The Italian American Side of Pittsburgh, PA

[@mj3845]

I no longer live in Pittsburgh and miss it every day. Greatest city I've lived in!!! I felt like I was there with you. Thank you and you did a great job highlighting some of my favorite places.

[@keiththomas3141]

Mancini's bread is absolutely the best! Make homemade meatballs in a good sauce and sit them on Mancini's bread and melt provolone over them. Absolutely delicious!

[@jeanneamato8278]

I love all of you guys.

[@chuckdieselkicksdisks2380]

6:58 my favorite cookie @ Moio's :)

[@geoffoakland]

In San Jose California there is a 'new' Little Italy. An area that had a few Italian businesses, has seen a massive development of restaurants, cultural center offering Italian language lessons, genealogy research, bocce courts and a gateway arch.Quite interesting to see this happening in this day and age. Come out for a visit. Andiamo!

[@artnardone]

As an Italian American raised in Brooklyn, I would go for the Polish food in Pittsburgh .

[@darensmith5270]

In the 1960's Pittsburgh used to have an International Food Festival at the Civic Arena! As a kid I loved visiting all the different booths and tasting foods from all around the world! Pittsburgh has a great diversity of people and cultures! So glad I was able to grow up in the Pittsburgh area! As KDKA radio used to say in the 1970's - Pittsburgh is some place SPECIAL!!!👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@ItalianAmerican]

We really LOVED our time in Pittsburgh... some place special for sure!! Thanks for watching!

[@italiangardenproject]

So great to see Italian Pittsburgh celebrated! Wonderful job, Italian American Podcast Team! Looking forward to more episodes

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie! Pittsburgh really is a GREAT Italian American town!

[@josephannecchino3140]

You 3 are the absolute best! I enjoy each work of art program. Joe Annecchino

[@0329Christine]

You did a great job hitting so many important spots here in Pittsburgh!🖤💛It would be great to know the next time you’re here. Grazie for celebrating our heritage!🇮🇪🇺🇸

[@ItalianAmerican]

Thanks for watching! And keep an eye on the channel... we have more adventures in Italian American Pittsburgh coming up soon!

[@giordanoisernia]

use at least the real flag...🇮🇹, not the irish🤦‍♂️

[@Runescape_God]

Thanks for making this Pittsburgh episode. Really, really great stuff. My biggest takeaway, and something that I've tried to tell people my whole life, was summed up my Melissa Marinaro at the Heinz History Center at the 11:44 mark - People often think that Italian immigrants strictly settled on the east coast (Boston, New York, Philly, DC, I-95 corridor), Chicago, New Orleans, and other major cities. Pittsburgh had, and still has quite an impressive Italian American population, despite losing over 50% of it's total population in the decades following WWII. In fact, Pittsburgh received percentages similar to Philadelphia of Italian immigrants during the great migration years. Beyond just Pittsburgh, small communities in Western PA were loaded with Italians, and some still are - New Castle, Aliquippa, Canonsburg, Altoona, Point Merion, other small coal mining towns, etc.

[@martuccijr]

Hi This is a great podcast featuring my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA! I’m looking forward to all future podcasts. Keep up the good work Jim

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie Jim! You can find all of our audio podcasts on your favorite podcast player, or on our website, www.italianamericanpodcast.com... 187 episodes and counting in our archive! Thanks for watching!

[@lenaprima]

Another great episode! I love Pittsburgh and I love the three of you!

[@ItalianAmerican]

You're the best Lena! Looking forward to reuniting soon!

[@FM-ju7pq]

Great episode that showed some hidden treasures of Pittsburgh's Little Italy. I do want to note that the use of the the word 'nonna', is common among more recent Italian-Americans since the majority who are of third or fourth generation with immigrant roots going back to the large migration of the late 19th and early twentieth centuries refer to our American born grandparents as 'grandma' and 'grandpa'.

[@ItalianAmerican]

True, though we notice many families that have been here for generations are "re-claiming" the words Nonna and Nonna, an interesting trend!

[@0329Christine]

I am!

[@mariarooney6262]

My mother’s grandmother was called Nonna, they came over around 20s. My daughters and son wanted me to be called Nonna. I was very happy. My great grandmother was quite revered by the family. I only met her one time when I was very young. But my grandmother lived to be 93.

[@ggreg2258]

Love it! ! !

[@SIR46661]

Great episode and love Liberty Avenue. But Lucchesi’s in Monessen & Pasta Too in Bethel Park are the best restaurants around.

[@christopherrizzo5421]

Great to see you guys on the road again, great video...

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie! More to come... Thanks for watching!

[@lindacemo8626]

Love you guys. Each one of you has a special contribution to every video. Thank you for supporting all the Paisani, and all they do to keep the culture alive and continue to work so hard for their communities and their families.

[@ItalianAmerican]

Thank you so much! We love what we do, and it's always great to spread the word about the paesani keeping our culture alive! Thanks for watching!

[@experiencesicily]

You guys are hilarious and so good! Fabulous video! Complimenti!

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie Allison! We're having fun!

[@christadauria4362]

As I grew up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my parents took me to visit Little Italy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when I was younger in my teenage years of my life as we toured in Pittsburgh’s Little Italy. Ciao Paisani!🇮🇹🇺🇸- Italy & USA in Unity!- Ciao Italia!!🥰✨💖👍👍

[@LearnItalianconLAmericano]

Great episode guys! È sempre bello vedere le altre comunità italiane negli stati uniti. 🇮🇹🇺🇸🇮🇹🇺🇸

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie! Thanks for watching!

[@JoeyMartelli7777]

Mancini’s definitely the best🤌🏻

[@mariarooney6262]

Enjoy this podcast. I watch the one from Scranton, my home town. Enjoyed so much. Thank you.

[@pattyblum8945]

Love the 'buy 2...1 for the ride home and the other for the family'....Yes! that's me

[@ItalianAmerican]

Right on!

[@debragallagher8658]

Love your travels💕

[@frastefano90]

Yes yes yes on the museum section. M. Marinaro is doing a lot of good work!

[@ItalianAmerican]

She sure is! And the book about the collection she created is AWESOME!

[@michaelb1369]

Come to Clarksburg, West Virginia on Labor Day weekend. We have a nice festival every year

[@PugetSoundPete]

What a great video! I also enjoy your podcasts as well! Now that the future looks much brighter, hopefully you can come to the Seattle area for its fall Festa Italiana! Molte grazie per il supporto alla nostra cultura Italo-Americana!

[@ItalianAmerican]

Thank you so much for watching AND listening... the Seattle Festa is DEFINITELY on our list of destinations!

[@dorothyedwards7225]

I love all the places you visited. I was unaware about the Heinz ketchup history and the connection to Italian-Americans. I like the Primanti Brothers original location spotlight. It seems I missed the Brooklyn episode, I'll look for it. I didn't know the rum cake was Italian I thought it was Spanish. Thanks for the Italian cuisine tours, I'm learning of great places, great food, Italian culture and history. This is a joy and a treat.😃👍😘 mmmah👌 💚🤍❤

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie! The Heinz Center is the Smithsonian's Pittsburgh Museum branch, so the Italian collection, although amazing and extensive, is only a portion of this awesome museum! It just so happens to be located in the original Heinz plant... so no direct connection other than the fact that many of Pittsburgh's ethnic groups are represented there! Thanks for watching!

[@0329Christine]

The Heinz History Center is named for the late U.S.Senator and grandson of the founder of the famous company. They are/were not Italian (nor is ketchup) but the museum represents much LOCAL history.

[@dorothyedwards7225]

Very good to know.👌 Grazie!🙏🙏🤗

[@jenncampus]

My grandfather & his family immigrated from Sicily to western PA . They were farmers and actually grew tomatoes for Heinz ketchup!

[@joevaccaro6655]

“We find ourselves students again” 🎯 Great presentation and thanks for another video 👍

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie Joe! Thanks for watching!

[@nelsonviola8328]

I live in Pittsburgh now from Bridgeport Conn. Liked the episode. Just curious I saw John Viola in the credits. Not many Viola's around was curious about family connections. Thanks. Nelson Viola

[@ItalianAmerican]

John is our co-host and Exec. Producer... never know, could be a long lost cousin!

[@nelsonviola8328]

@@ItalianAmerican first. I'm not a stalker, I don't have a hole in my basement and I don't walk around in a trench coat.. lol. I was just curious. My grandfather was Nelson Patrick Viola from Bridgeport. He had a brother Tommy ( I did not know very well). My father who is 87 he enjoys his chardonnay..... I'll be with him on November 12 for the weekend. I'll ask about other names. One never knows. Thanks... I appreciated the reply

[@jeanneamato8278]

Where the Italian horn bracelet come from please?

[@forevercomescrashing]

How have you not done Chicago yet?

[@cledusvandamme4513]

Anch’io sono di Ascoli Piceno!!! Not many of us where I live in southeast Wisconsin. Lots of Calabrese here.

[@ItalianAmerican]

Le Marche is a beautiful place! You'll have to go visit Toni at Primanti Brothers! Thanks for watching!

[@francescoviscomi4258]

Calabresi are everywhere. Everywhere.

[@NJderWanderer]

Great

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie!

[@lukkyluciano]

The Primanti's Bros sandwich is on Mancini's Bread!!

[@jeanneamato8278]

When are you coming to Providence R I?

[@ItalianAmerican]

Looks like we are coming up to Providence soon!

[@Risingsun294]

12:43 Ascoli Piceno is in the Marche...😂🤦😟😨🥴🤦😂🤦😂🤦

[@ItalianAmerican]

Yea, that's what confused us too!!

[@williamdalcerro9476]

Food, food, food. Anyone interested in food-for-thought? To wit: The University of Pittsburgh (downtown) has its famous Nationality Rooms, and the one on Italy is spectacular: It features wooden benches listing every university in Italian history, beginning with Bologna, 1180. It also boasts a beautiful, stained-glass window featuring Elena Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman in the world to earn a Ph.D (the University of Padua, 1678). Two of the few positive movies ever made about Italian Americans were filmed in Pittsburgh: "Dominick and Eugene" with Tom Hulce and Ray Liotta and "The Bread, My Sweet" with Scott Baio. And why no mention of famous Italian Americans from the city such as jazz piano player Johnny Costa (who accompanied Mr. Rogers on his famous childrens' PBS television show) or the Miami Dolphins' all-time greatest quarterback, Dan Marino? Note: Pittsburgh's Little Italy, like many around the nation (except for San Diego's, Boston's, and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx), is turning into an empty cannolo shell. It's getting smaller and smaller. But, I get it: Italian Americans are like Eveline the Wicked Witch in "The Wiz": Don't Nobody Bring me No Bad News! Better to eat comfort food on-camera to keep the viewers happy and watching. Food and family take care of themselves. A deeper look into "italianita'" would be most welcome.

[@Runescape_God]

I'll go one step further and mention Perri Como, although from Canonsburg, ~20 miles south of the city, still, Pittsburgh metro. Bruno Sammartino, Joe Montana, and as you said, Dan Marino. It is unfortunate that Bloomfield's Italian population is shrinking. It's just been the nature of that city for many decades. Other neighborhoods in the city once had (and still have to some extent) considerable Italian populations: Morningside, Larimer, Oakland, and even further back, the Lower Hill District.

[@deanawells4395]

Little Italy in Baltimore Maryland is the best Italian American neighborhood 🎉❤

[@ndebresen24]

Use to live Pittsburgh I miss the food good and Jewish rye bread from home Cathy debresen B

[@LASTSET61]

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it at least one more time: Pat is the man.

[@ItalianAmerican]

He really is! Thanks for watching!

[@pablito2958]

which major american cities would you say are the most italian… providence RI, Boston, etc ?

[@ItalianAmerican]

Depends on how you're judging "most Italian". Highest percentage of Italian American residents is still New Haven, CT... most Italian/Italian American business and culture... then there are a few contenders. Some small out off the beaten path towns are incredibly rich in Italian American culture and history, while some major cities with famous "Little Italy" neighborhoods are kind of faded memories of what once was.

[@darensmith5270]

Baltimore Maryland has Little Italy! Great City, great food! Maryland born, Pittsburgh raised and education , returned to Maryland ! But I will always be a STEELERS FAN! I had to go to John's Hopkins Medical Center on a Friday! I was wearing a purple jacket and carrying a purple notebook. Everyone assumed I was a RAVENS fan! LOL! My dad was born and raised in Baltimore but I am a die hard STEELERS FAN I told them! Friday's are Wear Purple for the RAVENS day in Baltimore! 🤣😂🤣😂💜💜💜💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛

[@pablito2958]

@@ItalianAmerican i see, but what about BIG CITIES, ex Boston

[@pablito2958]

@@darensmith5270 Bears gonna win the super bowl this year you watch ;)

[@jasonmango5232]

You guys need to do Philly and then Norristown

[@ItalianAmerican]

Grazie Jason... both spots are definitely on our hit list... let us know any tips and recommendations you have in either place! We are always looking for advice from a local.

[@jasonmango5232]

@@ItalianAmerican there is also other Italian national parishes in Philly that have closed but are still around to see the beautiful architecture too. We also have the former Columbus Day Parade which changed its name this year to the Italian American Heritage Parade. I know folks who serve on the community besides myself.

[@jasonmango5232]

@@ItalianAmerican kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoLQhKFmetd-n8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoLQhKFmetd-n8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2GziHqPab13n9k

[@Runescape_God]

I didn’t know Norristown was an Italian American neighborhood, that’s pretty cool. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh but have lived in the Philly area for a few years now. I used to cut through norristown on my way to work, and loved the character of the neighborhood, reminded me a lot of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

[@jasonmango5232]

@@Runescape_God yup, some folks don't really know about the Italian American community that calls Norristown home. But you should come bye to check it out. I also lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years and lived in the Greenfield section of the city.

[@DolphinsDiveBar]

Why do you pronounce the bread joint, Man-see-knees and not Man-chee Knees?

[@ItalianAmerican]

We pronounce all businesses as their owners/managers do.

[@DGeffel15]

Next time your in town you have to pick up a Franco’s Italian Army shirt at Heinz Field.

[@ItalianAmerican]

100% right we do!! Franco is still the greatest!

[@bestofflorida7650]

No, can't compare to Italian NYC and Brooklyn. My Mom learned from the best from Sicily in Brooklyn. No one can compare.

[@MikeMiller-br6vs]

see you in May 2023 Mike Miller 38th Birthday GO STEELERS NO.#1

[@rvr1892]

You missed SO MUCH.....

[@ItalianAmerican]

Can anyone ever cover all the amazing things Italian Americans have contributed to any city in 15 minutes??? More videos from Pittsburgh are coming... and of course there will be return trips!

[@nelsonviola8328]

A tradition may be lost

[@bestofflorida7650]

Being from Metropolitan NY, Pittsburgh, unfortunately, can't compare at all to New York.

[@bestofflorida7650]

Mancini's Bread is absolutely the best Italian bread I've ever tasted.

[@bestofflorida7650]

Pittsburgh can't compare to New York's restaurants in preparing Italian food and restaurants. There will never be a comparative as New York shines shine above and beyond Pittsburgh. However, the best bread I've ever tasted.

[@appolop8273]

You guys are an embarrassment to the Italian culture. A sandwich without "La Mortadella", is not a sandwich, and is definitely not Italian. Capeesh!!!!

[@capwillard9156]

Veramente non esiste solo la mortadella in Italia, per quanto sia buona abbiamo una grande varietà di salumi. Capisci a me! Bravi ragazzi, bel lavoro su questo canale. Spero un giorno di fare un giro negli Stati Uniti! Saluti dall'Italia (Sardegna)

[@appolop8273]

@@capwillard9156 vai a dormire!!! capeesh!!!

[@ItalianAmerican]

GRAZIE! Thank you for watching from Sardegna!

[@jenncampus]

I live in Sardinia, too!

[@Runescape_God]

Such a jerk thing to say.

[@hvymettle]

Been to Pittsburgh a hundred times for business and it does have some great restaurants but I never had Italian food that was worth writing home about. The pizza is consistently awful.

[@Runescape_God]

What Italian and/or pizza joints have you tried there?

[@mariarooney6262]

You’ll have to go to Scranton, Old Forge,Pa. for the best pizza.

[@lukkyluciano]

Spend a little money and go to alle Famiglia or Joseph Tambellini's next time. As for Pizza you aren't really wrong. Our pizza is not as good as other cities. I like the Detroit style Red Top pie at Ironborn in Millvale the best A Vinny Pie with the grease is a guilty pleasure too but it's kind of a monstrosity not a pizza. The Ohio Valley square style or Beaver County square style with cold toppings is gross to me. (Beto's,, DiCarlos in Steubenville OH and Weirton WV, D&G in Beaver Falls, Al's, Buzzie's in Rochester, and Police Station in Ambridge but the station is the best imo) It is ok straight out the oven, literally eat it on the street in front of the place if you want it to be good. Plain cheese is my favorite because I dont care for cold toppings. I grew up in a town that served this stuff, I see people line up everyday at 3:50pm though to get in the door. It's just not for me. Pittsburgh doesn't do pizza very well. I've lived here my whole life and completely agree.

[@Runescape_God]

@@lukkyluciano I do think Pittsburgh has good pizza in not only what I'll refer to as "Pittsburgh Style" pizza (mineo's aiello's, fiori's, and vincent's), but also other other places that may appeal to the east coasters like LeLulo's, Pizza Lupo in Lawnreceville, slice of NY in Export, PA. For neopolitan style: Mercurio's, Proper Brick Oven & Tap, and Driftwood Oven, Common Oven in New Kensington etc. I can understand and agree with your statement that Pittsburgh doesn't do pizza as well as other cities, but I think you may want to reconsider saying that Pittsburgh doesn't do pizza well. I do think Pittsburgh has good pizza, and I've had pizza in three regions of Italy and some of the highest ranked places in New York City, Philly, Jersey, etc. But hey, I'm a Pittsburgh native so I'm biased. If you're on facebook, I recommend joining the group "Pittsburgh Pizza, hoagie, and wing joints". It has opened my eyes up to dozens of new places.