Here’s something that’s definitely in the category of not
solving world hunger or curing cancer.
But it represents a very hopeful development in the social, and by extension,
economic life of Pittsburgh. And I’m
not talking about the Penguins in the playoffs.
A Sunday, May 5, 2013 article in the “Post-Gazette” by
food writer and critic Melissa McCart highlighted the influx of new, young,
enthusiastic chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh. There’s nothing here that needs to be overly
explored. It’s simply that the article,
“Chef Appeal: Pittsburgh's growing restaurant scene
attracts staff from bigger cities” was positive from start to
finish. There was never an “and but” in
there. I note that Pittsburghers too
often look on the “but” side of things.
I was especially impressed with the comments of these
young restauranteurs. Within the piece
there was a dialogue where often Ms. McCart would challenge their positive
statements by noting that while this or that is getting better in the Burgh,
it’s still a far cry from the more acknowledged food centers. And in every single instance the reply back
from these chefs was “Not so.” It’s just
as good, and in many ways better here.
Wow.
These people represent the kind of energy and attitude
that Pittsburgh has been seeking to develop for decades. This is the spirit that has jumped more than
a few generations to hearken back to Carnegie, Mellon and Frick. It may be simply food and dining out, but
those aspects of a city’s life are important social adhesives. Heck, the Italians and French have built an
entire tourist industry on such. Awesome
news Pittsburgh. Keep the momentum
going.
And here’s a postscript: while editing this piece I
discovered in the May 7, 2013 edition of the “New York Times” Style section an
article titled “Replanting the Rust Belt” featuring the crop of new,
sustainable chefs making great food in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Especially interesting
is that they all agree: to be great cities, great food is needed. For sure!
