Lehigh Valley Style December 2019

FAMILY RECIPE PARTNERS

Life is full of partners. Your health deserves one, too. From revolutionary surgical procedures to routine care conveniences like video visits, we’re here for you and your family at every stage of life. Learn more at LVHN.org.

‘Tis The Season!

Wrap up all your holiday shopping in style with incredible sale prices, sweet treats, and the sounds of the season! It’s a very merry experience for all.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

December 1st – 24th

PANCAKES & PAJAMAS

December 7th • 9am – 10:30am

SHARON PLESSL SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENT ‘TIS THE SEASON

December 7th • 11am

LEHIGH VALLEY ACADEMY REGIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL BETHLEHEM

December 11th • 6:30pm

GINGERBREAD DECORATING WITH CARLO’S BAKERY

December 14th • 11am – 12:30pm

DANCE WORKS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

December 14th • 11:30am

L.E. DIERUFF HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

December 18th • 1pm

COOKIES, COCOA AND STORYTELLING WITH SANTA

December 21st • 10am – 11am

KEN BRADER’S “THE HOLIDAY BRASS”

December 21st • 7pm & 8:15pm

AFTER HOLIDAY SALE

steel

December 26th – January 2nd

complete list of events and details, please visit OutletsAtWindCreek.com

Saucon Valley Condo

Situated amidst the community of Saucon Fields, this condo is a little bit of heaven. Hardwood floors, dual-sided stone fireplace, 1st floor master, & lower level w/family room. This easy to reach location is one hour to PHL. $464,900

Brook Hollow

Renovated under the guidance of designer Morrie Breyer, this 1760s farmhouse sits on 15+ acres. French doors, custom tile floors, chef’s kitchen. Large patio, inground pool, pool house & wisteria laden walkway. 4 beds, 4 baths. $1,249,000

Cooks Creek Farm

Muse Road Farm

Spondon Farmhouse

This c.1825 stone house sits amidst a scenic 88 acres. Eat-in kitchen w/exposed beams & open-air pantry. Master suite w/ a private balcony that overlooks the creek and in-ground pool. 4-story stone bank barn. 5 beds, 3.5 baths. $1,395,000

Weyhill Lookout

Arden Lane

Pondside Luxury

This stone & cedar contemporary home overlooks a private lake. Skylights, vaulted ceilings, & walls of glass create a sense of never-ending space. Enjoy an indoor heated pool w/waterfall, hot tub, & sauna. 5 beds, 6 full baths. $1,795,000

This c.1751 stone manor sits on 34 acres in Bucks County with southern exposure. The home features Moravian fireplaces, random width pine floors, renovated kitchen, PA bank barn, guest house, and in-ground pool. 4 BR, 3.5 baths. $1,950,000 Executive Building Lots Wide curving

On the Golf Course

Winding Woods Lot

by

Photo

Alison Conklin

Season’s Eatings

This holiday, we’re celebrating one of our favorite traditions—food! And while it’s a lot of fun to be a guest and, you know, eat all the food, we started to think about the daunting task of hosting. Every guest has that one dish that needs to be on the table in order for the holiday season to feel complete. That episode of Friends comes to mind—when Monica is hosting Thanksgiving, and Ross requests that the potatoes have lumps, the way mom always made them, but Phoebe wants hers whipped with peas and onions, and Joey, of course, wants his in the form of tater tots. It becomes the holiday of three kinds of potatoes, and Monica just about drives herself crazy, trying to cater to everyone.

In brainstorming this edition’s Season’s Eatings feature, we wanted to ensure that your

table is filled with all of the Lehigh Valley holiday delicacies that your guests know and love. And we wanted to take some of the stress out of hosting by outlining who to get them from, where to get them to go and how to get them delivered. Maybe, for your family, it’s all about kiffles, or tamales, or potato pancakes, or challah, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes—no matter what it is, you can find it on pg. 72!

In this issue, we’re also celebrating the history of Bethlehem, The Christmas City, on pg. 58; we talked to Money Camp Lehigh Valley about budgeting for happier holidays, pg. 45; and we’re getting in the holiday spirit (literally) with some local spirits on pg. 34. Mostly, we hope that if you had a case of the Cindy Lou Who blues before opening this edition, that you won’t by the time you finish it.

Here are three things our publisher is looking forward to this month!

pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

LUXE NEWLY-BUILT CUSTOM HOME, LOWER SAUCON TWP

Setting the standard of modern luxury & design, this gorgeous residence, newly-rebuilt by the esteemed Erwin Forrest Builders, is a rare Saucon Valley jewel. 4 bedroom + optional 5th bedroom/ office, 4 full/1 half bath, 2.75 acres. $1,985,000

PRIVATE SANCTUARY, DELAWARE RIVER VIEWS

Fall in love with this stunning Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home on 135 acres w/easy commute to NYC & NJ. This magnificent home has 4 beds/3 baths, bluestone in-ground pool, tennis court, barn & 2800 sq ft detached garage. Limitless possibilities. $2,500,000

SENSATIONAL GOLF

CLUB LOCATION, UPPER SAUCON TWP

Luxurious nearly brand-new estate home on lush grounds, in a unique European-style setting across from Saucon Valley CC & Saucon Rail Trail. Condominium ownership, 4 bedrooms, 3 full/1 half bath, 2 offices. $1,400,000

BREATHTAKING

PRIVATE ESTATE, LOWER SAUCON TWP.

Springwood’s resort-like environment provides the ultimate relaxation or entertainment haven. Top of the line amenities, pool, spa, 2 waterfalls & 5-hole putting green. 4.6 acres; 4 bedrooms, 5 full/1 half bath. $2,260,000

SCENIC

COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS, LOWER SAUCON TWP.

Nearly brand new, stunning hilltop home offering stainless appliances, hardwood floors, 2-story stone fireplace, finished basement & 3-car garage. 4 bedrooms, 3 full/ 1 half bath. $501,000

FABULOUS FIRST FLOOR LIVING, LOWER SAUCON TWP.

Expansive Saucon Valley property on nearly two acres with in-laws’ suite, 3-car garage, in-ground pool and detached 2-story garage/outbuilding. 6 bedrooms, 5 full/1 half bath.

$699,000

ELEGANT & STYLISH ESTATE PROPERTY, WASHINGTON TWP.

Breathtaking Shady Nook Farm set on 118 acres offers the beauty of rural living with the amenities of a modern farmhouse. Original renovated farmhouse remains, generating rental income. 5 bedrooms, 5 full/2 half baths.

$2,295,000

LEFT TO RIGHT: Debra Protchko, MBA; Shanna Sigmans; Rebecca L. Francis, MBA

lehighvalleystyle.com

volume 20, issue 12

My favorite holiday dish or foodie tradition is...

My holiday tradition is making white chocolate and peppermint covered pretzels with my daughter Olivia. We package them prettily and gift them to friends and family!

An overabundance of appetizers for our Christmas Eve meal. And cookies with hot cocoa on Christmas morning.

I love pineapple stuffing. It is so easy and sure to be a crowd favorite at every holiday meal!

My favorite holiday tradition is eating seven fishes on Christmas Eve. Fish isn’t usually my go-to, but it is an old Italian tradition my family follows, and it can be fun to try different dishes each year to mix it up.

Publisher Pamela K. Deller

Editor Kristen Rinaldi

Art Director Elaine Wyborski

Graphic Designer Thomas Körp

Advertising Executives

Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor

Marketing & Events Manager Kelli Hertzog

Marketing Assistant Emily Melendez

Contributing Writers

Christina Bubba, Alison Conklin, Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Last year, my family did our first holiday Nazareth crawl, which started at my apartment for drinks and appetizers, went down the road to my sister’s for dinner, and the n to my other sister’s for dessert and presents!

On Old Calendar Christmas (January 7th) we go caroling! We sing, drink and eat at every house we stop at. We fill up on lots of kielbasa, halupki, nut roll, vodka and everything in between!

local holiday memories

My family celebrates Christmas Eve with a big pile of Alaskan king crab legs from Northampton Seafood Market!

Kristen Rinaldi Editor

With my fiancé at Nazareth’s annual tree lighting last year! The town felt like a real-life Stars Hollow in an episode of Gilmore Girls

Every year, my family makes and communally decorates buttery shortbread cut-out cookies, a recipe passed down from my grandmother. To me, they taste like Christmas!

My holiday food tradition is one that benefits my whole family. Every year, I take off a day of work in December to bake Christmas cookies. We call it “Cookiepalooza.” By the time I'm done, every inch of the kitchen table is covered with the fruits of my labor!

Contributing Photographers Matt Bishop, Marco Calderon, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz

Proofreader Lori McLaughlin

Growing up, every year my grandmother would make a huge batch of traditional Italian anise cookies with our whole family! They are my favorite Christmas tradition!

President/CEO : Paul Prass

Vice President/COO : Lisa Prass

Director of Creative Services: Erica Montes

Web Design Specialist: Taylor Van Kooten

3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045

Phone: 610.923.0384 Fax: 610.923.0390

In partnership with: © 2019

Accounting: Donna Bachman

Circulation Manager : Andrea Karges

Performing as different characters for local party planner, A Storybook Party!

Taylor Van Kooten

Web Design Specialist

Pumpkin roll!

Photo by Albert Strydesky

Alison Conklin

Photographer

Photo by Stephanie Vasiladis

Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival

Located at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley | Photography by Vlad Image Studio

On Saturday, October 5, Lehigh Valley Style hosted the second annual Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Daniels BMW offered a complimentary shuttle service to more than 500 whiskey and fine spirits connoisseurs, dropping them off to enjoy a night of sampling over 115 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, cordials, tequila and more. Guests sampled bites provided by ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Mad J’s BBQ and Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn, and they enjoyed Steel Club’s golf putt challenge and Jeffrey J. Febbo’s toy pig race. To top off the night, attendees shopped the Fine Wine & Good Spirits on-site store to stock up on all of their new favorite spirits. Raffles and a portion of the event’s proceeds supported the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

1. Event sponsor, Daniels BMW giveaway swag 2. Irish crème samples provided by event sponsor, McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub 3. Food vendor, Mad J’s BBQ

4. Special guest Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl offered a meet and greet and a bottle signing of his Devil’s Devil Sinnamon Spirits 5. Bundt cake samples provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes 6. Pig game races with event sponsor, Jeffrey J. Febbo Wealth Management 7. Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn team

8. Lehigh Valley Style’s Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival merchandise 9. Event beneficiary, Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley 10. Golf putt challenge with event sponsor, Steel Club 11. On-site Fine Wine & Good Spirits store

Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival

Located at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley | Photography by Vlad Image Studio

1. Alan and Beth Roberts, Erin Roberts and John Chinnici 2. Bill Moyer and Victoria Ferraro 3. Liz and Mike Papa 4. Brian and KJ Zabala and Perry Daniel 5. Clint Peters and Ashley Alderfer 6. Ted Fischl, Ronell Martz and Rich Sandt 7. Doreen and Dave Harris 8. Erin Kipp and Jason Brown 9. Jalen Nieves and Nicole Garza 10. Kevin Bailey and Josh Dias 11. Maria and Stavros Gougoustamos 12. Mike and Tricia Flamm, Jess Flamm and Kelsey Imdorf 13. Matt Moretti and Jack Alviggi

CSC Children’s Ball

DeSales Uncorked : Second Annual

Located at the Centennial Catering & Conference Center to benefit Community Services for Children | Photography by Vlad Image Studio 1. Brian and Marybeth Wallace and Jane Nordell 2. Dave and Lori Lesak 3. Kent Newhart, Lucille Arslanian and John Rosario 4. Monica and Orville Trout 5. Mark and Lin Erickson, Laura Bennett and J.B. Reilly 6. Susan Bella Linski and Dan Linski

Located

Image Studio

1. Codi and Mike Butz 2. Alvina Campbell and Jean Berkowitz 3. Diane Molewski and Tiffany Till 4. James Greenfield and JoAnn Dalicandro 5. Katie Bernecker, Chris Bernecker and Megan McCarthy 6. Lee and Erin Chizmar 7. Suzy and Joe Feilmeier and Jane George

Outfit to Empower Luncheon

Located at Lehigh Country Club to benefit The Perfect Fit for Working Women | Photography by Vlad Image Studio 1. Angella Carney and Joyce Crosby 2. Diane Zumas and Micki Auerbach Wechsler 3. Kevin and Michelle O’Grady 4. Lu Ann Silberg and Christine Banzhoff 5. Nikki Kyriakopoulos, Madelyne Redd and Emily Massaro 6. Tina Llewellyn, Lisa Peffer, Jennifer Anllo, Shana Albert and Cindy Karch

Located at the Centennial Catering & Conference Center to benefit St. Luke’s Cancer Compassion Fund | Photography by Vlad Image Studio 1. Christopher and Melinda Devers 2. Michelle Miller and Lynda Esposito 3. Linda Pacifico and Carol Trapp 4. Bryon Wenrich and Terri Deiter 5. Elisha West, Jennifer Heenan and Ana Martins 6. Gina Luszik and Amy DeLong 7. Mike Morrissey, Crystal Corredera and Juan Carlos Martinez

Style Insider Happy Hour

Style

at the Market

Located at Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar | Photography by Vlad Image Studio

1. Julene Martin-Morganelli, Sam Adams and Jan Perini 2. Jay Cassel and Jon Swavely 3. Justin Raub, Ana Hamilton and Alejandro Oliveros 4. Laura Bogart and Shannon Sigafoss 5. Lisa Larish and Elaine Franco 6. Troy Stone and Carmen Dancsecs 7. Wendy Weaver and Jen Weaver

Night

Located at the Downtown Allentown Market | Photography by Vlad Image Studio

1. Bob Gled, Marat Mamedov and Scott Higgins 2. Karen Amato and Judy Parrey 3. Nancy Greismaner, Brian Wagner and Linda Epstein 4. Katie and Mike Suppes 5. Brennan Long, Natalia Stezenko, Jill Brader and Dave Meyers 6. Marc Piescienski and Nicole Moore

Photo by Hub Wilson

10 Things to Do This Month

DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 & 28

Grain to Glass Advanced Tour

Not only do they make their own alcohol, but they’re ready to let you in on their secrets. Learn about the ingredients, processing, fermentation, aging and bottling process while tasting Social Still’s best gins, whiskeys and vodkas. $10 | 3 p.m. | Social Still Distillery | 530 E. 3 rd St. Bethlehem | 610.625.4585 | eventbrite.com

DECEMBER 7

Get Out Lehigh Valley

Lock Ridge Park’s mile-long, castle-like stone structure is the perfect excuse to get outdoors this season. The park offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, biking and a nature study. It is also dog friendly!

Free | 10 a.m.–noon | Lock Ridge Park and Furnace Museum 525 Franklin St., Alburtis | 610.965.4397 x 136 | lvhn.org

DECEMBER 30 & 31

PEEPSFEST®

The Valley’s annual PEEPSFEST® is a decade-plus long tradition. Celebrate the 11th year with the drop of the 400-pound, lit PEEPS® Chick. There will be kid-friendly bands, a family disco lounge, magicians, a kids fun run and more! Stick around for a fireworks display.

Free | 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | SteelStacks 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org

DECEMBER 6–21

Christmas Carole 1944

In this World War II adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, cosmetic magnate Carole Scrooge is introduced to a new series of “Spirits” who surprise and delight. Much of the script and lessons learned stay true to Dickens’ story.

$34 | 2 & 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre of Allentown 527 N. 19th St., Allentown | 610.432.8943 | civictheatre.com

Photo by Marco Calderon

DECEMBER 29

Pre-New Year’s Eve Par ty

This afternoon celebration is great for families, complete with ice cream, a children’s resolution station and music by DJ Jimbo. Children under 12 are granted free admission.

$12 | 12:30–3 p.m.

America On Wheels

5 N. Front St., Allentown 610.432.4200 x10 americaonwheels.org

DECEMBER

1–12

Santa’s Polar Bear Express

This is not an ordinary train ride, but rather a trip into the Christmas past with Santa. Warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and enjoy the view from the train window!

DECEMBER 9

Author Talk

David Pratt will be reading and signing his latest book, Todd Sweeney: The Fiend of Fleet High, this month at The Library in Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.

Free | 6–8 p.m. | BradburySullivan LGBT Community Center | 522 W. Maple St. Allentown | 610.347.9988 bradburysullivancenter.org

DECEMBER

11–28

Lights in the Parkway

This Lehigh Valley tradition allows guests to get in the holiday spirit without leaving the warmth of their cars. Take a drive through this gorgeous light show and enjoy the displays shown off in this winter wonderland. Closed for Christmas Day.

$15 per car | 5:30–10 p.m. 1700 Martin Luther King Blvd. Allentown | 610.439.5999 allentownpa.gov

DECEMBER

7

Santa Will Run for Beer 5K-ish

The fun kicks off with Roosevelt’s 21st and through Bethlehem. first 25 Santas to arrive at each participating bar location receive a free beer, so this is definitely a race!

$30 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Roosevelt’s 21st 21 E. Elizabeth Ave. Bethlehem 84.727.8155 runlehighvalley.com

DECEMBER

9

Warmer In The Winter Christmas Tour

Known for her violin-driven electronic music, Lindsey Stirling’s first-ever holiday album was the number one new Christmas of 2017. Experience the magic this month at Wind Creek Event

$39.50–$99.50 | 7:30 p.m. | Wind Creek Event Center 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7414 | windcreekeventcenter.com

$10-$50 | 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Colebrookdale Railroad Washington & 3 rd Sts. Boyertown | 610.367.0200 colebrookdalerailroad.com

by Christopher L. Moore

Ash & Snow

BY DAISY WILLIS

If this evocative name looks familiar, that’s because the acoustic trio has packed its calendar all year with gigs around the Valley. Just one of vocalist Ashley Godshall’s many musical incarnations, Ash & Snow delivers an immense repertoire. Originally from Souderton, Godshall has been a Bethlehem resident for almost a decade, and she likes it that way. “I love the Lehigh Valley,” she says. “There’s music, art, all the culture of Philly or New York, but scaled down.”

Music has always been her journey, though she tried to resist. When her acceptance letter to law school arrived, she panicked. “I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to make music again. All I want to do is sing.” She studied vocal performance instead and became a choir director. Since then her career has blossomed in myriad directions.

“I heard from a lot of people that to be successful in music, you need to find a niche, perfect it and stick to that,” Godshall says, but she didn’t buy

Destination: Northampton Coun ty

How much do you know about the history of your hometown? This exhibit celebrates local culture by delving deep into the past of Northampton County. It takes a look at early settlers and local culture. This hands-on, interactive and discussionprovoking exhibit strives to celebrate diversity in the community.

Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society curator Brittany Merriam calls Destination: Northampton County, which opened last month, a permanent exhibit, saying it’ll be around for at least 10 years. “This is an exhibition that has been three years in the making,” she says. “[It is] focused entirely on immigration and diversity.”

Some of the educational themes include ethnicity and race, working conditions, immigration, military conflict and economic stability. Attendees will be tested on how much they know about the history of their home and indulge in academic conversations with others from the community.

General Admission: $7 | Sigal Museum 342 Northampton St., Easton 610.253.1222 | sigalmuseum.org

it. Trained in opera performance, her gospel choir work has led her to perform with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Andrea Bocelli; her jazz piano duo with CJ Steinway offers a sizzling RoaringTwenties-to-Swinging-Forties vibe, and Ash & Snow regales the Valley with popular music from the last half century.

Whether as part of a choir or as an itty-bitty duo, Godshall’s love of singing is a way to reach out to a roomful of people through the international language of music. “I love to connect on a level that’s usually deeper than a small-talk conversation, even though you’re not actually talking to the person.”

Ash & Snow can be found at countless wineries, breweries and restaurants throughout the area. Check online for updates!

ashleygodshall.com

Photo

Earl: The Christmas Tree Spider

BY ERIN RAFANELLO FERGUSON

The first time Valley resident Erin Rafanello Ferguson found her home invaded by the furry spiders living in her Christmas tree, she was shocked. But after a few years of the same frustration of these spiders making themselves at home time and time again, she decided that her family wouldn’t fear them any longer. With the help of her daughters, Sawyer and Harlan, Rafanello Ferguson named one of the spiders Earl, and they found humor in embracing him the whole Christmas season. Their family created a new tradition of accepting their winter houseguests.

Earl: The Christmas Tree Spider celebrates Earl’s journey from the forest to a loving home that he gets to call his own. Throughout the story, Rafanello Ferguson sprinkles in Christmas cheer, and even Santa Claus, making it an instant holiday classic.

Families can kick off the month with a reading of Earl: The Christmas Tree Spider by Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Barnes and Noble at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley on December 1. The reading takes place at 10:30 a.m. and is followed by a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Another special event will take place at the Moravian Book Shop on December 7 from 4 to 6 p.m.

barnesandnoble.com

Christmas City Follies stage

BY DAISY WILLIS

DECEMBER 5–22

Springing up every holiday season like a motley bouquet of tinsel, turkey and tropes, Christmas City Follies at Touchstone Theatre is now in its 20th iteration, bringing the community fresh and familiar skits and songs to ring in the season.

Evolving from a show called Christmas Revels once held at Lehigh University’s Packer Memorial Church, Christmas City Follies first appeared at the Charles Brown Ice House on Sand Island before Touchstone Theatre made its permanent home on Southside’s 3rd Street.

Despite being a landmark 20 th production, Artistic Director James P. Jordan insists the show will go on as it always has: in the moment. “It’s part of a continuum, but not part of a series,” Jordan says. “When we approach it, we don’t think of it as a number. It’s, ‘What do we want to fill this canister with this year?’ We empty the bucket and get to fill it up again.” Recurring characters like the “old guy with the shopping cart” played reliably by Bill George often make an appearance,

but nothing is sacred. “When we’re tired of something, we get rid of it.”

This blank-slate spirit allows the creators to synthesize their experience of the holidays in a way that’s timely and direct. “What we’re looking to do,” Jordan says, “is manifest in an artistic way the zeitgeist around us.” That said, the lively revue that makes up Christmas City Follies is a funny and festive showcase for the whole family.

The holidays are so packed with family drama, sociological layers and ancient lore, a feast of material is offered for the theater every year. “It’s such a huge thing,” Jordan says. “It means so much to so many different people. Everyone has their own relationship to the season, and that’s what we want to explore.”

Adults: $25; Students & seniors: $15

Thurs.–Sat.: 8 p.m.; Sun.: 2 p.m.

Touchstone Theatre | 321 E. 4 th St., Bethlehem 610.867.1689 | touchstone.org

FUEL NUTRITIONAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ Drink Clean

New to Emmaus, Fuel Nutritional Smoothie Café has all the ingredients needed to create tasty and healthy shakes. They pride themselves on clean ingredients with no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, no preservatives and no added sugar. “[I hope] to bring awareness to our customers with what foods they are putting into their bodies,” owner Andrea Gochnauer says. “Also, to achieve positive results with management of weight loss and exercise.” Fuel offers various nutritional options, from vegetarian to Keto. Core supplements are also available to add to any smoothie upon request. Fuel’s collaboration with Performance Food Centers in Pottstown gives them access to the wholesome ingredients that they use. “We decided to search for products that contain protein, both whey and plant-based proteins, clean ingredients that still taste good,” Gochnauer says. “We found Performance Food Centers, we sampled their products and found all the wonderful things that they offer, and here we are.” Their most popular smoothies are Java Jolt and Mango Berry Burst; both smoothies have 20 grams of vanilla whey protein in them. Aside from smoothies, açaí crushed fruit bowls are among their most popular menu items.

1245 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.509.2866

Fuel Nutritional Smoothie Café

POCONO BREWING COMPANY & LEHIGH VALLEY TAPROOM

The Perfect Pair

Silvio Vitiello left Italy in 1984 and opened a pizzeria in the Poconos in 1998. Then in 2017, his sons took their Italian roots and pizza knowledge and created Pocono Brewing Company. “It has been a long road, but pizza is in our blood,” says marketing and events manager GraceAnn Horstman. “His sons grew up in that pizza place and have always been a big part of the family business.” Lehigh Valley Taproom—their second location—opened last year. Incorporating beer into the mix was a smooth transition, and it made sense to pair it with pizza. “They have a very similar life cycle,” says Horstman. “Yeast is a huge part of the pizza and beer making process. Together, they accent each other perfectly.” One of their recommended pizza and beer pairings is the seasonal basil saison and the margherita or pesto pizza. The saison’s subtle pepper finish is supposed to add a flavor that the pizza alone does not offer. In addition to their pizza, they host a wing night every Thursday and have prime rib night every Friday. “Dark beer and meat are as good of friends as pizza and beer,” says Horstman. Their one-year celebration of the taproom is next month and they have expansion plans for their Pocono location in 2020.

938 Lehigh Valley Mall Lifestyle Center, Whitehall | poconobrewery.com | 610.264.2194

COUNTY SEAT SPIRITS

New Easton Location

County Seat Spirits expanded its Allentown distillery and tasting location to a new craft bar and tasting room at Easton’s Simon Silk Mill. This location offers a unique selection of craft beer and mead. It is a larger venue that allows for variation in the spirits offered. “[It] gives our bartenders more space and freedom to craft unique cocktails and showcase our spirits,” CEO of County Seat Spirits Anthony M. Brichta says. “We will be holding a number of cocktail-centric events. We're really going all-out on our cocktail menu in Easton and trying to give our customers the best possible day or night out.” Their tastings are $5 and include four samples of spirits to allow customers to try their whiskeys, vodkas, gin, rums and specialty offerings. Some of their more exclusive drinks include citrus-forward gin, malt whiskeys (which are distilled from beer) and gluten-free vodka distilled from Louisiana sugar cane. “The Silk Mill has a distillery, brewery, winery, cafe, barbershop and ice cream shop, with more businesses being added,” Brichta says. “We purposefully tried to maintain as much of the historic and industrial feel in our space as we could, and it’s a great venue for special events.”

volunteer spotlight

BREAKFAST BUDDIES

Monique McCants

Monique McCants began her volunteer career in 2014 when she became involved with the Breakfast Buddies program through her job at Air Products. In this program, she was matched with a student at Roosevelt Community School in Allentown. “I’ve had so much support in getting to where I am that I want to provide the same and more to others,” says McCants. “Representation matters, and as a black female engineer, it has been important to me to be visible to students and in my community.”

McCants is involved in three other volunteer programs throughout the Lehigh Valley, including the PA Dream Team, Engineering Explorers and the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, where she serves on the executive board. “Volunteering to serve on the LGBT Center board has been about representation as well,” says McCants. “I love to give back to my community and be present in a way that was missing in my life.”

Engineering Explorers specializes in mechanical and chemical engineering through team projects, and McCants is able to help give teens and young adults hands-on experience in the field. Her role in the PA Dream Team is to bring awareness to different career paths in the manufacturing field for students in kindergarten through 12 th grade.

“As Dream Team members, we make classroom presentations that encourage students to explore manufacturing careers,” says McCants. “We

help to dispel misconceptions about manufacturing jobs and give students an idea of what a real career might look like from the perspective of young professionals in this industry.” The mission of each of these programs resonates with McCants and is what keeps her going. She is motivated by the difference she makes in people’s lives and hearing back from those she works with.

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

A&A Limousine Service is a family-owned business with many years’ experience in the transportation industry. A&A offers an array of services, including corporate travel, weddings, proms, nights out, sporting events, day trips, concerts, doctor appointments, airports, train stations and cruise piers.

Their fleet consists of more then 30 vehicles and includes the latest models of sedans, SUVs, super stretch limos, party and shuttle buses, transit passenger vans and their newest addition: the Mercedes Sprinter.

A&A’s office is staffed by highly trained individuals who will offer the best customer service possible, with a personal touch. They will customize a trip to meet whatever a client’s needs might be, and clients are guaranteed A&A Limousine Service will provide the utmost professional service in the industry. Let A&A be the number one choice for any future travel plans and experience what they have to offer customers and clients each and every time they travel with A&A.

| aalimousine.com

Right to left: Bryan Beale, General Manager; Tara Webber, President/Owner; Tracey Trinkle, Operations Supervisor; Donato Trinkle, Co-Owner

Beer Garden

“My wife, Karen, actually coined the name Hop Daddy’s back 18 months ago at a family ideation session,” says CEO and President Rich Ryan. “The idea behind Hop Daddy’s [is] good beer, good food and cool vibes. It’s not a chain.” The family took their time in cultivating a brewery that they thought would give the best experience to their customers. For three years, they traveled the country hitting craft breweries and pubs along the way.

They set up shop in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Allentown and incorporated the city’s first and only beer garden. Their vibe is completed with a mural, painted by commercial street artist Denton Burrows, that encompasses the brewery.

Their beers include lagers, rotating IPAs, sours, wits, porters, stouts, pale ales and brown ales. But food is just as important as the beer selection at Hop Daddy’s. Their executive chef makes all of the food from scratch in their kitchen. From pizzas and salads to shareables and snacks, their menu can satisfy a range of cravings.

“We will feature beer pairing recommendations for items on our menu based on collaboration between our executive chef, who also has brewed beer, and our head brewer,” Ryan says. “One of our signature wood-fired pizzas—named the Phantom for its heat—is best accompanied by our pilsner beer.”

Keep an eye out for Hop Daddy’s collaboration events with other craft brewers in the beer garden.

Enter to win a Bethlehem Midnight Star Pendant, courtesy of Donegal Square, a $115 value.

Photo by

1. County Seat Spirits’ small-batch Rye Whiskey, $20 2. Eight Oaks Farm Distillery’s Applejack, $19.99 3. Social Still’s The Vault Bourbon Whiskey, $48 4. Social Still’s Smooch, strawberry- and kiwi-flavored vodka, $24

5. Eight Oaks Farm Distillery’s Barrel-Aged Bourbon Whiskey, $24.99

6. Gallows Hill Spirits Co.’s Posset, $31

7. County Seat Spirits’ Lock Keeper Gin, $31

8. Xplorer Spirits’ American Gin, $45

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BISHOP

Khanisa’s THE PUDDING BAR

BY MARCO CALDERON

Sean and Khanisa Darby’s pudding bar in Easton takes pudding to the next level. With a variety of flavors, and endless possibilities, here, pudding is never boring.

KHANISA & SEAN DA RBY Founders

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tell us about how The Pudding Bar in Easton came to be. It wasn’t long ago that you were serving from a cart in the Lehigh Valley Mall!

The Pudding Bar has been a concept we have dreamed of since 2016 when we opened our first mall location. Every step we have taken since then has been to get to this point, and we are so happy that it is being received so well!

For all the pudding naysayers of the world, tell us: What is so great about pudding?

One of our goals is to showcase the versatility of pudding, and we are constantly creating ways to elevate it even more! Pudding can be paired with so many different flavor profiles, and has an endless amount of applications. The possibilities are truly endless.

Describe the variety of pudding offerings you serve. At the pudding bar, we serve our pudding in a few different ways. We do a play on waffle sundaes, with a batter recipe we developed to complement the pudding perfectly. The pudding is served frozen on top of the waffles as opposed to ice cream, and it’s delicious! Adding a variety of fruits, nuts and sauces lets dessert lovers customize to their liking. We also serve the frozen pudding on top of our strawberry

shortcake and peach cobbler, made with our fresh-baked daily, sweet-cream biscuits. Our rich vanilla cake is layered with the pudding in the center, and can be made to mimic any of our signature flavors.

How often are flavors rotated? Flavors are rotated with the season. New flavors will be featured for certain holidays and are normally removed after the season is over. This past fall we really showcased fall spices and flavor combinations. For example, we re-released our apple pie pudding, and featured our pumpkin waffle with salted

caramel pudding! We also introduced a few more of our homemade hot chocolate flavors —peppermint, butterscotch and white chocolate, among others.

Where else can Khanisa’s pudding be enjoyed? Tell us about your catering options! Catering is always fun! We can accommodate large or small groups with whatever the customer wants. We have done wedding favors, shooters for showers and dinners and even large corporate orders. Partner locations and catering options may be viewed on our website.

What do you love most about being based in Easton?

We love Easton! We love the energy, the diversity and all of the gems you find here. The smallbusiness community in Easton is an amazing and supportive one, and there are always events and fun finds for friends and families to enjoy time together. We can’t say enough good things about the communities here in Easton.

The Pudding Bar is dubbed a “café, dessert and work space.” What’s the vibe like?

The vibe is very inviting, as if you have walked into the home of a

friend. The scent of fresh baked goods surrounds you, with soulful music from the likes of Maxwell, Kem and Sade, just to name a few artists. A variety of beverages can be enjoyed, including hot or iced coffee and tea, alongside our desserts. We have regulars that come in, use the free WiFi and sit for hours doing work. We are happy to offer a space outside of home that can serve as a change of scenery for those who need it.

118 Northampton St., Easton 484.895.8002 | khanisas.com

Essential Oils

BY SUSAN BIANCHI, MS, HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH

Reducing chemical exposure and finding natural complementary tools for health is becoming more important in an increasingly toxic world. Returning back to nature’s abundance and inherent wisdom, essential oils are finding their way into many aspects of daily living. For centuries, they’ve been used for health and vitality. Now, they’re also being used for natural cleaning products and skin-care products, supporting health, boosting immunity and energy levels, improving sleep, aiding with anxiety and stress, and more.

It might be alarming to know that 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are petroleum based. Known to be toxic, these chemicals that are found in most every scented product are linked to cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. It is also why most indoor environments, including work and home, have much higher levels of pollutants than outdoor environments.

History

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years across the globe. Ancient Egyptians may be the first culture known to utilize essential oils for religious, cosmetic and medicinal purposes, but other cultures have also used the essences from plants for health and well-being.

What Are They?

Essential oils are highly concentrated essences from various parts of plants, including roots, leaves, bark, flowers and resin. The plants are typically steam distilled, extracting the oil compounds from the water-soluble elements of the plants. These oils are often referred to as volatile aromatics, which simply means that the compounds move quickly through the air and interact with the olfactory senses of the nose. As such, essential oils can stimulate areas of the limbic system in the brain by way of your smell receptors. The limbic system is responsible for behavioral and emotional response, our fight-or-flight nervous systems, as well as playing a role in regulating breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Depending on the oil used, it can help elicit an upl ifting, energizing effect, while others can elicit a calming, relaxing effect.

Uses

The potential uses of essential oils are quite extensive, with each oil having unique properties. It is often difficult to do double-blind studies with aromatics; however, there is some encouraging data. Oregano oil, frankincense and tea tree oil have all shown immune-boosting, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Ginger oil has been shown to aid in indigestion, abdominal pain and reduce nausea. Peppermint oil has shown benefits in exercise performance as well as increased brain oxygen concentration. Lavender and sandalwood oil can help improve mood and lessen anxiety. Initial research has shown improvements in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients using an aromatherapy combination of rosemary and lemon

CHEAT SHEET

Oregano, frankincense and tea tree: immune-boosting, antibacterial and antifungal

Ginger: indigestion, abdominal pain and nausea

Peppermint: exercise performance and increased brain oxygen concentration

Lavender and sandalwood: improve mood and lessen anxiety

Applications

There are three main ways to utilize essential oils, those being as an aromatic, topically or internally.

Aromatically, the oils can be worn as a personal fragrance instead of a synthetic perfume. Enjoy them through an oil diffuser, add them to your laundry or use them in household DIY surface cleaners.

Topically, essential oils can be readily absorbed by the skin for targeting specific areas. Because of the concentration, it is often diluted in a carrier oil to help lessen the potential for skin irritation as well as allow for an expanded absorption area. This can be incorporated into massage and massage therapy. As with most any topical product, test a small area of the skin before applying and avoid any open wounds or sensitive areas.

Ingesting essential oils should be done very carefully and under the guidance of a qualified naturopath or herbalist as the concentration of the oil has a systemic effect.

Local Perspective

For Erica Eichlin, owner of Lehigh Valley-based A Wholesome Life, LLC, it was a personal experience that opened her eyes to the benefits of essential oils. “I had not had much exposure nor was I very open to complementary therapies for health and well-being,” she says. “Having suffered from ongoing gastrointestinal issues, my sister gave me a blend of essential oils to try topically. Within five minutes, to my surprise, I felt relief and knew I needed to know more.”

That inquiry led her on her path to the world of essential oils and complementary therapies. Through personal experience and research, it quickly and naturally evolved into wanting to help others as well.

While Eichlin started using essential oils for a health issue, she finds that many start incorporating essential oils by using them as safer alternatives in creating healthy household aromatics as well as nontoxic cleaning and personal-care

HOSPITAL OPENING LATE FALL 2019

• Modern, innovative design

• Private patient rooms

• Interventional Radiology & expanded operating rooms

• Larger, state-of-the-art emergency room

The Emergency Room at 1021 Park Avenue, Quakertown will relocate to the St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus at Route 663 & Portzer Road upon the opening of the new hospital.

living well

products. She says, “As they work with the oils and notice their benefits, they expand into utilizing oils to support other aspects of their own health.”

Not All Are Created Equal

Eichlin makes an important note that not all essential oils are created equal. Different soil composition, climate, temperature, regional sourcing, how the plants are harvested and, most importantly, the distillation process will all impact the quality of the oil. Extracting microscopic amounts requires precision as well as a large volume of high-quality raw material. It is why quality essential oils are more costly. To give some perspective, it takes over 100 pounds of rose petals to distill five milliliters of rose oil.

...Remember that more does not mean more benefits. In the case of essential oils, less is more, as a drop goes a long way.

Eichlin stresses the importance of doing your research when purchasing essential oils to ensure that you are getting only essential oil rather than synthetic chemicals and additives. With the growing popularity and demand for essential oils, there are many unethical companies promoting essential oils, which are diluted with synthetics, adulterated and/or unethically sourced material, all of which is counter to the health benefits of true essential oils. Eichlin says, “You may or may not be able to tell just by smell if a product is synthetic, but the health benefits will be absent or you may even get an adverse reaction to the chemicals.” Once you have found a quality source, Eichlin recommends trying single oils to understand how your body reacts to that particular oil, then you can expand to blends if you so choose. Also remember that more does not mean more benefits. In the case of essential oils, less is more, as a drop goes a long way.

If you’re just starting out, Eichlin recommends frankincense, lavender, lemon, copaiba, wild orange, peppermint, tea tree, ginger, grapefruit and eucalyptus.

Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals while receiving supportive health benefits sounds like a win-win with essential oils. Check your sourcing, start simply and slowly and explore what works with you and your body.

PHOTO BY ELLE STUDIOS

HOW TO BUDGET FOR Happier Holidays

BY DAISY WILLIS

The holidays bring us closer to loved ones, even as they can tend to drive us further away from our hard-earned cash. Money Camp Lehigh Valley is a nonprofit dedicated to teaching financial literacy to the area’s youth—and for plenty of adults wondering how they missed the memo on managing money, Executive Director of Community Advocacy Princess Galarza is here with tips on wassailing worry-free through the season.

ASK DR. YOUNG FOR FACETITE Surgical

ask the expert

Keep Your Head

It’s a time of nostalgic carols, cookie swaps, glittering garland—and pressure. We’ve all felt the pressure to give the perfect gift, pressure to make things magical for the kids, pressure to decorate with adequate panache.

And then there’s the other side of the coin: “It’s really hard to make rational financial decisions after you’ve binge-watched a Hallmark Christmas movie marathon,” says Galarza, “daydreaming of the perfect Christmas morning in matching PJs and the perfectly decorated holiday house.” Whether it’s an indomitable holiday spirit or a sense of obligation compelling you to excess, take a deep breath. “Managing your emotions will help you manage your spending,” Galarza says.

Start Now… for Next Year

“Ideally,” Galarza begins, “you’ll start saving at the beginning of each year.” It sounds kind of horrible, but if you squirrel away a little each month, it’s a lot less painful than trying to come up with $1,000 all at once.

“The first step is to review your income and expenses,” says Galarza. “Be honest with yourself about what you can afford.” Then decide how much you’re willing to spend on holiday gifts, food, decorations and any travel expenses. And Galarza can’t stress this enough: Never use high-interest credit cards and don’t put yourself in credit card debt over the holidays.

Hide your money away from your midnightonline-shopping Mr. Hyde with a separate savings account or Christmas club and rest easy knowing it will be there for you when you need it.

BUDGET ALL YEAR ROUND

An easy rule to follow for budgeting—not just during the holidays—is the 50/30/20 rule.

Gift Strategically

Gift-giving is a time-honored way to show love and generosity, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend yourself silly to prove you care. “Your kid will love you just as much if you give them five presents or 25,” Galarza says.

If you’re not already onboard, suggest Secret Santa among your friends and adult family, leaving each person free to consider the wants and whims

of just one other person. “I guarantee you,” Galarza says, “most people will be relieved.”

Take advantage of Black Friday discounts, Amazon Prime holiday sales and, if you can stand to keep a secret, buying a gift when the perfect thing comes along and the price is right could be an opportunity you pounce on in May or July.

The tradition of making gifts for family members is a creative activity you can share with your kids, and consumable treats like homemade sugar scrub, herb salt or kombucha make welcome gifts when so many are battling clutter.

Get Kids Giving

“Once kids are old enough to know who ‘Santa’ really is,” Galarza says, “they’re old enough to understand basic finances.”

Teens especially should be aware of your financial reality, and begin to think about prioritizing spending with their own gift budget. Getting some perspective on what things like very cool sneakers and iPhones cost is a healthy lesson for young people.

A great free way to celebrate the reason for the season with kids is to allow them to pick a volunteer activity and offer your time as a family. Working together in the spirit of giving is a great bonding experience that can instill in children the importance of thinking of others.

Experience Over Expenditure

There are plenty of other priceless ways to spend the holidays, and they’re more likely to make lasting memories than another costly pair of llam a-wool socks. Go on a drive to look at the lights, go sledding or have a snowball fight, bond over baking cookies or making festive crafts or check out a current holiday movie.

Hosting a little feast isn’t exorbitant if you don’t feel bad about keeping your guest list small. It’ll be more manageable, more memorable for your guests and not require you to rent a bunch of folding chairs.

Feel free to make it a potluck and get crafty friends together to make the decorations instead of buying them.

Pack your season with wintry activities and you won’t feel shortchanged by spending less.

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BOOK CLUBS FOR Bibliophiles

BY DAISY WILLIS

Have you ever turned the last page of a great book and just couldn’t wait to talk to someone about it? Book clubs combine the solitary solace of reading with the spirited socializing of diverse minds. Go from cozy on the couch with your book and cocoa to bundled up and heading out to discuss with one of these local book clubs.

Photo by Alison Conklin

1. Let’s Play Books

letsplaybooks.com

Along with book clubs for kids and teens, Let’s Play has a host of book clubs for grownups, too. Specialties include YA (for the young at heart), nonfiction and classics, but there are also more general clubs to join. And if you’ve got a private book club of your own, Let’s Play offers discounts to buy your books in bulk (five-plus) with them!

2. Book and Puppet Company

bookandpuppet.com

Third Fridays are BadA$$ Book Club nights at Easton’s lively Book and Puppet Company, where purchase of the club’s chosen book comes with a 10 percent discount. Facilitators and participants are welcome to suggest reads, which have included Richard Powers’ Pulitzer Prize-winning The Overstory, and snacks and drinks are always welcome!

3. Allentown Public Library

allentownpl.org

You may wish to be a kid again when you hear about Pizza and Pages, the Allentown library’s book club for fourth to seventh graders. Kids just need to sign up in advance to check out the book and save their spot to be part of the discussion and pizza-munching on a Saturday afternoon. The adult book club meets every fourth Tuesday, and members can sign out copies of the chosen book from the library free of charge.

4. Moravian Book Shop

moravian.edu/bookshop

Highly organized through the platform bookmovement.com, the Bethlehem Bookworms meet at the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the country every third Saturday. Depthy and fun discussion is cultivated on books from a wide range of fiction genres chosen collectively by vote.

5. The Restoration Space

therestorationspace.com

All are welcome to attend book club the second Thursday of the month at this wellness center tucked into a Victorian mansion in Bethlehem. The Restoration Space’s holistic offerings include physical and massage therapy, counseling and a free book group covering any genre and open to potluck snacks.

KIM FRAITES-DOW

CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

BY AMY UNGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Kim Fraites-Dow still remembers how she felt while wearing the traditional Girl Scout uniform for the first time. She was living with her family in Florida, one of several places she called home during a childhood marked by a lot of moves and new beginnings, thanks to her father’s career in the military. Feeling a sense of belonging was important to her. “I’m the daughter of a first-generation South Korean American—my mom,” she explains. “That’s very different growing up in Northwest Florida.” But those differences seemed to melt away when she was exploring and learning alongside her fellow Girl Scouts. “I remember thinking, ‘There’s no other place that’s like this,’” says Fraites-Dow.

She had no way of knowing that one day she’d be playing a significant leadership role in the same organization that helped to shape her formative years. It’s a job that keeps her both busy and fulfilled. “There are no typical days, which makes it fun, challenging, exciting and inviting,” Fraites-Dow notes. “I enjoy opportunities to mentor, be mentored, learn and engage in every aspect of council life.”

At first, it seemed her career might be rooted in music. A trained classical clarinetist, Fraites-Dow earned a bachelor of music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, in 1998, while also obtaining a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Rochester. She worked for the Julliard School in an administrative position before moving on to roles in other organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra and The Franklin Institute. All the while, the desire to take on a position with more sway was strong. “Eventually I knew I wanted a seat at the executive table where strategy and decisions were being made,” she says.

“We’re making an impact on girls; that’s having a ripple effect on the community and the world.”

Fraites-Dow joined the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania in 2011 as the Chief Development and Marketing Officer. From there, she rose in the ranks and was named CEO in March of 2016. She says digging into the core values that have sustained the Girl Scouts for more than 100 years wasn’t a difficult transition; her parents always encouraged Fraites-Dow and her two brothers (one older than her, one younger) to embrace their individuality and their strengths. “We really discovered who we were from that,” Fraites-Dow says. Community service was also stressed in the Fraites household. Now, Fraites-Dow says being able to promote the Girl Scouts’ overall mission is one of the best perks of her position. “I love what we’re doing,” she says. “We’re making an impact on girls; that’s having a ripple effect on the community and the world.”

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania prides itself on empowering some 40,000 girls in nine counties in this part of the state, including Lehigh and Northampton. “We’re building girls of courage, confidence and character,” Fraites-Dow says. “We have girls who are thinking about the community outside their individual experience. When they

see injustice, they introduce some kind of innovation to make it better.” She points to a Montgomery County Girl Scout who helped push an ordinance to ban plastic straws as a real-life example that demonstrates those objectives in action. Also, the chapter’s Spark magazine offers profiles of the many scouts who are making a difference in the world around them.

While there are many success stories to speak of, Fraites-Dow acknowledges the organization’s clear and present challenges. “We’re in a unique time from a competitive perspective,” she says. Earlier this year, the Boy Scouts of America began accepting girls into its ranks for the first time in its 107-year history. Fraites-Dow doesn’t want the sanctity of what her organization offers to be diminished by the change. It’s something she speaks about with passion. “Girl Scouts is a very unique experience,” she says. “Girls get to hang out with each other in an all-girl environment.” And it’s not just about gender, she explains— it’s about programming. “Girls thrive in an environment where they are not concerned about competition with boys. Research has determined that in a coed environment, girls who are interested and have the capacity and skills to participate may opt out. Our focus is on topics and learning—not on gender.” Fraites-Dow says she’s made it a point to make herself more visible in the community over the past year in order to give a face and a voice to the Girl Scouts’ narrative: “Our story is one of 107 years of proven leadership where we focus specifically on girls.”

Another challenge facing many of the Girl Scouts’ 112 chapters across the U.S. is recruiting volunteers to serve as troop leaders, or to assist the organization in other ways. Stay-at-home moms used to be the go-to group for those roles, but now, with more mothers in the workforce, there’s a void. Fraites-Dow says they’re working on connecting with millennials who haven’t yet started families of their own, and with retirees who want to stay active and have a role in shaping the young people in their communities.

Staying relevant is another concern in what’s become the new reality of how we spend our free time, where even just getting young people to look up from their electronic devices could be considered a small victory. But Fraites-Dow says the Girl Scouts isn’t trying to compete with screen

insight

time and social media; instead, it’s more of a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mentality. “We are in some cases utilizing these to connect and provide opportunities for girls to disconnect.” The Girl Scouts’ curriculum has also turned its members’ changing tastes in activities and interests into new opportunities to fill up their sashes and vests. Forty-two new badges were introduced this past summer, tackling everything from cybersecurity to space science to outdoor adventures. But badges that might be considered more traditional are still popular, says Fraites-Dow. “It’s all about giving girls the tools they need to be successful. It’s very empowering.”

Fraites-Dow lives in Delaware County with her husband, Kevin Dow, executive director of the Philadelphia nonprofit Friends of the Rail Park, and their two children, Ella and Elijah. And yes, Ella is a Girl Scout, something that Fraites-Dow maintains makes her a better mom and boss. “It makes me feel like every mom of a Girl Scout when I get to witness firsthand her growth as a leader, taking risks, and building courage, confidence and character,” she says. “In the leadership of this organization, I get firsthand experience understanding diversity, and can identify and solve pain points in real time.”

And to the Girl Scouts of today who will be tomorrow’s working moms, just like Fraites-Dow, she has this to say: “Regarding work/life balance, it’s all life, and we all bring our best self to the different environments. I am the same self for home and for work, where what I am doing is meaningful and gets my full attention.”

BRING ON THE COOKIES!

• The Girl Scouts’ 2020 cookie season officially begins on January 16.

• Kim Fraites-Dow’s favorites are Thin Mints and Caramel deLites. (“But if I am at work, I love the Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies because they have more protein… right!”)

• This year will mark the debut of new packaging for the cookies; the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania will be represented by one of their own (Serena) on the new Lemonades package.

• New incentives are being added to encourage the older scouts to rack up those sales, such as earning credits toward expenses related to graduation, like purchasing class rings, prom dresses, etc.

Soothsayer Vodka // Moonstone Rune // Tituba’s Silver // Chai Milk Punch

How The Christmas City Came to Be

By Daisy Willis

Photo by Craig Roberts

BETHLEHEM

Horse-drawn carriages

clop down streets lively with music and merriment, studded with twinkling lights and bright shop windows. A veritable snow globe, Bethlehem revels in its identity as the Christmas Cit y. As the observance of the season has evolved over centuries, so has Bethlehem, from a Colonial landmark, to a steel town, to an ecosystem for the arts. Its history as a holiday hot spot is also one of rebirth, steeped in Moravian traditions and a resilient spirit of innovation.

At Bethlehem’s inception as a Moravian settlement on Christmas Eve in 1741, a tiny community of immigrants gathered in a partstable, part-meeting house on the site that would one day become the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Their spiritual leader, Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, supposedly took inspiration from his straw-strewn surroundings and a hymn

(“Not Jerusalem—lowly Bethlehem ‘twas that gave us Christ to save us”) and dubbed the settlement with its Biblical name. Though the Moravians were bigger celebrants of Christmas than the stuffy old Puritans, in a time before fireside stockings and toy-making elves, this christening was yet to see its greatest impact.

Central Moravian Church

The Chapel was built in 1751 and the Sanctuary was completed in 1806

In the meantime, the Moravians spent the next decade establishing around 40 crafts, trades and industries in Bethlehem: tanners, blacksmiths, millwrights, tailors, carpenters and many more supporting their communal

Photo by Nancy Swolensky

...the 1800s saw a revival of secular festivity during the holiday and—with greater emphasis on MATERIAL MATTERS

society and fueling their all-important missionary work. Their devotional attention to quality created impressive results. Long before Bethlehem Steel took over as the paragon of American industry, the Colonial Industrial Quarter in Bethlehem made its mark as the earliest industrial park in America. The Moravians knew how to prosper, and when the city later needed that knack, its Moravian history would provide.

In large part thanks to Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol, the 1800s saw a revival of secular festivity during the holiday and—with greater emphasis on material matters like décor, entertaining and gift-giving—a growing commercialism. The department store with

large glass show windows, gleaming gift wrap and lavish feasts came to be part of the celebration of Christmas, and a welcome yearly boost to the economy. Though Dr. Seuss’s Grinch would come to a different conclusion, some of Christmas definitely does come from a store. Throughout the years, features of Moravian Christmas like their lovefeast, trombone choir and Putz displays have carried on in Historic Bethlehem. The art of the Putz, a church tradition creating a diorama of the Nativity scene, became a community event, showcasing elaborate and playful interpretations. Reflecting the purity of Christ, beeswax was used to make the Moravians’ traditional candles lit during Christmas Eve vigils. Now residents of Historic Bethlehem are encouraged to light candles in their windows to add a welcoming warmth to the winter streets. This steadfast current of Moravian tradition was a welcome resource in hard times. In 1937, when the Great Depression had been pummeling the nation for almost a decade, Bethlehem’s Chamber of Commerce was desperate for a strategy to keep their community going. They drew inspiration from the city’s founding to try to drum up attention and interest by branding Bethlehem explicitly as Christmas City, USA.

The Bach Choir of Bethlehem

trombone choir

Photo by Douglas Benedict

Photo by Douglas Benedict

...lit candles in windows add a WELCOMING WARMTH to the winter streets.

The seed that Zinzendorf planted by connecting the humble origins of the city to the humble origins of the holiday took on new life in the twentieth century as the Chamber exhorted thousands of other communities across the country to share the news. Any citizen was invited to have their Christmas cards sent to Bethlehem for a smart hand-cancellation stamp from the Christmas City. A little holiday cheer was just the thing to brighten a dark Depression winter, and almost 185,000 pieces of mail flooded Bethlehem’s post office.

That same year, Marion Grace, wife of the chairman of Bethlehem Steel, pulled a switch at a Hotel Bethlehem ceremony and brought 22 city blocks alive with lights. The first community Putz made its debut at the Chamber building and drew 14,000 visitors. The Bethlehem Star went up on South Mountain, first of wood, then two years later reinforced with Bethlehem Steel and rumored to be the largest display of its kind in the world. Now shining year-round, it originally spent half a century showing its light only for Christmas and at Easter in the shape of a cross. The effort to share the city’s longstanding Christmas spirit took off. “Bethlehem did not create Christmas,” said then-president of the Chamber Vernon Melhado, “but Christmas created Bethlehem.”

Christmas City Follies

Celebrate Touchstone Theatre’s landmark 20th production of Christmas City Follies

This campaign solidified traditions that the city protects as its beating heart: Moravian architecture and history, destination holiday events and venues, boutique shopping and sparkling lights to ward off the dark. Bethlehem’s attractions and economy are more diverse than ever, but it’s still all-in on the holiday, with more to do and see every year. From age-old traditions to newly-inspired events, there’s so much to celebrate in the Christmas City.

by

Christkindlmarkt

Photo

Kim Kanuck

Celebrate the Season

December 7

Christmas City Classic

5-Miler and Candy Cane 5K

An undeniable themed-race favorite in the Valley, the Christmas City Classic has been getting folks out in the cold for over 20 years. Don your Santa suit, your elf hat or your jingle bells to be considered in the annual costume contest, and justify your next slice of pie with some rigorous activity! Holiday music, Philly soft pretzels and Christmas cookies keep runners motivated on this jolly jaunt through town.

$35 | 9 a.m. | Bethlehem YMCA | 430 E. Broad St. Bethlehem | christmascityraces.com

Now—January 12

Holiday Putz Trail & Trees of Historic Bethlehem

See both the uniquely Moravian tradition of the Putz as well as Christmas Couture-themed trees dripping with Dior-, Chanel- and Burberry-inspired décor in a series of displays across Historic Bethlehem sites. You’ll see why the handcrafted Nativity Putz has inspired adherents to search for the best local moss sources, prize and pass down ideal pieces of driftwood through generations, and vie for most impressive display.

Adults: $20; Children: $12 | Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, Moravian Museum Gemeinhaus Single Sisters’ House and 1810 Goundie House 505 Main St., Bethlehem 610.882.0450 | historicbethlehem.org

December

1–23

Live Advent Calendar

Gather outside Historic Bethlehem’s 1810 Goundie House each evening with up to 300 visitors and await the delights of a living Advent calendar. Sponsored by the Downtown Bethlehem Association’s merchants, it features a special representative of a local business each day to deliver treats or surprise entertainment. Whether you catch it every day or make a point to stop by during a night out on Main Street, the living Advent adds a little kick to this anticipatory tradition.

Free | 5:30 p.m. | 501 Main St., Bethlehem 610.739.1775 | getdowntownbethlehem.com

Now—December 22

Christkindlmarkt

Through December 22, you can find this incarnation of Germany’s famous holiday tent market on Bethlehem’s South Side each weekend. Every year it grows more enormous, with over 150 artisan vendors, food, live

music and appearances by St. Nick for your shopping pleasure. A new $27 combo ticket offered this year in partnership with Historic Bethlehem gives you access to Christkindlmarkt along with Trees of Bethlehem sites on the North Side, so consider this money-saving option to maximize merriment.

Thurs.: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri.: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun.: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

PNC Plaza at SteelStacks | 645 E. 1st St., Bethlehem 610.297.7100 | christmascity.org

December 4, 11, 12, 18 & 19

Holiday Quote-Along Film Series

Christmas is a time for nostalgia, when many of us like to return to the cozy and well-worn movies we started watching on VHS. The cinemas at SteelStacks screen four favorites this month with the understanding that reveling audiences may yell out famous lines. Come and rewatch Elf, Die Hard, Trading Places and/or a 30th anniversary showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and level-up this holiday habit.

$10; Students & seniors: $8; ArtsQuest members: $7.50 7:30 p.m. | Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas | 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | 610.297.7100 | steelstacks.org

December

8

Bach Choir’s Christmas Concert

One of Bethlehem’s oldest traditions is the Bach Choir, performing the choral work of this great composer for over 100 years. They were the first to perform Bach in America, and mark another first this year, presenting Handel’s Messiah in its entirety; Part One this month and Part Two at their spring concert. Bach’s theatrical Magnificat pairs beautifully with Messiah for a joyful celebration of Christmas.

$38 | 4 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church 2344 Center St., Bethlehem | 610.866.4382 | bach.org

Now–December 30

Bethlehem By Night Tour

Stay snug on a bus for this tour guided by a docent in period costume. You’ll spend one to two hours cruising to area highlights, from the historic north side’s festooned historic places to the summit of South Mountain to visit the Bethlehem Star. Bethlehem by night is dripping with holiday lights and sparkle.

Adults: $18.50; Children: $12 | 5, 6 & 7 p.m.

Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center | 505 Main St. Bethlehem | 1.800.360.8687 | historicbethlehem.org

Front Row: Sharon Stauffer, with grandson Beckett; Mary Evans, with grandson Apollo; Crystal Dye Back Row: Michelle Tauber, Emily Moore, Colleen Alsleben

Finance, Accounting & Investments

Contrary to what you may have heard, a penny saved isn’t really a penny earned. In fact, Old Ben’s original aphorism—“a penny saved is two pence clear”—has far more to do with clean balance sheets and the strict avoidance of debt than with the dubious equivalence of passive savings and active income. That said, knowing the difference between the two is fundamental to establishing, building and maintaining sound personal finances.

But basic financial literacy is just the beginning. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, provide for your family’s future, plan for retirement, safeguard your legacy, invest in your community or simply want to limit your exposure, chances are that you will need an expert’s advice in order to properly preserve and protect your personal wealth for the years to come.

Read on and get to know some of the Lehigh Valley’s premier financial, accounting and investment professionals who can help you on your way.

Interested in advertising in our next Professional Profiles section? Call 484.546.0408 for more information.

LEADING WITH TRUST & COMMITMENT

Partners in business and partners in life. This is how husband and wife team, Jamie and Chris Englebert, view not only themselves, but also their relationship with clients. With their 57 collective years of experience, this team is prepared to guide clients through life’s financial situations and market fluctuations. They often team up with other professionals (perhaps a CPA, attorney or actuary) to provide clients with a comprehensive strategy to optimize their financial resources. Whether managing assets for clients or organizations, trust and commitment lead the way.

This team operates in a more innovative fashion than a typical financial advisor by using a smartphone app, video messaging system and social media avenues to communicate with their clients. Phone calls and faceto-face meetings will always be the cornerstone of communication and they pride themselves on accessibility.

Englebert Financial Advisers, LLC (“EFA”) serves high-net-worth clients, defined benefit and defined contribution plans, providing strategies and recommendations to help clients achieve the financial success they envision. Satisfaction in helping other people is the driving force at EFA.

Jamie and Chris Englebert

Photography by Jaclyn Du Chateau

“BUILD YOUR FUTURE WITH THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE TODAY”

Magellan Financial believes professional wealth management has only one definition of success: allowing investors to realize their lifestyle and financial goals. Magellan’s thorough, thoughtful, risk-based strategies are designed to support its clients’ greatest objectives so they have the freedom to enjoy them. Magellan Financial truly provides a different approach to wealth management.

True Team Environment: The entire team, with 85 years of combined experience, collaborates on every client’s account.

Commitment to Planning: Every strategy and investment decision is built to support a specific plan for each client.

Hands-on Money Management: This close approach helps to ensure that clients’ portfolios adapt to the ever-changing investment landscape with nimble, research-driven adjustments.

Complete Financial Services: From investment strategies that support retirement planning goals to transferring closely held businesses, Magellan serves as a singular financial resource through the depth and breadth of its services.

Magellan Financial is truly committed to serving its clients’ complete needs at every stage. This includes retirement planning, estate planning strategies, education planning and insurance services. For business owners, Magellan Financial can help with liquidity event planning, tax-efficient investment options and thoughtful transition plans.

Rob, Jeff, Jon, Carol, Kaycee, Bob and Jay look forward to providing prospective clients with the exceptional service and advice they deserve.

Magellan Financial, Inc. 1605 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 111, Allentown 610.437.5650 | magellanlv.com

BOUTIQUE-STYLE CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

High-end, personalized service is guaranteed at Batch & Company, PC, a boutique accounting firm in Allentown. Pamela E. Batch, CPA, launched the firm in 2006 on strong client relationships.

Boutique firms like Batch & Company provide unique services to small and mid-size businesses as well as high-wealth individuals seeking accounting and tax solutions with a personal touch. This style of CPA firm offers the ability for increased attention to clients’ needs, which leads to familiarity and, in most cases, the ability to get the work done more efficiently.

Batch & Company view every client relationship like a partnership, and truly believe that their success is a result of their clients’ success. Batch & Company’s clients appreciate this level of commitment, and they know they are dealing with CPAs who really care about their business.

Batch & Company, PC 1150 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 203, Allentown 610.841.3734 | batchcpa.com

Left to right: Jeff Bogert, Partner; Kaycee Dorney; Jay Knight; Carol Stehlin, Partner; Bob Sweeney; Jon Soden, Partner; Rob Cahill, CFP, Managing Partner

RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNICATION, DIRECTION

Valley National Financial Advisors (VNFA) is dedicated to helping clients make the right financial choices in pursuit of their long-term goals and dreams. Since 1985, VNFA has been a local and independent organization delivering comprehensive financial planning, wealth management and tax services under one roof.

The VNFA team manages more than $1.1 billion in assets and is listed as one of Financial Times’ Top 300 Financial Advisers in the United States. The team is comprised of almost 40 professionals—many of whom have been at the firm for more than 10 years.

Locally, VNFA is among The Morning Call’s Top Workplaces, and has been recognized repeatedly, not only as one of the top financial services brands in the region, but also as a trusted community partner. Most recently, the team’s Volunteer Challenge project with Paxinosa Elementary won the People’s Choice award in the 2019 Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley competition. Celebrating 35 years in business in 2020, VNFA is committed to remaining deeply involved in the Lehigh Valley community.

Driven by an ideal of being able to create personalized relationships to

serve as many of their clients’ needs as possible, the VNFA team puts clients’ best interest first in everything they do. “Our clients are a part of our VNFA family,” said Matt Petrozelli, CEO. “We have relationships that span multiple generations because what we do goes beyond the numbers, it is personal. We call it the VNFA experience.”

Clients working with the firm understand and value that experience. It gives them peace of mind to know that they are cared for and empowered by a partner in their financial choices. Every client is unique, and every plan is different, so VNFA offers personalized options for communication and engagement, including a secure online portal and a custom app for clients to monitor their portfolio, and interact with their service teams.

VNFA has a focus on the services that are the foundation for financial success in today’s complex world. A skillful team of professionals, combined with access to top industry technology, allows clients to effectively manage their existing assets, implement tax-saving strategies and plan for the eventual transfer of their wealth. “To sum it up,” said Petrozelli, “what we do allows our clients to live well now and be more confident about their future.”

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IS A JOURNEY

The team of wealth management professionals at Marmaras and Smith, LLC, works diligently to earn their clients’ trust by understanding their unique goals and circumstances. They help clients answer two critical questions: “Where are you heading, and how will you get there?”

Marmaras and Smith provides comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services, which become an integrated, satisfying experience for their clients and allow them to feel more confident about their future. This experience results from following a unique process, which they call “Giving Your Wealth Purpose.”

Top row, left to right - Peter B. Marmaras, ChFC, CFP®*; Christopher D. Smith*, Wade Fisher, Judy Nordell; Bottom row, left to right - Mike Assad*, Phillip Santore*, Craig Gillen*, Marcin Golebiowski*

A TEAM APPROACH TO FINANCIAL PLANNING

Raymond James offers a team approach to financial planning, offering clients a broader scope of expertise than is likely to be found in any one person. Clients are their main priority, which is why they work to understand their clients’ unique circumstances and ultimately create a distinctive plan that provides a road map for their financial journey.

The McLean Team of Steel Valley Investment Group is anchored by financial industry veterans and brothers Jim McLean, WMS, Senior Vice President, Investments, and Larry McLean, First Vice President, Investments. Raised in a Midwest farming community, they learned early on about the importance of values such as hard work, honesty and integrity. With a combined over 80 years of experience, Jim and Larry still hold these values sacred and let them be their guide in both personal and professional life.

They have partnered with Kelly McLean Rindock, CFP®, CLTC, First Vice President, Wealth Management and office Branch Manager, to build a bridge for their clients well into the future.

The LaBuda Team of Steel Valley Investment Group offers a team approach to financial planning, offering clients a broader scope of expertise than is likely to be found in any one person. Clients are their main priority, which is why they work to understand their clients’ unique circumstances and ultimately create a distinctive plan that provides a road map for their financial journey.

Kati M. LaBuda, CFP®, Vice President, Wealth Management, works closely with her father, Raymond LaBuda, Investment Portfolio Associate, and Kristie Strubeck, CFP®, CRPC®, Financial Advisor, and shares their focus on assisting their clients in reaching their long-term goals through customized financial solutions for life-cycle planning.

The Seyle Hickey Wealth Management Team of Raymond James is dedicated to implementing thoughtful financial planning and developing strategies to see their clients through life’s most important milestones.

Rusty Seyle, C(K)P™, CRPS®, Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Investments, helps high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, executives and corporations craft well-designed financial plans for pursuing their individual objectives and addressing their financial priorities.

Tim Hickey, CRPC®, Managing Director, Senior Vice President, Investments, applies his in-depth insight and experience in the market and financial services industry to help develop investment strategies aligned with each client’s individual objectives and risk profile, and then builds, manages and monitors their portfolios.

Their office is a committed, caring and collaborative team dedicated to serving their clients.

Standing (left to right) - Lynn DiRenzo, Raymond LaBuda, Kristie Strubeck, Heather Cousin, Alison Ehret, Kristen DeLong, Christy Lukity, James McLean, Marisa Gurnari; Seated (left to right) - Tim Hickey, Kelly Rindock, Larry McLean, Kati LaBuda, Rusty Seyle

YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY HOSTING

Santa’s not the only one who needs helpers this time of year.

Whether you’re going Griswold and inviting the entire gang for a good old-fashioned family Christmas, or keeping things low key with a few loved ones, entertaining during the holidays can be stressful. Luckily, the Lehigh Valley is chock-full of shops, restaurants, bakeries and caterers offering a bounty of treats to flesh out your feast. Put these places on your must-visit list (no need to check it twice) to keep your days merry and bright, and your belly full of your favorite holiday must-haves.

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Saylor’s & Company

Cajun Roasted Chicken with Creamy Penne

HOIST A GLASS OF bubbly TO RING IN THE

Saylor’s & Company Homemade Blue Cheese Crackerswith Cherry Jam

It’s possible to lay out an entire holiday spread that makes mouths water without ever setting foot in your kitchen. Just leave the heavy lifting—and the basting, broiling, slicing and dicing—to these folks.

Wegmans, Cracker Barrel, Whole Foods and Fresh Market are among the local chains that offer customizable, ready-to-eat entrées and sides for you and a few guests, or for a whole gaggle of hungry merry-makers.

Gio Italian Grill in Macungie has plenty to offer to feed your tribe. Pick from a variety of hot and cold sides and entrées, like veal scaloppine, penne vodka or spaghetti and Nonna’s meatballs, or keep it simple with the popular roasted veggie platter or Gio Antipasta salad. Don’t forget the dessert—a pan of their yummy tiramisu is enough to feed a party of 40.

Smacznego! Babuni’s Table in Brodheadsville can help you crowd your table with Polish favorites like stuffed cabbage (Golumpkie), Warsaw lemon chicken and ground pork cutlet (Mielone Kotlety). Don’t miss the pickle soup and fried sauerkraut.

Get your fill of Eastern European dishes at Bethlehem’s Black Forest Deli. Butternut squash soup, Piroshki (pastries stuffed with a variety of fillings) and mushroom pierogis are among the additions to the fall and winter menu. They do catering or can make their meals available for a quick pick-up. If you’d rather take your holiday gathering on the road, check out one of BFD’s seasonal, five-course Kiev dinners, which feature Ukrainian and Russian specialties.

29 Cooks in Emmaus is all about helping chefs in the making sharpen their skills in the kitchen by offering culinary classes for both adults and kids. But 29 Cooks is also all about working behind the scenes to make your holiday gathering a hit. They offer everything from small-batch hors d’oeuvres and dips and sandwich or wrap trays to full meals that can be picked up the day before your big to-do.

Allentown and Bethlehem Brew Works’ Rude Elf’s Reserve has become a holiday classic. It’s an award-winning Belgian ale featuring spices of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, along with a hefty 10.5 percent ABV. This is the first year it’s being offered in cans.

Every year Erwinna’s Sand Castle Winery offers its Alpine Spice wine, a chardonnay/ riesling mashup that’s mulled with a spice blend and can be served hot or cold. There’s a reason it’s their top seller. It even comes in a non-alcoholic version.

If you’re planning on hoisting a glass of bubbly to ring in the new year, Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery in Breinigsville makes a Sparkling Chambourcin and a Vidal Blanc that could do the trick. Or, if bubbles aren’t your thing, its Holiday wine is a sweet rosé punctuated by notes of cinnamon, cloves and citrus.

Weyerbacher debuted two new brews for the fall and winter months that are perfect for sipping by the fireplace. Little Monster is a dry stout, and Shulter Bier is a traditional, Vienna-style lager.

Egypt Star Bakery Challah

Saylor’s & Company Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Need something to nosh on the fly?

Check out these spots for fast and tasty solutions.

Saylor’s & Company in Hellertown stocks its cases with fresh prepared foods that range from appetizers to sides to entire meals. It’s also a butcher shop whose offerings include custom cuts of beef, veal and lamb, as well as 50 varieties of sausage that are made on the premises.

Gannon’s Gourmet at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market has everything you need to complete your meal, such as party trays, fruit and veggie trays, appetizers and

entrées and catering are also available. Many of Gannon’s fellow merchants at the market can also load up your shopping cart with goodies to go: check out Adams’ Salads, Sweets Grill and Southern Delights, just to name a few.

Looking for some Middle Eastern flair for your holiday soirée? Let the Forks Mediterranean Deli in Easton whip up one of its flavorful platters: Lebanese chicken and rice, baked kibbi and eggplant moussaka are just a few of the many possibilities. The appetizer platter pictured here includes hummus, baba ganoush, mouhammara, tabbouli and labneh with fig.

Tamales are a holiday tradition in many Mexican, Central American and South American households. Making them can be quite labor intensive, but you can get them to go at Rice ‘N Beans in Bethlehem.

Stop by Dunderbak’s at the Lehigh Valley Mall for an order of piping-hot potato pancakes— also known as latkes—a popular dish served during Hanukkah.

Nothing says Christmas in coal country like Boilo. Recipes for this yuletide beverage abound on the internet, so you can pick up the ingredients (honey, spices, fruits and grain alcohol or whiskey) yourself and whip up a batch at home. A growing number of local distilleries—like Social Still and Eight Oaks offer their own brands of whiskey.

Weyerbacher Shulter Bier

Forks Mediterranean Deli Appetizer Platter

Dunderbak’s Potato Pancakes

Rice ‘N Beans Chicken Tamales

Schubert’s Bakery Moravian Sugar Cake

Schubert’s Bakery Apple Flautas

Saylor’s & Company Cannoli cream Cake

Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center & Museum Store Moravian Sugar Cookies

Tomblers Bakery Shortbread Jammers, Cut-out Cookies & Kiffles

Bring on the sweet treats! Here are some of the places churning out all the goodies you need to do dessert the right way.

Bethlehem’s Vegan Treats has kiffles on its holiday menu, joined by other seasonal favorites like red velvet sandwich cookies and nut tassies.

Tomblers Bakery in Easton prides itself on pastries and pies made from scratch. In the latter category, choose from the traditional shoo-fly pie, or fruit pies using the best of whatever is in season.

Schubert’s Bakery may be best known for its legendary Moravian Sugar Cake, but this Nazareth mainstay will also get your mouth watering with its shoo-fly pie and apple flautas.

Stollen could be considered the cousin of the ubiquitous holiday fruitcake; it’s a German, cakelike bread that contains candied fruits and nuts. Get yours at Green Lion Breads in Phoenixville.

It’s no secret what The Kiffle Kitchen Bakery’s specialty is—the name says it all. And CEO Nick Kociolek says they’re gearing up for another season of kiffle madness. This year you can pick up a 50-piece sampler at the bakery’s main hub in Bath that has all the greatest hits—walnut, apricot, raspberry, etc.—or share the love and have a 30-piece pack shipped anywhere nationwide.

La Dolce Vita in Allentown is your one-stop shop for Italian cookies, cakes and pastries. For a little extra kick, try the rum-drenched rum baba.

Even though Groman’s Bakery closed its doors years ago, its buttery Moravian Sugar Cookies live on. They can be ordered online and picked up at the Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center & Museum Store. They’re still handmade using a secret family recipe.

Challah is another Hanukkah staple. Pick up a loaf of this braided bread at Egypt Star Bakery, which has four locations in the Lehigh Valley.

Mincemeat pie is a holiday go-to in the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Dietrich’s Meats and Country Store in Krumsville whips them up fresh every day on the premises.

Louie’s in Allentown can help you pull off the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian Christmas Eve tradition. Last year the restaurant prepared all of the dishes and made them available for pick up, and plans to do it again this time around.

Schubert’s Bakery Shoo-fly Pie

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market

Boasting 66 years of history and over 60 unique merchants, the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market has a well-earned reputation for variety and deliciousness. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just stocking up for the week ahead, these shops are guaranteed to please. Shopping for the holidays? For special offers and information about holiday hours, visit allentownfarmersmarket.com.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY HOURS:

Monday, December 23 & December 30 ........ 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 24 & December 31......... 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY

Thursday, December 26 & January 2 ........... 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Friday, December 27 & January 3 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Saturday, December 28 & January 4 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Interested in advertising in our next Spotlight section?

Call 484.546.0408 for more information.

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery

484.387.5287 | eightoaksdistillery.com

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, voted best local distillery in 2019 by the readers of Lehigh Valley Style, is a veteran-owned, family-run, farmgrown distillery in the rolling farmlands of the Lehigh Valley. Their tasting room in New Tripoli serves their award-winning spirits, including applejack, rye whiskey and bourbon, along with handcrafted cocktails and food. Find them at the Allentown Farmers Market or visit their website to learn more.

A Tradition Since 1954

Stoltzfus Amish Deli 610.432.5250 | stoltzfusmeats.com

Stoltzfus Amish Deli has been offering quality meats and cheese from Lancaster County to the Lehigh Valley for more than 35 years, specializing in their own naturally smoked, hand-trimmed hams for the holiday table. Stoltzfus hams offer a natural juice product with no fillers or extenders. The staff is committed to making the holiday meal shopping experience stress-free.

Four Generations of Deliciousness

Gannon’s Gourmet Foods

610.776.7670

For 38 years (four generations working together)

Gannon’s has prepared fresh foods: soups, potato salad, tuna, chicken, cranberry grape and almond chicken salads, lasagna, mac & cheese, pasta Bolognese, fettuccine with ham and peas, and ready-made meals. Christmas cookies—AP cutouts, walnut balls or crescents, raspberry or apricot butter kisses, nut tassies—are favorites. With the holidays approaching, Gannon’s makes life easier!

Proper Pints, Authentic Tuck

The British & Irish Purveyors - The Proper Little Pub

610.554.9526 | theproperlittlepub

The British & Irish Purveyors and The Proper Little Pub offer delicious ready-to-eat British and Irish meals featuring authentic family recipes with many specials every week. They also proudly serve their own on-premise-brewed beer along with other PA beers, ciders, wines and spirits. They specialize in British and Irish groceries imported directly from the UK and Ireland.

The Perfect Pick for Any Palate

New York Pickle

610.435.4310 | newyorkpickle.com

New York Pickle is a unique specialty shop in the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market with over 12 pickle types to choose from, plus a wide variety of imported and hand-stuffed olives, home-made olive spreads, salsas, barrel-cured sauerkraut and cheddar cheesestuffed pickles. Fresh, healthy and nearby, they’re sure to please any palate.

Always

Fresh, Always Local

Mr. Bill’s Poultry Market

610.432.1108 | mrbills.com

Mr. Bill’s has been serving the Lehigh Valley for over 25 years. Whether looking for the juiciest turkey, food to feed a crowd or a quick healthy dinner, Mr. Bill’s has got it covered this holiday season. Don’t forget to pick up some Mr. Bill Bucks for the perfect stocking stuffer or host gift!

Pennsylvania Dutch Delights

The Country Pantry

610.841.4002

The Udder Bar 484.221.8653 | theudderbar.com

Grab a spoon and dig in all year round at The Udder Bar at 19th and Allen Streets or within the Allentown Farmers Market! Patrons can enjoy the Best Ice Cream in the Valley, as voted two years straight by readers of The Morning Call. The Udder Bar is “the new way to ice cream,” offering unique desserts in a fun environment. Voted Best New Fair Food by The Morning Call, the bubble waffle is a must-try!

The Country Pantry offers a large assortment of products from the famous Kitchen Kettle Village, which is located in Lancaster County. The stand is well-known for Violet’s Homemade Horseradish, made fresh weekly. They also have honey, pure Pennsylvania maple syrup and barrel molasses, as well as fresh apricot, raspberry poppy seed and Lekvar filling for baking. Customers will be sure to find a special gift for anyone who enjoys Pennsylvania Dutch foods.

The Lucky Bamboo Store

610.223.3884 | theluckybamboostore.com

The Lucky Bamboo Store is celebrating one year at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market. They offer customized gift baskets for gift-giving with Made in America products. Stop by the store to see their selections, give ideas and order early for the holidays. Free bamboo plant with each gift basket.

Photo by Marco Calderon

Photo by Marco Calderon

beyond the menu

Sicilian Eggplant with

Anna DiMaio

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Anna DiMaio grew up in the restaurant business, starting as a waitress at 11 years old, answering phones and taking orders. And her Sicilian heritage has always put food in the center of family gatherings. She has fond memories of her grandmother cooking in the kitchen, “just throwing things together and making incredible family meals on the fly,” she says. When thinking about a cozy night in during the winter, it probably includes a dinner of comfort food, and that is just what Anna has on Sunday evenings at home. Admittedly, she usually shares her day off with the same people she works with—her family, who has owned DiMaio’s, a home-style Italian restaurant, for 34 years.

When it’s a meal shared with her large Sicilian family, her go-to is a sweet red sauce that simmers for hours on the stove and is poured over pasta, but when it’s a night in with her husband, it’s all about simplicity. This spicy tomato sauce over rigatoni with fried Sicilian eggplant is her regular Sunday supper. (Specialty grocery stores, like Elias Market in Allentown, sell Sicilian eggplant, which is a bit different than regular eggplant.)

Eggplant is Anna’s favorite, and this fried Sicilian eggplant is a refreshing change from a more traditional meatball. Her garlic-based sauce is easy to throw together and takes less time on the stove. Anna jokes that in her house, the sauce is never referred to as gravy: “My mother and grandma don’t even know how to say that word!”

DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria 27 Main St., Hellertown 610.838.8004 | dimaios.net

Tag @lvstylemag and #lvstylerecipes when you make it at home!

INGREDIENTS

1 Sicilian eggplant

2 28-oz. cans Cento San Marzano peeled tomatoes

5–8 cloves fresh garlic, smashed not finely chopped

4–7 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat the bottom of the pan)

1 Tbsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. hot pepper flakes

Fresh basil, 5–9 leaves

Rigatoni pasta (Anna prefers pasta with an opening to really soak up the sauce)

DIRECTIONS

Sicilian Eggplant

Peel eggplant and cut into oneinch slices. Place in a strainer and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for a half hour to an hour, depending on when the eggplant sweats out the bitterness—juices will start to strain.

Pour olive oil in a deep pan. Use enough oil so that the eggplant is covered and floating when dropped in the oil. Allow the oil to get hot, then add eggplant a few at a time. Turn them over when they start to get a nice brown color. Remove and

place them in a strainer to let the excess oil drain and cool off.

Sunday Sauce

Coat the pot with extra virgin olive oil. Add fresh garlic, salt and pepper on medium heat. Let the garlic cook; it will become a nice light brown color. Add the Cento San Marzano peeled tomatoes, basil and hot pepper flakes (to your liking). Crush the tomatoes as the sauce is cooking. Place on a

low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

While the sauce is cooking, boil the water for the rigatoni. Add salt, and cook al dente. When the pasta is ready, you can either pour the pasta and the sauce together and mix it, or just place it on top of the sauce, as pictured. Add the eggplant and enjoy!

Coal Burns Brightly

WITH GHANAIAN FOOD IN BETHLEHEM

BY CARRIE HAVRANEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

BEEF KHEBABS

Delmonico steak skewers finished with the famous West African “suya” rub

Kofi Armah Co-owner

When you are the first person in a region to open up a restaurant with a particular type of cuisine that’s brand-new in said region, you’ve definitely got your work cut out for you.

Such is the case with Coal, which boasts a prime location a couple doors down from the likes of Apollo Grill and across the street from Edge in Downtown Bethlehem. This month, Coal celebrates its one-year anniversary. It also happens to be the first spot around these parts to serve food that you’d typically find in Ghana.

It’s unusual not only for its culinary offerings, which we’ll get to in a minute, but the specific vibe that’s established as soon as you walk in. The interior is marked by low-slung tables made from pallets and glass tops, flanked on either side by cushy couches and moveable ottomans that double as seats. The modular seating allows for people to expand and contract their dining groups, which makes a lot of sense, because

He grew tired of “outside food,” the Ghanaian term for any food that’s not home cooking.

Coal is about socializing and eating and hanging out. Coal bills itself as a lounge, but it honestly feels more like a living room. And that’s by design, according to co-owner Kofi Armah, who runs the shop with his partner, Jomana Hanna.

“It’s like coming into my house,” says Armah. (And to his point— there’s a vestibule-turned-dining area that is directly adjacent to Coal, through glass doors. If you sit out there, you can “smoke hookah,” he says.)

Armah is originally from Ghana and has spent time living both there and here in the Lehigh Valley (he attended Moravian College and Montclair State University). He grew up with his “bachelor uncle,” who would either give him $5 for dinner or to buy fast food. Armah figured out that it was cheaper to feed himself by cooking, and it often

tasted better, too. He grew tired of “outside food,” the Ghanaian term for any food that’s not home cooking. Armah always wanted to own a restaurant—but he also wants to be an orthopedic surgeon—and at the age of 27 he’s already started and sold a business similar to Uber Eats. He operated that business while he was a student at Montclair State, and worked at the Hotel Bethlehem as a food runner, too. “I liked everything about those jobs, even when they drove me crazy,” he says, laughing.

There’s something really refreshing about walking into a restaurant and knowing very little about a cuisine and, therefore, not having any expectations whatsoever. I am speaking as a Westerner, even one with culinary experience, but I approached Coal with a mostly blank slate expecting peanuts, spicy food and lots of rice. (In general, most Americans are more familiar with the food of the Northern Rim of Africa or, say, Ethiopian food.) “A lot of my African diners and most of my Ghanaian diners would expect my food

to be spicy, but others might not, or might not know what to expect,” he explains.

Regardless of whether you are well versed in Ghanaian cuisine or West African food more broadly, once you sit down at Coal and start eating, you will see that things feel more familiar than not. And that’s no accident.

We can’t really talk about whether something is authentic, per se, because his version of authentic Ghanaian food might be somewhat different from someone else’s experience. This is the beauty of food. It’s neither “authentic” nor “traditional” in the sense that you’re eating the exact same food you would eat there. It’s adapted from foods Armah ate growing up, street foods that are popular in Ghana and other parts of Africa (like ramen noodles given the African treatment—order Indomie!)

inside dish

and foods that make sense within the context of an American dining environment. Armah bills it as “authentic contemporary West African fusion cuisine.” Whatever you order, it’s made from scratch, which enables a certain level of customization.

The menu includes foods that he initially wanted to cook over a charcoal grill, but alas, it wasn’t permitted. Fortunately, the name Coal is short and sweet and still works. If West African fare is all new to you, the types of spices and seasonings that dominate this cuisine include garlic, cumin, turmeric, ginger, curry powder and dehydrated peanut powder. The fare is definitely vegetarian friendly.

If you’re not sure what to order, start with the kelewele, which are spicy fried plantains. If you want to up the ante, order them loaded—they are reminiscent of loaded baked potatoes, but don’t taste like them.

The loaded version is topped with bacon, scallions, sour cream, cheese, beef, chicken and/or peanuts.

Other items will likely be more familiar, such as khebabs, served with a salad. The beef they use for the khebabs is Delmonico steak, with a spicy Suya rub. The khebabs are also available with chicken, chicken legs, lamb or salmon.

On any given night, when Armah is here and it’s busy, you’ll see him circulating regularly, welcoming customers and making sure people are happy with their experience. People have lots of questions, as you might imagine. The staff is trained so they can be expert translators of the cuisine to those who are unfamiliar. “It’s a personal experience. We’re not chastising you for not knowing what you have come in here to eat,” he says, smiling. “We get a lot of culinarily curious people. It’s a lot of trust people are putting

LOADED KELEWELE

Choice of unlimited toppings— bacon, beef, chicken, sour cream, scallions, peanuts & cheese

into me when they come here, that’s why I take this personally.”

Coal isn’t the sort of place that prioritizes table turnovers; it’s more about savoring the experience and chatting with friends. The food is made with attention to detail, which you can’t rush. “Some are really like homecooked foods. These are foods

that would take about 45 minutes to make for dinner. But if you are ordering apps, and a lot of people do that, you might not even notice,” he says. “Patience is a key ingredient. We’re making food that’s worth it, that’s good for your soul, versus food that’s just good in the moment— there’s no comparison.”

“We get a lot of culinarily curious people. It’s a lot of trust people are putting into me when they come here..”

NKATIE CAKE

(Peanut

Coal Lounge and Grill

Hours

Tues.–Thurs.: 5–10 p.m.; Fri.: 5–11:45 p.m.

Sat.: 5 p.m.–midnight

“Ethnik Brunch” on the third Sunday of the month from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

(Note: Coal may be in the process of expanding their hours to include lunch; call or check their Facebook page.)

Closed Monday and most Sundays.

Reservations

Accepted

Parking

Street, parking garages

Payment

Visa, Mastercard, American Express and cash

What to Order

Well, almost anything here is going to feel interesting and perhaps familiar yet unfamiliar. Try the kelewele—that’s spicy fried plantains, loaded or unloaded. For something hearty and filling, the stews should fit the bill—the Ampesi Abomu is a traditional stew with spinach and mackerel. The khebabs are very popular, too. Indomie is a brand name of noodles wildly popular in Nigeria, but it’s also the name of the dish. (“That’s how we name things in Ghana,” he says. It’s ramen, given the African treatment.) (Sidenote:

Ask about Juko, the spice Armah and Hanna came up with. It’s spicy-sweet, reflective of their personalities. “She’s the spicy one,” he says.) BYOB!

81 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 484.456.1192 | coalbethlehem.com

brittle) in vanilla ice cream

Order Edge’s Pan Seared Duck Breast at the Insider Happy Hour on December 10.

Style Award Winner

Gluten-Free Options

Vegetarian Options

Wheelchair Accessible Serves Alcohol BYOB

*Advertisers are highlighted in red.

Berks

Entrée Price Range:

$ under $15

$$ $15-$25

$$$ $25+

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.

Gracie’s 21 st Century Cafe $$$

1534 Manatawny Dr., Pine Forge, 610.323.4004, gracies21stcentury.com

Serving local organics for 30 years. Always an experience in any season. Civilized decadence in the country. 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.

Judy’s On Cherry $-$$

332 Cherry St., Reading, 610.374.8511, judysoncherry.com

Unique hearth-fired cuisine in a warm, uptown atmosphere. Closed Sun. and Mon. 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 Place. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

Carbon

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.

Lehigh

Aladdin Restaurant $$

651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com

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.

Bellissimo Ristorante $$

1243 Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.770.7717, bellissimoristorante.com

Authentic Sicilian/Italian cuisine, including several unique dishes created daily in a European setting, complete with an outdoor bar and courtyard. Lunch & dinner.

The Bethlehem Parlour $-$$

1114 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.882.0700, bethlehemparlour.com

Under new management. Try their new, fresh menu that includes pizza, ice cream and gelato. Lunch & dinner.

Billy’s Downtown Diner $

840 Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.432.5484, billysdiner.com

Not your ordinary diner. Visit them for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.

The Brass Rail Restaurant $

3015 Lehigh St., Allentown, 610.797.1927, brassrailrestaurant.com

Family restaurant with good food, good service and fair prices. Award-winning breakfast and cheesesteaks. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

Buckeye Tavern $$

3741 Brookside Rd., Macungie. 610.966.4411, buckeyetavern.com

A local favorite rebuilt from the ashes. Family-friendly with a variety of food options and handcrafted cocktails. Lunch & dinner.

Cactus Blue Mexican Restaurant $ 2915 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, 610.814.3000, cactusblue.biz

Authentic dishes native to Puebla and select localized dishes to suit every taste. Lunch & dinner.

Carriage House Restaurant $$ 745 Gravel Pike, East Greenville, 215.679.7700, schultheiscarriagehouse.com

A delicious blend of Continental and Austrian specialities, based around veal, steaks, seafood and pasta, keeps customers returning. Their distinctive food is created from scratch and elegantly served in the charming surroundings of a historic 1745 inn. Lunch & dinner.

Photo by Matthew N. Decker

Casa Toro Mexican Grill $$

7001 Rte. 309, Coopersburg, 610.282.8888, casatoromexgrill.com

Mexican restaurant and bar specializing in authentic, time-tested recipes and award winning margaritas. Lunch & dinner.

Cathy’s Creative Catering and Cafe $$

752 Front St., Catasauqua, 610.443.0670, cathyscreativecatering.com

Contemporary cuisine with a flair for innovative fusion. Upscale, yet not pricey. Menu change-ups are permitted. Breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner.

Copperhead Grille $-$$

1731 Airport Rd., Allentown, 610.403.4600, copperheadgrille.com

The Lehigh Valley’s premiere sports grille, offering signature homemade recipes. Two great locations. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

Curious Goods at the Bake Oven Inn $$

7705 Bake Oven Rd., Germansville, 610.760.8580, bakeoveninn.com

Upscale farm-to-table cuisine in a casual fine dining atmosphere. Team is committed to supporting local farmers! Brunch & dinner.

The Dime $$$

12 N. 7 th St., Allentown, 484.273.4010, thedimeallentown.com

Contemporary American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Don Juan Mex Grill $

1328 Chestnut St. Emmaus, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com

Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.

Fiesta Olé Mexican Restaurant $-$$

1116 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.966.5522, fiestaole.com

Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh food and very friendly ambiance and service with affordable prices. Lunch & dinner.

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.

Glasbern Inn $$-$$$

2141 Packhouse Rd., Fogelsville, 610.285.4723, glasbern.com

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.

Grille 3501 $$$

3501 Broadway, Allentown, 610.706.0100, grille3501.com

Upscale, yet unpretentious. Fine fusion cuisine. Extensive martini, wine and beer menus. Lunch & dinner.

The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar $$$

645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.433.3535, thehamiltonkitchen.com

The Hamilton features seasonal American cuisine, from regional classics to favorites from the family dinner table. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

Henry’s Salt of the Sea $$

1926 W. Allen St., Allentown, 610.434.2628, henryssaltofthesea.com

Enjoy fine dining in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Henry’s specializes in seafood and other sumptuous meals. An establishment where the owner wears an apron not a tie. Dinner.

Hops Fogelsville $$

7921 Main St., Fogelsville, 610.395.3999, hopslehighvalley.com

Historic pub serving up all American classics with weekly specials to make mouths water. Lunch, dinner & late night.

Hops at The Paddock $$

1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown, 610.437.3911, hopslehighvalley.com

Come to eat, drink and have fun! Friendly, food-oriented sports bar with cold brews! Lunch, dinner & late night.

House & Barn $$

149 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.421.6666, houseandbarn.net

Two distinctly different restaurants, one spectacular setting, entirely re-imagined. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

dining guide

Hunan Springs Asian Restaurant $-$$

4939 Hamilton Blvd., Wescosville, 610.366.8338

Authentic Asian cuisine with full-bar service and a fine dining atmosphere. Lunch & dinner.

Italiano Delite Ristorante $-$$

1375 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.967.9000

1985 Brookside Rd. Macungie, 610.366.7166, italianodeliteristorante.com

An eatery where the food’s good, the atmosphere’s comfortable and jeans-worthy, and the service feels like family. Live music Fri.-Sat., and Karaoke Thurs. Lunch & dinner.

Keystone Pub $

1410 Grape St., Whitehall, 610.434.7600, keystonepub.com

Demand better beer! Lunch, dinner & late night.

KOMÉ Fine Japanese Cuisine and Hibachi $$

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9888, komerestaurant.com

A contemporary Japanese cuisine and hibachi. Extraordinary sushi, non-sushi dishes served in a contemporary, yet sensual atmosphere. Lunch & dinner.

Limeport Inn $$-$$$

1505 Limeport Pike, Limport, 610.967.1810, limeportinn.com

New American cuisine in a relaxed country setting. Lunch & dinner.

Matey’s Famous Steaks & Pizza $

1305 Broadway, Bethlehem, 610.866.6022, mateysfamous.com

Casual, family-friendly dining featuring cheesesteaks, pizza, salads, wraps and milkshakes. Fun, 50s-style décor! Lunch & dinner.

Melt $$$

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.

Morgan’s $

3079 Willow St., Allentown, 610.769.4100, morgansrest.net

Great cuisine in a beautiful setting. Owner Blake Morgan serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet all dining needs. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

My Tequila House $$

1808 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall, 484.664.7109, mytequilahouse.com

Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.

Primo Cafe and Gelateria $

6750 Iroquois Trl., Allentown, 610.366.8366, primocafeandgelateria.com

Breakfast, Greek gyros, wraps & sandwiches, Italian panini, or even gelato, they might just be the place to have it. Serving Upper Macungie, South Whitehall and West End Allentown. Delivery available. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

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.

Salvatore Ruffino’s $-$$

1902 Allen St., Allentown , 610.437.3621, salruffinospizza.com

Offering the most authentic, traditional Italian dishes made according to their carefully guarded family recipes. All dishes are made-to-order using only the freshest ingredients. 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.

Sunset Grille $

6751 Ruppsville Rd., Allentown, 610.395.9622, sunset-grille.com

Regionalized southwestern cuisine highlighted with a California flair. Lunch & dinner.

Switchback Pizza $$

525 Jubilee St., Emmaus, 610.928.0641, switchbackpizza.com

Neapolitan pizza using local ingredients cooked in their Italian wood oven for guests to enjoy. Lunch & dinner.

Taters Half Baked $$

6616 Ruppsville Rd., Allentown, 610.366.1130, gamechangerworld.com

Serving all your favorite American food in a family friendly atmosphere. 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.

Thai Avenue Restaurant $$

4791 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.9496, thaiavenuerestaurant.com

New-experience Thai food in Allentown. Lunch & dinner.

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.

The Trapp Door Gastropub

$$$

4226 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.965.5225, thetrappdoorgastropub.com

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

Sea to table since 1895. The region’s destination for fresh seafood and steaks. Dinner.

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.

A Ca Mia $$

4330 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport, 610.760.3207, acamiapa.com

Unique, homemade, Italian cuisine made with fresh flavorful ingredients; served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Lunch & dinner.

Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine $$$

336 Northampton St., Easton, 484.298.0400, amanseaston.com

Aman’s elevates Indian dining with an upscale ambiance and an award-winning menu to match. Lunch & 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.

The Beam Yard at Steel Club $$$

700 Linden Ave., Hellertown, 610.838.7018, steel.club

Casual American dining, featuring some unique and tasty food and beverage options. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

BeanBath Café $

2425 Plaza Ct., Bath, 484.287.2326, beanbathcafe.com

Espresso bar in a unique area with spectacular views. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.

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.

The Bethlehem Star Café $$

462 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.865.3570, bethlehemstarcafe.com

Where historic downtown Bethlehem meets American and Pacific Rim cuisine, featuring fresh fish flown in daily from Hawaii where new chef Mark Franklin once resided. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

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 & Blue $$

683 Walnut St., Easton, 610.438.3604, blackandblueeaston.com

Dark, delightful and delicious. Located in Downtown Easton. Like their food—they are a little off the beaten track—but well worth seeking out. Offering an extensive Belgian beer list and cuisine in a sophisticated, yet cozy setting. Dinner & late night.

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.

blue grillhouse & event center $$$

4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem, 610.691.8400, bluegrillhouse.com

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 Restaurant & Inn $$$

1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem, 610.868.6505, boleterestaurant.com

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.

Braveheart Highland Pub $$

430 Main St., Hellertown, 610.838.6555, bravehearthighlandpub.com

Authentic Scottish pub. Great atmosphere, food and beer. Lunch, dinner & late night.

The Brick $-$$

1 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1141, thebrickpa.com

Wood-fired pizzeria, restaurant and bar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.

Buddy V’s Ristorante $$$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com

The menu offers twists on Italian-American favorites like Sunday Gravy and Steak Pizzaiola. Lunch & dinner.

Burgers And More by Emeril $$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com

Chef Emeril Lagasse uses only the freshest and finest ingredients to create a mouth-watering burger customers will never forget. Lunch & dinner.

Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House $

136-138 Spring Garden St., Easton, 610.252.3033, colonialpizzapub.com

Longest operating pizza restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. Known for their upside-down pizza and anti pastas. Lunch, dinner & late night.

Copperhead Grille $-$$

5737 Rte. 378, Bethlehem, 610.282.4600, copperheadgrille.com

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.

Daddy’s Place $ 650 Northampton St., Easton, 610.438.4442, daddysplaceeaston.com

Mediterranean Lebanese Cuisine, freshly baked bread, 1,100 craft and import beers and full bar. Lunch & dinner.

DeLorenzo’s Italian Restaurant $$

3417 Sullivan Trl., Easton, 610.438.6026, delorenzosrestaurant.com

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.

Diner 248 $

3701 Easton-Nazareth Hwy., Easton, 610.252.4300, diner248.com

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.

Easton Taco & Rotisserie $$ 1054 Northampton St., 917.379.4159, eastontaco.com

Authentic Latin food in a warm environment. Lunch & dinner.

Edge Restaurant

74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.814.0100, edgerestaurant.net

$$$

An all-scratch kitchen “combined with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, you get edge.” Lunch, dinner & late night.

Emeril’s Chop House $$$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com

Indulge in a variety of irresistible dishes featuring tender steak cuts, mouth-watering prime rib and so much more. Dinner.

Emeril’s Fish House $$$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com

Discover an exciting new menu featuring notable additions including Grilled Octopus, a raw bar and so much more. Dinner.

Hampton Winds $$-$$$

Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem 610.861.4549, northampton.edu

Enjoy leisurely gourmet dining at reasonable prices in this handsome restaurant, showcasing the talents of the college’s culinary arts students. Lunch & dinner.

Hawaii Poke Bowl $

306 Town Center Blvd., Easton, 610.330.2886, hawaii-poke-bowl-forks.business.site

Rice bowl with sushi-grade fish, veggies and Asian toppings. Lunch & dinner.

Jenny’s Kuali $

102 E. 4 th St., Bethlehem, 610.758.8088, jennyskuali.com

Offering Malaysian cuisine, vegetarian entrees and noodle dishes freshly prepared in house every day. Lunch & dinner.

dining guide

VOTING BEGINS

Jumbars $$

1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem, 610.866.1660, jumbars.com

Great food. Great atmosphere. Everything made fresh to order. Desserts are delectable! Breakfast & lunch.

Keystone Pub $

3259 Easton Ave., Bethlehem, 610.814.0400, keystonepub.com

Demand better beer! Lunch, dinner & late night.

La Dolce Vita $

1308 Van Buren Rd., Easton, 610.250.9860, la-dolce-vita-palmer.simplesite.com

Italian restaurant and deli. Now serving brick oven pizza. Catering available. Lunch & dinner.

Leaf Restaurant & Cigar Bar $$

90 Mort Dr., Easton, 610.559.1336, leafcigarbar.com

Global fusion cuisine on the finer side of casual. Fresh, local and sustainable menu. Full bar with over 90 craft beer selections. Lunch & dinner.

Mama Nina Foccacheria $

546 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.867.9802, mamaninabethlehem.com

Mama Nina’s Foccacheria uses only fresh ingredients, everything delivered fresh daily and prepared on-site. Lunch & dinner.

The Market Gourmet Express $

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com

All the classic favorites in one place. Nathan’s hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salad, sushi, ice cream and coffee. Lunch, dinner & late night.

Maxim’s 22 $$$

322 Northampton St., Easton, 610.252.2622, maxims22.com

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.

Mitzi’s Table $

3650 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, 610.730.1670, mitzistable.com

Retro dining—all day brunch—classic comfort food kicked up with regional and ethnic specialties. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.

Molinari’s $$

322 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.9222, molinarimangia.com

Authentic Italian food—simple, fresh, flavorful. Indulge in freshly made pasta, pizza in the Neapolitan style, gelato and sorbetto made on premises, and Italian wines and craft beers. Dinner.

Nawab Indian Restaurant $

13 E. 4 th St., Bethlehem, 610.691.0388, nawabindianrestaurant.com

Nawab has been voted Best of the Valley for 13 years in Lehigh Valley Magazine Offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Vegan friendly. Lunch & dinner.

OAK Steakhouse $$$

323 Northampton St., Easton, 610.559.5510, oak-steakhouse.com

Classic American steakhouse with an extensive wine list and beautiful destination decor. Dinner.

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.

Sette Luna $$

219 Ferry St., Easton, 610.253.8888, setteluna.com

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.

The Slate Pub $

509 E. Main St., Pen Argyl, 610.881.4700, slatepub.com

Hometown pub known for its award-winning wings, cheesesteaks, original Belly Busters, nightly dinner specials, vegan and gluten-free choices. Enjoy an extensive cocktail and beer selection. Weekends include karaoke, DJs and live entertainment. Lunch, dinner & late night.

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.

Steelworks Buffet & Grill $$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 610.419.5555, steelworksbuffetandgrill.com

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, fresh-carved meats and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Stefano’s Italian Restaurant $

2970 Linden St., Bethlehem, 610.866.8886, stefanosrest.com

“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.

Thai Thai II $$

509 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.868.1919, facebook.com/thaithaiII Lunch & dinner.

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.

The View at Morgan Hill $$

100 Clubhouse Dr., Easton, 610.923.8480, morganhillgc.com

Upscale casual dining with the best view in the Lehigh Valley. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

Widow’s Tavern and Grille $$

200 Main St., Stockertown, 610.365.8890, widowstavern.com

Casual dining with an upscale feel. American cuisine with an Asian flair to please any palate. Beautiful, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Entertainment every Wed. starting at 7 p.m., and Sat. starting at 9 p.m. Lunch & dinner.

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.

Coffee in a Cone Fieldstone Coffee Roasters

BY KRISTEN RINALDI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ

Aptly dubbed the world’s most Instagrammable coffee, #CoffeeInACone was launched by Dayne Levinrad in South Africa in 2016. He was daydreaming about ways to sell more coffee, and just a few years later, the “cone-cept” is now available in 16 countries—and, at the Easton Public Market!

“As you probably know, coffee is a global exchange helping farmers all across the world,” says Kristina Melbourn, owner and education specialist at Fieldstone Coffee Roasters. “By partnering with an African chocolate and cone company, we are not only helping the coffee farmers, but we are helping the villagers as well.” Melbourn explains that the primarily female company has changed the lives of many of the women living in the poverty-stricken village of Soweto, where the cone factory exists.

At Fieldstone Coffee Roasters, guests can order their cones with espresso. “When pulled into the cone, [it] just barely melts the first layer of chocolate to give you a coffee and a slight sweetness all at once,” says Melbourn. “The longer you wait to drink it, the more it melts.” Of course, kids will want in on the fun! They can order their cones with a little bit of steamed milk.

What’s more, the cones are doing some good for the environment, too. “We like to think this is a greener alternative—instead of using cups, lids and straws,” she says. “Will it replace all cups? Probably not, but it’s a sweet start!”

325 Northampton St. Easton | 908.219.7300

fieldstonecoffeeroasters.com

coffeeinaconeusa.com