The Premiere of #SaltSundays at Salt of the Earth Restaurant

June 2014

When it launched, Salt of the Earth paved the way for a new approach to Pittsburgh fine dining with its open kitchen, communal tables, industrial design and grittier neighborhood location. Recently, founding Chef Kevin Sousa passed the torch to then Sous-Chef, Chad Townsend, and though many of the core elements remain, Townsend is reshaping the restaurant to reflect his influences and goals.

Hashtag-Salt-Sundays
Event/Floral Designer Thommy Conroy was the mastermind behind the beautiful transformation of the space.

Floral Reflections

As a means for showcasing this new guard and to highlight the local, seasonal menu, the restaurant launched a new Sunday dinner series called #SaltSundays. As a kickoff, Salt whet the appetite of foodies at Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2014 event by distributing cards inviting guests to a new dining experience. Through invites and a twitter contest, Townsend and crew filled the seats for the inaugural Sunday, and I was lucky enough to attend.

For A Dining Experience

Hanging Lanterns

Leaf Ends

Long Table

If you’ve ever strolled a streetside Parisian antique/flea market at lunchtime, you have observed the inspiration for this #saltsundays menu. At that hour, the vendors ignore the folk browsing their wares, procure their portable tables and set them with the most lovely of picnics. Their slow meals of roasted chicken, potatoes, fresh bread (of course!) and perhaps some wine and cheeses are a testament to their rich culinary history and slow approach to meals (and to drinking at lunch!). Being the Francophile that he is, Townsend channeled the French style picnic indoors.

Florals and Prep

Flowers and Pate
Pork Terrine with Mustard & Cornichon
Rose at the Table
A to Z Rosé
Asparagus Course
Chilled Asparagus with Gribiche
Jody Perigo
Ukulele entertainment by the talented Jody Perigo.
Chicken Course
Roast Chicken with Veloute, Roasted Potatoes & herbs, Braised Radish & Chives (not shown but delicious!)
Kouign Amann
Kouign Amann & Buttermilk Ice Cream

Cheese Course

Thanks Chef
Bravo Chef!

The menu was refined in a way that exudes skill and thoughtfulness. The decor was bright, fresh, and transforming, making this meal a unique experience. The chef was happy and humble, graciously presenting and thanking all the hands involved in the meal. It was the perfect representation of what’s to come for Chad and his team, and it’s worth following, so stay tuned to #saltsundays!

Single-Grain

Sincèrement,
Quelcy

ps: You can follow more of floral/event designer Thommy Conroy’s work via his Instagram adventures or through our collaboration Harvest & Gather.

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