Weekend Wrap-Up

Alrighty, so it’s 5am on a Sunday morning in the Blitz and even though there’s about 20 hours left to go, I feel inclined to write a weekend wrap-up. Forgive me. I hope every ‘burgher, be they resident, transplant or visitor, had a wonderful holiday.

Here are 3 things I am thankful for this weekend:

1. The downtempo playing at Tuscany Cafe (in the South Side on Carson St.) on the weekends. Smooth. I don’t know why more of you aren’t there on Saturday night! 😉

2. The only graffiti in the women’s bathroom in the Shadow Lounge which reads: “You are infinitely beautiful.” I mean, it’s bathroom graffiti.

3. The ice sculpter we met today at 4am in Tom’s Diner on Carson in the South Side. He specializes in Indian weddings and the goddess of love. (Sorry, we didn’t get his card. But he wears Steelers gear and hangs out at Toms. ) This ice sculptor also moonlights as a chef, and told us about a tasty appetizer: deep-fried bananas … wrapped in bacon. (!) (Yes, this was revealed without any prodding from me.) We’ve got some fascinating folks in this town, I am telling you.

Thanks for a fun weekend, PGH!

Bloomfield Sandwich Shop

On Tuesday, a friend) and I were wandering around Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield looking for some ice cream. Instead we ended up at The Bloomfield Sandwich Shop for some scrambled eggs and toast and homefries. And good conversation. And friendly people. All for only $1.99! Breakfast is served all day, and it’s so cheap, you might think you need glasses.

We learned that owners Roz and Mike started out working there, and eventually acquired the business. We learned that folks from the neighborhood have been coming in every morning for years. We learned that one regular even buses it from McKeesport every single day to see old friends. No wonder – Roz was totally awesome and made us feel completely at home.

Don’t be shocked – the joint is small – and probably has less counter space than your own kitchen, and there isn’t even enough room to open the refrigerator door. You get the feeling that you are in your auntie’s living room (if your auntie had a counter, diner chairs, and deep fryers in the house.) The food is cooked right in front of your eyes. It’s all part of the charm.

Roz even asked us if we had any Thanksgiving plans – the shop is offering a free T-giving meal (tomorrow, from 10am to 2pm) for anyone far from home or in need of impromptu friends and family.

The Bloomfield Sandwich Shop is open from 8am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. It’s on 4613 Liberty Ave. 412-687-8443.

Highland Park

my favorite spot in pgh to take it all in — the H-pizzle, aka Highland Park! i suppose i thought of it today b/c it’s cold outside and summer seems so long gone. i spent many an evening there running & watching spectacular sunsets. it is not as glamourous as schenley or frick, but you get ducks, you get the reservoir, you get some nice views of waterworks, you get a killer playground, and you get anthony coccia’s italian ice. for a buck-fifty you can get 2 scoops (my suggestion is one scoop of cherry & one of lemon) & advice about life, love, and doing “the right thing, kiddo.”

Michael’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant

My first visit to Michael’s was only yesterday, but I will definitely be going back. The atmosphere is like any other Pittsburgh bar — Steelers memorabilia on every wall — and the food is excellent. The twisty dough sticks are soft and just the right amount of chewy. Their “small” meatball calzone is enough food for two (and I’m not a dainty eater). Their pizza is excellent, too. They know dough!

On the Southside Flats, it’s easy to forget that there is life beyond East Carson Street. Next time you’re in the vicinity of 26th Street, Michael’s is definitely worth taking a step off the beaten path.

I don’t have a website address, so here’s the old-fashioned kind:

2612 Sarah St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203-2322

[Editor’s note: they also have pierogie pizza!]

Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails


LUPEC – Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails is another group that has recieved national attention but origionated right here in Pittsburgh. Look out for a LUPEC event at a bar near you.

From the LUPEC website…

LUPEC Mission Statement
In a post-millenium world of beer and prepackaged Chex Mixâ„¢, LUPEC works tirelessly to breed, raise, and release cocktails that are endangered or even believed to be extinct.

The collecting of anachronistic recipes by women, and the resulting creation of endangered cocktails in an all woman setting is intended to achieve the following goals:

  • o To create a secular “coven-like” atmosphere in which Classy Broads of today can invoke and honor the spirits of their Forebroads
    o To continue the 150 year American tradition of dangerous women calling themselves Ladies and getting together in groups, clubs, and societies to work undercover while they chipped away at the patriarchy.
    o To protect the collective Joie de Vivre of LUPEC members by assuring them at least one good party a month
    o To encourage the accumulation and use of vintage serving and barware.