Why Pittsburgh Wednesday - Fueling the 'Burgh

Pioneers, Innovators, Champions.....we have a plethora of heroes here in the 'Burgh. Lucky us, since it is these individuals, with their vision and drive, that keep us moving forward. Fortunately for 'Burgh bloggers such as myself, that means that there is generally no shortage of interesting folks to focus on. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Colin Huwyler, Chief Executive Officer of Fossil Free Fuel in Braddock, PA. Not only is Colin a "Green Champion" (his business converts standard diesel engines into biodiesel lovin' green machines), but he also wins the title of "Pittsburgh Pioneer", since he was kind enough to open shop here in the 'Burgh.

My first question to Colin was one I generally wrap an interview with, but I was curious as to what made Colin choose Pittsburgh for Fossil Free Fuel. He was in the rare and enviable position of being able to go truly anywhere with his company, so what was it about the 'Burgh that made him feel confident about his success here? Why Pittsburgh?

It turns out that one of the biggest reasons Colin chose Pittsburgh was because of our industrial past. As he explains, "The post-industrial knowledge base is still there", and as a result, there were a fair amount of resources to work with. In addition, Pittsburgh is one of the few areas where you can still find an active Trade School with a Diesel Technical Program (Rosedale Technical Institute). Business reasons aside however, Colin also felt at home here in the 'Burgh. He saw many similarities to his hometown of Medina, New York. So, although it was quite tempting to move to a warmer climate, he knew that the best place to settle was the 'Burgh.

Along with his business partner, David Rosenstraus, they picked up from a temporary location in Allentown, and moved into a gutted warehouse (which they have since renovated) in Braddock, PA, where they have been happy little grease monkeys ever since.

But what started the ball rolling? When Colin was a freshman at the University of Buffalo, he began, like so many of us do, to ponder upon the fact that his daily commute to school was a little heavy on the carbon footprint. Being mechanically inclined however, he actually had the motivation to do something about it. Initially he looked at the standard alternatives such as hybrids, however the idea of Biodiesel seemed to be the right direction for him, and he (along with the help of a very savvy neighbor) purchased a conversion kit, and it wasn't long before Mother Nature smiled warmly upon his little '98 Volkswagen Jetta.

Of course, his mechanical inclination meant that Colin felt there was always room for improvement. He found himself tinkering with pre-designed mail-order kits to make minor improvements. Around this time Colin met Dave through a mutual friend. It turns out that Dave, a musician, had done the same conversion in Allentown to his band's tour bus. Amazingly, Colin and Dave, independently and hundreds of miles apart, had been on the exact same quest. They began to compare notes, and it wasn't long before the pre-designed kits were out the window, and they were designing their own kits from scratch and Fossil Free Fuel was born.

Today, Fossil Free Fuel offers not only biodiesel fuel systems, but they also collect and process fuel as well. One of their biggest clients is none other than Giant Eagle. Surprised? I'm not, for we all know of my love for the 'Burgh chain! Recently, Giant Eagle began a pilot program with the company and converted one of their distribution trucks to biodiesel. Their long term goal is to have a self-sustaining system. The Giant Eagles that produce vegetable oil, would turn in it for processing, and it would be used to fuel a future fleet of trucks for the company, thereby "closing the loop" on fuel consumption. F.F.F also has another proposal out that would result in the conversion of several public works trucks. The company seems to be moving forward with their highly sophisticated system, and according to their website, are currently working on a second generation that is commercial specific. Additionally, they have partnered with the Idea Foundry, which is a group of really smart people who provide needed resources and manpower to entrepreneurial 'Burghers, and now have an office space in Oakland thanks to the organization.

The future for Fossil Free Fuel looks bright. they hope to expand into other cities, and plan to continue to make Pittsburgh their center for manufacturing and primary operations. "Pittsburgh has afforded us the luxury to develop our business", says Colin. "We have integrated ourselves into the community, and are well positioned to grow".

Although I cannot convert my V-Dub (it isn't diesel), I promise to eat as many french fries as I can, so Fossil Free Fuel can keep on fueling the 'Burgh.

A Day in the Life - Jen from the South Side

Nebby (def.): Used in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. To be nosy. Can also be used as noun in the form of "nebnose". ie."Erin is such a nebnose, I wish she would mind her own business!"

Welcome to the next installation of "A Day in the Life". Meet Jennifer Lundy, who works for a fantastic organization called Smart Futures. Becoming an e-mentor is a great and simple way to give back to our community. You can follow Jen on twitter at www.twitter.com/jenniferlundy and you can learn more about Smart Futures and the e-mentoring program here.

What area of Pittsburgh do you live?
The Southside

What day is it?
Thursday

Talk to me about your morning routine.
My Day begins around 7:00am. My Alarm goes off and the television goes on! I love to hear the traffic and weather report from the news team on WPXI! I am out the door by 8:30.

Do you commute to work? Do you drive or use public transportation. If this isn’t a work day – what are your plans for the day?
I work downtown so I usually take the bus to work, unless I have a meeting somewhere outside the city.

If you would like to disclose - where do you work? What do you like about your workplace? Is it close to where you live?
I work for an organization called Smart Futures. Our mission is to provide Career Education programs for High School Students across the state of Pennsylvania. We are home of the PA eMentoring program. PA eMentoring provides a rewarding experience for mentors to help high school kids get real about their future: who they are, where they want go, and how they can get there. From stay at home parents, mature college students to corporate workers, mentors volunteer less than 20 minutes a week with a high school student, using a 10 week curriculum that is structured, convenient, easy to use and done completely online. It’s the perfect way for someone with very little time to give back to our community -- and its fun! Check us out! www.pa-ementor.org


Now let’s break things down by hour – give a brief update on what you are doing and where you are at the following times:
10am
I am hosting webinars, scheduling school trainings and catching up on email. I am enjoying a cup of coffee from Mocha Marianne’s (412 Wood St.) Great Coffee, Tea and pastries!
12pm
I am thinking about where to eat lunch! So many great place to eat downtown. You can usually find me eating lunch at Madonna’s, Mexico City, Landmark Tavern (1902), Easy Street, Six Penn Kitchen, The Lemon Grass Café or Mandarin Gourmet. If there is time, a stop at Macy’s to check out the shoes!
2pm
My afternoon is filled with staff meetings, strategic planning, school outreach and maybe a walk to Prantl’s Bakery for a cookie or two!
4pm
Wrapping up the day and catching the bus home to the Southside (10 minute commute!)

Talk to me about your plans. Anything exciting planned for this evening? Where are your favorite places in your area to spend a night out?
One of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh is try new Restaurants and explore the city. My favorite places to eat are 17th Street Café, Café Dujor, La Tavola, Mojo Bistro, Dish Osteria Bar, Mallorca, Little Toyko, Milkshake Factory and Dozen. My favorite places to grab a drink are The Library, The Bar, The Doublewide Grill and Fat Heads.
As for Entertainment, I love the Steelers, the Penguins, the Pirates and the Pitt Panthers. It is fun to check out a game or two each season. I love to go to the movie, I love to shop! My favorite malls are Ross Park and the South Hills Village. I am a member of Phipps , I love the Carnegie Museums, and I enjoy catching a show at the CLO or the Benedum.
During the summer, I love to sit on my deck, BBQ with friends and enjoy the city skyline!

Are you a night owl, or are you early to bed early to rise?
I am an early riser! I love to get up, complete my ‘To Do’ list, and have the rest of the day to explore my city!

What does tomorrow bring?
Friday! A weekend to myself! Maybe a movie, Happy hour, shopping, a new restaurant! Oh the possibilities!

Why Pittsburgh for you?
Pittsburgh is a great city! I moved here from a small rural town about 7 years ago. It finally feels like home. Pittsburgh has so much to offer to a young professional! Cost of living allows you to explore the city and live in great neighborhoods.

Friday's Focus - Mount Washington

When I first came to the 'Burgh, I was a bit intimidated by the Mount. I viewed it solely as a place to go for a fancy dinner. Woah - has my opinion changed in the last decade or so. I find that most of my Real Estate business occurs on Mount Washington, as it is a popular area for those looking for a convenient commute Downtown. A hop, skip and jump over the Liberty Bridge, and there you are! In addition, the commute into Oakland is fairly smooth and many students find it a great place to live and play! Of course - there is that view....

Let's start out with those fancy dinners, shall we? Valentines Day is just around the corner, and I am sure many 'Burghers plan on visiting Mount Washington for a romantic evening at one of the plethora of restaurants stretching across Grandview Avenue that overlook the city. Perhaps most popular is LeMont Restaurant, celebrating its 50th year in Pittsburgh! Extremely sophisticated, LeMont describes itself as "the place for special occasions", and it truly is a wonderful location for Engagement Parties, Rehearsal Dinners and the like. If you are looking for a more cozy, but still opulent setting, then the Tin Angel may be for you. Perhaps a local favorite, The Coal Hill Steakhouse at The Grandview Saloon is what you are looking for, if you are craving a hearty meal that is (a little) gentler on your wallet. Coal Hill, in fact, was the original name of what we now call Mount Washington.

Of course, like most of the 'Burgh's iconic neighborhoods, there is much more to Mount Washington than meets the eye. Although, the eye just can't seem to avoid those amazing views. The Mount's namesake is clearly George Washington himself (as seen in the above Statue located on Grandview Avenue, near the West End). While gazing down the Mount at the Point below, it occurred to him that this was the perfect location for a fort. The seeds of our city were planted. You can't help but wonder, after reflecting on this history, if good ole' George had any clue that it would turn into the Pittsburgh of today.

As you begin the drive up winding McArdle Road, you begin to get a taste of what lies ahead, as you peek out over the edge to Downtown Pittsburgh. As you round the bend to Grandview Avenue, you will not be able to resist a stop at one of the many lookout points, located close to the two historic inclines of Mount Washington, the Duquesne and the Monongehela, built between 1870-1877. Another reason for the popularity of Mount Washington, are these inclines, which many residents use daily as they commute to the city. My new banner photo has a little peek at one of these, located in the lower right corner, and looking more than a little bit like Trolley from "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Of course, July 4th brings the masses to the mount, as it is the perfect vantage point for fireworks, but as locals know, Pittsburgh's penchant for Fireworks (thanks to the local Zambelli family), offers this entertainment almost weekly! As you approach the West End, the Mount peers out over the stadiums, and sometimes, if the wind is just right, the cheers are carried out over the river and up the hill to the observers perched above.

Mount Washington can boast an exceptionally active community organization, called the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation, with members who are consistently striving to improve life on the Mount. Recently, they completed renovations on the Scenic Byways Park, which provides a lush ring of green space around Mount Washington and surrounding communities. They are also working, in conjunction with The URA's Mainstreets Pittsburgh Program, to redevelop the the business districts located on Boggs, Bailey, Virginia and Shiloh Avenues.

The places to live on Mount Washington are as varied as the community itself. Of course, there are stately homes perched upon the edge, with stunning views of the city. These homes with a view, can command a premium price, and are frequently among the most desired in the 'Burgh. Although, of late, many developers have built brand new townhomes, scattered about the streets on the other side of Grandview in an area commonly known as Duquesne Heights. It is great to see this new development mixed in with some of the original homes of the area. Although owners may not have the view offered to those residents living right on Grandview Avenue, it is but a short walk up the street to enjoy the fruits of Mount Washington living.

Perhaps the most historic residential area of Mount Washington is Chatham Village. It is one of only a few co-op communities in the City of Pittsburgh. The Village was built in the 1930's by the Buhl Foundation, and is an example of an exceptionally planned urban community. To this day, Chatham Village grounds are meticulously maintained, and strolling through the winding paths is a wonderful diversion. Owners have clearly cared for their homes in this community, and residents take tremendous pride in being a part of Mount Washington history.

Now for some shameless self-promotion for the sake of my clients on the Mount. This Sunday, I will be opening two of my Mount Washington listings for your viewing pleasure. From 1-4pm, I will be holding open houses at 360 Republic and 337 Shaler (please click on the address for more information). Both located near the West End, and convenient to the incline, these homes offer affordable city living with all of the amenities the Mount has to offer. Hope to see you Sunday!

*title photo courtesy of Patrick McBride

Why Pittsburgh Wednesday - 'Burgh Innovator Brings Power to the People

One of the greatest things about writing a blog, is that you get to encounter some pretty cool people along the way. I have written before about the pioneers of the 'Burgh, and my favorite pioneer, Councilman Bill Peduto, introduced me to another 'Burgh Champion, Dave Edwards. Dave is the founder of local company Art Energy Design. Edwards describes himself as, first and foremost, an artist, but what he does encompasses so much more that I prefer to call him an innovator.

Like all of us, Edwards found himself frustrated with energy prices and the damaging costs of fossil fuels. Unlike most of us, Edwards used his artist's intuition and his self-described passion for "experimenting and pushing new boundaries" to tackle the problem in a more aesthetically pleasing way. The Power Flower was born.

"I enjoy the challenges of working in new mediums", says Edwards, and the Power Flower project has certainly afforded him the opportunity to do just that. At first glance, it is simply a fascinating and conversation-starting piece of metalwork. Like Edwards himself however, once you take a closer look, there is a lot more beneath the surface. He began his career in specialty construction, working on those things that "no one else could do". From this background, it was a natural progression into combining engineering and art to create what is an incredibly relevant piece of sculpture. He says, "I like the idea that you are using art as a catalyst to make people think more creatively." So what is the Power Flower?"

Laughs Edwards, "I am still trying to figure out what it is!". His official definition? "A 12' kinetic sculpture in the form of a potted sunflower". Although the art is the "conversation starter", Edwards added the green element of the design while working with the Pittsburgh Technology Council for the "Art & Technology Initiative". Art Energy Design, a group of five "cross disciplined professional artists, educators and technologists", continued to develop the Flower into what it is today. Their mission is to "create interactive public sculptures that utilize and demonstrate sustainable energy techniques in a public art context".

How does the Power Flower Work? According to Edwards, "Sun and wind energy are collected with a wind turbine, driven by spinning flower petals and photo voltaic solar film leaf surfaces. A 55 gallon rainwater collector serves as the base and ballast....the sculpture also powers colored LED lighting for dynamic night illumination. A weather-proof controller maintains safe power levels, and timed programmable lighting"

Yep, I want one! When can we install in my front yard?

Well, it turns out that the vision Edwards has for the Power Flower goes well beyond my untended garden. As the current Flower is portable, it has been on a whirlwind tour of late. Most significantly, Art Energy Design was personally asked to exhibit the Flower during the G20 summit here in the 'Burgh. In addition, the Power Flower earned the company the 2009 Sprout Fund Seed Award, and thanks to Pittsburgh Citiparks, can be seen in 2010 as part of an eight park tour. The Power Flower has also been asked to be a guest at the Earth Day Events in Santa Barbara this year. The vision for the sculpture is currently more for community and institutional use, and a permanent installation is planned for Wilkins School Comunity Center. Edwards hopes for future installations by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and Carnegie Museums and Libraries.

Another dimension of Art Energy Design is the educational value of the Power Flower. They have created smaller metal sculptures, also glammed up with LED lights, called the "metal circus". These innovative little cuties, like the "spoon mouse", can interact with the flower and also use it as a charging base. The purpose of this unique travelling circus is to teach children more specifically about the science behind the art. They also appeal to a wide age group. "Younger children are fascinated by the LED lights, but as the group gets older, they are more interested in how things work", says Edwards.

Well Mr. Edwards, Innovator Extraordinaire, Why Pittsburgh for you? "I love the hills, the rivers....I can be in my own green world, yet still be only ten minutes from the city"

Thank you Dave Edwards and the other innovators at Art Energy Design for bringing some of that "Green World" to us in the 'Burgh!

A Day in the Life - Tara from Mount Washington

Nebby (def.): Used in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. To be nosy. Can also be used as noun in the form of "nebnose". ie."Erin is such a nebnose, I wish she would mind her own business!"

Yep, just like the best of us, I am a nebnose. Admit it, we all are! Welcome to the first installation in a series that embraces the nebbiness in all of us. "A Day in the Life" is a simple interview, in which an average day in the life of a 'Burgher is chronicled. I provide my willing subject with a questionnaire, allow them to pick the day, and then wait with breathless anticipation for the finished response to appear in my inbox. Tara Montgomery, an artist and resident of Mount Washington, wins the award for the first one to arrive!

What area of Pittsburgh do you live in?

Mount Washington

What day is it?
Friday

Talk to me about your morning routine....
The morning routine is pretty much the drive to work past downtown into the North Hills. The only interesting thing about the morning is when I drive by way of Grandview Avenue. It really is a beautiful sight and a much better start to the day than the Liberty Tunnel.

Do you commute to work? Do you drive or use public transportation? If this isn’t a work day – what are your plans for the day?
Today was just a regular commute to work, but the warming of the weather made it a good Friday commute.

If you would like to disclose - where do you work? What do you like about your workplace? Is it close to where you live?

I work at KIT Solutions, an IT company where I do Support and conduct Trainings. Our office is located in the Pittsburgh Office and Research Park in McCandless. It is a beautiful office park, made better by the fact that I work upstairs from Franco Harris….yeah!

Now let’s break things down by hour – give a brief update on what you are doing and where you are at the following times:
10am – Work and finishing coffee

12pm – Work
2pm – Conduct a Training with Users across the country
4pm – Wrap up Training and wind down for the work day

Talk to me about your plans. Anything exciting planned for this evening? Where are your favorite places in your area to spend a night out?
My plans for tonight include Family. Most typically, a Friday night out for me and my boyfriend would include pre-night cocktails at my place. Then, it depends on the mood.
Low-key=St. James Place (Best little dive bar in the South Side) for wings and Stella on draft
Cheap and hungry=India Garden for the nightly special and Yuenglings

Going all out=Nakama
Coffee=Bee-Hive – while not the best place to get coffee, offers a nice atmosphere to do art

Are you a night owl, or are you early to bed early to rise?
Every day is different. I try to sleep in on the weekends, but when it is nice out, I have to get out and hit the Strip District, Whole Foods, or Michael’s just to start the day right.

What does tomorrow bring?
Tomorrow will likely bring a trip to Michael’s followed by some long overdue studio work.

Anything you would like to add about your day?
My commute is not fun, but at the end of the day, I have Wendy Bell and the crew of KDKA to perk me up.

Why Pittsburgh for you?
I’m a West Virginia small-town girl. A bigger city was always in the works for me. Pittsburgh offers a large town with a small-town feel. Not too large or expensive to live in, but not so small that you don’t have a thousand things you could be doing at any minute.

Several questionnaires have been distributed, and I will be publishing as they are returned, so stay tuned for more nebbilicious reading!

*the opinions expressed by participants in the Day In the Life series do not necessarily reflect those of the 'Burgh living blog author.

New photo!

So it turns out that my ability to take terrible photos does not run in the family. Check out the new banner photo, courtesy of my father's cousin Patrick McBride. I believe that would make him my second cousin, but as my family's official historian, he would probably know bettter than I!
Thanks cousin (?) Patrick!

Friday's Focus - Regent Square

The Square! This was my home when I first moved to the 'Burgh almost 15 years ago, and I still occasionally yearn for the proximity Regent Square offers to one of Pittsburgh's greatest landmarks, Frick Park. I chose to start my life in the 'Burgh here because of - you guessed it - DOGS! My memories include walking through the park with my dog at my side, the smell of damp leaves, the distant sound of children playing in the nearby playground, and the dodging of an overly possessive raccoon now and then. Everyone in Regent Square it seems owns a dog. So common, that we had playdates and best friends - even doggie frenemies who just couldn't seem to handle the off-leash area of the park at the same time. Regardless, it is a community designed for dog lovers and that, my dear readers, is why I chose to call it home.

Of course, if you are not of the crazy dog lady variety, then there are certainly loads of other distractions to keep you busy in the Square. Primarily, some excellent local businesses and restaurants that line bustling Braddock Avenue.

My favorite is D's Six Pax & Dogz. If you can put aside the unfortunate spelling and walk through the front doors of this locally owned establishment, I guarantee you will leave a new person, thanks due mostly to the breathtaking "Beer Cave" housed in the back of the restaurant. I prefer to call it "Beer Heaven". Practically any obscure brew you can imagine has graced the shelves of the cave at one point or another. Most significant, is an impressive selection of Belgians and specialty Magnums. I can report that a purchase of an Anchor Steam Christmas Ale Magnum from D's certainly made my holidays a little brighter! An extensive menu also offers some tasty selections, but I always find myself returning to a D's classic: The Chicago Style Hot Dog. Recently, D's expanded into a neighboring location, and opened "The Loft", which boasts a full bar. Surprisingly sophisticated, the knowledgeable bartenders and servers were eager to offer up suggestions and quick to serve.

A hop, skip and jump down the street from D's was my choice of venue for a night of studying, Katerbean. In a world of mass-marketed, chain coffee shops, Katerbean is a breath of fresh air. I would camp out at the Bean for hours with text books open, and drink their delicious cold chai by the gallon. My love of Katerbean Chai has remained, although the knowledge I gleaned from those textbooks is, unfortunately, a casualty of an aging mind.......

Regent Square Theater is another landmark here, and their selection of movies are generally not screened elsewhere in the 'Burgh. Owned by Pittsburgh Filmakers, the theater plays both local and national independent films.

Regent Square is so called, because each of its corners inhabit a different local municipality; the City of Pittsburgh, Swissvale, Edgewood and Wilkinsburg respectively. Square traditionalists will tell you however, the the "true" Regent Square is that portion occupying the City of Pittsburgh alone. Regardless of where you draw the line, it is a community of charming, craftsman bungalows, originally inhabited by the first Westinghouse employees. The architectural history of Regent Square is rich, and if gorgeous woodwork, built-ins, and stained glass windows are your cup of chai, then the Square is the place you should call home.

For more information on Regent Square, its businesses and its history, please click here to visit the neighborhood website.

Why Pittsburgh Wednesday - City of Green Champions

The 'Burgh Living Blog tends to focus quite a bit on the greening of Pittsburgh, and how this aspect of our city is so important to the economic development of our region. Becoming a green city is what put us on the map. It is one of the major reasons we were selected as the location for the G20 summit, and why we are the host city for World Environment Day on June 5th.

Did I hear a collective yawn? Do I need to put a little "grrrrr" in your green outlook?

Well, meet Mike Embrescia, the Manager of Education and Membership for the Green Building Alliance here in the 'Burgh. Talking to Mike was like talking to a breath of fresh air. He has an enthusiasm for the city that needs to be bottled by the Natrona Bottling Company and sold on the shelves right next to Pennsylvania Punch. Guess what, he is not a born and 'Burgher (gasp!). He is from that same place up north that I am from and he loves hockey just as much as I do. In fact, he is taking his dad to his very first hockey game this Tuesday. Go Pens!!

Often, amidst the talk about greening the 'Burgh, we loose the trees for the forest. It is individuals like Mike, with their unbridled enthusiasm and positive attitude, that are brave enough to take the first small steps that result in the sweeping and dramatic changes seen in our city. The organization that Mike joined in 2009, the Green Building Alliance, started this same way. A small group of individuals who were forward thinking enough to see the huge impact their efforts could make. This parallel is not lost on Mike. He realizes that he and the GBA are match made in heaven. It is the perfect place for him to flex his innovative muscles.

Mike's first foray in the 'Burgh began in 2004, when he managed an office of investment brokers. He left the city for a few brief years, but Pittsburgh never left his heart. He comments that he can almost remember the exact moment that he knew he loved the 'Burgh. At the end of his first month here he was almost "caught by surprise" by how attached he had become to his new hometown. He says, "It is the largest intimate city I have ever been in. In such a short time here, I found connections being drawn everywhere". So, in 2007 he returned to Duquesne University to get his Masters degree in their newly minted Sustainability Program, and a Green Champion was born.

Mike's business background puts a new perspective on the answers to "Why Pittsburgh?". he could see the direction the city was moving in early on (there's that "forward thinking" thing). He says, "If you have business sense, it doesn't take much to realize that our city, once an economic and manufacturing mecca.....has the capability to reach that point again. I want to be a part of that growth, and see tremendous opportunity."

One of Mike's newest discoveries in the 'Burgh (and it may not be new to you) is the infamous "Jail Trail". So called because the Downtown starting point of the trail is marked by the Allegheny county jail, Mike was surprised to see the trail packed with bikers and joggers recently, and has vowed to make good use of the trail himself. "I feel like I have just begun to scratch the surface of the city. Every week I find something new, a restaurant, a neighborhood I haven't driven through.....I experience something new every week."

Keep reading the 'Burgh Living Blog Mike! We'll keep you on the road to discovery!

To join the Green Building Alliance, or for more information, click here

To soak up some more of that positive Pittsburgh mojo, I recommend attending Pittsburgh's "Green Drinks", a great networking and learning event held monthly at various locations in the 'Burgh. The next event is this Friday at Conservation Consultants in the South Side. For more information, click here.

Friday's Focus - Lawrenceville

As one of the 'Burgh's largest neighborhoods, Lawrenceville can also boast one of the richest histories as well. Founded by William Foster, the father (not the Ghost) of renowned Pittsburgh songwriter Stephen Foster, the locale is named for Captain James Lawrence. For those of you that paid attention during history class, you will know that he was the hero of the War of 1812, and gave us the famous line "Don't Give Up the Ship!". Above, is a photo* of a memorial that dominates Doughboy Square in Lawrenceville, in honor of the infantrymen of World War I.

Given its central location in the city, many have found Lawrenceville to offer a convenient commute to Downtown Pittsburgh and the hospitals and universities of Oakland. Many have relocated to the neighborhood recently, when the brand new Children's Hospital opened its doors and brought new jobs into the area. The hospital occupies 10 acres on the former St Francis Hospital site, and in addition to 296 beds, along with a 41 bed emergency department and a 36 bed pediatric intensive care unit, seven of the ten floors of Children's is dedicated to pediatric medical research.

Perhaps most exciting, is the amazing revitalization that Lawrenceville has seen in recent years. Not only have some of the historic homes been renovated to their former glory by forward thinking 'Burghers, the area was one of the first to offer loft living. One of the most popular, is the Blackbird Lofts on Butler Street. A green building, the lofts are spacious and modern, and epitomize urban living. Live/work spaces also dot the area, making it popular for artists looking for home studio space. The convenience to the many businesses and activities that generate the constant "buzz" unique to Lawrenceville, make living here easy and exciting.

The the main drag of Lawrenceville is home to some wonderful, locally owned shops, cafes and galleries. Creativity permeates this neighborhood, and the "16:62 Design Zone", which stretches from the Strip District into Lawrenceville, is a business corridor devoted to local art and design. It is here that you can find Artemis, a place that has helped to put Pittsburgh on the map for green construction and renovation. Artemis has selections of green materials for a small scale project, all the way to building from the ground up. Owner Janice Donatelli is exceptionally knowledgeable, and Artemis is a must-stop if you are considering any home renovation. Overall, Lawrencevillle's recent renaissance has made the area a haven for artists and craftsmen from around the area, and could likely be one of the best places to start a new business in the 'Burgh.

Let's talk about one of my favorite examples, Dozen. Voted one of my Best of 'Burgh Eats, the Lawrenceville location was the first of 4 bakeshops for the successful local chain. Almost always buzzing with activity, it's a great spot to grab a snack and take in some prime Larenceville people-watching. This location also offers a hearty menu that includes soups, salads and sandwiches. One of my favorite savory selections (how I miss you carbs), is the chiorzo and cheddar scone, remarkably flavorful and satisfying! Of course, what everyone comes to Dozen for are the cupcakes. They are, after all, what put them on the map. As a self-titled expert on all things frosting, I declare that you could eat Dozen's out of a vat with a spoon it is so yummy!

For the fashion savvy of the 'Burgh, Lawrenceville is high on the list of best locations to shop. Ambiance Boutique offers shopping for a good cause. Owned by Bethlehem Haven, all proceeds go toward helping homeless women with the support they need to become self-sufficient. Ambiance Boutique offers new and consigned designer clothing and accessories, as well as an exclusive selection of furs and evening gowns. Sugar Boutique on Butler Street devotes itself to offerings from emerging designers, keeping the fashion elite of the 'Burgh one step ahead of the pack. I am like a kid in a candy store in Pavement! Their unique selection of footwear usually leaves me drooling, and I can rarely leave the store empty handed!

A day of shopping and dining in Lawrenceville can leave you star-struck with the fabulous neighborhood. To make sure you don't miss anything, here is a complete A-Z directory of all of the dynamic Lawrenceville businesses.

Overall, the hard work of the residents, artists, craftsmen and business owners of Lawrenceville, have made this area one of the most exciting in the 'Burgh. The neighborhood has become an essential part of the development of our city as a whole, and a place where many 'Burghers live, work and play. Rich in history, and brimming with creativity, Lawrenceville's progress may very well give us a glimpse into the future of the 'Burgh.

*photo courtesy of Sean Luther

Why Pittsburgh Wednesday - The Best of 'Burgh Eats (Part Deux!)

Happy 2010 all! After the brief holiday hiatus it back to things as usual here at the 'Burgh Living Blog, and that means the next installment of Why Pittsburgh Wednesday!

If you missed Part One of the Best of 'Burgh Eats, you can catch up here. Not surprisingly, this post ended up being my most popular of 2009. I have bid "Adieu" to carbs until vacation in April, so please, dear readers, feel my pain as I share these forbidden favorites with you! We 'Burghers love our food, and are also pretty passionate about our faves, so we shall start with a suggestion from the Pittsburgh Personality himself, 'Burgh's Eye View (you can follow him on twitter here).

1. Best Hoagie: Angelo's Italian (with hot peppers) -According to Wikipedia, the hoagie is the official sandwich of Philadelphia, but cities across the county have adopted it as their own and stamped their own monikers onto the enigmatic sandwich ("hero", "blimpie", "bomber", "spuckie", "grinder", and the very uninteresting "Sub"). But, is it still a Hoagie by any other name? According to BEV, Angelo's has the best, so we are all better off to listen to the man and go try one for ourselves! (As a side note, I am also a big fan of the "Wedgie" from Angelo's, trust me, it is much more enjoyable than the other connotation)

2. Best Mussels: Point Brugge Cafe - I know, Hoagies to Mussels is a little bit of a stretch, but I have dreams about these little delicacies! The "Moules" come with three choices of sauce (I recommend the Zesty Tomato), and are served with a side of "Frites" (not your average fries), with a Basil Mayonnaise dipping sauce (which I have tried, unsuccessfully, to duplicate at home). The cafe gets a little cozy as the night goes on, so if you like your elbow room, try an earlier visit.

3. Best Sushi: Umi, Plum - I didn't include sushi in my last post, because I quite frankly could not decide between the two. Survey says it is a toss up. At Umi, I recommend Omakase, a multi-course chef's selection, where you are guaranteed to get the best and freshest made sushi of the day. Along with a Sake flight, it is the perfect night out for a special occasion (big, fat hint to the BF). Plum is slightly less formal, but has a cozy sushi bar and lively chefs. My favorite here? The Evel Knievel Roll, yum!

4. Best Pizza: Pizza Sola - This comes at you with some trepidation, because if there is one food that we all have our opinions on, it is Pizza. Your choice of pizza I would guess gives some insight into your personality. For whatever it says about me, Pizza Sola is my personal fave, and being right down the street, is a great nightcap to an evening at my beloved Kelly's Bar. The tomato and mozzarella is 2am bliss (and I always throw in a handful of banana pepper rings for a little kick). Please feel free to fire back with some of your faves, perhaps your pizza soul mate is different than mine. Be nice and remember that as my carb-less days wear on I get a little more ornery....

5. Best Crepes: Crepes Parisiennes - worry not crepe fans - I give props to another 'Burgh Creperie below! Do Crepe's have carbs? Because the most missed food of my self-induced torture will be the Nutella Crepe (with extra Whipped of course!) from Crepes Parisiennes in Oakland. (They also have a location in Shadyside if that is more convenient). Did I mention I also gave up sugar? Am I insane?

6. Best New Restuarant: Paris 66 - The popularity of this restaurant in the East End has decidedly overtaken most of the last several years. I truly wish I could speak from experience, but my attempts to get a table on a rare Sunday off have been to no avail! It is the place to be for Sunday brunch, so I say three cheers to the owners for establishing such a successful business in the 'Burgh. Their mission statement? "Bringing Paris to Pittsburgh With Everyday French Cuisine". Success! The atmosphere is unparallelled, you will feel like you have stepped off of Penn Circle, into a quaint French Creperie in the motherland. Bravo! (could someone please save me a table next Sunday?)


There you have it! I am spent and very hungry - but would love some reader supplied ideas for Part Three, so get to it and comment on your faves below!