Lehigh Valley Style June 2023

Richard Boorse, MD Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence

Our five health institutes. Where what’s next happens.

At our five specialized health institutes, we’re always evolving. Here, you’ll find advanced medical techniques and technologies, the latest clinical trials through alliances (with innovators like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and a dedicated team – your team – focused on getting you better. Five institutes. Five more reasons why we’re the leading health network in the region. Learn more at LVHN.org/institutes.

La Grange

Surrounded by almost 90 acres of rural tranquility, La Grange boasts panoramic views in every direction. This stunning home was fully renovated in 2022 and includes five ensuite bedrooms with a total of eight full baths in the main house. The newly built detached garage also includes a guest apartment with kitchen and bath. $5,999,000

Saddle Ridge

Abundant curb appeal, stylish amenities, and an elegant yet functional interior set this attractive home apart from the ordinary. Set in lovely Saddle Ridge, the house is the perfect complement to its surroundings. A covered porch and rear deck beckon you to sit and enjoy the views of your three private acres in a quiet cul-de-sac location. $827,000

UNDER AGREEMENT

Creekside at Pleasant View

More than 10 acres of pristine land include a wooded area through which runs a tributary of Cooks Creek. Gentle rolling hills offer a multitude of options for building your dream home, Conveniently located in desirable Springfield Township, it is within easy commuting distance to New Jersey, Doylestown, and the Lehigh Valley. $365,000

UNDER AGREEMENT

Field of Dreams

Abundant curb appeal, stylish amenities and a breathtaking 2015 renovation create a unique residence of old and new, combining space, light and imagination. At the end of a private road in White Acre, on 4+ acres, this timeless design has been updated to current expectations without compromising character. $1,495,000

UNDER AGREEMENT

Valley View

Set along a quiet road, this stately brick colonial exudes timeless sophistication and classic design. Valley View boasts vistas of the Lehigh Valley and beyond from a lovely 3.19 acre parcel in the Saucon Valley school district. $725,000

College Hill Classic

Tucked away at the end of a quiet street in Easton’s College Hill neighborhood is this charming arts-and-crafts style bungalow. Nearly 3,000 square feet of living space set on a generous half acre lot delights and surprises at every turn. $575,000

New Finds Old Friends

Some things just go together.

At Fine Wine & Good Spirits, we bring together more than what our name suggests. Whether it’s a new bottle of wine and your oldest friends, or garnishes to complete your game night, we simply provide half of your unique pairings — no matter how expected or unexpected they may seem.

Stop in stores or explore more at FWGS.com

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33 INSIGHT Michele Golden Demsky

38 5 TH IN GS

Father’s Day Beers

45 10TH ANNUAL READERVOTED PET CONTEST Winners Revealed

50 K IDS GUIDE The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

58 T OUR DE FRANKS 9 Great Places to Stop for Hot Dogs

62 BEYOND THE MENU Butter Basted NY Strip & Garlic Shrimp

Scampi with Chef Antonio Santiago

64 INSIDE DISH Steak & Steel Hibachi

70 DINING GUIDE

Where to Go to Please Your Palate

72 EAT THIS Fried Chicken PB&J French Toast

shot by Alison Conklin.

PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN

ELEGANT CUSTOM HOME SALISBURY TWP

Remarkably designed stone home located in prestigious Westbury Park. Beautifully landscaped corner lot offers many luxurious amenities & outstanding, newly updated finishes throughout. Breathtaking gourmet kitchen w/new luxe appliances. 5 bedrooms, 6 full/1 half bath. 1.017acre. $1,845,000

STATELY GEORGIAN COLONIAL SALISBURY

TWP

Stunning home in highly-desirable Buckingham Place. Custom Brader kitchen with double pantry, double stove and granite countertops. Spectacular primary suite with sitting room and two oversized walk-in closets. Lower level complete with a media/game room, sauna, and fitness area. 6 Bedrooms, 3 Full/1 half bath. $848,000

The Lehigh Valley’s Premier Real Estate Group

GOLF COURSE VIEWS

SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP

WOW! Great renovation with many upgrades throughout entire home. In sought after Parkland SD, pretty Parkside Courts. 13x22 screened in porch & open deck off kitchen, wood-burning fireplace in LR, hardwood floors throughout. Nothing to do but move in & enjoy!

4 bedrooms, 2 full/1 half bath. $495,000

SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS

LOWER SAUCON TWP

Beautiful home with over 4000 square feet of living space. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and stunning gourmet kitchen open to a spacious great room. Luxurious primary suite features a spa-inspired bath & walk-in closets. Outdoor oasis with scenic mountain views. Easy commute to NY/ NJ/Phila. 4 bedrooms, 4 full/1 half bath. $785,000

Specializing in the Lehigh Valley and Upper Bucks County luxury home market, The Rebecca Francis Team delivers expert guidance, professional marketing expertise, and unrivaled market knowledge of the region’s finest homes and neighborhoods. Recognized in the top half of 1% of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents nationwide... we are the Exceptional Choice for YOUR Exceptional Property.

Do you have questions about the home buying or selling process? As your trusted advisors, we offer expert knowledge and distinguished care as we help guide you through your home journey. Call today.

ENJOY CONDO LIVING

LOWER SAUCON TWP

Quaint end unit condo in Society Hill, Hellertown. New LVT plank flooring throughout, new carpet, freshly painted. Bright & airy, living room/dining room combo, gas fireplace. Vaulted ceilings. HOA includes trash & snow removal, exterior/ lawn maintenance, access to club house, pool & more! 2 bedrooms, 2 full bath. $225,000

CONVENIENT/PRIVATE LOCATION

HANOVER TWP

Magnificent 7+ acre, flat, wooded residential lot, positioned in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, perfect for the home of your dreams. Choose your own builder and bring your vision to life. Public water, sewer, and natural gas are all available to the discerning buyer. Close to all major routes, shopping, and LVIA. $499,000

Rebecca L. Francis, Associate Broker, MBA

Debra Protchko, REALTOR ® MBA

George Heslin, REALTOR ®

Elizabeth Bowers, REALTOR ®

Shanna Sigmans, REALTOR ®

Colleen Pierson, REALTOR ®

VELASPAN, INC. THREE CITY CENTER DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN

AN INTERVIEW WITH VELASPAN PARTNER KERRY KULP

WHY DID VELASPAN CHOOSE DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN FOR ITS NEW HEADQUARTERS?

In 2014, Velaspan was quickly outgrowing our first office and needed a space that would support both our growth and our corporate culture. The revitalization of downtown Allentown was in the early stages, but we immediately knew it was something we wanted to be a part of. The arena, restaurants, and culture of downtown Allentown all combined to make it an attractive home for Velaspan.

HOW HAS THE ENVIRONMENT HELPED YOUR COMPANY GROW?

Our corporate culture is something we take great pride in, and our office location and environment play a significant role in establishing and maintaining that culture. Being in the heart of downtown Allentown near sports, entertainment, and the arts has enhanced our corporate identity as an energetic, forward-thinking company that values its employees. That has gone a long way in helping us attract talented team members in a very competitive job market.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING CLASS A OFFICESPACE?

Like many tech companies, Velaspan was established out of the basements and garages of its founders. It quickly became apparent that an office was needed to foster our culture of open communication and collaboration among team members. As we grew, we also needed a space that reflected the high-end work we do for our clients. And we found that at City Center. Having a beautifully designed, staffed lobby instills a great first impression that is further reinforced when our guests reach our office space with its glass walls, lounge, and creative, employee-first features.

WHAT ADVANTAGES HAVE YOU RECEIVED AS A TENANT OF CITY CENTER?

With City Center, we feel like we are more than just a tenant. We can participate in programs and events where our perspective can help shape the short- and long-term revitalization efforts downtown.

HOW HAS YOUR OFFICE SPACE INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY?

When we began working with the City Center design team, we stressed that we didn't want a typical suite with private offices along the windows and open, collaborative spaces in an interior, windowless space. Instead, we opted to put the lounges and team spaces along the windows while bringing the offices and conference rooms toward the building core. That layout coupled with all-glass office walls, operable, glass-paneled garage doors on our conference rooms, and unique, inspirational art all combine to promote productivity and collaboration.

WHAT DO YOUR EMPLOYEES LOVE ABOUT BEING IN DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN?

That's easy. The walkability to all the great restaurants and the proximity to the hockey arena! Having the Arts Park literally in our backyard doesn't hurt either.

VELASPAN DESIGNS WIRELESS NETWORKS FOR BIG-NAME CLIENTS WORLDWIDE

VELASPAN’S OFFICE SPACE SUPPORTS 30+ ENGINEERS

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month!

pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

FOR THE KIDS

We like to think that every edition we produce is fun… but we really lean into it in June! This issue is all about family fun in the Lehigh Valley, celebrating kids, pets, hot dogs and more.

Find inspiration for a season of silliness with your little ones through our Summer Bucket List on pg. 50. Featuring camps, festivals, roller-skating rinks, 5Ks, yoga, museums and more, there’s so much fun in store.

Then, on pg. 58, check out our Tour de Franks map and plan your own hot dog

crawl across the Valley. Whether you like your dog with a pickle, Cheese Whiz, bacon, jalapeños, sauerkraut or some secret sauce, this list won’t disappoint.

Speaking of dogs… don’t miss the winners of this year’s reader-voted pet contest on pg. 45, which also features a few cats! Hundreds of entries and thousands of votes later, these 10 furry friends (and their siblings!) received the most love from Style readers, but to us, they were all winners!

Warmly,

Vault 634 Chef Antonio Santiago with photographer Alison Conklin.

With Michele Golden Demsky at the ArtSkills headquarters.

BTS at Steak & Steel Hibachi with food writer Carrie Havranek.

Steve & Jeanne Follett

Steve & Jeanne Follett

Howard & Pam Foltz

Agentis Kitchen & Bath

American Bank

Anthony Limousine

Anthony Limousine

Bill & Denise Spence

Bill & Denise Spence

Howard & Pam Foltz Gavin & Diamond

Gavin & Diamond Zuchlinski

Brown-Daub

Brown-Daub Family of Dealerships

BSI

BSI

Connell Funeral Home

D’Huy Engineering Inc

Connell Funeral Home D’Huy Engineering Inc

Daniels BMW

Factory LLC

Daniels BMW Factory LLC

Fehnel, Robert & Pam

Fehnel, Robert & Pam

Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba

Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba

HB Engineers Inc

HB Engineers Inc

Just Born Quality Confections

Just Born Quality Confections

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC

Klaperman, Joel & Renee

Klaperman, Joel & Renee

Lehigh Valley Press

Lehigh Valley Press

Lehigh Valley Style

Lehigh Valley Style

M&T Bank

M&T Bank

Morning Star Living

One Putt Ventures

Palmer, Bruce & Judy

Morning Star Living One Putt Ventures Palmer, Bruce & Judy

PNC Bank

St. Lukes University Health Network

The Restaurant Store Truist

UGI

Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency

Working Dog Press

Follett Products,

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 6

The younger me loved climbing trees and making chokers out of yarn (all the rage in the late ’60s!).

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher

Pamela Deller

Editor-in-Chief

Kristen Wagner

Director of Creative Services

Mike Matuczinski

Graphic Designers

Thomas Körp, Erica Montes

Corporate Marketing & Events Manager

Jen Fronheiser

Sales & Marketing Account Managers

My favorite activity as a kid was…

My favorite activity as a kid was to go roller skating at Skateaway. We went pretty much every week! So fun!

Caroline Adams, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers

Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin

Proofreader

Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano

A long time ago, when I was a child, we were always outside playing. I remember riding my bicycle and roller skating (with skates that had a key!). Also, just running around and getting dirty!

My favorite activity as a kid was photography—shocking I know. Most of my teenage years were spent in the darkroom.

Valley Style and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in USA.

ALISON CONKLIN

Contributing Photographer

I brought home takeout from Steak & Steel and my husband, Geoff, said it was the best sushi and General Tso’s chicken he had ever had and asked me when we can go back!

KRISTEN WAGNER

Editor-in-Chief

I loved accompanying Alison Conklin on her photoshoot with Michele Golden Demsky at ArtSkills’ Bethlehem headquarters, which we learned used to be a recording studio!

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FIRM dedicated to our clients, partners & community

HEARTS OF GOLD GALA

TO BENEFIT PEDIATRIC CANCER FOUNDATION OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

Located at Centennial Catering and Conference Center, Center Valley

ANNUAL HOMECOMING

TO BENEFIT FAMILY PROMISE OF LEHIGH VALLEY

Located at Aster Event Center, Allentown

1 | Christine Connelly and Susan Logomasini 2 | Jennifer and Aaron Royer 3 | Joseph Leeson and Keshia Macenat 4 | Tony and Loretta Crimaldi

5 | Karen McClincey, Steve Kovacs and Marianne Wagner 6 | Marian Dante, Roslyn Kuba and John Dante 7 | Milou Mackenzie and Susan and Laurence Karper 8 | Paumini Bhatt, John Weller and Laura Weller 9 | Pete and Jan Snyder 10 | Rudy and Chris Amelio

1 | Alexis Rubino, Kate Bonstein, Alissa Cawley and Caroline Majewski 2 | Emma Ville, Ruth Smith and Rochelle Friel 3 | Kendal Conrad and Anne Baum 4 | Kim and Bob Yarnall 5 | Kristen and Rob Bennett 6 | Ryan and Brooke Dietrick, Holly Hall and Will Lewis 7 | Tori Kraus and Tamara Kraus 8 | Vanessa Stauffer and Kim Cramsey

THIS MONTH’S PICKS

WELLNESS FRIDGE

Green Vida Co. has partnered with St. Luke’s University Health Network to bring a Wellness Fridge to their Easton campus. Featuring grab-and-go offerings, the goal is to bring healthy food options to staff, patients and visitors. greenvidacompany.com

COLLECTIVE CLUB

Did you know McCall Collective Brewing Co. has a membership club? It runs from March to March, with benefits at both McCall locations. As a member, you get whatever beer you want in the special Club Member glasses for $4.50 (or $3.50 if it’s a new beer!). Sign up on their website any time. mccallcollectivebrewing.com

CRAFT BY SIDE HUSTLE

Birthright Brewing Company owner and master brewer Wayne Milford announced the launch of Side Hustle Brews & Spirits in—wait for it—Abu Dhabi! If you ever find yourself there, support the Nazareth sister business. sidehustlecraft.com

Twisted Tees

Keep an eye out for the indoor beer garden with golf simulators, virtual hockey and baseball, a professional grade putting green, cornhole, bocce and quoits, as well as an 8,000-square-foot bar and 12-tap beverage system, coming to the Outlets at Wind Creek. playtwisted.com

Belleville Market

Inspired by the Paris neighborhood of the same name, Domaci has announced its newest venture: Belleville Market, a multimerchant shopping and entertainment space. Assuming the space of the Easton Antique Emporium, the market will also be the new permanent home of the Domaci storefront and will cater to other creators, curators and collectors. bellevillemarket.com

HELLO JOE : A COFFEE AIRSTREAM

Spreading love and happiness one cup at a time, Hello Joe is now open for the season at Hellertown’s PA House. thepahouse.com

PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO

Go forth and live your dreams

TRENDING NOW

NOVELTY DELIGHTS FIFI’S

ICE CREAM

TRUCK

“I knew that ice cream would be in my future somehow,” shares owner Thea Tantaros, who says she had so much fun operating a family-owned ice cream shop in the late ’80s. “It was the summer of 2021 when my husband, Keith, and I started the work to build the perfect ice cream truck.” In March 2022, Fifi was ready for business as an all-novelty, pre-packaged ice cream truck filled with 40–50 types of novelties, including the Bomb Pop, Sponge Bob, Drumstick and more. Fifi is perfect for private events like company picnics, parties and weddings. On the weekends, find Fifi locally at Grange Park and Wild Cherry Park as well as at scheduled nights of “Tunes in the Triangle” held on select summer Fridays in Emmaus. Fifi has dairy- and gluten-free offerings and even carries Frosty Paws for your fourlegged friends!

484.982.3434 | fifisicecreamtruck.com

MAKING MOVES CAKE AND COROLLA

Husband-and-wife owners Ryan and Christina Mason say that Cake and Corolla outgrew its original space in Easton just two years into being in business. “We desperately needed a bigger kitchen,” they share. “Most of our customers don’t realize that [the previous kitchen was] only 400 square feet of space.” The new space offers a kitchen that is double in size. The bakery will have a new look with product displays made slightly more sophisticated, but their beloved offerings will not differ—they’re still serving up signature cinnamon rolls, cake slices, pocket cakes and cheesecakes, brownies, coffee, tea, lattes and more. Flowers will remain available for grab-and-go purchases, with custom bouquets made by Farm Girl Florals. Ryan and Christina would like to bring back doughnuts on weekends (something they offered pre-pandemic), and hope to expand their pastry team to offer more availability for custom orders.

118 Northampton St., Easton | 484.272.9090 | cakeandcorolla.com

A SECOND LOCATION ABODE HOME DECOR

After participating in Easton’s Winter Village, owner Krista Lichtenberger says she was inspired to expand her reach. “We had a wonderful time, met a lot of great Easton business owners and we were well received by the Easton residents,” says Lichtenberger. “I grew up in Easton and currently live in Nazareth. I am proud to offer our amazing items to both cities that mean so much to me!” The décor style in Easton will be the same as in Nazareth, but different items will be sold at the stores. The monthly DIY home decorating classes currently offered in Nazareth will also expand to the Easton location. “We are looking forward to having more space to teach our customers how to decorate their spaces and create something beautiful. We have plans for other workshops as well.”

Cake and Corolla is moving to a prime location with a bigger kitchen.

Janish Kothari

CARDIOLOGY FELLOW, SLUHN

What would you say is the most rewarding part about the work that you do?

I can tell you that cardiology is a field that can be incredibly rewarding for those who work in it. For many cardiologists, the most rewarding part of this work is being able to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients and I’m no exception to

that. By diagnosing and treating heart conditions, we have the opportunity to help patients live longer, healthier lives. In many cases, this involves not just treating the physical aspects of heart disease, but also addressing the emotional and psychological impact that it can have on patients and their families. This is an area I feel where I have the most influence. Cardiology is also a field that is constantly evolving with new treatments and technologies in development all the time. For those who are passionate about medical research and innovation like myself, this can be an exciting and rewarding aspect of the work as well.

How do you balance your career in medicine with influencing?

Balancing a career in medicine with social media can be a

challenging task, as both require a significant amount of time and energy. One important aspect of finding balance that I’ve found incredibly helpful is setting clear priorities and goals for both areas of my life. This usually involves creating a schedule or routine that allows me to dedicate specific blocks of time to my medical work and social media activities. For me, it’s also important to consider how my social media presence impacts my career in medicine (as this remains my main priority), as medical professionals are often held to high ethical and professional standards. As a public figure on the internet, anyone ranging from prospective patients, colleagues and administration can find me and see the work that I do inside and outside of the hospital. Therefore, when I’m creating content this

remains at the forefront of my creative process.

What have you learned from both endeavors?

Medicine and social media are two areas that I am immensely passionate about and they continue to bring me excitement. By pursuing my passions and interests, I’ve been able to improve my motivation, engagement, performance and overall mental health, which has led to a more fulfilling and satisfying life because my work has meaning to me. At the end of the day if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Watch the Unscripted with Russo podcast video with Janish Kothari at lehighvalleystyle.com

PHOTO BY MARCO CALDERON

doctajayyy

LUXURY PET HOTEL

K9 RESORTS OF BETHLEHEM

For franchise owners Deb and Costas Hrousis, the pandemic was a time of reflection and looking toward change. It was also a time spent with their new dog, a black lab named Apollo. While Apollo loved people, he did not do well settling in with lots of other dogs. “The search for an environment for dogs like him that had private play opportunities led to the discovery of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel,” shares Deb, who spent 20 years of her career in education, with the last decade as the director of a private school. Meanwhile, Costas says he had the entrepreneurial bug from very early on in his life, working side by side with his father in the family construction business before starting his own excavating business at the age of 18. He went on to manage multiple commercial business properties, and through his knowledge of the landscape, knew that the Lehigh Valley was the ideal location for K9 Resorts. Deb and Costas feel as though all of their experiences up until now prepared them for this next step. “There is absolutely nothing else like it in the Lehigh Valley,” they say. “We know that few things are more important than the health and happiness of your pets. When you leave your four-legged friend in the care of our highly trained and certified staff, you can rest assured they will receive the ultimate experience.” Specializing in cage-free luxury boarding and doggie daycare, K9 Resorts combines familiar homelike amenities with recreational fun to create a resort-style vacation for your dog. k9resorts.com

BE PART OF THE STORY!

Where should we eat next? Tell us which new restaurant you’d like to see featured in our Inside Dish column by emailing editor@lehighvalleystyle.com

DID YOU KNOW?

You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com

Win It

Enter to win four tickets to James and the Giant Peach and four tickets to Shakespeare for Kids, presented by The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, a $100+ value. Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us to enter!

TRICIA VERMILYA AESTHETICS

A top-notch medical spa offering an assortment of aesthetic services

At Tricia Vermilya Aesthetics medical spa in Easton, patient education is a top priority. They create a comfortable environment and communicate openly with their patients to achieve remarkable results with every treatment. This top-notch medical spa combines cutting-edge technology and aesthetic expertise to offer a variety of services for the skin and body. Their techniques and certifications are always up to date thanks to their highly trained and skilled experts.

Tricia and her team tailor each treatment based on specific needs and aspirations for their clients’ skin. They use the most advanced and effective technology to deliver optimal outcomes. Visiting a medical spa can be a big investment; Tricia Vermilya Aesthetics helps their patients find the best value for their money while also offering payment plans such as Cherry with zero percent interest.

GET TO KNOW TRICIA VERMILYA

A master aesthetic injector and small-business owner, Tricia Vermilya is listed in the National Directory of The Best Aesthetic Injectors in America®, participates in national aesthetic training and instructs the latest techniques. Tricia has her master’s degree in nursing and numerous certifications including hormone replacement therapy, pellet therapy, sexual health dysfunction, PRP and neogenesis of vascularity in the intimate tissues, PDO threads, InstaLift and training in Bellafil. She has established notable relationships with clients including musician Niki DeMar and athlete Penelope Ford who have supported Tricia and sent her numerous referrals. It is important to highlight the value this medical spa places on their client connections and relationships.

Tricia Vermilya Aesthetics is a deluxe medical spa that has everything from a relaxing atmosphere to advanced technology. Create a customized treatment plan with aesthetic experts in a premium and professional medical spa setting that values their patients. Take a short escape from the world, receive upscale aesthetic treatments and gain confidence and radiance. Their masterful and seasoned injectors leave clients longing for another appointment as soon as they walk out of the door. Choose Tricia Vermilya Aesthetics medical spa, the ultimate destination for all one’s beauty needs. Book online at triciavaesthetics.com.

Photographer credit goes here

GET THE GOODS

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee creates an opportunity for people with disabilities to earn meaningful wages and feel valued.

BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE BETHLEHEM

Tell us about your journey to launching the first Bitty & Beau’s Coffee.

My husband, Ben, and I are the proud parents of four children. Our two youngest children, Bitty and Beau, both have Down syndrome. When we learned that 80 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed in our country, we didn’t want our kids to grow up

being part of that statistic. We opened the original coffee shop in our hometown of Wilmington, NC, in 2016 and started with 19 employees with disabilities. We now employ over 400 people with disabilities nationwide.

How would you summarize Bitty & Beau’s mission? Our mission is to change the way people see other people.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Co-founder Amy Wright shares how Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Bethlehem is changing the way people see one another. Read on to learn more about their special mission.

Bitty & Beau’s is a for-profit business and, as such, prides itself on paying employees with disabilities meaningful wages. Tell us about that and how you’re helping others see people with disabilities through a new lens. Historically, people with disabilities have been viewed through the lens of charity. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is a new lens, one that changes the way people see people with disabilities and creates an opportunity for people with disabilities to earn meaningful wages and feel valued.

Describe how Bitty & Beau’s has expanded its reach over the years.

To date, we’ve opened 17 shops across 12 states with another four shops slated to open in 2023, but we’re just getting started. We would like to have a presence in every state in the country and, one day, locations across the globe.

What does the Bitty & Beau’s team love about being in Bethlehem?

We love being part of the Bethlehem community. It’s wonderful to have the local support as well as a constant stream of visitors. Our team is extraordinary and goes above and beyond to make the guest experience memorable.

Tell us about the overall customer experience at the shop!

We make every guest feel like family. From the warm “Welcome to Bitty & Beau’s” you’ll be greeted with to the spontaneous dance and karaoke parties, a visit to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee always leaves you feeling better than you did before. Our products are great, but it’s our employees that are the true stars at Bitty & Beau’s!

What can readers expect to find on the menu?

We have a robust menu with a variety of hot and cold beverages including lattes, smoothies, hot chocolate, Americanos and frappes. Additionally, we have a variety of pastries—muffins, cookies, brownies, cake pops, Krispy treats and bagels with spreads.

74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 484.225.8358 | bittyandbeauscoffee.com

ASK THE EXPERT

BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY ANDREW TOMASINO

GET OUTDOORS WITH AFROS IN NATURE

Elizabeth Allen OUTDOOR RECREATION

COORDINATOR & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, AFROS IN NATURE

afrosinnature.org

Outdoor recreation is a balm to the spirit, great for our health and ripe for reclamation by people of color, who have a long and uniquely complicated relationship with the wild. Afros in Nature seeks to provide not just a safe and supportive community, but the s’mores, sunsets, bikes and hikes that everyone should be able to enjoy. Outdoor Recreation Coordinator and Chairman of the Board Elizabeth Allen explains Afros in Nature’s mission for summer fun.

OUTDOOR DISPARITY

Our country’s segregation and exclusion of people of color has led to a culture where jokes are made widely about how “white” camping is, and a climate where many don’t feel safe out in nature where white people take their tranquility for granted.

“For generations, outdoor activity was what people of color did,” Allen says, “but in the United States, the historical context starts getting complicated. The outdoors has ties to things like slavery, segregation and unsafe experiences that continue to resonate. So many have ended up in urban environments where green spaces were not fostered, the ‘concrete jungle.’”

For an appointment call 484-526-5025 or visit www.StLukesPT.com.

• 99% Patient Satisfaction*

• Ranked in the Top 6% Nationwide for Orthopedic Issues*

• 109 Board-Certified Clinical Specialists –The Most in the Region

• 55+ Convenient Locations

* According to FOTO, an Industry-Leading Outcomes Management System

The PT care you trust. Now more than ever.

ASK THE EXPERT

FROM LOCKDOWN TO LEISURE

In the petri dish of creativity that was the depths of the pandemic, Afros in Nature was born. Since June 2020, the collaborative organization has taken shape “to plant seeds of safety in natural environments so that individuals of color—regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, creed or economic status—can create self-sustaining lifestyles with love, support and community.” Whether folks who grew up roaming the woods want to get back to spending time outside, or those totally new to such frolics as biking or snow tubing want to dip a toe in those waters, Afros in Nature is a beautifully intentional venue.

MOTIVE IS EVERYTHING

“Even 20 minutes a day outside has been shown to give marked improvement to folks’ wellbeing,” Allen says. “Whether it’s getting your hands into the soil, taking a walk, writing in a park or just existing, being outside can give mental clarity and allow you to feel like your best self.”

Allen is big on redefining what it means to be outdoorsy. For someone with a disability, her own favorite activities of walking and biking might not fit, but embracing sitting in the sun as outdoor activity can foster a connection with nature just as well. “You might be into taking pictures on your phone because that’s the camera you have,” Allen suggests. You might bring nature inside with a houseplant habit.

Allentown has more parkland per capita than any other U.S. city its size. These and other green spaces around the Valley mean it’s possible to work outdoor experiences into the everyday. “Sometimes being outdoorsy is just having a little outdoor time and having your lunch break outside, or walking meetings,” Allen says.

LOCAL MEETUPS

Afros in Nature boasts some extremely cool meetups, from sunset paddle boarding and s’mores to hikes and hoagies, to bird watching and disc golf. “We want you to have a dope experience so you keep coming back,” Allen says. “There are times when we’re sitting in silence nature bathing, or talking, sharing experiences and stories, finding commonalities.”

A sad statistic states that of people of color exposed to the outdoors, 70 percent won’t

go back. By offering a buffet of activities to pique the interest and a community that begets breakout groups planning their own outings, Afros in Nature is generating pockets of fun and friendship that keep growing. And speaking of growing, they’re managing three community gardens in Bethlehem, giving members the opportunity to get involved.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Jump on Afros in Nature’s Instagram to see upcoming meetups and follow their Linktree for the calendar if you want to plan further out. Sign-up opens about a month in advance. Most events are free, but registration helps make sure there’s enough food for everyone. On occasion there’s an accountability fee which represents a portion of the event’s cost to Afros in Nature, strictly to make sure someone will be there to benefit by every spot!

And for those who have always been reflected in the pages of an L.L. Bean catalog, there are ways to help the scene become more equitable. “Sometimes it’s subtle,” Allen says. “Just that nice acknowledgment of someone enjoying nature, a nod or a smile to say, ‘I see you, I’m glad you’re here.’”

If you see people being harassed, don’t be afraid to make sure they’re OK. “Don’t be afraid to check in, ‘Are you good? Do you need anything?’” Allen encourages. “They might be fine, but if they could use an ally in that moment, it’s the difference between performative allyship and real.”

Financial support of organizations like Afros in Nature goes a long way, too!

Michele Golden Demsky

PRESIDENT & CEO OF ARTSKILLS

If you want to get your foot in the door at a forward-thinking, creatively inclined company that calls the Lehigh Valley home, here’s a tip: be nice. “We have sort of a motto here—you have to be nice, truly nice,” says Michele Golden Demsky, President and CEO of ArtSkills, a Bethlehem-based manufacturer and distributor of products, supplies and kits for artists, crafters and young people with an interest in STEM fields.

LIFE IS SHORT. Make IT SWEET.

Demsky has been a major player in the company, which was founded by her father, Steven Golden, in 1987, since the beginning, and she knows what kind of people she wants on her team: passionate, generous, thoughtful, interested and interesting, are a few of the attributes she rattles off. “You want to make sure you’re hiring right,” Demsky says. “The best part is coming to work and hanging out with these people. It’s like walking through the door to your other family.”

Her “first” family was dad, Steven; mom, Marilyn; and brother, Josh. Demsky has fond memories of growing up on Easton’s College Hill. Among those memories—going trick-or-treating with her friend, Jennifer Hogan (who also happens to be ArtSkills’ current Executive Vice President). “She was my trick-or-treat partner in fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, until my mom was like, ‘You can not go trickor-treating anymore, you’re too old.’ Then we snuck out and did it anyway,” Demsky recalls with a laugh.

Demsky and her father shared an affinity for the arts; Steven Golden played upright bass and worked as a professional musician for many years. Demsky pursued a career in musical theater and spent 11 years as a performer in New York City. Their separate and shared experiences in that creative space helped shape the company that ArtSkills would become. Demsky explains: “We both felt that this word ‘talent’ was something you could move past. There’s definitely people who are talented. Michael Jordan? Talented. In so many different fields, talent plays a part. But the other part that I would say is the bigger part is the skills.” Meaning, they take the “skills” part of the ArtSkills name very seriously. “We really feel

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We really feel that you can teach anybody to have art skills.

that you can teach anybody to have art skills,” Demsky says. “It’s just like learning how to play an instrument. You’re not going to give someone a violin and say, ‘Just be creative.’ You have to show them how to use it.”

The company that would become ArtSkills began as a consulting and product development firm called Steven B. Golden Associates, Inc. Demsky says she worked for the business while she was in college, and later, in between tours and shows as a performer. It was at a craft and hobby trade show in 1997 where she first laid eyes on a guy named Brad Demsky, who was there representing his own toy company. They went to dinner and got to talking; unaware of her Easton roots, Brad was certain Michele had never heard of the small liberal arts college he attended in Pennsylvania, a place called Lafayette College. Her retort? “I said, ‘Really? Have you ever eaten at Pizza D’oro?’ And his mouth dropped.” They dug deeper, and realized Brad’s jogging route while he was a student at Lafayette took him past Michele’s childhood home. They also had a mutual friend whose father was Brad’s tennis coach at Lafayette.

The serendipitous meeting turned into something deeper, and the following year Michele and Brad tied the knot. Brad joined the ArtSkills team as Vice President of Sales (he’s currently the Chief Sales Officer), and Michele was ready to officially push performing to the back burner to deepen her commitment to her family’s company. Along with Steven, they were like three

points on a triangle, Demsky says, all gifted in different ways but equally essential to the company’s success and stability. But, she adds, after a few moments of reflection, perhaps a square is a better visual representation of the company dynamic, with her mother, Marilyn Golden, being that final, crucial connecting piece. All along, Marilyn, the mathematician, was the yin to the yang of Steven, the musician, Demsky says. “They worked beautifully together.” Steven Golden died in 2019, but Marilyn Golden still has a very full plate. “My mom is an absolute genius,” Demsky says. “My mom is still in college. She’s getting her third master’s degree for fun, in computer data science.” Demsky says her mother also has played a vital role in helping to raise the three busy, on-the-go sons she shares with Brad: Max and Zachary, who are both attending out-of-state colleges, and Jake, a student at Moravian Academy.

Under Demsky’s leadership, her family’s company continues to thrive. “An ArtSkills product gets sold every one and a half seconds,” she says. And those sales are happening at 80,000 retailers around the world, including several spots easily accessible to Lehigh Valley shoppers, such as Target, Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot. The company has about 75 employees split between its offices in Bethlehem and Nashville, with the majority of them reporting for duty at the Bethlehem location. Demsky says ArtSkills products are designed in Bethlehem but manufactured all over the world.

Obviously Demsky is aware of that other local purveyor of art supplies for kids: Forks Township based Crayola. But she has no shade to throw at the crayon king. In fact, she thinks there’s room for both of them in that world; she sees Crayola as a great fit for the youngest of budding artists, with ArtSkills waiting in the wings for their second act. “We say that we sort of take over after the Crayola brand ages,” Demsky says. And the goal is to have something for everyone, with a focus on arts and crafts, hobbies and DIY projects. The company’s vast product line includes everything from basic paint sets and markers to glitter paper and pallet plaques. There are a number of make-your-own kits, too: paint by number, jewelry, clay, wood burning, even a DIY neon sign.

Demsky has found some parallels between her time as a performer and her role as a businesswoman. “Being on stage and being a leader there is very similar to being a leader here, except nobody claps,” she jokes. The common theme is the need for collaboration; just as every great stage actress needs a top-notch ensemble, orchestra and behind-the-scenes team for a successful show, the process of taking a product from idea to store shelf relies on a great number of inventive, intuitive and logistically gifted members of the ArtSkills squad. Demsky prides herself on being the kind of CEO who can lead from behind. “Everybody comes together to make it happen,” she says.

There are times when Michele Demsky the songstress still makes an appearance, most often at her Coopersburg home, where weekend get-togethers with friends from her performing days are common. “A good Saturday night is at my house, and I have eight microphones and we’re all set up to be able to sing,” Demsky says. Broadway hits and show tunes are in her wheelhouse. She keeps her dad’s old upright bass around as a reminder of their shared love of music. She is constantly reminded of him at work as well. “My dad had a saying: ‘Whatever you do, do it with people you love, and then work will always be fun.’” That saying is posted in her office—Steven’s old office. “I am channeling everything about him,” says Demsky.

artskills.com

“Undergoing fertility care is often a stressful and emotional experience. Our goal is to ensure every patient that walks through the door feels welcomed.”

NDEYE-AICHA GUEYE, MD, FACOG & BRITTANY SEAL, CNP

RMA’s modern facility is equipped with a stateof-the-art lab, helping to maintain a success rate that is consistently higher than the national average. Along with a personalized treatment plan, each patient is assigned a care team, including a nurse and a financial coordinator. Additional support from nutritionists and mental health professionals is also available. Call us and begin your journey to parenthood today.

Reproduc tive Medicine Associ at es

973.656.2089

rmanetwork.com

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Being on stage and being a leader there is very similar to being a leader here, except nobody claps.

5 THINGS FATHER’S DAY BEERS

Don’t forget to celebrate dad on Sunday, June 18.

Whether you want to share quality time getting deep in cups and conversation at a brewery or pick up a new craft creation as a Father’s Day gift, here are five brews to please your pops this summer.

The brewers at McCall Collective are tapping into less-remembered beers from the olden days, inspired by a love of history. With a session saloon ale and Dunkles Weissbier with rye to come, the series kicked off with the oak-smoked Polish session ale known as Piwo Grodziskie. Beer has a long history alongside humanity—drop in to McCall’s Breinigsville or Allentown location for a taste!

2. COLUMCILLE SCOTCH ALE

TWO RIVERS BREWING COMPANY

542 Northampton St., Easton

610.829.1137 | tworiversbrewing.com

The Bourbon Barrel Columcille Scotch Ale develops its flavor over a year aged in freshly dumped bourbon barrels. For the dads who savor a rich and chewy malty beer with big caramel and toast flavors, this ale is named for the Columcille Megalith Park in Bangor.

3. DADA AMERICAN PORTER

MYSTIC WAYS BREWING CO.

510 ½ W. Walnut St., Perkasie

215.282.9565 | mysticwaysbrewingcompany.com

A slight distance from the Lehigh Valley, Mystic Ways Brewing in Perkasie could be a great stop before or after taking dad to a show at the Sellersville Theater. Trippy mushroom décor will appeal to those with a hippie heyday, and the American porter Dada is fermented with Mystic’s house ale yeast for a toasty, cold brew taste.

4. MOOEY

BONN PLACE BREWING CO.

310–14 Taylor St., Bethlehem

610.419.6660 | bonnbrewing.com

Tucked into Bethlehem’s Southside, one of the Valley’s best itty-bitty breweries is Bonn Place. First brewed for Father’s Day 2016, their not-so-ordinary bitter English-style pub ale Mooey is light and smooth with notes of “biscuit, toffee and sexual desires.” Meaning what? Well, stop in and find out. Also works well as a shandy with lemon soda!

5. HERE WE GOSE AGAIN

FEGLEY’S BREW WORKS

812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.433.7777

559 Main St. Suite 101, Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 thebrewworks.com

The tart gose is an acquired taste, but the balance of sour, salty and sweet is for some the height of delectability. Summer flavors combine in Fegley’s sour ale, packed with pomegranates and key limes that make this barbecue-ready refreshment perfect fare for dads hovering around the grill.

PA HOUSE

wood fired oven & craft cocktail bar

662 Front Street Hellertown, PA thepahouse.com

@thepahouse

ANNA & WADE AMES

Anna is part of the Ames Team with her husband, Wade.

Anna began her real estate career in 2006 and is part of the Ames Team at Weichert Bethlehem. With over 10 years’ previous experience in the mortgage and title industry and an outstanding reputation for customer service, Anna provides great value to the team and their clients. Having been part of thousands of real estate transactions, Anna provides unique perspective and insight. Combined with Wade Ames and his extensive mortgage background, the Ames Team has the experience, industry knowledge and passion needed for helping their clients achieve their goals. When selling or buying real estate, give them a call—they’d love to help anyone and the people they care about get the best advice when buying or selling a home. Ninety percent of their clients are referrals from happy customers!

Ames Team clients get two full-time agents working for them who are Top Listing Agents, Senior Sales Representatives, Expert Homebuyer Representatives and Relocation Certified.

Anna has been Weichert’s top-producing Lehigh Valley agent since 2017 and Top 25 in the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors.

2330 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem

Cell: 610.762.9331

Office: 610.865.5555

anna-ames.weichert.com

BARRY NEWHART & RALPH TRINIDAD

Loan Officers | Conquest Mortgage

Conquest Mortgage stands out as the premier choice for consumers seeking mortgage financing. Don’t let the stress of finding the right mortgage stand in the way. Let them help make it a reality with great service and competitive rates.

Barry Newhart and Ralph Trinidad are both Lehigh Valley natives with a combined 50 years of mortgage industry experience.

Through their expertise, along with local real estate, mortgage and title professionals, they have put together a game-changing joint venture business model and created a TRUE Real Estate Partnership.

A TRUE Real Estate Partnership allows realtors, brokers or builders to generate ancillary income in both mortgage and title joint ventures. For more information, contact Barry and Ralph at info@conquestjv.com or 484.232.2000.

1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 107-F, Allentown 610.421.8450

conquest-mtg.com conquestjv.com

THE LEHIGH VALLEY WELCOMES CMG HOME LOANS

Same Quality Service, New Brand!

Please welcome the Lehigh Valley’s newest and most progressive mortgage lender! A combination of the Lehigh Valley’s most experienced loan officers have teamed up with CMG Home Loans to offer the most cutting-edge financing supported by the latest in mortgage technology. Although the location is new, this dedicated group is the same great team everyone knows and loves with over 30 years of unparalleled local knowledge.

CMG Home Loans is a nationally recognized lender offering a full spectrum of mortgage financing products and services, with many additional programs exclusive to the CMG lending group. They have specialized products to assist homebuyers and realtors in today’s market.

From start to finish, CMG offers a seamless, in-house process with exceptional communication from their dedicated staff who live and work in the Lehigh Valley. The CMG experience doesn’t end at the closing table! The servicing of every loan remains in-house, allowing the loan officer to stay in contact with homebuyers for the life of the loan.

Whether looking to purchase a new home, or refinance a current mortgage, CMG can help. Call today to schedule a free personal consultation!

“Our company succeeds on our ability to think differently. Every customer, every time. No exceptions, no excuses.”

– CHRISTOPHER M. GEORGE, FOUNDER

Left to right: Makayla Christy, Sharon Betz, Nick Christy, Zach Bodack, Steve Stelzman, Mike Bower, Anthony Bobbitt, Josh Velez, Beth Tucker, Amanda Wilhelm, Abaigeal Rooney, Adriel Page; not pictured: Corrine Barkley

OMAR JOHN NASSAR

Omar John Nassar has been helping buyers achieve the dream of home ownership for over a decade. He is ranked among the top originators for 2023 by Scotsman Guide. His knowledge and expertise are valued by real estate professionals and home buyers, allowing the loan process to be simple and smooth.

In such a competitive real estate market and with difficulty getting an offer accepted, it has never been more important to show strength with a reliable local lender with many different programs, including a fully underwritten pre-approval with a commitment letter for a buyer’s offer.

Prosperity Home Mortgage offers an unbeatable combination of professionally qualified mortgage consultants, a full spectrum of programs and a streamlined process with the ability to talk to a real local person. The most important item to remember is that it’s not a loan, it’s a home. It’s not a file, it’s a family.

3570 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 101, Allentown 610.462.5034 omarnassar.phmloans.com

JANICE PIGGA

REALTOR ® | Keller Williams Real Estate

“This job is not just expertise in negotiation and marketing, but an understanding of your fears and concerns when it comes to selling and buying your home. That’s just one reason to choose me to stand by your side—and it’s the foundation of everything I do.”

–JANICE PIGGA

Janice Pigga, originally from Central Pennsylvania, moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2005. After receiving her master’s in education, Janice worked at Lafayette College creating student programs ranging from intramural sports to big concerts and comedy events. She also took students off campus to enjoy all the activities the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

In 2016, Janice decided to take the negotiating skills she developed when booking artists for events and apply them to real estate. Using her connections, she has since helped hundreds of families. She offers a personalized home guide for each client, delivers guidance throughout the process, professional marketing expertise to gain the most exposure for each listing, and can always speak about the current real estate market and trends.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her mini dachshund and playing tennis.

With the knowledge, expertise and exceptional service she provides, Janice is the premier choice for every real estate need. Scan the QR code for her Instagram profile and call today to get started.

2901 Emrick Blvd. Suite 100, Bethlehem

Office: 610.867.8888 | Cell: 484.634.1988

janicepigga.com

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, is a full service mortgage banker specializing in residential and refinance loans. Prosperity Home Mortgage offers a wide range of mortgage products, including fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, jumbo loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA) loans and renovation financing.

Photo by RJ Harwick

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. NMLS#75164. Licensed in PA.

JENNIFER GRANDA,

CSA

Director of Sales and Marketing | Moravian Village of Bethlehem

The

Independent

From multiple floor plans for its luxury suites and cottages, to the yearround excitement of living next door to Historic Bethlehem, Moravian Village of Bethlehem offers a wealth of attractions to enhance the senior lifestyle. With so many choices, it’s comforting to have the professional touch of Jennifer Granda guiding families toward the best decisions and financial value.

A Certified Senior Advisor, Jennifer’s 13 years of experience as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Lehigh Valley’s foremost Continuing Care Retirement Community is a valuable asset in the decision-making process. And the support she provides each family is both informative and energizing.

“There are many exciting choices to be made and every individual’s interests and circumstances are unique,” she says with a warm smile. “My personal joy is in finding the best pathway to ensure the future happiness of each resident and their family.”

526 Wood St., Bethlehem

610.625.4885

moravianvillage.com

HAPPY HOMEOWNERS, COMPOUNDED DAILY

What’s more personal than buying a home? The concierge-level service homebuyers experience with the Uncommonmortgage team at Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley. With over 20 years of serving the Lehigh Valley, the Uncommonmortgage lenders have built their reputation on a servicefirst approach, and their customers have the peace of mind of working with one lender from application to settlement.

With less paperwork, less costs and less stress, the loan process is simple and straightforward. Offering special programs for first-time homebuyers and working with each applicant to secure available grant and down-payment assistance funding are just some of the ways that the Uncommomortgage team helps Lehigh Valley residents achieve the dream of homeownership.

The Uncommonmortgage team takes pride in helping customers spend less and save more with money-saving features like no PMI with 10 percent down and biweekly payments. Plus, loans are never sold, so the team is with the homeowner throughout the life of the loan.

100 Gateway Dr., Bethlehem 610.882.8800

uncommonmortgage.com

living choices abound at Moravian Village of Bethlehem.

Lehigh Valley’s premier 55+ community offers a choice of multiple elegant home designs for independent living, from the spacious Point 26 Suites to the well-appointed Market Street Cottages, all just one mile away from historic downtown Bethlehem.

The Uncommonmortgage team enjoys helping customers with their homeownership goals. Visit the Bethlehem office or contact the team today for more information.

Clockwise from top: Mirta Rodriguez, Heather Seifert, Gina Franco, Jennifer Tropeano

WINNERS REVEALED

This past April, 385 local pets were entered in our annual pet contest, and Style readers cast more than 8,000 votes. Get to know the 10 cats and dogs (and their siblings) who came out on top as well as a few more of our own honorable mentions!

SPONSORED BY

was two and a half months old, and he’s brought so much joy to our life! Elton is smart and very clever, and he’s learning obedience skills quickly for a puppy. Halle is the pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Slatington, and everyone in her congregation has fallen in love with Elton. He’s very friendly around new people and a wonderful companion. Due to his outgoing and affectionate nature, we look forward to (hopefully) training him to be a therapy dog. Elton will do almost anything for a treat, and his favorite pastime is snuggling with his mom and dad on the couch!”

– Halle & Josh Kluever

MINIATURE DACHSHUND

Mulligan is our high-energy happy puppy! He loves playing attention-scratch-seeking hog, but in return he loves to give kisses! There is never a dull moment with our Mully.”

Stormy & Broly

Stormy and Broly came into our lives at six weeks old and made our home complete. Stormy is shy, sweet and very vocal. Broly is curious, adventurous but relaxed at the same time. They both love the outdoors and enjoy naps together. They make a great addition not only to our household but to our family.”

– Richard Hart

– Pizango Brothers

(

STORMY CAKES & THE LEGENDARY SUPER SAIYAN )

DOMESTIC SHORTHAIR SIBLINGS | 7 MONTHS OLD

(BENNY BOY)

Oso is an adopted 14-month-old Rottweiler who loves to eat, loves to nap, enjoys belly scratches and going for walks and truck rides. He is a very silly puppy, who loves to show affection and loves running around in the yard.”

Andy is the epitome of a gentle giant. He is the kindest, most loving boy with a heart of gold. Andy is very quirky and always funny! He enjoys long walks, ice cream trucks, Skippy Super Chunky Peanut Butter ONLY and cuddling with his Momma and Poppa! If you see him coming your way, be prepared for lots of drool!”

Baxter’s mama was saved from a kill shelter while she was pregnant and went on to have 11 healthy pups. We rescued Baxter when he was four months old and we have never been the same since! He is the most energetic, rambunctious, playful, sweetest boy in the Valley. He is his truest and happiest self when running around outside (most likely being chased by his humans because he has an unidentified object in his mouth). To know him is to love him and we are truly lucky to have him in our lives!”

– Ana & Andrew

– Fred Williams

SAINT BERNARD | 4 YEARS OLD ANDYTHESAINTBERNARD

– Marissa & Cliff Weighknecht

(WUBBY)

LONGHAIRED DACHSHUND  | 1 YEAR OLD LOUIE_THE_DACHSHUND

Louie Trixie & Bambi

Louie is the most loving and loyal little man, and we instantly became best friends from the moment I first met him at three months old. He is more than just a dog, he is a true companion. He has such a

Trixie and Bambi were both adopted from PA Caring Hearts in Breinigsville. We were very lucky to get two wonderful dogs. Bambi is the shy one of the two, whereas Trixie has nonstop energy. You can usually find them snugging together. They brought so much joy to our house. There are many pets looking for a forever home.”

– Deborah Schuster

TRIXIE: PIT BULL, STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER & MANY MORE; BAMBI: AMERICAN FOXHOUND  | 1 & 2

Kids Guide

BY AMY UNGER

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Summer has just begun, but those lazy, hazy, crazy days a lways seem to fly by, don’t they? Before backto-school reading lists and supply lists consume your little ones’ to-do lists, help them make the most of a Lehigh Valley (and beyond) summer with this most excellent funtastic checklist.

DORNEY PARK in South Whitehall has six roller coasters to test the mettle (and stomachs) of guests of all ages. Feeling brave? Wait the extra few minutes in line for the first car on Steel Force and get those hands in the air during the 205-foot drop.

EASTON’S BUSHKILL PARK caters to smaller thrill-seekers with its lineup of classic, vintage rides, but older siblings (and maybe even mom and dad) might get a kick out of the newly reopened funhouse; the park claims it’s the oldest one in America.

THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE in Hope, NJ, and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster are farther away, but worth the drive for a day of family fun.

SLEEP UNDER THE STARS

Whether you prefer camping, glamping or something in between, places like HERSHEYPARK CAMPING RESORT in Hummelstown, RUSTIC CREEK in Tunkhannock and JELLYSTONE Park in Quarryville have you covered: pitch a tent, park your RV or book a cozy cabin and enjoy your stay as Mother Nature’s guest, alongside kid-friendly perks like pools, water slides and game rooms.

get festin’

The Lehigh Valley and its surrounding regions love a good festival. New this year: ARTSQUEST’S UPPER MAC DAYS at Grange Park (June 23–25). Get a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch life at the KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL (July 1–9) in Berks County. BETHLEHEM’S BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL will be in bloom at Burnside Plantation for the 36th year (July 15–16). And of course, there’s that little thing called MUSIKFEST (August 3–13) followed by summer’s curtain call, THE GREAT ALLENTOWN FAIR (August 30- September 4).

lace up your sneakers

THE LEHIGH VALLEY ROAD RUNNERS offer a summer running series that’s for kids only, ages 3–14 years old. Races at Lehigh Parkway will be held June 10, June 24, July 15 and August 5. Also, the region’s calendar is chock-full of 5Ks and other races that tend to emphasize community over competitiveness. A few options: BOOK IT 5K RUN and 1 MILE FUN RUN (Reading, June 24), FIRECRACKER 5K RUN/WALK (Port Carbon, July 4) and LV ZOO RUN WILD FOR ANIMAL CONSERVATION 5K & 10K (Schnecksville, August 12).

...or your roller skates

Roller skating has made a comeback in recent years, and now is as good a time as any to show your kids how awesome you are on eight wheels. WHITEHALL’S SKATEAWAY holds teen nights every Friday. Not to be outdone, Bethlehem has a SKATEAWAY of its own that features occasional theme nights, like ’80s Night and Neon Night. THE BIG WHEEL ROLLER SKATING CENTER in Stroudsburg gets newbies up and rolling with its lessons for beginners. There are also programs for adult and youth roller hockey players as well as tiny tots (kids five and under).

Get a Fresh Summer ‘Do

SWEET AND SASSY at the Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley does it all, from haircuts to up-dos to braiding. Bethlehem’s FINAL TOUCH promises a classic barber shop experience (cuts, trims, fades, tapers and more) that’s G-rated. Every pint-sized customer walks out with a lollipop and a balloon at SHARKEY’S CUTS FOR KIDS in Limerick. Is it a bit outside the Lehigh Valley? Yes. Is it also just five miles away from the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, where mom and dad can get in a little (or a lot) of shopping? Also, yes.

Chase Away the RainyDay Blues

Even the sun needs a vacation now and then. But a summer day that’s more drenching than sun-drenched doesn’t have to be a downer. How about a little culture and creativity to pass the time? Admission is now (and forever) free at the ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM. Children 12 and under are free every weekend at the nearby AMERICA ON WHEELS MUSEUM, which has special events sprinkled throughout the summer calendar, like Remote Control Racing Day (July 16) and a celebration of National Ice Cream Month (July 23), when sundaes will be for sale for $5. And of course, there’s always something colorful cooking at the CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE in Easton.

Learn Something New at a Day Camp…

Kids who love science (and probably even ones who don’t) will love rolling up their sleeves at the DA VINCI SCIENCE CENTER’S day-long or week-long camps in Allentown. There are different themes all summer long, including Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Storybook Science and Little Coders.

ALLENTOWN’S free, eightweek summer playground program begins on June 12. It includes playground activities and free lunch for children ages seven to 15 at 18 different locations in the city.

...Or Stay the Night

FLINT HILL FARM IN COOPERSBURG offers a variety of hands-on programs for big kids (Horse Lovers Camp; Farm Camp) and little kids (Kinder Camp; Mommy, Daddy and Me Camp). New this year are counselor-intraining (14–15 year olds) and junior counselor (16 year olds) programs.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO

promises its campers a week packed with animal encounters, nature discoveries and fun. Younger kids can dive into explorations like Jungle Journeys, Woodland Adventures or Days in the Desert. Kids ages 12–14 can get a taste of what’s it like to be an animal caretaker at Junior Zoo Keeper Camp.

BLUE MOUNTAIN in Lehigh County has a day camp that promises to delight the ruggedly inclined with activities like hiking, zip lining, archery and paddle boarding. But overnight guests get to experience Blue after dark with star gazing, storytelling around a campfire, roasting s’mores and more. Sessions are weekly through August 8.

Founded in 1908, CAMP ONEKA in the Poconos is one of the oldest residential camps for girls in the U.S. Campers ages seven through 16 years old can choose between two-week, half-season or full-season schedules. There’s plenty to do on land and on water (the camp is a stone’s throw away from Fairview Lake), including offerings to satiate creative appetites like arts and crafts and drama.

CAMP NOCK-A-MIXON

in Bucks County is about as serious an immersive summer camp experience as it gets. Kids wave good-bye to their parents at the end of June, and don’t bid adieu to their fellow campers until mid-August. With grounds that include not just one but two lakes, and everything from playing fields to an arts and activities center and an American Ninja Warrior course, those weeks will just fly by.

perfect Your pose

Don’t leave the little ones at home the next time you head out for a restorative yoga session (unless this is “you” time—we get it). Allentown’s WEST END YOGA CENTER offers classes for kids 5–10 years old. THE YOGA LOFT of Bethlehem welcomes yogis as young as six months old for its infant yoga sessions. Toddlers have a class to call their own, too. New to Allentown, VIBE POWER YOGA has yoga and mindfulness programs for all ages, including classes for mom and baby, little yogis ages two to five, kids ages six to 10 and something for preteens and teens. THE YOGA GNOME in Bucks County is unique because it is a studio exclusively for kids (mom and dad are allowed to tag along with the little ones, of course). There are options for babies to tweens and teens, including a class specifically for LGBTQ+ kids of all abilities.

Chow Down at a New(ish)

Local Favorite

Do children belong in a beer garden? Absolutely… if the destination is WANDERLUST in Forks Township. The twoand-a-half-acre site offers plenty of room to roam and explore. There’s even a playground for the little ones to climb on while mom and dad look on from the nearby picnic tables.

THE FARM & TABLE in Nazareth serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. If your little ones are partial to pancakes, this place is a must-visit. Tandy Cake, Cinnamon Roll and Caribbean Coconut are among the recent flavor offerings. And how about a little on-site entertainment? There are bowling alleys and an arcade area on the premises.

DAT’S EATS, TREATS & SWEETS

in Plainfield Township is a casual eatery with a 1950s vibe. Even if everyone in your brood can’t relate to the poodle skirts and soda shop vibe, they’ll love the kid-friendly menu options (loaded tater tots, anyone?) and many varieties of ice cream.

BY DONOVAN

BY CARRIE HAVRANEK

TOUR DE FRANKS

9 GREAT PLACES TO STOP FOR HOT DOGS

Summer foods—burgers and dogs—are perennially popular with kids and adults alike. It’s hard to beat the appeal of on-the-go eating, and hot dogs seem to just be tailor-made; they’re easily hand-held and therefore totally portable.

Our list naturally includes classic spots for hot dogs, of course, because we’re home to some vintage businesses that specialize in such fare. But you know, it turns out you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. So, our list also reflects more creative inspirations that take their cues from other cuisines and pop culture in equal measure.

Keep this list handy for your summertime drives—or plan your own Tour de Franks and hit them all in one weekend.

1.

GEAKERS TACOS

3531 Freemansburg Ave., Bethlehem

Everyone loves tacos. Everyone loves hot dogs. Geakers combines the two with its tacodog, featuring a top-quality beef/pork hot dog (deep fried until crisp) and Geakers’ secret recipe taco sauce made with spiced ground beef that’s been cooked for three to four hours. The dogs are then topped with shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

Rod’s Dogs

Rod’s took over the space formerly occupied by Full of Crepe in the Easton Public Market in 2021, and it’s owned by Mike and Becca Pichetto. Named for Mike’s grandfather Rod, who ran a hot dog cart in Rutherford, NJ, Rod’s specializes in dogs known as “rippers,” which split open or at the ends when fried. “The dogs rip because they are a beef-pork mix. The added fat makes them plump up when they fry and split the casing,” says Mike. Magically, they also serve a vegan bratwurst, a chicken dog and a very thick No Neck Shake.

Jimmy’s

7 Union Sq., Phillipsburg, NJ

325 Northampton St., Easton 2.

The hot dog business is iconic and historic at this point, it seems. This particular business was originally named for Jim Makris, who started at this location in the late 1940s. Fast forward to current day, or since 2009, when Nikolaos and Sofia Malatos took over the business. They’re still making hot dogs the original way, in a cast iron pan with a little bit of oil. Order the Everything— it’s got mustard, onion and a pickle. They also do Cheese Whiz, just sayin’.

Richard’s Drive In

2700 Freemansburg Ave., Easton

This storied, bright pink spot for roadside eats dates to 1966 and is hard to beat for all the favorite summer faves— hot dogs included, of course. Richard’s is a great place to hit up if you’re with others who might not want hot dogs (yes, those people exist!)—you can get hamburgers, shakes, fries, onion rings and all the other fast comfort foods. The dogs are served with mustard, onion and a pickle that fits just so on the bun. You can, of course, add cheese and/or chili for 50 cents extra for either.

6. 7.

Yocco’s

2128

POTTS’

3512

Hamilton Blvd., Allentown

Ya gotta love a hot dog spot with the slogan “bite the one you love,” right? Go here, build your own dog, but do not forget the chili. Just don’t. Popular options include the Heart Attack Dog (chili, cheese and bacon), the Mop Dog (mustard, onions and pickles) and the ever-appetizingly named Garbage Dog, with all toppings plus cheese and bacon. In case that’s not enough food, or you’re dining with a vegetarian, order a side of pierogi, sautéed in butter and onions.

Hamilton St., Allentown

Let’s face it. It wouldn’t be a hot dog tour in the Lehigh Valley without Yocco’s, “The Hot Dog King,” with six locations boasting, collectively, a 100-year history. These days, Yocco’s still serves the specialty dog made by Hatfield Meats and cooked “well done” on a steamed bun with mustard, chopped onions and, of course, its secret chili sauce. As the expression goes, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Yocco’s is the gold standard for hot dogs. Don’t forget the chocolate milk!

JAY’S LOCAL

2301

Liberty St., Allentown

At Jay’s Local, there’s always so much amazing and innovative food coming out of that kitchen—have you tried that waffle muffin?

It’s a revelation! So, it should come as no surprise that Jay’s puts together a solid hot dog. It’s a grilled dog, called the Local Dog, topped with sauerkraut, mustard and served with Martin’s potato chips. Jay’s uses what seems to be a recurring standard, Hebrew National, for both its adult and kids’ dogs.

530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 8.

Social Still

You might be confused as to why this distillery-eatery is on our list, but hot dog enthusiasts know about Weenie Wednesday. This weekly special runs throughout the summer from May 31 until Labor Day and features fancy hot dogs with a wide variety of inventive flavor palettes; think Chicago dogs with sport peppers, a spicy chili cheese dog, and a Korean one with gochujang and kimchi slaw, and so on. Don’t miss this culinary innovation.

9.

G’s

2.0 To Go

36 N. Main St., Richlandtown

The name might be unfamiliar, but the business may not be. This is Grida’s, rebooted, with new owners and an expanded menu that includes fancy hot dogs. (John and Mary Grida sold the business in 2021 to Stacey Carr.) New selections include the Buffalo Dog with buffalo sauce, diced celery and blue cheese. Or you can opt for the Sriracha Dog, with Sriracha mayo, diced tomatoes and dill pickles. Other selections include ingredients like candied jalapeños and a Chicago-inspired dog with sport peppers, dill pickles and celery salt.

Chef Antonio Santiago had an unusual introduction to restaurants, but it led to an impressive career in the kitchen—and he might have a little teenage mischief to thank for it. “In high school, when I got in trouble, my punishment was to go around local restaurants and interview the owners and chefs and find out how they started their business,” he shares. One of the individuals he met with—the owner of Pocono Brewery Company— introduced Santiago to his chef and hired him at age 15 as his prep cook. From there, Santiago

BUTTER BASTED NY STRIP & GARLIC SHRIMP SCAMPI

WITH VAULT 634 CHEF ANTONIO SANTIAGO

worked his way up to line cook and kitchen manager before enrolling in the Art Institute of Philadelphia. He interned as a line cook at several Philadelphia restaurants, including Tuscan Twenty, a bar in South Philly, where he cooked for celebrities like the 76ers, Madonna and NSYNC. In 2019, he took on the executive chef position at Vault 634.

Santiago loves that he’s able to use his knowledge and skills to prepare a variety of foods to appeal to different people and their needs. “I like to be challenged to create something

unique and special for each client while keeping within any dietary or culinary preferences,” he says. “Because we don’t have a set menu, each meal is crafted specifically for our clients.” But his knowledge and skills have certainly evolved over the years. “Thinking back to where I was at the beginning and where I am now, there’s no comparison,” he says. “One of the first dishes I ever made was fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, and if I made that same dish today, I wouldn’t even be using the same ingredients as I used back then.”

As for the dish he’s sharing

here? Santiago says it’s just a steak done the right way: “Nothing special to it.” But it’s one that his daughter, who was a very picky eater when she was young, fell in love with. She also fell in love with watching dad cook. “It’s always been a special dish to me because of those memories in the kitchen with her and the bonding time we had over a shared love for a favorite meal.”

Those memories became even more cherished in 2019, when Santiago had peritoneal surgery. Since then, he has been on dialysis every day for 10 hours a

day, and has been on the donor list waiting on a match for a kidney transplant. “It’s changed the way I think about time and life and my priorities,” he says, noting that it’s also changed his diet completely, making him much more aware of what he’s putting in his body. “It’s challenged me but made me grateful for each day and helped me better myself. I obviously hope to find a donor, but I’m focused on enjoying each day I get to spend with my daughter and thankful I’m doing what I love to do—bring people happiness through my food.”

To learn more about Santiago’s journey, visit antoniokidneydonation.com

634 Hamilton St., Allentown 610.628.3341 | vault634.com

BUTTER BASTED NY STRIP & GARLIC SHRIMP SCAMPI

INGREDIENTS

Olive oil

½ lb. fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthwise

3 shallots, halved

11–12 cloves whole garlic

Salt and pepper

1 Tbsp. smoked paprika

8 ounces pancetta, cubed

4–6 Brussels sprouts, halved

5 sprigs fresh thyme

12-ounce NY strip steak, brought to room temperature

7 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

4–6 shrimp, 16/20s, peeled and deveined

¼ cup dry white wine

Juice of half a lemon Parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil of your choice in an ovenproof saucepan, over medium heat. Add in potatoes, shallots, 2 whole cloves of garlic, salt and pepper, and begin to sauté. Continue cooking, mixing occasionally, until the potatoes and shallots begin to brown and develop good color. Add in the smoked paprika and enough water to deglaze the pan and give the potatoes some liquid (approximately ½ cup) to continue cooking in. Place saucepan in preheated oven and continue cooking until cooked through and fork tender, approximately 25 minutes. Place the cubed pancetta in another ovenproof saucepan over medium heat. Cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta begins to crisp and render its fat but is not fully cooked. Add in the Brussels sprouts, 2–3 sprigs of thyme and 4 cloves of

garlic. Sauté for a couple minutes to get some color on the vegetables. Place the pan in the oven, alongside potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes or until the pancetta is crispy and the sprouts have good color and caramelization. Season the steak generously on all sides with salt and pepper while the potatoes and Brussels sprouts cook.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add in 2 tablespoons of oil and begin to heat. Once the oil is heated and shimmering, add the steak and sear on all sides until crusted and golden brown. Lower the heat to mediumlow and drain the oil from the pan. Add in 2 tablespoons of butter, the remaining thyme and rosemary sprigs, and 3 cloves of smashed garlic. As the butter begins to melt, baste the steak with the herb and butter mixture. Cook until desired temperature, about 6–8 minutes for medium rare.

Remove the steak to a cutting board and top with herb and butter mixture. Allow the steak to rest.

Add the shrimp with 3 tablespoons of butter, olive oil, salt and pepper to the same pan, over medium heat. Cook the shrimp two minutes on each side until just pink.

Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, white wine, lemon juice and 2–3 cloves of smashed garlic and cook stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Remove the pan from the heat and save for plating.

TO PLATE

Slice the steak, and arrange it in the center of a plate. Serve alongside the crispy fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Top the steak with the shrimp scampi and garnish with chopped parsley.

BY CARRIE HAVRANEK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Steak and Steel is not your typical Asian fusion restaurant. We’ve written about such types of places before, and have even called Randevoo, for example, a next-gen Asian fusion-fusion place to eat because it kind of defies categorization. But Steak and Steel, which serves Chinese, Japanese, Thai and tons of sushi, along with hibachi fare, is something else entirely.

The best way to describe Steak and Steel, a relative newcomer to Downtown Bethlehem? It’s the most punk rock Asian restaurant you probably have ever seen, at least around the Lehigh Valley. There are multiple reasons why, but the first one comes right from its description: it’s a selfstyled Japanese/hibachi/sushi gastropub. Yes, all in one place.

What does this mean, in practical terms? Rather than muted, vaguely Asian-styled music, the soundtrack is unmistakably contemporary. The staff is dressed in all black; the piercings and tattoos are ever-present, which admittedly isn’t so unusual for restaurants these days. There are no bamboo plants or waving cat statues at the register; large works of vivid contemporary art line the walls (lots of fish represented by local artist Bennett Rambo). The televisions over the bar seem destined to become a go-to spot for watching anime. Cocktails are made with fresh ingredients, and local brews and sake are served. (Yes, there’s local sake, from Sango Kura in Delaware Water Gap.)

“All of our cocktails start in the kitchen, and all of our sauces are scratch-made,” says Rob Lewis, one of the owners. The food is fresh, the vibe is lively and the service is friendly.

We will forgive you if you weren’t aware that this restaurant existed; it just opened in January and by

this writing, that means just shy of two months ago. It’s a newbie, located on Walnut Street, not far from Twisted Olive, McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, Ripper’s Pub and Edge. However, the ownership team that runs Steak and Steel also owns seven other restaurants throughout northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. They each have their own name and vibe.

Some of the crew from Myst, a sister restaurant in Jim Thorpe, came to run Steak and Steel. It’s a dedicated and motivated group, and they take it seriously. The 31-year-old

Smoked Old Fashioned

INSIDE DISH

Lewis, who was born and raised in New Tripoli, runs the place along with Abby Rigler, 21— they’re managing partners. The culinary activities are overseen by Simon Wang, executive chef, and executive sushi chef William Pan, 27. Collectively, they’ve been working in restaurants in some way, shape or form for most of their lives.

The group entered into negotiations and development phase during the pandemic, and, indeed, just as we’ve seen a lot of places close or pivot to other food-related concepts, there have been just as many new restaurants and cafes.

“When the tide is going out, everyone is afraid, but that’s actually the best time to get in,” says Lewis. And so they did, forging ahead in this location to gut the whole thing—it was previously an office—and install a bar, a sushi counter, a full kitchen and everything needed for hibachi.

What will you want to order when you’re here? Probably everything. And that’s because the menu is so far-reaching that it’s not possible to really get a sense of things in one visit. So, bring some friends and sit wherever. You can order anything from anywhere in the restaurant; you aren’t restricted to hibachi fare if most of your party wants to have some dinner and a show at one of its many hibachi tables.

You can expect teriyaki dishes, noodle-based dishes such as udon, a full hibachi menu, sushi, sashimi and appetizers. Pad Thai is on the menu, along with red and green Thai curries. People love some of the specialty rolls, including the Tokyo Roll, with tuna and avocado, topped with spicy scallops, and the Godzilla Roll. That one contains shrimp tempura inside and spicy tuna on top, along with an eel

sauce. Some of the house entrée specials on the menu include Spicy Honey Chicken, Steak and Steel Dumplings (chives and pork—you get a dozen!), a crispy roasted duck, and a universally appealing Chineseinfluenced dish: General Tso’s Chicken. We sampled the last item, and it was served with white rice and generously sized steamed broccoli florets.

The one dark spot in the place is the fact that the team unexpectedly lost one of its fearless leaders, Mike Heiser, about six months before opening the restaurant, at the age of 44. He was one of the founding partners of the restaurant group. (Uncannily, their address is also 44, and Rigler has a tattoo of angel number 444). A painting of him hangs inside the restaurant, above the threshold. There, he holds the place of honor, overlooking the activities.

Lewis chokes up when he speaks of him, understandably so. It’s still all very fresh, and Lewis clearly feels indebted to him. “He’s the kind of person you wanted to work for. He cared about you as a person, he’d give you a ride, he’d give you money, he’d give you the shirt off his back,” says Lewis.

They’ve all taken what they’ve learned about hospitality from working with Heiser and applied it to Steak and Steel. And it shows. In just a couple of quick months, Steak and Steel has made an

William Pan, Rob Lewis & Abby Rigler

When the tide is going out, everyone is afraid, but that’s actually the best time to get in.

Crab Rangoon

Made in-house from scratch, served with house signature sweet chili sauce

Rock Shrimp

Made-to-order tempura fried sweet shrimp served over fresh greens, topped with signature spicy sauce, sweet chili and scallion

impression on people. When asked what surprises them most about things, Rigler says, “I can’t believe the number of regulars we have, already. We have people who are here weekly, and some daily, whether it’s for their blackberry sage cocktail at the end of the day or sushi. We’re just so grateful,” she says.

Lewis echoes the sentiment: "I never expected to be as busy as it is. I never expected to be this well received this fast,” he says.

It’s not a stretch to believe that somehow Heiser is still there, not only watching over and guiding them, but ensuring their success, too.

Steak & Steel Hibachi

44 W. Walnut St., Bethlehem 610.849.2323 | steakandsteelpa.com

HOURS

Mon.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sun.: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Lunch is served during the weekdays only. Otherwise the rest of the menu is available all day.

Parking: Street parking and the Walnut Street garage is across the street.

Reservations: Recommended for the weekend, at least a couple weeks ahead of time, although the bar is first-come, first-served.

WHAT TO ORDER

Sushi and sashimi are a must; they’re freshly prepped to order, as they ought to be. You can also have a go with some appetizers such as the rock shrimp, crab rangoon and a variety of dumplings (shumai and gyoza). It’d be pretty hard to choose a sushi roll, as their specialty menu is loaded with selections like the Dancing Girl (real blue crab, cucumber and avocado, topped with tuna jalapeño), the Spicy Girl (it’s somehow all deep fried) and the signature Steak and Steel Roll. That one consists of eel, white tuna, salmon and asparagus— and it, too, is deep fried. In terms of cocktails? Summer is going to be a good time to sip on their blackberry sage martini with vodka, local honey, fresh sage and fresh blackberries. The rosemary cucumber gin and tonic is a refreshing herbal sip with lime, cucumber, fresh rosemary, gin and tonic water. And who can resist the drama of the smoked old fashioned?

SPECIALS

Weekly chalkboard additions to the menu often include fresh sushi and sashimi choices.

Dragon Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll

Nigiri Salmon, Tuna, Red Snapper, White Tuna and Yellowtail

Blackberry Sage Martini, Smoked Old Fashioned, Rosemary Cucumber Gin & Tonic

STEEL CLUB

700 Linden Ave., Hellertown 610.838.7018 x1 | steel.club

Become a fee-free dining member and enjoy Steel Club’s BeamYard Patio and Alley Bar & Grille’s unbeatable views.

Golf course setting w/open tent & both open-air and covered patios

Adirondack chairs & dining tables w/umbrellas

Sunlight shades, outdoor fans, fire pits, string lights, plant features & special outdoor menu

Live music, outdoor games, TVs & bar

BeamYard Patio: 110 person max; Alley Bar & Grille: 100 person max

BeamYard: Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Closed Mon., Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Alley Bar & Grille: Noon–7 p.m., seven days a week, Memorial–Labor Day

Reservations required for the BeamYard Patio; No reservations req’d for the Alley Bar & Grille

JACK’S SLICE

3400 Tilghman St., Allentown 610.841.5359 | jacksslice.com

Enjoy amazing food, friendly service and a welcoming environment with scenic golf course views.

Two patios overlooking the Allentown Municipal Golf Course

Dining tables with shaded umbrellas, covered upper patio

Daily food & drink specials, spectacular sunsets

Live music

Open daily 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. No reservations required

BRÜ DADDY’S BREWING CO.

732 Hamilton St., Allentown

610.351.7600 | brudaddysbrewingco.com

Brü Daddy’s offers an authentic beer garden experience complete with outdoor heaters and all types of games.

Open-air & covered patio in a downtown setting

Picnic tables & outdoor tables

Sunlight shades, fire pits, string lights, plant features & outdoor menu

Live music & outdoor games

142 person max

Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–Midnight, Sun. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Reservations recommended

MADELINE’S

1250 Turnstone Dr., Fogelsville 484.277.2250 | madelinesfogelsville.com

Enjoy delicious food, hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list in a tropical setting. Music every Wednesday, Happy Hour Monday–Friday.

Open-air patio (partially covered) & tent

Comfy woven chairs & patio tables

Plant features

Live music, outdoor TVs & bar w/seating 60 person max

Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.,

Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Reservations recommended

TAP ROOM

AT HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM

437 Main St., Bethlehem

610.625.2226 | hotelbethlehem.com

Enjoy dining on a Top 10 Main Street in Historic Bethlehem. Menu changes seasonally and features classic American cuisine.

Beautiful downtown setting in the heart of Historic Bethlehem

Café table seating

Umbrellas available, pet friendly (outdoor only)

Live music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday 60 person max

Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 4–10 p.m.

Reservations recommended

BLUE GRILLHOUSE

4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem

610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com

The Blue Grillhouse patio is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family on a warm summer evening.

Spacious open-air covered patio, ample seating Dining tables, high-tops & bar seating

Extra-large fireplace,

Happy Hour Mon.–Fri. 4–6 p.m.

100 person max

Outdoor Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Patio is first come, first serve only

Mc COOLE’S AT THE HISTORIC RED LION INN

4 S. Main St., Quakertown 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com

Enjoy fresh air, seasonal cocktails, and delicious food under the palm trees.

Open-air & covered patios

Lounge seating & dining tables w/umbrellas

Dog-friendly, fans/heaters available,

Key West plant features & string lights

Live music Fridays & Saturdays

Happy Hour 2–5 p.m., Wed.–Fri.

Reservations encouraged on the weekend

TWISTED OLIVE

51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.419.1200 | twistedolivebethlehem.com

Great location to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy house-infused cocktails and fabulous small plates.

Downtown sidewalk & open-air patio

Dining tables; umbrellas available

Parklette

Live music on Thursdays

Mon. 4–10 p.m.; Tues.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Closed Sun.

Reservations recommended; walk-ins available

THE BRICK TAVERN INN

2460 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown 215.529.6488 | thebricktaverninn.com

The Brick Tavern Inn offers indoor and patio seating, extensive wine and beer selections, specialty/seasonal cocktails, chef’s daily additions, small plates and live music.

Scenic Bucks County location

Covered patio surrounded by natural foliage

Koi pond w/waterfall, seasonal plantings, decorative lighting

Live music on the patio, daily specials

Indoors (including bar): 111 person max; Patio: 80 person max

Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Reservations recommended, especially for patio seating on the weekends

EIGHT OAKS

FARM DISTILLERY

7189 Rte. 309, New Tripoli

484.387.5287 | eightoaksdistillery.com

Enjoy seasonal cocktails, farm-to-bottle spirits, great locally-sourced food and wonderful country views.

Country views w/open-air tent & covered patio

Picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, metal dining tables & chairs

Fire pits

Live music

125 person max

Fri. 3–8 p.m.; Sat. 2–8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

No reservations required

CAFE ARIELLE AT THE STABIN MUSEUM

268 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe 570.325.5588 | cafearielle.net

Discover Cafe Arielle’s Avant Garden, a slate patio nestled beneath Mount Pisgah, where the mountain’s rocky prominence creates a stunning natural backdrop.

Stunning outdoor setting

Dining tables w/umbrellas

Dog-friendly, seasonal plantings

Live music

Check website for updated hours

Reservations encouraged, but not required

TWO RIVERS BREWING

542 Northampton St., Easton 610.829.1131 | tworiversbrewing.com

Two Rivers Brewing specializes in fresh cuisine. They have plenty of outdoor seating to accommodate guests and their pets.

Cozy atmosphere in one of Easton’s most distinctive historic buildings

Patio tables w/umbrellas, second floor balcony, interior dining room & bar

Dog-friendly (outside only)

Live music (inside) most Fridays & Saturdays

Mon.–Thurs. 12–8:30 p.m.; closed Tues.; Fri.–Sat. 12–9 p.m.; Sunday 12–8 p.m.

Reservations highly recommended

Photo compliments of Kristie Bull Photography

Photo by Tawanda Faye Photography

DINING GUIDE

Style Award Winner

Gluten-Free Options

Vegetarian Options

Wheelchair Accessible Serves Alcohol

BYOB

BUCKS

WILD TURKEY GRILL AT THE CLUB AT TWIN LAKES

3625 Shankweiler Rd., Allentown | 610.395.3369 theclubattwinlakes.com/the-wild-turkey-grill

Experience al fresco dining at Wild Turkey Grill. Savor every bite of their delectable dishes while enjoying views of the lake.

Al fresco dining w/scenic lakeside views

Outdoor, indoor tables, bar seating, high top tables

Sunday Brunch

Daily specials, live music, special events

Reservations recommended; book online or through Opentable

PA HOUSE

Melt $$$

Live Entertainment

Outdoor Seating

Entrée Price Range:

$ under $15

$$ $15-$25

$$$ $25+

McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn $-$$$

4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com

Offering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also offering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

SPRINGTOWN INN $$

3258 Main St., Rte 212, Springtown, 610.346.7262, springtowninn.com

Springtown Inn is intimate dining in a historic country inn, featuring steak and seafood. Catering all life celebrations! Dinner.

LEHIGH

Brü Daddy’s Brewing Co.

$

732 Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.351.7600, brudaddysbrewingcompany.com

Brewpub featuring food that’s as good as the beer and an authentic outdoor beer garden. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

CASA TORO MEXICAN GRILL $$

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

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

COPPERHEAD GRILLE $$$

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

Copperhead Grille is a place where handcrafted recipes and sports merge to form the ultimate sports dining experience. Lunch, dinner & late night.

GRILLE 3501 $$$

3501 Broadway, Allentown, 610.706.0100, grille3501.com

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

HOUSE & BARN $$

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

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

KOMÉ FINE JAPANESE

CUISINE AND HIBACHI $$

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9888, komerestaurant.com A contemporary Japanese cuisine and hibachi. Extraordinary sushi, non-sushi dishes served in a contemporary, yet sensual atmosphere. Lunch & dinner.

Madeline’s $$$

1250 Turnstone Dr., Fogelsville, 484.277.2250, madelinesfogelsville.com

Casual fine dining with a creative gourmet flair. Madeline’s, where friends gather. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

Mama Nina Foccacheria $

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

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

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9000, meltgrill.com

Offering a sumptuous menu of contemporary Italian fare in its breathtaking 350-seat restaurant, with spacious and customizable rooms for private events. Lunch, dinner & late night.

NOTCH MODERN KITCHEN & BAR

$$$

5036 Hamilton Blvd., 610.351.8222, notchmknb.com

Modern American with an Asian Twist. Lunch & dinner.

POCONO BREWERY CO. $$

938 Lifestyle Center, Whitehall, 610.264.2194, poconobrewery.com

Authentic wood-fired pizza, imported meat and cheese boards, nachos, salads and craft beer. Lunch & dinner.

SAVORY GRILLE $$$

2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie, 610.845.2010, savorygrille.com

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.

SWITCHBACK PIZZA $$

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

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

Top Cut Steakhouse $$$

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com

Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.

Torre $$

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.9399, torrerestaurant.com

Classic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy Happy Hour gathered around the three-story tequila tower. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

UNION AND FINCH $$

1528 W. Union St., Allentown, 610.432.1522, unionandfinch.com

A casual American bistro serving lunch and dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

WHITE ORCHIDS THAI CUISINE $$

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7499, whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com

Authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary and relaxed dining atmosphere. Signature seafood dishes, house specialties and classic Thai entrées. New bar and lounge area. Lunch & dinner.

Wild Turkey Grill $$

3625 Shankweiler Rd., Allentown, 610.395.3369, theclubattwinlakes.com

From juicy burgers to fresh salads, the Wild Turkey Grill has something for every taste bud. Brunch, lunch & dinner. Brunch, Lunch, Dinner.

YOUELL’S OYSTER HOUSE $$$

2249 Walnut St., Allentown, 610.439.1203, youellsoysterhouse.com

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

NORTHAMPTON

1741 on the Terrace $$$

437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2219, hotelbethlehem.com

The award-winning culinary team takes pride in presenting seasonal menus combined with the 1741 classic. Dinner.

APOLLO GRILL $$$

85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.865.9600, apollogrill.com

Bistro-style restaurant encouraging a grazing dining experience. Comfortable, friendly, sophisticated and lively. Lunch, dinner & late night.

BeamYard at Steel Club $$$

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

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

*Highlighted entries are LehighValleyStyleadvertisers. Look for their ads in this edition!

Blue Grillhouse & Event Center $$$

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

From a party of four on the covered outdoor patio to a party of 400 in the newly renovated event center ballroom, blue delivers with prime steaks and seafood, a sprawling wine list and impeccable service. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

BOLETE RESTAURANT & INN $$$

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

Bolete is a fine dining restaurant where the team’s care and passion for what they do is evident in each carefully and skillfully prepared dish. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

THE BRICK $-$$

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

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

Chop House at Wind Creek $$$

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

A modern, upscale twist on the classic American steakhouse. Chop House at Wind Creek is the place to dine in the Lehigh Valley— serving only-the-best steaks, seafood, signature creations and handcrafted cocktails. Dinner.

DADDY’S PLACE $

650 Northampton St., Easton, 610.438.4442, daddysplaceeaston.com

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

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.

The Dime $$$

12 N. 7th St., Allentown, 484.273.4000, thedimeallentown.com

Contemporary American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

EDGE RESTAURANT $$$

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

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

PA House $

662 Front St., Hellertown, 484.851.6662, thepahouse.com

Low-key premium restaurant with great food, drinks and vibes. 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.

SURV RESTAURANT $$$

1800 Sullivan Trl., Easton, 484.544.0624, surveaston.com

Dual-concept restaurant with a New American menu and wood-fired pizza. Dinner.

THREE OAK STEAKHOUSE $$$

323 Northampton St., Easton, 610.559.5510, threeoaksteakhouse.com

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

Twisted Olive $$$

51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1200, twistedolivebethlehem.com

A casual, bistro-style restaurant with a world twist serving creative, casual cuisine, along with house-made infused cocktails. Lunch & dinner.

YIANNI’S TAVERNA $$$

3760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, 610.410.9300, yiannistaverna.com

Authentic Greek restaurant specializing in the clean flavors of the Mediterranean and seafood. Brunch & dinner.

ZEST BAR+GRILLE $$$

The Rooftop at 306 S. New St., Bethlehem, 610.419.4320, zestbethlehem.com

A culinary and social experience offering a progressive menu that highlights the best of New American cuisine. Lunch & dinner.

The dish features hand-breaded chicken breast tenders, Reese’s peanut butter sauce and strawberry jelly.

BY KRISTEN WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON

FRIED CHICKEN PB&J FRENCH TOAST Mitzi’s Table

We all know that chicken and waffles are a breakfast and brunch staple, but have you ever had fried chicken peanut butter and jelly French toast? That’s what they’re serving up at Mitzi’s Table in Bethlehem— and it’s caught our attention. “Since we don’t serve waffles at Mitzi’s, we thought, why not a favorite everyone loves like PB&J and give it an ‘adult’ twist with fried chicken,” shares co-owner Natasha Fluck.

The dish starts with house-made French toast and adds hand-breaded chicken breast tenders, Reese’s peanut butter sauce and strawberry jelly. It’s served with warm maple syrup. “It’s a childhood favorite, peanut butter and jelly,” says Fluck. “It’s fantastic. Everyone seems to really enjoy it.” She recommends pairing it with a cold glass of milk or an iced mocha coffee.

The dish is available upon request. “We offer fun special options daily and are always happy to accommodate customer requests if we have items in house,” says Fluck.

Other noteworthy variations served at Mitzi’s Table include a vegan coconut French toast, daily stuffed French toast with cream cheese and fresh fruit toppings and the Elvis French toast with banana, bacon and peanut butter.

3650 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem 610.730.1670 | mitzistable

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Inpatient

pediatric

care

helps Gavin enjoy a brighter childhood.

Gavin came to us with a difficult case of pneumonia. He was admitted to our hospital where he received advanced care and a big dose of compassion. Soon enough, he was back to being a healthy, happy 7-year-old. Gavin and his parents came to the right place. St. Luke’s delivers a full range of treatment from routine check-ups to specialty and hospital care. It’s all conveniently located close to home and family. All so Gavin will have the care he needs throughout childhood.

sluhn.org/pediatrics