Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

At the busy intersection of South Highland Avenue and Penn Circle South, near the Goodwill clothing store, the upscale restaurant Spoon (on right) and adjacent BRGR Bar (center) are owned by executive chef Brian Pekarcik, Pittsburgh Magazine's 2012 Chef of the Year.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Union Pig and Chicken in the East Liberty neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Mural in the East Liberty neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Interior of the Union Pig and Chicken.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

The menu at Union Pig and Chicken is all about barbeque.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Vanilla Pastry Studio in East Liberty serves cupcakes and other sweet confections.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Chocolate cupcake with espresso buttercream at Vanilla Pastry Studio.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Chris Rhodes, owner of Zeke's Coffee in East Liberty, roasts one pound of coffee at a time.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Dinette in East Liberty serves pizza in a stylish setting.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Spicy spinach and egg pizza at Dinette in East Liberty.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Conflict Kitchen was a take-out style storefront serving food from countries with which the US is in conflict. It recently closed at this location and has been functioning as a Cuban paladar (home-based restaurant) until it secures a new space downtown.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Cuban food to-go at Conflict Kitchen: black beans and rice with roast pork.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh.

Necee Regis for the Boston Globe

Thomas Jamison and his partner Alecia Shipman opened Dream Cream Ice Cream in Pittsburgh's Cultural District as part of a city-sponsored Pop-Up Project.