Pittsburgh Downtown Neighbors Alliance hosting Best Restaurants event
The Pittsburgh Downtown Neighbors Alliance is inviting everyone to the city for a culinary experience.
Best Restaurants is an opportunity to taste foods from a number of local eateries in one night. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It will feature more than 30 options.
The idea to showcase these establishments came from John Valentine, executive director of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. This is the first year for the event.
“It is an event to bring people into the city, and bringing people into the city is the mission of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance,” Valentine said. “And we know that food is always a draw.”
It is also an opportunity to try dishes you may never have had before, Valentine said.
It will feature establishments in the Greater Downtown neighborhood and surrounding areas. Culinary choices will include everything from traditional American fare to new approaches on classic dishes and food from various areas in the world — and of course, desserts.
PaPa J’s Twin Plaza Italian Restaurant in the Strip District will feature its gelato.
Each batch is homemade, said Michael Troiani, co-partner of the place with Keenan E Adams.
Troiani said they want to be a part of this because Valentine is a “restaurant guy at heart,” and that it is important to bring people to the city.
“John brings people together,” Troiani said. ”He is a mixer of souls and he wants to celebrate life with food.”
Gelato
They plan to serve strawberry sorbet, mint cookie, chocolate and sweet cream gelato flavors at the event. Gelato uses less fat than ice cream and is smoother, Troiani said.
They incorporate fresh fruits and Guittard Chocolate Co.’s premium chocolate from California.
“We put our heart into everything we do,” Troiani said. “Any time we can be around other independent restaurant operators we want to do that because these are good, honest, hard-working people. They are warriors.”
A complete list of participating restaurants is not yet available.
Tickets are $25 and available here.
Details: pittsburghdna.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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