As I think about Pittsburgh and my October visit to this industrial city, what pops into my head are all the contrasts. Water and mountains. Industry and arts. Wealth and poverty. It’s an interesting city.
This was most obvious on my last day in Pittsburgh when we visited the beautiful and serene Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens before going to the gritty area known as the Strip District for iconic sandwiches—two pieces of Italian bread jammed with a myriad of ingredients not usually combined this way.
The sandwich was so messy it took half a roll of paper towels—provided on the table and really needed to be able to eat it.
What a fun and funny contrast!
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
First, the Phipps. For more than 125 years it has been an oasis in the middle of an industrial and dirty city, giving locals a green retreat. Phipps‘ history began in 1893, when it was given as a gift to the City of Pittsburgh from a philanthropist named Henry W. Phipps.
We went not only to see the normal array of flora in a historic green house setting, but to see a Japanese exhibit. Turns out Phipps has been creating chrysanthemum themed shows since 1984.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are integral to Japanese culture, representing longevity and rejuvenation. Introduced during the Nara period (700’s), the royal family became fascinated with the flower and before long it became the Imperial Family Emblem.
The exhibit also included Origami-the art of paper folding. Yellow cranes encircled the entrance while I was entranced with the red ones highlighted against the early morning sun in one of the passageways.
The Japanese view crane as a symbol of happiness.
I also loved the images of fish, lanterns, a dragon and even Godzilla All typical of Japan.
The Strip District
After a peaceful time meandering the gardens, we headed to the hustle and bustle of the Strip District where we popped into the Robert Wholey Company—a well known fish and grocery market in this gritty area. Founded in 1912, this market is heaven for foodies. And frankly amateur photographers.
My impression of the area: fun, quirky and vibrant.
The Primanti Brothers
But then, the best.
We found the original Primanti Brothers Restaurant and Bar. Founded in the 1930s, folks in Pittsburgh love their sandwiches. I’ve heard they are known to put french fries on everything.
The bar lived up to its reputation. It’s a hole-in-the-wall where folks line up out the door and around the corner to pig out on a colossal concoction made of meat, cheese, cole slaw, tomato and french fries on Italian bread. The group of three I was with downed our sandwiches with no problem.
It’s hard to handle but actually quite good. Everyone should enjoy at least one in her lifetime.
Come back to DesignDestinations.org next week for a second blog post about Pittsburgh and the fun things to do and see in the Steel City.
