Eat, drink, cruise the rivers
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Everyone can't captain a vessel on the Allegheny, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy time on the river. Numerous local companies offer river cruises, including a newer option from Pittsburgh Water Limo Co. that puts a gourmet spin on a leisurely boat ride.
What could be better than lounging on a luxury yacht while sipping a glass of wine and nibbling on fine cheese?
Recent themes have included Northern Italy, Spain and Portugal, and a Bastille celebration exploring wine and cheese from France. Most events feature wine and cheese, but some outings also feature beer and cheese pairings and it is exploring other options. Last summer, an outing paired South American wines with Argentinian tapas. The company hopes to partner with more restaurants in the future, especially some of its Strip District neighbors, said Mark Schiller, vice president of operations.
The next gourmet cruise is planned for Wednesday and will feature cheeses selected by local expert Carol "Dearheart" Pascuzzi of Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. Other upcoming events include a beer and cheese cruise on Aug. 10 and Wine and Barbecue on Aug. 24.
They also offer private cruises that can be tailored to the host's area of interest. Customers can provide their own wine, said Mr. Schiller, or they can request a certain region or varietal to guide the selection.
Gourmet cruises are $39.95 per person, and attendance is limited to 60 people. They depart from the 23rd Street docks in the Strip District and run from 7 to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Boarding starts at 6:30 p.m., and the boat departs promptly at 7, so it's best to arrive a little early.
The Gateway Clipper Fleet also hopes to lure new customers with newer, more elaborate food offerings. It has introduced a new dinner cruise, called the Summer Breeze, with a Southern-style dinner including chicken etouffee, red beans and rice, collard greens, fried okra and chocolate cake with bourbon sauce. The next Summer Breeze dinner cruise is Aug. 10. Tickets for adults are $27.95, while kids 3 to 12 are $13.95.
The Gateway Clipper has also started holding sit-down wine dinners, partnering with Winebow Wine Distributor. They've held two this summer, one featuring wines from Italy, the other from Latin America, and both have sold out. The next wine dinner will take place this December.
Rather than replacing its traditional offerings, such as chicken and ribs nights, the Captain's dinner cruise or the Dinner With the Godfather, which features an Italian buffet, the fleet has simply expanded its offerings in an effort to reach new customers. It will continue to introduce new menus through 2012, said director of service operations Joe D'Amico.
Gateway Clipper Dinner Cruises board at 6 p.m., depart at 7 and return at 9:30 p.m.
Gateway Clipper: www.gatewayclipper.com, 412-355-7980.
Pittsburgh Water Limo: www.pghwaterlimo.com, 412-221-5466.
First Published July 24, 2011 12:00 am
