The Pittsburgh Dish

(00:55) What does it take to craft the perfect rustic pastry and build a thriving worker-owned cooperative bakery? Join us on this episode of The Pittsburgh Dish as we chat with Erika Bruce, the passionate co-owner of Third Space Bakery in Garfield, Pittsburgh. Erika shares the unique journey behind the bakery's inception, their commitment to seasonal and local ingredients, and the exciting,...

(00:38) Heather Abraham, the dynamic co-host of Pittsburgh Today Live and Talk Pittsburgh on KDKA, joins us this episode, sharing her whirlwind life balancing a bustling family with her influential role in Pittsburgh's culinary scene. Heather pulls back the curtain on the multiple TV kitchen segments each week, illustrating the powerful connections she forms with chefs, influencers, and food...

(01:01) Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of Steven Bright, whose passion for cooking overcame family resistance and led him to an inspiring career filled with unforgettable moments. From his early culinary education at the International Culinary Academy to leading the kitchen at Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Steven’s story is a testament to the power of following your dreams and th...

This episode, we’re spotlighting some of the fresh voices in our Weekly Recommend segments.  First, we chat with Emily Struhala, a freelance journalist from the Greensburg area. Beyond her dining picks, Emily writes about small business and tourism throughout Western Pennsylvania. Find her work on notable outlets like Visit Pittsburgh and Next Pittsburgh.    Next, meet Julie Engelbrecht of @girlea...

(00:39) Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Megan McGinnis, affectionately known as the Cheese Queen of Pittsburgh, and uncover the secrets behind her charcuterie shop in Mount Oliver. Discover how Megan's passion for local cheeses, foods from women-owned businesses, and her expertise in creating stunning grazing tables has cemented her place in Pittsburgh's culinary scene. Hear...

(00:39) Join us as we uncover the heartwarming story of Kamila and Damir, the dynamic duo behind Soul Pasta. In this episode, we explore their remarkable journey to the United States, from owning a pasta shop on Baum Boulevard to embracing a business model that includes pop-ups, farmers markets, catering, and the unique Pasta Club subscription service. Their motivation? More family time and commun...

(01:00) Ever wondered how a Father's Day gift can ignite a passion and transform a career? This week, we sit down with Jon Lloyd, a self-taught barbecue enthusiast who turned his newfound love for smoking meats during the pandemic into a thriving private chef business in Pittsburgh. He shares the variety of services he offers, including intimate dinners, large catering events, and cooking cla...

(00:34) We welcome Kanika, also known as the Indian Somm and That Curry Smell, to The Pittsburgh Dish. This episode promises to enrich your culinary knowledge, blending Kanika's Indian heritage with her passion for gastronomy and vino. As a biomedical scientist by day and a culinary connoisseur by night, Kanika offers a unique perspective on making traditional Indian dishes accessible and del...

(00:35) Ever wondered how a beloved Pittsburgh restaurant turned an old firehouse into a culinary gem? Join us as we sit down with Andrew Heffner, the general manager of Bar Marco, to uncover the inspiring journey. Andrew shares the secrets behind their unique dining experience and the importance of staff longevity, creating a sense of community that keeps patrons coming back. (07:28) Get ready to...

(00:51) On this episode of The Pittsburgh Dish, we dive into the culinary journeys and innovative business ventures of Zita Edsall and John Lopez, the brilliant couple behind Chip and Kale Plant-Based Meals. What if you could revolutionize your dinner routine with just a few clicks? Zita’s devotion to cooking has led her to create versatile, pre-prepped meal kits that cater to both vegan and non-v...

(00:54) Ever wondered how a food co-op can transform a community? In this episode of The Pittsburgh Dish, we're joined by Tyler Kulp, the interim general manager of East End Food Co-op, who takes us on a fascinating journey through the unique, community-based essence of the co-op. Tyler sheds light on their vast selection of every day items, bulk grains, and fresh local produce, as well as th...

(00:35) What happens when a family-run restaurant transitions to the next generation? Join us as we chat with Todd Brezinski, co-owner of Jimmy Wan's in Fox Chapel, who shares the challenges and triumphs of modernizing a beloved family business. Todd and his wife, Kristen Wan, have made significant strides in both learning and leading the restaurant, with a move back to Pittsburgh, immersing...

(01:09) What if you could reinvent your culinary skills and create mouthwatering plant-based meats from your kitchen? Discover the inspiring story behind Self Reliant Seitan with our guest, Emily Foster. Emily shares her transformative journey—from a  home cook to the founder of a thriving small business known for its handmade seitan products. Learn what sets her creations apart, from delicious br...

(01:02) Discover how a small gyro shop in Robinson has blossomed into a beloved local institution over the past 15 years.  John King, also known as Yianni, is the owner and mastermind behind Olympos Gyros and Catering. John shares the secrets behind their unique gyros, from diverse tzatziki flavors to their signature feta fries, and reveals the challenges and triumphs of expanding into food truck...

(00:54) Ever wondered how a food editor curates a list of the top 25 restaurants in a bustling city? Get an insider's perspective with Kristy Graver, food editor at Pittsburgh Magazine, as she shares her unique journey into food journalism, including the magical moment she received her job offer at her grandparents' grave. From the high-end elegance of LeMont to the cozy charm of Lawrenc...

(00:54) What happens when a photo of a Reese's dessert in Atlantic City sparks a journey into Pittsburgh's food scene? Abby O'Connell, the vibrant food influencer behind foodismysavior_PGH, joins us to share her story. Hear about her passion for supporting local businesses, her Instagram evolution, and the unique camaraderie amongst food influencers. Abby also teases her preparation...

(00:38) Join us at the table with Chef Alekka Sweeney, the culinary force of nature whose kitchen mastery knows no bounds. As she whisks us away on a gastronomic tour, we discover her passion for crafting globally-inspired menus and the joy she finds in empowering her students—from curious little chefs-in-the-making to enthusiastic adults. Chef Alekka is not just about tantalizing taste buds; she&...

(00:38) When Eric White swapped his PF Chang's apron for the entrepreneurial hat of Pittsburgh Dumplingz, he embarked on a savory venture that's tantalizing taste buds across the city. We uncover the story of his remarkable rise and the pop-up scene that's become his stage. From the intricacies of perfecting the fold in his celebrated dumplings to the lively atmosphere of local brew...

(01:02) Embark on a flavorful journey with KT, also known as Bamboooyah, as she brings her Korean-inspired fusion cooking to our table, spicing up our culinary repertoire with inventive dishes and vibrant flavors. Her Korean heritage bubbles through each recipe, from the hearty army stew budae jjigae, a symbol of resourcefulness, to the intricate layers of fermentation that define Korean cuisine&a...

(1:06) When a wedding gift evolves into a lifelong passion, it's a story worth uncorking. Join us as we raise a glass with Catherine Montest, who takes us on a spirited journey from receiving her first bottle of fine wine to diving deep into wine clubs and vintner adventures. Her insights remind us that, like a fine wine, relationships and palates mature beautifully over time. Our conversatio...

(01:05) Picture yourself tucking into the heart and soul of Pittsburgh's culinary scene with Raquel Holiday of Fork Ya PGH, whose Instagram fame is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her influence on food lovers everywhere. As we chat, Raquel unfolds the map of her journey from a dance show aficionado to a food blogger extraordinaire, showing us the potent blend of passion and plate...

(00:59) In this fiery episode of The Pittsburgh Dish, we sit down with the Spice King himself, Arthur Pitt, and learn about his unexpected journey from music, to cannabis private equity, to the hot sauce hustle. Artie dishes out the spicy beginnings of Artie's Hot Sauce, which started as a simple kitchen 'brain exercise' and has now blossomed into a full-blown passion project.  (20:...

(01:10) Embarking on a career change is no small feat, but for Beth Kurtz Taylor, the pivot from child development to the realm of pastries and sourdough is a journey marked by resilience and an unwavering passion for food. Join us as Beth, the spirited co-owner of Pittsburgh's newest delight, Third Space Bakery, cooks up tales of her transformative path through a passion for food and the peo...

(00:58) Shayla Penn of Burgh Eats and Treats! graces our podcast with tales that extend beyond the plate, spotlighting the undeniable truth that food is the golden thread in the fabric of our communities.  (14:28) This episode isn't just a tasting menu; it's a celebration of places and faces that define our culinary landscape. You'll hear about the 'Burgh Eats and Treats!'...

Paul Abbott from Giant Eagle Market District joins our table, and he's not coming empty-handed. He's here to unpack the journey of local food producers, from crafting their unique flavors right through to the moment their products hit the shelves. From the delight of tasting Pittsburgh's own Leona's Ice Cream Sandwiches or savoring La Familia's pasta sauce, knowing you&apo...