Issue 5 by BOLD Pittsburgh

Issue 5

From Us to the Burgh Cover Artist The one thing I learned the most when I started BOLD Pittsburgh is that I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid of growth and trying new things. Our biggest issue yet is among us and we have two new writers and our second guest cover artist. This is HUGE; we are able to now bring you more fun around Pittsburgh from more points of view. This week the weather got a bit chillier and the sun began to set earlier so I realize just how crazy this summer has been. We had lots of great food, new events and tons of fun. Autumn is filled with farmers markets and pumpkin festivals; all the activities more indoors with a great line-up at CLO and Pittsburgh Symphony. Sports start to kick into high gear with Steelers first game against the Cleveland Browns and shortly after in October the Pens take the Ice. We will be releasing more issues and growing in what we do. We have hopes to do more blogging, some videos, and even head to print. We hope you enjoy issue 5 and continues to watch us grow.

Benjamin Beck was born in Detroit and lived there for most of his childhood. A family migration to Western Pennsylvania has allowed for new roots in the region. Ben is the director of a non-profit art gallery and atelier in Greenville, PA, north of Pittsburgh, where he is seen as a minister of aesthetics. He absolutely loves Pittsburgh and the cover artwork represents how much he tries to cram in when he visits. Ben is always looking for new ways to explore and new things to discover in Pittsburgh, which explains his natural gravitation towards BOLD Pittsburgh magazine. beckartco@gmail.com www.beckartco.com

Interested in advertising in BOLD Pittsburgh? We have Media Kits available. We would love to review your restaurant or plug your event! Contact us at BOLDPittsburgh.com We are always looking for contributors and artists to help out.

BOLD Pittsburgh

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Contributors

BOLD Pittsburgh Amanda Cooney Co-Editor Writer @spots87

Annie Fowler Co-Editor Writer

Renee Fisher Writer

Amanda Narcisi Chief Editor Layout Designer @alnarcisi

Jen Pizzuto Co-Editor Writer @snark_princess

Tim LaVoie Writer @LaVoiePGH

Steven Fernald Editor Support Food Master @stevenfernald

BOLD Pittsburgh

Contents

Adventureburgh

North Park Plate

Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and

Altius

Touché Amoré

Entertain at Home

Music of the Month

That’s So Pittsburgh

BOLD Pittsburgh

Blogburgh

Bloomfield

Fashion and Fitness

Ask Snarky

BOLD Pittsburgh

Adventureburgh

Get on the Bus By: Amanda Cooney

BOLD Pittsburgh

August 2014 Pittsburgh is a great city; not too big, not too small – it’s a place Goldilocks would say is “just right”. It’s no wonder that Pittsburgh has been named “Most Livable City” by Forbes Magazine and MSN News several years in a row. It has also been named by National Geographic as a top place to visit among other locations including New Zealand, Peru, and even London, England. The Burgh is home to a lot of history and unique attractions; not to mention, it’s a great place to be these days. I used to just be a visitor, but four years ago I relocated to the Steel City and I fell in love. Like most residents, I have gotten into the habit of sticking to the neighborhoods where I work and live. I wanted to get out and see the entire city so I decided to take a tour – and what better way to tour the city than atop a double decker bus?! It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon when Amanda N. and I traveled to the South Side Flats and hopped on one of these British tour buses; the temperature was mild, the sky was blue, the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and my calendar was completely open. The Pittsburgh Tour company runs two buses throughout each day and makes 21 stops around the city. One of the cool things about these tours is that you can hop on at any stop and if you choose to purchase an all-day pass, you can get off and explore a new place on your own. They also have packages that include admission to the Children’s Museum, the Carnegie Science Center, and other Pittsburgh attractions. Amanda and I opted to buy the “Just the Tour” package which covers the 21 stops in about two and a half hours. At 3:15, the bus started on its way down Carson St. Our tour guide was an energetic and animated man named Chris and our bus driver was an equally enthusiastic man named Mike. The other people on the bus included two women from New York City, a family of five from Baltimore, and a couple of body builders that used to live in Pittsburgh. In between some cheesy but hysterical jokes, Chris provid-

Adventureburgh

August 2014

Some other great ed tour-goers with facts about the areas we visited. places to visit in the For instance, did you know that there are over 70,000 Oakland neighborhood individual stairs that are a part of 60+ staircases in are the main Carnegie the South Side Slopes?! Library, the Carnegie Mu From the South Side we traveled west and seums of Art and Natural crossed the West End Bridge to the North Shore. Did History, Phipps Conservayou know that Pittsburgh has the most bridges in the tory, Soldiers & Sailors world? There are 446 bridges in the Greater PittsMemorial Hall and Muburgh Area; the Smithfield Street Bridge is the oldest bridge (opened in 1893) and the newest bridge is the seum, and Heinz Chapel. Did you know that the Birmingham Bridge (completed in the 1970’s). stained glass windows of Once on the North Side, we traveled past the Heinz Chapel are made River’s Casino, the Carnegie Science Center, Heinz of over 250,000 pieces of Field, and PNC Park. On that particular day, the Pirates were hosting the Colorado Rockies and were in- glass? I didn’t, but now I do. nings away from sweeping series against the visiting team. As we traveled past the Children’s Museum and Here are a few more facts I learned on this tour (I won’t tell you all of them, I promise): the National Aviary, we heard cheers and fireworks • Banana splits, the Big Mac, root beer floats, and the that indicated a Pittsburgh Pirate had hit a homerun! Ferris wheel all were invented in the Greater PittsLet’s go BUCS! burgh Area We then crossed the Allegheny River via the 7thSt. • The first polio vaccine was administered at PresBridge, one of the Three Sister Bridges. The Three byterian University Hospital – now UPMC Sister Bridges are the 6th, 7th, and 9th Pittsburgh is Presbyterian street bridges that were later dedicated to Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel a great city • Abe Lincoln once stayed at the Hotel Schenley which is now the William Pitt Carson. You probably already knew that Union building on the University of Pittsburgh camthese suspension bridges are practically identical, but did you know that they are painted a specific shade of pus • The David L. Lawrence Convention Center has the gold that was created by the Pittsburgh Paint Comlargest suspended roof on any building in North pany? Yeah, pretty neat. America From there we traveled into the historic Strip Taking a tour like this is a great idea if you District past the Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. Let me give you a tip, if have a free afternoon and want to learn new things, if you are an out-of-towner and want to see the city, or you go on this tour make sure you either eat first, or if you are hosting out of town guests. I had so much get the all-day pass so you can jump off in the Strip. The Strip is filled with restaurants and grocery stores fun and learned so much about the city I now call and the smell of food is everywhere! The same is true home; it was also fantastic way to get out of the house and explore new places. when travelling downtown; the Cultural District has If you want to take the tour too, visit the Pittssome great places to eat including a new Pittsburgh burgh Tour Company at PGHTours.com or at 445 S. favorite, Meat and Potatoes, and a handful of great 27th Street in South Side Works (outside the Cheeseplaces in the newly renovated Market Square. cake Factory) – tell them BOLD Pittsburgh sent you. The last stops of the tour are located in the Oakland neighborhoods where the University of Pittsburgh, Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University, and many area hospitals call home. As a resident or vacationer of the city, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Cathedral of Learning. Not only is it a historical landmark, but it is also the home to 29 rooms Do you have a fun adventure for us to take? dedicated to nationalities that call Western PennsylLet us know @ Boldpittsburgh@gmail.com vania home. BOLD Pittsburgh 7

Brew Burgh

August 2014

Wigle, Landocked, and Wayward In the 1700 and 1800s, Pittsburgh was whiskey. America was drinking ‘Monongahela Rye’, and there were thousands of documented stills. Today, Wigle is the only distillery in the region and was the first distillery in Pittsburgh post prohibition. Wigle Whiskey is named after Phillip Wigle who defended his right to distill whiskey and had a hand in the start of the whiskey rebellion. He was ultimately sentenced to hang for his revolt, a detail of history that you will see playfully illustrated by the hanging ‘g’ in the distillery’s logo. The Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden is the newest expansion to Wigle Whiskey and opened on May 30th, 2014. What is a whiskey garden, you ask? I asked the same thing. B Thorpe, a MA candidate in Food Studies at Chatham University and 8

BOLD Pittsburgh

By: Annie Fowler

Wigle Whiskey’s program and event coordinator, explained to me the significance of what grows around the barrelhouse, “Everything in the whiskey garden can be related to the products.” There is corn for bourbon, hops for hop whiskey, and buckwheat to attract bees (and make honey) for their ‘Landlocked’. The ‘Landlocked’ product is Wigle’s answer to rum. Federal regulations require that rum is made from either sugarcane or molasses and since sugarcane is not grown in the region, they don’t use it. Using distilled honey is relatively uncharted territory and is not defined federally, Wigle is one of the few distilleries in the entire country that uses distilled honey (made in their whisky garden, of course). B suggests mixing ‘Landlocked’ in a mojito.

Brew Burgh You will, certainly, find that everything at The Barrelhouse has its roots in both Pennsylvania whiskey tradition and innovation. Wigle uses only local grains and sources everything else either from their own garden or as locally as possible. B Thorpe is especially excited about a new product set to launch in the fall, ‘Wayward’. ‘Wayward’ will be an apple whiskey made possible by partnering with Soergel’s Orchard in Wexford. The whiskey will use apple wood and will be proofed using apple cider. I will be back, I’m sure, to try this. The Cocktails I am typically a woman who knows less about what she wants than what she doesn’t want when it comes to alcohol. When I am out, I pick a drink starting with elimination of what does not seem desirable (anything with Kahlua, milk, or flavored vodka is immediately nixed), I gather all the ‘has big-girl liquor’ options in a bouquet in my mind and go for the one that falls out first when I shake it. Though, more often than not, I short-cut the process to obtain drink-in-hand status immediately. “Whiskey,” I’ll answer. Nailed it. Every drink option on the menu at The Wigle Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden looks like something I want to try. The day I visited was very hot and the rain came just often enough to make humidity raise off of the asphalt and stick sloppily to my skin. The air was thick enough to taste. I ordered the ‘Cantaloupe Crush’, a combination of cantaloupe, ginger, soda water, lime juice, and Wigle’s Landlocked Oaked. It was perfect for the hell-like weather conditions in Pittsburgh’s Northside. The Cantaloupe Crush is fruity without being too sweet and has a great boozy lift to it. The ‘Troy Hill’ cocktail held up the same refreshing spirit and is a mix of rye whiskey, grapefruit, cranberry juice, and sugar. The Troy

August 2014 Hill is tart and light, and also less sweet than expected in a very welcome way. The Old Fashioned Cocktail was my favorite and is a customer favorite at The Barrelhouse. The Old Fashioned was a boozy, citrusy example of how well Wigle’s whiskeys mix in a cocktail. For a more summery take on the original Old Fashioned, try Wigle’s Ginever Old Fashioned. Innovation: B suggested I take a walk through the barrelhouse itself, yes, I took my drink with me. The barrelhouse was large enough to host an event and was lined with barrels of whiskey. B pointed to a window near the ceiling of the barrelhouse, “That is our innovation lab, would you like to take a look?” What I meant to say was, “absolutely, I’ll follow you.” What I actually said was, “Really?” with my eyebrows raised and a voice too loud to be normal. I was a 4 year old at Christmas. The innovation lab is a beautiful facility with botanical drawings decorating the walls delicately as bottles upon bottles sit in lines. B meets with other staff members weekly in the innovation lab to discuss new ideas. If testing these new ideas for yourself sounds like something you are interested in, join the email list, they have random calls for people to test new ideas. B smiles, “You don’t need to be an expert to know what you like.”

Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden Location: 1055 Spring Garden Ave Pittsburgh, PA Hours: Thursday and Friday 5-9pm Saturday 12-9pm Sunday 11am-4pm Tours: Sign up for a tour on their website: https://www. wiglewhiskey.com/barrelhouse BOLD Pittsburgh 9

Bold Grooves

August 2014

Touché Amoré – live at the Altar Bar, 1620 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh July 22, 2014 By: Tim LaVoie

Los Angeles melodic post-hardcore act Touché Amoré roared through Pittsburgh this July, playing a headlining set at the Strip District’s Altar Bar. Touring in support of their tremendous 2013 full-length, Is Survived By, Touché Amoré highlight the growing artistry and lyricism found in the more aggressive genres. Its records are noteworthy for the honest, confessional lyrics of vocalist Jeremy Bolm and music equally influenced by Converge as reverb-drowned At the Drive-In. A feeling that the time is right for Touché Amoré both commercially and creatively is unavoidable. In a conversation about an hour before the set, Bolm noted the “stress” of being the headlining act this tour, admitting, “From when I was a teenager until now, I’ll always be the guy kinda peeking my head out every hour or so. Just that sort of worry each night.” Though a young 30 years old, the engaging and enthusiastic Bolm’s voice already sounds shredded from wear. But regarding the headlining “stress,” Bolm and his bandmates had nothing to fear, as a diverse crowd streamed into the Altar Bar. No stranger to Pittsburgh, Bolm fondly recalled playing at the original incarnation of the Mr. Roboto Project in Wilkinsburg, and large venues in support of acts like A.F.I. “But it seems we always end up back at Altar Bar.” If actions speak louder than words I’m the most deafening noise you’ve heard I’ll be that ringing in your ears that will stick around for years

Is Survived By remains one of 2013’s standout releases regardless of any genre boundaries. Its album-long themes of defining one’s own legacy 10 BOLD Pittsburgh

and coming to terms with happiness itself, produced highlight reels worth of Bolm’s growing lyrical dexterity. On the topic of legacy and the difficulty of producing a follow-up to a potential legacy-cementing release, Bolm explained, “When a band has a certain album that connects with people the most, you can usually tell pretty early on which one it is. For us I feel fairly certain Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me will be our record. It’s the record people first hear. Is Survived By is the follow-up to the record people connected to the most. When we play songs from Parting the Sea there’s a larger, noticeable reaction to songs than when we play newer ones.” I was once asked How I’d like to be remembered And I simply smiled And said ‘I’d rather stay forever’

“Just Exit” Bolm knows his crowd. During tracks from Parting the Sea – particularly “Condolences” and “~” – the manic throng completely drowned out Bolm with its uniform outpouring of emotion while it screamed every line with a weight equal to Bolm’s lyrical content itself. In addition to legacy, Bolm used Is Survived By to shift his lyrical focus from mortality and lonliness to dealing with personal success while remaining a major player in a genre based on aggressiveness. “I found myself in a much happier place while writing that record. I didn’t want to write about the same stuff I’d been writing about.” He pointed to Is Survived By stand-out “To Write Content” as an example of his contention making its natural immersion into his lyrics. Stating, “[it’s] a song about writing a song. I’ve already written on these two consistent subject matters on our first two albums – to do it again just seemed boring.” Bolm continued, “When the page is blank it hit me that I can write about this

Bold Grooves frustration on its own.”

But I can’t say I haven’t aged I’ve outgrown what I used to be I won’t fake what is expected To succeed with album three “To Write Content” Touché Amoré benefit from the growing bevy of critical fawning over Is Survived By, and other heavy, aggressive records and bands that mainstream national press considered anathema for years. Yet, Bolm remains skeptical of his, and other similar bands’ widespread appeal and the genuineness of the glowing reviews that continue to pile up. “You’d like to hope it’s a changing of times, but unfortunately everything seems to be something like: Pitchfork gives it a good review, then the New York Times probably wants to feel as hip as Pitchfork. So they give it a good review, but they probably just look at the album cover, say ‘Yeah, this looks great,’ and probably didn’t even listen to the record. You’d like to hope people are being more open-minded, but you never know.” Regarding more sincere music generally, Bolm added, “It’s exciting to see people opening up their minds to the idea, but it’s still never going to get on the radio. Which is fine. Whatever keeps people on the road and keeps albums selling.” Touché Amoré’s records keep selling and their supporters keep the band almost constantly on the road. They found their own version of success without giving up any values or artistic control. Bolm credits the band’s record company, Deathwish Inc., for encouraging their creativity without seeding support in any way. “We won’t do anything we don’t feel 100% about, and we won’t work with somebody we don’t feel 100% about.” So write a song that everyone can sing along to So when you’re gone you can live on They won’t forget you

“Is Survived By” As Touché Amoré’s set continued it quickly became just as likely to see a pair of feet above the crowd as hands. A frenzied, constant stream of frantic people rushed on to the stage to sing a line or two with an arm around Bolm or his bandmates during each song before launching themselves back onto

August 2014 the swaying, contorted mass of sweat and brotherhood. In terms of set construction, Bolm explained “We try to play as much spanning our catalog as possible. We want people to leave happy.” The crowd’s reaction confirmed the presence in Pittsburgh – at least on this 90 degree Tuesday - of what Bolm indicated cities of any size need to keep the arts and music growing. “Getting a venue that runs for the right reason is important, and getting a group of people with their hearts in the right place and they’re willing to work hard and not only bring bands in, but to treat them well and give them a good place to play. That’s all you can really hope for.” Though Bolm is overwhelmingly modest, something clearly just clicks between Touché Amoré and its fanbase. Whether the current interest resulted from those fickle reviewers or the suggestion of a trusted friend did not seem to matter all that much this night, as security staff peeled growing layers of human beings off of Bolm and the stage following each song. After a blistering hour-long set, the band left the stage while the exhausted crowd remained. It chanted, “One more song! One more song!” until the overhead lights came on signaling the end of the show and the onset of the aforementioned “ringing in your ears” Bolm’s lyrics promised. There’s promiscuity and devotion Only one fulfills an emotion

“Steps” The road only gets longer for Touché Amoré as its reach and influence stretches to new countries and continents. Scheduled headlining shows in Russia and Brazil await the band that already has a headlining tour of Japan under its belt. Bolm did not brush off these new frontiers as “just other shows.” He acknowledged, “Going anywhere for the first time is always an exciting thing. And there’s obviously the nervousness. It’s nice to shed any sort of expectations or just go blind into a situation at times too - let’s just see what happens.” When asked what he would like people to know about the band who are approaching them for the first time through this piece, Bolm flashed a wry grin and gave a simple, “Check it out. If you like it, thanks.” As he said before, let’s just see what happens.

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Albums of the Month

August 2014

What Moon Things – What Moon Things; Hot Grits Records

Ab-Soul – These Days. . .; Top Dawg Entertainment

The New Platz, New York atmospheric postpunk band released its debut full-length this June to well-deserved praise. They combine the airy reverb heard on slower Cure material with thundering percussion and eerie, obscured vocals. The result is at its best reminiscent of an underwater version of the messy early work of Modest Mouse. What Moon Things never ceases to impress or compel. Stand-out tracks: “Astronaut”, “Staring At the Radio”. Grade: A-

In a disappointing year so far for hip-hop, These Days. . . is an equally disappointing followup to Ab-Soul’s lauded 2012 record, Control System. Clocking in at an hour and a half long, These Days. . . could have been saved by liberal doses of self-editing and a refresher course in what made Control System both popular and critically appealing. Namely, great beat selection and politically relevant lyrical content – both absent here. Though stuffed with too many unwarranted brags and forced biblical references for my tastes, the record’s highlights still merit revisiting. Predictably stellar guest verses from the likes of Danny Brown and Action Bronson keep These Days. . . from falling off the ledge, but even they can’t make Ab-Soul’s latest essential summer listening. Stand-out tracks: “Stigmata”, “Tree of Life”. Grade: C+

Tigers Jaw – Charmer; Run For Cover Records

This sneaky-great album from the Scranton, PA indie-rock outfit, Tigers Jaw, sets the band up for big things in the future if they’re game. Harkening back to beloved indie releases by acts like the Wrens, American Football, and Sunny Day Real Estate, Charmer carves its own niche by weaving power-pop and punk influences throughout. Poppy in all the right places, Charmer still maintains a palpable darkness and melancholy reflective of the band’s maturity and recent line-up turmoil. Standout tracks: “Hum”, “Slow Come On”. Grade: B+ 12 BOLD Pittsburgh

Do you have a band or album you would like us to check out? Contact us at Boldpittsburgh.com

Date Night North Park Date

As the summer winds down to the brisk days of autumn, my favorite date happens more frequently; North Park. This date can last all day with various activities, but don’t require you to be a first round draft pick. There are various sports to choose from in North Park, my favorite is golf and kayaking. When I was younger, the kayaks weren’t in North Park, they had canoes and they were more romantic. I am all for the romance category, but cheesy boat rides aren’t always my thing. The kayaks started out this year after the pond got drained and dredged for a cleansing. Venture Outdoors, who are based on the North Shore by PNC Park, opened this new location which is nice as a quiet, ride. Kayaking the rivers is awesome, but requires some skill and is tough for a first timer. Kayaking is relatively inexpensive and North Park is secluded and has a bunch of neat hideaways. Another favorite is golf. There are two varieties in North Park: Miniature and Par 3. I like Par 3, it takes longer and is a better work out. The course isn’t challenging and can be done at any age and experience level. It is fun and serious, I suggest a fun, playful wager be placed before playing. After either activity there are countless places to enjoy a dinner and beer. I highly suggest Over the Bar, the newest restaurant to open in the Boathouse building. It offers pub food that is healthy and craft beer. It is decorated with bicycles like its sister restaurant in the South Side and features outdoor dining on a beautiful deck area that over looks the pond. It is geared toward bicycle riders and has a beautiful deck area with seating that overlooks the lake. Reservations are recommended and placed easily through the No Wait App. I also recommend Chub’s Place, which has amazing sandwiches and fries. They are conveniently located at the Par 3 course and have ample parking and little-to-no-wait. Over the hill on your way to McKnight Road is the staple of North Park and the beginning of the chain, North Park Club House. North Park has pub food and beer with TVs to watch local sports and ample, off street parking.

August 2014 However if you are looking for a special moment to be had, pack a picnic. North Park is filled with little groves and neat little places to bring a blanket and have some quiet time with that someone special. So next time you have a Sunday off, spend the day outdoors with some light exercise and great food in North Park.

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Foodie

ALTIUS Altius

On the opposite end of Mount Washington, away from the party street of Shiloh, are the most expensive restaurants in all of Pittsburgh. The food and the views are worth every dime. The newest is Altius, which opened in the old Georgetown Inn. This view was worth the couple hundred 14 BOLD Pittsburgh

August 2014

By: Amanda Narcisi that was spent. Reservations are recommended so we made one for late at night. There is valet parking, which is a nice touch as parking is horrible on the mount. The exterior is still that of the old Georgetown, which is very deceiving when you walk in. The dĂŠcor is decked out in modern cuts of white and grey. The bar extends to the one side of the first level right past the front desk. The bar wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t big, it

Foodie sat about 10, and two short bars with stools were right behind. There was the wine selection beautifully placed on the opposite wall. In front was a long table sitting about eight. Our table wasn’t ready, so we asked to wait at the bar and we ordered Kir Royale. Our table took an additional 15 minutes past the reservation time. We were offered two different tables, one nice big table with a view or a small table not big enough to hold our wine and plates. Since it was a special occasion we opted for the bigger. The wine list was extensive and moderately priced. We chose Mongrana 2010-a sweet, smooth red wine. We got treated to a taste of appetizer compliments of the chef; it was pineapple with presuito and honey with cheese. In addition, we ordered the Charcurtiere Plate, an assortment of dried meats and cheeses. We were also treated to our choice of bread. There was never and end to the food that was offered and not just ordered. For the main course we dined on “Duck, Duck, Goose” and “Lamb Rack”. Both were delicious and made with local ingredients. For dessert we had the “Cheesecake Flan” and “Baked Chocolate Mousse”. At the time of writing this article, they announced Sunday Brunch. The food was first rate and the décor was a close second in line. First, you cannot beat the view. This location will sell out for Fourth of July and New Years Eve. There is a second floor where there are these unique circular tables reserved for parties of four. The bathrooms were clean and I was impressed with the fresh roses in vases on the counter. Altius has a lot to look forward to. Massive amounts of friends meeting and engagements will be attracted to this restaurant. If you are planning a special evening out without too high of a price tag, call for a reservation.

April 2014

Altius 1230 Grandview Ave Pgh, PA 15211 412-904-4442 Altiuspgh.com @altiuspgh

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Entertain @ Home

August 2014

Dark Cherry Marinated Top Serloin By: Amanda Narcisi and Steven Fernald This Month we did a simple top serloin marinated in Olive and Marlowe Dark Cherry Balsamic Vinegarette, galic, salt and pepper. Soak overnight in refridgerator sealed in ziploc making sure all the air is out. When ready to cook place on boiler pan and cover the steak with the rest of the sauce from the bag. Cook to your satisfaction. We paired it with some corn and Potatoes. Shop Local!

Strawberry Mint Mojitos white sugar, for rimming 2 large limes, quartered 1/2 bunch mint leaves 7 strawberries, quartered 1 cup white sugar 1 cup white rum 2 cups club soda 8 cups ice cube

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Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside. Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and club soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes to serve.

That’s So Pittsburgh!

BlogBurgh

“MissAdventures in Pittsburgh” By: Jen Pizzuto http://missadventures-in-pgh.blogspot.com

Meet my friend, Jolene. Meet her family: an adorable beagle named Porter, a precocious kitty called Firefly and, oh yeah...the love of her life, fiancé, Billy.

One time I tried to place a pick-up order for lunch at Billy’s Bistro up on Troy Hill.

HER: Billy’s ME: Can I order a grilled chicken sandwich for pickup HER: Just chicken? ME: Uh, what comes on it HER: What do ya want on it? ME: Lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo? HER: Listen, hun, I can do ya lettuce, I can do ya onion. I can’t do tomatah. Tomatahs are too expensive right now. Ain’t got no tomatahs. ME: Lettuce and Onion? HER: It’ll be ready in 10 minutes. Jonathan Fobear

Jolene is a 30-something, spunky singlet who has a fulfilling writing career and fantastic animals with whom to share her adventures. Jolene has been faithfully recording her “missadventures” since 2010. She has an amazing life...but before you reach for the vomit bag, understand that it was a long, arduous road. In its early days, “Missadventures” was Jolene’s effort to pull herself out of rippling depression. The blog has evolved into a chronicle of her life with her pets, career and (later) her blossoming relationship with Billy. Their romance is sweet but it’s not what singularly defines this blog.

“I would definitely like people who read about my experience as a single thirty-something to stop stigmatizing single people or stop assuming that they understand why other people are single or not.” And to that end, Jolene candidly shares her own experience with single-shaming in her blog when her boss snidely makes a very public comment about her being “still single” during a meeting about her marital status. “I couldn’t believe that she used that setting and that audience to shame me.” With that, Jolene echoes the frustration of singlets everywhere who either pretend to ignore such comments or insert an awkward giggle. Being single is not an abnormality, nor is it a negative personality trait that is somehow indicative of a flawed self. Being single means never settling. It means loving yourself first, so that all others can be loved better, and completely. It took Jolene years to find her real match, and in the meantime, she constructed an unconventional family that has brought much joy and love to her existence. This is why we love to read the sometimes “missadventures” of our single friend and can’t wait for her next chapter.

BOLD Pittsburgh 17

NeighborBurgh

August 2014

BLOOMFIELD

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NeighborBurgh

Bloomfield is a wonderful little neighborhood that is located a few miles east from downtown Pittsburgh. As you walk down Liberty Ave, you will see colorful shop facades, a slew of restaurants that feature outdoor seating, bars, clubs, and tattoo parlors. Some notable landmarks include Groceria Italiana, Donatelli’s Italian Food Center, Paddy Cake Bakery, and the gorgeous Saint Maria Goretti Roman Catholic Church. Although it is known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, this community has become ethnically diverse. A Bloomfield favorite, the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern specializes in Polish cuisine; Caliente Pizza and Draft House is a great establishment with 20+ beers on tap and delicious pizza – their happy hour deals are also fantastic; Asia is represented by Ginza, a sushi and hibachi restaurant, as well as Thai Cuisine and Thai Gourmet. That being said, one cannot visit Bloomfield and not have some kind of Italian Cuisine; we opted to stop for dessert and people watch. The residents of Bloomfield are about as diverse as the establishments within the neighborhood; older couples dining out after a long week of work, punk rockers going to a show at Howler’s Café, and teenagers carrying Crazy Mocha coffees were all sighted while looking out the picture windows of the Pleasure Bar. After taking a bite of the cannoli, it is clear to see how this restaurant earned its name. It is important to note that most businesses close their doors around 7 or 8 pm on weekdays. We

August 2014

made it just in time to browse Sound Cat Studios, a locally owned record store, but were not as successful getting to East End Book Exchange before they closed. We also were left outside looking in to Groceria Italiana while drooling over their foodstuffs. In order to avoid these situations, we suggest a day visit. There’s no better time to visit Bloomfield than during their Little Italy Days which are coming up on Thursday August 21st and extends through Sunday August 25th. To learn more about Bloomfield, visit the Bloomfield Development Corporation at BloomfieldNow.com.

By: Amanda Cooney and Renee Fisher

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Fitness

August 2014

The Best Jogging Trails in the Burgh There’s only a few more months left of ice-free ground and weather that’s comfortable enough to get off of the treadmill and jog through the great outdoors. Pittsburgh’s rivers and hills make for challenging and scenic running routes, but jogging on the road isn’t always the best option. The pavement is hard on your knees, the sun reflecting off the asphalt can be sweltering, and drivers aren’t always looking out for pedestrians. So, I scoped out the biggest parks around the Burgh to find the most optimum jogging paths that Pittsburgh has to offer. The next time your workout needs a breath of fresh air, hit the trail running on one of these four courses: Frick Park Frick Park located in Squirrel Hill has over 500 acres of parkland and boasts shady, hilly running paths. The curving, sloping nature of the trails is ideal for a more focused workout where you have to keep your mind on where you’re putting your feet at all times. I parked on a side road and took a short jog up and back on the half mile Ravine Trail, but Frick Park has miles of trails to choose from. The most obvious loop to take is, after parking in the lot near Biddle Building on South Braddock Ave, take Biddle Trail to North Clayton Trail, past the Frick Environmental Center, onto Lower Riverview Trail, Firelane Extension, then back to the parking lot on Tranquil Trail. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but I would suggest printing out the map Frick Park’s website and taking it with you to customize your path (and make sure you don’t get lost!) Schenley Park Schenley Park, which lies between Oakland and Squirrel Hill, is home to one of the most popular running trails for Pitt students. Panther Hollow Trail winds through the 400 plus acre park and is made of pressed gravel so there’s no need to worry about twisting your ankles on roots or holes. Start at the Barlett Shelter and Playground and follow Upper Panther Hollow Trail until the bridge, follow the circumference of the lovely Panther Hollow Lake, and then take Lower Panther Hollow Trial back to where you started for about a 3 mile loop. Another option is the Oval Trail, which is a .62 mile loop around Schenley Oval. Run the 20 BOLD Pittsburgh

By: Renee Fisher

loop as many times as you’d like, and then finish your workout with a game of tennis. Schenley Oval also has restrooms and a water fountain, which is a major perk. Riverview Park I was hoping that Riverview Park on Pittsburgh’s Northside would have a nice view of the river, but what I got instead was an interesting history lesson in addition to a lovely run. Riverview was founded in 1894 as a zoo and was named for its view of the Ohio River, which is now blocked out by hundred-year-old trees. In 1904, the animals were transported to the Highland Park Zoo, which is now the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Riverview Park still has traces of the old zoo, like a wooden sign that says “Bear Pit” and overlooks a now empty lawn. The best running path through Riverview Park is the relaxing 2 mile loop on Riverview Drive. Start by the main entrance and follow the wooded, slightly sloping road. The views may not include a river, but they do include a beautifully forested area for a cool, shady workout. Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Southside The Three Rivers Heritage Trail has three segments – one in the North Side, one in downtown, and one in Southside. I scoped out the Southside trail and the beautiful view of the Monongahela River made up for the lack of one at Riverview. The Southside Heritage trail follows right alongside the river and was by far the flattest of the trails I scoped out. The path offers 8 miles of riverside running with landmarks like Station Square, the Eliza Furnace, Southside’s E. Carson Street, and the Hot Metal Bridge. I stayed right around the Southside Riverfront Park area and saw joggers, bikers, walkers, and even a flock of geese. If you’re looking for a long and flat running path, this is the one for you.

Fashion

August 2014

Flat Style Standing in line for the Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood, navigating the street vendors of The Strip Disctrict, or hopping from bar to bar during a warm evening in South Side – there’s so many things to squeeze in during these last few weeks of summer. But all the standing and walking those activities entail can be hard on your feet, especially when you don’t want to sacrifice fashion for comfort. You can have a little of both, however, in these summer styles that every active Pittsburgher needs.

By: Renee Fisher

variety of colors and patterns so you can get a pair for just about any occasion or outfit. It’s the perfect type of shoe for exploring downtown, a day of shopping at the Waterfront, or a ball game at PNC park. With stores stocking up on back-to-school styles already, it’s a great time to find on-sale summer footwear styles. Keep your feet happy for these last days of summer adventuring!

Ballet-flats look as polished as high heels for a night out, but don’t come with the excruciating pain if you’re planning on standing and walking the entire evening. Every girl needs a black and nudecolored pair in her wardrobe that will pretty much match every outfit. The only bad part about flats is the blisters and cuts they can leave from rubbing on the back of your heel, but there are a few ways to prevent this. Break in new shoes quickly by putting them on over a pair of thick socks and blowing a hair dryer over them. Or put a Compeed bandage (a thick, cushioning band-aid specifically made for blisters) over the back of your foot before hitting the town in your flats.

For the hottest days, flat gladiator-style sandals are the way to go. They keep your feet from getting hot and sweaty, provide a little more support than flip flips, and go perfectly with shorts, jeans, or casual dresses. Bonus: for a day at Kennywood, you can keep them on for the water rides and they won’t fly off of your feet on the swings.

Another great option is stylish tennis shoes like Keds. They provide more coverage and cushioning than flats and sandals, but they’re more sleek and fun than your average pair of Sketchers. Keds, Vans, Converses, and Toms come in a

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Dear Snarky, Despite the claims of recent articles, there are NOT only three types of men in Pittsburgh. Not true. Pittsburgh men simply cannot be neatly and easily divided into three banal, stereotypical categories. After years of copious research on the Pittsburgh dating scene, we’ve compiled our own list of Pittsburgh men: Country Hickster The Civil War is over and the North was victorious...but some men, who actually grew up here, but are inexplicably tied to southern redneck culture. These are the men who drive the really big trucks with really big tires (and are, perhaps, compensating for something...?). They may have excessive facial hair and swoon when they hear the opening notes of “Sweet Home Alabama.” These guys are always ready for a drink and/or a fight. Never say the word”organic” to them. They don’t like it.

L-Ville Hipster Like we could forget these fine citizens (like they would let us). The Lawrenceville hipster is a newish breed of men who emerged during the L-Ville renaissance of the past five years. Just know that you’re probably not awesome enough to hang with this crowd unless you have the lyrics to every single Decembrist song tattooed on a piece of your flesh. They only drink craft beers and will always be wiser and more worldly than you. If doesn’t matter if you’ve lived in Europe--you haven’t lived until you establish residence in L-Ville with the enlightened ones. The Dog Guy I’ve dated three of this breed, and as an established cat lady, I’m not a fan. This guy treats his dog like a kid. This could be indicative of future parenting skills OR it could be screaming desperation. I’m not anti-canine

by any means; the dogs that I’ve raised were quite lovely, thank you. But Dog Guy’s treasured fur-ball is typically obnoxious. It jumps up on guests and scratches, usually snagging a sweater or new nylons. It drools and it STINKS. A classic sign that Dog Guy wants to get serious is when he extends an invitation to meet the pooch...and the dog’s reaction is nothing short of a relationship litmus test. Even if the dog is ugly, smelly and exceedingly annoying, women are expected to lose their minds over Fido’s “cuteness.” No thanks. I prefer my cats who tell every man that I bring home to go to hell.

Yinzer Sports Guy The season doesn’t matter--it’s all black & gold ALL THE TIME for this guy. His phone is constantly blowing up with ESPN alerts. He can’t remember your birthday, but he can recite Steelers rushing stats from 1977. Any date that takes place during a Steeler game (which won’t happen) must be located within the immediate proximity of a TV. He will predictably and spontaneously erupt in “Let’s go Pens/Bucs” chants when he’s overstimulated. College Bro Even if he isn’t “technically” in college anymore, he can still act like a frat boy, dammit. This guy hasn’t yet abandoned the preppy college look, either. He still gets an illicit thrill from partying on a “school night.” He ends up at Jack’a every Saturday night and could qualify as an expert your guide for the Southside bar crawl. Have we forgotten any Burgh Boy types? Tweet ‘em at us @Boldpgh and we’ll continue the discussion on our blog.

Karaoke Song of the Month Me and Bobby Magee By: Janis Joplin

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