Teamwork

Matthew and Jessie Manowski

Matthew and Jessie Manowski have had the opportunity to work alongside one-another since 2018. In Denver they formed the private dining/catering company Mesa Terra which quickly grew after they relocated to Pittsburgh in 2019.

This small anecdote however doesn’t give the full scope of what has made up the picture of these two.

Jessie began baking early with her uncles at their famed Barkus Bakeries in Pittsburgh. She earned her Culinary Arts degree from the CIA in New York and subsequently moved to Chicago. She has worked under numerous James Beard Award-Winning chefs and in Michelin-starred restaurants. Her resume includes: Purple Pig (CHI), Safta (DEN) Naha (CHI), Lunatic, Lover & the Poet (CHI), Flora Bakehouse (SEA), Bar Marco (PGH). Jessie is one of the Managing Partners at Senza.

Matthew is an artist, originally from Wisconsin. He has come up through the industry ranks step-by-step, involved in every possible aspect of hospitality…kitchens, fine dining, extensive bar programs, management and now an Owner-Operator of Senza. Notable establishments include: Haute Dish (MPLS) Bar La Grassa (MPLS), Naha (CHI), m.f.k. (CHI), Kiss & Ride/Big Trouble (DEN), Tavolata (SEA), Herb & Bitter (SEA). Matthew holds both an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts (Metro State, MN) and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts Management (Seattle U, WA). Matthew has a long list of artistic partnerships, residencies and international exhibitions.

Matthew, Jessie and their daughter Olivia reside in Ross Township.

Caitlin, originally from New Hampshire, moved to Pittsburgh in 2009 as a company member for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Retiring from her stage career in 2016. Always a lover of good food and wine, she became a regular at Bar Marco. Where she met her now husband, Justin Steel. Chef and owner of Bar Marco. 

Justin grew up here in western Pennsylvania. He graduated from Duquesne University in 2007 with a degree in finance. One of his semesters at school he spent studying in Rome, Italy. The spark was lit! He later left his job in finance to open Bar Marco with three other friends. Bar Marco has continued to flourish, grow, and become a staple of Pittsburgh restaurant scene. 

The two married in 2018 and started their family in 2021. Welcoming their oldest son, Wesley. In 2023, they welcomed their second son, Walter. After many years of travel and exciting ideas, they decided to team up with good friends of theirs to open Senza. They are truly excited to let all of their individual talents, and the beautiful community of Etna drive them forward.