build guild pittsburgh a success!

Our first Build Guild Pittsburgh meeting took place last week. I'm just now getting the chance to write a few things about it.

First we had about 30 people show, which, for a small event was a great turnout. Hoping we can get even more next time.

The group that gathered was an interesting mix of university folk, freelance designers and programmers and we also had a few entrepreneurs and company owners.

I snagged 2 free books (Illustrator and InDesign CS4 Quick Start) and shared some industry stories.

The food at Silky’s in Bloomfield was very good, I had a large salad along with 3 pints.

The only real drag was the lack of AC..the place was pretty sweltering by the end of the night.


PS. I played my first game of Shufflepunk and won!


Photos: flickr.com

I miss the beach

We didn't go to the beach this year. Wanted to save a bit of money and put it towards the new kitchen. As the summer winds to a close, I'm realizing how much I miss the beach and going with our friends. Here's a list of things I miss..I hope the winter goes by fast.

1. Driving up to the beach house on that first day
2. Cracking the first beer
3. The madness of getting everything unpacked and in it's proper place
4. Playing mini golf
5. Eating Thrasher Fries on the OC Boardwalk
6. Not dieting
7. A beach book
8. A nice, real tan
9. Shopping with the girls
10. Crab stuffed with Lobster
11. Good seafood in general (PITT sucks}
12. Being lazy and being allowed
13. I miss spending time with my friends most of all.

This sandwich is sticking it's tongue out at me.

Gotta love Fatheads! Nothing like getting up early on a Saturday (yes, 10am is early for me..lol) and getting to Fatheads for a gigantic sandwich and beer. The stress of life will just melt away, guaranteed.


It's also fun to join the Beer Campers..what a fun group. They all made a trek to the new Fatheads Cleveland for the grand opening.

Build Guild, Pittsburgh

Wednesday August 12, 2009 at 6:30pm
Silky's Pub
5135 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224 Get Directions

The Build Guild is a simple thing. A regular gathering of the web-folk with no commercial purposes. Talk web, design, industry topics, share some ideas, network and make professional connections, maybe pick up a freelance project or gig. Have a pint. Have 3 pints. Meet someone new. Complain about Microsoft.

There are no keynote speeches. No formal agenda. No rules. Just people.

So if you're a designer, developer, strategist, project manager, information architect or even a hobbyist, come on out.

RSVP Here

Funnel Cakes FTW!

We made funnel cakes this weekend...so good and easy, you're almost certain to have the ingredients in your cupboards right now...midnight snack anyone?

Blue Dust Bar

The Blue Dust Bar near the Waterfront is a great little hangout with a surprising selection of beers and tasty food. I highly recommend the Asian Chicken Wrap with fresh veggies and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

This place was not crowded at all on Saturday at 7:00 and would be ideal to take a larger party last minute.

May I also say that the bathroom was immaculate …yes I really do pay attention to things like this.

Blue Dust is a nice change from all the chain restaurants in the Waterfront area.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Pittsburgh Restaurants

We love to eat and by “we” I mean Steve and I and most of our friends. We’re kid-less, dog-less and have a cornucopia of free time to enjoy the finer things. Pittsburgh gives foodies a variety of eatables from fried to soul, we got it all.

I’m no food critic and don’t claim to be a foodie, but I know good food when I taste it and frankly find it hilarious that people over 21 are still eating at the Olive Garden when there are places like Girasole out there.

I’m always looking for new and exciting food experiences to delight my innards. I’m hoping to keep an ongoing journal of my eating adventures to spread the word and help restaurants that are making an effort to make good food.

Let’s get started with a good:

Mallorca Restaurant

Mouth watering Spanish cuisine with ample portions and a long list of specials that you’ll have the waiter repeat several times. The Spanish chorizo sausage is our favorite starter, I always say, there's nothing like flaming sausage, you gotta try it! With each entrée come 3 large sides of Spanish rice, vegetables and homemade potato chips to die for. We always end up taking the sides home and frying them up at a later date. The meal ends with a small shot of Amaretto, which the waiter always sets down along with the phrase “for people in love”. A very romantic end to a perfect meal.


The only downside to this special spot is the noise and the crowds. They really pack’em in and sometimes you’ll end up practically sitting in a strangers lap.

I suggest sitting outside when the weather is nice. There’s nothing like enjoying wonderful food and wine with your love while a plethora of unique and interesting folks walk by on the streets of South Side.

Enjoy Mallorca!