Food About Town

We're diving into the vibrant world of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival, which is about to kick off for its 13th year from March 19th to 28th! I’m Chris Lindstrom, and today I’m chatting with the fabulous Alexandra Marar, who's bringing her storytelling show, "Guardian Stranger," to life at the Attack Theater Studios. She’s got some wild tales about how ignoring the whole "don't talk to strangers" advice actually led to some life-saving adventures while exploring the globe. Picture this: a small-town girl from Ohio, navigating through cultural landscapes and meeting some of the most colorful characters along the way. We’ll explore how being open to experiences and connecting with the locals can turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable journey. So, grab your tickets, because this festival is a treasure trove of creativity and connection!Guardian StrangerCompany: She's So Ohio/Alexandra MorarDate(s): March 26, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): 8:15 pmGenre: ComedyVenue: Attack Theatre Studios - Creative Learning L

We're diving deep into the world of puppetry and horror with our lchat with Jessica Jade Jacob about Jawsica, the one-woman puppet show that's making waves at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival! We're super stoked to introduce you to Jessica, the mastermind behind this quirky twist on the classic film *Jaws*, where she brings the iconic shark and all its characters to life using puppets. You'll hear how Jessica's passion for horror flicks and her background in special effects makeup collide in this unique performance set for March 26th at the Attack Theater Studios. We’ll also dish on the challenges of condensing a beloved story into a 30-minute show, the joys of puppetry, and the thrill of performing live. So grab your tickets, settle in, and let’s get ready to swim into the depths of creativity and laughter!JawsicaCompany: Jessica Jade JacobDate(s): March 26, 2026Time(s): 7:00 pmGenre: Performance ArtVenue: Attack Theatre Studios - Creative Learning Labhttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/jawsica/Mentioned in th

Get ready to shake your groove thing because we’re diving into the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival with our pals from the Crossing Paths Movement Collective! On March 27th and 28th, at 7 PM sharp, they’ll be taking over the Attack Theatre Studios, and trust me, you don’t want to miss this. This year’s lineup is all about dance and physical theatre, showcasing some seriously talented local artists and their diverse perspectives. Not only are they bringing together incredible performances, but they’re also premiering new work that’s headed for Japan—how cool is that? So, grab your tickets for just 20 bucks at pittsburghfringe.org, and let’s support those local artists while we soak up an unforgettable night of movement, emotion, and maybe a few tears (or laughs!).Company: Crossing Paths Movement CollectiveDate(s): March 27, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): 7:00 pmGenre: Dance & Physical TheatreVenue: Attack Theatre Studios - Main Studiohttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/pittsburgh-fringe-dana-movement-ensemble-pre

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully weird world of "Krampus Gets Cramped," a puppet show that’s anything but ordinary! This playful piece, created by the talented Jim Julian, is part of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival happening from March 25th to March 28th at the Mr. Roboto Project. Picture this: Krampus, the Christmas demon, finds himself in the bustling streets of 1970s New York, mingling with the likes of the iconic punk band, the Cramps. We’re talking cranky boxes, shadow puppets, and a wild mix of storytelling that’s sure to tickle your funny bone while making you question your holiday spirit. Grab your tickets for just 15 bucks and come experience the delightful chaos that ensues when naughty meets nice! You won’t want to miss out on this quirky fusion of art and hilarity that’s bound to leave you grinning from ear to ear!Krampus Gets CrampedCompany: JIm JulienDate(s): March 25, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): Various TimesGenre: TheatreVenue: Mr. Roboto Projecthttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/kramp

Get ready, folks, because we’re diving into the world of theater with a special spotlight on a show that’s sure to haunt your heart—it's called "Ghosted," and it's hitting the stage at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival! This gem is brought to us by the talented Celeste Walker, who’s here to spill the tea on her mostly true tale of love, loss, and a sprinkle of Catholic guilt, all set in a hotel that might just have some ghostly guests. We chat about how this deeply personal story unfolded through a whirlwind of characters—yes, even a wall gets a voice in this wild performance! So, if you're in the mood for a show that’ll make you laugh, cry, and ponder life’s spooky twists, mark your calendars for March 25th and 26th at Attack Theatre Studios. Trust me, you don’t want to ghost this one!GHOSTEDCompany: Celeste WalkerDate(s): March 25, 2026 - March 26, 2026Time(s): Various TimesGenre: TheatreVenue: Attack Theatre Studios - Main Studiohttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/ghosted/Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean Ro

We're diving into the delightful chaos of "An American (not) in Paris," a hilarious solo show by Liv Rocklin, hitting the stage at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival from March 24th to March 28th. This isn't just any comedy; it's a vibrant mix of stand-up storytelling and musical comedy, all wrapped up in a package that’s equal parts relatable and riotous. Liv shares her journey through the ups and downs of life, sprinkled with a dash of ADHD and OCD humor, which we all know can be a wild ride! With Taylor Swift references and a hint of Lizzie McGuire nostalgia, Liv's show promises to tug at your heartstrings while also making you laugh until you snort. So, whether you’re a Pittsburgh local or just passing through, grab your tickets and prepare for a night of laughter at the Mr. Roboto Project!An American (not) in ParisCompany: Liv RocklinDate(s): March 24, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): 6:35 pm, 1:00 pmGenre: ComedyVenue: Mr. Roboto Projecthttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/an-american-not-in-paris/Mentioned in

We're diving into the vibrant world of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival, and let me tell ya, it’s a blast! I’m your host, Chris Lindstrom, and I’m super pumped to chat with local poet and rapper tamping, who’s got a show lined up called *Against Further Compressions* at the Attack Theater Studios. Fringe, folks, is all about breaking boundaries, and this festival, running from March 19th to 28th, does just that—showing off everything from the wacky to the wonderful. We’re talking tickets that won’t break the bank, capping at $20 and a full event pass for just $150—so no excuses for missing out! Plus, we’ll get into some fun gear talk about the SP404, a nifty little music production tool that’s like if your calculator decided to become a DJ—seriously, it’s all knobs and buttons, and we’re here for it! So grab your tickets at pittsburghfringe.org and let’s hit the ground running!Mentioned in this episode:Nights and Weekends Check out Nights and Weekends on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/nightsandweekends/

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the vibrant world of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival with our spotlight on "A Dream of Midsummer," presented by the Brawling Bard Theater! This show runs from March 21 to March 28, 2026, at the super chill Mettā: A Healing Arts Community. We're breaking down the wild and wacky chaos of what happens when a cast prepares for the wrong show—yep, you heard that right! We’re chatting with Alan Irvin, the artistic director, about how he’s been mixing Shakespeare with slapstick comedy and brawling since day one. Seriously, if you’re looking for a night filled with laughter, unexpected twists, and the chance to see some epic stage combat, you better grab your tickets now at pittsburghfringe.org. So, let’s get ready to jump into this theatrical rollercoaster and celebrate the mad magic that is Fringe!A Dream of MidsummerCompany: Brawling Bard TheaterDate(s): March 21, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): Various Timeshttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/a-dream-of-midsummer/Venue: Mettā: A Heali

Get ready to dive into the wacky world of clowning with our guest Sara Kantner, who’s bringing her show "The Queen (WIP)" to the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival! From March 21st to the 27th, Sara’s gonna be strutting her stuff at the Conjure Bar & Stage and the Mr. Roboto Project, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss it. We’re talking comedy, improv, and a sprinkle of wrestling vibes as she navigates the wild ride of performance art. Sara spills the tea on how she stumbled into clowning and what makes her shows a unique blend of chaos and connection with the audience. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the art of making folks laugh, one clown wig at a time!Mentioned in this episode:Common Thread Check out Common Thread on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/common-threads-hardcore/ Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmJoe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador

Jenny Lopez joins host Chris Lindstrom to chat about her Pittsburgh Fringe show, "Silver Linings and Alternate Realities."Two stand-up comics and a drag queen walk into a bar. Challenged with dilemmas that our audience might be facing at the time. Their goal is to find the silver linings and alternative realities that could exist in our world today. Take the perspective of two stand-up comics 20 years apart with a grain of salt and some laughs. It's an interactive show where audience members will provide the comedians with prompts on difficult situations and see if they can wiggle their way outSilver linings and Alternate realities-ComedyCompany: Bougie Bitch Comedy/ Jenny LopezDate(s): March 20, 2026Time(s): 7:00 pmGenre: ComedyVenue: Conjure Bar & Stagehttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/silver-linings-and-alternate-realities-comedy/Mentioned in this episode:It’s A LotCheck out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/ Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own BusinessCheck out Gett

Chris Lindstrom is joined by Cam Webb of the Orange Steel Theatre Company to talk about their Pittsburgh Fringe show, "Doohickey". Doohickey! is an immersive makerspace experience, where audience members are invited to join the intergalactic resistance group Caomei in their struggle against shadowy land developers whose greed is inflicting untold damage to the world.Armed with the support of Caomei, the audience will use recycled materials to craft gadgets that do whatever they can imagine.Doohickey!Company: Orange Steel Theatre CompanyDate(s): March 20, 2026 - March 28, 2026Time(s): 8:00 pmGenre: TheatreVenue: Assemblehttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/doohickey/Mentioned in this episode:It’s A LotCheck out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/ Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmJoe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your

Host Chris Lindstrom is joined by storyteller Noam Osband to talk about his award-winning show "Circumscribed", making its Pittsburgh debut. It's a story about growing up with a father who was a mohel (Jewish ritual circumciser) who buried foreskins at home, failed efforts at finding paternal figures after his untimely death, and wrestling with circumcising his own kid. Weaving together family video, pictures, and audio recordings, this comedic storytelling is a perfect show about the lovable eccentrics we call family.Winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2025 New York Fringe.CircumscribedDate(s): March 20, 2026 - March 21, 2026Time(s): 6:35 pmVenue: Bloomfield Garfield Activity Centerhttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/circumscribed-a-true-tall-tale-of-one-father-two-sons-and-thousands-of-foreskins/Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comMind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magn

In this episode, Chris Lindstrom engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Irene Malloy, the creator of the solo show "Show Pony," set to premiere at the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival. Their conversation traverses various facets of Irene's artistic journey, beginning with her early involvement in theater and the subsequent evolution of her creative expression. As Irene shares her motivations for developing this solo play, she candidly reflects on the pressures of the entertainment industry, particularly the expectations placed upon young performers. This introspective examination provides a backdrop for the narrative of "Show Pony," which seeks to answer the poignant questions surrounding her departure from a career that once defined her.Show PonyDate(s): March 19, 2026 - March 21, 2026Venue: Frechard Galleryhttps://pittsburghfringe.org/events/show-pony/Mentioned in this episode:Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own BusinessCheck out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https

This episode of Just Can't Not features an in-depth conversation with Adam Eaton (@adameaton.art), a local artist and art director, who discusses his newly released photography book titled "Black is Beautiful." This book encapsulates the essence of over 70 local models from Rochester, New York, showcasing more than 250 photographs that celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Black community. You can learn more and buy the book at adameaton.com.References:adameaton.comMentioned in this episode:Connections with Evan DawsonConnections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts ConnectionsJoe Bean Roasters (@joebanroasters)Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

This episode of Food About Town features Andrew Galarneau's new guide to Buffalo dining, Four Bites (@fourbitesfood) Where to Eat in Buffalo: 2026 Edition. This pocket-sized book highlights 175 noteworthy eateries, including both beloved staples and hidden gems that you need to check out. Chris Lindstrom and Andrew chat about the vibrant food scene in Buffalo, emphasizing the importance of supporting local and immigrant-owned businesses.References:fourbites.net - talkingleavesbooks.com - millersthumbbakery.com (@millersthumbbakery) - Mira (@mirabuffalo) - Grange Community Kitchen (@thegrangecommunitykitchen) - OR Falafel Bar (@orfalafelbar) - Yalley's (@yalleysrestaurant) - Moriarty Meats (@moriartymeats)Mentioned in this episode:Connections with Evan DawsonConnections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts ConnectionsJoe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

In today's mini episode, host Emily Hessney Lynch is joined by her producer, Chris Lindstrom, who is also the host of Food About Town and co-founder of Lunchador, for a casual chat about how things are going with the podcast, our favorite episodes so far, the 2016 trend and how different things were back then, and how we've become more ourselves over the past 10 years. We also discuss how we've ended up in a post-facts society, the importance of being curious and leaving room for nuance, why we love having real, in-person conversations, and more.Links:Emily has availability for new clients, so if you need social media, digital strategy, or writing support, head to her website.Emily's Instagram (flip through her 2016 photo dump to see the Ivanka Trump dress mentioned in the episode!).Chris's Instagram.Food About Town Instagram.We are a proud member of the Lunchador Podcast Network. Our logo is by Tenderchomps Art.Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that Lifts EveryoneUse promo code Lunchador for

Chris Lindstrom is joined for this episode by Yunzhi Yan, the owner of Seasons Noodle (@seasonsnoodle.mercantile.roc). They dive into his recent move to a new location in the Sibley Building, which has significantly improved visibility and customer traffic compared to his previous spot. He shares insights on the challenges he faced in his old location and how the new open kitchen design enables customers to witness the cooking process.Check out Seasons Noodle at the Mercantile on Main and learn more at seasonsnoodle.comMentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Chris Lindstrom is joined by Chef Tim Cashette of Avvino, Frenchman Street, La Bola, and The Duke Event Space. Tim shares insights about the evolution of Avvino since his last appearance on the show and opening 3 different concepts inside the Mercantile on Main. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant in a fluctuating economy and the importance of a dedicated team.Companies mentioned in this episode:@Avvino - La Bola (@labolarochester) - Frenchman Street (@frenchmanstreetroc) - The Duke Event Space (@thedukeroc) - Seasons Noodle (@seasonsnoodle.mercantile.roc) - Arbor Venues (@arborvenues)Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Calvin Eaton joins Chris Lindstrom on the Food About Town podcast to discuss his journey as the Gluten Free Chef and the second release of his first full-length cookbook, "Just Desserts." You can order the cookbook at theglutenfreechefblog.com.They also explore the evolution of Calvin's brand, his passion for community engagement, and his transition from 540 West Main to focusing on new digital platforms for gluten-free living. If you want to celebrate an amazing run Calvin and the whole 540 W Main team, they are hosting a final event on December 12th at The Yards. You can buy your tickets at 540westmain.org - see you there!Mentions:calvineaton.comtaurusavant.bandcamp.comMentioned in this episode:Mind of MagnusCheck out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fmDialed In: A Coffee PodcastGet Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fmJoe Bean Roast

ROC Holiday Village (@rocholidayvillage) is an enchanting winter festival and holiday institution taking place from December 5th to the 28th in downtown Rochester, New York. This year marks the seventh iteration of this event, which has evolved into a beloved tradition, drawing families and individuals alike to join in the holiday cheer. Our guest, Kelly Marsh (@kellimarsh), co-founder of ROC Holiday Village, elaborates on the genesis of this festive gathering, inspired by European holiday markets, and the challenges faced in its initial year of establishment.Mentions:@mccarthyevents - @rohrbachbrewingco - @avvino - @dukesdonuts - @thechaiguyMentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com