Unique Woman-owned Tastes in Pittsburgh

In honor of Women’s History Month, here is a taste of five food-focused businesses with a legendary reputation and trailblazing new pathways of flavor in Pittsburgh. Women-owned, of course:

Sprezzatura

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As a woman-owned business, Sprezzatura specializes in harnessing Italian and European heritage cooking to add flair with flavor, aptitude, and equitable fun for all in the heart of Millvale. The café and catering kitchen offers dine-in counter service, catering, takeout, events, wholesale, and community partnerships on a regular basis with keeping seasonal tastes and the growing season in mind. With a revamped website, check out the café menu online, upcoming events, and more as the eco-friendly, frivolous, viva-like fun matches the mood and food of the powerhouse that includes owner Jen Saffron and her team.

Leona’s Ice Cream

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An ice cream that fits everyone’s dietary restrictions that punches a mouthful of creamy, natural flavors is Leona’s Ice Cream’s female-empowered game. With all types of flavors that mix a yinzer’s heartwarming obsession with a brain freeze, the indulgent, decadent, and usually worthwhile mess of this unique product comes off the shelves like a kid in a candy shop during summertime. Did we mention it’s 100% lactose-free? Everyone can enjoy the curious, flavor-blasted creations of Leona’s Ice cream. The ice cream haven concentrates on seasonal flavors with offerings changing every week but be sure to find Leona’s at specific locations in the region to satisfy that craving of a Pittsburgh favorite. 

The Butterwood Bake Consortium

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The Butterwood Bake Consortium is like stepping into otherworldly royalty with the dessert café inspired by 1880’s Austrian coffeehouse and brothels of the old west. With a very specific taste in décor comes the distinctive baked goods that live up to the perfect vibe of living your best, luxurious life. Plus, the dessert café offers cake and pie by the slice, organic desserts, party cakes, KLVN coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and more. Check out her online store for everything sweet-toothed related such as fun, beautiful gift boxes, full-blown tiered cakes for sale, or individual items to treat yourself.

Rolling Pepperoni

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Specializing in gourmet pepperoni rolls while sticking to Appalachian roots, Rolling Pepperoni offers savory delicacies and taste-worthy sweets to match any hunger craving for perfectly baked stuffed dough. Driving up to the bread shop comes up fast on the hustle and bustle of Butler Street, but the bakery has convenient parking to come in, relax as the versatile shop offers coffee, too, and enjoy the robust aromas as you pick one, or a whole batch, of golden-baked rolls creatively curated by owner Katt Schuler. Plus, she offers vegan options, too!

Allegheny Wine Mixer

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Open for inside service Wednesday through Saturday, this dreamland of distinct wines, specialty cocktails, beers, toasties, plus plated, palatable pairs of cheese and meets will be the perfect hideaway to enjoy as a relaxing evening out. The space is tightly cozied so large groups are highly discouraged but bring six friends or less and have a great time! Learn about a new wine from helpful, expert guides that can navigate a seasoned sipper or newcomer to everything and anything in preferred tastes of red, white, rosé, sparkling, or dessert wines. Feeling a little frisky with your meat and cheese plate? Order up a boilermaker, which is a half shot with a chaser. You’ll be feeling warm, fuzzy, and immersed in class and sass in no time.

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.