Roving Pittsburgher, Review of Homemade Food and Hometown Hospitality at PapaGallo's

Review of Homemade Food and Hometown Hospitality at PapaGallo's

by

Good News Reviewer Joanne Quinn-Smith aka TechnoGranny

PapaGallo friendly rooster

When Chef Len Spampinato decided to open PapaGallo in July 2010, he realized that, in order to make PapaGallo a breakfast and lunch restaurant that would truly stand out, he could use only the freshest ingredients. To make a breakfast that really rises and shines means that he has to offer more than just the classics.

The experience has a sweetness all of its own, with its irresistible food and friendly atmosphere, it is quickly becoming a favorite spot among locals and visitors to the area. As a child, Chef Len’s grandfather used to sing a song about roosters to him and his 7 siblings. This fond memory has made its place in the PapaGallo name and rooster-themed decor. Located in Collier Town Square (1597 Washington Pike in Bridgeville), it is a ray of sophisticated sunshine in the middle of many fast-food establishments. With its rooster-themed decorations, PapaGallo is sure to become one of your favorite breakfast and/or lunch destinations.

The above paragraphs are straight from the PapaGallo website but we couldn't have said it better.  Len seems to live by the Will Rodgers motto:  "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet."  Once you come back you are greeted with a handshake or a hug from this smiling chef who will come back from behind his open space chef area. Yes you can watch Len cook your food.

It's not just the rooster themed decorations that will send you into admiration but the celebrity autographed pictures on the walls also.

Some unique things you will find to let you know you are welcome:  strawberry candies in the spotless ladies room along with a notebook to leave a note about your visit.  I "borrowed" it from the ladies room on one visit and all the comments are lovely and positive. In case you missed it, on the way out the front door is a side table with another notebook that you can leave comments on.

Here are some of my favorites from Len's breakfast menu:

The Phil Henry Omelette* – $10.95
Julienne vegetables fire-seared, w/asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes & spinach. Served with your choice of toast.

Crisp Bacon, Italian or Turkey Sausage, Grilled Ham – $3.50

Chorizo & Eggs* – $11.95
Grilled peppers, onions and tomatoes w/melted Jack cheese w/warm tortillas, with a side of home fries.

PapaGallo Soup to Go

Len also has a Gluten Free Menu and takes requests so substitutions are given joyfully and if you ate a special there on a visit before and it's not on the specials menu and Len has the ingredients he will make it up special for you.  Of course made to order means you must have some time to wait for it but it's always worth the wait.  So bring along a friend with whom you can have some great covnersation but if you can't get a lunch date then bring your tablet or Ipad and enjoy his free Wi-Fi.

Recently the soup of the day was Butternut Squash Soup and since both my guest and I had early dinner plans we just had that, yummy.  


And one of his special gourment oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with cranberries and nuts and other healthy stuff.  Yes, I said healthy, that's how I determine that it's okay to eat something so decadent but since I am off sugar I only reward myself with half a one occasionally.  They are rich enough to share with a friend but if you know you are going order them in advance as he runs out early. Did I mention that all of his delectable soups are available to go?

Some of my lunchtime favorites.

Vine-ripe Vegetable Panini – $9.95
Balsamic grilled vegetables with fresh mozzarella. Served with freshly-made salad.

Crab Cakes – $12.95
Jumbo Crabcake sandwich with tartar or cocktail sauce and fresh lemon. Can also be served as a salad.

Soup to Go has picture on website

Pesto Chicken Panini – $9.95
Grilled chicken with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

Golden Fish Tacos – $11.95
Fresh fish with Asian cilantro vinagrette and chili lime cream served with creamy coleslaw, and crisp fries.

Freshly Baked Gourmet Cookies – $1.00

PapaGallo Roasted Vegetable

Breads and Muffins
Cranberry Bread – $1.95
Fruited Muffins and Cinnamon Rolls – $2.10

Interactive Gourmet Culinary Class with Chef Len

Savor the idea of selecting your favorite culinary delicacies from a menu or hors d’oeuvres, entrée and dessert.  Imagine savory aromas wafting throughout the warmth of your home or PapaGallo’s Cucína. Hear music, friends’ laughter and the sounds of corks popping as you celebrate creativity.

PapaGallo Mushroom Prosciuto Asiago

Len’s Custom Gourmet Catering

PapaGallo has always been known for gourmet breakfast and lunch and that quality continues with our gourmet catering. Whether it is a corporate event, birthday party, first communion or a bar/bat mitzvah, you can depend on Chef Len’s custom gourmet catering to make a lasting impression on your guests.

Oh by the way, if you are expecting dinner, you will not get it at PappaGallo's as Len closes at 2:30PM thru the week and 1:30 on Saturdays.  He reserves the rest of the time for family and of course his amazing private catering.  You could get him to cook dinner at your house for family and friends!  Just saying! If you invite me that wouldn't make me mad.

Great parking:

Collier Town Square
1597 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri: 7 AM to 2:30 PM
Sat: 8 AM to 1:30 PM

http://www.papagallo.us/

Roving Pittsburgher Review, "Salome", Not Just About "The Dance of the Seven Veils."

Reviewed by Good News Reviewer

Clarine Lizana

As the curtain goes up on the Pittsburgh Opera's 2016 presentation of Strauss's " Salome" the audience was immediately drawn in by the exquisite set design of Boyd Ostroff. Creating the illusion of fluidity and change in a one-act Opera is not easy, but between the beautiful bas-relief of the set design and the ever-changing mood reflected in the moon, the stage becomes a vibrant part of the production.

Based on the play by Oscar Wilde, Salome reimagines the biblical story of King Herod, his stepdaughter Salome and John the Baptist - Jochanaan. "Salome" provides one interpretation of why exactly Salome forced Herod to give her John the Baptist’s severed head on a silver platter.

Salome, Op. 54, is an opera in one act by Richard Strauss to a German libretto by the composer, based on Hedwig Lachmann's German translation of the French play Salomé by Oscar Wilde. Strauss dedicated the opera to his friend Sir Edgar Speyer.^[1]

Salome is not an opera that needs much help holding the audience's attention, however, steeped as it is in some of the vilest characteristics of the human race lust, incest, and necrophilia. It is truly amazing that the opera was not banned in major cities when originally released because of the notorious dance of the seven veils. Nudity pales in comparison to the desires of the main characters of Herod, Herodias and Salome.

Patricia Racitte's Salome was outstanding, not only for her musical ability, but also for the physicality she brought to the role. When she is on stage she rules the stage and she holds the audience's attention throughout her performance. Her actions seem neither forced nor stilted, but create a moving montage of lust, anger and desire. This was her Pittsburgh debut so we hope to see her again.

“Dance of the Seven Veils” could have been long and painful but was so expertly choreographed by Michele de la Reza of Attack Theatre that it held the audience spellbound.

     Jonathan Boyd as Narraboth and Two-time Grammy winner Nmon Ford as Jochanaan both gave excellent performances. Boyd's voice and diction were exceptionally clear and even off stage Ford's voice was commanding. Robert Brubaker as King Herod had some comical moments despite the tragic them and Michaela Martens is absolutely imperious as Herodias.

Pittsburgh Opera had not performed Salome since 2001, and is performed a different production than the previous.  The production is ‘traditional’- meaning that the sets and costumes make it look like the biblical era in which it takes place.

     Although the story is extremely tragic, the actions and reactions of the characters were often comedic. Overall it was an interesting and pleasurable opera.  It would be a shame to wait another fifteen years to bring it back.  

The Roving Pittsburgher Report is one of sixteen good news segments on the PositivelyPittsburghLive podcast and is one of the good news pages on http://pplmag.com, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network and Pittsburgh's Premiere Podcasting Portal.

Clarine Lizana is a retired electrical engineer who is a former native of Republic, Pa and returned to Pennsylvania after retirement. She was formerly a training director at Crater Lake Electrical. She now lives in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and spends her retirement crafting, visiting family, golfing and travelling, having just returned from a trip to Italy where "La Trviata" of course was

Roving Pittsburgher Report, Krampus Krawl, Alternative Christmas Experience

If you were in Market Square at the Holiday Market on December 5, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, you may have wondered if you were in a time warp that took you back to Halloween. Unsuspecting visitors to the Market Square Christmas Village were treated to a new kind of holiday experience.  Interspersed among the merry making shoppers and visitors were, creatures that appear to be the antithesis of Christmas.

The Krampus Krawl participants who dress as Krampi wear anything from a mask and set of horns to a full blown goat-man costume. Some of the ladies come as «fauns». The wild creatures make quite an impression as they visit each of the taverns on the often improvised route. 

This was the start of the Third Annual Krampus Crawl in Pittsburgh.  Some horror story enthusiasts may remember the movie "Krampus" released December 4, 2015, by Universal Pictures.^[3][4] It's an American Christmas comedy horror film based upon the eponymous character from Germanic folklore, directed by Michael Dougherty and written by Dougherty, Todd Casey and Zach Shields. The film stars Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen and Krista Stadler.

In the movie, a boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a festive demon to his family home.  When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers. All hell breaks loose as beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own, laying siege to the fractured family's home and forcing them to fight for each other if they hope to survive.

Krampusnacht, a European tradition that honors Krampus, a horned "half-goat, half-demon" who is said to punish misbehaved children during the Christmas season, took place in Market Square on December 5.

What is Krampus?
In German-speaking Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure. According to traditional narratives around the figure, Krampus punishes children during the Christmas season who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts.

Revelers dressed up as Krampus and posed for photos before embarking on the Krampus Krawl, a bar crawl following the old European tradition called "Krampuslauf." According to the event's Facebook page, "the procession often takes on the appearance of a parade, with the hairy beasts performing for onlookers." There was also a balloon artist and the band The Cheer'ly Men performed for onlookers.

Some 100 people showed up for the miscreant revelry for in many cases, was their first glimpse of Krampus, the horned anthropomorphic figure known in Germanic folklore at St. Nicholas’ counterpart.

“Krampus is a hundred year old European holiday that Mark Menhold brought to Pittsburgh.  Mark wore an elaborate Krampus costume at ‘Krampusnacht,’ Pittsburgh’s first-ever Krampus celebration. Mark is also known for his creative work with Pittsburgh’s popular Zombie Fest.

“It’s a little Halloween, a little bit of Christmas.  Santa Claus rewards the good childrenand Krampus punishes the naughty ones. ” Mark was heard to tell onlookers.

Krampusnacht is traditionally celebrated in many European countries on the Eve of St. Nicholas.  This goat like creature is the exact opposite of Santa Claus and Krampusnacht was followed not by milk and cookies but by a “Krampus Crawl,” a pub crawl that made its way to several downtown bars and taverns where patrons were expected to buy Krampus schnapps for the Krampus impersonators. 

Reviewer Buddy Smith dressed as Krumpus

Krampusnacht in Market Square was for the naught and the nice to celebrate the holidays in a unique way and for some children to discover that there is a sidekick of Santa Claus who would not just withhold gifts but would also punish them for bad behavior.  

Joseph Budd Smith III is a Retention Specialist for American Income Life Insurance Company.  American Income Lifeprovides life insurance and supplemental health benefits to working families in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.  Budd is also an adult gaming enthusiast and a Shakespeare fan.

Roving Pittsburgher, Review of Christmas's Favorite Nostalgia Show, " A Christmas Story, the Musical"

Reviewed by Pittsburgh Good News Reviewer Angel Quinn

A Christmas Story, The Musical chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle (“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”). An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a double-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Chock-full of delightful songs and splashy production numbers, A Christmas Story, The Musical has proudly taken its place as a perennial holiday classic for the whole family. The New York Times writes “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.” A Christmas Story, The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2012 and was nominated for three Tony Awards® including Best New Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical.

This hysterical musical presents that he will do whatever it takes to make it known that he really wants one. From writing a story about it in school, leaving notes around the house for his parents to even asking Santa-who thinks it's a horrible idea. Thus, the "You'll shoot your eye out kid!" comment.  He'll have to wait until Christmas morning to see if he gets what he wants. This comical rendition of A Christmas story is for all ages and will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.  It's no wonder that the TV movie version has traditionally amused and entertained families down through generations for years.

In a pre-war 1940 in small-town Indiana, Christmastime turns 9-year-old Ralphie (Austin Molinaro) into an almost maniacal, bespectacled, obsessed child fiend because of his rampant wish that Santa leave an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot BB gun on Christmas Eve.

“A Christmas Story, the Musical,” has been adapted from the ever popular nostalgic Christmas movie of the same never.  Ever popular with baby boomers, the desire to see this movie has been passed on from grandparents to grandchildren and even great grandchildren.  Like the movie the musical takes us back to a time when stay-at-home moms were cooks and dressed like Donna Reed.  Pardon the baby boomer mention, for us millennial, look it up.  My mother in law had to tell me this one. Mothers of the time, wiped noses, scolded, ran up to the school which was close enough to do then when the children got into trouble and dispensed sage advice about bullies.

The songwriters, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book writer Joseph Robinette sentimentally stayed close to the movie that runs endlessly on TV during the holidays. But they added their own individuality to with big production numbers by choreographer Warren Carlyle and a dozen singing, dancing kids.

The most fun thing about this musical was the kids.  Often the two Ralphies are onstage together singing about disasters and triumphs and being an older brother and bullies and the general would be malaise of childhood.  

“You’ll shoot your eye out,” is an oft-repeated phrase and the title of a big second-act dance number for Miss Shields. Ralphie fantasizes that Miss Shields is a sexy flapper and his schoolmates do a Gene Kelly type tap with an impressive tap solo by Lucas Marinetto.

Just like the movie there are allusions to the horrendously gauche leg lamp that emits “the soft glow of electric sex,” as Ralphie puts it; his pal Flick getting his tongue stuck on a flagpole, the ridiculously fru-fru pink bunny suit sent to Ralphie by a well-meaning aunt and the Old Man’s mumbled curses. 

What a musical funfest for the entire family, young and old.  It was a bit edgy and your mind could wonder to adult unsaid content if you let it and there is of course the hysterical slide scene with the bad Santa in the department store but overall it's a funny story narrated by the adult Ralphie which recounts his hysterically amusing childhood which wasn't so hysterical to him.  And then there were the kids and I wonder if they will be as nostalgic about their performances as fans are about the movie and the musical.  Another great feather in the cap of Pittsburgh as it brings grand theater and musicals to Pittsburgh.

 Angel Quinn is a graduate pharmacy technician and business student at Carlow University, a wife, mother and sometimes Wonderwoman and also Hometown Tourist Reviewer for Roving Pittsburgher Report and pplmag.com

The Roving Pittsburgher Report is one of sixteen good news segments on the PositivelyPittsburghLive podcast and is one of the good news pages on http://pplmag.com, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network and Pittsburgh's Premiere Podcasting Portal.

Roving Pittsburgher Report, Fallen Woman Theme Inspires Once Again in "La Triviata."

The Fallen Woman Theme Inspires Once Again in "La Triviata."

by Hometown Tourist, Clarine Lizana

The story of a fallen woman with a noble heart has inspired theater and opera goers for centuries. The Pittsburgh Opera opened their 2016-2017 season this month with Verdi’s “La Traviata”, as did the Florentine Opera. “La Traviata” translates as “The Fallen Woman”, a subject that may seem a little trite and sexist in this day and age. The heart of the story, however, deals with the life choices made by young people of every age, the decision to lead a life of hedonistic pleasure, or a life of true devotion. Whether to another person, a cause or an ideal, this sublimation brings the fullness of life and joy. Sadly for Violetta, this realization comes too late in life.

The performances of the cast and orchestra were excellent. Danielle Pastin as Violetta sets the bar for any who would follow her on the Pittsburgh stage. Her voice is not only strong and precise, but has a certain melodic quality that makes one wish that she were available to lullaby them to sleep at night. Every note that issued from her throat mesmerized me. The pairing of the two lovers, Danielle Pastin as Violetta and Cody Austin  as Alfredo Germont was powerful and touching but could not compare to that of Sebastian Catana as Giorgio Germont.  I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

The minimalistic set design created a stark contrast to the ornate costumes of the era. A large framed painting, present during the first and third act, made to resemble a fresco created an excellent backdrop to the story. It gave an old world feel to the opera setting. My only complaint was with some of the staging, which allowed performers to be turned from the audience or blocked by other performers.  

Sung in Italian with English subtitles, this two hour and twelve minute opera with two intermissions left you wanting more instead of wondering when it would end.

For late comers, you can still see “La Traviata” on Sunday at October 16 at 2PM.  Well worth the trip.

As an opera enthusiast, my greatest joy of the night was the size of the crowd. For a Tuesday night, the theater was quite full. Even more exciting was the fact that a good portion of those in attendance appeared to be 30 years and younger. Perhaps the millennials will bring a revival in the arts.

Clarine Lizana is a retired electrical engineer who is a former native of Republic, Pa and returned to Pennsylvania after retirement. She was formerly a training director at Crater Lake Electrical. She now lives in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and spends her retirement crafting, visiting family, golfing and travelling, having just returned from a trip to Italy where "La Trviata" of course was playing.

Roving Pittsburgher Report, Back to the Future, A Retro Blast to the Past!

Back to the Future

A Retro Blast to the Past! 

Film with Orchestra

Performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

 “Summer with the Symphony Series”

Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh  

Reviewer:  JoAnn R. Forrester, Empress of Biz, Listen, Learn, Prosper

Whoa…wait a minute here. Wasn’t it only a few years ago that the hit movie BACK TO THE FUTURE was released?   And now in 2016 it is being proclaimed a classic!  And it being shown as one in a series of shows in the “Summer with the Symphony Series” performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony. What happened? Have I somehow been transported to the future?

 Nope! It is just something that happens along the way when one is raising a family, starting and running a business and just living life.  Ok, now that I am somewhat over 30 years that has come and gone in a blink of an eyelash let’s focus on the review.

 

Back to the Future is celebrating a 30 year anniversary.  It was a mega hit when it debut in 1986.  To celebrate its 30^th anniversary the Pittsburgh Symphony in its “Summer with the Symphony” has come up with a fun and captivating way to present it.  The movie was shown on a big hi-def screen with a full symphony orchestra performing Emmy and Grammy Award composer Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score in synch with the movie.  As a special treat Silvestri composed an additional 15 minutes of music to enhance a live performance with an orchestra. 

live characters opening show

It was fun to go Back to the Future and watch another grand escapism adventure by Steven Spielberg.  It was very enjoyable to relive the performance of the exceptional cast, Michael J.Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover as they deal with various twists and turns and quirks of time travel.  The movie hods well and does not appear out of date..it fits admirably into our gadget loving crazed era.  Young and old in the audience were enthralled, calpped and cheered periodcially and gave a rousing ovation at the end.  

As usual the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, led by

Francesco Lecce-Chang performed superbly.  And it was fun watching a few members posing as the main characters with a real DeLorean for photo opps.   The “Summer with the Symphony” series is a hit.  It is a great way for people to come downtown and become familiar with our excellent Pittsburgh Symphony. 

The most amazing thing about the show was being able to see the symphony play right below the screen and feeling disappointed for them that they had to concentrate on the music and not enjoy the show.  

Now if I could just find those 30 years that flew bye…where is my flux capacitor?  

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester

Host of Empress of Biz

Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.