student at CCAC; Right: Vegan Brownies with Peppermint Icing by Lene Pietrusza, also a CCAC culinary student
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Vegan Brownies with Peppermint Icing by Lene Pietrusza.

Vegan Brownies


  • Author: Lene Pietrusza

Description

Topped with fluffy icing, chocolate bark, and crushed candy canes, these brownies make a cheerful plant-based holiday dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

For the brownies:

  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 1/2 cup coffee 
  • 150 g granulated sugar
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 80 ml aquafaba 
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract 
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter
  • 6 oz vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 50 g Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 400 g pastry flour 
  • 200 g bread flour (you can also just use 600 g all-purpose flour) 
  • 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar 

For the icing:

  • 1 cup room temperature vegan butter 
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened soy milk

For the bark:

  • 1 bag vegan white chocolate chips 
  • 1 bag dark chocolate chips 
  • Candy canes 


Instructions

For the brownies:

  1. Whisk hot coffee and flaxseed together, set aside to cool and thicken.
  2. Dissolve sugars in the aquafaba with the extracts, salt and flax mixture.
  3. Melt the vegan butter and then add the chocolate chips and cocoa powder, mix until the chips are completely melted.
  4. Add the chocolate mixture to the aquafaba mixture and then whisk in the flour. Fold in the chocolate chips and any additional toppings.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until the sides are set.

For the icing:

  1. Whip ingredients together until light and fluffy.

For the bark:

  1. Melt dark chocolate, spread onto a piece of parchment paper.
  2. Freeze until firm, repeat with white chocolate, but before freezing; add crushed candy canes.

Check out more recipes from our Annual Holiday Bake Off!

Recipe by Lene Pietrusza
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

Your Pittsburgh Vintage Store Roundup from Interior Designer Leanne Ford

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A modern dining room with a long natural wood table, black chairs with woven seats, a black display cabinet with woven baskets, and a hanging black and brass light fixture.

Interior designer Leanne Ford lets us in on every designer’s deepest secrets – their source lists!

Vintage shopping tips: Follow these guys on each of their Instagram accounts so that you can be in the loop of their latest treasures. And don’t be afraid to give them a call and let them know what you are looking for. This is Pittsburgh, we all love to help each other!

Pittsburgh Vintage Store Roundup from Leanne Ford

Tollgate Revival

Tollgate is the kind of place you want to hang around in and have a whiskey or two with Seth, the owner. It has quickly become my go-to for all things vintage leather. I have never seen so many beautiful vintage Chesterfields in one place and I have to admit I’ve swooped up my fair share of them. @tollgaterevival

Garden Style Living

An ever-changing collection of European-inspired treasures mixed in with sweet flea market finds, brought together by my friend Mary in her beautiful shop. Think vintage marble bistro tables, magical gold-rimmed glassware and beat-up cutting boards all hanging under a sweet little slightly “off” crystal chandelier. One of each, please. Make that two.

FarmHowz

My go-to for gorgeous wooden tables in every possible style. Everything at FarmHowz is full of soul. These pieces are found, hand-selected and refurbished with care by Dave, the owner. The only reason I am okay with telling you about this secret weapon is that I can honestly say I already have one of his tables in every room of my house.

Mon Modern

This is one of my newer Pittsburgh finds for perfect mid-century, old-but-modern, and dare I say, quirky, pieces. Think 50s, 60s and 70s! They have interesting high-style pieces perfect for all of our tabletop and shelving vignette needs. Everything is sold through Instagram so if you see something you like, you better be quick to DM Ryan, because I’ll be right there with ya!

Kinsey Vintage Market

The owner, Whitney, created a classic artisan-style marketplace with several vendors, filling up a massive warehouse that doubles as an event space. The fun and perfect mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, and classic antiques. Mark your calendar for their next market, it’s a great thing to do here in town.

Shimsue Pickings

Kim and Tim are true pickers on the Pittsburgh circuit. I have found everything from a set of 12 Knoll chairs to chalkboards, a farm-feeding bin, and quite literally my kitchen sink through these guys. Follow their Insta for the best chance at swooping up their finds.

Bass and Bennett Trading Co.

Who needs to travel the world when we have these guys right at our back door? (Okay, I know, me too!) But this place has seriously filled a hole in my little travel and curation heart! Michelle and her family import furniture and decor pieces from all over the world and fill up their barn with it all. I feel like I could be anywhere in the world when I’m there, no plane ride required.

Construction Junction

Even if I tried I couldn’t come up with a place that felt more like Pittsburgh. It is full of rust, grit, spunk (… even the name!) and most importantly, salvage. These guys rescue as much as they can from the old buildings that are being redone around Pittsburgh. (In fact, we often donate things that are special but don’t work for the client.) Come with an open mind. CJ is great for the pocketbook, great for the creative side of your brain, and great for the earth.

Weisshouse

This gorgeous store concentrates mostly on new and high-end pieces. But I had to include it on my list because Stacy and her daughter Cyd are the coolest family in town, and their curation of magical vintage and incredible art keeps me checking in.

Story by Leanne Ford

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Pistachio Tart

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Caitlyn Lowrey, made Pistachio Tarts

CCAC’s Culinary Arts Program‘s Caitlyn Lowrey crafts a Pistachio Tart that blends classic technique with festive flavor. A buttery, golden crust holds smooth pistachio pastry cream made with vanilla, sweet pistachio spread, and rich egg yolks. Finished with whipped cream and delicate garnishes, this elegant dessert tastes like a snow-dusted holiday treat.

Pistachio Tart

Lowrey made her Pistachio Tart as a part of our second annual TABLE Magazine Holiday Bake Off where five professionals and five student pastry chefs went head-to-head in a battle for the most decadent.

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Caitlyn Lowrey, made Pistachio Tarts

Pistachio Tart


  • Author: Caitlyn Lowrey
  • Yield: 3–4 servings 1x

Description

A crumbly crust and smooth pistachio pastry cream.


Ingredients

Scale

For the pistachio pastry cream:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 egg (whole)
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 5 oz sugar
  • 1.5 oz cornstarch
  • 2 oz butter cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz pistachio sweet cream

For the tart dough:

  • 12 oz all-purpose flour
  • 4 oz sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 3 oz cold salted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ oz water


Instructions

For the pistachio pastry cream:

  1. Combine whole milk and 2 ounces of sugar in a pot.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together whole eggs, egg yolks, sifted corn starch, and remaining sugar.
  3. Put butter and vanilla in small cup to the side.
    Take pot and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, just until it barely begins to boil. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Carefully temper 6-8 oz of milk into egg mixture, then turn the remaining milk back on medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, quickly whisk egg mixture into milk.
  5. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream is thick. As soon as thickens to the consistency of pudding, remove from the heat and let cool until 140 degrees.
  6. Add butter and vanilla, and mix until it becomes a smooth, even consistency.
  7. Then blend in pistachio cream until no longer streaky. Let cool completely.

For the tart dough:

  1. Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Add butter and blend until smooth, either by hand or in food processor.
  3. Add egg, egg yolk, and water. Mix until it forms a smooth ball.
  4. Form into tart pans and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.  Approximately 20 minutes.
  5. Let cool and unmold.

To assemble:

  1. Loosen pistachio pastry cream in a mixer, then put into cooled tarts, fill but leave a small space up top. (Around ½ cm.)
  2. Fold in ½ cup of pastry cream into 2 cups of a basic whipped cream, use to decorate top of tart.
  3. Add other decorative toppings if you’d like.

Check out more recipes from our Annual Holiday Bake Off!

Recipe by Caitlyn Lowrey
Photography by Laura Petrilla

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Holly Jolly Opera Torte

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Holly Jolly Opera Torte by Andrea Carros-Schrenk, certified executive pastry chef and teacher at CCAC. - JUDGES' & PEOPLE'S CHOICE 2ND PLACE

Andrea Carros-Schrenk, certified executive pastry chef and CCAC instructor, made a Holly Jolly Opera Torte. A classic Opera Torte features a wonderful balance of chocolate and coffee. But a multitude of variations abound, including this holiday inspired version that switches out coffee for pistachio, raspberry, and spiced orange. Although there are several components, each can be made ahead of time for efficient assembly. The completed product freezes well and defrosts easily, finish with the suggested décor or create your own personalized holiday look!

A women in a green button down shirt holding a festive opera torte, layered in pink and green with chocolate on top, on a white plate decorated with raspberries, curls of chocolate, green leaves and gold leaf.

Carros-Schrenk made her Holly Jolly Opera Torte as a part of our second annual TABLE Magazine Holiday Bake Off where five professionals and five student pastry chefs went head-to-head in a battle for the most decadent. She wowed both the crowd with her torte, placing second for both judge’s and people’s choice.

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Holly Jolly Opera Torte by Andrea Carros-Schrenk, certified executive pastry chef and teacher at CCAC. - JUDGES' & PEOPLE'S CHOICE 2ND PLACE

Holly Jolly Opera Torte


  • Author: Andrea Carros-Schrenk

Description

This holiday inspired version switches out coffee for pistachio, raspberry, and spiced orange. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the spiced joconde sponge:

  • 3.5 oz/99 g almond flour
  • 3 oz/85 g powdered sugar
  • 1 oz/28 g cake flour
  • 1 tsp/1 g ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp/1 g ground ginger
  • 1 pinch allspice
  • 1½ tsp/4 g grated orange rind
  • .50 oz/7 g vanilla
  • 5 oz/142 g eggs
  • 4 oz/113 g egg whites (at room temperature)
  • .5 oz/7 g sugar
  • 1.5 oz/43 g unsalted butter, melted

For the orange syrup:

  • 5 oz/142 g water
  • 5 oz/142 g sugar
  • 1 oz/ 28 g orange juice concentrate
  • ½ vanilla bean (split lengthwise)
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick

For the pistachio french buttercream:

  • 4 oz/ 113 g egg yolk (pasteurized preferred)
  • 1 oz/28 g sugar
  • 7 oz/199 g sugar
  • 1 oz/28 g corn syrup
  • 2 oz/56 g water
  • 18 oz/510 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • .50 oz vanilla
  • .50 oz/142 g pistachio paste (available online or at baking supply stores)

For the raspberry ganache: 

  • 4 oz/113 g heavy cream
  • 6 oz/170 g Ruby chocolate (coins or shaved, available online; can substitute with white chocolate but flavor changes )
  • 1 oz/28 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 oz/28 g raspberry concentrate (available online)

For the dark chocolate and oil mixture:

  • 2 oz/56 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (coins or shaved)
  • .50 oz/14 g vegetable oil

For the dark chocolate and butter glaze:

  • 6 oz/170 g semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (coins or shaved)
  • 3 oz/8 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1.5 oz/43 g corn syrup

For the marzipan:

  • 2 oz/56 g almond paste
  • .50 oz/8 g corn syrup
  • 1.5 oz/43 g powdered sugar (sifted)


Instructions

For the spiced joconde sponge:

  1. Combine sifted almond flour, powdered sugar cake flour, spices, and eggs-whip until light and airy approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Separately whip whites to a soft peak-slowly rain sugar over whites and continue to whip to just firm peak-gently fold into spiced base. When meringue is almost incorporated, fold in melted butter, making sure to thoroughly blend throughout batter.
  3. Spread joconde sponge evenly over a Silpat lined ½ sheet tray.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees until till golden brown and just firm to the touch-time will vary based on oven used, normally no more than 10 minutes, cool completely. Carefully remove from Silpat and cut into three EVEN portions (approx. 5.5 inches x11.5 inches). Note: Freezes well, can freeze for easy removal from Silpat.
  5. This makes a thin joconde layer-if a slightly thicker layer is desired convert ingredients by 1.5x.

For the orange syrup:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a stainless pot, bring to a boil.
  2. Allow to cool, store in refrigerator until use.

For the pistachio french buttercream:

  1. In a mixer with whip attachment-whip egg yolks and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes to create a ribbon.
  2. Begin the syrup by combining sugar, corn syrup and water in a stainless-steel pot, brush down sides of pot with a wet brush before heating (to dissolve any sugar crystals on side of pot). Bring to a boil, continue to cook until registers 240 Fº, turn off heat.
  3. With the mixer on low speed-carefully pour syrup into (ribbon) yolk base in a steady stream-between the whip and side of the bowl-turn speed to high and whip till cooled (room temperature).
  4. With the mixer on low speed add butter to the cooled base, turn mixture up to medium speed-continue to whip until a smooth buttercream is achieved. Add vanilla and pistachio paste, mix to thoroughly incorporate.

For the raspberry ganache: 

  1. Bring heavy cream to a boil in stainless steel pot. Turn off heat, pour over ruby chocolate in a bowl, allow to set 5 minutes.
  2. Pulse with immersion blender or stir gently with wire whip.
  3. Add softened butter and raspberry concentrate, blend to incorporate.
  4. Refrigerate until use, with plastic wrap touching top of ganache, can be frozen.

For the dark chocolate and oil mixture:

  1. Melt chocolate either in a dry bowl over a water bath or in microwave.
  2. Add oil, blend to smooth.
  3. Does not require refrigeration, store at room temperature. Can be reheated.

For the dark chocolate and butter glaze:

  1. Melt chocolate either in a dry bowl over a water bath or in microwave.
  2. Add butter and corn syrup. Stir to incorporate. Should be easily pourable/spreadable consistency when used.
  3. Store in refrigerator.

For the marzipan:

  1. Combine almond paste and corn syrup thoroughly.
  2. Add powdered sugar until a smooth pliable consistency is achieved, may need more than amount in formula as almond paste texture varies by brand.
  3. Add desired color(s).
  4. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

To assemble:

  1. Place a half sheet of parchment on work table-place one of the pre-cut joconde sponge layers on parchment.
  2. Thoroughly coat first joconde layer with warm chocolate/oil mixture-flip over onto parchment paper and brush other side of joconde with orange syrup. Pipe or spread an even layer of pistachio buttercream-approximately same thickness as the joconde layer.
  3. Place second joconde sponge on top of buttercream layer and brush with orange syrup, if buttercream seems soft refrigerate to firm before next step.
  4. Pipe or spread an even layer of the raspberry ruby chocolate ganache over soaked joconde layer-approximately same thickness as the joconde and buttercream layers. If ganache is a bit firm allow to soften to room temperature or loosen with a spatula.
  5. Place third joconde layer on top and brush with orange syrup. Apply an even layer of pistachio buttercream, approximately same thickness of previous layers.
  6. Place in refrigerator to set (may freeze at this point). When firm, place a clean piece of parchment paper on top of buttercream and flip assembled cake over using a sheet tray on top.
  7. Peel off the parchment paper from chocolate coated bottom and replace with a new piece of parchment paper. Flip back over and smooth pistachio buttercream top if necessary.
  8. Place cold assembled cake on a wire rack over a sheet tray.
  9. Pour the dark chocolate/butter glaze (should be a fluid consistency) over top of firm buttercream. Quickly spread with an offset palette knife to coat and achieve a smooth even finish. Place in refrigerator to set.
  10. Once the chocolate/butter glaze is set, using a warm knife, square off sides of cake, cleaning knife after each cut. Slip off parchment paper and place on same size cake board or desired serving platter.
  11. Complete with a festive garnish of marzipan holly and fresh raspberries. Optional: additional chocolate décor garnish.

Notes

After use vanilla bean for the orange syrup, it may be rinsed, dried and reused for vanilla sugar.

Over whipping the french buttercream will eventually melt the buttercream. Completed buttercream may be stored in either the refrigerator or freezer-allow to temper to room temperature before rewhipping.

Check out more recipes from our Annual Holiday Bake Off!

Recipe by Andrea Carros-Schrenk
Photography by Laura Petrilla

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.

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