There is nothing I love more than an evening of music, food and wine. Last month I needed one of those nights, so I headed to the CLO Backstage Bar downtown Pittsburgh to see the lovely and talented (and fellow Pittsburgher) Joy Ike perform. She belted out in her beautiful voice, songs from her new album “Good Morning” as well as some covers and a few of her older songs. My friend and I opted to share a bottle of Pinot Grigio, which accompanied the music just right! Our party of 6 enjoyed several appetizers including a margherita pizza, presented with fresh fruit, and a 3 dip platter with crunchy pita chips, bean salsa, french onion dip and a piquillo pepper cilantro hummus. The best part of the evening was that it was free admission! Joy was a little sick but that didn’t stop her from sounding glorious and even chatting with the audience.

After her set was over and we were fed and happy we walked a few blocks to Nine on Nine, an upscale restaurant with a bar, BarNine. By then our party had grown by 2 more and we took up almost the entire bar. It was hoppin’ for a Thursday night and we enjoyed the laid back atmosphere as we sipped on speciality cocktails. I had my first taste of sake as I drank my Saketini (plum wine and sake) and thought to myself as I sat at the bar…”how cool is Pittsburgh?”