Sauce of pride

Today's city is a foodie's paradise.

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Scratch & Co in Troy Hill is typical of the “neighbourhood restaurant”, with focus on local produce and suppliers. The “Co” could easily stand for cosy.

Owner Don Mahaney says: “Like all Pittsburghers, we are fiercely loyal to the region, and uncommonly welcoming to all.”

Their slab of moist, melting meatloaf with red skin mash, thick chicken gravy, crispy onions and hot-honey carrots sprinkled with ground pistachio is itself worth the transatlantic trip.

A truly memorable feast. Homely, authentic, simply delicious.

Another gastronomic gem is La Gourmandine, a mile away on trendy Butler Street, Lawrenceville.

French couple Fabian and Liane Moreau settled in the US and opened their bakery in 2010. And it feels like you're stepping in from a stylish back street in Paris.

Within moments of entering, the mixed aroma of coffee, toasted almonds, cinnamon brioche and warm chocolate triggers a happy attack.

The pastries are as good as any I've tasted, including in the French capital.

The trendy urban culture currently energising Pittsburgh would have delighted one of its most famous hipster sons, Andy Warhol.

Such is the inventive impact of the pop-art guru on his home city, he has his own mega museum (£20 adults, £10 children over three).