After school let out, I drove down to Homestead from Carrick. Judith and Daniel extended a warm welcome and we caught up. I hadn’t been there in awhile but was so glad I went.
I had my Christmas list and wanted to support my Independent Kitchen Store.
First, I ordered the 4 cheese pasta bake with a side of sautéed spinach at the Tin Front Cafe. where I sat at the old Chioda’s bar. The restaurant is vegetarian. A lovely Spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and asiago cheese shavings, a slice of crusty bread.
Yum. I heard about the up and coming new restaurants coming to the avenue in Homestead. Judith showed me the special honor in the Pittsburgh Magazine. Her son, Daniel Valentine, was recognized for his work to rebuild and revitalize Homestead and was chosen as a winner in the Forty Under Forty awards.
“Winners were chosen based on their passion, commitment, visibility, diversity and overall impact on the region.”
Congratulations Daniel!
Then after dinner I shopped in the adjacent Annex Cookery which is the most beautiful store. (Smidge of Just a Smidgen blog would love it!)
You might remember I blogged a visit to both places when Laura visited Pittsburgh.
Supporting independents! Scroll down and see the specials on USA Pans- Bakeware manufactured in Ambridge PA!
Buy three (any shape) and get a free jelly roll pan. (I love jelly roll.) Everyone needs a new cookie sheet!
I can’t say what I bought as that would be a spoiler. You can call Judith 1-800-862-6639 and she’ll ship out in time for the holidays.
All- Clad is manufactured in Canonsburg PA, just down the road from Pittsburgh.
Judith has a Holiday Special on an All-Clad 3 quart lidded saute pan for just 99$! WOW! I love cooking with my All-Clad pans.
This is the store where I bought my Nespresso machine before the display was so high speed.
I hear George Clooney is advertising them on TV in France, oui?
Check out the elegant and classy Museum of Modern Art flower vase. Understated and stunning.
Love the quirky clocks! A 3 cup steamed pudding mold. The Twoolies and the Riviera Bags are one of a kind gifts.
Shop YOUR Independent Store today. Now to gift wrap everything………………..


Oh, Ruth. I’ve not started my shopping yet and I’ve a couple people for whom I’ve no idea what to buy. I’ve my partial list and tomorrow I’m heading out. I must make some headway and if I can be half as successful as you were (and that includes a good meal) I’ll be very happy.
By the way, love that clock.
I use my all clad every day
Those pictures make me want to go out and shop! They’re bright and appealing.
Yes, it is the time for traditional recipes. I just bought a new “Plum Loaf”baking pan. Of course, I’ll be trying it out this weekend with your mother’s recipe that I make every December. Those friends who receive it are always pleased with the results.
Supporting independents is wonderful! And a side note: my sister won “40 under 40” in Boca Raton (FL) a few years ago. I’m super-proud of her. 🙂
Great photos, Ruth!