Zagat's taking Pittsburgh Reviews More Seriously- Sort of

Lots of good and bad economic cross currents are impacting the region- one of the best being a growing rep as a cool, interesting place to live or visit.

After pretty much ignoring Pittsburgh for years, Zagat's finally included 7 restaurants; Capital Grille, Ruths Chris; Mortons Steak House; McCormick & Schmicks....even Cheesecake Factory in a "chain survey".

Response of course was pretty furious. Zagat's promises a full Pittsburgh Restaurant guide in early 2013.

You can participate in the survey- Here.

More Thoughts on Civic Branding on Urbanophile: Don't Brand Your City

Another post about urban branding, seems like it's in the air.

Don't Brand Your City

Apartment Therapy Midwest Roadtrip : Ohio, Indiana, Michigan Etc...

Apartment Therapy has it's "United States Of Design" post up of some suggested Art/design highlights in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Missouri.

The list will always make someone mad for what it leaves out. Sadly, I haven't seen enough to argue much aside from saying The Akron Art Museum is IMHO, a must see-and right now rates above The Cleveland Center Of Contemporary Art--until the new museum is done.

The Cleveland Museum is pretty much in a class by itself anywhere outside of NY, Chicago, D.C. or Philly in terms of scale, breadth and quality.

• Contemporary Arts Center, Columbus
•Columbus Museum of Art
• Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland
• The Cleveland Musuem of Art
• Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati

Also included are some shopping and flea market suggestions and a link about Cincinnati's Over The Rhine neighborhood.