Copy of WHIRL MAGAZINE

“That kind of cooking stays with you It has stayed with me to this day ”

“The flavors, the care, the patience—it wasn’t just about feeding people. It was about bringing them together.”

Cuisine

Welcome Home

Over twenty years ago, María Vianeth Cervantes Quezada came to the United States with faith, hope, and a willingness to work. The table she set in Pittsburgh has become one of the city’s most loved.

“My name is María Vianeth Cervantes Quezada, and I carry Mexico in my heart.”

These days, that heart lives here in Pittsburgh: in the laughter that fills the dining rooms, in the sound of plates being set down at busy tables, in the quiet moments when families sit together a little longer than they planned.

Emiliano’s

was never meant to be just a restaurant.

It was meant to feel like home.

Seven brothers, seven sisters

Vianeth was born into a family of fourteen. The house was never quiet. Someone was always walking in, something was always happening, and there was definitely a pot boiling on the stove. But no matter how loud life got, one thing held steady: a meal together at the table.

Her parents, María Guadalupe and Juan, worked harder than anyone she has ever known. They believed serving others was one of the purest ways to show love, and they lived that out every single day. Her mother, always either selling fresh vegetables in the market or preparing meals with love and care, is where everything began. The flavors, the patience, the recipes that were never written down. You learned them by standing next to her. By watching, helping, and tasting the food.

“We

did not always have much, but we always had food on the table, and we always had each other. That,

I learned early, is all you really need.”

“They believed serving others was one of the purest ways to show love.”

“I came with faith, with hope, and with a willingness to work, whatever that work turned out to be.”

In 2002, Vianeth graduated with a degree in Information Technology Management and opened an internet café in her hometown. Many families did not have computers, and the “worldwide web” felt out of reach to most young people. A place where they could learn, connect, and see more of the world was an opportunity to serve. She did not realize it at the time, but she was already doing what she had grown up around: building a space for people to gather.

Two years later, everything changed. In 2004 she made the decision to come to the United States. She spent some time in Virginia, and then, somehow, life brought her to Pittsburgh. From the moment she arrived, something felt different in the best way possible.

“This city welcomed us before it knew us. To this day, I call Pittsburgh and the people who live here my holy land.”

Craft margaritas made with real fruit and fresh ingredients because that’s the way it should be.

Ten days old, and a door to open

That same year, withher newborn son Emiliano just ten days old in her arms, she opened the very first Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant. No network. No safety net. What she had was belief, and a deep understanding of what it means to serve people. That had to be enough. And it was.

“Not a customer. A guest at our table. The same table my mother served her fourteen children at.”

Fresh ingredients, prepared by hand. Every dish served the way she would serve her own family.

Two critics, one standard

Every recipe must pass two judges before it ever reaches the menu. Emiliano, the baby from opening day, who has grown up inside the business and will now be the face of it. And his younger sister Mía, whose palate is sharp, particular, and completely her own. “When something is right, they tell me,” Vianeth says. “When something is not, they tell me that too, and more directly than anyone else would dare.”

“The restaurant carries my son’s name. The food has to be worthy of it.”

Part of people’s lives

Over the past twenty years, Emiliano’s has grown in ways Vianeth could not have imagined: new rooms, a team she is deeply proud of, and generations of Pittsburgh families at the tables. Guests who first came in as young couples now bring their own children. Families celebrate milestones here: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, the Tuesday-night dinners that quietly become tradition.

There have been harder seasons, and times it would have been easier to stop. “But I come from a family of fighters. Every setback is just part of the story. You get back up. You stay grounded in why you started.”

“Those are the moments that mean the most. It means we have become part of people’s lives.”

“Today, when I walk in and see full tables, I do not just see a business I see my parents I see the kitchen I grew up in I see a baby in my arms and a city that took us in ”

Welcome to Emiliano’s Mexican Table

Emiliano’s Mexican Table is a reflection of where Vianeth comes from and the life her family has built here in Pittsburgh. It is twenty years of work, two children who keep her honest, and one table big enough for everyone who wants a seat at it.

“Pull up a chair. We saved you one.”

GRINDING AWAY WITH GRATITUDE: MEET MEGAN OF 802 BEAN COMPANY

Hi, I’m Megan—a proud Pittsburgher and the owner of 802 Bean Company! I am absolutely thrilled to run my business in the very neighborhood where I grew up, married a Brookline guy, and raised our two daughters. Our family's roots run incredibly deep here. When the opportunity arose to purchase our neighborhood coffee shop, how could I say no? I officially took ownership on December 1, 2017, and I’ve been grinding away ever since.

"The Bean," as we affectionately call her, has survived plenty of ups and downs. During the COVID-19 closures, we kept the business moving through direct coffee bean deliveries, which I hand-delivered while nursing a broken foot. We also adapted on the fly with a custom walk-up takeout window built by my super-talented husband.

Through every unexpected hiccup and steep learning curve, "beyond grateful" remains an understatement. We learn something new every single day, and that is exactly what keeps us on our toes. We are constantly striving to serve our community, bring smiles to our neighbors, and keep them caffeinated and happy.

“Our family’s roots run deep here, so when given the opportunity to purchase the neighborhood coffee shop, how could I say no?”

WHAT INSPIRES THE MENU:

New recipes, flavor combinations, and seasonal creativity

WHAT KEEPS CUSTOMERS

RETURNING:

Great coffee, welcoming service, and a sense of community

Behind the Bar

Behind every drink is a balance of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Owner Megan Schrader approaches coffee as an opportunity to create something memorable— whether through a new seasonal flavor, a refined cold brew, or a thoughtfully crafted latte. Inspired by experimentation and driven by a passion for great coffee, 802 Bean Company continues to offer guests an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

CURRENTFAVORITEORDER:

Morning cortado with cream

802 BEAN COMPANY

Crafted to Be Remembered

At802BeanCompany,everydrinkbeginswithasimpleidea:createsomething worthcomingbackfor.

ForownerMeganSchrader,someofthemostrewardingmomentshappenbehindthescenes— experimentingwithnewflavorcombinations,refiningrecipes,anddiscoveringfreshwaystoelevate familiarfavorites.Fromhandcraftedlattestocarefullydevelopedcoldbrews,creativityisattheheartof everymenuaddition.

Whatkeepstheprocessexcitingistheopportunitytocontinuallyevolve.Newingredients,seasonal inspirations,andcustomerfavoritesallplayaroleinshapingthemenu,creatinganexperiencethatfeels bothfamiliarandunexpected.

Theresultismorethanjustacoffeestop.It'saplacewhereguestscanslowdown,discoversomething new,andenjoythoughtfullycraftedbeveragesmadewithcare.

A Place to Stay Awhile

The covered back porch has become a welcoming extension of the 802 Bean experience.

“Beauty is truly about feeling like yourself ”

Style and Beauty

PITTSBURGH MAKEUP

with Julie Marckisotto

FOUNDER & MAKEUP ARTIST

Julie "Jules" Marckisotto is a professional Makeup Artist and the founder of Pittsburgh Makeup. Known for her less is more approach and natural makeup style, she has built a reputation for creating looks that feel both timeless and effortlessly elevated Jules approaches each client with a focus on enhancing natural features while delivering a polished, effortless finish. Over the years, her work has been trusted for events, hundreds of brides, photo-shoots as well as personal and salon education.

At Pittsburgh Makeup Studio, located in Greensburg, PA, Jules offers personalized one-on-one lessons designed to educate and streamline the process of getting ready. With a detailed hands-on approach, she guides clients through makeup techniques tailored to their features, skin type and lifestyle Each session goes beyond product application, focusing on simplifying routines and enhancing natural beauty Known for her calm and approachable teaching style, Pittsburgh Makeup Studio offers a welcoming environment where clients feel at ease, supported and confident in elevating their everyday beauty routines

What first sparked your passion for makeup?

“My mother was always doing her makeup and I truly loved seeing the transformation and process. It seemed so calming and I enjoyed her morning ritual. I always loved doing little photo-shoots with friends...they would come over and I'd instantly want to style their hair and do their makeup!”

What continues to inspire your work today?

“I love getting to work with so many people seeing the full creative process. With weddings, photo-shoots, whatever it may be, seeing the way all of the elements come together inspires me. Also working with other artists in the industry and constantly educating myself in both hair and makeup always ignites my passion after all these years!”

“Beauty is truly about feeling like yourself”

The Muse Method

PhotographybyAftonAulick

I'm Cassandra, founder and owner of The Muse Method: A Wardrobe Curation Service for Creative Forces. As a Personal Stylist, I believe in unleashing and celebrating the duality that lies within us: The Creative Muse and The Everyday Force. These dual identities simply highlight our creative whimsical side with our approachable everyday but powerful selves.

I believe in empowering my styling clients to stop wishing, and to start becoming who they were always meant to be. Reflected specifically in their wardrobe, color palette, beauty choices and more. I believe that we as individuals can be many things at once. There's a time and place for any outfit, and we don't have to choose the lane we're in and commit to that fully. Fashion and personal style is ever evolving against the current of life.

My signature transformative service, The Muse Method TM, is designed to identify my client's inspirations, develop their personal style, and help them become their own Muse. Personal style takes work - that's why I guide my clients through a 3 phase process. No time linecompletely at their own pace. I never leave my styling clients before they're ready and confident to flourish on their own! I love embracing the messy moments, those that shape us, and the future aspirations/ dreams within us- to help my clients craft a personal essence that is unique to them, and only them.

What first sparked your passion for what you do?

I was always playing dressup as a kid. My mom sewed all of our Halloween costumes growing up. We could tell her anything we wanted to be, and she'd make it come to life for us. We had a little local theater down the street, and saw all the new films. I remember falling in love with the movies, the characters, and the story their clothing told. I knew I wanted to dress people one day!

What continues to inspire your work today?

Short answer - EVERYTHING! I'm still heavily inspired by film and TV. I love a method dressing press tour, a unique fashion week runway, traveling to a new place, nature, or simply scrolling Pinterest at night. I'm really thankful for the creatives I've met in my community that push me beyond what I thought I could be. OH! And of course, my clients before and after their transformationthey're one of my biggest inspirations and remind me that anything is possible.

HIGH SOCIETY NAILS

“LUXURY SHOULD FEEL EFFORTLESS, NEVER FORCED”.

Pittsburgh's Best Nail Artist 2024

FOUNDER + NAIL ARTIST

Q & A

What first sparked your passion for nails?

“Ioriginallyentered cosmetologyschoolplanning topursuehair.Afterentering andwinninganail artcompetition,Ibegan experimentingwithnail designandquicklydiscovereda creativeoutlet thatcompletelycapturedmy attention.”

What continues to inspire your work today?

“Artinallformsinspiresmy work.Ioftenpull ideasfromfashion,color, texture,anddesign. Theindustryisconstantly evolving,andseeing otherartistspushcreative boundariesmotivates metocontinuegrowing.”

THE HIGH SOCIETY

EXPERIENCE

For Meghan, it's never just nails.

Since opening High Society Nails, Meghan has built a loyal clientele through a commitment to artistry, detail, and luxury Every appointment is thoughtfully curated to create an experience that feels elevated, personal, and unforgettable

Nails is the embodiment of Meghan's identity: confident, feminine, and a little bit extra in the best way.

Designed for those who appreciate subtle luxury, understand the power of detail, and view nails as an extension of personal style.

Subtle luxury is in the details.

“Success is not just measured in sales, but in whether they leave feeling valued, confident, and cared for.”

Jacelyn Bussell is the General Manager of Lexus of North Hills and the first female General Manager in the history of the Rohrich Automotive Group, as well as one of only a small number of female Lexus General Managers in the United States. Originally from Louisiana, Bussell brings a sense of warmth, hospitality, and authenticity to the automotive industry that has become central to her leadership style.

As a woman leading a luxury dealership in a predominantly male industry, Bussell is especially passionate about creating an environment where female buyers feel safe asking questions, taking their time, and making informed decisions without feeling dismissed or taken advantage of. Every detail of the guest experience is designed to feel more personal and hospitality driven, blending the sophistication of the Lexus brand with the warmth of southern hospitality. For Bussell, success is not just measured in sales, but in how people feel when they walk through the doors and whether they leave feeling valued, confident, and cared for.

Foundedin1938,theRohrichAutomotiveGrouphasbeenastapleinthePittsburghautomotivecommunityfor generations,buildingitsreputationoncustomercare,integrity,andlongtermrelationships.LexusofNorthHills hascontinuedthattraditionwhileevolvingintooneoftheregion'spremierluxuryautomotivedestinations,known forcombiningelevatedservicewithaculturecenteredaroundpeople.

UnderJacelynBussell'sleadership,thedealershipisfocusedonredefiningwhatthecarbuyingexperiencecan feellike,especiallyforwomen."Inaworldfullofapples,wechoosetobetheorange,"shesays,describingthe store'sphilosophyofcreatingsomethingintentionallydifferentfromthetraditionaldealershipenvironment. Hervisionistoremovetheintimidationandpressureoftenassociatedwithpurchasingavehicleandreplaceit withtrust,transparency,andcomfort

“I love creating a place where people enjoy coming to work and where customers actually enjoy coming to buy a car.”

What first sparked your passion for what you do?

“What first sparked my passion was my love of cars from a really young age Growing up, my dad and I would spend Sundays driving around and browsing car lots together. I loved going into dealerships with him while he bought trucks. Later in life, when I started buying cars on my own as a single woman, I realized how uncomfortable that experience could sometimes feel That's a big part of what shaped the kind of environment I want to create today at Lexus of North Hills.”

What’s something you’re looking forward to this Summer?

I'm really looking forward to our upcoming Lexus Pilates Club event at Lexus of North Hills. We'll have Pilates, brunch, a DJ, and some amazing local businesses joining us. It's such a fun way to bring people together and something a little unexpected for a car dealership. I love finding ways to get involved in the community and create events that people are genuinely excited to attend. It's going to be a great morning, and I can't wait to see it all come together

“When you work doing something that you love, money will follow.”

Comminity

Larry’s Laundromutt

“I only knew that I loved dogs and wanted to spend my days in their company.”

I was in California visiting my daughter in 2006 when I saw a self-serve dog wash. I had never seen one before and thought it looked like a really fun business. When I returned home, I decided to start one of my own. Dirty Harry's was the first dog wash in Pittsburgh, in the East End. Ann Cipriani bought the tubs from Dirty Harry's and opened a dog wash called Woody's in the South Hills in 2007, the same time that I opened Larry's in Sewickley. We became friends and attended pet business buying events and shows. Dirty Harry's and Woody's are gone but Larry's Laundromutt lives on. We are Pittsburgh's longest operating dog wash, 19 years this November.

When I tried to rent a space for Larry's and told potential landlords what I wanted to do, no one wanted to rent to me. They didn't know what a dog wash was and all said the same thing, "Won't there be poop?" A friend of mine knew that our current location would be available so I contacted the landlord. His name was Bob Moore who worked for the Eat n Park Hospitality Group for 40 years and eventually became the President of the corporation. His father-in-law was Larry Hatch, the founder of Eat n' Park. He was the only landlord willing to give my business a chance and I still have his hand written lease. He loved dogs and was excited about what I was trying to do.

It took some time before I actually made a paycheck but I persisted. In the beginning, people would stop by, look around and then always say the same thing, "Do you really think that you are going to make any money doing this?" I tried not to let that bother me and kept working. Today I have 8 tubs for bathing, and an amazing staff consisting of 8 groomers, 7 bathers, 2 receptionists, a scheduler, a mobile grooming van and a retail store with healthy dog and cat foods and treats.

“As

of the end of March 2026, Larry's has donated a total of $91,889”

It was true for me that when you work doing something that you love, money will follow. Since the beginning, I have donated $1 from every self and full-service bath done at Larry's Laundromutt to animal rescues, shelters and causes. We will be donating the bath money from April, May and June to the S.N.A.P.P. out Hunger Event at the West End Overlook on August 22nd. It will benefit Animal Friends and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Larry was a long legged, black and white mutt that I adopted from Animal Friends. He was a one-of-a kind dog. When he left me at 15, my heart was broken. After a few months, my house was not a home, so I adopted a sweet pit/boxer mix named Walter. He goes to work with me and everywhere else that I can take him. In 2023, he and I did a cross country road trip to visit my daughter and her family in California. We hiked the rim of the Grand Canyon and visited Mt. Rushmore. It was the trip of a lifetime and he was the perfect road trip buddy!

TALIA

Fresh pastas. Italian wines. A celebrated Amaro program. A welcoming atmosphere for every occasion.

THE NAME BEHIND TALIA

Talia honors the family's long tradition of Italian hospitality while offering its own modern dining experience.

For more than 50 years, the Vallozzi family has been part of Pittsburgh's dining scene. Helen Vallozzi first introduced Pittsburgh to her family recipes by selling gnocchi from her home in 1955, laying the foundation for generations of Italian hospitality.

Today, Talia honors that legacy while embracing a more modern approach to Italian dining. Named after Helen's maiden name, Skatagglia, Talia pays tribute to the family's roots while creating a fresh and welcoming destination in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.

Open Kitchen, Fresh Pastas, Italian Wines TALIA

TRADITION, REIMAGINED.

Honoring our roots, creating experiences for today.

MORE THAN A MEAL. A PLACE TO GATHER.

“I’m passionate about creating comfortable, luxurious homes that reflect each client’s personality.”

Home & Design

INTERIORS with Seashal

We are a full-service interior design firm specializing in whole home furnishing, renovations, and new build collaborations. Our services include custom furniture design, hand-tailored drapery, lighting plans, accessories, wall art, wall coverings, cabinetry design, kitchens, bars, baths, and complete whole-home transformations. For renovation and new build projects, we collaborate with a trusted network of licensed, insured, and highly skilled tradespeople and general contractors This allows us to seamlessly execute complex projects while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship, communication, and attention to detail from start to finish

“We love to create comfortable, luxurious homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.”

My passion for design began early, growing up in a 100-year-old Victorian home in northern Vermont that my parents lovingly restored and renovated. Watching spaces transform and seeing materials come together sparked my appreciation for honoring a home’s character while creating something beautiful, functional, and deeply personal. I was constantly reimagining my own space, which planted the seeds for my future career

After college, I spent 13 years in advertising in New York City and San Francisco, eventually becoming a Vice President in the corporate world During that time, I traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from beautifully designed hotels, homes, and global interiors Living in San Francisco’s design district further fueled my creativity, as I was surrounded by incredible showrooms and cuttingedge furniture design.

When my family relocated to Pittsburgh in 2012, I began attending High Point Market with a close friend who was an interior designer. What started as a creative passion quickly evolved into something much greater. Encouraged to pursue design professionally, I returned to school, earned my interior design certification, and launched Interiors by Seashal nearly seven years ago.

What continues to inspire my work today is constant discovery I’ve always felt deeply inspired by both travel and nature. Whether I’m exploring a mountain landscape, jungle forest, ocean, or river, being outdoors continually influences my creative perspective through color, texture, and natural beauty.

“I also find inspiration everywhere I travel from beautifully designed hotels where layered textures create spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply comfortable, to innovative furniture pieces and emerging trends I discover at industry events like High Point Market Inspiration is truly everywhere ”

“Creating spaces that bring joy to my clients is what continues to make this work so rewarding.”

Planned Parenthood Gala The Pennsylvanian