Katie Antonson, owner of Lille Syster in Easton, pg. 38
C.
Windswept
Stunning architectural design is the hallmark of this extraordinary residence. Amenities include cathedral ceilings, built-ins, indoor resistance pool, and elevator. 4 BRs, incl. a first floor master suite. $995,000
Rosewood
Bordered by a scenic golf course, Rosewood impresses with excellent locale and superior amenities. Marble 2-story foyer leads to sun filled rooms with vaulted ceilings & oversized windows. 4 BRs, 3 baths. $549,900
High Meadow
An exceptional balance of rural serenity and modern finishes. Open floor plan with high ceilings & a twostory family room w/ a stacked stone wood-burning fireplace. 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths on 3+ acres. $679,000
Skyview
A spacious and stunning home that embraces the views on all sides. 4,459 sqft. of light-filled rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, entertaining kitchen, theater, exercise & play rooms, pool & outside kitchen. $1,075,000
Treetop Views
A beautifully maintained home with a country road feel. Hardwood floors, updated kitchen with granite counters & subway tile, family room with wood burning fireplace & 3 season room. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $329,000
Sunrise
An exceptional floor plan accommodates entertaining on a grand scale, yet can be intimate enough for cozy family gatherings. 5 bedrooms, great room/kitchen w/wood floors, 9ft ceilings & a stone fireplace. $895,000
Valley View
Custom built home with open floor plan, designer kitchen and a 2 story great room w/a stone fireplace. 4 bedrooms & 3 baths. 2 acre yard with covered living room w/fireplace, outdoor kitchen, & a hot tub. $675,000
Fieldview
Fieldview offers the utmost of relaxation in a picturesque setting as well as the convenience of a central, Saucon Valley location. 4 BR, 3.5 baths, and a finished basement w/office space & family room. $529,900
Holly Court
is gorgeous home on a quiet cul-de-sac boasts 9' cathedral ceilings, a Morris Black kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, and outside pergola & patio areas to enjoy breathtaking views of Center Valley. $775,000
The Laurels
A timeless design provides exceptional livability and is centered on nearly 3 acres. Six bedrooms, including an au pair suite, a richly-appointed library and gracious kitchen all accommodate a full house. $995,000
Apollo
Set on park-like private land in N. Bethlehem, this estate is a delightful retreat. e 2-story foyer and living room adjoin a great room designed for entertaining, & family room with wet bar & pool access. $699,000
Isaac Stout House
Included in the National Register of Historic Places, this gentleman’s estate presents a special opportunity to preserve the past. Updated kitchen, 2001 garage and studio space. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $1,475,000
Allentown Fire Chief Lee Laubach, Jr., with Arson K9, Judge, pg. 56
by Andrew Tomasino
Photo
KRISTEN L. RINALDI krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com
Family
For our annual family living edition, I got the pleasure of actually working with my real-life family! When our team decided that we should feature a child makeover, I instantly thought of my nieces. Though I wanted to offer the opportunity to my oldest niece, Makenzee, who is 12 and sports hair that rivals Rapunzel’s in length, I was pretty sure that this soccer-playing, superstar tomboy would politely decline. To my surprise, she was one-hundred percent on board. I picked Makenzee up from school on a sunny afternoon in March and we ventured to Sweet & Sassy at the Promenade, where we both had a total blast. After agreeing to cut a whopping four inches off of her long locks, the stylist, Nealey, effortlessly curled the hair that Makenzee had previously declared un-curlable. (We later celebrated with some quesadillas—Makenzee’s goto—at Torre—my go-to.) But my favorite part of this entire experience was reading Nealey’s responses to our questions about the makeover, pg. 36. She said that what she liked about Makenzee was that she could tell she is her own individual, not caught up in being like everyone else. Despite being 13 years her senior, this is something I’ve always admired about my niece.
In this issue, we invite readers to spend some quality time with their families—and who knows, maybe even learn something new. On pg. 66, we’re giving you an A–Z guide to the Lehigh Valley Zoo, a Valley landmark that, especially if you haven’t been there yet, should totally be on your to-do list this summer. The Zoo is home to 131 species and more than 240 animals, all waiting for some human friends to come say hello.
Speaking of furry friends, we’re honored to introduce you to some of the Valley’s four-legged heroes, on pg. 56. From the Bethlehem Mounted Patrol to a top Arson K9,
BTS—this month's cover shoot at Lille Syster, pg. 38
Cheesing with my niece, Kenzee, post makeover at Sweet & Sassy, pg. 36
BANANA REPUBLIC BROOKS BROTHERS
WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET LOFT & MANY MORE
President/CEO Paul Prass
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Director of Creative Services Erica Montes
Digital & Web Design Specialist Barry Knoblach
Accounting Donna Bachman
Circulation Manager Andrea Karges
3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045
Phone: 610.923.0384 Fax: 610.923.0390
Publisher Editor
Art Director
Graphic Designer
Advertising Executives
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Contributing Writers
Contributing Photographers
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Proofreader
Pamela K. Deller
Kristen Rinaldi
Elaine Wyborski
Thomas Körp
Kellie Bartholomew, Caley Bittner, Denise Lichty, Pam Taylor
Kelli Hertzog
Susan Bianchi, Carrie Havranek, Lori McLaughlin, Meghan Decker
Szvetecz, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino, Alexandra Whitney
Nicole Capuano
Lori McLaughlin
Tatiana Madise
Vlad Image Studio
How long have you been a contributor for Style? How did you get started? I think this is my fourth year with Style!
Have you always known you wanted to be a photographer? I wanted to be a lawyer and an FBI agent long before I discovered my passion for art.
Tell us a little bit about Vlad Image Studio. I simply named my business after my dad.
What is your absolute favorite thing to shoot? Life! Emotions.
What did you shoot for this issue? Most of the Style Scene event photos, starting on pg. 12.
Who are your greatest inspirations? My children are my inspiration—they taught me how to love unconditionally.
What distracts you from your work? My pets! Especially my kitten.
What can readers see you drinking at an Insider Happy Hour? White sangria.
What are you currently obsessed with? I’m totally obsessed with life—all of the opportunities and chances.
Tell us your favorite family-friendly thing to do in the Valley! I think everyone who follows me on social media knows that my two favorite family-friendly things to do in the Valley are eating out and chasing the sunset.
STYLE SCENE
Heroes in Disguise Fundraising Gala
Located at Saucon Valley Country Club to benefit Tails of Valor Paws of Honor | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Andrew and Rachel Lynn 2. Celeste and Albert Fulcher 3. Dorothy and Matt Henderson 4. Jana and Josh Spess 5. Keith and Martha Houston 6. Lindsay and Jason Harrar 7. John Saeger, Sarah Shaulis, and Scott and Jennifer Hawk 8. Lori and Jason Ellis 9. Jannette Saeger and Jessica Fulcher 10. Marisa Linsky and Dana Linsky 11. Megan Reed and Adrea Diehl 12. Emilie Loughrey Geiger 13. Paula D’Angelo, Joanne Rinaldi, Monica Perry and Megan Gray 14. Tim Brooks 15. Makayla Luse Loftus
Style Insider Happy Hour
Located at Emeril’s Chop House | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Bill and Michelle Shafer 2. Doreen and Dave Harris 3. Edward John White, Tim Marchetto, Sheri Bayne and Lori Starnes 4. Elena and Joe Pascal 5. Genny Perez and Michael Pierce 6. Jacque Vargas and Ron Atamian 7. Janet Fiugalski and Tim Duquette 8. Wendy Keim, Lisa Schwartz, Lisa Flores and Michele Grasso 9. Jeff Doll and Linda Pacifico 10. John Conklin and Maria Esposito 11. Michael McNett, Jodi German and Julia Corwin 12. Monica Maldonado and Lucille Csakai 13. Karen and David Carbonara, and Donna Appolloni
STYLE SCENE
Phoebe Institute on Aging Benefit
Located at DeSales University to benefit Phoebe Ministries | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Brenda and Edwin DePaula 2. Brynn Buskirk and Jennifer Gumina 3. Eric and Denise Blew 4. Grace and Bob Hoyer 5. Joan and Dick Reider 6. Keith and Evelyn Williams 7. Kerianne Geist and Nick Tranguch 8. Kevin Brotzman and Holly Hall 9. Linda Horn and Bill Hacker 10. Marta and Jeff Countess 11. Mary and Scott Stevenson 12. Rose Marie and William Scharle 13. Quinn Kolbe, Rebecca Horst, Emilie Joly and Kristen Dwyer 14. Sandra Davis and Doris Bova 15. Sandy Leidich and Kim Wortman
Community Bike Works Blazing New Trails
Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Allison Hentz and Carol Obando-Derstine 2. Felipa and Adrian Cousens 3. Fusun and Michael Bubernack 4. Evan and Ty Howard 5. Bill Jones, Emily Jones, Chelsea Trottier, Pete Lessik, Mandy Marquardt and James Williams 6. Judy and Gus Belaires 7. Kathy and Dave Leber, and Barbara Diamond 8. Laura and Joe Goldfeder 9. Keith Flickinger, Kim Schaffer and Joshua Ortiz 10. Matt and Renae Yeager 11. Phil and Annette Armstrong 12. Ted Rappaport and Jonathan Epstein 13. Claire Aylward and Sarah Andrew
Allentown Symphony Ball
Located at Lehigh Country Club to benefit Allentown Symphony Association Photography by Shelbie Pletz Photography
1. Angie and Frank Heston 2. Belris and Joan Rosario 3. Carol Jeter and Geoff Harrington 4. Jason Robbins and Amy Kruzel 5. Judy and David Mickenberg 6. Lisa and Bill Bloss 7. Marie and Marty Levin 8. Molly Phillips and Greg Scarlato 9. Phyllis Gibson, Ilene Wood, Ethel-Drayton Craig and Lynnie Godfrey 10. Stella DeSantis 11. Natalia Stezenko, Dave Meyers and Jill Brader 12. Rachel Hull and Scott Landsdale 13. Donna and Russ Leibensperger 14. Lydia Siebert and Ryan MacKenzie 15. Sara DeBenedetto and Eric Weiland
CALENDAR
June
10 Things to Do This Month
1
Laughing At My Nightmare 5K
June 16: Walk, run or stroll your way through this family (and pet!) friendly 5K to help raise money for local charity Laughing At My Nightmare, supporting those living with muscular dystrophy.
$45–$60 | 9:30 a.m.–Noon | ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | laughingatmynightmare.com
3
Blues, Brews and Barbecue
June 9 : Celebrate a day filled with great brews and barbecue, craft vendors to explore and, of course, rockin’ Blues music to enjoy. Over 20,000 Blues enthusiasts gather in Downtown Allentown each year for the annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival.
June 2: Volunteers will be present at the winery for a meet and greet with adoptable dogs and will offer related merchandise for purchase. Wine will be available by the glass.
June 1: Calling all Shakespeare lovers! This summer-long event kicks off in June and showcases all different aspects of Shakespeare-related work, from his legendary plays to character development and workshops.
$17–$62 | DeSales University 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley 610.282.9455 | pashakespeare.org
5
Tony Bennett at the Sands
June 30: Listen to the music of legendary, Grammy Award-winning artist Tony Bennett as he belts out his classics and charms the crowd.
June 12–16: The SouthSide Film Festival is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of the independent filmmaker, providing the patron of the arts freedom of choice and showcasing the community culture of South Bethlehem.
$5–$50
26 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.882.4300 | southsidefilmfestival.com
Yoga at the Farm
June 23 : Lay down a mat amongst the beautiful field of this family-owned organic farm. Participants can breathe in the fresh country air as they’re guided through a 75-minute gentle flow. Enjoy a potluck dinner following the yoga class. BYOB.
Members: $18, Non-members: $20 5:30 p.m. | Asbury Village Farm
June 10: At this culinary clash of tasty titans, trucks compete to win over the judging panel in the hopes of earning the “Best Overall Food Truck” title, as well as the coveted “People’s Choice Award,” decided in a public vote.
$5–$18 | Noon–8 p.m. | PNC Plaza 645 E. 1st St., Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org 7
WE YERBACHER’S 23rd Anniversary Party
June 23: Weyerbacher Brewing is turning 23 on the 23rd, and they’re debuting an Anniversary Ale! This year’s theme celebrates circus fun with live music, local food vendors, a cigar bar and more.
$15 | 4–9 p.m.
The Tap Room at Weyerbacher Brewing 905 Line St., Easton | 610.559.5561
taproomatweyerbacher
10
Wine Me Up! Festival
June 2–3: Enjoy unlimited wine sampling, tapas courtesy of Blue Mountain’s culinary team, live music, craft vendors and a spectacular view. Check online for the list of participating vineyards and wineries.
Sat.: $50, Sun.: $45 | Noon–5 p.m.
Blue Mountain Resort 1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton 610.826.7700 | skibluemt.com
Julia Sommer
By Daisy Willis
With a family of musical professionals and a diploma from Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, 18-year-old Julia Sommer has been developing her abilities as a songwriter and performer practically since birth. Her powerful, polished voice can be heard all over the Valley, and it’s onward and upward for this rising star. Cleaning up at the Lehigh Valley Music Awards and recipient of Discover Lehigh Valley’s “Discovered Artist Award,” Sommer is already highly recognized at home. Her modern twist on acoustic rock has bewitched the audiences at Musikfest, Godfrey Daniels, the Hotel Bethlehem
and many more venues here in the Valley, and caught the attention of contest judges far and wide. “One of the proudest and coolest experiences I’ve had was having my first performance in 2018 be at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,” Sommer says. As one of three finalists in the Tri-C High School Rock Off, she was invited to record one of her original songs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives studio. Sommer has also auditioned for American Idol and got a callback from The Voice, so it may be just a matter of time before we’re cheering her on in the bright lights of the national stage.
ON DISPLAY
Sommer’s father, Werner, is her biggest inspiration: “He has taught me the meaning of dedication and practice.” The two appear together in a music video for “At All Times,” a song dedicated to his late mother.
This month, she’s performing at music industry conferences, and you can check her website for local gigs. An EP of her original songs is expected very soon as this young singer continues to follow the call of her talent.
juliasommer.rocks
Katagami: The Japanese Stencil
New to the Allentown Art Museum, the exhibit Katagami: The Japanese Stencil highlights the appealing design and the cross-cultural history of Japanese stencils. For centuries, the Japanese have printed fabric using katagami. Though these stencils look delicate, dyers could use them 150 to 300 times. Stencil cutters carved them from shibugami, a strong paper made of layers of mulberry bark fused with fermented persimmon juice and cured by smoking. These artisans traditionally completed a seven-year apprenticeship and specialized in a certain technique: cutting stripes, for instance. In spite of the skill involved in producing katagami, the
Japanese saw these stencils as dyers’ tools rather than works of art.
Western designers drew on the stencils’ stylized interpretation of nature to create patterns for textiles, wallpaper, stained glass and even furniture. They also valued katagami for embodying arts and crafts movement principles like skilled handcraft. There will be four rotations of the exhibit, and the first is on display now through August 5.
Allentown Art Museum
31 N. 5th St., Allentown | 610.432.4333 allentownartmuseum.org
The Not So Boring Letters of Private Nobody
By Matthew Landis
Landis, a Bucks County native, tells the tale of a history-obsessed middle schooler named Oliver Prichard. Oliver makes an unlikely friend when he’s paired with Ella Berry for a Civil War report, and he’s forced to let go of the past to deal with the now.
Positively Izzy
By Terri Libenson
The author of bestselling Invisible Emmie returns with a novel about a dreamer named Izzy. Izzy loves acting and using her imagination, but sometimes she’s so busy daydreaming that she can’t focus on her schoolwork. Meanwhile, a fellow middle-schooler named Bri struggles to make people see her as more than just a smartypants. Their worlds collide in a dramatic school talent show.
Llama Llama Loves to Read
By Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan
The bestselling Llama Llama series continues with a new release that tackles letters, word cards and stories galore. It’s the perfect picture book for children ages 3–5 years old.
Patio Dining At Its Finest
Ragtime
By Daisy Willis
June 13–July 1 : This summer’s musical selection at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is Ragtime, a sweeping historical portrait of an era rife with issues of inequality and segregation that are topical from one century to the next.
Capturing the promise and problems contorting America at the turn of the last century, Ragtime is based on a novel by E.L. Doctorow that weaves historical figures and facts in with fictional characters to create a vibrant context for social themes in a changing country. Through three groups— a wealthy white family, a young African-American couple from Harlem and a Latvian father and daughter entering the ghettos of the Lower East Side through Ellis Island—we experience a nation in tumult with a ravishing musical score. “The syncopated rhythms of ragtime,” says director Dennis Razze, “are blended with beautiful ballads and soaring anthems to create a sound that is infectious and that will linger on well after the curtain has come down.”
That curtain comes down on a cast attired in “literally several hundred” of the same costumes designed for the original production by Tony Award-winning designer Santo Loquasto, and a set influenced by the wrought ironwork and architecture of the Gilded Age. Lighting by the masterful Eric Haugen will create environments and moods for settings like political rallies, the Ford assembly line, train rides and journeys by steamship.
Although Ragtime questions America’s promise to be a land of opportunity and deals in some heavy subject matter, it’s also a hugely entertaining musical show. “The challenges faced by these characters will not seem so different from those we face today,” says Razze, “and I believe that audiences that come to Ragtime will share a powerful experience that is ultimately uplifting and full of hope.”
$25–$62 | Showtimes
SUMMER ART CAMPS
A Sweet Treat
Scoopendorf’s Ice Cream Company
In the fall of 1993, Tim and Wendy Pitts purchased an ice cream franchise, which they later renamed The Ice Cream Lab after adding a children’s educational ice cream space onto their retail store. When the lab moved into its new home at Imagi Nation in 2016, it became “Scoopendorf’s.” In addition to all the products being made on the premises, Scoopendorf’s has a commitment to the education of children. From the early days of sharing “The History of Ice Cream” and hosting ice cream science experiments in their lab, to now being a major sponsor of the Lehigh Valley’s only children’s museum, Scoopendorf’s has been instrumental in blending education with entertainment through America’s favorite frozen dessert. It’s also the perfect place to host a children’s party or event. “The sweetest memories we make are made as children,” says owner, Wendy Pitts.
350 S. Best Ave. Suite E, Walnutport 610.767.3551 | scoopendorfs.com
Healthy Living Supplement Exchange
Founded in February of 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Ricardo and Lauren Escobar, Easton’s Supplement Exchange encourages wellness and healthy living. They specialize in selling products ranging from vitamins and protein to energy amino acids, sports nutrition and even Young Living essential oils. “A lot of people are overwhelmed by how many things this industry has to offer, and think they need to buy lots of things to make an improvement toward their goals. That’s rarely the case,” says Ricardo. “And although this Easton store is new, we’ve sold supplements for close to 10 years through different e-commerce stores, so we know quite a bit.” The Supplement Exchange boasts internet pricing with retail convenience.
Brew Me Box is a curated tea, coffee, chocolates and fine-foods subscription box, which delivers four to five full-sized products from all over the world to subscribers’ doors each month. A branch of Lehigh Global, a company based locally that consults with international corporations who are seeking to invest in the Lehigh Valley, Brew Me Box’s founders João DaCosta, Gilbert Lee and Sandra Soliman wanted to deliver specialty international goods and flavors to the region. “We handpick fair trade, organic and full-sized delectable goods from around the world right to your front door,” says Soliman. brewmebox.com
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Gail Hoover Gail Hoover’s Charity Birthday Bash
Six years ago, Gail Hoover got some friends together to celebrate her birthday, and while planning the celebration, she decided that she wanted to do some good for the Lehigh Valley. It was then that “Gail Hoover’s Charity Birthday Bash” was born, and it’s been an annual event ever since. “It takes a village to put on this event,” says Hoover, who recruits her friends and family to help get everything in place for the event. Half of the money goes to FACT, which stands for Fighting AIDS Continuously Together. The other half of the money goes to an animal or pet charity in need of emergency equipment for when first responders arrive on scene to rescue them. Hoover says that last year she had the idea to outfit local first responders with animal oxygen kits. “Having served as a City of Allentown Councilwoman, I know there is no line item for these supplies,” she says. “There’s just a bigger picture to be a part of— the ripple effect of one person’s energy can be phenomenal. Part of all of these events is to create awareness of the problem and create awareness of how to help. There are so many worthy causes in the Lehigh Valley. Find the one that speaks to your heart and help however you feel you can,” she says.
gailsbirthdaybash
Photo by Vlad Image Studio
Gail Hoover
Urban Winery Easton Wine Project
Owners Bo Trochym and Justin Fretz established Easton Wine Project in 2017, and officially opened the doors to their trendy tasting room in February 2018. Trochym’s father-in-law, Jack Fulton, spent the last 35 years as the vintner of Vigna del Monte vineyard, before retiring this past year. Longtime friends, Trochym and Fretz saw this as a perfect opportunity to assume care of the vineyard and open an urban winery in Easton’s Simon Silk Mill. The location and its faces might be new, but the source, Vigna del Monte, has been perfected over decades. “We put down roots in our hometown with the opening of Easton’s first known urban winery,” says Fretz. This summer, try their Silk Mill Rosé!
1247 Simon Blvd. Suite N103, Easton 610.438.2533 | eastonwineproject.com
four tickets to see Alice in Wonderland at DeSales University during the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, a $60 value.
THURSDAY JULY 12th 6-9 p.m.
,
Tickets on sale at
Sample winning food & drink, enjoy live entertainment, photo opportunities and more!
THIS MONTH’S PICKS
Photography by Alexandra Whitney
A MAKEOVER WITH STYLE
Cool Comfortability Sweet & Sassy
By Daisy Willis | Photography by Alexandra Whitney
Twelve-year-old Makenzee Harris volunteered for a classic haircut and makeup makeover with Sweet & Sassy at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, leaving some of her length behind and adding a little sparkle. Salon supervisor Nealey VanBuskirk knows the joys of both functional fashion and glitzy glitter hold true at any age. If we learn anything from this makeover, it’s that getting fancy goes hand in hand with knowing what you want and feeling comfy in your own skin.
Makenzee Harris
How do you like to do your hair?
Straight, braids, bun or wavy.
Who is someone you admire?
I definitely admire Kelley O’Hara. She is a women’s USA soccer defensive player.
How would you describe your style? Laid-back and comfortable.
When do you feel your best?
I feel my best when my hair is in sleek braids.
Your favorite thing about this makeover? That I get to try something new.
What are you looking forward to this summer? I’m looking forward to going to the beach in Delaware.
Nealey VanBuskirk
Stylist
What do you like best about working at Sweet & Sassy?
I love children in general but seeing their reaction to the smallest gestures such as lollipops and glitter is beautiful. You can see their self-esteem skyrocket.
Have you ever gone for a drastic makeover?
need to look like everyone else to fit in, and that is definitely not the case. Individuality is key at any age.
How did you like to dress up when you were her age?
When I was her age, I loved stirrup pants. Yes, that was years ago. But anything comfortable was a must since I was always outside riding my bike and playing.
What’s your best beauty secret? Less is more Be yourself
Tell me about the power of glitter.
Do you have any fashion advice for our readers? Always keep it comfortable!
Yes, I cut off about 15 inches of hair to donate. It was the shortest I’ve ever gone with my hairstyle. I have a few clients that have done the same thing. It’s a great feeling to know that we can help others just by giving a few inches of our hair.
What do you love about Makenzee’s look?
I love how she is her own individual. I feel many children at this age lose themselves and feel they
Glitter is just one of those things: No matter your age, be it one to 100, everything is better with glitter. Sometimes these children aren’t excited about haircuts, but as soon as you mention glitter, their eyes sparkle with excitement. I never leave home without it. No, seriously, it’s stuck to everything.
Your favorite thing about summer fashion?
I just love bright colors that will lift anyone’s mood. Flip-flops are my favorite accessory!
Sweet & Sassy Salon
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 610.851.4806 | sweetandsassy.com
GET THE GOODS LOCALLY
Lille Syster
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
At Lille Syster, a flower’s splendor can last forever. Launched by Katie Antonson in 2011, the shop’s name is the Swedish translation of “little sister.” And, this summer, you can bring your “lille” one here to celebrate all things flowery and fun during any of Antonson’s children’s workshops or her camp art series.
Katie Antonson
Owner
Tell us about how Lille Syster came to be, and where the name came from!
Lille Syster started by accident. In 2011, I was looking for decorations for my sister’s bridal shower that I was hosting. I couldn’t really find anything, so I decided to make my own. As a kid, I had made lots of flowers out of wallpaper sample books. I was
a fourth-grade teacher at the time, and I had lots of well-loved books from my classroom library, so I took some books and started making flowers. I made flowers on stems to put in vases, and garlands of flowers to hang. Once my sister saw the flowers, she decided she needed them for her wedding. So I spent the next six months making thousands of flowers. After the wedding, I didn’t want to stop making them, so I opened an Etsy store. The first thing you have to do to open an Etsy store is come up with a name. I decided since I made the flowers for my little sister I would name the business after her. We’re Swedish, so I went with the Swedish translation of “little sister:” Lille Syster. It took four hours to get my first sale, and the business was born. At the time, there were not any paper flowers for sale on Etsy, so my creations were an instant hit.
Tell us about the variety of paper flowers sold at the store, along with the price range. I make all varieties of flowers. From greenery to big, beautiful blooms like garden roses and peonies. Most of my designs come from nature and special requests. I can often be found taking real flowers apart petal by petal and learning how they go together. I then create the same flower out of paper. I sell arrangements that are premade and ready to go, but I also sell flowers by the bloom. Individual
flower prices start at $1.50 each and go up to $15 each. Arrangements can range from $15 to over $250; however, we have lots of ready-to-go bouquets in the $25 price range.
Is there a design or style that continues to fly off the shelves?
My dresser bouquets have become a go-to item for my clients. I have ready-to-go bouquets wrapped in paper (much like a real bouquet) that clients often buy as gifts. They range in price from $15 to $40 and include lots of ooak [one-of-a-kind] flowers.
You host paper-flower classes. What might a guest expect at an event like that?
Our flower classes are about three hours long and include Lille Syster-exclusive templates and all materials. Our flower classes vary, but most include painting and dyeing the paper, cutting and molding the flowers into their shapes. Everyone is successful in our classes, and they are BYOB!
In addition to the paper flowers, what other products does the shop carry?
We carry all kinds of handmade in the USA gifts. We are known for our quirky cards. We carry many different small, gift-type items—candles, jewelry, home goods. We also provide art classes, birthday parties and summer camps for kids.
What’s the best part about owning such a unique shop in Easton?
Easton is a vibrant, supportive community. I love meeting new people that are just discovering the city, but I also love my clients that have turned into dear friends.
140 C
Moving up, moving out or moving into the Lehigh Valley for the first time? Read on to catch a glimpse of some prime real estate available in the area, and to meet local agents who can help you find your home sweet home.
West End Elegance by Marcy Staiman
RE/MAX Real Estate | 3120 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown 610.770.9000 | msstaiman@gmail.com
Beautiful, architecturally designed Blair Custom Home located in prestigious Estates at Trexler Park. Sun filled kitchen features Dacor 6 sealed burner range, double convection ovens, Sub-Zero refrigerator. Cozy family room with floor-to-ceiling stone gas fireplace, first floor office, 2 staircases, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Walkout lower level leads to professionally landscaped yard, 2 tier deck, garden and tree swing!
Erica Rittenhouse
eXp Realty Lehigh Valley dreamhomefound.com johnrittenhouseteam.com Office: 888.397.7352 | Cell: 610.570.0448 1636 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown
With over 60+ years of experience, at the John Rittenhouse Team, nothing is more exciting than the gratifying feeling that comes from helping people meet their real estate needs. Whether they’re working with an experienced investor or a first time buyer, the John Rittenhouse Team can help find the property that dreams are made of.
Betty Shuster-Hanzlik
Howard Hanna The Frederick Group bettyshuster-hanzlik.howardhanna.com bettyshusterhanzlik@howardhanna.com Office: 610.398.0411 | Cell: 610.554.1678
3500 Winchester Rd. Suite 201, Allentown
• Repeatedly generating outstanding results
• Recipient, National Sales Excellence Award
• Sales volume exceeding $6.5 million
• Average 21 days on market
• No-lock-box policy (present for all showings and inspections)
• Personalized Marketing Plan, expert staging, photography and HD video production
bjgbc1@gmail.com | barbgsellshomes.com
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Crystals for Healing: Magic?
By Susan Bianchi, MS, Health & Wellness Coach
technological
Crystals have been vital in many of today’s technological advances. We see crystal tech nology used in LCD screens, microprocessors, fiber optics and lasers, just to name a few. While using crystals as an adjunct health aid may be a new idea to some, it’s an age-old practice. The exponential increase in technology usage, elevating exposure to disruptive electromagnetic field radiation (EMF), may be part of the increased interest in returning to nature’s rhythm by utilizing the natural frequencies found in crystals to help support health. The use of crystals can be seen in every culture throughout the history of mankind. Ancient Greeks believed hematite crystals made them invincible and would rub the crystals on their bodies before battle. Ancient Roman culture used crystals as talismans and amulets for health. Chinese medicine has used and continues to utilize crystals like selenite in herbal formulations, and Ayurvedic medicine from India incorporates the use of crystals, believing they are important for healing imbalances.
ETHAN
QUICK SHIP
Theory
Scientific evidence notes that everything in nature vibrates at certain frequencies. Additionally, those vibrations can influence the vibrational frequencies of other objects or bodies nearby, changing the larger energy field. The influx of Wi-Fi, microwave and cell phone radiation can be viewed as highfrequency assaults on the homeostasis of the body.
The theory behind crystal use is that by placing or having a particular crystal in the home or near the body, the inherent frequency of the crystal can have a harmonizing effect on the body’s frequencies, impacting health in a positive way.
In Practice
Dr. Susan Mattes Bostian, an integrative holistic health and nutrition specialist and founder of Dr. Susan’s pH, has seen positive benefits with her clients. She shares that the structure of crystals is a lattice—perfectly balanced, orderly, like a snowflake—permitting its energy to be consistent and constant, not fluctuating. “If you understand how the human body works, every cell vibrates at a particular frequency,” she says. “Utilizing crystals that can support those frequencies can be beneficial to the whole body.”
She has seen her clients utilize crystals to help with anxiety, address negative energy and help with sleep. Some clients have put crystals under their children’s pillows to help calm their energy, while others wear them for physical balance. Crystals don’t necessarily have to be on the body, though. Some use crystals in their home or office, feeling that it helps improve the overall energy of the space. “It is a wonderful addition for those that are receptive to the idea of incorporating other elements to aid in improving one’s own health and environment,” says Dr. Mattes Bostian. It is not meant to replace any medical treatment, but rather to support the body’s systems.
Placebo Effect
While there is no comprehensive data on the efficacy of crystal use, Dr. Mattes Bostian adds that advances in science are continuing to uncover relationships in the human body that were not previously understood, and she suggests we not dismiss something just because we may not understand it.
One should also not dismiss the placebo effect. This term is often misunderstood as a sham and “all in your head,” but that is not a placebo effect. A placebo effect does not stop at thinking something is of benefit so feeling better is purely psychological. Your brain can generate physiological changes in response to a placebo. Whether it is increasing serotonin, or changing an immune response or reducing pain receptors, a placebo effect can generate physiological effects. A
placebo effect does not alter the root cause of an issue but can help modulate symptoms, which for many is a win.
Research
If you are thinking about incorporating crystals into your life, Dr. Mattes Bostian suggests to do your research and look for respected authorities on the subject. She prefers to go with publications as a good rule of thumb for more reliable information, versus the internet. “You can see who has been published with multiple publications and has been working in the field for an extended period of time,” she explains. Judy Hall, author of The Encyclopedia of Crystals, is one of her preferred resources.
Sourcing
Dr. Mattes Bostian also urges those interested in purchasing crystals for their home and personal use to make sure to buy from an authentic, reputable crystal dealer or local business that specializes in holistic healing. “If you are buying on Amazon or eBay, you have no idea what you are actually buying,” she says. “It could easily and most likely be synthetic.” She adds that unless you bring it to a lab, there is no way to know with the naked eye, so go with a trusted source first and foremost. Crystals have been and will continue to be a part of our everyday life by virtue of technology. The question one may explore is if and how the use of crystals can impact one’s own personal health and well-being. Whether a placebo effect or through vibrational resonance, or just because they are beautiful pieces of nature, crystals may be an interesting exploration.
Popular Crystal Variations
- Black tourmaline: Believed to help with reducing anxiousness, creating more balance, protection and cleansing of negative energy.
- Shungite: Another crystal that is often used to shield against electromagnetic radiation from electrical devices. It also has antioxidant properties and has been used in purifying water.
- Amethyst: Believed to help aid in sleep, balance and calm the mind and enhance creativity.
- Himalayan Salt Crystal Lamps: Have made their way into most every retail store and are believed to help remove toxins and allergens in the air.
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Entry
Khine Alkhal
Founder of Khineder Creations
By Amy Unger | Photography by Andrew Tomasino
Khine Alkhal is not easily defined by any one title. She’s a mother, a friend, a humanitarian, an activist and a skin-care product connoisseur. She’s also a survivor. Alkhal, who was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Burma), says she was the victim of sexual abuse for many years, beginning when she was just six years old. Despite the trauma, Alkhal has thrived.
And perhaps because of the trauma, Alkhal has spent the majority of her adult life trying to avail girls and women of similar dire circumstances. She’s the owner of Khineder Creations in Emmaus, which offers both all-natural beauty products and various wares made by women who have escaped sex trafficking, domestic violence and other forms of abuse. “The reason I started the store was to showcase their products,” she says.
Years before the seed for Khineder Creations was planted in the Lehigh Valley, Alkhal was thousands of miles away, earning her master’s degree and PhD at the University of Tokyo, where she studied political economics and international relations. Early on, she displayed a flair for learning new languages and toyed with the idea of becoming a diplomat. But her interactions with refugees and asylum seekers were what ultimately lit a fire inside her. “That really opened my eyes,” says Alkhal. “I started digging into why these people became stateless.” She also worked extensively with victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. Her work was both enlightening and heartbreaking; she recalls an especially challenging case in which she befriended a nine-year-old girl who was working in a brothel operated by one of the girl’s own relatives.
I define success by the amount of
And yet, as trying as they were, those experiences were instrumental in deepening her empathy, and sharpening her convictions about her future aspirations. “I was never going to go after money,” she says. “I define success by the amount of time and energy I can contribute.”
It was in Tokyo where Alkhal met her now ex-husband, an Allentown native. She moved with him to the Lehigh Valley in 2013, the same year she gave birth to her son, Daniel Elie. But what should have been a joyous time was tempered by the cultural and geographical changes. “In Tokyo, I was surrounded by friends who were like family,” she explains. “Here, I couldn’t make any friends.” She was also suffering from postpartum depression. “In my culture, you don’t talk about it.”
But Alkhal began to feel more at home after she started meeting other mothers and like-minded women at yoga classes. And she recognized a
possible business opportunity when she was introduced to a local mother who, along with her daughter, was making and selling homemade lip balms. At first, Alkhal was only interested in funding the endeavor, but then she began to involve herself in the production side by studying natural ways to make soaps and creams. “Working with her, it made me realize there are so many women looking to connect with their communities,” says Alkhal.
Her son, who suffers from eczema, was an added incentive for Alkhal to dip her toe into the skin-care business. Alkhal says standard treatments involving Benadryl and hydrocortisone creams weren’t helping the little boy. She was anxious to seek relief elsewhere.
But where to begin, in a field already overcrowded with an alphabet’s worth of brands all fighting for precious shelf space while trying to one-up each other with promises of dazzling results? For Alkhal, a clue as to how she could set herself apart came from a blood test. She recalls that the nurse who delivered her results commended her on her health and asked her about her diet. That’s when it dawned on Alkhal that the Burmese recipes that were a staple of her go-to cuisine might be beneficial for more than just warding off hunger. Recalls Alkhal: “I thought, ‘How can I make them suitable for the skin?’”
INSIGHT
And so she began to convert those very same recipes into bath and beauty products, while steering clear of preservatives and chemicals.
“They’re fresh like a meal,” she says. “When you treat your skin with the right ingredients and nutrients, your skin starts to show it. The less chemicals we put in our bodies, the healthier we can be.” And, just as Monday night’s leftovers aren’t meant to linger in the fridge for years to come, Alkhal is proud to admit her products do have a shelf life, unlike some of the competition.
“The fact that a lipstick can look the same year after year is weird,” she remarks. “That shows how many chemicals were used to make that product.”
Indeed, many of Alkhal’s “recipes” sound good enough to eat. The “Blush” tinted lip and cheek stain features turmeric and organic beet powder.
A bar of “Gentle Soap” blends ingredients like lime, citrus, goat’s milk, spearmint and lemongrass. As you might expect from someone with a collegiate background heavy on meticulous study and research, Alkhal goes through a lot of trial and error when whipping up her various concoctions.
“I test every recipe as if I am submitting a PhD dissertation,” she says with a laugh. “I test them for months.” And Alkhal plays both scientist and guinea pig. “I test on myself first. I don’t want to sell anything I wouldn’t use on myself or my child.”
It comes with a message that being a survivor is more than just a will And all of these women are survivors
When it came time to showcase those products in a brick-and-mortar store, Alkhal knew exactly what kind of vibe she was looking for. “I didn’t want to stuff the space with shelves,” she says.
“I wanted there to be a living-room feel.” An Emmaus Borough Council member steered her to 379 Chestnut Street, and Khineder Creations opened its doors in January of 2017. Alkhal says she and a handful of part-time employees man the store, while whipping up all of the skin-care products right there on the premises. According to Alkhal, many of the ingredients and packaging materials are supplied by local moms and veteranowned businesses.
But establishing an attractive retail location was only one part of the equation. “I wanted to create a space where women could meet other people in the community,” says Alkhal. For that
reason, the store hosts a myriad of social events, including a “Meet and Keep” workshop on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. “It’s an hour long, but people never leave after an hour,” says Alkhal. It’s an opportunity for women to learn about the products, get free samples and make networking connections. It’s also a chance to see what’s possible for a budding entrepreneur.
While Khineder Creations is primarily a skin care and beauty product company, the store also displays and sells items that are made by mothers and abuse survivors. Elegant silk scarves, colorful purses and intricate woven baskets are just a few of the offerings that adorn the walls and shelves. Their creators are women whom Alkhal has met through her humanitarian work in Myanmar.
“I wanted these women to find their own calling,” she says. A percentage of the proceeds from those items is returned to the very artists who made them. But that’s only a small part of the benefit, for both the buyer and the seller. “All the products have their own story,” Alkhal says. “It comes with a message that being a survivor is more than just a will. And all of these women are survivors.”
Alkhal says she’s fielded offers to turn Khineder Creations into a franchise beyond the Lehigh Valley, but it’s not a career move that interests her at the moment. For now, she’s focused on what she’s been able to create on her own little corner of the Emmaus Triangle. “Over the past year, I have met so many women who feel empowered,” she says. ”For me, that means more than anything.”
Bloom Street Junior Wingman in rouge
Malcolm J. Gross Kellie Rahl-He ner Anne K. Manley Adrian K. Cousens Constance K. Nelson Allen I. Tullar
Teisha Jones, Shelter Manager of Lehigh County Humane Society
By Daisy Willis
If you’re ready to go from binging cute animal gifs to adopting your own furry pal, start perusing your local shelter. The Lehigh County Humane Society in Allentown takes in around 2,000 stray and abandoned animals each year that just need a stable, loving family to flourish. Shelter Manager Teisha Jones has advice on finding the right rescue and orchestrating a painless transition from safe harbor to forever home.
Know What You’re Looking For
At any given time, the Humane Society may have dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles, rats, geckos—maybe even a potbellied pig and some ducks. Evaluate your lifestyle and your situation to determine what’s a realistic companion to take on. If you’re not home much or you’re particularly sedentary, cats and smaller friends are a good choice. If you want a buddy to tear up miles of hiking trail with you, look to the doggos, some of which need hours of exercise or their pent-up energy can turn into behavioral issues.
Budget for Your New Buddy
“Owning a pet can be expensive,” says Jones. “Adopters should plan to spend at least $600 per year on food, supplies and veterinary care. In the first year, most new pet owners find that they spend over $1,000.”
Part of that is the adoption fee, which at LCHS ranges from under $50 for small animals to $140 for cats and $240 for most types of dogs. It’s a small price to pay knowing that all animals leave the shelter spayed, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, flea treated and dewormed.
The future isn’t always certain, but if you’re pretty sure you can cover regular veterinary care, food, catnip/treats and new toys for the next 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 for cats, you’re good to go.
Get Acquainted
Falling in love at first sight with a massive Husky/ German Shepherd mix when you live in a studio apartment may not work out, but in the case of less explicitly active breeds, animals are individuals, and some dogs are happiest glued to your couch. Staff at the shelter can tell you what they know about the personality of each cat and pup.
When you find an animal you like, bring in other members of the household to visit them, too, especially another dog if you have one. “We encourage potential adopters to visit multiple times,” says Jones, “and bring toys or blankets with your scent on them to leave with the pet.”
A Note on Pit Bulls
You’ll notice that the overwhelming majority of shelter dogs are variations of the much-maligned, abused and overbred pit bull, which has the sad distinction of being number one in euthanizations. Compared with the $240 fee for adopting any other dog, the fee for a pit bull at LCHS is $150, in part to start a conversation with potential adopters. “A dog is what you put into it,” Jones says. “Pit bulls can be very loyal, protective, playful and more
tolerant with kids than small dogs like the Chihuahua or the Yorkie.”
All we’re saying is give these lovably ogreish misfits a chance.
Prepare Your Home
Even a positive transition can cause an animal stress. Start them in a small room (the kitchen works best for accident cleanup) and slowly increase their territory. Walk your new dog around the house on a leash, and if there’s another animal to adapt to, let them meet through closed doors and by alternating time in a crate so they don’t get overwhelmed.
Make things easy on everyone by dog- or cat-proofing the home, keeping electrical cords, plants and chewable rugs out of reach. With animal beds at the ready, pets are more likely to stay off the furniture, and with scratching posts poised, your feline friend has at least a chance to take pity on your furniture and spare it the claw.
Train from Square One
“Shelter pets often come from situations where they were abused, neglected or never trained,” says Jones. “A dog that hasn’t received training doesn’t necessarily know what is a ‘right’ or a ‘wrong’ behavior.”
Take time with everyone in the household to establish a vocabulary list you’ll all use consistently to give your dog directions. Dogs don’t mind being renamed, and working on getting a new name to stick is a great way to spend time giving positive reinforcement early on.
Over the first few weeks, in the safety of a patient home, with a dependable schedule of feeding and walks, your pet will come to understand what is expected and what to expect, and his or her personality will show more and more. Jones expresses the gratitude that rescues can only articulate through wet kisses and contented purrs: “By adopting, you’re truly saving a life. You’ll be rewarded with years of love!”
5 TH ANNUAL PET PHOTO CONTEST
WINNER S REVEALED
Nearly 400 reader entries —and around 7,000 votes —later, the Valley has spoken. These are the top four-legged five. Read on to learn what makes each of them so special!
#1 DRE FLY
Owners: Lindsay and Matt Fly of Allentown
Nickname : Boopy
Breed: Boston Terrier
Age: 7 years old
Favorite Food: Cheese, but peanut butter is a close second!
Favorite Activity: Destroying the stuffies from his monthly BarkBox
Best Trait: Snuggles and wigglebutts
Worst Trait: Such a mooch when you are trying to eat!
Dre has a pretty active social (and social media) life for a dog, as well as an extensive wardrobe of hoodies, costumes and bandanas. He is the "ambassadog" for the Boston Terrier Lehigh Valley social club, which raises money for Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue. He attends IronPigs Dog Days and is a longtime member of the Pawparazzi club. Dre enjoys visiting nursing homes and the Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County, where his mom works. He is known on Instagram for both the "25 Dres of Christmas" and the "13 Wicked Ahsome Halloween Costumes.” When he's not frolicking around at Yappy Hours of the Lehigh Valley, he enjoys spending time with his aunties, napping in the sunshine and getting puppaccinos from Starbucks. His life is just "PAWesome" and fun, which is what it's all about! Follow along on Instagram @dre_fly_thebostonterrier.
#2 DAISY
Owner: Sean Millard of Hellertown
Nickname: DaDa
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Age: 2 years old
Favorite Food: Pepperoni pizza & steak
Favorite Activity: Swimming, with some modeling work on the side
Best Trait: She is the life of the party and is always down for some cuddling Worst Trait: Daisy’s drooling is equivalent to Niagara Falls
Daisy always knows when the pizza delivery guy is coming before he even rings the doorbell. (She knows him as “The Marinara Man.”)
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Zoe was adopted at nine weeks old and was just 2.5 lbs! At a gigantic 10 lbs, Zoe is a tiny pupper with a big attitude and tons of personality. Follow her adventures on Instagram @_zoethenugget
#4 ESTELLA LYRIC
Owner: Kimberly Rohrbach of Northampton
Nickname: Stella
Breed: French Bulldog
Age: 1 ½ years old
Favorite Food: Any kind of dog treats!
Favorite Activity: Snuggling with someone— whether another pet or person
Best Trait: Loves to dress up and look adorable!
Worst Trait: Doesn’t like to come when called. She feels her cuteness allows her to do what she wants!
#3 ZOE
Owners: Meghan and James Mengel of Bethlehem
Nickname: Nug, Nugget, Nuggy Pup
Breed: Chihuahua Mix
Age: 2 years old
Favorite Food: Carrots
Favorie Activity: Running laps around the coffee table
Best Trait: Always knowing when her humans need a snuggle
Worst Trait: Constantly stealing mom's socks out of the laundry basket
Stella is the clown of the household. She’s a typical Frenchie, who loves to make you laugh, have fun and give loving snuggles!
Bowie was in foster care in Mississippi when he was rescued and brought to Pennsylvania by Red Rock Rescue, Inc., a non-profit organization located in the Poconos. They help homeless, abused and neglected dogs and find them forever homes. His forever family taught him to ring a bell when he wants a treat.
#5 BOWIE
Owners: George and Sharon Bonser of Wilson
Nickname: Bobo Gigio
Breed: Mixed
Age: 2 years old
Favorite Food: Peanut butter
Favorite Activity: Catching tennis balls
Best Trait: Loves everyone
Worst Trait: Picky eater
F n Fact
While Pharaoh likes to play with other horse halters, George has a thing for neck scratches (and food of any kind), Asa likes water bottles and Grey enjoys Jolly Balls.
Pharaoh
Furry Heroes OF THE LV
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
By Kristen Rinaldi
Meet a few of the four-legged friends who keep the Valley safe
You’ve likely seen the Bethlehem Mounted Patrol unit around town at festivals, parades and other community events. Primarily responsible for patrolling Bethlehem’s downtown districts and city parks, they say that Musikfest is their time to shine and demonstrate the unit’s full capabilities. “The horses are exceptional at crowd management, crime prevention and are a great public relations tool,” explains Officer Jason Holschwander. “Not to mention, the boys love when their counterparts from the Pennsylvania State Police and Lancaster City come to visit.”
The horses go by the names Pharaoh, 15, George, 13, Asa, 7, and Grey, 7. Their human counterparts are, respectively, Officer Ryan Danko, Officer Al Strydesky, Officer Jason Holschwander and Sergeant Michael Leaser. The Mounted Unit is supported by the not-for-profit Friends of Bethlehem Mounted Police, a 501 (c)(3) corporation. The majority of fundraising and support for the unit comes from FBMP, including funding for essential equipment and building their home, The Quadrant Private Wealth Stable Facility.
Mikki Explosive Detection Dog
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
Meet Mikki, a two-year-old K9 who serves at the Lehigh Valley International Airport alongside Officer James Scoble. Mikki’s primary role is as an explosive detection dog, which includes vehicle sweeps, checking of suspicious packages and overall patrol. She also serves as an important mutual aid asset for surrounding jurisdictions. Mikki’s star moment was during her first week of service when she detected the presence of an explosive residue on a traveler at the TSA Checkpoint—she did this freely without command. According to Scoble, “Mikki is perfect for her role at [the airport].” Though she is as cute as she is skilled, travelers should always ask before approaching Mikki due to her task orientation.
Fun F ct
Mikki’s favorite treat is venison jerky.
Fun F ct
While Canto enjoys playing with his Jute Tug, Django likes hot dogs, Harley enjoys grilled venison and his toy KONG, Remi enjoys bacon and playing frisbee and Fedor likes his fire hose tug toy and KONG.
Harley
Patrol K9
Allentown Police Department
Canto, Django, Harley, Remi & Fedor
Canto, Django, Harley, Remi and Fedor make up the Patrol K9 unit of the Allentown Police Department. Each of them plays a strong role in keeping the city safe and supplements patrol by assisting with building searches, tracking and drug detection.
Canto’s handler, Captain Charles Rocca, says that the German Shepherd’s star moment was placing first in the obedience section of the 2017 Lehigh Valley K9 Trials. Meanwhile, when tracking an armed robbery suspect, Officer Jonathan C. Smith Sr. says that Django located the suspect and assisted in the arrest. (Fun fact: Django was the first Belgian Malinois for the city of Allentown in 2010.) Officer Andrew Fegely notes Harley’s star moment as when he tracked and captured a suspect who ran from a burglary. It’s not surprising that Harley won Fastest K9 at the 2015 Lehigh Valley K9 Trials. According to Officer Tal Cashatt, Remi has a star moment whenever he keeps Cashatt, his fellow coworkers and community members safe. But Remi also shines when he detects and locates illegal drugs, assists with taking subjects into custody, is a presence in angry crowds or makes that ever-lasting positive impression on an adult or child at a public demonstration or meet and greet.
Fedor has had several star moments, according to Officer David M. Howells III. Fedor once helped apprehend a criminal that assaulted Howells, and he plays a key role in apprehending criminals that commit violent felonies and attempt to flee. Additionally, Fedor has placed in the top three in several events in consecutive police K9 trials.
Judge
Arson K9
Allentown Fire Department
FFunct
Judge doesn’t have a favorite toy or treat, but he wants anything that one of his sisters is playing with at the time.
Meet Judge, your not-so-typical nine-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever. Judge has been in service since 2011 and, in 2016, he received the American Humane Hero Dog Award in the Arson K9 Category. His handler, Fire Chief Lee Laubach, Jr., says that Judge thrives in three major arears: investigation, deterrent and education. As an investigator, Judge has worked on more than 500 fire scenes and, during that time, has found evidence that’s led to multiple criminal arrests and civil penalties for insurance fraud cases. As a deterrent, since Judge has been in service with the City of Allentown, the number of arson fires has dropped 55.7 percent. And as an educator, Judge has done more than 850 fire safety programs and demonstrations for crime watch groups, specialty dog shows and elementary and high school programs. Laubach says, “He has been instrumental in making the entire Lehigh Valley and neighboring communities more aware of fire and life safety.”
HOME style market
A Bbean the sloth
A is for AZA. Joining the ranks of 232 of the world’s top zoos and aquariums, the Lehigh Valley Zoo is a member of the esteemed Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Aside from ensuring excellent care for their critters, AZA zoos are known for being future focused, leading animal conservation projects and animal breeding programs.
BY MEGHAN DECKER SZVETECZ
Need an antidote to another lazy summer afternoon?
Your A-Z Guide to the Lehigh Valley Zoo conservation
We’ve got the solution: Load the kiddos in the car and head to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville. Amid the picturesque preserved woodlands in Lehigh County, this super-accessible zoo (no need to drive to Philly or New York!) is the perfect place for animal lovers of all ages to get up close and personal with critters of all kinds. Here, we’ve rounded up your A–Z guide to everything you need to know for your visit.
B is for Bean the sloth, one of the Zoo’s most popular animal ambassadors. Follow Bean on Instagram @beanthesloth for adorable photos and interesting fun facts, and to keep track of his upcoming meet-and-greet events. Who knew sloths were so darn cute?!
cC is for Conservation. Conservation of species is one of the primary goals of the AZA, and the Lehigh Valley Zoo does their part through breeding programs, local species surveys and fundraising. On the local level, Zoo staff have contributed to turtle conservation, and participated in field work with Pennsylvania bats and eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.
d
D is for Design. Did you know that each animal habitat is carefully designed to allow the animals to exhibit natural behaviors? Which leads us to…
enrichment
E is for Enrichment. Forage, climb, investigate, play: Enrichment stimulates an animal’s senses, curiosity and desire to manipulate their environment, similar to what they would exhibit in the wild. Plus, it’s fun to watch.
VISIT
Otter Island
Watch the otters play with their favorite enrichment, a frozen otter cake that bares their beloved fish snacks as it melts. Oh, the anticipation!
E
FF is for Family Fun. A visit to the Lehigh Valley Zoo = fun for everyone. We suggest skipping the individual tickets and going right for the annual membership. Since the Zoo is on the small side, it’s an easy option to fill a free afternoon and the Zoo hosts tons of special events throughout the year that make repeat trips a must. Come back to celebrate national holidays such as Earth Day and Arbor Day, and create new family traditions by visiting during one of their can’t-miss events, like the Winter Light Spectacular in December.
g
G is for Genetic Diversity. As an AZA member, the Lehigh Valley Zoo supports the organization’s Species Survival Plan program, tracking the genetic diversity of animal populations to ensure the best possible matches.
Love Connection
Don the penguin was sent to the Lehigh Valley Zoo from a zoo in Michigan because she was considered a match for two of the Valley’s resident penguins. Lucky for us, she fell in love and had a baby last year!
Hhusbandry
H is for Husbandry. (No, we don’t mean finding a penguin husband for Don.)
Animal husbandry practices carried out by the Zoo’s experienced keepers ensure that animal residents are happy and healthy, receiving the utmost day-to-day care.
i
I is for Inspire. Inspiring a love of animals and the environment is what the Zoo is all about. Find your favorite animal—from the tiny but mighty fennec fox to the majestic bald eagle.
j
J is for Jordan Creek. Newcomers (and regulars alike) never forget the experience of driving through Jordan Creek on their way out of the Zoo. Rushing water across the road with no bridge in sight, it’s not uncommon for newbies to take a pause before crossing through the shallow water. Grab your camera and enjoy the car wash!
K is for Keepers. During your visit, you’ll be sure to spot several of the Zoo’s 12 full-time keepers and six intern keepers who lovingly care for the animals day and night. All keepers have an educational background in animal science, come to the Zoo with diverse experience and are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise with zoo-goers.
kL is for Luani and Naya, the Zoo’s resident otters. Breeding plans for the couple are underway, so hopefully there will be some adorable additions to Otter Island for your next visit!
M is for Mexican gray wolves and Masai giraffes, two of the Zoo’s most endangered animals. Less than 140 Mexican gray wolves and less than 30,000 Masai giraffes are left in the wild. The Lehigh Valley Zoo plays a vital role in working with other zoos and conservation centers to re-establish more of these animals for future release in the wild.
L m luani & naya
N is for Nature Play. Discovering new things about the nature around us through guided activities and independent exploration is proven to support developmental growth in children of all ages. The Zoo offers two family-oriented Nature Play programs: Wild Beginnings and Green Connections. Available daily during the summer months, check out the Nature Play cart down at Preston’s Pad.
OO is for Oryx. The scimitar-horned oryx was once extinct in the wild. Over the last three years, the Zoo has had six oryx calves born on site and they played an important role in the reintroduction of these animals to their native Africa in 2016.
pP is for Penguins. You can’t help but fall in love with these adorable little birds waddling around the penguin pavilion. Be sure to catch one of the daily scheduled feedings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And keep up with the penguins’ antics in between visits by watching them live on the Lehigh Valley Zoo Penguin Cam (accessible daily on the Zoo’s website).
Q is for Quill, the Zoo’s male ambassador prehensile-tailed porcupine and one of two porcupines that call the Zoo home. During the summer, you can find this nocturnal pair snoozing in the trees.
rreintroduce
R is for Reintroduce. Replenishing animal populations in danger of extinction and reintroducing them into the wild is another important way the Zoo follows the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.
TSthreatened species
T is for Threatened Species, which the Zoo supports by educating the public and ensuring survival.
S is for AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, which relies on the expertise of zoos such as the Lehigh Valley Zoo to save species that might not exist without their efforts.
UVU is for Ungulate, the scientific word for hooved mammals. Visit the Zoo’s hooved inhabitants including the Rocky Mountain elk, scimitarhorned oryx and Plains bison.
views of the valley
V is for Views of the Valley. Winding your way along the rural roads of Schnecksville and ascending the hills toward the Zoo entrance, you’re treated to a truly spectacular view when you arrive at (and leave) the grounds. Slow down and take in the scenery.
WW is for the WOW (Wonders of Wildlife) animal encounter shows that get you up close and personal with some of the Zoo’s residents. WOW takes place daily in the Zoo’s amphitheater.
X is for Xenarthra, the scientific word for the group of mammals containing anteaters, armadillos and sloths like Bean.
Y is for Youth Programs. The Zoo holds many different programs for kids and teens, from zoo camps to family nature programs suited for kiddos as young as 18 months. It’s never too early to foster a love of nature.
Zy youth programs
A-Z + 1, 2, 3! LV Zoo By the #s 131 species & 240+ animals live at the Zoo
12+ endangered animals
call the Zoo home. Hopefully more baby animals will be born this year to continue the conservation efforts!
Z is for Zoo Reach programs, which allow the Zoo to bring some of their 50 ambassador animals out into the community to festivals, schools and businesses to help spread awareness about the animals in their care.
324,400+ guests visited the Zoo in 2017 29 acres expand across Trexler Nature Preserve
Plans to Look Forward To
Under the direction of Melissa Borland, President and CEO, the Zoo is working on a new Aldabra Tortoise exhibit, building a new main entrance and have their sights set on creating an African trail in the near future! lvzoo.org
CelebrateFamily
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Kids & Family Fun
Cool Off in a Cave
By Lori McLaughlin
When the thermometer begins to soar this summer and you’re dying for relief, why not try a cave? At 52 degrees year-round, it’s a very cool option.
First, a little earth science: Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of limestone, formed hundreds of millions of years ago from the shells of marine organisms that lived in the shallow seas that once covered the state. Limestone dissolves easily, and rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide from the air creates an acidic solution that seeps into the ground and ultimately hollows out a cave.
Inside the cave, the steady drip, drip, drip of mineral-rich water is responsible for creating stalactites, stalagmites and other shapes that inspire our awe and wonder. Here’s how to tell them apart: Stalactites (with the letter c) are the formations that grow down from the cave ceiling. Stalagmites (with the letter g) are the formations that grow upwards from the ground.
There are dozens of wild caves on private property in Pennsylvania, and eight “show caves” open to the public. Three of them are close to home and worth a visit to view the beauty underfoot. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes, a jacket or sweater and be prepared for wet floors and drips from above.
Crystal Cave
Everyone knows Crystal Cave—it’s hard to miss the billboards while traveling west on I-78. And for many Valley residents, visiting the cave on a school field trip or family outing (with the promise of ice cream) was a rite of passage.
The cave was named by its first explorers who discovered “sparkling, diamond-like crystals” on the walls. A local jeweler quickly confirmed there were no diamonds, but the name stuck. There are, however, dazzling formations with curious
names like Fried Eggs, Ear of Corn and Cave Bacon. A kid favorite is the Upside-Down Ice Cream Cone, with varying calcite colors of vanilla, chocolate and mint. When viewing these formations, bear in mind it takes 100 years for them to grow just half an inch.
Visitors must walk up a hill to get to the cave. There is a short (and very dated) film before the 50-minute tour. The most visited in Pennsylvania, the cave is also home to a family of about 40 brown bats who live in its lowest point, Devil’s Den. But no worries—they’re not active during operating hours.
There are no bats in Hellertown’s Lost River Caverns—just a mysterious underground river that runs through it. At one point in the tour, the guide will stop and ask for quiet. After a few seconds, you hear the sound of rushing water. The spooky thing is, no one knows where the water comes from or where it goes. They’ve sent red dye and ping-pong balls with “please contact
us if found” messages down the current, but nothing ever made its way outside.
The cave has a fascinating history. The largest cavern room, the Crystal Chapel, is so-named for the 100-plus weddings that took place there up until 2009. Remnants of metal candlesticks are still embedded in the rock walls. The room was a dance hall in the late 1800s—there was a wooden floor and musicians played from a well-placed recess up above. In the early 20th century, it was used by Lehigh frats for initiation ceremonies and by bootleggers to store Prohibition liquor.
The tour lasts 30–40 minutes and is a relatively easy walk down a well-lit and paved path. Outside, there’s a nature trail through two acres of woods and a grove for picnic lunches. Kids can try panning for gemstones at a replica of mining tent from the 1800s.
Getting to Penn’s Cave in Centre County is a bit of a hike, but totally worth the trip. It’s the only tour conducted entirely by boat. Visitors descend 75 feet down a dramatic 48 steps through the wide natural cave opening to reach the dock below.
The flat-bottom, electric tour boats are quite stable and the only items taking an unintended dip are typically cameras and phones. (The crystalclear water is only about a yardstick deep, anyway.)
A guide piloting the boat points out rock formations along the way, notably the Statue of Liberty and Nittany Lion. The half-mile boat ride passes from the main rooms through a man-made opening at the rear of the cave to Lake Nitanee outside (conditions permitting). After a loop around the lake, it’s back into the cave.
The tour is 45–50 minutes long and is not handicap accessible. For an above-ground experience, the 1,600-acre wildlife park includes a guided 90-minute wildlife, farm and nature tour.
222 Penns Cave Rd., Centre Hall 814.364.1664 | pennscave.com
Crystal Cave
1001 Thai
Scratch-Made Food in a Well-Loved Spot
By Carrie Havranek | Photography by Alison Conklin
Hidden gems are often neighborhood favorites tucked away somewhere one might least expect them, but well loved and patronized by those who live nearby. That’s certainly the case with 1001 Thai, whose straightforward name takes its cues from its location at the intersection of 10th and Northampton Streets and the types of cuisines it serves.
Mummy Shrimp
Mango and Sweet Sticky Rice
Beef Meat Balls with homemade chili sauce
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus and Shrimp
Located in a brick Victorian home, 1001 Thai may initially look familiar to those who might drive past it and expect to see signs for something else—Cherubina Ristorante, which closed in 2016 when owners Fran and Harry Cregar retired. Dean Curtis and his chef partner Pheraphat Phromsom (he goes by Peter) took over the space in May 2016, making extensive renovations and upgrades in preparation for their November opening.
That location has served them well—but in a way that might surprise readers.
“We have a lot of customers who used to be Cherubina customers,” says Curtis.
Chef Pheraphat Phromsom Co-owner
He arrived in Los Angeles with two suitcases and $400.
On the surface, it might not make much sense— it’s not as though one well-regarded Italian place replaced another. But when you consider the fact that both restaurants feature scratch-made food from family recipes that have been tweaked over time, the cuisine type that’s offered almost doesn’t matter. It’s about the approach. Consider, too, that the space, whose plaster walls have been “refloated” and repainted in a bright, warm yellow, still affords the same level of intimacy: Guests are dining in what amounts to someone’s home. And they experience the same level of welcoming hospitality for which Fran and Harry Cregar were known—20 years in one location certainly can attest to that.
The space suits the owners well. Phromsom, a 48-year-old native of Bangkok, Thailand, says, “I thought I’d like to have a restaurant just like this, in a home.” The pull of America was strong, ever since he was a child. He arrived in Los Angeles with two suitcases and $400. He credits his mom for teaching him to cook; he started helping prep vegetables around the age of seven. When he came to America, his first job in the city involved making Thai desserts in a restaurant. “I knew my dream was America; I came prepared,” he says. Curtis, meanwhile, has something of an itinerant background—his day job involves industrial design—but he’s worked in various jobs over the years: on yachts in the Atlantic and ferrying small
planes in the Pacific, as a well driller, a bush pilot in Alaska and working for the Chicago Board of Trade. “I’m a regular Renaissance man,” says Curtis. He met Phromsom, who, prior to running the kitchen at 1001 Thai, worked at Kow Thai Take Out in Allentown. They decided they wanted to open something less casual and a bit bigger, and began looking for suitable locations—they had even dined at Cherubina, which is partly how they came to know and like the space. A few days after it became available, they jumped at the opportunity, but not without upgrading the
facility considerably—the building, of course, dates to about 1897 and needed all kinds of improvements, including a new roof, upgraded plumbing and renovation (and new equipment) for the kitchen.
The menu at 1001 Thai is extensive, and the food has been earning raves; Curtis says there has been strong word of mouth to attract diners. “I wanted to make food with exemplary flavor,” says Phromsom. Thai food’s flavor profile is deep and complex. “Thai food balances sour, spice, sweet and salty,” he says. Dishes are made to order,
INSIDE DISH
which enables the kitchen to customize one’s preferred level of heat, from mild, medium, hot to Thai hot. (It also means veggies stay crisptender; nothing is cooked ahead of time and then reheated.) Almost everything is from scratch: “I don’t make my own vinegar,” jokes Phromsom. The kitchen sources ingredients locally and seasonally when it can. He even does some small-scale gardening on the premises, growing lots of Thai basil and small lime trees, as the latter’s leaves figure prominently in many Thai dishes. The tofu they use is non-GMO, and no MSG is used in the kitchen, says Phromsom.
If you’re unfamiliar with Thai food, the dish Pad Thai, with rice noodles, egg, scallions and ground peanuts in a tamarind sauce, is always a good place to start. The fried rice offerings are slightly different from what one may associate with the dish—for starters, they’re not as oily as fried rice can sometimes be. (The pineapple fried rice is especially delicious—jasmine rice with curry powder, carrots, raisins, scallions, cashew nuts and, of course, pineapple.)
The dumplings are a hit—imagine pork, chicken, crab and shrimp all in one, served either steamed or fried. The vegetarian spring rolls feature cabbage, carrot and mung bean noodles
and come with a sweet and sour sauce. The restaurant’s green and red curries are also popular, along with its Massaman curry, with coconut milk, carrot, onion, potato, pumpkin, pineapple and peanuts. Chances are, however, a simple search on Trip Advisor or Yelp will populate photos of Drunken Man Noodles—flat rice noodles with onion, bell peppers, Thai basil, egg, broccoli, scallions and carrots in a chili sauce. Its depth of flavor and comforting nature make it hard to resist. Noodles are comfort food in any cuisine.
1001 Thai has been fortunate to find success immediately—part of that is their own hard work and good food; part of it has to do with setting up camp in a location with previously good restaurant juju. And the third component connects to the concept of a culinary community—Easton is known for its strong restaurants, which attracts both diners and restaurateurs. Many residents are on the lookout for something new to try, which contributed to 1001 Thai’s immediate runaway success. “We really opened with a bang,” says Curtis.
“We always say ‘Tell your friends, but only your close friends, so that you can all still get a table,’” says Curtis.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Parking Street
What to Order
The dumplings—homemade and loaded with different meats. The Drunken Man Noodles are probably the most photographed/ Yelped/otherwise-mentioned on social media. If you’re not terribly familiar with Thai food, Pad Thai, a noodle-based dish, is a good place to start; pick your choice of protein or keep it all veggie. The dumplings are delicious; the Massaman curry, a traditional offering with coconut milk, carrot, onion, potato, pumpkin, pineapple and peanuts, is also a specialty. Wash it all down with a Thai iced tea, with just a hit of sweetness and cream.
Specials
The restaurant is BYOB and also serves lunch, offering a special of $9.95, with popular entrees such as the Drunken Man Noodles or Pad Thai, along with red, green or pumpkin curry, among others. Lunch comes with a soup or salad. Dinner specials change every couple of weeks, and you can be guaranteed that there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too. And, of course, there’s takeout!
Thai Iced Teas & Iced Coffee
DINING GUIDE
Order Copperhead
Grille’s Favorite Fries, featured in our May edition, at the Style Insider Happy Hour on June 12.
KEY Lehigh
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Serves Alcohol BYOB
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Berks
Seating
Entrée Price Range:
$ under $15
$$ $15-$25
$$$ $25+
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery $$
340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com
Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch
10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Gracie’s 21 st Century Cafe $$$
1534 Manatawny Dr., Pine Forge, 610.323.4004, gracies21stcentury.com
Serving local organics for 30 years. Always an experience in any season. Civilized decadence in the country. Dinner.
The Grille at Bear Creek $$
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com
Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.
Landis Store Hotel $$$
4 Baldy Hill Rd., Boyertown, 610.845.2324, landis-store.com
Providing a dynamic menu of culinary delicacies served with the hospitality of a country inn. The Landis Store is happy to accommodate any special dining requests or dietary needs. Lunch & dinner.
Bucks
McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn $-$$$
4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com
Offering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also offering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Carbon
Slopeside Pub & Grill
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
$-$$$
Offers indoor dining in addition to their ever-popular outdoor dining! Guests will enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks and unforgettable scenic views all year round. Lunch & dinner.
Aladdin Restaurant $$
651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com
Family owned and operated for over 30 years. Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from homemade grape leaves to delicious shish kabobs. Lunch & dinner.
Alburtis Tavern $
106 S. Main St., Alburtis, 610.928.0404, alburtistavern.com
Family-friendly restaurant with American style food. Mon.: Clam night, Tues.: Wing night, Wed.: Fiesta night. Two private banquet rooms perfect for parties. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Allentown Brew Works $$
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.433.7777, thebrewworks.com
Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery. Family owned and operated since 2007. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bell Hall $
612 W. Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.1825, bellhallallentown.com
Allentown hot spot featuring juicy burgers and Pennsylvania craft beers. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Upscale farm-to-table cuisine in a casual fine dining atmosphere. Team is committed to supporting local farmers! Brunch & dinner.
Diana’s Café $$
4907 Rte. 309, Center Valley, 610.797.2525, dianascafe.com
Come experience American cuisine with the house specialty of crab bisque and a unique breakfast special. Takeout dinner now available; call for menu. Breakfast & lunch.
The Dime $$$
12 N. 7 th St., Allentown, 484.273.4010, thedimeallentown.com
Contemporary American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
1328 Chestnut St. Emmaus, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh food and very friendly ambiance and service with affordable prices. Lunch & dinner.
Foundation Tavern $$
1160 S. Krocks Rd., Wescosville, 610.391.0648, foundationtavern.com
Lunch, dinner & late night.
Photo by Matt Bishop
DINING GUIDE
Gio Italian Grill $$
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.
622 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.691.8111, mayflowerlunch.com
Cozy Bethlehem staple serving hot breakfast and good conversation for more than 50 years. Real food from mom’s kitchen. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
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.
Breakfast, Greek gyros, wraps & sandwiches, Italian panini, or even gelato, they might just be the place to have it. Serving Upper Macungie, South Whitehall and West End Allentown. Delivery available. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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.
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.
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.
Braveheart Highland Pub $$
430 Main St., Hellertown, 610.838.6555, bravehearthighlandpub.com
Authentic Scottish pub. Great atmosphere, food and beer. Lunch, dinner & late night.
The Brick $-$$
1 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1141, thebrickpa.com
Wood-fired pizzeria, restaurant and bar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
A place where whimsy and gastronomical delights go hand in hand. Consider this the modern American gastro pub where the food is as important as the drink menu. Experience the perfect blend of a bar and a restaurant, where the casual-meetsrefined atmosphere welcomes both the beer drinker and the wine connoisseur. A great place for fussy eaters and foodies alike and a charming neighborhood watering hole. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Homestyle Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. On- and off-premises catering available. Lunch & dinner.
DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead sitting available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem 518 March St. Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Edge Restaurant $$$
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.
All the classic favorites in one place. Nathan’s hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salad, sushi, ice cream and coffee. Lunch, dinner & late night.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub $$$
534 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.861.7631, redstagpub.com
Experience the flavor of the Irish and British Isles! Over 200 scotch/whiskies, homemade breads and baked goods and from-scratch cooking! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Retro dining—all day brunch—classic comfort food kicked up with regional and ethnic specialties. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
Molinari’s $$
322 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.9222, molinarimangia.com
Authentic Italian food—simple, fresh, flavorful. Indulge in freshly made pasta, pizza in the Neapolitan style, gelato and sorbetto made on premises, and Italian wines and craft beers. Dinner.
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.
Stefano’s Sicilian Grille $$
5364 Nor Bath Blvd. (Rte. 329), Northampton, 610.262.8760, stefanossiciliangrille.com
Italian restaurant with a Sicilian flair. Family-oriented with a casual attitude. Lunch & dinner.
Tap Room at Hotel
Bethlehem $$
437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2226, hotelbethlehem.com
Offers award-winning musical brunch every Sunday with a splendid buffet array and much more! Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
Twisted Olive $$$
51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1200, twistedolivebethlehem.com
A casual, bistro-style restaurant with a world twist serving creative, casual cuisine, along with house-made infused cocktails. Lunch & dinner.
Upscale casual dining with the best VIEW in the Lehigh Valley. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Lehigh Valley Style (ISSN 1540-0867) is
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MASTER: send address changes to Lehigh Valley Style, P.O. Box 2548, Orlando, FL, 32802-2548. All contents
Pair your dessert pie with their cannoli martini or caramel macchiato cocktail.
Nutella Pie The Brick
By Kristen Rinaldi | Photo by Shelbie Pletz
There aren’t many food groups that rival the satisfaction and dependability of a good pizza, and The Brick in Bethlehem does pizza oh so well. Name your greatest cheese and dough fantasy, and it probably exists on their menu. They’ve got the classics like Margherita and Bianca, but they also offer unique variations like penne vodka, habanero chicken, clam and beyond. The Louisville Slugger comes topped with barbecue sauce, pulled pork and mozzarella cheese. The
Sunnyside comes with mozzarella cheese, sunny-side-up eggs, pepperoni and bacon. Their Sweet and Spicy includes sauce, fresh mozzarella, red-pepper flakes, prosciutto and honey. But the team really outdid themselves when they whipped up the Nutella Pie.
One of the restaurant’s three “dessert pies,” the Nutella Pie can be served topped with strawberries and bananas. “We love great pizza, so, really, what’s better than pizza and dessert?” explains Vito Spinelli, owner. “And
why choose one when you can have the best of both worlds!” The Brick also offers a cannoli pie and a s’mores pie, all of which are available any time during the day, but Spinelli says the Nutella Pie is the most popular, especially among families and the college crowd.
1 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.419.1141 | thebrickpa.com
