Lady Gaga in Concert at PPG Paints Arena; Istanbul Sofra Serving Turkish Food Parkside (Mon., 11/20/17)

1) In the hierarchy of stardom there is a level above “Superstar” or even “Megastar.” It includes the rare few who are, like the absolutely most insane hills on the Tour de France, “Beyond Category”—and among those few is Lady Gaga. She displays such phenomenal phenomenon-ship that it’s tempting to call her a force of nature, except she wasn’t literally “Born This Way.” Watch one of her astounding live performances that’s been preserved on video, like “Paparazzi” at the 2009 VMA Awards. What you’re seeing (and hearing) is a Lady Gaga who has studied and practiced music since childhood, who also studied and practiced acting at some of the best places for the craft in her native New York City, and who furthermore has assembled around her a top-notch creative team. In short, Gaga may be either the Hardest Working Woman in Show Business or a co-titleholder. In her spare (?) time she is a tireless philanthropist and social activist. Her “Awards and nominations” page on Wikipedia runs to more than 80 categories. And if you want to catch Lady Gaga in Pittsburgh, you’d better run to PPG Paints Arena. 7:30 p.m. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. (MV)

Lady Gaga performing ‘Joanne’ on the Joanne World Tour in September. Photo: Marcel de Groot.

2) Open for a few years now, Istanbul Sofra is a welcome addition to that colorful culinary corner on South Braddock and Forbes across from Frick Park. Seinfeld’s Kenny Bania would proclaim their lentil soup “the best, Jerry, the best.” The falafels, hummus, and kebabs are also hard to beat.  Additionally cool: BYOB; outdoor seating and cay. That last item is pronounced “chai,” but don’t confuse it with those sugary lattés from Starbucks. A dark red tea, cay comes in tulip-shaped glasses and is a symbol of Turkish hospitality. Top off your meal with some Turkish coffee and baklava. 7600 Forbes Ave., Regent Square. (CM)

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