I love the spontaneity our downtown digs provide. After window shopping at Saks and Macy's, and grabbing some groceries at Right By Nature, I thought it would be fun for the fam to go to Tonic for dinner - because I'm in LOVE with the ahi tuna large plate! Although I was a little disappointed the outdoor seating wasn't set up this evening, some neighbors decided to meet there for an evening of d'town fun, so our impromptu dinner out became a great evening of conversation, food, and friends. Afterwards, we parted ways - us to Crazy Mocha, everyone else to Seviche.
Once at Crazy Mocha, the hub and I enjoyed decaf and biscotti, while kiddo decided this was the perfect venue to practice the stand-up routine. I must say, maybe it's my kiddo (but I can't really imagine that to be true), but everyone we meet d'town is so tolerant - and most often amused by the kiddo's show which I'll liken to a coy, show-and-tell style dance recital. After bidding our audience farewell, we walked back by Seviche for sidewalk conversation, pets, friends, and kids and then walked home to tuck the little one into bed. The hub is kind enough to stay in while I go back out and hang with the adults. It's a great night to live the urban life, my friends.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Perfect Downtown Afternoon...
A friend of mine, and a fellow downtown resident, just shared some great info with me, and I found it important to pass along. This is EXACTLY why I can't imagine living anywhere else in the city.
I had a great lunch in Market Square today (Saturday). At 1:30 I ate at a Mixters’ outdoor table – in the sun and the beautiful urban space. I watched the old guys playing chess on the Stage and tourists taking pictures of each other and fellow locals eating lunch (all the outdoor tables were occupied!). Three young guys stopped and talked with the Dave Matthews Band sax player who was hanging out there. He even let them take pictures of him! One of the Downtown yellow safety guys strolled through and one of the Pittsburgh police stopped to watch the chess players. Two taxi’s waited at the taxi stand and all the parking spots were taken.
There were no screaming idiots hanging-out trying to converse at max volume across the Square. No diesel buses plowing through. Just nice urban sounds. I even heard the great Etta James sing “At Last” coming over the XM music on stage that had me imagining her standing on that stage in a satiny gown and old-style microphone on a warm, sultry evening and me, sitting on my second story apartment window sill, with a cigarette and a fruity martini in my hand…aaah…
The atmosphere at Market Square has really changed and I sat for a while trying to picture how the new construction will change the vibe. I can only imagine that today’s experience will continue to be magnified… I can’t wait!!
Well friend, I totally agree! We'll have to get together for that fruity martini...
I had a great lunch in Market Square today (Saturday). At 1:30 I ate at a Mixters’ outdoor table – in the sun and the beautiful urban space. I watched the old guys playing chess on the Stage and tourists taking pictures of each other and fellow locals eating lunch (all the outdoor tables were occupied!). Three young guys stopped and talked with the Dave Matthews Band sax player who was hanging out there. He even let them take pictures of him! One of the Downtown yellow safety guys strolled through and one of the Pittsburgh police stopped to watch the chess players. Two taxi’s waited at the taxi stand and all the parking spots were taken.
There were no screaming idiots hanging-out trying to converse at max volume across the Square. No diesel buses plowing through. Just nice urban sounds. I even heard the great Etta James sing “At Last” coming over the XM music on stage that had me imagining her standing on that stage in a satiny gown and old-style microphone on a warm, sultry evening and me, sitting on my second story apartment window sill, with a cigarette and a fruity martini in my hand…aaah…
The atmosphere at Market Square has really changed and I sat for a while trying to picture how the new construction will change the vibe. I can only imagine that today’s experience will continue to be magnified… I can’t wait!!
Well friend, I totally agree! We'll have to get together for that fruity martini...
Monday, June 8, 2009
Three Rivers Arts Festival - Trains and all
I must say, living downtown during the arts festival feels like you're on vacation. You're literally living at an artsy fair! We've been down there every possible second we can, and it's so much fun. Where else can you see cool art, amazing crafts, great music and eat funnel cake! Mmmm.... funnel cake....
If anyone is in the market for a fabulous toy/showpiece, there's a vendor down there that makes wooden trains out of different types of wood. No stains are used, and they have a lifetime warranty. Actually, he makes all sorts of vehicles - so kids of "all ages" can appreciate them! They are for display or for play. My kiddo's train has had no problems, and when all the little wooden accessories were lost, they were replaced for FREE. We purchased three more cars for the train this year. The vendor is located at Gateway Center. If you're standing on Liberty looking at the fountain, you'd walk to the fountain and turn left at the first opportunity. He's on the right. Good stuff.
If anyone is in the market for a fabulous toy/showpiece, there's a vendor down there that makes wooden trains out of different types of wood. No stains are used, and they have a lifetime warranty. Actually, he makes all sorts of vehicles - so kids of "all ages" can appreciate them! They are for display or for play. My kiddo's train has had no problems, and when all the little wooden accessories were lost, they were replaced for FREE. We purchased three more cars for the train this year. The vendor is located at Gateway Center. If you're standing on Liberty looking at the fountain, you'd walk to the fountain and turn left at the first opportunity. He's on the right. Good stuff.
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