A philanthropic initiative invites NFL Draft fans to sample Pittsburgh\u2019s food scene while combating student food insecurity. GENYOUth, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing school nutrition access and physical activity, will bring its Taste of the Draft event to Downtown Pittsburgh on April 22.<\/p>\n
According to a news release, the nonprofit\u2019s \u201csignature culinary and gridiron event,\u201d based on the annual Taste of NFL event at the Super Bowl, will gather more than 20 local restaurants and chefs to \u201cshowcase the rich flavors, traditions and cultural diversity that define Pittsburgh\u2019s food scene\u201d ranging from \u201cnostalgic local favorites to bold contemporary creations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Planned for the evening before the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Taste of the Draft will take place at The Tower at PNC Plaza, the headquarters for PNC Bank, the event\u2019s presenting sponsor, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Visit Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
Participating restaurants include Di\u2019Anoia\u2019s Eatery, Ritual House, Palm Palm, Chengdu Gourmet, Del Frisco\u2019s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Con Alma, Primanti Bros., Aunt Cheryl\u2019s Caf\u00e9, Tina\u2019s Bar and Restaurant, Teppanyaki Kyoto, The Speckled Egg, Cafe Momentum Pittsburgh, Arepittas, Original Oyster House and Cadence+ at the Strip. Chefs will also be joined by local culinary high school students.<\/p>\n
Guests also enjoy themed cocktails from Cadence + Cellars Speakeasy and Wigle Whiskey, and desserts including a traditional Pittsburgh cookie table. Football fans get the opportunity to mingle with Steelers players and NFL greats including Fred Baxter, Trai Essex, Randy Grossman, Michael and Maurice Pouncey, J.T. Thomas and Vince Williams. Celebrity chef and Emmy winner Andrew Zimmern will host.<\/p>\n
Taste of the Draft will raise funds for nutrition and physical activity grants to be awarded to 91 schools across Western Pennsylvania and Erie County \u2014 a tribute to the NFL Draft\u2019s 91st anniversary.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne in five children in Pennsylvania face food insecurity and too few get the daily physical activity they need. For many students, schools are their only opportunity to access healthy meals and safe places to play,\u201d said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth.<\/p>\n
According to the same news release, GENYOUth grants will expand access to an estimated 13 million school meals for 50,000 students, prioritizing students in underserved and at-risk communities. Students also receive GENYOUth\u2019s NFL FLAG-In-School kits, ready-made flag football kits designed to promote physical activity.<\/p>\n
This is the second year for the Taste of the Draft event, which was held in Green Bay, Wisc., last April ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n