Plus, swing by for our first Open Friday at The Salon!
November 2022
The Drinking Differently Issue
Redefining What It Means To Have A Drink
Now that Halloween is behind us, you’ve probably noticed holiday decorations overflowing the shelves of local retailers. While we may not be ready to embrace the snowy village displays just yet, the repeating carols remind us that gatherings with friends and family are right around the corner.
But in addition to the merriment and twinkly lights, there’s almost always another guest at these get-togethers: booze. Picking up a nice bottle of wine or bringing cocktail fixings to a holiday party is almost as automatic as slipping on a tacky sweater.
However, for some, whether you’re ringing in another year or meeting with friends on the weekend, alcohol is not a necessary ingredient to have a good time or enjoy the moment. But quality choices for the non-alc community have been much more limited compared to the wide availability of wine, beer, and spirits.
That idea got Salon member and fempreneur Mel Babitz thinking. Why not open a shop that mirrors a beer distributor or spirits store, but only sells non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits? She did exactly that.
Keep scrolling for our conversation with Mel about how her shop, The Open Road, is making non-alcoholic beverages accessible. Plus, get a sneak peek at some fun events we have planned with her.
Until next week,
—Meredith
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Mark Your Calendar!
Low-/no-alcohol monthly event series! Gather with us on the third Thursday of November, December, and January to enjoy each other’s company — without the booze.
November 17 |Potluck and Non-Alcoholic Beer Tasting. Register here! December 15| Craft Cocktail Workshop. Register here! January 19 | Dry January Meet-up. Register here!
Non-Alc Drinks At The Open Road
More people than ever are embracing a sober lifestyle — and brands have taken notice. But while you can purchase alcohol-free wine, beer, and spirits online, finding local options to have at home or bring to a party was nonexistent. At least until January 2020, when Mel Babitz opened her pop-up The Open Road (now a brick-and-mortar in Allentown) to give the Pittsburgh region our pick of non-alcoholic sips that taste better than the real thing.
Why is there a need for a non-alcoholic bottle shop like The Open Road?
There’s such a rising call to have more non-alcoholic options available, and even as recently as a few years ago, really great quality products just didn’t exist. Almost everything in the shop has come out in the last two to three years and I’m here to bring those options to the area via my non-alcoholic beverage shop The Open Road.
We’re the only carrier of most of these products in the area. We carry all kinds of things from non-alcoholic beer and wine to original botanical and mimic spirits , ready-to-drink cocktails, unique seltzers, and functional products infused with CBD, adaptogens, mushrooms, or prebiotics. The Open Road has a spectrum of options that really aren’t available anywhere else in or around Pittsburgh — and definitely not with the level of education we can provide.
Why is it so important to encourage events that don’t revolve around alcohol?
There are many reasons why someone might not be drinking. To have an absence of alternatives is the same as not offering vegetarian or vegan options.
What do you hope participants at The Salon events will learn about non-alcoholic beverages?
Non-alcoholic drinks aren’t just for those who don’t drink — you could be alternating or you’ve already had enough for the night or you just have a headache. The list of reasons someone might prefer a non-alcoholic drink is endless.
Many people aren’t aware of the quality and variety of non-alcoholic drinks that are available. It’s so easy to integrate non-alc options into your bar cart or fridge at home or your selection of drinks at a party or gathering. There’s really something for everyone.
Become A Salon Member
The Salon is a place to dabble in the unknown. We provide an admittedly eclectic (but community-led!) range of programming. One week, it might be an academic discussing the gender pay gap. Next, it might be wine tasting and hipster puzzles. Indulge in new things with us! And if it makes you a bit nervous, that might be a good thing. Find out for yourself what we’re all about.
Explore Salon-specific programming centered on topics, activities, and conversations that most appeal to and resonate with women and those that identify as women.
Break out of your routine and hang out at our HQ every Friday throughout the Fall. Spend an hour, an afternoon, or the whole day basking in the feel-good energy. Catch up with women and friends in The Salon community, take advantage of free coffee and a snack at Field Day, or bring your laptop for a change of scenery during your work day. If the mood hits, we may even make our way to the rooftop for a bird’s eye view of the changing leaves. No need for a day pass. All you have to do is show up. Curious about membership? Stop in on a Friday, it's a great way to check out our space and have a chat! Register here!
This month, we’re burying our noses in Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld. “What if Hilary had never married Bill? How would she, and our country, be different? The book is a fun, sexy reimagining of one of the most important politicians today. Perfect for history buffs and romance fans alike.” Join us to talk about critical themes and plot points, listen to others’ thoughts, and share our own impressions and opinions. No worries if you don’t finish the book or haven’t been part of the Book Circle until now — you can jump in at any time. Register here!
Member Coffee
Tues, November 8
9 - 10 am
In The Salon
Start your day with a pick-me-up and conversation. Drop in to The Salon on (most) Tuesday mornings to hang out with (and meet!) fellow Salon members, warm up with complimentary coffee or tea, and generally have a good time. It’s a great way to get a feel for The Salon and connect with local women. Oh, and don’t hesitate to bring a friend along. Open and free to all. Register here!
There's no two ways around it, parenting is complicated. So if you're looking for a group of supportive moms and mother figures who are also navigating the complex world of parenting, join us once a month for our Parenting Adolescents Meet-Up. Facilitated by Salon member Laura Jones we'll gather together to vent, laugh, cry, and be honest about your parenting struggles and successes, without judgment. Parenting isn’t easy, but our community is here for you. SERIES: November 14, December 12, January 16. Register here!
Join us for a pre-holiday Potluck with a twist. Hosted in collaboration with Mel Babitz, owner of the local non-alcoholic beverage shop The Open Road, we'll nosh on delicious eats, enjoy the company of fellow Pittsburgh women, learn about the booming booze-free beverage market, and top it off with a non-alcoholic beer-tasting! Bring a friend, bring a dish (or a snack), and pull up a seat at our table. We can’t wait to gather with you. Register here!
Ready to lean into fall flavors? 🍂Troy Hill’s Scratch & Co recently revealed its seasonal dish — butternut squash mascarpone, with sage, hazelnut, and parmesan broth. 😋
The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank opened a Food Market at its headquarters in Duquesne at the end of September. 🛒The market provides free shelf-stable, produce, meat, dairy, and non-food items and brings more dignity to the food distribution process. ❤️
