The Pittsburgh Dish

(00:38) Heather Abraham, the dynamic co-host of Pittsburgh Today Live and Talk Pittsburgh on KDKA, joins us this episode, sharing her whirlwind life balancing a bustling family with her influential role in Pittsburgh's culinary scene. Heather pulls back the curtain on the multiple TV kitchen segments each week, illustrating the powerful connections she forms with chefs, influencers, and food purveyors. From heartwarming encounters with Goat Rodeo to stories about Pittsburgh food icon Bill Fuller, Heather gives us a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Pittsburgh's vibrant food culture.

(08:08) The joy and importance of family meals come to the forefront as we delve into beloved recipes. Despite the chaos of daily life, Heather emphasizes the significance of device-free family dinners and shares practical tips on balancing home-cooked meals with convenient takeout options. Join us as we discuss the  delight of hosting, tasting, and sharing delicious homemade dishes with loved ones. Finally, we journey through husband Frankie's kitchen escapades and Heather's treasured food memories. 

(35:11) Plus, Catherine Montest shakes up your next tailgate with her expert wine selections, challenging the traditional beer-centric mindset and offering perfect pairings that elevate the tailgating experience. Learn how to join a live class in October at Third Space Bakery with Catherine to experience 'wine tailgating' first hand.  Enjoy!

Support the show

(01:01) Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of Steven Bright, whose passion for cooking overcame family resistance and led him to an inspiring career filled with unforgettable moments. From his early culinary education at the International Culinary Academy to leading the kitchen at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Steven’s story is a testament to the power of following your dreams and the invaluable support of loved ones.

(14:03) Steven recounts heartwarming encounters with icons like Mr. Rogers and shares the joy of cooking for luminaries such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Isaac Stern, revealing the moments that solidified his trajectory in the culinary world. Tune in for insights into his diverse career, and hear about his future ambitions like penning a memoir filled with captivating catering stories. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone seeking inspiration to pursue your passion, this episode promises a rich blend of culinary tales and life lessons. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone seeking inspiration to pursue your passion, this chat promises a rich blend of culinary tales and life lessons.

(32:54) Plus we make our way out to Greensburg, PA for some Mediterranean food and  give a call to mom for a recipe that puts any surplus of banana peppers to good use. 

Support the show

This episode, we’re spotlighting some of the fresh voices in our Weekly Recommend segments. 

First, we chat with Emily Struhala, a freelance journalist from the Greensburg area. Beyond her dining picks, Emily writes about small business and tourism throughout Western Pennsylvania. Find her work on notable outlets like Visit Pittsburgh and Next Pittsburgh.   

Next, meet Julie Engelbrecht of @girleatsburgh on Instagram. An active member of Yelp Elite, Julie brings her love for food and events into every post. Stay tuned as she teases some exciting Ukrainian recipes. 

And of course, we wrap up with the Hungry Huffs, a husband/wife team who never leave us without stellar restaurant recommendations. Tune in for an episode packed with culinary passion and community spirit!

Support the show

(00:39) Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Megan McGinnis, affectionately known as the Cheese Queen of Pittsburgh, and uncover the secrets behind her charcuterie shop in Mount Oliver. Discover how Megan's passion for local cheeses, foods from women-owned businesses, and her expertise in creating stunning grazing tables has cemented her place in Pittsburgh's culinary scene. Hear her inspiring story as she pivoted from event hosting to opening her cheese shop during the pandemic, embracing her family's endearing nickname and turning it into a brand synonymous with quality and local pride.

(07:22) Explore the deep-rooted partnerships that make Megan’s offerings truly exceptional. By sourcing top-quality products from trusted local vendors like Pleasant Lane Creamery, Batch LLC, Chapel Valley Honey, and Brown Bear Bread, Megan ensures that every charcuterie board is a celebration of Pittsburgh’s finest. 

(13:02) We reflect on the rich heritage of her family's business since 1946, the pioneering McGinnis Sisters Food Stores, and Megan's future vision for creating agro-tourism experiences that aim to connect patrons to local farms and producers. 

(28:10) And if brunch is your scene, you won't want to miss hearing from Alex and Chantal Huff of the Hungry Huffs, who rave about Scratch & Co. in Troy Hill. Plus some home cooking with Ashley Cesaratto in the form of crispy chicken. Join us for a flavorful exploration of Pittsburgh's vibrant local food.

Support the show

(00:39) Join us as we uncover the heartwarming story of Kamila and Damir, the dynamic duo behind Soul Pasta. In this episode, we explore their remarkable journey to the United States, from owning a pasta shop on Baum Boulevard to embracing a business model that includes pop-ups, farmers markets, catering, and the unique Pasta Club subscription service. Their motivation? More family time and community involvement, all while maintaining their commitment to authentic, handmade pasta and sauces.

(12:07) Imagine embarking on a road trip across 44 states only to find yourself stuck in Pittsburgh during a pandemic. This was the unexpected turn in Damir and Kamila's story that led them to bond realizing the dream of opening a restaurant. Their adventure is filled with challenges like language barriers and navigating local business regulations. Yet, the support and camaraderie of their neighbors and landlords turned obstacles into stepping stones toward their culinary aspirations.

(32:17) We wrap up with a taco recommendation from Julie Engelbrecht of @girleatsburgh and a flavorful recipe of Kazakh cuisine, Beshbarmak. Pull up a seat and enjoy!!

Support the show

(01:00) Ever wondered how a Father's Day gift can ignite a passion and transform a career? This week, we sit down with Jon Lloyd, a self-taught barbecue enthusiast who turned his newfound love for smoking meats during the pandemic into a thriving private chef business in Pittsburgh. He shares the variety of services he offers, including intimate dinners, large catering events, and cooking classes at local venues like the Kitchen by Vangura and Third Space Bakery.

(06:49) Get inspired by the success story behind “Holy Smokes BBQ,” Jon's YouTube channel that has captivated nearly 8,000 subscribers. With his background in graphic design and marketing, Jon crafts appealing and authentic content that resonates with viewers, like making crispy chicken wings on a smoker. 

(14:20) Learn about his pivot into the private chef world, how his Southern roots influence his bold culinary creations, and he teases some new pursuits into the culinary TV world. 

(29:13) Later on this episode, we dive into wine serving temperatures with insights from wine expert Catherine Montest, helping you elevate your culinary experiences at home. And we end with elevated crispy treats from Sophia Lo of the Citycast Pittsburgh Podcast. Tune in for a deliciously inspiring conversation filled with practical tips, personal stories, and a shared passion for food.

Support the show

(00:34) We welcome Kanika, also known as the Indian Somm and That Curry Smell, to The Pittsburgh Dish. This episode promises to enrich your culinary knowledge, blending Kanika's Indian heritage with her passion for gastronomy and vino. As a biomedical scientist by day and a culinary connoisseur by night, Kanika offers a unique perspective on making traditional Indian dishes accessible and delightful. From her Indian essentials class to her chai pani sessions, discover how you too can master the art of Indian cooking with ease.

(16:55) Kanika's cultural journey from India to Pittsburgh is both heartwarming and enlightening. She shares her favorite family recipes and her transition to life as an international student at Carnegie Mellon University. Through her experiences with iconic Pittsburgh foods like the Primanti Brothers' sandwich to pizza, discover how she adapted to a new country and developed a passion for cooking. Kanika’s story underscores how food can bridge cultural gaps, create connections, and turn unfamiliar places into a home.

(21:05) Join us as we explore Pittsburgh's vibrant food scene through Kanika’s eyes. From local favorites like Allegro Hearth Bakery to hidden gems such as Udupi Cafe in Monroeville, Kanika’s experience will have you craving an adventure. She also shares a personal touch by recounting meeting her husband. And be sure to check out Kanika’s upcoming classes and events. 

(33:56) We also hear local food recommendations from Emily Struhala, and get a taste of Zita Edsall's Lazy Key Lime Pie Icebox Cheesecake recipe, perfect for summer. This episode is a flavorful journey you won't want to miss!

Support the show

(00:35) Ever wondered how a beloved Pittsburgh restaurant turned an old firehouse into a culinary gem? Join us as we sit down with Andrew Heffner, the general manager of Bar Marco, to uncover the inspiring journey. Andrew shares the secrets behind their unique dining experience and the importance of staff longevity, creating a sense of community that keeps patrons coming back.

(07:28) Get ready to immerse yourself in the flavors of Italy's Piedmont region, right in Pittsburgh's Strip District. A commitment to local sourcing and seasonality shapes Bar Marco's evolving menu, while thoughtfully crafted cocktails and natural wines round out the experience. Plus, hear about their innovative decision to eliminate tipping, ensuring a sustainable and supportive environment for their dedicated staff.

(50:52) As a bonus, fellow Great American Recipe contestant John Hinojosa joins us to share his San Antonio-style Tlacoyos recipe. This episode is packed with rich culinary insights, making it an unmissable treat for any food enthusiast.

Support the show

Hey Everyone, we're coming back from summer vacation and thought you might have an appetite for more great food stores. Enjoy this 'small bite' as we head back into full episode mode. 

Find out Bar Marco's full story in our upcoming Episode 025, debuting 8/5/24!

Send us a text

Support the show

Liked the episode? We'd love a coffee!

Hey Pittsburgh Dish listeners, it’s Doug! I wanted to let you know that we’re taking a short summer break, but don’t worry we’ll be back again very soon on 8/5/24 with fresh Episode 025. 

In the meantime, I hope you catch up on one of our first 24 Episodes, and be sure to tell a friend about the show. It really helps us out. Thanks so much for listening, and you’ll hear from us again really soon.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.