Found a new rocking horse in the city on Wednesday night. East Liberty near the Fireside Grill. Where Zeke’s Coffee roasts their beans. Must be Zeke’s mascot?
Here’s a Gallery of rocking horses seen around Pittsburgh, from previous blogposts.
Tag: Pittsburgh Photography
While Stopped on West End Bridge
There’s a stop light at the end of the bridge. When it was red, this was my vantage point of the city. Then I was joined by the silver car in the left lane.
(My Six Word Saturday see Debbie Smyth’s Travel With Intent blog)
Ice Cream Truck on a Summer Afternoon
Maura and I went to Staples today and the man in front of us was getting signs laminated for his business- AN ICE CREAM TRUCK. I am nostalgic for the ice cream trucks of my childhood. We discovered he would be in our neighborhood later after lunch so Maura and I went by the Highland Park Pool and saw some campers lining up to order cool treats. When I met him in the morning, I’d asked if it would be okay to photograph him as part of the ongoing People at Work series and he agreed.
A minimum order of $20 and he will bring his truck to your game, fundraiser, company picnic, birthday party, sporting event, church socia or family reunion. You name it. He sponsors a lot of East End sports teams, too.
Maura had the water ice, cherry flavor and I had a classic ice cream sandwich. Perfect for a summer afternoon. As we left to get into our car Maura said it was great he didn’t play annoying music!
Meet the Youngblood family. James, Eric and Ziarrah. James told me he has been in the ice cream business for six years now. He became self employed as he was having difficulty finding a job so put everything he had, plus a loan of a thousand, into purchasing the truck. I asked him what he does in the winter, Deep Fried Cornish Hens! On a FoodTruck.
I will be sure to check that out. Stay tuned.
James, Ziarrah and Eric work as a team.
How about a Jolly Rancher Popsicle?
Campers and swimmers and families line up to buy ice cream or chips and a drink.
You can see me and Maura and his ice cream truck in James’ sunglasses.
Geppetto Café in Lawrenceville
At noon, I met my former teaching colleague and friend Jennifer for lunch. Her suggestion. My first visit to Geppetto Café – Butler Street in Lawrenceville neighborhood ofPittsburgh. Open for breakfast or lunch. It is a delightful place to eat and the service was excellent.
Coffee,latte, espresso, teas, milkshakes (a Nutella milkshake was on the menu) and ice cream. too.
Savory crepes, sweet crepes, eggs, fruit, waffles, paninis and salads. Mmmm. I had the Challah French Toast. Jen ordered The Bonjour pictured below- scrambled eggs and Brie in a crepe with fresh fruit on the side and Applewood Smoked bacon on top. A leaf shaped dish of maple syrup.
Patrons have contributed much of the decor. I didn’t count all the wooden Pinocchio figures but the owner graciously showed all the items that people have brought in- the books, paintings,wooden Pinocchio puppets and marionettes.
Margaret Welsh wrote a wonderful review in City Paper calling Geppetto Café a “European-style breakfast nook.”
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How about all these books suspended in net from the ceiling?
A snowboard bench in the front.
P.S. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(1940_film) “PInocchio is a 1940 American animate musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions based on the Italian children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. It was the second animated feature film produced by Disney, made after the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)” Geppetto was the wood carver/carpenter who created the wooden puppet Pinocchio who can” become a real boy”
Moonrise Over the Bocce Court from 7-14-2011
One of my favorite evenings and images.
Originally posted 7-14-2011.
The Bocce Court underneath the Bloomfield Bridge.
From the archives.
Pittsburgh Fireworks 4th of July
Along Grandview Avenue 
Cucina Vitale Dinner on the South Side
We finally made it for Saturday night dinner on the South Side. We’d been meaning to go eat at Cucina Vitale ever since Vincie discovered this dining gem in a Post-Gazette article by Dan Gigler in late January.
White tablecloths, cut red roses in glass vases, excellent service, delicious food cooked to perfection and served expertly.
Our Antipasti started with black and green olives, Roasted red pepper hummus-like spread and garlic infused olive oil in which to dip the crusty bread. Every bite was delicious. A dish of Greens and creamy Beans was shared. There are no words! What other descriptor can I use besides DELICIOUS?
Followed by the soup of the day which was Tomato Bisque with Basil (Traditional Wedding Soup is always on the menu)
The specials were Chilean Sea Bass and Lump Crabmeat with a Lemon Caper Compound Butter with sides of Broccoli Rabe and Roasted New Potatoes.
And I ordered the Cheese Ravioli topped with Medallions in Gorgonzola Sauce with a drizzle of Balsamic.
Tempting house made desserts of Cannoli, Lemon Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, Burnt Almond Torte or Tiramisu were offered but we hadn’t left enough room.There are a few things to know if you plan to go-
Reservations are essential. BYOB if you desire and it’s Cash Only.
GREENS & BEANS Escarole, Northern Beans, Garlic, Shallots, White Wine, & Parmesan
The Chilean Sea Bass with Lump Crabmeat and Lemon Caper Compound Butter
The Tomato Basil Soup with a touch of Parmesan
Chef Frank Vitale learned to cook from his Grandmother, in the photo on the restaurant wall.
Shot from across the street as we got into the car.
After the Rain
Highland Park. Easter Sunday.
Stained Glass Exhibition Panel at the Heinz History Center
Photographed March 27, 2019 at the Glass Exhibit in Heinz History Center Pittsburgh PA
The Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studio, mentioned in the exhibit panel at the History Center, was established in 1909
“As the craftsman selects the pieces of colored glass and puts them together in various combinations, he becomes more and more fascinated by the infinite variety of effects to be obtained, and to have a profound love and respect for the material that makes this possible.”
–Howard G. Wilbert 1891-1966
–from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Website
Another Color Photo Appears Black and White
When the outdoor world seems black and white and gray but your photograph is in color. Everyone has had enough of the cold, snow, ice and dark. They’re ready for crocuses and daffodils bursting through the earth, looking for light.
I’ve photographed this tree before. I always like how the snow defines the branches.
