One of the small treasures of being a Pittsburgher are the various Pittsburgh history documentaries that Rick Sebak produces for WQED and Public Broadcasting. Lucky for us, these programs run almost constantly on one of WQED's digital sub-channels. Officially, it is the "WQED Neighborhood Channel", but in our house, Verizon FiOS channel 473 is known as the "Rick Sebak Channel".
Anyway, last night what should be playing but his show from 1990, "Things That Aren't Here Anymore". Of all of the many shows Sebak has done, this ranks among my favorites, and I have probably watched it literally dozens of times over the years. However, it was in viewing it last night that I discovered why these shows are so special and, essentially, timeless.
The climactic clip in this particular show was a segment about Forbes Field, which, as we all know, hasn't been here since 1970. In setting up the segment, Sebak interviews several people who were connected to Forbes Field and the Oakland neighborhood that surrounded it. One of these people was Ruth LeVallee of Kunst's Bakery in Oakland.
Now, as I said, I have seen this episode and segment dozens of times over the years, but last night it struck a new note for me.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Le Vallee this past winter when I helped make a campaign video for her grandson, Dan Le Vallee, who is currently running for United States Congress in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District. I got to know Ruth's son, and Dan's father, Charlie Le Vallee when I worked at Blue Cross. Charlie founded the what is now the Highmark Caring Foundation back in the mid-1980's, and it is the Caring Foundation that started the Highmark Caring Place for Grieving Children, where Marilyn and I volunteer. In fact, I met and worked with Dan Le Vallee when he became a fellow Caring Place Volunteer.
So, it was quite exciting to see Mrs. Le Vallee in watching "Things That Aren't Here Any More" once again. These "old" shows of Rick's have an amazing capacity to become "new" again with each viewing.
The Once Monthly Saturday North Side Morning Breakfast Club, of which I have written many times, had an exciting experience this morning today at Ye Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe, one of the North Side's finer establishments.
Dan Bonk, Jim Haller, Len Martin and I were interviewed and video taped for one of Rick Sebak's upcoming WQED Pittsburgh documentaries. The title of the show will be "The History of Pittsburgh in 17 Objects", and, please, don't ask why Rick is limiting it to only 17 objects.
As you might guess, Rick has chosen one of his objects to be sports related, and that is what brought him to the four of us this day at Ye Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe. I am not going to spoil the surprise as to what the object was we were discussing, although you may be able to surmise what it is by looking at the pictures below.
It was really interesting to be a part of one of Rick's shows and to see what goes into making one of these very special WQED shows. It was a lot of fun to be a part of it, no matter what may end up on the cutting room floor.
Here you see Rick interviewing Yours Truly:
Of course, there is no guarantee as to how much, if any of the footage filmed today will make it onto the final show, but hey, we can dream, can't we?
No air date has been set, but Rick is hoping for a debut sometime in April. Naturally, I will keep you all informed as more information becomes known.
With the Holiday Season behind us, we ventured out to Bloomfield yesterday to have lunch at Tessaro's, a terrific and cozy little neighborhood bar/bistro. The inspiration for this visit was Tessaro's, and specifically the hamburgers at Tessaro's, being featured on Rick Sebak's latest WQED Pittsburgh special, "25 Things I Like About Pittsburgh." After seeing the show last month, I casually mentioned on Facebook my desire to try one of these terrific burgers, and the comment box following my post exploded. "Greatest burger you'll ever eat" said some. "No it isn't," said others, "you should try _____ if you want a REALLY good burger." Sebak himself made a comment when he said that it was not his intention to designate "The Best Burger in Piittsburgh." He was merely listing 25 things that he, personally likes, and Tessaro's was one of them.
Anyway, we tried the burger at Tessaro's and found it perfectly delicious and satisfying. Doesn't it look good?
Is it the "best burger" ever? Not sure I'd go that far, but I would go back to Tessaro's again, and isn't that a good enough testimonial? It has also inspired me to spend 2013 on a hunt for the best burgers in the Pittsburgh area. Suggestions from anyone as to their choice of where to get the Best Burger in Town are welcome, and I shall post them here on The Grandstander.
Too bad that Dave's Lunch is no longer in business.
It was interesting when I asked our waitress if the mention on Sebak's show was a boost for business. It was indeed, she said, as they were packed at lunch hours, way beyond normal, for at least two weeks following the airing. She also told us that two other businesses featured on the show, the Seltzer Company and the lady who researches the history of your house and property, received so many phone calls and inquiries that they practically had to shut off their phones.
Rick Sebak is a powerful man, indeed!
