Hometown-Homegrown highlights Pittsburgh's food past, culinary future
Isaly’s chipped ham and ice cream, pickles, Penn Mac, Wholey’s and Jenny Lee.
When you hear those words, you know you’re talking about things associated with food in Pittsburgh. They will be featured among more than 40 local food vendors at the 10th annual Hometown-Homegrown Food Festival on Saturday at the Senator John Heinz History Center.
“Iconic food brands like Isaly’s and Wholey’s at Hometown-Homegrown truly embody the spirit of our region,” said Brady Smith, chief communications officer at the Senator John Heinz History Center. “Pittsburghers love eating Isaly’s chipped ham or a Wholey’s fish sandwich, not only because they’re delicious, but these foods bring back memories of time spent visiting our diverse neighborhoods with family and friends.”
Pittsburgh is one, big delicious city, said Dee Weinberg, founder and president of Good Taste! Pittsburgh, producer of the event.
“Our deep heritage, paired with the exciting growth in new restaurants and food offerings has Pittsburgh in the spotlight like never before,” Weinberg said. “Pittsburgh has iconic food choices.”
Weinberg said over the past decade she has worked to showcase the Pittsburgh food scene by celebrating the long-time local chefs, restaurants and companies and also bringing newcomers to the table.
Grateful for that opportunity is Missy Terrell of Homewood. She and her son, Anthony “Tug” Morris, started Tug Butter. Anthony is on the autism spectrum. The business began with counting apples and from that making applesauce and apple butter.
Terrell wanted to teach her son basic math and reading by counting and measuring ingredients and reading recipes. It’s grown into a dozen products, including jellies and baked goods. The two learned culinary skills at the Community Kitchen in Hazelwood.
“This event is a really, really big deal,” said Terrrell. “My hope is that being a part of this event with so many well-known Pittsburgh companies will help put Tug Butter on the map.”
Weinberg said the History Center gives her creative freedom to show the quality businesses in the city and to let Pittsburgh know about the diversity of food here.
”Each year we build on the history of food in Pittsburgh,” Weinberg said.
The ticket includes admission to the museum, which has the exhibit “Heinz and Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation” that examines the region’s rich food history. The museum is a fitting venue for the event, given that it preserves and celebrates the stories of Western Pennsylvania’s rich food history — from pierogies and Heinz ketchup to the Big Mac and the banana split, Smith said.
“A thriving food scene is a reflection of a city’s culture, heritage and hardworking people,” Brady said. “Hometown-Homegrown will showcase that scene with historic brands that Pittsburghers know and love alongside up-and-coming small businesses.”
Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $11 for students. Those aged 17 and under are free thanks to community partner UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.
Details: heinzhistorycenter.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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