Stay up-to-date on what’s coming, going, and changing in the Northside business community with The Northside Chronicle’s monthly Northside Business Briefs. This month’s briefs feature Krista’s Cantina, Monterey Pub, La Prima Espresso Co., Mayfly Market & Deli, California Coffee Bar, Carmi Express, The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers, and Max’s Allegheny Tavern.

By Ashlee Green

Photo: California Coffee Bar, located at 3619 California Ave. in Brighton Heights, has installed new germicidal ultraviolet lights that neutralize COVID-19 in the air. By Cody Baker

Krista’s Cantina closes its doors permanently

Krista’s Cantina in Marshall-Shadeland has permanently closed after over 11 years. The “local neighborhood bar where we treat our guests like family,” according to its website, was known for its free pool tables and specials on chicken wings. 

The bar, which was located at 2650 California Ave., held its final weekend on Aug. 27.

Monterey Pub ‘2.0’ now officially open

Monterey Pub has reopened under new ownership. According to an announcement on the Facebook page of the historic Mexican War Streets pub, Wednesday, Oct. 20 was its first official day open. Temporary hours are as follows: Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight. The kitchen closes every night at 10 p.m. Brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday are in the works.

“We look forward to presenting a modernly historic experience to the North Side and hope to see you all real soon!” reads the post.“As previous owners pass the torch on to the next, this pub has remained an infamous gathering spot for generations. Cheers to many more!”

Monterey Pub is located at 1227 Monterey St. 

Local pickup now available at La Prima Espresso Co.’s Northside location

La Prima Espresso, celebrating 33 years of business, is now offering local order pickup in the Northside at their roastery and wholesale location in Chateau. 

Patrons can order online at laprima.com and select “local pickup” during checkout. There is no shipping fee and orders are ready on the next available business day between Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Product options include espresso blends; “relationship coffees,” or blends that give one dollar from each pound of coffee sold to 412 Food Rescue or Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability & Environment; and single-origin coffees, which include some certified organic and fair trade ones.

Pickup is at 1500 Chateau St. 

“As they say in Italy,” reads the La Prima website, “‘La vita inizia dopo il caffe’—Life begins after coffee.”

Mayfly Market & Deli celebrates third anniversary

Allegheny City Central staple Mayfly Market & Deli celebrated three years of business on Oct. 17.

The neighborhood market carries milk and eggs, produce, coffee, fresh bread, and baked goods; canned and dried goods and household items; small-batch Gilligan’s Sorbet; and deli items including sandwiches, salads, spreads, and soups from Brothmonger.

“We’re not just a neighborhood market, we’re your neighbor and we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without you,” reads an anniversary post on their Instagram page. 

Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grocery and deli pre-order and pickup is available at mayflypgh.com. Catering is also available.

Mayfly Market & Deli is located at 1327 Arch St.

California Coffee Bar installs new ‘cleaning lights’ to combat COVID-19 transmission

California Coffee Bar in Brighton Heights has installed new ‘cleaning lights’ in order to protect its staff and customers from transmitting COVID-19.

The germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lights are different from air filters, which trap particulates in the air. They, on the other hand, are invisible to the naked eye, and have proven through independent lab tests to neutralize the COVID-19 virus on surfaces and in the air up to 99.99%.

Carmi Express now taking holiday catering orders

Carmi Express, with a location at 1219 Federal St., is now taking holiday catering orders. Menus are for a 25-person minimum and include Soul Food, which features fried chicken, jambalaya, potato salad, and baked beans; “B-Q,” which offers barbecue chicken, Italian sausage, cole slaw, and tuna macaroni salad; and Tailgate, with options for hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and pasta salad.

They also have a “Next Day Buffet” option, for up to 10 people: Dishes include meatballs, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and seafood pasta. Pick-up is at the eatery’s Southside location at 1825 E. Carson St.

The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers hosting virtual holiday workshops

Get your craft on this season with The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers. The flower shop is offering virtual workshops for creating a Thanksgiving centerpiece and making a wreath.

The centerpiece workshop, entitled “Grateful For Flowers,” will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 via Zoom. Materials for the workshop must be picked up on the previous day. Local delivery is also an option for locations within 10 miles of the shop; it costs an additional fee.

“Signature Wreath Workshops” are available on the following dates: Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19. All workshops are via Zoom and start at 4:30 p.m. Wreath materials can be picked up, delivered, or shipped to you.

Workshops are non-refundable. Find more information www.thefarmersdaughterflowers.com.

Max’s Allegheny Tavern now offering “Flavors of Fall” take-home buffet

Max’s Allegheny Tavern in Historic Deutschtown has designed a new take-home buffet to “take all the hard work out of your Thanksgiving Day.” You can choose two entrees, three side dishes, and one salad. Rolls with butter and apple strudel dessert are included. 

For the full menu, visit the Max’s Facebook page or call 412-231-1899. All buffet orders must be placed with a deposit by Nov. 13 and picked up by Nov. 24 between the hours or 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.