The Pittsburgh Dish

(00:37) A pierogi crafted with love isn't just food—it's heritage on a plate. For Olive Visco, owner of Polska Laska in Sharpsburg, these Polish dumplings represent generations of maternal tradition transformed into a thriving business.  Polska Laska began as pandemic pierogi pop-ups before evolving into what Olive affectionately calls her "Polish diner"—a warm, inviting space...

(01:02) What transforms our relationship with food? For Shelly Danko+Day, host of "With Bowl and Spoon" podcast, the answer lies in those pivotal moments that shape our "personal food evolution" - the turning points that fundamentally change how we approach eating, cooking, and sharing meals. (06:52) Shelly's own journey embodies this evolution perfectly. From keeping chic...

What happens when you blend Korean heritage with American upbringing and add a splash of Hawaiian influence? You get Soju, a restaurant that defies easy categorization while serving up some of Pittsburgh's most intriguing flavor combinations. (00:37) Chef Simon Chough welcomes us into his Garfield restaurant for a candid conversation about cultural identity through food. "Soju is a direc...

(00:57) Step through the door of Dagny's Eatery in Carnegie and you'll quickly discover it's not just another sandwich shop. It's an extension of owner Dagny Como herself, who creates an atmosphere so welcoming you might forget you're not actually sitting in her home kitchen. Located on East Main Street, this cozy spot represents a brave pandemic-era pivot from banking to...

(00:55) As the "head bread head," Chloe Newman's journey to co-founding Third Space Bakery reveals how sourdough bread can become a vehicle for creativity, science, and community building. Working alongside her partners Erika Bruce and Beth Taylor, Chloe has transformed her former farmer's market business Crustworthy into part of a thriving bakery in Pittsburgh's Garfield...

(00:55) Rick Sebak occupies a special place in Pittsburgh's cultural landscape. For nearly four decades, he's crafted documentaries that capture the essence of our region, always with a keen eye for how food connects us to place and memory. "I celebrate Pittsburgh," he says simply, though his work does anything but take a simple approach to storytelling. What makes Rick's...

(01:02) Dive into the delicious world of '77 Club, Pittsburgh's rising wood-fired sensation transforming the city's food scene with Italian street food and community spirit. Founders Brittani and Dustin Boutilier share the journey that brought them from California to Pittsburgh by way of Brazil, driven by their passion for authentic cuisine and bringing people together through food....

What happens when foodie culture, engagements, modeling, and generations-old pierogi recipes collide? Our latest episode of The Pittsburgh Dish!  (01:09) Rebecca Hansborough @The_41_Chew reveals a surprising truth about why she abandoned her chef school dreams and opted for Instagram food content creation. "I think I would have hated being a restaurant owner," she confesses, highlighting...

(00:37) What does it take to transform a simple culinary skill into a social media sensation with almost 8 million followers? Ryan Peters, known across platforms as Peters Pasta, reveals the extraordinary journey that took him from professional chef to content creator powerhouse. Ryan's path wasn't planned. After years in prestigious kitchens like Salt of the Earth and Ocean Reef Club, a...

(01:08) In this episode, we explore the work of Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through culinary education and workforce development. With a mission focused on utilizing food as a means to bring about positive change, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh provides comprehensive training programs for those facing challenging life circumstances, including formerl...

(00:53) Chef Jonathan Homer, the executive chef at Pizzaiolo Primo in Market Square, takes us on an exhilarating journey through his career and aspirations. Transitioning from a successful stint at Blue Sky, Chef Homer immerses himself in Primo's world of Neapolitan-style cuisine, celebrated for its made-to-order pastas and irresistible wood-fired pizzas. We rave about the iconic crab limon a...

(00:55) What if your passion project turned into a thriving business going 18 years strong? Roxanne Easley of Roxanne’s Catering joins us to share her incredible journey from her roots in Pittsburgh to becoming a key player in the catering world. We delve into her diverse menu options, popular brunch selections like red velvet waffles and deep-fried French toast, and her educational pursuits in cu...

(00:55) Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the irresistible aromas of homemade soups, breads, and jams, where the warmth of the environment makes you feel right at home. That's exactly the experience Jessica and Meghan have created at Batch LLC in Saxonburg, a haven for small-batch food enthusiasts.  (14:57) With a strong focus on community over competition, these dynamic entrepreneur...

(00:42) What if a beloved restaurant from your past could be brought back to life, dish by dish? Join us as we explore the captivating legacy of The Primadonna, McKees Rocks' cherished Italian eatery, with insights from former owner Joseph Costanzo Jr. and his daughter, Maria C. Palmer. Maria's book, "On the Rocks," co-authored with Ruthie Robbins, chronicles her father's...

(01:14) Join Doug Heilman, as he shares a heartfelt, behind the curtain 'year in review' of The Pittsburgh Dish, with you as an essential part of our success story.  (04:35) Plus, get ready for an enticing culinary recommendation from our friend Kanika, with the unique diner experience at the Chop Shop in Butler, where traditional American classics meet creative twists, like roasted stra...

(00:50) First up this week, Hannah Olsen, a familiar name from The Pittsburgh Dish (episode 005), joins us to share her latest passion project, Batches Bakehouse. This shared kitchen space in the Arlington neighborhood of Pittsburgh isn't just about baking; it's a support network where local small bakers thrive. Discover the story behind the bakehouse's inception, and get a sneak pe...

(00:42) Meet Ben D'Amico, the executive development chef for Giant Eagle's Market District stores, who takes us on a culinary journey through the world of large-format grocery chains. From humble beginnings as an intern to crafting prepared foods for 24 locations, Ben shares the exciting and challenging aspects of his role, including creative collaborations like 'Flights and Bites&a...

Ever wondered how to deep fry your turkey without the fiery drama? Janet Loughran of Chef Life Hacks shares her essential advice on mastering oil displacement, ensuring that your turkey gets the crispy finish you crave without an overflowing disaster.  We also explore a novel approach to Thanksgiving turkey with Steven Bright. His fascinating technique of preparing a boneless turkey reveals how de...

(00:39) Unlock the secrets to crafting a memorable holiday feast with insights from our pros, Chefs Janet Loughran and Alekka Sweeney. With a wealth of experience in meal delivery, teaching, and kitchen spaces, these culinary experts offer invaluable tips and techniques for navigating the joys and challenges of holiday cooking.  (08:34) Eager to make your Thanksgiving turkey the talk of the table?...

(01:01) Pastry Chef Selina Progar takes us on a mesmerizing culinary journey, sharing her artistry and passion that illuminate Pittsburgh's dessert scene. From her innovative multi-component apple dessert at Eleven Contemporary Kitchen to crafting bonbons for Umi and seasonal delights for Kaya, Selina's creations redefine what it means to experience dessert. Join us as she reveals her se...

Embark on a culinary journey with us as we welcome the talented Executive Chef Fernando Canales, who is shaking up the dining scene at Fairmont Pittsburgh. Discover how Chef Canales, with his rich background and experiences across exotic destinations, is redefining the hotel’s menu with an emphasis on his favorite dishes like octopus and rack of lamb.  We take a closer look at the unique ingredien...

(01:02) Ever wondered how a simple root can revolutionize the beverage industry? Join us as Tyler Lewis, co-founder of Jackworth Ginger Beer, shares the story of Pennsylvania's first ginger beer brewery. You'll discover the unique blend of ingredients behind their flagship alcoholic ginger beer, featuring organic ginger from Peru and fermented cane and panela sugar. Tyler takes us throug...

(00:50) What do you do when you have an abundance of zucchini? If you're Chris Fennimore, you create a beloved cooking show that’s been a Pittsburgh favorite for over 31 years! Join us as Chris shares how his garden's bounty led to a unique television journey, one that focuses not on celebrity chefs, but on real people and their cherished family recipes. These stories capture the heart o...

(01:00) Rafael Vencio shares his journey of rekindling his cultural roots through pop-ups that spotlight Filipino cuisine, with a touch of modern flair.  From smoked pate-filled lumpia to reimagined pandesal, he is rewriting the narrative of traditional Filipino dishes with a creative twist, while on his ultimate journey to a spring restaurant opening on the Northside. (15:41) Join us as Chef Venc...

What happens when you transition from the fast-paced world of telecommunications to the flavorful realm of food media? Join us as Catherine Montest takes the reins to interview our usual host, Doug Heilman, about his unexpected yet rewarding journey. From igniting his culinary passion with a simple YouTube channel to landing a spot on PBS's "The Great American Recipe," Doug shares t...