For information on other Easter events visit www.outletsatsandsbethlehem.com/specialevents/
For information on other Easter events visit www.outletsatsandsbethlehem.com/specialevents/
MAY 31 – JUNE 2, 2019
Wine gets better with age, and so does the Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival!
Friday, May 31
Opening Night Premier Party (Sponsors only) 6PM
Saturday, June 1 • 11AM
Foundry Meeting Room
Emeril Lagasse Cooking Demo
$75 Per Person
Saturday, June 1 & Sunday, June 2 • 1PM – 4PM
Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Grand Tasting • Wine Seminars • Cooking Demos Music by the Craig Thatcher Band
$ 85 Per Person ( $100 per person on day of event)
VIP Admission: Additional hour, Noon – 4PM, includes all of the above, plus, Champagne & Spirits
$100 per person ( $115 per person on day of event)
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Visit lehighvalleyfoodandwine.com for details.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call 610-332-6578 for more information.
SPONSORS
FOUNDING: Sands Bethlehem TITLE: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Pennsylvania ENTERTAINMENT: BB&T GOURMET: Clemens Food Group VINTAGE: CAPTRUST | Strategic Advisor Group FEST KREWE: Fulton Financial Advisors, Lafayette Ambassador Bank UNDERWRITING: Adams Outdoor PLATINUM: Citro Digital, PPL DISPLAY: Alcom, Lindenmeyr Munroe GOLD: B. Braun Medical, Inc., Christmas City Printing, PSECU, Viamedia SILVER: Banko Beverage Co., Buzzi Unicem, Capital BlueCross, ESSA, Follett, Mortgage America, Origlio Beverage, Bruce ’77 & Judy Palmer, Bill & Denise Spence, SWIM USA, Victaulic CONTRIBUTING: Anthony Limousine, Breslin Ridyard Architects, Britech, Brown Daub, D’Huy Engineering, Bob & Pam Fehnel, HB Engineers, Highmark Blue Shield, Jerdon Construction, J.M. Uliana & Associates, Just Born, John & Jacqueline Kulick, MKSD, Lehigh Valley Style, Morningstar Senior Living, Network Magazine, Pocono ProFoods, The Restaurant Store, John & Chrissie Wagner, Ilene Wood FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL: Agentis Kitchen & Bath, Barry Isett & Associates, Mark & Johanna Chehi, City Center Lehigh Valley, Dr. Mark & Lin Erickson, John & Donna Eureyecko, Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader, Johnson Controls, Dr. Art Scott & Sue Kubik, Lehigh Valley Engineering, Michael Thomas Floral Design Studio, Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., PenTeleData, Special Risk Insurance, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Mike & Mickey Trageser, Vaughan Communications Group
by
Photo
Alison Conklin
We turned our sales rep's cubicle into a photo studio for This Month's Picks, pg. 32
Sweet Spring
While writing this letter—on a frigid February morning, bundled up in the office with our heat on blast, and on the brink of postponing our annual Men of Style happy hour on account of snow and freezing rain—all I can think about is the warm welcome of spring. I’m scrolling through a folder of MasterPLAN’s outdoor project photos just wishing I could be a house guest at any one of them. But this comes as no surprise.
You see, every March, Style attends the threeday extravaganza that is the Lehigh Valley Builders Association’s Spring Homeshow, and more often than not, we’re seated directly across from Josh Gillow’s MasterPLAN booth. Well, it’s not really a booth—it’s more of an experience, complete with waterfalls, grass, outdoor furniture, twinkling string lights, the works. And
Here
things our publisher is looking forward to this month!
his landscape and design work is more than just that, too. Every backyard Gillow touches turns to gold and becomes an outdoor retreat worth relishing. For your own warm-weather inspiration, turn to pg. 60 and see how his team has perfected these Valley spaces. Could yours be next?
But home is just the half of it. After all, most of our hours—or at least mine—are spent in the office. Why not put the same focus into making your workspace just as bright and vibrant? Head to pg. 41 for tips on planning your office plantscape from expert Sabrina Keim of Mission Plant Company.
Keep the green going with five ways to commemorate Earth Day on pg. 50 and an array of succulents to shop on pg. 32.
KRISTEN L. RINALDI krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com
lvstylekristen
Timeless Architecture
Amidst the community of Saucon Fields, this condo is a treasure. Miles of walking trails, fields and fauna by day, unblemished starlight by night. Remodeled kitchen, 3 BR, 3 ½ baths, finished lower level w/family room. $495,000
Summertime in Nazareth
Situated on 1.32 manicured acres, this home is built to impress. Home theatre, play, and exercise rooms. Outside, fire and horseshoe pits, saltwater pool, and paver patio with hot tub and built in grill. 4 BR, 4 baths, 2 half baths. $950,000
Historic Bucks Co. Farm
This 19th century stone farmhouse sits on 121 acres in Quakertown School District. Fenced pastures, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and a spring-fed pond with dock. 4 BR, 3 full baths, 2 powder rooms. 5,800 Sq. Ft. $4,3000,000
Sophisticated Over 55
Expansive windows in the sleek interior enjoy views of green space in this tight-knit community. Stainless appliances and gas cooktop add a gourmet feel. 3 BR, 3 baths, loft, and access to pool and tennis court. $459,000
3,500 Sq.Ft. in
Historic Bethlehem
is elegant 118 year old home in the heart of Bethlehem offers a living space brimming with possibility. 5 fully carpeted bedrooms, 2 full baths, sunroom, and office with walls of windows. Large yard and 2 car garage. $699,000
Private Equestrian Estate
This renovated gentleman’s farm combines the best of country living with the ease of a modern home. 21+ acres of cleared fields, pastures, woodland, and a trout stream. 4 BR, 2 baths. Easy commute to the ABE area and NJ. $1,429,000
Saucon Valley Estate
Gracefully positioned in the middle of 13.7 acres within walking distance of Weyhill Golf Course. Historic Bethlehem brick, antique barn board walls. 5 BRs, 4 full baths, 2 half baths. Guest house and putting green. $4,500,000
5 BRs East Penn SD
Enhanced by a cedar and stone exterior on a corner lot, this stunning contemporary home is minutes to LVH and I-78. Kitchen with double ovens and breakfast nook, 360-degree fireplace, and sunroom. 3 full baths, 2 half. $429,000
Romantic and Modern Beauty doesn’t defy function in this architectural delight. 3-story great room and kitchen, gleaming pine floors, wet bar, and a stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Minutes from commuter routes. 5,800 sqft, 4 BRs, 4.5 baths. $1,350,000
Upper Bucks Co. Farmhouse
Circa 1850 farmhouse on 3.5 acre property w/wood floors, beamed ceilings, deep-silled windows, fireplace, and thick stone walls. Historic bank barn, private pond, detached 2-car garage with 2nd flr. apt. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $599,000
11.97 Acres, Lower Saucon
With south facing views of lush Bucks Co. mountains, Quiet Hills is the perfect place to build your home. Serenity and solitude will be yours, yet still close to fine dining and upscale shopping. Commuter routes within 15 min. $199,000
Bucks Co. Building Lot
Located in Springfield Twp., the meandering country lane that leads to this pastoral property is quiet, and yet only 20 minutes from Doylestown and Bethlehem, 60 minutes from Philadelphia, and 10 minutes from New Jersey. $379,000
lehighvalleystyle.com
Sushi: Yea or Nay?
PUBLISHER
Hell yea! The
Yes! It varies, but I try to have a nice medley—the main metric being that if I get two or more sets of chopsticks with a solo takeaway order, then I’m doing something right.
Yea!
Sorry, no raw fish for me.
Yea! Sushi is everyone’s favorite in my house but, personally, my favorite is Komé’s Shiitake Mushroom and Crunchy Shallot Roll.
In partnership with:
Pamela K. Deller
EDITOR
Kristen Rinaldi
ART DIRECTOR
Elaine Wyborski
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Thomas Körp
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor
Matt Bishop, Marco Calderon , Alison Conklin , Miana Jun, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino
EDITORIAL INTERN
Emily Melendez
PROOFREADER
Lori McLaughlin
Yea! Being that Hana Sushi is in walking distance from me, it’s impossible to pass up the craving.
Alison Conklin
Nay for me! Don’t like my food in rolls and l like things cooked!
Yea! I’m a big fan of Bamboo in Allentown. The Bikini Bottom roll is one of my favorites.
Yes, please! Oishi Japan.
Yea x100. My favorite is any of the rolls from Komé with fruit in it!
PRESIDENT/CEO: Paul Prass
VICE PRESIDENT/COO: Lisa Prass
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES: Erica Montes
ACCOUNTING: Donna Bachman
CIRCULATION MANAGER: Andrea Karges
Contributing Photographer
I learned that everyone loves comfort food and that I need to go out for sushi immediately! So much sushi, such little time!
Amy Unger
Contributing Writer
I loved spending time with Lois and David on their lovely farm in Bucks County. They're so knowledgeable, and so eager and willing to share that knowledge. One of the takeaways for me was learning more about how to grow mushrooms on logs, starting with injections of mushroom spawn. Another thing I learned is that goats are very playful and like to eat old Christmas trees!
Sweetheart Roll at Sumo Sushi.
Saucon Valley Roll at Komé is the best!
Daisy Willis Contributing Writer
In interviewing Moe of The Large Flowerheads for the music blurb, it was really interesting to hear about how powerful nostalgic music is to stir memories and give comfort, particularly for Vietnam vets in the audience.
Andrew Tomasino
Contributing Photographer
What I learned from my shoot with Matt is that the Lehigh Valley is incredibly rich with talented artists, but the community is not as “tight” as I’d like it to be. There are SO many artists in the area, and if we could all just embrace each other more, we’d have a bigger voice in the overall view of the Lehigh Valley.
Emily Melendez
Editorial Intern
Working on this edition’s Life in the Valley section, I learned a lot of salt facts, specifically that the negative ions in salt are one of the reasons people love beaches so much! It emits the feelgood feeling. It helps to increase oxygen flow, lower your blood pressure and helps you sleep better. Just have to wear plenty of sunscreen prior to that nap on the beach. I can’t wait to head over to Twin Ponds!
Small Business Council Snow Ball
Located at Sands Bethlehem Event Center to benefit Main Street Lehigh Valley | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Aaron Houtsch and Anastasia Junda 2. Al and Sylvia Vargas 3. Amanda Daddario and Phil Carpenter 4. Amy Pienta and Mitch Hanson 5. Benny Vukaj, Michael Schaadt, Joe Mannino, Allen Smith and Hussein Anan 6. Danielle Cassidy, Darlene Pors and Hope Pearson 7. Jack Thompson and Ronald Corales 8. Brandon Wenner and Tara Bushek 9. Brian and Val Lewis 10. Chris and Vanessa Ungvarsky 11. Connie and George Roberts 12. Bo and Jen Koltnow 13. Bobby Ludwig and Loren Speziale 14. Deb Peters and Marilyn Taveras
Small Business Council Snow Ball
Located at Sands Bethlehem Event Center to benefit Main Street Lehigh Valley | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
15. Jennifer and Jason Alderfer 16. Jessica McDonnell and Ricky Gower 17. Jim and April Kosalko, and Lorraine and Ron Jerdon 18. Jonathan and Kelly Huerta 19. Kirsten Dwyer and Drew Eisenhauer 20. Lindsey Titone and Shelby Holloway 21. Marlyn and Bill Kissner 22. Patrick and Thomas Ryan 23. Simon Koorie, Gabby Karam, and Jennifer and Maron Koorie 24. Jon Reiniger and Nicole Studinger 25. Fang Xiao, Luis Campos and Sarah Bilotti 26. Zach Mako and Brittany Rieker 27. Deb Perini, Marcus Pereira and Michelle James
Allentown Symphony Ball
Located at Lehigh Country Club to benefit Allentown Symphony Association | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Angie and Frank Heston 2. Ilene Wood and Ray Starner 3. Chris and Alison Jones 4. Dave and Dianne Tarity 5. Dave Meyers and Jill Brader 6. Dennis and Gina Morton 7. Doug and Valerie Downing 8. Fabio and Gabriella Rizzi 9. Jack Mydlo and Judith Harris 10. Janet Shankweiler, Doris Weaver, Lauren Scanlon, Katie Rex, Isabella Marrone and Gianna Marrone 11. Kristie and Michael Marks 12. Lee Butz and Kristy McKeever 13. Lucy Bloise and Angelo Quaglia 14. Marianne Leh and Sally Leh
Find your way to your happily ever after.
It’s amazing how the years flew by. One moment you were saying “I do,” and then it was off to races: adventure, a home, a family, a few more adventures besides, and even more to come. Naturally, you took the time to plan for your future, and with the sound financial advice of Magellan, we can help you catch the headwinds and weather the storms. Together. Contact Magellan today and discover how you can live the life you want without financial constraints.
Allentown Symphony Ball
15. Mary Lou Hull and Barry Holben 16. Matt and Patterson Ford 17. Melanie and Juan Martinez 18. Skip and Kathy Lee Penizotto 19. Sue Wenner and Dave Stortz 20. Tom and Elaine Whalen 21. Josh and Megan Hinkle 22. Mary and Jim Klunk
Located at Lehigh Country Club to benefit Allentown Symphony Association | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Dan and Susan Linski 2. Genny Perez and Nicos Elias 3. Karen Ford and Bill Farrant 4. Sara and Fayez Baki 5. Steven and Deb Brinkofski, Dave and Doreen Harris and Kristen Rinaldi 6. Jamire Tucker 7. Terri Vadino and Peter Gourniak
Located at Böser Geist Brewing Co. Photography by Vlad Image Studio
Township Road
Tuscany Court
Carriage Knoll
A PRI L
10 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
APRIL 11–14
Dance Emerge
This show demonstrates original work by Muhlenberg College student choreographers who spent the whole semester crafting their pieces. The themes include culture, society and life. There are multiple dates for guests to come out and support local artists.
Adults: $15, Youth: $8 | Times vary | Studio Theatre
Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance 2400 W. Chew St., Allentown | 484.664.3333 | muhlenberg.edu
APRIL 27
Homebrewers’ Beer Fest
Saint Pat’s 5K
Don your favorite kilt and parade through the streets in full Irish annual West End St. Pat’s 5K! Afterwards, cheer on the remaining runners and stick around for some post-run music and entertainment.
Coplay Sports is hosting its first beer and wine festival. This event will center on homebrewers that are local to the area, along with the staple breweries and wineries residents know and love. Proceeds will benefit the Coplay Sports Youth Association.
$35 | 2–6 p.m. | Coplay Sports Field Complex | Potter Ter., Coplay 484.548.4090 | coplaysports
APRIL 26
Nick Di Paolo
Emmy-nominated and brutally honest comedian Nick Di Paolo will perform at Fowler Blast Furnace Room at ArtsQuest for one night only. With previous performances on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Conan O’Brien, attendees are in for some laughs.
Online: $25; Door: $30 | 8 p.m.
Fowler Blast Furnace Room ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem 610.297.7100 | steelstacks.org
APRIL
13
Easter Shopping Craft & Vendor Show
The Easter Bunny is comin’ to town. Head to the South Mall to shop local crafts and get the kids’ pictures taken with everyone’s favorite bunny. Free crafts will be available for children.
Free | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
South Mall | 3300 Lehigh St., Allentown | 610.791.0606 shopsouthmall.com
APRIL 28
Kutztown University Campus Walk
Get outside and walk for a cause. Now in its fourth year, the Out of the Darkness Walk at Kutztown University supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration begins at 4 p.m.
Photo by Matthew Wright
APRIL 4
One Night of Queen
Gary Mullen and The Works have been performing Queen to sold-out audiences since 2002, recreating the look, style and vocals of the beloved band. Enjoy a spectacular night that will most certainly rock you.
$39–$45 | 7:30 p.m. | State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St., Easton | 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
APRIL 5
Lotus Land : Tribute to RUSH
Lotus Land, the American RUSH tribute band, is coming to the Musikfest Café. Lotus Land has been heralded as the ultimate celebration of RUSH’s musical craftsmanship. Doors open and dinner starts at 6 p.m.
$20–$25 | 7:30 p.m. | Musikfest Café ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks | 101 Founders Way Bethlehem | 610.297.7100 | steelstacks.org
APRIL
6
Mariah Carey: Caution World Tour
Caution! Grab your girlfriends, because you’re in for a good night. Five-time Grammy Award-winner Mariah Carey takes the stage in her Caution World Tour at the Sands Event Center.
Say goodbye to Old Man Winter and welcome spring with the SouthSide Community Festival & Chili Cook-Off. At this chili challenge like no other, more than 20 competing recipes will fight for the coveted title. At the festival, families can enjoy art demonstrations and crafts, live music and a beer garden. (Don’t forget to bring your Musikfest mug for a special refill!)
11 a.m.–7 p.m. | SouthSide Arts District 610.419.9180 | southsideartsdistrict.com
APRIL 5–13
Spring Awakening
The 2007 Tony Award-winning Best Musical is coming to the Zoellner Arts Center. With a hard-driving alternative rock score, this musical depicts the journey from adolescence into adulthood.
$12 | Times vary | Zoellner Arts Center | 420 E. Packer Ave. Bethlehem | 610.758.2787 zoellner.cas2.lehigh.edu
Th e Large Flowerheads
BY DAISY WILLIS
Transporting their audiences to the fun and feel-good ’60s is what The Large Flowerheads do best, and they’ve been rewarded with a loyal following.
Originally active in the ’90s, The Large Flowerheads reconvened in 2007 with a more deliberate focus on the charted hits of the ’60s, from bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The result is a universally recognizable setlist that stirs up sing-alongs and dancing for hours. “It’s become a self-perpetuating party,” says drummer Maureen “Moe” Jerant.
The Large Flowerheads create more than a fantastic vibe, they also cultivate community and embrace the nostalgia their music invokes.
“People will hear a song and come up and say it reminds them of their high school dance, or hanging out at the Parkway, or their first date with their husband or wife,” says Jerant. “Guys will tell us songs are meaningful to them be -
cause that was one of their rays of hope when they were in Vietnam.”
She and the band are always available at the merch table after a show to spend time with their people. Fans have created a community by meeting each other at Flowerheads concerts, an extended family of friends in the spirit of ’60s social culture.
Getting the audience engaged has become one of the Flowerheads’ specialties, and their up-for-it followers have taken to bringing tambourines and even megaphones with which to jam along. “It’s about a lot of things,” Jerant says. “Not just a party. Getting out, meeting people, making connections, cultivating relationships— being human in the twenty-first century.”
On the 27th of this month, The Large Flowerheads’ Beat Cabin Fever Party at Allentown’s Fearless Fire Company ushers in the spring with a night of awesome energy. Get in on the fun! largeflowerheads.com
The Soil Will Save Us
BY KRISTIN OHLSON
Journalist and best-selling author Kristin Ohlson’s book is an elegant take on how we can heal the land and potentially reverse global warming. Through insight from scientists in labs and farmers on the ground, Ohlson’s vivid storytelling will help to revolutionize the way we treat our planet and what we can do to make a change for the better.
The Magnolia Story
BY CHIP AND JOANNA GAINES WITH MARK DAGOSTINO
Get an inside look at Chip and Joanna’s life together and the creation of their Magnolia empire. The book depicts everything from their first renovation together all the way to their success with Fixer Upper and beyond. The personal anecdotes illustrate why they are one of America’s favorite couples.
Wild
BY CHERYL STRAYED
With the loss of her mother and a failing marriage, Cheryl Strayed sets out to do something people train years to do—hike over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. And she does it alone. Wild is a powerful novel of self-determination, strength and learning to heal against all odds.
amazon.com
on display
Dancing with the Lehigh Valley Stars
APRIL 18
BY DAISY WILLIS
Now in its fifth year, Dancing with the Lehigh Valley Stars at Easton’s State Theatre is a night of good-humored competition, glitzy costumes and some exquisite ballroom dancing. The touring Utah Ballroom Dance Company makes this event possible, offering to organize Dancing with the Stars -styled events as part of their repertoire, and State Theatre President Shelley Brown was thrilled to take them up on it. “I’d been wanting to do it for a long time, but I couldn’t imagine producing it ourselves,” she says. Proceeds from the evening benefit the big yearly event that the State Theatre does produce, The Freddy Awards for high school musicals. Six local stars including Anne Rampolla of Lost Tavern Brewing and Billy Kounoupis of Billy’s Downtown Diner will pair up with professionals from UBDC starting the weekend before the show and get daily hour-long rehearsals to perfect their 90-second routines. “They don’t make them do anything they’re incapable of doing,” Brown says. “But they want to find the spot that’s a fun challenge, and get them doing really cool moves.”
After the stars compete in the first half, the audience votes at intermission. The second half of the show is a graceful display from the UBDC showcasing champion ballroom dancers, and then the winner is announced and delivered a “very garish and ostentatious” Mirror Ball Trophy.
A panel of local judges is on hand to add color, humor and criticism to help inform the voters, but the winner is solely chosen by audience ballots. “It’s so much fun,” Brown says. “People in the audience are holding up signs, screaming and yelling, and so supportive of all the dancers.”
Past competitors have included Eve Russo from 69 News and the presidents of Northampton Community and Moravian colleges going head to head
Student Art Exhibition at Penn State Lehigh Valley
Check out artwork created by the students at Penn State Lehigh Valley, featuring drawings, paintings, printmaking, photography, metal work, ceramics, sculptures and more. While there is no art major at Penn State Lehigh Valley, all students must take two art classes to graduate. This exhibit highlights the work of students currently in the college’s visual studies class, so their majors can range from engineering to business.
Ann Lalik, gallery director and arts coordinator, hires an arts administration major intern to help make this exhibit come to life. “This is an opportunity to get a taste of everything,” says Lalik. From
creating a committee to finding music and food for the reception, the intern takes the reins. This gives a student the opportunity to gain real-life experience with the guidance of Lalik.
Visitors can find the exhibit in the Ronald K. De Long Gallery as well as the Community Gallery. There will be a reception held on Wednesday, April 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m., celebrating the young artists and a job well done.
Free | Penn State Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Rd., Center Valley 610.285.5000 | lehighvalley.psu.edu
Lauryn Graves, 2018 winner
THE LION KING, JR.
APRIL 4-7
Music & Lyrics by: Elton John and Tim Rice
Book by: Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi
Disney’s The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. The African’s Savannah comes to life with Simba, Rafiki and an uforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle - and back again - in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.
CONSTELLATIONS
JUNE
21-30
Written by: Nick Payne
This spellbinding, romantic journey begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman, but what happens next defies the boundaries of the world we think we know, delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the differences between choice and destiny.
FUN HOME MAY 3-19
Music by: Jeanine Tesori
Book and Lyrics by: Lisa Kron
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep her into her past to tell of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. CIVIC THEATRE SCHOOL
June 9, 2019
Tonys &Tapas 2019
3: 30-6:30 PM Theatre514 and 19 TH Street Theatre w ww.civictheatre.com
Celebrating Civic Theatre’s Artistic Director William Ross Sanders’ 25th Season!
G O RED FOR WOMEN® PRESENTS
The American Heart Association invites you to this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon, where we will be raising awareness and leading the charge to end cardiovascular diseases in women. Women are unstoppable, and together we will
Women® is nationally sponsored by The American Hear t As so cia tion invites yo u to this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon, wh ere we will be raisin g awarenes s and leading the charge to end ca rd iovascula r dise ase s in women. Wome n are unstoppable, and together we wil l save th e lives of ou r mothers , sisters, friends
The American Hear t As so cia tion invites yo u to this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon, wh ere we will be raisin g awarenes s and leading the charge to end ca rd iovascula r dise ase s in women. Wome n are unstoppable, and together we wil l save th e lives of ou r mothers , sisters, friends – and perhaps even our own. Sa ve the Date May 10, 2019 • 10:30am • ArtsQuest at
THE PLACE Home Sweet Home
Local landscaper and designer Scott Rothenberger has opened up a new design studio as an extension of his work— transforming people’s homes into perfect oases. “This is the area’s version of Magnolia Farms,” says Rothenberger. The studio is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features indoor and outdoor furniture, succulents and artwork to change the look and feel of one’s home. “Perhaps you are going to a dinner party at the home of the ‘hostess who has the most-est.’ We have just the right gift to thank them for the invite and brighten their day,” he says. Rothenberger is not a one-and-done landscaper, as he designs for all seasons of life. “Homes are an escape from the crazy world we live in,” says Rothenberger. At The PLACE, shoppers can find the pieces that make a house a home.
What’s more, patrons can attend classes, experience cooking demos, host private events and so much more at The PLACE. On May 16, Rothenberger invites guests to join him in celebrating his own milestone with the 10-year anniversary of his business. 1780
BETHLEHEM HISTORIC RIVER TOURS River
Rundown
An avid kayaker of 25 years, and someone truly passionate about the outdoors, Eric Allred launched Bethlehem Historic River Tours after realizing how underutilized the Lehigh River is. At the time, he was working towards his MBA at Lehigh University and knew this was the perfect business venture.
Allred has seen kayakers from age four to 80, and everywhere in between. “This is for novices, first-timers [and] people that want to go out for the weekend,” he says, noting that anyone under the age of 10 is put in a tandem kayak with an adult. Allred highlights the historical relevance of Bethlehem in each tour, taking a break at SteelStacks to talk with groups and have them share their stories of how they have been touched by the steel industry. The historical portion is one of Allred’s favorite parts of his tours and he hopes it is for all patrons as well. Tours can run rain or shine, but if guests are not happy with the weather conditions, Allred is happy to accommodate. As opposed to whitewater rafting, these tours are calm, cool and relaxed. The season runs from May through October, and tours during the fall season are just as visually stunning, thanks to the foliage surrounding the river.
Massage therapist Linda Printz focuses on a holistic approach for all of her patients, staying away from traditional medicine. “I just want my clients to feel better,” says Printz. One way she’s doing that? Halotherapy, a holistic approach that mimics a replica of a salt cave. It took Printz nine long months to create her own salt cave, and now her dream is a reality.
In Twin Ponds’ cave, complete with 7,000 pounds of salt, patients can touch and play with loose Himalayan salt, which helps to ease skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Dry salt is dispersed into the air through a halogenerator, which helps those with respiratory ailments such as asthma or allergies. The negative ions also help aid patients with stress and anxiety. Easing the mind, body and soul, the salt comprises 84 trace minerals that the body needs but loses with age. To reap the health benefits, one should visit the cave as often as possible.
A semi-retired yoga instructor, Linda Sheftel is a charitable force in the community. Sheftel created the Justin Sheftel Memorial Fund in honor of her son, after he was killed by a drunk driver while attending his senior week at the beach. Just three weeks after Justin’s passing, his friends decided to create a baseball tournament in his honor, and from there it grew. Sheftel stepped in to continue the legacy, and what started as four teams in the initial year has since grown to 22 teams.
When donations initially started to come in, Sheftel decided to make a scholarship fund for one male and one female senior graduating from Parkland High School. Now, she uses the tournament as a way of receiving the funds for the scholarship. This year, Sheftel will be expanding the scholarship to include not just Parkland but also William Allen and Dieruff high schools. She wants to make an impact on the schools that need it the most. This year will mark the 15th anniversary of the annual baseball tournament and will be held on June 15, the anniversary of the day that Justin passed away.
Sheftel also works closely with Allentown Drives, an inner-city youth program that teaches middle school children how to play baseball and works
to instill important life values. “We want to help children who are underserved and don’t have sports teams,” says Sheftel. “We thought we were teaching kids baseball, but we are teaching them how to be good citizens.”
justinsheftel.com
One-Stop Shop
A designer by trade, Cindy Greene is bringing a taste of New York City glamour to the heart of Easton with Greene Marketplace. Truly a one-stop shop, the marketplace focuses on light fare, fun cocktails and shopping. “If you shop at Neiman Marcus, you grab lunch there,” Greene says. She knew she wanted to replicate that idea in her hometown of Easton. “We are an experience.”
The restaurant portion of the marketplace features DIY cocktails in vintage crystal, as well as Waterford and bone china. They are served on a tray and feature mixers, flavored spheres and garnishes to create one’s ideal beverage. Guests can walk around the space with their custom cocktails and shop the unique items. The home goods portion is all hand-selected by Greene, so patrons won’t find anything generic. In addition to the food and shopping, there is also live music. Greene hopes to create more events that are interactive for customers, such as High Tea and, for her male customers, Business Bonding Bingo instead of the usual Paint and Sip Night craze.
Enter to win a Container Garden Workshop Party for you and nine of your friends at Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE, an award-winning design studio. Learn planting techniques from the best in the business and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a $975 value.
Photo by Alison Conklin
Photo by Alison Conklin
A SUCCULENT SOIR ÉE
PHOTOGRAPH Y BY MATT BISHOP
Succulents are the latest trend plant—yes, that’s a thing! Decorate your desk, coffee table or mantel (and really anywhere else!) with these colorful cacti. Be sure to give them plenty of sunlight and err on the side of underwatering for healthy and happy succulents.
Housed in a recycled milk bottle!
1. Greene Marketplace, $14
Greene Marketplace, $32
Mission Plant Company, $6
Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE, $18
5. Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE, $25
6. Mission Plant Company, $7
7. Mission Plant Company, $6
8. Greene Marketplace, $20
9. Mission Plant Company, $6
SUSAN BELLA JEWELRY
As Susan Bella Jewelry celebrates its 10-year anniversary, owner Susan Bella Linski is excited to launch her first official line of jewelry, Bella Mani. She invites all to accessorize with the jewelry they love so that they can sparkle from the outside in!
SUSAN BELLA LINSKI
Jewelry Designer & Owner
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
Tell us what it was like growing up in the jewelry business and how it prepared you for your career today.
Honestly, it was challenging. I didn’t see my parents much unless I was at their shop, and I had to grow up pretty fast. However, spending my youth behind a jewelry counter not only taught me every facet of this business, but also the importance of so many life lessons, including bringing joy into others’ lives. Watching my mom interact with clients when she revealed an item ultimately put me on this career path. The traits I developed above all others are being a hardworking, strong woman (thanks, mama!) who is ethical and kind in an industry that is both demanding and male-dominated. My mom trained me on everything from QuickBooks to quartz, but most notably to be an honest, independent woman that never stops learning and treats everyone with respect and a smile in a comfortable atmosphere. This foundation led me to the creation of Susan Bella Jewelry.
Describe the role you think that jewelry plays in everyday life. Jewelry evokes emotions, whether it stems from the sentiment of the giver, an occasion that marks a special moment in someone’s life or the simple fact that it just makes us feel fabulous. Jewelry is not just something tangible: it’s a feeling, a finishing touch. If we sparkle on the outside and we feel confident, it’s
much easier to sparkle on the inside, which leads to contagious smiling, random acts of kindness and even a bounce in your step!
How does your team go about assisting customers and helping each person find the perfect piece?
Like our billboard says, “Your Retail Therapist Is In!” But seriously, the most important key here is listening— really listening—not just to our clients’ spoken words, but also to their body language. You should love every piece of jewelry you own! If it doesn’t speed up your heart rate or make you feel special, keep looking; it’s not for you. If a client is shopping for a gift instead of for themselves, we advise trying to imagine the recipient wearing it. It is our goal to give every single person who walks through our door an amazing experience, so they leave with a smile on their face and their expectations exceeded.
What are some of your best sellers?
Layering pieces! Stacked rings, necklaces, bracelets—anything that can be worn in combination with other items. My Bella Team and I love to help our clients achieve this look, and we encourage mixing metals (wearing silver with gold!). Many people are hesitant to layer because they aren’t sure they are “doing it right” or are concerned that they are wearing too much. We can build a jewelry wardrobe (and wish list) that you not only can build on to, but will be a nice balance of showing your style without being “showy.”
How do you go about curating the collections that are carried in the store?
I love my inventory and take a lot of pride in my selections. I’m always on the lookout for something new and exciting, and carefully choose every piece that goes into my store. Sometimes, I will purchase five pieces from a designer or vendor; sometimes, it’s over 50. Since I’m very particular about style, craftsmanship and quality, it all depends on their offerings year to year. But you can always count on a very unique selection here at Susan Bella!
There have been many occasions where I can envision a regular client wearing something, so I buy it with them in mind. It’s like being a matchmaker for jewelry! I always say I don’t believe people should walk around looking like everyone else. Because jewelry should be a reflection of how you are feeling that day, how can one mass-produced piece fit all the different emotions and styles of our dynamic Lehigh Valley women?
I offer a huge variety that covers every consumer’s taste and mood, from demure to downright sassy.
Is there a specific piece that you think every woman should have in her repertoire? Perhaps, the little black dress of jewelry? This is a great question! A long necklace—like 36 inches long: something you can wear as an easy everyday throw-on that can be layered with other pieces, or double it up for more of a statement for a night out or with a button-down blouse for work.
Tell us about your custom work that’s available by appointment. Ah, my specialty! Of all the hats I wear here, my favorite, by far, is helping my clients—particularly my custom appointments where I get the opportunity to design one-of-a-kind pieces. I love repurposing interesting elements and taking gemstones out of existing pieces that are not currently worn, especially when I am working with heirloom jewelry or creating a memorial piece to represent the passing of a loved one. I make it my mission to honor the person the items were inherited from when updating their style.
The actual designing is a very cool process that I enjoy immensely: I ask some key questions, and my clients’ answers inspire me. The most rewarding part is when my customer sees their jewelry
transformed from a 2D drawing into an amazing keepsake they can wear and enjoy every day. A custom appointment generally lasts about two hours and can be booked by calling or emailing the shop. We also do semi-custom, which means we aren’t re-inventing the wheel—if there are parts and mountings that exist already that can be altered to accommodate someone’s gemstones, we will go that route. If there is a way to save you money and still give you an amazing result, we will find it!
Describe the price range of your offerings.
Susan Bella has not only every style, but every budget, too! It has come to my attention that there is a rumor in the Valley that this is an expensive place to shop. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, I do have amazing special-occasion pieces, but there is also a great selection of everyday gold and sterling silver (there are even hair-tie bracelets that are $8 each). In fact, many of my pieces are what I call everyday fabulous: great layering pieces that are both tangible in price and can work with any outfit. There are enough choices at SBJ that everyone feels excited about their self-purchase or gift. Remember, jewelry is not meant to be stored in a box; it should be enjoyed, regardless of the price.
What’s on the horizon for the shop?
Tell us about your new line of jewelry!
Well, it’s a big year for SBJ. Not only is it our 10th anniversary, but I am launching my first official line of jewelry this spring! As a self-taught designer, it’s always been a dream of mine to create my own line. In the past, I’ve come up with concepts and prototypes, even gone as far as naming them, but never had the follow-through because I was always too busy running the dayto-day business. About a year and a half ago, I started making one-of-a-kind pieces for sale from gemstones I selected at jewelry shows (more of these to come this year!), but I still yearned for my own line. While antiquing in Newport, inspiration hit! My husband, Dan, and I found about a dozen eighteenth- and nineteenth-century clock hands that would ultimately inspire my designs for this jewelry. We brainstormed the entire way home and decided we couldn’t sit on this idea with unlimited possibilities! These beautiful relics from the past have moved me to design an enticing collection that is elegant, yet contemporary, and sleek with long flowing lines—truly timeless. I’d like to introduce you to Bella Mani, which means beautiful hands in Italian. La Vita e Bella!
Apparel by Joseph Ribkoff Bag by Daniella Lehavi Bracelet by SuzyT Designs
CB D OIL THE CURE-ALL?
BY SUSAN BIANCHI, MS, HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD, or cannabidiol, oil is one of the most abundant naturally occurring components of the cannabis plant species. It is one of at least 85 cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis plants. It is typically derived from the hemp plant, which is not the same as the marijuana plant, though in the same genus family.
The search for safer alternatives to the highly addictive opioids for pain management has led to the emergence and the explosion of plant-derived CBD oil. In the rapidly growing but unregulated industry, CBD oil’s suggested uses go beyond just addressing pain, including everything from helping with anxiety and depression, arthritis and insomnia, to seizures and even acne. Understanding more about CBD may help shed light on its potential applications, limitations and the role it can play in addressing aspects of certain health conditions.
P
our future is active
living well
Commercial hemp plants naturally have much higher CBD concentrations, with negligible THC concentrations, unlike their sister marijuana plants. As such, CBD oil that is hemp-derived does not induce the psychoactive effect or “high” that is associated with THC in marijuana. While hemp products like hemp seeds, hemp protein and hemp milk are viewed as nutritional supplements —containing things like essential fatty acids, minerals, amino acids and fiber—CBD oil should not be viewed in the same light. It is more a pharmacological agent in the body.
What Are Its Uses?
Currently, the FDA only recognizes CBD oil in the treatment of two rare forms of childhood epilepsy, with strong evidence of its efficacy. There are a number of studies showing CBD oil may reduce chronic pain, as well as pain associated with some chronic conditions, and reduce anxiety, depression and cancer-related symptoms. However, few of these trials were studied in humans and were done using small sample sizes. Many of the health claims still lack evidence and should be understood as such.
Local Perspective
Dr. Mikael Brucker, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist with Grace Acupuncture in Bethlehem, and Dr. Susan Mattes Bostian, integrative health and nutritional specialist at Dr. Susan’s pH, both utilize CBD oil in their practices when it is deemed appropriate. They see its most prevalent application in addressing pain management, but they recognize its limitations.
“I see it as a more short-term management strategy than as a long-term therapy—especially in instances of pain, where it can take over your life and prevent you from daily activities, sleep and getting through your workday,” Brucker says. “At that level, looking for something to make daily living bearable, I have seen positive and rapid change in patients utilizing CBD oil.” As a naturopathic doctor, he is trained to look at all the systems of the body, optimizing their function and creating balance for optimal health. While CBD oil can be a temporary stopgap, helping investigate and address the underlying imbalances is his goal in helping to create more long-term health and vibrancy.
The Misconceptions
CBD oil is a much safer option than opioid medications; however, as with most pharmacological agents, there are potential interactions, along with a potential for liver toxicity. Bostian notes that it is vitally important to know the sourcing,
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
as the industry is unregulated. “Especially if you have a major health challenge, you should know what exactly is in it and where it is coming from,” she says. Bostian recommends getting a copy of the certificate of analysis to ensure you know exactly what is in the product.
Bostian shares her concern that individuals and the companies making the health claims are not qualified in understanding interactions and contraindications of CBD oil, so it makes it appear to be a cure-all for everyone. Bostian says that she has had some clients with rheumatoid arthritis, seizures and cancer that do well, but others do not respond well and in fact feel worse. “It is important to understand not everything works the same in every body, and knowing your body and paying attention to it is critical.”
Uses & Forms
CBD oil has many forms—it can be taken orally, used topically with creams or eaten in food products like chocolates. The quality and concentration levels can vary greatly. Bostian has a powder form available and she teaches her clients how to make their own topical cream. “It is important to know what you are putting in and on your body,” she says. “Teaching my clients how to make their own cream allows them to have full control of the quality of the ingredients.”
Bostian is also careful in guiding their usage so it is appropriate for their body.
Brucker recommends patients titrate up, starting with a low dose, and pay attention to how it affects them. Then they can increase the dose until they get the desired effects. “The right amount, you should feel sharp to go to work,” he says. “Too much, you may feel body heaviness and lethargy.”
Both Bostian and Brucker agree that education with patients is key to ensuring that the appropriate dosages are utilized. Brucker says, “Tolerance to CBD oil develops quite easily, so your health professional may suggest taking breaks so as not to require increasing amounts.”
If considering CBD oil, Bostian says, “It is good to check with your integrative practitioner to make sure you are doing what’s appropriate for you and your body.” CBD oil shows promise of being a safer alternative in pain management and may provide relief in some other conditions as more research continues. It is important to understand it is only a part of the solution and, depending on one’s body, it may not be any part at all.
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Cancer
Once the reality sunk in, she went full steam ahead with her fight against cancer. She did her research and consulted with doctors at St. Luke’s, as well as the University of Pennsylvania. Ultimately, she put her faith and trust in the team at St. Luke’s.
“They treated me like family,” she says of her time at St. Luke’s Cancer Center.
“There were days when I felt achy and my whole body hurt but I just kept telling myself to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, one treatment at a time.” Janice
took me by surprise.
and her husband Martin were so impressed with each and every one of the doctors, nurses and staff. “You can tell they genuinely care about you,” remembers Martin.
“They treated me like family.”
Today, Janice is cancer free and back to running the family business and doing all the things she loved before reading, cooking, walking, yoga, boating and keeping up with her newest grandchild.
“I will never forget what they did for us,” says Janice. “St. Luke’s was truly the best place for my care.”
For more on Janice’s story, visit www.sluhn.org/cancer.
Janice Schnabl, of Berks County, lives an active, healthy lifestyle and had never known anyone with cancer. So her diagnosis of uterine cancer was a total shock.
PLANNING YOUR PLANTSCAPE
BY DAISY WILLIS
Beautiful and beneficial, the presence of plants makes us happier and healthier. Through Mission Plant Company, Sabrina Keim outfits businesses with indoor plants, transforming workspaces into more pleasant and productive environments. Find out how to infuse your workday with some life-giving greenery.
To avoid overwatering, place a ‘Please do not water’ sign on the plants for the first month.
Plants can:
- Act as room dividers and sound barriers
- Block undesirable views
- Lighten office ambiances
Consider the style of furniture or art in your office when you choose containers.
ask the expert
The Pros of Plants
Hiking, gardening or taking a walk in the park, we relish our time with nature all the more because it’s so rare. “Studies have shown we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors,” Keim says, “and that indoor pollution can often be up to 10 times worse than outdoor pollution.” Yikes!
In a stuffy office, often without a view of the outside world, the fumes of office machinery and cleaning products infuse the air. Plants can improve that air quality and add oxygen, and just the sight of their leaves is a mood booster. “According to feng shui,” Keim adds, “plants are great for offices because they bring vibrant energy or ‘chi’ to the environment.”
For much less cost than art or redecorating, plants add beauty and fresh air to the spaces they inhabit, making the people around them naturally happier and more productive.
Green Thumb Optional
If your workplace hasn’t hired Mission Plant Company for a restorative makeover, you can still adopt leafy friends yourself and reap the benefits.
First, fear not: “We’ve all killed plants,” Keim assures us. “It’s part of the learning process! Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from enjoying live plants.”
Ferns, palms and orchids are exquisite but require a lot of hands-on help. Most likely to survive the learning curve, and just plain easy to please, the spear-shaped snake plant and shiny-leafed ZZ plant are almost indestructible, gorgeous and resistant to pests and diseases.
Even a cave-like office can sustain certain plants, Keim assures: “I can’t begin to tell you how many plants I’ve placed in hallways and cubicle spaces that have minimal light.” In addition to snake and ZZ plants, low-light options include Chinese evergreen, lady palm, mass cane, pothos and sago palm plants.
Get a Smart Start
The best place for plant shopping is a local greenhouse with knowledgeable employees. Keim’s favorites are Dan Schantz and Hickory Grove, where the warm, humid atmosphere makes good medicine on a cold, dreary day. Greenhouse plants are organized by light requirements, carefully labeled with their species and come with information on what they need.
“Plants vary in water and light requirements,” Keim says. “To keep a plant alive, you must know thy plant!”
Look for a healthy specimen with new leaf growth and no discoloration or drooping. Signs of pruning indicate that diseased or damaged stems may have been removed, a superficial fix. Inspect the undersides of leaves and along the joints of the
stems for insects or webbing, and underneath the pot to see that roots aren’t spilling out of the plant liner or through the drainage holes, indicating plants are root bound.
Accessorize Your Living Décor
In an open-plan space with no privacy, plants can act as room dividers and sound barriers, creating collaborative spaces, blocking less-than-desirable views and alleviating a gray office ambiance.
Have fun considering the style of furniture or art in your office (if any!) when you choose containers to stage your plantscape. The interplay of materials, shape, color and size can add so much to the display, whether it’s a consistent, balanced look or gets a little bohemian.
Cluster containers together in an odd number, or fall back on the classic use of repetition and symmetry, grouping plants of the same species and containers together to create an eye-pleasing, tidy look.
The immortal snake plant aside, creative modern options abound, from glass terrariums (mini self-contained indoor gardens) and succulent displays to marimo moss balls, a form of algae that dwells in a jar of water.
Defend Against Flood and Fang
Overwatering is the number one cause of office plant death. As concerned custodians with a new leafy colleague at work, it’s so tempting to show them some liquid love. “Oftentimes, when we install a plantscape,” Keim says, “managers request that we place a ‘Please do not water’ sign on the plants for the first month because everyone wants to nurture the plants!”
Set a Watering Schedule
In case you’re applying this advice to a home office, pets can be both victims and villains in the domestic jungle. Keim is always cognizant of her Pomeranian when it comes to the 96 (and counting) plants in her home, because some varieties can be poisonous.
Screen houseplants with the greenhouse or vet, and expect a potential battle of wills with any cats involved, many of whom live for the visceral delight of shredding all that is dear.
SABRINA KEIM Owner & Interior
MATT HALM MURALIST
BY DAVIN JURGENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW TOMASINO
Matt Halm doesn’t like to paint vanilla. The 38-year-old artist prefers his creativity be spent on the abstract, taking a concept to the next level; hence the Allentown native’s latest mural at 520 Hamilton Street showcases seven floors of bold color and what some might consider intricate, thought-provoking design.
Halm is known for his murals around the Lehigh Valley, but he didn’t immediately head into that artistic direction. He was immersed in art from a young age. His grandmother studied with Walter Baum (the name behind the infamous Baum School of Art) and her home’s walls were adorned with various paintings. Although family later distracted her from her craft, that didn’t prevent her, or Halm’s parents, from encouraging Halm to pursue his talent.
When asked what makes an artist, Halm, moving his paint-stained hands and wearing a shirt smeared with various paint colors—an ode to his dedication—simply says, “to have enough paper to keep doing it.” A grandfather who worked at Mack Trucks gave him multiple invoices with a blank back as scraps, but Halm turned them into art. “My mom probably still has invoices for truck parts and then drawings on the back,” says Halm.
He started building his portfolio in the Academy of the Arts program at Allen High School, painting, drawing and exploring his creativity. When it came time for college, he was accepted to Syracuse University with the intention of studying graphic design. “But when I got there, it wasn’t what I expected,” says Halm. He felt he needed something more than to stare at a computer in a lab all day, which led him to major in illustration.
“I felt my strength would be going to the next level of symbolism.”
After graduating with his degree in 2002, he thought “Now what?” With the niche dwindling due to digital technology and the hustle of finding freelance jobs, Halm recalls working odd jobs— like with his uncle in plumbing—to get by.
It wasn’t until two years later that he found a call for muralists in the local paper to paint three murals in Allentown. He thought: “If I can paint a picture, I can paint a painting... I can paint a mural.” Although he wasn’t signed on as a head artist, he was able to assist the muralists and learn the craft. And learning is just what he did, as painting a high-rise building can come with some unforeseen challenges.
Halm specifically recalls a moment in his mural career when he was painting the very top corner of a building on 8th Street in Allentown. He was stationed on an electric lift spraying primer on the facade when he happened to look down at the street below and see a man staring up at him, then at his car. The man did this a few times, which had Halm thinking, “Did I drip some paint on his car?”
So down he came from the top of the building and found himself in front of the man and his yellow Mustang. Then he saw it: pinhead-sized specks of primer all over the man’s car. “I cleaned that thing so fast,” laughs Halm, recalling grabbing a wet rag and racing to wash the man’s car. “You don’t really know what you’re in for [while painting murals] until you do it a couple times,” Halm says.
Needless to say, although he learned under seasoned muralists what was necessary for the job—how much paint you need, how many brushes to come prepared with, how to navigate scaffolding—there’s always a surprise when you’re a muralist. “Any artist can come up with a sketch on paper, but from there to make it big is really a lot of logistical things,” says Halm.
Halm got his first solo gig painting the side of a restaurant building at 5th and Gordon Streets in 2009, five years after his job as an assistant painter. “It was a pretty funky mural,” he says. “My style, definitely. I put my heart and soul into this.” The mural, although no longer there, still stands as Halm’s favorite. It was his first shot at painting his own mural with leeway to allow his creativity to flow. And with that artistry came recognition.
Halm went on to paint murals in Bethlehem, Catasauqua and a handful in Allentown, as well as in New York and New Jersey. And one might be able to tell his apart from others. “I felt my strength would be going to the next level of symbolism,” Halm says. He calls it doing something other than the generic, or the “vanilla.” And no matter what part of town he’s in, he enjoys turning a blank space into a work of art. “It’s cool seeing people’s reactions to murals,” Halm says. “When you first start out, you prime it and paint it white and then you put a grid on it—and people going by ask if you’re making a calendar,” Halm laughs. “But then as you sketch and draw, people come by and are like ‘Oh, I see. I see.’”
At the least, the goal of a mural is to take away an ugly space, Halm says, but the best you can do is make people want to look after the art. “The ultimate goal is to have them own it in some way, protect it and in an indirect way protect their neighborhood and have pride in their neighborhood,” says Halm. “That’s what you hope for.”
insight
While working on a project, Halm compares himself to a fly on the wall in the neighborhood, witnessing the good and the bad and a lot of in-between. He recalls the story of a middle school student who passed by his mural at 5 th and Gordon Streets every day. “There was a kid that would walk by coming home from school and he would talk to me often and ask what I’m doing, ask me questions, and a few times he’d bring me an apple. He’d tell me ‘Here, I got you this apple from school; you’re doing a good job, see you tomorrow,’” says Halm.
“When it gives them ownership, they want to look after it.”
A career as a muralist can get cold, however, which is why Halm began teaching with the Allentown School District Foundation. He works with students in an artist-in-residence program involving eight- to 10-week projects. Halm is currently working on one that will allow students in the district’s high schools, middle schools and elementary schools to create their own murals. Each school’s mural, which is created on a panel, will ultimately come together to form one large piece, giving the students ownership of the art. “When it gives them ownership, they want to look after it,” says Halm. He’s even heard many kids say “It’s my mural!” when they’ve helped him paint a section of one of his designs.
While some heartbreak comes with the business, like when someone graffitis over a mural or a new building owner removes Halm’s art, they only push him to keep painting. “My goal is to just keep going, pushing myself to do cool stuff, things that speak to people. It’s a lasting legacy, I guess,” says Halm.
You could say Halm’s life direction was foreshadowed. When Halm was in college, an illustration professor of his left him with a word of advice that sticks with him to this day. Halm didn’t have much money in college to buy art supplies, much less large boards to paint on. So he completed a piece of work on his small board and showed it to his illustration professor who in return said to Halm: “You’re a big man. Paint big.” Halm says at the time he didn’t know what it meant and wasn’t offended by it, but instead was stricken with curiosity. And now he thinks back on it, laughing. “I always remember him saying that, and here I am painting murals.”
EARTH DAY INITIATIVES
BY DAISY WILLIS
Many communities honor the day with local cleanups to pitch in and tidy our streets and parks. In addition to these admirable activities, here are some events entwining entertainment and education to show support for our earth and do our part in keeping it hospitable. This year, Earth Day falls on April 22.
1 Party for the Planet
Lehigh Valley Zoo
April 22 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 5150 Game Preserve Rd. Schnecksville | 610.799.4171 | lvzoo.org
Meet an African penguin and Princess Ariel at the Lehigh Valley Zoo where education on our planet’s pressing environmental issues is delivered with a hearty dose of fun! Music, games and crafts help celebrate ongoing efforts to protect the habitats of the creatures sheltered there.
Meet an African penguin at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Party for the Planet
2
Virtual Reality Trip
Nurture Nature Center
April 12–27 | 518 Northampton St., Easton nurturenaturecenter.org
This series of free programs and activities includes a Native Pollinator Workshop (build a Bee Hotel!), and on NNC’s spherical screen, Science on the Sphere: Moon Landing, to remind us how the “Blue Marble” from space inspired the first Earth Day in 1970. A virtual reality headset will take wearers on a trip around the globe to see firsthand how evidence of climate change is gathered.
3
Egg Hunt
City of Allentown
April 13 | Noon–4 p.m. | 1001 N. 6th St. Allentown | allentownpa.gov
This free event presented by the City of Allentown’s indispensable Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste has an Easter theme with an egg hunt and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Food trucks and music make this celebration complete, and of course educational demonstrations help reinforce how we can all help make our planet cleaner.
4
Sustainability Fair
Lehigh University
April 22 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | 29 Trembley Dr. Bethlehem | sustainability.lehigh.edu
Live wildlife demonstrations and tree planting at this free event put you up close and personal with fellow denizens of this precious world. Explore booths where vendors from on and off campus explain their approach to sustainability, as well as Lehigh’s all-electric bus. With food, crafts and a prize raffle, it’s an enjoyable education.
What better way to celebrate the earth than by getting it all over you doing farm chores? This free event at Rodale Institute’s organic research farm offers the chance to tour its 333 acres and help get ready for the growing season with planting, weeding or animal care. Dress for mess and see if you don’t get the gardening bug! Pre-registration is required.
LIVE YOUR BEST HAIR LIFE
GO ATS, MUSHROOMS
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIANA JUN
Those who live near the Oleksa farm in Durham Township, Bucks County, are most likely a well-fed bunch. That’s because the farm’s proprietors, Lois and David, are always more than happy to share the bounty they reap from their nine-acre estate, which includes just about every vegetable in the dictionary, as well as a variety of cheeses, goat’s milk and eggs. But one thing you’ll never find peeking out from the soil is any kind of cash crop. “This is a hobby for us,” explains David, who retired from his job in human resources with Right Management in Allentown in 2016. “We have no interest in doing this as a commercial operation. We have too many other interests.” Adds Lois: “We’re totally invested in the community here. We’re not out to make a pile of money from it.”
Although they may not define themselves as farmers by trade, both David and Lois became well acquainted with many of the ins and outs of the profession at a young age. David grew up in Macungie; his grandmother had a small farm nearby. “Even as a small boy, I was working on that farm,” he says. Lois’s family owned a 22-acre farm in Williams Township, where she recalls tending to animals and a large garden, as well as canning food,
“WE’RE TOTALLY INVESTED IN THE COMMUNITY HERE. WE’RE NOT OUT TO MAKE A PILE OF MONEY FROM IT.”
selling strawberries by the side of the road, baling hay and cooling off in a nearby pond. “It was the ideal life, you could say. But it was a lot of work.”
The two met at a Bible study group and married in 1975. David’s job with a subsidiary of Bank of America took them out of the Lehigh Valley region for a few years—first to Atlanta and then to the Washington, D.C. area, two places where wide-open spaces are in short supply—but the couple did what they could to stay connected to their agrarian roots. “We had window boxes all over,” says Lois. “We had a rabbit.”
In 1978, when it came time to move back to their old stomping grounds, the Oleksas looked at a variety of properties before the place in Durham popped up on their radar—a place that's just “on the other side of the hill” from where she grew up in Williams Township, Lois says. According to David, the house was built sometime before 1840. “It shows up on a map from that time,” he says. They would come to learn that the property had many uses over the years, serving as a tailor shop at one time and a butcher shop at another.
The couple signed their names to the deed, knowing their new
home was a bit of a fixer-upper. “We saw it had potential,” says David. Still, their sweat-equity investment would be extensive, with renovations required from bottom (contending with a basement with a dirt floor) to top (replacing the home’s original slate roof) and everywhere inbetween (adding on an entirely new kitchen). “We ripped and ripped so much stuff down to the bare bones,” Lois says. The couple took on many of the projects themselves, with help from various family members.
Challenges awaited them outside their living space as well.
“We had to rebuild the barn,” David says. “Prior to moving in, the barn had burned down. All that was left was the foundation.” A greenhouse on the property, although a product of an impressive pedigree (the Lord and Burnham brand, which Lois describes as “the Cadillac of greenhouses”), was a wreck that would take three years to remedy. Also, an adjacent potting shed needed a re-do.
But while the Oleksas toiled away on their seemingly never-ending homeowners’ “to-do” list, they also began using their farm as a farm. They bought their first chickens in the 1980s,
LOIS WAS A PROPONENT OF FARM-TO-TABLE BEFORE THE MOVEMENT WENT MAINSTREAM.
and Lois got busy putting her green thumb to work, growing a variety of vegetables (everything from artichokes to zucchini, according to David) that she sold to local chefs and restaurants.
The renowned Chef Tell Erhard, one of the original TV chefs who at one time owned two restaurants in Bucks County, was among her clientele. Lois remembers selling him blue potatoes, which apparently didn’t go over so well with his diners. “They were confused by the color,” she says.
With her emphasis on homegrown and fresh (“I would pick the day I called the chef,” she says), Lois was a proponent of farm-to-table before the movement went mainstream. “The quality of stuff is just so great when you grow it yourself,” she says. She wonders if perhaps she was a bit ahead of her time; even so, she says she’s happy to see more restaurants using locally grown produce now.
By 1983, Lois was tending to more than just her gardens; the couple’s first child, Adam, was born that year; he was joined by sisters Sara and Karyn in 1985 and 1989, respectively. Lois often had the children in tow while making her deliveries, and her pint-sized growers-in-training picked up a thing or two along the way. “People would say to me, ‘How does your kid know what arugula is?’” she says with a laugh.
While Lois is happy to toil in the soil, David’s domain is the barn, which welcomed its first goats—a mother and three babies—in 1996. Immediately, David faced a farmer’s quandary: how to best wean the babies off
VALLEY FAVORITE BOLETE HAS PURCHASED THEIR MUSHROOMS IN THE PAST. FUN F ACT!
of their mother’s milk. Solution? David designed a “bra” of sorts, for mama goat, leaving the milk available for human consumption and for making cheese, a hobby David has embraced. He’s crafted everything from mozzarella to feta to his very own brand of blue cheese, which he’s coined “Durham Blue.”
Another Oleksa invention? The goat-naming system employed on the farm; really, it’s as basic as following the alphabet. In 2018, all “kids” born on the farm were given “I” names; hence the reason you’ll find an Ivana and an Ivanka cavorting in the pen. This year, “J” is the magic letter and in 2020, “K” will be in the spotlight. The goats are a playful, social bunch who assist the neighbors in cleaning up after the holidays by happily munching on the pine needles and branches of discarded Christmas trees that are dropped off near their pen.
Foraging for unexpected surprises is another part of the fun of living on the farm. “Lois and I are both interested in nature,” David says. “During different parts of the season, we’ll go out and look for things.” And sometimes, they’ll create their own sustenance from nature’s castoffs, as was the case after Superstorm
THEY CUT SOME OF THE FALLEN LIMBS INTO FOUR-FOOT SECTIONS, DRILLED HOLES IN THE WOOD, AND THEN INJECTED MUSHROOM SPAWN INTO THE HOLES.
Sandy swept through the area in 2012. “We lost a large number of trees,” David says. “We didn’t want anything to go to waste.”
After recalling a trip to Vermont in which they observed shiitake mushrooms being grown on logs, they cut some of the fallen limbs into four-foot sections, drilled holes in the wood, and then injected mushroom spawn into the holes. Their first foray into this facet of farming was successful; they’re still growing mushrooms today, and have expanded beyond shiitakes to include oyster and nameko varieties.
Outside of sharing the goodies they reap from their fields and their small brood of animals, the Oleksas are also willing to share the know-how they’ve acquired over the years about the lifestyle they love. They’ve twice participated in a Sustainable Living Expo held at Palisades High School, where students and the public alike can learn about and experience earth-friendly practices and habits. The Oleksas demonstrated mushroom-growing. “It’s really rewarding to show someone how something can be done,” Lois says. And that, they both agree, is their real reward. “If we can awaken some people to the better things in life, that’s a good thing for us,” says David. Adds Lois: “We’re willing to have someone knock on the door and say, we want to learn how to do this. Passing something on is so valuable.”
OUT DOOR LIVIN G ELEVATED
Photography by J Taylor Design
Lehigh Valley award-winning landscape design and build firm MasterPLAN Outdoor Living believes in a seamless indoor to outdoor transition, enhancing the functionality and style of one’s home. Here are three of their noteworthy projects that will inspire even the biggest AC devotee.
They engineered a custom pergola on the deck, which was designed with a more traditional aesthetic and simple details.
the relaxation zone
MasterPLAN’s design expanded the overall footprint of this elevated outdoor living space and included features like a curved front and a rounded wall for charm and privacy. The feature wall was finished with brick and stucco to bring cohesion from front to back. They added character to the space by using a warm, rich and durable Ipe tropical hardwood as the decking material.
The homeowner requested a portico fountain, which MasterPLAN mounted to the feature wall, giving the space the relaxing sounds of trickling water. Underneath the fountain, they planted perennial boxwoods, surrounded by petunias, for year-round color. In front of the
feature wall is the relaxation zone, complete with a fire table and comfortable furniture.
The homeowner also dreamt of a pergola, so they engineered a custom one on the deck, which was designed with a more traditional aesthetic and simple details. Star lights were installed in the upper shade beams of the structure to add a glimmer during the evening hours. They also included an outdoor, wet-rated ceiling fan to create a cool breeze while dining. The team added an under-tread light to every other step of the staircase leading to the ground, and weatherproof under-deck lights were installed to illuminate the patio space at night.
the destination zone
For this project, MasterPLAN used its custom 3D design plans to show the homeowners their team's vision for the space and ensure that all of their wish-list items would be fulfilled. The active household wanted an outdoor space for family fun and entertaining, but they got so much more.
Everyone knows that a home’s kitchen is the intrinsic gathering space, so they wanted to give that same attention to the family’s new outdoor kitchen. They incorporated all of the necessities, including an ice maker, doubledrawer refrigerator, grill and ample storage. The granite-top kitchen island was designed to be large enough so that guests can relax and interact with the chef
at work. The kitchen’s structural protection from the outside elements, and a place for summer respite, was a custom pavilion, which acted as the main focal point from inside the home. The pavilion’s walls were added to enhance the privacy of the space, and they incorporated two passthrough windows for comfortable cross ventilation. Meanwhile, the reclaimed barnwood-clad walls offer a rustic and contemporary flair against the beautiful cultured stone veneer. The kitchen’s finishing touch was an outdoorrated television and surround system, allowing the family of Penn State fanatics to stay outdoors during a big game.
The adjacent area was intended for relaxation and conversation,
with a custom fireplace that’s simple but also makes a statement. The natural gas unit fires up with the push of a button and creates an ambiance that instantly draws in friends and family. The team added stone veneer walls—the same kind as in the kitchen—around this space to double as added seating.
On the far side of the pavilion, they designed another destination zone, ideal for a firepit or comfortable lounge set. They installed a matte-black aluminum fence to keep Bailey, the family’s furry princess, in and pests out. Low-maintenance landscaping and lighting were added around the entire project to soften the space and create a peaceful and beautiful spot for all to enjoy.
The natural gas unit fires up with the push of a button and creates an ambiance that instantly draws in friends and family.
the swimzone
After 20-plus years of living with a deck they didn’t love, these homeowners wanted to create the outdoor living space of their dreams! Their complaints included a trivial deck, not enough patio room and a swimming pool situated too far from the home. Overall, the backyard felt very disconnected. Enter MasterPLAN, the pros who could reimagine the space.
The first order of business was removing the existing deck and concrete slab patio—the features were not proportionate to the home or conducive to any outdoor activities. They set out to create a protected low-maintenance deck that would allow for grilling, dining and relaxation. They offered a seamless transition from inside to outside, as the deck
sits level with the living room’s patio doors. The roof system was a priority for the space as it receives most of the day’s sunlight and heat. The team married beauty and function by creating a custom hybrid roof system to fit the home and strategically centered it over the existing wide patio doors, offering protection from Mother Nature. They wanted to keep the layout streamlined and clean, so they decided to sink the hot tub into its own portion of the deck, perfectly hidden and separated from the main living area. From there, the homeowners have two staircases that take them to ground level, with one leading to a gas-fueled, stone veneer firepit. Meanwhile, the main deck staircase leads to the main pool patio area, with
a connection to the under-deck patio space.
The patio is made with neutral yet complementing stamped concrete in Vermont slate. The main under-deck ceiling is finished with white Aztek slats, installed with enough spacing between to let any residual water run through. Meanwhile, the lower patio area also has an access door built into the deck skirting, so there is easy access to the hot tub electric panel. The space offers a seamless transition to the homeowners’ finished basement.
Finally, they created a connection to the driveway, capitalizing on the natural grade of the lawn, and installed a tiered staircase, flanked by perennial landscaping and warm path lights.
They set out to create a protected low-maintenance deck that would allow for grilling, dining and relaxation.
Luxurious Outdoor Living
Innovative, custom design/build services
Atlantic Ridge Landscape Design-Build just received their fourth consecutive “Best of Houzz” award, and Chris Stocker isn’t surprised. Stocker, founder and CEO of Atlantic Ridge, opened for business in 1994 with some lawn equipment and a drive to create beautiful landscapes. That humble operation has evolved into a design/build powerhouse sta ed by a well-educated team of professionals and a reputation for creating some of the most exceptional outdoor living spaces in the Lehigh Valley using the latest 2D and 3D technology.
Atlantic Ridge’s extraordinary service springs from their ability to manage all their clients’ needs and grew out of Stocker’s motto, “Make it happen!” They cater to homeowners looking for a company to manage every detail of a project including designing, engineering, permitting and installation. Their process begins with a comprehensive meeting at a client’s home to meet the family and understand their lifestyle, assess the property, and discuss design possibilities. Clients then receive a custom packet with their overall design, materials and recommended plants, and all the details of their project including written warranties. Atlantic Ridge’s menu of luxury services includes pools and water features, outdoor kitchens, patios and decks, outdoor structures (pergolas, pavilions), masonry, fire pits, fencing, custom lighting and landscaping, and all are executed by a crew of talented craftsmen.
Their diverse clientele range from young professionals with their first home to busy families who lack the time to manage a project to retirees looking to beautify their forever home. All share a desire for personal attention and thoughtful, innovative design customized for their lifestyle and budget. Atlantic Ridge delivers that experience and has the reviews and awards to prove it.
Chris Stocker, Founder & CEO
The 2019 Who’s Who in Business listing is the essential guide to the leading products and services offered in the Lehigh Valley. Who’s Who in Business is not a popularity contest: it’s an annual scientific survey that reaches out to thousands of local residents to ask about their experiences and uses that information to determine which businesses and organizations have fostered positive consumer relationships over the years by providing valuable services and a commitment to quality. For 2019, the Who’s Who survey was once again conducted by the Harrisburg-based FieldGoals.US, a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise providing superior qualitative and quantitative research services for a wide variety of businesses and entities, both in Central Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Their team of academics—including moderators, interviewers, survey designers and recruiters—excels at full-service, impactful research initiatives. As research specialists, FieldGoals.US was thrilled to conduct the 2019 Who’s Who in Business survey.
Read on to learn more about these leading local businesses. »
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Buckno Lisicky & Company
ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION
Northampton Community College
AESTHETIC SERVICES
Advanced Dermatology Associates, LTD
APPLIANCE DEALER
Kleckner & Sons, LLC
AUTO DEALER
Ciocca Dealerships
BANK
PNC Bank
BANQUET FACILITY
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
BIRTHING CENTER
Lehigh Valley Health Network
BOAT DEALER
Dinbokowitz Marine, Inc.
BREWERY
Fegley’s Brew Works
CABLE TV PROVIDER
RCN
CAMERA STORE
Dan’s Camera City
CAR DETAILING SERVICE
Prestige Auto Care, LLC
CAR WASH SERVICE
Kuhnsville Car Wash
CARPET & FLOORING STORE
Crest Flooring
CARPET CLEANING SERVICE
Stanley Steemer CHIROPRACTIC
Allentown
COLLISION CENTER
Allentown Collision Center
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
SmileKrafters
COSMETIC SURGEON
Aesthetic Surgery Associates
Kevitch, Chung & Jan
CREDIT UNION
People First Federal Credit Union
DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT
A.B.E. Doors & Windows
DRY CLEANER
Lehigh Valley Drycleaning
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FIRM
The Equinox Agency
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley
ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
Freddie Frederick Jr. Entertainment
FINANCIAL PLANNER
Merrill Lynch
FIREPLACE, WOODBURNING & PELLET STOVES
Wood Heat
FUEL DEALER
Deiter Bros.
FUNERAL HOME
Bachman Kulik & Reinsmith
Funeral Homes, PC
FURNITURE STORE
La-Z Boy Furniture Galleries
GARDEN CENTER
Dan Schantz Farm & Greenhouses, LLC
HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER
Capital BlueCross HEATING
UGI
Lehigh
glenn_w_baumer@ml.com Merrill Lynch 600 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 fa.ml.com/baumer_group
HOSPITAL
Lehigh Valley Health Network
HOT DOG SHOP
Yocco’s
HOTEL
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
INFERTILITY SPECIALIST
Reproductive Medicine Associates of Pennsylvania
INSURANCE AGENCY
State Farm Insurance
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER RCN
LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR/DESIGNER
Plantique
LASIK EYE SURGERY
Lehigh Valley Center for Sight
LAW FIRM/LAWYER
King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC
LIGHTING STORE
Stokes Electrical Supply Co., Inc.
LIMOUSINE SERVICE
J&J Luxury Transportation
MORTGAGE COMPANY
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
MOTORCYCLE DEALER
Keystone Harley-Davidson
MRI IMAGING CENTER
Lehigh Valley Health Network
NEW HOME BUILDER
Spectrum Homes, Inc.
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
Lehigh Valley Business Machines
OPTOMETRIST
Lehigh Valley Center for Sight
ORAL SURGERY
St. Luke’s OMS
ORTHODONTICS
Frey Smiles Orthodontics
Inc.
Here’s
PAINTING CONTRACTOR
Sobrinski Painting, Inc.
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Lehigh Valley Pediatric Associates
PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING CENTER
Sacred Heart Senior Living
PEST CONTROL
Ehrlich
PHYSICAL REHAB/PHYSICAL THERAPY
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
PLUMBING
Schuler Service Inc.
POOL SALES AND SUPPLY
B&B Custom Pools
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Moravian Academy
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
RE/MAX, LLC
RENTAL COMPANY
Action Party Rentals
ROOFING CONTRACTOR/REPAIRS
Paul Wright Roofing
SHOPPING MALL
Lehigh Valley Mall
SKI RESORT
Blue Mountain Resort
SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS
WFMZ-TV 69 News
SUPERMARKET
Wegmans
TECHNICAL/TRADE SCHOOL
Lehigh Carbon Community College
TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA East Central
VETERINARIAN
Wright Veterinary Medical Center
WINDOW CLEANING
Fish Window Cleaning
WINERY
SU SHI 21 WAYS TO DO get your sushi on
Photography by Alison Conklin
Celebrate the Valley’s sushi variations one roll at a time! Brush up on your terminology— sushi versus sashimi, anyone? And discover where to take a class or do a quick drive-by pick up.
At Sogo, choose from regular, vegetable and house special rolls. Their Sogo Spice Roll is spicy king crab, avocado, tuna, salmon, yellowtail and white fish with mango. There are also many sushi platter options—the House Love Boat being one!
Here, basically every roll is served styled and gram-ready, complete with an edible Karma orchid. Go for the Tokyo special Easton City Roll, with tempura shrimp, spicy crab and crunch, topped with spicy tuna, scallion, masago and their chef’s sauce.
22 N. 3rd St., Easton | 610.559.8888 | tokyosushieaston.com
sushi 101
SUSHI
Vinegar-soaked rice is what makes sushi sushi. The word sushi actually translates to “sour-tasting.” It often includes raw fish, but other variations can be cooked or made with vegetables.
MAKI
Derived from the word “maku,” which means to wrap or roll, this type of sushi includes layers of fish, veggies and rice wrapped in seaweed.
SASHIMI
Sashimi strictly refers to fresh, raw seafood. It’s served thinly sliced and rice is optional. (Remember, rice is required with sushi.)
NIGIRI
Raw fish on top of rice, sans seaweed.
TOBIKO
A garnish on many sushi rolls, tobiko is the roe of tropical flying fish. It adds color to the dish as well as a crunchy texture.
MASAGO
Another garnish, masago is the roe of capelin. It’s not as bright as tobiko and is often dyed for color. Its crunch is similar to tobiko.
sumo sushi & Japanese Restaurant
Sumo recommends their Chef Special Sashimi Platter, complete with 24 pieces of assorted sashimi, or their Truffle Salmon: seared salmon, truffle and garlic served with truffle sauce.
Guests love Sumo’s heart-shaped Sweetheart Roll—spicy, crunchy tuna with avocado, topped with tuna and wasabi mayo—and the Sumo Roll, made with spicy, crunchy salmon and avocado, topped with seared salmon, white tuna, a crispy rice ball and tobiko, and served with chef’s special sauce.
3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown 610.351.1887 | sumopa.com
Bamboo Asian
Cuisine & Sushi Bar
Try one of their locally inspired creations, such as the Galen Glen Winery Roll, Daniels BMW Roll or Muhlenberg Phil Roll. What’s more, Bamboo is BYOB!
345 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Allentown | 610.770.8899 thebamboocuisine.com
Grill & Seafood Bar
At Lily’s, the options are endless, and, fortunately, guests don’t have to choose with their all-you-can-eat sushi. Their signature Walbert Ave Roll consists of shrimp tempura, cucumber, spicy tuna and eel sauce.
Asian Bistros II’s signature rolls range from tempura to raw to cooked. Patrons can substitute brown rice on any roll for an additional charge. Try their PA Rainbow Roll, made with spicy crab inside and layered with salmon, tuna, white fish and avocado. It’s topped with garlic cream and eel sauce.
3219 A. Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem 610.419.6088 | asianbistros2.com
osaka
Asian Fusion Cuisine
Osaka’s signature Macungie Roll is made with shrimp tempura, spicy crabmeat and avocado, topped with spicy tuna and lobster salad, wrapped in soybean paper!
6465 Village Ln., Macungie 610.966.3333 osakaasianfusion.com
One Third Asian Cuisine
Offering cuisines from Japan, China and Thailand, there’s something for everyone at One Third. Their Dynamite Roll is exactly that, made with spicy tuna, yellowtail, avocado, cream cheese, baked scallop, crab and masago. Don’t forget to BYOB!
Liu’s special Tilghman 4128 Roll is made with snow crab, shrimp tempura, tobiko, asparagus and avocado, all wrapped in marble seaweed with kabayaki sauce.
4128 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.366.7477 | liushouse.com
the
otherfish
The Other Fish in Bethlehem recommends the Bobby Knight Roll, made with salmon and cucumber inside and avocado and lemon on top. They also recommend trying their nigiri and sashimi.
59 E. Broad St., Bethlehem 484.821.1370 | theotherfish.net
jasmine Pacific Fusion
All future anniversaries should be celebrated at Pacific Fusion with a Love Boat for Two, which consists of 10 pieces of assorted sushi and sashimi, along with one Tuna, California and Dragon roll (eel, cucumber and avocado). Oh, did we mention it’s served in a bamboo sushi boat?
Jasmine’s Great Easton Roll celebrates the region with lobster tempura, mango and avocado, topped with spicy tuna, but that’s just one of their 34 signature rolls. And Jasmine’s Love Boat for Two comes stocked with eight pieces of sushi, 16 pieces of sashimi and a California and Dragon roll. All aboard!
At The Stone Soup in Allentown, guests can learn The Art of Sushi. The chef will guide the class through each step, including how to cook rice, cut vegetables, prepare fish and roll sushi. Learn about the sauces and ingredients that accompany sushi, as well as its etiquette and history. The Stone Soup’s classes can range from two to 30 guests and tend to last for two to three hours. The Art of Sushi is $40 per person. Chef Christopher Bavlinka has also been known to take this class to the Easton Public Market, so be sure to keep an eye out! stonesoupallentown.com
One of Northampton Community College’s many personal enrichment cooking and entertainment classes tackles sushi. Students learn the ins and outs of sushi, maki and nigiri. NCC’s adult personal enrichment courses are open to learners of all ages and are taught by highly qualified instructors at conveniently scheduled times and affordable prices.
northampton.edu
Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Date Night Sushi 101 is scheduled for the 16th of next month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes a little history, a little cultural context and a lot of sushi making. Couples will learn to make sushi rolled with rice, nori paper, fish and vegetables, as well as fish preparation, the basics of sashimi, and basic knife skills and food safety. This class is couples only, takes place at the Schnecksville location and is $67 per person. lccc.edu
At Hana Sushi, guests love the Spicy Hana Roll, a spicy salmon and cucumber roll topped with black pepper tuna and avocado. Another favorite is the Yellow Submarine Roll, a spicy white tuna and cucumber roll that’s topped with mango and blue potato chips. Hana Sushi encourages patrons to BYO.
Quick Pick-Ups
Stop by your local Wegmans for an easy in-store pickup. Their sushi is made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or gluten-containing ingredients. Made fresh daily, customers can pick from cooked or raw varieties, family packs or poke bowls.
Various area locations
Poke your way at Hawaii Poke Bowl in Forks, which opened in August. Basically a sort of deconstructed sushi, customers can pick their own base, protein, vegetables, sauce and toppings for a unique flavor experience. Hawaii Poke Bowl also offers six signature bowls, with the Spicy Ahi being their most popular.
306 Town Center Blvd., Easton 610.330.2886 | hawaii-pokebowl-forks.business.site
At Komé, one can’t go wrong with their best-selling Saucon Valley Roll, made with spicy tuna, scallion, avocado with tempura flake, eel sauce and spicy mayo. Guests can even sit at the sushi bar and watch as the magic is made!
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 610.798.9888
komerestaurant.com
At the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, patrons can count on Bee Lee Sushi for fresh sushi made right in front of them! An authentic experience and a “dizzying array” to choose from—what more could one want?
1825 W. Chew St., Allentown 610.432.8425 allentownfarmersmarket.com
TH E BEA M YARD AT STEE L CLUB
AN “UNTRADITIONAL” COUNTRY CLUB EXPERIENCE
BY CARRIE HAVRANEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
Word of mouth and advertising—along with a healthy sense of curiosity—seem to be bringing people into Steel Club. Sounds kind of exclusive, right? Well, yes and no.
POMEGRANATE MARTINI
Tito’s, PAMA pomegranate liqueur, Cointreau and cranberry
STREET TACOS
Crispy
Steel Club in Hellertown is a country club in the traditional sense—you pay your dues, you go in, you enjoy a round of golf and use up your dining budget by the end of the month. That aspect of the experience is a members-only thing. But there’s a novel aspect of this endeavor that is completely alien to the traditional understanding of how a country club works. You don’t have to be a paying member, per se, to dine there. In fact, you don’t even pay any dues to dine at Steel Club’s bar and restaurant, The Beam Yard.
A wall of windows wisely capitalizes on the views reaching out past the patio and onto sprawling golf course greens outside.
One can go and dine at The Beam Yard in their jeans if they like—no fancy pants attire required, literally. And if you like the meal and you like the vibe, you can become a member of their dining club. (It’s basically a way for them to communicate with you about special dining events— breakfast with Santa, Mother’s Day brunch, etc.—and keep track of your birthday!) As you might imagine, there’s no collared-shirt requirement at The Beam Yard, and definitely no jackets required. “If it’s not offensive, you can wear it,” says Tom Butera, general manager and renovation director (more on the second part of his title later). “We are kind of letting this police itself,” he says.
The other atypical aspect of Steel Club? They regularly host special food and beverage events—the club has partnered with Funk Brewing of Emmaus, for example, to host whiskey tastings and wine pairing events. These events are also open to the public—if you are brand new to Steel Club and want to check it out, you don’t have to be a member to attend.
Asian shrimp topped with a roasted jalape ñ o lime cream, pickled red onion and cabbage slaw
Bringing such a vision to its fruition required extensive renovation prior to the restaurant and bar opening in August 2018, and the enormous, 100foot bar, which seats 50 people, is the centerpiece of the dining room. A wall of windows wisely capitalizes on the views reaching out past the patio and onto sprawling golf course greens outside. “This used to be a formal dining room and it kind of looked like a Howard Johnson’s,” says Butera. It now looks—and feels— more like an understated sports bar.
It’s a way to get people in the door to a facility that’s been in Hellertown since the 1940s, when it began as a place for managers of Bethlehem Steel to come and relax. The name, then, is an homage to its history— it used to be called the Bethlehem Steel Club. The facility ran as the Silver Creek Country Club for many years and indeed still held that name when the current owner, Dave Spirk, president of Spirk Brothers construction company, bought the 280 acres of real estate—including the country club—in February 2018. (Incidentally, Spirk’s father was a member and an employee of Bethlehem Steel, and he remembers coming to the club as a child.) The club’s original golf course was designed by Donald Ross, the
well-regarded Scottish golf course architect, in 1946.
It became clear that it needed a new approach, so relaxing the standards has helped. Butera says the dining club has been growing exponentially since it opened. Steel Club’s open-door policy for dining is attracting new customers and pleasing the established clientele. But it’s only part of a larger plan— there’s now a course for disc golf, sometimes referred to as frisbee golf. It’s not an element of a country club that one commonly encounters, but it’s part of how Steel Club wants to distinguish itself—it’s much more relaxed, and, in Butera’s words, “untraditional.” And they offer lots of food options, suitable for the entire family, and people with all different kinds of diets (the menu includes vegan items!).
The Beam Yard is led by executive chef Mike Honeywell, a veteran of the Lehigh Valley (and beyond) who’s worked at Bell Hall and Shula’s Steak House, among other places. Honeywell, who’s originally from Luzerne, came to the food world from a seemingly unlikely place—he worked for years as a medical technologist. He always enjoyed cooking at home but as some may know, doing things for fun is one thing. When you suddenly begin to do a job that used to be a beloved hobby, it can sometimes
sour you on the process. Not in Honeywell’s case. While working full time, he commuted to the French Culinary Institute in New York City. “I’d go there four nights a week, get home at midnight,” he says.
When he came on board, much needed to be updated and upgraded.
The banquet hall kitchen—this is a country club after all, used to hosting events—was “dramatically improved,” says Butera. “It was like from the Middle Ages,” says Honeywell.
In addition to those needed infrastructure changes, Honeywell altered the menu, too—it’s a lot more expansive than it used to be. You’ll find street tacos, with an Asian flair (tacos are like pasta, the ultimate blank slate) with roasted jalapeño lime cream, pickled red onion and cabbage slaw. Those are popular,
along with the blackened beef tips— rubbed with a Cajun spice and served with barbecue sauce and garlic aioli. And what would a fancy sports bar be without a burger? Steel Club has one, too. Well, four of them at the very least, from the straightforward Pub burger (lettuce, tomato, onion on brioche roll), to a barbecue bacon burger, with Kansas City barbecue sauce, aged cheddar and apple cider bacon. (Oh, and just because it’s on the menu, you can substitute anything labeled “burger” with chicken, instead.) Honeywell tries to source as locally as possible, when possible; the beef comes from a vendor in Washington, New Jersey, and they source within 100 miles.
Mike Honeywell Executive Chef
inside dish
If you are so enamored of the concept, eventually you can even move there, as there are plans to begin construction on more than 150 townhouses in 2020.
Some items, though, can’t be taken off, ever. The crab cakes are a reminder of the Bethlehem Steel days, says Butera. “We have people who have been coming here for almost 50 years and know the crab cake,” he says. That item, made from 100 percent jumbo lump crab, hasn’t changed. If you can’t decide between
surf and turf, so to speak, the filet and crab cake duo is more than a fair compromise.
The dining program is still, as far as the club goes, in its early stages, so things are subject to change. At the time of press, Steel Club operated with just one all-day menu, and another for Sunday brunch, of course. But springtime promises separate lunch and dinner menus, with more to come as the place grows.
Another aspect that distinguishes Steel Club is the degree to which they want to create a kind of Disney World for adults—or maybe more like Las Vegas? Over the course of the next year, the club has an aggressive expansion schedule, with plans to build an enclosed promenade with an outdoor feel, for year-round use,
HOUSE-MADE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
with lots of food kiosks and caféstyled seating, says Butera. Plans are in the works to add a poolside outdoor kitchen, a remodeled pro shop and a beer bar, called the Quenching, with 24 taps. (This is why Butera’s title also includes renovations.) Oh, and of course, the space will be rentable—it can hold upwards of 500 people. If you are so enamored of the concept, eventually you can even move there, as there are plans to begin construction on more than 150 townhouses in 2020.
If you do, cooking at home might be a thing of the past. From Steel Club to the outdoor dining to the promenade they’ll be adding, and who knows what else they’ll dream up, it’ll be tough to keep yourself in the kitchen.
Garnished with extra raspberries and house-made whipped cream
Always accepted, recommended especially for weekends
Payment
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Cash
What to Order
Any of the appetizers, but especially the street tacos, the beef tips, the Asian shrimp. The crab cakes are an institution at Steel Club. Ask for the latest local brew on tap—they’re often getting sixtels, which turn over faster than kegs. That means there’s always something new to try. Save room for dessert, which includes, speaking of classics, standbys such as a chocolate lava cake and a very light and airy cheesecake.
Special Events
Steel Club is an unorthodox country club with tons of special events— beer dinners, whiskey tastings, indoor putting events with Funk Brewing, live music and so forth.
“There is nothing better than comfort food,” says Tim Widrick, head chef at Edge Restaurant, and that’s exactly what he makes at home for his wife during their rare downtime.
Tim admits that they are at the restaurant most days, but when they are at home, he loves to cook. For him, he says cooking has “never felt like a job.”
In fact, on Tim’s first date with his now wife, Karen, he had planned on making something fancy to impress her, but their equal love of cheesy hot dogs won out as they grocery shopped together for the meal. Though, he says he did “fancy it up” with some roasted squash and a bottle of wine. The two were married a little less than a year later and Karen is now the manager at Edge.
If you ask most people about meatloaf, they usually have a nostalgic story to share, and Tim is no exception. His take on the classic meatloaf is a hearty one, which he watched his mom prepare when he was a kid growing up alongside four siblings on a farm outside of Bangor. “It was my mother who encouraged me to go to culinary school because I always loved cooking,” he says. Tim graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island in 1995.
He elevates the meatloaf by using fresh ground meat for the recipe and adding his own special spice mix. One can taste Tim’s meatloaf at Edge, where he serves a meatloaf sandwich on his lunch menu, proving you don’t always have to be at home to share incredible home-cooked food.
INGREDIENTS
2 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup red pepper, diced
2 extra large eggs
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. porcini powder
2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup panko bread crumbs
FOR THE GLAZE
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Tag @lvstylemag and #lvstylerecipes when you make it at home!
DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients together, and form into a loaf. Top with glaze.
Bake at 375˚F for 40–45 minutes or until internal temperature is 155 degrees.
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.814.0100
edgerestaurant.net
dining guide
KEY
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Live Entertainment
Outdoor Seating
Entrée Price Range:
$ under $15
Lehigh
Aladdin Restaurant $$
651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com
Serves Alcohol BYOB
*Advertisers are highlighted in red.
$$ $15-$25
$$$ $25+
Berks
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery $$
340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com
Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch
10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
The Grille at Bear Creek $$
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com
Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.
Family owned and operated for over 30 years. Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from homemade grape leaves to delicious shish kabobs. Lunch & dinner.
Alburtis Tavern $
106 S. Main St., Alburtis, 610.928.0404, alburtistavern.com
Family-friendly restaurant with American style food. Mon.: Clam night, Tues.: Wing night, Wed.: Fiesta night. Two private banquet rooms perfect for parties. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Allentown Brew Works $$
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.433.7777, thebrewworks.com
Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery. Family owned and operated since 2007. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bell Hall $
612 W. Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.1825, bellhallallentown.com
Allentown hot spot featuring juicy burgers and Pennsylvania craft beers. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Billy’s Downtown Diner $
840 Hamilton St., Allentown , 610.432.5484, billysdiner.com
Landis Store Hotel
4 Baldy Hill Rd., Boyertown, 610.845.2324, landis-store.com
$$$
Providing a dynamic menu of culinary delicacies served with the hospitality of a country inn. The Landis Store is happy to accommodate any special dining requests or dietary needs. Lunch & dinner.
Bucks
McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn $-$$$
4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com
Offering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also offering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events
Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Carbon
Moya $$
24 Race St., Jim Thorpe , 570.325.8530, jimthorpemoya.com
Fine eclectic cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the charming historic district of Jim Thorpe. Dinner.
Slopeside Pub & Grill $-$$$
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
Offers indoor dining in addition to their ever-popular outdoor dining! Guests will enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks and unforgettable scenic views all year round. Lunch & dinner.
Not your ordinary diner. Visit them for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.
Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh food and very friendly ambiance and service with affordable prices. Lunch & dinner.
Photo by Alison Conklin
Foundation Tavern $$
1160 S. Krocks Rd., Wescosville, 610.391.0648, foundationtavern.com
Lunch, dinner & late night.
Gio Italian Grill $$
6465 Village Ln., Macungie, 610.966.9446, gioitaliangrill.com
Gio Italian Grill offers old world charm with a progressive twist. Centering around their woodstone open flame hearth, Gio uses only imported ingredients to produce mouth-watering flavors. Take-out and private parties available. Lunch & dinner.
Come experience dining at the Farm’s Table. Many of the ingredients are grown and raised on our sustainable farm just ten minutes west of Allentown. Their new Grand Lodge is open year-round and accommodates up to 150 guests. The Glasbern offers options for both rustic and elegant weddings, great views for outdoor ceremonies, overnight lodging options, meeting rooms and spa facilities. Lunch & dinner.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9000, meltgrill.com
Offering a sumptuous menu of contemporary Italian fare in its breathtaking 350-seat restaurant, with spacious and customizable rooms for private events. Lunch, dinner & late night.
The Mint Gastropub $$
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.3810, bethlehemmint.com
An American Gastropub focused on reinventing the “Table” in Comfortable. Brunch, dinner & late night.
Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Pocono Brewery Co. $$
938 Lifestyle Center, Whitehall, 610.264.2194, poconobrewery.com
Authentic wood-fired pizza, imported meat and cheese boards, nachos, salads and craft beer. Lunch & dinner.
Ringers Roost $$
1801 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 610.437.4941, ringersroost1801.com
Family-friendly restaurant. Lots of parking. Friendly faces. Excellent food, from seafood to cheesesteaks. Great beer selection. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Roma Ristorante $$
925 Airport Center Dr., Allentown, 610.841.7662, romapa.com
Serving only the finest and freshest Italian dishes to the Lehigh Valley. Lunch & dinner.
A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille takes gives back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Dinner.
Sumo Japanese Restaurant $$
3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.1887, sumopa.com
Fresh, beautifully presented sushi and Japanese fusion dishes, served in a modern atmosphere. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Serving all your favorite American food in a family friendly atomosphere. Dinner & late night.
The Tavern on Liberty $
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 484.221.8765, tavernonliberty.com
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of beer.” Check out other location in Reading called The Liberty Taproom. Open seven days a week. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Top Cut Steakhouse $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com
Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.
Torre $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.9399, torrerestaurant.com
Classic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy Happy Hour gathered around the three-story tequila tower. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Upscale food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with an extensive craft beer list. Brunch, dinner & late night.
Union and Finch $$
1528 W. Union St., Allentown, 610.432.1522, unionandfinch.com
A casual American bistro serving lunch and dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Wert’s Café $
515 N. 18 th St., Allentown, 610.439.0951, wertscafe.com
Homemade goodness served in a friendly atmosphere. The perfect stop for lunch or dinner. Lunch & dinner.
White Orchids Thai Cuisine $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7499, whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com Authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary and relaxed dining atmosphere. Signature seafood dishes, house specialties and classic Thai entrées. New bar and lounge area. Lunch & dinner. Youell’s Oyster House $$$ 2249 Walnut St., Allentown, 610.439.1203, youellsoysterhouse.com
Northampton
1741 on the Terrace $$$
437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2219, hotelbethlehem.com
The award-winning culinary team takes pride in presenting seasonal menus combined with the 1741 classic. Dinner.
Apollo Grill $$$
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem , 610.865.9600, apollogrill.com
Bistro-style restaurant encouraging a grazing dining experience. Comfortable, friendly, sophisticated and lively. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Beck’s Land and Sea House $$
997 Bushkill Center Rd., Nazareth, 610.746.7400, beckslandseahouse.com
A family-owned business serving innovative cuisine since 2003. Winner of Best Seafood, Lehigh Valley Magazine 2011, 2012 and 2013 Dinner.
Bethlehem Brew Works $$
559 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.882.1300, thebrewworks.com
Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery. Family owned and operated since 1998. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Billy’s Downtown Diner $
10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.867.0105, billysdiner.com
Not your ordinary diner. Visit them in Historic Downtown Bethlehem for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.
Black Forest Deli $
745 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem, 610.865.3036, bethlehemdeli.com
They pride themselves on serving the freshest and tastiest lunch in town. Lunch & dinner.
From a party of four on the covered outdoor patio to a party of 400 in the newly renovated event center ballroom, blue delivers with prime steaks and seafood, a sprawling wine list and impeccable service. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bolete is a fine dining restaurant where the team’s care and passion for what they do is evident in each carefully and skillfully prepared dish. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
The Bookstore Speakeasy $$
336 Adams St. (near 4 th St.), Bethlehem, 610.867.1100, bookstorespeakeasy.com
Step back in time at The Bookstore, a 1920’s speakeasy. Dinner & late night.
The Lehigh Valley’s premiere sports grille, offering signature homemade recipes. Two great locations. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Corked $$
515 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.9463, corkedwinebar.com
Up beat/high energy Vegas-style wine bar & steak house located in downtown Bethlehem. Offering 32 wines by the glass, 24 tap beers, 1 great menu. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Homestyle Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. On- and off-premises catering available. Lunch & dinner.
DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead seating available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem
518 March St. Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Maxim’s 22 bistro and brasserie is the latest from the awardwinning Sette Luna team. Known for comfortable french fare in a casual setting. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub $$$
534 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.861.7631, redstagpub.com
Experience the flavor of the Irish and British Isles! Over 200 scotch/whiskies, homemade breads and baked goods and from-scratch cooking! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Retro dining—all day brunch—classic comfort food kicked up with regional and ethnic specialties. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
Molinari’s
Ocean $$
235 Ferry St., Easton, 610.559.7211, ocean235.com
With an eclectic, diverse menu and a New York restaurant and lounge feel, Ocean is the place to experience before a State show or for a romantic dinner in Easton’s growing new restaurant scene. Dinner & late night.
Prime Steak House $$
325 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem, 610.882.4070, primestkhouse.com
Serving Premium Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, chicken and pasta. Extended wine list Lunch & dinner.
Rakkii Ramen $$
328 S. New St., Bethlehem, 610.419.8007, rakkiiramen.com
A modern restaurant serving traditional ramen and fusion side dishes. Lunch & dinner.
Rustic Italian featuring wood oven pizza, homemade pasta, alfresco dining. The enoteca boasts the Valley’s most extensive wine and beer list. Private wine cellar and live jazz every weekend. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Social Still $$$
530 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.4585, socialstill.com
Full plate American-fusion restaurant, craft distillery, craft beers, local wine and tasting room. Dinner.
Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks Buffet & Grill. Featuring live action cooking and a fully-stocked bar, guests will enjoy a variety of fresh international culinary dishes at the all-you-can-eat buffet or choose their favorites from the a la carte menu, including artisan pizza, a pasta station, sushi, fresh-carved meats, and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
“Traditional Italian Taste, Modern Italian Flair” Family-owned and -operated in the Lehigh Valley for over 26 years. Take-out, dine-in, lounge and banquet facilities available. Lunch & dinner.
Stefano’s Sicilian Grille $$
5364 Nor Bath Blvd. (Rte. 329), Northampton, 610.262.8760, stefanossiciliangrille.com
Italian restaurant with a Sicilian flair. Family-oriented with a casual attitude. Lunch & dinner.
Tap Room at Hotel
Bethlehem
$$
437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2226, hotelbethlehem.com
Offers award-winning musical brunch every Sunday with a splendid buffet array and much more! Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
Twisted Olive
$$$
51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1200, twistedolivebethlehem.com
A casual, bistro-style restaurant with a world twist serving creative, casual cuisine, along with house-made infused cocktails. Lunch & dinner.
Upscale casual dining with the best view in the Lehigh Valley. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
ZEST bar+grille
$$$
The Rooftop at 306 S. New St., Bethlehem, 610.419.4320, zestbethlehem.com
A culinary and social experience offering a progressive menu that highlights the best of New American cuisine. Lunch & dinner.
Lehigh Valley Style (ISSN 1540-0867) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95 (Canadian and foreign one year rate is $40, U.S. funds only). Single
PEAR WITH ME OAK STEAKHOUSE
BY KRISTEN RINALDI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Oak Steakhouse’s newest spring martini Pear With Me is exactly what the Valley should be drinking this season. Made with Grey Goose pear vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and balanced with a cucumber-infused simple syrup, lemon and a float of champagne, Oak bartender Josh Litzi says the refreshing cocktail is “Light, crisp and perfect for rooftop-sipping!” And rooftop-sipping is something patrons can take full advantage of at Oak. Pair With Me is a seasonal cocktail feature, available from March to May. “You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind cocktail,” says Litzi.
