Holiday shopping in Polish Hill: books, craft items, music and more

Lili holiday sale

Lili Cafe will have a one day holiday craft sale on Sunday December 14 from 3 – 8 p.m.  Many of the items are by Polish Hill artists and craftspeople.  There are also Lili Cafe gift certificates, so you can treat a friend to good coffee and food anytime they want.

Also in Polish Hill, check out:

Mindcure Records — upstairs from Lili, an excellent record shop with music in many genres, plus releases from the Mindcure label.  Open Tue – Sat 12 – 8 and Sun 12-5.  Phone:  412.621.1715.

Copacetic Comics — not just comics and graphic novels, Copacetic is also a very good small bookstore with lots of good bargain priced books; also cd’s, movies, cards and more.  If you’re not sure what to get, owner Bill Boichel can recommend something.  He can also order anything you want.  Open Mon – Fri 11-5, Sat 11-7, and Sun noon-5.  Phone:  412.251.5451.

Polish Hill Civic Association — t-shirts, holiday cards, notecards, postcards, and other items with a Polish Hill theme.  Items are also available in the online shore.  Sales benefit the organization.  Open Mon – Fri 10 – 6.  Phone:  412.681.1950.

Holiday Book Sale & Soiree at Belvedere’s in Lawrenceville on Sunday December 1

holiday book sale at belvederes

On Sunday December 1 from 12-5p.m., Pittsburgh shoppers can  shop local, shop indie for the book lovers on their holiday gift list at Belvedere’s Ultra Dive Bar (4016 Butler Street in Lawrenceville). The Holiday Book Sale & Soiree will feature some of Pittsburgh’s best bookstores, selling new books, used books, art books, photography books, graphic novels, small press books, bestsellers, books on sale, local authors, holiday cards, and more.  Confirmed book vendors so far:  Amazing Books, Copacetic Comics, East End Book Exchange, The Muse Stand, Mystery Lovers Bookshop, Spaces Corners and Small Press Pittsburgh (hosting).

In addition to the book sale, DJ J.Malls will be spinning holiday tunes, and the bar will be serving holiday cocktails & mocktails.  Free entry (21 + over with valid ID).  Email Karen Lillis for more info, or check out the event on Facebook.

Dozen Bakery to close nearby locations

We just spotted some dismaying news in the Post-Gazette and the Tribune — Dozen is closing its Oakland and Lawrenceville locations.  Both locations will hold a farewell bakesale from 9 am until noon.  Stop in and get a final taste of your favorite Dozen treat — or get extras to freeze.

No reason was given for this very sudden development.  It was announced on Dozen’s Facebook page, but the website doesn’t mention it.  Anyone know the story on this?  We’re sorry to see them go.

Above:  Dozen co-owner James Gray at the opening of the Oakland location last August.

Farmers markets are opening for the season

The Post-Gazette just published an extensive list of  just about every farmers market and farm stand in the region.  The Public Market is a great resource for local produce, other food items, and crafts, and we also love the farmers market at the Firehouse.

Farmers@Firehouse is at 2216 Penn Ave., next to the Firehouse restaurant. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. May 7 to Nov. 19. Mostly organic and naturally grown produce, local meat and poultry. Chef demos weekly. Sponsored by Slow Food Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Public Market is at 2100 Smallman St. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. year-round. pittsburghpublicmarket.org.

Another farmer’s market that’s easy for Polish Hill residents to get to –the 54 stops right across the street– is the North side Farmers Market, at E. Ohio St. and Cedar Ave. across from Allegheny General Hospital. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Runs Fri. May 13 to Nov. 18).

(Photo borrowed from the Taste of Pittsburgh)

A visit to the Public Market

Polish Hillarian, Brian Seckleki, journeyed beyond the neighborhood’s borders today, investigating rumors of a new shopping experience in the Strip District.

And what did he bring back from his brief, albeit fruitful journey?

Pictures! Which he was kind enough to share with Staffski —

The Public Market debuted today. But have no fear! The grand opening is taking place September 11-12. Details about vendors, hours and special activities and events can be found on their site.

Strip grocery store to add pickup and delivery services

Right by Nature, the natural and whole foods grocery store that opened in the Strip in fall of 2008, has expanded to carry many more conventional products and brands, presents regular wine and food sampling events, and has become an essential resource for many residents in the area.

Now, according to an article in the Post-Gazette, Right by Nature is adding a web-based grocery ordering and curbside pickup service, and, starting June 21, Downtown and Hill District area residents will be able to request home delivery, which will cost $4.95 with a minimum order of $35.

It seems that at the moment, delivery is only available to Downtown and the Hill.  But we’re right on the way to the Hill–perhaps residents can petition Right by Nature to expand their service!

(photo by Darrell Sapp, from the Post-Gazette)

Food markets near Polish Hill

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Many Polish Hill residents have long relied on the ShurSave in Bloomfield for most of their shopping.  In recent years there have been persistent rumors that the ShurSave would be closed.  At the same time, other stores are opening elsewhere that give our residents more options.  Last November, Right by Nature opened at 2305 Smallman in the Strip and quickly became a popular destination.

Apparently, another food market will be opening nearby.  Last spring, it was announced that Salem’s Middle Eastern market and deli would be opening at 30th and Smallman.  The banner on the building still says “Opening Soon”.  There is no opening date or contact information on the banner, so we’re not sure when the market will be open for business.  But watch this space–we are keeping an eye on it.  It will be nice to have more nearby options.

New Polish Deli opens in the Strip District!

The S&D Deli is open!

A couple emigrates from Poland to Western Pennsylvania and after getting established opens a storefront to sell to fellow immigrants and others many of the Polish foods they dearly miss from home. Read the Post Gazette article

They offer a wide range of Polish treats.

The 1500 square-foot store offers hard to find Polish products like fresh sauerkraut, sausages, European juices and chocolates and the deli offers hot lunch from 11am-2pm and seats about 20. Lunch offerings include Hunter’s Stew made with white cabbage, sauerkraut and kielbasa, pork stew with dumplings, halushki, stuffed cabbage, and of course pierogies. For dessert, try crepes with fresh farmers cheese, yum. Read the Pop City article

S&D Polish Deli, at 2204 Penn Ave., is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Phone: 412-281-2906.