Closing Of The Tin Angel This Weekend Leaves Behind Plenty Of Memories

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Memories -- soon that's all that will be left of the Tin Angel, a Mt. Washington icon that has offered its great food -- and views of the Point -- since 1957.

"Back then, it wasn't the kind of view we have now -- more of a smoky city back in those days," says Dr. James Kyros, who along with his sister Maria are the co-owners of the Tin Angel.

Jim Kyros was born the year (1957) his late father -- Paul Kyros -- first managed the Tin Angel cocktail lounge before taking ownership and expanding it into a full-service restaurant.

"He loved it over here."

But Paul Kyros died in 2006 and now his children, Jim, a dentist, and Maria, a jewelry designer, say they cannot run a restaurant while pursuing their chosen professions.

"We need to focus on what we do best and that's our careers."

But the closed doors will not banish stories of all the Hollywood celebrities, sports figures, and even President Clinton and British Prime Minister John Major who dined at the Tin Angel.

"They had dinner in the downstairs dining room," recalls Kyros.

Diane Plank, the Tin Angel's chef for 25 years, created the entree President Clinton ate, the black forest filet.

"Filet mignon stuffed with pitted dark sweet cherries topped with a Béarnaise sauce," describes Plank.

But it's the regular customers -- now making their last visits -- that mean the most.

"They got engaged here, they got married here, and they want to spend their last dinner here," says Plank. "So it's very special. It's very nice."

It may be the end of an era for the Tin Angel, but it's not likely to be the end of something great at this location.

How can you beat this spectacular view?

The Kyros family is hoping that something just as nice will take its place.

"Hopefully someone is interested in continuing a restaurant in this location," says Kyros.

But for the moment the Tin Angel will sit empty once its doors close for good late Saturday night.

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