Quick Pitt Stop

Pittsburgh is probably the most (unjustly) hated city on the East Coast.  Everyone assumes this landlocked home of the Steelers is also devoid of culture and entertainment.  And I am here to dispel this rumor!  I had the opportunity to spend a few days in the city with my younger sister and she showed me some of the hidden gems.

Right out of the gate we hit the big time with Pamela’s for some serious breakfast chow.  This local diner earned its cult following the right way- no reservations, quick service and delicious food.  There are no photos of the aforementioned food, because we devoured it as soon as it hit the table.  I was lucky to be able to sample both the the Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes and a Western Omelet while I was there, had I had more time to rest my stomach, I would have ordered more food.  The potatoes alone are worth the drive from Maryland, it has crossed my mind to go back just for them!  

 Following breakfast I was taken around the Strip District, one of my favorite things to do in a new city is wander and see what you bump into.  

 

This area of the city that used to be home to mills and factories is now a beautiful ethnic mash up that spills from the storefronts into the streets.  If you walk a few feet from the taco stand you’ve hit a Korean Market, just around the corner from an organic produce stand, and down the street from a boutique that makes pottery.  Every food craving you could have can be satisfied in this cultural epicenter, either for a quick bite or a to prepare a special meal.  Combined with wonderful shops that carry locally made products, beautiful gifts and more tourist toys than anyone could consume in a lifetime.  A must-stop is the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, which not only cures meat and cheeses on site, but also imports countless Italian products from chocolates to olive oil.  

Since all the things we bought at PennMac were gifts, a stop at Peace, Love, & Little Donuts was required.  Mini donuts made fresh in front of you?  Um, yes. 

Delicious dinner spots while I was there included Dish Osteria and Meat & Potatoes, both were amazing!  Feel free to look up their online menus and reviews, the feedback is not fabricated and the dishes are as mouthwatering as they are described.  The city hosts a lot of wonderful eateries, for either lunch or dinner.  If I had been in town longer I would have gotten very concerned about my waist line. 

And no one can say no to champagne…

If you’re in the South Side, Big Dog Coffee for a latte or French press, cannot be beaten!  Sooo delish!

All things considered, I wouldn't be opposed to another trip around the Steel City :)