IMG_3549This week, Grow Pittsburgh will host a winter Let Us Eat at Square Cafe on February 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All drinks, food, and even catering orders placed will benefit Grow Pittsburgh.

Square Cafe has been a generous supporter of GP for nearly a decade, when the first executive director Miriam Manion used to hold meetings at her favorite brunch spot. Julie Pezzino Butcher followed in her predecessor’s footsteps, and made Square her staple meeting location as well. Over the years the cafe has supported numerous Grow Pittsburgh events including A Taste of Grow Pittsburgh and the Greenhouse Brunch.

Square Cafe has been a Regent Square favorite for lunch and breakfast for nearly 13 years. Regulars enjoy the variety of coffee and shake options, and unique brunch fare like the bacon and brussel sprout hash. The menu always features vegan, gluten free, and low fat options.

Square tries to source as much locally as they are able while still serving an amazing 9,000-10,000 customers per month. Local vendors include Allegro Hearth, Kiva Han, Snyder Dairy, Dave & Andy’s, Bella Christies and Lil Z’s Sweet Boutique, Nancy B’s, and Monteverde Produce. In season they like to get produce directly from the farmers at markets.

Owner Sherree Goldstein is frequently asked about expanding beyond the 60 seat location, which often has a line for weekend brunch, but she is content keeping her eye on one location for now. In 2014 Square partnered with Uncle Charley’s to manage their food truck which serves up breakfast favorites including their famous sausage for street fairs, private brunches and weddings.

Another new venture for the cafe has been making its own cheese. A partnership was formed with Dan & Michael Jacobs, who needed a commercial location to make their family’s specialty. Named after their beloved grandmother who created the recipe, Kings Pearl is a delicious, crumbly cheese with a delicate Italian herb flavor. It’s fat free and tastes great on everything, especially Square’s King Kale salad.

The new spring and summer menu comes out in April and Sherree is looking forward to fresh berries and herbs again. The menu will feature some new items, and, of course, lots of Kings Pearl!

Join us on February 24th and don’t miss Square Cafe’s booth at the Farm to Table conference on March 27th & 28th.

(pictured above: owner Sherree Goldstein and chalkboard artist Steve Krall pose in Square Cafe)