Dating the Burgh

So I started dating Pittsburgh. So far things are going really well.  Some of my dearest friends all got together and in a conspiracy decided to move up there.  It happened awhile ago but lately I've been up there much more often.  So Genna (the newest Pittsburgh addition) decided to take me on a Pittsburgh date.  I have been somewhat known for my dislike of the city.  Partly because I like to find a bandwagon and stick on it until my mind is changed, its a flaw.  Needless to say Genna was ready for the Pittsburgh Challenge.  So she planned two surprise days and let the city woo me.  

The first day we drove around Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and then stopped in Shadyside for lunch and shopping.  We ate at Pamela's Diner, they are all over Pittsburgh and have even been featured on the Food Network.  After lunch we did some shopping then headed to the Allevato's.  I hung out in the afternoon with Shawna for a bit then met Melissa and Genna for dinner in Southside.  I was feeling pretty Pittsburgh cocky until it was dinner time.  I pride myself on my navigational skills and an unrealistic thought that I always know where I am.  To my credit had I not questioned I missed the exit, b/c I hadn't, I would have been on time.  30 minutes later and a very FLUSTERED Adrienne I arrived at the Double Wide Grille.  After dinner Shawna met Melissa, Genna and I for gelato at the Big Dog Cafe. I had been here before it is so cute.  

The next morning Genna took me over to Frick Park, I was dying to see it...hoping to run there but with the rain we settled for..... Square Cafe.

Oatmeal pancakes with peach compote.  The way to my heart is food.  Genna knows this.  Unhealthy but delicious.

The cute little coffee mugs.  Here is the real question though: do they hold more or less coffee?  I had A LOT of coffee that morning around three cups here and then more to come.

Genna and I then went to Phipps Conservatory.  Fashion out of leaves... Adam and Eve style.

 Melissa played hookie and met us at the strip district.  I was so excited she decided to skip work.  I hadn't gotten to hang out with her on my last few trips, so I was really pumped she didn't go in.  Melissa is ALL about the strip district and I can see why.  I was told that I needed to go back on a weekend when the line are all over the place and you can't walk through.

Roasting their own coffee.  This cute little coffee place sold and roasted their own coffee.  Apparently there is a documentary on that.  It is no CPL but I'll have to check it out.  (On an unrelated Pittsburgh note I discovered two weeks ago Stacy parked at the CPL in Charlottesville and talked to the workers... she did not get us their autograph or even a picture... I'm trying to let it go).

Pittsburgh showed up in a big way and really went all out.  (I love the pursuit). Now I'll anxiously await a second date call.