Monthly Archives: July 2011

Homemade Granola Recipe

Homemade granola is easy to make, and can be a satisfying snack. You can eat it by itself, or with milk. It’s good to carry with you in your car, and is even good to give as a gift. Try this easy to make recipe, and add nuts and dried fruits that you like!

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Garden Dreams Urban Farm, Pittsburgh, PA

A few years ago I decided to skip the big stores, and found a local east-end nursery to support. A neighbor of mine suggested that I stop by Garden Dreams Urban Farm and Nursery at 806 Holland Avenue in Wilkinsburg. It’s a true gem, and the quality of the plants is amazing.

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Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen, Pittsburgh, PA

Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen is located on South Braddock and Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh- one of the busiest intersections in the city. So, any restaurant should do well in that location, right? Well, Calli’s came and went in a matter of months, so keep your fingers crossed for Alma.

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Mercurio’s, Shadyside, PA

It had been some time since I enjoyed a cup of gelato, so while in Shadyside, I stopped into Mercurio’s on Walnut Street.

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Coca Cafe, Lawrenceville, PA

I stopped by Coca Café in Lawrenceville to meet a client for breakfast this Sunday. When I arrived, there was a small line, probably 20 people. The café was due to open at 10am, and the locals were eager to be the first seated.

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Root 174, Pittsburgh, PA

Ever since Legume left South Braddock Avenue to move to Oakland, I’ve been hopeful that a chef with vision and a sense of culinary adventure would occupy the vacated space. Chef Keith Fuller, formerly of Six Penn Kitchen, jumped at the opportunity to open his own restaurant, Root 174 on the popular east end street.

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Opening a Restaurant

There have been many additions to the Regent Square dining scene over the past few years. For the most part, the private business owners who have chosen to start a restaurant in the east end have been successful. So, what does it take to be a restaurant owner?

Opening a public business, especially a restaurant can be a complicated process, and risky endeavor. There are many factors to consider; let’s examine a few.

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Nancy B’s Bakery, Homestead, PA

Everyone likes cookies right? I sure do, and today, I had a whopper. If you’ve never heard of Nancy B’s in Homestead, it’s time to become familiar with the name.

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Girasole, Shadyside, PA

Girasole is an authentic Italian restaurant off the beaten path. During the summer they have outside seating, if you prefer. When we arrived, Girasole was half-full. The space isn’t large, and the wait staff, and patrons had a difficult time moving about the restaurant because of the closeness of the tables. We were seated near a wall with small floor fans (it was muy hot) and began to look over the menu.

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Tutti Frutti, Suirrel Hill, PA

My friend told me about a yogurt shop that popped up in Squirrel Hill next to Rita’s by the name of Tutti-Frutti. It’s been years since I’ve had the stuff, so I stopped by on my way home from dinner in Shadyside. It had been a hot day, so I expected to see a crowd when I entered the store. There were only two other people in front of me… not a good sign.

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