Author: Rick Sebak
Around Town: Rick Sebak Explains the Truth of the Fresh Turkey
He says a visit to a local turkey farm in 2017 was a revelation.
Around Town: The Fresh Take on Thai Food by the River in Blawnox
Rick Sebak recounts his first visit to what's become one of his favorite restaurants.
A Pittsburgh Bottling Plant That Thrives With Its Old School Methods
Rick Sebak explores a business that started in 1904 and remains a functioning, thriving and fascinating small business.
Around Town: Rick Sebak Finds Great Barbecue in an Old Gas Station
Mitch's BBQ got its start as a micro-convenience store and car wash that sold ice cream.
Around Town: Rick Sebak Slides into a Salad
Rick and his camera crew stumble upon a unique way to persuade people to eat their greens.
Around Town: Rick Sebak Was in Love From The First Lick
Rick discovers a custom-made flavor at an Oakland ice cream shop.
Around Town: Rick Sebak Digs Into Pittsburgh Hash
As expected, this variant of a popular breakfast meal includes a nod to other Pittsburgh food favorites. #PghHash
Around Town: Rick Sebak Finds a Great Egg Roll … In a Hot Dog Shop?
Oh, and the hot dogs are pretty good too.
Growing Up in Bethel Park: Rick Sebak
Living in a suburb where everything was within walking distance helped create a love of all our neighborhoods.
Mon River, Wider than a Mile: Henri Mancini’s Surprising Roots
The locally bred (but Cleveland-born) composer Henry Mancini’s biggest hit wasn’t named after the Monongahela — but his ties to the region run deep.
Sweet Memories of East Liberty’s Neighborhood Jazz Legend
Erroll Garner, one of the most beloved, influential and swinging pianists of the 20th century, was born June 15, 1921, at 212 N. St. Clair St. in East Liberty.
He was the Mon Valley’s Founding Father
Albert Gallatin was 19 years old in 1780, but his youth didn’t deter him from emigrating from Geneva, Switzerland, to the newly declared independent nation of American states.
A Famous Socialite’s Pittsburgh Connection
When she arrived in 1917, Perle Mesta wasn’t crazy about Pittsburgh.
The Westmoreland Reporter Who “Invented the Interview”
Anne Royall grew up just outside Pittsburgh but didn’t see it until she was a renowned journalist.
Johnny Mathis Is Coming for a Sleepover
Three sisters from Ambridge became such devoted fans of the crooner Johnny Mathis that they eventually welcomed him as a houseguest.
The Future French President’s Big Mistake in Pittsburgh
The future French president was generally a fan of Pittsburgh but made one poor decision during a 2006 visit.
A Unique Honor for the King of Dukes
Duquesne basketball legend Chuck Cooper broke the NBA’s color line in 1950; next year, he’s getting a posthumous, one-of-a-kind honor at his former campus.
George S. Kaufman’s Sensational Scandal
The Pittsburgh-born playwright made tabloid headlines in the 1930s. (it didn’t slow him down a bit.)
This Brit Fell in Love with Pittsburgh's Dirt
During the Civil War, a British writer was enchanted by Pittsburgh’s dirt and soot.
5 Best Pittsburgh-Area Diners Where You Could See Rick Sebak
Sebak is the foremost expert on the diners of the Pittsburgh region — he made the documentary “Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants” in 1993 and has been frequenting local greasy spoons ever since. We asked him to share his picks for the area’s five best.
Remembering Some of Mister Rogers' Famous Houseguests
A world renowned French pantomime artist, an astronaut, a TV news anchor and a beloved chef are among the notable visitors to Mister Rogers' neighborhood.
The Famous People Who Visited WQED in its First 65 Years
The parade of prominent people started early and continues today.
Scrapbooks Share Pittsburgh's Subterranean Secrets
Beneath a longstanding Strip District church, visitors could once descend into catacombs.
What Brought Walt Disney to Pittsburgh
A futuristic attraction at the Allegheny County Fair drew a curious Walt Disney to Pittsburgh — and had a lasting impact on modern transportation.
Our 50 Years: Why I Hate Nostalgia
Enjoying memories is fun – but a far cry from pining for the past.
Theirs was a Starry-Eyed Pittsburgh Romance
John Brashear dedicated his life to science — and his wife, Phoebe.
The Pittsburgh Connection to “Good Morning Vietnam”
Robin Williams’ character in the hit movie was based on an accomplished Pittsburgh DJ.
Rick Sebak Introduces You to Pittsburgh's Circus King
Multi-talented performer Dan Rice may be “the most famous man you've never heard of.”
Rick Sebak Details the Town Named for Eleanor
The First Lady's many area trips endeared her to the region — and one community in particular.
Czechoslovakia was Forged in Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak details how the establishment of the European nation began with a meeting Downtown.
Remembering Bruno Sammartino: “The Italian Superman”
The storied grappler captured the imagination — and the hearts — of generations of Pittsburghers.
Four Soldiers from McKeesport Carried Lincoln at the End
A quartet of local soldiers played a role in Lincoln’s final hours.
Rick Sebak Digs Up Distant Carnegie-Trump Connection
Research into Andrew Carnegie’s marriage reveals an unlikely, albeit tenuous, connection between the Pittsburgh icon and the 45th President.
A Pittsburgh Councilman Is the Father of Daylight Saving Time
Robert Garland helped initiate the shifting of time in America.
Jack Kerouac: Manager of the Pittsburgh Plymouths
In a league of his own making, the famous writer cast himself as the skipper of a (fantasy) Pittsburgh ball club.
Billy Strayhorn Wasn’t Born Here, but that Doesn’t Matter
A look back at the the Pittsburgh journey of jazz great Billy Strayhorn.
Why Pittsburgh Used to Hate Alexander Hamilton
The musical “Hamilton” made its subject a hero again, but Alexander Hamilton wasn’t always beloved in western Pennsylvania.
For You the Red Sky Shone
Exploring the role Pittsburgh played in the life of the quirky songwriter Loudon Wainwright III.
The Time Harry Truman Got Pulled over on the Pa. Turnpike
President Harry S. Truman's trips through Western Pennsylvania.
Historic Men on an Ordinary Roadtrip Through Pittsburgh
Following the trail of the Vagabonds, a quartet of prominent travelers who journeyed to Pittsburgh and beyond.
Did George Romero Ever Think Pittsburgh was Scary?
Paying tribute to the late filmmaker, whose work in Pittsburgh changed cinema.
A Great Novelist Finds Her Voice in Pittsburgh
Lauded writer Willa Cather spent her formative years in the city's east end neighborhoods.
What Were the First Words Written About Pittsburgh?
Searching for the story behind the first written mention of the Pittsburgh area, which purportedly occurred 300 years ago.
Remembering Henry Hillman
Reflecting on the impact of the businessman, civic visionary and philanthropist.
How a President Turned Pittsburgh into a City of Pancakes
Recounting the Pittsburgh visits (and pancake preferences) of the former first family.
David Byrne's Two-Wheeled Exploration of Pittsburgh
Rick Sebak recalls the the local rides of the Talking Heads frontman.
The Origins of Isaly’s: It's Not What You Think
Tracing the story of the chain back to its roots — which, surprisingly, are not in Pittsburgh.
Like a Boss. Springsteen's Ping-Pong Stop in Pittsburgh
Tales from Springsteen’s visits to the steel city — including a disastrous game of table tennis.
