The Picture-Perfect Picnic
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Photography by Maya Elaine // Styling by Justin Matase and Jon Kunitsky // Place settings and blanket provided by GATHER in Sewickley (www.thegathershop.com)
Even if you’re not from here, it’s easy to see that Pittsburgh is a city with no shortage of waterfront property. From the South Shore Riverfront Park, to the Highline overlooking the Monongahela River, the South Side Marina, Point State Park, and the North Shore, there are a number of easily accessible and walkable outdoor spaces to give visitors a classic Pittsburgh experience. Because what would our City of Bridges be without it’s rivers?
Though, it’s no secret that these riverfront areas require a lot of planning and a ton of love to build and maintain. Riverlife has been tackling these projects for years, revitalizing Pittsburgh’s riversides and constructing walkable, bikeable, pet friendly regions. They’ve successfully renovated and built up 15 miles and 880 acres of public land on Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfronts and, in the process, have become a leader in making these areas into environmental, economic, and recreational hubs for the city.
For the past decade, Riverlife has thrown their annual Party at the Pier fundraiser to help fund these projects. It’s their biggest fundraising event of the year where guests gather on the Market Street pier in their cocktail party regalia and raise a glass to Pittsburgh’s rivers. Of course, that was before COVID.
Due to public gathering restrictions, Riverlife is turning this year's Party at the Pier into a photo contest and go-at-your-own-pace celebration. It’s called Riverlife's Party at the Pier: Return to the River Portraits, and it’s presented generously by PNC. Participants are encouraged to visit one of five riverfront sites, choose between four different poses, and snap a picture to submit online. Those who submit are automatically entered into a chance to win prizes. Find out how to take and enter your photo portrait here.
One pose Riverlife recommends this year is a Picture-Perfect Picnic Pose, so we’re taking part in the celebration by teaming up with Pittsburgh restaurants to offer packable, expertly curated picnic meals for you and your loved ones. Lay out a blanket and dig into a Middle Eastern feast from Khalil’s, Italian sandwiches from Mediterra Cafe, or a family-style fried chicken dinner from Cioppino. Check out the menus below and pick up your picnic from these participating restaurants, find yourself a spot on the riverfront, and snap that perfect picnic portrait.
Khalil’s Restaurant
Middle Eastern Feast ($39)
Hummus
Baba Ganough
Medumas
Mahamarra
Dolmas (vegan)
Spanakopita (vegetarian)
Feta Cheese & Kalamata Olives
Fresh and Pickled Vegetables
Handmade Baklava
Figs, dates, nuts
Bread
Mediterra Cafe
Picnic for 2 ($60)
Sandwiches - Choice of 2 charcuterie italian sandwiches on a baguette (vegetarian option available if necessary)
Charcuterie board - selection of curated salami and accompaniments.
Chips
Mediterra Bakehouse Cookies
Tea, Lemonade or Soda
See full menu at mediterracafe.com
Cioppino
Fried Chicken Dinner (Single $17, Family size $60)
Coleslaw
Mac and Cheese, or Mashed Potatoes
Cocktails to go ($11 each)
Spicy Tequila Cocktail - Olmeca Atlo Reposado, lemon juice, honey syrup, jalapeño
Honey Whiskey Cocktail - Jack Daniels, St Germaine, honey syrup, lemon juice
See full menu at cioppinopittsburgh.com
STORY BY Jon Kunitsky // PHOTOGRAPHY BY Maya Elaine //
Styling by Justin Matase and Jon Kunitsky
Don’t miss a single delicious thing!