Outsiders' Takes on the Pittsburgh Cookie Table Tradition

In Pittsburgh, attending a wedding reception which does not feature dozens of home made cookies, lovingly laid out and displayed, is an anomalous experience.  We're used to cookie tables the same way we refer to rubber bands as "gumbands" and have no idea that there's no such word as "slippy."  In doing some research for some new wedding packages, I came across a couple of articles in the national (international, if you count Canada), about the curiosity aroused by the tradition of the cookie table, and the anthropological interest by outsiders.

Here is an article from the New York Times circa 2009.

Here is an article from Canada's National Post circa November 2013.

Interesting reading, being examined from the outside!

On the Microbrewery Trail with Mayor Bill Peduto

Chris Togneri of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review wrote an interesting piece recently.  Togneri accompanied Pittsburgh's (relatively) new Mayor, Bill Peduto, on a tour of Pittsburgh's burgeoning microbrewery scene.  Peduto, a microbrew skeptic (he drinks Miller Lite), wound his way around the city visiting old favorites (such as our nearby Penn Brewery) and some of the new kids on the block (Hop Farm Brewery in Lawrenceville).

The article is a great way to get a taste of Pittsburgh's microbrewery scene - so if you're a fan of craft beers, check the article out here.

Unrelated, Peduto also appeared in a recent episode of the CBS TV Show Undercover Boss.

February Wine Tasting

Our February Tasting features wines from Chile with host Milko Mladinov from Winebow.  Date is February 19 (Thursday) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Our theme is "Patagonia’s Just Not About Pricey Outerwear!"

Okay!  Our wines for the Priory February Tasting are not from as far south as Patagonia, but they’re not too far – the Aconcagua and Central Valley regions of Chile!  Each wine brings with it the notes and terroirs of those up and coming appellations!

·         Cousino-Macul Antiquas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo 2011)

·         Leyda Vineyards Pinot Noir (Valle de San Antonio 2012)

·         Leyda Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Valle de San Antonio 2013)

·         Terra Noble Single Vineyard La Higuera Carmenere (Valle de Maule 2012)

As always our wine offerings are paired up with some great heavy hors d'oeuvres from our executive chefs Pete Phillipy and Mike Henney.  Contact Gene Lucente at gene@thepriory.com or (412) 224-6302 to make reservations.  Tickets are $60 per person.  We hope to see you!

Priory From the Air

A friend forwarded some photographs of our Priory Hotel and Grand Hall taken from a helicopter.  It's view of our place that few ever see!

 

Post-Gazette Restaurant Guide

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently published its Dining Guide, featuring a wide variety of new, newish, established and ethic restaurants.  Each is great in its own way, from Everyday Noodles in Squirrel Hill, which offers some amazing and authentic Chinese cuisine, to Legume Bistro in Oakland, which was among the pioneers of the farm to table restaurants in Pittsburgh.

Peruse the article and partake of one of these wonderful places during your stop in Pittsburgh!

See a link to the article here.