Sunday, September 8, 2013

Trip to the 'Burgh!

It was our first time visiting Pittsburgh.  All because Florida State was playing Pittsburgh for the first time.  We arrived a few days early and had several things planned.  Lots to see, do and of course it wouldn't be a Crazy Travelers Adventure without friends, fun and FOOD!

Here are some scenes from the few days in the 'Burgh:




The color scheme of our hotel room really enhanced our Seminole flag!

Friday afternoon on Market Square 
A Happy Nole!

Tried to photo-bomb this Japanese tour group

The most scrumptious burratta!
Sausage and rappini pizza
Panne Cotta 
Rental car decked out and ready to go!

Must be a sign....a rental car picked up in Pittsburgh with Florida plates.
 On Saturday, we did a food tour with Burgh Bits & Bites.


Pita factory







Our friend Flash with a fresh-from-the-oven pita!
 

Mediterranean breakfast - pita, olives, feta, seasoned olive oil and a roasted red pepper dip.

Yummy pastries

Homemade bakalava






The only Mexican store in Brookline


Frank with a REAL coke - made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.



Delicious tacos from the taco stand


Paczkis are the most amazing Polish pastry/donut!


While there was no food here, this Barber Shop was a part of the history of the town.


Mr Roger's neighborhood

Pizza with Flash and Bette

Liquor store are state run and the only place where you can buy alcohol (outside of a restaurant/bar).


This is Pitt's first year in the ACC.  We thought it was kind of nice that the first team they play (FSU) had the largest logo and was in the middle of the billboard.

Heinz field

Andy Warhol museum.  (Probably could have done something else with the 2 hours we spent there.)

Dinner with the Astor Family.

Ceviche three ways.

Bacon wrapped scallops over polenta and an empanada

Heading across the bridge to meet friends at the Duquesne Incline


View of the football stadium from the first landing.



Heading up!

View of the city half-way up 


Overcast but still a pretty view




With Bonnie and Tad
 


After the Incline, we needed some nourishment



Later in the day, we headed to the Team Hotel to Meet & Greet the players, coaches and other FSU folks.

 We did a self-guided tour of The Strip District

 Stopped for a late lunch at Roland's


Primanti Brothers was another "must eat at" stop on our trip.


Chili with warm Italian bread

Primanti Pastrami - meat, french fires, coleslaw and tomatoes on Italian bread

We enjoyed a beautiful evening stroll through downtown.

Huge Labor Day Parade - second to the one in NYC - was right outside our hotel




We decided to do a tour of the Heinz History Museum






Mr Roger's puppets

Several major glass manufacturers in the Pittsburgh area.  (It was like walking through many of my clients' homes!)



Contrary to popular belief, ketchup was not the first Heinz product (it was horseradish)






 
It was a very late game ad the storms kept rolling in!  Well, rather than get all wet and yucky, we headed to hotel where friends were staying and hung out with them for a while.

Rains cleared up and off we went!

Go Noles!




Start of the 4th Quarter - lots of blue shirts have left.  "Was it something we said??"

Noles win!  

Great way to start off the season!