I'm a sucker for routine, and right now I'm obsessed with the Farmers Market at Market Square on Thursdays. I meet a great friend and her two kids, we let them run around at home or at a park, and then we trek with strollers to Market Square to find some of Pittsburgh's tastiest eats.
First stop, Cinco De Mayo for the most amazing salsas. I'm a corn and black bean salad junkie, but I just added a mildly spicy black bean dip to my repertoire. It's literally lunch for two days, and then it's gone. I usually end up buying pie and/or fresh blueberries from Sand Hill, head to Gosia's Pierogies to pick up our weekly Thursday dinner, and the piece de resistance - the Greek couple that sells tastiest Moussaka, Greek lasagna (no idea how to pronounce it), spinach pies and baklava I have ever had! Thank goodness I walk everywhere or I'd be 500 pounds! I know renovations on the Square are starting now, so I'm curious to see how the Farmers Market continues to operate. It runs through December!
We also make sure to stop at Mancini's, where they always give kids a free breadstick. What a fabulous gesture, and good for business too! Thanks to that breadstick I'm now hooked on cinnamon swirl loaves! Thanks kiddo... ugh.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wow - Where has the time gone?
Time flies when you're having fun, right? I've been busy with all things downtown, so I'll start from the beginning.
I'm currently involved with the planning and execution of Downtown's first Neighborhood Block Party, scheduled for October 3rd from 6 to 10 pm. There will be plenty of food and drink, games, music and fun for the whole family. If you live d'town be sure to get your invite from your building manager... once they're printed and given for distribution. Patience all, they will come! This should be a fabulous event, so mark your calendars!
Between resident council meetings, volunteer meetings, freelance writing, two other business ventures, and let's not forget my KIDDO... the summer has been hectic, productive, and lots of fun. We're enjoying life right now, and the blog took back seat. I'll try to do better, I promise!
I'm currently involved with the planning and execution of Downtown's first Neighborhood Block Party, scheduled for October 3rd from 6 to 10 pm. There will be plenty of food and drink, games, music and fun for the whole family. If you live d'town be sure to get your invite from your building manager... once they're printed and given for distribution. Patience all, they will come! This should be a fabulous event, so mark your calendars!
Between resident council meetings, volunteer meetings, freelance writing, two other business ventures, and let's not forget my KIDDO... the summer has been hectic, productive, and lots of fun. We're enjoying life right now, and the blog took back seat. I'll try to do better, I promise!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
And it continues into the evening...
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.
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.
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.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Where to play with a kiddo Downtown
So, what do you DO with your kiddo all day living Downtown?
Good question! To answer, here are some of my favorite places to go...
Point State Park. I guess this is an obvious choice, but some may think kind of a stale choice to visit over and over. Don't knock it - creativity goes a long way! I take a bag with a ball, a bubble gun (only because I HATE blowing bubbles), and sidewalk chalk and we could literally stay there for hours. Not to mention running through the shrubs, yelling to hear your echo on the footbridge, and using sticks to draw in the dirt. When the leaves fell in the fall I couldn't pry the kiddo away!
Mellon Green. Not to be confused with Mellon Square, Mellon Green is a square green space with a hedgerow bordering the perimeter except at the corners. Add a fun fountain in the middle, plenty of birds to chase, and a non smoking atmosphere? Fabulous! Added bonus: It's right on Grant Street. You don't have to go out of your way if you're running errands. You can go to the bank, stop to play, grab groceries and keep on going.
Mellon Square. This square has more concrete and more pigeons. I hate pigeons, but my kiddo loves them. As a special treat we'll go there to pigeon chase. The things we do for our kids... sigh!
Katz Plaza. This plaza has fun eyeball benches, a great fountain to run around, its close to Rosebud for quick groceries, and it has really nice trees shaped into a shady hedgerow to escape the sun. Yes, the sun sometimes comes out! Also it's great for a quick outing amidst many errands.
The river trails. A little more obvious, but this is a great place for a long walk with a kiddo strapped in a stroller. Ahhhh! Kiddo doesn't have to be running around all the time, you know.
Market Square. See my previous post regarding Kidsplay. Hopefully with the renovation this will be a great place to let the kiddo run around. Forcing street traffic to the perimeter of the square creates lots of safer space for pedestrians.
Downtown is literally an urban playground. When you live here, the journey becomes your adventure. Enjoy!
Good question! To answer, here are some of my favorite places to go...
Point State Park. I guess this is an obvious choice, but some may think kind of a stale choice to visit over and over. Don't knock it - creativity goes a long way! I take a bag with a ball, a bubble gun (only because I HATE blowing bubbles), and sidewalk chalk and we could literally stay there for hours. Not to mention running through the shrubs, yelling to hear your echo on the footbridge, and using sticks to draw in the dirt. When the leaves fell in the fall I couldn't pry the kiddo away!
Mellon Green. Not to be confused with Mellon Square, Mellon Green is a square green space with a hedgerow bordering the perimeter except at the corners. Add a fun fountain in the middle, plenty of birds to chase, and a non smoking atmosphere? Fabulous! Added bonus: It's right on Grant Street. You don't have to go out of your way if you're running errands. You can go to the bank, stop to play, grab groceries and keep on going.
Mellon Square. This square has more concrete and more pigeons. I hate pigeons, but my kiddo loves them. As a special treat we'll go there to pigeon chase. The things we do for our kids... sigh!
Katz Plaza. This plaza has fun eyeball benches, a great fountain to run around, its close to Rosebud for quick groceries, and it has really nice trees shaped into a shady hedgerow to escape the sun. Yes, the sun sometimes comes out! Also it's great for a quick outing amidst many errands.
The river trails. A little more obvious, but this is a great place for a long walk with a kiddo strapped in a stroller. Ahhhh! Kiddo doesn't have to be running around all the time, you know.
Market Square. See my previous post regarding Kidsplay. Hopefully with the renovation this will be a great place to let the kiddo run around. Forcing street traffic to the perimeter of the square creates lots of safer space for pedestrians.
Downtown is literally an urban playground. When you live here, the journey becomes your adventure. Enjoy!
Kidsplay in the Square started today
For those of you who may not know, Kidsplay in Market Square started today. Every Friday starting now through July 31st (less July 3rd), events geared towards preschool and young elementary aged kids go on in the Square. Events are held from 10:30 to 11:30am. My kiddo got to touch a firetruck today! Exciting stuff. Plus, it's a great excuse to go out for lunch and a smoothie! Hopefully the PPG fountain will open soon. I guess there is no Spring this year? Cold to hot in a week flat... holy hot weather!
Is anyone else sad that Stay and Play Fridays don't exist this year? I know my kiddo got a big kick out of the breakdancers last year, and the music seemed to bring the square to life! Oh well, at least the Farmers Market on Thursdays is still going strong. It was PACKED this week, and I literally devoured an entire tub of black bean and corn salsa from Cinco De Mayo Salsas the day I bought it. Not to mention I washed it down with fresh cherry pie - yum!
Is anyone else sad that Stay and Play Fridays don't exist this year? I know my kiddo got a big kick out of the breakdancers last year, and the music seemed to bring the square to life! Oh well, at least the Farmers Market on Thursdays is still going strong. It was PACKED this week, and I literally devoured an entire tub of black bean and corn salsa from Cinco De Mayo Salsas the day I bought it. Not to mention I washed it down with fresh cherry pie - yum!
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