Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation 
(412) 235-7263 | [email protected]
100 Fifth Ave, Suite 614
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
124 Sixth St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15 222

Alihan's is a family owned restaurant which brings the authentic taste of Turkey to Downtown. Alihan is not only the owner, but he is the head chef as well: using family recipes,  making sure all meals are prepared in a traditional way, from fresh ingredients, and of course, in healthy Mediterranean style. 

Come to experience the hospitality of a Turkish family who welcomes every guest with a smile and cares of every customer's needs. 
We are BYOB, so don't hesitate to bring a bottle of your favorite brand to accompany our fresh meals. 

We are open every day from 11am-11pm , Fridays and Saturdays until midnight , serving lunch specials, dinner, and brunch on weekends. Also, we offer kids' specials, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free menus.



In this Issue:
An Italian Inspiration For Downtown Pittsburgh 

Seven years ago, Vallozzi's opened up their Downtown location, branching off from their first restaurant which has been around since 1955 in Greensburg. The restaurant may have stayed in the family, but that doesn't mean it hasn't changed. One of the things that makes the downtown location so unique a restaurant is Julian Vallozzi's idea for a charcuterie bar.

Taking inspiration from a trip to Italy, Julian opened the charcuterie bar ever since the downtown location has been around. Traditionally, a charcuterie bar is limited to a plethora of different mozzarella cheeses. However, the charcuterie bar at Vallozzi's includes more than just mozzarella. There are some familiar cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta, but they're more elegant and delicious than the regular cheeses that we all know. For example, the buffalo mozzarella and buffalo ricotta add a new flavor that comes from the cheese being made with water buffalo milk, which makes the cheese creamier, richer, and more flavorful than cow's milk cheese. But, the chef changes the cheese every week to keep it fresh and exciting.

Some past cheeses have included chamomile and walnut cheeses, in which the cheese is aged wrapped in the leaves of whichever flavor has been picked and starts to pick up its flavor. The charcuterie bar and all its wonderful cheeses bring a new light to the restaurant. It brings an energy to the restaurant; seeing someone in the corner preparing the cheeses provides more activity to look at, beyond just more food. The restaurant feels more lively while also more intimate, just thanks to the small six-person charcuterie bar in the corner.

Vallozzi's offers four wine dinners each year. The next dinner is on May 23rd.
Playhouse Season Concludes with History Boys 

This month, Point Park University will conclude its 2018-2019 season at Playhouse Theatre with its production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys. Directed by Sheila McKenna, the play chronicles the life of students at Cutler's Grammar School in England as they prepare for higher education. Guiding their journey are three history teachers, each with their own unique style of instruction. Audiences will surely be moved by the production, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2006.

A preview showing of The History Boys will take place on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm. After that, the show will run from April 5th to April 14th at Pittsburgh Playhouse on 350 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.pittsburghplayhouse.com



Photo credits: Gracey Evans
Herky Pollock Working for A Better Pittsburgh 

Herky Pollock is nationally recognized for his proficiency as a broker, and his career in real estate has brought him numerous awards and achievements. Most recently, he earned the title of 1st highest-grossing real estate professional in the northeastern US for 2018, and was among the top 10 nationwide. Many of his projects have focused on the development and renewal of Pittsburgh, a mission that he says first motivated him to enter the real estate business.

"I realized that real estate was a way for me to evoke change in Pittsburgh," says Pollock, "[I decided] if I'm going to stay here, I'm going to make it the very best place I can."

Pollock's first job in real estate was for a local Pittsburgh developer that worked on The Galleria of Mt Lebanon. The success of the project showed him the positive impact he could have on the community. "By investing a little extra effort," he says, "you can raise the bar for a new development." He would later move on to CBRE Group, Inc., where he serves as Executive Vice President Northeast Director. There, he has played a role in numerous high-profile Pittsburgh developments, including Hyatt Place on the North Shore and the Waterfront in Homestead.

In all of his endeavors, Pollock aims to improve the Pittsburgh real estate landscape and push its development forward. "I've always thought that if you do the right thing, success will follow," he says, "[My goal] is to make Pittsburgh a better place for my family and my clients." Indeed, his work has helped improve the city not only for existing residents, but for new ones as well. By showcasing the city to prospective business-owners, he has helped to open new retail establishments throughout the region. "We have culture, design, and composition unlike any other city in the country," he says, "and that story needs to be told."

In addition to his real estate work, Pollock remains an active part of Pittsburgh development through several organizations, including the Mayor's Downtown Task Force. This involvement, he says, allows him to "access the people who can evoke the most change in Pittsburgh." By working with both public and private organizations, he is able to assess the needs of the community and secure the necessary resources for development projects.

Moving forward, Pollock wishes to continue building up the Pittsburgh region in its entirety. Reflecting on his career, he notes that the greatest achievement has been the improvement of his city for current and future residents alike. "It gratifies me to see that the legacy I'm leaving behind exceeds any monetary success," he says, "Pittsburgh will be a better place when I'm gone than when I got here."
Three Long-time Businesses that Helped Build the Downtown Community 
 
Downtown Pittsburgh is a thriving community in today's world, but something people may not realize is that the area houses businesses who have been here for over 40 years. These businesses saw potential in Downtown Pittsburgh as far back as 1870, and they continue to see that potential today.

For example, The Original Oyster House has been located at 20 Market Square since 1870. Owner Jennifer Grippo explained that they've stayed all these years because of the business' historical significance. "I love having the business downtown because my family and I have gotten the ability to watch the city go through some amazing changes," Grippo said.

Grippo also shared her love of the rich history and authenticity the restaurant has. "We've operated just about the same for 148 years, and although it is necessary to 'keep up with the times' we've never strayed away from serving up some of the freshest fish sandwiches and other seafood at an affordable price," explained Grippo.

Just across the square, Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. is celebrating its 100th birthday in downtown. They moved to their current location at 23 Market Square in 1957. Owner Jordan Nicholas shared the story of his great grandfather's decision to build a business in downtown. "He was traveling to Chicago and stopped in Pittsburgh for a few days. He fell in love with the city and determined that he could sell coffee to his friends in the restaurant scene, as well as the general population of Pittsburgh," said Nicholas.

Throughout the business' three generations, Pittsburgh has grown and changed a lot, and Nicholas believes the downtown area continues to build itself up. "I can only see positive growth in the future and that comes from strong leadership at the top and a community that is dedicated to investing in the future of this city," said Nicholas.

Just a few blocks away, Cardamone's Salon has been at their location of 300 Forbes Avenue for close to 43 years now. "I always wanted to work with the office crowd and professional clientele, so Downtown Pittsburgh was a natural choice," explained owner Joe Cardamone.

Cardamone discussed the changes he has seen happen in the area and where downtown could be headed in the future. "Cosmetically, downtown is a lot different than when we first established," explained Cardamone, "because more businesses have moved in and more people are living downtown. I foresee that as the population of residents in the downtown area continues to increase the businesses and overall community will also continue to grow."

These are just a few of the many long-time businesses in downtown that have spearheaded the creation of our community. Be sure to check in next week to learn more about the younger businesses in downtown and the reasoning behind their decisions to open up here.
More Than Just Downtown: Weekly Roundup 
 
Music City Downtown Weekly Calendar


Andys @ Fairmont Pittsburgh
Thursday, April 4- Clare Ascani - 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Friday, April 5 - Sandy Dowe - 8 p.m. - Midnight (DJ J. Malls 5 -7:30 p.m.)
Saturday, April 6 - Tania Grubbs - 8 p.m. - Midnight

Eddie V's 
Tuesday, April 2 - Symmetry - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3 - George Heid 3 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 4 - Reggie Watkins Quartet - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 5 - Ezra & The Reletivs - 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 - Symmetry - 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Nola on the Square 
Friday, April 5th - Josh Fresh - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 - Average Jane - 8:00 p.m. 

Backstage Bar @ Theatre Square
Friday, April 5 - House Band Daryl Shawn - Acoustic Guitar - 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 -  John Marcinizyn - Jazz Guitarist - 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Howl at the Moon 
Live music on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at  8:00 p.m. and Fridays at  6:00 p.m. For more information, visit Howl at the Moon's website here .

Olive or Twist
Live music every  ThursdayFriday, and  Saturday at  9:00 p.m.

Redbeard's on Sixth
Billy Schneider live acoustic music every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free JukeBox every Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Rivers Casino
Friday, April 5 - Dancing Queen - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 6 - Bon Journey - 9:00 p.m.

Rivers Club
Wednesday, April 3 - Tubby Daniels & Band - 5:30 p.m. 
Downtown Events this Week:

Check out our DowntownCDC Website for this week's events. Don't miss out on what is happening in your area! For more information and events, click here.

Ongoing Events
Larrimor's Trunk Shows, now through Fall 2019
Pittsburgh Improv Jam, Cabaret at Theater Square, Thursdays at 10:00 p.m.
Worth New York and W by Worth collections for women sizes 00-20 in The Diamond Building. Text style strategist Bear Brandegee for your appointment at 412-877-0464.
Visit our Website!
220 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-394-3400

An enticing menu comprised of Vallozzi family traditions such as homemade pastas (including Helen's gnocchi) and the pizza that made them famous, as well as fresh steaks and seafood. The menu also boasts a number of Italian meats and cheeses flown in from Italy weekly and served from their 'Fresh Mozzarella' bar.