Revisiting the Cathedral of Learning and the Nationality Classrooms

A couple of Pittsburgh one-of-a-kinds which often fly under the radar of visitors to the city are the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning and the Nationality Classrooms which are housed in this gothic skyscraper.  Located on the University of Pittsburgh campus in the Oakland section of the city, the Cathedral of Learning is the tallest university structure in the world.  It houses administrative offices and classrooms, and offers wonderful views of the city from its upper floors.  The lower lobby is an architectural marvel.  Featuring a variety of study nooks, this space is reminiscent of the great room of a medieval castle.  It's truly jaw dropping, especially when you consider that it's not a museum but a campus building used everyday by Pitt students.  

The Nationality Rooms are located on the fourth floor of the Cathedral.  They have expanded over the years, as different nationalities have sponsored the elaborate classrooms which celebrate their ethnic heritages.  One of the most recent, opened in May 2012, celebrates my family's Swiss heritage, and features a kackeloeffen (a ceramic stove used for interior heat) which is a replica of one of the creations of my ancestor Hans Heinrich Graf of Winterthur, Switzerland, in the 1600's.  Here is a quick story regarding my father, Ed Graf's, contributions to the creation of the kackeloeffen.  

The Cathedral and the Nationality Classrooms are free to enter and tour, and are open to the public during most days during business hours.  Hours and days open may be found here.  

Cathedral of Learning Main Lobby from Third Floor Balcony

Nationality Rooms - Austrian Room

Nationality Rooms - Swiss Room - Kacheloeffen

Nationality Rooms - Swiss Room

Enjoying Point State Park and the Duquesne Incline

Sometimes when you live in a place you don't necessarily pay attention to what's in front of you.  A little bit ago I took an afternoon to stroll Point State Park, at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers (which create the Ohio River), which has recently been refurbished and re-landscaped.  The Commonwealth of Pennsvlyania also fixed the iconic fountain at the Point, which now shoots up some 70 feet in the air.  A walking or bike tour of the park makes for a great way to see Pittsburgh, with the skyline of downtown to one side, Mt. Washington to the South, and the North Shore to the North.  It's a great view, which gets you right down on water level in the middle of this valley, and there's plenty to watch between the boat traffic, picnickers, and others enjoying the day.

If you are out wandering, then its worth your while to cross the Mon and take the Duquesne Incline up to Mt. Washington.  It lets you out at the far western side of Mt. Washington, near LeMont, Isabella, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, and other upscale restaurants.  There's a great bird's eye view from the Inline's viewing deck, which orients you toward the Point and downtown from that angle.  Again, it's a one of a kind view, and if you're visiting Pittsburgh or, like me, just haven't done it in a while, put a couple of hours aside and indulge yourself!  A word to the wise, the Duquesne Incline requires exact change.  Check the website for fares.

Down with the Count at the Carlton Restaurant

The Carlton restaurant is consistently one of the best fine dining restaurants in the City.  They also have a killer slate of wine dinners throughout the year.  We attended an interesting one last week featuring Buena Vista winery of Sonoma Valley.  The winery is one of the oldest in the U.S., founded by Count Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian nobleman who emigrated to the United States in the 1830's.  The Count introduced European vinticulture techniques to the Sonoma Valley, and created some of the earliest European quality wines in the New World.  In a tale only too familiar in the modern day, the Count was forced out of the operation of his own Buena Vista winery by his investors.  He set off for Nicaragua, where he was intent on making rum and spirits, but dies in a mysterious accident in 1869.

As always, the Carlton's food was spot on, with Executive Chef Simon DeJohn at his best.  My favorite was a braised short rib with beet risotto (and I don't like beets!), and the lamb manicotti, which had a Southwest vibe, almost like a savory lamb enchilada.  The whole meal was fantastic, as is the food there everyday.

That's me pictured with my wife Suzanne, and Carlton proprietor Kevin Joyce and his wife, Maggie.  With us is "The Count," that is, actor George Webber, who plays Count Haraszthy and, at the wine tasting, told his story in first person while in character.  You may think it sounded a little hoaky, but it was like having a floor show to go with your dinner.  It was a fascinating personal story and an interesting look at the birth of wine production in Northern California.

The Buena Vista wines were excellent as well, in particular the new "The Count Founder's Red."

And don't forget that we partner with the Carlton for our Cultural District packages -- the Carlton's limo will take you to and from the theater after your meal.  See here for more details.

Appearing on KDKA TV News

I was featured in a KDKA TV (Pittsburgh CBS Affiliate) news story reported by the Kristine Sorensen on Bridal Brokerage, an Internet outfit that matches couples with cancelled weddings with couples looking to step into their shoes. Kind of a neat concept. The story showed off our Priory Hotel and Grand Hall exceptionally well.

Kristine I thought presented an interesting story highlighting what I think is a win-win-win proposition through Bridal Brokerage.  She is a real professional and truly one of the most down to earth and pleasant people you would ever meet in the media.

Here's a link to the KDKA story.

A Really Powerful Day

I was extremely proud to receive this recognition from the Military Families Network.  It is an American flag which had been flown in a drone over Afghanistan.  We received the recognition for a donation that our Priory Hospitality Group had made to MFN to help finance hot weekend breakfasts for service people at a forward operating base in Afghanistan, FOB Sharana.  Pictured are my in the first row are my sons Max, Will, and Charlie, and Mark Mazzarella, who was a civilian adviser at FOB Sharana and who helped organized the hot breakfast program.  In the rear is Lt. Colonel Shauna Hauser, who is the commanding officer of the 1st Recruiting Battalion, U.S. Army, located in Harrisburg, PA.

It was a pleasure and honor to meet. Lt. Colonel Hauser and the other soldiers at this event at the Roberto Clemente Museum.  I was proud to have played a very small part in the festivities, but it does make you remember that there are many soldiers, sailors, Air Force personnel and sailors who are still at risk in eastern Asia, and whom we have to remember with our prayers.  

The event was sponsored by Dwayne Rieder, who owns the museum, and his Engine House 25 Winery, which shares space with the museum (and makes some great wine too).

WESA Public Radio Interview

I had the pleasure of being interviewed on the Essential Pittsburgh show on our local NPR affiliate, WESA 90.5 FM about a week ago.  I was on with host Paul Guggenheimer and writer Leah Samuel, whose recent article on the website Public Source addressed wage and hour violations in the hotel industry.  Thankfully, I was on not as a violator but as one of the good players in the industry.  However, I did try to make the point that wage and hour laws can be confusing for employers and employees, and that while there are some bad actors who consistently transgress, on many occasions the violations are honest mistakes by the operator, who will then make restitution and see that the problems do not arise again.

You can listen to the broadcast here.

Biggest Water Balloon Fight in the World Tomorrow!

I'd like to share with you a really special charity event which is taking place this Saturday at the Highmark (Riverhounds) Stadium at Station Square.  It's the Great AmericanWater Balloon Fight, a massive water balloon battle on the stadium field, with the proceeds of the event benefitting "Team Tassy," an organization devoted to helping the families of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 2010.  The water balloon fight consists of  four teams of contestants, led by a celebrity captain, doing battle with over 100,000 water balloons.  The organization raises money through contestants obtaining sponsors and through ticket sales.    It's a family friendly event with four bands, lots of food, and other amusements.  It  should be a great way to spend a summer day. 

Tassy Filsaime is a young man from Port Au Prince Haiti who was in severe need of an operation to remove a tumor on his jaw.  Two years ago, Pittsburgher Ian Rosenberger (a finalist on the "Survivor" television program) and some friends organized a fundraiser at our Grand Hall to raise the $30,000 they needed to bring Tassy to the U.S. and to get him this life saving operation.  The event and the operation was a success, but Ian and Company wanted to do more for the people of Haiti.  Thus they formed Team Tassy, an organization aimed at healing the families of Haiti by "teaching them to fish" so to speak.  First, they help stabilize a family's health concerns (as in Tassy's case), then they will work with the family in helping to educate the children and to find jobs for those who can work.  The focus is on the longitudinal well being of the family -- allowing them to sustain themselves.  It's truly inspiring. 

Tassy, who is doing well and going to school in Pittsburgh, will be there, along with Ian and many others.  If you have time on Saturday afternoon, I'd urge you to stop by this worthwhile event. 

Details :

What:   Great American Water Balloon Fight (also featuring food and live music)

Where:  Highmark Stadium, Station Square

When:   Saturday, July 13, 2012.  Doors open - 10:00 a.m.; Fight starts - 1:00 p.m. 

Link to Team Tassy Website:  http://teamtassy.org/

Link to Great American Water Balloon Fight Website:  http://www.teamtassy.org/waterballoon/