is 1790s stone colonial, on 13.6 acres, offers vintage architectural elements throughout the stone manor house, magnificent barn and outbuildings. Just 90 minutes to Manhattan and under an hour to Philadelphia. 4 BRs, 3.5 baths. $1,795,000
John L. Riegel House
is stately residence is a historic treasure & has remained in the Riegel family since 1860 and is listed for sale for the first time. e main house is 7,067 sq.ft. spanning three levels. Guest cottage, barn, swimming pool. 6 BRs. $899,000
Pondside
Colonial Crest
e neighborhood of Edgeboro is the setting for this stately all-brick colonial home. A traditional floor plan, classic architecture, and a grand 2-story entry with marble floors create a timeless appeal. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. $575,000
Canalside Lot
Bordered by the Delaware River and rolling hills of Durham, and consisting of level and open ground for ease of construction. e 2-acre lot adjoins the Historic Delaware Canal & the 60 mile towpath for outdoor recreation. Offered for $150,000
is stone & cedar contemporary home overlooks a private lake on 21 acres. Skylights, vaulted ceilings & walls of glass create a sense of never-ending space. Enjoy an indoor heated pool w/waterfall, hot tub, and sauna. 5 bedrooms. $1,795,000
Cooks Creek Farm
is c.1751 stone manor sits on 34 acres in Bucks County with southern exposure. e home features Moravian fireplaces, random width pine floors, renovated kitchen, PA bank barn, guest house, and in-ground pool. 4 BR, 3.5 baths. $1,950,000
Wildernest
is cedar & stone home sits on 9+ acres atop a secluded Bucks County hillside. e home offers spacious rooms, including a 1st floor guest suite, gourmet kitchen, solarium w/hot tub, and in-ground pool. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. $1,089,000
River Ridge Farm
Transformed & embellished, this c.1823 stone home is a private oasis on 98+ overlooking the Delaware River. Wide plank floors, exposed stone walls, & abundant windows. Bank barn, indoor/outdoor arenas, & stables. 4 BRs, 2.5 baths. $3,500,000
Strawntown Farm
is 1800s stone farmhouse sits on 121 acres overlooking a classic red barn, fenced pastures, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, greenhouse, and a large spring-fed pond. Exercise room with a resistance pool. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. $3,450,000
Old World Villa
A blend of 19th century touches & modern luxuries, this sophisticated home is a country retreat you will cherish. Limestone and pine floors throughout, & an AGA range & farmhouse sink in the large eat-in kitchen. 4 beds, 5.5 baths. $1,095,000
Hessian House
c.1800s stone colonial amidst nearly 25 acres of rolling fields & forest with a spring fed pond. Hand-hewn beamed ceilings, renovated kitchen, cathedral ceiling family room. Caretaker’s house, Bank Barn w/studio. 5 BRs, 4.5 baths. $1,345,000
Seasons View
Located just minutes from the Delaware River and NJ border, stands this beautifully converted bank barn on 3+ acres. High ceilings and oak floors highlight 3 levels of living space filled with natural light. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $639,000
CONGRATULATIONS
Pierogis, anyone? Find out why readers voted The Wooden Match’s the best in the region, pg. 54
PHOTO BY MARCO CALDERON
WARM & INVITING COUNTRY ESTATE, WASHINGTON TWP
Magnificent Shady Nook Farm offers 118 private acres + convenient to major hwys. Pool, in-home theater, private guest house + barn, perfect for horses. 5 bedrooms, 5 full/2 half baths. $2,295,000
NEWTO MARKET
IMPRESSIVE
CUSTOM-BUILT HOME, UPPER SAUCON TWP
Located in the desirable Blue Ridge Estates, this well-appointed home features over 6800 sqft of living space. Complete with hardwood floors, custom kitchen and inviting outdoor area. 4 bedrooms, 5 full/ 1 half bath. 1.5 acres. $679,000
EXPANSIVE RANCH W/POOL + APT, LOWER SAUCON TWP
Large Saucon Valley home on nearly 2 acres + 2nd floor in-law suite, in-ground pool, finished basement, 3-car garage + detached “boat” garage. 6 bedrooms, 5 full/1 half bath.
$649,000
UNDERAGREEMENT
ELEGANT & REFINED COUNTRY MANOR HOME, UPPER
BUCKS COUNTY
DELLHAVEN: gated private country estate, convenient to NY, NJ & Philadelphia. Complete with home theater, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis court & bank barn w/2BD/2BA guest apt + 8 car garage & room for horses. 5 bedrooms, 6 full/3 half baths. 14+acres. $1,350,000
UNDERAGREEMENT UNDERAGREEMENT
BREATHTAKING
PRIVATE ESTATE, LOWER SAUCON TWP
Springwood’s resort-like environment provides the ultimate relaxation or entertainment haven. Top of the line amenities, pool, spa, 2 waterfalls & 5-hole putting green. 4.6 acres, 4 bedrooms, 5 full/1 half bath.
Perched confidently on a wellmaintained corner lot in the heart of Saucon Valley, stylish and tasteful is the vibe. Over 4500 sq ft of living space, updated kitchen and beautiful deck that’s great for entertaining. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. $569,000
SPECTACULAR RIVER VIEW ESTATE, LEHIGH VALLEY
Stunning views of the Delaware River. Easy commute to NYC & NJ. Full-time or weekends. Inground pool, tennis court, barn. Large building with 2nd floor loft for cars and yoga/art studio. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 135 acres. $2,500,000
Light flows throughout via soaring floor-to-ceiling windows and this custom built, awardwinning home provides the best in privacy & convenience. 4 bedrooms, 3 full/2 half baths, 1.78 acres. $1,200,000
o Rebecca.Francis@foxroach.com www.RebeccaFrancisLuxuryHomes.com
RIGHT TO LEFT: Rebecca L. Francis, MBA; Shanna Sigmans; Debra Protchko, MBA
Behind the scenes with Alison Conklin!
The Best of Our Community
Over the last few months, I’ve watched in awe as the businesses of our community have pivoted and restructured their o erings again and again in order to keep our Lehigh Valley moving. Along the way, we’ve covered it extensively on lehighvalleystyle.com. But when the pandemic first hit, we didn’t know how we could possibly continue on with revealing the results of our Best of the Lehigh Valley contest. At the time, businesses had just closed their doors—and many were fearful of whether or not they would reopen. As we’ve begun to see some glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and after watching how businesses have truly given everything in order to provide for their customers, we can’t think of a better moment to be celebrating the reader-voted best of our community.
And we’ve had to make somewhat of a pivot of our own. While we always look forward to celebrating the winners with you all at our fabulous Best Of party each year, we knew that would not be in the cards for 2020. But don’t worry, Style ’s Marketing and Events Manager Kelli Hertzog has dreamt up a way to keep that same excitement going all month long! Head to bestofthelehighvalley.com for a list of promotions that this year’s winners will be o ering all September. From discounted cases of wine to a free soft serve ice cream with any order, there’s still much to be celebrated this year. After all, what better way to celebrate your local favorites than by supporting their businesses when they need it most?
We can’t wait to see all the fun you have. Tag us on Instagram at #bestofthelv for a chance to appear on our feed!
Wishing you the very best,
3 THINGS
our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com
Enjoying a latesummer picnic.
krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com lvstylekristen
We start with the essentials: 4 kinds of made-to-order guacamole, 3 types of salsa and a selection of 80 tequilas. That only whets your appetite for a menu filled with ancient Mexican cuisine made with modern ingredients and new flavors. Creatively prepared tacos. Fresh takes on ceviche and enchiladas. All our dishes are part of a balanced diet of awesome Mexican food you can’t find anywhere else.
torrerestaurant.com 610-841-9399
VOLUME 21, ISSUE 9
It’s been too long since I’ve enjoyed the hummus—and everything!—at Aladdin Middle Eastern Cuisine!
I’m looking forward to utilizing my Skinterest gift certificate, which I received right before we were quarantined.
Looking forward to enjoying Franklin Hill’s winesicles and slushies!
I naturally have a whole list, but top of that list is the grilled cheese menu at Dubs on 5 th
I’ve always loved reading, and now, with a lot of other activities on the back burner, I’m doing a lot more of it. I plan on stopping at the Quadrant the next time I’m in Easton to sift through the stacks and find something new.
President/CEO
Paul Prass
Vice President/COO
Lisa Prass
Publisher Pamela Deller
Editor Kristen Rinaldi
Art Director
Elaine Wyborski
Director of Creative Services
Erica Montes
Graphic Designer
Thomas Körp
Advertising Executives
Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor
Marco Calderon, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino
Editorial Intern
Christopher Hippensteel
Proofreader
Lori McLaughlin
Accounting
Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano
Circulation Manager
Andrea Karges
The Best Of winner I’m excited to support this month is...
Check out the full list of reader-voted Best of the Lehigh Valley winners on pg. 48!
I’ve always wanted to give hot yoga a try—I’ll definitely have to check out Hot Yoga Hut in Bethlehem!
I am a big fan of hibachi, so KOMÉ is definitely on my list of places to get to!
I’m going to drive to Hummus House with my kids for takeout sometime soon. The menu has evolved since we first featured them, but it’s still fresh, delicious, veggie-forward Mediterranean influenced food. So good.
My husband and I both turned 40 during the quarantine. My husband’s only request was dinner from The Bayou and mine was from Aladdin— tried-and-true favorites always!
I had a lot of fun spending some time at Franklin Hill Vineyards—Elaine is a great person.
ALISON CONKLIN
Contributing Photographer
I always love shooting Best of the Lehigh Valley each year. I enjoy seeing the favorites, and this year, it was special to watch the determination and resolve that everyone had in pivoting and making the best out of the current circumstances.
SHELBIE PLETZ
Contributing Photographer
The beer slushie I shot for Drink This was absolutely delicious! I’m not a beer drinker and was hooked!
IN HONOR OF OUR “BEST OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY” EDITION , WE ASKED OUR
Social Community
TO SHARE THEIR BESTS—HERE’S WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY!
For most providers, the transition to Telehealth has been a trial by fire.
When Bethlehem Counseling Associates first transitioned to psychotherapy sessions over secure video conferencing and phone calls back in March when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a lockdown, we thought it would be for two weeks, perhaps a month at the longest. The American Psychological Association has long-promoted several studies showing that Telehealth is just as effective as in person therapy at treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, most of our clinicians have always preferred face to face interaction, and never seriously considered Telehealth until the pandemic hit. While we do not believe it will ever be a full replacement for in-person psychotherapy, Bethlehem Counseling Associates has found Telehealth to be extremely beneficial during this time, and a safe way for people to continue accessing mental health care while the pandemic continues to surge.
The need for mental health care has become especially essential for many people throughout this continued time of crisis. Levels of anxiety and depression have been intensified by the prolonged effects of the pandemic. Some people are finding they are losing track of time, or feeling anger more frequently. This anger, as well as the strange ways we are experiencing time, can be explained through a framework of trauma and loss. Trauma does not only happen when someone goes off to war or gets into a car accident, it happens when we experience something terrible that was not supposed to happen. This definition coincides with our experience of COVID-19. Many of us are also grieving, most notably the loss of loved ones to the virus, but we can also be grieving lost jobs, lost time with friends and family, and even the loss of being able to simply go to the store or a restaurant without assessing levels of risk.
—CAITLIN CAMPANELLA, MS, LPC
We are continuing to operate virtually at Bethlehem Counseling Associates to provide psychotherapy in an environment that is safe for clients.
Reach out to set up a Telehealth appointment with one of our clinicians at 610.865.8177.
Kimberly A. Woodling CEO, MSW, LCSW
Jen Bleiler, MA, LPC
Caitlin A. Campanella, MS, LPC
Beata Lazaro, MA, LPC
Paul Woodling, CEO, MSPT, MSB
Hudson,
Gonzalez
Brandy Bate, Intake Coordinator
Krystal Castellino Front Desk Receptionist
Linda Palmo, Ed.D.
Susan B. Avrich, MA, LPC, CAADC
Mary Martucci, MSS, LCSW
Joel Kromer, MSW, LCSW
David Borsos, Ph.D.
Chelsea P. Renna, Psy.D.
MaryAnne Manula-Kosciolek, MS, LPC
Allyson Shellhammer, MA, LPC
Brenda Yost, Psy. D.
Karen Brooks-Wells, MA, LPC
Carolynn Holmes Search MS, M.Div., LPC, NCC
Jody Gilvary, MS, LPC
Dave Williams, MSW, LCSW
William J. Dougherty LPC, CAADC, LCADC, CSS
Nicolle Graaf, MA, LPC
Jillian Krajewski, MA, LPC
Laura N Danner, MA, LPC
Nicole Venskytis, MA, LPC
Jessica L. Haklar, MS, LPC
Kirsten Wolfe, MS, LPC
*Please
Virtual Eats
GOIN’ SOUTH KITCHEN
After a series of COVID-19-related event cancellations, the team behind 29 Cooks catering decided to try something new: opening a virtual restaurant.
The team launched Goin’ South Kitchen, an entirely virtual restaurant with no storefront. Customers can order online and receive their meals from a third-party delivery service, like Uber Eats, Grubhub or DoorDash.
“Our customers can expect a fun mash-up of Southerninspired dishes,” says owner Cindie Feldman. Some of the restaurant’s signature items include a unique twist on shrimp and grits and a smoked, sliced brisket sandwich topped with hand-pulled smoked pork, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and two types of barbecue sauce.
484.951.0442 | goinsouth29.com
A DESTINATION MOSAIC & CO.
When Joe Moussa, owner of JHM Event Group, purchased a nineteenth-century farmhouse to house his business, he decided the name of his company needed to reflect his vision. He chose to rebrand JHM Event Group as Mosaic & Co. “As we worked through the early stages of developing that location, we started to realize that the JHM brand wasn’t going to fit,” Moussa says. Mosaic & Co. will continue to o er photography, event planning, floral and rental services, but Moussa also plans to expand the business through his new property, which he hopes becomes a “Lehigh Valley destination” equipped with its own garden center, café and event space.
2947 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Allentown | 610.657.5703 mosaicandcompany.com
BIGGER AND BETTER HELLO BEAUTIFUL SALON & BOUTIQUE
Just in time to celebrate its threeyear anniversary, Hello Beautiful Salon & Boutique has moved to a new location in Fogelsville.
“When I opened the salon on Broadway, it was only myself and two stylists,” owner and stylist Lindsey Titone says. “Since then our family has grown and we need a bigger space.”
The salon’s new home still has the same comfortable feeling, but is more open, Titone says. The new site includes a skincare room for facials, body waxing and dermaplaning. The larger space also allows for the boutique to expand and o er more clothing and accessories.
7812 Main St., Fogelsville 610.351.4247 | hellobeautifulsb.com
Goin’ South Kitchen is the Lehigh Valley’s first truly virtual restaurant.
Photo by Alison Conklin
Carol Obando-Derstine
PROJECT MANAGER IN INTERCONNECTION AFFAIRS, PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES
For years, Carol Obando-Derstine only knew the Lehigh Valley as a stop on her drive from her hometown in New Jersey to graduate school at Penn State. But since moving to the region in 2003, she’s become deeply involved in the area through her work and volunteering.
“When my husband got a job in Bethlehem, we thought ‘Let’s give it a try,’” ObandoDerstine says. “And we are so glad that we gave it a chance, because we are really huge fans of the Lehigh Valley.”
Obando-Derstine has worked several jobs in the Lehigh Valley since arriving in the area. From 2011 to 2016, she advocated for the region as an advisor to a United States senator, and she currently works as a project manager in interconnection a airs for PPL Electric Utilities. She is proud to work for a company that cares about its employees and gives back to the area it serves, she says.
Obando-Derstine’s e orts to improve the Lehigh Valley extend far beyond her work. Volunteering, she says, is her way of making a di erence in her community.
As a commissioner on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino
A airs, Obando-Derstine works with other commissioners across the state to advise the governor on issues impacting the Latino community. And as a volunteer for the Girl Scouts, she works to foster character in young women in the area. She also volunteers with the Allentown Rotary and United Way’s Women United.
Through both her work and her volunteering, Obando-Derstine has appreciated the opportunity to see the revitalization and growth of the Lehigh Valley.
“We are all writing the next chapter of the Lehigh Valley through our involvement, through our support,” she says. “I’m committed to rolling up my sleeves and making this area better.”
Watch the Unscripted with Russo podcast video with Carol ObandoDerstine at lehighvalleystyle.com.
Photo by Marco Calderon
Nazareth Location
PLAYA BOWLS
Playa Bowls, the superfood-inspired fruit-and-smoothie bowl chain, has come to Nazareth. The Jersey Shore staple opened a new location on Dryland Way in May.
“Nazareth is an excellent community with friendly people; it was a natural fit for us,” says district manager Rich Miller. “Even though we were not able to do our typical large grand opening, the community has shown us a great deal of support since we opened our doors.”
A typical bowl consists of layered granola, smoothie, fruit and toppings. The chain’s most popular o ering is the Açaí Nutella bowl, which consists of an açaí base topped with bananas, strawberries, Nutella drizzle and coconut flakes. Playa Bowls also o ers a large selection of poke bowls, smoothies and juices.
The chain is committed to fostering healthier communities through delicious food, Miller says.
“While each of our 80-plus stores is unique, the vibe is always the same,” he says. “Step foot into any Playa Bowls location and feel like you are walking into an oceanside oasis with outstanding customer service and even better food.”
to lehighvalleystyle.com to take advantage of exclusive content designed to keep you connected with Style, the Lehigh Valley community and each other.
lehighvalleystyle.com
you’d like to see in next year’s Best Of contest? Email editor@lehighvalleystyle.com to suggest it!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
GET THE GOODS Cottage & Bloom
Sheri and Sean's décor and DIY work have been featured in magazines like The Farmhouse Movement and Cottages & Bungalows.
Sheri and Sean Reaser’s love for DIY—and encouragement from their friends and family— inspired them to open a home and garden décor shop on Main Street in Emmaus. Despite only being open for a day prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, Cottage & Bloom has been celebrated by the community and already has a few regulars.
SHERI & SEAN REASER Owners
Tell us where the name Cottage & Bloom came from! It’s a play on Home & Garden! We are homebodies with a passion for DIY and changing up our interior and outdoor spaces to give them new life, and we want to help others do that in their own homes.
What inspired you to open the shop? We have been told for years by friends and family who visit our home that we should be in a creative field. I have always dreamed of having my own shop, and when the building at 379 Main Street in Emmaus became available, I knew it was the perfect location and setting for the dream to become reality.
How has it been received in the community? The shop has been received extremely well by the community. We love the town of Emmaus and have been
warmly welcomed by the local business owners and shoppers. We signed our lease in early February and, after opening for one day at the end of the month, were impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown. We decorated our windows and hung a Coming Soon banner, and I think the excitement built as passersby waited for us to open.
Describe the aesthetic at Cottage & Bloom. Our style is Urban Cottage, which mixes industrial, modern farmhouse and rustic elements. We combine vintage and new items for a collected-over-time look and the color story is neutral tones—white, black, green and natural wood.
Describe the vast array of o erings available at the shop. We carry home and garden décor including vases, planters, candles, faux stems and greenery, industrial lighting, blankets, pillows, baskets and architectural/ vintage elements. We are constantly sourcing new items. For our shoppers that come regularly, we want the store to always feel fresh and new.
direct access to the many events held there. The other business owners have been awesome as well. We wouldn’t want our shop anywhere else!
What are some of your most popular items? Our most popular items are our soy candles from Antique Candle Co., our flower gathering baskets and our Chippy White Flower with its perfectly distressed patina.
What are some items or products that readers may be surprised to learn that you carry/o er? We have a Terrarium Bar in the shop that is filled with glass terrariums, cloches, jars and a variety of di erent fillers to create your own—or purchase one we have already styled. The fillers will change seasonally to give our customers options to restyle their terrarium throughout the year. We also have industrial lighting, leather chairs and many vintage items like cigar and brick molds.
Tell us what you love about being located on Main Street in Emmaus! We love Main Street in Emmaus because the town has so many wonderful small businesses and such a strong sense of community. Our location on the triangle is perfect because it gives us
Talk a little bit about your large social media following and how that originated. I started my Instagram journey five years ago to share DIY projects that Sean and I took on when we purchased a 1980s beach cottage in North Carolina. It expanded when Sean decided to build a she-shed and we documented that entire process. I quickly discovered a whole community of people across the world who are obsessed with all things home, décor and DIY like we are, and I was hooked! I participated in several hashtag groups to grow my following of people who share the same interests and honed my photography skills to post compelling photos that stop the scroll. This has opened up many opportunities for us including being featured in two magazines—The Farmhouse Movement and, currently, the Cottages & Bungalows August/ September edition.
Tell us how your business has adjusted during COVID-19. Obviously, opening during a global pandemic was not part of the business plan! After signing our lease in February, we planned on doing a grand opening with a ribbon cutting in late March. It was actually a blessing in disguise as the downtime allowed us to focus on lessexciting items like point of sale systems and setting up a business from scratch! It also allowed us to focus on creating our website, cottageandbloom.com. This enabled us to start our business virtually. If we had opened when we planned, we would not have had the time to focus on this area and may have missed what has turned out to be a wonderful opportunity.
379 Main St., Emmaus 610.703.6813
cottageandbloom.com
BY DAISY WILLIS |
MICHAELA BELLE PARLETT
Co-Founder of eight/SEVEN Movement, host of A Table for Two podcast and creator of The SAVVY Single
Pursue Your PASSION
Combining the pursuit of creative fulfillment, the freedom of self-direction and, ideally, additional income, the side hustle or passion project is an attractive outlet for many as society continues to transform. Michaela Belle Parlett, entrepreneur extraordinaire, launched her podcast A Table for Two this year, chatting with guests not just about their successes, but also the “messy middle” behind the scenes. Never without a few irons in the fire, she o ers her insight and encouragement to help you follow your dreams.
When Parlett lost her job earlier this year, she reexamined what she wanted to do with her life.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMIEE BLASKO PHOTOGRAPHY
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 | 12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a lively virtual Q&A and discussion with three nationally acclaimed authors:
Theresa Ann Fowler, author of A Good Neighborhood Ann Napolitano, author of Dear Edward Dani Shapiro, author of Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love
For tickets or to purchase books, visit the Luncheon with the Authors page at sotapa.org Proceeds benefit Allentown Art Museum educational programs, SOTA Education Endowment and the SOTA Print Fund. Deadline to purchase tickets is September 30. Tickets are $40.00 and will be emailed October 5.
IF I COULD DO ANYTHING
Maybe nothing’s more obvious than the one hobby you’re devoted to that you just know would benefit a greater audience. But if you’re not sure where to focus, Parlett’s method might work for you. When she lost her job earlier this year, she sat down the same day with a blank sheet of paper and asked herself, “If I could do anything, what would I do?”
The wealth of options could be wildly inspiring, or overwhelming, so remember, you aren’t bound to buckle down to one thing for the rest of your life. Allow yourself to explore!
“Look for what people come to you for,” Parlett advises. “Healthy recipes? Workouts? Advice about being a mom? How you handle finances? We’re often too close to our gifts to recognize what they are.”
If you land on something exciting, great. If it’s also a little scary, that may be even better. “Sometimes your greatest gift is wrapped in your greatest insecurity,” Parlett says.
Trying something that means a lot to you can feel high stakes, but the potential rewards ripple outward. Just being seen shining your light emboldens other people to do the same.
SETTING THE STAGE
As you get started, planning is key to continued success—as long as it’s not actually unlocking the door to procrastination! “Some of us want the perfect plan in place to avoid every mistake,” Parlett says, “but some mistakes can actually lead you in better directions.” An idea sitting in your head is never going to make you money, so embrace imperfection in your expectations.
Try not to get bogged down comparing yourself or your gift or your start date. Let others be an inspiration. When she was gathering research for her podcast, Parlett reached out to other podcasters. Talking to those who are already doing what you want to do is a great way to boost your confidence and avoid reinventing the wheel.
How do you seamlessly integrate your new passion project into your life? You don’t. And that’s OK! “If you want perfect balance starting something new, you probably shouldn’t start something new,” Parlett says. “Balance is a lie in this life.” She prefers to aim for harmony, taking into account inevitable ebbs and flows. Toward that aim, clear communication with family about what you’re taking on is crucial to achieve flexibility and support.
MARKETING YOURSELF
Whatever you’re working on, be it refurbished antiques or a self-published novel, technology
is a massive asset to get the word out. People spend a huge chunk of their lives on their phones, so meet them where they are.
Social media can be an intimidating sphere, but Parlett says it’s not necessarily a numbers game. “People fear not having a big enough audience,” she says, “but a small audience can be a plus.” It typically means more engaged followers.
If you’re not sure how to market yourself, take advantage of the powerful world of YouTube tutorials or Google’s Digital Garage—there are heaps of free resources at your fingertips.
“Canva is my favorite tool for new entrepreneurs,” Parlett says of this userfriendly graphic-art app. “It’s easy to elevate a picture a little bit to help it stand out.”
Without funneling too much of your precious time into it, empower yourself to try things and you’ll find what works and what doesn’t.
ATTITUDE DETERMINES ALTITUDE
The point of a passion project is to follow your calling, feel fulfilled and potentially profit. What can hold us back is pressure to get it right from the beginning and straight on through. The truth is that the picture-perfect success we might see on someone’s highlight reel hides the messy middle that got them there and continues to be part of the daily work of following their dreams.
“When I started the podcast,” Parlett says, “I didn’t know how to do editing, how to go from conception to reality. There was a lot I didn’t know how to do, but had the thought: Everything is figure-outable.”
Allow yourself to experiment, learn from mistakes, get creative, not know yet, and you’ll have better odds of rolling with the hills and valleys that come with any side hustle.
This is the place for you. Imagine exceptional bath, kitchen and lighting products from trusted brands, in settings that help you envision them in your own home. Classic styles alongside the newest trends. A friendly staff offers guidance to ensure that your project goes smoothly.
michaelabelle.co ALLENTOWN, PA 1665 East Race Street • 484-488-3677 • frankwebb.com
OUR WORLD MAY FEEL A BIT TURNED ON IT’S SIDE RIGHT NOW but at Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE we have been designing and building the award-winning staycation for more than 11 years. Now is the time to create the perfect PLACE to share with your family and friends.
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW TOMASINO
Charles Barrett Adams
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER OF LION’S STORY
Charles Barrett Adams is feeling cautiously optimistic. Adams, like many other people of color around the world, has been following the latest developments surrounding a renewed push for racial equality. “I think there are new opportunities to change things, and I hope we don’t get complacent,” Adams says.
He’s also incredibly busy as of late in his professional life. “We’re getting calls from all kinds of folks,” he says. Adams is one of the founders of Lion’s Story, a nonprofit that strives to challenge systemic social injustices by teaching skills that promote racial literacy. “Racial literacy is the ability to read, recast and resolve racially stressful moments,” Adams explains. The organization’s name comes from a West African proverb that says the lion’s story will never be
The work of
Story is rooted in research and healing, and isn’t about making anyone feel uncomfortable or guilty.
Lion’s
known, as long as the hunter is the one who tells it. “We all have stories to tell,” Adams says. His story begins in New York State. Adams was born in Ithaca and spent the first 10 years of his life in Brooklyn before he and his mother relocated to California. “I like to tell people, pre-Internet, I moved across the country to Los Angeles, which is like another world,” he says. After his graduation from high school, he moved back to the East Coast to attend college at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Later, during his professional career, he ping-ponged back and forth between New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia—eventually with a family in tow.
Adams’ connection to the Lehigh Valley runs through Northampton County; he purchased a home from an aunt in Bethlehem Township in 2002. He moved his family—wife, Ebony Adams, and their now 14-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter—there in 2014. Although they left and moved to Philadelphia four years later, the home remains in Adams’ family. “It’s a hub for our family,” he says.
“I remember where I was. I remember what street I was on. I remember what I was wearing. I remember what I felt. I was scared as can be.”
Adams, the only child of a white father and a Black mother, says there’s a common thread that links all of the places he’s called home over the years—a feeling of not fitting in on some level, or of not feeling welcome in certain environments. It wasn’t a constant, roundthe-clock reality for him—yet it was there, Adams says, and it would rear its head in different ways. He speaks about the “low level, yet consistent side-eye” he got from police officers in New York City. He did feel safe spending time in his predominantly Black neighborhood in Brooklyn, he says: “That was comfortable.” But uneasiness would sometimes set in when he had to venture out to other parts of the city, where there were fewer people of color. He explains it like this: “Even when no one said a word, sometimes I would wonder, ‘Am I supposed to be here?’”
Sometimes though, words were said—and much worse. When asked to recall one of the
racially charged incidents from his youth, Adams describes a memory from his high school days in California, when he was riding in a car that was pulled over by LAPD o cers. His friend was driving; another friend was a passenger along with Adams—three young, Black men carpooling together. Adams says police mistakenly believed the car was stolen. He recalls in vivid detail being ordered out of the car and onto the ground at gunpoint by multiple police o cers. “I remember where I was,” Adams say. “I remember what street I was on. I remember what I was wearing. I remember what I felt. I was scared as can be.” The whole thing, Adams says, was a clerical error—the car belonged to the mother of one of the other boys. “That experience didn’t have to be like that,” Adams says. “It could have been sorted out in five minutes.” Even now, years later, Adams gets emotional when retelling the story; it’s still a very real moment in time for him. And it’s because he understands the power of memories like those that Adams has made storytelling such a big part of the work he does now.
Adams worked in education for many years, starting with a job teaching seventh-grade social studies at a middle school in Brooklyn. The curriculum spanned everything from the origin stories of Indigenous peoples to the Reconstruction era that followed the American Civil War. In many ways, it was a daunting task—how does a man of color teach students of color from old, outdated history textbooks that don’t always paint a complete, well-rounded picture of the Black, Brown and Native Americans of decades or even centuries ago? Perhaps that teacher starts by planting a seed in those young minds. “I think I did a good job of introducing the questions,” Adams says. “The best thing is when a student comes back later and is schooling you. It’s like, ‘OK, the training wheels are o !’”
Adams was working at a public college preparatory boarding school in Washington, D.C., when he met Dr. Howard Stevenson, a
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nationally recognized clinical psychologist and researcher on negotiating racial conflicts. He also reconnected with Dr. Brian Peterson, a fellow University of Pennsylvania alumnus and director of the school’s Makuu Black Cultural Center. Over the next seven years, the men stayed in touch via text messages, emails and sit-down chats. They bonded over shared experiences as professional men and fathers and continued to build upon a mutual vision of creating an organization that would be dedicated to the work of racial literacy. Lion’s Story is the realization of that vision.
Training sessions can take many forms but are all built around storytelling. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences with racially charged situations; administrators like Adams will do the same. Adams says he gets as much out of it as the audience does. “Every time we do a training or get a new client, part of me heals.” There might also be journaling, role-playing or work in small and large group settings. Regardless of the roadmap, the destination remains the same: showing participants how to change their own racially insecure and stress-burdened thoughts, emotions and behaviors. What it’s not about is making anyone feel uncomfortable or guilty. “Our work is focused on healing and rooted in research,” Adams says.
The program’s success stories run the gamut from major, such as a company changing its hiring practices and talent pool, to minor, such as a participant deciding to make an e ort to patronize more minority-owned businesses, but both are equally important to the overall mission. “There’s a lane for everybody to be in,” says Adams. He’s encouraged by a report from the New York Times that says, as of June of this year, up to 26 million people in the United States have participated in demonstrations over the death of George Floyd and others. That would make Black Lives Matter possibly the largest social justice movement in the country’s history. Adams thinks social media has proved to be an e ective tool in shining a spotlight on injustice; even the pandemic has, in a roundabout way, given more exposure to the cause, because more people are at home, turning on the news and scrolling through their Facebook and Instagram feeds to see what’s going on the world.
It’s for all of these reasons that Adams is feeling cautiously optimistic. “It feels good. I’m glad,” he says. “But it’s not done. What conversations are we going to have now? What are we going to do next?” thelionsstory.org
Designing Dreams in the Lehigh Valley
Samantha Ciotti Falcone and her team at SCF Architecture, LLC, work on some of the most interesting projects. Those projects range from front porch face-lifts, to an escape room design, to residential projects of every shape and size, including additions, custom homes, master bedroom suites, basement designs, custom man-cave garages, pool houses and lake cabins. SCFA also expertly handles commercial projects such as restaurant and retail work, including branch designs for Univest, restaurant rehabs, several booths at the Trolley Barn Public Market in Quakertown and assisting with the Archibald Johnston Mansion renovation project. SCFA celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, and though 2020 has been an exciting but challenging year for everyone, the firm continues to serve their clients and grow.
Sam believes strongly in giving back to her community and encourages and participates in charity work with her sta . On the drawing boards is an addition to the Camelot for Children building to improve their space for children with special needs. Her team has helped with Habitat for Humanity projects and participated in their She Nailed It! nail hammering competitions. She also helped lead the design of the “advanced camper” shed construction project for the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, and enjoys mentoring students interested in the architecture field.
Let Sam and her team make the process easier and help make that next architectural project a success.
SCF Architecture, LLC
3606 Rte. 378 Suite C/D/E
Black River Plaza, Bethlehem 610.297.0140 scf-arch.com
Experience the Myron Haydt Difference
For 44 years, Myron Haydt Builders have been setting the standard for custom homebuilding in the Lehigh Valley with a portfolio of projects that includes many of the area’s finest estate homes.
Myron combines the project management skills of a first-rate builder with the people-friendly approach of an interior designer. From the initial meeting to after-hours cell phone conversations, he listens extremely well and will take the client’s interests to heart.
A 36-year member of the Lehigh Valley Builders Association—where he presently serves as Life Director— Myron has earned more than 25 design awards and the loyalty of many clients over the years in the industry. He was named Best Custom Home Builder in Pennsylvania by the nationally recognized Home Builder Digest
Haydt’s most recent project, Newport Ridge, was named the Community of the Year by the LVBA. Located at 1511 Black River Road in Bethlehem, Newport Ridge o ers five remaining beautiful home sites ranging from two to six acres in size.
Myron Haydt Development Inc.
Bethlehem 610.776.2952
myronhaydthomes.com
by
Left to right: Samantha Ciotti Falcone, Melissa Rutledge, Tracy Tsamoutalidis and Devyn Sinko
Photo
Lexi Brown Photography
Retirement is for living.
It took decades of long hours and hard work, but you’re finally ready to quit the old nine-to-five—which, let’s be honest, was never quite so regular. Early morning flights, late night phone calls, weekends at the office, a never-ending list of things that needed your immediate attention. Time long gone, but here you are, with nothing but time and the freedom to spend it as you wish.
Doubtless you have questions. How do you guarantee income in retirement? How do you manage the inevitable ups and downs of the market? Are you properly invested? Did you do everything you could to prepare?
BY DAISY WILLIS
Enjoy some fresh air and soak up the last of the summer sun at these local destinations.
Picnic Spots
Fresh air is a fantastic condiment, so grab a blanket, slide into a picnic table or just sit down at one of these bastions of natural beauty for an al fresco meal the old-fashioned way.
1. MALCOLM GROSS ROSE GARDEN
allentownpa.gov
Blossoms still linger in the meticulously landscaped Allentown Rose Garden through the month of September, and adjacent Cedar Beach Park o ers additional scope for activity or picnicking. The Rose Garden also provides prime people watching as folks use the lovely backdrops of stonework and flowers for photoshoots.
2. HAWK MOUNTAIN
hawkmountain.org
Want to work up an appetite? Stock your backpack with vittles, strap on secure footwear and head to one of numerous lookouts along Hawk Mountain’s miles of scenic trails in Kempton. Hawks, eagles and falcons may add entertainment swooping in the wide sky above as you enjoy lunch.
3. MONOCACY PARK bethlehem-pa.gov
The rushing stream, waterfall and stone pavilions stand out at this shady park full of towering sycamores and meandering geese. It’s small, but mightily dedicated to picnicking provisions: grills, tables and benches scatter the banks of the Monocacy Creek, overseen by the historic mill.
4. NOCKAMIXON STATE PARK
dcnr.state.pa.us
This massive Quakertown park surrounds the largest lake in southeastern Pennsylvania, especially scenic as the leaves start to change. With picnic tables and charcoal grills, you can chow down beside its vast and glittering waters, or take a boat out and plunder your lunchbox as you float or fish.
5. LOUISE W. MOORE PARK
northamptoncounty.org
Spread out on an open lawn or set up in a stone pavilion—Louise Moore’s 100-plus acres near the junction of Routes 22 and 33 are spotted with attractive structures and floral landscaping. A relaxing expanse of trails, sports fields, playgrounds and tennis courts provides many options for frolic before feasting.
APPETIZER WINERY
PIEROGI
BY CARRIE HAVRANEK,
This year, we are more inspired than ever by the unshakeable, tireless, spirited businesses in our community. Despite a pandemic temporarily closing so many of their doors, we saw pivoting and persistence like never before. We are so proud to celebrate these businesses that garnered more than 26,000 votes from Style readers! THE 7 th annual
AMY UNGER AND CHRISTOPHER HIPPENSTEEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON AND ALISON CONKLIN
FOOD & DRINK
PLAYA BOWLS
A couple years ago, you probably couldn’t find a poke bowl, a dish with origins in Hawaiian culture, on many menus in the Lehigh Valley, let alone from one that prides itself on using healthy ingredients in a fast-casual environment. People are coming into Playa Bowls specifically for them, and they’re gaining in popularity. There’s a simple answer as to why.
“The easy answer to why our poke bowls are so popular is that they are delicious,” says Rich Miller, district manager for the Playa Bowls in Easton, Bethlehem, Center Valley and, now, Nazareth.
B t Poke Bowl
So what, exactly, is a poke bowl?
“When we meet a customer who isn’t sure what a poke bowl is, we describe it as a deconstructed sushi roll, constructed in the same manner as our açaí bowls, with the base being rice and the toppings being proteins and vegetables instead of fruit,” he says.
The poke bowls are made with fresh produce. For the sushi lovers, the Salmon Avocado Bowl with sustainable Atlantic salmon and the Shoyu Ahi Tuna Bowl both use sushi-grade fish, he says. As an alternative to the raw fish, they o er the California Bowl, the Basic Beet Bowl (totally vegetarian) and Rock-N-Roll Shrimp Bowl. The bowls are great because they give Playa Bowls customers a more savory alternative to their other bowls and smoothies, says Miller.
Various area locations | playabowls.com
FOOD & DRINK
CALI BURRITO
BEST BURRITO
LOST TAVERN BREWING
In the four years since Lost Tavern Brewing opened on Main Street in Hellertown, owners Ken and Kenny (father and son) Rampolla and Anthony Gangi have garnered a loyal following in a crowded craft beer landscape.
“What has made us stand out is that we have a very high-quality product that we try to continuously improve on. Our slogan is ‘honor the past, craft the future,’ and we try to continue to o er classic-style beers that everyone can appreciate, along with new things that give us the ability to experiment,” says Kenny. With 32 taps, a handful of beers in cans and the requisite innovative spirit, Lost Tavern has shied away from creating flagship beers and instead tries to always improve upon itself.
To date, more than 300 beers have run through their lines.
“We have ones we return to more often than not, but we’re always improving them,” he says. Some of those include Seeker, its American IPA, and Grace, its wheat beer. There’s always a cider, too.
Although the business is set to expand into a recently purchased warehouse, the tavern itself isn’t going anywhere. The name is an homage to the first tavern on record in Hellertown, Wagner’s, whose location has been lost to history over the years.
782 Main St., Hellertown | 444 Main St., Bethlehem 484.851.3980 | losttavernbrewing.com
B t BrewLocal y
This California-style burrito joint has plenty of options to choose from, including The Big Sur (steak, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese), The Mendocino (ground beef, pinto beans, rice, cheese and pico de gallo) and The Nepenthe (falafel, rice, black beans, pickles and tahini sauce). They also have burrito bowls and breakfast burritos—because it’s never too early for a burrito—as well as several vegetarian options. For something new, consider mixing it up with their burrito of the week.
This frozen yogurt chain is all about doing yogurt your way. With several different flavors and an endless array of sauces and toppings, Menchie’s certainly lives up to that promise. Don’t forget to order one of their frozen yogurt cakes for a twist on a traditional ice cream cake.
TWO RIVERS BREWING COMPANY
BEST BURGER
It’s impossible to talk about Two Rivers without mentioning their Peanut Butter Bacon Cheddar Burger—a half-pound burger slathered with peanut butter, topped with smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, peanut brittle dust and chili gastrique, and sandwiched between a brioche bun. Other choices include the Smoked Bacon & Cheddar Burger, the Vegan Black Bean & Chickpea Burger and the Bu alo Chicken Burger.
Alongside more conventional beef, chicken and shrimp options, Geakers also offers fish and gator tacos for their more daring patrons. Each taco can also come in regular, jerk, buffalo, Asian sesame or bourbon flavors. Can’t make it to the Bethlehem location? Keep an eye out for the Geakers taco truck at events across the Lehigh Valley!
3531 Freemansburg Ave., Bethlehem
610.419.4869 | geakers.com
WALLY’S DELI
BEST SANDWICH
Skip the standard sandwich and pig out with a Wally’s Hog—a round-roll sandwich piled high with one or several types of meat and cheese. Each hog comes with its own sauce selected to complement the flavor. And while some patrons opt for meat-heavy varieties like the Squealer, the Oinker or the Wart Hog, the most popular is the meatless Veggie Hog.
1245 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.967.1347
711 N. 17 th St., Allentown | 610.435.7177
wallys-deli.com
TAPAS ON MAIN
BEST SANGRIA
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Sangria and French fries might not sound like an ideal combination, but at Tapas, it’s a match made in heaven. Their Papas à la Francesa put a Spanish twist on traditional fries, hand-cut with Manchego cheese, truffle oil and mustard aioli. And you can wash them down with a pitcher (or two, or several) of their nine varieties of sangria, including Pineapple Mint, Grapefruit Thyme and Limoncello Raspberry Cava.
500 Main St., Bethlehem
610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com
BDUBS ON 5 TH
There’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a grilled cheese sandwich. At Dubs on 5th, grilled cheese is serious business. Dubs is owned by Patty Wilkinson and her family, named as an abbreviation of their last name. They o er a wide menu of easy, comfortable fare including burgers, fresh-cut fries and wings that go through a high-pressure fryer to retain their juiciness. But it’s the grilled cheese that distinguishes them from the
competition. It’s no ordinary grilled cheese. Their signature Bu alo chicken grilled cheese is something to behold. After much experimentation, they got it right. “We landed on two buttered pieces of Texas toast bread, three gooey pieces of cheese—two parts American, one part Cheddar—and our signature Bu alo chicken dip recipe shlopped right in the middle," says Wilkinson. "It’s a messy sandwich, but well worth
THE BAYOU
BEST MAC N’ CHEESE
it. Lots of regulars choose to get a side of our homemade ranch or blue cheese to dip their already sloppy sandwiches in to complete the taste.” Bu alo sauce not your thing? How about one with American cheese, fried onions and two deep-fried pierogies? Or a pizza grilled cheese? Maybe a spicy Southwest grilled cheese? OK, we’ll stop there . . .
402 5 th St., Easton
610.438.3827 | dubson5th.com
The Bayou’s signature Bayou Mac N’ Cheese comes with smoked ham hock, aged cheddar, fontina and sweet peas. For another take on their already legendary dish, try the Nashville Mac N’ Cheese, with crispy fried chicken, Bayou hot sauce, broccoli, fontina and aged cheddar.
64 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.829.1700 | datbayoulv.com
B t Pizza
LEHIGH PIZZA
There’s nothing more frustrating to the pizza lover than inconsistency. Sometimes there’s too much cheese; sometimes it’s not enough. Sometimes the crust is too thick, sometimes it’s burning up. Lehigh Pizza understands this. That’s why its pizza makers, many of whom have been with the place for more than a decade, grate the cheese, make the dough and create its pizza sauce from a 20-year-old secret recipe from scratch. All of these moves speak to the consistency.
“We haven’t changed anything in a very long time, so people who used to eat our pizza as kids 20 years ago are still eating the
same pizza with their kids, now,” says Brian Mixtacki, who runs the marketing and social media for Lehigh Pizza.
The attention to detail carries through the entire process. “Our dough making process has been developed to assure consistency. Everything is weighed out. We even air-condition our dough prep and flour storage area because changes in temperature and humidity a ect the consistency of the finished dough,” says George Lioudis, whose family owns it along with the Gouvalis family. And while there are definitely standards in place, poetic license is granted, too. “We train our pizza makers to be as consistent
EGYPT STAR BAKERY BEST BREAD
as possible, yet we welcome their artistic abilities and slight variations because it reminds our customers that we handmake all our pizza,” he says.
Lehigh Pizza does a brisk biz with plain, of course, but the taco pizza is a recently introduced product (steak with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses), and the Italian wedge is popular with the lunch crowd; it’s basically an Italian sub on a slice, served hot or cold, your choice. Pizza: Is there anything you can’t do?
13 W. 3 rd St., Bethlehem 610.866.1088 | lehighpizza.com
ALADDIN MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
BEST HUMMUS
Aladdin owner and head chef Violette Younes prides herself on making daily batches of hummus using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant also has an expansive lunch and dinner menu—with plenty of dishes featuring their signature hummus, of course!
651 Union Blvd., Allentown 610.437.4023 | aladdinlv.com
THE BRASS RAIL BEST CHEESESTEAK
The Brass Rail, an Allentown staple for more than 85 years, doesn’t limit itself to the typical cheesesteak. They also offer a California cheesesteak, a buffalo chicken cheesesteak, the Brassy Chicken Cheesesteak, the Pizza Steak (not to be confused with their cheesesteak pizza), the Mushroom Steak and a chili cheesesteak. And that’s not mentioning the cheesesteak salad and cheesesteak omelet.
Egypt Star Bakery boldly claims to have the freshest bread in town—and you’d have a hard time proving them wrong. From starchy staples like rye and pumpernickel to challah and cinnamon bread, this bakery has no shortage of variety. You can check them out at any of their four locations in Allentown, Whitehall, Coplay and Emmaus.
Various area locations | egyptstarbakery.com
Is the typical ice cream cone not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth? The Udder Bar’s got you covered. Sandwich any of their 100-plus rotating flavors between waffles, cookies or donuts, blend them into an over-the-top specialty shake, or pile them high in a customizable sundae. Or try one of their “Hot Bunz,” a warm pressed brioche bun filled with ice cream, toppings and sauce.
1852 W. Allen St., Allentown 484.221.8653 | theudderbar.com
THE JOINT COFFEE CO.
When you talk to Tito Negron, owner of The Joint Co ee Co., about how he got into co ee, it’s clear that the beverage is in his blood. “My grandmother is from Puerto Rico and used to roast her beans on a pan, and had a grinder that was attached to the table… essentially it’s her fault,” he says, laughing. Which then begs the question—how old was he when he had his first cup?
“Young,” he says, still laughing. Such a story brings new meaning to the idea of something being handcrafted, and it defines how he runs his two locations of The Joint (Bethlehem opened in 2013; Whitehall, across from the Apple store in the Lehigh Valley Mall, 2019). Negron wanted to bring some of that specialty co ee experience to the region, and o ers single-origin co ees that are served very fresh, within a week or so of roasting. “ Send It ” is their signature roast for espresso, sourced from Colombia, Guatemala and Ethiopia, but they o er other unique roasts, such as the “Bourbon Barrel,” which makes good use of Pennsylvania bourbon barrels as 30-day storage vessels before roasting the beans.
Additionally, The Joint makes its own infused simple syrups with organic sugar and real ingredients, whether it’s lavender, vanilla, sage or cinnamon. “If someone orders a lavender latte, they’ll get what it tastes like. It won’t taste artificial.”
That attention to detail is apparent in the other beverages too, whether it’s matcha, chai, teas, cold brew or nitro o erings.
77 W. Broad St. #18C, Bethlehem 610.419.9237
904 Lehigh Valley Lifestyle Ctr., Whitehall
610.443.0724 | thejointcoffee.com
B t C Sh
THE WOODEN MATCH
The Hoss Pierogis at The Wooden Match can be deep-fried or sautéed, and are served with caramelized onions, sour cream and demi-glace. Find them under their Primers (appetizers) list.
61 W. Lehigh St., Bethlehem | 610.865.1777 thewoodenmatch.com
B tPi ogi
NORTHAMPTON SEAFOOD MARKET
BEST SEAFOOD MARKET
This isn’t the Northampton Seafood Market’s first recognition from Lehigh Valley Style readers—and for good reason. They offer a wide variety of delicious fresh and frozen seafood as well as heat-and-eat meals. Make sure to check out their weekly specials!
With a massive selection of taps, Porters’ Pub has everything a beer lover could ask for. And even if you’re just there for drinks, don’t skip out on Porters’ soup of the day.
Outdoor dining has been having something of a moment this year— and at Blue, they’ve been doing outdoor seating right for years. Their patio dining makes for a meal that isn’t simply enjoyed, it’s experienced.
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem
610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com
GRILLE 3501
BEST HAPPY HOUR SPOT
EIGHT OAKS FARM DISTILLERY
BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY
This New Tripoli-based distillery believes that small batches produce better sprits. They use locally grown grains and ingredients to craft drinks that are truly farm-to-bottle. You can pick up their wide selection not only at their New Tripoli distillery, but also at their stand at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market, the Easton Public Market and the Reading Terminal Market locations.
Catch Grille 3501’s happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Loft Bar and The Grille Bar, with happy hour specials and top-notch cocktails.
Tacos, wings, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, platters and more—all for less than $10. For great food, great drinks and a great dive bar atmosphere for an even better price, Stahley’s is your best pick.
It’s never a good idea to fill up on appetizers—unless you’re at Apollo Grill, in which case, go for it. At Apollo, you can skip out on the entrées entirely and stick to their outstanding selection of small plates. Try the short rib quesadilla, pan-seared scallops with charred mango salsa and cilantro oil, or garlic bread with gorgonzola cheese sauce.
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
JOSH EARLY CANDIES
BEST SPECIALTY CANDY
Josh Early Candies has been a premier destination for Lehigh Valley chocolate lovers for decades. Keep it classic with their fan-favorite nonpareils, caramels and assorted chocolates, or add some spice to your sweet tooth with their habanero sea salt caramels.
Vince’s Cheesesteaks is a family-run business dating to 1957, and father-and-son Vince and Chris Cocca know a few things about doing a food truck biz— although back in the ’70s when they went mobile it was more generically referred to as “mobile food.” These days, you’ll find the truck in any number of locations scattered throughout the region, at McNabb’s (Wescosville), Dries Do It Center (Macungie) and Lazarus Farm Market (Whitehall).
Sometimes they travel up to the Poconos, too, depending on who makes the call for their food.
Certainly, if you’re looking for a good cheesesteak, Vince’s is your go-to, but they’re also known for their homemade pierogies, burgers, fries and even o er some vegetarian options. Chris says they've been locally sourcing whenever possible, and says it’s even more important during what he calls “uncertain times,” but that doing so “makes for
better quality [food] and a stronger community.
“The people who come out to our trucks or to see us at the PPL Center or who hire us for catering jobs aren't just customers, we think of them as friends who are supporting our small family business. We're very grateful to keep building every year on what Vince Sr. started decades ago,” says Chris.
610.395.6500 | thecheesesteakplace.com
BOLETE
BEST BRUNCH
The team at Bolete curates their farmto-table menu daily, so the brunch selection is never stale. Dine where they take pride in hand-crafting each dish from local ingredients.
With more than 80 varieties of rolls and dozens of sushi entrées and appetizers, this Easton restaurant has no shortage of creative (and colorful) sushi options to choose from. Some of their signature rolls include the Picachu Roll (whitefish, avocado, crabmeat and shrimp wrapped in yellow soybean paper) the Surf N’ Turf Roll (creamy spicy lobster, asparagus tempura and avocado inside, topped with seared pepper
YOCCO’S
BEST HOT DOG
Who else? Maybe it’s the borderingon-100 years of experience and tradition, or maybe it’s the secret recipe for Yocco’s famous chili sauce— either way, you can’t go wrong with this Lehigh Valley staple.
Various area locations | yoccos.com
beef tender and scallion) and the Green Devil Roll (crunchy spicy salmon and avocado with jalapeño).
Brought to you by the same restaurateur behind Tapas on Main (winner of Best Fries and Best Sangria), The Flying Egg is all about its namesake. Egg platters, egg sandwiches, egg wraps, Eggs Benedict and omelets make up the core of their breakfast menu. But if you’re looking for something sweeter, opt for their apple and honey ricotta toast or their stuffed French toast with fresh strawberries, jam and chocolate sauce.
451 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.691.5100 | theflyingeggbethlehem.com
COPPERHEAD GRILLE
BEST BAR FOOD & BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME
This restaurant’s bar food—mouthwatering wings, ribs, sandwiches and apps— alone makes it a worthwhile game-day destination. Pair that with dozens of TVs, outdoor seating and a great atmosphere, and Copperhead Grille will make the perfect place to celebrate the return of sports.
At Grumpy’s, there’s only one right way to do barbecue: low and slow, then seasoned and smoked to perfection. They promise to make the best ribs you’ve ever had—but you should also try their chicken, brisket, pulled pork and seafood. There are no wrong choices.
This restaurant offers great Thai food in the heart of Bethlehem. Thai Thai II’s Pad Thai is made with ground peanuts, bean curd, scallions, egg, fresh garden bean sprouts and your choice of chicken, pork, shrimp or flank steak.
509 Main St., Bethlehem 610.868.1919 | thaithai2pa.com
DINER 248
BEST COMFORT FOOD
Diner 248 does comfort food right. Their dishes range from comfort classics (like chicken parmigiana, pierogies and beer-battered fish and chips) to new twists on old favorites (like the 248 Melt, with hickory-smoked bacon, tomato slices and melted American cheese on thick-sliced grilled sourdough).
Seasons Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom is a gourmet cook’s paradise. Their signature oils, vinegars and seasonings make for the perfect finishing touch to any meal.
508 Main St., Bethlehem 610.866.2615 | seasonstaproom.com
KOMÉ FINE
JAPANESE CUISINE
BEST HIBACHI
An upscale, modern take on the hibachi experience, KOMÉ prides itself on setting the standard for modern Japanese cuisine and gourmet hibachi in Southeastern PA. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and hibachi entertainment complement its expansive hibachi and dinner menus. Don’t skip out on dessert, either. KOMÉ’s dessert selection—featuring mochi ice cream, banana panna cotta and dessert Bento Boxes— offers the finishing touch on a perfect hibachi meal.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 610.798.9888 | komerestaurant.com
BLONDIES
BEST CUPCAKE
This Catasauqua-based shop’s cupcake fame has reached far beyond the Lehigh Valley, appearing on both Food Network and Spike TV. With an ever-rotating selection of standard and muffin-sized cupcakes, Blondies has a flavor for every occasion. Make sure to check out their second location at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
333 Front St., Catasauqua 610.443.1741 | blondiesfood.com
PRIMO HOAGIES
BEST HOAGIE
With dozens of locations in eight states, Primo Hoagies is far from your hometown sub shop—but that doesn’t mean they don’t take their sandwiches seriously. Each Primo hoagie comes with award-winning seeded bread, a unique blend of spices and fresh-sliced gourmet meats and cheeses.
Various area locations primohoagies.com
HUMMUS HOUSE
Hummus—and Middle Eastern food more generally—really lends itself easily to vegan preparations. After all, we’re talking about chickpeas with garlic, olive oil and lemon, at the most basic level, but that doesn’t take into account all the di erent hummus varieties the Hechme family (Albert, Samar and Anthony) makes on an everyday basis. (Roasted red pepper! Roasted garlic! Spicy avocado! Yes, please!)
But since it opened in 2014, Hummus House has become truly more than its namesake, so much so that son Anthony says they are contemplating a move and a name change sometime in the near future, to better reflect the wide range of foods they serve. Regardless, one thing won’t change. If you’re dying for some lunch options that are vegan and you don’t want soup or salad (not an easy accomplishment), Hummus House—or whatever they are going to call it in the future—is your place. Where else
are you going to find a falafel cheesesteak that’s served rolled in a panini with garlic tahini and vegan cheese? Or an award-winning vegan mac and cheese? Or a falafel flower panini, named for the addition of cauliflower? But there’s also the Beyond Burger, too, that you can order. Creativity is not in short supply in this family.
When asked what’s popular, Anthony says, laughing, “it’s hard to say what’s popular because everything pretty much gets ordered daily. It’d be easier to tell you the least popular items.”
1502 W. Chew St., Allentown 610.434.8800 | thehummushouse.com
B VegantM u
FOOD & DRINK
FRANKLIN HILL VINEYARDS
Franklin Hill, the first and oldest winery in the Lehigh Valley, continues to be a favorite with readers, but residents aren’t the only ones who show their love for this 45-year-old vineyard’s wines. Through the years, Elaine Pivinski and her faithful team have garnered numerous awards for their wines, including one for their Beach Bum, a pineapple coconut white wine, which garnered them a gold medal. A standby, of course, and the wine that helped put them on the map, is the Sir Walter’s Red, a 100-percent Concord wine named for Pivinski’s father, who would often help out around the winery. “I like to think he’s still helping us from beyond,” she says. Franklin Hill is truly a family a air with many long-time employees who are dedicated
to the craft of making fine—and fun—wines. They keep trying new things, keep pivoting and experimenting (it’s how they ended up with Social Still, which her son Adam Flatt runs), and it’s why Franklin Hill fared well throughout the past six months during COVID-19 with curbside sales. They sold and shipped lots of cases of wine, many a wine slushie and wine flights. “We learned something. The whole world drinks,” she says. Looks like a small portion of it is drinking—and loving—Franklin Hill’s o erings.
7833 Franklin Hill Rd., Bangor | 888.887.2839 franklinhillvineyards.com | Various wine shop locations
Bt W y
YUM YUM BAKE SHOPS BEST DOUGHNUT
Over the summer, Yum Yum Bake Shops closed its Quakertown location for renovations, so they’re more excited than ever to welcome new and returning customers. Their doughnuts are freshly made on the premises twice daily. Feeling extra hungry? Order the Big Kahuna, which is a doughnut big enough to serve between 10 and 12 people!
1461 W. Broad St., Quakertown 215.538.3050 | yumyumbakeshops.com
P.J. WHELIHAN’S PUB AND RESTAURANT BEST NACHOS
Put a Philly twist on your ordinary nachos with P.J. Whelihan’s cheesesteak nachos, which are loaded with shredded cheddar jack cheese, American cheese sauce, shaved steak and caramelized onions. Or try the Wicked Chicken Nachos, piled with chicken and cheese and drizzled with any of PJ’s famous sauces.
KEYSTONE PUB AND GRILL BEST WINGS
When we're talking about good chicken wings, it all comes down to the sauce—and with a wide selection of sweet, spicy and sweet-and-spicy wing flavors, Keystone Pub and Grill has a sauce (or spice) for every situation. Add a kick of sweet heat with their honey chipotle wings, or go for a tropical kick with grilled pineapple habanero.
3259 Easton Ave.,
LEISURE & RECREATION
UNANGST TREE FARMS
BEST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 7317 Bethlehem-Bath Pke., Bath 610.837.7531 | unangst-treefarm.com
MUSIKFEST
BEST FESTIVAL musikfest.org
CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE
BEST PARTY PLACE FOR KIDS
30 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.515.8000 crayolaexperience.com
BEST DANCE STUDIO 380 S. Greenwood Ave., Easton 610.252.5673 | nardistudios.com SEIPLE FARMS
BEST PICK-YOUR-OWN ORCHARD
Nor Bath Blvd., Bath 610.837.0847 | seiplefarms.com GRIM’S ORCHARD & FAMILY FARMS
BEST PUMPKIN PATCH 9875 Schantz Rd., Breinigsville 610.395.5655 | grimsorchard.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
t N r i t
SWEAT LIKE A GIRL BEST BOUTIQUE WORKOUT
Sweat Like A Girl is a girls-only fitness experience designed for women, by women. Their offerings include pole fitness, Zumba, indoor cycling and more. And if you’re still unsure whether you’d like to try it, the first class is free! They also offer a “fight club” class that covers basic punches and kicks. We’d tell you more about it, but that would, of course, violate the first rule of fight club…
AMBER KINNEY
ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER
Fad diets have no place in Amber Kinney’s world. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for her patients to have slogged their way through one or two before finding their way to her. “For most people who come to our center, it’s not the first thing they’ve tried,” says Kinney, a registered dietician who works at the St. Luke's University Health Network Weight Management Center. She helps patients design and implement weight loss strategies. “Our goal is to be as realistic as possible,” she says. “They’re not going on a diet. They’re changing the way they eat moving forward.” And the number on the scale only tells part of the story. “Our big thing is to improve the quality of life,” Kinney says.
She’s been coach and cheerleader to thousands of patients during her four years on the job. Kinney recalls one man who was limited to walking in a pool as his only source of exercise when he started the program. A year and a half later, he’s down 120 pounds and he’s training for a half marathon. Kinney says victories like that remind her that she’s doing exactly what she’s supposed to be doing with her life. “I feel like every day is still the honeymoon period of my job.”
| slhn.org
TEST YOUR METAL FITNESS & PERFORMANCE
BEST CROSSFIT TRAINING
Test Your Metal Fitness & Performance—formerly known as CrossFit Advanced—offers group classes as well as private coaching and personal training with their certified coaches. They’re also home to one of the newest and largest indoor practice facilities in the Lehigh Valley, which includes 10,000 square feet of indoor turf. Be sure to sign up for your free trial class!
Barre3 designs classes that help clients improve their mental and physical well-being, no matter their ability or experience level. And with two locations in the Lehigh Valley, you’re never too far from the studio. Not comfortable returning to the gym just yet? Don’t worry, you can bring the studio to you with Barre3’s online workouts.
Forward Thinking Fitness offers an in-depth approach that allows for one-on-one attention and personalized results. What's more, sessions are available for scheduling every hour of the day to provide an unparalleled level of flexibility.
6750 Iroquois Trl. Suite 12, Allentown 610.395.9595 | trainftf.com
HOT YOGA HUT
Anyone who doubts that yoga can be a full body sweat-fest should pay a visit to Bethlehem’s Hot Yoga Hut. While the center o ers classes that cater to all ages and abilities, the most popular ones are also the most intense, says Ali Trexler, who manages the studio with her husband, Tim. “Our hot room combines equal heat and humidity,” she says. “People really crave that deep, intense sweat.” Among the most in-demand
B t Yoga udio
classes is the Hot 40-RP program, a 75-minute set made up of 40 di erent postures, which was created by Trexler’s mother and the studio’s founder, Randi Perrett. There’s also Hot Abs, which isn’t really yoga at all, but a 45-minute cardio and abs combination that will leave you drenched, says Trexler.
Hot Yoga Hut specializes in the Ashtanga style of yoga, which is known as being the most
physically demanding. According to Trexler, all of the studio’s teachers have been trained in New York City. “Your studio is only as good as your instructors,” she says. The transformations she sees in the Hut’s dedicated tribe are one of her main motivators. “The rewarding part is the students. How we change their lives.”
ST. LUKE'S FITNESS & SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER
BEST GYM/FITNESS CENTER
St. Luke’s offers an exclusive fitness experience tailored to each client’s goals, whether you’re a beginner just getting started or a high-performing athlete looking to take your game to the next level. Their exercise specialists will use your personalized fitness assessment to develop a workout plan designed to fit your individual needs, and then provide you with one-on-one instruction to set you on the right path.
Various area locations | slhn.org/fitness
SERVICES & HELP
ONE STOP PET SHOP B t P Gr m
LEADER OF THE PACK BEST PET CARE
Pamper your pup with Leader of the Pack’s dog grooming services, or keep them in good company while you’re at work or on vacation with their doggie daycare and dog boarding services. And, if your furry friend needs to brush up on their manners, sign them up for obedience training. Regardless, Leader of the Pack can manage all your canine needs.
It’s no surprise that a woman who owns an animal grooming business is passionate about pets, but Dawn Lichtenwalner really takes it to the extreme. Her brood includes eight dogs, horses, birds, chickens and a pig. “It’s really a zoo at my home,” she says. Lichtenwalner, the owner of One Stop Pet Shop in Emmaus, worked at a veterinary o ce for 10 years before going out on her own as a small-business owner. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to close her doors, she considered not coming back. Luckily for all those pet owners who depend on her to care for their furry friends, she had a change of heart. “It has pushed us harder to make sure we stay where we are and keep helping these people in our community,” says Lichtenwalner. It’s obvious that her clientele is grateful she made that call. In the days after grooming operations were allowed to reopen in the state, Lichtenwalner was scrambling to reschedule hundreds of appointments. It would be nearly two weeks before she was able to take a day o . “We really do love the animals like they’re our own,” she says.
Whether you’re looking for black-tie hors d'oeuvres, like canapés filled with salmon mousse, or simple backyard barbecue fare, Cathy’s Creative Catering can deliver. With a wide-ranging, versatile menu, they can cater for any situation, from laid-back brunches to weddings to corporate events.
752 Front St., Catasauqua | 610.443.0670 cathyscreativecatering.com
DREAM EVENTS
BEST EVENT SPECIALIST
Chocolate fountains, margarita machines, candy buffets—whatever event you’re looking to host, Dream Events has the finishing touch that will set it apart. And they’ll work with you step by step to prepare your event so it goes off without a hitch.
Rockin’ Ramaley knows how to turn an ordinary party into a night you’ll never forget—and their services go beyond the DJ booth. In addition to top-tier music, they also provide personalized event coordination, decorations and visual effects to make sure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
610.393.3339 | rockinramaley.com
B t ograpהr
SERVICES & HELP
ALISON CONKLIN
They say pictures are worth a thousand words, but when Alison Conklin is behind the lens, they might be worth even more. Alison’s photography stems from her obsession with food, fashion, design and interesting people, and she strives to capture emotion in each of her images. Whether she’s shooting weddings, portraits or editorial content, she incorporates unique angles and design elements to make each frame a masterpiece.
alisonconklin.com
PHOEBE FLORAL AND HOME DECOR
BEST FLORIST
Flowers are an art form at Phoebe Floral. This Allentown-based florist offers intricate, expertly-designed floral arrangements with friendly staff and outstanding customer service. They’re committed to going above and beyond to create the perfect floral gift, and to convey powerful messages through the language of flowers.
2102 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.434.9587 | phoebefloral.com
SHOPPING & BEAUTY
B t M ’s Hairc
When Ronald Corales dreamed of opening his own barber shop, he envisioned a throwback kind of place that would blend classic style with contemporary techniques. That’s why the men wielding the scissors at his Gentlemen’s Barbershop in Easton are clad in crisp white shirts with vests and ties, and customers are relaxing in vintage-inspired chairs while jazz or classical music plays in the background. “It’s a very chill vibe. Very classy,” Corales says. “Stu that was done back in the day, we still do it.” That includes some of the services, too, such as the hot towel shave with hot lather. Men who really want the A-list treatment can spring for the deluxe package, which includes the shave and a facial massage, plus a hair wash and conditioning, as well as a fresh cut and style. They’ll even throw in a beard trim, if needed.
But make no mistake—the Gentlemen’s Barbershop isn’t a boys’ club; women are welcome as well, and so are their little ones. “We want to make moms feel comfortable bringing their kids inside,” Corales says.
SHOPPING & BEAUTY
Many beauty experts preach the importance of eyebrows that are on point, and Alyssa Sedler is among them. She and her team have been helping clients shape, wax and tint their way to superior brows for several years, first at The Lash Bar in Bethlehem and now also at the neighboring Lux Skin Permanent Cosmetics. Each o ers a variety of options designed to give your face-framers the once-over, including the popular brow lift. “It’s kind of like a perm for your brow hairs,” Sedler explains. “They end up looking fuller and flu er.” Bonus: It could last up to 12 weeks. That’s not to say Sedler wouldn’t love to see you back in her chair sooner. “My biggest thing when I started this business was that I wanted to treat someone more like a friend than a customer,” she says. “When someone comes in I want them to walk out happy and they want to come back.”
4063 Nazareth Pike Unit C,
DAN SCHANTZ GREENHOUSE
BEST HOME AND GARDEN STORE
Dan Schantz Greenhouse always rotates their plant and flower offerings to stay in season, so you can trust that the plants you purchase are ready to thrive. This is your one-stop gardening shop in the Lehigh Valley.
2031 29th St. SW, Allentown 610.797.2774 | danschantzgreenhouse.com
LOVE OBSESSED
BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
What began with selling homemade bracelets over Etsy has spawned Love Obsessed, a boutique with several storefronts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You can visit their original location on West Broad Street in Quakertown, where they remain committed to the original, the inspired and the different.
308 W. Broad St., Quakertown 267.347.4116 | love-obsessed.com
THE LONDON SHOP
BEST MEN’S SHOP
The London Shop is committed to selling the finest tailored clothing from up-and-coming luxury brands. For more than 75 years, they’ve built their business around quality, selection and unsurpassed customer service.
Get in and out in 30 minutes with a quickie facial, or go for more in-depth options like the GuaSha, Reflexology or CBD facials. Each treatment works on and beneath the skin to achieve the desired results. Improve your experience by adding in LED light therapy or a hydrojelly mask.
1262 Simon Blvd., Easton 610.258.1702 | skinterestskincare.com
THE ATTIC
BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
The Attic is home to an ever-rotating selection of fun, unique and vintage clothing and accessories for enviable prices. Stop in and find something new to add to your wardrobe, or trade in your own items for cash.
516 Main St., Bethlehem
610.865.2210 | atticclothes.com
BIXLER’ S JEWELERS
BEST FINE JEWELRY STORE
Bixler’s has been offering premium jewelry since 1785, and they’ve only gotten better with time. They offer a wide selection of diamonds and settings at unbeatable prices, so turn to Bixler’s with all your jewelry needs.
3900 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown 610.821.8641 | bixlers1785.com
JAY MO RGAN
J. MORGAN SALON AND HOME
BEST HAIR STYLIST
Jayson Morgan strives to make a personal connection with every client who steps into his salon, and to give them the confidence to be their best selves. He believes that a good haircut, styling or coloring can be uplifting for anybody.
Domaci sells furniture and home décor that is resilient, strong and eclectic—just like the city it serves. This store blends classic design with unique elements, creating distinctive and timeless pieces that will make your house feel a bit more like home.
523 Main St., Bethlehem 484.892.6486 | domacihome.com
SHOPPING & BEAUTY
B t M age
HEALING HANDS
During what’s been an exceptionally stressful year for many so far, Jennifer Burns’ services may be needed now more than ever. Burns, a licensed massage therapist, has owned and operated Bethlehem’s Healing Hands for 23 years, o ering services like facials, waxing, colonics and, of course, massages.
The menu of options runs the gamut from couples massage to prenatal massage to deep
tissue massage, and Burns says it’s about much more than just working out the kinks. Over the years she’s been privy to countless success stories, clients who’ve been able to get a handle on a host of medical problems, thanks to the skilled hands of Burns and her sta . “I’m really picky about who I hire as massage therapists,” says Burns. “I want the best of the best.” Surroundings are important, too, and Healing
MAKEUP BY ROXY
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST
Hands strives to be as welcoming as possible. “The environment I want to create is as if a person is walking into their own house or my house,” Burns says. And it seems to be working. Burns says her client roster includes people who have been stretching out on her massage table for more than 20 years.
518 Main St., Bethlehem
610.882.4325 | healhands.com
Makeup by Roxy’s team takes part in hundreds of Lehigh Valley weddings and events each year—and they’re not afraid of going the extra mile to provide exceptional service. They regularly accompany their clients to destination weddings all over the globe. Whether in the Valley or on the other side of the country, Roxy’s team gives their clients personalized attention so they can leave the chair feeling their absolute best.
301 Front St. Suite 3, Catasauqua | 484.764.1769 | makeupbyroxy.com
SHOPPING & BEAUTY
B t B k e
EUROPEAN WAX CENTER
BEST WAXING
European Wax Center takes home this honor for the fifth year in a row, and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be giving up the throne any time soon. Head to one of their area locations for any of your hair removal needs.
Various area locations | waxcenter.com
ORGANIC TANS & BEAUTY BAR
BEST SPRAY TAN
QUADRANT BOOK MART & COFFEE HOUSE
It’s been nearly 30 years since husband and wife Andy Danielsons and Jo Moranville decided to buy a bookstore in Easton. “We thought we might not get rich doing it, but it’s a way of life,” says Moranville. Under their guidance, the Quadrant Book Mart and Co ee House has emerged as an anchor of the downtown restaurant and retail scene. Residents and tourists alike duck into the shop to lose an hour
MISSING PIECE
or two or more—sometimes many more. Moranville says people watching is one of the perks of the job. “Just like you don’t judge a book by its cover, you don’t judge a customer by how they look,” she says. “People disappear into the stacks for hours. You never know what they’re going to come up with.” And, at a time when many brick-and-mortar stores are struggling, Moranville is confident that Quadrant, which o ers a
variety of breakfast and lunch dishes served among those stacks, in addition to 60,000 book titles for sale, can provide an experience that trumps one-click shopping any day. “When you’re online, you know what you’re looking for,” she says. “When you’re in the store, you find the book you never knew you needed.”
20 N. 3 rd St., Easton | 610.252.1188 quadrantbookmartcoffeehouse
Most pre-adolescents don’t have a very clear picture of what their future careers will look like. Then there’s Karen Sampson. “Ever since I was 12 years old I knew I was going to have a store and it was going to be called Missing Piece,” she says. The brick-and-mortar manifestation of that childhood dream is on Bushkill Center Road in Bushkill Township. “I’m not here because of the retail,” says Sampson. “I’m here because of the people. The people walk through my door, and I help them.” What does she help them with, exactly? Finding the “missing piece,” of course, whether that’s a bracelet or a handbag or a new outfit for a special occasion or a home décor item. In the accessories department, customers can browse a variety of collections, including Brighton, Moon Glow, Sorrelli and John Medeiros. “I do have something for everyone’s tastes,” Sampson says. “I have unique items, not something you’d find up the street.” And there’s even a perk for the smallest shoppers—they get a cup full of Teddy Grahams to snack on while mom and dad peruse the store.
Whether you’re looking for a full-body spray tan or just the essentials, Organic Tans is the perfect place to get a tan that looks and feels natural. Go for their quick tan if you’re looking for a short-term fix, designed to be washed off after a few hours.
1752 W. Allen St., Allentown 610.821.8888 | organictanslv.com
BEARS REPEATING
BEST KIDS’ CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Find great, lightly used toys and children’s products at amazing prices at Bears Repeating.
7617 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown 610.398.7187 | bearsrepeatingpa
CUSTOM SPRAY TANS, PROFESSIONAL EYELASH EXTENSIONS, TEETH WHITENING
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
CAT COUNTRY 96 BEST RADIO STATION
Tune in for continuous country favorites, entertaining banter and your local news! Plus, they'll be broadcasting the Philadelphia Eagles games all season long!
catcountry96.com
THE AARDVARKS BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN
The Aardvarks formed from a team of veteran musicians, and they’ve gradually evolved into a force to be reckoned with on the Lehigh Valley music scene. From covers to original music, there’s no artist or genre The Aardvarks won’t touch. Book them for your next event or catch them live at your local bar, and enjoy some of the best local rock n’ roll.
theaardvarks.net
LEHIGH VALLEY WITH LOVE
Many a mover and shaker has taken a turn behind the mic for the Lehigh Valley with Love podcast. “I had Dan Roebuck in my attic. It was weird,” says George Wacker, owner of Lehigh Valley with Love Media, LCC, who co-hosts the podcast with comedian Tyler Rothrock. Race car driver Marco Andretti and sportswriter Jack McCallum have also been guests on the show. But Wacker says he’s just as interested in interviewing those who aren’t necessarily bold-faced names in the Valley, but who still have compelling stories to tell, like small-business owners and community leaders. “We never wanted to lose sight of having local people on the show, in addition to celebrities.”
When the pandemic hit, the podcast had to shift gears; the team churned out about 100 episodes as part of its Quarantine Video Series. Wacker says it ended up being a learning experience that prompted him to think about changing and expanding Lehigh Valley with Love’s podcast o erings, including launching a network to support other podcasts. Whatever the future holds, Wacker says getting to this place has been a lot of fun. “It was a labor of love. There was never the possibility of getting paid. We just wanted to create something, and it’s been phenomenal.”
lehighvalleywithlove.com
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
THREE OAK STEAKHOUSE
BEST DATE LOCATION
Take date night to the next level at Three Oak Steakhouse, with an extensive wine and dinner menu, beautiful interior and unbeatable views of Downtown Easton from their rooftop seating.
323 Northampton St., Easton
610.559.5510 | threeoaksteakhouse.com
PPL CENTER
BEST CONCERT VENUE
B t Radio P nal y
MIKE AND STEPH, B104
Listening to Mike and Steph in the morning on B104 is like eavesdropping on two old friends catching up. “We have a great time. We laugh, we joke, we put that on the air,” says Mike Kelly, one half of the dynamic duo that also includes Stephanie Wells. “We try to be very real about the whole process.” They first joined
forces on the airwaves to help Lehigh Valley listeners get up and get moving nearly 10 years ago. Wells says their easygoing on-air dynamic was forged naturally. “We have a chemistry that I think everyone who works in this realm hopes for.”
Of course, a very early alarm clock is part of the deal. Kelly is out of bed around 4 a.m.; Wells
HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM
BEST ROMANTIC OVERNIGHT STAY
With luxury accommodations, a top-notch taproom and unmatched views of Downtown Bethlehem, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem is the ideal in-town getaway. For the daring couple, there’s the highly sought-after haunted Room 932, which has been host to plenty of paranormal activity over the years.
437 Main St., Bethlehem | 855.264.2598 | hotelbethlehem.com
:
has a longer drive and an even earlier start time. While Wells says she’s quick to reach for a cup of co ee to jump-start her day, Kelly doesn’t touch the stu . “You don’t want to see me on co ee,” he says. Wells is quick with her retort: “You don’t want to see me not on co ee.”
610.720.1041 | b104.iheart.com
SICK INK STUDIOS BEST TATTOO SHOP
Whether you’re looking for something small or a full sleeve, the team at Sick Ink Studios can hook you up. If you’re in need of some new ink, you can find them open daily.
Allentown's PPL Center is the Valley's largest events venue, holding 10,000 at its can't-miss concerts. An Evening with Michael Bublé is on the calendar for this March! And what's a concert without concessions? Choose from Chickie's & Pete's, Tim Hortons and more.
701 Hamilton St., Allentown
610.224.4625 | pplcenter.com
FEGLEY’S BREW WORKS
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Fegley’s Brew Works’ trivia nights start at 8 p.m. every Wednesday, so assemble your team, brush up on your (mostly) useless knowledge and duke it out for some fun prizes!
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
610.433.7777 | 559 Main St. Suite 101 Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 thebrewworks.com
EVE RUSSO
WFMZ-TV, CHANNEL 69 NEWS
BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY
69 News anchor Eve Russo is no stranger to this award, as she’s claimed it several times during her tenure at the station. Catch her alongside Jaciel Cordoba at sunrise, where she coordinates and produces multiple guest segments. wfmz.com
Dine, shop and pamper yourself with exclusive deals from our 2020 Best of the Lehigh Valley winners all month long!
Visit bestofthelehighvalley.com for full deal list.
“Don’t stop believin’!”
–Journey
A FEW WORDS CAN SAY IT ALL...
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
–Kelly Clarkson
“Jesus, take the wheel.”
–Carrie Underwood
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
–Vince Lombardi
RADIO . Here for you now, here for you always.
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Serves Alcohol BYOB
Entrée Price Range: $ under $15 $$ $15-$25 $$$ $25+
*We recommend checking each individual restaurant’s website and/or social media to confirm whether it is open and accessible during these unprecedented times.
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.
Bucks
MCCOOLE’S AT THE HISTORIC
RED LION INN $-$$$
4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com
O ering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also o ering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Carbon
SLOPESIDE PUB & GRILL $-$$$
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
O ers 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
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.
GIO ITALIAN GRILL $$
6465 Village Ln., Macungie, 610.966.9446, gioitaliangrill.com
Gio Italian Grill o ers old world charm with a progressive twist. Centering around their woodstone open flame hearth, Gio uses only imported ingredients to produce mouth-watering flavors. Take-out and private parties available. Lunch & dinner.
Casual fine dining with a creative gourmet flair. Madeline’s, where friends gather. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
MELT $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9000, meltgrill.com
NOTCH MODERN KITCHE N & BAR
5036 Hamilton Blvd., 610.351.8222, notchmknb.com
Modern American with an Asian Twist. Lunch & dinner.
RINGERS ROOST $$
1801 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 610.437.4941, ringersroost1801.com
O ering a sumptuous menu of contemporary Italian fare in its breathtaking 350-seat restaurant, with spacious and customizable rooms for private events. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Family-friendly restaurant. Lots of parking. Friendly faces. Excellent food, from seafood to cheesesteaks. Great beer selection. Lunch, dinner & late night.
A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille takes gives back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Dinner.
THE TAVERN ON LIBERTY $
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 484.221.8765, tavernonliberty.com
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of beer.” Check out other location in Reading called The Liberty Taproom. Open seven days a week. Lunch, dinner & late night.
TOP CUT STEAKHOUSE
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com
Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.
Order Torre’s Cochinita Pibil
Photo by Marco Calderon
BYOB // Mon.– . 11am–9:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am–10pm THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
e Shoppes at Hellertown 610.838.8004 // dimaios.net
American bistro cuisine featuring indoor sports and entertainment. Lunch & dinner.
TORRE $$
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.
BUDDY V’S RISTORANTE $$$
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com
The menu o ers twists on Italian-American favorites like Sunday Gravy and Steak Pizzaiola. Lunch & dinner.
BURGERS AND MORE BY EMERIL $$
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com
Chef Emeril Lagasse uses only the freshest and finest ingredients to create a mouth-watering burger customers will never forget. Lunch & dinner.
DIMAIO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead seating available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
EDGE RESTAURANT $$$
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.814.0100, edgerestaurant.net
An all-scratch kitchen “combined with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, you get edge.” Lunch, dinner & late night.
EMERIL’S CHOP HOUSE $$$
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com
Indulge in a variety of irresistible dishes featuring tender steak cuts, mouth-watering prime rib and so much more. Dinner.
EMERIL’S FISH HOUSE $$$
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com
Discover an exciting new menu featuring notable additions including Grilled Octopus, a raw bar and so much more. Dinner.
GREEN VIDA CO. $
1800 Sullivan Trl. Suite 330, Easton, greenvidacompany.com
Café and cold-pressed juice bar, using local and organic ingredients. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com
All the classic favorites in one place. Nathan’s hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salad, sushi, ice cream and co ee. Lunch, dinner & late night.
M C CARTHY’S RED STAG PUB $$$
534 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.861.7631, redstagpub.com
Experience the flavor of the Irish and British Isles! Over 200 scotch/whiskies, homemade breads and baked goods and from-scratch cooking! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
PRIME STEAK HOUSE $$
325 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem, 610.882.4070, primestkhouse.com
Serving Premium Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, chicken and pasta. Extended wine list. Lunch & dinner.
RAKKII RAMEN $$
328 S. New St., Bethlehem, 610.419.8007, rakkiiramen.com
A modern restaurant serving traditional ramen and fusion side dishes. Lunch & dinner.
SOCIAL STILL $$$
530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.4585, socialstill.com
Full plate American-fusion restaurant, craft distillery, craft beers, local wine and tasting room. Lunch & dinner.
STEELWORKS BUFFET & GRILL $$
77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 610.419.5555, steelworksbuffetandgrill.com
Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks Bu et & Grill. Featuring live action cooking and a fully stocked bar, guests will enjoy a variety of fresh international culinary dishes at the all-you-can-eat bu et or choose their favorites from the a la carte menu, including artisan pizza, a pasta station, fresh-carved meats and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
TAP ROOM AT HOTEL
BETHLEHEM $$
437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2226, hotelbethlehem.com
O ers award-winning musical brunch every Sunday with a splendid bu et array and much more! Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
ZEST BAR+GRILLE $$$
The Rooftop at 306 S. New St., Bethlehem, 610.419.4320, zestbethlehem.com
A culinary and social experience o ering a progressive menu that highlights the best of New American cuisine. Lunch & dinner.
Lehigh Valley Style (ISSN 1540-0867) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95 (Canadian and foreign one year rate is $40, U.S. funds only). Single copy price $3.95. Postage paid at Easton, PA 18045 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address
DRINK THIS
BY KRISTEN RINALDI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ
Beer Slushie
SEVEN SIRENS BREWING COMPANY
When veteran-owned and -operated Seven Sirens Brewing Company had to close its doors to foot tra c in March— after just opening in February—owners Josh Divers and Jordan Serulneck knew they needed something to di erentiate themselves from the rest. That something was a beer slushie. They saw beer distributors doing it, but no other breweries were o ering them yet. “We were the first in the Valley,” says Aaron Nelson, marketing and distribution manager. Fortunately, it was an instant hit, and Nelson says it’s what helped them pay their bills through the pandemic.
After investing in a slushie machine, the rest was pretty easy. “It’s literally just beer and fruit,” he says. Nelson explains that they needed something that was light—not tart, tangy or hoppy—so the team uses a fruited wheat beer. “It’s a neutral beer that we’re able to manipulate to get the flavor to come out,” he says. “We don’t have a staple. We mix it up every time.” Guava is the most popular among customers, but they’ve also done pineapple and mixed fruit, to name a few.
As for what’s to expect this fall, that’s hard to say. “We think of a beer and within a month it’s being served,” he says. Though they are thinking ahead on one thing, and that’s the rooftop beer garden, which is expected spring 2021. Nelson says it’ll be 4,000 square feet—the same size as their tap room—with a full bar and view of the steel stacks.
READY TO TRY IT?
Tag @lvstylemag and #livelvstyle!
But more than anything, Nelson says they’re just excited to get going. Prior to the shutdown, their sales were 100 percent in-house, so when the state gave the go-ahead on beers to go, they really had to rally. Their team canned 40,000 beers by hand and began making batch deliveries within 50 miles. Now, they’re excited to have foot tra c again, with customers enjoying their new patio as well as the debut of their first hard seltzer.
Guava is the most popular among customers, but they’ve also done pineapple and mixed fruit, to name a few.
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