If you’re anywhere around western Pennsylvania this weekend, you can find me at the Pennsylvania State Atheist/Humanist Conference in Pittsburgh, the third time it’s been held (heathenism is spreading, I tell you). The ceremonies begin with a drinks reception on Friday at 7 pm; that and all activities will be at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown. The formal schedule is here, and there’s an interesting mix of people (I’ll be talking a bit about what’s in the Albatross, though I’ve only 20 minutes to summarize an entire book). The festivities wind up Sunday afternoon, and there’s plenty of entertainment, too, including George Hrab (see lineup at the bottom of the “speakers” page). It looks like a good time.
I believe they’ll have WEIT on sale (the Albatross won’t be out for a while). If they do, I’ll be there signing the book, and, as an extra bonus, you can have a cat drawn in your copy if you give me the scientific name of the cheetah (the Latin binomial; I’m not making it easy for you, so look it up).
Pittsburgh has plenty of good noms, and I hope to have a meal in two places (here and here). “Dirty O’s,” as they call it, has the largest portion of french fries I’ve ever seen (I’ve been there), and they’re fantastic.
Another great place to eat is at The Original Oyster House in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh on Market Square. Great fish and great fried food.
I’ve lived in Pittsburgh for 14 years, and yet Jerry finds a great-sounding restaurant I’ve never heard of. I will have to try Jozsa’s Corner ASAP.
In the meantime, I can offer up the tacos at Edgars Tacos in the Strip District as really outstanding: http://www.yelp.com/biz/edgar-tacos-stand-pittsburgh. The tacos are sold from a truck on 21st street just off the main drag (Smallman St) through the strip. Edgar’s features some unusual taco meats (e.g., lamb) as well as fresh ingredients an a host of (unlabeled) salsas. Plus, the Strip District is a nice place for a stroll that is close to downtown.
You need to call well in advance for Jozsa’s. He only opens when he feels so-inclined. Knowing that someone wants to come helps his inclination. It’s a cool place, tho.
Thanks. Other suggestions for downtown feeds would be welcome.
Tacos are that rare food item that is typically of higher quality when served through the window of a truck.
There’s a fun newish movie called Chef in which the cook gets tired of working for obnoxious boss Dustin Hoffman in a fancy-schmantzyish restaurant and opens a Mexican food truck.
No less than four of my friends have done exactly the same thing. The food truck phenomenon is really thriving in Florida.
sub
Caveat on the O. Just because you survived one visit is no guarantee you’ll survive a second. And going there late Saturday nite strongly tempts fate.
Try not to venture too far outside of Pittsburgh. Everyone who lives there knows that PA between Pittsburgh and Philly is Kentucky.
Unless it’s Alabama. Opinions vary.
But the Alleghenies are gorgeous for outdoor activities:-)
But the food in Penna Dutch country sure is good. My parents just came down to visit and brought me a care package – shoo-fly pie, Taylor pork roll, scrapple, Utz potato chips, etc. – all the things I can’t find down here in Texas.
Why not summarize The Albatross in a Haiku? Easier than what Coleridge had to do with his Albatross. 🙂
Go figure. I stayed in that hotel last week. :-/
If you and your companions are interested in an exceptional beer selection (and a Belgian menu, including fresh mussels by the pound), try the Sharp Edge Bistro at 922 Penn Avenue downtown. They have dozens of Belgian beers on draft, and maybe 200 different beers (draft and bottled, foreign and domestic) in stock at any one time.
Now that’s MY kind of place. Thanks!
There are several Sharp Edges. You haz been to the Emporium.
And I almost forgot – if you’re going to the Strip and want to satisfy your sweet tooth – try Enrico’s Biscotti Co. That’s pretty much all they make. It’s right next to the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company.
Just seconding the endorsement.
How about http://sdpolishdeli.com/sdpolishdeli/
I have family from that area, and used to live a lot closer to visit more often, so your mention of ‘the O’ makes me kind of jealous – some of the best hot dogs to be had anywhere. Unfortunately for suggestions, most places I went to were the hoagie shop down on the corner, or the bakery at the end of the street, or the butcher on the way to my grandparents’ place. I really don’t remember any names, other than the most famous like the O and Primanti’s.
Yay Pittsburgh! My hometown. Check out http://www.churchbrew.com/ The Church Brew Works- an old converted church that now, as its name suggests, makes good beer. Haven’t eaten there, so I can’t vouch for the food. And the Carnegie Natural History Museum is such a massive part of my childhood. They recently revamped their world class dino hall (I believe they were one of the first museums to have a complete T-Rex fossil.
And I second a trip to the strip district. Lots of good noms there.
Such a beautiful (and underrated) city.
The Carnegie has a diorama with a couple lions attacking a man & his camel – it made quite an impression on me when I was younger.
Hmm. A little googling shows I’m not alone in being so struck by that exhibit. See, for example, Dramatic Carnegie Museum exhibit due for the top of the table: That scary lion attacking camel-driving man? Soon to be a snow globe, with a whole history of the diorama.
What could possibly be a greater honor than having a snowglobe dedicated to your exhibit🐫
Every time I’m back in Pittsburgh I try to grab some fries at The O. Too bad I’m not that way this weekend!
The small basket size looks reasonable until you realize that its only purpose is to be buried under a comically large tray-spanning volcano of fries.
I would recommend Fat Heads, BRGR, or Burgatory for some good eats.