Set amidst 8 acres of trees & gardens, this home is defined by its elegance. 4 bedrooms, 3 fireplaces, a cook’s kitchen/great room, koi pond & pool are all surrounded by rolling lawn and mature landscaping. $1,950,000
Moravian Star
Elegant move-in ready home in the heart of Bethlehem. Hardwood floors, formal dining room, butler’s pantry and eat-in kitchen. 5 bedrooms with ample closet space. Large back yard with 2-car detached garage. $699,000
Bucks County Saltbox
ree bedrooms, two full baths, and a walkout lower level complete this blissfully private residence. A 3 stall barn, two car garage and walking trails through the woods enhance the natural surroundings. $799,000
Twin Creeks
54 acres of rolling hills, just minutes from New Hope, Bucks County. This historic home features pumpkin pine floors, deep sills, and exposed beams. Grounds include swimming pool, guest house, pond, and bank barn. $2,300,000
Green Views
Sleek, sophisticated, and streamlined home with southern views. Classic kitchen, open floor plan, and a screened porch. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths in this Betsy Ross II in Traditions of America Bridle Path. $459,000
Glorious Views
Privately-positioned in the center of nine and a half acres with pristine vistas from every vantage. A pool, separate guest cottage, green house, solarium with hot tub & new gourmet kitchen will delight. $1,135,000
Seven Foxes Farm
Exposed beams, deep silled windows and pine floors in this 1700s homestead. 3 second floor bedrooms, including an owner’s suite w/ private bath. Multi-level PA bank barn, smokehouse, and wooden outhouse. $675,000
Olympic Ridge is move-in ready 2009 home offers 3200+ sqft of living space in the East Penn school district. Stunning gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances & walk-in pantry, wood floors, and 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. $529,500
Deer Run
One-of-a-kind residence offers a great room w/3-story ceiling, gleaming pine floors, walls of windows, a stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and 4 bedrooms, including a stunning first floor master suite. $1,395,000
Pondside
Bucks County contemporary with walls of windows overlooks a private lake. e interior boasts an open floor plan, stone fireplaces, remodeled kitchen, lavish master suite, & indoor swimming pool & sauna. $2,250,000
Foxwood
Stunning Toll Brothers home with 3 finished levels, 4 ensuite bedrooms, wood floors, high ceilings, and stainless appliances. e manicured grounds feature an inground swimming pool, hot tub, and paver patio. $950,000
Strawntown Farm
One of the jewels of Bucks County, located in a secluded setting. 1800’s stone farmhouse surrounded by 121 acres. Overlooking a classic red barn, fenced pastures, and a large, spring-fed pond with dock. $4,300,000
Photo by Alison Conklin
Brands, Brews & Burgers
This February, we’re celebrating a plethora of B’s. Let’s start with the brands. This month, our 2019 Men of Style sport their favorites, ranging from Hermè s and Armani to ASOS and Tommy Bahama. But more importantly, their styles range from sequins and leather to denim and dress coats. On pg. 50, read about their favorite places to shop and dine in the Valley, the best gifts they’ve ever received and the causes nearest and dearest to their hearts.
Next up, brews. We shot this year’s Men of Style at Böser Geist Brewing Co., so the guys enjoyed sipping beers while they strutted their stuff. Another B? Birthright Brewing Company, highlighted in this month’s Inside Dish. Read about Nazareth’s hottest hangout on pg. 64. Lastly, burgers. Sandwiched between glazed doughnuts, grilled cheese and garlic knots, and topped with egg, onion rings and pork roll, turn to pg. 58 for 21 local creations that you’ve just got to try. But it’s not all beef! We’ve listed vegan and vegetarian varieties, too!
Pam and Kristen trying to block the sun’s bright glare.
Photographer Alison Conklin on set with MOS Ronald Corales.
DeCheine’s hair and makeup team pampering the Men of Style.
My go-to burger order is ...
PUBLISHER
Pamela K. Deller
EDITOR
Kristen Rinaldi
ART DIRECTOR
Elaine Wyborski
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
The Angus Beef Burger from The Pub at Seipsville— red-wine-soaked onions, roasted tomato, herbed mozzarella, arugula and basil pesto!
The Nittany Lion at The Burgery Company!
It’s like a gyro in the form of a burger— lamb, roasted garlic spread and tzatziki, hold the salsa.
Thomas Körp
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor
MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Kelli Hertzog
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Bianchi, Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
The Peanut Butter Bacon Cheddar Burger from Two Rivers Brewing in Easton. They take burgers to another level—locally sourced ingredients and the skills to cook it to perfection, medium rare for me.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Bishop, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino
EDITORIAL INTERN Skye Cruz
MARKETING INTERN Keohi Huber
PROOFREADER
Lori McLaughlin
The Fun Gus from Bell Hall. All of their burgers are delicious, but the white truffle aioli on this one really seals the deal for me.
meet the staff
Ronell Martz
Advertising Executive
How long have you been at Style? How did you get started?
I have been with Style since August. When I moved into the area, I applied for the sales position because I love magazine sales and wanted to be a part of this beautiful publication. After an extensive interview process, I received the call I was so hoping for!
Wert’s Café’s Tina Onion Ring Burger, topped with Velveeta cheese, honey barbecue sauce and Wert’s famous onion rings.
PRESIDENT/CEO: Paul Prass
VICE PRESIDENT/COO: Lisa Prass
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES: Erica Montes
DIGITAL & WEB DESIGN SPECIALIST: Barry Knoblach
ACCOUNTING: Donna Bachman
CIRCULATION MANAGER: Andrea Karges
Did you always know that you wanted a career in ad sales?
No. I never imagined myself in sales, as I was very shy; however, in 1996, a friend told me that I should send in my resume for a sales position, so I did. I got the job and never looked back! I LOVE sales!
Speaking of lunch... what’s on the menu? Typically, a salad with roasted chicken, followed by a piece of chocolate!
What surprised you most upon joining the Style team?
How talented and lovely the staff is and all of the things that go on behind the scenes that people may not realize.
Tell us about the most rewarding part of what you do.
Building relationships, which turn into friendships, and coming up with advertising campaigns that make sense and provide results for my clients!
What do you hope readers take away from the ads they see in the magazine?
That we are not just a magazine with ads. We have such a talented creative team. We have engaging editorial; we do so much in the community and have built such a large following. Our readers continually compliment us on our product. It makes it all worth it!
I never imagined myself in sales, as I was very shy; however, in 1996, a friend told me that I should send in my resume for a sales position, so I did. I got the job and never looked back!
Describe the vibe in your work area. The vibe is really laid-back, fun, hip, positive and comfortable.
What can readers find you drinking at an Insider Happy Hour?
I usually order a Moscow Mule or our signature happy hour special.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Fuzzy blankets and the soundtrack to A Star is Born!
Favorite part about working and playing in the Lehigh Valley?
I love that there are so many choices. The local variety of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, bookstores, antique shops, festivals, etc. You’re never bored!
Cocktails & Collecting
Located at Allentown Art Museum to benefit Allentown Art Museum | Shelbie Pletz Photography
1. Al and Jill Douglas 2. Allan and Willy Byrd 3. Bob and Tina Agentis 4. Colleen Mooney McGee and Paul McGee 5. Courtney Wiegand, Brittany Morse, Dana Lewullis, Heather Burt and Michelle Erickson 6. John Prorok, Silvia Anne Prorok and Renee Prorok 7. Gary and Christine Banzhoff 8. Jill and Bob Wheeler 9. Jaclyn and Patrick McNealis 10. Lara Bly and Kate Hughes 11. Josh and Carrie Weaknecht 12. Lauren McHarris and Lisa Morris 13. Margaux Petruska and Sam Stringer 14. Yvonne Kuklis and Greg Butz
Hearts of Gold Gala
2018 Awards Gala
1. Sherley Dowling, Jared Dowling and Glenn Dowling 2. Chris and Ariane Zerfass 3. Gavin and Cecilia Grabias, and Dan Roebuck 4. Jodi and Steven Sayre 5. Mike Kelly and Stephanie Wells 6. Bill Cecchini and Carolyn Collins 7. Suzanne and JD Rhinehart
1. Barry and Tracy Gregory 2. Jane Wells Schooley, Sharon Fraser, Zawadi Nshimirimana and Kadia Hilton Fraser 3. Olayinka Kolawole and Daphney Germain Kolawole
Located at The Event Center at blue to benefit African American Business Leaders Council | Photography by John Delgrosso Photography
1. Barry Knoblach and Rachel Butz 2. Emilio Montesdeoca and Chad Flowers 3. Kevin White and Peter Gourniak 4. Margaux Laplante and Nicole Campbell
Located at The MINT Gastropub Photography by Vlad Image Studio
Located at Centennial Catering & Conference Center to benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
Third Annual Linny Awards
Located at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks to benefit Lehigh Valley arts awards program in memory of Linny Fowler | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Bill and Michelle Woodruff 2. Bob and Donna Pullo 3. Bob and Eileen McNamara 4. Rachel Lower and Paul Fabiano 5. Jessica Bastidas, Heather and Ray Yee, and Sheri and Mike Fegley 6. Nate Hoffman, Mandee McEvoy and Mike Zehner 7. Maggie and John Raymond, and Susan Parks 8. Jessica Armstrong and Roger Roberts 9. Pedro Barbeito, Curlee Raven Holton and Jase Clark 10. Salma Zaoudeh and Bill Hairston 11. Kim Hogan 12. Lauren and Frank Lawler, and Lori Tobias 13. Cindy and Gregg Feinberg
Find your way to your greatest adventure.
She’s the Lewis to your Clark. He’s the Norgay to your Hillary. Together, you’ve set out to see the world and find your place in it. Your future together is stretched out towards a bright horizon, and we can help you chart a steady financial course.
After all, a lifetime of adventures should eventually lead to a comfortable retirement, and it’s never too early to start planning for whatever comes next. Contact Magellan today and discover how you can live the life you want without financial constraints.
10 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
FEBRUARY 1–3
Disney On Ice
Experience Disney magic like never before with four iconic stories coming to life on ice! Featuring beloved characters from Cars, Frozen, The Little Mermaid and Toy Story, the event is sure to be an enchanting evening.
$17–$97 | Showtimes Vary PPL Center | 701 Hamilton St. Allentown 610.273.4490 | pplcenter.com
FEBRUARY 9
Jakopa’s Punch Bowl
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Celebrate Mardi Gras a little earlier this year while supporting Touchstone Theatre with Jakopa’s Punch Bowl. The evening’s festivities will feature live music, New Orleans-style food and all-you-can-drink wine and beer.
Advance: $35; Door: $40 | 7 p.m. Charles A. Brown Ice House 56 River St., Bethlehem 610.867.1689 | touchstone.org
FEBRUARY 23
Bottomless Chili Bowl
FEBRUARY
Enjoy unlimited samples of 10 different takes on the comforting classic and try a free beer sampling from D.G. Yuengling & Son. All proceeds go toward supporting ArtsQuest’s art and education programs for local students.
Witness the mind-blowing Broadway magic sensation that has broken all box office records and astonished audiences to an unprecedented and undefeated degree. The non-stop show is jam-packed with incredible magic and will be sure to keep viewers on the very edge of their seats.
$59–$65 | 7:30 p.m.
State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St., Easton 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
Believe in the supernatural with the help of the Long Island Medium herself, Theresa Caputo.
Bundle up and experience the joy of winter at the family-friendly 13th Annual SnowBlast Winter Arts Festival. Guests will enjoy live music, a scavenger hunt, children’s activities and artist demonstrations while supporting local businesses.
Free | Noon–7 p.m. | Triangle Park Emmaus | emmausarts.org
FEBRUARY 9
Chocolate Trail
At this annual event, indulge in all things chocolate, courtesy of more than 15 businesses in Downtown Bethlehem.
$25 | 1–5 p.m.
Downtown Bethlehem
Main and Broad Sts., Bethlehem 610.739.1775
getdowntownbethlehem.com
FEBRUARY 17
Rock of Ages: 10th Anniversary Tour
Take a trip back to the 1980s with the help of this critically acclaimed, Tony-nominated Broadway musical, featuring an array of classic songs that are sure to bring a wave of nostalgia.
$59–$66 | 6 p.m.
State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St., Easton 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
FEBRUARY 7–9
Master Choreographers
Marvel at the display of breathtaking ballet, contemporary, tap and jazz routines created by insanely talented nationally and internationally acclaimed guest artists and faculty.
View the charming adaptation of Rick Riordan’s best-selling, Greek-mythology-inspired series through the lens of a new, mesmerizing, rock-style musical!
$48–$68 | 7 p.m.
Zoellner Arts Center
420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem 610.758.2787 x0
zoellner.cas2.lehigh.edu
Photo by Jeremy Daniels
Photoby Matthew Wright
Mr. Burns A Post - Electric Play
BY DAISY WILLIS
What’s left to humanity in the wasteland of an apocalyptic future? What can’t be wiped out by nuclear meltdown and epidemic disease?
In Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, it’s our shared stories that hold the characters together in a dystopian nightmare scenario, in particular, recalled episodes of The Simpsons Director and chair of Muhlenberg College’s theater department, Beth Schachter chose this play not only because of an increasing sense of instability in the world, but also because students are eager to tackle the play’s complexity.
books
“Each act has its own theatrical aesthetic and relation to the audience,” she says. And just like The Simpsons, Mr. Burns offers both high and low comedy, from elegant wit to zany slapstick.
In the first act, a group of survivors gather soon after a series of catastrophes and entertain one another recalling an episode of The Simpsons. As the acts progress, years and generations pass and we see how the story survives as a traveling troupe’s livelihood and, much later, a ritual musical performance of what has become iconography.
Adding in re-creations of commercials, the sustenance of the television experience conjures nostalgic images and songs “to defend against the reality of how desperate things are,” says Schachter. “It’s an act in which consumer culture and capitalism shift to become a shared memory site.”
The set and costume designers have drawn on the layered recycling of pop culture seen in the cobbled-together fashion of festivals like Burning Man and Wasteland to create a world of reimagined remnants. If we had to, how would we resurrect ourselves? Without our media to tell us who we are, how would the community experience of theater be important to us?
Food for thought as you take in Mr. Burns at Muhlenberg this month.
In her newest book, Small Mistakes, Big Consequences, Valley resident Anne Corley Baum takes a lighthearted look at the top 16 most common business mistakes people can make. Guiding readers through the book, she identifies several common character mistakes, shines light on how to work with a variety of personalities and teaches readers how to avoid making trivial errors that would minimize their successes. The book is full of tips and tricks to steer clear of mistakes.
With this book, discover how to be perceived as sincere and trustworthy, empower your team for greater success, help team members take accountability for their actions, encourage others to listen to your perspective and present your best, most professional self. amazon.com
January Noon
The duo January Noon makes it their business to bring contagious jams to Valley venues great and small. With soulful singing and toe-tapping percussion, their acoustic folk/pop sounds radioready and a little too catchy to be content as background noise.
In the fall of 2016, Thomas Mikhail was taking his cajón (a box drum that doubles as a seat) to local open mics and adding percussion to any act that wanted it. One performer he came across at Bethlehem’s Hookah Turka surprised him with incredible vocals, and Mikhail and Anthony Pasciuti have been playing together ever since.
Both Pasciuti and Mikhail trained themselves with the fervor that turns talent into expertise, and they plunged into the Valley’s music scene with the same momentum. Choir and long years noodling on the guitar gave Pasciuti his second-nature facility with the instrument, while Mikhail took a mastery of Guitar Hero and Rock Band to high school band and the real world, practicing with other musicians at open mics until his genre versatility and ear were on point. In the six months after teaming up, January Noon played five to seven nights a week, over 200 open mics and 33 unique venues. They quickly tackled the area’s festivals, from the Blueberry and the Garlic to Musikfest and the Great Allentown Fair, appeared on local radio and TV and started fueling the dance floors at weddings.
Covering crowd-pleasing hits from artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Vance Joy, Jack Johnson and The Killers, January Noon also turns out original tunes and music videos, proving to be as able as they are ambitious. You can catch them often at Bethlehem’s Wooden Match and at their open mic every Monday at the Riegelsville Inn. Check online for upcoming gigs.
januarynoon.com
Photo by Scott Snyder
Photo by Huy Dinh
Robert Doisneau: Paris After the War
Lehigh University Art Gallery’s exhibit, Paris After the War, showcases the work of one of France’s greatest twentieth-century photographers, Robert Doisneau. Born in 1922, Doisneau started taking pictures at the young age of 16. He experienced a life full of joy and love, but also tragedy as World War II threw his home country into a state of disarray. Drafted into the resistance as a soldier and photographer, Doisneau captured the occupation and liberation of Paris. Still, throughout it all, Doisneau maintained a sense of humor and the absurd lodged in everyday life. He referred to himself as a fisherman, waiting patiently to discover a moment that crystallizes something about humanity.
“Doisneau has an incredible appreciation for the human predicament. He sees its absurdity, passion, exhaustion and joy, all through the lens of empathy,” says Mark Wonsidler, curator of exhibitions at LUAG. “The work is essentially optimistic, but not in a way that disregards the messiness of life. The photographs in this exhibition show Paris after World War II. In light of that, their charm, which could easily be dismissed as sentimentality, takes on a surprising power.”
An early pioneer of photojournalism and candid street photography, Doisneau created an archive of 450,000 original negatives by the time of his death. For this exhibition, LUAG presents a limited-edition portfolio that was published by Hyperion Press Limited in 1979. There are 14 photographs in the exhibition, as it was chosen to complement the adjacent exhibition by Elisabeth Frink, another artist affected by the Second World War, but they’re powerful. While Doisneau passed in 1994, his work continues to be revered and celebrated for its authenticity and fascinating look at the romance of the city in the post-war era.
Photo by Charity Maurer Photography
Chocolate &Wine
MOTIVATE ME APPAREL & CUSTOM PRINTING
Inspirational Apparel
Junior Irizarry launched Motivate Me Apparel & Custom Printing in February of 2016. “It had become challenging to find clothing that described how I felt and what I stood for,” he says. “I wanted to create a brand that motivates and helps inspire people to be better.” What started as a hobby soon became a full-time gig, as Irizarry and his whole department were laid off from their corporate jobs in April of that same year. Instead of letting that defeat him, he invested his severance pay into purchasing equipment to make custom clothing and fully delved into Motivate Me Apparel.
Completely self-taught, Irizarry learned to draw logos and use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to make his designs. “The ideas come from my surroundings: social media, music and the perceptions of the challenges I face myself on a daily basis,” Irizarry says. Customers can either submit their own mock-up for the design they want printed, or they can explain the concept to Irizarry and he’ll create it. The phrase “Built for the Hustle” is the brand’s motto and describes the drive to overcome all obstacles and succeed in your chosen path in life. Irizarry describes the brand as “athleisure with a message.”
HAWAII
POKE BOWLS Diced Delights
Hawaii Poke Bowls opened its first Lehigh Valley location in August of 2018, and has since become a fan favorite for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Li Zheng, owner of the family-run business, was inspired to open Hawaii Poke Bowls after trying them in Staten Island and wanted to bring the dish to the masses in the Valley. “We love to bring new food and culture to this area for everyone to experience,” she says. “Poke is relatively new in its popularity, and usually only available in larger cities—but we wanted to bring that back to ours.” Poke is Hawaiian for diced meat, which does make up the bulk of the bowls, but there is much more to the dish. Customers first pick their base, then their protein, add vegetables, their sauce and then their toppings for a wholesome and utterly unique flavor experience. For those who aren’t interested in customizing, Hawaii Poke Bowls offers six signature bowls—the most popular being the Spicy Ahi. Zheng recommends topping any bowl variation with the House Poke Sauce. “We really want to spread awareness of Poke Bowls because of how different they are compared to the other healthy options in the Valley,” says Zheng. “It’s genuine, fast, healthy, completely customizable and unlike anything in the region.”
306 Town Center Blvd., Easton 610.330.2886 | hawaii-poke-bowl-forks.business.site
BLENDED BAKERY
Inclusive Sweets
Four years ago, when she did the baking for her friend’s wedding, Christina Yurasits decided to pursue her dream of Blended Bakery. While Yurasits is the primary baker, her entire family is involved, and is the inspiration behind the business’s name. “My husband and I married five years ago, and we blended together a family of six—he with two beautiful daughters and myself with the same. This gave us ‘Blended,’” she says.
Blended Bakery is entirely inclusive, offering gluten-free and vegan options while also being a 100 percent tree-nut-free bakery. “Blended Bakery supports local farms with purchasing fresh fruit while in season, as well as vendors nestled in Carbon County. Our coffee is roasted right next door in Jim Thorpe; our hot tea is organically grown and handblended in Berks County,” says Yurasits. The bakery’s signature item is the Perishing Donut, a personal sticky bun that is fried and offered in four mouthwatering versions, smothered in a variety of jams and icing.
volunteer spotlight
WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY
Scott Richards
One could say that Scott Richards’ involvement with the Wildlands Conservancy is a family affair. While he first came to know of the Wildlands Conservancy through his children’s summer programs, his interest in fully participating came from his father, Ed, a former board member of the Conservancy. When Richards’ office wanted to start doing days of service and volunteer at a local organization, it seemed only natural to help out the cause his father was involved with. From there, he got to know Chris Kocher, president of the Wildlands Conservancy, through mutual conversation about organizations they both belonged to. While volunteering, Richards became passionate about the ideology and values that Wildlands Conservancy stood for.
The Wildlands Conservancy’s mission is to be the premier organization for land protection and environmental stewardship in the Lehigh Valley and Lehigh River watershed. Their goals include land preservation, wildlife habit restoration, increasing accessibility to
their nine nature preserves, expanding environmental education offerings throughout the Valley and increasing public support for the organization. “I loved working with my son, Garrett, on his Eagle Scout project, which was done at Wildlands Conservancy,” Richards says. “We, along with other Scouts, enclosed one square acre in deer fence to block deer from going into the habitat and eating the native species of plants, allowing them to grow and flourish.”
A man of many passions, Richards later took interest in the Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)—of which he is now president—in providing funding for land acquisitions by Wildlands Conservancy. “If preservation of open space is a concern of yours, support Wildlands Conservancy,” he says.
wildlandspa.org
Left to right: Christy Lukity, client service associate; Kelly McLean Rindock, First Vice President, Wealth Management, Branch Manager, CFP ® ; Jim McLean, Senior Vice President; Melissa Galm, financial advisor. Raymond James & Associates, Inc,
Creative Color
Dream hair becomes nothing short of reality at the new, creative salon that is With Love Mary. Mary Ott, owner of the salon, has had a passion for hair since the age of 19 and credits her dedication to the ethics instilled in her by her family. Ott’s parents were firstgeneration Americans originally from Syria, and while her sisters opted for more traditional college routes, Ott wanted to try her hand at something different. “I’ve always wanted to identify a way to give back and help others, to show and share my family values on a larger scale. With Love Mary is my way of doing so,” says Ott.
The team at With Love Mary consists of four talented stylists aiming to give Valley residents a “hair home” where they can feel comfortable and express themselves with a lifestyle of color that goes beyond just hair. With Love Mary has an extensive menu of hair services, but their most popular services are based
around creative colors, balayage and up-styles. Ott has been in the industry for 14 years, and has been creative coloring and balayaging for nine. “The first time that I did a vivid color, it really took hold of me. That’s when I discovered the artist in me and looked at the hair as a canvas; that I was painting a picture. I consider it to be wearable art,” says Ott. The atmosphere of the salon is rich with positivity and acceptance, and radiates creativity. “I’m such a lover, and I put my all in what I do. Whenever I would post a picture of my work, I would sign it as #WithLoveMary. It became second nature to me,” she says. “Despite this, it was never an idea to name my salon With Love Mary until a client suggested it. Because the saying embodied my passion, it only felt right. It’s who I am.”
1529 Hanover Ave., Allentown
610.440.4350 | withlovemary.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Photo by Alison Conklin
Photo by Matt Bishop
BUCKLE UP!
PHOTOGRAPH Y BY MATT BISHOP
A belt can make or break a man’s ensemble. Peruse in confidence at one of the Valley’s respected men’s clothing shops. From black and brown reversible staples to calfskin and interchangeable buckles, there is something for everyone.
1. Martin Dingman belt, $95, The London Shop
2. Duvall Metro leather belt, black, $70, assembly88
3. Trafalgar belt, Italian calfskin leather, $95, The London Shop
4. Red Wing leather belt, Black Pioneer, $89, assembly88
5. Red Wing leather belt, Amber Pioneer, $89, assembly88
6. Martin Dingman belt, $95, The London Shop
7. Brighton Garrison belt, $50, assembly88
8. Brighton Ventura belt, brown, $60, assembly88
CHURCH STREET MARKET
Since opening in Bethlehem nearly a year ago, Church Street Market quickly became a Valley favorite. Offering seasonal, house-made items, it’s the perfect place to pick up breakfast or lunch.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW TOMASINO
GENEVIEVE MARCON Owner
Church Street Market’s menu emphasizes seasonal, house-made foods. Explain the importance of that. We like to say good food doesn’t have to be a special occasion. And eating seasonally is very important to us because it means fresher produce and offerings.
Describe the structure of your morning and afternoon offerings.
We offer breakfast and lunch all day long—our menu changes monthly, but you can always find breakfast sandwiches, toasts, soups, salads and sandwiches.
Is there a dish that continues to fly off the menu?
Our avocado toasts. The toppings change every month but radish, beets and egg are always available.
What’s a cozy must-try for this February?
A hot drink to warm you up! We have wonderful seasonal drinks and all of our syrups are made in-house.
Tell us what prompted your desire to bring a neighborhood market to Bethlehem.
I have lived with my family in the neighborhood for six years and wanted to create a space for neighbors, visitors and workers to grab a quick bite, coffee or pick up dinner for that night.
How would you say the concept of the market has been received by Bethlehem locals/Valley residents?
We have been welcomed into business with open arms! It is always nice to hear how much people enjoy coming to the market, but it’s even better to see friends, neighbors and colleagues run into one another over their meals and enjoying their time there.
Describe the vibe at the market.
Friendly, approachable, warm and welcoming.
Tell us about your catering offerings!
We offer catering for any occasion. From weddings to bridal and baby showers, to corporate breakfasts and lunches, to cocktail parties—just email info@churchstreetmkt.com and we are happy to work with you for a custom event.
1 E. Church St., Bethlehem 610.419.0446 churchstreetmkt.com
Sourdough bread, turkey, creamy brie, apple slices, arugula and whole grain mustard
A BEGINNER’S GUID E TO THERAPY
BY SUSAN BIANCHI, MS, HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH
Gray skies, cold weather and post-holiday letdown can often contribute to winter doldrums, but when are the winter “blahs” a cause for concern? Stress, anxiety and tension may seem to be the way of the world, but that doesn’t mean that is and should be your constant state of being. Seeking tools and strategies to improve or restore a healthy mental state through counseling can be an essential component to overall well-being.
Nearly 40 million adult Americans are affected by anxiety disorders and close to 20 million are dealing with some form of depression.
Changes in appetite and/or sleep habits, upset stomach, headaches, muscle pains and a depressed immune system can be physical signs of carried emotional stress. Feeling disconnected in gatherings or finding that activities seem to have lost their joyfulness or feel pointless can be some emotional signals. Difficulties in concentration and decision making, irritability, negative feedback at work and increased absence may be some mental signals as well.
Dealing with anxiety or depression is a common reason to seek therapy, but other circumstances can include being
living well
unable to address grief and loss, be it a loved one, a relationship or even a job. When it impacts daily functioning or is causing you to withdraw, it may be an indication that some professional help is needed. If family and personal relationships are strained, counseling can be an important unbiased bridge to provide tools for improved communication skills.
Tracy Hamill Walters, MA, a therapist and a behavior specialist who works with adolescents and adults in community-based outpatient counseling and behavioral health settings, as well as in private practice at The Restoration Space in Bethlehem, says, “Sometimes you may not experience symptoms; you may not even be quite sure of what it is, but something just feels off.”
It’s important to remember that seeking outside support doesn’t have to wait until a crisis state. Just like maintaining good physical health, being proactive in your mental health and outlook can alleviate unnecessary suffering as well as prevent symptoms from escalating.
Signs in Children
Most adults seek therapy when experiencing signs of depression or anxiety, but for children, the signs can present differently. Walters shares that symptoms of depression in young adults often show up as anger or isolation. There may be a short frustration tolerance, increased impulsivity, changes in behavior at school, slipping grades or scarce attendance. Isolation behavior might include staying locked in their room, staying plugged into video games, one-word responses or changes in eating and sleeping habits.
While some of these signs may often be attributed to adolescent “coming of age,” Walters says to err on the side of caution. She suggests reaching out for help through the child’s school, friends, preferred teachers or coaches to get added insight in seeing if they have observed changes in the child. The outside input may be helpful in getting a fuller picture.
There is often a misconception that one’s child doesn’t enjoy talking and won’t participate in their own counseling. Walters shares that it is quite the opposite. “If your child is willing to meet with a therapist, allow them to explore that avenue,” she says. “Once an adolescent establishes trust and feels safe and respected with the therapist, they are very invested in their therapy progress and have an increased sense of personal responsibility with it.”
Some schools staff counselors who provide individual and/or family therapy. Guidance or academic advisors have lists of outpatient therapists to refer, and one’s pediatrician may also have therapists they recommend.
Counseling still has a stigma of being a sign of weakness and only for when in crisis. “It is an essential component of a wellness regimen,” Walters says. “It is normal, important and positive.”
Expanding far beyond mental health issues, counseling can aid in a plethora of areas. Anyone looking to improve interpersonal relationships, communication skills or overall life satisfaction or to address parenting issues, life transitions or relaxation and mindfulness strategies might seek counseling. Young adults may desire help with self-esteem, perfectionism and performance anxiety, to name a few.
Counseling is not just limited to “talk therapy.” It can incorporate various tools and strategies in addition to cognitive therapy. Jenna Galligani, MS, LPC, a licensed counselor and owner of Holistic Awakenings, utilizes Reiki and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to help shift stuck energy patterns. She also incorporates eye movement techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting, which utilizes neurobiology to support emotional and psychological shifts. Both Galligani and Walters utilize breathwork, mindfulness and meditation techniques to help the client create positive shifts in their health.
Another misconception is that counseling or therapy will be a long-term process. While some issues may be deep-rooted, other scenarios may require only two or three sessions to learn simple techniques or lifestyle changes that can provide the tools needed to address them.
Considerations
Experience and expertise in the issues you are looking to address, whether for you or for your child in need, is always an important factor. A good therapist should be transparent in their skill sets. Many therapists offer an initial telephone consultation to help make the decision-making process easier. This is an excellent opportunity for both parties to get a feel for one another and to see if it could be a good match. “Someone who looks excellent on paper may be ineffective because, on the interpersonal level, they do not connect with you,” says Walters. “Trust in the relationship and rapport are critical in addition to their knowledge and experience.”
Seeking therapy can be a vital process in supporting good mental health. Whether addressing a mental or emotional health issue, learning new strategies for managing stress, building stronger interpersonal relationships or being proactive in your life skill strategies, therapy can provide a platform for better overall health.
ZUNERA CHAUDRY, MD
Family Medicine
There’s Nothing Common About the Common Cold; and Flu’s Even Worse!
There’s nothing common about the common cold. In fact, “common cold” is actually a catch-all term for a variety of viral infections that cause sore or scratchy throats, headaches, congestion, coughs, sneezing and sometimes, fever.
Influenza, or “the flu,” is even worse. Flu symptoms include body aches, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. “If you experience flu symptoms, don’t wait!” says Zunera Chaudry, MD, an urgent care physician with St. Luke’s Care Now - Clinton. “Contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your provider may prescribe an anti-viral medication specifically for flu, which can decrease the duration of the symptoms.”
So how do you catch a cold or the flu?
Viruses spread through tiny droplets in the air that are released when a sick person sneezes, coughs or blows their nose. You can get sick if you touch your nose, eyes or mouth after you have touched something contaminated by the virus. Viruses can live on most common objects for
up to two days, and people are most contagious during the first two to three days of a cold. “A cold is most often not contagious after the first week,” says Dr. Chaudry. “People who have the flu may pass it on to others one day before symptoms start and up to seven days after getting sick, so they may spread the flu before they even know they have it.”
Avoid getting sick! Get a flu shot, and remember to wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing to help limit spreading the virus to others. If you’re already sick and don’t want to or can’t leave the house, make it easy on yourself. Connect with a doctor online using the video visit feature in the St. Luke’s App. Available 24/7. No appointment. No waiting. Download the St. Luke’s App from Google Play or the App Store.
Guide to Private & Charter Schools
Education is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their child. When deciding between a public, private or charter school education, there’s much to consider. For those unsure of which path would work best for their child, we’ve created this guide highlighting some of the private and charter school options that the Valley has to offer.
Located in the East Penn School District, Seven Generations Charter School serves children in grades K–5 in Lehigh, Bucks, Montgomery and parts of Berks County. Using the EIC Model™ of teaching, SGCS offers unique opportunities to our diverse learning community. Smaller class sizes provide rich, rigorous, relevant project-based learning experiences which take our students beyond the classroom and into the greater Lehigh Valley. Through local partnerships and on-campus projects, SGCS students learn how to thrive within—and make a lasting, positive impact upon—the world around them, developing the skills they will need to succeed in college, careers, and life. A healthy future depends upon
Greater Lehigh Valley Independent Schools
e Independent School Advantage
Independence in the truest sense of the word. Independent schools are governed by a Board of Trustees, not a public board. They are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions, and endowment revenue.
Mission-driven education. Whether coed or single sex, day school or boarding school, each independent school is driven by its own unique philosophy, values, and approach to teaching.
High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
Small classes that allow for individual attention. Low student-teacher ratios encourage close connections between instructors and students.
Excellent teachers. Independent school instructors usually teach in their areas of expertise. ey strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and motivation.
Education for the whole child. In addition to academics, independent schools also nurture students’ personal and social growth and civic conscience.
Inclusiveness. Independent schools foster diverse and vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
The members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Independent Schools subscribe to the principles of the National Association of Independent Schools. For more info: nais.org
We invite you to get to know your Greater Lehigh Valley Independent Schools:
K-grade 8 coed day school for language-based learning disabilities hillsideschool.org
PK-grade 8 coed day school jdslv.org
PS-grade 12 coed day school moravianacademy.org
Grade 6-12, PG coed day & boarding school perkiomen.org
PS-grade 8 coed day school swain.org
PK-grade 8 coed day school unitedfriendsschool.org
START YOUR VOLUNTEER CAREER
BY DAISY WILLIS
“What we get makes a living, what we give makes a life.”
Misattributed to Winston Churchill, this quote nonetheless reminds us what we may be missing when we feel an inexplicable sense of malaise. Giving back comes with bountiful benefits
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to both the volunteer and the community. Here’s your guide to getting involved, with insight from Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.
The Value of Volunteering
People of all ages find volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Center, whose website connects 20,000 visitors per year to hundreds of local nonprofits. For retirees, especially, the social and mental activity is extremely effective for maintaining good health, but these benefits extend to every age group.
Spousal support and alimony Child custody and child support Child visitation rights Adoption and guardianship counsel
Domestic partnership matters
A sense of community and belonging sometimes seems hard to come by in a world somehow isolated by its electronic connectivity. Whether you’re new to the area or just feel like an island, volunteering helps build connections and achieve a sense of purpose. “Volunteers are less stressed,” Smith says. “It helps with depression.”
Not only does volunteering improve health and happiness, it can also be a good way for young people to learn job skills, and for folks of any age to make connections that can lead to job opportunities, stay sharp and fill employment gaps, or to dabble in new fields.
“Volunteer for something you’re passionate about.”
Your Why
Start by asking yourself what matters to you. “Volunteer for something you’re passionate about,” Smith says. “A lot of people choose to help with something because it has impacted their lives,” like working with Turning Point, for victims of domestic abuse, or an organization fighting cancer.
Another thought to consider is what kind of work you’d enjoy. Do you want to lend the skills from your day job or hobbies to coach swimming or teach computer skills? Or get away from your chair-shaped, desk-bound existence and rebuild some fences? Whether you want to learn something new or settle into some meditative envelopestuffing, there’s something for everyone.
Smith points out that one type of volunteering we don’t tend to think of is taking a spot on a committee or board. “Every event needs a committee,” she says, which can include things like marketing and accounting opportunities.
Realistic Logistics
Think about what kind of commitment you’d like to make. Organizations have opportunities for short projects as well as work on a regular basis. “There are people who want to come out
Malcolm J. Gross Kellie Rahl-He ner Anne K. Manley
Constance K. Nelson Allen I. Tullar
and do something for their community on a holiday,” says Smith, “and others who want to have a relationship with a nonprofit by volunteering throughout the year.”
The Volunteer Center’s website has a calendar to easily see what’s cracking on your day off, and you can even find ways to help from home, since social media is such a big part of any effort. Set yourself up with work that won’t overwhelm your schedule so you make only commitments you can keep.
Get Involved
When you know what you’re looking for, check out the Volunteer Center’s search options. By sorting opportunities geographically, based on issue or your availability, you can find ways to help out near and far. The listing will connect you with an organization’s volunteer coordinator and they’ll follow up. “You can test drive an organization,” Smith says, “if you want to go visit first or talk to somebody about what that opportunity would look like.”
Part of the Volunteer Center’s work is helping organizations streamline their volunteer recruitment and training, so everyone can have the best experience. Your part of the bargain? “Show up when you commit,” Smith says. “Be prepared. Be curious about the organization, and be flexible.”
One way to ensure a fun experience is to bring friends and family with you. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, but also a wonderful activity to share with the folks you know you love hanging out with. You’re sharing all the great benefits of giving back while doing something a little more meaningful than binging Friends together on the couch in your pajamas.
Volunteers are so vital to the Lehigh Valley. As Smith reminds us, “ArtsQuest wouldn’t be able to run Christkindlmarkt or Musikfest without volunteers.” And with only five members on staff and 75,000 boxes requested this past year, the Volunteer Center’s Holiday Hope Chest program would be logistically impossible.
Matching with the cause that means the most to you, fits your schedule and brings you a sense of fulfillment is the best way to start a satisfying and sustainable helping habit.
THE EXPERT
KAREN SMITH CEO
Wedding Your Imagine Above Par
EVERY DROP COUNTS
A community cannot exist without certain basic services. There must be a supplier of electricity, water and health services. There must also be a blood supply for a community’s healthcare system to function adequately, because blood cannot be manufactured. The only source is the volunteer blood donor.
Most donors say they give blood because it makes them feel good. It provides a gift to the recipient—the opportunity for extended life. But donating blood also benefits the donor, who receives a mini-physical with each donation including blood pressure, pulse and iron level. Complimentary cholesterol testing is also performed on each donation as a public service. In addition, the LifeSaver Rewards program awards points for each donation, which can be redeemed through an online store for a variety of gifts.
Over 450 units of blood are needed every day in the community, and everyone’s support is vital to ensure that the transfusion needs of accident victims, cancer patients, premature infants and others are met. Give blood donation a try—it’s surprising how good it feels. For those unable to donate blood, there are other ways to support the community’s only not-for-profit blood service— including volunteering or financial support.
50 YEARS OF BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES
Poverty is a hole from which many people—and many generations—never escape. People need more than just determination to break free. They need to have strong community support services and resources available when they need it. They also need ProJeCt.
For 50 years, ProJeCt has been a regional leader in building better communities. ProJeCt provides a diverse network of classes and services, all free of charge, for more than 5,000 low-income children, adults and families every year.
ProJeCt’s comprehensive and research-based system of support—adult education, family literacy, schoolbased programming and emergency services—gives people at risk much more than just hope. It gives them a legitimate and proven way to help themselves live a better life.
Contact ProJeCt today to volunteer or learn how to benefit from their services. Be a part of the success story.
GIVE A SMILE, CHANGE A LIFE
Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry and Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center of Bethlehem announced the winner of its Give a Smile program on October 8, 2018.
More than 40 people entered the contest, which provides a full-mouth dental reconstruction (valued at $50,000) to a deserving individual in the community.
Winner Josh Katrick of Northampton underwent the surgical procedure in December to restore his smile.
Katrick’s story is unique. A cancer survivor, his teeth deteriorated due to chemotherapy, leaving him unable to eat, chew food or smile. He previously sought dental consultations but finances prevented him from moving forward.
The Give a Smile program is designed to help people like Katrick.
“Our team is excited to help a deserving person like Josh. A situation beyond his control left his teeth in bad condition and now he will be able to smile for all he has overcome,” says Dr. Chaudhry. Two years ago, Katrick won a “Pizza for a Year” contest only to give away his winnings to a local food bank.
This is the first of an annual contest for Lehigh Valley Oral Surgery and Implant Center. “We saw a tremendous need in our community for this type of dental work. Teeth affect almost every aspect of the health of an individual,” says Dr. Chaudhry.
EMBRACING THE JOURNEY, TOGETHER
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) embraces the pediatric cancer journey alongside children and their families, moving forward as a community with love, hope and smiles. They will support at diagnosis, encourage during treatment, empower in survivorship and, if necessary, comfort throughout bereavement.
PCFLV’s free, unique programming is focused on creating a loving and supportive community for families whose lives have been forever changed by pediatric cancer. They provide ongoing programming, including arts and crafts, teen activities, moms’ nights, dads’ nights, date nights and the much-loved annual Camp Smile.
PCFLV makes monthly visits to the outpatient pediatric oncology clinic at the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, armed with an array of arts and crafts, gifts, entertainment and food to distract children during their treatment. They also provide individual and specialized assistance based on families’ needs—often in the form of grocery, gas and hospital cafeteria gift cards—to defray the often-unrecognized costs of dealing with a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
PCFLV offers housecleaning services for newly diagnosed families, a college scholarship fund and more! Fundraising events like the Ready, Set, GOLD 8K Run/5K Walk and the Hearts of Gold Gala, and generous gifts and grants support this mission.
Visit pcflv.org to register for the 8K Run/5K Walk on Ironton Rail Trail in Coplay on April 13.
UNITY, STRENGTH & EMPOWERMENT
BW NICE Lehigh Valley (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education) invites everyone to The Red Shoe™ Luncheon & Fashion Show, their fifth annual fundraiser to support Third Street Alliance for Women & Children. The Red Shoe™ Luncheon & Fashion Show combines networking, shopping among local vendors, a wine pull, silent and live auctions, a delicious lunch, fashion show and inspirational speaking engagement by best-selling author K.L. Randis.
The Red Shoe™ symbolizes unity, strength and empowerment and honors the journey of those who have been impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. A highlight of the event is honoring the Businesswoman of the Year, someone who inspires with leadership, energy and commitment to the community.
The Red Shoe™ Luncheon and Fashion Show is on Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steel Club in Hellertown; it is open to men and women. For more information, to become a sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit bwnice.org/bwnice-chapter/ lehigh-valley-red-shoe-event.
bwnice.org/bwnice-chapter/lehigh-valley-chapter
AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE
Wings2Peace has connected with people in ways Susan Christine never realized were possible. What started out as a simple fundraising project has turned into a charitable fund with 100 percent of its proceeds going directly to provide warmth, love and care to families in true need. Every Wings2Peace card is handmade and one-of-a-kind, and also blank inside, allowing the expression of feelings in a personal way.
The Wings2Peace mission, to provide warm and cozy comfort measures for patients in pediatric hospice, pediatrics and inpatient hospice at Lehigh Valley Health Network, is a true gift to the Lehigh Valley. It would not be possible without generous contributions and financial support from the community, including local businesses like Allentown Appliance.
Susan Christine, co-founder wings2peace.org
BW NICE Lehigh Valley blends successful women in business helping other women achieve their potential in life and profession, and they welcome new members. Networking breakfast meetings are the second Tuesday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Best Western Conference Center in Bethlehem. Pop in or register in advance at bwnice.org/bwnice-chapter/lehigh-valley-chapter.
PROVIDING A LIGHT IN MOMENTS OF DARKNESS
Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group (LVRG) has been a locally owned and operated franchisee of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews since 1993. LVRG was formed in 1991 by founder and former CEO Stephen J. Hanzlik and a group of his friends; they opened their first Red Robin restaurant in 1993 at the Tilghman Square Shopping Center in Allentown. Currently, they operate 21 restaurant locations in the Lehigh Valley and the Central, Northeast and Southeast regions of Pennsylvania.
In 2010, Steve passed away after a long and courageous battle with blood cancer. For nine years since then, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group–Red Robin has been a major partner of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Eastern and Central Pennsylvania chapters. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancer. The LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LVRG has played a significant role in LLS, making incredible strides in cancer research and support of patients and their families. Since 2010, LVRG has raised over $775,000 for the LLS mission. Dr. Louis J. DeGennaro, president and CEO of LLS national, stated that, “Since
the start of 2017 to date, the FDA has approved an astounding 37 blood cancer treatments, and LLS helped advance 31 of these somewhere along their development journey.”
A guest dining at any of LVRG’s 21 Red Robin restaurant locations can help with this effort simply by ordering either the Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger or the Whiskey River® BBQ Burger from the menu: $0.25 of each of these burgers sold gets donated to both LLS and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, another one of LVRG’s beloved nonprofit partners.
Most recently, Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group–Red Robin served as the Honor & Remembrance Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Lehigh Valley Light the Night event in honor of Steve Hanzlik.
For many, finding out that they or a loved one has been diagnosed with a blood cancer can be the darkest moment of their lives. LLS and Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group–Red Robin are committed to providing the light that cancer patients need in those darkest of moments, and to continue to fight until there is a cure to all blood cancers.
The Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group–Red Robin served as the Honor & Remembrance Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Lehigh Valley Light the Night event.
PATRICK WILSON FOUNDER OF BLACK HOUSE ACADEMY
BY AMY UNGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW TOMASINO
Although Benjamin Franklin bequeathed a robust and diverse legacy to the nation, shaping the fashion world was probably never a top priority for the printer/postmaster/ inventor/diplomat. And yet, and although hundreds of years have passed since the waistcoats and breeches of Franklin’s day were very much in vogue, the Founding Father remains high on the list of inspirations for local designer Patrick Wilson. Wilson, founder of the high-end men’s clothing brand Black House Academy, says Franklin is an example of the embodiment of curiosity, intellect and depth that define his designs and his company’s overall mission. “There are a lot of people who make clothing, and a lot of clothing brands, but I wanted to put a twist on it,” he says. “I’m not into cookie-cutter.”
Like Franklin, Wilson is a man of many talents, and a man who wears many hats. The Emmaus High School grad studied fine arts with an emphasis on sculpture at Kutztown University. But after graduation, music became his main muse. Wilson had been playing the drums since the tender age of six; as a teenager, he took on the guitar and songwriting. During his 20s he focused on composition work, and served as the front man for the Lehigh Valley-based rock group Poppycock Babble. But the seeds for his future calling had been planted early. “I remember caring about the way I looked in sixth grade,” he recalls. “I enjoyed going shopping. You didn’t have to pull my arm to go shopping.”
Still, Wilson says he didn’t consider fashion a viable career option until he was looking to make a change in his life. He enrolled in graphic design classes at Lehigh Carbon Community College, which, as a guy used to rolling up his sleeves and making art with his hands, required a shift in his approach to the creative process. “The whole digital world was not appealing to me,” he says.
In 2006, a friend introduced him to the major players at the New York-based, luxury men’s fashion house Robert Graham, a company that prides itself on using intricate, bold and often loud patterns on its shirts. “They were looking for something not bought at a print show, something unique to them,” says Wilson. He came up with a four-foot by six-foot painting done in black and white that Robert Graham turned into a repeat pattern for a line of woven shirts. It was one of many projects he would complete for the company as a freelance designer over the years. All the while, Wilson was soaking up everything he could about the fashion industry. “I started learning how things are put together—about the construction of clothing.”
About four years ago, the connections he made at Robert Graham landed him another enviable client—the Beach Boys. Wilson says the band has entrusted him with several creative endeavors, most recently designing the T-shirts for its latest tour, as well as the artwork for Mike Love’s Christmas album. What’s it like spitballing ideas with a legendary rock group? Says Wilson: “Free flowing. Not a lot of headbutting.” An added bonus: When the band came to the Lehigh Valley for a gig in 2016, Wilson got to show off his musical chops by subbing in on the drums for the encore song, “Barbara Ann.” “There was no rehearsal. They put a lot of trust in me,” Wilson recalls. While working (and jamming) with A-listers certainly has its perks, Wilson says the idea of starting his own clothing line had been taking shape for several years. After careful consultation with his wife, Mary Rose Wilson, he decided to
officially take the plunge in 2017. “We just thought the timing was right,” he says. “I had gotten a lot of hands-on experience, so I felt comfortable with manufacturing, textiles and how to put the whole process together.”
The first step—establishing the brand’s identity—was a no-brainer. Wilson says he had owned the domain for Black House Academy for some time; he had even designed a logo that he used for his work in music. “I always thought it would be a cool clothing brand,” he says. And that’s where good ol’ Ben Franklin enters the picture—Wilson says Black House Academy was inspired in part by the idea of a secret society, similar to a group that a young Franklin founded in 1727. The Junto, also known as the Leather Apron Club, brought together men of various backgrounds and vocations to discuss pertinent moral, philosophical and political issues. Franklin was said to thrive on lively debate sparked by the “thinkers” of the day; Wilson says he, too, is inspired by inventors and innovators, and wants to convey that appreciation in his craft. “I wanted to mix history and science with the arts,” he says. He envisions a future in which the BHA website (blackhouseacademy.com) will feature such movers and shakers. For now, it’s all about the clothing, and, in keeping with the overall concepts on which the company was founded, the thought process behind each garment and each design runs deep. “Everyone plays it safe,” Wilson says. “I wanted to change it up.”
BHA doesn’t do seasons; instead, the focus is on smaller collections. “When I’m ready to release something new, I release something new,” says Wilson. He uses fabrics from all over the world, including Italy, Spain and Turkey. The most recent offering—Collection 4—utilizes exclusively Japa nese fabrics, with each piece hand-numbered and unique to the buyer.
A cursory glance at the BHA website reveals an array of plaids, checks and solids—the staples of many a men’s clothing line—but it’s important
Some Risks Are Wor th Taking
to look closer. Explains Wilson: “Instead of being about loud fabrics, it’s about the details and the trim.” For example, all of the buttons are genuine horn and bone buttons, a nod to old-world craftsmanship. “It’s a very traditional way of doing it,” Wilson says. The custom-made, metal collar stays are the handiwork of a father and son operation in Portugal, where the bulk of the BHA lines come to life.
And, like that dad-son duo thousands of miles away, strong family ties also figure prominently in Wilson’s business ventures. “I’m doing most of it, but I definitely have good family and friend support,” he says. “I wouldn’t be doing this without the encouragement and stability they bring. They help to keep the machine going.” He cites his wife and the couple’s three children as key players in the success of Black House Academy. In addition, he credits photographer Erik Krogh, an old high school friend, with helping to bring his creative vision to life on the BHA website. “Our aesthetics are very much the same.”
Wilson’s BHA wares have landed in some of the most exclusive men’s shops and retailers in the world, including a pop-up shop at the renowned Rothmans in New York City, and the new Wolf & Badger location at King’s Cross in London. As of now, Lehigh Valley shoppers won’t stumble upon any Black House Academy offerings in local stores, but they can shop to their heart’s content on the company’s website. Wilson says he’s not opposed to opening a local brick-and-mortar location in the future. “I think if we found the right space, we would definitely consider it,” he says. But, he adds: “We’re in no rush.” Should that destination become reality, Wilson says he would most likely feature other labels besides BHA, to keep with his goal of emboldening other visionaries in his field. Ben Franklin would be proud.
Tom Garrity is managing partner of Compass Point Consulting, LLC. The firm specializes in creating scalable growth and transition strategies for privately-held, generational companies. Tom and his team have developed ValuePoints™ a family business operating system which helps family business owners build value, unlock wealth, develop next-gen leaders and write the owner’s next chapter on their terms.
When he is not onsite with a client, Tom enjoys golf, tennis, reading, creating family memories, and a fall afternoon watching college football.
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tomgarrity1), follow him on Twitter (@fambiz_matters), or subscribe to his blog at compasspt.com/blog.
PASSIONATE PLANNING, EXCELLENT EXECUTION
Kevin Ramaley is a one-of-a-kind event planner whose passion for planning a memorable event is evident to every client he meets. His company, Rockin’ Ramaley, started in 1996 with just two turntables, two speakers and a dream: a dream to make every event unforgettable. Since then, he has evolved into the leading entertainment company in the Lehigh Valley by providing personalized services for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and more. Taking away his clients’ stress by listening and making their dream event a reality brings him true joy. Personalized event coordination—carried out with special lighting effects, LED dance floors, photo booths, cloud effects and much more—means that every event is unique and special. Surrounding himself with exceptional, friendly team members ensures every event runs smoothly.
When Kevin is not working, he enjoys spending time and making memories camping with his family, working on cars and supporting local charities such as Angel 34 and Toys for Tots. He enjoys working with and guiding aspiring young professionals interested in the entertainment field. Never forgetting the love and support he received when starting out, Rockin’ Ramaley offers internships and scholarships to support their dreams and goals.
Kevin Ramaley, owner and event planner
Tom Garrity, managing partner
are given the proper conditions, they not only grow, they flourish.” This thought was the inspiration behind 3Seed Marketing, a creative marketing, design and interactive company where John Mulder is one of three managing partners. It’s also the way 3Seed Marketing does business. With John at the helm of creativity, management and client relations, 3Seed Marketing is celebrating its 10th year of business and excited by the opportunity to continue to flourish
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES FOR ALL AGES
Dr. Brad Pieszala is a Pennsylvania native, growing up in Mountaintop, a small town just east of the Poconos. He began his collegiate career at Pennsylvania State University. There, he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Upon finishing his undergraduate degree, he was accepted at the University of Pennsylvania to begin his dental training. He graduated from the School of Medicine and was inducted into the Matthew Cryer Society, an honor society that recognizes the top 10 students of each graduating class.
Since graduating in 2012, Dr. Pieszala has flourished in patient care. He recognizes that each patient has their own needs, desires and expectations and is able to provide quality care while making his patients comfortable. Dr. Pieszala stays in touch with the latest clinical research and developments in order to provide up-to-date solutions for any dental problem.
After more than eight years in Philadelphia, Dr. Pieszala and his wife, Bethany, decided to move to the Lehigh Valley to be close to family. He and Bethany are enjoying life as new parents with their first child, Nora. Aside from spending time with family and friends, Dr. Pieszala has a passion for art, photography and the outdoors. He enjoys snowboarding and is an avid follower of sports.
John Mulder, managing partner
FASHION >>>forward >>
2019 MEN OF STYLE
by Alison Conklin
“through my fashion, I want to prove that it’s OK to be different.”
Photography
loves linen!
Recently hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro with his son for Operation Smile.
“I don’t really keep up with celebrities and their fashion, just like what I buy.”
“The best gift I’ve ever received is my ability to grow a long, full beard.”
18-karat gold lobster cufflinks? Yes, please!
Ward>>> Van Haute
I feel my best when I’m wearing what I want to wear and not worrying about what’s trending. I like to wear a classiccut suit or jacket and jazz it up with jewelry and other accessories. My style described in one word is fun. My closet is filled with lots of prints and patterns. I could do without skinny jeans and slim-fit shirts My favorite brands include Johnston & Murphy for shoes and casual shirts with fun prints, JoS. A. Bank for classic-cut shirts and Original Stitch for made-tomeasure custom dress shirts. I tend to splurge on jewelry and accessories. My favorite place to shop in the Valley is Main Street Bethlehem—particularly, The Steel Beam for their awesome men’s jewelry. I don’t care much what a celebrity is wearing. I think we the people need to dress for ourselves and take into account our unique shapes, sizes and personal taste. This winter, I’m living in my cherry-red, eight-hole Dr. Martens boots. The best gift I’ve ever received is my ability to grow a long, full beard and my loving wife who encourages me to wear it proudly. For me, a typical day consists of kissing my four children on the head as we send them off to school, followed by a couple hours in the studio before I go to work at the gallery. In the afternoon, I often scout out new artists or go on a hunt for furniture and set dressing for our upcoming gallery exhibits. After work, I sit down to dinner with my family, and then my wife and I pour a cocktail or a glass of wine and rehash the events of the day. Any organization that works with the families and children affected by childhood cancer is a cause near and dear to my heart. My niece is a leukemia survivor and I remember all the wonderful care that she received at CHOP and the assistance my sister and her family received through generous organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation. There are so many wonderful places to eat in the Lehigh Valley; one of my current favorites is The Mint in Bethlehem. They have a wonderfully creative menu, a great rotating draft list, fun cocktails and a fantastic staff. My go-to drink is whiskey. Whether it’s single-malt scotch or small-batch bourbon, whether it’s neat, on the rocks or in a finely crafted cocktail, I’m a whiskey man.
JoS. A. Bank jacket, pants and pocket square; Johnston & Murphy shoes and belt; John’s Crazy Socks socks
Group shot Buckle jeans, Dr. Martens boots, Emerald Isle Weaving vest, Original Stitch shirt, JoS. A. Bank tie, rings from The Steel Beam
Directo r / Curator, Bethlehem House Gallery
I feel my best when I’m wearing linen Island Company drawstring pants, a Tommy Bahama linen shirt, ball cap and my favorite Maui Jim sunglasses. My style described in one word is casual. My closet is filled with footwear— flip flops, boots, dress shoes and everything in between. I could do without skinny jeans—you have to know when to say uncle! My favorite brands include Island Company, Tommy Bahama, Ralph Lauren, Tasso Elba, Magnanni and Levi’s. As for suits, only the fabric matters as long as you have a good tailor! I tend to splurge on linen. The first place I stop that has what I need that day is my favorite place to shop in the Valley. There is no celebrity whose closet I would raid I need to organize my own. This winter, I’m living in my sweat pants! The best gift I’ve ever received is a digital Bluetooth meat thermometer— I use it daily. For me, a typical day consists of a weak breakfast, two or more planned meetings, multiple problems to solve and, hopefully, a workout before becoming a couch potato! A cause near and dear to my heart is the Children’s Home of Easton. If you like dining out, the Lehigh Valley is great. I’m friends with too many restaurateurs to answer which is my favorite. Grey Goose martini, up, with blue cheese olives is my go-to drink order.
Calvin Klein jacket, Lorenzo Uomo shirt, Armani jeans, Boot Barn boots, Citizen Eco-Drive watch, Michael Kors belt
Group shot Joseph Abboud suit, Tasso Elba shirt, Johnston & Murphy shoes, Movado watch, Italian silk pocket square, Joe Boxer socks, Giuseppe Alfieri belt
Dan >>>> Linski
Supervisor of Environmental & Custodial Operations
North Penn School District
I feel my best when I’m wearing jeans… love denim. My style described in one word is modern. My closet is filled with button-down shirts and boots (lace-up and cowboy). I could do without ankle pants—I feel when I’m standing up, my pants should touch my shoes. My favorite brands include Hugo Boss, 7 Diamonds, Vince, Hudson, AG, Baldwin, Shore and J. Hilburn. I tend to splurge on well-made tailored jackets. My favorite place to shop in the Valley is Susan Bella Jewelry. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is David Gandy… he has quite the wardrobe. This winter, I’m living in my navy linen scarf from Positano. The best gift I’ve ever received is my 18-karat gold lobster cufflinks from my wife. For me, a typical day consists of waking up before sunrise and kissing my wife, Susan, and dog, Olive, before hitting the turnpike. Then coffee, helping ensure our students have a clean and safe environment to learn in, home, workout, enjoy a cocktail or wine (depending on the day), dinner, Netflix, herbal tea, bed… repeat! A cause near and dear to my heart is animal rescue, in particular, helping dogs find their forever homes. My favorite place to eat out in the Valley is a toss-up between Bolete and Savory Grille. Currently, a Negroni is my go-to drink order.
Bull Boxer boots, AG jeans, Baldwin shirt, Armani Exchange jacket, Hugo Boss belt, Bulova Marine Star watch
Group shot Ted Baker shoes, Hudson jeans, J. Hilburn shirt, Deakin & Francis 18-karat gold lobster cufflinks, Banana Republic belt
I feel my best when I’m wearing a tailored suit and tie, or for a more casual look, a blazer with fitted jeans. My style described in one word is sophisticated. My closet is filled with shirts and blazers, ties, golf apparel and shoes. I could do without loose-fitting clothing, thick-soled shoes and wide ties. My favorite brands include Salvatore Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera, Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli and Theory. I tend to splurge on blazers, shoes and watches. Because New York City is close enough, I make frequent trips there for my shopping, but I do feel like a kid in a candy shop when I am at the Saucon Valley Country Club Golf Shop. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is George Clooney. This winter, I’m living in my Moncler down jacket, alpaca scarves from Peru, Superman onesie and my North Face ThermoBall slipper booties. The best gift I’ve ever received is my four kids. They are a blessing and my inspiration! For me, a typical day consists of waking up to the sound of coffee beans being ground by my wife, Sarah, and discussing the day ahead, reading the BBC world news on my phone and spending time with my kids before they go to school. Then heading off to work at Keystone Dentistry, where my amazing team cohesively works to enhance smiles and improve lives in a positive and upbeat environment. A cause near and dear to my heart is Operation Smile. Helping children around the world suffering from cleft lips/palates is humbling. My favorite place to eat out in the Valley is Bolete. I love the quaint ambiance and the authentic farm-to-table creations. My go-to drink order is Jack Daniels and Coke. From my college days at NYU, I quickly realized that, somehow, I always felt fine the next day!
<<<Fayez Baki, DDS
Tom Ford blazer, Hugo Boss shirt, Dolce & Gabbana pants, Salvatore Ferragamo belt, Rolex Submariner watch, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes
Group shot : Carolina Herrera blazer and shirt, Theory pants, Herm es belt, Rolex Datejust watch, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, Hugo Boss tie
Dentist , Keystone Dentistry
Jamire Tucker
Certified Pharmacy Technician St. Luke’s University Health Network
I feel my best when I’m wearing my Dr. Martens. My style described in one word is expressive. My closet is filled with bold colors and lots of prints. I could do without Crocs; they’re awful. My favorite brands include ASOS, Forever 21, INC and Fendi. I tend to splurge on anything that has a WOW factor! Things that are unique and timeless. My favorite place to shop in the Valley is the Lehigh Valley Mall, Citi Trends and all the local thrift stores. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is Lenny Kravitz! This winter, I’m living in my new faux-fur coat. The best gift I’ve ever received is life from my parents—thanks, mom and dad! For me, a typical day consists of waking up and thanking God for a new day! Then, having a glass of water and checking out BuzzFeed News—I like to be informed about the world. Next, I’ll put on my music and jam out. Different songs will inspire me for the day and that’s how I pick my outfit. Then, I’ll grab a quick bite, shower and head to the hospital for work. If it’s my day off, I usually just make my rounds visiting my best friends and family. The LGBTQ community and suicide prevention are two causes that are near and dear to my heart. These groups are sometimes stigmatized as the underdogs in our society. I support them because, through my fashion, I want to prove that it’s OK to be different and to own your truth! Self-love is so important and that is the key message both of these causes share. My favorite place to eat out in the Valley is Red Lobster and Popeyes. My go-to drink order is Jack and ginger ale.
ASOS Design by ASOS moto jeans, ASOS Design by ASOS T-shirt, ASOS Design by ASOS sequin bomber jacket, Dr. Martens boots
Group shot INC International Concepts jacket, ASOS shirt, Rue21 jeans, Steve Madden Chelsea boots
I feel my best when I’m wearing casual, comfortable clothing; shoes—being the most important have to be good quality for standing for long hours. My style described in one word is gentleman like. My closet is filled with button-ups and boots. I could do without hair product and sneakers. My favorite brands include Banana Republic, Levi’s, Shinola and Red Wing boots. I tend to splurge on socks, colognes and shoes. My favorite place to shop in the Valley is the Lehigh Valley Mall. I don’t really keep up with celebrities and their fashion, I just like what I buy. This winter, I’m living in Red Wing boots! For me, a typical day consists of appointments, meetings, gym, phone calls and running errands. As the owner of a barbershop, a cause near and dear to my heart is giving back to the community; whether it’s giving free haircuts for kids or donating and raising supplies or money for the less fortunate. My favorite place to eat out in the Valley is Two Rivers Brewing Company and The River Grille. I’m not a mixed drink person, but if I had to pick, my go-to drink order would be an Old Fashioned. I like Separatist Beer Project and Böser Geist Brewing Co.
Ronald>> Corales
Owner, Gentlemen’s Barbershop
On-site grooming services courtesy of BB DeCheine Hair & Makeup Company
Edwin Joseph & Sons jacket, Tecovas boots
Shot on location at Böser Geist Brewing Co. in the Simon Silk Mill, Easton
By Kristen Rinaldi
by Matt Bishop
BURGER bonanza 21 Local Bites & What Brews
to Drink With Them
From unique toppings and types of meat to outlandish buns and just darn-good eats, these are 21 varieties that every burger-loving Lehigh Valley resident should add to their must-devour list.
Social Stack Burger
Photography
Social Stack Burger
Social Still
Photo by Alison Conklin
Made with two four-ounce patties, and topped with 1000 Island dressing, American cheese, lettuce, onion and pickle, the Social Stack is reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac. “It’s everything you want a Big Mac to be, but never is,” says Chris Kurtz, head chef.
Blazin’ Bison Burger
One of The Cask’s newest burger variations, the Blazin’ Bison burger is complete with ground bison, pepper jack cheese, chipotle cream, smoked jalapeño peppers and tomato.
530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.625.4585 | socialstill.com
Union and Finch’s Union Burger is made with Pat LaFrieda beef and topped with red onion marmalade, sweet pickles and bacon. On Burger and a Beer Thursdays, patrons can enjoy it with any draft beer for just $10.
A cheese lover’s dream come true— this burger is topped with fried ale mac and cheese, beer cheese sauce, lettuce and tomato.
PAIR WITH: Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA
What’s more, be sure to keep an eye out for their burger of the month special—at time of press, they were offering a Kimchi Burger, made with spicy kimchi, sunny-side-up egg and sriracha lime aioli. 1528 W. Union St., Allentown 610.432.1522 unionandfinch.com
Donut Delite
The Wooden Match
The best part about the Donut Delite isn’t the applewood smoked bacon, it’s the grilled glazed doughnut sandwiching the 10-ounce beef patty. Talk about sweet and savory!
Wooden Match
The Wooden Match has a knack for substituting burger buns. The Bender Ender is served on two bacon grilled-cheese sandwiches!
Big Dave Burger
The $25 Burger
The Mint Gastropub
Made with grass-fed wagyu that’s cast-ironed in duck fat, the $25 Burger is comprised of pork belly, foie gras pâté, Gruyère and Stilton, truffled greens and curried catsup on a seeded brioche. Enjoy truffleparm fries on the side!
The Mint also offers The Vegan Burger, made with a Gardein black bean vegan patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, vegan cheese and “e’rythang tofunaise” on a vegan bun. Devour with a side of chickpea fries!
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.419.3810 bethlehemmint.com
Fegley’s Brew Works
A half pound of Koehler Farms beef, raised on upcycled brewers’ grains used to make Fegley’s Brew Works beer. For non-beef eaters, Fegley’s offers a Black Lentil Quinoa Burger!
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown 610.433.7777
559 Main St., Bethlehem 610.882.1300 | thebrewworks.com
The Armando comes complete with Brie, bacon marmalade, fried egg and arugula. But any of Maxim’s burgers can be served with Gruyère, cheddar, blue or raclette cheese.
The Ocean Burger is a 10-ounce, all-beef burger served on a brioche bun smeared with garlic aioli and topped with crispy bacon, tomato and arugula on a sunny-side-up egg. Ocean’s truffled fries, topped with grated parmesan and fresh herbs, complete the dish.
PAIR WITH:
Chimay Grande Réserve Belgian Trappist
PAIR WITH: IPA Kwak
Photo Courtesy of Fegley’s Brew Works
Peanut Butter Bacon Cheddar Burger
Two Rivers Brewing Company
A sweet and savory work of art, this burger starts with a brioche bun layered in creamy peanut butter and ground peanut brittle dust. A half pound of organic Breakaway Farms’ grass-fed beef, organic smoked bacon and pickled red onion receive a drizzle of chili gastrique (a mixture of red pepper, chipotles, citrus juice and sugar).
For non-meat eaters, Two Rivers also offers a Black Bean Lentil Burger, topped with avocado, cabbage beet slaw and sriracha aioli.
Photo by Colin Coleman
Spanish Burger
Tavern on Liberty
This certified Angus Beef® burger is served with manchego cheese, prosciutto, roasted red peppers and garlic aioli. All of Tavern on Liberty’s burgers can be substituted with grilled chicken breast or a vegan patty!
Victory Burger Roosevelt’s 21st
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown 484.221.8765 tavernonliberty.com
Bourbon Street Burger
Emeril’s Burgers & More
Emeril’s Bourbon Street Burger is served with applewood bacon, bourbon-braised onions, aged cheddar and tangy barbecue sauce.
PAIR WITH: Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
For those staying away from beef, Emeril’s offers a teriyakiglazed Grilled Salmon Burger topped with pickled vegetables, cucumber, sriracha aioli and avocado.
Be sure to check out Emeril’s burger of the month, which, at time of press, was a flavorful fried chicken topped with tangy pickle chips, roasted garlic mayo and Tennessee barbecue sauce on a brioche bun, and said to pair perfectly with Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.
When available, patrons can enjoy The Burgery’s ostrich burger, the Roadrunner. It’s served with lime and pepper seasoning, Monterey Jack, guacamole and pineapple.
The Burgery’s other unique meat varieties include venison, elk, bison and lamb.
PAIR WITH: Bell’s Brewery Two Hearted Ale Free Will Brewing Co.’s Techno IPA
BIRTHRIGHT BREW I NG COMPANY
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER THROUGH BEER & PIZZA
BY CARRIE HAVRANEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN
A couple years ago, I lost count of how many breweries/brewpubs there were in the region. And I say this as someone who writes about food and beverages and develops recipes for a living, and as a now 18-year resident of the Lehigh Valley who has seen an explosion of growth.
CAJUN CAULIFLOWER
Wood oven-roasted, cajun-seasoned cauliflower served with bacon,
fontina cheese and huckleberry sauce
There are almost too many breweries in the Lehigh Valley to count— Weyerbacher, Brew Works, Two Rivers, Funk, HiJinx, Lost Tavern, Cave, Bonn Place, Hop Hill, Böser Geist, Taylor House, Separatist Beer Project (formerly Sole Ales). That’s not even all of them. And you know some might say that’s no good, that we’ve reached a saturation point, yadda yadda yadda.
But there’s seemingly no limit to the appetite for good beer, and Pennsylvania, with its rich beer (and spirits, for that matter) history, is no exception.
Birthright gives new life to the expression
“old saw,” as enormous saw blades also double as tabletops.
Enter Birthright in downtown Nazareth. It’s quirky, like all good brewpubs should be, and has plenty to distinguish itself by. Founded by brew master Wayne Milford, 41, and assistant brewer Mike Dailey, 28, Birthright opened in February 2018 to become the first brewery in Nazareth. It’s funny, though. When you walk in, the first thing you see isn’t necessarily the beer—that’s all housed in the back end of the
brewpub. You see the Mugnaini pizza oven, imported from Italy. The high counter reminds one of a pizza joint— albeit one that’s home to the yeasty aromas of beer, too. “We wanted an open concept,” says Milford.
Milford’s name or face might be familiar. He was the original brewer at Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton, after stints at various breweries, most notably for nine years at the award-winning craft brewery Dogfish Head in Delaware. After a couple years of planning and working as a consultant for many other breweries around the country and lots of hard labor—and borrowed and found and created materials from friends, family and the shuttered Nazareth Furniture store—Birthright was born. Milford says the name is a reference to his German and English heritage and the long-running tradition of brewing beer. “It’s one of the oldest professions and noblest professions,” he says. “It has so much history, and pubs have always been a hub and key to any community.” (Another reason it’s in a walkable downtown— like any good pub, Birthright remains open during all kinds of weather, which gives people a place to go, say, when it snows.)
Those reclaimed materials show up everywhere—old doors from the former Nazareth Hotel (which preceded the shuttered Nazareth Furniture next door) double as tabletops—and slate is regularly incorporated, as
large slabs are a display surface for rotating specials. Birthright gives new life to the expression “old saw,” as enormous saw blades also double as tabletops. (Don’t worry—there’s a welded iron border around the perimeter so the jagged edges aren’t exposed). The blades are mounted on top of old bourbon barrels. Some of the materials you see in the brewery, including the black walnut bar top and reclaimed barn wood, come from his aunt and uncle’s property in Kintersville. (His uncle is also responsible for much of the handiwork required to reuse those materials, too.)
But enough about the interior— let’s talk about the beer and the food, right? Interiors set a mood and vibe, but that’s not why we go out.
The goal here is NOT to create a reliable experience whereby you can drink the same beers again. “We don’t have flagships. We are a small-batch brewery,” he says. Birthright’s maximum capacity is 800 barrels a year; in contrast, when he left Dogfish, it was up to 386,000 barrels a year and that was more than five years ago. They have up
to a dozen beers on tap at any given moment. Milford says they don’t have plans to distribute beyond what growlers can fill.
“Our philosophy is ‘always brewing, always growing.’ If we always have something new on, people come back in,” he says. Dailey says the regulars like new and different brews, and new people always ask about the beers anyway.
“We try to train the staff well enough so that they can walk people through the process,” Dailey says. What he means is if someone comes in as a regular Yuengling drinker, for example, a server will be able to point the customer toward a lager-like beer—not a Yuengling knock-off, mind you, but something with similar qualities.
He says there’s typically a lager, pilsner or amber ale on, “a few IPAs, always,” along with a stout, and porter, some seasonal beers, and so forth.
Case in point—in December, when I went to visit, they had not only a stout, which you would expect in colder weather, but also a wit, which is more commonly available in the summertime, as it’s a lighter, crisper drinking beer. It sort of made me think of the supermarket approach to food—almost everything is available all the time.
The beer names are very Zen and flowy—they come right from what is happening in the moment. And of course, the brews would have to be equally ephemeral—you may or may not see the same one twice. Craft brew names are the definition of individualistic—they bear the sensibility of those that brew them. And that’s certainly true at Birthright.
400 pounds of them. The list goes on and on, and by the time you read this, there will be new beers on tap and these examples will be moot. Chain Job, an amber ale, refers to the way Dailey locked up one night when the keys went missing. “In here you’re going to get a little story about the beer and the food,” says Dailey.
“We’re very punny,” chimes in Joe Bruno, 32, the head chef.
Pizza and beer are the staples here, and it is hard to complain about that, right? Before opening, Milford and Bruno consulted with Rebecca Troutman, who worked at the beerand-pizza spot Scratch at the Easton Public Market, on how to use the wood-fired oven and the pizza dough recipe. The dough is made with a real wild starter that gives you that elusive combo of chewy and crispy; Bruno says it takes three days to proof the dough, which helps account for its complex flavor—so does the garlic oil they brush on the crust. (The Carbonara is a favorite, but the gold standard for any pizza of this ilk is the Margherita. Both are hits.)
(He uses pipette, whose holes are the perfect traps for cheese.) Bruno has worked at many restaurants in the Lehigh Valley (Grain, Valenca, Sette Luna among them). And you can expect lots of local sourcing, including some flours from Castle Valley Mills produce from Good Work Farm (they grow “the cleanest tasting beets,” says Bruno). The pepperoni, for example, comes from Nello’s.
“...there were multiple generations sitting at a table enjoying a little food and beer.”
They often stem from things that have happened, phrases that stick out that people say. Milford keeps a list running on his phone—if something jumps out at him and makes him stop, or laugh or it otherwise feels distinctive, it ends up on the list. Case in point: I said something in passing that was funny during my visit, and it ended up on the list. You just never know where inspiration will come from, or how it will turn up in a beer name. Early Dismissal was named around the time when Milford’s kids had an unexpected early dismissal—it’s a super-hoppy IPA that’s “perfect for a snow day.” The stout called How Many Licks is made with, you guessed it, Tootsie Rolls. More than
But pizza aside, there’s so much on the menu that’s worth investigating, with those punny names, to boot. Pretzel braids come either with everything seasoning or herb butter, along with a beer cheese fondue. Mac Attack is a mac and cheese that is creamy but deceptively light; with bacon and a fried egg, it’s a starter you can’t finish. “I’m not a mac and cheese guy but this is something I’ve perfected over the years—including the pasta choice,” Bruno says.
The way Bruno and his cohort, Kayla Hildebrant, run the kitchen is through menu changes every three to four months. There’s always specials listed on slates, which is often where seasonality surfaces. For example, during the writing of this article, I was able to sample a starter called “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,” which is exactly what it sounds like. The pizza oven is responsible for most of the food production; before you think that’s limiting, remember cooking with fire is pretty much the oldest and simplest way to cook.
Mike Dailey, Joe Bruno and Wayne Milford
CARBONARA PIZZA
Smoked pork belly, white sauce, peas, egg, truffle oil and parmesan
Another distinction that marks Birthright is the fact that Milford’s kids are often here—he has three of them, ages 4, 7 and 8. It might have something to do with why the brewery regularly hosts events for kids and parents and why there are lots of board games at the ready—although the latter is increasingly common and trendy these days.
This practice, however, isn’t new. Maybe 10 years ago, before craft breweries and brewpubs really took off here in the States, it might have seemed untoward to bring kids to
a pub. But in Europe, it’s more traditional and something Milford and his wife, Shanna, observed when they visited breweries there.
“What we noticed and enjoyed was that there were multiple generations sitting at a table enjoying a little food and beer, but there were four- and five-year-olds with diluted beer in their cups sitting next to someone in their 60s. And this was at multiple breweries. And the local breweries were the hub or gathering place of their community,” he says. “So we are trying to bring that feel to our
brewery. That’s why we have larger communal tables in the bar area and extra-tall high chairs for the higher tables, so that the children can be a part of it. And my kids, Gavin, Daniel and Audrey, are always there, talking with people, playing games. They are a huge reason of what we are about.”
That’s not something you typically hear out of a brewer’s mouth. But Birthright is different. You can just hang out there. They’ve already got regulars. It’s that kind of place.
Only accepted for large parties; there’s a side room for special events and activities.
Payment
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
What to Order
Well, the Margherita is a must, and the Carbonara pizza with smoked pork belly, peas, truffle oil and parm, along with egg, is a hearty way to enjoy pizza. The Wood Oven Beets salad is abundant with beets, candied walnuts and chickpeas—and a vinaigrette that has goat cheese in it. The chicken and Brie sandwich, with apple onion bacon jam and beer braised chicken, is popular, too—and it, like all their sandwiches, comes on their own housemade bread. Mac Attack would easily feed several people or a really ravenous one.
57 S. Main St., Nazareth 610.365.2225
birthrightbrewingco.com
Tootsie Stout
Gobstopper Fruited Ale
dining guide
KEY
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Serves Alcohol
BYOB
Come meet the 2019 Men of Style at Böser Geist on February 12.
Live Entertainment
Outdoor Seating
Entrée Price Range:
$ under $15
$$ $15-$25
$$$ $25+
Don Juan Mex Grill $
1328 Chestnut St. Emmaus, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh food and very friendly ambiance and service with affordable prices. Lunch & dinner.
Foundation Tavern $$
*Advertisers are highlighted in red.
Berks
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery $$
340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com
Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch
10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
The Grille at Bear Creek $$
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com
Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.
Carbon
Slopeside Pub & Grill
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
$-$$$
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 $$
651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com
Family owned and operated for over 30 years. Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from homemade grape leaves to delicious shish kabobs. Lunch & dinner.
Allentown Brew Works $$
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.
The Lehigh Valley’s premiere sports grille, offering signature homemade recipes. Two great locations Brunch, lunch & dinner.
1160 S. Krocks Rd., Wescosville, 610.391.0648, foundationtavern.com
Lunch, dinner & late night.
Gio Italian Grill $$
6465 Village Ln., Macungie, 610.966.9446, gioitaliangrill.com
Gio Italian Grill offers old world charm with a progressive twist. Centering around their woodstone open flame hearth, Gio uses only imported ingredients to produce mouth-watering flavors. Take-out and private parties available. Lunch & dinner.
Upscale, yet unpretentious. Fine fusion cuisine. Extensive martini, wine and beer menus. Lunch & dinner.
The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar $$$
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 $$
1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown, 610.437.3911, hopslehighvalley.com
Come to eat, drink and have fun! Friendly, food-oriented sports bar with cold brews! Lunch, dinner & late night.
1505 Limeport Pike, Limport, 610.967.1810, l imeportinn.com
New American cuisine in a relaxed country setting Lunch & dinner.
Photo by Alison Conklin
Melt $$$
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 $$
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.3810, bethlehemmint.com
An American Gastropub focused on reinventing the “Table” in Comfortable. Brunch, dinner & late night.
Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Ringers Roost $$
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.
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 $$
3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.1887, sumopa.com
Fresh, beautifully presented sushi and Japanese fusion dishes, served in a modern atmosphere. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Neapolitan pizza using local ingredients cooked in their Italian wood oven for guests to enjoy. Lunch & dinner.
The Tavern on Liberty $
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 484.221.8765, tavernonliberty.com “Life, liberty and the pursuit of beer.” Check out other location in Reading called The Liberty Taproom. Open seven days a week. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Top Cut Steakhouse $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com
Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.
Torre $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.9399, torrerestaurant.com
Classic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy Happy Hour gathered around the three-story tequila tower. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Upscale food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with an extensive craft beer list. Brunch, dinner & late night.
Union and Finch $$ 1528 W. Union St., Allentown, 610.432.1522, unionandfinch.com
A casual American bistro serving lunch and dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Wert’s Café $
515 N. 18 th St., Allentown, 610.439.0951, wertscafe.com
Homemade goodness served in a friendly atmosphere. The perfect stop for lunch or dinner. Lunch & dinner.
White Orchids Thai Cuisine $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7499, whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com
Authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary and relaxed dining atmosphere. Signature seafood dishes, house specialties and classic Thai entrées. New bar and lounge area. Lunch & dinner.
Enjoy dining styles from fine to family, buffet, à la carte, gastrobar and deli served with old-world charm and hospitality. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Northampton
1741 on the Terrace $$$
437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2219, hotelbethlehem.com
The award-winning culinary team takes pride in presenting seasonal menus combined with the 1741 classic. Dinner.
Apollo Grill $$$
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem , 610.865.9600, apollogrill.com
Bistro-style restaurant encouraging a grazing dining experience. Comfortable, friendly, sophisticated and lively. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Bethlehem Brew Works $$
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.
From a party of four on the covered outdoor patio to a party of 400 in the newly renovated event center ballroom, blue delivers with prime steaks and seafood, a sprawling wine list and impeccable service. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bolete is a fine dining restaurant where the team’s care and passion for what they do is evident in each carefully and skillfully prepared dish. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
The Brick $-$$
1 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1141, thebrickpa.com
Wood-fired pizzeria, restaurant and bar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
Homestyle Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. On- and off-premises catering available. Lunch & dinner.
DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead seating available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem 518 March St. Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Edge Restaurant $$$
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.814.0100, edgerestaurant.net
An all-scratch kitchen “combined with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, you get edge.” Lunch, dinner & late night.
Maxim’s 22 bistro and brasserie is the latest from the awardwinning Sette Luna team. Known for comfortable french fare in a casual setting. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub
$$$
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.
Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks Buffet & Grill. Featuring live action cooking and a fully-stocked bar, guests will enjoy a variety of fresh international culinary dishes at the all-you-can-eat buffet or choose their favorites from the a la carte menu, including artisan pizza, a pasta station, sushi, fresh-carved meats, and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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.
BY KRISTEN RINALDI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Dannielle Makdesi has owned Hava Java Cafe in Allentown for 11 years, but according to her, the masses are only just beginning to appreciate the tasty trend treat that is Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Like the rest of Hava Java’s menu, their Mexican Hot Chocolate is non-GMO and completely organic. Makdesi’s philosophy is simple: If she wouldn’t eat or drink it, she won’t serve it. “Every coffee bean is organic,” she says.
So then, what makes the cocoa so special? Makdesi says it’s really good, smooth hot chocolate, with a kick. That kick comes from the blend of cayenne and nutmeg spices that she adds. What’s more, they use Belgian chocolate and milk (never water) to make the drink. “It’s warming,” says Makdesi. “It lifts your spirits.” Though it’s a wintertime favorite, patrons can enjoy the beverage any season—and at whatever temperature—they wish. Makdesi says many opt to halve it with their coffee, whether hot or iced. But there’s no frozen batch behind the counter; each cup is made fresh to order. Top your drink with chocolate or caramel syrup or, as pictured, their homemade (never-canned) whipped cream.
Hungry? Order Makdesi’s baklava with your cocoa. “People get upset if I don’t have it,” she says of the sweet dessert pastry. And she’s not kidding; Makdesi rolls 60 of them each week, made with walnut, pistachio and honey—zero sugar is used in any of Hava Java’s baked goods.
526 N. 19th St., Allentown 610.432.3045 | havajavacafe
HOW DO YOU SAY CARB LOADING IN ITALIAN?
Everyone’s watching their carbs. But if you’re craving handmade pasta with a delicious modern twist, we can help. You’ll find plenty of pasta choices, along with gourmet pizzas and other Italian dishes, in an expansive menu. All impeccably served in an inviting, stunningly beautiful atmosphere. Melt. Italian cuisine, totally worth every carb.
