Tag: <span>eats</span>

Published April 27, 2009 by

Foodie Heaven: Pittsburgh’s Strip District

PittsburghWhenever I return to a place I once lived–Hollywood, Amish country, or Andalusia–I know exactly where I’m going to eat. Visiting an old haunt and ordering a favorite dish–nothing fuels nostalgia more.

PittsburghLast weekend Mike asked me to join him in Pittsburgh for his college reunion but from the sound of it our meal at Primanti Brothers Restaurant was just as important as visiting the campus. Located in the Strip District, it’s a true Iron City establishment. What brought it to such fame? Massive sandwiches with vinegar coleslaw and French fries slapped between white bread. After eating there, I too love Pittsburgh that much more–but it wasn’t the heart-attack-of-a-sandwich that won me over, it was the world of food at the Strip District that already has me nostalgic.

It’s a mecca of markets, produce stands, butcher shops, bakeries, cafes, and ethnic groceries spanning the globe. Its no-frills charm and all-flavor offerings would bring me back daily if I lived remotely near here.

Pittsburgh
The Strip District has been Pittsburgh's meat and produce district since the mid-1800s and though a few trendy restaurants and clubs have moved in, the markets are still open and as raw as ever.

Pittsburgh
A few of the smaller produce markets are open to the public on Sundays. Here, I love that the sidewalk constitutes the majority of this store's real estate.

Pittsburgh
The Pennsylvania Macaroni Company is a deceptive name considering they sell nearly every gourmet food imaginable. It may have been my favorite spot on the Strip.
Pittsburgh
Their cheese, olive, and meat selection was beyond abundant and more than mouthwatering.
Pittsburgh
Regulars line up here to refill their own olive oil.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh
Down the street, Wholey's Fish Market makes western Pennsylvania feel like a waterfront village. They are incredibly proud of their fresh selection and display the daily catch accordingly. Vegetarians not advised.

Pittsburgh
Enrico Biscotti is one of the trendier spots on the block but their cute facade doesn't detract from their foodie cult status.
Pittsburgh
These pies looked ridiculously good. Next time I'm skipping Primanti's and going straight for dessert.

Places

eats Pennsylvania

Published October 7, 2008 by

Antiquing Getaway

RhinebeckStreet.jpgAfter spending the last few weeks doing decorating and renovating grunt work, it was time to get to the fun part: antiquing. I have always heard Rhinebeck, NY, was filled with incredible antique stores, flea markets–even the yard sales were supposed to be phenomenal. The tiny historic town is located about two hours north of New York City in Dutchess County and, not only were the antique reviews true, but the town itself was adorable!

/Rhinebeck_Terrapin2.jpgWe spent the day walking up and down the main drag of Montgomery and Market Streets, stopping by Beekman Arms, the oldest inn in America, eating at Terrapin, a restaurant in a converted chapel (above), picking through yard sales on side streets, browsing home design stores (Hammertown Barn and Paper Trail were particularly cute) and, of course, milling around antique shops. Behind the Beekman Arms Inn is their Antique Market and Gallery–a definite must. It is filled with about 25 dealers stalls and the pieces range from neoclassical to Americana. Asher House across the street had a great collection of refined Americana as well but the more we walked around the town (which is about 3 blocks big), we realized that the real origin of the Rhinebeck antique fame stems from the dealers off their highways.

Rhinebeck_antique_french_ch.jpgI almost bought these sweet early 19th century French side chairs at the Beekman Antiques Market but since they were wobbly and a bit expensive, I passed (though I am having serious regrets).

Rhinebeck_OldCountryStore.jpgWe drove down Route 9 towards Red Hook and hit Cider Mill Antiques, Red Hook Antiques Center and the Portly Pug, but the gem of all gems that we found was the Old Country Store on the way to Red Hook. Store is a bit of a glamourization, since the majority of the display is on the owner’s lawn, but a gem none the less. After living in a practically unfurnished home for the last two months, we shopped like there was no tomorrow. We bought a desk, two mirrors, a chest of drawers, andirons, and antique windows. (Those purchases and the furniture projects that will ensue from them are for whole other blog. Stay tuned!).

Rhinebeck_CountryStoreSideV.jpgThe only disappointment of the weekend was that we were one weekend too early October 11-12 is the true Rhinebeck Antiques Fair! I suggest a Rhinebeck shopping venture any time of the year but if there was any particular weekend, it would be this Saturday and Sunday. I wish I could be there, so if you can, shop and think of me.

Places

antiques eats shops