best brunch spots pittsburgh

[Mt. Washington views of downtown and the North Shore areas of Pittsburgh]

Most New Yorkers I know live here permanently, but call another place home. I’ve spent all of my adult life here, built a career here, but still, home is elsewhere; in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to be exact. In recent years, when I visit, I never quite have a moment to do more of the touristy things that bring the iconic architecture and geography to the forefront.

Playing host and benevolent guide to one of my good friends last week, we rode the incline to the scenic Mt. Washington overlook for sweeping vistas of the city, and went to the much buzzed about Ace Hotel for brunch. We bought kitchen gadgets and sweet and savory delights in the Strip District, and even hopped on a Healthy Ride bike, part of a new bike share program in the city. Since I left in 1999, Pittsburgh has really come into its own, and the word about its hidden gems, both culinary and cultural, are leaking out across the country.

Coming home means visits to my old favorite haunts, while occasionally reveling in the splendid execution of the new establishments. As far as the eye can see, the city is pulsating with new ideas and banking on them growing there; change is on the horizon, and people are embracing it there with open arms. It’s no longer a city defined by its sports teams and yellow bridges, but rather transforming itself into an attractive enclave for young entrepreneurs and creatives to pursue the modern American dream of success while affordably living within one’s means. Sounds pretty good, right?

For more on Pittsburgh, see some of the recent articles in The New York Times here and here, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. P.s. – did you know I have a Pittsburgh-based t-shirt line? P.P.S. – shout out to my bestie Jeff Caprio for the pics!

[The “open gym” space in the former YMCA-turned Ace Hotel in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood]