The Pittsburgh Dish

(00:42) Meet Ben D'Amico, the executive development chef for Giant Eagle's Market District stores, who takes us on a culinary journey through the world of large-format grocery chains. From humble beginnings as an intern to crafting prepared foods for 24 locations, Ben shares the exciting and challenging aspects of his role, including creative collaborations like 'Flights and Bites' with Ana Eats Pittsburgh or exclusive menus for collegiate soccer teams.  

(08:11) Ben takes us behind the scenes, revealing the complexities of maintaining consistency and quality across multiple locations. His insights into evolving consumer tastes showcase how Market District stays ahead of the game, offering customers options that range from budget-friendly to premium quality.

(23:16) Beyond the corporate kitchen, Ben shares his work with 'Best Buddies' partner Tori, on a unique pasta dish that reflects the flavors of Italy and Greece, set to be a highlight at the upcoming Taste Buds event. Ben also opens up about his Italian and Slovak roots, emphasizing the importance of family traditions like the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and we also get a quick mention of his wife's children's book, "Harvey's Hamburgers." 

(33:25) Plus Chantal and Alex Huff reveal their recent visit to Reva Modern Indian Cuisine, and Chris Fennimore of QED Cooks shares an updated approach to a beloved seafood dish. Have a seat at the table and enjoy!

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Ever wondered how to deep fry your turkey without the fiery drama? Janet Loughran of Chef Life Hacks shares her essential advice on mastering oil displacement, ensuring that your turkey gets the crispy finish you crave without an overflowing disaster. 

We also explore a novel approach to Thanksgiving turkey with Steven Bright. His fascinating technique of preparing a boneless turkey reveals how deboning simplifies brining and allows for more of his mother’s cornbread stuffing to get inside of the bird. Plus a quick lesson on salt. 

Get ready to be inspired by these expert insights that aim to elevate your holiday.

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(00:39) Unlock the secrets to crafting a memorable holiday feast with insights from our pros, Chefs Janet Loughran and Alekka Sweeney. With a wealth of experience in meal delivery, teaching, and kitchen spaces, these culinary experts offer invaluable tips and techniques for navigating the joys and challenges of holiday cooking. 

(08:34) Eager to make your Thanksgiving turkey the talk of the table? We explore innovative techniques like spatchcocking for even cooking and using bacon for effortless basting. You'll also hear about the debate of different brining methods. 

(20:42) Discover how to bring unexpected flavors to your table with alternatives to cranberry sauce or surprise guests with individual-sized pies and poached pears for dessert. We also share creative ideas for using leftovers, including a savory twist on monkey bread and breakfast bake recipes. 

(34:05) Plus, Catherine Montest guides our wine selections for the holiday meals ahead. With imaginative and resourceful ideas, your gatherings are sure to be memorable, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a full heart...and belly!

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(01:01) Pastry Chef Selina Progar takes us on a mesmerizing culinary journey, sharing her artistry and passion that illuminate Pittsburgh's dessert scene. From her innovative multi-component apple dessert at Eleven Contemporary Kitchen to crafting bonbons for Umi and seasonal delights for Kaya, Selina's creations redefine what it means to experience dessert. Join us as she reveals her secrets to balancing the complexity of restaurant masterpieces with the simplicity of homemade comforts.

(11:42) Selina's career trajectory is equally compelling, as she recounts her rise from the Culinary Institute of America to the demanding kitchens of top-tier restaurants. Her story is one of creativity, consistency, and resilience, shaped by experiences at esteemed establishments like Altius and fueled by childhood baking memories with her father. Discover how Selina navigated high-pressure environments, honed her craft, and returned to Pittsburgh, transforming the local culinary landscape through her work with the Big Burrito Group. We end with a heartwarming glimpse into Selina's personal life, exploring a love story that blossomed at Altius, and upcoming dessert plans for her own wedding!

(32:59) Keeping in the world of sweets, Chantal and Alex Huff take us on a visit to Amy's Bakery for coconut buns and other Asian delights. And then, enjoy a heartfelt cookie recipe story from John Chamberlain of the YaJagoff podcast, highlighting the deep connections we forge through food and tradition. 

Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply love a good story, this episode promises a delightful mix of inspiration, love, and scrumptious desserts.

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Embark on a culinary journey with us as we welcome the talented Executive Chef Fernando Canales, who is shaking up the dining scene at Fairmont Pittsburgh. Discover how Chef Canales, with his rich background and experiences across exotic destinations, is redefining the hotel’s menu with an emphasis on his favorite dishes like octopus and rack of lamb. 

We take a closer look at the unique ingredients and local partnerships that make each dish at Fairmont Pittsburgh extraordinary. Imagine savoring a filet mignon perfectly paired with a rich mole sauce, featuring an unexpected twist—animal crackers. 

The episode rounds out with Chef Canales sharing his personal journey, from early culinary inspirations sparked by his mother to his decision to bring his family to Pittsburgh over a tempting Boston offer. Upcoming culinary events at the Fairmont, like festive brunches and cocktail classes, reflect his creative spirit and commitment to guest satisfaction, as he concludes his first year at the property.

Plus, Julie Engelbrecht of @girleatsburgh takes us for breakfast to Nancy's Revival, and Julian Figaretti of Healthy HeartBeets shares a family recipe of linguine with clams that won over his 'picky eater' palate as a child. Enjoy a culinary adventure from across our city!

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(01:02) Ever wondered how a simple root can revolutionize the beverage industry? Join us as Tyler Lewis, co-founder of Jackworth Ginger Beer, shares the story of Pennsylvania's first ginger beer brewery. You'll discover the unique blend of ingredients behind their flagship alcoholic ginger beer, featuring organic ginger from Peru and fermented cane and panela sugar. Tyler takes us through their journey from an experimental idea to a thriving business, which includes pioneering non-alcoholic options and a creative cocktail menu that features their signature ginger beer in exciting new drinks.

(06:57) Our conversation takes a flavorful twist as we highlight the vibrant community spirit of Larimer, Pittsburgh, home to Jackworth Ginger Beer. From street food pop-ups to innovative snow cones, Tyler shares how local chefs and friends have played a pivotal role in their success. We dive into the brewery's welcoming atmosphere, where patrons can savor both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer, while Tyler describes strategic partnerships with local businesses like Open Road and 11th Hour Brewing.

(31:03) Plus a delightful exploration of the local coffee and tea scene of Greensburg, where you can indulge in the friendly vibe at Cuties or immerse yourself in the cozy loft of Steep Mountain. We also get a taste of the culinary artistry from pastry chef Selina Progar, on crafting the perfect chocolate chunk cookie. Have a seat at the table and enjoy the show! 

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(00:50) What do you do when you have an abundance of zucchini? If you're Chris Fennimore, you create a beloved cooking show that’s been a Pittsburgh favorite for over 31 years! Join us as Chris shares how his garden's bounty led to a unique television journey, one that focuses not on celebrity chefs, but on real people and their cherished family recipes. These stories capture the heart of cooking as a way to preserve heritage and build community on screen, transforming simple home-cooked meals into a celebration of family history.

(15:08) Chris reflects on the challenges and joys of adapting marathon cooking sessions into engaging TV segments, with tales of themed episodes like "Grandma's Kitchen Wisdom," which continue to resonate with audiences for their timeless appeal. Alongside these cooking memories, Chris shares delightful encounters with culinary legends, highlighting the camaraderie and shared passion that define the world of cooking shows.

(28:37) Beyond the kitchen, Chris lets us into his life of harmonious pursuits—gardening, music, and family. Listen in as he recounts how a shared garden plot blossomed into love and inspired both personal happiness and professional creativity. Chris’s stories of performing with the Pittsburgh Banjo Club, nurturing a family, and savoring Italian food during family trips reveal his life’s passions.

As we wrap up, Chris envisions making his vast archive of community-focused television segments accessible for future generations, ensuring these stories of food and heritage continue to inspire. And of course he left us a great idea for mushroom risotto!

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(01:00) Rafael Vencio shares his journey of rekindling his cultural roots through pop-ups that spotlight Filipino cuisine, with a touch of modern flair.  From smoked pate-filled lumpia to reimagined pandesal, he is rewriting the narrative of traditional Filipino dishes with a creative twist, while on his ultimate journey to a spring restaurant opening on the Northside.

(15:41) Join us as Chef Vencio takes us through his personal story, reflecting on his life growing up with four brothers in the Philippines and his adventures in the Pittsburgh food scene. His nickname "Amboy" has become a badge of honor rather than a tease, marking his integration of Filipino and American cultures. We explore how his friendships in local culinary spaces flourished into pop-up events, introducing Filipino cuisine with a contemporary edge. This journey also led him to urban farming, where he cultivated unique crops that brought a slice of Filipino flavor to Pittsburgh’s community.

(34:00) Also, we savor the delights of Seoul Korean BBQ in Carnegie with Chantal and Alex Huff, and Erika Bruce from Third Space Bakery shares her secrets to crafting the perfect deep-dish apple pie, right down to the all-butter crust. 

Tune in for a flavorful episode where cultural cuisine, heartfelt stories, and culinary innovation come together deliciously.

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What happens when you transition from the fast-paced world of telecommunications to the flavorful realm of food media? Join us as Catherine Montest takes the reins to interview our usual host, Doug Heilman, about his unexpected yet rewarding journey. From igniting his culinary passion with a simple YouTube channel to landing a spot on PBS's "The Great American Recipe," Doug shares the journey of his media career. 

Hear about his serendipitous encounter at Camp Delicious with Chris Fennimore and how encouragement from his husband Greg turned a hesitant audition into a whirlwind adventure on national television. Discover the unique flavors and behind-the-scenes stories of filming on an organic farm, with regional specialties like the Pittsburgh Pocket and Strawberry Jell-O Pretzel Salad taking center stage. 

We also dive into local recommendations, including Megan McGinnis's new-found seafood spot, Muddy Waters, and Heather Abraham's nostalgic take on crock pot bread pudding. Tune in for a feast of stories and flavors that promise to inspire your culinary creativity!

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(00:55) What does it take to craft the perfect rustic pastry and build a thriving worker-owned cooperative bakery? Join us on this episode of The Pittsburgh Dish as we chat with Erika Bruce, the passionate co-owner of Third Space Bakery in Garfield, Pittsburgh. Erika shares the unique journey behind the bakery's inception, their commitment to seasonal and local ingredients, and the exciting, ever-rotating menu that keeps their loyal customers coming back for more. From mouth-watering quiches and galettes to hearty focaccia and sandwiches, there's something for everyone at Third Space Bakery.

We also explore the innovative cooperative model that sets Third Space Bakery apart. Erika explains the collaborative decision-making process that shapes the bakery. Plus, Erika sheds light on the vital role community support has played in their success and shares valuable lessons learned that could inspire aspiring cooperative businesses.

(11:59) Finally, Erika takes us through her personal culinary journey—from a picky eater to a devoted pastry chef. We discuss her transformative time in various bakeries and food media career with Boston-based giants. We end with a look forward to exciting plans for the business's future, which may include adding a wood-fired oven for community events. 

(31:59) Plus, a Regent Square recommendation from Julie Engelbrecht and a simplified tortilla soup recipe from listener Jon Hinojosa. Don't miss this episode, filled with heartwarming stories, delectable recipes, and a deep sense of community spirit!

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