When most people think of Pittsburgh, they think of the Steelers or maybe they think of the old Steel Town. What most people don't know is that Pittsburgh is a vibrant town full of folks who play as hard as they work, who enjoy good food and good company almost as much as they love football.
With all the hoopla going on around the Super Bowl and the Steelers, I admit it... I'm homesick. Since I can't be in the 'Burgh to enjoy the Big Game with my family, I have to do the next best thing and celebrate the Steelers right here in AZ.
As every Steelers fan knows, getting the right food for the game is crutial! And I know just the guy to see!
Pittsburgh native Randy Walters is the Big Dog of Pittsburgh Willy's Gourmet Hot Dogs located inside the Merchant Square Antique Mall in Chandler, Randy is the owner, chief cook and bottle washer...As well as a great ambassador of Pittsburgh and especially Steelers Football. He has a great story. After he found himself unexpectedly unemployed, he showed that typical Pittsburgh work ethic and decided to open his own business. Inspired by his father's 1940's hot dog cart, he bought his own and immediately put his own spin on the classic dog by adding gourmet toppings.
Many years of hard work later, Randy parked his cart and opened Pittsburgh Willy's in Chandler. With a larger kitchen and indoor eating area for his customers, Randy now offers even more to love on his menu. Homemade no bean chili, Soup made from scratch daily and the pulled pork made with locally made BBQ sauce are all out of this world. But what brings me back time and again to visit are the Pierogies!
What the heck is a Pierogie? For those unfamiliar with a Pierogie, it is Polish and Eastern European dish similar to a ravioli... only different. These dumpling pockets can be filled with anything from Chicken to Fruit. They can be fried, boiled or baked. When made correctly they are light fluffy bites of heaven.
In Pittsburgh, they are often made for Holidays (especially for days when people would refrain from eating meat for religious reasons) and "back in the day" they were a popular church fundraiser. Because of this tradition, in The 'Burgh you will usually only find Pierogies in the standard flavors of Potato, Potato-Cheese, Cheese and Saurkraut.
While it is true that my grandmother taught me to make Pierogies when I was about 6, they are very labor intensive and take true practice to get "just right" and not too heavy. Lucky for me... I have Randy.
Every Wednesday, you'll find homemade Pierogies at Pittsburgh Willy's!! Made by hand with love by Randy, his wife Cyndee and their wonderful daughters, these Pierogies are worth the drive to Chandler! Light, Fluffy Potato-Cheese Pierogies smothered (Pittsburgh Style) in butter and sauteed onions. They transport me back to my grandmother's kitchen on Sunday's after church... with the Steelers on TV of course!
I was lucky, I put in an order for a couple dozen and they will be the STAR on my table for Super Bowl Sunday!
At Pittsburgh Willy's Gourmet Hot Dogs you'll also find "Pittsburgh Sliders" and the "Wild Willy" both of which feature CHIPPED HAM! Yinz guys from Pittsburgh know what I'm talking about! Delicious, paper thin shreds of cooked ham served on a "sammich" YUM!
 
You can Find Pittsburgh Willy's inside the Merchant Square Antiques Mall in Chandler, 1509 N. Arizona Ave just south of Warner Rd.
Still looking for something "Pittsburgh" to hit the spot?
How 'bout a Primanti's style sandwich? I got ya covered!
The new DiVerti Restuarant in Tempe features Primanti Style Sandwiches! Called the "Overstuffed Sandwich", it features thick slices of Italian Bread piled high with your choice of meats and cheeses and topped with homemade slaw and fries.
Of course, purists will argue that the only place to get a REAL Primanti's sandwich is in the Strip District of Pittsburgh (usually at 2AM). But the Strip is a long way off and you're hungry NOW... Tempe is not that far away! I chose Roast Beef with Double Provalone Cheese (just like I do at Primanti's). I have to tell you, I was satisfied with this sandwich! I thought as a whole it was a great substitute! I also have to recommend the Sweet Potato Tater Tots at Diverti. No... they're not a 'Burgh thing but they WERE very tasty!
DiVerti Restuarant in Tempe is located at the corner of University and Mill (4 East University Avenue) with parking available on the ramp in back.
And if you don't mind waiting in line, the now famous Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert is also featuring a special sandwich they are calling a "Primanti's Tribute" which has delicious, tender corned beef and swiss topped with homemade slaw and fries. In all fairness, they are also offering a Green Bay sandwich (on a pretzel bun) but I didn't sample that.
 Now I have to stop and pick up my Iron City Beer. Ok, I'll admit, it's not "good" beer, but it IS a Pittsburgh Tradition. Locally, you can find Iron City at Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona in Tempe. They used to sell it at Tops on University, but no luck this year. Picked up 1 case of IC Light, and 1 case of Rolling Rock (another Pgh Favorite) and I'm on my way. (Southern Wine & Spirits of Arizona is located at 2404 South Wilson Street in Tempe call for availability (480) 921-8390)
And last but not least... original Wise Potato Chips, another Pittsburgh fave, can be found at AJ's Fine Foods!
I guess I'm ready for the Superbowl now. I hope that you have as much fun watching the game as I will! But even if you just tune in to watch the commercials, I hope you enjoy good friends and GOOD FOOD this Sunday! And the best part of all? NO SNOW IN PHOENIX!
GO STEELERS!
'Burgh Girl Jennifer Civettini with Pittsburgh Willy
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