Author Archives: Catherine

About Catherine

Non-native Pittsburgher who fell head-over-heels in love with the city. Loves craft beer, local restaurants, used bookstores and libraries, discovering hidden gems, and, most of all, dogs.

Why Kevin Sousa’s Superior Motors Kickstarter campaign epitomizes everything we love about Pittsburgh

Here’s an obvious fact: Pittsburgh’s identity was, and still is, deeply entwined with the steel industry. After all, we’re nicknamed the Steel City, which we’re reminded of whenever prime time football comes to town and floods our televisions with images of steel mills, by the numerous Pittsburgh-related projects that are given names referencing steel (for example, our own Steel of the Week), and whenever we pass through any of the formerly-thriving steel towns.

But those of us who have lived in, worked for, and loved this city for any significant amount of time know how very much more there is to Pittsburgh. And most importantly, we recognize the enormous potential of what it still can become.

That’s why Pittsburgh is responsible for the most-funded restaurant project on Kickstarter to date– local chef Kevin Sousa‘s Superior Motors in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Braddock, Pennsylvania

Braddock, Pennsylvania. Photo from 15104.cc.

The story of Braddock is woeful. The once-thriving town, home of both Andrew Carnegie’s first steel mill and his first public library, was hit hard in the 1970s and ’80s by the collapse of the steel industry and a rising drug and gang problem. 90% of the population eventually fled the area and much of what once was now is simply deserted. The state of Pennsylvania has declared Braddock a “distressed municipality” since the ’80s.

Then came “America’s coolest mayor”: John Fetterman. The dynamic and engaged mayor has received national recognition for his unwavering commitment to rebuilding and reinventing the town– and most importantly, for his faith that a better Braddock is within reach and worth fighting for.

Photo from Braddock Redux.

Photo from Braddock Redux.

With an emphasis on improving the lives of the borough’s young people, Fetterman has attracted a promising creative and artistic force to Braddock. While there’s much work still to be done, testaments to his success include: the conversion of an abandoned church into the Braddock Community Center, home to the Braddock Youth Project; Braddock Farms, which grows organic produce on 10 acres of repurposed over-grown lots and is tended to by area kids; the opening of the studio UnSmoke Artspace; and much-anticipated brewery startup The Brew Gentlemen.

Sousa’s Superior Motors hopes to bring more of that needed revitalization to Braddock. Named for the former car dealership it will occupy, the restaurant is nothing short of revolutionary. Braddock currently doesn’t have any operating restaurants and Sousa is not only looking to open one in the area, but to engage and drive the community with its operation.

Superior Motors is aiming to strengthen Braddock through food, farming, art, and more.

Superior Motors is aiming to strengthen Braddock through food, farming, art, and more. Photo from Superior Motors Kickstarter.

Truly exemplifying fresh, local, and farm-to-table, most of the produce will be sourced from Braddock Farms, as well as the thousands of square feet in planned rooftop gardens and greenhouses. The nearby apiary, which provides beekeeping training to local youth, will provide honey, and local chickens will be the source of eggs for the restaurant.

But most impressive is what Sousa plans to do for the actual community. Superior Motors will not only offer Braddock residents with substantial dining discounts but also free professional culinary training and opportunities. A hostel located next door will be used to offer no-cost housing for some employees who are selected to train and learn at the restaurant. Sousa hopes Superior Motors will feed and strengthen the current community ecosystem of local businesses, residents, and visitors.

Farmer Marshall Hart working at Braddock Farms. Photo from the Superior Motors Kickstarter.

Farmer Marshall Hart working at Braddock Farms. Photo from the Superior Motors Kickstarter.

So on Sunday, with less than a day and a half left in the Superior Motors Kickstarter campaign and still $70,000 short of a goal of $250,000, anticipation grew. Was there the possibility that this innovative project, set in a town we all want to see succeed, would not be funded?

That’s when Pittsburghers truly came together. Retweets, posts, emails, and articles. The purported power of social media, in action. “Kickstarter” was trending on Twitter in Pittsburgh, behind only “Downton Abbey” in popularity. People watched the donation figure slowly climb with the fervor of a hotly contested election. Sousa himself rightfully couldn’t sleep.

Because of this final push by the community, Superior Motors not only reached and surpassed its goal with nearly a day to spare, but has received an additional $40,000 grant from Rob Stephany of The Heinz Endowments. Sousa emotionally thanked the nearly 2,000 supporters “for reminding [him] what an altogether inspiring place it is that [he is] lucky enough to call home.” He even admitted that we made him cry.

Chef Sousa at the Braddock Youth Project training class at the community bread oven. Photo from the Superior Motors Kickstarter.

Chef Sousa at the Braddock Youth Project training class at the community bread oven. Photo from the Superior Motors Kickstarter.

When indie rock band Frightened Rabbit came to town for the Thrival Music Festival in September, they commented on how much they enjoy playing here because Pittsburghers genuinely love their city and are so proud to be a part of it. How right they were.

We’re a tight-knit, thoughtful, and involved community that genuinely believes in bettering our city, be it through the successful and established medical and education sectors, a vibrant and innovative startup community, or the booming food and drink scene (Bon Appetit recently named Pittsburgh its “next big food town”). Even Lindsay, the creator of I heart PGH, had her cross-country train trip with the Millennial Trains Project successfully funded because of the incredible generosity of Pittsburghers.

We all see something worthwhile in Superior Motors. Something that will better Pittsburgh and Braddock. Something else to prove that we’re more than just a former steel town. And we’re helping to make that a reality.

 

The Kickstarter campaign is over but follow Kevin Sousa on Twitter for updates on Superior Motors.

International Beer Day: Guide to Pittsburgh breweries and more

Beer!

Even though today is International Beer Day, it’s a great chance to go local with these Pittsburgh businesses that know and love beer.

Brew Gentlemen
Coming soon to Braddock, this promising venture is a collaboration between two CMU grads. They’re working on getting a full production brewery set up, and are eventually planning to add a taproom and lounge. Even though it’s not open yet, it’s totally worth keeping an eye on!

church brew works interior

church brew works interior (Photo credit: calamity_hane)

Church Brew Works
While their beer is tasty and their food menu interesting, the most impressive thing about Church Brew Works is the building. Located inside an old church in Lawrenceville, the beautifully restored architecture steals the show as you sip on one of their award-winning beers.
Church Brew Works on Urbanspoon

Copper Kettle Brewing Company
This place is truly unique: as the only brew-on-premise in Pennsylvania, customers can use Copper Kettle’s equipment, ingredients, recipes, and expertise to brew and bottle their own beer. Perfect for people who may be intimidated by home brewing or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle, Copper Kettle is located in Greenfield as an extension of craft beer bar Hough’s.

East End Brewing Company
A small microbrewery, East End isn’t exactly a pub where you can sit down for a beer. However, you can fill up growlers of their delicious home brews at their daily growler hours, at both their brewery and in the Strip District at the Pittsburgh Public Market. You can also find many of their beers at your favorite bar or restaurant– check out this list of places that have dedicated a tap to East End beers.
East End Brewing Company on Urbanspoon

Full Pint Brewing Company
Located in North Versailles, Full Pint is both a brewery and a pub. Go on a tour of the brewery or stop by for a pint or growler of one of their many craft beers, plus check out their newly launched food menu. Fellow Yinztern Ian wrote a great, more in-depth review of the pub.

PA Brew Tours
If you want to skip the hassle of organizing your own trip or designating a driver, then these beer tours are for you. They provide a ride to local breweries and pubs, a behind-the-scenes tour (when possible), and good food for the ride. Best of all, a portion of their profits is donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Penn Brewery
Penn BreweryModeled after the traditional beer gardens of Germany, Penn Brewery (aka the Pennsylvania Brewing Company) features craft beers, homemade food, and a historic setting. Oktoberfest in September is a roaring good time with music, dancing, German food, and, of course, tons of beer.
Penn Brewery on Urbanspoon

Rivertowne
With several restaurants located in and around Pittsburgh, Rivertowne sells lots of different beers including their own that they brew locally. You can check out any of their restaurants (which feature full menus), take a tour, or grab a six pack, case, or keg at the brewery.

South Hills Brewing Supply
Ready to tackle brewing your own beer at home? South Hills Brewing Supply has everything you need to get started with your first home brew, to perfect that recipe, or to get crazy with experimental beverages. It’s definitely your best bet in the Pittsburgh area for home brew supplies.

Regent Square Theater is premiering the new AMC series Low Winter Sun on July 29 for free

Regent Square Theater is showing a sneak peek of the premiere of Low Winter Sun, the newest AMC series, on Monday, July 29 at 8pm.  Described as “a story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between the cops and the criminals is blurred,” hopes are high for this complex drama.

Up to 4 tickets are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the theater’s box office or the Pittsburgh Filmmakers front desk (open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm). There’s a nationwide Q & A session via Skype afterwards with the director, producer, and some of the cast members.

Filmed on location in Detroit, director Ernest Dickerson describes it as a film noir. “It’s about a hero who finds himself at the center of some very dark events, who has to try to get out, who wants redemption.”

Lennie James, one of the show’s main stars (Walking Dead viewers will remember him as Morgan, Rick’s saving grace in the first episode), said “this isn’t a story about the minutiae of police work. This is a thriller about people who have secrets and have ulterior motives.”

AMC has produced some of the most promising shows in recent memory, such as Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and The Walking Dead. Low Winter Sun is set to premiere on TV on August 11, after the premiere of the final season of Breaking Bad (who else cannot wait for this??). And by the way, Breaking Bad fans, David Costabile aka Gale has a role in this new series.

A hater’s guide to Jimmy Buffett

Ok. Ready for an unpopular opinion? I hate Jimmy Buffett.

I can’t explain it and neither can anyone else. There’s always a resounding “but why?!” when I let slip that he and his music drive me absolutely up the wall. My only answer is a pathetic yet indignant “I just don’t know.”

Jimmy Buffett 080128-N-3235P-221 MIDDLE EASTER...

Honestly, what is wrong with me? How can I hate this face?

In theory, I should be totally on board with Jimmy. He and I seem to value and appreciate a lot of the same things: relaxing on beaches, drinking margaritas and beer, a carefree attitude, nature conservation. The man has a song about cheeseburgers, for heaven’s sake. We should be best friends. Even I don’t get it.

So when I was invited to attend his concert last Thursday at First Niagara Pavillion, plus partake in the legendary tailgating, I was a bit apprehensive. Am I going to fall deeper into nonsensical loathing with the poor man? Or will I end up devoting the rest of my days to the Parrothead religion?

I brake for all tailgate parties.

I figured if I ever was going to make some sense out of my feelings (and honestly, hopefully dispel them– I feel like a terrible person for hating, essentially, America’s Grandfather), I should go with an open mind. And a significant amount of beers in my belly.

So I did. And you know what? I had an absolute blast. While I may not be his biggest fan now, I think still saying that I hate him simply isn’t true. I can definitely appreciate the experience. So here’s what I learned at my first, and hopefully not last, Buffett concert:

The lawn at Jimmy Buffett was absolutely packed. And the Panoramic feature on iPhones gives people weird arms.

The lawn at Jimmy Buffett was absolutely packed. And the Panoramic feature on iPhones gives people weird arms.

  • Everyone is so friendly! Since Jimmy is a general promoter of all things happy and a good time, I wasn’t entirely surprised by this. But people were generously sharing food and drinks, getting to know each other, having spontaneous dance parties, and generally being good, fun neighbors, despite the oppressive heat. Oh, and if it’s your first time at a Buffett concert, they’ll definitely take care of you.
  • People take Buffett very seriously. My friend who organizes the outing each year said “This is no joke. I take Buffet more seriously than when I plan for Christmas or birthdays.” People travel for hundreds of miles to attend as many of his shows as possible. Lawn seats sell out in a manner of minutes and it’s absolutely packed. I have to give it to them, Parrotheads have an admirable and unwavering devotion.
  • There’s no such thing as taking the tropical theme too far. Everything goes for Buffett: Bathing suits, Hawaiian shirts, leis on leis on leis, blow-up parrots and palm trees and fish. Margarita and lime flavored everything. Cars turned into sharks. A stage with a kiddie pool and actual sand (which was the site of many dance parties).
  • It’s a drinking affair. Most tailgates are, but this was on an entirely different level. You’ll probably learn a new drinking game or two or discover a new tequila delivery methods (it’s fairly delicious mixed in with Landshark lager). There is something to be said for moderation though and it probably wouldn’t have hurt for some fans to indulge a bit less. To each his own. Just stay hydrated and be careful.
  • The man puts on quite a show, especially for being 66. He and his band sounded great and full of energy, even from where we were standing way back on the lawn. Everyone was up dancing, singing, and really getting into his music.
  • Sunscreen and water are your best friends. This is really just general life advice but is doubly important when you’re standing outside all day in the hot, hot sun drinking. While a couple rain showers gave us a brief reprieve, I have a fairly awkward sunburn to remind me of my lack of sunscreen application.
  • Have an open mind. I never ever thought I would give in to the call of Margaritaville, but it happened and I had a wonderful time. I met lots of great people, danced in the rain, and saw a fun show. What more could you want out of life?

How John Norton sails The Point and the three rivers… and survives

Image courtesy of John Norton.

Image courtesy of John Norton.

John Norton came to Pittsburgh from Australia in the early ‘80s, but it wasn’t until he moved Downtown in 2005 that he seriously began considering sailing the three rivers.

As he explained at a lunchtime talk on June 28 at Bruno Works, being immersed in downtown life and exploring the river trails made him wonder why he couldn’t have a sailboat. After all, there were already kayaks on the rivers. Why couldn’t the experienced sailor have a sailboat docked nearby, ready to be set out on whenever the conditions best suited him?

Few had seriously considered sailing the waters by The Point before (the Pittsburgh Sailing League is now defunct, plus, they would “cheat” and block the waterways for their excursions), so the University of Pittsburgh professor faced several problems. First of all, people thought he was crazy for trying. The complicated wind and water conditions, tricky topography of Pittsburgh, and bustling river traffic made the endeavor unfavorable, to say the least.

Sailors, by nature, are very cautious people, and those who have ever sailed before can understand why. A sailboat is completely at the mercy of swiftly-changing weather patterns. An experienced sailor needs to be able to react quickly and accurately. At The Point and on the rivers, while unpowered watercrafts have the right-of-way, they still are at the mercy of powerful speed and river boats.

Image courtesy of John Norton.

Image courtesy of John Norton.

Potentially worst of all are the barges, which do have the right-of-way since they are so large, fast, and hard to maneuver. Whenever John notices a barge, he immediately pulls over to the shore and waits for it to pass, since the situation can quickly and irrevocably become dangerous– potentially fatal. There is a lot of barge traffic on the rivers but they do move in definite channels, and maps of their routes are available online. Generally avoiding the center of the rivers is favorable.

Secondly, a lot of prime waterfront has already been spoken for, making it difficult to find a marina. He wanted a dock that was downstream from The Point, so that if the wind conditions died during his sail he could simply float back home. He managed to find a suitable spot by the West End Bridge to keep his Hobie Bravo, a 1-2 person catamaran he chose for its rugged construction, speed, ease-of-use, and lack of center hull (which has a less chance of getting stuck on something).

Image courtesy of John Norton.

Image courtesy of John Norton.

So in 2009, John set out on his 12-foot boat to sail The Point. Trial and error played a large part in those early sails. He began maintaining and evaluating reports of the river currents and wind conditions on the days he was sailing, noting how they affected his journey. Ideally for sailing, the current is flowing one way and the wind is blowing, more strongly, in the other direction. However, the winds and currents where the rivers meet change frequently and unexpectedly.

Northwest winds are the best for sailing the Ohio and the Monongahela Rivers, but not the Allegheny, as the buildings of the North Shore block the gusts. Mount Washington also causes significant problems in terms of wind direction. The ridge blocks southwest winds (which there are an abundance of this time of year), and gaps in the hills cause erratic winds from every which direction to swoop down the river.

“You spend a lot of time looking at flags,” John said about figuring out the wind direction when he’s on his boat. “I wish they put flags all on the river. I’m hoping the [Point State Park] fountain will be a bit of a flag.”

John maps his sail and posts them on his website. This one is of a particularly fast sail, with speeds shown in different colors. Image courtesy of John Norton.

John maps his sail and posts them on his website. This one is of a particularly fast sail, with speeds shown in different colors. Image courtesy of John Norton.

Forecasts for both the wind and current are available online on multiple websites, although they should be cautiously interpreted as they aren’t always reliable. John has spent a significant amount of time and effort figuring out these patterns and what it means for sailing The Point. He posts all this data, plus his overall experiences and a GPS map of his routes, on his website and encourages others to use it to educate themselves.

So why does John do it? Risk all those potential dangers, meticulously noting and scrutinizing weather conditions? For the fun, of course. He describes it as a visceral, challenging, yet rewarding, wonderful experience, beautifully explained in a bit of prose he wrote on his website titled “Why We Sail”:

“We look down at the water and watch the little bits of weed and debris pass. We look back at our rising wake and listen to the quiet gurgle of water moving under the hull. ‘We’re sailing,’ we say. It is a magical feeling.”

Image courtesy of John Norton.

Image courtesy of John Norton.