Mediterra Cafe has introduced a new summer coffee special in collaboration with a rising local celebrity: Bubbles Manganiello. Her custom-designed drink, a hot honey latte, debuted July 21 with a mystery social media reveal and giveaway.
Head barista Lilly DeVos admitted that the first time she met Joe Manganiello’s 13-year-old rescue Chihuahua, she didn’t even recognize the famous actor holding her.
“I was so captivated by Bubbles in his arms, I didn’t notice who was holding her,” DeVos said with a laugh.
Bubbles has that effect on people. She became the Pittsburgh Pirates’ “rally dog” this summer after cheering the team to a record 10-run inning during its July 12 game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Manganiello said he “lifted her like Simba” when the Jumbotron landed on them during the fourth inning. The crowd erupted, and the Pirates went on to score seven runs before the Brewers recorded an out.
He demonstrated the move over Mediterra’s espresso machine while Bubbles patiently watched her captivated audience.
Manganiello and his fiancée, Caitlin O’Connor, are regulars at Mediterra and often bring Bubbles during afternoon walks through the neighborhood. It was during one of those visits that Manganiello and DeVos first discussed the collaboration.
“Joe said, ‘It would have to be spicy,’ just like Bubbles,” DeVos said. She knew just the flavor combination to make it work.
DeVos created the hot honey latte by combining Latin American espresso, steamed milk and chili-infused honey to reflect Bubbles’ one-of-a-kind personality.
“It’s subtle but not overwhelming,” she said. “Hot honey is more commonly associated with savory dishes, but it works really well in a latte.”
Bubbles’ hot honey latte is smooth and sweet with a subtle kick of spice. The combination makes it a refreshing choice on a hot summer day or a comforting drink on a cool, rainy evening.
Mediterra partners with Brooklyn, New York-based roaster Parlor Coffee, which ethically sources beans from small, family-owned farms in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and elsewhere in Latin America.
“We make our hot honey in-house,” said Nicole McLean, Mediterra’s director of operations. “It’s special to Mediterra.” The cafe describes the drink as “sweet, a little spicy, and impossible to forget,” just like Bubbles.
Of course, when Bubbles visits the cafe, she gets her own dog-friendly “pup cup” topped with whipped cream while Manganiello and O’Connor enjoy her namesake latte.
After spending much of the year traveling for work, Bubbles and her parents are enjoying the summer in Mt. Lebanon, relaxing with family, attending Pirates games and visiting their favorite neighborhood spots.
When asked how long they’d be in town, O’Connor responded with a smile: “Forever!”
Bubbles’ hot honey latte will remain on the menu throughout the summer. For customers in the know, DeVos said it will also be available year-round as a “secret menu” item.
