Give Dad the gift of food for Father’s Day
Although most dads say they don’t want anything for Father’s Day and prefer to be left alone, they don’t exactly say no if they are given a gift or treat.
So here are some suggestions for food-related gifts, takeout treats that will make fathers feel appreciated on Sunday, and before and beyond in some cases.
Gifts
Grilling gear: Charbroil.com is running a $50-off special on a Kettleman Tru-Infrared Charcoal Grill, selling it for $99.99 with free shipping for a “Dads & Grads Promotion.” If Dad already has a grill, try some accessories like a Beer Can Chicken Roaster ($23.99), a rotisserie ($44.99) or a smoker box ($7.99 for stainless steel; $9.99 for cast iron).
Bottle opener: The Hockey Puck Bottle Opener is made from a real hockey puck and has a metal bottle opener on the back side. $15 at Love, Pittsburgh, a gift shop on Mount Washington. lovepittsburghshop.com.
Craft liquor and other items: The Biergarten at Hotel Monaco, Downtown, will host a Father’s Day Pop Up Shop from 4 to 8 p.m. June 15 with local vendors such as Surmesur, Steel City, Wigle Whiskey, Lovett Sundries and Kerf Case. Granted, the only food-anddrink type of vendor on that list is Wigle; other gift items will include grooming products, ties and accessories. But you can stay for a drink at the Biergarten while you shop, so it’s a score for you, too.
Chocolates: The featured Father’s Day gift at Edward Marc Chocolatier is “Terrapins not Ties,” for the dad who hates neckties but loves sweets. The Pecan Caramel Terrapins consist of handmade vanilla caramel layered onto a bed of whole Texas pecans, all covered in milk chocolate and drizzled with a dark chocolate cord. A 12-ounce box is $24, and a 20-ounce box is $34. The chocolates are available at The Milk Shake Factory, Giant Eagle stores, Wigle Whiskey locations and at edwardmarcchocolatier.com.
Takeout
Corned beef sandwich: It’s a well-kept secret, but those in the know rave about Sammy’s Famous Corned Beef, 901 Liberty Ave., Downtown. People have called it one of the best sandwiches they’ve ever had. The hot corned beef
sandwich is topped with Swiss cheese, coleslaw or sauerkraut and Russian dressing, and served on freshly baked bread. Sammy’s also has a selection of other sandwiches, hot dogs and salads. Just don’t plan on getting it on Father’s Day; it is closed on Sundays. Maybe try for a day-ahead celebration. 412-765-2244.
Doughnuts: How about a doughnut and a latte on Father’s Day morning? Duck Donuts is promoting CaramelNut and Honey Cinnamon lattes, plus the bacon-topped doughnuts. It’s located at Siena at St. Clair in Upper St. Clair. 412-8333825.
Craft burgers: King’s Family Restaurants, with locations across Western Pennsylvania, are promoting their new Black Angus “craft burgers” such as the Bleu Ribbon Burger (A-1 sauce, blue cheese, cheddar and bacon), Stiller’s Burger (melted cheddar, onion rings, bacon and barbecue sauce), and the Morning, Noon & Night Burger (sunny-side-up egg, bacon, ham, American cheese and apricot-bacon jam). kingsfamily.com.
Dine in
Father’s Day Brunch at the National Aviary: Gourmet brunch dishes by Atria’s, plus visits from birds and admission to the aviary. Two seatings: 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. June 17 at the National Aviary, North Side. $37; $19.50 for ages 4 to 10; free for ages 3 and under. aviary.org/special-events/ brunch.
Tickets
Pig roast: Take Dad to Wigle Whiskey’s Father’s Day Pig Roast from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17. This event has been known to sell out, so advance tickets ($35) are recommended. Note that this is a 21-and-up-only event. Tickets include a pig roast barbecue buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., two drinks, a barrel sampling tour and live music at the North Side Barrelhouse and WhiskeyGarden. wiglewhiskey.com/fathers-day-pigroast
Crafts & Crafts Father’s Day Event: Make a six-pack caddy, barbecue utensil holder or bottle opener, plus enjoy a beer. 1 to 4 p.m. June 17 at Buckhead Saloon, Station Square. $35 to $45, depending on choice of craft. Ticket includes one beer. eventbrite.com (search for Crafts & Crafts Father’s Day Event).
Booze tours: Give Dad the gift of a ticket for a tour where he can learn about the making of his favorite drink, whether it’s beer, cider or vodka. Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries/Boyd & Blair Vodka in Shaler throws open the distillery doors from noon to 6 p.m. most Saturdays for free tours, tastings and cocktails. East End Brewing in Larimer offers a “Grains to Glass Brewery Tour” many Saturdays for $25. Both of those events are available for registration on eventbrite.com. Also, Threadbare Cider on the North Side offers cider house tours many Saturdays for $20; register at threadbarecider.com/events.
Old Fashioned with your Old Man: Ticket includes an Old Fashioned cocktail and a spirits flight. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 17 at Wigle Whiskey, Strip District. $10. wiglewhiskey.com.