A Latino buffet in Oakland, a flurry of winter beers, and more Pittsburgh food news

Beers of the Burgh
1100 Liberty Ave., Downtown. beersoftheburgh.com

For those who could use a beer after last week, Beers of the Burgh brings back its Winter Warmer Beer Festival after a five-year hiatus. On Sat., Nov. 16 from 6-10 p.m., head Downtown to The Pennsylvanian for “an evening of beer tasting and festive vibes.” Try winter beers from new and established local breweries including Cinderlands Beer, New France Brewing Company (recently opened at Hazelwood Brew House), Penn Brewery, and more. Attendees can sample other local seasonal libations like spiced hot cider and hot toddies at outdoor fire pits, while DJ Hoagie Dreams spins a disco dance party. General admission tickets cost $50 and can be purchased online.

Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St., Strip District. heinzhistorycenter.org

Heinz History Center spotlights Czechoslovakian food at the next installment of its Heritage Kitchen series. Taking place on Sat., Nov. 16 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., presenters from the University of Pittsburgh’s Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchanges Programs will prepare chlebicky, a Czech open-faced sandwich and “popular Slovak country dish,” for participants to try. Part of the Center’s Heritage Kitchen series, the event explores “the historical and cultural significance of recipes passed down through [the region’s] families and communities,” and invites Pittsburghers to connect with Czechoslovakian food traditions. Admission is free for History Center members, $10 for non-members, and includes full access to the museum.

Hazel Grove Brewing
4609 Irvine St., Hazelwood. hazelgrovebrewing.com

Hazel Grove Brewing debuts a new beer, Hazelgood, in time for the Steelers-Ravens kickoff. Join the launch party on Sun., Nov. 17 from 12:30-5 p.m. to watch the rivals face off and sample the new beer, which the brewery describes as a “rich, warm, chai-spiced winter ale.” The beer was made in collaboration with Hazelwood Cafe and Hazelwood Local and celebrates the neighborhood. The party includes free hot dogs and nachos from the Hazelwood-based Community Kitchen food truck, salty snacks, and giveaways throughout the game. Kids and dogs are welcome. Attendees can RSVP online.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
620 William Penn Pl., Downtown. monaco-pittsburgh.com

Hotel Monaco dives into the holiday season with a festive breakfast and holiday photo studio. On Sun., Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Pancakes and Portraits offers a breakfast buffet and pancake toppings bar by Chef Dave Racicot alongside professional holiday portraits by Michael Will Photography. Adults can enjoy cheddar cheese omelets, scrambled eggs, quiche lorraine, and more, while a kid’s pancake table features fixings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and cherries. Guests can stop by the event’s custom-built photography studio to have their picture taken and receive a gallery of three to five images with light editing. Families, kids, couples, and friends are welcome to take portraits. Tickets cost $85 for adults and $30 for children aged 6-13, with children five and under admitted free.

Community Cultures
5801 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. communitycultures.com

Learn about “the wonders of fermentation” with a free introductory workshop at Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill. On Mon., Nov. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m., join Pittsburgh-based Community Cultures for a lecture course covering 10 different fermented foods, their health benefits, and how to add them to your diet. Follow Community Cultures on Instagram for more fermentation workshops and events.  

Tina’s
4114 Main St., Bloomfield. tinaspgh.com

Tina’s will curate your wine selection this Thanksgiving with a new service. The cocktail bar and bottle shop invites Pittsburghers to fill out a questionnaire and receive two to four tailored wine recommendations from Tina’s certified sommelier. Selected wines will be available for pickup at Tina’s on Sun., Nov. 24. Bottle packages range from $50-200.

KDKA-TV x Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank x PNC Bank cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/kdka-tv-turkey-fund

KDKA continues a 43-year tradition with the return of its Turkey Fund. According to the station, donations from members have provided Thanksgiving meals for more than a million people in the region. This year, KDKA partners with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and PNC Bank, offering four ways to give. Bring a cash donation to your local PNC branch, where any donation of $50 or more will be matched by the bank up to $75,000. Donate to the Turkey Fund online through the Food Bank’s website or text KDTURKEY to 50155. You can also contribute by mailing a check to KDKA Turkey Fund, P.O. Box Thanks, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15230.

Latino Spot Bar & Buffet
212 Oakland Ave., Oakland. latinospotpgh.com

Oakland welcomed what’s being billed as Pittsburgh’s first Latino buffet. Latino Spot launched on Nov. 10 in the space formerly occupied by Stew Wood Fire Fusion and Fuel and Fuddle. The new bar and buffet describes itself as “a tribute to the rich culture and flavors of Latin America, crafted by Latinos for Latinos.” In addition to their buffet, the menu offers appetizers including yuca bites, wings, and empanadas from nearby The Colombian Spot, alongside Cuban sandwiches, classic pizzas, and cocktails. Follow Latino Spot on Facebook and Instagram, where they’re previewing buffet dishes like pollo a la Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola chicken).

This article appears in Nov 6-12, 2024.