Cognac is a type of brandy made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France, aged in oak barrels for at least two years.<This cocktail combines Rémy Martin (one of the highest quality Cognacs), some beautiful bubbles, and the warmth of cardamom make this cocktail a prime selection in the category of quiet luxury cocktails. Pour yourself a Cognac and Cardamom French 75 to enjoy with friends, or slip into a pair of silk pajamas and soft slippers, curl up with a good book and some soft music, and let yourself fade into a quiet and luxurious moment.
So many delights await you in the weeks ahead. From ballet performances to festivals and beyond, the following August events in Pittsburgh will surely entice you to fly out the door to join our comrades and compatriots in having some FUN!
Pittsburgh VegFest Allegheny Commons East Park, August 5
You’ll have an a-maize-ing, veggie-filled time at Pittsburgh VegFest — here, you’ll find some of the best vegetable-friendly food in the city, alongside yoga demos, speakers, vendors, music, and more.
P!NK PNC Park, August 5
Not only will your ears be blown away, but so will your eyes — P!NK is known for the stunning acrobatics she combines with her alluring singing.
Reclaiming the Renaissance Tour Drag Brunch 5801 Video Lounge & Cafe, August 6
Beyoncé may not be stopping in Pittsburgh anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate the Queen! Might we suggest programming this Renaissance Tour-themed drag brunch with our Beyoncé inspired cocktails?
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week Around the ‘Burgh, August 7-13
It’s the most delicious time of the year! Eat your way across Pittsburgh with menus crafted from top restaurants in the area specifically for this seven-day celebration.
Guys & Dolls Benedum Center, August 9-13
Is Guys & Dolls really the perfect musical comedy? Judge for yourself when the award-winning classic is performed at the Benedum Center.
The Sound Inside barebones, August 11-26
What happens when an unexpected bond forms between a lonely creative writing professor at Yale and their student? Find out in Adam Rapp’s moving play, The Sound Inside.
Photo by Pamela Springsteen
Outlaw Music Festival The Pavilion at Star Lake, August 12
There’s no doubt you’ll have a boot-stompin’ fine-like-great-wine time when the all-star lineup of Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Flatland Cavalry, and more bring the Outlaw Music Festival to the ‘Burgh.
Summer Camp…For Adults National Aviary, August 12
Crafts, animal encounters, boxed lunches, oh my! Summer camp activities aren’t just for kids. Feed your inner child at the National Aviary.
Chris Porter Pittsburgh Improv, August 12
Simple is the key to Chris Porter’s comedy. Don’t expect catchphrases and props — just plain ol’ funny.
Siegfried Tieber in Sixty-Seven Keys Liberty Magic, August 16-September 3
Siegfried Tieber, both a storyteller and magician, utilizes sleight of hand, illusion, and magic in his newest show to blur the line between the unlikely and implausible.
Photo by Rose Colored Creative
Riverlife’s Party at the Pier David L. Lawrence Convention Center, August 18
Now in its 14th year, 2023’s Party at the Pier fundraiser is taking over the rooftop terrace of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for an evening of entertainment, food, and lush decor, all in support of Pittsburgh’s rivers. The theme? Hidden Gems.
Rock, Reggae, & Relief Downtown, August 19
Headlining this year’s feel-good festival of reggae tunes and unity are Slightly Stoopid, Sublime with Rome, Tropidelic, and Roots of Creation. All proceeds benefit Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.
Inside Out Night Carnegie Museum of Art, August 19
To close out the museum’s summer season, CMoA invites you for a 21-and-over evening under the stars in which the Sculpture Court is transformed into a dubstep discotheque.
Ballet Under the Stars Hartwood Acres, August 20
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre moves beyond the walls of its Strip District home to the open air of Hartwood Acres for a unique outdoor spectacular, including kids’ stations, craft and dance activities, photo opportunities with costumed dancers, face painting, and beyond.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
30th Annual Wine Festival Seven Springs, August 25-27
Find a new favorite local wine when 25 wineries from PA come together for, “the biggest end of summer garden party one can find,” according to Seven Springs.
The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival 3 Crossings, August 26
Hey baby, taco walk on the wild side! Here, you’ll find family-friendly entertainment, an art market, and a variety of adult beverages alongside some of the best Pittsburgh tacos, all in one place.
Vantage Points Wood Street Galleries, Running till August 27
Bringing together Present Shock — which was inspired by Alvin Toffler’s seminal book Future Shock — and Vanishing Point 3:1 #3, whose inspiration draws from Renaissance perspective drawings by Leon Battista Alberti, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Albrecht Dürer, Vantage Points asks viewers to consider perspective and perception and how we interact with the world around us.
Story by Jordan Snowden / Send your events tips to jordan@tablemagazine.com
It’s no secret that mocktails are seriously trending. For those who would rather forgo the alcohol yet still want the fun of a mixed-up beverage, Blue Sky’s Tyler Lewis shakes up some seriously good mocktail recipes. Find a friend. Blend one up. Let the layered flavors play across your palate. Ease into a long conversation. With all your wits about you, it’s sure to be a good one.
Mocktails don’t necessarily mean the inclusion of a non-alcoholic alternative like fake tequila or rum. Lewis demonstrates with his wildberry sparkler.
This martini mocktail recipe utilizes dragonfruit — which is high in fiber, a good source of magnesium, and is packed with nutrients — resulting in a drink that not only tastes good but is also good for you.
Our Prickly Pear Lemonade and Queen B(ee) pay homage to the R&B pop icon, Beyoncé. From her older album Lemonade to her recent country release Cowboy Carter, our queen never misses. These two cocktails use direct inspiration from this famous singer/songwriter as well as some of her most famous hits. They’re both have a sweet element but come with a bite whether it’s from the prickly pear or the cognac. Needless to say, in the words of Beyoncé herself, “We gettin’ f…. up tonight!”
Who is Beyoncé?
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, known as Beyoncé, has done it all from singing and songwriting to dancing and acting. Beyoncé first rose to fame as a singer in Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She then took off with her own massively successful solo career, even going on to marry Jay-Z and have three children as well. Besides the entertainment industry, she is also a beauty professional with her own line of hair products, Cécred.
Don’t let bad weather stop your family from adventuring. TABLE staff suggests a few indoor activities that will lighten the gloom any time of the year.
6 Allegheny Square E., Suite 101 Located in the former Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, MuseumLab is where kids over 10 can increase independence and art, tech, and crafting skills through play and interactive activities.
1 Allegheny Avenue From planetarium shows that allow you to travel the skies above without leaving Pittsburgh to laser shows and beyond, the Buhl Planetarium & Observatory inside the Carnegie Science Center offers a stellar schedule of out-of-this-world shows.
Multiple Locations An acrobatic space, tumble track, ropes course, climbing walls, and beyond; when the weather is dreary, kiddos can still run and romp around this indoor adventure and trampoline park.
1350 Old Pond Road, Bridgeville For the STEM-loving kids (or those who could use a little extra science in their lives), Snapology’s Discovery Center helps build engineering and technology skills through play. Those over five years of age can be dropped off at the center for up to three hours, so if you have some errands to run or just need some alone time, you can be confident your little ones are having fun in a safe, clean environment.
4125 Washington Road, McMurray Leave the iPads and tablets at home: Lilliput Towne Center is a space filled with elaborate play buildings from local company Lilliput Play Homes. Facilities like a restaurant, salon, and doctor’s office comprise a little indoor town, complete with sidewalks, benches, and streets.
4400 Forbes Avenue For the nature lovers among us, this Oakland-based museum is home to over 22 million specimens and was founded in 1896 by Andrew Carnegie.
7224 Baptist Road, Bethel Park Get your hands dirty… with art! The family-owned The Pottery Place offers pottery painting, clay classes, glass fusing, and mosaics.
1551 Mayview Road,Upper St. Clair For those who want to get wet on their own terms, and not Mother Nature’s, the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center Indoor Water Facility — which includes slides, a leisure pool, spray features, and more — is open all year, and can be used whether you live in Upper St. Clair or not.
6815 Hamilton Avenue Inside this 80,000-square-foot indoor mountain bike and BMX park are eight rooms featuring a myriad of terrains and trails for children and adults alike of every skill level.
We’re in peak hot and sunny season. Now seems like an ideal time to refresh your beverage repertoire with classic cocktail recipes that will work for any occasion (and never disappoint). Below, you’ll find our top picks for classic cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a summer day.
It doesn’t have to be Kentucky Derby season to mix up a Mint Julep cocktail. The classic bourbon-based beverage is the perfect combination of sweet and minty, with just the right amount of kick.
A surefire way to beat the summer heat? A frozen beverage — made even better when alcohol is involved. Enter our Frozen Cosmo cocktail recipe, a classic Cosmopolitan turned slushy.
This go-to summer cocktail is also a classic. The Greyhound, rumored to be a popular drink choice in Greyhound terminals, is made refreshing thanks to its main ingredient: grapefruit juice. The fresher the juice, the better.
The classic Negroni is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, and for good reason. With its perfect blend of bitter and sweet flavors, the Negroni is a timeless drink to enjoy any time of year — whether you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail to serve at a dinner party or just want to unwind after a long day at work.
As a professional educator, founder and CEO of Catalyst Academy, and a proud Pittsburgh parent of two, Brian Smith shares with TABLE a list of wonderful activities to do with kids in the ‘Burgh. He believes that all children, especially historically disadvantaged children, should have access to a great education.
10 Children’s Way There’s a reason the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is always ranked among the best in the country! Whether it’s your first time, or you’re a frequent visitor, there are so many engaging exhibits — your kids are guaranteed to have a great time.
7370 Baker Street The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is truly a remarkable Pittsburgh asset that kids always enjoy. Parent tip: Beyond seeing many great animal exhibits, make sure to build in time for your kids to play at the Kids Kingdom playground. Always a hit.
Multiple Locations There is something truly special about gathering your family on a blanket to watch a movie in one of Pittsburgh’s many city parks on a summer night.
Multiple Locations Open Streets Pittsburgh is such a fun way for families to explore many of our city’s great neighborhoods. On select weekends in the spring and summer, a network of streets is blocked from car traffic to enable people to walk and bike freely. Kids love this chance to “break the rules.”
Ah, the sweet smell of coconut and pineapple. We might be landbound, but we can still channel the tropical aesthetic with a piña colada mocktail. Tyler Lewis shares a taste of summer with his Piña NO-Lada recipe, a creamy, refreshing drink that balances the rich sweetness of coconut with the bright, tangy notes of pineapple. Perfect for sipping poolside or just escaping the everyday grind, this alcohol-free version captures all the indulgence of the classic cocktail without any of the booze, making this piña colada mocktail a sunny, guilt-free treat any time of year.
Add piña colada mix and lime juice to a shaker with ice, shake until cold.
Roll into a stemless wine glass or piña colada glass.
Slowly add muscovado syrup to glass so it settles on the bottom of the glass, garnish, and serve. Enjoy your piña colada mocktail!
For the piña colada mix:
Add 2 oz cream de coconut, 3 oz coconut milk, one whole fresh-cut pineapple, and 2 tbsp sugar to blender and blend into fine liquid.
Set aside and store in refrigerator.
For the muscovado syrup:
Add 1 cup of muscovado sugar to 1 cup of water and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.
At boil, remove from heat and add 4 cinnamon sticks, 10 black peppercorns, 10 cloves, and pineapple skin to the mixture and let it steep for 2 hours till cool.
Strain into a storage container and store for later use.
Recipe by Tyler Lewis Styling by Star Laliberte Photography by Dave Bryce
It doesn’t have to be Kentucky Derby season to mix up a Mint Julep cocktail. The classic bourbon-based beverage is the perfect combination of sweet and minty, with just the right amount of kick. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing mint julep to cool you down and quench your thirst when the temperatures are rising (and show no signs of coming down anytime soon).
What is a Julep Cup?
A julep cup is the traditional drinking cup for the Classic Mint Julep cocktail, also known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s usually of silver, pewter, or stainless steel, and tapers into a wide shape at the lip. The metal material helps to keep the drink icy cold, a crucial element for an authentic Mint Julep experience. Especially since the frost that forms on the outside of the cup is part of its appeal.
It’s no secret that mocktails are seriously trending. For those who would rather forgo the alcohol yet still want the fun of a mixed-up beverage, Tyler Lewis shares with TABLE readers a variety of delectable mocktails, including the following Dragonfruit Marti-NO. After all, why enjoy a martini when you can have a mocktail version that keeps the hangover away. This martini mocktail utilizes dragonfruit — which is high in fiber, a good source of magnesium, and pack full of nutrients — resulting in a drink that not only tastes good but is also good for you.
¼ oz passion fruit simple syrup (see recipe below)
1 egg white
Sliced dragon fruit, for garnish
Instructions
Add Seedlip Grove 42, lime juice, dragon fruit simple syrup, passion fruit simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker and shake without ice.
Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again for 30 seconds until cool.
Double-strain into a coupe glass, garnish with the sliced dragon fruit, and serve.
For the dragon fruit simple syrup:
Add half a white dragon fruit cut into small pieces, including skin, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ cup of water to a small pot and slowly bring to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved.
Remove from heat and leave to sit 4-6 hours.
Fine strain into a clean container for storage and discard of solids.
For the passion fruit simple syrup:
Add ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
Slice four passionfruit in half and scoop the seeds into the sugar water mixture.
Stir and let the passion fruit steep for about 2 hours.
Strain into a clean storage container for later use and discard of solids.
Recipe by Tyler Lewis Styling by Star Laliberte Photography by Dave Bryce
