Adventure in the 'Burgh

Yesterday, Kevin and I traveled to Pittsburgh for a little adventure. Our first stop, as it always is, was the Strip District, an old industrial neighborhood still home to produce wholesalers, as well as lots of specialty food markets, bars, and restaurants. To me, the Strip is Pittsburgh. A little gritty, reflecting the industrial past, but vibrant, as new ideas take root. It's always busy--everyone shops there, whether rich or poor, young or old. And where else can you find so much down-to-earth Pittsburgh charm?

Here we split a mung bean pancake from a streetcart vendor, stocked up on spices and herbs from Penzey's, bought rustic Italian bread from Jimmy and Nino Sunseri's, and filled two bags with salami, cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian tuna in oil, and other delectable provisions from the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company.

As we were returning to our car, laden down with provisions, a sudden rainstorm hit and stopped everyone in their tracks. We sought shelter under an awning and waited for 15 minutes until the storm let up. While we waited, I snapped this shot of the Penn Mac building.

During the height of the storm, a few women decided to make a dash for it anyway. (I had set a long exposure time to capture the rain. I like how it blurs the women.)


Once the rain slowed, we ran to our car, but not before stopping at Mon Ami Chocolates to pick up some imported Cadbury Fruit and Nut Bars.

On the way back to the car, I took this picture, which shows the gritty, urban feel of the Strip.


From here, we headed to the South Side and drove down Carson Street. We stopped at Utrecht Art Supply, where I bought a pad of tissue paper, then wandered to South Side Works.

I saw a moth resting on a window outside Z Gallerie. I like how there are three layers to this photo: the moth, the reflected building and cars from across the street, and the accessorie window display.


Continuing with the reflections theme, I captured this bit of mural reflected in a mirrored window.

We drove through Squirrel Hill to Swissvale, where we picked up a case of our favorite beer: Fuller's London Pride. The brick streets of this historic neighborhood still survive.

We finished our day with a Middle Eastern feast at Ali Baba in Oakland. Hummus, fatoosh, sleek, mujaddara, and spinach pie filled us up and capped off a great Pittsburgh adventure.