Pittsburgh

[MooseLang]

Pittsburgh isn't my hometown so I like (hope?) to think that I provide a little bit of a different perspective. But a lot of what was said just seemed factually off base to me.

Set aside the Braddock segment, a lot of what was said about why the Civic Arena (The Igloo, Mellon Arena, whatever) was constructed was factually inaccurate.

I think the overarching theme was that the Hill District has historically gotten boned by the City. They may have messed up the facts of why the Civic Light Opera House was built (before the Penguins were even a thought), but it was sort of beside the point.

 

[preluderl]

I think the overarching theme was that the Hill District has historically gotten boned by the City. They may have messed up the facts of why the Civic Light Opera House was built (before the Penguins were even a thought), but it was sort of beside the point.

Agree with you 100% there. But for me (JMO), it takes away from the credibility of the speaker when they use factual inaccuracies to try and make their point. The truth is damming enough.

 

[dadavat]

Yeah, RE gentrification.

They talked about Braddock a good bit. They had John Fetterman on, as well as Franco Harris. Also talked a good bit about Kevin Souza and Superior Motors.

The funny part to me was that they painted Kevin Souza as a hero for setting up shop in Braddock, directly after some back handed throw away comments which depicted BG as some hipster ******** who set up a brewery in the ghetto and didn't care about the community.

Full disclosure, I don't know Kevin Souza at all. He seemed like a good dude who cares about the community. And maybe I'm off base about all of it, I'm open to being wrong, but I thought it painted BG in a very unfair and inaccurate light.

I've heard that bourdain has a bit of disdain for craft beer in general because he thinks that people shouldn't be wasting their time talking about hops, breweries, etc... On one hand, he's completely right and people do go way overboard (probably most of us on here), but on the other hand, i'm sure he spends a fair amount of his day talking about stuff that I think is stupid, like the right way to sous vide a heritage berkshire acorn fed hog snout. I think the whole gentrification argument is too much to get into here, but after seeing it first hand in LV, I think it can be a great thing, up to a point (of which i don't think braddock is anywhere near, nor will ever be).

 

[preluderl]

I've heard that bourdain has a bit of disdain for craft beer in general because he thinks that people shouldn't be wasting their time talking about hops, breweries, etc... On one hand, he's completely right and people do go way overboard (probably most of us on here), but on the other hand, i'm sure he spends a fair amount of his day talking about stuff that I think is stupid, like the right way to sous vide a heritage berkshire acorn fed hog snout. I think the whole gentrification argument is too much to get into here, but after seeing it first hand in LV, I think it can be a great thing, up to a point (of which i don't think braddock is anywhere near, nor will ever be).

Agree with all of that. I was looking for a place online to watch it but didn't see anything immediately.

I'd be really curious as to how Fetterman feels that BG was depicted, because obviously he's a friend to them. When you participate in something like that it's difficult to know how it will come together for the end product, and I'd be willing to bet he doesn't love the way they were made to look.

 

[McMatt7]

I didn't see the episode but i'm pissed and i'm quitting my job and moving back in with my parents.

 

[preluderl]

I didn't see the episode but i'm pissed and i'm quitting my job and moving back in with my parents.

You ain't gotta lie to kick it, homie. We know you never moved out in the first place.

 

[chefduff2]

I've heard that bourdain has a bit of disdain for craft beer in general because he thinks that people shouldn't be wasting their time talking about hops, breweries, etc... On one hand, he's completely right and people do go way overboard (probably most of us on here), but on the other hand, i'm sure he spends a fair amount of his day talking about stuff that I think is stupid, like the right way to sous vide a heritage berkshire acorn fed hog snout. I think the whole gentrification argument is too much to get into here, but after seeing it first hand in LV, I think it can be a great thing, up to a point (of which i don't think braddock is anywhere near, nor will ever be).

He does hate the way beer has gone. Like you, I just don’t understand his justification when he will drool over wine collections. Somehow wine snobs are completely fine to him, but beer snobs are ********. I liked him earlier on, but his **** talking wears on me.

 

[MooseLang]

I think the whole gentrification argument is too much to get into here, but after seeing it first hand in LV, I think it can be a great thing, up to a point (of which i don't think braddock is anywhere near, nor will ever be).

Yeah, definitely a complicated subject. Bourdain even took the easy way out at the end, basically saying "whaddya gunna do?!" during his little closing summary.

 

[MooseLang]

Also, the worst part of the episode was Franco Harris. He sucks.

 

[McMatt7]

Lagunitas hoppy beers and southern tier 2xipa get me bad every time. I remember reading that lagunitas mashes all their beers real high so there's a higher unfermentable sugar content, maybe that's why?

I don't speak science, you'll have to dumb this down if you want me to understand.

You ain't gotta lie to kick it, homie. We know you never moved out in the first place.

For real i'd move back in if they'd let me. My parents are dope as ****.

 

[preluderl]

Also, the worst part of the episode was Franco Harris. He sucks.

Yeah I was grateful that his speaking portion was extremely brief.

 

[dadavat]

Agree with all of that. I was looking for a place online to watch it but didn't see anything immediately.

I'd be really curious as to how Fetterman feels that BG was depicted, because obviously he's a friend to them. When you participate in something like that it's difficult to know how it will come together for the end product, and I'd be willing to bet he doesn't love the way they were made to look.

I obviously haven't seen the episode, but i can't fathom how you have contempt for 1 of 3 major players in braddock, but praise the other 2. They all seem like they're in on this together to me and criticism of any one player would apply to the rest.

 

[MooseLang]

I obviously haven't seen the episode, but i can't fathom how you have contempt for 1 of 3 major players in braddock, but praise the other 2. They all seem like they're in on this together to me and criticism of any one player would apply to the rest.

IIRC, Fetterman didn't do the criticizing. It was the documentarian or author or whatever (forget his name). I think BG was just used as an example of what he didn't like about gentrification:

- Outsiders (sometimes from privilege...especially in BG's case) come in to a neighborhood that they have no connection with
- Make something that the locals cannot afford
- Whiteys from the 'burbs and surrounding areas come in, only go to that place, support no other part of the neighborhood, then leave

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with this, but that's how I took it. Again, it's a short show that is covering complicated issues, so there is going to be stuff lost on the editing room floor. From what I know about Fetterman and BG, I'm sure he won't be a big fan of how that 1 minute segment came off.

 

[dadavat]

I don't speak science, you'll have to dumb this down if you want me to understand.

I'm generalizing here, but the mash temperature range is 145-160 degrees. The lower the temp, the more fermentable sugars, leading to dryer and thinner beers (saisons). The higher the temp, the more unfermentable sugars, leading to sweeter and thicker beers. Most IPAs are made in the 150 range, but lagunitas makes theirs at 160, which is why they're sweeter. Again, this is super general, yeast type plays a major factor as well. Some yeast can eat more sugar than others.

Edit: forgot the most important part, some think that consuming more sugars lead to worse hangovers, therefore, lagunitas f you up tomorrow morning

 

[preluderl]

IIRC, Fetterman didn't do the criticizing. It was the documentarian or author or whatever (forget his name). I think BG was just used as an example of what he didn't like about gentrification:

- Outsiders (sometimes from privilege...especially in BG's case) come in to a neighborhood that they have no connection with
- Make something that the locals cannot afford
- Whiteys from the 'burbs and surrounding areas come in, only go to that place, support no other part of the neighborhood, then leave

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with this, but that's how I took it. Again, it's a short show that is covering complicated issues, so there is going to be stuff lost on the editing room floor. From what I know about Fetterman and BG, I'm sure he won't be a big fan of how that 1 minute segment came off.

Agree with all of this. That's exactly how they were presented. Which is why it was so perplexing to me when Souza and Superior Motors were given much more time and presented in an entirely different light.

 

[McMatt7]

I'm generalizing here, but the mash temperature range is 145-160 degrees. The lower the temp, the more fermentable sugars, leading to dryer and thinner beers (saisons). The higher the temp, the more unfermentable sugars, leading to sweeter and thicker beers. Most IPAs are made in the 150 range, but lagunitas makes theirs at 160, which is why they're sweeter. Again, this is super general, yeast type plays a major factor as well. Some yeast can eat more sugar than others.

Edit: forgot the most important part, some think that consuming more sugars lead to worse hangovers, therefore, lagunitas f you up tomorrow morning

You're smart. I like you.

EDIT: For real, i didn't know any of this, good info fam.

 

[MooseLang]

Agree with all of this. That's exactly how they were presented. Which is why it was so perplexing to me when Souza and Superior Motors were given much more time and presented in an entirely different light.

I think the reason why Sousa was presented in the different light, is because he plans to offer a living wage and college tuition assistance to his employees. Also, I believe Braddock residents eat there for 50% off. So he is being used as an example of "good" gentrification. Someone giving back to the locals in the community.

 

[TempDownAtKZUG]

With the caveat that I have yet to watch the episode, I understand (to a point) how Souza could be played up to be the "good" form of gentrification. I like the idea of the project (even though it is a bit "white savior"), but even with the discounts and everything, Superior Motors is still expensive and less attainable to the locals than BG. While I can also see the gripes with $7 IPAs (to those that are haves AND have nots), they have also helped bring in somewhat affordable food options via the food trucks that are there nearly every day. That also has the further positive spin of the eventual opening of Brassero Grill's brick and mortar location which will be infinitely more affordable than Superior Motors. That said, I really enjoyed the meal that I had upon visiting SM and I still do not really see Braddock getting to the level of a Lawrenceville.

TL, DR: I'm conflicted over the whole thing and will just have a centrist cop out and state that there is both good and bad.

 

[preluderl]

With the caveat that I have yet to watch the episode, I understand (to a point) how Souza could be played up to be the "good" form of gentrification. I like the idea of the project (even though it is a bit "white savior"), but even with the discounts and everything, Superior Motors is still expensive and less attainable to the locals than BG. While I can also see the gripes with $7 IPAs (to those that are haves AND have nots), they have also helped bring in somewhat affordable food options via the food trucks that are there nearly every day. That also has the further positive spin of the eventual opening of Brassero Grill's brick and mortar location which will be infinitely more affordable than Superior Motors. That said, I really enjoyed the meal that I had upon visiting SM and I still do not really see Braddock getting to the level of a Lawrenceville.

TL, DR: I'm conflicted over the whole thing and will just have a centrist cop out and state that there is both good and bad.

Good points all around.

 

[OneDropSoup]

The jump-off of the episode was that Pittsburgh is becoming rejuvenated & has had some national attention as a result of that, the premise being that it's an established thing, we've heard it before & don't need to spend more time just straight cheer-leading. This kind of gave that narrative the Howard Zinn treatment, a "yes, but..." to show the price paid for new blood & those who may get left behind in the process of change. I can't say the entire episode was negative, but had a very critical eye toward the "movement forward", & some of those they interviewed really supported that arc.

Beer, food, & the other hipster **** that we're into is just part of the movement that the show & many (not all) of the voices were critiquing. I can understand why Tony Buba's remarks were included - that's his perspective & fit the narrative of the show. It's really unfortunate, though, that a place like BG was collateral damage in this perspective, especially when you go on to see Fetterman & Sousa given a chance to express & defend themselves. I think you can extrapolate & assume that what they said also applies to BG, but that wasn't made overt, & instead BG's propped up as a symbol of what's wrong, which really sucks. It was exciting seeing the brewery, & then my heart sank a little as soon as they started talking about it.

 

[dadavat]

I think we all should have a unique viewpoint on gentrification because breweries do always seem to be the first establishment in impoverished areas to catalyze the whole process. I'm always looking for a get rich scheme, so maybe i can open up a one stop gentrification shop, old worn down factory refitted with brewery, coffee shop, dog park, apartments, charcuterie, and barber shop. Franchise that bad boy out. It'll be America's new shopping mall.

 

[greg4579]

I have not seen the episode. Based upon what I am reading I am sad that BG wasn't offered a chance to tell their side of the argument.

Huge shocker here, but I am down there a lot. The biggest impact I see on the local community is the food truck presence which in my estimation draws just as many people (if not more) than the BG patrons. I think TempDownAtKZUG summarized it better than my jumbled words would, so I will leave it at that. I also know Matt and Asa care deeply about being accepted in the community, and many of their actions aren't publicized.

The tough part with any business there is with popularity comes crowds. I think it was far easier (and I saw more locals when) it wasn't a sea of bearded white men. It was more inviting to come inside when you could find a table to sit at and not have to wait 20 minutes to get a beer. It is not always that crowded, and you still see this on weeknights sometimes or on a Sunday afternoon, but they are far less common now.

Superior Motors was awesome when I went. I can't recommend it enough. My wife and I did an appetizer, meals, drinks and desserts which came to something like $170 with tip. Even at 50% off to locals that is still a pricey meal. He is still expanding and I think there is a burger/pizza part going in the back of the building which I think will do well. The living wage and college assistance along with the reliance on the local community garden are nice touches too. I think the spacing of these outside establishments is well thought out too. It is not like a cluster in one place where all the outsiders go, but instead a clump in the center and then Superior Motors on the outskirts.

Bottom line for me is that these places have us talking about (and interested) in Braddock. Five years ago nobody would've cared about it, so that counts for something.

 

[McMatt7]

I like how in the Southside Pipers is right next to Burger King.

#whoppershepherdspie

If i can find it i'll watch the episode this afternoon and drop a hot take on all yall bitch asses. I know kbuzz in particular is probably waiting with bated breasts.

 

[psbhockey12]

I can’t recall where on fb I saw it this weekend but was BG Brukfust bottled? It wasn’t a growler, def looked like a labeled “Brukfust” bottle in the picture.

Anyone? haha ... was this a real thing or did my facebook imagination create said bottling? chefduff2

 

[preluderl]

Anyone? haha ... was this a real thing or did my facebook imagination create said bottling? chefduff2

There has not been a release for said beer.

 

[chefduff2]

Anyone? haha ... was this a real thing or did my facebook imagination create said bottling? chefduff2

I don’t have any info unfortunately . I’m assuming it’s a prototype that you saw and I saw. Hopefully I’m right and we will see it in bottles.

 

[barflybastard]

Have a charity thing this evening downtown and might have a window for afternoon drinks beforehand (early, like 330ish to 600). Thinking Smallman, but soliciting other dope/woke places down there to pregame. Imma skip the food menu, so weight any answers to taplist only, please.

 

[preluderl]

Have a charity thing this evening downtown and might have a window for afternoon drinks beforehand (early, like 330ish to 600). Thinking Smallman, but soliciting other dope/woke places down there to pregame. Imma skip the food menu, so weight any answers to taplist only, please.

Smallman Galley is closed on Monday.

 

[barflybastard]

Smallman Galley is closed on Monday.

http://gif-finder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Frozen-****.gif

Little help, then?

 

[preluderl]

http://gif-finder.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Frozen-****.gif

Little help, then?

I don't know **** man, unfortunately. I Googled to see if I could find their tap list and saw they were closed today.

Sienna Mercato usually has some decent stuff on tap.