About Us

Sylvia, Founder and Tour Guide

Sylvia is a first-generation Pittsburgher, who spent her formative years in the South Hills. Her family roots extend across Switzerland and Germany and her language skills include English, German and Swiss-German (yes...it is a language!).

 

In the early nineties she decided to explore her family’s European roots and headed for her father’s native country of Switzerland. Once there, what was meant to be just a few months visit ended up becoming an eight year sojourn. During her time living and working in the "old country" Sylvia explored the myriad regions of Europe from Alsacian vineyards to Greek beaches, Italian islands to French countrysides and everywhere in between - soaking up the unique sights, sounds and flavors along the way.

Once Sylvia returned to the US, she set about re-discovering her hometown with its own many offerings and rich history. Her most recent job back home was as Assistant Director, Business Development for Executive Education at Katz Graduate School of Business. Soon thereafter she began volunteering with the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and more recently with the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) as a tour guide.

 

It seemed only natural then to combine a love of good food, an affection for the ‘Burgh and her skills as a tour guide into a specialized walking tour highlighting Pittsburgh’s Strip District’s best bits and tastiest bites. Sylvia currently resides west of Pittsburgh with her husband and their two children.

"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude."- G. K. Chesterton

Gabe, Tour Guide

Gabe is a life-long Pittsburgh resident who taught for over 30 years in the Pittsburgh Public School system as a homebound teacher for special needs students. Since retirement, Gabe has pursued his interest in the history and architecture of Pittsburgh through his involvement with Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation (PHLF).

 

Sylvia and Gabe initially met while conducting a PHLF tour. She encouraged him to become involved in the Strip food tours. The unique quality of these food businesses appealed to Gabe for many reasons, one being: “I have a great time giving these tours, it brings back fond memories of my grandfather who owned a grocery store and would visit the Strip to buy goods.”

To learn more about Gabe and his knowledge of Pittsburgh and conducting tours, read this Pittsburgh Post Gazette article. Gabe is married to Karen and has a son, Paul, a daughter, Amanda, and three grandchildren.

"The more you know,the more you love, and by loving more, the more you enjoy."- St. Catherine of Siena

Jen, Tour Guide

Jenifer moved to Pittsburgh from Annapolis, MD a little more than 6 years ago. Living most of her life in and around the Washington, DC area afforded her the opportunity to explore different ethnic restaurants and partake in various cultural activities. Her experiences in DC coupled with her travels to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, confirmed Jenifer's love of culture and the cuisine native to the places she traveled.

 

After attending one of Sylvia's first tours, Jenifer fell in love with the Strip District. "In the Strip, I'm able to find the foods and authentic ingredients to recreate the dishes I enjoyed during my travels." The fact that she is happy to try new foods certainly makes her visits to the Strip an adventure.

Previously, Jenifer worked for 15 years in pharmaceutical and medical sales. She loves to talk to new people and share her passions. Jenifer and her husband live west of Pittsburgh with their two daughters.

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Corinne, Tour Guide

Corinne is a Pennsylvania native who has lived in Pittsburgh and worked in marketing and project management for almost ten years. Corinne currently co-owns EcoCents: Pittsburgh’s Green Guide, an annual guide to green living in Pittsburgh that features educational articles, business listings and coupons to local and eco-friendly businesses in the ‘Burgh. Corinne loves the variety of fresh foods found in the Strip District and believes strongly in supporting Pittsburgh’s local economy by frequenting locally-owned shops and restaurants.

 

Corinne loves to travel, most recently to the Middle East and Africa, but is always happy to return home to Pittsburgh.

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."- Thich Nhat Hanh

Sherris, Tour Guide

Sherris, an NYC native, spent her formidable years raised in the Amish countryside of New Wilmington, but fell in love with the city of Pittsburgh after frequent trips exploring many of its eclectic neighborhoods. She also had the opportunity to write many feature stories about those same neighborhoods and other attractions of the Pittsburgh region as a journalist, then as the editor of a women's magazine.

At one point, her love of the steel city, resulted in the creation of her own quirky Pittsburgh neighborhood walking tour company called Sole City Tours. But after a new opportunity to promote the region as Director of Marketing and Tourism for Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area opened up for her, she and and dear friend Sylvia decided to continue promoting those neighborhoods through 'Burgh Bits and Bites.

She and her teenage daughter are now year-old residents of Pittsburgh.

"A life lived in fear is a life half-lived"- From "Strictly Ballroom" the movie