BOLD Pittsburgh
Issue 2
Ice On the River One of the things Pittsburghers love to talk about in being a “hub” of change we saw a lot of it since January. From the time of our last issue we saw a new Mayor placed in office. Congrats Mr. Bill Peduto. I like Bill. I met him once at Podcamp Pittsburgh while I was still living in Boston. Why I like him is that he is accessible. He is on Twitter and he seems to make appearances anywhere he can. He wants change for Pittsburgh and it is all positive. Hibernation breeds innovation. New business, new tech, new restraints all popped up in January. Grit and Grace, Ten Penny, and Sienna Mercato are just a few. A record 22 new eateries opened in Alleghany County last month. Need a table at a new establishment? Try the No Wait app. Again new tech. This app places you on a waiting list at a restaurant and texts you when your table is available so you don’t have to be tied to that buzzer coaster. Since I am a food junkie, this might be a new favorite. We also saw Lyft and Uber come to the city. These San Fran based ride sharing businesses are a huge asset to the city where the cab system lacks. I have had to wait for a cab and so has others just to get to and from work. These are app based and they track where the cars are and everything is paid for through an app. I can wait to try them out. All the fun spring and summer events have started to show pop up across my news feed. This month is daylight savings time and even though it has snowed a lot we have all complained about the snow, but looked forward to spring in the city. Even tomorrow it is to be 40 degrees. Maybe the ice on the river will start to melt. As the seasons change in Pittsburgh, I see the whole city changing in 2014.
~Amanda Narcisi
Amanda Narcisi Chief Editor Layout Designer @alnarcisi Amanda Cooney Co-Editor Writer @spots87 Jen Pizzuto Co-Editor Writer @snark_princess Steven Fernald Editor Support Food Master @stevenfernald
Contact Us Boldpittsburgh@gmail.com BOLD Pittsburgh @BoldPgh boldpittsburgh.wordpress.com
Striptease Fitness with a Twist
Everyone has a routine, and that’s okay, as long as you find some ways to break out of it every once in a while and try new things. That is what I have been striving to do for the past year, and I am looking to continue that goal throughout 2014. A month or so ago, I was going through my daily routine of checking up on things on the interwebs and social media to see what was going on in the world around me. While I was scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, I had stumbled upon a few photos that one of my friends had posted. She was a part of a bridal party for her friend’s upcoming nuptials and the bridesmaids decided to have the bachelorette party at a dance studio called Fitness with a Twist that offers classes on pole dancing. It looked like fun and I wondered if anyone could participate in these sessions, so I decided to check out their website. Fitness with a Twist offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced pole classes, as well as drop-in classes for all levels. They also offer belly dancing and chair dancing classes. The idea of pole dancing sounded exciting to me, but the more I thought about it, I became unsure. If you know me, you will know that I am not graceful or coordinated. I am the stereotypical awkward female character you see in movies and TV shows - the ones that walk down the street and trip over their own two feet, drop their keys down a sewage drain, and have toilet paper on their scuffed high heels. I am a bit of a mess. I thought for a day or so on whether or not I should sign up for a class and decided “what the hell, why not?!” It looked like an interesting experience, so I signed up for one of their Saturday afternoon drop in sessions. Fitness with a Twist has two studios: one in Greensburg, PA and the other is located in Pittsburgh’s South Side. I arrived at the South Side studio little early and signed in. I took a seat in the waiting area as the class before mine was finishing up. Seven poles are located in the third floor studio and mirrors surround the walls. Four of these poles were in use by three students and an instructor. Music played while the instructor called out to the
By: Amanda Cooney
students instructions on which moves to make. They looked so flawless while doing their routines – almost like synchronized swimming, but instead of a pool, they were on poles. I was astounded by their grace and the way they made it look so easy. Soon, more girls came in for the afternoon drop-in class. The instructor came over and introduced herself and went over some ground rules: no body lotion and if your pole gets slippery, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol and a rag. We were also given the option to wear heels if we brought a pair or dance barefoot – I opted for the latter. We began the class like any other fitness session by stretching for about 5 minutes. Then we each chose a pole and began to learn some spins that varied from beginner to a little more advanced. These moves included the fireman, the fairy, and a headstand! I was nervous with the first few tries of each move, but with practice and the help of our instructor, I was able to do the routines to the best of my ability. The fireman is my favorite because it was simple, yet sexy. Starting with your left leg, you take three steps around the pole, wrap your left leg around the pole, lift your right leg up and around, and spin. The fairy is about the same, but instead of wrapping both legs around the pole, you bring your right leg behind you as you spin. After the class, I felt great; the next day however, I was so sore I could barely move! Pole dancing is a great workout – you will get great muscle definition by taking these classes. I like a workout that doesn’t feel like a workout and pole fitness is just that. I plan to attend more pole dancing sessions at Fitness with a Twist and I may try my hand at some belly dancing sessions. I would definitely recommend this facility and these classes to anyone.
Fitness with a Twist 70 South 21st Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15203 (412)377-5889 fitnesswithatwistpgh.com
LAWRENCEVILLE In the last decade, many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods have gone through a renaissance. These neighborhoods have transformed into communities that thrived mostly on manufacturing into a destination spot - Lawrenceville is no exception. Lawrenceville is located a few miles Northeast from downtown Pittsburgh. It is located between the Strip District and Stanton Heights. On a cold and windy February evening, Amanda N. and Amanda C. visited a few businesses on Butler St between 40th and 45th streets to get a glance of this up and coming neighborhood. Although most of the businesses that they visited are still in their respective stages of infancy, business seemed to be booming.
720 Music, Clothing, and Music A unique collection of music and clothes with a great cafe inside the store. Vintage clothes and records. Jewelry and shoes. The best latte! 4405 Butler Street 720records.com @720pittsburgh
Industry Public House Comfort food and interesting cocktails. Craft beer and prohabition style venue. 4305 Butler Street industrypgh.com @industrypgh
Jules Urban-hip clothes for ladies and gents. 4502 Butler Street julespittsburgh.com @julespittsburgh
Wildcard
Cards, gifts, and art. Fun and Pittsburgh Unique. 4209 Butler Street wildcardpgh.com @wildcardpgh
House of the Dead All you need for the undead. Clothes, DVDs and Fun novelties 4110 Butler Street houseofthedeadpgh.com
I’m going to tell you about a little place that is near and dear to me. Yes, this is a local watering hole, this is a “smoking bar”, and this is your beer and shot type spot; no martinis, craft beers, or a single malt collection. If you are looking for a place to just chill and relax and listen to some good music either on the jukebox or by a live band, good people, and inexpensive drinks at a good, old local bar where everyone knows your name, then this is the place for you. The R Bar is conveniently located on West Liberty Ave in Dormont about 50 feet away from a bus stop headed in or out of town, the T is 2 ½ blocks away, and cabs will come for you for your ride home. Although this bar is cash only, there is
an ATM across the street. This establishment is great if you are having quick beverage or in it for the long haul. The R Bar is a small corner pub with 4 beers on tap, about a dozen types of bottles, and an above average liquor selection. I won’t go into too much of the pricing, but I can tell you that with $40 in your pocket you will be able to have ample beverages and leave a generous tip for one of the five main bartenders that cover all the shifts from 8 am to 2 am seven days a week. Gary and Debbie Hodill bought the bar about five years ago and in any business it’s about making money, however, I feel that that they bought it for something to have fun with and enjoy. Gary is a music enthusiast; the bar is decked out in album covers, posters, he plays guitar, and sings in his band (The Rock-it Band). Three days a week there is live music, mainly local acts, but some pretty big names have come through; for instance artists like Jimmy Adler, Norm Nardini, Craig King and King’s Ransom, Vince Agwana, Gordon-James Blues Band,
Mr. B and the Bad Boys, Felix and the Hurricanes, and The Flow Band to name a few. Sunday afternoons are reserved for Smooth Jazz with the Midnight Horns; it’s a great way to end the week with some great tunes. Other Dormont bars have a little something different to offer, but the R Bar is like a second family and I feel the most comfortable to just walk in know 75% of the crowd and strike up a conversation, vent about whatever happened that week, throw a few buck in the juke or listen to one of the great bands jamming out. Gary and Debbie take care of all the patrons especially during the holidays. Dinners such as ham and potatoes, turkey, and traditional holiday foods are served since they are open 365 days a year. They also serve dogs and kraut for halftime on Steeler Sundays and the Super Bowl and the occasional free pizza Friday. On a normal day, there is no food service, but you may bring some in to enjoy while you have some drinks at the bar or one of the booths. The R Bar hosts an annual trip to PNC Park which is usually around $35 for a ticket to a Pirates
game, a bus ride down and back, the tailgate party before the game, and a T-shirt or hat. To find a listing of upcoming bands and events, visit RBarDormont.com or follow them on Facebook. Next time you are in the area make it a priority to stop in and check it out, say hi to Gary, Debbie and the friendly bar staff, grab a beverage of your choice, and relax with some good people.
By Steven Fernald Photos by: Paulette Quinten Messino
Cocktails and Food
What you will need: 2-3 lb roast Salt and Pepper to taste 2-3 tablespoons oil 5 cloves (chopped) 1 yellow onion (chopped) 1 dozen mushrooms (whole) 2-3 carrots or 1 c baby carrots 6 redskin potatoes (halved) Thyme Rosemary By: Steven Fernald Basil Chiffonade 12 oz red wine (Cabernet or Merlot works best) Warm water This makes a great dessert drink after any meal or just something to impress a lady… Since it is still winter and grocery stores have really good prices on roasts, I like to make them as often Chocolate Strawberry Martini as possible. There are several ways that you can prepare a roast, which is good for the cold winter What you need: months; however, the way I’m going tell you about is good for all seasons! I like to do mine in a crock2oz of Vanilla Vodka pot, this way you can set it before you leave for 1oz of Chocolate Liqueur work and it is ready for when you get home. 1oz of cream .5oz of strawberry puree The first thing to do is salt and pepper the roast and sear it in a skillet on high heat with a little bit What to do: of cooking oil for about one to two minutes on each side. Place the roast into the crockpot, set on high, Drizzle chocolate sauce in a chilled martini glass, and add the cloves, onions, mushrooms, carrots, set aside. Puree strawberries in a blender with potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and basil chiffonade some sugar and a little water. In a cocktail shaker on top. Pour red wine into the crock pot then add filled ¾ full of ice, pour in your ingredients. Shake warm water until roast is submerged. Leave in the vigorously and strain into your glass. Garnish with crockpot for 6-8 hours. a strawberry on the edge of the glass (chocolate covered, if you can) and enjoy! When the roast is completely cooked, remove the meat from the crockpot and place onto a cutting board to rest for about five minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the veggies and herbs to a bowl and set aside. If you would like a little gravy, take out some of the liquid and put in a sauce pan on a medium heat and add some corn starch to thicken (I sometimes like to pour the juices over the meat without making it into gravy). Cut the roast into slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick and place on a dinner plate; add some veggies, herbs, and gravy or the juices on top. Pour yourself what was left of the wine from the bottle and relax and enjoy dinner.
Hyde Park Steakhouse
There are a few steak houses in Pittsburgh that quite awesome and well worth the money that you will spend while having dinner. I am not talking about your moderately priced Outback, Lone Star, or Texas Roadhouse, I’m talking about your USDA Prime giant cuts of meat, White table cloth, big bold red wine, amazing fresh seafood, classic liquor selection fine dining steak house. There are a few of them to choose from in the city, but my personal favorite is Hyde Park. I have dined there several times and have never have had a bad experience with any aspect of my visit. I like also like to stop in when I can for their happy hour as well with their selections of classic cocktails and small bites that are excellent and also quite filling. If you are not familiar with Hyde Park it is located on the North Shore across from the Hyatt and block from PNC Park at 247 North Shore Drive. The location is nice for me being I live on the T line and can be there in 20 minutes and have no worries on driving home after a few cocktails and or wine. For those of you that drive to and from establishments and do it safely no need to worry about parking even on event nights since Hyde Park has valet for $5. Now compare that to event parking in the stadium lots, that’s a bargain. Once you are inside have a cocktail at the bar, even if your table is ready, all the bartenders are awesome, it has a good feel and I must have to say, I am glad I don’t have to polish the beautiful copper bar top. If you are able to get one of the 6 plush Chairs that sit low and you feel like you are sitting in you living room with a table tray there for your dink. The back of the bar area is perfect for dinner with full service as well if your someone that doesn’t mind eating a 5 star dinner in the bar area. If you plan on enjoying a great dinner at Hyde Park I suggest that you go hungry. The portion size is larger than normal and some things are meant to be sharing. The last time I was there my girlfriend and I each had the Surf and Turf, an 8oz Filet and 6 0z lobster tail. We shared a baked potato that was fully loaded with butter, sour cream, bacon, cheese, and chives, and also the lobster maca-
roni and cheese. We also enjoyed a calamari appetizer a bottle of moderately priced wine and nice scotch after dinner with dessert. I believe our bill was $300 with the proper %20+ tip to the server. Now please don’t be scared about dinner for two being $300, you can totally dine for less depending on what you drink and what you order. Like I said, there are a lot of items including meals that can be shared. Also don’t forget that you can spend more depending on which of the wines you would like to enjoy that range from $40 a bottle on up with several very good selections in the $40 to $100 range. Hyde Park has a traditional Steak House menu with of course focusing on the USDA Prime beef, but has other selections as well with seafood, chicken, lamb, and entre size salads. But lets face it, when I go to Hyde Park the only seafood I want is either chilled and from the raw bar such as shrimp, crab, or lobster cocktail or Clams and oysters on the half shell. This place is all about the USDA Prime beef, which is awesome and so flavorful and tender. I have had the Rib eye, the Porterhouse, the NY Strip and the filet, which is also offered Bone In as well. I suggest you order you steak Medium Rare to Medium to get the full flavor and taste of the beef. So for you next special occasion or just a nice dinner on a Tuesday, I suggest that you head on over to Hyde Park for drinks and dinner. I know after writing this I am hungry for a big ass juicy steak and a few glasses of cabernet, and there is no better place in my eyes to do that than dahn on the north shore.
By, Steve Fernald
Sports Night
One of my favorite nights out in the city is “The Sports Date”. I make an event out of it. What to wear, where to eat, and even how to get there. But every time I go out I am shocked on how many of these nights out go horribly wrong for others around me. So I have compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts for the ultimate Yinzer Sport night.
• Do dress appropriately. If it is the last game of the Steeler season a set of leggings and a sweater will not work. Layer, Layer, Layer is the key. Ladies: don’t worry if you look cute or not the fact that you are on a sport night is impressive enough. And some men like it when you wear their jersey. Wear comfortable shoes; lots of walking and stairs. •Don’t ask too many questions. This will not only annoy your date for the night, but will also annoy those around you. Do your research before a game. •Do respect the rules of up/down provides. Each game is different for when you should leave your seat. Respect the Red light!
•Don’t be a slob. Clean up your trash. At the end of the game use the trashcan. This is a no-brainer. •Do cheer.
•Don’t fuss with other things. PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY! Do your checking in and a selfie and then save it for later.
•Do Tip your beer guy. If you choose to drink at the game the guy who hauls the beer up and down the
stairs deserves a tip. And he will remember and return often.
•Don’t complain about the location of your seats. Your date paid what they could afford. Be thankful you even have seats to a Penguin’s game. And the higher seats are often the best to watch all the action.
•Don’t be obscene. There are often kids at baseball games. The people around you want to hear the announcers not your loud mouth and obscene language. Also if you are on a date this may embarrass your date. This doesn’t apply to men only I have seen some ladies not be so lady-like after a few beers and a strike out. •Do enjoy the surroundings. Heinz Field and PNC Park have awesome views of the city and lots to look at. If you find yourself getting bored or are “Sports out” take in the surroundings. Enjoy the sunshine and let your senses enjoy the game.
•Do have a Pre-game and Post-game plan. Even if it is the last minute, plan your night. Pick a place for dinner and drinks after. This will be a wind-up and wind down for the evening. Last but not least…
•Do Smile. Enjoy the night. Even if sports are not your “thing” your date will appreciate that you went with them. Enjoy their smiles. They will look at you differently. You may even find that you enjoyed the night.
By: Amanda Narcisi
The Duration Band
Coming Issue 3
The smooth, sultry grooves from the Duration Band fills the space between time and music with a glittering set that makes the listener dance through the decades. The band fills the room with soul, with funk and with unmitigated fun. The dirges of Chaka Kahn, Rick James and Teena Marie are staples in The Durations’ typical set list and epitomize the elements of disco-esque grooves that define the band. Like most cover bands, the Duration has undergone multiple incarnations, as a few key members endure the transformations. It keeps the band, and its sound, fresh and vibrant. Like a Phoenix, the band perishes with each member’s departure, only to be reborn spectacularly as new musicians, with eclectic talents, join. To that end, The Durations’ newest vocalist, Jamie Williams, brings a balanced harmony and innovative interpretation of classics. Audience participation makes this band thrive; they actively seek to engage spectators in their set to create an inclusive, communal vibe during their shows. They create a welcoming dance party that makes everyone in the audience feel like one of the “cool kids.”
We already knew that the Burgh has a wealth of talent in an array of categories and genres. Old news. We were surprised, however, to learn about the vast city of Burgh blogs that are residing on the internets from highly entertaining denizens of our town. And there’s a place for everyone. As we explored “Blog Burgh” we were amazed by wide range of topics about which Pittaburghers were experts-and they’re blogging about it all. Beginning in our next issue, we’ll start to explore Blog Burgh by featuring a different blog, and its author, each month. Tweet us you suggestions and recommendations @Boldpgh.
By: Jen Pizzuto
Calendar of events around the Burgh.
Fashion returns with a collection of fun spring dresses
Fitness will cover saftey running tips to gear up for running season. Pittsburgh Newest Sports team
We are always looking for something new to do in the Pittsburgh Region. Contact us with any fun ideas. Advntureous? Send Amanda to try something new. Snarky is always giving love advice. Write her your questions. Boldpittsburgh@gmail.com
Dear Snarky, I’m dating a married man. He says that he loves me and that we’ll be together. I believe him but he never gives a time frame for when he’s going to leave his wife. He says that the time has to be perfect but I’ve been waiting for months and he is still with her. I hate that I fell into this situation and I never wanted to be That Girl, who creeps on other girls’ men. The thing is, he keeps telling me how miserable things are and how the marriage has been over for a long time. He says that they sleep in different bedrooms and can’t talk to each other without fighting. He keeps telling me that he stays out of financial obligation, but that the love is gone. This man and I have been friends for a long time and I can’t give him up, but I feel like I can’t wait much longer. I want to be like a real couple and not worry about others finding out. But I can’t give him up. So what do I do? Lady In Waiting
My dear Lady, Save yourself. Now. This is one of the stickiest of situations in the relationship universe...and do you know who’s going to get hurt the MOST in all of this? You. Sure, wifey will be hurt/betrayed. I’m sad about her pain but I’m not writing this to wifey. I’m concerned about you because--and here’s the shitty lesson that you probably won’t believe--there is simply no way for you to win in this situation. If he leaves her, you will have to live with the “home wrecker” stigma. Maybe you don’t think you care or it won’t matter, but trust me, these sorts of indiscretions have a nefarious way of seeping into the cracks your life and relationships. Don’t want to be “That Girl?” Too late. You’ll always be “that chick that he left so-and-so for.” But you could always move. Like, across the country. The other side is if he DOESN’T leave (and most of them don’t). He’ll keep stringing you along like the cute little Pomeranian on a leash, incessantly whining about how dreadful things are at home. He loves you. He NEEEEEDS you. You have to save
him from this hell called marriage, except...he won’t leave. There’s ALWAYS an excuse: the kids, no money for a divorce, religion, sick parents who will slide right to the grave if the marriage disintegrates. This could continue for years if you don’t muster the strength and courage to stop it now. Any path you choose is going to suck, quite honestly. I can hear angry, jaded women everywhere screaming, “don’t get involved with married men at all. Period.” As sage as that is, men (and women) can misrepresent their relationships. It’s very easy to believe that the person you love is going to ditch his/her situation because you want so badly for it to be true. You may have gotten involved with him because he swore up and down that his marriage was over before you even entered the picture. There’s always that one thing---kids, money, Crypt Keeper parents--that’s standing between you and your eternal happiness with Mr. Stringalong. Whatever is happening with his marriage, you need to step back and let him work it out or let it fall apart. Protect yourself because NO ONE ELSE WILL. You deserve better. You deserve someone who will love you during the day, not just at night. Just know this: it’s never REALLY over until they’re sleeping in separate residences and not just different bedrooms.
Karaoke Song of the Month
Pour Some Sugar on Me By Def Leppard