The three most beautiful cities in the world are Paris; St. Petersburg — Pittsburgh

"Pittsburgh is, consequently the great petroleum mart of the world."

"Pittsburgh town is a smoky ol town Solid iron from McKeesport down Pittsburgh, Lord God, Pittsburgh"

"You talk about an island in the Darwinian sense. Heres a major American city stuck at the end of a series of river valleys, cut off from the rest of country. It is a Eastern European immigrant city — working class, blue collar — that has reinvented itself over the last 10-20 years with this craftsman approach to life that reminds me of cities like Austin, Portland, Oregon and Portland, Maine. I hate to be one of those people whos like Pittsburgh is the next big thing, but I get around more than most people and Im telling you, Pittsburgh is like the next big thing. The geography lends itself, its incredibly lush farmland, and inexpensive city with incredible history. Theyre renovating 100 year old railroad terminals into city markets. They had chefs who left the city because there was no scene and went to LA, they have the talent to be anywhere in America, and they have come back and can afford to open their own places and do what they want. Its very, very exciting. As a student of these things, theres just enough Fortune 500, sports teams, to feed that group. The art community and food community are kind of leading but theres money following them … why not get a beautiful house on the river? I saw places that are just breathtaking. Its also got the Appalachians running through, so its got stunning geography. The food scene is cool. Lots of good stuff going on. There are these old bars in these old hoods … Its like todays special is goulash, tomorrows is stuffed cabbage, huge portions. Theres like three grandmas and a grandpa making this from scratch, the best stuffed cabbage Ive ever had and I grew up on that."

". . . they are my people and this is my town and it does my heart good just to be here."

"The Indispensable American city."

"My beautiful Grandmother, Caroline Garlinghouse, came from Pittsburgh . . . I never met her but I have followed many of her ideas -- through my mother -- And it has given me a warm spot in my heart for your city."