For as long as she can remember, Monique Gillespie has been surrounded by animals. Her mom made sure their house was home to every kind of pet, from cats and dogs to frogs and birds. “You name it, we had it,” Monique says. But at the heart of the family was their Shar Pei, Keeta.

Most chefs finish their education with a degree in the culinary arts, but Patrick Terry is not most chefs. The head of the kitchen at Bridges & Bourbon has a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, an MBA from Point Park University, and multiple certificates in scientific fields, and he keeps going back to school for more.

Last Tuesday, October 14, The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) held its second Acoustic Tuesdays event featuring local artists Oliver Hufford and Megan Paullet. Downtown residents packed the house, with close to sixty people in attendance!

Since we were kids, sandwiches have been a staple in our lives. From your mom’s grilled cheese to your favorite neighborhood hoagie, it’s probably difficult to imagine life without the sandwich. Whether you want to stick to basics or spice it up, Pittsburgh has plenty of options. 

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the world’s most popular graduate management degree for a reason. For those striving to become CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their field, an MBA can give you a leg up. Several schools in Pittsburgh offer these programs, but Point Park University is the only one rooted downtown, providing a direct connection to the city’s most active business sphere. 

A Registered Community Organization (RCO) is a non-profit that works to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods it represents. In Downtown Pittsburgh, there are only two RCOs: Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP). It is DNA’s duty to promote the interests of downtown residents as the city continues to develop. 

Walking into Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast feels like being welcomed into a big family’s home. As a formerly picky eater who had never tried Turkish cuisine, I hesitated coming here. But as soon as I received the menu, I relaxed upon realizing how expansive the options were. From sweet crepes to savory menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green peppers), there’s something for everyone.

Since its founding in 1939, Pittsburgh Opera has remained a premiere opera company, now home to one of the top five training centers for rising opera stars in the U.S.. Each year, a handful of exceptional young performers are selected from a pool of over 800 applicants. Don’t miss a chance to see these rising stars perform at the Pittsburgh Opera House, located in the Strip District.

To be a chef, you have to be passionate about your work. Thankfully, Yunus Atacan has what he calls a “pure love” for his job as Head Chef at Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast. Since childhood, Yunus has been surrounded by food. Many of his favorite recipes came from his grandfather and namesake, and his parents run a bakery in Türkiye to this day. It naturally follows that he never saw himself as anything but a chef. 

Pittsburgh residents and community leaders have expressed great discontent with the staggering number of vape shops throughout the city. Around thirty of them are clustered downtown, with several along Liberty Ave. As these shops often target youth and low income families, public health concerns are growing amidst preexisting disparities. 

From bakeries to cafés, sweet treats are plentiful in Downtown Pittsburgh. Maybe you want a quick grab-and-go breakfast pastry or a rich, chocolatey brownie to reward yourself after a hard day’s work. From croissants to cakes, our list has what you’re looking for.

As part of our Living Well Initiative, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) is excited to kickoff our downtown walking club on Saturday, October 25th! We’re looking forward to supporting healthy lifestyles and the community of downtown Pittsburgh. We’ve crafted a route that showcases some iconic Pittsburgh landmarks and views, so this is something you don’t want to miss. 

Autumn is upon us, and the cooler weather makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of joe. Fortunately, Downtown Pittsburgh is full of vibrant coffee houses, both old and new. These shops play a large role in fostering community, creating a sense of home and routine. From business deals to catching up with friends, coffee shops are a pillar in any urban environment. 

Witness a lively symphonic performance in a glowing performance center at the second and highly anticipated Candlelight Crescendo, presented by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. The event, featuring the band Cello Fury, will take place on November 1st, 2025 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.