The Pittsburgh Dish

(1:06) When a wedding gift evolves into a lifelong passion, it's a story worth uncorking. Join us as we raise a glass with Catherine Montest, who takes us on a spirited journey from receiving her first bottle of fine wine to diving deep into wine clubs and vintner adventures. Her insights remind us that, like a fine wine, relationships and palates mature beautifully over time. Our conversation isn't just about the bouquet of a good Bordeaux; it’s a toast to the connections we cherish and the moments we share.

(7:48) On a different note, we're squeezing in some melodious charm with Kevin Solecki, Pittsburgh's own accordion virtuoso, who brings his tunes and tales to our ears. Kevin's fingers dance over the keys, telling a story of tradition and triumph, from his performances at Wholey's Fish Market to his thriving Carnegie Accordion Company. 

(13:44) And if your taste buds are tingling for more local flavor, Abby O'Connell is your guide to the culinary landscape of Spirits and Tales, from divine brunches to dinners that dazzle against Pittsburgh's Oakland skyline. Plus a party sandwich recipe that will have locals drooling. Don't just listen—become part of the narrative by sharing your own recipes and revel in the rich flavors of our region.

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(01:05) Picture yourself tucking into the heart and soul of Pittsburgh's culinary scene with Raquel Holiday of Fork Ya PGH, whose Instagram fame is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her influence on food lovers everywhere. As we chat, Raquel unfolds the map of her journey from a dance show aficionado to a food blogger extraordinaire, showing us the potent blend of passion and plates that has created a vibrant community and real-life connections. We muse over our inaugural foodie meet-up, wax poetic about the local eateries that deserve our love, and celebrate the friendships whipped up from a shared zeal for zest and flavor.

(05:07) Gathering around the table of discussion, we turn our focus to the Yelp Elite Squad, a haven for discerning diners to share their reviews without the pressure of influencer fame.. Our conversation is peppered with insights on how these online communities, including food bloggers and fan groups, serve as a catalyst for polishing social skills, creating invaluable connections, and of course, savoring the collective joy of culinary discovery.

(18:31) We dish on social media as a marketing platform amid dissenting views. Raquel shares her perspective, decisions, and personal benefits, along with the tactics to make it a success for small businesses having a go at content creator collaborations. 

(30:55) Later in the show, we reflecting back on a prior guest's quest for the best fried chicken, and challenge our wine expert for a pairing, revealing a bubbly recommendation. Finally, our listener recipe of the week provides a seasonal delight via natures gifts with a unique violet jelly. We invite you to pull up a chair to this feast of conversation that promises to leave your appetite for foodie tales thoroughly satisfied.

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(00:59) In this fiery episode of The Pittsburgh Dish, we sit down with the Spice King himself, Arthur Pitt, and learn about his unexpected journey from music, to cannabis private equity, to the hot sauce hustle. Artie dishes out the spicy beginnings of Artie's Hot Sauce, which started as a simple kitchen 'brain exercise' and has now blossomed into a full-blown passion project. 

(20:27) Every entrepreneur has a story, and Artie's is a melody of twists and turns, from music mogul to hot sauce artisan. We reminisce about the lessons learned and connections made throughout his dynamic career path, that ultimately led to his current symphony of spice.

(34:46) As the summer sun beckons, we check in with the co-founder of Pittsburgh Foodies, Ashley Cesaratto, who gives her top recommendation for a daytime dining experience.  It's a unique tuna melt that steals the show for her. 

(36:55) And for those listeners looking to get their grill on, Eric P's grilled naan recipe will surely impress at your next backyard bash. Pull up a chair and enjoy!

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(01:10) Embarking on a career change is no small feat, but for Beth Kurtz Taylor, the pivot from child development to the realm of pastries and sourdough is a journey marked by resilience and an unwavering passion for food. Join us as Beth, the spirited co-owner of Pittsburgh's newest delight, Third Space Bakery, cooks up tales of her transformative path through a passion for food and the people behind it. 

(10:52) Beth shares her lens of cherished local establishments like Pitaland, Enrico Biscotti, and Stamoolis, uncovering the connections that flavor our local food scene and preserve the legacies that have served our palates for generations. We also share how a unique cookbook club out of Chatham University, knitted together a community of shared culinary adventures.

(34:46) We also explore the ultimate steak location for a special night on the town, and share a retro dish studded with family history in our recipe of the week. Pull a chair up, and get ready to dig in!

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(00:58) Shayla Penn of Burgh Eats and Treats! graces our podcast with tales that extend beyond the plate, spotlighting the undeniable truth that food is the golden thread in the fabric of our communities. 

(14:28) This episode isn't just a tasting menu; it's a celebration of places and faces that define our culinary landscape. You'll hear about the 'Burgh Eats and Treats!' Facebook Group's dramatic influence on local eateries like Gabriella's, where the perfect fish shout-out can make all the difference. And as palates expand, so do our connections, with Shayla's story underscoring how a shared meal can turn strangers into family. 

(31:30) As we plate up the final course, we'll talk about the art of pairing the perfect wine with succulent dishes, specifically lamb chops. Catherine brings her expertise to the table, discussing the harmony found in a bottle of Bordeaux blend. 

(37:42) To sweeten the send-off, Jeff's peach bread recipe promises to turn your kitchen into the most beloved bakery on the block. So, ready your forks and tune in for an episode that's as rich and satisfying as the perfect bite.

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Paul Abbott from Giant Eagle Market District joins our table, and he's not coming empty-handed. He's here to unpack the journey of local food producers, from crafting their unique flavors right through to the moment their products hit the shelves. From the delight of tasting Pittsburgh's own Leona's Ice Cream Sandwiches or savoring La Familia's pasta sauce, knowing you're supporting the heartbeat of our food community. Our conversation with Paul reveals the dedication behind Market District's role in partnering with these culinary gems and how the relationships enrich our local food culture.

Get ready to pull back the curtain on what it takes for a product to go from concept to consumer. Through stories like a local salsa brand's rise to fame, we highlight the intertwined paths of personal dedication and community support that mark the success of Pittsburgh's food artisans. Learn how feedback and relationships are crucial in navigating the retail landscape, and discover the surprising ways that store leaders and team members scout for potential products that might just be the next big thing on your dinner table.

Finally, because we believe the soul of Pittsburgh is best experienced through many voices, food enthusiast Raquel Holiday and listener Eric P share notable food favorites – from comforting White Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs to the delectable mix of Mexican cuisine and frozen custard. Pull up a chair and prepare to indulge in the stories and tastes that define our vibrant culinary scene.

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When Chef Janet Loughran wheels her way into our hearts, she's not just pulling along a red wagon filled with culinary delights; she's carting a lifetime of poignant stories and robust flavors. Her journey from distributing home-cooked comforts during the throes of a pandemic to becoming the private chef every Pittsburgher would want—it's a testament to genuine passion and a hearty wedding soup. 

Transitioning from a clerical assistant to a culinary artist is no easy feat, but with a pinch of courage and a cup of determination, Janet found her true calling amidst the sizzle and chop of the kitchen. The journey has been as flavorful as it has challenging, from navigating the dynamics of team collaboration in a high-pressure culinary environment to becoming the food and beverage director at a local golf course, and now serving as your friendly kitchen fact finder on her Instagram, @Chef.Life.Hacks!

Later in the show... Looking for some soul in your food. We spotlight the soulful A&E Eatz where every dish promises a story as rich and satisfying as the flavors on your plate. Plus we share a halushki recipe, where the noodles never mush out , and plenty of butter is the key. All this week!

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When Desarae Legros steps into the kitchen, it's not just about the sizzle of the pan but the laughter that fills the room. She joins us this episode, spicing up our conversation with her journey to cookbook author and TikTok culinary sensation, blending cooking prowess with a hefty dose of humor. We unwrap the pages of her life, with candid tales of resilience and tradition, seasoned with the realities of dealing with disability, loss, and the pressures of social media. 

The heat turns up as we navigate Desarae's love of molecular gastronomy, culinary competitions, as well as the heartwarming narrative behind a family burger recipe that's much more than a sum of its ingredients.

Closing the lid on our gastronomic journey, we reflect on authenticity and connection beyond the screen. Desiree's commitment to uplifting small businesses and championing community initiatives, like Lasagna Love's mission to feed the hungry, fuels a conversation on the power of food to unite and heal. Her plans for a new barbecue-themed cookbook promise not just to fire up the grill but also to kindle a spirit of giving. 

Later, we serve up a recommendation for tacos at one of Pittsburgh's neighborhood gems, and revisit the classic Strawberry Jell-O® Pretzel Salad recipe, ensuring that our listeners leave with their appetites—both for food and life—fully whetted.

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Imagine biting into the perfect slice of pizza, but instead of just savoring the flavors, you spark a social media idea that unites food lovers citywide. That's exactly what happened to Ashley Cesaratto, co-founder of the Pittsburgh Foodies Facebook group, who joins us for a mouthwatering discussion about the city's culinary landscape. As we trace Ashley's path from music to influential foodie, we uncover the secrets behind managing an online community and the power of personal connections in recommending the best eateries and cooking advice. 

Ashley shares her experience stepping into the media spotlight, from a serendipitous Instagram comment to tasting the local limelight on "Talk Pittsburgh," we explore the prep and passion that goes into a few minutes of screen time. Ashley's tales from her guest spots on podcasts, like "Lunchtime in Rome," serve up a delicious blend of personal narrative and culinary delight. Finally, we get personal with holiday food memories and reinventions of the traditional feast. We chat about Ashley's family recipes and how a simple dish can become a treasure trove of nostalgia. 

Love a good wine suggestion? We also discuss which Italian vintages are the perfect companions to beloved pasta dishes, and then share a completely new take on lasagna for our recipe of the week.  Whether you're a cooking enthusiast looking to perfect your meatball game or a baking aficionado curious about pavlova, this episode has the ingredients for a delightful culinary adventure. So, buckle up your apron and join us for a taste of Pittsburgh and beyond, right here at the table of shared stories and savory delights.

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Embark on a culinary adventure with a master of macarons, Hannah Olsen of Aycho Melange, as we unravel these delicate French cookies that are taking Pittsburgh by storm. Hannah clarifies the 'macaron vs. macaroon' conundrum and shares the story behind her bakery's unique name. Her passion for these sophisticated yet approachable treats is contagious, and you'll find yourself craving more than just a bite of her signature sandwich cookies that are a far cry from the typical store-bought varieties.

With a mix of humor and wisdom, Hannah walks us through her entrepreneurial journey, from a monthly skill-building challenge to the creation of a flourishing pastry business. It's a tale of innovation, personal growth, and the joy of embracing new crafts that will inspire you to consider where your own curiosities might lead. 

And for those dreaming of their own food venture, don't miss the insights on transitioning from a home kitchen to a professional one, and the exciting development of Batches Bakehouse – a potential game-changer for small-scale food creators. Celebrate the power of community support that bolsters local businesses like Aycho Melange. 

As we wrap up, join us on a delicious detour through other foodie finds in Mt Oliver with Brown Bear Bread Company and a cherished family recipe of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that add a sprinkle of local flavor and a dollop of culinary heritage to our city's diverse culinary delights.

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