Shady Side Academy’s Senior School World Languages Department is seeking a temporary maternity leave Chinese teacher for the 2025 academic year for 8 weeks beginning on August 14, 2025. Responsibilities include teaching four sections of Chinese, from introductory through advanced level courses in accordance with the Department’s needs. Other duties, such as not limited to proctoring exams and participating in weekly full faculty meetings, may be assigned as needed by the Academy.Applications can be completed online. Shady Side Academy's Senior School campus is located at 423 Fox Chapel Rd. in Fox Chapel (map).
Qualifications
Fluency in oral and written Chinese and experience teaching Chinese is required. Native fluency is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in Chinese, or another modern language of a native speaker, is required. Ideal candidates will have experience as a teacher, a demonstrated commitment to a high level of academic rigor, a growth mindset, cultural competency, a passion for working with and teaching adolescents, a flexible, proactive, and team-oriented approach, excellent written and oral communication skills, exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, an ability to multitask and prioritize workload, superior interpersonal skills, and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Smartboards, and/or other technology directly linked to working and teaching at Shady Side Academy.
Friday, June 27, 2025
Shady Side Academy hiring Chinese teacher for eight-week period.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Recruiting Chinese immigrant women for research study with OBGYN fellow at UPMC Magee Women's Hospital.

The next phase of the research participation opportunity shared in April, with Dr. Luna Zhang of UPMC, is now underway.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Fresh Garden Kitchen coming soon to Squirrel Hill.

Chow's Kitchen (周家小馆) now open in Squirrel Hill.

Chow's Kitchen (周家小馆) is now open in Squrirrel Hill. Temporary signage went up earlier this month at 5825 Forbes Ave. (map) in what was most recently Dagu Rice Noodle and, previously, The Magic Noodle and Sun Penang. The business paperwork is connected to the ownership team of Everyday Noodles on the same block. The flyer on the door directs people to the restaurant's website, but currently I am unable to load it on a computer; it does seem to open on mobile, though. A menu has been uploaded to Yelp.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Win-Win Kung Fu in Squirrel Hill offering six-week summer camp for kids' martial arts, fitness, culture, and language training; $30 discount extended through June 30.
Camp Schedule:
- Week 1: July 7 – 11
- Week 2: July 14 – 18
- Week 3: July 21 – 25
- Week 4: July 28 – August 1
- Week 5: August 4 – 8
- Week 6: August 11 – 15
Location: Squirrel Hill Studio – 2705-2707 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Time: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (optional extended care until 5:30 PM)
Ages: 5 – 15 years
What to Expect
Learn Kung Fu/Wushu/Tai Chi from champion masters
Train in martial arts fundamentals
Boost focus, fitness, and confidence with intensive training
Dive into Mandarin language, Chinese culture, games, and movies
Have fun in a supportive and engaging environment
Tuition & Registration
- $240 per 5-day week (Save $30 when you register by June 30!)
- 10% discount for siblings
- New students: One-time $90 registration fee (includes a pair of training shoes, T-shirt, and training pants)
- Free registration for current Win-Win students
- Only 25 spots per week – First Come, First Serve!
How to Register
Current Win-Win students: Complete the selection form and submit a 20% tuition deposit.
New students: Fill out the registration form, sign the waiver, complete the selection form, and submit a 20% tuition deposit along with the $90 registration fee.
Seats fill up fast, so don’t miss out on a summer of fun and learning!
For questions or to register, call (412) 336-8898 or email masters [at] winwinkungfu.com.
The studio is located at 2705 Murray Ave., on the ground floor of the Morrowfield building in Squirrel Hill South (map).
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Free beginner-level Chinese classes at Carnegie Library in East Liberty, Saturdays from June 21.

via Khun Hans Photography (Creative Commons)
The Carnegie Library branch in East Liberty will start a free "We Learn: Beginner-Level Chinese Language" class on Saturdays from June 21.
Welcome to the Chinese language learning circle! This is a beginner-level class, so you do not need to have any prior experience with the language. The focus will be on basic spoken Mandarin, but we might also learn some things about the writing system if there is enough interest.Registration is required. Classes are held from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in Meeting Room 2 over eight weeks, and the library is located at 130 S. Whitfield St. (map).
Course materials we'll use
Course materials will be provided by Mango Languages, which is available for free through the library. We will also add other materials according to the learners' interests.
Friday, June 6, 2025
Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ eyes Monday, June 9, opening.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is aiming to open on Monday, June 9, in the Southside Works. Top Pot is a chain with nine locations currently open---three in Pennsylvania, two in Ohio, and one each in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and Utah---and four under development, including this Pittsburgh spot first announced in December 2023.
Top Pot & K BBQ is an AYCE restaurant franchise that offers a unique and satisfying dining experience with a combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ. The menu features a wide range of ingredients, spices, and sauces to cater to different tastes, with options for meat, seafood, vegetables, and more. Customers can enjoy cooking their food at the table with a simmering pot of soup stock or grilling meat on the table with personalized dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers a well-rounded meal with a lot of delicious small side dishes, which provide a diverse array of flavors and textures. These side dishes, along with the option of both hot pot and Korean BBQ, make for a unique and satisfying dining experience.The Monday opening will follow private tasting events this weekend. It is located at 2829 East Carson St. (map), and will be one of three new-ish Asian chains, along with Kura Sushi and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, helping to make Southside Works a dining destination for lovers of Asian food.
In addition to the delicious food, Top Pot BBQ is committed to providing quality service at affordable prices. This means that customers can expect to receive not just a great meal, but also attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. And with the restaurant's focus on using fresh ingredients, customers can be assured that they are eating high-quality food that is both delicious and nourishing.
For those looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience, Top Pot BBQ is the perfect choice. With its combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ, and commitment to quality, service, and affordability, it's sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit and we have something for everyone regardless of your preferences.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
2024 Chinese film Caught by the Tides (风流一代) in Pittsburgh, from June 20.

The 2024 Chinese film Caught by the Tides (风流一代) will play in Pittsburgh from June 20 through July 3.
The preeminent dramatist of China’s rapid 21st-century growth and social transformation, Jia Zhangke has taken his boldest approach to narrative yet with his marvelous Caught by the Tides. Assembled from footage shot over a span of 23 years—a beguiling mix of fiction and documentary, featuring a cascade of images taken from previous movies, unused scenes, and newly shot dramatic sequences—Caught by the Tides is a free-flowing work of unspoken longing, carried along more by music than dialogue as it looms around the edges of a poignant love story.
The film mostly adheres to the perspective of Qiaoqiao (Jia’s immortal muse Zhao Tao) as she wanders an increasingly unrecognizable country in search of long-lost lover Bin (Li Zhubin), who left their home city of Datong seeking new financial prospects. The always captivating Zhao carries the film with her delicate expressiveness, while Jia constantly evokes cinema’s ability to capture the passage of time and the persistence of change: of people, landscapes, cities, politics, ideas.
Chow's Kitchen coming to Squirrel Hill.

A new Chinese restaurant, Chow's Kitchen, is coming to Squirrel Hill. It will be located at 5825 Forbes Ave. (map) in what was most recently Dagu Rice Noodle and, previously, The Magic Noodle and Sun Penang. The business paperwork is connected to the ownership team of Everyday Noodles on the same block, and the new restaurant is currently hiring staff and management. Chow's Kitchen did not respond to inquiries about the menu or opening date yet, so updates will be forthcoming.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill in Robinson aiming for June 8 opening.



Monday, June 2, 2025
2024 Chinese movie Escape from the 21st Century (从21世纪安全撤离) in Pittsburgh, June 9.

The 2024 Chinese movie Escape from the 21st Century (从21世纪安全撤离) will play in Pittsburgh on June 9.
he story follows three friends who discover they have the power to travel back and forth 20 years with a sneeze. However, the future is not as good as they hoped, and they need to take on the responsibility of saving the world.It plays locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, in Mandarin with English subtitles, and tickets are available online.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Enson Market, previously known as Fresh International Market, now aims to soft open its Pittsburgh location on June 6.

After a couple of years of delays and false starts, Enson Market will soft open in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park on June 6. Previously going by its parent company name Fresh International Market, Enson Market and Ineffable Cà Phê "will bring fresh groceries, prepared foods, and Asian-inspired dishes to the heart of Point Breeze North," according to the latest press release.
Located inside the historic Apollo building at 7511 Thomas Blvd, the 40,000 square foot space has been fully restored and reimagined as a modern grocery and café destination. It’s a big moment for the neighborhood—and for anyone looking for quality ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and something a little different for dinner.. . .
Enson Market will offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, along with everyday grocery items and unique international finds. You’ll find snacks, sauces, and prepared foods that introduce new flavors, while still being able to shop for your regular weekly staples—all in one place.The release did not give an explanation for the new name, which had been used in recent weeks on job advertisements for the store. The Pittsburgh branch of this US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023 with a Summer 2024 target, and will be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It had previously announced openings for February, April, and May 2025. It will be located at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map).
With a fresh bakery, hot food counter, and grab-and-go meals like sushi and spring rolls, the store is set up for convenience, discovery, and everyday use.
Just beyond the grocery aisles, Ineffable Cà Phê adds another layer to the experience. Known for its original Lawrenceville location, the café will serve Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì, phở, rice bowls, and weekend brunch. It’s a place to grab breakfast, meet a friend, or wind down with a beer or glass of wine.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Free beginner-level Chinese classes at Carnegie Library in East Liberty, Saturdays from June 21.

via Khun Hans Photography (Creative Commons)
The Carnegie Library branch in East Liberty will start a free "We Learn: Beginner-Level Chinese Language" class on Saturdays from June 21.
Welcome to the Chinese language learning circle! This is a beginner-level class, so you do not need to have any prior experience with the language. The focus will be on basic spoken Mandarin, but we might also learn some things about the writing system if there is enough interest.Registration is required. Classes are held from 3:00 to 4:00 pm in Meeting Room 2 over eight weeks, and the library is located at 130 S. Whitfield St. (map).
Course materials we'll use
Course materials will be provided by Mango Languages, which is available for free through the library. We will also add other materials according to the learners' interests.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
"The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" at Byham Theater, March 14, 2026.

"The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac" will be performed at the Byham Theater on March 14, 2026, part of the Trust Family Series of performances aimed at younger audiences.
Join Freddie and Ivy alongside their grandparents, Po Po and Kung Kung, as their Chinese New Year celebrations take a turn from dumpling-making to discovering the incredible origin story of the Chinese Zodiac!The booking agency says the performance is best for kids in kindergarten through grade 3. Individual tickets are scheduled to go on sale today at 10:00 am EST. The show starts at 2:00 pm, and the Byham Theater is located at 101 6th Street in downtown's Cultural District (map).
When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that the first twelve animals to cross the race’s mighty river will have a year named after them and will mark the passage of a 12-year cycle.
Learn which animals win & what traits helped their success, why the rat and cat are enemies, and how each animal earned their place in the Zodiac while enjoying traditional Chinese movement, music and martial arts!
Monday, May 12, 2025
Sunday Fun Day: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage, May 18 at Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art will host Sunday Fun Day: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage on May 18.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage at The Westmoreland with special performances and engaging hands-on activities. Fun for all ages!
Enjoy captivating performances by Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic and Pittsburgh Xiaobo Waist Drum Dance Group with special guests. Experience Kamishibai, the traditional Japanese art of storytelling, presented by the Greensburg Hempfield Area Library. Take part in engaging hands-on activities, including Chinese calligraphy and art-making, and savor a variety of delicious cultural cuisine.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Kpot now coming to Pittsburgh . . . never.

The "coming soon" sign has come down from the former Eat n' Park in Squirrel Hill, where the highly-anticipated Kpot was supposed to open a while ago. It has been replaced by a For Lease sign. I actually had a post set to publish on May 28 to mark the second anniversary of "coming soon" signage with absolutely no updates or movement, so I've needed to modify that now.

The "Pittsburg" location was long listed as "coming soon" on the website as well, but all my inquiries to Kpot always received the same response:
At this time we do not have a definitive date as to when this location will be open. All new location openings will be announced on our FB and IG, stay tuned!

In 2023 and 2024, a number of all-you-can-eat Hot Pot and Korean BBQ places were announced with great fanfare: besides Kpot there was Hong Hot Pot & BBQ on McKnight Road, Korean BBQ in Oakland, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ on the South Side, Running Dish at the Waterfront, and Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless and Robinson, plus a couple others announced this year. Hong Hot Pot & BBQ is the only one to open so far, while the others remain in various stages of (in)completion, months and sometimes years after initial target opening dates. To editorialize for a moment, I have to wonder if the growing costs of construction and ingredients---which will only continue to climb under Trump---paired with adminsitrative delays have made owners second guess the feasibility of these restaurant concepts. While Korean BBQ is of course popular throughout the US, one of the appeals to these places in Korea is how cheap and ubiquitous they are; families may bristle at spending $150-$200 for a night out, particularly as we enter an economic recession or depression.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
HK Dim Sum holds Grand Opening in Oakland today, May 8.

HK Dim Sum, also stylized Hong Kong Dim Sum, has officially grand opened today in North Oakland. It soft opened back on April 15 and is located at 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland's One on Centre complex (map). The menu features a variety of dumpling, dim sum, and dessert dishes in addition to more commonly-found rice and noodle entrees, and the space features a large dining room plus three private rooms for events. Announced back in September 2023, HK Dim Sum was aiming to help fill in one of the remaining gaps in Pittsburgh's Asian food scene. Its hours are currently 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Win-Win Kung Fu in Squirrel Hill offering six-week summer camp for kids' martial arts, fitness, culture, and language training; $30 discount extended through May 31.
Camp Schedule:
- Week 1: July 7 – 11
- Week 2: July 14 – 18
- Week 3: July 21 – 25
- Week 4: July 28 – August 1
- Week 5: August 4 – 8
- Week 6: August 11 – 15
Location: Squirrel Hill Studio – 2705-2707 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Time: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (optional extended care until 5:30 PM)
Ages: 5 – 15 years
What to Expect
Learn Kung Fu/Wushu/Tai Chi from champion masters
Train in martial arts fundamentals
Boost focus, fitness, and confidence with intensive training
Dive into Mandarin language, Chinese culture, games, and movies
Have fun in a supportive and engaging environment
Tuition & Registration
- $240 per 5-day week (Save $30 when you register by May 31!)
- 10% discount for siblings
- New students: One-time $90 registration fee (includes a pair of training shoes, T-shirt, and training pants)
- Free registration for current Win-Win students
- Only 25 spots per week – First Come, First Serve!
How to Register
Current Win-Win students: Complete the selection form and submit a 20% tuition deposit.
New students: Fill out the registration form, sign the waiver, complete the selection form, and submit a 20% tuition deposit along with the $90 registration fee.
Seats fill up fast, so don’t miss out on a summer of fun and learning!
For questions or to register, call (412) 336-8898 or email masters [at] winwinkungfu.com.
The studio is located at 2705 Murray Ave., on the ground floor of the Morrowfield building in Squirrel Hill South (map).
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