Doings at the New Hazlett Theater

The New Hazlett Theater, located in West Commons Park, just blocks from The Priory, has a bevy of new and interesting events coming up. Today from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is Paths to the Park Performance - A Chalk Shoes Project. This event is free and takes place at Lake Elizabeth in nearby West Park.


Also upcoming (June 4-28) is a new performance of Lanford Wilson's classic 1987 play "Burn This!" featuring Pittsburgh native David Conrad, in a role originated by John Malkovich. Conrad is also a star of CBS Television's "The Ghost Whisperer." Goldstar.com describes "Burn This" thusly: "Set in a loft on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Lanford Wilson's electrifying play shows the tension that erupts when people from very different worlds collide. Burn This is a penetrating exposition of four violently opposing characters who are scrambling to regain control over their lives. "


For more information regarding the New Hazlett's schedule, click here.

Priory Historical Photos: Grand Hall Before and After

Before: Here is our Grand Hall (the former St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church) as it looked when we acquired it in 1984 -- it came lock, stock & barrel as a church, complete with pews, statuary, altars and furnishings.

After: Here is our Grand Hall as it appeared shortly after we opened in November 1995. Note that we preserved the original hanging lamps. We also, to the extent we could, retained and restored the existing ornamental stenciling.

At the Mattress Factory

Upcoming Events at The Mattress Factory

The Mattress Factory Museum, located in the Mexican War Streets District, not far from The Priory, is featuring a couple of intriguing events over the next few weeks. The first is "Strange Democracy: An Evening with Guillermo Gomez-Pena," a performance art piece which happens on Sunday evening, May 31.

The second is the Mattress Factory's infamous Urban Garden Party, held on June 12, 2009. VIP reception is at 6:00 p.m.; General admission is at 7:00 p.m. Hosted by legendary concert promoter Rich Engler and his wife Cindy, the Urban Garden Party's theme this year is "All Access," giving attendees a chance to hear behind the scenes stories of the rock and roll concert milieu from the 1970's to today.

The Mattress Factory is an eclectic installation art museum, and well worth a look if you are at all a lover of intriguing and different art and sculpture.

Wine Tasting Post Mortem

We had a fabulous wine tasting in our courtyard last Thursday. We had 43 guests in attendance, who were treated to four wonderful wines from Southern Italy, presented by local wine expert Joe Barsotti. Chefs Pete Phillipy and Mike Henney whipped up some fabulous hors d'oeurves, including a scallop with red pepper presented on a spoon that was out of this world. Local troubadour Chris Laughrey provided the music.

Tickets are on sale now for our next wine event, June 18, 2009 (from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), Battle of the Pinots, featuring Milko Miladinov as your wine host.

First Courtyard Wine Tasting Tomorrow

OUR INAUGURAL WINE TASTING IS TOMORROW - MAY 21.
Click below to hear me explain why you don't want to miss this tasting!

Where: The Priory Hotel Courtyard
When: Thursday, May 21, 2009
What Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Theme, Host: "A Taste of Southern Italy" - Joe Barsotti, Barsotti Wines

Light Hors D'Oeuvres provided by Grand Hall Chefs Pete Phillipy and Michael Henney. Cost is $45.00 per person. Call (412) 323-9394 for tickets or information, or e-mail us at gene@thepriory.com. Wines to be served at this event are:

Concilio Pinot Grigio '07, Trentino
Leone de Castria Salice Salentino '06, Puglia
Notorius Nero d'Avola '06, Sicilia
San Cassiano Chianti Riserva '04, Toscana

Carlton Restaurant Wine Dinner

Kevin Joyce, Proprietor, The Carlton Restaurant

If you're in Pittsburgh on Monday, May 18, consider attending the Carlton Restaurant's latest wine dinner. The featured winemaker is David Whitehouse of Trefethen Vineyards, and food offerings include grilled marinated citrus shrimp, rack of lamb and rack of veal. The Carlton is one of the most consistently excellent fine dining restaurants in the city, and the $99.00 per person price (exclusive of gratuity and tax) is an incredible value. The Carlton is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. See the menu for this fabulous dinner here.

Courtyard Wine Tasting Reminder

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE PRIORY'S INAUGURAL WINE TASTING ON MAY 21, 2009

Where: The Priory Hotel Courtyard

When: Thursday, May 21, 2009

What Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Wine Theme and Host: "A Taste of Southern Italy" - Joe Barsotti, Barsotti Wines

Light Hors D'Oeuvres provided by Grand Hall Chefs Pete Phillipy and Michael Henney

Cost: $45.00 per person

Please call (412) 323-9394 for tickets or information, or e-mail us at gene@thepriory.com.

Please see my blog post of April 20 for a full listing of the wines to be served!

New Airport Shuttle Service

New Airport Shuttle Service Hitting Pittsburgh on May 1, 2009

Super Shuttle is a new van shuttle service which opened in the Pittsburgh market on May 1. The Super Shuttle will transport travelers to and from the Pittsburgh International Airport to and from the destination of their choice for only $19 one way (a typical cab fare is more that $40 to downtown Pittsburgh, by contrast). While the shuttle may make stops for other travelers, it will deliver you right to The Priory from the airport or deliver you to the airport from The Priory. To book, you need only contact Super Shuttle to make a reservation (preferably 24 hours in advance of your flight departure or arrival). Super Shuttle's telephone number is 1 800 Blue Van (258-3826); you can book through their website http://www.supershuttle.com/.

The Priory will shortly be able to make reservations for guests directly through the supershuttle system.

We see this as a great leap forward for guest convenience and value at The Priory!