From the day I moved here, the one thing that excited me was the possibilities that Pittsburgh presented its citizens. The layout, the scene and the atmosphere. It was all set to become a city with a nightlife. However, in 1995, nightlife was limited to the strip and the southside -- and the occasional fund-raising event.

But no more.

Because of downtown development, an infusion of citizens and capital from outside the region and more young people staying in town, Pittsburgh seems to be on the social upswing. To paraphrase the New York Times, Pittsburgh is a city on the verge of being trendy. The myriad of restaurants, the new entertainment options and the increase in the number of shows coming to town. But is it all worth checking out?

That's the question I hope to answer in a new weekly segment on Action News. It's called "Check It Out" and it runs every Thursday night at 11pm. I'm hosting the segment and the idea is to present to you the different options you have for entertainment options each week in the city.


Working together with the Trib's popular "Ticket" insert and managing features editor Sally Quinn, we bring viewers three different options in a fast-paced and interesting manner, designed to whet your appetite. For example, this past Thursday we profiled an up-and-coming comedian performing at the Improve, the circus coming to town and sampled the restaurant "Six Penn" in the cultural district.

What we hope to do through this segment is show you all the choices you have for entertainment and fun in the city -- as well as open your eyes to some of the newest spots and happenings. Of course, we are always welcome suggestions, comments and your ideas for places and things worth "Checking Out" in Pittsburgh. Hope you tune in Thursday nights and realize that Pittsburgh is a diverse and exciting place and worthy of "Checking Out"