Taste of the Weekend: June 17 to 20

Honor Juneteenth by supporting on of Pittsburgh’s Black-owned restaurants. Start with a fresh drink and some feijoada at Casa Brasil.

This weekend, the nation will celebrate Juneteenth. The holiday -- designated a Federal holiday for the first time this year -- also known as “Freedom Day,” falls on June 19th annually, the day, in 1865, when a Union general arrived in Galveston, Texas carrying the news that the Civil War had ended and enslaved peoples were free.

Celebrations, scaled back due to COVID last year, are in full swing. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is honoring Juneteenth with a long list of festivities, including a live concert featuring Black artists and a market celebrating Black-owned businesses; across the city and throughout the month, find discussions, live music, and food.

Food, according to Juneteenth.com, is and was abundant at these celebrations. As we honor Juneteenth with reflection, education, and festivities, take time to support a few of Pittsburgh’s Black-owned eateries.

Live Fresh Juicery

Created in 2019 to offer consumers healthy (and quick) options in an industry full of fast food, Live Fresh Juicery focuses on more than just juice. Their menu – though sporting a popular and tasty variety of cold-pressed juices – bills smoothies, bowls, and immunity shots.

Craving a Wendy’s frosty? The cocoa-banana nut bliss bowl tastes just like one – with a few added elements. Fuel yourself for the day with one of their superfood smoothies, or detox with their full juice cleanse, designed to reset your metabolism.

Back to the Foodture

The first Black-owned restaurant to move into the South Side Works, Back to the Foodture is all kinds of delicious fun. I’ll never forget my first burger in their former Pitcarin eatery – the bun was gloriously crispy and greasy, toasted perfectly from the griddle, stacked with crispy onions and a melt-in-your-mouth patty smothered in melted cheese.

Since that first trip, they’ve expanded their menu – full of wings, fries, burgers, and hot dogs (go for the Snoop Dog, it’s wrapped in bacon) – to have over 150 wing sauces and 38 different burgers.

Blowfish BBQ

Barbecue has a long history tied to the holiday; the pit was often a centerpiece of celebrations, according to Junteenth.com.

Blowfish BBQ does barbeque right. Their low-and-slow-fired menu boasts classics like ribs, turkey, and brisket (depending on the day). Fans rave about their ribs – some even say they’re so good, barbeque sauce isn’t needed. Match your meat of choice with mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, or one of their other traditional sides.

Wild Rise Bakery

Gluten-free baked goods are done best by Wild Rise Bakery, owned by Olivia Pinder. The baker crafts everything from classic bread loaves to sweet babka to chocolate and cherry-studded black forest cookies. The Wild Rise take on Aloo Pies, traditional food from Trinidad and Tobago is a fan favorite – find the buckwheat crust stuffed with potatoes, cumin, and a hint of roasted garlic.

Currently, Pinder is cooking out of Oasis Community Kitchen in Homewood – Wild Rise goods can be found at East End Co-op, Today’s Organic Market, and online.

Casa Brasil

Pop-up turned permanent Casa Brasil is well-known for its traditional Brazilian eats. The frango a passarinho, bone-in fried chicken, which a server once described as “heaven,” is exactly that. Crispy and crunchy on the outside, each piece is juicy on the inside; a lime yogurt sauce adds a finishing punch of flavor. Order that with one of their entrees – I’m tied to their moquecas – and you’re set.