🥧 Where to get Thanksgiving takeout

State on Verge of Finally Getting a Budget

After months without a state budget — forcing school districts, counties, and social service providers across PA to borrow money to stay afloat — lawmakers have reportedly reached a deal. Details on the agreement were still trickling in last night. The state House, Senate, and Gov. Shapiro still need to formally approve the spending plan. [🔐 Philadelphia Inquirer]

PG Threatens To Permanently Close

The region’s largest newspaper said in a statement this week that a court decision siding with striking workers would likely “force the closure of the Post-Gazette — ending nearly 240 years of continuous service” to Western PA. About 26 workers remain on a strike that started in October 2022. Both parties have said they want the strike to end, but analysts suggest it’s far from over. [3rd Circuit Court of Appeals / WESA]

Esplanade Construction Coming Soon

Piatt Companies now owns the entire 15-acre property along the Ohio River where it plans to build Esplanade, a development with restaurants, housing, an event venue, and a two-hundred-foot Ferris wheel in Chateau. Piatt hopes to break ground “in the next couple of weeks.” [🔐 Business Times]

• Can the North Side get all of these new amenities and still stay affordable? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

New PIT Terminal To Open Next Week

After four years of construction, Pittsburgh International Airport’s new $1.7 billion landside terminal will open to the public on Nov. 18. [Blue Sky News]

• Go inside: Here’s what to expect the next time you fly. [📝🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

I’m on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast with host Megan Harris to share the most scrumptious mains, sides, and pies you can order for your holiday table.

🥧 Warning: Listening may cause hunger.

Pane è Pronto

Order the ultimate Italian-American meal kit at Pane è Pronto in the Strip District, ready to reheat and enjoy. Choose between porchetta and gravy or fennel rosemary turkey breast and white wine braised turkey thighs. Each kit includes pumpkin rosemary dinner rolls; cacio e pepe mashed potatoes; sausage, spinach, apple, and pine nut stuffing; and Italian cookies. Feed two for $80 or four for $150. Pickup is Nov. 26.

Mediterra

You can get a whole turkey ready to roast or an already-done, herb-brined bird from Mediterra in Lawrenceville, Mt. Lebanon, Sewickley, or Cranberry — plus sides like sweet and spicy roasted brussels sprouts, stuffing, candied yams, and sweets from their bakehouse. Order by Nov. 19 for pick up Nov. 25-26.

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

Choose a turkey or ham to pair with sides like cornbread pecan stuffing, mac and cheese, collared greens, and more. If you need dinner for one, Community Kitchen offers a plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a dinner roll for $18. Pick up in Hazelwood.

Veggies N’at

Go solo with a single-serving platter including your choice of beet and mushroom Wellington or lasagna made with pumpkin ricotta, plus a bunch of tasty sides. Every plate includes “sausage” herb and quinoa stuffing; slow roasted agave sweet potatoes; smoky braised greens; baked mac and “cheese”; and cranberry sauce. Order by Nov. 23 for pickup in Manchester Nov. 26.

Third Space Bakery

Choose from maple pumpkin pie, cheddar-sage apple pie, or bourbon pecan pie at the co-op and teaching kitchen in Garfield. More of a cake fan? Try the gluten-free cranberry orange almond cake or vegan salted maple gingerbread cake. Don’t order without snagging this adorable pumpkin loaf that can double as a centerpiece. Order by Nov. 19 for pickup Nov. 26.

• Give back: Order a “Pie for a Neighbor” to be donated through 412 Food Rescue.

350° Bakery

Head to the South Side for treats like honey pumpkin pie, bourbon pecan pie, classic apple pie, cinnamon buns, and a variety of breads from Brown Bear Bread Co, like pumpkin sourdough, herb focaccia, and mini biscuits. Order by Nov. 22 for pickup Nov. 26.

Bethel Bakery

Get the best of both worlds with Bethel Bakery’s inventive “piecaken” — a 9-inch pumpkin pie with a spiced cake on top, a smattering of apple butter and whipped topping. Order deadline is Nov. 20 for pickup Nov. 25-26.