The region’s leader in pediatric care has a new name: Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital
Thanks to the Reilly family, the only children’s hospital in the area will be able to provide even more quality care – all under one roof.
We already have the most pediatric doctors in the region – plus a surgery center and ER designed just for kids. And now, with the Reillys’ gift, we will further enhance our neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, as well as expand our pediatric surgical programs.
Like you, we want only the best for our kids. Which is why we’re committed to providing the highest level of care possible, right here, close to home.
WARM HOLIDAY WISHES
This holiday season, join us for Santa sightings, sweet treats, merry music and so much more. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
December 1 – 24
GINGERBREAD DECORATING WITH CARLO’S BAKERY
December 1 • 11AM
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 8 • 9AM
SHARON PLESSL SCHOOL OF DANCE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE
December 8 • 9:30AM
LEHIGH VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL
December 19 • 6:30PM
L.E. DIERUFF
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
December 20 • 1PM
STORYTELLING WITH SANTA
December 22 • 11:30AM
KEN BRADER’S “THE HOLIDAY BRASS”
December 22
7PM & 8:15PM
AFTER HOLIDAY SALE
December 26 – January 2
For a complete list of events and details, please visit OutletsAtSandsBethlehem.com
by
Photo
Marco Calderon
KRISTEN L. RINALDI
krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com
lvstylekristen
The Carson Issue
Just roughly three hours in his presence and we became very close to labeling this month’s edition exactly that: The Carson Issue. We were positively wonderstruck. But let’s rewind.
Conversation with Carson’s crew began last February—his PR team had reached out to us about promoting a show he was doing in New Hope. It felt like editorial gold had just fallen into my lap—I wondered, would Carson ever consider being featured in Style? As it turned out, he would more than consider it!
Fast-forward to August, and the Valley native, who was one of Bravo’s original “Fab Five” in the smash hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (and returned to the network this October for the series Get a Room with Carson & Thom), welcomed us into his Lehigh Valley home. Clad in a white T-shirt and shorts, and donning Lacoste slides, the glistening Kressley gave us the grand tour of his New Tripoli estate—the same place he’d host his lavish Labor Day soirée a few days later. It was impeccable, and just about dripping with equestrian adornment—from art to the shower curtain to cast-iron horseshoe chairs (more on this lifelong interest on pg. 66).
Carson slipped out of his summery apparel—suited for the 100-degree August day that it was—and into the designer looks of December. From his home to his family farm, Carson had five outfit changes and zero hesitation. No task was too burdensome: Jump on a horse? Sure! Stand in the pond? OK! By the time we wrapped, our team was dripping and drained, but Carson was still making sure we got every possible shot. His spirit, enthusiasm and sparkle hadn’t waned in the slightest. Is this what it’s like to be Carson? It seemed quite plausible.
We felt as though we captured enough magic that day to fill the entire feature well of our December edition—hence, the near renaming of it! But don’t worry, we packed as much Carson (and magic) into this issue as our page count would allow.
Photographer Andrew Tomasino on set with Carson.
My favorite sweet treat in the Valley is...
“I’ll never say no to the carrot cake at Top Cut Steak House!”
“Buttercups, The Carmelcorn Shop, Tomblers, Chocodiem, Barred & Broody, Josh Early… don’t make me choose!”
“The Nutella bowl from Playa Bowls is my favorite!”
“Moravian sugar cake!
Schubert’s in Nazareth makes the best version, in my opinion. My family loves to eat it around the holidays... or on any day, really!”
Publisher: Pamela K. Deller
Editor: Kristen Rinaldi
Art Director: Elaine Wyborski
Graphic Designer: Thomas Körp
Advertising Executives: Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Kelli Hertzog
Contributing Writers: Susan Bianchi, Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
Contributing Photographers: Matt Bishop, Marco Calderon, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino
“A walk down the street to Emily’s—give me all the cookie dough ice cream!”
“The Hula Pie from blue grillhouse.”
“My favorite cupcake is the chocolate peanut butter cupcake by No Whey Bakery—very moist and is all vegan!”
“A bonbon from The Chocolate Lab, whenever life takes me to Bethlehem’s Main Street.”
“The chocolate peanut butter pie from Keystone Pub & Grill. It is made to be shared, but by the end, you are both fork-fighting over who has the last bite.”
President/CEO: Paul Prass
Vice President/COO: Lisa Prass
Director of Creative Services: Erica Montes
Digital & Web Design Specialist: Barry Knoblach
Accounting: Donna Bachman
Circulation Manager: Andrea Karges
Nicholas Carrodo
Videographer
Tell us about the project that you worked on for this issue! What was the process like for you?
This was the first photoshoot I’ve filmed, as well as my first time filming a celebrity. It was a learning experience for sure, but it was also an excellent time. I felt very welcomed and I was allowed to creatively work with little restrictions.
How was it working with a celebrity like Carson Kressley?
Working with Carson was a blast! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous at first, but once he started playing his music, I instantly felt much more relaxed and had a lot of fun with the shoot.
What’s your favorite part of videography as a whole?
There are so many aspects of videography that drive me to really push myself and think creatively. It’s such a unique art form in that respect. I love being able convey a story or express emotions by filming things at certain angles or in different lighting. You can make some truly beautiful or
thought-provoking art just by looking at something from a different perspective. And that to me is what fuels my passion for videography, making people feel something.
As a recent Northampton Community College graduate, what would your dream job be?
If my experience at NCC taught me anything, it’s that I really love being a director. The whole process is almost addicting. I love the rush of planning something and watching it go from a script to real life. It can be very stressful, making everything go the way it should, but once it all comes together it feels so rewarding. I would love to direct feature films or documentaries later on down the road.
Where can readers find more of your work?
If anyone is interested in watching more of my work, it can all be found on YouTube! Search "Nicholas Carrodo" and my channel will pop up.
What’s the best part about living in the Lehigh Valley?
Jeez, this is a tough question! I mean, what’s not to love about the Lehigh Valley? Everything here is so beautiful. Whenever I go away, I always find myself wanting to come back here. There’s just no place like it. It’s home and I love it.
What’s your favorite local sweet treat?
I recently went to Roasted on the south side, and they had some amazing Oreo-Stuffed French Toast. I can’t recommend it enough!
Weyhill Golf Course
Walls of windows in every room frame the panoramic vistas provided by 850 acres of meticulously-tended club grounds. Designer kitchen, first floor master suite with two additional 2nd floor bedrooms. $1,895,000
Shauna Way
An immaculate & gracious home located in the serene area bordering popular Jacobsburg State Park. e 5,200sqft. home offers a gleaming kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and large stone patio on an acre lot. $699,000
Wildberry
Exceptional home on a quiet cul-de-sac with cathedral ceilings, custom cherry floors, an open staircase, & family room with fireplace. Nestled on 2 acres, yet just minutes to 1-78 and the Promenade Shops. $795,000
Seven Foxes Farm
Exposed beams, deep silled windows and pine floors in this 1700s homestead. 3 second floor bedrooms, including an owner’s suite w/private bath. Multi-level PA bank barn, smokehouse, and wooden outhouse. $675,000
Olympic Ridge is move-in ready 2009 home offers 3200+ sqft of living space in the East Penn school district. Stunning gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances & walk-in pantry, wood floors, and 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. $549,500
Pondview
Six Gables
Meticulously-maintained Victorian that exudes charm & warmth. Elegant living and dining rooms, bright and cheerful 2nd floor bedrooms, new chef’s kitchen with skylight, outdoor patios & mature plantings. $395,000
Domarray Classic
Custom-built home in the Southern Lehigh school district. Wood floors, crown moldings, 9ft ceilings, built-ins & a gas fireplace. 4 bedrooms including a master
The Laurels
A timeless design provides exceptional livability and is centered on nearly 3 acres. Six bedrooms, including an au pair suite, a richly-appointed library and gracious kitchen all accommodate a full house. $895,000
Hexental
Beautiful 1800s pointed stone home set amongst 221+ idyllic acres. Random-width floors, high ceilings, fireplaces, and a summer cottage with infinite possibilities. Readily accessible to I-78, LV, and NYC. $850,000
Rosemont
1920s brick home on a quiet tree-lined street in the Old Rosemont neighborhood. Living room with fireplace, screened in porch, modern kitchen, & first floor laundry. Master suite plus additional 4 bedrooms. $549,900
Style Insider Happy Hour
Located at The Shelby | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Ian Lovell and Allyson Lehr 2. Corrie Taylor and Marissa Burkholder 3. Doug Tati, Christine Dennis, Denise Wilz and Allan Knowles 4. Jan Oren, Victor Cimerol, Lisa Bunin and Julene Martin-Morganelli 5. Sammy and Brianne Barona 6. Lori Quick and Leonard Tabone 7. Karen Smith, Lisa Larish and Dawn Brown 8. Peter Gourniak and George Lehr 9. Lisa Kennedy, Deb Schnellman and Mary Beth Golab 10. Rita Guthrie and Michael Lichtenberger 11. Lee Barona and Michael Pierce 12. Kristin Stiles and Colleen Fahey 13. Cindy James and Heather Irvin
Photo
ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM | ASSEMBLY88 | BELLA BRIDESMAIDS | BESKINTIFUL | BLOW DRY BAR | CORK & CAGE
GALLERY 840 | GOOD GUY MIA | I.O. BEAUTY MARKET | MERAKI BEAUTY | MILLER SYMPHONY HALL MINUTEMAN PRESS | NAILPLAY | RE:FIND | RENAISSANCE HOTEL | REVIVE! HAIR SALON | ROYAL LIONESS SORRELLI | STUDIO 8 BEAUTIQUE LOUNGE | THE BAUM SCHOOL OF ART | THE PERFECT FIT | THE PHAN SHOP TOKEN ALLENTOWN | YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DRYCLEANER FIND UNIQUE GIFTS AT THESE PARTICIPATING SHOPS
POP-UP SHOPS ARTISTS AT HEART | SOAKED WINERY | THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION | THE JERKY HOUSE | TRUFFLE BAR
BoundaryBreaking Ic e Cream
The creative creamery OwowCow’s was born in Ottsville in 2009. With the desire to make a product that combined artistry and a sense of authenticity, Brooklyn native John Fezzuolgio set off to create real ice cream filled with quality ingredients. They’ve since opened four locations and have gained tremendous media praise— Buzzfeed named them one of “27 Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit Before You Die”—but they’ve stuck to their roots and continue to create small-batch, organic ice cream by hand, making sure their organic milk and cream comes from cows that are pasture-raised and treated well.
“We like to say that oWowCow is serious fun food. We take this business and our ice cream incredibly seriously, but in the end, it’s ice cream and we want our customers to have fun and be happy,” says general manager Shira Tizer Wade. The name itself came from Fezzuolgio. “He always loved the word ‘wow’ and the emotion behind it. He loved that if you ate something amazing, saw something beautiful or were touched by someone’s kindness, ‘wow’ is the universal response,” she says. Their best seller is cashew caramel, and other favorites include local honey lavender, rosewater cardamom, cinnamon bourbon and sweet potato wasabi. Tizer Wade’s personal recommendation is the kettle corn flavor, only available at their Easton location. “Our chef infuses local kettle corn into our ice cream base and then makes a kettle corn toffee and swirls it through.”
1262 Simon Blvd. Unit B106, Easton 610.438.5269 | owowcow.com
Edible Cookie Dough Dough Life
When creating Dough Life, owner Joseph Francabandiero’s goal was to recapture childhood memories. Since opening the original Walden Gallery location in Buffalo, New York, in May of 2017, he’s found that it’s a concept that really resonates with people. In a short 16-month span, Dough Life has added tons of new flavors, gone through a name change (previously known as Dough Boyz) and has grown from one store to more than 40 locations in seven different states. In terms of the inspiration behind the concept, Francabandiero says, “I grew up in a very large Italian family. My mother would make thousands and thousands of cookies, but I was always more interested in sticking my fingers in the bowl than waiting.” Initially, Francabandiero thought up all the flavors himself, pulling from the family recipes he knew, but he began thinking out of the box to create delicious flavors that would appeal to everyone. And, now, Dough Life’s flavor profile is what sets it apart. Francabandiero says, “Normal cookie dough is just too rich, but we’ve got our recipe adjusted to the perfect balance where all you want to do is eat more of it.” Dough Life has more than a dozen flavors, but their team is always experimenting with new combinations, such as cinnamon bun, pumpkin pie and espresso. Truth be told, Francabandiero has a soft spot for the classic chocolate chip. To those with a massive sweet tooth, he recommends tracking down one of the locations that offers the Dough Life Tornadough—soft-serve ice cream featuring globs of their mouthwatering cookie dough.
Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | edibledoughlife.com
Science Meets Glam
In 2012, licensed esthetician Jo O’Brien created Nature & Company with the simple mission of providing great products that would support a healthy lifestyle and put smiles on consumers’ faces. “My goal for the shop is to host a creative space that feels like home,” says O’Brien. Because the harsh and abrasive chemicals found in many commercial products are harmful to both one’s skin and the environment, she decided to make the company organic. While sourcing certain ingredients can be a struggle, the team at Nature & Company would rather take their time to perfect items than rush to produce products full of toxins and fillers. When it comes to creating their small-batch skin care products, O’Brien is the guru. She says the process requires “a little bit of science and a little bit of glam.” Some of Nature & Company’s best sellers include their Clean Slate daily exfoliator, Queen’s Dew moisturizer and their Morning Sugar body scrub; however, their newest favorite and specialty item is, hands down, their popular brightening Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. In addition to the Nature & Company line, O’Brien also offers custom skin care for clients who desire it. “Many people have come to me with very specific skin care needs. We’re all so different and our skin is ever changing,” she says. “I’m happy to blend a product to your specific skin care needs.”
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Nancy Hunt Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley
Nancy Hunt first heard about the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) when she was volunteering at a fundraiser for her son’s high school football team. Through conversation with another parent who was involved with the organization, Hunt was drawn to the PCFLV’s mission of helping and supporting families affected by pediatric cancer. Shortly after, she came across a post on the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley’s website, where the PCFLV was searching for a volunteer to help them with their donor database system. With a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and more than 10 years of field experience, Hunt was the perfect fit.
The foundation’s team plans free activities and events for families going through the stress of a cancer diagnosis, providing a place for them to connect, share stories and support each other. The team also visits the pediatric unit at Lehigh Valley Health Network, working to distract children in treatment by entertaining them with arts and crafts.
The group accepts gift cards that can help assist with the affected families’ day-to-day expenses, and their holiday gift card drive allows parents to purchase presents for their children. “I’ve had several rewarding moments while volunteering with PCFLV, but I’d have to say, my favorite is when I see random healthy children come into the office with gift donations they collected in lieu of birthday presents for themselves,” says Hunt. “One older teen was given some money for Christmas and he spent it buying and donating gifts for PCFLV kids. Kids helping kids is a beautiful thing.”
Emphasizing the number of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer in the Lehigh Valley, Hunt says, “It’s very heartwarming to see people and organizations reach out to plan events of their own and donate the funds they raise to support our mission.”
A Sense of Togetherness
Gather
Husband-and-wife team Cindie and Kevin Feldman first considered opening a full-service event venue in late 2017, when they were approached by friends about the prospect of re-opening the space that used to hold Waterfalls Catered Affairs. Initially, they dismissed the idea, as they were too busy running their catering company, 29 Cooks. When they began to find themselves forced to turn down events due to the limited kitchen space that many locales had to offer, they reconsidered. The Feldmans teamed up with Skepton Construction to create Gather, a space that would be able to host indoor and outdoor events. “The name Gather really comes from wanting people to feel that when they come together with friends, family and food, they leave feeling good,” says Cindie, executive chef. “It gives us a sense of happiness, belonging or even just feeling supported when we hear the word. It’s a feeling we hope to convey to everyone who steps onto the grounds.”
Gather focuses on farm-to-fork-style food that uses high-quality ingredients sourced by sustainable growers and responsible vendors, resulting in a difference people can taste. With their use of grazing tables, a creative menu and a shareable option, the team at Gather hopes to appeal to a wide variety of clients and events. “My thought behind this goes back to the name,” says Cindie. “I picture events where people are seated and may not know each other, such as a wedding. Since people are so attached to their cell phones, we feel that if they have to pass the bread, or maybe the roasted carrots, it will cause them to make organic and lively small talk.”
Photo by Alison Conklin
Fizz!
Clink! Pop!
Photography by Matt Bishop
This season, we’re toasting with a little extra sparkle. Celebrate the holidays with a local bubbly!
Pour with a splash of cranberry juice for a festive Poinsettia champagne cocktail!
1.
2. Vidal
3. Brut Rosé,
& Winery
Pinnacle Ridge Winery
4. Brut Reserve, $39, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars
Sparkling Cayuga White $17.49, Clover Hill Winery
Blanc, $15.99 Vynecrest Vineyards
$17.99
Brandon & Katelyn Quigney
Owners of Rooted Salon
By Daisy Willis | Photography by Matt Bishop
With the comfort of a cable-knit sweater and the savvy of stylists dedicated to discovering and delivering your best look, Rooted Salon offers its clients great coffee, gorgeous hair and the familiarity of old friends. Owners Katelyn and Brandon Quigney share the love with favorite products and fantastic advice.
Your favorite thing about winter fashion?
K: Winter fashion, for me, is a little bittersweet. As someone who lives for the heat and sunshine of summer, I have a hard time transitioning into the cooler months. I do, however, look forward to a good pair of worn-in leather boots, cozy cable-knit sweaters and a decorative scarf to tie the whole look together. I also enjoy how all the clients I see decide to switch up their hair with the change of season. As a colorist, it is such a breath of fresh air to incorporate shiny copper, chocolate brown, deep mahogany and golden hues back into the hair after the sun has done its damage for the past few months.
What’s been a standout experience since you opened your salon?
B: The biggest thing that stands out to me is the love. The love for our team and the love to and from our clients. Rooted is more than just a place to come get your hair done. We have found success in treating every client as if they are part of our family, and they are! Whole-salon conversations, tears and laughter. Rooted brings people together in an industry that can feel intimidating and judgmental.
Which trends are you obsessing over lately?
K: I am currently obsessing over overalls, platform sneakers, grungy-wavy hair—OK, I guess the latest ’70s-style comeback? I love when fashion can be comfortable and chic all at the same time.
Biggest hair mistake you see on a regular basis?
K: Cheap hair isn’t always good hair. Do your research. Book a consultation and ask your stylist all of your questions prior to booking an appointment with them. Read the stylist/salon reviews. You should feel 100 percent confident in your stylist’s chair prior to the color application service. If you aren’t, there is a problem. Speak up if something isn’t right. We can’t fix what we aren’t aware of. Also, keep in mind the power of Photoshop. All those shiny, crisp pictures we see all the time on Pinterest may include the use of photo editors, hidden extensions and many hours of styling. Keep a realistic mindset. Your stylist should want your hair to be in its healthiest state.
Go-to style blog or Instagram?
K: My go-to Instagram account to follow for all the short-hair feels is @dillahajhair. He is located in Naples, Florida and does the most amazing short haircuts. This past February, while visiting my grandparents in Naples, I was able to find his little shop and peek in the window. And yes, I did touch the doorknob. I was fangirling big time! For style, I enjoy following former Lehigh Valley native, @juliana_lovesglam. Her simple, easy-to-wear style and totally relatable personality are what attracted me to her page.
What’s the story behind “Brandon’s Brew”?
B: “Brandon’s Brew,” coined by one of our clients, has become a staple at Rooted. What is it that makes the coffee so good? I would say time—a good French-press coffee needs at least four to five minutes to brew and a water temperature just below boiling. Of course, I have a couple secrets I won’t share; ask any of the many clients that have begged for the secret. I’m always trying new things and cold-brew iced coffee was a huge hit this year. As an antidote to cold weather, I might just have some Pumpkin Spice Bailey’s to add to any hot or iced coffee.
One beauty product that’s always in your purse?
K: One word: Skyline! I cannot live without this dry shampoo powder. Made by R+Co, Skyline is perfect for any hair that needs extra grip and elevation. It will dramatically refresh your second day or postworkout hair. Honestly, I use it on clean or dirty hair because it smells amazing. As someone who is always on the hunt for a product to give me volume without fuss, this is it.
6636 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown 484.860.3060 | salonrooted.com
Gai lGray Home
Designing or redesigning a home is a major undertaking, and one that’s very critical. The experts at GailGray Home can ensure that it’s executed correctly and to perfection. Next time you’re perusing The Promenade Shops, be sure to pop in!
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
Signature Chefs Auction
1. Megan Wolgamuth and Elizabeth Smith 2. Chelsea Kokolus and Lisa Fania 3. Lauren and Chris Fontana 4. Lee Gilman and Sarah Cohen 5. Cathy Stillittanto, Claire Dainese, Marcia Ballek, Jessica Goedtel and Jennifer Petrozzo 6. Niki Hinkle, Cindy Merritt and Karen Hoff
1. Chris Holton 2. Gary DeFulvio 3. Jen Massaro and Alex Wendling 4. Ricky Gower and Jessica O’Donnell 5. Beth Simmons 6. Marie Zaia, Andria Zaia and Joe Wagner 7. Melinda Stitt 8. Susan Deaterly, Alan Slook and Mary Hanisch
Located at Mack Customer Center to benefit March of Dimes | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
at Steel Club to benefit ShelterBox disaster relief and Saucon Rotary
Community Services for Children Annual Ball
Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Bevin and Todd Theodore 2. Bruce and Marjuanne Meyer 3. Hassan Batts and Katarah Jordan 4. Julissa and Juan Burgos 5. Kathryn and Dave Leber
6. Stacy and Joel Perlaki 7. Mario Cozzubbo and Michael Cicco 8. Matt and Sarah Miller 9. Michelle and Jason Gaynor 10. Natalia Stezenko and Meagan Walsh 11. Peter and Danielle Shurman, and Lindsey and Barry Dobil 12. Sarah Andrew and Mark Rittle 13. Taylor Person and William Hamilton 14. Tekla and Anthony Onorata 15. Tricia and David Steckel
December
10 Things to Do This Month
Holiday Open House
December 2 : See Folino Estate all decorated for the holidays and cross some gifts off of your list. Enjoy an afternoon of activities, seasonal food, drinks and more. Make a restaurant reservation and stick around for dinner!
December 1 : Partake in the 10 th annual Craft Beer Festival hosted by Fegley’s Brew Works! Taste creations and meet the masterminds behind local and national craft beers. There are two sessions and a VIP hour.
$35–$45 | Noon–8 p.m. Allentown Brew Works
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown 610.433.7777 | thebrewworks.com
A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 21 : Relish in the magic of the holiday season with this blockbuster consisting of circus acts, stunning costumes and mind-blowing talents.
$39–$49 | 7:30 p.m. | State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St., Easton | 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
4
5 Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
December 22: Enjoy the captivating tale of a young bird named Max who gets blown off course during a snowstorm and finds himself lost and alone at the North Pole.
$15–$25 | 1 & 4 p.m.
Zoellner Arts Center
420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem 610.758.2787 | lehigh.edu
Brews & Bites
December 16: Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the inaugural Brews & Bites for a Cure fundraising event. Featuring locally crafted beers, cuisine, music and a silent auction, the night will benefit a great cause.
$65 | 1 p.m. | Homewood Suites by Hilton 3350 Center Valley Pkwy. Center Valley | 610.820.0206 brewsandbites.eventscff.org
Photo by Alison Conklin
6
PEEPSFEST®
December 30 & 31 : Ring in 2019 with Just Born’s two-day festival at Steelstacks. On the 31st, watch the iconic four-foot-nine, 400-pound PEEPS® chick drop and celebrate the signal of a saccharine start to the new year.
December 14: Believe in the impossible when you witness the phenomenal EmmyAward winning magicians Penn & Teller. For more than 40 years, the duo has captivated the hearts and minds of audiences with their blend of magic and comedy.
December 1 & 2: Story time, carol singing, a hot cocoa bar with toppings and cookies— what more could one need to get in the holiday spirit? Each guest receives a special handprint plate, signed by Santa himself! Enjoy a meet and greet for photos and other fun surprises. Choose from three different sessions.
$45 | 3–5 & 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Color Me Mine
25 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.791.2228 lehighvalley.colormemine.com
8
Macallan Whisky Tasting
December 6: Join knowledgeable whisky representatives for an evening of sampling! Macallan expressions will be determined closer to the event. Guests are invited to dine in the restaurant’s Great Room prior to the tasting, from 5–6:30 p.m.
$25 | 7:30–9 p.m. | McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub 534 Main St., Bethlehem 610.861.7631 | eventbrite.com
10
Christmas City Follies
December 6–23 : Experience a vaudevillian performance that has been celebrated by the Valley for more than 20 years. Fall in love with its absurdity, dancing, original music and immense amount of heart.
321 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.867.1689 | touchstone.org
Photo by Marco Calderon
The Nutcracker
December 8 & 9 : With so-familiar songs both grand and delicately twinkling, The Nutcracker is one of the holiday soundtracks most able to conjure the excitement of the season. Combining the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), this month’s production at Miller Symphony Hall delights with music and movement to tell this timeless story.
For three decades, RDT has given local ballet dancers the chance to appear onstage in this most famous example of their art. One hundred dancers bring the magical elements of The Nutcracker to life, choreographed with care by late RDT founder, Dolly Haltzman, and current directors, Jennifer Haltzman Tracy and Trinette Singleton. They’re able to
adjust the choreography so that dancers as young as seven and as experienced as this year’s guest stars can show off their skills. “We want them to shine,” Tracy says.
The orchestra not only keeps time for the dancers but reads soloists’ expressive movements to best accompany them. “There are a lot of rewarding moments,” associate and pops conductor Ronald Demkee says. “It’s a lot of fun.”
While new dancers bring new audiences each year, there are also plenty that have been returning as they grow, giving orchestra and audience members the chance to see young dancers develop. The opportunity for
students to dance with professionals like this year’s guests, Sean Stewart and Elina Miettinen of the American Ballet Theatre and Daniel Mayo of Ballet X, is another gift to the local dance community.
Adding jazz into the mix, the bonus Let’s Go Nutz show on Saturday night features the jaunty Glenn Miller version of The Nutcracker and other holiday favorites with tap dancing from the group Tap Ties.
$22–$42 | 2 p.m.
Miller Symphony Hall | 23 N. 6th St., Allentown 610.432.7961 | millersymphonyhall.org
Photo by Hub Willson
The Allentown BAN D
By Daisy Willis
Turning 190 this year, the Allentown Band is the oldest civilian concert band in the country, playing 50 concerts a year and evolving to engage the community with music old and new. Celebrated throughout its existence, John Phillip Sousa was known to recruit from the band’s members.
“It’s truly a cross-section,” says director Ronald Demkee of the band, composed of the Lehigh Valley’s talented residents. Medical professionals, tradespeople and educators (represented at about 50 percent) make up the members of the Allentown Band on brass, percussion and woodwind instruments. “The youngest member is 19 and the senior member is 91.”
Playing traditional marches along with Broadway hits, holiday concerts and multimedia experiences, the band is versatile. They’ve had great success accompanying the silent film Phantom of the Opera and plan to reprise this role for something from Buster Keaton. As part of the band’s outreach mission, their education series in schools has performed The Planets along with a film on our solar system, with a visiting astronomer guiding the lesson. “It’s not just a museum piece preserving the past,” Demkee says. “We’re kind of a laboratory and we keep things fresh.”
One example of the Allentown Band’s innovation and symbiosis with the arts community is this month’s holiday concert. Originally a combo veteran’s program (recognizing the anniversary of Pearl Harbor) and holiday music concert, this year’s “Americans We” concert at Miller Symphony Hall has a theme of “Christmas on Broadway,” with the Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Arts, the El Sistema Lehigh Valley chorus and Dan Rodriguez (singing policeman famous for his rendition of “God Bless America” after 9/11) contributing to the show. The 100 th anniversary of the song “Silent Night” will be observed with a special arrangement by principal clarinetist Stephen Reistetter.
Photo by Lee Butz
ON DISPLAY
Winter Exhibition
December 22–February 17: The Lehigh Art Alliance’s 84th Winter Exhibition showcases the work of more than 135 local artists that range in style and ability. The Lehigh Art Alliance has been in existence for more than 80 years and strives to support the artists of the Valley through exhibition opportunities that grant them wide exposure to the masses. Each artist in the show has an individual message they’re hoping to convey with their stylistic approach and creative decisions, whether that be expressed through paintings, sculptures, drawings, monoprints, multimedia, representational works or something entirely different.
All different mediums will be represented in the show, as members of the Lehigh Art Alliance work with pastel, acrylic, watercolor and oil paints, clay, metal, glass, wood, fiber and beyond. With no specific theme, the variety of works is astoundingly broad, so creators are able to fully commit to their artistic visions without constraints holding them back. Two unbiased jurors decide which pieces are eligible for display at the event, ensuring guests are seeing the absolute best of the best when it comes to what Valley artists have to offer. Most of the art is available for purchase—even those that win awards during the event—with artists on standby to chat with guests about their creations.
Annie’s Flyaways by Lauren Kuhn
Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big?
by Carson Kressley
Emmy Award-winning television star and New York Times best-selling author Carson Kressley encourages self-love while teaching readers how to achieve unbreakable body and fashion confidence in this inspiring novel.
A Christmas Carol : A Book-to-Table Classic
by Charles Dickens
Revisit an old classic featuring a creative and delectable twist. The tale is re-told alongside recipes curated from celebrity chefs like Martha Stewart, Giada De Laurentiis and Ina Garten. While the story is sure to once again warm readers’ hearts, the recipes will rumble their stomachs!
Set for the Holidays
by Anna Olson
Food Network Canada’s star Anna Olson shares the recipes she loves to make during the holiday season and gives practical advice for navigating the erratic season in her eighth cookbook. Olson promises to help readers manage the stress-free, spectacular holiday and fill it with delicious food that the whole family can enjoy.
Gail Gray Dunn
Proprietor
Ten years ago, you rebranded your business and moved it to The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. What do you love most about the location?
I love the fact that customers can just walk in, and it is not solely a destination like I was in Bethlehem. I miss the beautiful architecture in the Bethlehem store, but this store is much easier to visit, and especially to park. Also, it’s so nice having other stores and restaurants close by.
What do most customers walk into your shop looking for?
It depends. Some come in looking for interior design [services] or a special gift (we still gift wrap for free), but most are looking for something unique for their home.
Is there an item or brand that continues to fly off the floor?
One item that comes to mind right away is our mouse cheese spreader. I have carried this item from the very beginning, and we have sold tons. There are also quite a few brands that I have carried for years and keep reordering.
Tell us about GailGray’s design services and your team of interior designers. How do you customize for each client’s individual style?
The first meeting with our designers is complimentary and then we charge depending on the scope of work. Audra has been a designer with GGH for 14 years and Anthony for two years. They are both excellent and very detail-oriented. The key [to] your question regarding customization for our
client’s style [is to] ask the right questions and listen carefully to their answers. Never, ever assume.
What’s your favorite part of interior design?
How has your taste evolved over the years?
My favorite part of interior design is seeing the look on my clients’ faces when the job is complete. I do love putting it all together, but the end result is my favorite. My personal taste hasn’t really changed dramatically. I still love timeless and traditional but maybe with an updated, unexpected twist, such as using a more contemporary accessory, lamp, artwork, etc.
What’s one staple furniture item you think everyone should be willing to splurge on?
Quality upholstery that you use every day—especially the sofa or a favorite chair. This is so worth spending a bit more for a piece that will last, look good and be comfortable much longer. There is a real difference in the construction within that people can’t see, such as hardwood versus particle board, eight-way hand-tied versus drop-in springs.
Describe the types of events you host at the shop.
Our biggest event of the year is our Holiday Open House, which is always the Thursday in November closest to my mother’s birthday on the 8th. We close the store on Wednesday before the Holiday Open House and reopen totally brimming with our “Winter Wonderland” at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
We serve prosecco and appetizers, invite the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre to sing carols and give gifts to the first 100 customers. It is always a hit. We also donate a portion of the sales to PYT. My designers host decorating seminars usually twice a year, which sell out immediately.
What are your tips for tasteful holiday décor this season?
Don’t be afraid; be creative. Gone are the days of two candle holders and a vase of flowers on your holiday table. In my home, I use floral and green sprays and picks to decorate my mantle, fill in my garland and even put in the tree to give more interest and dimension. In the store, we go all out to give customers ideas for their holiday decorating.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 484.223.3301 | gailgrayhome.com
Get i n the Holiday Spirit
(Without the Spirits)
By Susan Bianchi, MS, Health & Wellness Coach
Eat, drink and be merry may be the mantra, but being in the “holiday spirit” often involves imbibing in more “spirits” than usual. The holiday season feels like a free pass to overindulge in the celebrations, so it’s no coincidence that, with libations flowing, our self-discipline goes by the wayside—judgment and moderation taking a back seat. Holiday events and parties don’t have to be a ticket for excess and derail all of one’s healthy efforts during the year. Taking steps to help minimize the indulgence, and opting in to the growing trend of “Dry January,” can help one stay on track for a healthy year ahead.
Maintain Don’t Gain
Registered dietician, nutritionist and owner of Fuel the Mind, Body, Spirit, Laura Scarpino encourages entering into the holidays with realistic goals. “I advocate a maintain-don’t-gain mentality,” she says. “If you like to drink, it’s not realistic to say you won’t, but instead look for ways to make it better.”
In the hierarchy of alcohol, a dry red wine is on top of Scarpino’s list. “I like to emphasize choosing drinks that have more healthful benefits. Red wine is not only lower on the caloric scale, but also contains the powerful antioxidant resveratrol,” she says, adding that when choosing wine, one should stick with the drier varieties that contain less sugar and cause less hangover effect.
Mix Mindfully
When mixing drinks, Scarpino notes that the biggest culprits are the mixers themselves. They are often loaded with sugar or sugary syrups, which, gently put, “go straight to the hips and heighten the hangover,” she says. ROOT Crafted Mixers, a local company founded by two healthconscious women entrepreneurs, has creatively and tastefully addressed that issue. Varieties like elderflower, lemongrass, pomegranate and tart cherry, all organically sourced, add a flavor-packed punch with less sugar, as well as healthful antioxidants, for a tasty and healthier mixer.
Scarpino also encourages paying attention to how much alcohol is in your drink of choice. It may be just one drink, but if it is something like a martini, it has at least three shots of spirits and 300 calories from the alcohol alone—before any mixers are even added. “Being conscious of how much alcohol volume you are actually consuming in your drink is also important because that is when inhibitions lower, willpower drops and poor choices ensue,” she says.
Go for the Fizz
When drinking for that warm, fuzzy effect, go for fizzy. Carbonation causes one to feel the effects of the spirits more quickly, and, therefore, in a more limited volume. Champagne, a wine spritzer or a spirit with a carbonated mixer all fall into the “fizzy” category.
Fuel Up
One essential rule of thumb that Scarpino shares is to never do anything while hungry. During the holiday season, it is especially critical to have some simple healthful snacks, such as fruit, vegetables and nuts, readily available. “Going into a party or event hungry, you are much more likely to collapse on commitments and willpower,” she says. A small meal or snack with protein before an event helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, allowing one to go to the party more balanced and satiated. Drinking water between spirited beverages is another valuable tool to stave off dehydration and curb the volume of beverages as well as food.
Be a Helpful Host
When hosting a party, have plenty of water readily available and make it interesting and fun for a guest to choose an alcohol-free beverage. A mocktail station with different sparkling waters, tonics, sliced fruits, citrus and herbs can provide a great alternative. Offering a mixer like ROOT’s provides intriguing, tantalizing, singular beverages to give drinks distinction.
Participate in Dry January
The simple premise of abstaining from alcohol for the entire month, Dry January has been growing in popularity across the country and across the globe. Many view it as a great reset button after an indulgent holiday season.
Scarpino is a strong proponent of Dry January. “I think it is fantastic. People don’t realize how much alcohol affects mind, body and spirit. When consuming alcohol, you are physically run down, not functioning optimally physiologically and psychologically,” she says. “Your body is continually detoxifying alcohol residue. Even if only drinking one to two times a week, you will notice the difference.”*
Not only does a Dry January cut out the extra calories of the drinks themselves, but alcohol tends to increase one’s appetite and impair judgment. Combining Dry January with healthier eating habits can work in tandem for positive changes. Participants may also notice better sleep, resulting in more energy during the day, as alcohol tends to interrupt normal sleep cycles. Having better sleep and more energy can carry over into helping one stay more motivated with New Year’s exercise resolutions. In addition to improved energy, skin can undergo visible im provements, as alcohol dehydrates the body. And in the thick of flu season, taking a break from booze can ensure that alcohol isn’t suppressing the immune system.
Keeping the holidays’ indulgences in check and staying mindful of ways to avoid overindulgence will make for a much better transition into the new year. On the fence? “Taking the time to commit for a month of no alcohol is a great way to give the body a chance to refresh, feel the differences and get perspective on how the body functions without it,” Scarpino says.
*If you are a heavy drinker, please consult with your physician before attempting Dry January.
BETTER STANDARDS, BETTER HOMES
Businesses Family PROFILES
Small, family-run businesses are the life’s blood of any community. More than just a catchy slogan or a name on a sign, they’re old friends and familiar neighbors as well as local employers and valued economic leaders.
Read on and get to know some of the family-owned and -operated businesses right here in the Lehigh Valley.
Interested in our next Professional Profiles section? Call 484.546.0408 for more information.
Curtis E. Schneck Building, Inc., is an award-winning builder that has built hundreds of family homes throughout the Lehigh Valley. Curtis E. Schneck homes can be found in these communities: Crestwood Heights, Wayside Manor II, Meadowview Farms, Westfield Knoll and Fairland Farms in North Whitehall and Washington townships.
Curtis E. Schneck has always believed in better standards, and those better standards mean better homes. From design to structural integrity to energy efficiency, Curtis E. Schneck also believes in quality and innovation for a lifetime of comfortable living.
Since 1964, Curtis E. Schneck has gained respect and trust for new homes, additions and light commercial construction.
The evolution of Lehigh Valley Interior Construction began in the early 1960s, when Robert McGinty founded a drywall contracting company focused on delivering quality work and superior service. Robert instilled a strong work ethic in his eldest sons, Mick and Bob, and the three expanded the company to include interior painting and metal framing in 1989. Robert’s youngest son, Dan, joined in the late ’90s, as the company moved into general contracting, further strengthening the company’s expertise in interior construction and quality craftsmanship. The company expanded in the 2000s to form Basement Builders of the Lehigh Valley, specializing in custom finished basements, featuring home theaters, custom bars and custom built-ins.
Today, the LVIC team is known as the Valley’s leading experts in kitchen and bath remodeling, and specialists in whole-home renovations. Bob and Dan’s artistic design and construction expertise, Mike’s proficiency in electric and all three brothers’ strong background in drywall combine to create unparalleled, beautiful interior spaces. Mick’s wife, Susan (kitchen designer), and son, Kevin, work diligently to produce high-quality results. Basement Builders also employs Bob’s son, Ryan, as project manager, and his daughter, Casey, as designer. The three younger McGintys, committed to the roots their grandfather instilled in them and enthusiastic about industry innovations, are driving the company forward–excited about what the future holds.
Top row (left to right): Bob McGinty, Mike McGinty, Robert McGinty, Kevin McGinty, Dan McGinty; Bottom Row (left to right): Susan McGinty, Kathy McGinty, Casey McGinty, Ryan McGinty
Do It Yourself:
Holiday Lights
By Daisy Willis
Beginning in late August, brothers Ken and Richard Divers of Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape have their expert crews up and down ladders to bring the cheerful sparkle of holiday lights to the Lehigh Valley’s homes and businesses with their Christmas Décor service. Adding lights to your property during the short, cold days of winter doesn’t just give you a warm welcome anytime you come home, it’s also a gift to your neighborhood and passersby. Here’s how to get started.
Four Generations of Plot Twists
He’s got a gift for gymnastics. She’s got her eye on a little start-up in the valley. And he wants to retire early. How do you create a wealth plan that reflects all the complexity of a modern family? Start with a Financial Advisor who understand individuals and knows how to bring families together around both shared and personal goals. Let’s have that conversation.
The Divers brothers collaborate with their clients to give them the look they’re envisioning, be it classic white touches or full, multicolored Christmas. There’s no judgment here. Take a step back from your house and choose the focal points you’d like to start with, often around a door or along a gutter. “Some people like to just do one or two bushes or trees,” Ken says. “Less is more.” Aiming for a balanced look is a good idea.
One piece of advice encouraging to any lightlover on a budget is to grow your display over time. “A lot of people want everything up the first year. We encourage them to add a little more each year,” he says. Not only does this strategy save money, it creates a yearly tradition to look forward to. With every shrub or roofline that joins the party, the glow of pride and holiday spirit gets a fresh boost.
Plan for Power
Pennsylvania Lawn & Landscape employs proprietary expertise in understanding “power rules” to make sure a light display is adequately and safely energized, and after about 20 years in the holiday light business, they can eyeball a project and rattle off how many lights are needed.
For us civilians, some measurement is called for, and there are ample guides online to calculate how many feet of lights you’ll need for wrapping trees and shrubs of various sizes.
As for power, most newer homes are built with GFI (or GFCI) outlets to protect from shocks, especially in environs subject to moist conditions, such as the outdoors. If your house isn’t equipped, you can easily install them. Make sure to use extension cords rated for outdoor use, and monitor them since they’ll be the first to show any melting or scorching if something is going wrong.
Overall, Ken says, “You’re going to be fine 99 percent of the time unless you’re one of these Griswold people.”
Let There Be LEDs
Many of us grew up with the relatively subdued glint of the incandescent, dealing with broken glass and the tedious testing of individual bulbs to get a dark string back online. Nowadays, it’s LEDs all the way. “The energy saving is a win in the most important way,” says Richard. “You can install a lot more lights.”
They’re far more durable, don’t shatter and repair is a simple matter of checking a fuse. If one light goes out, it’s likely that it has merely unscrewed itself, so give it a little twist and you’re back in business.
Avoid Accidents
Unsecured dads banging away on the roof with hammers and staple guns should be a thing of the past. Ken and Richard recommend tabs and clips designed specifically for hanging lights without damaging your house. But before you start shimmying up and down drainpipes, a few words on safety:
“Any time you leave the ground,” Richard says, “you need a helmet on.” It may sound silly, but one traumatic brain injury and its prevention is suddenly paramount. “One guy broke his leg falling from one roof landing to the next. The fire department had to come and get him down.”
The best methods to stay safe on the roof involve D-rings, or tying yourself off on a chimney or stationary object on the other side of the peak, like a large, sturdy tree. “Never tie yourself to the bumper of a car,” Richard says, “because you never know when that car’s leaving.”
Have someone there to spot you at all times— they can also tell you if you’re putting things up crooked!
Put Away Properly
“If it takes two hours to put the lights up,” Ken says, “it should take longer than five minutes to take them down.”
Unless you enjoy the mental exercise of untangling snarls of wire, roll the strands neatly, perhaps around a coffee can or something like it, and store them in a plastic bin. Mice have a way of getting into cardboard boxes, chewing and nesting and making a mess of things. And even if they don’t, boxes can deteriorate all by themselves over time.
For their clients, the Divers brothers’ operation inspects, repairs and stores all lights in climatecontrolled safety. Give your own lights the star treatment and you’ll have a heartwarming display every year.
THE EXPERTS:
Financial, Accounting & Investment Professionals
Whether you’re looking to expand your business, provide for your family’s future, plan for your retirement, safeguard your legacy, invest in your community or simply to limit your exposure, chances are that you will need an expert’s advice in order to properly preserve and protect your personal wealth for the years to come.
Read on and get to know some of the Lehigh Valley’s premier financial, accounting and investment professionals.
Interested in our next Professional Profiles section?
Call 484.546.0408 for more information.
THE RIGHT FINANCIAL GUIDANCE FEELS COMFORTABLY LIKE HOME
The McLean Team of Steel Valley Investment Group of Raymond James brings a multigenerational perspective to the ever-changing world of financial planning. The group was founded by industry veteran Jim McLean, senior vice president, investments, and built on the values of honesty, integrity and trust. After more than three decades as a financial advisor, Jim still holds these values sacred and lets them be his guide in both his personal and professional life.
Kelly McLean Rindock, Jim’s daughter, is vice president, wealth management and branch manager at Steel Valley Investment Group. Highly educated and motivated, Kelly, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, brings a new, multigenerational perspective to the team. Jim and Kelly collaborate to share their knowledge and capabilities, enabling them to provide clients with seamless financial programs designed to help them achieve their goals.
Senior client service associate Christy Lukity is committed to thoroughly addressing clients’ needs and requests. Melissa Galm, financial advisor, shares the team’s values and visions and is committed to thoroughly addressing the needs and requests of clients and supporting the team’s efforts.
The McLean Team is grounded in its founding values while consistently striving to meet the latest and most innovative ways to serve its clients.
Left to right: Christy Lukity, Kelly McLean Rindock, Jim McLean and Melissa Galm
Elizabeth Snyder, founder and principal broker of Main Street Financial Partners, began her journey as a sales agent for a titan health insurance company. During her training, and in regular practice, she became disillusioned with the company’s ethics, often returning home at night distraught and in tears. Fed up with the rampant dishonesty in the insurance industry, she founded her own business based on honesty and trustworthiness.
Having a successful career as a business owner and real estate tycoon, Elizabeth earned her broker’s license and began operating independently. She worked day and night to get her business up and running. She now represents every major insurance carrier.
Main Street Financial Partners opened its doors in 2009, vowing to become the foremost client-oriented senior insurance and financial services firm in Eastern Pennsylvania. Today, with more than 10,000 clients, they are the number one agency representing Medicare, long-term health care, life insurance and financial advice for three of the top Fortune 500 companies. Main Street offers full group and individual health insurance and represents 60 different insurance companies. Main Street has partnered with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners to offer a full range of commercial and residential real estate services, and
also represents 22 home and auto insurance companies.
Main Street builds personal relationships with every client, and the business is based around building client-oriented experiences that last a lifetime. First, they educate, and second, they offer a wide choice of products.
Priding themselves on making sure that every client leaves with a better understanding of the products offered according to their individual needs, Main Street offers seminars every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Bethlehem office. The diversity of companies they represent helps them to determine the right product, price and benefits for every individual, no matter their budget.
When it comes to financial investments and retirement, Main Street offers one-stop shopping to fully represent clients’ needs and help them make the right choices. Statistics show that one in two men and one in three women in America will get cancer, yet over 48 percent of Americans are more fearful of outliving their money than they are of passing on. Like a general physician, Main Street looks at the entire body and not just the ailing parts. Showing clients how their choice of medical coverage, auto and homeowners, and, well, everything they purchase for coverage affects and encompasses their whole financial future is what Main Street does best!
“BUILD YOUR FUTURE WITH THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE TODAY”
Magellan Financial believes professional wealth management has only one definition of success: allowing investors to realize their lifestyle and financial goals. Magellan’s thorough, thoughtful, risk-based strategies are designed to support its clients’ greatest objectives so they have the freedom to enjoy them. Magellan Financial truly provides a different approach to wealth management.
True Team Environment: The entire team, with 85 years of combined experience, collaborates on every client’s account.
Commitment to Planning: Every strategy and investment decision is built to support a specific plan for each client.
Hands-on Money Management: This close approach helps to ensure that clients’ portfolios adapt to the ever-changing investment landscape with nimble, research-driven adjustments.
Complete Financial Services: From investment strategies that support retirement planning goals to transferring closely held businesses, Magellan serves as a singular financial resource through the depth and breadth of its services.
Magellan Financial is truly committed to serving its clients’ complete needs at every stage. This includes retirement planning, estate planning strategies, education planning and insurance services. For business owners, Magellan Financial can help with liquidity event planning, tax-efficient investment options and thoughtful transition plans.
Rob, Jeff, Jon, Carol, Kaycee, Bob and Jay look forward to providing prospective clients with the exceptional service and advice they deserve.
WORKING TO BRING CLIENTS FINANCIAL HAPPINESS
Evans Wealth Strategies knows that frequent, honest communication builds trust, and that trust is never earned in just one meeting. This is why their initial meetings are always complimentary.
Founded by Mary Evans, Evans Wealth Strategies is driven by her passion to end financial suffering. Money is the number one reason for divorce, and probably the number one reason for sleepless nights.
Having worked in finance for more than 30 years, Mary understands that financial planning is much more complex than managing numbers. It’s about being there at every step to guide clients along life’s journey. Mary leads a unified team, sharing experience and knowledge, and providing the highest level of service. The entire team places accountability above all else, and goes above and beyond—doing what they say they are going to do, when they say they are going to do it.
Think of Evans Wealth Strategies as an investment behavioral coach: managing the plan, the portfolio and, most importantly, the emotions. Human beings don’t act on what they know, they act on what they feel. The most successful coaches address the emotions tied to motivation as much as, if not more than, the actual skill. The Evans Wealth Strategies team helps clients stay focused on their goals, and helps them feel good about their financial life!
1134 Pennsylvania Ave., Emmaus
610.421.8664 | evanswealthstrategies.com
Left to right: Sharon Stauffer, Colleen Alsleben, Kristie Strubeck, Mary Evans, Crystal Dye, Emily Moore
Left to right: Jeff Bogert, Partner; Kaycee Dorney; Jay Knight; Carol Stehlin, Partner; Bob Sweeney; Jon Soden, Partner; Rob Cahill, CFP, Managing Partner
FRIED ICE CREAM
After the fried avocado comes the fried ice cream—vanilla ice cream rolled in a mixture of corn flakes and cinnamon. The concoction is lightly fried and topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and honey. Enjoy it served in a crispy flour tortilla bowl.
Now in a new location, the Hotel B Ice Cream Parlor features up to 20 flavors of Penn State Creamery ice cream. Death by Chocolate is a must try, starting with chocolate ice cream and encompassing flakes of pure chocolate, fudge pieces and a chocolate swirl.
Hotel B Ice Cream Parlor
462 Main St., Bethlehem 610.625.5355 | hotelbethlehem.com
THE DAFFLE
The “Daffle” is the waffle sandwich pumped up a notch. Enjoy the ice cream flavor of your choice, sandwiched between two warm doughnut slices.
The Udder Bar 1852 W. Allen St., Allentown 484.221.8653 | theudderbar.com
Bakeries & CUPCAKERIES
FRENCH TOAST
CUPCAKE
Topped with caramelized bacon, this cupcake satisfies your sweet and savory tooth! Classy Cakes has 14 everyday cupcake flavor variations, all expertly crafted from scratch.
Classy Cakes Cupcakery
PINK SPARKLER
Celebrate with this pink champagne cupcake, topped with pink champagne sugar glaze and a pink pearl sprinkle.
These rolls are out-of-control large, absolutely delicious and ridiculously low priced.
Egypt Star Bakery Four Area Locations | egyptstarbakery.com
CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
Bite into this decadent delight made with dried sweet cherries, cocoa and chocolate chunks.
Frecon Farms
501 S. Reading Ave., Boyertown 610.367.6200 | freconfarms.com
SWISS CHOCOLATEENCASED CANNOLI
These sweet treats start with homemade, hand-rolled pastry shells that are flash fried and filled with non-dairy tofu ricotta. Add some Swiss chocolate chips and you’ve got a Vegan Treats favorite. The bakery goes through hundreds of their famous cannoli each week.
Flavor variations range from sweet— cranberry orange, apricot, pineapple coconut, mango—to savory—cheddar bacon, cheddar sage, rosemary garlic asiago—but Jumbars’ Sour Cherry Toasted Scone is the must-try.
Jumbars
1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem 610.866.1660 | jumbars.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Photo by Colin Coleman
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
At Edward Jones, they stop to ask clients the question, “What’s important to you?” Without that insight, and real understanding of a client’s goals, investing holds little meaning. Only then can Edward Jones use their established process to build a personalized strategy to help clients achieve what’s most important to them.
For over 90 years, the Edward Jones full-service brokerage firm has had one priority—to provide service to the individual investor. That’s why they have offices in the community. They think clients should work with the financial advisor of their choice, where it is convenient for them.
Clients work with one financial advisor and one branch office administrator dedicated to partnering with them throughout their life. Edward Jones believes the relationship between a client and their financial advisor is one of the most important aspects of successfully reaching their client’s goals.
Rely on Edward Jones for one-on-one attention, a quality focused investment philosophy and straight talk about financial needs. To learn more about how they do business, call or visit any of the 10 financial advisors in the Lehigh Valley.
Stephanie
NAZARETH
Jeff
Photo by Terree
O’Neill Yeagle/The
Edward Jones, Member SIPC.
Meet 10-Year-Old CEO, Kedar Narayan
By Amy Unger | Photography by Andrew Tomasino
Like a lot of 10 year olds, Kedar Narayan enjoys playing basketball, soccer and video games. He loves all animals except mosquitoes (it is difficult to appreciate a blood-sucking, disease-carrying annoyance, after all). But, unlike a lot of 10 year olds, Kedar can rattle off a dizzying array of facts and figures related to science, math, pollinators and the ins and outs of running a small business. His savviness and curiosity about the world around him serve him well, because this is a young man who’s comfortable articulating a big goal: “To educate people and save the planet.” And he’s going about reaching that ambitious objective through a mix of intellect, education and, yes, even origami.
But, about five years ago, before he set his sights on the very grownup task of rescuing Mother Earth from those who are oblivious to the intricate balance of her ecosystem, Kedar was dealing with a typical vexation of modern-day childhood: a busted video game console. His mother, Anita, a computer scientist, suggested that rather than lament his misfortune, he learn how to make his own games. A hefty assignment, perhaps, for an average kindergartner, but Anita had every reason to believe young Kedar was up to the task. By the time he was four years old, Anita says, Kedar, who is homeschooled, was already solving intricate puzzles and reading at a first-grade level and beyond. “He is an extremely strong-willed kid. He can take the material and go with it,” she says. But this young scholar does have an Achilles heel: world history. “I love [all subjects] except history,” he says. “It’s so boring to have to remember the dates all of the time!”
But math is a different story. “He was doing two- and three-digit addition in his head at five years old,” Anita explains. Even now, Kedar can’t get enough of quadratic equations and their brain-teasing cousins. “I want to learn calculus this year,” he says. “I’m already loving algebra.” And so it probably came as no surprise to Anita and Kedar’s father, Kartik, a vaccine maker for
Swiftwater’s Sanofi Pasteur, that Kedar took to coding and programming like, well, a bee to honey (his nickname is “Little Code Ninja”). But he wasn’t content to simply beef up his own brainpower; he wanted to share what he learned with others, so he created a 3D board game— Storibot—designed to help visually impaired children learn how to code. His invention earned him accolades at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, as well as the National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
even extinct.” Kedar is quick to point out, though, that bees don’t own exclusive rights to wear the pollinator crown—far from it. Hummingbirds, beetles, wasps, bats and even the wind can take up the task of transferring pollen—it’s just that bees are his favorite. “They’re cuter, they’re smarter and, to me, they’re more advanced,” he explains. “They’re good at teamwork.”
...he created a 3D board game Storibot designed to help visually impaired children learn how to code.
At the root of his next passion project would be another simple joy of childhood—digging around in the dirt. Anita and Kedar were looking for a new summertime hobby, and settled on gardening. But dumping a couple of packets of seeds into the earth at their Nazareth-area home and calling it a day just wouldn’t do. They looked into courses on pollinator gardening at Penn State Extension, and wondered why the program wasn’t more popular with the masses. “A lot of people didn’t know what pollinators are and what they’re doing,” Kedar says. Initially, he admits, he himself was in the dark about how vital they are to the environment. But the more he learned, the more the topic piqued his curiosity—and his concern. “A lot of native bees are threatened or endangered,” he says. “Some are
And in some cases they’re also incredibly efficient. According to Kedar, it would take only 250 Blue Orchard Mason Bees, which are native to North America, to pollinate one acre of apple trees, whereas anywhere from 10,000 to 250,000 honey bees would be needed to complete the same job. Not that he’s playing favorites, though— preserving all pollinators became his mission, and the driving force behind the creation last year of his very own app, called Pollinator for a Pet. It covers all of the categories necessary to pollinator survival: food, water, shelter and safety. The app earned Kedar a first-place victory in his age group in the Paradigm Challenge, a contest sponsored by Project Paradigm, a private foundation that aims to inspire inventors to use their brainpower to take on the biggest problems facing the world today. But the bigger prize, Kedar might argue, was spreading awareness of his vocation. He bemoans the fact that many of his peers can’t be bothered to invest much effort in improving their own little corner of Mother Earth. “I want the younger generation to care about the environment,” he says.
Just in case the app doesn’t do the trick, the family recently upped the ante with the founding of an online, DIY craft company, Heart for Wildlife. It’s a mash-up of two of Kedar’s favorite things—wildlife and origami—and a tangible representation of what makes the mother-son duo tick. “We think of something we want to show people, and we think of how we can make that into origami,” explains Kedar. And like the habits of the bees that Kedar loves so much, getting the company off the ground has been, at times, an exercise in
Find Kedar’s DIY Christmas Ornament Kit this month at Christmas City Village Weihnachtsmarkt !
cooperation. “We’re a team,” Kedar says. “We’re not chatterboxes that always fight each other. We help each other along the way.”
This winter, they’ve branched out from butterfly brooches to a special Christmas kit that allows the crafter to fashion five different ornaments to hang on the tree. “Christmas is about family time,” says Kedar. “Our kit is good for a family project.” But Kedar is quick to point out that Christmas can also be a wasteful time—think discarded trees tossed out on the curb on December 26, and a mountain of crumbled wrapping paper collecting space in the local landfill. That’s why all kits ordered from Heart for Wildlife are made from paper that’s fashioned from recycled T-shirts, not trees. And there’s no plastic to be found on any of the pieces. And if that’s not enough to cement the company’s status as environmentally friendly, consider this: The family is donating 10 percent of its earnings to the National Wildlife Federation. Their goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of the year. Kedar has already calculated how many units he needs to move to reach the finish line.
Anita, who also has a toddler son to care for, says their enterprise, while small, is demanding. “It’s massive amounts of work and not much sleep,” she says. But the changes she sees in Kedar make the long hours worthwhile. “I’m surprised at how independent he is and how much he’s learning.”
Anita also points out that Kedar is laying down a strong foundation for whatever endeavors capture his attention later in life. “He can see how hard it is to make a living, and see how he can make a difference,” she explains. “You don’t have to be 20 or 30 years old to share your passion with the world.” And perhaps Kedar is one of the lucky few who have been fortunate enough to stumble upon his calling before he’s old enough to go to a PG-13 movie, sans parents. “I love my work,” he says. “I say that 200 times a day.”
heartforwildlife.com
Outdoor Winter Activities & Events
By Daisy Willis
Don’t let the cold keep you shut up inside this winter: There’s lots to do in the Lehigh Valley that’s worth bundling up for. Whether it’s briskly walking from one bar to another or stalking for hours through a snow-laden forest to pop your friends with a paintball, the fresh air and excitement will do you some good!
Frosty 5Ks
Generate some heat and get your body primed for cookie and pie intake with a 5K for a cause on December 8. The largest and longest-running holiday race is the Christmas City Classic 5-Miler and Candy Cane 5K. Starting with 80 participants, 20 years later it’s a parade of more than 1,500 racers sporting red and green. The Bethlehem YMCA’s amenities, Christmas music, cookies and warm soft pretzels give racers welcome support at start and finish.
If you like your 5K with a few more breaks and a little more liquid cheer, the Santa Will Run for Beer 5K-ish sets off from Roosevelt’s 21st on Bethlehem’s north side and makes its way from bar to bar to the after-party on the south side. Mark your calendar for December 8! Last year, more than 300 Santas were a sight to behold as a block of Elizabeth Avenue is closed down for the “shotgun” start.
christmascityraces.com runlehighvalley.com
Skirmish Paintball
Known for its professional, friendly staff and huge maps, Skirmish Paintball in the Poconos is one of the very best. Its Tippmann Castle is promoted as the “world’s largest paintball castle” at 10,000 square feet, and more than 50 other maps are designed with just as much zeal for the game. Whether looking to dodge around natural terrain or constructed forts and villages, this is the place to bring all your first-person-shooter skills to bear in the real world.
In winter, especially under a blanket of snow, a hush descends. Sparse foliage and the trailing footprints of one’s opponents make hiding a unique challenge. The cold isn’t as brutal as it might seem: Popular maps for this time of year are clustered near the bonfire, picnic area and shop, so it’s not hard to take a break and thaw out as needed.
Yearly events reenacting Stalingrad (held in early spring, often with snow on the ground) and the Invasion of Normandy draw massive turnouts, so whether looking for a giant battle or near-silent prowling through winter woods, you’ll find something to shoot at with Skirmish.
skirmish.com
Blue Mountain Tubing
Blue Mountain Resort is a destination for athletic winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, but also the activity that might be termed “sledding on steroids,” snow tubing. It’s the rush of the ride down 39 safe, designated lanes, over 1,000 feet long, with three lifts to crank you back up to the top and no need to acclimate yourself to repeatedly falling hard on your butt (a central feature of snowboarding).
For the last decade, Blue Mountain has hosted a special New Year’s Eve event for families and couples to ring in 2019 with midnight snow-tube rides under the stars. What started as a 100person affair now sells out with 300 guests availing themselves of the buffet dinner and champagne toast at the strike of midnight (soda toast available to the under-21 set).
The New Year’s Eve party is weather dependent, but if it suffers a snowstorm, there’s still the rest of the winter to explore Blue Mountain’s 39 skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels of expertise, home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical run (eek!) and most varied terrain.
skibluemt.com
Outdoor Winter Activities & Events
By Daisy Willis
Don’t let the cold keep you shut up inside this winter: There’s lots to do in the Lehigh Valley that’s worth bundling up for. Whether it’s briskly walking from one bar to another or stalking for hours through a snow-laden forest to pop your friends with a paintball, the fresh air and excitement will do you some good!
Frosty 5Ks
Generate some heat and get your body primed for cookie and pie intake with a 5K for a cause on December 8. The largest and longest-running holiday race is the Christmas City Classic 5-Miler and Candy Cane 5K. Starting with 80 participants, 20 years later it’s a parade of more than 1,500 racers sporting red and green. The Bethlehem YMCA’s amenities, Christmas music, cookies and warm soft pretzels give racers welcome support at start and finish.
If you like your 5K with a few more breaks and a little more liquid cheer, the Santa Will Run for Beer 5K-ish sets off from Roosevelt’s 21st on Bethlehem’s north side and makes its way from bar to bar to the after-party on the south side. Mark your calendar for December 8! Last year, more than 300 Santas were a sight to behold as a block of Elizabeth Avenue is closed down for the “shotgun” start.
christmascityraces.com runlehighvalley.com
Skirmish Paintball
Known for its professional, friendly staff and huge maps, Skirmish Paintball in the Poconos is one of the very best. Its Tippmann Castle is promoted as the “world’s largest paintball castle” at 10,000 square feet, and more than 50 other maps are designed with just as much zeal for the game. Whether looking to dodge around natural terrain or constructed forts and villages, this is the place to bring all your first-person-shooter skills to bear in the real world.
In winter, especially under a blanket of snow, a hush descends. Sparse foliage and the trailing footprints of one’s opponents make hiding a unique challenge. The cold isn’t as brutal as it might seem: Popular maps for this time of year are clustered near the bonfire, picnic area and shop, so it’s not hard to take a break and thaw out as needed.
Yearly events reenacting Stalingrad (held in early spring, often with snow on the ground) and the Invasion of Normandy draw massive turnouts, so whether looking for a giant battle or near-silent prowling through winter woods, you’ll find something to shoot at with Skirmish.
skirmish.com
Blue Mountain Tubing
Blue Mountain Resort is a destination for athletic winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, but also the activity that might be termed “sledding on steroids,” snow tubing. It’s the rush of the ride down 39 safe, designated lanes, over 1,000 feet long, with three lifts to crank you back up to the top and no need to acclimate yourself to repeatedly falling hard on your butt (a central feature of snowboarding).
For the last decade, Blue Mountain has hosted a special New Year’s Eve event for families and couples to ring in 2019 with midnight snow-tube rides under the stars. What started as a 100person affair now sells out with 300 guests availing themselves of the buffet dinner and champagne toast at the strike of midnight (soda toast available to the under-21 set).
The New Year’s Eve party is weather dependent, but if it suffers a snowstorm, there’s still the rest of the winter to explore Blue Mountain’s 39 skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels of expertise, home to Pennsylvania’s highest vertical run (eek!) and most varied terrain.
skibluemt.com
Winter Lights
From the tricked-out front yards of our neighbors to the drive-through thrill of Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway, one of the lifelines getting us through the short days is the glow and sparkle of holiday displays. The strongest dose available is at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular, running Wednesdays through Sundays until December 31. Not only is the zoo decked out with more than 1.1 million lights, cartoon characters like the Grinch, Frozen’s Olaf and Buzz Lightyear roam the premises just looking for photo ops with their fans. Since last year’s Spectacular, everything has amped: more and bigger and enhanced displays, aerial snow machines generating ecofriendly flurries and the conservation tent with interactive learning experiences and crafting activities. Princess Belle and Queen Elsa alternate nights to entertain with songs on the princess stage, and toasty fire pits are available with s’mores and cocoa to keep the family warm. Proceeds benefit conservation at the zoo and locally, so suit up and set off for this winter wonderland.
lvzoo.org
gu i de Swee Satisfy your oth
The Treat
Ultimate
By Kristen Rinaldi
| Photography by Marco Calderon
Sweet
Just one of Chocolate Works’ many “Dipped Delights,” the pretzels range from birthday cake and cinnamon bun to red velvet and Reese’s Pieces.
Another way to feed your Nutella addiction! Handmade at MacarOn Café in New York City, these colorful pleasures are delivered straight to Easton in flavors like raspberry, honey lavender, earl gray and more.
Peanut butter popcorn with milk chocolate and powdered sugar dusted on top! Or, this holiday season, customers can even enjoy some peppermint bark on their chocolate-drizzled popcorn. And when Clusters asks “bag opened or closed,” make sure to request “open,” as it means an extra scoop of popped goodness for you!
Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn 530 Main St., Bethlehem 610.849.2576 | clusterspopcorn.com
Photo by Colin Coleman
MUDDY BUDDY CARAMEL CORN
PINK SPARKLER
Celebrate with this pink champagne cupcake, topped with pink champagne sugar glaze and a pink pearl sprinkle.
These rolls are out-of-control large, absolutely delicious and ridiculously low priced.
Egypt Star Bakery Four Area Locations | egyptstarbakery.com
CHOCOLATE CHERRY COOKIES
Bite into this decadent delight made with dried sweet cherries, cocoa and chocolate chunks.
Frecon Farms
501 S. Reading Ave., Boyertown 610.367.6200 | freconfarms.com
SWISS CHOCOLATEENCASED CANNOLI
These sweet treats start with homemade, hand-rolled pastry shells that are flash fried and filled with non-dairy tofu ricotta. Add some Swiss chocolate chips and you’ve got a Vegan Treats favorite. The bakery goes through hundreds of their famous cannoli each week.
Flavor variations range from sweet— cranberry orange, apricot, pineapple coconut, mango—to savory—cheddar bacon, cheddar sage, rosemary garlic asiago—but Jumbars’ Sour Cherry Toasted Scone is the must-try.
Jumbars
1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem 610.866.1660 | jumbars.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Photo by Colin Coleman
17sugary ac ks more ^
Sea Salt Caramels
Josh Early Candies
Candy Cane Chip
Creamery
Assorted chocolates
Dolce Patisserie
Millionaire Bars
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar
Butterscotch Candies
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar Apple Spice Scones
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar
Carmel Apple Toasted Coconut
Amaretto Egg Nog
Carson at home with Kre ssley
B y Am y Unger
Photograph y b y Andre w Tomasino
Hai r & Makeu p courtes y of America n Hairlines
Pau l Smit h sweater an d pants , Cartier jewelry , Rolex watch
he was one of the
original
“Fab Five” on Bravo’s groundbreaking Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. He busted a move in the ballroom on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and braved the rigors of the boardroom and beyond (once baring it all for a photo shoot on the back of a Kawasaki motorcycle) on NBC’s The New Celebrity Apprentice. He’s on a first-name basis with RuPaul and Oprah—and not just because their star power has eclipsed the need for surnames. But, on a recent late-summer day, Lehigh Valley native Carson Kressley was just another guy eating a cheesesteak and taking in a show with friends at the fairgrounds at the 2018 Great Allentown Fair.
While the TV star, author, master of fashion and allaround high-energy entertainer seems to be at ease among the bright lights and big talents who carve out their livelihoods in Hollywood or the Big Apple, Kressley has never felt the inclination to put his hometown permanently in the rearview mirror. “It’s beautiful,” he says. “It’s such a hidden gem. I do love coming back here to spend time with friends and family.”
Raised in the village of Claussville in Lowhill Township, part of rural Lehigh County, Kressley recalls an idyllic childhood. “Growing up in that era, the ’70s and ’80s, everything was so free for exploration,” says Kressley. He speaks fondly of memories of hunting for tadpoles with friends, and spending hours traversing the terrain on his trusty bicycle. “There wasn’t much going on back then. We thought going to the Lehigh Valley Mall was the height of a good time.”
Kressley also happened to be incredibly fond of his next-door neighbors. “My grandparents had a somewhatfamous pony farm,” he explains. “I thought it was normal to have a couple hundred ponies right outside your door.” Kressley was keen to explore the equestrian world. He recalls traveling to local and regional horse shows with his family. “It was a great way to meet different people and see different places,” he says. But, although he grew up with a sister, Diana, and a brother, Brian, they were eight and six years older than him, respectively, and they had other interests at the time. “My siblings were like, ‘We have cars, we’re out of here, bye,’” Kressley says.
Following his graduation from Northwestern Lehigh High School in 1987, he studied management and fine art at Gettysburg College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1991. But, after the cap and gown were folded and put away, Kressley wasn’t entirely sure what his next move would be. “Finishing college and figuring out the real world was stressful,” he says. “I didn’t have a knack for planning. I still don’t. When people ask, ‘What’s your five-year plan?’ I don’t even know what I’m doing next Tuesday.”
He describes his life as “serendipitous,” so maybe it was a slice of that serendipity, or perhaps a gut feeling, or even a higher calling of some sort that propelled him to a new life in a new city—New York City. Kressley recalls taking a Bieber bus from the Lehigh Valley (“I was literally fresh off the bus”) and stepping into the dizzying glow and throbbing hum of the Big Apple. “I didn’t even know which way Forty-second Street was,” he says. “It was all very much by the seat of my pants.”
Kressley...was a member of the U.S. team that took the silver medal in the 1999 World Cup Equestrian Games...
Pol o Ralp h Laure n shirt , Mo d Jod s pants , R.M William s boot s i n brow n kangaro o leathe r
“It’s wonderful what it did for my career, but knowing that you changed people’s lives is really gratifying.”
A co-worker encouraged Kressley to try out for the show, and he made the cut as one of the Fab Five.
Dolc e an d Gabann
footing kressley found his
—and his calling— first as an independent stylist and then as a member of designer Ralph Lauren’s team, where he began working in menswear. Serendipity would strike again around the year 2003, when Bravo was casting for a new reality show in which a group of gay men would make over a straight man in need of a little—or a lot of—assistance in honing his social graces, entertaining skills or wardrobe choices. A co-worker encouraged Kressley to try out for the show, and he made the cut as one of the Fab Five. Each man would bring a particular set of skills to the table; Kressley would serve as the Fashion Savant.
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy premiered in July of 2003 and ran for five seasons. It was an immediate ratings hit, and Kressley and his co-stars were catapulted into the celebrity stratosphere. Suddenly a trip home to the Lehigh Valley Mall became a lot more eventful.
“People would come up to me, and it was very complimentary,” Kressley recalls. He says his burgeoning homegrown fan base was eager to show its support for a local guy who was making it big. “It’s something I still cherish to this day. It’s like comfort food.”
And Kressley was just getting started. Queer Eye wrapped in 2007. Around the same time, he snagged a hosting gig for a new Lifetime show, How to Look Good Naked. In 2011, he joined Team Oprah to launch his own makeover show, Carson Nation. 2015 saw Kressley sign on to the judge’s panel on RuPaul’s Drag Race. His resume is also decorated with a slew of appearances as a guest, host, critic or commentator for Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Miss Universe Pageant and the E! network, just to name a few. He even enlisted the help of the Kressley clan to go toe-to-toe with Paula Deen’s brood on Celebrity Family Feud
Somehow, in between the countless quips and one-liners that have become the hallmark of a Carson Kressley appearance in front of the camera, or on the red carpet, he still found time to pen three best-selling books, including the “cheeky” women’s style guide, Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big?
mani f old 15 years deep into a
career that’s made him a household name, Kressley points to his very first breakout gig as the one that’s been the most impactful. Queer Eye won an Emmy award for Outstanding Reality Program in 2004 and was recognized several times by GLAAD, but it’s not just the hardware that Kressley is proud of: “It’s wonderful what it did for my career, but knowing that you changed people’s lives is really gratifying.” He’s referring to the letters and messages he still gets to this day from members of the gay community who say Queer Eye helped them start a dialogue with friends and family about their sexuality.
Kressley’s latest foray into television is a return to those roots, of sorts. He has re-teamed with another Fab Five alumnus, Thom Filicia, for Bravo TV’s Get a Room with Carson & Thom, which premiered in October. It’s a different kind of makeover show; this time, the dynamic duo is focusing on interior design. Each episode features two clients looking for guidance to transform a particular space. Filicia, who was known as the “Design Doctor” on Queer Eye, takes the lead. “The idea is that he’s teaching me the ropes,” says Kressley. Not that Kressley is a slouch of a student, of course. “I really love interior design and that whole world,” he says. “I feel like I have a good eye and good taste.”
Kressley also sees a lot of overlap between his niche— fashion design—and home décor. “There is a parallel between dressing your home and dressing yourself,” he says. At the root of each, he explains, is a classic piece. In interior design, it’s a furnishing that anchors the room, like a sofa. That, Kressley says, is like the “little black dress” of the space. The next step when enhancing is dressing it up with accessories. In the case of the sofa, it’s all about adding complementary pieces, like a rug or an antique that has sentimental value. For the dress, it’s jewelry and shoes that define the personality of the ensemble. “You want to accentuate the positive, surround yourself with colors that make you feel good,” says Kressley.
e Westwoo d
jacke t an d vest , Sui t Suppl y shirt , Ralp h Laure n tie , Cartie r jewelr y
Vivienn
“Ther e i s a parallel between dressing your home and dressing yourself,”
fortunately for this “student,”
he’s able to take his schoolwork home with him. About five years ago, he purchased a home in the Lehigh Valley not far from where he grew up—a location that Kressley calls “phenomenal.” “[The house] had such great bones, I didn’t have to do much,” he says. Kressley describes the home as a Colonial farmhouse. And while he didn’t have to strap on his tool belt to knock down walls or tear into drywall, he did want to add his own flair to the décor. The interior spaces, he says, are constantly evolving, even now.
“The interior is an extension of you, your life, your travels,” he says. “I didn’t want it to feel too overdone. I wanted people to feel comfortable, to have dogs running around.”
Asked to characterize the vibe of the home, he picks equestrian chic, which is fitting for someone for whom horses have always been more than just a passing hobby or a childhood fad. Kressley, an accomplished equestrian, was a member of the U.S. team that took the silver medal in the 1999 World Cup Equestrian Games in South Africa. He raises American Saddlebred horses with his sister, Diana Kressley-Billig, a nationally ranked equestrian, who now manages the family farm in Lehigh County. Over the summer, one of their horses came in third place at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky—a town that takes its horses very seriously.
“It’s really the epicenter for that breed,” Kressley says.
While maintaining a presence in rural Pennsylvania allows Kressley to stay in tune with that particular passion, the connection runs much deeper. His ancestors, he
explains, first came to the region in the late 1700s and early 1800s. “My family is diehard Lehigh Valley people,” he says. “Generations have lived here.” And showing off his home and the surrounding area to visiting friends has helped him to rediscover his favorite things about his old stomping grounds. “When you grow up in a place, it becomes very normal,” he explains. “You don’t appreciate what’s special about it. When you come back, you appreciate the physical beauty.”
Some of his favorite local spots include Wanamakers General Store in Kempton and the Bake Oven Inn in Germansville (“Incredible food. It’s farm-to-table with a Pennsylvania German flair, which is my heritage, so it’s fun.”). And each season brings its own traditions for Kressley and his crew. Summertime is for barbecues, pool parties (Boy George was once a guest) and, of course, a visit to the Great Allentown Fair. Autumn is prime apple-picking season. In addition, Kressley says he enjoys checking out the various “haunted” attractions that spring up around Halloween.
His hectic schedule doesn’t always afford him as much free time as he’d like to escape to the bucolic retreat that is both home and home away from home. Still, he cracks, there does come a day when the country boy needs to hightail it back to the city. “I love a Pennsylvania winter until about New Year’s Day,” Kressley says. “I love the romance of a white Christmas. Then by January first I think, ‘LA would be great right about now.’”
Mountainside Dining at The Grille Restaurant at Bear Creek
By Carrie Havranek | Photography by Alison Conklin
Ski resorts are no longer one-season attractions. And that means that the restaurants that serve people who come to these places to engage in various activities—whether it’s skiing or wine and beer festivals or live music or yoga on the mountain or anything in between—have to be on the ball, all year round. In fact, Bear Creek in Macungie is busier in the summer than you might imagine. And that means its restaurant needs to adapt to the changes of seasons and what diners want in January versus June, for example. (Hint: They still sit outside, even when it’s cold!) But the ski season is undoubtedly
what they’re known for, and, of course, resorts can make snow even when Mother Nature doesn’t grace us with a blanket of white.
Partly, it’s a function of the fact that winters have become so unpredictable in Pennsylvania, and partly, it’s that families are looking for something to do all year round—and families are the crux of their business. People travel to Bear Creek from all over: Jeff Zellner, marketing and public relations manager, says as far as Baltimore and New York City, during the wintertime. “It’s like gangbusters with kids in here in the wintertime, holy cow,” he says. Fun fact: At Bear Creek, parents can
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with basil-potato puree, corn relish, french beans and remoulade sauce
sit at the restaurant and look outside and watch their kids learn to ski. At many other resorts, the kids are shuttled off somewhere out of view. “They can see what the kids are up to. It makes it less intimidating for families, especially if they’re new to skiing,” says Zellner.
The Grille Restaurant at Bear Creek offers a bit of everything in order to serve that diverse crowd all year round. Recently, the restaurant retooled its menu, the first significant effort in quite some time. Heath Houck, director of culinary, describes the fare as “American continental.” “It’s basically good, fresh ingredients prepared perfectly,” he says. It also happens to go heavy on comfort food, but that makes a whole lot of sense, especially when you think about the winter and what sorts of nourishing, warming things you’d want after a day on the slopes. The menu changes twice a year but there are specials every night of the week. This accommodates and rewards the local crowd, the repeat visitors every year and those who are just passing through, maybe for the first time.
California Chicken Club
Grilled marinated chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, monterey jack cheese and chipotle mayonnaise, toasted ciabatta with fresh cut french fries
If I removed that from the menu, people would come after me with pitchforks and torches and chase me down the driveway
“We have taken our offerings and have them appeal to a broad market,” he says. (And yes, that means they can easily accommodate any diet, including vegan and gluten-free diners. There was some talk of a chocolate polenta cake, too, which would be gluten-free.)
“But we always have people who are going to want crab cakes and steaks, no matter what,” says Houck. It’s understandable. These are items that are impossible to remove from a menu, crab cakes among them, which don’t have a lot of binding/filler in them. “We can go through 15 pounds of crab in four days,” says Houck. Burgers are mainstays, always, whether it’s the straightforward Bear Creek Cheeseburger, served on a house-baked bun, or the California chicken club sandwich, with bacon, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayonnaise, avocado and Monterey jack cheese. It’s served on a toasted ciabatta with fresh-cut french fries. “If I removed that from the menu, people would come
after me with pitchforks and torches and chase me down the driveway,” says Houck, laughing. It’s a long driveway. And all because of a chicken sandwich. Who knew? (The staff isn’t immune to it either; it’s something Zellner orders when he’s working.)
There are a few new items, and some tweaks to existing ones. For example, the calamari appetizer used to have a Thai chili glaze, but it’s been changed a bit. It is now known as the Avery Island Calamari, with honey, lime and Tabasco (which originates from Avery Island, Louisiana).
Heath Houck Director of Culinary
INSIDE DISH
“I just wanted to do it a little differently, and give it a name with a bit of personality,” says Houck. Houck is a native of the Lehigh Valley and has cooked in a number of kitchens but has spent the last 10 years at the Grille. He fell in love with what he calls the “scratch nature of cooking,” but of course that’s not all. His explanation is unsurprising—and fairly common. “It’s really the whole vibe, the fast pace, the edge of uncertainty in the kitchen,” he says. (The fire, the danger,
Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Slow smoked baby back ribs, garlic french fries and savoy cabbage slaw
the knives—you just never know!) It’s definitely an environment for those with high energy, and Houck is animatedly among them.
Bear Creek is a local resort with a regional draw, but plenty of locals come here, too. And the idea is to not only serve the best that the restaurant can offer, but to also, when appropriate, serve local tastes, too. “My responsibility isn’t to bring you all the food from a 30-mile radius. My responsibility is to bring you the best-tasting food, and if that means I’m getting my beef from Creekstone Farm in Kansas, because it’s the best, then that’s the case,” Houck says. “I want to give you the best thing to eat. We have to lead people back to what tastes great.”
That doesn’t rule local products out at all. Resorts are always mixing it up and creating events to appeal to both guests and locals. So that means in the summer you’ll find lobster from Maine (2,500 pounds of it, says Houck, in one week in June). It also means the Grille offers an Amishstyle roasted chicken dish, and a bacon-wrapped meatloaf. (“It’s still very meat and potatoes around here,” says Houck.) Pennsylvania beers, and wines, whether it’s Weyerbacher or Troeg’s or Clover Hill, feature prominently, too. In fact, Houck says the
restaurant has collaborated with Funk Brewing in Emmaus for its very own, on-tap-only signature beer. At press time, it was still a work in progress. “We are not sure what it is going to be currently, but it will change seasonally,” says Houck.
Even other aspects of the dining experience at the resort, which isn’t really the focus here but bears mentioning, receive thoughtful treatment. The Mountain Eatery—which is a cafeteria, an often-overlooked destination at resorts, known more for sad soggy sandwiches and other commercially-processed food—is full of fresh sandwiches, salads and soups (including ramen).
The dough for the pizza at the Trail’s End Café and Bar is made fresh daily. People ask him why he does it this way, but Houck doesn’t see a point in taking shortcuts. If the experience is good at all destinations (there’s a breakfast spot, too), it creates a continuity of experience for guests.
“Often, the cafeteria is the first place people eat at when they are here, because it’s quick and they’re hungry,” says Zellner.
The philosophy of the kitchen is consistent throughout Bear Creek. “We’re not going to make it easy just because we can. We want to make it great—and great isn’t easy,” says Houck.
The restaurant has collaborated with Funk Brewing in Emmaus for its very own, on-tap- only signature beer.
Bear Creek Mountain Resort 101 Doe Mountain Ln. Macungie | 866.754.2822 bcmountainresort.com
Locals will probably do best here during the week—not the weekends! Reservations are highly recommended during ski season on the weekends.
Bear Creek Cheeseburger
Grilled fresh chuck burger with wisconsin cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, mustard, mayonnaise on a house-baked bun, served with french fries
Payment
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
What to Order
The chicken club sandwich, the calamari, the jumbo lump crab cake
Specials
Happy Hour Mon.–Fri.: 5–7 p.m., a special menu along with $2 off all draft beers and $2 off all house wines by the glass.
DINING GUIDE
at
Insider Happy Hour on December 11.
Key
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Serves Alcohol BYOB
*Advertisers are highlighted in red.
Berks
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery
Live Entertainment
Outdoor Seating
Entrée Price Range:
$ under $15
$$ $15-$25
$$$ $25+
Lehigh
Aladdin Restaurant $$
651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com
Family owned and operated for over 30 years. Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from homemade grape leaves to delicious shish kabobs. Lunch & dinner.
Allentown Brew Works $$
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.433.7777, thebrewworks.com
Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery. Family owned and operated since 2007. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bell Hall $
612 W. Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.1825, bellhallallentown.com
Allentown hot spot featuring juicy burgers and Pennsylvania craft beers. Lunch, dinner & late night.
$$
340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com
Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Gracie’s 21 st Century Cafe $$$
1534 Manatawny Dr., Pine Forge, 610.323.4004, gracies21stcentury.com
Serving local organics for 30 years. Always an experience in any season. Civilized decadence in the country. Dinner.
The Grille at Bear Creek $$
Billy’s Downtown Diner $
840 Hamilton St., Allentown , 610.432.5484, billysdiner.com
Not your ordinary diner. Visit them for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com
Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.
Landis Store Hotel $$$
4 Baldy Hill Rd., Boyertown, 610.845.2324, landis-store.com
Providing a dynamic menu of culinary delicacies served with the hospitality of a country inn. The Landis Store is happy to accommodate any special dining requests or dietary needs. Lunch & dinner.
Bucks
McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn $-$$$
4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com
Offering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also offering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Carbon
Slopeside Pub & Grill $-$$$
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
Offers indoor dining in addition to their ever-popular outdoor dining! Guests will enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks and unforgettable scenic views all year round. Lunch & dinner.
Authentic dishes native to Puebla and select localized dishes to suit every taste. Lunch & dinner.
An eatery where the food’s good, the atmosphere’s comfortable and jeans-worthy, and the service feels like family. Live music Fri.-Sat., and Karaoke Thurs. Lunch & dinner.
622 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.691.8111, mayflowerlunch.com
Cozy Bethlehem staple serving hot breakfast and good conversation for more than 50 years. Real food from mom’s kitchen. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
Melt $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9000, meltgrill.com
Offering a sumptuous menu of contemporary Italian fare in its breathtaking 350-seat restaurant, with spacious and customizable rooms for private events. Lunch, dinner & late night.
The Mint Gastropub $$
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.3810, bethlehemmint.com
An American Gastropub focused on reinventing the “Table” in Comfortable. Brunch, dinner & late night.
Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Ringers Roost $$
1801 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 610.437.4941, ringersroost1801.com
Family-friendly restaurant. Lots of parking. Friendly faces. Excellent food, from seafood to cheesesteaks. Great beer selection. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Roma Ristorante $$
925 Airport Center Dr., Allentown, 610.841.7662, romapa.com
Serving only the finest and freshest Italian dishes to the Lehigh Valley. Lunch & dinner.
A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille takes gives back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Dinner.
Sumo Japanese Restaurant $$
3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.1887, sumopa.com
Fresh, beautifully presented sushi and Japanese fusion dishes, served in a modern atmosphere. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Neapolitan pizza using local ingredients cooked in their Italian wood oven for guests to enjoy. Lunch & dinner.
The Tavern on Liberty $
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 484.221.8765, tavernonliberty.com
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of beer.” Check out other location in Reading called The Liberty Taproom. Open seven days a week. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Thai Avenue Restaurant $$
4791 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.9496, thaiavenuerestaurant.com
New-experience Thai food in Allentown. Lunch & dinner.
Top Cut Steakhouse $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com
Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.
Torre $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.9399, torrerestaurant.com
Classic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy Happy Hour gathered around the three-story tequila tower. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
From a party of four on the covered outdoor patio to a party of 400 in the newly renovated event center ballroom, blue delivers with prime steaks and seafood, a sprawling wine list and impeccable service. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
The Lehigh Valley’s premiere sports grille, offering signature homemade recipes. Two great locations. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Corked $$
515 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.9463, corkedwinebar.com
Up beat/high energy Vegas-style wine bar & steak house located in downtown Bethlehem. Offering 32 wines by the glass, 24 tap beers, 1 great menu. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Homestyle Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. On- and off-premises catering available. Lunch & dinner.
DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead seating available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Don Juan Mex Grill $ 5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem 518 March St. Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Edge Restaurant $$$
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.814.0100, edgerestaurant.net
An all-scratch kitchen “combined with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, you get edge.” Lunch, dinner & late night.
Maxim’s 22 bistro and brasserie is the latest from the awardwinning Sette Luna team. Known for comfortable french fare in a casual setting. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub $$$
534 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.861.7631, redstagpub.com
Experience the flavor of the Irish and British Isles! Over 200 scotch/whiskies, homemade breads and baked goods and from-scratch cooking! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Retro dining—all day brunch—classic comfort food kicked up with regional and ethnic specialties. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.
Molinari’s $$
322 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.9222, molinarimangia.com
Authentic Italian food—simple, fresh, flavorful. Indulge in freshly made pasta, pizza in the Neapolitan style, gelato and sorbetto made on premises, and Italian wines and craft beers. Dinner.
Prime Steak House $$
325 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem, 610.882.4070, primestkhouse.com
Serving Premium Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, chicken and pasta. Extended wine list Lunch & dinner.
Rustic Italian featuring wood oven pizza, homemade pasta, alfresco dining. The enoteca boasts the Valley’s most extensive wine and beer list. Private wine cellar and live jazz every weekend. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Social Still $$$
530 E. 3 rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.4585, socialstill.com
Full plate American-fusion restaurant, craft distillery, craft beers, local wine and tasting room. Dinner.
Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks Buffet & Grill. Featuring live action cooking and a fully-stocked bar, guests will enjoy a variety of fresh international culinary dishes at the all-you-can-eat buffet or choose their favorites from the a la carte menu, including artisan pizza, a pasta station, sushi, fresh-carved meats, and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Stefano’s Sicilian Grille $$
5364 Nor Bath Blvd. (Rte. 329), Northampton, 610.262.8760, stefanossiciliangrille.com
Italian restaurant with a Sicilian flair. Family-oriented with a casual attitude. Lunch & dinner.
Tap Room at Hotel Bethlehem $$ 437 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.625.2226, hotelbethlehem.com
Offers award-winning musical brunch every Sunday with a splendid buffet array and much more! Breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night.
Twisted Olive $$$
51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1200, twistedolivebethlehem.com
A casual, bistro-style restaurant with a world twist serving creative, casual cuisine, along with house-made infused cocktails. Lunch & dinner.
Historic country inn offering American cuisine for dinner. Victorian tearoom and lunch by day. Lunch & dinner.
Widow’s Tavern and Grille $$
200 Main St., Stockertown, 610.365.8890, widowstavern.com
Casual dining with an upscale feel. American cuisine with an Asian flair to please any palate. Beautiful, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Entertainment every Wed. starting at 7 p.m., and Sat. starting at 9 p.m. Lunch & dinner.
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THIS FESTIVE SEASON, NO MATTER THE REASON, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE.
THIS Roasted Poblano Ginger Margarita My Tequila House
By Kristen Rinaldi Photography by Shelbie Pletz Photography
The Roasted Poblano Ginger Margarita is a mouthful—in more ways than one! It’s a refreshing cocktail that packs quite the punch. When making the drink, My Tequila House uses Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano Liqueur and a ginger infusion made with their special Patrón Reposado Añejo, a custom barrel creation exclusive to the restaurant. They then add fresh roasted poblano and finish with a hibiscus salt rim.
Manager Miguel de la Torre recommends pairing this feisty cocktail with one of their signature entrées, such as the Mahi Mahi Citrus, Agave-Glazed Salmon, Steak Medallions al Tequila or Shrimp-Stuffed Chicken. Just interested in appetizers? He suggests the Yellowfin Tuna Taco or Shrimp Mezcal.
If this concoction isn’t for you, choose from the menu’s 22 margarita offerings, ranging from Desert Pear to Chipotle Pineapple. They also rotate a menu of craft margaritas, with options like Salted Espresso Mocha and Pumpkin Seed Orange Ginger. Of course, one can’t go wrong with a classic house margarita, served on the rocks or frozen.
