What’s right now? Because the world changes so quickly, that question burns in our minds regularly. As humans, we live through our senses, and part of the answer involves art and design that soothes us, supports us, and delights us. We need that nourishment to face the challenges of our time, at home and in society at large. TABLE Magazine looks at fall and winter trends in art, craft, and design that are just right for our lives in 2023.
At Your Fingertips
Embrace the radical touchability of dramatic faux fur, sensual feathers, crinkled leathers, and exaggerated knits. Part of the appeal of these dramatic textures doubtlessly derives from our continuing evolution out of pandemic caution and back into living fully. But some of the energy that draws us to these assertive and engaging options comes from our desire to be noticed. Clad in these treasures, how could you be overlooked with this 2023 trend?
Fired Up
Make your wardrobe as multidimensional as you are with this colorfully tipped faux fur jacket from Lisa Todd. Black cashmere sleeves touched with a bit of neon pink drama. Available at Carabella in Oakmont.
Birds of a Feather
The Estelle Black Feather Clutch by Olga Berg moves with every breath or breeze. Its constant motion brings dynamism and spontaneity to your look. Finished with a gleaming gold frame, clasp and long chain strap, it’s large enough to fit your evening essentials. Available at Kristi Boutique in Aspinwall.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker / Principle Photography by Dave Bryce
Marcel, who hails from Corsica, and is the owner of relatively new — and now must-go — French café and crêperie, Mille, in Santa Fe, was originally a scientist. He made his way to New Mexico to work at Los Alamos National Labs but found himself often yearning to return to his family roots of baking and cooking. His grandparents owned and ran the original Mille in the small Mediterranean village he grew up in. So when the opportunity presented itself to open a café — first in Los Alamos and then in Santa Fe — he jumped at the chance. And he has achieved what he set out to do: create a simple and accessible French food experience with a diversity of offerings for all to enjoy.
After indulging in a savory crêpe or a salad niçoise, you might be too full for dessert. But don’t let that stop you from taking a slice of this amazing almond and pear cake (Tarte Bourdaloue) with you home for later. There had been high demand for a gluten-free dessert at Mille, but this sumptuous treat won’t disappoint the most gluten-ravenous among us. Marcel brings his scientific mind to bear on this task and uses only a handful of ingredients in the perfect balance and exact baking conditions to create something classic.
Our friends over at Tonic recommended pairing this with some sherry. And they were not wrong. The soft, round nutty and fruity flavors from the sherry further enhance those same flavors in the cake. This is a perfect way to end a New Mexican autumnal day in French style.
What’s right now? Because the world changes so quickly, that question burns in our minds regularly. As humans, we live through our senses, and part of the answer involves art and design that soothes us, supports us, and delights us. We need that nourishment to face the challenges of our time, at home and in society at large. TABLE Magazine looks at fall and winter trends in art, craft, and design that are just right for our lives in 2023.
Earth and Fire
Fired earth pieces go back many thousands of years, and the material continues to inspire new generations of artists and artisans. Pushing the limits of form and technique brings shapes that are simple, sinuous, and sometimes even a little scary.
Shadow Play
A combination of nostalgia and otherworldliness, the flowerlike, handmade Ana pendant has an open form so it will cast intriguing shadows around the room. The Brooklyn-based designer, Virginia Sin, seeks to refining building forms with coils and exploring the limits of clay.
Artful Entanglement
St. Louis-based Daniel Shapiro creates imaginative, one-of-a-kind sculptural lighting and furniture. The Large Wall Squiggle is made from more than 30 feet of extruded stoneware and features nine bulbs in what look like the mouths of lampreys. It is available in various finishes. Inquire for price and availability at helloshapiro.com.
Photo by Adam Milliron
Philip Soucy
Slender tendrils of porcelain swirl into vessels by Pittsburgh ceramist Philip Soucy. Like undersea lifeforms, no two are alike: each moves to its own current. A recent series of vessels takes on tinges of ancient ochre color thanks to a soda-firing process. Just as Soucy’s coiling creates unpredictable shapes of Soucy’s work, the kiln’s color effects are spontaneous, doubly ensuring that no two vessels are ever alike. Available at Lawrenceville’s Shoppe B and thesoucyshop.com.
Photo by Adam Milliron
Marce Nixon-Washington
This young local ceramist boldly explores the patterns of African textiles in her recent work. The rich textures of her coil-built vessels are evidence of the physical process of their creation. Bold patterns wrap these vases, inspired by Mali’s bògòlanfini textiles, made with fermented, iron-rich mud. Her beautiful glazed compositions radiate joy, which seems to be Nixon-Washington’s gift to every viewer who takes a moment to contemplate the work. Find her on Instagram @marce-clay.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker / Principle Photography by Dave Bryce
Duke Ellington at piano, with dancer Charles 'Honi' Coles and Billy Strayhorn looking on, in the Stanley Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, c. 1942 - 1943. (Photo by Charles 'Teenie' Harris/Carnegie Museum of Art/Getty Images)
An instinctual refocusing at the start of the school year lingers on in most of us, even if some decades stand between us and graduation. Let’s embrace the impulse by embracing new experiences, seeing new things, and hearing some new sounds. The ‘Burgh is ready to satisfy all of these urges this fall.
Alba in Conexiones Liberty Magic, September 6-October 1
Magician Alba brings a bit of Buenos Aires’s signature enchantment and allure to Pittsburgh during her almost-month-long residency at Liberty Magic, creating an experience that mixes unusual stories, adventure, and engagement with the audience.
Sound Series: An Evening with Julian Lage Carnegie Lecture Hall, September 6
Touring to support his two latest albums, The Layers and View with a Room, contemporary jazz virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage visits Oakland for an intimate evening of masterful, moving music.
Broadway at the Overlook West End Elliott Overlook, September 7-10
Get a sneak peek of the Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s upcoming season—which includes Grease, Million Dollar Quartet, Evil Dead The Musical, and more—set against the city skyline. The hour-and-a-half performance will feature selections from their 2023 musical picks, snacks, and refreshments.
Climate Awakening: Crafting a Sustainable Future Opening Reception Contemporary Craft, September 8
Featuring work from Susie Ganch, Courtney Mattison, Meghan Price, and Adrien Segal, four artists visiting Pittsburgh, Contemporary Craft’s latest exhibition focuses on climate change and aims to promote community engagement and social change through art. Climate Awakening: Crafting a Sustainable Future will be available to view until January.
Steve Martin and Martin Short. Photo by Mark Seliger
Pittsburgh Irish Festival Carrie Blast Furnaces, September 8-10
Back for its 32nd celebration, it’s once again time to revel in Irish history and tradition. This year’s festival updates include card and cash accepted for beverages instead of tokens, as well as additional parking.
Steve Martin & Martin Short Benedum Center, September 14-16
We’ve most recently gotten to experience the dynamic comedy duo of Steve Martin and Martin Short on Only Murders in the Building. Now, the pair steps away from the screen to give us a chance to enjoy the captivating chemistry they forged from a decades-long friendship and many shared career experiences.
Taste of Jazz August Wilson African American Cultural Center, September 15
Kicking off the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is an evening of great music and food from local restaurants, including Over Eden, Eddie Merlot’s, Spirits & Tales, Emerson’s, and more.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Highmark Stadium, September 16-17
Returning for its 13th iteration, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival brings together local jazz musicians with internationally known and up-and-coming artists for a weekend of good music and even better vibes.
Andy Frasco & The U.N. Photo by Stephanie Parsley
Seventeen Carnegie Museum of Art, September 16
Interracial romance, vulgar language, teenagers discovering the highs and lows of life: Initially set to air on PBS, this 1982 documentary directed by Joel DeMott and Jeff Kreiens has never been shown on television over concerns of its content. How does it come across over 40 years later? See it and judge for yourself.
5K Beer Run Cinderlands Warehouse, September 16
Exercise and reward yourself with a brew! Starting and ending at Cinderlands, this 5k-course weaving through the Strip District and Heritage Trail can be run, walked, or jogged, and ends with a free beer from Cinderlands, games, live music, and even more fun.
Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival Mellon Park, September 16
Nowhere else in Pittsburgh can you experience Asian cuisine, music, dance, games, exhibits, and more all in one place. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center, they aim to promote awareness and appreciation of Chinese culture while facilitating the assimilation of Chinese immigrants.
Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour North Side, September 17
Private homes and gardens open to the public during the 51st annual Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour, a rare chance to peek behind the closed doors of beautiful historic and restored North Side residences.
Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For O’Reilly Theater, September 19-October 8
The career and impact of jazz legend Billy Strayhorn comes to life through a stunning score in this world-premiere musical directed by Kent Gash and written by Rob Zellers.
Photo by Marius Ciocirlan
Trax Farms Annual Fall Festival Trax Farms, September 23-October 22
It’s officially fall when it’s time for the annual Trax Farms Annual Fall Festival. Running every Saturday and Sunday throughout October and kicking off the final weekend in September, expect to experience all the autumn activities: hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkin patches, a corn maze, and more.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical Benedum Center, September 27-October 8
The fantastical world of Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film takes over the stage at the Benedum Center for a usual experience where bohemians and aristocrats mingle in a spectacular production of glitz and romance.
Stevie Nicks PPG Paints Arena, September 27
Fleetwood Mac may no longer be together, but we can still experience the magic of their music and sound when Stevie Nicks’s tour landslides into Pittsburgh. The setlist is rumored to include solo hits like “Edge Of Seventeen” alongside Fleetwood Mac greats like “Dreams” and “Gypsy.”
Sylvan Esso Stage AE, September 28
On their most extensive tour to date following the release of their 2022 album, No Rules Sandy, electronic pop duo (and couple) Sylvan Esso visit the North Shore for an explosive performance.
Andy Frasco & The U.N. Roxian Theatre, September 30
If you find yourself feeling uplifted and optimistic while listening to eclectic blues, rock, and funk band Andy Frasco & The U.N., that’s on purpose. As a fighter of daily depression, optimism is the only thing that keeps frontman Andy Frasco going every day, and he tries to make sure his music reflects that hope and delight.
Story by Jordan Snowden / Send your events tips to jordan@tablemagazine.com
What’s right now? Because the world changes so quickly, that question burns in our minds regularly. As humans, we live through our senses, and part of the answer involves art and design that soothes us, supports us, and delights us. We need that nourishment to face the challenges of our time, at home and in society at large. TABLE Magazine looks at fall and winter trends in art, craft, and design that are just right for our lives in 2023.
Grain and Figure
The rich, natural tones of wood, coupled with the organic pattern of grain and figure, made wood a staple of our visual language. Increasingly viewed as the precious commodity it truly is, artists coax out beautiful effects and splendid forms in a range of colors and textures.
Waves of Wood
Authentic wood, washed in color and inlaid on gold or silver grounds, brings a natural warmth to any space. The pattern, by Philip Jeffries, suggests a blanket of ginkgo leaves catching the light. Available in white with gold, oak with silver, charcoal with silver, and more. Available through Splurge Home.
On the Table
Pittsburgh artist Hanna Dausch says that her woodwork is a conversation between the past, present, and future of craftsmanship. These sensual lamps will bring a tactile intimacy to any room. Shown, left to right, mini table lamp in cherry, carved walnut table lamp, and bulb table lamp in ambrosia maple.
Grand Entry
Custom designed for a Troy Hill client by Caleb Sisco, this entryway cabinet has a new view to discover from every angle. Subtle curves, rendered in Pennsylvania hardwoods sourced with 75 miles of Pittsburgh, intrigue the eye. Hand-carved joints and ingenious storage solutions add their unique and visually dynamic forms. “As an artist who works with living materials, I place a great emphasis on identifying, preserving, and harnessing the natural beauty and character of each species of wood in order to fulfill the key aesthetic and functional aspects of each piece,” states Sisco. Explore the options for bespoke cabinetry for your home at customwoodworkingpgh.com.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker / Principle Photography by Dave Bryce
What’s right now? Because the world changes so quickly, that question burns in our minds regularly. As humans, we live through our senses, and part of the answer involves art and design that soothes us, supports us, and delights us. We need that nourishment to face the challenges of our time, at home and in society at large. TABLE Magazine looks at fall and winter trends in art, craft, and design that are just right for our lives in 2023.
Jazzy Geo
Patterns drawn from simple lines, circles, and more complex mathematical forms lend a hypnotic sense of order to our everyday lives. At the same time, they fascinate and delight with their celebration of shape and texture and are hot and trending in 2023.
Mid-Century Mod
Engraved by skilled artisans at Rolf Glass in Mount Pleasant, these scintillating cocktail glasses are grand for a splash of bubbly, a dry martini, or a Cosmopolitan. They make a breathtaking gift. Dishwasher-safe. Available at Gather in Sewickley.
Get the Rhythm
Gorgeous emerald tones in syncopated trapezoidal forms. An intriguing interplay between glossy and matte finishes. Artistic Tiles Tambourine Traps Gillespie Green glass mosaic tile pattern delivers a luxurious and lively visual experience. Available at Splash.
Gleam and Glimmer
Designed by Julie Neill for Visual Comfort, the Talia chandelier delivers shimmering light through swirling artisanal glass globes attached to a gleaming metal basket. Available in varying sizes in pendant and sconce configurations, this chandelier will elevate entryways and dining areas, living spaces, or bedrooms. Available at Pittsburgh Custom Furniture.
Circles within Circles
The Double Bubble LED Chandelier from Modern Forms sparks conversation with its laser-etched glass spheres and crisply geometric metal arms. There’s an Art Deco flair at work here, delivered in a modern, 21st century visual language. Available at Cardello Lighting.
Solid Forms
Vintage concrete molds are fashioned into tables, bringing with them geometric patterns of yesteryear and sexy hints of artisanal wear and tear. One of many lovely designs at two Twin Pines locations in Wexford and Sewickley.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker / Principle Photography by Dave Bryce
What’s right now? Because the world changes so quickly, that question burns in our minds regularly. As humans, we live through our senses, and part of the answer involves art and design that soothes us, supports us, and delights us. We need that nourishment to face the challenges of our time, at home and in society at large. TABLE Magazine looks at fall and winter trends in art, craft, and design that are just right for our lives in 2023. Up first, the color blue.
Twilight and Midnight
While blue never goes out of style, we recently took a pandemic rest from aughties gray, finding it too somber and chilly. However, misty tones you might see in Western PA twilights and midnights are like a soothing antidote to increasing levels of busyness on both personal and professional fronts. Their gentle glow is something to treasure.
Moonlight Serenade
By the light of the moon, peace and magic reign. Channel the luminous energy with a smooth blue rainbow moonstone surrounded by a filament of 14K yellow gold and suspended on an oxidized sterling silver chain. Available at Henne Jewelers.
Balanced Warmth
Artistic Tile’s Foliage Detroit Blue Mosaic frames the warmth of ivory and tan stained glass tesserae with the gentle cool notes of grays and blues in the same material. This flexible colorway brings life and movement to baths and kitchens, gently complementing a wide range of tile colors. Available at Splash.
Open Book
The beautiful leather journals and agendas at Scribe make one feel positively prepared for each and every day. Take a note: these are just two of many luscious colors in stock, and just one of many options at this Shadyside stationery boutique.
Mostly Minimal
Verellen’s Malta chair brings an elevated charm to a Minimalist sense of design. Low armrests and a tight seat make a sleek form, with upholstered legs that are a bit playful. Available in your choice of fabric, but we’re wild for the spontaneity of the textured option shown here! Also available as a sofa at Weisshouse.
Story by Stephen Treffinger and Keith Recker / Principle Photography by Dave Bryce
With Labor Day around the corner, it’s time to grab the apron, fire up the grill, and revel in the last bit of summer BBQ season. There’s nothing quite like those smoky and savory flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered with the following barbecue recipes for not just meats, but rubs, slathers, and sauces… So you can spread the tasty goodness to veggies and beyond.
Channel the change in seasons with this oh-so-flavorful condiment that can be stored in a sealed jar for up to a month… but since you will use it up long before that, double the recipe!
Is there anything more satisfying than sinking your teeth into a meticulously cooked rack of these succulent babyback pork delicacies? Hell’s bells, I doubt it. This outstanding recipe is bound to transport you to a state of finger-licking bliss and leave you craving for more.
Elevate your outdoor cooking experience: Rub, Soak, and Slather your meats, fish, and veggies. Whether it’s a tantalizing rub, a savory paste, a marinating magic, or a mouthwatering sauce, these diverse seasoning techniques offer an abundance of options for your grilling and barbecuing endeavors this summer.
Because we eat with our eyes and noses before our tongues, sometimes taking a bit of extra care to make something beautiful improves everything on the table. Slicing sweet potatoes and arranging them in a muffin tin is easy enough. Whipping up a quick sauce of cream, cheeses, nutmeg, and herbs is, too. The rich smell of baking begins to taunt the senses into hunger… and once these beauties appear, all the senses come alive. The rosettes are terrific as a starter served with a glass of dry, mineral-inflected rosé.
What If I Don’t Have a Muffin Tray to Make the Sweet Potato Rosettes?
While we think rosette form is the most gorgeous way to serve this recipe, don’t panic if you can’t find your muffin tray. Instead of making individual sweet potato rosettes, try making a this recipe in a small pie or cake pan. You’ll still layer the slices of potatoes in your pan but instead of creating a rose shape, you can arrange as you please. Then, you’ll pour your cheese sauce over top of the potatoes and bake as directed. It may take a little longer for your cake or pie pan of potatoes to bake since it is a larger serving. Just simply keep an eye on the pan in the oven, checking regularly for a golden brown color and throughly cooked texture.
The result of this recipe creates little potato-made flowers so perfect that you’ll wow your guests with their presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
2 oz soft goat cheese
3/4 tsp salt
Pinch pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp each fresh thyme and rosemary, minced, optional
3 large uncooked sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
Instructions
In a sauce pot, add cream, parmesan, goat cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, rosemary, and thyme. Heat on low until all the cheese is melted and forms a smooth sauce. Set aside.
In a heavily greased muffin or cupcake pan, shingle slices of sweet potato into each tin until a rose shape starts to form.
Pour the cheese mixture over each “rosette” and bake at 350 degrees until the edges are brown and the sweet potato slices are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
The stick-to-your-ribs appeal of chicken and dumplings deepens as the evenings cool down. This version adds the vegetal sweetness of acorn and butternut squash, coaxed into full flavor with farm-sourced carrots, celery, thyme, garlic, and onion.
What is the Difference Between Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash?
Acorn and butternut squash, while both popular winter squashes, are actually pretty different in their appearance and flavor profile. Acorn squash, just like you would imagine, is shaped like an acorn with a round body and dark green color which often features a bit of orange. Its flavor is mild and nutty with a subtle sweetness, but the flesh tends to be more fibrous and watery than some squash varieties…more like pumpkin than Butternut squash.
Butternut squash has a somewhat pear-like shape and comes with a tan skin. Its flesh is sweeter and richer than most squashes. It’s often buttery and nutty, and possesses a creamy, less fibrous texture. We use both of these types in our Chicken and Dumplings with Squash to add a variety of flavors and textures that compliment the hearty broth.
1 acorn squash, thinly sliced and roasted with salt and pepper
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs thyme
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 sticks celery, diced
1/3 cup flour
4 ½ cups chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon, optional
1 ½ cups half-and-half
For the dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tsp sugar
¼ cup cold milk
¾ cup cold sour cream
4 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a 4 ½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side, until a little bit of a brown color has developed. The middle will still be uncooked. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot. Add the squash, diced onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, cinnamon and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the flour and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Add the chicken broth and half-and-half in small splashes, stirring continuously and scraping up any remnants from the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer, uncovered, while you make the dumplings.
For the dumplings:
Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and sugar in a medium bowl.
Add the milk, sour cream, and melted butter. Use a folding motion to combine and form a dough, but don’t overmix or they will be dense.
Add the chicken back to the soup along with any juices from the plate. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low.
Use a small cookie scoop and carefully place the dumplings over the soup in an even layer. Spoon a little liquid over each one.
Cover tightly and increase heat slightly to bring it to a gentle Set a timer for 15 minutes; don’t lift the lid during this time, the dumplings need to steam.
Open the lid and insert a toothpick into the middle of a dumpling to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, cover and simmer for a few more minutes.
Once the middle is set, garnish with thyme and roasted acorn squash.
Recipes and Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
