Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

Are you going to the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. This year the show will be March 1st-10th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  It is sponsored by Duquense Light.  There are over 1600 exhibits including one featuring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.  Keep reading to learn more.

The 32nd annual Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show runs March 1-10 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, sponsored by Duquesne Light.

In addition to 1,600 exhibits, the show will feature "Gettysburg 150," marking the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg this summer with re-enactors, artifacts and informational programs on the Civil War.

Hours are 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.

Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, free for children under 6 ($1.50 discount at The Home Depot). Parking is $6 at Heinz Field on the North Side, with free continuous shuttles. Information: www.pghhome.com or 412-231-8400.

Here are two quick previews, a schedule for the events at the PGU Showcase Stage and Crawford Grill and the index of exhibitors organized by home and garden category for your convenience:
 
A Taste of Italy at the Home Show
 
The Post-Gazette's Gretchen McKay offers a few favorite and easy Italian recipes that will get to table quickly without compromising taste, health or interest.
 
Recalling the Battle of Gettysburg


Re-enactors will give Home Show visitors a sample of what life was like for the soldiers during the Civil War.
 
Here's the class schedule for PGU at the Home Show


From music to cooking demonstrations, the PGU Showcase Stage and Crawford Grill will be busy during the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show. All programs free with paid admission.
 
Your map to the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show: Exhibitors by Category


An index to the exhibitors at the 2013 Home Show with a key to their location in the Convention Center.



Read more at the PPG.

Events in Pittsburgh for the Week

Check out these great events in Pittsburgh over the next week.  These events are all discounted or free for you and your family.  We hope you have a safe and happy weekend!

Friday, February 22

Irish Dance Lessons at Claddagh – $5

Sushi Happy Hour at Blue – FREE Sushi Buffet w/ a beverage purchase

Good Fridays at The Andy Warhol Museum – 1/2 priced admission

Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Friday Night Improv at Studio Theater – $3

Salsa Fridays at Cabaret at Theater Square – $5

Kinder Klimb at REI – FREE with $20 LIFETIME membership

Line Dancing lessons at Saddle Ridge – FREE

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Friday – $3 or less

Friday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Fridays

Saturday, February 23

Kid-a-Palooza – $9 or less

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic: Grave Digger - FREE

Someday Is Today – Charity Event and Chance Auction – $5

Global Village Spaghetti Dinner - FREE/donations accepted

Observatory SkyWatch at the Science Center – $1

Saturday Nights at Swing City – $10-12

SCIT Social Improv Jam - FREE

Saturday Light Brigade Radio Show – FREE

Sunday, February 24

Free Sunday Afternoons at the Carnegie Library – FREE

Fifty Cent Sundaze at Arsenal Bowling Lanes – $.50 cent games, shoe rental and hot dogs

Starving Artist Sunday Supper at Brillobox - $6

Sunday Brunch Deals – affordable local brunches

Sunday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Sunday – $3 or less

Sunday Bloody Mary Specials in Pittsburgh – ‘Mary specials in the ‘Burgh on Sundays

Monday, February 25

Interval Mondays at AVA – $3 cover

Bargain Mondays at South Side Works Cinema – $6 admission all day with concession specials

AcoustiCafe – FREE admission and drink specials

Totally Free Mondays at Steel City Improv Theater – FREE

Affordable Monday at South Side Works – Around $35 for two people

Salsa Mondays at Seviche – FREE, no cover

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Mondays – discounted movies on Mondays

Monday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Monday – $3 or less

Cheap Monday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Mondays

Tuesday, February 26

Your Big Day Bridal Show – $10

2 for 1 admission to the Clayton – purchase one admission, get another FREE

$2 Tuesdays at North Versailles Bowling Center – $2 games

Two for Tuesday at Color Me Mine – two paint for the price of one

Ceili Dance Lessons – FREE

JazzLive at the Backstage Bar – FREE

Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

Tiny Tots at Romp N Roll Skating Rink – $5.00 for food, skating and skates

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Terrific Tuesday in the Cultural District - Around $30-$35 for two people

Tuesday Knitting Group – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays – discounted movies on Tuesdays

Tot Tuesdays at The Aviary - 1/2 off admission for children 5 and under w/ paying adult

Tuesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Tuesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Tuesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Tuesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Tuesdays

Wednesday, February 27

Community Night at the Union Project - Donation based

Ceramics Open Studio at the Union Project - $10

Yoga on Centre Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

$1 Night at North Versailles Bowling Center – $1 games, food, drink & shoe rental specials

Pittsburgh Banjo Club Open Rehearsal – FREE

Open Mic Night at Cannon Coffee – FREE

Mommy & Me Wednesdays at My Little Outback – $2 discount

Bluegrass Night at the Park House – FREE Bluegrass music

Dave & Buster’s 1/2 off game day – 1/2 priced games all day

99 cent movies all day – 99 cents

Wednesday Knitting Group – FREE

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays – discounted movies on Wednesdays

Wednesday Wing Deals – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Wednesday – $3 or less

1/2 off Wine on Wednesday – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Cheap Wednesday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Wednesdays

Thursday, February 28

Family Night at Schenly Ice Rink - Kids skate free with each paying adult

Entrepreneurial Thursdays at Little E’s – $5

GlobalPittsburgh Internation Networking Event - $5 nonmembers, FREE members

Play Dates on Ice - $4.25

Senior discount admission at Clayton – $5 instead of $12

Thursday Matinee at the Harris Theater – $5.00

offCenter at the August Wilson Center – FREE

Roger Humphries Jazz Jam Session at CJ’s in the Strip - No cover

1/2 off Wine on Thursdays – 1/2 price wine by the bottle or glass

Storytimes Around the City – FREE

Salsa Thursdays at Bossa Nova – FREE, no cover

New Mothers Knitting Group – FREE

Pittsburgh Improv Jam Comedy Show - $3 plus $2.50 craft beer special

Folding Space Pay-What-You-Can yoga classes – pay what you can

Thursday Funday Downtown – $20 to $25 per person for an ENTIRE evening out

Cheap Movie Deals Around the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – discounted movies on Thursdays

Cheap Burgers in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays – $3 or less

Thursday Wing Nights – wing specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

Cheap Thursday Taco Days – taco specials in the ‘Burgh on Thursdays

For more information see Living Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's Fish Fry Guide

 It is the lenten season, which means people are on the lookout for the best fish fry?  Check out KDKA's top list of fish frys in the Pittsburgh area.  These fish frys started last week and will continue until Good Friday.  These are great events for everyone to go out and eat some delicious fish on a Friday!

KDKA FISH FRY GUIDE

Adamsburg and Community Volunteer Fire Department

495 Edna Road
Adamsburg, Pa. 15611 Where: Event hall When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent Times: Special Ash Wednesday 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Fridays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Menu & Cost: All meals include a choice of two sides and a drink.
Sides include: macaroni and cheese, haluski, french fries, or coleslaw. Fish sandwich $7.75; shrimp dinner $9; fish and shrimp dinner $8.25. Kid’s meals: all kid’s meals include one side and a drink.
(sides include: macaroni and cheese, haluski, french fries, or coleslaw) 4 fish sticks $4.75; 2 chicken tenders $4.75. Sandwiches: fish sandwich $4.50; mega fish sandwich $7.50. A la carte items: coleslaw $2; french fries $2; french fries with cheese $2.25; macaroni and cheese $2; haluski $2; perogies $2; 4 mozzarella sticks $2.50; 3 pieces of shrimp $3; 1 piece of fish $3; 3 chicken tenders $5; drinks $0.75
(pepsi, diet pepsi, mt. dew, iced tea, 7-up, bottled water, coffee, hot tea) Takeout Phone Number: 724-527-2180 Website: adamsburgpafire.org

Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 32

302 Mansfield Boulevard
Carnegie, Pa., 15106 Where: Ukrainian-America Citizens Club When: Every Friday throughout Lent except Good Friday Times: 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Menu: Baked Cod, Baked Potatoes, Irish (potato) nachos, Shrimp Bisque, Fried Fish Sandwiches, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Mac & Cheese and Haluski Website: http://www.aoh32.org/

Apollo Hose Company #2

327 North 4th St.
Apollo, PA 15613 Where: Apollo #2 Social Hall When: Every Friday throughout Lent Times: 4-7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Dinners $8 ($8.50 take out) Dinner includes choice of Beer Battered Fish Sandwich, Breaded Fish Sandwich, or Chicken, Fresh cut fries, choice of coleslaw or applesauce and a dessert. Takeout Phone Number: 724- 478-4831

Ascension Roman Catholic Church

114 Berry St.
Ingram Where: Father Connor Hall When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 4-6:30 p.m. Menu & Cost: Dinners include fried or baked fish, jumbo shrimp, crab cake and seafood platter. Individual fish sandwich also available. Other menu items include macaroni and cheese, soup, haluski, beverages and desserts. Takeout is available.

Assumption Church

45 N. Sprague Ave.
Bellevue Where: McGovern Hall When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent except Good Friday Times: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Hand-breaded fried cod, baked cod, shrimp, haluski, pierogies, french fries, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and applesauce. Takeout Phone Number: 412-766-9726 Website: www.assumptionchurch.org

Avalon Volunteer Fire Company

629 New Brighton Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15202 When: February 15 Times: 5-8 p.m. Menu & Cost: All you can eat (dine-in) fish dinner $12. Price includes fries, coleslaw, and macaroni & cheese. Takeout $8 and includes fries, coleslaw, and macaroni & cheese.

Bell Township Volunteer Fire Department

201 Main St.
Salina, PA 15680 Where: Social Hall When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Menu & Cost: Hand-breaded fish sandwich, Chicken planks, or Shrimp and your choice of either Pierogies, French fries or Coleslaw and dessert, $7. Sides also available. Takeout Phone Number: 724-697-4873 Website: belltwpvfd.org/

Bethel Park American Legion Post #760

2409 Bethel Church Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102 Where: Upstairs Hall When: Every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 4-8 p.m. Menu & Cost: Baked or Fried Fish & Fries or Chips $8.50; Fish Sandwich Baked or Fried $7.50; Shrimp Basket & Fries or Chips $ 6; Fresh Cut Chips or Fries $1.50; Mac n Cheese $2; Haluski $2; Pierogies (6) $6; Coleslaw $1. Takeout Phone Number: 412- 835-9690 Website: www.americanlegion760.org

Bullskin Township Volunteer Fire Company

260 Keefer Road
Connellsville, PA 15425 Where: Fire Hall When: Every Friday throughout Lent Times: 3-7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish Dinner or Fish Sandwich Dinner $ 8; (Kids age 4-12 $ 4; Kids 3 and Under Free.)and includes Baked or Fried Mac&Cheese or French Fries, Coleslaw or Apple Sauce,Dessert & Drink. Sides: Chicken Strips $ 4; Haluski $ 2.50; Mac&Cheese $ 2.50; French Fries $ 2.50; Extra Piece Of Fish $ 4.50; Fish Sandwich $ 4.50; Cheese $ .50 Takeout Phone Number: (724) 887-0566 Website: bullskinvfc.org

Chippewa Township Volunteer Fire Department

2568 Darlington Road
Beaver Falls, Pa., 15010 When: All Fridays during Lent Times: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Takeout Phone Number: 734-847-0391 Website: www.chippewafire.org

Christ The Light Of The World

32 S. First St.
Duquesne Where: Holy Name Church Hall When: Ash Wednesday Times: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Baked and fried fish dinners as well as sandwiches. Also available: haluski, french fries, coleslaw, baked macaroni and cheese, shrimp and homemade potato soup. Takeout Phone Number: 412-466-8960 For more information: 412-469-0196

Church of the Resurrection

1100 Creedmoor Ave
Pittsburgh, Pa., 15226 Where: Garden Room When: Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent Times: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Beer-battered fried or baked fish dinner, with homemade macaroni and cheese, or french fries, vegetable or stewed tomatoes, coleslaw or applesauce, dessert, roll and beverage, $11 for adults, $7 for children. A la carte menu includes beer-battered fried fish, french fries and coleslaw. Homemade pierogies are four for $3. Takeout Phone Number: 412-563-4400 Website: www.eressi.com

Clarion Moose Lodge #101

401 Grand Ave.
Clarion, PA 16214 Where: Lodge When: Fridays throughout Lent Times: 5-8 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish (Baked or fried) dinner, potato choice, salad bar, roll. Butterfly Shrimp Dinner $9. Jumbo Fish Sandwich and fries $7.50 Takeout Phone Number: 814- 226-7211 Website: fishfry.com

Corpus Christi Parish

803 Market St.
McKeesport When: Ash Wednesday (limited menu) & every Friday throughout Lent Times: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Ash Wednesday limited menu: hand-breaded fried fish sandwich, baked fish and fried butterfly shrimp for $5.50, with assorted sides available. Friday menu: Fried and baked fish, crab cake sandwich, beer-battered fish sandwich, toasted cheese and tuna melt sandwiches. Sides include homemade soup; homemade pierogies; homemade potato pancakes; haluski; french fries; macaroni and cheese; cheese balls; hush puppies and more. A children’s menu is also available and crepes with cream cheese or lekvar filling. Weekly soup specials: Feb. 15, creamy potato; Feb. 22 and March 15, lobster bisque; March 1, broccoli cheese; March 8, baked potato; March 22, New England clam chowder. Ten percent of proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Takeout Phone Number: 412-672-6004

Crabtree Volunteer Fire Department

1610 Latrobe-Crabtree Road
Crabtree, PA 15624 When: Every Friday throughout Lent Times: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Menu & Cost: Baked Fish & Pierogie Dinners; Fried Fish Sandwiches w/Fries; Fried Popcorn Shrimp w/Fries; Smelts; Homemade Haluski; Homemade Macaroni & Cheese; French Fries;
Coleslaw; Freshly Baked Cakes. Takeout Phone Number: (724) 837-2231 Website: www.crabtreevfd.com

Croatian National Hall JAVOR

805 East St
North Side When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent Times: 4-8 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fried Fish, baked fish, shrimp, french fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and dessert available. Takeout Phone Number: (412) 321-8104

Divine Mercy

609 10th St.
Beaver Falls, Pa. Where: Divine Mercy School Cafeteria When: Every Friday throughout Lent except Good Friday Times: 4-6:30 p.m. Menu & Cost: Dinners: choice of baked or fried fish, choice of one side (french fries, pierogies, homemade macaroni and cheese, or homemade haluski), coleslaw, roll, dessert and beverage, $9 for adults, $6 for children. Takeout Phone Number: 724-846-5955

Eastern Area Prehospital Services

192 11th Street
Turtle Creek, PA 15145 Where: Eastern Area Prehospital Ambulance Building When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish, Shrimp or Crab Cake Dinners, Sandwiches and/or Sides range from $6 to $8.50 Takeout Phone Number: (412) 829-8155 Website: easternareaems.com/

Elizabeth United Methodist Church

317 S. 2nd Ave.
Elizabeth, Pa., 15037 Where: Social Hall When: Ash Wednesday & every Friday throughout Lent excluding Good Friday Times: Lunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dinner 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish dinner, shrimp dinner, combo dinner, or crab cake dinner at $9 or smaller portion at $7. All dinners include one side dish, coleslaw, roll, cake, & beverage. Individual fish sandwiches are $6; fish on a dish $5; clam chowder, mac & cheese, haluski, coleslaw, or french fries are $2 each. Cake is $1. Dine in beverages are free. Takeout Phone Number: 412-384-7050

Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club

20 Ten Mile Lane
Scenery Hills, Pa. 15360 Where: Clubhouse When: Every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 6-9 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish Sandwich, shrimp, french fries; breaded mushrooms, coleslaw, onion rings, and more. Takeout Phone Number: 724-945-5275

Epiphany Catholic Church of Pittsburgh

184 Washington Place
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219 Where: McDowell Hall When: Every Friday through May 31 Times: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Menu: http://www.epiphanychurch.net/index_files/Fish%20Fry%20Menu.pdf (PDF File) Takeout Orders: 412-471-1008 Website: http://www.epiphanychurch.net/ Fish Fry Information: http://www.epiphanychurch.net/fish-fry.asp

Etna Volunteer Fire Department

27 Crescent Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa., 15223 Where: Fugh Memorial Hall When: Every Friday During Lent Times: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Takeout Phone Number: 412-781-1155 Website: www.etnavfd.org

Faith United Methodist Church

305 Freeport St
Delmont, Pa., 15626 Where: Cafeteria When: Every Friday during Lent Times: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Website: fumcdelmont.com

Fawn Township #1 Volunteer Fire Department

497 Lardintown Road
Tarentum, PA 15084 Where: Recreation Hall – Located at the corner of Lardintown Road & Route 908 When: Every Friday throughout Lent including Good Friday Times: 12 noon- 6 p.m. Menu & Cost: Dinner is $8 which includes sandwich, fries and coleslaw. We also have Cabbage, Noodles and beverages available for extra.

Freedom Farms Cafe & Carry-Out

4323 Shearsburg Road (Entrance on Rt. 56)
New Kensington, PA 15068 When: Every day after 11 a.m. Times: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Menu & Cost: Fish Sandwich: Two hand breaded cod on a 12″ split top bun served with homemade slaw, seasoned fries, and tartar sauce ($6.45) Takeout Phone Number: (724) 212-3844 Website: www.freedomfarmspa.com

International Auto Show Comes to Pittsburgh

The International Auto Show comes to Pittsburgh this weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  This is a great place for car lovers or for someone in the market for a new car to see what is coming in the next few years.  International and Domestic Car Manufacturers will be there with brand new features on the 2013 and 2014 models.


If you are in the market for a new vehicle or just want to see some of the new and exciting products being released by auto makers, take a ride into downtown Pittsburgh for the 2013 International Auto Show.

While not as big as Detroit or New York’s auto shows, this year’s event showcases some pretty interesting products from Ford and General Motors, as well as a smattering of other companies.

Here’s a peek, but you’ll need to go downtown to see all of the cars on display in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

General Motors brought the 2014 Silverado and Impala to Pittsburgh. The Silverado is all-new from front to rear and is packed with some innovative and thoughtful features aimed at maximizing efficiency. As Steve Martin from GM explained, “The new Silverado is geared toward people living and working in the vehicle, and being able to connect with it on a daily basis.”

Some of those features are new powertrain options ranging from a 4.6L V6, 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8. All engines are available with direct injection, active fuel management and variable valve timing to increase efficiency. Inside, you’ll find larger rear seats, wider rear door openings and a MyLink touch screen radio that’s capable of syncing and remembering 10 separate Bluetooth devices.

The all-new Impala is also making an appearance as the redesigned flagship for the Chevy brand. You can find the same MyLink technology in the Impala as well as a flowing interior and integrated center stack that incorporates an available 8-inch touch screen.

Safety is a top priority as well. Among the features is “Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control,” which allows the car to adapt to changing traffic conditions up to a full stop and then resume to the set speed. “Rear cross traffic alert” uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot, including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.

On the Ford side of things is the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, combining the best of plug-in technology with hybrid drive.

In full electric mode, the driver can get 21 miles of emissions-free electric driving before the 2.0L gasoline engine intervenes. Ford claims the Energi is expected to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a miles-per-gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles.

The “Go time” feature allows you to set your normal departure times from home or the office. The Energi will warm or cool the car and prepare for the commute before you enter the vehicle, even while plugged in.

For more information see The Times.

Spring is Almost Here

You know Spring is almost here when the Pirates report for training camp.  The Pitchers and Catchers have reported today in Pirate City, and the rest of the team will filter in throughout the week.  The first workout with the whole team is set for Friday.  Keep reading to learn more about Pirates Training Camp.

Forget the groundhog.

There is a more reliable sign of spring.

It can be summed up in four wonderful words: Pitchers and catchers report.

Monday is the day in Bradenton, as 38 Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers and catchers check in at Pirate City, prepared for spring training and the 2013 season.

The first official workout will be at noon Tuesday, then the Pirates will settle into a practice routine that will see them on the field from 9:30 a.m. to noon each day. The first full-squad workout is Friday.

It all leads up to the first Grapefruit League game Feb. 23, followed a day later by the first home game at a renovated McKechnie Field.

The Pirates, fresh off another late-season fade that saw them fall of out of contention in the National League Central and suffer their 20th straight losing season, are raring to go.

Pittsburgh signed established free agents in catcher Russell Martin and pitcher Francisco Liriano to go along with promising young talent in outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte and third baseman Pedro Alvarez.

"(General Manager) Neal Huntington and the baseball ops staff have been working hard trying to improve the roster," said Jim Trdinich, the Pirates' media relations director. "The end of last

year left a bitter taste in our mouth. It was still a productive season, winning 79 games. But the last month of the season was kind of a kick in the butt after playing so well for the first four or five months."

It was mostly quiet Sunday morning at Pirate City, but the Pirates' newest acquisition, Liriano, got in some work on a back field.

Liriano is recovering from a fractured humerus bone in his non-throwing arm. He suffered the injury in December just days after he and the Pirates agreed to a two-year, $14 million contract.

The Pirates and Liriano finalized a reworked deal Friday that will pay the 29-year-old lefty a guaranteed $1 million in 2013 with incentives that could net him $5.25 million this year and $8.5 million in 2014 if he pitches 200 innings a season.

With his right arm in a brace Sunday, Liriano threw about 75 short tosses with the team's medical staff looking on. He is not expected to work out with the rest of the pitchers on Tuesday and is a long shot to be ready for Opening Day.

Workouts are free and open to the public. Players are generally more accessible to fans than they would be during the regular season or even during Grapefruit League games.

Trdinich said the best time to get autographs is at the end of the daily workouts.

"The best place for autographs is at Pirate City, out at the area where the fields meet. Another place is right by the half field that's at the end of the batting cages," Trdinich said.

Read more information at Bradenton

The Perfect Valentine's Day Date in Pittsburgh

Check out these great places in Pittsburgh for your Valentine's Day date.  These restaurants have the perfect atmosphere for the Valentine's Day date of your dreams. There are even some great places for singles listed. 

#10 --If you're single and already considering clicking the big red X at the top right of your screen...DON'T! The Naked Grape in Sewickly will pop your cork. This Thursday, February 10, you can celebrate being single with a selection of special "Single" Vineyard Wines, "Single Servings" and, of course, a game of "Single Trivia," all while mixing and mingling with other singles! Any place whose wine menu exceeds the length of it's food menu is a place I would suggest.

#9 -- OK, ok -- so it's not a Pittsburgh proprietary, but I have to tell you I've been to quite a few different Morton's across the country and if we're talking romantic atmosphere, I CANNOT neglect to put this place on the list. The ambiance at Morton's Pittsburgh makes you expect that Frank Sinatra will be joining your party at any given moment. The scent of red wine and a good char fill the air as candlelit tables are scarcely accompanied by dim overhead lighting.  With out-of-this-world Oysters Rockefeller that would make John D. himself sing praises from the beyond and a chocolate lava cake that will melt even the coldest of hearts, the food will certainly not fall short  in the romance department either. Make your reservations today, because Valentine's Day is one of their busiest of the year! A V-day special will get you a three course dinner for two for only $109.99.

#8 -- Who could forget about Mount Washignton on a day like Valentine's Day? While I have to give props to Georgetowne Inn, and of course to Monterey Bay for being my runner's up in the romance category, I have to say that, though it's been a while since I've eaten there, Isabela on Grandview will forever be etched in my mind as the loveliest of all Mt. Washington restaurants I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Voted by Pittsburgh Magazine readers as Pittsburgh's most romantic restaurant, I can confidently suggest it knowing I've got some trusted voices confirming my opinion.

#7 -- For a date night OR a group of 14 excitable women on a night out on the town, SOBA on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside certainly did a fine job of setting the mood.  The multi-level restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and with a diverse menu of Asian and American cuisine, it will be sure to satisfy both you and your sweetheart.

#6 -- Shadyside is my home away from home, and so I must take you on the tour from Ellsworth to Walnut and suggest Walnut Grill which just happens to be one of my long time favorites, especially if you're in the mood for a delicious pasta or hand-tossed pizza. **UPDATE - Walnut Grill has closed and is in process of being replaced by a new joint (sure to please) called "Up." I'll be sure to keep you "Up"dated!

#5 -- While I typically would only send you here in the summertime when their back patio is open for business, if you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience this Valentine's Day, be sure to check out the cafe I go crazy for: Cafe du Jour.  With a quaint dining room adjacent to the kitchen, you can be sure to share delicious food and audible conversation with your date. Be sure to ask them what off-menu specials they're offering.  I've found their best dishes that way.

#4 -- One of the my favorite destinations just happens to be in my neck of the woods.  Bistro 19 on Washington Rd. in Mount Lebanon was a place that took my breath away. With a plethora of options in every food group, this place will be sure to please.

#3 -- I find it only appropriate that Eleven would make my TOP-ten.  With it's uniquely delicious seasonally changing American cuisine, never fails to impress. Congrats to the Big Burrito Restaurant group for making the TOP-ten twice!

#2 -- I have to tell you a short story, the number two most romantic restaurant on my list is a huge part of the reason I began and kept up with this blog in the first place.  I had never heard of Willow (thank you, Groupon) and after spending an evening amongst the crackling fire, intoxicating aromas, mouthwatering flavors and extremely friendly waitstaff, I knew I had to tell the rest of the town about the secret in the woods. If you haven't yet taken a date to Willow, you're seriously missing out.  If you're just starting out in a relationship, seal the deal by suggesting a Valentine's Day dinner here.

#1 -- So far, in my mind, Spoon in East Liberty has yet to be beat. Neither PID nor I could think of a single negative thing to say about our evening here. The Tuna Two Ways was, to me, one of the greatest culinary accomplishments I've ever tasted -- and it was only the appetizer! If you read my review, you'll begin to understand why.  Give it a try, once you do you'll understand my utter fascination.


For more information see Taste the Burgh.

A Unique Valentines Day Gift

Do you need a unique Valentines Day Gift for your loved one this year?  Check out the I Made It!  Mine with 50 local artists selling hand made gifts.  The market will be tomorrow from noon to 5pm.  It will be held at the corner of 27th street and Sidney street inside the former Joseph Beth Bookseller. 
 

Event: I Made It! Mine
Location: SouthSide Works, inside the former Gallery G/Joseph Beth Bookseller, Corner of 27th Street and Sidney Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: noon until 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE admission (plus the cost of any goodies you purchase)
Description: The “I Made It! Mine” market will feature handmade gifts from over 55 regional artists. Find everything you need for a one of a kind Valentine’s Day for your sweetie. Visit I Made It! market’s Facebook event page for more information. Another great opportunity to buy local & support independent artists this Valentine’s Day. South Side Works will also offer free kids crafts at this event!

For more information see Living Pittsburgh.