Holy Heck, it’s the Holidays!
Well, we’ve quickly gone from “the season is upon us” to “here we are all up in it”! This time of year moves so fast. There’s a growing pile of stuff in the corner of my desk to be put away. It includes a metal pumpkin decoration and a Halloween make up kit! The good news is, the purple snowflake tree ornament that’s been sparkling quietly in my desk drawer all year finally looks in place!
Busy, busy, busy. Let’s get down to business, shall we?
ANNUAL GYPSY GIFT CERTIFICATE SALE
Starting today, December 10, $50 Gypsy gift certificates sold will include a special bonus gift Christmas ornament! What better bauble represents Gypsy Cafe and our loves of home, family, tradition, AND shiny things? Imported by the local company Palko Imports, while they last, our gift to you is a beautiful blown glass German golden acorn symbolizing life and luck, or a funny green pickle to hide on the tree for the kids! INFO: http://www.xmasdays.com/store/legends.html
Folks purchasing a $100 gift certificate receive a pound of Friends Blends Coffee from our dear “Friends of the Tamburitzans” group. Their yearly specialty coffee sales program benefits the Duquesne University Tamburitzans! INFO: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08329/929811-34.stm (Plus a new flavor this year: Volim Te! (I love you! Chocolate and Cherry)).
Come in to Gypsy to pick up your gift certificate and receive these gifts—those ordering over the phone will get a little Gypsy kick back Gift Certificate instead!
GOULASH TO GO
And another thing—to help you in your holiday party-going and party-contributing, Gypsy is offering a special take out deal. Half-pans of our signature Szekely Gulyas (pork, bacon, and onion slow-stewed in paprika and finished with sauerkraut and sour cream over egg noodles) hot and ready or cold with heating instructions, for $25. An even more special deal is available for $40—complete the package with a half-pan of our Hungarian Caesar salad AND a pound of Friends Blends Coffee benefiting the Duquesne Tamburitzans!
FRIENDS BLENDS COFFEE
PS: We’re not just giving Friends Blends away and selling it with goulash—it’s for sale on it’s very own again this year at Gypsy for $10 regular/$11 decaf in all flavors, info available on our website, www.gypsycafe.net . We’ve all gotten into super fancy-shmancy coffee—why not have your coffee purchase go toward a good cause? Makes a great gift, too! INFO: http://www.tamburitzans.duq.edu/supportorgs.html
GHOST TOUR, CHRISTMAS EDITION!
Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours are BACK! HP returns for the Holidays with Victorian Ghost Stories! The Victorians LOVED to scare their Yuletide guests into moral and social submission. (Think "A Christmas Carol") Join us for a special dinner event Wednesday, December 16th and a very special Christmas Tea Saturday, December 12th! Details below, and follow the link to a PG blog on this scary subject! Call 412.381.4977 for Reservations!http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/radicalmiddle/archive/2009/12/08/there-ll-be-scary-ghost-stories.aspx
Dinner with Shivers!
Have a great dinner (try the GHOULash!) and then wile away the evening with tales of torture and torment, Victorian-style!Wednesday, December 16th at 8:00
$30 / person includes 3 course pre fixe menu and entertainment.
Christmas Tea!
All the spooky goodness of our Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Dinner with a festive infusion of Christmas creepiness! Enjoy a proper tea with a Gypsy twist and spooky holiday tales to stir your cup!
Saturday, December 12th, 1PM
$22 / person includes Christmas Ghost Stories by Haunted Pittsburgh and afternoon tea fare of light lunch items, pastries, and featured tea.
Call for Reservations!
KODACHROME CHRISTMAS
Need a group-friendly event for friends, family, co-workers? Don’t forget our lovely neighbors 100 feet to the West, City Theatre! Premiering this year is a great new fun feel-good show about what we all miss most about the Christmases of the recent past!
Call City for tickets 412.431.CITY (2489) or visit online: www.citytheatrecompany.org
NEW YEARS EVE
I know it’s not even Christmas yet, but remember it was not even Halloween when all the Christmas stuff started to fill the aisles, so at the risk of rushing you, let’s talk about New Years Eve.
I’ve been talking to people and trying to gauge the general mood as I plan this year’s NYE, and I’m getting that folks are feeling a little subdued. Last year felt frustrated; it seemed most were tired of the general anxiety 2008 had brought and eager to leave it behind and start anew. Seems this year “Caution” is the word. I keep hearing that people are looking for a place to feel safe for New Years. 2009 has been about hunkering down—and instead of feeling frustration over that, we seem to be reflective; thankful for what we have, for the company we keep, for the people and places we love. Last few years we’ve been offering a two-part New Years: Early for dinner and then home, and Late for bringing in the year. This year, we’ll be just a little more subdued as well, offering an extended dinner seating with music from a romantic, 3-piece Gypsy Strings playing until 10:30. Enjoy an intimate dinner as a couple and still make it home or meet up with friends by Midnight! Or, something else—since we’re all feeling thankful for close friends and family, we’ll also be offering our special NYE menu Family Style—if you’ve got a group dining, we’re happy to feed you like the family you are, passing plates to share around the table. Of course, you’re welcome to stay with us to ring in the New Year, too. The Gypsy Krewe is a nice family of friends ourselves and we’re happy for more!
CALENDAR
Saturday, December 12th 1 PM: Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Ghost Tea, $22/person
Monday, December 14th: Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. Theme: HOBO-erotica! Doors open at 7; Drawing begins at 8. $10
Wednesday, December 16th, 8 PM: Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Ghost Dinner, $30/person
Saturday, December 19th 8:30 PM: Live Jazz with Don Aliquo, Mark Perna, and special guest
Sunday, December 20th: CLOSED FOR DINNER for Private Party. Brunch service 12-3 as scheduled
CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th OPEN for regular schedule Dec 26th and 27th
UP & COMING!
Saturday, January 9th 7:30: Live Middle Eastern Music and Bellydance with Ishtar and Berna! We are excited to welcome Ishtar for an inaugural performance here at Gypsy—and the lovely Berna bellydancing is always an exciting treat! We will offer a special Meze menu in addition to our full menu!
Advance Notice: Coming up sometime later in January, Gypsy is happy to host an exclusive Croatian Wine Tasting with Nezic Winery. Diana and Dubrovka, the cousins who import their families’ wines, are just waiting for the new vintages to clear US Customs!
Thank you for helping us to make this little place possible.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Melanie and Chef Jim
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Goulash Gauntlet
Gypsy Quickie!
Try as I might, I just can’t seem to get the long-winded Gypsy email you’re all accustomed to written and out the door, so here’s just a little quick how-do-you-do with a wee present for you at the end! Longer letter later, with details of Gypsy’s brush with Hollywood as we (sort of) took part in the filming of “Love and Other Drugs” to come!
Gypsy CLOSED Turkey Day and Friday!
Once again, the immediate Gypsy family and friends who can’t make it home will be having pot luck Thanksgiving here at the restaurant. We’re closed for service, and also closed for service Friday, November 27th for our own Miss Katie’s wedding!
Are you stuck with side dish duty? Chef Jim and I will be here all day Thursday for your Goulash Procurement Needs (see below!)
The Goulash Gauntlet
Need a main or side dish to take to Turkey Day or any holiday gathering through New Year? We're offering half pans of our slow-stewed pork, bacon, onion, spicy Paprika, sauerkraut, and sour cream Szekely Gulyas to go, hot or cold, for $25. Feeds 4-6 as a main course, 8-10 as a side dish! Call 412.381.GYPSY!
Add a half pan of Hungarian Caesar Salad (Romaine, red cabbage, Feta, dilled croutons, Hungarian Vinaigrette) for $10!
Tammie Coffee
Here’s another great party gift. Grab a pound of gourmet coffee for a good cause!
Gypsy is proud to once again offer the Friends Blends Coffee Line, a fundraising endeavor by the Friends of the Tamburtizans and benefitting the Duquesne University Tamburitzans for sale. Available in 1 pound packages, $10 regular; $11 decaf:
Dobro Jutro (Good Morning!) Breakfast Blend
Tamburitzan Private Blend (full bodied/smooth)
Palachinka (sweet custard flavor)
Apple Strudel (cinnamon and clove)
Volim Te! (I Love You!) (chocolate and cherry)
Also available: Prijatno! (Greetings!) Apron $13
Gypsy Calendar:
Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Tea
Saturday, December 5 and December 12, 1PM
$22 includes Christmas Ghost Stories by Haunted Pittsburgh and afternoon tea fare of light lunch items, pastries, and featured tea. Call for Reservations!
Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Edition Dinners
Wednesday, December 9 and 16th, 8PM
$30 includes an hour of Christmas Ghost Stories by Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour and our 3-course prix fixe dinner menu. Call for Reservations!
Toonseum Brunch
Sunday, December 6th, NOON-3
Gypsy is a proud associate of the Pittsburgh ToonSeum, newly relocated to its very own space at 945 Penn Avenue. Join us for a special brunch dedicated to the Pittsburgh ToonSeum featuring a storytelling and drawing performance by curator Joe Wos with a special “Cereal Cels” art show courtesy of the ToonSeum graces our walls!
CHRISTMAS PARTIES!
Christmas party space is filling up right quick, but we’ve still got some dates for private parties available, and we’re happy to host your group or office luncheon—with City Theatre next door and entertainment available, we’ll open up for your group of 12 or more! Call Melanie: 412.381.4977
With THANKS,
Melanie and Chef Jim
PS: Our present for you!
Here’s a little cocktail recipe. Schlepp these ingredients to your family/friend affair, and be the toastest with the mostest!
Thanksgiving Turkey Cocktail
(Equal Parts, in a Rocks Glass)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon or Wild Turkey Rye
Orange Juice
Limonata (Italian Sparkling Lemonade) or Lemonade
Over ice
Top with Ginger Ale
Garnish with fresh cranberries!
*******************************************************************
Housekeeping:
PS: You are receiving this message because you submitted your email address to our mailing list. If you have received this message in error, or if you’d like to stop receiving occasional messages from Gypsy Café, please reply as such here: gypsy@gypsycafe.net and we will remove your address post-haste!
Try as I might, I just can’t seem to get the long-winded Gypsy email you’re all accustomed to written and out the door, so here’s just a little quick how-do-you-do with a wee present for you at the end! Longer letter later, with details of Gypsy’s brush with Hollywood as we (sort of) took part in the filming of “Love and Other Drugs” to come!
Gypsy CLOSED Turkey Day and Friday!
Once again, the immediate Gypsy family and friends who can’t make it home will be having pot luck Thanksgiving here at the restaurant. We’re closed for service, and also closed for service Friday, November 27th for our own Miss Katie’s wedding!
Are you stuck with side dish duty? Chef Jim and I will be here all day Thursday for your Goulash Procurement Needs (see below!)
The Goulash Gauntlet
Need a main or side dish to take to Turkey Day or any holiday gathering through New Year? We're offering half pans of our slow-stewed pork, bacon, onion, spicy Paprika, sauerkraut, and sour cream Szekely Gulyas to go, hot or cold, for $25. Feeds 4-6 as a main course, 8-10 as a side dish! Call 412.381.GYPSY!
Add a half pan of Hungarian Caesar Salad (Romaine, red cabbage, Feta, dilled croutons, Hungarian Vinaigrette) for $10!
Tammie Coffee
Here’s another great party gift. Grab a pound of gourmet coffee for a good cause!
Gypsy is proud to once again offer the Friends Blends Coffee Line, a fundraising endeavor by the Friends of the Tamburtizans and benefitting the Duquesne University Tamburitzans for sale. Available in 1 pound packages, $10 regular; $11 decaf:
Dobro Jutro (Good Morning!) Breakfast Blend
Tamburitzan Private Blend (full bodied/smooth)
Palachinka (sweet custard flavor)
Apple Strudel (cinnamon and clove)
Volim Te! (I Love You!) (chocolate and cherry)
Also available: Prijatno! (Greetings!) Apron $13
Gypsy Calendar:
Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Tea
Saturday, December 5 and December 12, 1PM
$22 includes Christmas Ghost Stories by Haunted Pittsburgh and afternoon tea fare of light lunch items, pastries, and featured tea. Call for Reservations!
Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour Christmas Edition Dinners
Wednesday, December 9 and 16th, 8PM
$30 includes an hour of Christmas Ghost Stories by Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour and our 3-course prix fixe dinner menu. Call for Reservations!
Toonseum Brunch
Sunday, December 6th, NOON-3
Gypsy is a proud associate of the Pittsburgh ToonSeum, newly relocated to its very own space at 945 Penn Avenue. Join us for a special brunch dedicated to the Pittsburgh ToonSeum featuring a storytelling and drawing performance by curator Joe Wos with a special “Cereal Cels” art show courtesy of the ToonSeum graces our walls!
CHRISTMAS PARTIES!
Christmas party space is filling up right quick, but we’ve still got some dates for private parties available, and we’re happy to host your group or office luncheon—with City Theatre next door and entertainment available, we’ll open up for your group of 12 or more! Call Melanie: 412.381.4977
With THANKS,
Melanie and Chef Jim
PS: Our present for you!
Here’s a little cocktail recipe. Schlepp these ingredients to your family/friend affair, and be the toastest with the mostest!
Thanksgiving Turkey Cocktail
(Equal Parts, in a Rocks Glass)
Maker’s Mark Bourbon or Wild Turkey Rye
Orange Juice
Limonata (Italian Sparkling Lemonade) or Lemonade
Over ice
Top with Ginger Ale
Garnish with fresh cranberries!
*******************************************************************
Housekeeping:
PS: You are receiving this message because you submitted your email address to our mailing list. If you have received this message in error, or if you’d like to stop receiving occasional messages from Gypsy Café, please reply as such here: gypsy@gypsycafe.net and we will remove your address post-haste!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Night in Budapest Press Release 9-12-09
A NIGHT IN BUDAPEST
An evening with the rare Hungarian Cimbalom at Gypsy Café.
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, South Side’s Gypsy Café will host “A Night in Budapest”, an evening of Hungarian music and food featuring the seldom-seen Cimbalom. Pittsburgh’s George Batyi and Bob Sestili of The Gypsy Strings and special guests will join Chicago Cimbalist Alex Udvary for an intimate dinner and private concert.
Few people can define “cimbalom” let alone describe one. This uncommon musical instrument is of the Dulcimer family, a kind of piano-xylophone hybrid, stringed, but struck with hammers. Although smaller traveling versions of the cimbalom exist, Mr. Udvary’s nearly full-size cimbalom is a rarity outside of Eastern European concert halls.
Centuries ago, the Cimbalom was adopted by Romani (Gypsy) musicians, and the instruments traveled with them throughout Europe. Cimbalom (tsimbal) is also an important instrument in Klezmer orchestras.
The musicians will play “European Style” through the dinner courses, starting with sets on the stage and continuing to individual tables to solicit requests. It is customary to tip the orchestra, especially for playing requests.
Reservations are necessary and seating is limited. $35 per person includes the three-hour show and a three-course Hungarian meal including dessert, soft drinks, and coffee. Tax and tip are not included. For more information, visit www.gypsycafe.net or contact Gypsy Café at 412.381.GYPSY (4977).
Composers noted for their use of the cimbalom include Zoltan Kodaly, Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Peter Eotvos, Gyorgy Kurtag, Louis Andriessen, Henri Dutilleux, and even Elvis Costello.
Gypsy Café is an intimate neighborhood café featuring the cuisines of the Mediterranean and beyond. Full bar; non-smoking. Reservations necessary. A second show may be added Friday, September 11, 2009
###
For more information, or to schedule an interview with George Batyi, violinist, contact:
Melanie Evankovich George Batyi
Gypsy Café Gypsy Violinist
412.381.4977 412.853.3569
gypsy@gypsycafe.net gbatyi@aol.com
Melanie EvankovichJim DietzGypsy Cafe1330 Bingham Streetcorner of Bingham and 14th StreetsPittsburgh, PA 15203412.381.GYPSY (4977)www.gypsycafe.net
Would you like to join our email list? Reply as such and we'll get you on it!
An evening with the rare Hungarian Cimbalom at Gypsy Café.
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, South Side’s Gypsy Café will host “A Night in Budapest”, an evening of Hungarian music and food featuring the seldom-seen Cimbalom. Pittsburgh’s George Batyi and Bob Sestili of The Gypsy Strings and special guests will join Chicago Cimbalist Alex Udvary for an intimate dinner and private concert.
Few people can define “cimbalom” let alone describe one. This uncommon musical instrument is of the Dulcimer family, a kind of piano-xylophone hybrid, stringed, but struck with hammers. Although smaller traveling versions of the cimbalom exist, Mr. Udvary’s nearly full-size cimbalom is a rarity outside of Eastern European concert halls.
Centuries ago, the Cimbalom was adopted by Romani (Gypsy) musicians, and the instruments traveled with them throughout Europe. Cimbalom (tsimbal) is also an important instrument in Klezmer orchestras.
The musicians will play “European Style” through the dinner courses, starting with sets on the stage and continuing to individual tables to solicit requests. It is customary to tip the orchestra, especially for playing requests.
Reservations are necessary and seating is limited. $35 per person includes the three-hour show and a three-course Hungarian meal including dessert, soft drinks, and coffee. Tax and tip are not included. For more information, visit www.gypsycafe.net or contact Gypsy Café at 412.381.GYPSY (4977).
Composers noted for their use of the cimbalom include Zoltan Kodaly, Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Peter Eotvos, Gyorgy Kurtag, Louis Andriessen, Henri Dutilleux, and even Elvis Costello.
Gypsy Café is an intimate neighborhood café featuring the cuisines of the Mediterranean and beyond. Full bar; non-smoking. Reservations necessary. A second show may be added Friday, September 11, 2009
###
For more information, or to schedule an interview with George Batyi, violinist, contact:
Melanie Evankovich George Batyi
Gypsy Café Gypsy Violinist
412.381.4977 412.853.3569
gypsy@gypsycafe.net gbatyi@aol.com
Melanie EvankovichJim DietzGypsy Cafe1330 Bingham Streetcorner of Bingham and 14th StreetsPittsburgh, PA 15203412.381.GYPSY (4977)www.gypsycafe.net
Would you like to join our email list? Reply as such and we'll get you on it!
Gypsy Update 9-4-09: September (does not) Slow Down!
Hey fans, friends and family of Gypsy! Chef Jim here at the very precipice of seasons as we prepare to tumble into fall and reflect on the summer we’ve had. We’ll start by forgiving what turned out to be not such a good summer for tomatoes* and focus on what a great summer it was for peppers of all kinds. Once that run is done, we’ll focus on squash and pumpkin and the bounty of late harvest as the minions here in the Gypsy kitchens work feverishly to get a Fall Menu together worthy of last year’s.
*A notable exception to this summer’s tomato tragedy is our South Side neighbor Farmer Jody of Lab8 and BYS Yoga fame, who, in a garden plot the size of a kiddie pool, brought forth a gargantuan 2 lb, 14oz tomato, respectfully dubbed “Urban Warrior”! (Now on to the backyard hop harvest!)
We here at Gypsy have a few items of note to pass on to you…
From the Patting-Ourselves-on-the-Back Department:
Seems we have been the center of a little attention storm here at the café. China Millman of the Post-Gazette was kind enough to mention us in a feature about restaurants that offer vegetarian fare (8/20 http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09232/991956-34.stm) and we decided since the spotlight was on our meatless dishes that we should bring a veggie dish to the Sprout Fund’s Hot House event last Saturday. This paid off as our “Morocco Tacos”, flour tortillas filed with a black-eyed pea, caramelized onion, kale and toasted cumin rice pilaf mixture and topped with tahini/eggplant sauce, garnered us another teeny mention in the PG, this time in the Seen column (9/1) coverage of Hot House. Considering our advertising budget only exists in theory, two mentions in the paper are huge for us. Thanks for the exposure!
In shiny paper news, Pittsburgh Magazine named us “Best Tarot Readings While You Eat.” Although this is kind of like Melanie’s Dad declaring her his “favorite daughter” when she’s the only daughter, we appreciate our eclectic little place being presented with a fittingly eclectic award. Thank you Pittsburgh Magazine, for noticing. Thanks also to our dear resident Tarot reader Rebecca for being a part of Gypsy, and Kudos for her recognition. We and all the folks who visit with her think she’s great, and now PM gives a nod as well. Rebecca is available most Friday and Sunday nights to our dinner guests for readings, but her time does fill quickly, so be sure to make an appointment for a 15- or 30-minute reading when you make your dinner reservation. http://www.wqed.org/
From the Cool Stuff Coming Up Category
Y’know up until the first performance here at Gypsy, I had no idea what a “Cimbalom” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbalom was, but this unique Hungarian instrument has a resonance and sound all its own that is worth seeking. Imagine a member of the dulcimer family crossed with the sounding board of a wind instrument and the fluidity of a harp. That puts you in the same neighborhood as a Cimbalom, but doesn’t quite do it justice. Outside of Europe, this rare and venerable instrument has only a few living masters, and one of them, Alex Udvary, will be performing with The Gypsy Strings’ George Batyi, Bob Sestili, and Jerry Grcevich in our third annual “A Night in Budapest” celebration. Please call to make reservations now for Saturday September 12th (a second night, Friday, September 11th may be added according to demand) to enjoy this rare music and a 3 course Hungarian menu for only $35. The menu will be listed on our website shortly. Another PG mention! http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09246/995023-484.stm
Gypsy will be in two places September 12th as we will also be participating in WYEP’s annual Rock the Block event just down the street in South Side’s Bedford Square. Rock the Block is a terrific fundraising event for WYEP and has in a very short time become on the best events of summer. http://www.wyep.org/
What am I excited about this fall, other than the fall vegetables and fall menu looming large on the near horizon? Why Pittsburgh Comicon, natch, as anyone who knows me knows I am as big a comic book geek as I am a foodie. In order for me and my Geek Brunch staff to make it out to the Con this year (or as I like to call it, the “Nerd Prom”) and to allow us to recover from a weekend full of the events above, we will unfortunately be closed for brunch on Sunday, Sept 13th. We will be back the following Sunday at our regular time and hours for brunch, geekier and brunchier than ever, and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience. My comic book podcast Legion of Dudes (http://www.legionofdudes.com/) will be at the Con when I can’t, so if you see them there give them a wave and a hello. They are mostly harmless if properly medicated…
Classic Literature Brunch—and Birthday Celebration--this Sunday, September 6 NOON-3
One of our dear Gypsy pals and rabid brunch fan, Chad Shannon, wanted to celebrate his birthday with Brunch at Gypsy, but wanted to make it mean something to everyone who came in for brunch, so we came up with a plan. We’ve chosen a brunch theme near and dear to Chad, and in return to dedicating the Brunch to his love of Classic Literature, he has pledged to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation for every one of his “pet” brunch dishes sold. Classic Lit fan; classy guy! Celebrate with Chad this Sunday and feed your belly for a good cause!
BOOOO! Ghosty Stuff!
The Haunted Pittsburgh crew continues to haunt Gypsy Café and we are eerily delighted to partner with them, offering a special 3-course prix fixe menu to fill you and an hour or so of storytelling to thrill you here at Gypsy Wednesdays September 9, 16, 30, and tentatively, 23 (G-20 et al might be scarier on the 23rd!)
We’ve also got some really cool special events coming up with the Haunted Pittsburgh to be announced, and they’re just about to launch their Walking Tours here in South Side! For more info: http://hauntedpgh.blogspot.com/ and a discussion about HP http://pittsblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/ghosts-in-pittsburgh.html!
Mark Your Calendars! Saturday, September 19th—Two Great Events!
Next on our upcoming events list, on Saturday afternoon at 1PM on the 19th, Gypsy is proud to welcome Sherrie Flick, (http://www.sherrieflick.com/) South Side Slopes farmer, Literary Innovator (founder of Gist Street Reading Series and sponsor of ISReads) former pastry chef, and most importantly AUTHOR, as she introduces her newly published novel, Reconsidering Happiness at a luncheon event here at Gypsy in her honor. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette recently reviewed her newest work:
Fiction: "Reconsidering Happiness," by Sherrie Flick. Pittsburgh novelist finds right recipe for life's lovely moments Sunday, August 30, 2009By Sherri Hallgren
and you can read about it here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09242/993906-148.stm
The event is $20 per person and includes lunch and time with Sherrie in our intimate café. Please call for Reservations!
Jazz with Don Aliquo and Mark Perna!
Saturday night the 19th, join us for dinner with the sweet sounds of Jazz with saxophonist Don Aliquo and bassist Mark Perna starting at 7:30! Please call for Reservations!
As always, thank you for your interest in our little café.
Chef Jim
Call: 412.381.4977Email: gypsy@gypsycafe.netFax: 412.381.4979
Gypsy Café1330 Bingham Street, South Side!http://www.gypsycafe.net/
*A notable exception to this summer’s tomato tragedy is our South Side neighbor Farmer Jody of Lab8 and BYS Yoga fame, who, in a garden plot the size of a kiddie pool, brought forth a gargantuan 2 lb, 14oz tomato, respectfully dubbed “Urban Warrior”! (Now on to the backyard hop harvest!)
We here at Gypsy have a few items of note to pass on to you…
From the Patting-Ourselves-on-the-Back Department:
Seems we have been the center of a little attention storm here at the café. China Millman of the Post-Gazette was kind enough to mention us in a feature about restaurants that offer vegetarian fare (8/20 http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09232/991956-34.stm) and we decided since the spotlight was on our meatless dishes that we should bring a veggie dish to the Sprout Fund’s Hot House event last Saturday. This paid off as our “Morocco Tacos”, flour tortillas filed with a black-eyed pea, caramelized onion, kale and toasted cumin rice pilaf mixture and topped with tahini/eggplant sauce, garnered us another teeny mention in the PG, this time in the Seen column (9/1) coverage of Hot House. Considering our advertising budget only exists in theory, two mentions in the paper are huge for us. Thanks for the exposure!
In shiny paper news, Pittsburgh Magazine named us “Best Tarot Readings While You Eat.” Although this is kind of like Melanie’s Dad declaring her his “favorite daughter” when she’s the only daughter, we appreciate our eclectic little place being presented with a fittingly eclectic award. Thank you Pittsburgh Magazine, for noticing. Thanks also to our dear resident Tarot reader Rebecca for being a part of Gypsy, and Kudos for her recognition. We and all the folks who visit with her think she’s great, and now PM gives a nod as well. Rebecca is available most Friday and Sunday nights to our dinner guests for readings, but her time does fill quickly, so be sure to make an appointment for a 15- or 30-minute reading when you make your dinner reservation. http://www.wqed.org/
From the Cool Stuff Coming Up Category
Y’know up until the first performance here at Gypsy, I had no idea what a “Cimbalom” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimbalom was, but this unique Hungarian instrument has a resonance and sound all its own that is worth seeking. Imagine a member of the dulcimer family crossed with the sounding board of a wind instrument and the fluidity of a harp. That puts you in the same neighborhood as a Cimbalom, but doesn’t quite do it justice. Outside of Europe, this rare and venerable instrument has only a few living masters, and one of them, Alex Udvary, will be performing with The Gypsy Strings’ George Batyi, Bob Sestili, and Jerry Grcevich in our third annual “A Night in Budapest” celebration. Please call to make reservations now for Saturday September 12th (a second night, Friday, September 11th may be added according to demand) to enjoy this rare music and a 3 course Hungarian menu for only $35. The menu will be listed on our website shortly. Another PG mention! http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09246/995023-484.stm
Gypsy will be in two places September 12th as we will also be participating in WYEP’s annual Rock the Block event just down the street in South Side’s Bedford Square. Rock the Block is a terrific fundraising event for WYEP and has in a very short time become on the best events of summer. http://www.wyep.org/
What am I excited about this fall, other than the fall vegetables and fall menu looming large on the near horizon? Why Pittsburgh Comicon, natch, as anyone who knows me knows I am as big a comic book geek as I am a foodie. In order for me and my Geek Brunch staff to make it out to the Con this year (or as I like to call it, the “Nerd Prom”) and to allow us to recover from a weekend full of the events above, we will unfortunately be closed for brunch on Sunday, Sept 13th. We will be back the following Sunday at our regular time and hours for brunch, geekier and brunchier than ever, and we apologize in advance for the inconvenience. My comic book podcast Legion of Dudes (http://www.legionofdudes.com/) will be at the Con when I can’t, so if you see them there give them a wave and a hello. They are mostly harmless if properly medicated…
Classic Literature Brunch—and Birthday Celebration--this Sunday, September 6 NOON-3
One of our dear Gypsy pals and rabid brunch fan, Chad Shannon, wanted to celebrate his birthday with Brunch at Gypsy, but wanted to make it mean something to everyone who came in for brunch, so we came up with a plan. We’ve chosen a brunch theme near and dear to Chad, and in return to dedicating the Brunch to his love of Classic Literature, he has pledged to make a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation for every one of his “pet” brunch dishes sold. Classic Lit fan; classy guy! Celebrate with Chad this Sunday and feed your belly for a good cause!
BOOOO! Ghosty Stuff!
The Haunted Pittsburgh crew continues to haunt Gypsy Café and we are eerily delighted to partner with them, offering a special 3-course prix fixe menu to fill you and an hour or so of storytelling to thrill you here at Gypsy Wednesdays September 9, 16, 30, and tentatively, 23 (G-20 et al might be scarier on the 23rd!)
We’ve also got some really cool special events coming up with the Haunted Pittsburgh to be announced, and they’re just about to launch their Walking Tours here in South Side! For more info: http://hauntedpgh.blogspot.com/ and a discussion about HP http://pittsblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/ghosts-in-pittsburgh.html!
Mark Your Calendars! Saturday, September 19th—Two Great Events!
Next on our upcoming events list, on Saturday afternoon at 1PM on the 19th, Gypsy is proud to welcome Sherrie Flick, (http://www.sherrieflick.com/) South Side Slopes farmer, Literary Innovator (founder of Gist Street Reading Series and sponsor of ISReads) former pastry chef, and most importantly AUTHOR, as she introduces her newly published novel, Reconsidering Happiness at a luncheon event here at Gypsy in her honor. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette recently reviewed her newest work:
Fiction: "Reconsidering Happiness," by Sherrie Flick. Pittsburgh novelist finds right recipe for life's lovely moments Sunday, August 30, 2009By Sherri Hallgren
and you can read about it here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09242/993906-148.stm
The event is $20 per person and includes lunch and time with Sherrie in our intimate café. Please call for Reservations!
Jazz with Don Aliquo and Mark Perna!
Saturday night the 19th, join us for dinner with the sweet sounds of Jazz with saxophonist Don Aliquo and bassist Mark Perna starting at 7:30! Please call for Reservations!
As always, thank you for your interest in our little café.
Chef Jim
Call: 412.381.4977Email: gypsy@gypsycafe.netFax: 412.381.4979
Gypsy Café1330 Bingham Street, South Side!http://www.gypsycafe.net/
Friday, August 7, 2009
Gypsy Update 8-7-09: Gypsy hosts Ghosts, Posts, and GruVee Austrians!
Hey everybody! Chef Jim back again to clue all of you in on what’s going on at Gypsy Café here in the (pretty doggone mild) dog days of summer. My grandfather Virgil in Ohio used to grow strawberries every summer as a sideline, and, after they had all been harvested, sold, and in some cases made into my grandmother’s heavenly preserves, I knew it wouldn’t be much longer until I was back in school. Strawberries heralded the beginning of summer and their departure making way for peach season was always the beginning of the end of my summer as a boy. Time’s running out people! Better get out there and enjoy some summer while its still around, or sit in your frozen house all winter and regret it…
More of an IN-doorsy type? Well, may I suggest catching one of the final few performances of “Late Night Catechism 3: Til Death Do Us Part” a humorous and nostalgic look at what Catholicism hath wrought—I mean, taught--on the Sacrament of Marriage and all the issues implicit within it. Sister will impart to you the wisdom of the teachings of the Vatican and find out just how well you and your betrothed know each other with a Newlywed game as well as chide you for being tardy or chewing gum. And, if you are predisposed to such things, she’ll also make you laugh out loud. These are the last few weeks of this comedic show @ City Theater, so get tickets now or forever hold your peace! www.citytheatrecompany.org
Another great way to shake up a quiet Summer night is our popular dinners in conjunction with Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours, “Dinner with Shivers”. You get to relax with a delicious 3-course prix fixe dinner menu followed by an hour of chilling tales of the best ghost stories from Pittsburgh’s past. Even if you don’t believe in the hoary hosts of the netherworld, the stories are fascinating glimpses into Pittsburgh’s sometimes sordid past and some of its most interesting personalities. Dinner and storytelling is only $30 in advance and we will be having these special events on August 12th and 26th. Please call for reservations as early as possible! $35 at the door.
http://hauntedpgh.blogspot.com/
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/columns/heyl/s_634051.html
GYPSY READS!
Great News from Melanie!
Hey there! I am pleased as punch to report that Gypsy is a site for ISReads.
Excerpted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7/27/09:
Words -- prose and poetry -- are appearing around town starting today when the national IsReads: The Journal Outdoors project begins here.
It's part of the Small Press Festival organized this month by Open Thread. Co-sponsors of IsReads are the Gist Street Reading Series and Keyhole magazine.
Pittsburgh City Council has joined in as well, declaring last Tuesday as "Journal Outdoors Day" in a proclamation issued by Councilman William Peduto.
Read more: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09208/986624-44.stm#ixzz0NWn5TbQ6
Temporarily affixed to one of Gypsy’s violet walls, just to the left of a statue of our patron Pan, is a poem by Joseph Goosey, “Marlboros on the Bench”.
The goal for all the posted poems city-wide is to somehow match them to their host home. Sherrie Flick, Artistic Director of the Gist Street Reading Series, proud Slopes backyard farmer, ISReads Pittsburgh collaborator and author of a brand new book, Reconsidering Happiness,* helped to choose our adopted poem. She told us she was particularly happy because the poem mentions hummus, one of her favorite things to order when she dines with us!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
*Author Luncheon with Sherrie Flick Saturday, September 19th
Sherrie Flick, mistress of many, many things, especially of the literary persuasion, will be our guest of honor for an Author Luncheon celebrating her newly-published novel, Reconsidering Happiness. Details TBD, but save the date now for an intimate afternoon with one of Pittsburgh’s best-known young literary figures!
Monday, August 17th: Dr Sketchy “Dysfunctional Family Backyard Barbeque” at The DoubleWide Grill
Gypsy is the host site for on-going Dr. Sketchy events, but every now and again the Dr. wanders off the hospital grounds. August’s event will take place at our neighbor’s place, The DoubleWide Grill 2339 East Carson Street.
Think you’ll miss the Gypsy too much? Fear not! Yours truly, mistress Melanie, Gypsy’s Ambassadoress of Classiness, will be a FEATURED MODEL. I’m not so much Vogue material, or even Sears Catalog material, but I think I’ve got a real shot at rockin’ the runway at Crazy Aunt Mel at the DoubleWide! Yee Haw! http://drsketchy.blogspot.com/
BONUS: Summer Wine Find! Grüner Veltliner
The hot summer wine in hipster circles is Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian varietal making a splash in the US. Light with tart fruit and a decent amount of spice and pepper, plus a dash of happiness in the form of slight effervescence, GV in flavor is kind of like Pinot Grigio meets Vinho Verde and fans of either will LOVE this wine, affectionately known as GruVee! We’re featuring it this summer here at the Gypsy, but select PA premium collection stores are carrying some labels. Here’s your chance to be instantly in at your next summer soiree!
Thank you, as always, for being our friends and patrons!
Melanie and Chef Jim
Gypsy Café
1330 Bingham Street, South Side!
www.gypsycafe.net
*******************************************************************
Housekeeping:
PS: You are receiving this message because you submitted your email address to our mailing list. If you have received this message in error, or if you’d like to stop receiving occasional messages from Gypsy Café, please reply as such here: gypsy@gypsycafe.net and we will remove your address post-haste!
More of an IN-doorsy type? Well, may I suggest catching one of the final few performances of “Late Night Catechism 3: Til Death Do Us Part” a humorous and nostalgic look at what Catholicism hath wrought—I mean, taught--on the Sacrament of Marriage and all the issues implicit within it. Sister will impart to you the wisdom of the teachings of the Vatican and find out just how well you and your betrothed know each other with a Newlywed game as well as chide you for being tardy or chewing gum. And, if you are predisposed to such things, she’ll also make you laugh out loud. These are the last few weeks of this comedic show @ City Theater, so get tickets now or forever hold your peace! www.citytheatrecompany.org
Another great way to shake up a quiet Summer night is our popular dinners in conjunction with Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours, “Dinner with Shivers”. You get to relax with a delicious 3-course prix fixe dinner menu followed by an hour of chilling tales of the best ghost stories from Pittsburgh’s past. Even if you don’t believe in the hoary hosts of the netherworld, the stories are fascinating glimpses into Pittsburgh’s sometimes sordid past and some of its most interesting personalities. Dinner and storytelling is only $30 in advance and we will be having these special events on August 12th and 26th. Please call for reservations as early as possible! $35 at the door.
http://hauntedpgh.blogspot.com/
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/columns/heyl/s_634051.html
GYPSY READS!
Great News from Melanie!
Hey there! I am pleased as punch to report that Gypsy is a site for ISReads.
Excerpted from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 7/27/09:
Words -- prose and poetry -- are appearing around town starting today when the national IsReads: The Journal Outdoors project begins here.
It's part of the Small Press Festival organized this month by Open Thread. Co-sponsors of IsReads are the Gist Street Reading Series and Keyhole magazine.
Pittsburgh City Council has joined in as well, declaring last Tuesday as "Journal Outdoors Day" in a proclamation issued by Councilman William Peduto.
Read more: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/09208/986624-44.stm#ixzz0NWn5TbQ6
Temporarily affixed to one of Gypsy’s violet walls, just to the left of a statue of our patron Pan, is a poem by Joseph Goosey, “Marlboros on the Bench”.
The goal for all the posted poems city-wide is to somehow match them to their host home. Sherrie Flick, Artistic Director of the Gist Street Reading Series, proud Slopes backyard farmer, ISReads Pittsburgh collaborator and author of a brand new book, Reconsidering Happiness,* helped to choose our adopted poem. She told us she was particularly happy because the poem mentions hummus, one of her favorite things to order when she dines with us!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
*Author Luncheon with Sherrie Flick Saturday, September 19th
Sherrie Flick, mistress of many, many things, especially of the literary persuasion, will be our guest of honor for an Author Luncheon celebrating her newly-published novel, Reconsidering Happiness. Details TBD, but save the date now for an intimate afternoon with one of Pittsburgh’s best-known young literary figures!
Monday, August 17th: Dr Sketchy “Dysfunctional Family Backyard Barbeque” at The DoubleWide Grill
Gypsy is the host site for on-going Dr. Sketchy events, but every now and again the Dr. wanders off the hospital grounds. August’s event will take place at our neighbor’s place, The DoubleWide Grill 2339 East Carson Street.
Think you’ll miss the Gypsy too much? Fear not! Yours truly, mistress Melanie, Gypsy’s Ambassadoress of Classiness, will be a FEATURED MODEL. I’m not so much Vogue material, or even Sears Catalog material, but I think I’ve got a real shot at rockin’ the runway at Crazy Aunt Mel at the DoubleWide! Yee Haw! http://drsketchy.blogspot.com/
BONUS: Summer Wine Find! Grüner Veltliner
The hot summer wine in hipster circles is Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian varietal making a splash in the US. Light with tart fruit and a decent amount of spice and pepper, plus a dash of happiness in the form of slight effervescence, GV in flavor is kind of like Pinot Grigio meets Vinho Verde and fans of either will LOVE this wine, affectionately known as GruVee! We’re featuring it this summer here at the Gypsy, but select PA premium collection stores are carrying some labels. Here’s your chance to be instantly in at your next summer soiree!
Thank you, as always, for being our friends and patrons!
Melanie and Chef Jim
Gypsy Café
1330 Bingham Street, South Side!
www.gypsycafe.net
*******************************************************************
Housekeeping:
PS: You are receiving this message because you submitted your email address to our mailing list. If you have received this message in error, or if you’d like to stop receiving occasional messages from Gypsy Café, please reply as such here: gypsy@gypsycafe.net and we will remove your address post-haste!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Happy Summertime everybody!
NEW SUMMER MENU
Chef Jim here @ Gypsy Café and summer, to me, means produce. Sweet smelling tomatoes and even sweeter basil with an almost licorice aftertaste, plump meaty eggplant, and a whole rainbow of fresh peppers from sweet to atomic--this for me is the best part of summer. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that I am presenting to you, via our new Summer Menu, all these flavors and tastes that speak so well of the season. Not only have we brought back some summer favorites our customers have been asking about since last summer, like our layered Eggplant Caprese and our Pomegranate Barbecue Pulled Lamb “Gyro”, but we have also rolled out some new dishes for your enjoyment as well, including Sous Chef Brian Conan Doyle’s pillowy and delicious Roasted Garlic Gnocchi served in a plum tomato cream sauce and Gypsy Chicken, featuring fresh red, green, and Hungarian wax peppers in a smoked Paprika sauce over creamy polenta. To see the full menu, visit www.gypsycafe.net and click the “Dinner” tab, or better yet, just come on in for dinner. You are bound to find something to your liking.
PITTSBURGH GHOST TOUR
Another new thing we are trying this summer are a series of dinners with the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour. Storytellers will spin Pittsburgh’s best ghost stories while we serve a 3-course prix fixe menu for an all-inclusive price of $30 in advance or $35 @ the door (Bar beverages are extra). Sometimes the best way to cool off is with shivers down your spine and even if you ain’t afraid of no ghost (Bustin’ makes me feel good!) the history behind each of the stories told is fascinating in and of itself. The July dates for the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour dinners are Wed. July 15th and Wed. July 29th , with more dates to be announced. Both events start at 7:30 pm and we do recommend reservations. BOO!
DON KNOWS COLE
If your tastes run a little more to the jazzier side of he street, then check out our very own Main Man of Saxophony, the legendary Don Aliquo as he appears July 25th @ Gypsy in a special show featuring the works of the equally legendary Cole Porter. So if its “Too Darn Hot” to stay home come on down to a “De-Lovely” night of jazz with Don, Mark Perna, and his hepcat friends. The show starts @ 8 or so and if you don’t want to be considered L7 and make the scene then I would suggest making some reservations, you dig? Nuff said.
SHE KNOWS WHEN SHE NEEDS A BREAK…
Finally, one quick note to mention that our intuitive Tarot reader Rebecca has been taking the opportunity to take a few days off here and there. She will not be in this Friday July 17th, but will be back and available next week, well rested and ready to read.
DUDES CELEBRATE 50
And finally finally, if you are a fan of our Geek Brunches then you might want to check out my podcast, The Legion of Dudes, every Thursday @ www.legionofdudes.com. On August 2nd @ 9PM EST we will be celebrating our 50th show with a live Stickam feed (live.legionofdudes.com) and giving away all kinds of prizes live during the show. If you are geeky and you like free stuff check it out. It will be ridiculously easy to win something cool.
That’s all from Muppet Labs…I mean the Gypsy Kitchen this week. Get out there and enjoy that weather people! See you at the Flea Market; I’ll be the big guy in black flipping through the comic books!
Chef Jim
PS. Follow Gypsy Café on the Twitter at GypsyCafe and watch us unveil the new summer menu a dish a day via our tweets. Technology is our friend!
PPS: Now playing at City Theatre (www.citytheatrecompany.org) --the amazing Kim Richards returns in “Late Night Catechism 3: Till Death do us Part” and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble (www.pnme.org) returns with brand new works for a brand new season!
NEW SUMMER MENU
Chef Jim here @ Gypsy Café and summer, to me, means produce. Sweet smelling tomatoes and even sweeter basil with an almost licorice aftertaste, plump meaty eggplant, and a whole rainbow of fresh peppers from sweet to atomic--this for me is the best part of summer. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that I am presenting to you, via our new Summer Menu, all these flavors and tastes that speak so well of the season. Not only have we brought back some summer favorites our customers have been asking about since last summer, like our layered Eggplant Caprese and our Pomegranate Barbecue Pulled Lamb “Gyro”, but we have also rolled out some new dishes for your enjoyment as well, including Sous Chef Brian Conan Doyle’s pillowy and delicious Roasted Garlic Gnocchi served in a plum tomato cream sauce and Gypsy Chicken, featuring fresh red, green, and Hungarian wax peppers in a smoked Paprika sauce over creamy polenta. To see the full menu, visit www.gypsycafe.net and click the “Dinner” tab, or better yet, just come on in for dinner. You are bound to find something to your liking.
PITTSBURGH GHOST TOUR
Another new thing we are trying this summer are a series of dinners with the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour. Storytellers will spin Pittsburgh’s best ghost stories while we serve a 3-course prix fixe menu for an all-inclusive price of $30 in advance or $35 @ the door (Bar beverages are extra). Sometimes the best way to cool off is with shivers down your spine and even if you ain’t afraid of no ghost (Bustin’ makes me feel good!) the history behind each of the stories told is fascinating in and of itself. The July dates for the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tour dinners are Wed. July 15th and Wed. July 29th , with more dates to be announced. Both events start at 7:30 pm and we do recommend reservations. BOO!
DON KNOWS COLE
If your tastes run a little more to the jazzier side of he street, then check out our very own Main Man of Saxophony, the legendary Don Aliquo as he appears July 25th @ Gypsy in a special show featuring the works of the equally legendary Cole Porter. So if its “Too Darn Hot” to stay home come on down to a “De-Lovely” night of jazz with Don, Mark Perna, and his hepcat friends. The show starts @ 8 or so and if you don’t want to be considered L7 and make the scene then I would suggest making some reservations, you dig? Nuff said.
SHE KNOWS WHEN SHE NEEDS A BREAK…
Finally, one quick note to mention that our intuitive Tarot reader Rebecca has been taking the opportunity to take a few days off here and there. She will not be in this Friday July 17th, but will be back and available next week, well rested and ready to read.
DUDES CELEBRATE 50
And finally finally, if you are a fan of our Geek Brunches then you might want to check out my podcast, The Legion of Dudes, every Thursday @ www.legionofdudes.com. On August 2nd @ 9PM EST we will be celebrating our 50th show with a live Stickam feed (live.legionofdudes.com) and giving away all kinds of prizes live during the show. If you are geeky and you like free stuff check it out. It will be ridiculously easy to win something cool.
That’s all from Muppet Labs…I mean the Gypsy Kitchen this week. Get out there and enjoy that weather people! See you at the Flea Market; I’ll be the big guy in black flipping through the comic books!
Chef Jim
PS. Follow Gypsy Café on the Twitter at GypsyCafe and watch us unveil the new summer menu a dish a day via our tweets. Technology is our friend!
PPS: Now playing at City Theatre (www.citytheatrecompany.org) --the amazing Kim Richards returns in “Late Night Catechism 3: Till Death do us Part” and the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble (www.pnme.org) returns with brand new works for a brand new season!
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