In 2006, at age 28, Christina founded TABLE magazine to change the conversation around food in our region. Today, the magazine covers the intersection of design, education, community, health, travel and more. Christina also works with corporate, government and nonprofit clients through her company, FrenchPress Communications.
Monday, November 2
Today starts with Chris Anthony Fitness in Point Breeze for a 6 a.m. torture session – penance for whatever weekend decadence ensued. I’ll start the workday at Coffee Tree Roasters at Bakery Square until heading down to our TABLE magazine offices in Deutschtown.
10 a.m. TABLE sales meeting with the most rock star team in the city. We are in celebration mode because the team just closed sales on the biggest issue we’ve ever produced! There might have to be champagne and mimosas.
2 p.m. A FrenchPress client meeting to help produce an exclusive publication that marks the company’s 25th anniversary. Today, my art director and I will present masthead and layout options, which is always a joy. I’ll leave feeling grateful to have exceptionally cool clients.
I reserve Monday nights to myself, so my wonder-dog, Monte, and I can adventure in Riverview Park to chase sticks and ghosts. This week does not include any public or charitable events because I’m “on call” for eleventh-hour production needs of our winter issue of TABLE.
Tuesday, November 3
Up at 5 a.m. to run five miles. Yerba Mate tea, hydrate and go! I’m training for the Havana half marathon with the nutrition celeb, Dr. Will Clower and his stunning wife, Dottie.
1 p.m. FrenchPress client meeting with a gentleman doing something so cool, you will die! I just can’t tell you what it is . . . yet. But, in 2016, let’s just say the food world in Pittsburgh will get the addition of something we’ve never seen before. We’ll discuss his branding, message strategy and launch communications plan.
Tonight, my executive editor for TABLE, Victoria Bradley-Morris, and I will go out on the town. We try to hit a new or favorite place once a week. This week, we are diving into DISH on the South Side as one of our old favorites to find out what Michele Savoia and his team are up to. (and really, just to eat smoked mozzarella rigatoni and grilled squid)
Wednesday, November 4
Early start on TABLE magazine, a day full of editorial review, photography and art direction details, and planning for this early Christmas present to be wrapped!
Lunch will be team take-out Legends of the North Shore greens and beans with chicken or El Burro tacos.
Tonight is a chill glass of wine (or two) with Charlie Humphrey at Casbah in Shadyside to talk about our shared love of publishing, mutual board membership for Quantum Theatre, and life. The staff and bartenders, in particular the lovely Fiona, at Casbah are simply outstanding.
Thursday, November 5
Back to Chris Anthony at 6 a.m. Gah . . . Love to hate this woman!
Today’s lunch is a meeting with our photographer and friend, Adam Milliron at his Garfield studio to review final details on our winter issue of TABLE, as well as some original shots for our digital posts. We shoot everything original for TABLE, so Adam is a busy guy!
Tonight, I’m headed to Butterjoint in Oakland to plan a “thank you,” celebratory toast to our recent event, Back of the House to benefit YouthPlaces. Owner and chef, Trevett Hooper, of Legume and Butterjoint, is kind enough to play host to our support staff and participating chefs.
Friday, November 6
6 a.m. Monte dog gets a wake-up call. Time to hit the Riverview Park trails for a run. He recently had a huge tumor removed from his hip, and is now an energized pup, so we celebrate good health during these runs together. Whip up a recovery drink of fresh watermelon, coconut water and ice in the blender. Possibly the most hydrating thing on the planet – perfect for post-run and hangover recovery alike.
Tonight I head to the PAA in Oakland to catch John Hughes on the piano. At a spry 92, Mr. Hughes is one of the oldest living jazz legends in Pittsburgh and one of my favorite people on the planet. The grill room at the PAA has a huge fireplace and is the perfect escape with friends on a cold fall night.
Saturday, November 7
I’ll chase down my athlete nephews who live in Moon Township and try to catch one of their many lacrosse or football games. Visit with my sister, Chelsea.
Later, I’ll hit the Health Club at the Fairmont. Not a lot of people know you can join their gym, and it’s exquisite with beautiful views of the city.
Tonight – I have a date. No comment.
Sunday, November 8
Brunch baby shower for a dear lady love at e2 in Highland Park. Chef Kate Romane will impress and entertain beautifully like she always, always, always does.
Oyster + champagne happy hour at ELEVEN with Eileen Jordan and Jack Bellas of Revive Marketing Group . . . because we are so sophisticated on Sundays, and because . . . why not, really?!
