In this episode, Ed and Day hit East Pittsburgh and explore the diverse cultural offerings of the burgeoning Garfield neighborhood since the recent revitalization of Penn Avenue. Garfield is home to just under 4,000 Pittsburgh residents.
Full Cycling Experience – Kraynick’s Bike Shop
Their first stop is Kraynick’s Bike Shop, which has been in Garfield since 1976. The original owner, Jerry Kraynick, passed the torch to Peter “Rocky” Cristobal four years ago.
“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” Rocky said of the four floors of wall-to-wall inventory.
Since Kraynick’s mission is to teach customers independence through bike repair, the guys assemble their own bikes.
PGH Pro Tip: Kraynick’s has products and services posted on their website
FOLLOW: @kraynicksbikeshop
Saturday Morning Lights – Garfield Gators Field
Garfield Gators Field is the place to be on Saturday mornings, and the guys introduce us to Coaches Tom and Tom, Thomas Freeman and Thomas McClellan, of the electric Garfield Gators Youth Football League. It is most definitely a family affair at the Garfield Gators Field and judging by Ed and Day’s faces, the commitment to supporting the “Patriots of the little league” is contagious.
FOLLOW: @GatorsGarfield
Create new muscle memory – Los Sabrosos Dance Co.
Nicolette Garcia-Pawlowskia (screengrab 10:04), is the president, co-founder and instructor at Los Sabrosos Dance Co. helped Ed & Day learn salsa by teaching them a technique in their wheelhouse: pretending to double fist their favorite beer. After seven years, there is a new excitement about the revitalization of Penn Avenue and what that will mean for the dance company.
FOLLOW: @lsdanceco
PGH pro tip: Explore the Pittsburgh Glass Center during one of its many exhibitions. And if watching isn’t enough, those interested in glass art should checkout their robust curriculum. (Instagram: @pghglasscenter.)
“Mexico in Pittsburgh” – Tasty Taquitos
After working up a sweat dancing, the Tasty Taquitos truck and are served by none other than owner Ray Quintanar. This family-run business saves the day serving our guys authentic Mexican lamb and beef tacos made with fresh ingredients and a splash of tequila.
FOLLOW: @tastytaquitos
Home Away from Home – Two Frays Brewery
After a long day of discovering Garfield, they stop at Two Frays Brewery. Owner and head brewer Michael Onofray intentionally does not have a kitchen since there is already such amazing food in Garfield. Brewer C.J. Jenkins gives the fellas a tour of the brewery, and then a boozy pop quiz, while they taste a New England Hazy IPA, a D.I.P.A. (Double IPA), and the unmistakable Armchair Dogs. The diverse beer selection fits perfectly with calling a jewel-like Garfield home.
Instagram: @twofraysbrewery
PGH pro tip: If you like something deep and smoky while trying new beer, Spork Pit is just a six-minute walk.