Start your day with a nourishing Vegan Black Rice Breakfast Bowl that supplements your body with grains, fresh fruit, nutritious coconut milk. Use this recipe as a simple make-ahead option for busy mornings or relaxed weekend meals.
This recipe if especially great for a vegan breakfast with black rice, peaches, and coconut milk sharing star billing. Black rice—really more of a purply-black color—contains beneficial anthocyanins (the same compounds found in other red and purple foods like purple cabbage and grapes) and has a chewier texture than traditional white rice.
The rice can be made the night before, while the peach and coconut milk can be blended together at the last minute. Pass around bowls of toasted coconut, almonds, and chia seeds for the perfect do-it-yourself breakfast.
Chewy black rice, creamy coconut milk, fresh peaches, and crunchy toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup black rice
3 peaches, divided use
1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
1–2 tbsp runny honey, plus additional for garnish
Coconut flakes, sliced almonds, and chia seeds, for garnish
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked—it should still have some bite—allow it to cool slightly before serving. Alternatively, you can chill it overnight and serve it cold.
Peel the peaches, slice them in half, and remove the pits. Place half of the peaches in a blender with the coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and add more honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
Slice the remaining peaches thinly into half-round slices.
Divide the rice between serving bowls. Pour over some of the peach and coconut puree, then top with the sliced peaches. Garnish with your choice of coconut flakes, sliced almonds, and chia seeds. Finish with an extra drizzle of honey and enjoy!
If you’re looking for an easy but flavorful Zucchini Quiche recipe, this one inspired by Alison Roman is a must-try. The recipe focuses on Roman’s unfussy, ingredient-forward approach to cooking. You’ll combine tender summer zucchini with a creamy egg custard and a buttery crust. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but special enough for a weekend brunch or dinner party. In fact, interior designer and frequent hostess Melissa Ewen used this recipe at her Mah Jongg garden party potluck.
When summer hits and fresh zucchini is plentiful, this recipe comes in clutch. Rather than throwing your surplus zucchini into another zucchini bread or frying it, serve this zucchini quiche warm, at room temperature, or straight from the fridge for an easy make-ahead meal. You could even pair it with a simple green salad for lunch or add fresh fruit and coffee for a relaxed brunch.
Simple but full of fresh zucchini and big flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 disc pie crust (my favorite is Carla Hall’s recipe, it is a winner every time)
2 lbs zucchini or other summer squash
1 medium yellow onion
Kosher salt and freshly
ground black pepper
1 cup of parmesan, grated
6 large eggs
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups kale, torn into bite-size pieces
Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to a round about 14 inches in diameter.
Transfer the dough round to a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan (line with parchment if using a regular cake pan), pressing into the bottom and up the sides about 2 inches. Trim any overhang.
Place a sheet of parchment paper inside the dough and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the sides are set and the top is starting to brown, 20–25 minutes.
Remove it from the oven and remove the pie weights and parchment. Return the crust to the oven to continue to brown on the bottom, another 10 minutes or so.
Meanwhile, thinly slice a few coins of the zucchini to garnish the top at the end (just for decor). Coarsely grate the rest on a box grater along with the onion. Transfer both to a large bowl, season well with salt, toss, and let sit for 10–20 minutes, letting the water come out as the zucchini softens.
Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
Using your hands (or a cheesecloth), squeeze all the water from the zucchini/onion mixture (there is a lot of water). The zucchini/onions should be fairly dry by the time you’re done with them.
In another large bowl, whisk the parmesan, eggs, and heavy cream together until well blended. Add the zucchini/onion mixture and the greens and season well with salt and pepper.
Pour the mixture into the pre-baked quiche shell and scatter the top with the sliced zucchini coins. If you have zucchini flowers, they would be great as well. Drizzle with olive oil and one more sprinkle of salt.
Bake until the custard is set and no longer jiggles, 40–45 minutes. It should look slightly puffed and browned around the edges, but still blond in the center.
Recipe and Styling by Melissa Ewen Photography by Laura Petrilla
When I hear Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, I think about reaching out to my friends, combing through the menus together, getting dressed up, and making a night—or two!—out of the experience. It reminds me of the movies I watched growing up, with the main It Girl character living in New York City. She’s wearing heels, skipping across town, and enjoying martinis and exclusive menus.
Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week runs August 10th through the 16th this year, with some locations having an early-access period. From menus that are splurges to items that are exclusive to the week, here are just a few of the standouts for me.
Where I’m Eating During Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
Khalil’s tops my Restaurant Week must-visit list. Their dinner menu for the occasion offers both a meat and a vegetable option, giving diners a taste of what their regular menu is known for. They have a specialty cocktail that sounds intriguing, and it takes a lot for me to be as deeply intrigued by a cocktail as I am by the food: Flirting Camel Cocktail, made with camel milk from Dubai and Iraqi date syrup.
While quite a few new restaurants are emerging this year, Teocalli is one I’ve had on my list to try. As a South Side resident and Mexican-food enthusiast, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them.
Their Restaurant Week menu offers a lot of room for customization, where you can try a bit of everything. For me, it would be hard to pick between guacamole and queso. Plus, with the option to stop in for lunch or dinner, it’s ideal for a mid-work lunch break.
Fun fact: Meat & Potatoes was the first restaurant I ever ate at when I visited Pittsburgh in 2013. Since then, they’ve been the spot I’ve celebrated graduation, birthdays, and even date nights. They have my favorite steak frites in the city, along with one of the best Lemon Drop martinis. It’s my go-to for an ideal solo night out.
I can’t stop thinking about their special for Restaurant Week: Wagyu Smash Burger. My nickname growing up was meat and potatoes, so this has my name written all over it.
Not only am I very, very impressed by the menu selection, I’m also impressed by the value. From the Tokyo Carbonara to the option to choose omakase as your main, this menu is worth the splurge. And the dessert options? I’m ready to devour this right now.
Cafe Momentum may be one of the most talked-about spots in my circle. While their burger stands out to me on their lunch menu, I’m also impressed by the main options for dinner: the Smoked Fried Chicken, served with black pepper gravy, and the Elote Ravioli, topped with Tajín for a touch of spice.
As an Italian-food enthusiast since before I could talk, there’s something about a great Italian restaurant I just can’t pass up. After all, my ideal way to reshape pasta leftovers is to make it for breakfast with an egg on top.
I have my eye on Garbarino’s because this is somewhere I haven’t been to in a while during my Italian eats escapades. And their Restaurant Week menu is nothing short of impressive. They had me at the Beans and Greens, although there are endless options for each course.
Looking for recommendations from Pittsburgh food influences? See what other influencers will be ordering up during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week.
Story and Article Photos by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess) Featured Photo From Khalil’s
Scenes from Front Porch Theatricals' 2025 Production of "Sunday in the Park with George."
Musical theater offers much more than songs and stage performances; it tells powerful stories through music, emotions, and human connection. Learning how to appreciate a musical can open the door to a wide range of shows, styles, and experiences that make this art form meaningful for every type of audience.
Learning to Enjoy and Understand Musical Theater From the Experts
If your mental image of musical theater is still Oklahoma!, you’ve missed quite a bit. (Including, incidentally, a fantastic new update to Oklahoma!) While there’s still plenty of song-and-dance spectacle to be found, there’s a musical for everyone, spanning genres, styles, and time periods.
In our new How to Look at Art series, TABLE chats with critics and creators about how to engage with a particular form; today, we’ve gathered two producers, one performer, and the most Broadway-friendly members of our staff to share their thoughts.
“People often think musicals are only spectacle or escapism, but the best musical theater is really about humanity … about relationships, struggle, identity, resilience, joy, heartbreak, and hope. The music simply becomes the emotional language of the story.”
Musicals Give You Something to Think About — Nancy Zionts, Producer, Front Porch Theatricals
“The lane that we at Front Porch Theatricals have tried to be in [involves producing] lesser known, meaningful musicals. That in and of itself will frighten away some people who say, ‘I am looking for a night of entertainment.’ We want to give someone something to think about and talk about on the way home.”
Watch and Listen for Depth — Keith Recker, Editor-in-Chief, TABLE
“If it’s depth you’re looking for, what about the Nazi backdrop of The Sound of Music? The domestic abuse in Carousel? The class rage and indictment of capitalism in Sweeney Todd? The dissection of the institution of marriage in Follies? There’s plenty of depth if you’re willing to look!”
Understand Why Characters Sing — Melessie Clark, Performer
“The beauty of musicals is that the song comes from the point in the story where words are no longer enough. They need to go to the next level to express what they’re feeling. Lean into that … see that as an opportunity to express something that you [can’t] in everyday life.”
Go Into the Show Without Expectations — Sean Collier, Arts & Culture Editor, TABLE
“I remember seeing Come From Away for the first time — a show Front Porch is producing this August, by the way — and not knowing anything about it. When it ended, I leapt from my seat with a roar, completely swept away by the production. Going into a new-to-you show blind always provides a chance at a surprising, even transcendent, experience.”
“At Pittsburgh Musical Theater, we often see people come into a production thinking they are simply coming for entertainment — and they leave feeling seen, connected, or changed in some way. There is something incredibly communal about sitting in a theater with hundreds of strangers and collectively laughing, crying, or holding your breath together. In a world that increasingly isolates people behind screens, musical theater creates human connection in real time.”
Community is the Bottom Line— Melessie Clark, Performer
“I felt that way recently [at a Pittsburgh Musical Theater show] — I went to see Dear Evan Hansen … the communal aspect of it, too. Theater [can be] compared to religion … All of us are here in this theater, and we hear [one another’s] sniffles … just to get to experience that as people in a room, that’s a beautiful, unique thing. There are very few times when that can happen.”
There’s a Genre for Everyone — Keith Recker, Editor-in-Chief, TABLE
“There’s something for everyone! Classic Broadway musicals of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s are known for sweeping orchestration (think of climbing the mountains of The Sound of Music) and/or belting, vibrato-heavy voices (anything Ethel Merman). These don’t fit everyone’s tastes, especially in the advent of rock, hip-hop, or indie music. But there are rock musicals: think Rent, The Rocky Horror Show or Hair. The blockbuster Hamilton is written in hip-hop style. Even Spring Awakening, by singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik, slots into an indie vibe.”
“Some people think that all musicals are the same — they’re all that ’50s and ’60s, dance-around-on-the-stage style. Some musicals are like that. And some have a lot of balance. We’ve done bluegrass musicals, we’ve done swing musicals. There are people who don’t like Shakespeare. There are people who don’t like musicals. And there are people who don’t like immersive theater. That’s okay for them — as long as they don’t say, ‘People shouldn’t do those things.’”
Big or Small Production It’s the Passion That Matters — Sean Collier, Arts & Culture Editor, TABLE
“You might first encounter a musical with the soaring voices and impressive stagecraft of a national tour. You might see a regional production — often with equally impressive performers — in a more intimate setting, seated feet from the stage. And sometimes, you first encounter a show at a humble, more community-driven setting … and the passion of the performers still blows you away. Musical theater is everywhere, and even a non-professional production is often worth your time.” — Sean Collier
Find Your Personal Entry Point Into Musical Theater— Colleen Doyno, Executive Director, Pittsburgh Musical Theater
“A person may come because they love a movie, a soundtrack, a celebrity performer — or even a particular genre like horror, comedy, or rock music. Once they experience the electricity of live theater, they often discover a much deeper appreciation for the art form itself. At PMT, we believe theater should feel welcoming and accessible to everyone, including audiences who may never have imagined themselves attending a musical. Sometimes all it takes is finding the right doorway into the experience.”
This Grigio Spritz recipe is a refreshing cocktail that combines crisp Pinot Grigio, sparkling lemonade, fresh citrus, and fragrant basil for a light summer drink. Perfect for gatherings and relaxed afternoons, this easy spritz adds a bright and elegant touch to any occasion. Think of it as a light cocktail for your next get-together.
Want to learn how this cocktail recipe came to life? Join Melissa Ewen at her Mah Jongg garden party as her and her friends take part in the comeback of Mah Jongg in Pittsburgh.
The magic of Mah Jongg goes beyond the game itself, bringing people together through friendship, strategy, and shared experiences. From its beautiful tiles and rich history to the connections formed around the table, Mah Jongg is making a comeback as a way to gather, learn, and create lasting memories.
Interior designer Melissa Ewen and her Mah Jongg group are part of a state and national trend. TABLE’s Associate Editor Lauri Gravina explains all.
Mah Jongg is Making a Comeback to Bring People Together in Pittsburgh
Last July, we were invited to one of those old Sewickley houses that sits sideways on the road, as it was the first house on the street. The 1912 Georgian Revival, with its grand double-story bay windows, is flanked by two dwarf redwoods, making quite a first impression.
The occasion for our visit was a Mah Jongg potluck luncheon. “Lately, Mah Jongg is finding its way into all different sorts of gatherings,” says the host Melissa Ewen, an interior designer who started playing the game just a few years back.
“About ten or twelve of us signed up for lessons at the local business The Picket Fence,” she says. “We learned together, and slowly more friends took lessons and it grew from there. Now there are probably 40 or 50 women in Sewickley who play.”
Growing Popularity Across Pennsylvania and Beyond
This Sewickley contingent is right in line with the national trend drawing record numbers of new players to the game. Pennsylvanians are especially keen, with Vegas Insider reporting that the Keystone State is the second most Mah Jongg-obsessed state in the U.S.
“It’s incredible how many people want to take lessons,” says Liz Watkins, a local Mah Jongg teacher. She teaches at several locations in the city and hosts open play sessions. When she posted a recent class at Il Pizzaiolo in Warrendale, “It filled in one hour and overflowed five times over.” Watkins came to the game just two years ago when a friend encouraged her to play, calling it “the future of games.” While it might be the future of games, it also embraces a long history, first established in nineteenth-century China.
Understanding How to Play Mah Jongg
A quick primer: Mah Jongg is played with 152 tiles and up to four people play on a board. The idea is to recreate a pattern and when you achieve it, you call out ‘Mah Jongg!’ Games take about 20-30 minutes. American Mah Jongg is played with a card that shows all the patterns (the Chinese version is not played with a card). The National Mah Jongg League releases a card annually with new hands to learn.
“I went to that first lesson and fell in love immediately,” says Watkins. “The game itself is amazing for so many reasons. First, it’s just fun.”
“It never gets old because you’re dealt a random series of tiles. Pattern recognition is the basis of the game, but you also must remember which tiles have been discarded so you can figure out how many are still available to you. You have to pivot and switch strategies as the game evolves,” she explains, noting that she has clients who learned to play for the cognitive benefits alone.
But the real magic of Mah Jongg, she says, is the social aspect and the connections people make through play. “I’m 46, and I never expected to make a lot of new friends at this point in my life — but my friendship circle has expanded wildly through Mah Jongg.”
Another thing Watkins loves are the game pieces themselves.
A Game of Beauty
“The feel and wonderful clacking sounds of shuffling tiles brings me so much joy,” she says. “The tiles are such a big part of the experience.”
The game’s name translates to sparrow in Chinese and refers to the sounds tiles make — which is said to echo the chattering of sparrows.
Ewen agrees. “The tiles are tactile and gorgeous. There’s the sound of the clicking tiles, the feel of the tiles in your hands. The mats are beautiful. It’s just a beautiful sensory experience.”
Keeping in step with the game’s aesthetics, Ewen’s party leaned into the sensorial delights.
Creating an Elegant Mah Jongg Luncheon
“My inspiration for this luncheon was an English garden. I knew ladies would likely be in floral dresses because that’s the summer uniform. I wanted light summer fare, spritzers to drink, and florals that felt organic and romantic — not too perfect.”
Ewen’s friend Anne Dickson from the Fox and the Fleur set the tables with pink and white hydrangeas, eucalyptus, and laurel bay leaf branches. “It smelled heavenly.”
Friends brought dishes such as biscuits with ham, arugula, and fig preserves, zucchini quiche, French apple tarts, mini peach tarts, and a watermelon and cucumber salad. “It was all very light ladies-who-Mah Jongg kind of fare,” says Ewen.
Making Entertaining Simple and Meaningful
“One of the reasons I wanted to do the potluck luncheon was that I think it’s easy to feel like when you have women over you have to cater everything or do everything yourself. I wanted it to feel manageable. Entertaining doesn’t have to be difficult. Having your friends bring dishes is the best way to feed people,” she adds.
Ewen served Pinot Grigio Spritzers (try her recipe) in the dining room, using the historic bay windows as a bar setup. “It’s perfect because it has these deep jambs and custom radiator covers and sills. I’m on a mission to get people out of their kitchens and into their living spaces.”
And she translates this mission in her trade. Ewen, originally a lawyer, decided on a career change, attending online interior design classes at the Rhode Island School of Design. When she and her family moved to Pittsburgh in 2023, she launched Melissa Ewen Design.
Because she encourages people to circulate at gatherings, at her luncheon Ewen set up Mah Jongg tables in the living rooms and the center hall, “where I’ve got a custom pink velvet settee that I had made truly for Mah Jongg — but don’t tell my husband.”
Why Mah Jongg Continues to Bring People Together
Ewen reflects on what she loves most about the game. “My primary thing is the connection aspect. You’re together and prioritizing time with each other. And I love that we’re all learning together. As adults, we don’t really get that cohort feeling anymore.”
Mah Jongg, anyone?
The Menu
Zucchini Quiche by Melissa Ewen
French Apple Tart and Mini Peach Tarts by Ashley Mross
Mini Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham, Arugula, and Fig Preserves by Brittney Ellis
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad by Ashley Miller
Watermelon and Cucumber Summer Salad by Marcie Coates
Mexican Street Corn Salad by Megan Miner
Who Was There
Melissa Ewen
Tiffany Ballard
Becca Christof
Marcie Coates
Brittney Ellis
Molly Howard
Susan Kinser
Amy McConnell
Ashley Miller
Megan Miner
Ashley Mross
Aundrea Ambeliotis
Story by Lauri Gravina Styling by Melissa Ewen Photography by Laura Petrilla
You know our columnist Jess Iacullo (@hungryjessbigcity) but do you know the Pittsburgh food influencers that inspire her own orders? She introduces us to four influencers and their favorite menu item to order in August.
Admittedly, I’m currently writing this article five days into August… and 300 miles away from Pittsburgh. In the spirit of keeping things hot and on the pulse, this is your reminder that honoring your need to stay off the grid and off your email is one of the chicest things you can do. Also, admittedly, I had this idea for my August hotlist before I skipped town. It’s been over half a year of reading me yap about what I love each month in Pittsburgh via this column. And I couldn’t help but wonder: have you ever wondered who influences your favorite influencers? Keep reading to find out.
August Menu Recommendations From Pittsburgh Food Influencers
Arjun and I quickly became friends at the start of this year, although I’ve been following his page for quite some time. Also a Pitt Alumnus and NJ native, I’m beyond proud of what he’s built and how he’s helped support local businesses everywhere he travels. He even modeled for my vintage store when it was opening, and they’re some of my favorite photos to this day.
Photo From Arjun Manjunath
When I texted Arjun about what his current favorite menu item was, his response was a no-brainer: Olive Oil Cake from Barcelona Wine Bar. Currently craving cake for breakfast.
Sophia is someone I’ve been following for years (probably over 10 years at this point!), and seeing her account evolve has been incredible to watch. As she’s shared more of her daily life and jewelry collection, I feel like I’m always the first one to tune into her Instagram Stories… which makes her one of the first people I thought of for this piece.
Photo From Sophia Chang
From Soph herself: “I went to Gi-Jin for the first time this July, and it didn’t disappoint. The Bara Chirashi was fresh, with bright pools of ginger, fresh fish, and pops of fish eggs. Perfect for this hot weather streak we’re having.”
Whether you’re from Pittsburgh or not, Ashley’s content is like a looking glass into all things historic Pittsburgh. She’s constantly bringing us “the 411 on the 412” by covering topics like Black History in Pittsburgh, events you need to know about, and what cookie table cookie you are based on your zodiac sign… just to name a few.
Photo From Ashley King-Riggs
Ashley’s current favorite bite in the city: “My vote is a platter of oysters from Muddy Waters Oyster Bar. They’re one of the only spots in the city where you not only get fresh oysters, but you can even choose the region that they come from! They’re chilled, perfectly briny, refreshing little morsels and taste even better drizzled with their tart house-made mignonette.”
Janet is not only a boss in the kitchen, but she’s a boss online: with over 100K followers across channels, she’s doing it all, and doing it well. Her cooking hacks guide me in the kitchen daily, and she’s one of the kindest and down-to-earth people I know, making her the ideal person to include on this list.
Photo From Lola’s Eatery
So, it’s safe to say that I trust her brunch opinion with my life! And when she said she was thinking of the Friends with Benedict from Lola’s while also enjoying some time out of the city, I knew it was a major hotlist item. AKA, their version of a morning classic.
Photo by Jess Iacullo
And mine, you may ask? The Pork Belly from Hey Babe.
While the phone didn’t eat first, this photo of the Chicken Katsu deserves the spotlight. The colors alone are my ideal summer color palette. Plus, their happy hour menu is one of my favorites and goes from 4-6pm.
Looking for more recommendations from Pittsburgh food influences? See what they will be ordering up during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week.
After more than a century, H. Obernauer & Co., a Pittsburgh historic whiskey company founded in 1885, is returning from its 1915 closure with a tasting room in the Strip District as a new generation of the Obernauer family carries the legacy into a its next chapter.
H. Obernauer & Co. Brings a Historic Pittsburgh Whiskey Legacy Back to the Strip District With a New Tasting Room
In the 19th century, Herman Obernauer, a German immigrant, whiskey rectifier, and blender, sought out to create a product he could go to bat for with a quality that stands on its own. The end result was H. Obernauer & Co., a beloved whiskey at the time till its closure in 1915 when the name slowly faded from view. The thing about family legacies is that they never truly end and they live on as long as someone is willing to carry them forward. That’s why Herman Obernauer’s great-great-grandson, Matthew Obernauer, set out to revive the company and bring it back to its home in Pittsburgh.
Herman Obernauer
“I’ve been asked before if I’m living my dream,” says Matthew. “I am, but that’s not my dominant day-to-day feeling. Instead, I feel a deep sense of responsibility, not just to Herman Obernauer and others who have come before, but to Obernauers who are still around, both in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. It’s their name as much as mine. When you put the family name on a label, there’s a standard that comes with it. That drives me as much as anything.”
Why Pittsburgh?
A Pittsburgher through and through with two boys of his own, Matthew uses the revival of H. Obernauer & Co. not only to honor his family but also to bring the culture of that time into the new age. For him, a glass of H. Obernauer & Co. whiskey represents a different time when a booming steel industry meant endless opportunities, especially for those coming from practically nothing.
“It’s not only a family tale, but also one that tells the story of a city at a moment in time,” explains Matthew. “It’s 1885, Industrial-era Pittsburgh, when this was the center of cutting-edge industries like coal, steel, glass, and electricity and when immigrants from across Europe joined Black Americans from southern states, arriving with hopes of work and dreams of a better life. I think it’s the perfect time to revive H. Obernauer & Co. because I believe there’s another revival happening in Pittsburgh today. It may not look like the Pittsburgh of Herman’s era, but I think it will be no less special and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”
Experiencing the Past Through a Glass
In order to bring H. Obernauer & Co. back from the past, Matthew focuses as his great-great grandfather did on the craftsmanship of blending and rectifying the whiskey. These processes allow whiskey makers to hone in on the flavors, adjust proof, and refine the spirit’s overall character, resulting in a smoother and more consistent final product.
“We don’t have a prominent whiskey brand from this region specializing in blending and rectifying, even though there’s a long tradition of this kind of whiskey-making – in Pennsylvania, throughout America, and internationally,” says Matthew. “We are working in that tradition and honoring those pre-Prohibition rectifiers like Herman Obernauer and we hope to show the unique and appealing flavors that can be created with this method.”
Taste for Yourself
But, don’t worry if you have absolutely no clue what blending and rectifying does to whiskey, that’s what H. Obernauer & Co.’s new tasting room in the Strip District is for. In the coming months, you’ll be able to sit down and experience a glass one slow sip at a time with professionals on hand to help you curate your night. Not to mention, the whole set up on Smallman Street will take you back to the time of Herman Obernauer, letting you understand the whiskey on a deeper level than just taste.
“We hope guests feel the character and history of the building,” explains Matthew. “We have tried to honor its architecture while introducing thoughtful elements that make the space feel distinctive, welcoming, and unexpected. We’re highlighting original features while layering in rich materials, warm lighting, natural stone, leather, wood, and custom furnishings that create depth and texture. And we’re collaborating with several talented local tradespeople and artisans to bring that vision to life. We also want to honor Herman’s legacy and the original H. Obernauer & Co. As we studied historical photographs, documents, and artifacts, we looked for opportunities to thoughtfully weave those stories into the design as meaningful references, giving people a chance to learn more about our past as we chart a new future for the brand.”
When Will H. Obernauer & Co. Open?
While there is no current relaunch date or opening for the tasting room, you can stay up to date through their website or by following along on their social media. In the meantime, Matthew remains focused on more than just bringing a historic whiskey brand back to life. He dedicates his time to honoring his great-great-grandfather’s legacy by creating a product that reflects the values Herman built the company on.
“First and foremost, it [the goal] is to honor Herman by making the best whiskey we can and to live up to his motto: ‘My word is as good as my bond.'”
A whiskey lover yourself? Try these craft whiskey cocktail recipes at home as you wait for H. Obernauer & Co. to release. Or, learn more about another type of liquor, scotch.
Monica Barbaro as Allie in ONE NIGHT ONLY, directed by Will Gluck.
At least One Night Onlyhas an ambitious premise: In an admittedly plausible near-future America, premarital sex has been outlawed. Singles are, however, given one night each year to indulge in their carnal desires, leading to a sort of coital holiday complete with corporate branding, dedicated apps and defiant political rallies. Somehow, amid all this, director Will Gluck and writer Travis Braun have shoehorned in a romcom.
Think of the Movie One Night Only Like a National Prom Night
Allie (Monica Barbaro) is a reluctant romantic, determined to find a worthwhile partner on a night when most of the population is happy to keep things casual. Owen (Callum Turner) is planning on using the occasion to propose to his girlfriend (Maya Hawke); when it’s time to pop the question, however, she confesses that she’d like to spend their night of debauchery with a neighbor instead.
Allie and Owen literally collide on the sidewalk, kicking off a night of chance encounters (and forcing the audience to disregard the fact that the odds of five or six consecutive chance encounters in New York City are Powerball-level absurd). Owen attempts to find a hook-up to get over his girlfriend; Allie keeps looking for a soulful man amongst the rabble. Misunderstandings (occasionally wacky) and flirtation (intermittently compelling) ensue.
No Sparks, No Fire — and a Mixed Message
Unfortunately, the chemistry between the leads is lacking. Barbaro, an Oscar nominee for A Complete Unknown, proves charming and surprisingly funny; Turner, on the other hand, seems removed and disinterested. Romance films live and die on the spark between the leads; here, there’s barely a flicker.
More concerningly, the film either hasn’t chosen a point of view or has settled on a poor one. It seems that the filmmakers have spent some time coming up with the rules and realities of a world where sex is outlawed but don’t seem to have much to say about their outlandish premise. There are glimmers of commentary here and there, particularly about the relationship between power structures and unjust laws, but those feel almost incidental.
If you’re inclined toward an uncharitable reading of the film, you could even mistake the filmmaker’s intention for being … well, anti-sex, or at least comfortable with moralistic government control. I don’t quite believe that was the intention, but the ambiguity speaks to an overall lack of clarity. Sure, it’s just a date movie — but can’t we ask for a bit more substance from our romcoms?
A Gory, Bad Time With Ice Cream Man, and More to Find In Theaters This Weekend
Elsewhere at the multiplex, hit-and-miss horror filmmaker Eli Roth returns with Ice Cream Man, an over-the-top gore-fest about children made homicidal by cursed ice cream. The film, which bears no relation to the identically titled ’90s horror flick, has become controversial for a half-dozen reasons; an apparent reliance on generative A.I. for some effects and images has been roundly criticized. (So has Roth himself; the director is, to put it mildly, divisive.) Genre fans looking for gleeful violence will find plenty in a lively middle act, but Ice Cream Man is ultimately too mean-spirited to recommend; this is a movie where children hate everyone, everyone hates children and violence is purely comic. The success of Roth’s admittedly enjoyable 2023 film Thanksgivingwas enough to get Ice Cream Man to cinemas … but I’d suspect his next effort will be headed straight to streaming.
What Else is Playing?
The comedy sequel Super Troopers 3, also out this week, reunites the Broken Lizard comedy troupe for another round of law-enforcement hijinks. Reviews haven’t been glowing, but there’s ample affinity for the cult-classic original; fans will likely still have a good time. Those looking for at-home entertainment could try The Last House, a supernatural thriller debuting on Netflix; Wagner Moura, who was Oscar nominated for The Secret Agent, and Greta Lee, who should’ve been for Past Lives, co-star.
Of course, none of the aforementioned films will win the weekend at the box office; it’ll certainly be a repeat triumph for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the superhero smash that last weekend posted the best three-day total in history. Expect similarly busy showings for Spider-Man this weekend — and read our review if you’re curious about the film’s merits. The Odyssey, which we reviewed quite favorably, will also continue its march toward Oscar season. And if you’ve got kids to entertain, we promise: Minions vs. Monsters is perfectly pleasant.
Remarkable theater, rising-star concerts, one of the greatest movies of all time — and, perhaps most importantly, dogs at the ballpark. August rolls on with another great week of tickets to grab to events in and around Pittsburgh August 17-23.
Get Tickets to the Hottest Events in Pittsburgh August 17-23
Tuesday, August 18, Also September 1, 15 and 22, PNC Park
Your dog will naturally bark at most cats. It’d probably bark at tigers, if given the chance. But can you train it to bark at Detroit Tigers? Now is your chance to find out … provided, of course, you get a dog ticket for the next Pup Night at PNC Park (check out our guide to the venue if you’re going). Dog owners can bring one pooch per person to the ballpark for Tuesday home games (with advance purchase and proof that Fido is up-to-date on his shots); all the dogs congregate in the deck underneath the scoreboard, making it a canine social in addition to the ballgame. No dog of your own? Sit far along the third baseline to gaze upon the gathered pooches from afar.
Wednesday, August 19, Also Daily, August 14-20, Row House Lawrenceville
Director Spike Lee decried the reaction — and lack of accolades — for his film Do the Right Thing in 1989, aptly claiming he and his collaborates were “robbed” when the film only received a pair of Oscar nominations, winning neither. Time would prove that analysis correct; in the most recent Sight and Sound survey, it ranked as the 24th best film ever made. If you’ve missed it until now, see why it has become one of the defining American films; if you’ve seen it many times, a refresher is always valuable. It’ll play at Row House’s Lawrenceville cinema all week.
Thursday, August 20, Also Monthly on Every Third Thursday, Heinz History Center
Want to check out the exhibits and artifacts at the Heinz History Center without braving weekend crowds? Starting this week, the Strip District landmark will stay open late on the third Thursday of every month. Head over after work and enjoy the exhibits — plus a cash bar and guided tours of featured exhibitions, such as the excellent Planet Ice exhibition.
Friday, August 21, Also August 7-8, 14-15 and 22, Iron Horse Theatre Co.
Ambridge’s Iron Horse Theatre Co. tucks an inviting and immediate performance space into an unassuming building in the heart of the river town. This month, they’ll present the historical romance Pierre and Marie, a tale of love and science about husband-and-wife trailblazers Pierre and Marie Curie. Don’t expect textbook material, though; the script is by Ron Clark, a longtime comedy master who penned High Anxiety and Silent Movie with Mel Brooks.
Saturday, August 22, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
Long before analytics, exit velocities and pitch counts, the game of base ball — yes, it was originally two words — was played with weird, tiny gloves and almost quaint rules emphasizing sportsmanship and skill. Each year, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village assembles a pair of teams that play under those rules, which have not been in vogue since sometime in the mid 19th century, for a pair of games on Vintage Base Ball Day. Arrive early for the 11 a.m. first pitch (another game starts at 1 p.m.) and grab hot dogs, peanuts or a root-beer float — and check back for our preview of the game next week!
Lee Harvey Oswald, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, John Wilkes Booth: Now those are some Broadway stars! (Literally, in Booth’s case.) Stephen Sondheim’s musical Assassins, which the theater master considered to be his best work, brings a cast of American assassins to the stage for a thoughtful, if macabre, exploration of history — with some great music. It’ll be the debut production from the recently formed Rogue Artists Theatre of Pittsburgh (or RAT Pitt, for short), performing at Downtown’s Greer Cabaret Theater.
