GOOD TASTE

Spinnerstown Hotel

BY LENORA DANNELKE

November serves as a confluence of seasons at Spinnerstown Hotel, melding the pleasurable amenities of both summer and winter into a distinct and welcoming autumnal style. The vaulted barn-roofed deck, equipped with space heaters tucked

GRILLED BONE-IN PORK RIB RACK CHOP

amid the rafters, extends the outdoor dining season (a great benefit for those who revel in sweater weather), and the highly popular drive-up-only BBQ pit continues to dispense a delectable selection of smoke-infused meats and sides from 4 to 7 p.m. (or while supplies last) each Friday and Saturday. Stepping inside this venerable country destination, guests may choose between getting comfy in the wooden boothlined taproom fronted by a natural soapstone bar or relaxing in a casually refined dining room appointed with a dramatic stone fireplace. Online ordering for curbside pick-up offers yet another option for enjoying fabulous food and drink – beer, wine, or cocktails—though, sadly, minus the warmly rustic ambiance.

SPIRITED GIFTING

The excellent selection of beer and wine at the Spinny Bottle Shop simplifies holiday shopping for thirsty friends and family members. Gift baskets ranging anywhere from $20 to $100 may be customized to taste, and advice or suggestions on contents will be happily provided. Appropriate glassware from around the world also makes a nice addition. Gift cards in whatever denomination is desired – which may be applied to any purchases at the Spinnerstown Hotel – can be ordered online and mailed. Although shipping is not available on gift baskets, you can arrange curbside pickup of these bundles of cheer.

PEA TENDRIL SALAD

to prevailing conditions, adhering to everchanging state and federal guidelines while maintaining the customary high level of guest service and care. In fact, the very nature of hospitality has been evolving, and addressing any lingering hesitation in the minds of the dining public is paramount. “It’s no longer a question of are you comfortable, are you happy,” co-owner Susan Dale explains, “but are you comfortable, are you happy, are you safe?” Spinnerstown strives to meet and exceed these expectations.

Of course, the arrival of new tastes is always big draw. “Fall is a favorite season for most chefs – heartier meats, slow-roasting, deeper flavors,” says Executive Chef Nate Weida, whose relationships with nearby farmers keep a supply squash, pumpkin, kale, cabbage and of seasonal produce coming through the kitchen door. Whole local hogs, used in their entirety, put esoteric items like head cheese and pâté on

the menu, along with artfully composed entrees like Grilled Bone-In Pork Rib Rack Chop, served with sweet potato croquette, braised kale, and whole grain mustard demi cream. (Accompanying chef’s notes offer a glimpse into the culinary creative process.) However, no less attention is lavished upon more casual favorites that range from Irish Onion Soup and salads to wings and burgers.

Libations dialed into the season include big bold red wines, inventive smoked cocktails, and full-bodied stout beers that make you feel warm inside. That said, the full-service bar attends to every taste: Their wine list has twice been honored with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, an expansive selection of high quality and limited edition beers – with an emphasis on local craft and Belgian brews – is legendary and features 16 taps, and a fine spirits collection includes desirable rarities. For those just delving into the world of whiskey, Anna’s Bourbon—a fruit-and-spice house-infused specialty created by General Manager Anna Dale, offers a smooth introduction. Regulars enjoy it mixed into a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

A weekly newsletter alerts fans to all the latest features and flavors, and, in these changing times, watch for regular updates on their Facebook page.

SPINNERSTOWN HOTEL 2195 SPINNERSTOWN RD QUAKERTOWN 215.536.7242 SPINNERSTOWNHOTEL.COM

CHEF’S PREP NOTES FOR GRILLED BONE-IN PORK RIB RACK CHOP COMPOSED PLATE

PORK CHOP: Season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat until the internal temperature reaches 134°F.

SWEET POTATO CROQUETTE: Bake sweet potatoes until fork tender. Peel jackets off and puree with butter. Season with salt. Chill puree. Shape puree with a ring mold on a sheet pan, then freeze. While still frozen, bread puree with a standard breading procedure and panko bread crumbs. Fry until golden brown and hot in the center.

BRAISED KALE: Sweat shallots and garlic until translucent. Add chopped kale, apples, apple juice and chicken stock. Simmer until tender. WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD DEMI CREAM: Sauté minced garlic until light brown. Add white wine, pork stock, whole grain mustard and brown sugar. Reduce by half. Add heavy cream. Reduce to sauce consistency. Adjust seasoning with apple cider vinegar and salt.

We are open for Dine-in, Takeout & Delivery!

484.664.7109 Order online at mytequilahouse.com

1808 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall

antiques

& COLLECTIBLES

THE SLATINGTON MARKETPLACE

Fastest growing antique market in the valley 120+ DEALERS & 200+ SPACES

8281 Route 873 | Slatington, PA 18080 610.766.7495 theslatingtonmarketplace.com

Bitter Sweet Nothing

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white 1 1/2 oz. Cynar liqueur 3/4 oz Pallini Limoncello liqueur 1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino liqueur 1/4 oz. agave nectar Splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice Candied lemon wheel, torched, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Place separated egg white into a mixing glass. Pour Cynar, Limoncello, Maraschino, agave and lemon juice into mixing glass and dry shake (without ice) to blend. Add ice, shake again and strain into a snifter. Garnish with the lemon wheel and serve.

To make the garnish: Sprinkle sugar on one side of a lemon wheel and hand-torch. Allow to rest until cooled.

SERVES 1

YOUR CONNECTION FOR TODAY’S WORLD.

RCN offers the ultimate Internet speed for today’s home and lifestyle. Connect all your gadgets — smart TVs, tablets, thermostats, video cameras, gaming systems and more. Plus customize your TV experience with exclusive new devices and options! 800.RING.RCN | rcn.com

2527E_PrintAds.indd 2

Financial advice from a knowledgeable neighbor.

NATIONAL STRENGTH, LOCAL PRESENCE.

9/30/20 11:58 AM

Celebrating 23 Years as a Financial Advisor

Stella M. DeSantis

Senior Director – Investments

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

1525 Valley Center Parkway Suite 160, Bethlehem Phone: (610) 867-8631 stella.desantis@opco.com

APPLE BERRY SALAD

the Sweet Spot

BY LENORA DANNELKE

CHICKEN WINGS

Alas, the diminished daylight hours and frosty temperatures of November tend to put a damper on the spirits of avid golfers. Happily, though, technology ensures that playing conditions are always ideal at The Sweet Spot in Allentown. Five indoor Topgolf Swing Suites—high definition simulator bays —allow guests to take on the thrills of playing

SWEET SPOT NACHOS

at Pebble Beach, plus 83 other diverse international courses. Working down the list alphabetically, from Aviara to Westfields, can keep even the most ardent golf addicts immersed in the sport until spring has sprung. And an onsite restaurant and bar supply clubhouse-style amenities for a complete getaway experience.

ARE YOU GAME?

Interactive simulations also extend into the realm of kid-friendly, multi-generational family entertainment. The age range is virtually—no pun intended—limitless. “If you can walk, you can play,” says owner Terry Ellis, noting that a 3-year-old family member already displays impressive skills. Immersive games such as Zombie Dodegball, Carnival Classic, and the recently debuted Jewel Jam, plus sportsthemed baseball, hockey, and football games (and more) also make entertaining date nights. Plexiglass extensions between suites enhance the sense of personal space between groups, which may include up to ten people, with up to eight players per game. Reservations are strongly recommended at the in-demand venue.

TABLE PLAY

An appealing pub-fare menu crafted by Executive Chef Will Fischer—coordinating his efforts with Ellis, a pro-active “dabbler” in the kitchen since his early teens—covers a generous selection of apps, customizable sandwiches and burgers, and an expanded line-up of entrees ranging from steak and seafood to chicken and pasta. Wings top the list of starters, and nine flavorings encourage wing-nuts to break out of their routine choices. For instance, srirachahoney provides a sweetly tangy alternative to traditional Buffalo. Another standout appetizer, Sweet Spot Nachos, twists tradition with a mound of freshly fried potato chips (rather than tortilla chips) crowned with Monterey jack cheese, signature house-made pulled pork, pico de gallo, jalapenos, black olives, cheese sauce, and a dollop of sour cream. Toasting all breads—from brioche buns to slices of pullman white—with Parmesan butter serves as the “secret ingredient” that creates a crisped foundation of flavor for hand-held comestibles arriving with freshly prepared

HOLIDAY FORECAST

Dissolve the stress of holiday shopping by focusing on what really matters: Eating, drinking, and having fun. Gift cards from The Sweet Spot provide friends and family members with opportunities to relax, bond, and fill their tummies with a wide assortment of dishes for every taste. And for those looking to host a party this season, The Sweet Spot accommodates personal and corporate celebrations with adaptable configurations of party spaces. Of course, this applies to birthdays and other celebrations as well.

GOLF 411

Golfers at every skill level are accommodated, and booking lessons with a PGA-credentialed instructor can improve the performance of both newbies or masters. While guests may bring their own clubs, an assortment of community clubs for men and women, right- or left-handed, plus junior sizes, are available. Joining a league and playing in tournaments further expand playing options.

potato chips or fries. Complement sandwiches with additional sides or shareable baskets that encompass house specialty sweet potato tots enhanced with “cinnasalt” and maple syrup, onion rings with ancho ranch sauce, and garlic-breaded cheese curds with marinara. Salads bringing a fresh crunch to the table include Apple Berry, a winning combination of spinach, Granny Smith apples, strawberries, blackberries, candied pecans, and bleu cheese crumbles dressing with lively lemon basil vinaigrette. Bump up protein content with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crab cake add-ons. Naturally, there’s a kids menu, and the list of indulgent desserts should not be overlooked. The bar pours a full service selection of adult beverages, from signature golf-centric drinks such as the Mulligan Martini and the rumsplashed Hit the Links cocktail to local wines. Six taps dispense Guinness Stout, Yuengling Lager and Miller Lite as staples, with rotating craft brews supplying ongoing variety. The restaurant serves meals and nibbles seven days a week, and is not contingent upon game playing. Curbside pickup of take-out orders (including cocktails!) means that whenever you’re hungry or thirsty, it’s game-on at The Sweet Spot.

THE SWEET SPOT 2805 LEHIGH ST ALLENTOWN 610.813.2536 THESWEETSPOT.GOLF

Now more than ever, personalized advice matters

We can provide customized, comprehensive advice and guidance to help you stay on track to pursue your goals. When the world changes, we’re here to help. Let’s work through this together.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

600 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 610.398.4306 fa.ml.com/baumer_group

Baumer Wealth Management Glenn W. Baumer, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®

Wealth Management Advisor

Christopher S. Baumer, C(k)P®, CRPC®, CPFA

Wealth Management Advisor

Breanne N. Pfeffer, CRPC®, RICP®

Business Manager

Tiffany A. Nguyen

Registered Client Associate

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol is a registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and CPWA®. C(k)P® is a registered trademark of The Retirement Advisor University, Inc. CRPC® is a registered service mark of the College for Financial Planning. The RICP® is the property of The American College, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP3081682 | AD-10-20-0458 | 472574PM-0520 | 10/2020

sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recipes from local restaurants

INNER circle

sign up today at lehighvalleymarketplace.com

colorful

Painting is what we do best.

interior & exterior painting residential & commercial wallpaper services custom carpentry

PAINTING OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY

residential & commercial • interior • exterior • carpentry Call us today at 610.554.4540 SOUTH MAIN STREET • COOPERSBURG for a free consultation 610.554.4540 • BESTPAINTINGLEHIGHVALLEY.COM BESTPAINTINGLEHIGHVALLEY.COM

Hit The Nail On The Head

Wealth Management

4030 William Penn Hwy. Easton, PA 18045

TM

febbo.com | 610.252.0455

lemon basil vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

1 large bunch of basil 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1 T honey 1 T Dijon mustard 1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Place basil in a food processor bowl and process until chopped fine. Add lemon juice, honey, Dijon, and vinegar and blend until combined. On low speed, slowly drizzle in olive oil until fully incorporated and mixture emulsifies. Store unused vinaigrette in the fridge. Note: The Sweet Spot serves this dressing with Apple Berry Salad; home cooks can also use it as a marinade.

YIELDS ABOUT 1 1/2 PINTS

3 FREE POLY RED LIGHT or COCOON WELLNESS SESSIONS New customers only. Must present this ad.

POLY Red-Light Therapy for all skin & body types! Restore: Look & feel younger Regenerate: Collagen production Rejuvenate: Reduces fine lines/wrinkles

TANNING & SUNLESS SPA

before after