theCITYSCENE January 2023

Lauren Klein is a real estate licensee affliated with Coldwell Banker. Coldwell Banker is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Lauren Klein, Licensed Agent (724) 327-0123 | PittsburghPropertyDiva.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Happy New Year, dear readers! As we embark on 2023, I am reminded how quickly time flies.

In the past few years, a common sentiment I hear over and over is that “time no longer has meaning.” 2020 feels like it happened last week while 2019 might as well have happened half a century ago. 2021 and 2022 blended together so much so it’s hard to distinguish what happened and when. Days seem to be getting longer, yet years come and go in the blink of an eye.

This widespread disconnect from our calendars (while simultaneously being chained to them) reminds me of a quote by Leo Buscaglia that I’ve long held dear: “Time has no meaning in itself unless we choose to give it significance.”

Unless we choose.

January 1 is no more special to a wall clock than September 3. Each day gets the same 24 hours, after all. However, all around the world, humanity has made the choice to signify this day as the start of something new. A recommitment to ourselves, to our values.

Whether you have big resolutions or you simply want to do more of what's already working in your life, I urge you to make the choice to give all your moments significance in the coming year.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

theCITYSCENE

"Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes." ––Richie Norton

-GORAN PERSSON

Happy New Year, Pittsburgh! Not only is it officially 2023, it’s also officially health and wellness month. While we're bound to see an onslaught of cliché “new year, new me” goals, let’s remember that self-improvement should be practiced all year long.

If you’re waiting an entire year to make positive changes – to get smarter, to be kinder, to work harder, or to improve your health – then life will quickly pass you by. You must decide to be positive now - on purpose.

Appreciate the life you have and realize that the small things really are the big things. Take time to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or smoke a good cigar and talk about life, culture, friendship, business, and yes – even politics. And remember: you may disagree, but you can still be friends. So, shake hands, wish each other well, and reflect on your many blessings.

Proverbs 29:18 says a man with no vision shall perish. It doesn’t say a man with no education, or no connections, or no money shall perish. It simply says a man with no vision. In 2023, get a bigger vision for your life.

We hope to encourage you to enjoy your life, live out your dreams, and capitalize on your gifts and talents. Remember, if your friends and family don’t call you crazy, then chances are you aren’t dreaming big enough.

Finally, let’s pull together as a city and as a country and focus on the good.

A special thanks to all our Pittsburgh supporters, readers, and advertisers. We appreciate you and we hope you stay connected with us in print and online as well as through social media. Follow us @thecityscenepgh

FROM THE PUBLISHER Elias Hanna

PUBLISHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER theCITYSCENE, Alpha 1 Media Group

"LET

pgh LIFESTYLE

From hitting the slopes at Seven Springs Mountain Resort to grabbing a sled and heading to the hills of a local park, the Pittsburgh area can be a winter wonderland this time of year. Not a fan of the colder temps? Plan an indoor adventure at one of the city's nearly 30 museums dedicated to art, sports, history, music, and more.

REFRESH your space

The beginning of a new year often coincides with new goals, clean starts, and a renewed purpose. Whether it’s a new exercise regimen, healthier diet, or better study routines, January is a month to recalibrate and reevaluate in the hopes that lifestyle improvements become a habit. And for many, setting that tone at home is key.

By Morgan Cermak

Enter the co-owners of Happy Lark Home Organizing, a family-owned business with a growing clientele. Sisters Kara Huffmyer and Niki Denmead and cousin Amber Hollenbach founded Happy Lark in 2021 after their shared passion for keeping their homes, offices, and schedules organized became an increasingly frequent topic of conversation, especially as COVID threw their previous routines into a tailspin.

“Starting a business during a global pandemic was never our plan, but it just

became the right time,” said Niki. “Our homes – everyone’s homes – became the center of our worlds, and they needed to function smoothly in order to maintain our sanity during a chaotic time.”

Happy Lark helps its clients evaluate spaces in their homes and implement organizing systems based on the individual person or family to optimize the home’s functionality. They’ve tackled projects in garages, home offices, kitchens, playrooms, mud rooms, closets, pantries, and more.

Happy Lark will do it all for you, from helping you make those tough decisions on what to purge or keep, to creating a more functional space. In recent months, they’ve also helped clients prepare for home relocations in order to make the move-in process smoother and less stressful.

“There’s no better time to focus on purging than directly before or after the holidays when you’re inundated with new toys, clothes, and gadgets. Don’t just push items to the back of the closet or to a corner of your toy room – repurpose it or get rid of it but don’t let it consume precious space,” noted Kara.

In order to keep its clients on the right path throughout the year, Happy Lark offers a Refresh Service. At strategic points in the year, spaces

are revisited in an effort to preserve functionality and organizing practices that may have been inadvertently abandoned are reinstated. The Refresh Service could occur when the seasons change or prior to or following a big milestone, such as home renovations, a job change, or the end of the school year.

Happy Lark features many of its goto products and organizing hacks on Instagram (@happylarkhomeorganizing) and Facebook via short, relatable Reels they create and post themselves.

“Reels has been a great platform for us to showcase how we work, what we’ve learned, and how we approach clients’ spaces,” added Amber. “Social media has allowed us to capture a market that may not have otherwise known about us. In fact, some of our very first clients were through referrals we received via Facebook.”

Happy Lark’s growth through social media, as well as word-of-mouth referrals from existing clients, has created new business and marketing opportunities for Amber, Kara, and Niki. Happy Lark has made multiple appearances on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live throughout the past year. Their first PTL segment detailed their efforts to reorganize PTL Host Heather Abraham’s daughter's bedroom, which kicked off a series of segments around home office organization, sporting goods organization, and more.

In the fall of 2022, Happy Lark developed a partnership with The Container Store to be one of the store’s in-house organizers, giving them and their clients access to the newest products, promotions, and exclusive events.

“It’s been a whirlwind 18 months for us, and we’re so fortunate to take what is a passion for the 3 of us and grow a business that is opening doors we couldn’t have imagined,” added Kara.

L-R: Kara Huffmyer, Niki Denmead, Amber Hollenbach

Brea Schmidt / Photography by Brea, LLC

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

When talking with Elisabeth Leach, it is clear she has a passion for the business world and an equally enthusiastic passion for fashion. Whether meeting her at a networking event, for coffee in the city, or in the South Hills home she shares with her husband and two children, there is no doubt Leach will be dressed well for the occassion – and ready to talk business.

A former corporate marketing executive and real estate investor, she is now embracing life as a serial entrepreneur. In 2019, she took on her first entrepreneurial endeavor, founding Elisabeth Leach Styling – a service providing image consulting and fashion styling for professional women.

The following year, she added to her already impressive resume when she co-founded The Women’s Collective Pittsburgh (TWC) with Andrea Belen-Sandhorst. TWC is a professional women’s networking group for both business owners and corporate leaders in the Pittsburgh area.

Noting a distinct lack of networking groups catering to the specific needs of women in business, Leach and Belen-Sandhorst decided to create their own. It was of utmost importance to the pair that the group combined all the best practices they felt were crucial to success.

The Women's Collective holds up to 10 events a year

"Be tenacious and committed to your idea."

- elisabeth leach

at some of the newest and finest venues in the city. Every detail of these events are designed to provide a welcoming forum that inspires deal-making and camaraderie while offering a topnotch professional development series.  Events often start with a cocktail hour so that members and guests can meet and mingle, followed by a speaker who shares information relevant to that month's business topic. TWC also hosts a half-day business conference each year. The keynote speakers in 2021 and 2022 were from Google Pittsburgh and KraftHeinz, respectively.

The networking group has experienced explosive growth since its founding, due in no small part to Leach's enthusiasm for its mission: to actively share knowledge and connections, nurture each other’s growth, and celebrate successes together.

Leach is committed to an accelerated growth strategy, often stating "your network really is your net worth.” TWC already has 200 well-accomplished members as well as eight corporate sponsors and is certainly taking Pittsburgh by storm.

When interacting with members of the group, the old adage "everyone you meet knows something you don't" comes to mind.

Members come from a variety of backgrounds and industries and represent just about every level of business leadership possible: from small business owners to C-level corporate officers to entry-level bussinesswomen. Each woman

has a unique perspective and skill set to share with others and The Women's Collective offers them a fresh platform to do so.

In addition to setting the strategy and vision for TWC, Leach acts as the main point of contact for members and those considering membership. A devoted wife and mother, she also serves on the board for Peters Township Girls Lacrosse Club, is a Corps de Ballet donor, and a supporter of the Confluence Ballet Company.

Leach's activities in both business and her community have helped develop her skills as a mentor to other women who are trying to balance career and family responsibilities – a passion Leach says is the cornerstone to her personal ethos.

by

CONNECT WITH ELISABETH LEACH

Be the first to know about all the incredible work Elisabeth is doing for the city of Pittsburgh.

Follow her on Instagram @thewomenscollectivepgh or on LinkedIn @Elisabeth Leach.

Find The Women's Collective Online at www.JoinTWC.com

Jennifer Grey

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Blood Orange Mocktails

Refresh the palate and start off "Dry January" with this citrusy non-alcoholic mocktail, dedicated to a healthy new year and a healthy new you.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 cup alcohol-free rosé or ginger beer

Blood orange slices and mint, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill a wine glass with ice.

Take a slice of blood orange and press it against the inside of the glass. Add the blood orange juice, lime juice, and alcohol free rosé (or ginger beer). Stir gently.

Garnish with an orange slice and sprig of mint. Serve immediately.

12habits of the thriving

Finding success as your own boss can be a tough but rewarding experience. Numerous challenges face new entrepreneurs, especially with current economic conditions. Still, the thought of going to work each day and performing tasks for someone else is not fulfilling for the entrepreneurial mind, and as such, those individuals are driven to embark on their own personal business endeavors.

If the prospect of starting your own business excites you, this list of entrepreneurial habits should motivate you to start

writing your business plan today.

It’s important to note, however, that there is no magic wand that will create overnight success. (After all, even the luckiest lottery winners will see their fortunes evaporate without a clear plan.)

For those who are dedicated to succeeding and are prepared to outwork and outstrategize their competition, the following list will separate the entrepreneurs from the want-trepreneurs.

by Elias Hanna

1

It's been said that an entrepreneur would rather work 80 hours a week for themselves to avoid working 40 hours for someone else. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit but plan on working only eight hours a day, success will quickly evade you. As a business owner – for better or worse – an eight hour workday is considered part time. Owning a business requires developing a strong work ethic, relentless dedication, and time management skills so you're fully committed to planning your work and then working your plan.

2

STAY ORGANIZED

Getting organized (and then staying organized!) is a crucial step to creating success. In this day and age, the faster you can move, the more successful you can become. If you can’t locate files quickly on your computer or phone, if you misplace important corporate documents or can’t pinpoint the last place you saw your marketing leads, if you lose your payroll files or misplace the keys to your filing cabinet daily, you’re creating chaos that results in low performance workdays.

3

TAKE ACTION

In life, there are talkers and there are doers. Entrepreneurs act and move fast. That’s not to say you should be careless with your responsibilities, but rather that decisions will come more easily the more comfortable you get in your role as a leader. Furthermore, as you develop into a highperformance person who takes action in life, you will have less tolerance for people who are all talk and no action. Build your circle with people who encourage and inspire positive action in your life.

4

SEEK ENDLESS IMPROVEMENT

It is well known that perfection is the enemy of progress. If you are waiting for the perfect time to launch your business, it will never come. If you are expecting your business or employees to always be perfect, just keep dreaming. At the same time, stagnation will put you on the fast track to failure. The smart entrepreneur balances this by focusing on continuous improvement – not perfection – for themselves, their company, and their team.

5

BUILD A

GREAT TEAM

The most important rule for building the team is selling the dream. Even the most seasoned entrepreneurs can’t achieve success without being supported by a team of people who complement their skills. Employing people who share your vision is a vital component in any business, and being able to clearly communicate that vision is among the most important skills an entrepreneur can possess. And once the team is built, know how to keep them motivated and inspired to achieve ultimate success (hint: start with #9 on this list).

6

PRACTICE DIPLOMACY

Diplomacy is the art of progressing an idea or opinion without unnecessarily upsetting or unleashing an argument or conflict. Diplomacy falls under the ability to activate your charm to express your opinion, while being understanding of another person’s point of view. This skill is often overlooked by those who want to rule with an iron fist, often creating an environment no one wants to be part of. Don’t be afraid to listen to feedback from team members and business associates and to give others the benefit of the doubt.

9

NEVER SHOW FEAR 8

If you’re going to lead an organization, whether large or small, no matter the industry, there’s going to be a lot of pressure and unexpected obstacles. But a wise entrepreneur never lets a crisis go by without taking care of business. When challenges occur and everyone else is panicking, the CEO stays calm. Calm, cool, and collected wins the race – and wins the respect of your team members and associates. Your team depends on you to lead, so lead with confidence.

BE A STUDENT OF HUMAN MOVES

The business world is brutal and (in many cases) the only thing that matters to nearly all the people you will deal with is how they can take your cash and try to make it their cash. Never just believe what a person is saying to your face. Always ask yourself why they are saying it and what they are hoping to gain from it. And always, always get it in writing. Understanding the motivations of human behavior can be a true game changer as an entrepreneur.

SHARE THE WEALTH

When you build a team, it’s imperative that you ensure everyone makes money. This is a very simple concept that so few business owners ever consider. When everyone in the organization makes money, the team will grow, and when the team grows, the money grows with it. Your employees will be happier, you won’t have to stress over high turnover rates, and you will be investing in the backbone of your company. As a business owner, taking a small piece of a huge pie is better than taking a huge piece of a small pie.

10

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

We’ve established that entrepreneurs work long hours, often in stressful and unpredictable environments. Getting too caught up in the grind can take a massive toll on your health, and many business owners don’t take a break until they’re forced to by a health crisis. Developing healthy habits is just as valuable a business skill as anything else: eat well, exercise, and sleep on a regular schedule. These simple steps are a great start to keeping your wellbeing in check and your energy levels high to keep up with the demands of business.

11

DO THE MATH

The only thing in business more valuable than profits is cash flow. A business has many moving parts: payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, marketing, and operations to name a few. Being able to create and understand a profit and loss statement is essential to your short term and long term financial success. Money is the lifeblood of any business, and profits are important for business success. However, being able to manage the cash flow weekly – especially in the early stages – is crucial to survival.

12

SEEK KNOWLEDGE

The best entrepreneurs learn from others. Finding an intelligent, experienced advisor is a great way to learn more about your industry and, most importantly, the numerous aspects of running your own business. The perfect person to learn from is someone who has already arrived at the point where you want to go and who has a passion for helping others achieve their own goals in both business and life.

THE MAKING OF A MUSICIAN

IT’S THE BRISK FALL MORNING OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022, AND NOLAN JAE WALKS INTO THE STUDIOS OF KDKA AND STAR 100.7. HE IS GREETED BY MELANIE TAYLOR AND TAKES A SEAT, ANTICIPATING BOTH HIS FIRST ON-AIR INTERVIEW AND SINGLE DEBUT. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT. HE HOPES IT GOES SMOOTHLY. HE HOPES PITTSBURGH LIKES HIS SONG.

by Charrisa Lauren

Over the last year, Nolan Jae has truly learned what it takes to “make a musician” and has seen that walking that path is easier said than done. The process not only includes branding, creative hours in the studio, and performing at shows, but also involves publicity and promotion, photoshoots, videography, art direction, and myriad other duties to create even just one song at industry standard. The audience revels in the result, but rarely do they see the work required to make the show a reality.

Creating his contemporary pop rock album has been both an eye-opening experience for Nolan and a crash course in the ins and outs of the music industry – a journey he says he will remember for the rest of his life with lessons he will use as his career continues to take off.

While working on the album, Nolan developed the question that became the central theme for this musical endeavor as well as the title of the album itself: "So What Now?" The majority of the lyrics deal with standing at the crossroads of life after difficult personal experiences: from graduating in a pandemic and the pain of an unexpected breakup to battling chronic migraines and living in darkness and isolation. The album at once feels incredibly personal while speaking to extremely relatable feelings that many of us have shared over the last few tumultuous years.

Releasing independently in Winter 2023, “So What Now?” features fourteen original songs and delivers honest and approachable lyrics that not only relay Nolan’s experience but do so in such a way that everyone can relate. When people listen to Nolan Jae, he wants them to “feel what I felt when I went through all of that, and to come away with the same lesson: to learn to celebrate both their happiness and sadness and accept it all as life.” He wants to make music that people can cry to, but also music they can dance to.

Nolan wasn’t always destined to be in the music industry. While music has been a major part of his life since his childhood, he had plans to

THAT REACTION

become a professional fighter. However, an accident forever changed his path. A concussion diagnosis led to chronic migraines which lasted nearly a year and half. His days of fighting were over. Losing the ability to look at screens during this period, Nolan took to a notepad and pen and began to write. There, in the solitude of a dark basement, Nolan Jae was born.

Taking his lyrics from that notepad to live audiences gave him an even deeper love for the craft. He states that performing has allowed him to see what people enjoy and also how his music impacts his audience. In August 2022, Nolan released his first single and music video “King of the World” at the Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh and says he could see the infectious energy leaving himself and finding a home in the crowd. "One of the most rewarding parts of performing the music live is seeing that reaction when I sing. There is nothing like it in the world."

As with many new artists, the journey isn't always easy for Nolan. There is an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes that can be taxing on even the most seasoned professional musician. But there are moments in which Nolan realizes the magic of “making a musician” –one of which was completing an interview this fall with Bubba and Melanie of Star Pittsburgh. He heard Bubba announce to Pittsburgh, “Here is the world premiere of Nolan Jae’s Emerald Eyes on 100.7 Star!” and then, as if in slow motion, watched Bubba press play. In that moment, Nolan expresses that he finally felt like it just might be worth it all.

Nolan’s album “So What Now?” is set to release in Winter 2023. The music was cooperatively crafted in house by Nolan, working with producers Daniel Blake and Joshua Carns. The first single, "King of the World," was released last August with a companion video release party at the Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh. The follow-up single "Emerald Eyes" released in October 2022 live on Star 100.7 with an in-house interview with Bubba and has remained in rotation. The "Emerald Eyes" video release party is open to the public on January 6th at Voodoo Brewing Co North Shore in Pittsburgh. .

» Images: Courtesy

“SEEING

WHEN I SING – THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE WORLD.”

cuisine ON THE SCENE

As the only U.S. city to make BBC Good Food's 2019 list of top 10 destinations for foodies, Pittsburgh continues to make a name for itself in the culinary world. This month, we're sharing some delightful hidden gems that make this city a can't-miss stop, whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering an old favorite.

Date Night: Pittsburgh's Hidden Gems

There can be many difficult moments throughout a relationship, but none so persistent as trying to decide on where to eat. Read on for three solutions that may not be on your radar - but should be.

by Abigail O'Connell

Cafe du Jour

Currently in its 21st year of business, chef and owner Paul Krawiec purchased the building that was once a deli and transformed it into a casual, chic, and romantic place to grab unpretentious but delicious and creative food. The most romantic part of Café du Jour has to be the back patio: with twinkling lights, a babbling pond, weaving vines, and maybe even a glimpse of a turtle - the atmosphere is thouroughly enchanting.

Chef Paul entices the palate with flavors from all over the world. The food is prepared with the utmost care and seasoned to perfection. The combination of flavors and textures will have your tastebuds dancing. I suggest you share sensuous roasted mushrooms and truffled burrata with toast, a bright and cooling salad, or one of the best steaks you'll find in Pittsburgh. Whatever you choose, expect you and your sweetie will be impressed. 1107 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh

No need to fuss over where you’re going; we've got this.

The Forge

Girasole

A lounge located at the beginning of Lawrenceville, The Forge might be one of Pittsburgh’s perfect places for date night due in no small part to its décor and ambience. Low lighting paired with comfortable, soft seating that reminds you more of a living room than a restaurant plus the warmth of the brick pizza oven exudes romance. Take a seat on one of the plush velvet blue couches and order up a draft beer, glass of wine, or a specialty seasonal cocktail. Too distracted by your lover’s eyes to focus on what to get? Order the “Bartender’s Choice” and let one of the experts do the thinking while you focus on what’s most important. Get cheesy and share a pizza (gluten-free and vegan options available), or a few small plates including warm olives, seared Ahi tuna, or falafel with pickled vegetables. Snack on a charcuterie board or a Mediterranean mezze platter and see just how playful food can be. 3345 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh

For a lighthearted and warm restaurant experience, clasp hands and mosey down a few steps off of Copeland Street in Shadyside to find yourself in the warm glow of Girasole, which means sunflower in Italian. If you’re lucky, you may even be greeted by Jimmy “Pie” himself, guaranteed to have a glass of one of their great Italian wines in hand. What makes Girasole so special is the feeling you get – friendly service, a comfortable atmosphere, and everyone chatting, laughing, and enjoying the food. You're sure to feel as if you've been transported to the streets of Italy. Start your meal with a cup of zuppa del giorno, escarole & beans, or share some antipasto. One of the most popular menu items is the spinach and ricotta ravioli, covered in a luscious tomato cream sauce. Be sure to save room for dessert; their tantalizing tiramisu and a frothy espresso are the perfect end to an extraordinary evening. 733 Copeland Street, Pittsburgh

Culinary Closeup:

Chef Dennis Denk

The Sizzle Continues as Ruth's Chris Celebrates 35

Years in Pittsburgh.

Among the most respected upscale restaurant brands worldwide, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is known for consistently delivering mouth-watering steaks in a luxurious yet accessible atmosphere. After all, there is nothing quite like the sizzle of a Ruth’s Chris steak that’s been hand cut and cooked to perfection. But any restaurant – even one with as accomplished a reputation as Ruth’s Chris – would be nothing without the people who propel the brand’s internal drive for excellence.

The restaurant was first established at PPG Place in 1987 by Jack and Peggy Offenbach and is currently owned and operated by their son, Scott Offenbach, a seasoned restaurateur. Executive chef Dennis Denk and veteran general manager Patrick Bachtell complete the management team, which together lead this Pittsburgh favorite to success night after night.

We took the opportunity to sit down for a culinary close up with Denk, inquiring about his personal culinary journey and his insights into what makes the Ruth’s Chris experience so special.

Denk, a self-trained chef, began cooking in high school. His inital motivation was not based on a love of the culinary arts but rather on the need to survive. Luckily, the restaurant industry had plenty of jobs to spare. Before he knew it, he transformed his first job at the Red Bull Inn in Carnegie into a passion that launched him into a career that's been thrilling taste buds for decades.

Denk shared many memorable moments from his long career, but perhaps none so unforgettable as training with founder of the brand, Ruth Fertel, herself. “Prior to our location opening 35 years ago, Ruth visited Pittsburgh and stayed here for three weeks to ensure everything met her expectations. She stayed in the kitchen, making sure the prime-aged steaks were cooked perfectly in her trademarked oven. Everything is done according to Ruth’s standards, and I learned them directly from her.”

If you ask Denk, he’ll tell you that he hasn’t achieved

by DJ Zelczak

success by his masterful skills alone. Instead, he would probably speak to the fact that Ruth’s Chris sources only the best grade of beef for its custom-aged curing process. He also credits the excellence in execution by the team he manages – especially his line staff.

Speaking of kitchen staff, it is worth noting that, in an industry which typically sees unbelievably high turnover rates – especially in this newly-emerging “post-pandemic” world, Ruth’s Chris has a number of employees who, like Denk, have stayed since the very beginning.

Chef Denk reflected that in the end, “it’s really just meat and potatoes.” To a humble man like Dennis Denk, it may seem to be that simple, but to the steak connoisseur, Chef Denk is the man behind the scenes in an environment that has been transforming the basic into the unforgettable for more than three decades.

Outside the kitchen, the restaurant’s inviting décor, accented by the soft illumination of chandeliers, goes far in satisfying the eyes, while the signature sizzle of the steak presented on a plate heated to 500 degrees satisfies the ears. The texture of the steak, bursting with subtle levels of flavor, intoxicates the palate and the ensuing aroma holds captive the sense of smell. The entire experience is designed for the guest to sit back and enjoy the culinary ride of a lifetime.

Despite being known for their legendary steaks, Ruth's Chris boasts a diverse menu featuring (of course) a multitude of cuts of beef, as well as pork, seafood, chicken, lamb, and vegetarian options. Generous appetizers and side dishes include seared ahi tuna, stuffed mushrooms, potatoes au gratin, grilled asparagus, and sweet potato casserole. To complete your meal, Chef Denk offers several desserts – a popular finish being the appropriately-named chocolate sin cake.

Whether you choose a tried-and-true classic steak, or prefer something a bit more unexpected, you are sure to expereince warm hospitality and flavorful dishes from Chef Dennis Denk at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

On Location

"At Ruth's Chris, you get to treat yourself to an everyday celebration."

Chef Dennis Denk displays his culinary expertise in the kitchen at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, located at Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh 15222.

Image: Janine Essey

Pusadee's Garden

By ABIGAIL O'CONNELL

On the far end of Lawrenceville, enter a magical Thai restaurant that has been transformed into a chic, glass-enclosed space complete with a breathtaking outdoor garden in the center of the space, available for dining during nice weather. From your first steps inside, you are transported into what feels like a a secret oasis. The ambience is upscale but relaxed, and dim lighting and light music paired with spacious seating make for an intimate and serene atmosphere.

The star of the menu (an honor that speaks volumes on a menu as immaculate as Pusadee's) is unequivocally the Khao Soi Short Rib. Mouthwatering short rib falls off the bone onto perfectly cooked egg noodles, tossed in yellow curry and accompanied by pickled mustard greens. The intricate flavors of this layered dish do not compete, but rather blend exceptionally to provide a slightly sweet taste to this savory masterpiece.

In order to expereince this culinary treasure, be prepared to make reservations at least several weeks in advance, especially during winter months. Outdoor seating in the garden is closed on cold or rainy days, thereby limiting seating. And since it can be exceptionally hard to predict Pittsburgh weather, Pusadee's Garden accepts reservations for indoor dining only – even in warmer months.

If you'd like the best shot at a coveted garden table, simply add a note to your reservation asking for a spot outdoors if weather permits. And if you absolutely can't wait on reservations in order to enjoy a meal at Pusadee's, we suggest heading to Lawrenceville on a warm, clear weekday night. There may be a wait - but it will undoubtedly be worth it.

5319 Butler Street, Pittsburgh 15201

Lawrenceville's exceptional Thai eatery is a triumphant transformation

GIST OLO MIX OF THE MONTH

Continuing our mixologist of the month series, theCITYSCENE had the opportunity to sit down with Ryan Miller, who has been slinging drinks in Pittsburgh for over a decade. Currently found at the recently-opened No Names Pub in Lawrenceville, Miller shares his thoughts on the industry, what's great about the city, and his – perhaps serendipitous – journey to a career in bartending.

by Ashley Elle | Photo by Janine Essey

Talk to us about how you got started in the industry. Well, it really started out as a trial by fire. At my first bartending job, I was trained for one day and went on vacation - then came back to work to find out the guy who trained me had been fired! I had no idea how to even make a cosmo at that point. But I ended up taking over the bar program there and really made it my own. I worked there for 30-40 hours a week for three years while going to school at IUP. It became my little lab where I could experiment with things. With nobody to train me, I could break the rules a little more and be more creative before going on to learn the "correct way" of doing things.

After college, did you know you wanted to stick with bartending?

No, not really – I loved it and had a passion for it, but I was at a crossroads not knowing if I wanted to go the more corporate route or do something else. But I just couldn't get away from bartending. I loved it so much. My dream job was working at Butcher in the Rye; they were at a totally different level of innovation and experimentation than anyone else in Pittsburgh at the time. I decided I was going to get that job no matter what. I ended up taking jobs at two other bars in the South Side to make ends meet while going to Butcher constantly to ask for an opportunity there.

So did your persistence pay off?

It did! Eventually. I actually was just about to give up. I had logged on to Indeed one night to look for jobs in other industries - it was such an exhausting time in

my life working at the other two bars - when an email came through from the bar manager at Butcher. I started the next day and stayed there for several years!

And now you're at the brand-new No Names Pub in Lawrenceville – what's the vibe like there?

It's a really chill atmosphere; the staff are a bunch of friends and we get to interact with and serve our neighbors in Lawrenceville. I live in the neighborhood, and I also work at a coffee shop down the street, so I know a lot of the Lawrenceville community. They say Pittsburgh is the biggest small town in the world and that's what it feels like here - everyone having a good time at a local spot.

How would you describe the bar program there?

It's a pub, so it's naturally meant to be a beer and shots kind of place. But we also have an excellent cocktail menu. They're all riffs on classics – they're simpler but they are top-notch quality. I wanted to touch on something familiar but add a spin on it, a new twist that you won't get anywhere else.

Do you have a personal favorite drink?

I actually stopped drinking about a year ago; I still taste things for flavor of course, but I haven't had a full drink since then. Tiki drinks, though, were always kind of my jam – like a classic daiquiri. The beauty and simplicity of it; in its classic rendition it is perfectly balanced but it also has enough adaptability that you can riff on it endlessly and make it your own. And with Pittsburgh winters, it's like a nice little sip of sunshine.

Interview

MONTH

Besides the awesome bar program at No Names, is there anything else you're working on?

I actually play keyboard and do harmony vocals in a Southern gothic band called Bonnie and the Mere Mortals. If you smash The Cure and Tears for Fears together with Dolly Parton, that's our sound.

The mention of Dolly certainly has my attention - and Southern gothic is a genre I personally adore. How can I listen to Bonnie and the Mere Mortals?

We're on all the streaming platforms, and we're also recording our first live album at Club Cafe on January 28 at 8pm. We really wanted to pay homage to the classic listening room expereince, so tickets are limited. It's a great opportunity to not only support Pittsburgh’s best listening room, but to also play a part in this new album, and even be on the cover!

Finally, what's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh? Definitely the networking. Pittsburgh takes the six degrees of seperation and cuts it down to three; it's so easy to meet and talk to people here. I've had so many synchronicities happen and crazy meetups. I don't think that happens in many other places. Pittsburgh is unparalleled in that way and you never know who you're going to meet next. I always say, don't burn a bridge in the City of Bridges.

Visit Ryan at No Names Pub at 4717 Butler Street, Pittsburgh 15201 nonamespub.com

For more information on Bonnie and the Mere Mortals, head to bonnieandthemeremortals.com

At No Names Pub, bartender Ryan Miller is creating refreshingly new takes on classic cocktail favorites.

health+WELLNESS

Firmly among the most popular New Year's resolutions, getting fit and focusing on health are inevitably on many minds this month. Whether you're looking to make a few small adjustments on the path to wellness, or in need of a complete lifestyle change, Pittsburgh has plenty to offer to help you on your journey.

Rebel WITH ACause

by Ashley Elle | Images by Janine Essey

Dr. Natalie Gentile is not only a physician, but a pillar in the community dedicated to breaking down the barriers between patients and doctors. Her direct primary care practice is one of the many ways she's rebelling against the traditional health and wellness industries.

There’s never been any doubt that Dr. Natalie Gentile would work in the medical field in some capacity. As a young girl, she would often accompany her father as he made his rounds as a physician. It was this experience in which she was able to witness the importance of the doctor-patient relationship first hand. Throughout high school and college, she explored the different types of medical specialties through volunteering and shadowing – which further confirmed that there was nothing else she’d rather do with her career. She followed that passion to Saint Vincent College and then to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, earning her M.D. in 2014.

mentor sparked a passion and led Dr. Gentile on a journey that culminated in co-founding Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh and later founding Rebel Wellness, her medical practice and wellness studio located here in Pittsburgh.

After graduating residency from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Gentile was on staff there for two years while her husband finished his surgical residency. She says of her time there, “I was doing general primary care in the outpatient setting as well as inpatient medicine and teaching residents. It was a wonderful experience, but it in 2019, when my husband was done with training, it was time to move back home to Pittsburgh. I was offered jobs at the big box medical centers in the city, and something just didn't feel right. My mentor and program director at Mayo pulled me aside one day and said, ‘I don’t think you’ll be happy doing general primary care at those places. You spend time with patients, they have your cell phone number. You need a setting to really practice Lifestyle Medicine and you won’t get that seeing patients every 10 minutes. Have you heard of direct primary care?’”

Direct primary care is quickly gaining popularity in the United States. According to the study “Trends in Direct Primary Care” from Hint Health, DPC memberships are seeing an average annual growth of 36%, reaching a total growth rate of 241% from 20172021. However, it is still a model many are unfamiliar with. What sets direct care apart from a traditional medical practice is that DPC removes insurance from the equation completely. Patients pay a low monthly membership fee (in most cases less than $100 per month) and benefit from extended time and comprehensive evaluations with their doctor; direct access to their physician and often sameday or next-day appointments; no copays; greatly discounted medications, lab work, and radiology; continuity of care; and intensive lifestyle coaching. It is quite literally a direct relationship between patients and physicians.

At that time, she hadn't heard of it. Never through medical school, residency, or attending life had she been introduced to any other model of delivering medicine than the traditional, insurance-based approach. Dr. Gentile attended a direct primary care (DPC) conference not long thereafter and she was immediately sold. “I had met my people,” she says fondly. That simple question from her

No third party is dictating how often and for how long the physician can see the patient. Since it does not involve insurance, DPC doctors don’t turn a patient away at the door depending on what type of insurance they have. Sometimes confused with concierge medicine, DPC is different in that with concierge services, the (usually much higher) fees only get you in the door. DPC monthly fees include visits as well as the care provided. As the website for Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh proclaims, direct care is “healthcare without the hassle.”

"Direct Primary Care is Healthcare Without the Hassle"

Dr. Natalie Gentile offers more than just medical exams. From cooking demonstrations to fitness classes, her practice focuses on total wellness.

“What I always like to point out to people is that health insurance does not equal health assurance,” remarks Dr. Gentile. “It’s a prevalent thought in our society that as long as you have an insurance card, you’ll be okay. But oftentimes insurance dictates whether you can receive care at all – when the insurance company doesn’t know you, your history, or anything else about your specific situation. That is something that only a close relationship with a physician can achieve.”

That’s not to say patients should forego health insurance completely; it can and should be used for what it is intended: catastrophic health events, hospitalizations, surgeries, and the like. Dr. Gentile explains it as such: “If you think about car insurance, you use it for accidents or if your car needs extensive repairs. But you wouldn’t use it for an oil change or to buy gas. That’s exactly what’s happening when you use health insurance for things like preventative care, small procedures, and routine exams.”

DPC is not only beneficial for the patient; physicians also see advantages in this model. “It’s so appealing to me because it allows true autonomy for the physician. And through the long visits with patients and the continuity over time, it gives patients true agency in their health. Autonomy and agency are lost in the traditional healthcare system. If you are

practicing Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine in their truest sense, DPC is currently the only way to do that in this country.”

Family Medicine physicians are trained to do a large number of things including acute care, chronic disease management, preventive medicine, sexual health, mental health, dermatology, home visits, inpatient care, many different in-office procedures, and more. For a family doctor to really stay adept, as well as know their limits, ideally they need time and continuity with patients.

“When you are churning patients through in an insurance-based primary care clinic, the time is very limited. This means you aren’t regularly practicing those skill sets consistently. Also lost is the continuity, as most clinics these days are set up in a ‘teambased’ model where patients see whoever they can get an appointment with. Access is very limited and wait times can be 3-6 months. Lastly, the focus in these big box healthcare systems is making money. That pressure trickles down to the clinic to do the things that will bring in money, which in primary care include seeing as many patients as possible per day, billing for sick care as opposed to preventive care, and ordering more testing for the patient to have done within that same healthcare system” states Dr. Gentile.

On the contrary, in DPC, there is no “churn.” With visits lasting up to an hour if needed, a lot can be addressed.

The direct care model feels at once cutting edge and old school. While appearing to be the way of the future in order for patients to receive truly individualized care, it also has the nostalgic appeal of the family physician of decades past who made house calls and had a trusting relationship with every member of the family. This level of professional intimacy is certainly shaking things up in the healthcare industry during a time when widespread mistrust of the medical field is at an all-time high.

Disrupting the status quo in order to re-establish that trust and help patients achieve their healthcare goals is at the core of everything Dr. Gentile does. To say that her office is simply a medical practice would be a vast understatement. In addition to housing her medical office, the expansive space is home to Rebel Wellness, which includes a state-of-the-art learning kitchen where Dr. Gentile teaches how to prepare plant-based meals, and a large open studio where she leads group and 1-on1 fitness and mindfulness classes.

that I am a rebel in a lot of ways, but rebel is also a verb, an action word. To rebel against something takes work.”

And work she does. Inside and outside the office, Dr. Gentile is an active member of the community. She is a Walk at Home program instructor, a board member of Plant Based PGH, and has led the Highland Park chapter of “Walk with a Doc” since 2020. “My goal has always been to make health education more easily accessible to the community. It can feel intimidating to ask questions in the exam room; there’s the ‘white coat’ effect that some people experience when talking to a doctor. That’s why programs like Walk with a Doc are so valuable. Just getting out of the office and walking and talking with people can change the conversation completely and open them up to asking more questions and learning about things we otherwise wouldn’t have a chat about.”

“In my medical practice, I found myself showing patients how to do certain exercise moves and giving them personalized dietary advice – so including space to do that on a bigger scale was important when thinking about expanding my practice. So many times, folks have the experience of going to the doctor and being told they need to ‘eat healthier and exercise more’ without really getting any advice on how to incorporate that into their daily lives. I wanted to rebel against that experience and provide the community with a valuable service.”

Opening up conversations around health and wellness also occurs on Dr. Gentile’s social media channels, where she often shares advice, recipes, fitness tips, and personal anecdotes about her life as a physician, business owner, wife, and mother. There is a level of vulnerability displayed that is not always seen from medical professionals. “I think being vulnerable and authentic with the world is important because it shows the human side of healthcare. So many times, patients view their doctors as not having the same struggles or issues in their lives. I am here to say, ‘this is really hard sometimes!’ As a doctor I’m not here to judge but rather to encourage and educate.”

Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh has several locations around the city. You can find more information about the practice at directcarepgh.com

“Rebel” is a word that came up time and again when speaking with Dr. Gentile and seems to be almost a mantra in her practice and her life. “I would definitely say

Dr. Natalie Gentile's office, as well as the Rebel Wellness facility, is located at 201 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206 and can be found online at rebelsinwellness.com

Follow Dr. Gentile on Instagram @nataliegentilemd

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Opening Our Minds to the Benefits of Cannabis

The first in a series of articles giving readers knowledge and understanding about the benefits of plant medicine and highlighting cannabis business professionals in our local space.

by Gina Vensel

Marijuana. Weed. Dope.

You’ve heard many street names for cannabis, and possibly still hold onto stigmas related to refer madness. Yet this plant has many medicinal qualities and has been used as a plant medicine by many cultures across the globe for centuries.

Drugs like cannabis, listed as Schedule I by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (FDA), are said to have a high potential for abuse and no medicinal qualities. This puts cannabis next to drugs like cocaine, heroin, and crack.

However, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has legalized cannabis for patients suffering from dozens of prescribed medical conditions and the plant was deemed essential during the global pandemic.

As of 2022, a total of 41 states, as well the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have medical cannabis programs and 23 of those have decriminalized cannabis or have full adult-use programs.

Despite the fact that states have been able to create their own cannabis departments to run their programs, due to its federal classification, the government will not allow legal cannabis companies to safely bank in America.

The Controlled Substances Act passed by United States Congress and signed into law in 1970 is still in effect today. Substance classification is determined only by the FDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The hope in the industry is that the government will rewrite history by recognizing what we now know about the plant, and free the nonviolent cannabis prisoners still sitting in jail over the same plant that many are making legal profits on every day.

What makes CBD different?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active cannabinoid in cannabis that is derived from the hemp plant, but it does not cause a “high” and is not addictive. Think of it as more of a vitamin than a tool to get stoned.

CBD is a cannabinoid, a structural class of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Ingesting any cannabis product (CBD or THC) orally means it will be digested differently than smoking, due to what is called the endocannabinoid system. This is a widespread neuromodulator system that plays important role in the central nervous system.

In December 2018, the Farm Bill was signed into law by President Trump. This bill removed hemp and its derivatives from the definition of “marijuana” in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The bill preserved the FDA’s authority over hemp products – meaning they must meet any applicable FDA requirements and standards, just like any other FDA-regulated product.

So why is cannabis still listed as a Schedule I drug in the US?

Before You Buy

After the Farm Bill took effect, we now see CBD shops opened in neighborhoods across the nation. We’ve seen a cannabis explosion –it seems cannabis is everywhere! CBD is sold everywhere from glass shops and gas stations to high-end local boutiques.

Before you buy, it’s important to understand that CBD not sold at licensed medical cannabis dispensaries may not have been tested and the labels may not be giving you the full understanding of what is in the product. Just as you would research the best vitamins and supplements to take, investigate your CBD products as well to see if the hemp-derived CBD has been third-party lab tested to ensure that you are buying products that are safe.

We have several CBD shops and growers locally in Pittsburgh that you can trust. PENN’S CHOICE, for example, is a family-owned and operated hemp farm in Butler, PA, and their products are top-notch and sold online as well as in shops around the region.

Shops like Moodporium in Sewickley, Total Peace and Wellness, and Hippie & French in Lawrenceville have excellent products and supportive staff that will work with you to find the most suitable products for your needs. Before running to the gas station to buy your medicine, visit a local shop and get to know the experts right here in your community that can assist you on your wellness journey.

How do I get my MMJ card?

If you are looking for high-grade CBD and state-approved THC cannabis, then you must first be diagnosed by an authorized medical professional in PA as having an "approved serious medical condition." The complete list of these conditions can be found at www.health.pa.gov

If you have an approved condition, then in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you are eligible to become a medical cannabis patient. First, you register for the PA program through the Medical Marijuana Registry, get your certification from a certified physician, pay for your MMJ card, and then visit an approved dispensary in Pennsylvania.

Since the pandemic, you can now do a telemedicine appointment

with an authorized physician, right from the comfort and convenience of your home without having to be seen in an office. Companies like Releaf Specialists, Compassionate Certification Centers, and Medical Marijuana Specialists will take medical records and charge between $125 - 200 for a new patient certification. Patients also need to renew their certification with the state each year.

Upon your first visit to a dispensary, PA requires you to visit with a pharmacist to discuss your needs as an MMJ patient. The pharmacist is such an asset to discuss what current medications you're on and what sort of results you're hoping for with medical cannabis.

Knowledge Is Power.

It’s time to recognize that our health and wellness need to take priority in our lives, and if traditional pharmaceuticals either cause unbearable side effects or are just not working, there is an approved and legal way to heal with cannabis in Pennsylvania.

If you're new to cannabis, please remember to start low and go slow. You can always take more – but you can’t take less. The side effects of overconsumption make some patients feel anxious or sleepy, so like any new medication, try it out only when you have time to test your personal reaction.

Cannabis is not for everyone, but it can be a safe alternative medicine for many. Talk to your doctor about its potential and seek local resources like Sunnyside’s Medical Marijuana Education Center in the Strip District. It begins with opening our minds to the idea that plant medicine is a viable source for healing, and education is the most important tool to ending the stigma.

Gina Vensel is a founding partner at Plant Media Project, a womenowned media company specializing in cannabis and psychedelic advocacy, education, and marketing. She is the co-host of "The Vine: A Plant Media Project Podcast," exploring the changing landscape of cannabis and psychedelics. In addition to PMP, she is the owner of Easy Street Promotions, a Pittsburgh-based marketing and events company that has been producing events in the region for over twenty years. Follow her on twitter at @eventsgeek and learn more by visiting linktr.ee/ginavensel.