The Pittsburgh Dish

Sink your teeth into the delectable journey of Alex Goodstein, the culinary connoisseur behind Alex Eats Too Much. From casual beginnings to a thriving social media presence, Alex recounts the pivotal nudge from friends that propelled his foray into the flavorful realm of Instagram and web-based food exploration. We savor the stories of personal connections and industry growth that are as satisfying as the dishes they inspire. 

Alex, with a following nearing 16,000, serves up a menu of memories and milestones, from Chinatown Inn's nostalgic Americanized Chinese cuisine to the dynamic ebb and flow of new spots launching the city's dining scene. It's a conversation peppered with tales of family dining, kosher butchery, and the unexpected ways an adventurous palate can lead to a life steeped in diverse flavors and experiences.

As we toast to Pittsburgh's brewery scene, Alex pours over his love for stouts and the synergy of whiskey cocktails with a good meal, and his aspirations to promote nearby tourism through his influential platform. We stir into the mix a candid discussion on the delicate art of pacing social media content, as Alex emphasizes the balance between enticement and saturation in the digital space. Join us for a serving of insights, laughter, and the unfiltered passion of a food lover who's truly bitten off more than he can chew – and loving every minute of it.

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When Tara Jones joined culinary forces with her mom The Diabetic Pastry Chef, she didn't just expand a family business—she launched a new flavor revolution in Pittsburgh. On this week's episode of The Pittsburgh Dish, we're taking a culinary voyage that traces Tara's delicious Peri Peri Chicken back to her Portuguese roots. As the mastermind behind Tara Peri Chicken, she shares her  journey from culinary expert to a tastemaker of the local food scene, and how her family's past intertwines with every spicy, savory bite.

Imagine capturing the essence of your grandmother's kitchen, and adding a zesty twist—that's exactly what our local gourmet did with her Pastéis de Nata & crème brûlée custard tartlets. Throughout the show, Tara shares stories of exploration with culinary creativity, and the life-affirming power of returning to one's roots through food. Her personal tale is a comforting reminder of how recipes, like family memories, are passed down and cherished through generations.

Plus, we're dishing out local love with a shout-out to St Clair Social, a neighborhood gem that's got our taste buds humming. And one listener shares a recipe that has staying power, beyond a first marriage. Stay tuned as we connect the dots between identity, ancestry, and the universal language of food—with a few recipes to boot.

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From humble beginnings as a delivery driver, Nick Bogacz has risen to create a pizza empire that's the talk of the town. Join us as we sit down with the Caliente Pizza and Draft House founder and learn how he kneaded dedication, innovation, and a family-like team environment into a successful recipe for his business. We'll also uncover how international pizza competitions have served as a proving ground for Caliente's mouthwatering creations.

In this episode, we slice into Caliente's evolution of crafting pan pizzas to mastering an array of other styles without losing the essence of their original recipe. We'll share insights from pizza expos that ignite inspiration for innovation and discuss the pivotal role of creating long-term careers within the company. These elements have not only shaped Caliente's journey but also intertwined the dreams and goals of the entire team.

Nick shares his nostalgic trip through pizza memories that have defined family gatherings and marked the beginning of Caliente's journey, leading to their strategic growth into major sporting venues and mouth-watering plans to bring their jarred sauces and hot honey to supermarket shelves. 

Plus, we're dishing out an ‘under the radar’ restaurant recommendation with foodie connoisseur Ashley Cesaratto and a comforting white chicken chili recipe from our listener Sherri, that's sure to add some warmth to your kitchen. Get ready to be served a slice of life and entrepreneurial wisdom and more on this weeks show

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When the irresistible allure of Pittsburgh's cuisine beckons, who better to guide us than the vibrant Instagram star Ana Anthony of Ana.Eats.Pgh. This week, she sits down with us to share the inside scoop on the city's food scene, her journey to 100K+ followers, and the power of her platform in celebrating the unsung heroes behind local eateries. From the cozy charm of Dagny's Eatery to the enchanting Pusadee's Garden, Ana's stories are a love letter to the flavors that define her hometown. With a behind-the-scenes look at her content creation process, she unveils the dedication required to keep Pittsburgh's dining gems in the spotlight.

Ana recounts heartfelt stories of food & family, the influence of her parents and chef brother, and how these experiences have carved her fervent support for local businesses. The episode also captures the thrilling leap into local media, where Ana's appearances on television amplify her mission to champion Pittsburgh's culinary talents. Through it all, the enduring spirit of her late father stands as a beacon of inspiration, driving her forward in this delicious pursuit.

 With future dreams of meeting culinary giants, grabbing pizza in New York City,  and a longing to take her tastebuds on a European escapade, her ambitions are likely to lead her to Ana.Eats.World status. She invites her followers on Instagram @ana.eats.pgh to join her on this adventure, where every bite is a story and every meal a new chapter. And just before the final goodbye, Ana promises more savory tales and tips for fellow food enthusiasts eager for their next bite.

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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Dish, Pittsburgh's newest regional food show. Join us each week for profile interviews, recommendations, and recipes. We aim to inspire our listeners to connect with their local food scene and learn more about the unique flavors that shape our city. Thanks for checking out The Pittsburgh Dish!

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