‘Kinky Boots’ Opens at Benedum; Sausalido Continues Strong in Bloomfield (Tues., 9/20/16)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EoXr07bmAs

1) From Jersey Boys to Hamilton, musicals based on true stories are an odd lot, and one of the oddest is Kinky Boots. Winner of six Tony Awards (including Best Musical) in 2013, the show is derived from the true tale of a shoe-factory owner who saved his business by converting it to produce specialty footwear: the high-heeled, high-fashion boots worn by men who perform as drag queens. Kinky Boots played locally last year with Pittsburgh native Billy Porter in his Broadway lead role as Lola, the queen who inspires the factory man to get those boots rolling off the line. Now the musical returns, minus Porter, but in a lauded national touring production. Kinky Boots has music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper with a book by Broadway veteran Harvey Fierstein. 7:30 p.m. Ends Sunday. At Benedum Center, 237 7^th St., Cultural District.

2) Sausalido, California is a charming enclave at the northern end of San Francisco Bay. It’s restaurants serve the freshest seafood and whatever is in season in the nearby farm fields. Sausalido Bistro in Bloomfield—Pittsburgh’s Little Italy neighborhood—reflects these same accents. Featuring seasonal menus, their current one is highlighted by starters: carbonara arancini, and Tuscan chicken thighs; entrees: Mediterranean eggplant lasagna, lump crab cakes, and orecchiette pasta. And save room for their Lemon Fresh Berry cheesecake for dessert. Sausalido is owned by Nick Mineo (whose father Domimic and aunt Sarah own the venerable Shadyside Market). Executive chef is Michael Simpson. Dinner only. Lunch for private parties and catering. 4621 Liberty Ave.

3) Entertainment Central’s food writer Deborah McDonald loves Biddle’s Escape, on Biddle Avenue between Regent Square and Wilkinsburg. Deborah reports they have a great selection of coffee drinks, teas, and sweet treats.  She especially likes the Hungarian szegedi kave: 2 shots of espresso, 2 shots of steamed cream, maple/cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream. Another cool thing, Deborah says, is their patio where on a warm day you can sit beneath the trees and carved wood faces and enjoy the shade. As you may remember from local history and a movie titled Mrs. Soffel, the Biddle brothers escaped from the Allegheny County jail with the aid of Mrs. Soffel (the warden’s wife who was in love with one of the brothers) in 1902. 401 Biddle Ave., Regent Square/Wilkinsburg.

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