The Pittsburgh Dish
Doug Heilman
Do you really know the food scene of Pittsburgh?! The Pittsburgh Dish introduces you to the people, places, and recipes that make our regional cuisine so special. By sharing personal stories, weekly recommendations, and community recipes, we aim to inspire you to connect with local taste makers and experience the unique flavors that shape our city.
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Top 10 The Pittsburgh Dish Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Pittsburgh Dish episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Pittsburgh Dish for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Pittsburgh Dish episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
019 Kristy Graver's Culinary Stories
The Pittsburgh Dish
06/09/24 • 50 min
(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 Lawrenceville’s sandwich shops, Kristy provides a guided tour of Pittsburgh's diverse and vibrant culinary landscape.
(12:24) In this episode, we dive deep into Kristy's daily life, uncovering how she balances personal storytelling with larger feature pieces like the "burger bracket," which saw her sampling an impressive 32 cheese burgers. Learn about her discoveries, from beloved local institutions like Frankie's Extra Long to the artisanal delights of the Pittsburgh Pickle Company. As a Pittsburgh native, Kristy’s connection to the local food scene lends authenticity to her reviews and articles, further evidenced by her dedication to producing fresh weekly content for the Pittsburgh Eats newsletter.
(25:08) We also explore some of Pittsburgh's hidden culinary gems, including a Brookline bar known for its exceptional chicken fingers and the best Reuben she found at Marshall Cigar, a surprising gas station treasure.
(38:41) The episode wraps up with a sparkling summer wine guide from Catherine Montest, aka Your Fairy Wine Mother, and an enticing history of Mapo Tofu presented by listener Mae Chandran. Come along for a feast of flavors.
047 Chef Jonathan Homer's Culinary Journey
The Pittsburgh Dish
02/22/25 • 38 min
(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 and ragu bolognese with tagliatelle, and the art behind crafting a perfect margherita pizza that has sold thousands.
Jonathan's story is one of resilience and passion, tracing back to family roots in Uniontown and Cleveland, where Polish and Italian community traditions first sparked his culinary dreams. Jonathan's journey is filled with personal challenges, including his father's illness and recovery, which propelled him toward his dreams in St. Louis. His time at Favazza's Italian restaurant taught him the finer points of fresh pasta making, cementing his dedication to the craft.
(19:48) This chapter of his life paints a vivid picture of a chef who constantly evolves, learning from each experience and mentor he encounters, which continues with his return to Pittsburgh.
(26:37) Later in the show, we explore the warmth and wings of Bigham Tavern in Mount Washington with Autumn Pawelec, and get a cherished family tradition of making homemade gnocchi from the Costanzo family. Join us for an episode filled with passion, perseverance, and flavor.
000 Introducing The Pittsburgh Dish
The Pittsburgh Dish
01/25/24 • 1 min
Welcome to The Pittsburgh Dish, Pittsburgh's newest regional food show. Join us each week for profile interviews, recommendations, and recipes. We aim to inspire our listeners to connect with their local food scene and learn more about the unique flavors that shape our city. Thanks for checking out The Pittsburgh Dish!
005 Sweet Inspirations with Hannah Olsen, Macaron Maven
The Pittsburgh Dish
03/03/24 • 44 min
Embark on a culinary adventure with a master of macarons, Hannah Olsen of Aycho Melange, as we unravel these delicate French cookies that are taking Pittsburgh by storm. Hannah clarifies the 'macaron vs. macaroon' conundrum and shares the story behind her bakery's unique name. Her passion for these sophisticated yet approachable treats is contagious, and you'll find yourself craving more than just a bite of her signature sandwich cookies that are a far cry from the typical store-bought varieties.
With a mix of humor and wisdom, Hannah walks us through her entrepreneurial journey, from a monthly skill-building challenge to the creation of a flourishing pastry business. It's a tale of innovation, personal growth, and the joy of embracing new crafts that will inspire you to consider where your own curiosities might lead.
And for those dreaming of their own food venture, don't miss the insights on transitioning from a home kitchen to a professional one, and the exciting development of Batches Bakehouse – a potential game-changer for small-scale food creators. Celebrate the power of community support that bolsters local businesses like Aycho Melange.
As we wrap up, join us on a delicious detour through other foodie finds in Mt Oliver with Brown Bear Bread Company and a cherished family recipe of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that add a sprinkle of local flavor and a dollop of culinary heritage to our city's diverse culinary delights.
006 Uniting Foodies and Flavorful Tales with Ashley Cesaratto
The Pittsburgh Dish
03/10/24 • 41 min
Imagine biting into the perfect slice of pizza, but instead of just savoring the flavors, you spark a social media idea that unites food lovers citywide. That's exactly what happened to Ashley Cesaratto, co-founder of the Pittsburgh Foodies Facebook group, who joins us for a mouthwatering discussion about the city's culinary landscape. As we trace Ashley's path from music to influential foodie, we uncover the secrets behind managing an online community and the power of personal connections in recommending the best eateries and cooking advice.
Ashley shares her experience stepping into the media spotlight, from a serendipitous Instagram comment to tasting the local limelight on "Talk Pittsburgh," we explore the prep and passion that goes into a few minutes of screen time. Ashley's tales from her guest spots on podcasts, like "Lunchtime in Rome," serve up a delicious blend of personal narrative and culinary delight. Finally, we get personal with holiday food memories and reinventions of the traditional feast. We chat about Ashley's family recipes and how a simple dish can become a treasure trove of nostalgia.
Love a good wine suggestion? We also discuss which Italian vintages are the perfect companions to beloved pasta dishes, and then share a completely new take on lasagna for our recipe of the week. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast looking to perfect your meatball game or a baking aficionado curious about pavlova, this episode has the ingredients for a delightful culinary adventure. So, buckle up your apron and join us for a taste of Pittsburgh and beyond, right here at the table of shared stories and savory delights.
007 Dishing Up Humor and Resilience with Desarae Legros
The Pittsburgh Dish
03/17/24 • 44 min
When Desarae Legros steps into the kitchen, it's not just about the sizzle of the pan but the laughter that fills the room. She joins us this episode, spicing up our conversation with her journey to cookbook author and TikTok culinary sensation, blending cooking prowess with a hefty dose of humor. We unwrap the pages of her life, with candid tales of resilience and tradition, seasoned with the realities of dealing with disability, loss, and the pressures of social media.
The heat turns up as we navigate Desarae's love of molecular gastronomy, culinary competitions, as well as the heartwarming narrative behind a family burger recipe that's much more than a sum of its ingredients.
Closing the lid on our gastronomic journey, we reflect on authenticity and connection beyond the screen. Desiree's commitment to uplifting small businesses and championing community initiatives, like Lasagna Love's mission to feed the hungry, fuels a conversation on the power of food to unite and heal. Her plans for a new barbecue-themed cookbook promise not just to fire up the grill but also to kindle a spirit of giving.
Later, we serve up a recommendation for tacos at one of Pittsburgh's neighborhood gems, and revisit the classic Strawberry Jell-O® Pretzel Salad recipe, ensuring that our listeners leave with their appetites—both for food and life—fully whetted.
008 Wheeling in Warmth and Flavor with Chef Janet Loughran
The Pittsburgh Dish
03/24/24 • 38 min
When Chef Janet Loughran wheels her way into our hearts, she's not just pulling along a red wagon filled with culinary delights; she's carting a lifetime of poignant stories and robust flavors. Her journey from distributing home-cooked comforts during the throes of a pandemic to becoming the private chef every Pittsburgher would want—it's a testament to genuine passion and a hearty wedding soup.
Transitioning from a clerical assistant to a culinary artist is no easy feat, but with a pinch of courage and a cup of determination, Janet found her true calling amidst the sizzle and chop of the kitchen. The journey has been as flavorful as it has challenging, from navigating the dynamics of team collaboration in a high-pressure culinary environment to becoming the food and beverage director at a local golf course, and now serving as your friendly kitchen fact finder on her Instagram, @Chef.Life.Hacks!
Later in the show... Looking for some soul in your food. We spotlight the soulful A&E Eatz where every dish promises a story as rich and satisfying as the flavors on your plate. Plus we share a halushki recipe, where the noodles never mush out , and plenty of butter is the key. All this week!
010 Culinary Bonds and Community with Shayla Penn
The Pittsburgh Dish
04/07/24 • 40 min
(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!' Facebook Group's dramatic influence on local eateries like Gabriella's, where the perfect fish shout-out can make all the difference. And as palates expand, so do our connections, with Shayla's story underscoring how a shared meal can turn strangers into family.
(31:30) As we plate up the final course, we'll talk about the art of pairing the perfect wine with succulent dishes, specifically lamb chops. Catherine brings her expertise to the table, discussing the harmony found in a bottle of Bordeaux blend.
(37:42) To sweeten the send-off, Jeff's peach bread recipe promises to turn your kitchen into the most beloved bakery on the block. So, ready your forks and tune in for an episode that's as rich and satisfying as the perfect bite.
012 Artie's Hot Sauce: A Tale of Beats to Bottled Heat
The Pittsburgh Dish
04/21/24 • 39 min
(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.
(20:27) Every entrepreneur has a story, and Artie's is a melody of twists and turns, from music mogul to hot sauce artisan. We reminisce about the lessons learned and connections made throughout his dynamic career path, that ultimately led to his current symphony of spice.
(34:46) As the summer sun beckons, we check in with the co-founder of Pittsburgh Foodies, Ashley Cesaratto, who gives her top recommendation for a daytime dining experience. It's a unique tuna melt that steals the show for her.
(36:55) And for those listeners looking to get their grill on, Eric P's grilled naan recipe will surely impress at your next backyard bash. Pull up a chair and enjoy!
009 Guiding Local Food to Grocery Aisles with Paul Abbott
The Pittsburgh Dish
03/31/24 • 43 min
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're supporting the heartbeat of our food community. Our conversation with Paul reveals the dedication behind Market District's role in partnering with these culinary gems and how the relationships enrich our local food culture.
Get ready to pull back the curtain on what it takes for a product to go from concept to consumer. Through stories like a local salsa brand's rise to fame, we highlight the intertwined paths of personal dedication and community support that mark the success of Pittsburgh's food artisans. Learn how feedback and relationships are crucial in navigating the retail landscape, and discover the surprising ways that store leaders and team members scout for potential products that might just be the next big thing on your dinner table.
Finally, because we believe the soul of Pittsburgh is best experienced through many voices, food enthusiast Raquel Holiday and listener Eric P share notable food favorites – from comforting White Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs to the delectable mix of Mexican cuisine and frozen custard. Pull up a chair and prepare to indulge in the stories and tastes that define our vibrant culinary scene.
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Pittsburgh Dish have?
The Pittsburgh Dish currently has 51 episodes available.
What topics does The Pittsburgh Dish cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Cooking, Pittsburgh, Local, Human Interest, Eating, Podcasts, Arts and Food.
What is the most popular episode on The Pittsburgh Dish?
The episode title '001 Savoring the City with Ana Eats Pittsburgh' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Pittsburgh Dish?
The average episode length on The Pittsburgh Dish is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Pittsburgh Dish released?
Episodes of The Pittsburgh Dish are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Pittsburgh Dish?
The first episode of The Pittsburgh Dish was released on Jan 25, 2024.
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