‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour
I originally began my tour guide “career” in December 2007 with the “Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation”, volunteering as a docent for student tours. At about that time, my husband and I returned from a trip to New York City which included an exciting, informative culinary tour. These two experiences spawned an idea. So I immediately began researching and quickly learned that most major cities were offering culinary tours of some kind. It was then I realized what Pittsburgh was missing. Thus began “Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour”.
A tour group prepares to taste a delicacy at Sausalido.
I started the business with a Strip District Market tour, which includes tastings of pepperoni roll, hummus, cheese, biscotti and more. Tied into that tour is the history and culture of the Strip District and its importance in Pittsburgh history.
When I started the business, I expected to conduct one tour a week. That quickly surpassed my expectations, and today I service 2–3 tours a week. With such an overwhelming positive response, it prompted me to add tour guides and investigate new tours. As a result, one of those new tours is the Bloomfield-Little Italy tour. I first became familiar with Bloomfield when a friend, who owned a house on Ella Street, asked me to house sit (and cat sit) while she was away. I became a Bloomfield resident for two months and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved the close-knit community and the various shops and restaurants.
A tour group enters Grasso Roberto Café.
On the Bloomfield tour, I try to share that feeling of community with tour participants. We enjoy tastings of pasta, gelato, pizza and other local favorites. The vendors have been very welcoming and supportive. You can sense the pride in their businesses and neighborhood and how they enjoy sharing their passion with others. In addition to the visits at the various food shops, I point out places and businesses of interest that are non-food, and talk about the unique history and culture of the area.
The feedback I have received so far has been very positive. Here is a comment from a recent tour participant, Beth K.:
I liked the Bloomfield tour because you really got the feel of the neighborhood’s charm as you visited with the vendors. Experiencing that along with the food they prepared, made for an enjoyable day spent with friends!
I have a genuine affection for Pittsburgh and love sharing that passion with others. I encourage everyone to be a tourist in their own city!
Sylvia McCoy
‘Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour
