If only all family visits in PA kicked off with a visit to the Strip. Chocolate. Pierogies. Mile high sandwiches. Jazz on the streets. Dr.Seuss fabric. Dried floral wreaths. Just a wee sampling of the items that razzle me while visiting strolling through the District on a Saturday morning.
The best part about the strip? No matter the weather, Pittsburghians (does this word exist?) come out in droves for fresh Italian breads on the streets topped with jalapenos, pepperonis and cheese, baklava and produce sold even when there's snow in the air.
My favorites:
hot chocolate from Chocolat (as close to the Swiss/Italian Chocolate al densa as you'll get) - I recommend the spiced, dark chocolate option - they'll let you sample to make the final call
Pierogies and other polish goodies from S&D Polish Deli (eat in and take some home for later from the big freezer of pierogies in the back)
Sandwiches from the classic Primanti Brothers - coleslaw, meat and whatever else you could imagine mashed between two thick pieces of bread.
Macaroni Company: buzzing cheese counter, olive oil barrels, great selection of Italian sweets (including my mom's favorite: poppyseed roll bread)
Can't wait for the next visit and to knock off some new businesses off my list.
Wish folks from Indy would embrace the cooler weather like this.