Kristy Graver, Pittsburgh Magazine Journalist Profile

Articles

Chantal’s Cheese Shop Welcomes Customers but Says Goodbye to Social Media

1 week ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

I thought I had the coolest job title until I met Anaïs Saint-André Loughran, an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional!A native of Lyon, France, Loughran was an expert on the subject long before earning the official designation. One of her earliest memories involves covertly eating half a wheel of Tomme de Savoie while on a family road trip through the Alps. That makes her a certified cheese legend in my book.
Dine Inside a Fairy Tale at Hyeholde Restaurant

1 week ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

Want to dine inside a fairy tale? Visit Hyeholde Restaurant. William Kryskill built the castle-like retreat for his wife, Clara, on a wooded, 4-acre property in Moon. The couple began serving gourmet food there in 1937 and continued to do so for nearly four decades. That’s so romantic! It’s no wonder Hyeholde hosts at least 25 weddings annually. If you’re more of a movie lover, here’s a fun fact for you: Hyeholde’s exterior appears in George A.
Local Artist’s Legacy is Already Etched in Stone

1 week ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

Dolores “Dee” Carioto, 93, has been designing cemetery monuments since 1949. Aside from the tombstones in the front yard, the house looks like any other suburban home. The Paul Gropelli Memorial Co. operates out of the building on Cemetery Lane in Ross. That’s where you’ll find 93-year-old Dolores “Dee” Carioto, who’s been hand-designing monuments for her grandfather’s business since 1949. Her life was set in stone at birth.
Yinz Guys and Dolly

2 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

Dolly Parton and Tuft the Bunny are putting some extra bounce into Kennywood’s 127th season. (I will always love you, Kenny Kangaroo!)Unless you’ve been living under Noah’s Ark, you know that the park was acquired by Herschend Family Entertainment, the same company that runs Dollywood Parks & Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The sale also includes another pair of local attractions — Idlewild and Sandcastle.
In Pittsburgh, Comedy and Food Make the Perfect Combo

2 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

It’s risky business writing about comedy and food. When I sat down to a meal with stand-up comic Chrissy Costa, who was voted top comedian in our 2024 Best of the ’Burgh Readers’ Poll, I laughed so hard I nearly inhaled a burrito into my lungs instead of my belly. Thankfully, 20 years of food writing has made me an expert at “interchewing” — asking questions while simultaneously eating, drinking and ordering another round of chips and queso.
Breadbox Sandwich & Sweet Shop Is A One-Stop Spot For Foodies

2 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

While living in Niagara Falls, New York, Stefanie Gee often made the 3-hour drive to Pittsburgh to eat and explore — and then go home. In 2021, she decided to stay. Now the chef is managing Breadbox Sandwich & Sweet Shop on the North Side. She hopes it attracts local customers as well as vacationing foodies. “We want this to be a place where everyone feels like a regular,” she says. Located in the former Deli on North at 4 E.
Fet-Fisk Is In The Running (Again) For A James Beard Award

3 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

The founder of Cafe Momentum, a Dallas-based nonprofit eatery, was named Humanitarian of the Year. Fet-Fisk is a big fish in a small pond. Bloomfield’s Scandinavian eatery was named a Best New Restaurant nominee by the James Beard Foundation.
Dad’s Dog & Burger, A Mom-And-Pop Shop, Opens In Bloomfield

3 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

Katelyn Bako hails from Southern California, but she’s a Pittsburgher at heart. When you visit her new eatery, Dad’s Dog & Burger in Bloomfield, be sure to say hi to her father, Rick Bako. The McKees Rocks native will rave about his pride and joy while ringing up your order. It’s adorable. “He’s been my No. 1 supporter,” says Katelyn, who moved here last August from Orange County. “I didn’t pick a typical career path. I’ve always been more creative and entrepreneurial.
Gene’s Place Is Business 101 — With Beer! | Pittsburgh Magazine

3 weeks ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

Gene Ney, a Carlow University instructor, has owned the South Oakland dive bar for two decades. Dressed in a suit, tie and wingtips, Gene Ney stands out like a fake I.D. at Gene’s Place, the South Oakland dive bar he’s owned since 2005. After a long day of teaching business courses at Carlow University, he’s once again surrounded by college kids. Ney heads to his upstairs apartment and, moments later, emerges wearing a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers.
Isaly’s is Opening a Shop in the Strip District

1 month ago | pittsburghmagazine.com | Kristy Graver

The iconic brand — famous for its cold cuts and ice cream — will open a Penn Avenue storefront in 2026. Pittsburghers are passionate about Isaly’s. Locals Jim and Leslee Conroy took that love to the next level by purchasing the iconic brand in 2015. Less than a week ago, they leased a space in the Strip District where they plan to open an Isaly’s storefront.