Working longer hours led my proposal team to the Granite City Food & Brewery in the Detroit Renaissance Center!

Delicate pour of IPA

Large restaurant filled with various working professionals from the Renaissance Center!

Three Fun Facts:

1. Party Wolf is a American IPA style beer brewed by Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer, MI.

2. One review online read as follows: “Pours fairly hazy deep golden orange/amber color with a 1-2 finger dense and rocky cream colored head with fantastic retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lasts. Nice dense soapy lacing clings on the glass, with a fair amount of streaming carbonation. Fantastic appearance. Aromas of huge red grapefruit, tangerine, lemon, peach, pineapple, apricot, mango, melon, citrus peel/rind, wood, light pepper, pine, honey, toasted biscuit, light caramel/nutty, and herbal/floral/grassy earthiness.”

3. Check out https://www.greenbushbrewing.com/ in Sawyer, MI - their assortment of biscuits, BBQ, and more looks like the perfect complement to a nice cold beer.

Location 100 Renaissance Center Suite 1101, Detroit, MI 48243

No partying for me tonight but I tried the “Party” Wolf IPA

Granite City Food & Brewery

Date of Trial April 16, 2019

Purchased Party Wolf IPA (ABV: 7.5%)

If you are new to IPAs, this may be the choice for you!

THE Ratings

Overall - B

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 3

• Boldness - 2 (light IPA)

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $8.00 (16 oz)

There is no disappointment in the hoppy department but the overall boldness is not as grand as some other sorts of IPAs. It is extremely smooth and easy to drink.

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Sipping a mojito pretending I am on vacation while traveling one evening to Detroit!

My travels have been sporadic so on trips I take currently I focus on taking myself out of my comfort zone. One example, which is becoming increasingly difficult, is ensuring I try out new coffee shops (so walking away when I see a Starbucks - although, I have nothing against them!). This week’s IBM proposal work led me to fly out Monday evening to Detroit and fly back home Thursday.

My airport swag!

I like mirror selfies - no shame!

As I arrived at the airport, a bit early for once (note: I am infamous for getting to my gate as soon as they start boarding or just prior to the gate closing but ‘never’ late), I had some work to complete on my laptop so I decided to switch things up and grab a seat at the TGI Fridays bar! Why not? I ordered the following. Enjoy my cocktail review!

TGI Fridays Cocktail Menu

Location PIT International Airport

Date of Trial April 15, 2019

Purchased Ultimate Tropical Berry Mojito (300 calories)

If you like a burst of sugar in your mouth then this mojito is just the right one for you! For me? I like (really like) sugar but this tasted like a strawberry daquiri that drank a Redbull. One thing to highlight - I adored all the fresh mint!

Overall - B-

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 4

• Boldness - 2

• Sweetness - 5 (sugar overload)

• Price - $9.00

The staff here was fantastic and extremely welcoming! I ended up ordering a second [classic] mojito with the help of the staff’s friendly encouragement. See picture below:

Classic Mojito also sweet!

Bold mintiness - lovin’ that!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Exploring the new Nova Place location in North Shore led me to Commonplace Coffee!

Location 100 S Commons Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Inside the Nova Place

Edgy, modern and fun designs fill the space

Date of Trial April 15, 2019

Purchased Cappuccino

Although nearly awesome, it slightly missed the mark with its bitter back-burner taste. I added a little brown sugar to soften the blow.

As you enter, you see this witty thang…

The Ratings

Overall - B+

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 4 (they even had a cute design under the cap)

• Boldness - 5

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $3.50

Cute little coffee shop but felt more like a grab and go environment for the busy bees working in the Nova Place - perfectly suited for its audience.

Three Fun Facts

1. Nova Place is a multi-million dollar urban redevelopment of the former Allegheny Center with the goals of revitalizing the community and reconnecting the North Side to downtown Pittsburgh.

2. The site that Nova Place rests on has historic roots and was originally a walkable city. The 36-block city was planned by John Redick in 1784, complete with common grazing areas for livestock.

3. Commonplace Coffee is HQ’d in Pittsburgh and home to 6 coffee shops!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Who doesn’t love a barn door?

A Sunny Saturday called for a Mystic Margarita at Bahama Breeze!

Time has come for The Nancy Brew’s first cocktail review! And y’all know I love a good cocktail.

What better way to start than with this beauty of a drink? I usually am a vodka-lover but a margarita every once in a while goes a long way - I feel fantastic! :)

Purchased Mystic Margarita

Drink Description: A color changing concoction of Sauza Silver, St. Elder Liquer, lime and pineapple juices. Served with a shot of prickly pear-infused passion fruit rum and only 290 calories!

From Bahama Breeze’s menu (beautiful menu at that!)

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5+ (from the adorable mini-pineapple to the flower to the color-changing presentation - fantastic!)

• Boldness - 4 (I have to say I felt a little “buzz” after only one drink - or maybe I have been light on my drinking recently)

• Sweetness - 5

• Price - $8.99 (great price!)

The shot of prickly pear-infused passion fruit rum is sweet and very pleasant!

Cheers!

- Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Throwback to exploring the HBO Headquarters, the Freedom Tower, and the Irving Farm New York Coffee Shop!

Irving Farm New York Coffee Shop, the old Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, helped blaze the specialty coffee trail in New York City after being among the first shops in the city to offer single-origin and specialty-blend coffees. Since opening its Gramercy Park location in 1996, Irving Farm has expanded to locations throughout Manhattan, now roasting out of a space in Millerton, New York, about 100 miles north of the city.

New York City

Date of Trial March 30, 2019

Location 1424 Third Avenue (between 80th and 81st)

Purchased Chai Latte (called “Chai”)

The barista told me to try the Chai since he said this isn’t the chai latte that is sold at Starbucks. The flavor palette of this chai was mighty bold and filled with a plethora of spices.

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 4

• Boldness - 5 (“Bold” is its middle name)

• Sweetness - 3

• Price - $3.75

I’d say the beverage is not for everyone and not for every day but if in the mood, it is delightful!

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See a collection of photos taken around New York City on March 30th below

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

My obsession with hot yoga led me into The Pittsburgh Juice Company - yummy!

I have been a hot yoga enthusiast ever since I agreed to try out a hot yoga studio in Allentown, PA with a friend (and a work colleague) of mine named Elaina. She sat across from me while we were on assignment at Pennsylvania Power & Light. We quickly made the work out a routine! During my last engagement in Bellevue, WA I was actually obsessed with a place called Hot Yoga Inc. and went at least twice a week when I traveled to the Seattle area to my client Puget Sound Energy.

I was beyond words ecstatic to find the Yoga Factory in Lawrenceville on the ClassPass app and now I am hooked. I went 3 times this week already!

The Pittsburgh Juice Company

3418 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Cafe in a historic Art Deco building offering cold-pressed juices, coffee, smoothies & vegan bites.

This quaint cafe is right next to the Yoga Factory - how convenient?

Date of Trial April 10, 2019

Purchased “Mother of Dragons” Blended Juice (and an Avocado Toast)

This blended juice includes: dragon fruit, pineapple, chia, banana, coconut, ginger

This fabulous magenta drink is filling and magical. You feel yourself detoxifying as you taste the cold-pressed, raw, organic juice (pressed daily!). The Avocado Toast was also delightful filled with greenery, yummy gluten-free wheat bread and a dash of spices. Overall, a feel-good experience post a super-hot 75 minute hot yoga session.

The Ratings

Overall - A++

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5 (love the color of this blended juice, the clear labeling, and the recyclable glass bottle)

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 4.5

• Price - $10 (a little pricey but worth it for the nutritional value)

Avocado Toast

Can we get an, “Oh baby, yum-my!”?

Scroll through the images below to see more of the beautiful cafe!

CHEERS!

- Nancy “Brew” Geronian

#tbt to Stumptown Coffee in New Orleans - offering house-roasted direct trade coffee!

DistribuTECH, an energy and utility conference in New Orleans, allowed me to tour the historic city for the first time!

Date of Trial February 6, 2019

Purchased Medium Cappuccino

Elegant, glorious blend of espresso and milk, feels like a Paris day sitting outside when in reality I am in the Warehouse District of New Orleans outside the upgraded historic Ace Hotel!

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 2

• Price - $2.95

“That sip is the culmination of years of work, three-thousand mile journeys, and passion. Here is how we make that sip perfect.” - Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Scroll down to see some beautiful gems I was able to capture on my walks in New Orleans!

St. Patrick’s Church

Irish Catholic Church Established 1840 and a registered National Historic Landmark as of 1975.

Ace Hotel

This 1928 building once housed the largest furniture store in the American South - Barnett’s.

Lighthouse look-alike in the middle of the Warehouse district of New Orleans

Garden District

In the charming Garden District, oak-shaded streets are lined with a diverse mix of homes, from single-story cottages to the grand historic mansions and lavish gardens of St. Charles Avenue, on the Mardi Gras parade route.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the excellent characteristics of Stumptown Coffee Roasters

How do they find the right beans?

“The best coffee grows in the most remote places. There is a thin band that goes around the world near the equator. Within that band, you need mountains, thick old-growth forest and just the right microclimate. Set aside up to four days to get there.” - Stumptown Coffee Roasters

What does Direct Trade mean to Stumptown?

“We don’t buy in bulk on a trading floor. We buy directly from the people who are making the coffee. It’s not a transaction; it’s a partnership. If someone is growing the quality of coffee we’re interested in, then we will help them in any way we can.” - Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Cheers!

-Nancy “Brew” Geronian

La Prima Espresso Company - the only organic roaster in Pittsburgh!

Sam Patti founded La Prima Espresso Co. in 1988. His original business plan was to sell and service commercial espresso machines from his showroom in the city’s historic market and restaurant district known as The Strip. Soon the showroom evolved into a full-service espresso bar, where it has become a must-stop Pittsburgh destination.  Join the locals and visit the first La Prima Espresso location at 21st Street and Penn Avenue -  or head over to the coffee kiosk in Carnegie Mellon University’s Wean Hall.

La Prima

Est. 1988

I remember visiting La Prima when I attended Carnegie Mellon University and indulging in their chocolate croissants and robust flavored iced coffee. Therefore, I had to visit the original location in the Strip to see how it compared. Pittsburgh treated us with sunshine yesterday; therefore, after grabbing a cappuccino and a blueberry muffin I eagerly walked outside and sat myself at a small table outside the coffee shop.

Springtime in Pittsburgh!

Captured on the walk from the Strip District to Downtown Pittsburgh

So far in Pittsburgh, La Prima’s coffee shop experience felt the closest to how it felt drinking cappuccinos and espressos in Italy, France and Spain.

Date of Trial April 9, 2019

Purchased Medium Cappuccino

My favorite cappuccino in Pittsburgh to date!

The Ratings

Overall - A+

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 2

• Price - $2.95 (for middle size)

Orchard Hill Church in the Strip

Expected to open in Mid-May!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Tuscan Cafe in Downtown Pittsburgh - not meant for Cappuccinos!

After a leisurely walk downtown to a Thai Restaurant called Siam and enjoying its priced right food, I decided to continue my journey around downtown for a caffeinated beverage. A block away I noticed a cafe with big bold letters spelling out “Cappuccino” so I decided to stop in. The interior was a little dated with bold lavender and light yellow paint and dated leather bar stools.

Tuscan Cafe

Location

6 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Date of Trial April 5, 2019

Purchased Cappuccino

The cafe was extremely welcoming but I received little attention once I received my brew.

The Ratings

Overall - D

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 1 (no foam / no design)

• Boldness - 5 (extremely bitter)

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $2.75

It seems like locals visit this spot and enjoy their typical menu selections. It does not seem like a place locals come for a boujee caffeinated beverage to sip alongside their laptops or books.

My beautiful walk around Downtown Pittsburgh did continue post Tuscan Cafe and I realized the absolute stunning beauty of the building below. Find out more about the beautiful historic structure here.

Dollar Bank Headquarters Pittsburgh

401 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Spoonwood Brewery Co. - a South Hills spot for wood-fired oven pizza, beers and ice-cream sandwiches!

Find my very first beer review below!

An Ever-changing Tap-list!

Spoonwood Brewery Co. Location

5981 Baptist Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

100% real dairy, 100% lactose-free.

Locations that sell Leona’s: http://www.leonaspgh.com/findleonas

Date of Trial April 6, 2019

Purchased Sampler Size of the Party Smasher Guava IPA (6.5%)

Yummy flavor of guava with minimal artificial taste

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 4

• Boldness - 2

• “Hoppy”-ness - 2

• Price - $2.25 (5 oz)

The adorable sample size is perfect for those who want a small pairing with their food or want to try a variety off their diverse brew menu!

Three Fun Facts

1. Spoonwood Brewing Co. was originally the site of an old railroad station.

2. They offer a Sunday brunch menu! https://spoonwoodbrewing.com/menu/sunday-brunch/

3. They seat approximately 130 people and have an industrial-fun space to enjoy your cold brews!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Espresso a Mano in Lawrenceville - a gathering place for productivity and meet-ups!

Date of Trial April 4, 2019

Purchased Cappuccino

An authentic brick wall and the beautiful exposed wooden ceiling fill the energetic space. I enjoyed the power outlets on the wall across the brick wall while I was working on some IBM Agile trainings.

Espresso a Mano

3623 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Established 2009

The Ratings

Overall - B-

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 4 (simply because my finger couldn’t fit through the cup handle)

• Boldness - 4

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $3.04 (6 oz)

Extreme boldness, minimal sweetness with a slight bitter taste

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

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Nicholas Coffee Co., the family-owned business, celebrates its 100th birthday this year!

How did Nicholas Coffee Co. originate?

Nicholas C. Nicholas founded the coffee company that bears his name in 1919, opening a storefront in Market Square. At first, its roasted Arabica coffee was available only to walk-in customers, but eventually, Nicholas coffee was available in Pittsburgh-area grocery stores. Today, it can be ordered online and delivered to destinations across the globe.

IMAGE COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS |

PITTSBURGH CITY PHOTOGRAPHER COLLECTION

The Market Square building has undergone many changes and survived both the 1936 flood and a serious fire in 2017. 

Nicholas Coffee Co.

Location 23 Market Square # 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Established 1919

Date of Trial April 4, 2019

Purchased 12 oz Cappuccino

Extreme layer of rather tasteless foam

The Ratings

Overall - C

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 2

• Boldness - 4

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $3.25 (for 12 oz)

Extreme boldness, minimal sweetness with a slight bitter taste

Cheers!

-Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Market Square Location Pictures!

Scroll to see all the pictures

Redhawk Coffee in Downtown - Best Mocha in the 'Burgh?

Redhawk Coffee

Downtown Pittsburgh

How did Redhawk originate?

Braden Walter Jr. was driving to Espresso A Mano — where he worked as a barista — on a Sunday morning in February 2015 when his car slid into a telephone pole on Butler Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mary Gonzales, Walter’s wife, said she went to the scene of the crash to see the damage done to the car. The entire coffee community in Pittsburgh helped Walter and Gonzales through the difficult time post the crash.

Walter knew he wanted to become an even larger part of the coffee community post the incident. In early 2016, Walter and Gonzales took a major step toward that goal. The couple bought a 1969 food truck with an odometer that had already logged about 700,000 miles. Over the course of six months, they rebuilt and revamped the truck into Redhawk Coffee Truck, which they debuted on the streets of Pittsburgh in September.

Then on December 30, 2016, Walter and Gonzales opened a brick and mortar coffeehouse on Meyran Avenue under the same name as their truck — Redhawk.

Now you can book the truck for an event or have the coffee truck stop by your office by emailing redhawkcoffee@gmail.com!

Redhawk Coffee

Downtown Location 536 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Oakland Location 120 Meyran Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Established Downtown location opened October 30, 2018 and they share the space with https://shoppgandh.com/ (locally made goods and arts)

Date of Trial April 2, 2019

Purchased 12 oz Mocha

Scrumptious dessert-like caffeinated delicacy

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 3

• Price - $4.75 (for 12 oz)

Heartwarming heart outlines the fabulous mocha made with warm chocolate milk, no chocolate syrup here!

Downtown Location Pictures!

Scroll to see all the pictures

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Vegan Squash Black Bean with Cashew Cream Enchiladas!

The Nancy Brew blog has posted lots of caffeinated goodies but today we are going to review something a little different - a vegan dish! My boyfriend and I decided to try out a vegan lifestyle a couple weeks ago and we have remained vegan for the most part (we give ourselves a day or 2 off every now and then). Tonight I was cooking for him so I decided to research a fun vegan recipe - enchiladas. I found a recipe here. I have never made enchiladas let alone vegan ones but I was ready to challenge myself.

Being Retrospective:

(Side note: “Retrospective” - for IBM I am currently working through a variety of Agile trainings so I am using this Agile term!)

1. I couldn’t find butternut squash so I used yellow squash instead. It worked out satisfactory but I would have rather used a sweet potato if I couldn’t find the butternut squash since the butternut squash has a little sweetness to it.

2. I would have reduced the amount of cumin I used in the sauce since the spice is overpowering so I would recommend to lower the cumin ratio. I also didn’t add any cumin to the squash in the pan step.

3. For the cashew cream, since I am a lover of sauces, I ended up using a lot more cashews and it turned out excellent!

Date of Creation April 2, 2019

Created Vegan Squash Black Bean with Cashew Cream Enchiladas

The Ratings

Overall - B-

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5 (I got my cream swizzle down!)

• Taste - 3 (Too much cumin and needed the sweetness of the butternut squash)

The green cashew cream sauce was a delightful balance to the enchilada red sauce

Three Fun Facts about Me (why not?)

1. I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania alongside my twin, Janetta. My twin is an empowering, smart super pharmacist! I am also a Managing Consultant at IBM.

2. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Economics and Statistics.

3. I adore dancing. Hip-hop is my all-time favorite!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Back in Pittsburgh enjoying Big Dog Coffee in the South Side!

Big Dog Coffee

I frequently visit this coffee shop when I have things on my to-do list and I want a peaceful yet diverse environment to get my productivity swinging. Last time I visited this shop, I was writing my MBA application essays and boy did I accomplish a great deal of writing. This time I visited Big Dog to get my ideas flowing on what to cook tonight for a full Vegan dinner and dessert combo. I ended up deciding on butternut squash cashew cream enchiladas and a French silk pie. I will post the results of my Vegan yummy creations (I hope!) on this blog tomorrow - be on the look out!

Address 2717 Sarah St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Established 2008

Date of Trial April 2, 2019

Purchased Regular Cappuccino

Bold aroma hinted immediately upon the lifting of the yellow cup

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5 (lovin’ the yellow)

• Boldness - 4

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $3.45

There is a slight bitter taste muted by the fluffy texture

Three Fun Facts

1. Big Dog Coffee is run by a Bulgarian violinist and his bassoonist wife, Nikolay and Cortney Ivanovin, located within an impeccably restored, 120-year-old former bakery.

2. Big Dog's Coffee comes via Intelligentsia, a Chicago outfit that offers "direct trade" coffee - or coffee purchased direct from native farmers at prices above "fair trade" value.

3. All variety of baked goods from muffins, breads, and scones, to cakes, cookies, and cupcakes are baked and delivered daily by the Vanilla Pastry Studio in East Liberty.

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Café Grumpy in the Grand Central Terminal was dynamite!

Café Grumpy

89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

Est. 2005

Celebrating 27 years in NYC, I tried several coffee shops throughout the city but this one I had to write about first! If you’re in NYC, go check out Café Grumpy.

Date of Trial March 30, 2019

Purchased Cappuccino

This is how a cappuccino is supposed to taste

The Ratings

Overall - A+

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5 (love their logo)

• Boldness - 5

• Sweetness - 2

• Price - $4.50

This is the boldest cappuccino to date - no bitter or overbearing sensations

Three Fun Facts

1. Founded in 2005 by husband and wife team Caroline Bell and Chris Timbrell in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

2. How did the name originate? The couple, who started dating in 2003, joked periodically about owning a coffee shop, but they were moved to action after a particularly bad experience. “We’d been waiting and waiting when I said to Caroline, this place is making me grumpy.” 12 months later, they were opening the doors to a new café in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

3. They have over a half a dozen locations in NYC and even have a location in Miami: https://cafegrumpy.com/locations/miami/.

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

IBM proposal work leads me to Café Kubal in a historic hotel in Downtown Syracuse!

Café Kubal

Downtown Syracuse - Est. 2004

Date of Trial March 10, 2019

Purchased Medium Cappuccino with Soy Milk

Strong, pungent, small cup, not as milky, almost espresso-like

The Ratings

Overall - B

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 3 (the heart was cute)

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 2

• Price - $4.05 (8 oz)

The cafe shop’s art deco interior was exquisite and the cappuccino didn’t disappoint but didn’t awe me

Three Fun Facts

1. Café Kubal that I visited was located in the Marriott Syracuse Downtown and is the 6th Kubal location in Syracuse!

2. The Hotel Syracuse originally opened in 1924, in the heart of the art deco period. Developer Ed Riley reopened it in 2016 as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown after it sat dormant for more than a decade.

3. Kubal owner, Matt Godard, spent a lot of time in coffee shops when he was in college. As an English major, he read and studied in cafes and worked part time at one near his campus. After graduating, he started his own coffee bean roasting business.

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

27th Birthday Cappuccino Review at DiAnoia's Eatery!

Celebrating my 27th birthday at DiAnoia’s Eatery was fantastic in more ways than one. Everything from our funny, lively waitress to the BYOB to the full display of desserts to choose from felt celebratory. After eating a variety of appetizers and a main course meal fit for a spoiled queen, I paired a limoncello cake with a decaf cappuccino. My taste buds were in full celebratory mode! I also dabbled into a sugar cookie sandwich stuffed with Nutella and a tiramasu cake - all splendid. I may seem like a kind critic with my A+ and A ratings on my first two reviews but these two spots in the Strip District of Pittsburgh deserve the spotlight. I look forward to my continued birthday celebrations in New York City this weekend where you know my Nancy Brew investigations will be chronicled.

Enjoy!

DiAnoia's Eatery

Address 2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Established November 2016

Date of Trial March 27, 2019

Purchased Decaf Cappuccino

Pungent with an exquisite layer of foam; added sugar would simply be excess

The Ratings

Overall - A+

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5

• Boldness - 4

• Sweetness - 1

• Price - $3.50

Warm and flavorful to the very last sip

Three Fun Facts

1. DiAnoia’s was voted the 2018 Best Restaurant in Pittsburgh by TheManual and one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine.

2. Owned by Chef Dave Anoia and his wife Aimee DiAndrea, DiAnoia’s Eatery is an Italian deli and cafe by day and full service ristorante by night that specializes in homemade pastas, pastries, breads, sandwiches, and more.

3. They also serve cheesy gnocchi out of a bread bowl!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian

Cappuccino at de Fer Roastery & Café in the Strip!

Welcome to my new The Nancy Brew blog! Throughout my travels around the world and in Pittsburgh I will be investigating and rating items on the menus of a variety of coffee shops and breweries! The coffee shop below is a beauty and a new treasure in the historic Strip district here in Pittsburgh, my hometown. Enjoy!

Coffee Shop de Fer Roastery & Café

Address 2002 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Established 2017

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Date of Trial December 30, 2018

Purchased Medium Cappuccino

Beautifully executed, timeless and earthy

The Ratings

Overall - A

Items below are rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest)

• Presentation - 5

• Boldness - 3

• Sweetness - 2

• Price - $4.00

A beauty to the eye and the taste

Three Fun Facts

1. de Fer has one location in Pittsburgh - in the Strip! They are active in the community and support and partner with local cafes, artists, grocers, restaurants.

2. You can purchase their coffees online: https://defer.coffee/product-category/coffee/

3. They also serve a fantastic variety of waffles and other yummy goodies for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Cheers!

Nancy “Brew” Geronian