Yes, I enjoy booze made from artichokes. Cynar (pronounced chee-nar) is an Italian liqueur that can be found in many Pittsburgh bars. It is made from 13 different herbs and plants, but the most notable is the artichoke.  The bittersweet liqueur has been around since the 1950s and it’s actually a relative newcomer into the world of amaros, aka bitter Italian liqueur. Campari was first produced in 1904 and Fernet-Branca has been enjoyed since 1845. 

I got my introduction at Tina’s in Bloomfield. Little Italy Days is a time of frustration for Bloomfield residents like me. The event has devolved from a quaint festival celebrating Italian heritage to people puking in the streets and out-of-state vendors hawking chicken fingers and funnel cakes.