Music at Marty's
By now you’ve heard the buzz surrounding Marty’s Market and their delicious eats, but did you know they also frequently host events? We’ve covered a few, and we’re here once more to tell you about another quality hap from the fine folks at Marty’s who are certainly doin it right.
The series first debuted last month and combines food and music from varying cultural backgrounds. The planning team includes Christiane Leach from the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Regina Koetters, the owner of Marty’s, as well as Andy Mulkerin, the Music Editor of the Pittsburgh City Paper. The three collaborated to create the format, which involves “one artist each month, playing music, answering questions and putting together the menu along with Chef Ariel from Marty’s,” says Mulkerin.
December’s artist, flamenco guitarist Jon Bañuelos, is a recent transplant from Tucson, Arizona who has spent a great deal of time in Spain. For this night, he’s collaborated with chef Ariel to create a menu that includes “Spanish food with a holiday flair” to complement his traditional flamenco guitar styling. A portion of the evening also includes a chat with host Andy Mulkerin to be featured in a future Podcast. In addition to hosting duties, Mulkerin also curates the series’ talent, which aims to bring together food and cuisine through music.
“The first couple (of guests) have been specifically world-music type artists, which is partly by choice — it’s easier to find a focus for the menu if the artist comes from a specific cultural background and can teach us a bit about their cuisine as well as their music. As the series goes on, we hope to have singers and musicians from all backgrounds; the only real requirement is an interest in food as well as music!”
For $15 you can enjoy the evening’s soothing sounds over dinner. Sounds like a win-win to us, as well as Andy. “The food at Marty’s is always incredible — I’ve been to brunch there a few times and it never fails me. When our Music at Marty’s artists collaborate with Chef Ariel, it takes it to the next level. Last month, Geña’s Puerto Rican pork dish with rice was to die for. If our first event was any indication, the offerings are simple — an entree and a side, not a huge smorgasbord — but filling. Everyone got a full plate of food to go along with the music! (And it’s BYOB, just FYI — a bottle of wine to go along with the food isn’t a bad idea!)”
Join Andy, Jon and Chef Ariel this Friday, December 20 at Marty’s Market in the Strip District from 6-8PM. And don’t forget the “B”.
