Joyce Hanz stories, Page 65
New name can’t change the splendid view from Veltre’s in PlumVideo
It’s a slightly different spelling with the same spectacular view. An iconic venue in Plum affording stunning views of the Allegheny River and surrounding countryside has reopened. Veltre’s Wedding and Event Centre, formerly Veltri’s Restaurant, opened in 2016 after being shuttered for 12 years. Only a vowel separates the surnames...
Who wants to buy a house-bus in Pittsburgh?
One can’t help but notice this house rolling down the road that’s for sale. Pennsylvania native Andrew Weidman, 27, is visiting Pittsburgh for the winter, hoping to sell “Lucy Half-Bus.” It’s a 2003 Ford E350 converted former school bus, powered by Ford’s legendary 7.3 diesel, with 137,000 miles on the...
Brothers camp for charity inside Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets
Two brothers and business partners are camping for charity at Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets. Doug and Ryan Sprankle own the markets in Leechburg and Kittanning. They’re known for their store promotional antics on social media. Both set up tents inside their respective stores for their latest venture. Ryan owns the Kittanning...
Harmar eatery offers home-cooked Italian food in an actual homeVideo
It’s out with the old and in with the new at a longtime eatery in Harmar. Garlic Grille opened in June in the former Emilia’s Garden, serving Italian American home-style cuisine. “We just wanted to break away from Emilia’s Garden and start something new and fresh,” says co-owner and executive...
Aspinwall Beans ‘N’ Cream stands out with more than just coffeeVideo
This coffee shop brews up the cool factor. Aspinwall Beans ‘N’ Cream, known as ABC by the locals, serves up coffee, specialty drinks and homemade breakfast and lunch items amid 1960s and ’70s pop/rock memorabilia. “The decor isn’t the usual coffee shop vibe,” said co-owner Pete Sanida of Squirrel Hill....
Leechburg students make blankets for guests of a soup kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Hill DistrictVideo
Fifteen students from the Leechburg Area High School life skills class crafted 30 no-sew fleece blankets in class this month for the needy. The project is in its third year. It doesn’t cost the district anything thanks to a $500 donation from Sue Jones. She is a school volunteer, area...
Marigold, the wayward pig found in Indiana Township, remains unclaimed
A pig found wandering in Indiana Township two weeks ago remains unclaimed. The female adult mini-sized pig, named Marigold by its caretakers, is said to be healthy but “grumpy,” according to Blue Martin, co-founder of Pigsburgh Squealers, a nonprofit pig rescue farm in Frazer. “Pigs are incredibly social and sensitive,”...
Marigold the potbellied pig found wandering in Indiana TownshipVideo
A pig found wandering along Dorseyville Road last week in Indiana Township remains unclaimed. The female adult mini-sized potbellied pig was found without any identifying tags on Dec. 5, reported to Indiana Township Police and later transported by volunteers to a pig rescue facility. The pig remains under the care...
Twisted Thistle eatery in Leechburg staying put with new menuVideo
The Twisted Thistle in Leechburg is here to stay. The historic eatery on Market Street is no longer on the market after being listed for $1.5 million in 2018. “Linda (Alworth, the owner) was interested in selling last year due to her desire to focus on other projects such as...
Brick & Barrel to replace Andora restaurant in Indiana Township
A popular restaurant in the Fox Chapel area is closing and will reopen as Brick & Barrel, a new wood-fired pizza and bourbon-themed casual eatery. Andora Restaurant, located in the former Cross Keys Inn at 599 Dorseyville Road, will remain open until the end of December after seven years in...
Former Fallingwater cook Elsie Henderson, 106, dishes on serving Pittsburgh royaltyVideo
Elsie Henderson spent decades cooking for American royalty. She’s still dishing about her culinary journey. Henderson, who is 106 years old, was hired by several prominent Pittsburgh families, including the Heinzes and Mellons. Her most notable position was as the Kaufmann family’s cook, baker and meal planner at Fallingwater from...
Eccentric millionaire’s O’Hara mansion leaves lasting legacy as Bayernhof Music MuseumVideo
This isn’t your typical mansion-turned-museum. On high ground overlooking Sharpsburg and the Allegheny River in O’Hara sits the Bayernhof Music Museum, the former 19,000-square-foot residence of Pittsburgh millionaire Charles Boyd Brown III, known simply as “Chuck” to his friends. Often referred to as one of the area’s best-kept secrets, the...
Labriola’s Italian Store has kept family heritage alive for 90 yearsVideo
A Pittsburgh Italian favorite is celebrating its 90th year in business. Leonard Labriola’s Italian Store, with four locations in Aspinwall, Monroeville, Penn Hills and Warrendale, offers an extensive selection of gourmet Italian groceries and freshly prepared Italian specialties passed down from generations of Labriola family recipes. Owner Leonard Labriola, 80,...
Freeport Area cast set to bring ABBA’s hits to stage with ‘Mamma Mia’
Freeport Area High School expanded its musical theater program, adding a fall musical. A cast and stage crew of almost 60 students from grades 9 through 12 will showcase “Mamma Mia” on Nov. 16 and 17, with three performances at the Freeport Middle School Auditorium. Freeport Musical Director Tom Koharchik...
East coast flavors abound at Lucy’s Riverside Cafe, a cozy Freeport eateryVideo
Savor New England comfort food at a cozy cafe in Freeport. Lucy’s Riverside Cafe, on High Street, serves breakfast and lunch six days a week, with a focus on New England style homemade soups, sandwiches, paninis, desserts and specials. “Customers love our food and they have said it’s like eating...
Paint it Purple event in Gilpin raises money to help domestic violence victims
As a domestic violence survivor, Maria Matuscin wants to do all she can to help others enduring similar situations. She was on hand Saturday to help at a fundraiser aimed at increasing awareness of domestic violence. The event, Paint it Purple, took place in Gilpin. “Domestic violence is in every...
Fox Chapel seniors can now get yearbook photos taken in school
Fox Chapel Area High School adjusted its senior yearbook photo policy to give seniors more than one option to get their photos in the yearbook. Some district parents had questioned the policy that required seniors to schedule a photo sitting at Hill’s Studio in Aspinwall and pay a $25 fee...
Hartwood Restaurant, a ‘hidden gem’ in Indiana Township, celebrates 10th anniversaryVideo
A best-kept dining secret is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Hartwood Restaurant and Whispers Pub, located at 3400 Harts Run Road in Indiana Township, is touted as a “hidden gem” by owners Kate and Jeff Fenton of Fox Chapel. “We have customers telling us that they never knew we existed here,”...
Creepy good time awaits at Fawn’s The ShadowsVideo
The Alle-Kiski Valley’s only outdoor haunted attraction is open for its eighth Halloween season. The Shadows Haunted Attraction in Fawn (next to the Tour-Ed Mine & Museum) offers a haunted walking trail, complete with multiple scares when visitors least expect them. The Shadows is open Thursdays through Saturdays until Nov....
6 Pittsburgh up-and-coming chefs
The next time you savor a fabulous meal dining out, thank your chef. Bringing enthusiasm, new flavors and experiences to their respective kitchens, these Pittsburgh area restaurants have up-and-coming chefs committed to culinary creativity and, of course, amazing food. BBQ Pitmaster Pedro Garcia Joyce Hanz | For the Tribune-Review Walter’s...
‘Unique’ mansion in Pittsburgh’s East End listed for $4.9 millionVideo
A new residential listing in Pittsburgh’s East End has room to roam. Known as the Kelly House, the Point Breeze residence at 1145 Beechwood Blvd. offers more than 14,000 square feet of living space. A stately brick home with Colonial Revival elements, it sits on 1.4 mature acres and features...
Luke and Mike’s Frontporch in Aspinwall focuses on outdoor dining experienceVideo
Billy Rice of Aspinwall has owned 11 restaurants. But his last eatery endeavor, Luke & Mike’s Frontporch, is personal. “I named this last restaurant after my boys,” Rice said. “It’s a great outdoor spot, and it’s been a great adventure.” “They will be the next generation to take over,” said...
Creation Cafe highlights Leechburg Area life skills studentsVideo
Students and snacks have combined at Leechburg Area High School for a cause. The Creation Cafe opened Sept. 3 in the school library. The space was specifically designed to house a cafe and provide a unique learning opportunity for students enrolled in life skills/learning support classes in the district. The...
Chick-fil-A wants to be in O’Hara
A Chick-fil-A restaurant soon could be coming to the Alle-Kiski Valley. Chick-fil-A last month filed for a building permit in O’Hara for construction in Fox Chapel Plaza along Freeport Road where the now-closed Rita’s Italian Ice building is located. “We look forward to working through the approval process with …...
Wooden Door Winery offers historic escape in VandergriftVideo
A local couple poured their passion for wine making into a year-round winery. Winemakers Jeff and Krissy Pollick of Allegheny Township opened their first winery, Wooden Door Winery, in 2010. Their most recent location, along Custer Avenue in Vandergrift, goes by the same name and is housed in a restored...
