Exploring Pittsburgh

Pineapples and mustard-colored bridges in Pittsburgh, and a perpetually pouring Heinz ketchup bottle. I found this to be a wonderful city, the original home of Andy Warhol. Just back after several rich days of conversation, idea-sharing, and taking in textures and sounds.

Did you know? In 2009, The Economist named Pittsburgh the most livable city in the United States and 29th-most-livable city worldwide. It was a pleasure to see the sister bridges, the brick facades, neighborhood enclaves, and hills and rivers of this intriguing place. Lots of visual drama in those steep inclines!

Click here to learn how Pittsburgh almost lost – and then regained – its "H".

DeLuca's in Pittsburgh: Road Trip Breakfast

From the Streamliner Dinner on Bainbridge Island, to DeLuca's on the Strip in Pittsburgh: that's the story of my search for the best local breakfast during recent trips. We were told to go to DeLuca's because rumor had it that Obama had eaten there, but the truemor is that Obama was at breakfast rival Pamela's. (Get the full story here, at the very informative Obama Foodorama, A Daily Diary of The Obama Foodscape, One Bipartisan Byte At A Time.)

We thought the breakfast was terrific – and so was the ambience: bustling, friendly, evoking years of morning-meals-out-with-friends gone by. Here are just a few pictures.

I tracked down a piece called "The DeLuca Paradox" by Bob Steigerwald about why he thinks DeLuca's is a great place. The Feisty Foodie weighs in here. This review, by Regis Behe, says:

"the long, low counter, with accompanying swivel stools attached to the floor, allows diners to watch the kitchen staff whip up a variety of breakfast favorites. The booths are small but cozy, and a Greek-themed mural and an ancient clock on the front wall are relics from bygone eras. The service is friendly, efficient and quick. A first-time diner immediately feels welcome.

Of course, you get a lot of these comforts (not to mention some of the same ambience) at your Aunt Betty's house."

Yes, but who is lucky enough to have an Aunt Betty anymore? (If you have one, please let me know.) That comment reminds me of the CD by Bloomington musician Carrie Newcomer, Betty's Diner: I bet Carrie would appreciate DeLuca's.