Eats and Drinks

By LORENA BENIQUEZ West Branch Life

hen Don Waltman decided to close Don Waltman’s Meats and Deli after over 70 years of operation in Williamsport, it was the end of an era — almost. That was until Larry Allison bought the business, along with Waltman’s recipes.

Upon arriving home after sealing the deal, Larry announced to his wife, Stefanie, “Honey, I bought a deli. ”

Taking on a beloved brand that has been around since 1950 could have been a daunting task. But Stefanie and Larry gracefully navigated the transition.

“Don Waltman’s Meat and Deli was an institution and we are thrilled to be able to bring new life to this iconic Williamsport institution, ” says Stefanie.

The new venture is now named Don Waltman’s Market House Meats & Deli and relocated from downtown to the Golden Strip in Loyalsock Township.

Also new is the addition of Chef Owen Rutan, who has taken charge of their inhouse menu and catering. His food philosophy is quite simple.

“I think booze and bacon make everything better. Food is like music. It’s a matter of taste literally, ” says Rutan. Stafanie adds, “Owen is constantly evolving and dedicated to growing the business. ”

While the new incarnation of Waltman’s has added menu items, they were prudent to keep old favorites like the Smithgall & Ging sausage, pimento spread, ham spread and side salads, such as broccoli, cauliflower and macaroni.

And there is a long list of new menu items, such as Rutan’s Apple Bacon Sweet Potato Hash that pairs well with turkey or ham (see recipe) for the holidays. In addition, they have breakfast and lunch menus, plus sweet somethings that include homemade cookies, cupcakes and tiramisu.

“We are a one stop shop for all your favorites, ” says Stefanie. Waltman’s also has a meat case packed with steaks, ground beef and much more.

Waltman’s carries products from over 45 vendors. Woodrich, Alabaster Coffee and Tea Roaster, Economy Locker Country Store Meats and Lycoming Bakery are just a few of them.

Says Stefanie,

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“We like to provide our community an opportunity to showcase all the great businesses in the area. We have a great relationship with a lot of local and Pennsylvania-based vendors. ”

dwmarkethouse.com

Apple Bacon Sweet Potato Hash

Rutan created this recipe that can be served with Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.And if the holidays are too busy to find time to cook, just pick it up at Waltmanʼs.

Ingredients

5 large sweet potatoes 12 Granny Smith apples 2 pounds Country Store bacon 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

Directions Dice sweet potatoes and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until tender. Julian bacon into matchstick sized pieces. Dice apples, then brown bacon to render the fat.Add apples. Cook until tender.Add cooked sweet potatoes, then season with lemon pepper. Serve warm.

Opposite page, Don Waltmanʼs Market House Meats and Deli in Loyalsock Township is the evolution of the original Don Waltmanʼs in downtown Williamsport. At left, Owen Rutan and Stefanie Allison, chef and co-owner, respectively, are keeping the best of the old deli, while adding new delicious offerings.

LORENABENIQUEZ/West Branch Life