Pittsburgh Baillage Checks In to the William Penn Hotel for a Holiday Dinner

By Vice Chargé de Presse Ken McCrory

Perhaps no building in Pittsburgh is a more festive place to spend time during the holidays than Pittsburgh's grand hotel -- The William Penn. High tea, decorations and choral groups are lobby highlights during the holidays. The hotel was built in 1912, at the height of the City's industrial power, when Pittsburgh was probably home to more millionaires than any city outside New York. The lobby and function rooms are still heir to the fabulous opulence that accompanied such legendary wealth.

As we entered the 30 foot ceiling lobby with gilded, intricately detailed, plaster ceilings, we were greeted by the sound of harp music and the sight of nutcracker soldiers as well as a nutcracker ice sculpture. The reception was held in the center of the festively decorated lobby, complete with a giant Christmas tree at one end. Hotel guests paused to watch the black tied and medallioned Chane group as hors d'oeuvres were passed.

After hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine, our sparkling group was escorted to the hotel's top floor by General Manager Joe Berger. The dinner was held in the Urban Room -- one of the most classic art deco rooms in the Country. The name Urban comes from the room's designer, Robert Urban, not its location in the heart of the City. Irreplaceable black Carrera glass panels decorate the walls along with classic art deco wall sconces.

After courses of pheasant consomme, poached turbot and lobster bells with caviar, roast venison loin and sorbet, we were mesmerized by the opening and pouring of a nine liter bottle of 1980 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. That's right -- a whole case of wine in one bottle - hand numbered and signed by the winemaker.

Bailli Pete Hanowich had purchased the bottle at an auction he helped establish benefitting WQED-Pittsburgh's Public Broadcasting TV Station. The 1980 Beringer drank very young, due to the size of the bottle but Dame de la Chane Barbara MacQuown felt it didn't overwhelm the stuffed goose that accompanied it.

After the salad, cheese and desert courses, Chevalier Steve Montelese's table, both men and women were seen finishing with large cigars and equally large cognacs to fortify them against the cold December night. As Matre Grillardin Stan Lalic, Bailli Pete and Barbara Hanowich prepared to step from the hotel into the bright moonlight, they discussed how satisfying it was to be pleasantly stuffed -- for everyone but the goose, that is!