Weekend Destination: Pittsburgh

Three of our planned trips to Europe were cancelled this summer due to the pandemic and the EU travel ban. Since overseas flights are limited, I still dream of returning to favorite destinations, which are a rich source of inspiration for “Stylish Heath”, and with the phased reopening of varying services across the country a few of us were eager to leave home to do a bit of exploring {safely of course} so, a road trip was planned to visit family in Pittsburg.

My brothers {Paul and Omar} and 17 month old nephew {Eli} who is absolutely adorable and is the perfect host, he enjoys showing his aunt around the city of Pittsburgh!

The beautiful countryside was a gorgeous change of pace to view as we drove from Northern Virginia to Pitt.

The Hofbräuhaus was up the street from our hotel so, we ordered dinner to go and had a wonderful al fresco style meal with family.

Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh/ Brewery & Restaurant
2705 S Water Street
412-224-2328
Menu 

We shopped the “Strip District” a neighborhood that is a fabulously vibrant mix of old-style grocers and gourmet food shops, classic Italian eateries and sandwich places. I so enjoy getting spices, cheeses and sweets that we cannot get at home.

The next evening we were in Wholey’s Market back in the Strip District for fruits, veggies and a selection of seafood to throw on the grill for another night of fine dining with family.

Wholey’s Market
1711 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh
{412} 391-3737

Travel safely,
Kathleen

Weekend Living

Before heading outdoors this morning I perused through a few photos for inspiration from gardens visited in the past. My eye stopped in Marrakech to view the landscaped areas of Jardin Majorelle the estate of Yves Saint Laurent.  I am always intrigued by native varieties of plants within a region. The blue and green tiled patio in this photo had a pink trumpet vine {Podranea riscasdiana} cascading down into the square to create a refreshing contrast with the hot arid climate. There were also an abundance of Barbary figs and prickly pears {Oputiaspp} planted towards the exit of the museum, which are native to Mexico but commonly found in Morocco.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than rising early on a beautiful weekend morning to walk around the garden, armed with a cup of strong coffee and my camera. Photographing the day to day changes is an exciting way of recording a season, which is also a useful tool in planning for the next year. I can also never resist cutting a few colorful blossoms to place in vases or picking fresh herbs to enhance the flavors of lunch or dinner.

After a busy day of trimming trees, planting peonies, clearing debris from the yard, there is nothing like ending a busy Saturday with an old fashioned barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs. As, I am not a beer drinker, there is nothing like a Cabernet sauvignon to sip as the sun goes down.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe,
K