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| - I did a lot of research before my trip to Pittsburgh and saw review after review recommending the Strip District. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I'm SO glad I went. This is a destination not to be overlooked and Pittsburghers are so lucky to have these foodie resources in their own backyard! It's basically one big area where old factories have been turned into stores, bars and restaurants. Vendors line the sidewalks. Stores keep their doors open and offer free tastes.
My first stop was the famous Primanti Brothers, which deserves a review all on its own! Today, many of the abandoned warehouses have been renovated into small specialty shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. The historic St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, a landmark built in the ornate Polish Cathedral style in 1891, lies in the heart of the Strip District, bringing a touch of Old World architecture.
The area has developed into a historic market district with many ethnic food purveyors, some art studios, antique dealers, unique boutiques, and other businesses setting up shop where trains once delivered produce by the ton. The Strip District comes alive primarily on weekends during the summer months when street vendors are selling their wares, the open-air farmer's markets are in full swing, and party-goers sit outside and enjoy a drink. By 1 or so, things have mostly closed down. I made a stop at Stamooli's to sample some cheese and check out the Greek yummies. I also ducked into the classic Pennsylvania Macaroni Co., known as Penn Mac to the legion of local fans. At Penn Mac you can stock up on Italian goods from olive oils to imported San Marzano tomatoes, and a cheese section with its wide selection. One foodie item I was determined to sample was Isaly's chipped ham, which I found at Penn Mac and got a free taste. I'd also heard great things about Mon Aimee Chocolate so I decided to take a look. It's very expensive but most of the chocolate is imported. I was able to find some European chocolate for my chocolate snob hubby though, so that was a perk! I've heard the hot chocolate (in back) is to die for. Didn't give it a try. Eventually I made my way to Wholey's, another highly recommended stop. Seafood is the draw.
If it's any indication how fresh the produce is at Wholey's, the on-site sushi chef uses tuna, yellowtail and salmon straight from the ice-packed samples on display. Wholey's is a locally-owned supermarket and wholesale company, where the aisles are packed with discerning shoppers. I sampled some soup and it was amazing!! Oh how I wish we had something like this in Lincoln. There were many items I wanted to take home.
In the early 19th century, the Strip District was home to many mills and factories as its location along the Allegheny River made for easy transportation of goods and shipping of raw materials. It was the home of the Fort Pitt Foundry, source of large cannon before and during the American Civil War, including a 20-inch bore Rodman Gun. Early tenants of the Strip District included U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, The Pittsburgh Reduction Company (ALCOA), and later The H.J. Heinz Company, famous ketchup and condiment manufacturer.
The shipping infrastructure built around the manufacturing companies naturally lead to an increase in other types of merchants setting up shop in the Strip. By the early 20th century the Strip District became a vibrant network of wholesalers--mostly fresh produce, meat, and poultry dealers. Soon, auction houses rose around the wholesale warehouses and many restaurants and grocery stores were built to feed hungry shift workers at any hour of the day. By the 1920s, the Strip District was the economic center of Pittsburgh.
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