The Pittsburgh Dish

Doug Heilman

The Pittsburgh Dish, a food show dedicated to showcasing and capturing the essence of Pittsburgh cuisine. Our podcast highlights the people, places, and recipes that make our region so special. By sharing personal stories, weekly recommendations, and community recipes, we aim to inspire our listeners to connect with their local food scene and learn more about the unique flavors that shape our city.

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Episodes

013 A Table Set for Connection with Raquel Holiday
Apr 28 2024
013 A Table Set for Connection with Raquel Holiday
(01:05) Picture yourself tucking into the heart and soul of Pittsburgh's culinary scene with Raquel Holiday of Fork Ya PGH, whose Instagram fame is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her influence on food lovers everywhere. As we chat, Raquel unfolds the map of her journey from a dance show aficionado to a food blogger extraordinaire, showing us the potent blend of passion and plates that has created a vibrant community and real-life connections. We muse over our inaugural foodie meet-up, wax poetic about the local eateries that deserve our love, and celebrate the friendships whipped up from a shared zeal for zest and flavor.(05:07) Gathering around the table of discussion, we turn our focus to the Yelp Elite Squad, a haven for discerning diners to share their reviews without the pressure of influencer fame.. Our conversation is peppered with insights on how these online communities, including food bloggers and fan groups, serve as a catalyst for polishing social skills, creating invaluable connections, and of course, savoring the collective joy of culinary discovery.(18:31) We dish on social media as a marketing platform amid dissenting views. Raquel shares her perspective, decisions, and personal benefits, along with the tactics to make it a success for small businesses having a go at content creator collaborations. (30:55) Later in the show, we reflecting back on a prior guest's quest for the best fried chicken, and challenge our wine expert for a pairing, revealing a bubbly recommendation. Finally, our listener recipe of the week provides a seasonal delight via natures gifts with a unique violet jelly. We invite you to pull up a chair to this feast of conversation that promises to leave your appetite for foodie tales thoroughly satisfied.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.
009 Guiding Local Food to Grocery Aisles with Paul Abbott
Mar 31 2024
009 Guiding Local Food to Grocery Aisles with Paul Abbott
Paul Abbott from Giant Eagle Market District joins our table, and he's not coming empty-handed. He's here to unpack the journey of local food producers, from crafting their unique flavors right through to the moment their products hit the shelves. From the delight of tasting Pittsburgh's own Leona's Ice Cream Sandwiches or savoring La Familia's pasta sauce, knowing you're supporting the heartbeat of our food community. Our conversation with Paul reveals the dedication behind Market District's role in partnering with these culinary gems and how the relationships enrich our local food culture.Get ready to pull back the curtain on what it takes for a product to go from concept to consumer. Through stories like a local salsa brand's rise to fame, we highlight the intertwined paths of personal dedication and community support that mark the success of Pittsburgh's food artisans. Learn how feedback and relationships are crucial in navigating the retail landscape, and discover the surprising ways that store leaders and team members scout for potential products that might just be the next big thing on your dinner table.Finally, because we believe the soul of Pittsburgh is best experienced through many voices, food enthusiast Raquel Holiday and listener Eric P share notable food favorites – from comforting White Spaghetti with Breadcrumbs to the delectable mix of Mexican cuisine and frozen custard. Pull up a chair and prepare to indulge in the stories and tastes that define our vibrant culinary scene.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.
006 Uniting Foodies and Flavorful Tales with Ashley Cesaratto
Mar 10 2024
006 Uniting Foodies and Flavorful Tales with Ashley Cesaratto
Imagine biting into the perfect slice of pizza, but instead of just savoring the flavors, you spark a social media idea that unites food lovers citywide. That's exactly what happened to Ashley Cesaratto, co-founder of the Pittsburgh Foodies Facebook group, who joins us for a mouthwatering discussion about the city's culinary landscape. As we trace Ashley's path from music to influential foodie, we uncover the secrets behind managing an online community and the power of personal connections in recommending the best eateries and cooking advice. Ashley shares her experience stepping into the media spotlight, from a serendipitous Instagram comment to tasting the local limelight on "Talk Pittsburgh," we explore the prep and passion that goes into a few minutes of screen time. Ashley's tales from her guest spots on podcasts, like "Lunchtime in Rome," serve up a delicious blend of personal narrative and culinary delight. Finally, we get personal with holiday food memories and reinventions of the traditional feast. We chat about Ashley's family recipes and how a simple dish can become a treasure trove of nostalgia. Love a good wine suggestion? We also discuss which Italian vintages are the perfect companions to beloved pasta dishes, and then share a completely new take on lasagna for our recipe of the week.  Whether you're a cooking enthusiast looking to perfect your meatball game or a baking aficionado curious about pavlova, this episode has the ingredients for a delightful culinary adventure. So, buckle up your apron and join us for a taste of Pittsburgh and beyond, right here at the table of shared stories and savory delights.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.
005 Sweet Inspirations with Hannah Olsen, Macaron Maven
Mar 3 2024
005 Sweet Inspirations with Hannah Olsen, Macaron Maven
Embark on a culinary adventure with a master of macarons, Hannah Olsen of Aycho Melange, as we unravel these delicate French cookies that are taking Pittsburgh by storm. Hannah clarifies the 'macaron vs. macaroon' conundrum and shares the story behind her bakery's unique name. Her passion for these sophisticated yet approachable treats is contagious, and you'll find yourself craving more than just a bite of her signature sandwich cookies that are a far cry from the typical store-bought varieties.With a mix of humor and wisdom, Hannah walks us through her entrepreneurial journey, from a monthly skill-building challenge to the creation of a flourishing pastry business. It's a tale of innovation, personal growth, and the joy of embracing new crafts that will inspire you to consider where your own curiosities might lead. And for those dreaming of their own food venture, don't miss the insights on transitioning from a home kitchen to a professional one, and the exciting development of Batches Bakehouse – a potential game-changer for small-scale food creators. Celebrate the power of community support that bolsters local businesses like Aycho Melange. As we wrap up, join us on a delicious detour through other foodie finds in Mt Oliver with Brown Bear Bread Company and a cherished family recipe of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that add a sprinkle of local flavor and a dollop of culinary heritage to our city's diverse culinary delights.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.
004 Biting into the Burgh: A Feast with Alex Eats Too Much
Feb 25 2024
004 Biting into the Burgh: A Feast with Alex Eats Too Much
Sink your teeth into the delectable journey of Alex Goodstein, the culinary connoisseur behind Alex Eats Too Much. From casual beginnings to a thriving social media presence, Alex recounts the pivotal nudge from friends that propelled his foray into the flavorful realm of Instagram and web-based food exploration. We savor the stories of personal connections and industry growth that are as satisfying as the dishes they inspire. Alex, with a following nearing 16,000, serves up a menu of memories and milestones, from Chinatown Inn's nostalgic Americanized Chinese cuisine to the dynamic ebb and flow of new spots launching the city's dining scene. It's a conversation peppered with tales of family dining, kosher butchery, and the unexpected ways an adventurous palate can lead to a life steeped in diverse flavors and experiences.As we toast to Pittsburgh's brewery scene, Alex pours over his love for stouts and the synergy of whiskey cocktails with a good meal, and his aspirations to promote nearby tourism through his influential platform. We stir into the mix a candid discussion on the delicate art of pacing social media content, as Alex emphasizes the balance between enticement and saturation in the digital space. Join us for a serving of insights, laughter, and the unfiltered passion of a food lover who's truly bitten off more than he can chew – and loving every minute of it.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.
002 Tossing Up Triumphs in the Pizza World with Nick Bogacz
Feb 11 2024
002 Tossing Up Triumphs in the Pizza World with Nick Bogacz
From humble beginnings as a delivery driver, Nick Bogacz has risen to create a pizza empire that's the talk of the town. Join us as we sit down with the Caliente Pizza and Draft House founder and learn how he kneaded dedication, innovation, and a family-like team environment into a successful recipe for his business. We'll also uncover how international pizza competitions have served as a proving ground for Caliente's mouthwatering creations.In this episode, we slice into Caliente's evolution of crafting pan pizzas to mastering an array of other styles without losing the essence of their original recipe. We'll share insights from pizza expos that ignite inspiration for innovation and discuss the pivotal role of creating long-term careers within the company. These elements have not only shaped Caliente's journey but also intertwined the dreams and goals of the entire team.Nick shares his nostalgic trip through pizza memories that have defined family gatherings and marked the beginning of Caliente's journey, leading to their strategic growth into major sporting venues and mouth-watering plans to bring their jarred sauces and hot honey to supermarket shelves. Plus, we're dishing out an ‘under the radar’ restaurant recommendation with foodie connoisseur Ashley Cesaratto and a comforting white chicken chili recipe from our listener Sherri, that's sure to add some warmth to your kitchen. Get ready to be served a slice of life and entrepreneurial wisdom and more on this weeks showSend us a Text Message.Support the Show.
001 Savoring the City with Ana Eats Pittsburgh
Feb 4 2024
001 Savoring the City with Ana Eats Pittsburgh
When the irresistible allure of Pittsburgh's cuisine beckons, who better to guide us than the vibrant Instagram star Ana Anthony of Ana.Eats.Pgh. This week, she sits down with us to share the inside scoop on the city's food scene, her journey to 100K+ followers, and the power of her platform in celebrating the unsung heroes behind local eateries. From the cozy charm of Dagny's Eatery to the enchanting Pusadee's Garden, Ana's stories are a love letter to the flavors that define her hometown. With a behind-the-scenes look at her content creation process, she unveils the dedication required to keep Pittsburgh's dining gems in the spotlight.Ana recounts heartfelt stories of food & family, the influence of her parents and chef brother, and how these experiences have carved her fervent support for local businesses. The episode also captures the thrilling leap into local media, where Ana's appearances on television amplify her mission to champion Pittsburgh's culinary talents. Through it all, the enduring spirit of her late father stands as a beacon of inspiration, driving her forward in this delicious pursuit. With future dreams of meeting culinary giants, grabbing pizza in New York City,  and a longing to take her tastebuds on a European escapade, her ambitions are likely to lead her to Ana.Eats.World status. She invites her followers on Instagram @ana.eats.pgh to join her on this adventure, where every bite is a story and every meal a new chapter. And just before the final goodbye, Ana promises more savory tales and tips for fellow food enthusiasts eager for their next bite.Send us a Text Message.Support the Show.