Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Classic Hong Kong films return to Pittsburgh in 2026.


Three classic Hong Kong films have been announced for screenings in Pittsburgh-area theaters in 2026.
These three, and several others, played at the Harris Theater in September and October as part of a Hong Kong Cinema Classics series. These three films will play, so far, at the Cinemark theaters in McCandless and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2025 compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution (劇場版 呪術廻戦「渋谷事変 特別編集版」×「死滅回游 先行上映」) stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) December 17.


The 2025 compilation film JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution (劇場版 呪術廻戦「渋谷事変 特別編集版」×「死滅回游 先行上映」), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on December 4, will stay here through (at least) December 17.
A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are curse users and spirits scheming to seal him away. Yuji Itadori, accompanied by his classmates and other top-tier jujutsu sorcerers, enters the fray in an unprecedented clash of curses — the Shibuya Incident. In the aftermath, ten colonies across Japan are transformed into dens of curses in a plan orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, the most wicked sorcerer in history. As the deadly Culling Game starts, Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji’s execution for his perceived crimes. The desperate confrontation between Satoru Gojo’s two beloved students comes to the big screen with an early preview. Be the first to experience Yuji and Yuta’s fateful battle with the hotly anticipated kickoff to Season 3 in theatres nationwide.
It is scheduled to play locally through the 12th at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Loews Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monaca, Monroeville, and Robinson; after the 12th it will play at the AMC Loews Waterfront, AMC Classic South Hills Village, and the Cinemarks in McCandless and Monroeville. Tickets are available online.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

After Monroeville's Bobae closes, owners reopen Korean/Japanese market "Ramen Mart" in Murrysville.


While searching through paperwork on another business, I found news of "Ramen Mart" in Murrysville, a Korean-owned store that specializes in Korean and Japanese snacks, ramen, beverages, and other food novelties. Of course it's not exactly news, since it opened over the summer, but it's new to me. It's located at 3920 William Penn Highway (map), a small outparcel it shares with Let's Taco and a real estate agent. The owner used to operate Bobae in Monroeville, with similar offerings, until it closed earlier this year. Photos of Ramen Mart's offerings are available on its Instsagram and Facebook pages

Ramen place coming to Brookline.


Word around town is a Japanese ramen restaurant will be coming to Brookline, in the spot most recently occupied by Oak Hill Post (map). The sign was recently painted over and an application was submitted to paint the new one, while work continues inside.

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Vietnam 9 Vietnam closes after brief stint in Oakland.


Vietnam 9 Vietnam, a Vietnamese restaurnant in Oakland, closed in late-November. If the latest Google Review is to be believed, it aims to look for a new location. Vietnam 9 Vietnam opened in April at 338 S. Bouquet St. (map), across from the post office.

Viet Lounge coming to East Liberty.


Work is underway in East Liberty on a new restaurant and lounge called Viet Lounge. It will be located on the ground floor of 211 Tower on 211 N. Whitfield St. (map), in what was most recently Blue Sky Kitchen and Bar.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

"Poke Bowl-focused Asian fusion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese)" coming soon to Greenfield to replace short-lived Gold Ladle.


Signage went up today on Murray Ave. in Greenfield for a "Poke Bowl-focused Asian fusion restaurant" coming soon to the spot formerly occupied by Gold Ladle. Gold Ladle was the latest in a line of Chinese restaurants occupying 4219 Murray Ave. (map), dating back to at least the 1980s, but it closed in April 2025 due to fire after just six months in business. It took over the spot after a few months of Wai Wai, which took over that spot after China Star was shut down in February 2024 due to repeated health violations.

Signage on the windows says
Dear Customers,

Our restaurant has been renovated and upgraded from a Chinese restaurant to a Poke Bowl-focused Asian fustion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese).

Coming Soon

2019 Chinese film The Wild Goose Lake (南方車站的聚會) in Pittsburgh, December 13-15, part of "Lost Films of COVID" series.


The 2019 Chinese film The Wild Goose Lake (南方車站的聚會) will play in Pittsburgh December 13 through 15, part of "Lost Films of COVID" series.
From acclaimed director Diao Yinan, The Wild Goose Lake is the stunning follow-up to his 2014 Berlinale winning neo-noir Black Coal, Thin Ice. Toppling box office records in Diao’s native China, The Wild Goose Lake “cements his status as a master filmmaker with another ingenious crime epic” (Little White Lies). When small-time mob leader Zhou Zenong (Chinese superstar Hu Ge) accidentally kills a cop, a dead-or-alive bounty is placed on his head, forcing him on the lam from both the police as well as dangerous gangsters out for the reward. Hiding out in China’s densely populated (and deeply divided) city of Wuhan, Zhou becomes entangled with a beautiful, enigmatic woman, who has mysterious intentions of her own. Featuring gorgeous, neon-drenched cinematography and bursts of shocking, expertly choreographed action, The Wild Goose Lake is “spellbinding” (Rolling Stone), “brilliant" (Indiewire), and “downright Hitchcockian” (AV Club). 

It plays at the Harris Theater in downtown's Cultural District and tickets are available online. 

Friday, December 5, 2025

#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR THE MOVIE in Pittsburgh, December 27 and 28.


The movie #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR THE MOVIE, following Jin on his 2025 world tour, will play in Pittsburgh on December 27 and 28.
“Dojeon! (Challenge!) Until the day I meet every ARMY.” Jin has embarked on his first journey to connect with ARMY, whether in person or online. Spanning 10 cities and 20 performances - from Goyang to Japan, North America, Europe, and back to Incheon - the most thrilling moments of the tour are now ready to unfold on the big screen. With "challenge" as its theme, the show sees "Worldwide Handsome" Jin brings his signature energy to the stage, laughing, singing, and completing missions with ARMY across five energetic rounds. From his first solo album, "Happy," backed by a live band, to his second mini album, "Echo," and a special medley of BTS songs, the concert unfolds as a panorama of diverse music and emotion, captivating both eyes and ears. Amidst that blazing energy, everyone becomes the star of the festival once again. Jin cordially invites you to a special year-end party in cinemas, as #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR THE MOVIE brings the vibrant stage that launched his first solo fan concert world tour to life, once again.
It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

Comedian Jiaoying Summers in Pittsburgh, March 6, part of Lucky Pony 26 tour.


Comedian Jiaoying Summers will perform in Pittsburgh on March 6, part of her Lucky Pony 26 tour.
City Winery Pittsburgh presents JIAOYING SUMMERS: LUCKY PONY 26 live on Friday, March 6th, at 7:30PM!

Jiaoying Summers recently released her Hulu comedy special What Specie Are You? Named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” (2025), Summers shines in her debut stand-up hour as she explores what divides us, what unites us, and what belonging truly means. Drawing from her life as a first-generation immigrant, she turns cultural clashes, identity, and motherhood into razor-sharp comedy that resonates across continents.

An award-winning performer and inductee of the Asian Hall of Fame, Jiaoying is emerging as one of the most influential Asian voices in comedy. She made history as the first Chinese comedian to headline and sell out the Apollo Theater in New York City. With more than 1 billion views across social media and over 5 million followers, she is a digital powerhouse known for viral hits like her “Uber Karen” sketch and her comedic breakdowns of English names from a Chinese perspective.

Beyond the stage, Jiaoying is the creator and host of the hit podcast Tiger Mom, where she interviews comedians, artists, and cultural figures in intimate, unfiltered conversations. She is also a successful entrepreneur: the former Miss China now owns and operates The Hollywood Comedy and The Green Room Comedy Café, creating platforms for diverse and underrepresented comedic talent.

Jiaoying Summers delivers fearless, modern commentary on identity, race, and gender to audiences worldwide, making her one of the boldest, most dynamic, and unmissable comedians working today.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online, ranging in price from $25 to $70, though there is an additional $25 food & beverage minimum. City Winery Pittsburgh is located at 1627 Smallman St. in the Strip District Terminal (map).

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