Lehigh Valley Style November 2020

FOOD & DRINK THE

ISSUE!

Sango Kura is serving up sake, sustainable sushi and savory Japanese cuisine, pg. 54 November 2020

Traveling this Holiday Season?

With Your Neighborhood Airport

Nonstop to:

Nonstop to:

• Chicago Midway (MDW) – seasonal • Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) • Punta Gorda (PGD) • Myrtle Beach (MYR) – seasonal • Nashville (BNA) • Orlando Sanford (SFB) • Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) • Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV) • St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE)

• Atlanta (ATL) • Detroit (DTW)

Nonstop to: • Chicago O'Hare (ORD) • Newark (EWR)

Nonstop to: • Charlotte (CLT) • Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

FLYABE.COM

HOLIDAY JOY IS BACK We’re following all the latest CDC recommendations so you can shop SMART and shop SAFE! KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH AMAZING DEALS

steel

Happy Holidays to All! Visit OutletsAtWindCreekBethlehem.com for all the latest updates.

Follow Us

New! Woodbridge Circle

This brick & cedar home is located on a cul-de-sac in a desirable Bethlehem neighborhood. With over 3,800 sq.ft, the home offers a stylish & flexible multi-level living space, including a sunroom and covered porch. 5 BRs, 3.5 baths. $609,900

New! Spondon

A stone patio graces the front of the house, leading to a large dining room w/deep windowsills, & two wood-burning fireplaces, an eat-in kitchen w/exposed wood beams, stainless appliances, & an open-air pantry. 5 BRs, 3.5 baths. $1,395,000

New Price! Merryweather

Resting on 3+ acres in Saucon Valley with a timeless interior of arched doorways, inlaid wood floors, quartz countertops, & a turned staircase. A custom finished lower-level features a home theatre, bar, & exercise room. 5 bedrooms. $1,295,000

Apple Valley Estates

The distinguished home boasts more than 7,000 sq.ft. of open living space on 3 finished levels, filled with natural light and views of the countryside. A finished walkout LL is complete w/fireplace & 2nd kitchen. 5 BRs, 6.5 baths. $949,000

New! Country Colonial

Classic design & a timeless floor plan are the hallmarks of this stone and vinyl colonial in Haycock Township. Set on 4 acres with over 3,700 sq.ft. of living space, the location is near essential commuter routes. 4 BRs, 3.5 baths. $699,000

New! Fox Run Haven

Escape to Fox Run Haven, an exceptional property with a rural feel yet minutes from the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border. A lush 1.16 acre parcel in a private cul-de-sac, 3-car garage, heated pool with hot tub, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $610,000

Executive Building Lots

Meadows & forest embraced by rolling green hills, within minutes of the Saucon Valley Country Club & the vibrant Allentown & Bethlehem downtowns. Lots are designed to accommodate homes over 4,500 sq.ft., 2 to 6 acre lots starting at $300,000

The Riegel Homestead

Built in 1833, the classic stone farmhouse stands on a rural road amidst 10 acres. Period details were preserved, high ceilings, built-in shelving, deep-sill windows. Located minutes from I-78 and Historic Bethlehem. 4 bedrooms. $499,000

New! Riverbend Views

Original pumpkin pine floors, deep windowsills, exposed stone walls & modern amenities blended into the c.1720 stone home.

A finished walkout LL leads to colorful gardens & trees enveloping the patio and deck. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. $549,000

New Price! River Ridge Farm

Transformed & embellished, this c.1823 stone home is a private oasis on 98+ overlooking the Delaware River. Wide plank floors, exposed stone walls, & abundant windows. Bank barn, indoor/ outdoor arenas, & stables. 4 BRs, 2.5 baths. $2,985,000

Winding Road Lots

A superb Bucks County location w/an easy commute to New Jersey. No restrictions apply on these generous 8 parcels, sold together as 36+ acres. Limitless possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast, & beautiful site for a country home. $499,000

Mountainside Views

Contemporary residence on 2+ acres in the hills of Blue Mountain. An open floor plan offers 3 levels of living space & abundant natural light. Maple hardwoods, marble fireplace, finished LL w/racquet ball court. 5 BRs, 6+ baths. $765,000

CONTENTS

PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN

November 12 STYLE SCENE

Events | Benefits | Galas | Parties

15 TRENDING NOW

News, Notes & Quotes

20 GET THE GOODS

Belle Âme Eco-Boutique

23 ASK THE EXPERT Family Holidays: Toxicity Toolkit

27 INSIGHT

Russell Fletcher

36 THE 2020 RESTAURANT AWARDS 30 Local Favorites

50 5 THINGS

Cinnamon Rolls and Sticky Buns

52 BEYOND THE MENU Spiced Sangria, Chef Rafael Palomino

54 INSIDE DISH

COVER PHOTO

Sango Kura’s Tonkotsu Ramen, photographed by Alison Conklin.

4

Sango Kura

59 DINING GUIDE

Where to Go to Please Your Palate

Read why readers voted VegOut their favorite vegan/ vegetarian restaurant! pg. 44

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

64 DRINK THIS

Pudding Milkshake

HEALING BEGINS HERE.

I strive to treat the whole person, not just the cancer.”

– Tricia Kelly, MD Surgical Oncologist

At St. Luke’s, we know that being cancer-free is your number one priority – it’s ours too. It’s why we work tirelessly, relentlessly, for clinical breakthroughs, advanced treatments and the most accurate diagnoses.

Hope begins here... because healing begins here.

Learn more at sluhn.org/cancer

EDITOR’S LETTER

3 THINGS

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

BTS shooting True Blue Mediterranean Cafe with Alison Conklin

36

Supporting as many of our award-winning restaurants as I can, all month long!

64

Indulging at Khanisa’s—yum.

52

Making sangria for Thanksgiving guests.

The Food & Drink Issue!

As I sit down to write this letter, my stomach is grumbling. I’ve just finished editing the text for our Restaurant Awards, and I’m reminded of all the wonderful cuisine our Lehigh Valley has to offer. From first-time winners, like Coal, VegOut and Notch, to those that take home this accolade year after year, like Apollo, Savory Grille and Bolete, we’re so excited to celebrate these readervoted favorites. Turn to pg. 36 for the full list of results, but be warned: you may need to change your dinner plans afterwards.

This edition is loaded with must-try food and drinks to add to your list, whether it’s Khanisa’s pudding milkshakes on pg. 64, five local cinnamon rolls on pg. 50, a review of Sango Kura—the only sake brewery in the state—on pg. 54 or Tapas’ fall sangria recipe on pg. 52 (yes, they’re really sharing it!).

We’re also excited to feature Russell Fletcher, founder of Pennsylvania’s first Black-owned distillery. His brand First Life Forever operates out of Allentown, where he’s busy creating Mishka vodka for local liquor stores and restaurants. Discover his story on pg. 27.

Cheers,

KRISTEN L. RINALDI krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com lvstylekristen

6

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

SPACIOUS, MOVE-IN READY COLONIAL, LOWER SAUCON TWP

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME OR SUBDIVIDE, LOWER SAUCON TWP

WARM & INVITING COUNTRY ESTATE, WASHINGTON TWP

Perched confidently on a well-maintained corner lot in the heart of Saucon Valley, stylish and tasteful is the vibe. Over 4500 sq. ft. of living space, updated kitchen and beautiful deck that’s great for entertaining.

4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. $569,000

This beautiful 19+ acre lot has undergone preliminary engineering for a 3- or 4-lot subdivision or create an enviable estate home or gentlemen’s farm with plenty of land for grazing. Just minutes from major commuter routes. 19.33 acres. $439,000

Magnificent Shady Nook Farm offers 118 private acres + convenient to major hwys.

Pool, in-home theater, private guest house + barn, perfect for horses. 5 bedrooms, 5 full/ 2 half baths. $2,295,000

BREATHTAKING PRIVATE ESTATE, LOWER SAUCON TWP

SPECTACULAR RIVER VIEW ESTATE, LEHIGH VALLEY

SENSATIONAL GOLF CLUB LOCATION, UPPER SAUCON TWP

Springwood’s resort-like environment provides the ultimate relaxation or entertainment haven. Top of the line amenities, pool, spa, 2 waterfalls & 5-hole putting green. 4.6 acres, 4 bedrooms, 5 full/1 half bath. $1,980,000

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired, 5300 sqft gem on 135 acres w/pool, tennis court, barns, 2800 sq. ft. garage w/office & bath. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, perfect part or full-time retreat.

75mi from NYC w/unbelievable river views and low taxes. Subdividable. $2,500,000

Luxurious nearly brand-new home on lush grounds, in a unique European-style setting across from Saucon Valley Country Club & Saucon Rail Trail. Condominium ownership, 4 bedrooms, 3 full/1 half bath, 2 offices. $1,195,000

Luxury Sales Specialists 484.280.6212 m • 610.282.4444 o Rebecca.Francis@foxroach.com www.RebeccaFrancisLuxuryHomes.com

RIGHT TO LEFT: Rebecca L. Francis, MBA; Shanna Sigmans; Debra Protchko, MBA

©BHH Affiliates, LLC. And independently operated subsidiary of HomeSerivces of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER ALLENTOWN

BENNETT INFINITI OF ALLENTOWN

BENNETT TOYOTA

2121 Lehigh Street Allentown, PA 18103 Sales: (610) 398-9100 InnnitiOfAllentown.com

1951 Lehigh Street Allentown, PA 18103 Sales: (610) 437-6711 BennettToyotaPa.com

BENNETT MASERATI OF ALLENTOWN

BENNETT TOYOTA OF LEBANON

BENNETT INFINITI OF WILKES-BARRE

4850 W. Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18104 Sales: 610-295-1800 MaseratiOfAllentown.com

1509 Quentin Road Lebanon, PA 17042 Sales: (717) 202-8888 BennettToyotaOfLebanon.com

1060 Highway 315 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Sales: (570) 822-9900 InnnitiOfWilkesBarre.com

5254 Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18104 Sales: (610) 841-5700 JaguarAllentown.com

STAFF SPEAKS VOLUME 21, ISSUE 11

President/CEO Paul Prass

This is my birthday month so I’m planning to celebrate with an amazing dinner at Bolete!

Vice President/COO Lisa Prass Publisher Pamela Deller Editor Kristen Rinaldi

I can’t wait to take my “Southern Gentleman” to The Bayou for a little taste of home! Especially since my husband and I couldn’t make it down south to his hometown this year!

I am excited to try one of Khanisa’s pudding milkshakes because their classic and peach cobbler puddings are out of this world! I can only imagine how delightful the milkshake will be. You have to treat yourself!

If I could eat or drink anything featured in this edition, it would be…

Art Director Elaine Wyborski

Cake & Corolla’s cinnamon rolls are massive and do not disappoint!

Director of Creative Services Erica Montes Graphic Designer Thomas Körp Advertising Executives Kellie Bartholomew, Denise Lichty, Ronell Martz, Pam Taylor Marketing & Events Manager Kelli Hertzog Web Design Specialist Taylor Van Kooten

I am quite eager to get back to indoor seating at most restaurants; in particular, The Savory Grille and Limeport Inn. Also looking forward to going back to Tre Scalini for their wonderful Italian cuisine.

Contributing Writers Christina Bubba, Alison Conklin, Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis Contributing Photographers Marco Calderon, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino Editorial Intern Christopher Hippensteel Proofreader Lori McLaughlin Accounting Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano Circulation Manager Andrea Karges

10

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

©2020 3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045 Phone: 610.923.0384 Fax: 610.923.0390

Union and Finch is THE spot for drinks and food. It’s got a Brooklyn vibe and their brunch is the best in town. Love this place.

In partnership with:

WORKING ON THIS ISSUE

CARRIE HAVRANEK Contributing Writer The year has been extraordinary for everyone but acutely so for restaurants.

In my 10 years of writing for this magazine (!!!), I never had a piece come together so fast and so easily as this year’s Restaurant Awards. Everyone was forthcoming with their thoughts about winning—and exceedingly grateful.

This is the place for you. Imagine exceptional bath, kitchen and lighting products from trusted brands, in settings that help you envision them in your own home. Classic styles alongside the newest trends. A friendly staff offers guidance to ensure that your project goes smoothly.

ALLENTOWN, PA 1665 East Race Street • 484-488-3677 • frankwebb.com

WORRY-FREE IS THE WAY TO BE!

FRIENDLY SALES. RELIABLE SERVICE. GUARANTEED.

ANDREW TOMASINO Contributing Photographer I had the best time with Russell during our shoot at Three OAK Steakhouse in Easton.

Russell has great charisma on set, and we became fast friends and collaborators. It was fun to have a conversational flow while creating these images; they’re some of my favorite pictures I’ve made this year.

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

11

STYLE SCENE 2

1

3

4

8

5

5

WOMEN OF STRENGTH MONTH THE PERFECT FIT FOR WORKING WOMEN DONATION DAYS Located at Audi Allentown

As part of Women of Strength Month, Lehigh Valley Style hosted donation days at Audi Allentown every week of August. Locals were encouraged to donate business attire, accessories, jewelry, shoes and beauty products for The Perfect Fit for Working Women. Attendees were gifted rosé from Audi Allentown, wellness gift bags from Empower Nutrition & Wellness, swag from Gardner Law Office, Perfect Fit Pink nail polish from Taylor Made Polish and beauty samples from European Wax Center. The month-long donation days filled 10 vehicles with donated items for The Perfect Fit for Working Women.

12

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

1 | Donations filled the vehicles each week 2 | Perfect Fit Pink nail polish gifted from Taylor Made Polish 3 | Complimentary rosé gifted from Audi Allentown 4 | Ava Del Rio and Christy Del Rio of Audi Allentown 5 | Andrea Barnes, MSCN, RD, LDN, FAND and Alexa Leomporra, MS, RD, LDN, of Empower Nutrition & Wellness

refined

& relaxed

A FRESH VIEW OF FORMAL COUNTRY LIVING

COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICE ALLENTOWN 5064 HAMILTON BOULEVARD 610.395.4944 ©2020 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

YOUR CONNECTION FOR TODAY’S WORLD. RCN offers the ultimate Internet speed for today’s home and lifestyle.

Plus customize your TV experience with exclusive new devices and options.

800.RING.RCN | rcn.com RCN HAS A PROVEN RECORD OF EXCELLENCE. 2527E_PrintAds.indd 1

13

9/30/20 11:58 AM LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

Your Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants 610.865.8077 stlukesoms.com

ALLENTOWN • BETHLEHEM • EASTON • STROUDSBURG

Find your way to your greatest adventure.

She’s the Lewis to your Clark. He’s the Norgay to your Hillary.

Together, you’ve set out to see the world and find your place in it.

Your future together is stretched out towards a bright horizon, and we can help you chart a steady financial course.

After all, a lifetime of adventures should eventually lead to a comfortable retirement, and it’s never too early to start planning for whatever comes next. Contact Magellan today and discover how you can live the life you want without financial constraints.

1605 N. CEDAR CREST BLVD. SUITE 111, ALLENTOWN 610.437.5650 | MAGELLANLV.COM Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Magellan Financial, Inc. is a separate entity from WFAFN.

14

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

TRENDING NOW

*Please check each business’s website for information on current operating hours and procedures.

Photo by Zachary Hartzell Photography

Barbara Kavchok’s made-to-order dresses and custom wedding gowns start at $2,200.

New Space

BARBARA KAVCHOK COUTURE

After years of designing bridal gowns and accessories for stores across the county, Barbara Kavchok is expanding her brand by acquiring a new studio in Bethlehem.

“Our old work room was too small for our growing business and production levels, plus we wanted more natural light and a dedicated space to meet with brides so they weren’t changing in my office anymore,” says Kavchok.

The new space has a sitting area right inside the front door, a bridal suite off to the side and a large design and production facility.

701 W. Broad St. Suite 200, Bethlehem 610.866.5181 | barbarakavchok.com

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN MERSIN ON MAIN

TAKING FLIGHT THREEBIRDS NEST

Erdinc Uzun has trained under head chefs all across the world, from his home country of Turkey to the United Kingdom and the United States. After years of work, Uzun is finally setting up his own place in Nazareth: Mersin on Main, a Turkish restaurant named after Uzun’s hometown of Mersin, Turkey.

“This venture is a lifelong dream for Erdinc,” says Eileen Simak, Uzun’s partner who will run the restaurant alongside him. “As we live in Nazareth ourselves, we are very involved in the community.”

The restaurant features Mediterranean-inspired dishes like eggplant tomato salad and falafel. Mersin on Main also offers fresh baklava made on site.

The owners of ThreeBirds Coffee House in Easton are opening a new location in the Easton Public Market. They’re calling it ThreeBirds Nest.

“We’ve loved the market ever since we moved to Easton a few years ago,” says Jennifer Murray, co-owner. “It’s such a cool place with a lot of awesome, independent local shops. That kind of space is so important for the identity of towns like Easton, and we’re really excited to be a part of it.”

In addition to top-notch coffee, Nest will offer espresso, chai, matcha, lemonade and herbal teas as well as kombucha from Portch Tea in Emmaus. “We’re about doing simple, traditional things really well,” Murray says.

52 S. Main St., Nazareth mersinonmain.com

325 Northampton St., Easton threebirdscoffee.com/nest LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

15

VOICES OF THE VALLEY The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to reimagine how they do their jobs, but for Nancy Dischinat, the pandemic has forced her to reimagine how everybody works. As executive director of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Dischinat is responsible for the entire region’s workforce—at a time when “work” looks much different than it used to.

“Our challenge is to reimagine workforce services to people who must work remotely and virtually, to provide business and industry with the on-site workforce they need to be able to produce their products while following CDC guidelines,” Dischinat says.

Dischinat, who came to the Lehigh Valley from Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, has devoted the better part of her life to building the Lehigh Valley’s economy. With the Workforce Board, an extension of the U.S. Public Workforce System, she and her team work to identify the Valley’s workforce development needs, and then work with local businesses to fill those needs.

“As one of their many functions, boards facilitate partnerships between local businesses with similar training needs,” Dischinat says. “I never lose sight that our main customer is business and industry.”

As part of the job, she has also met five U.S. Presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Despite the pandemic’s financial fallout, Dischinat believes the Lehigh Valley will be able to bounce back stronger than ever. Even in a time of unprecedented economic turmoil, the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley remains open for business, she says. “We are in a period of not only pandemic and unease, but also in a period of reimagining and reinventing. After all, the Lehigh Valley is resilient; we are resilient.”

Nancy Dischinat

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WORKFORCE BOARD LEHIGH VALLEY

Watch the Unscripted with Russo podcast video with Nancy Dischinat at lehighvalleystyle.com.

2 DAY EVENT!

ANNUAL FALL SALE FRI, NOVEMBER 20 10AM–5PM • SAT, NOVEMBER 21 9AM–2PM

40% OFF ALL IN-STOCK FRAMES & SUNGLASSES INSURANCE RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

Space in the store will be limited as we adhere to safe social distancing and ensure a personal and special shopping experience.

DR. SUZANNE EVANO HAUCK & ASSOCIATES

524 19 St., Allentown | 610.351.4848 | blinkon19th.com th

16

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

NEW IN TOWN

Zimbabwean Cuisine

BRAAI HUT

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Sibu Mafundikwa’s mother taught her how to cook. Those early family dinners gave rise to a passion that would take Mafundikwa across the world—from Stockholm to New York City—and eventually lead her to open her own Zimbabwean restaurant in Bethlehem.

“My career started as a housekeeper, and I worked my way up,” says Mafundikwa, owner and chef at Braai Hut. After spending a few years working in hotels and restaurants across the Lehigh Valley, Mafundikwa decided to launch Braai Hut because she saw a gap in the local restaurant market for ethnic foods. She wanted to introduce the flavor of her home kitchen to the local culinary scene.

The new restaurant, Braai Hut, which translates to “barbecue kitchen,” specializes in handmade Zimbabwean cuisine, including flame-grilled peri peri chicken, roasted corn, couscous and chakalaka beans. But Mafundikwa plans to introduce even more menu offerings as the business expands. “I wanted to bring the home-cooked flavor into the restaurant business,” she says. “The flavor is mainly what I was going for.”

216 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.849.2263 | braaihutpa.com

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

17

ONLINE THIS MONTH

LVS Online Head to lehighvalleystyle.com to take advantage of exclusive content designed to keep you connected with Style, the Lehigh Valley community and each other. lehighvalleystyle.com

Win It

IS THERE A CATEGORY

you’d like to see in next year’s Restaurant Awards? Email editor@lehighvalleystyle.com to suggest it!

DID YOU KNOW? Enter to win a $100 gift certificate to be used on all regularly priced items at AM Luxe.

Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us to enter!

CO N N E C T W I T H S T Y L E :

18

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

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

OVER IN ITALY A GRANDMOTHER IS MISSING HER RECIPES.

What happened? They came to America and landed on our menu. Page after page of ancient dishes from all over Italy. Each prepared in the same timeless way. We freshened them up with a few tasty updates to create cuisine that’s both traditional and modern. And can only be enjoyed in one unique place. meltgrill.com 610-798-9000

A PAXOS RESTAURANT

GET THE GOODS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Kelly Berkey always thought she’d end up in France, but she fell in love with Easton along the way! Shop her eco-boutique Belle Âme for sustainable and locally made clothing, jewelry, accessories and more. .

KELLY BERKEY

Owner Tell us about the vibe inside Belle Âme Eco-Boutique.

The design of the boutique was inspired by my travels to southwest France. The boutique has a warm worn-in feeling— romantic and comfortable with just enough opulence to make you feel spoiled. Over 90 percent of the materials used are upcycled from around the Lehigh Valley and, of course, I had many specialty items shipped in from France, including a sink and all the faucets! There was a funky pole in the middle of the space that my contractor wrapped an actual tree around and turned it into the most incredible light fixture that also displays product.

Belle Âme is worth the trip just to see the space!

The “ jeweler’s cove” in the middle of the boutique allows customers to see Berkey's creation process.

20

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

Where does the name Belle Âme come from?

Belle is my granddaughter’s middle name. Âme means “soul” in French, so I combined the two to create Belle Âme Eco-Boutique.

[My granddaughter] is only three years old and already has her own quirky fashion style! I can’t wait for her to play dress-up here and travel with her Nana to France to help buy clothing and essentials for the boutique.

customers in creating custom pieces to add that extra level of individuality to their jewelry. I work in sterling silver, gold and rose-gold-filled materials. I have my “jeweler’s cove” where I create jewelry right in the middle of the boutique so everyone can peek in to see my tools and process.

Jewelry is one of the oldest types of archaeological artifacts used to adorn the body!

Tell us about your passion for sustainability and the decision to open an eco-boutique.

Back in 2009 was when I first remember learning about the fashion industry being the number two polluter of the world and the human trafficking of women that is so prevalent in the making of clothing and materials. I was shook to the core over what our need for consumption meant to the planet and its people. Shopping secondhand was the only way to help the environment at the time, but I’ve witnessed women rise up and create brands that do things differently over the course of the past 10 years. I’m proud to say the brands I carry are women-owned and have the least impact on the environment through the use of sustainable materials, eco-dyes and small-batch creation. This greatly reduces landfill. These women owners also ensure that all workers get paid living wages.

On top of that, most of them give back to their communities in ways that are close to their hearts, so they are socially good as well!

Tell us more about the eco-friendly products available.

Where to start? Sustainable clothing is so yummy; everything is incredibly soft and comfortable

and makes you feel like a goddess.

[We carry] yoga wear that’s not only sustainable, but healthy for your skin. There are gorgeous market bags and purses from Morocco, Bali and Madagascar, boho floral and sage bundles, the most gorgeous locally made macramé and also handcrafted bespoke jewelry and environmentally conscious home goods. All focus on intentional living, treasured self-care, good vibes and effortless elegance.

What is one item that is constantly flying off the shelves?

Jumpsuits! I sell them as fast as I bring them in, and dresses with pockets. It’s almost a thing, or maybe it is a thing, but once I point out a dress has pockets, it’s gone!

Tell us about your own jewelry-making process!

I’ve been making hand-stamped personalized jewelry since 2009.

I use old-world methods of hand stamping each letter and design into sheets of metal, which I then cut, file, sand, shape and tumble.

I’ve sold over 50,000 items all around the world and love that each piece is completely unique, just like the person wearing it! I can also collaborate with

What’s an item that readers may be surprised to learn that you carry?

Probably the trotteuse (secondhand) clothing I buy in France.

My trip in March of this year was cancelled due to flight restrictions, and the dozen or so items I had from my trip in 2019 sold in 15 minutes! Once travel restrictions are lifted, I’m on my way again to stock up the boutique with my treasured finds. I teach my women’s art retreats there so I’ll be going a few times a year to bring back not only trotteuse clothing, but also new items and essentials as well. Everyone needs a little French influence in their lives!

Talk a little about the workshops/retreats you hope to host in 2021.

Eat.Paint.Love. art retreats’ future home base will be in southwest France! Outer Banks, North Carolina, will also stay a yearly retreat spot as well as small workshops right here in the boutique.

What do you love about being located in Easton?

I had this vision I’d end up in France but on my way to making that happen, I stumbled on this

little gem of a city and it stole my heart. Easton has a bit of a French feel—it’s walkable, aesthetically beautiful, has excellent restaurants, easy accesses to organic and local-grown food, has amazing trails along the river and the people are incredibly welcoming and supportive. Having a shop in the downtown historic district is a dream; patrons become family and business owners rally around each other when a helping hand is needed. What’s not to love about Easton? Come see my “I love Easton” charm necklace I created to show my appreciation of this beautiful city!

Is there anything you’re excited about offering this holiday season?

Hugs! I opened my doors on November 30 of 2019 with only the front part of my boutique finished. After being closed down in March because of COVID, I spent about a week on the couch crying. Then I realized that I was going to lose everything if I didn’t commit to finishing what I started, so I pushed through. And I’ve had an overwhelming response to the feel-good vibes of the space and products. People really appreciate the love that is poured into our handmade, eco-friendly goods. It has been very fulfilling to share thoughts with my customers about the impact we can all have on the world by being more conscientious. It has been incredibly soul satisfying, but what’s that all worth if we lose our ability to embrace one another?

34 N. 2nd St., Easton | 484.903.1211 belleameecoboutique.com

Where chocolate and candy are a special treat.

JoshEarlyCandies.com

22

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

BY DAISY WILLIS

ASK THE EXPERT

Everyone you know and love is going to be themselves, as usual, the good and the bad.

Family Holidays

TOXICITY TOOLKIT

DAVID P. BORSOS, PHD Licensed Psychologist Bethlehem Counseling Associates

This is the big leagues where holidays are concerned— traditions that invite us to decorate, host, cook, gift and gather more than the whole rest of the year put together. If some of the stress comes from dreading family friction, this advice from David P. Borsos, PhD, a licensed psychologist at Bethlehem Counseling Associates, will set

you up with tools to glide above the bad vibes and embrace what you enjoy about the holidays.

ADJUST EXPECTATIONS

So grandpa’s guaranteed to interrupt grandma and steal the spotlight with poorly designed puns. Annoying? Of course. “But don’t get caught by surprise if

some typical toxic anger breaks out,” Borsos advises. “You know that this happens and should expect it and be prepared for it.”

Frustration results when our expectations clash with reality, so don’t go in hoping dad will have magically become a good listener. Everyone you know and love is going to be themselves, as usual, the good and the bad.

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

23

ASK THE EXPERT PLAN AHEAD

CARING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES Planning ahead can help you have the kind of care experience you want— both for yourself and for your loved ones.

CONTACT ME TO EXPLORE HOW LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE CHOICES COULD FIT INTO YOUR FINANCIAL PICTURE. Julie Knight, CFP® CLTC® CDFA® First Vice President / Wealth Management, Financial Advisor 610.674.6981 | julieknight@janney.com | JulieKnight-Janney.com

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 1390 Ridgeview Drive, Suite 101, Allentown, PA 18104 © JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC • MEMBER: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC

ELF- E VATE YOUR

holidays THEY’RE BACK! Inquire how BalloonWorks can bring your elf home in style this holiday season!

M A D E TO O R D E R BY

Themed Décor • Arches • Walls • Bouquets Centerpieces • Ceilings, Canopies & Columns Letters, Words & Numbers • Custom Sculptures Outdoor Lawn Décor FOR SOCIALLY-DISTANCED CELEBRATIONS Let “The Balloon Lady” create award-winning custom décor for your next personal or corporate occasion.

610.253.1441 • eventsbyballoonworks.com 24

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

With the knowledge of what to expect at a family gathering, create a game plan about what you’re willing to engage with and where you’ll draw the line. Be polite and respectful, but “Do what you want,” Borsos says, with irresistible simplicity. Don't try to argue with or adjust the expectations of others, those are for them to manage.

For example, if you want to skip dessert altogether because you’re avoiding sugar, you may plan to sympathize with the inevitable disappointment of family bakers, but politely and respectfully stand your ground.

Another method is to paraphrase what’s being said to shed light on a mindless habit.

Do you find yourself slipping back into the mentality of an aggrieved teen expected by your critical parents? Instead of a typical unhealthy reaction to the same old sniping, you might say, “Mom, is that why we came over today, so you could criticize me?”

She might not have noticed what she was doing, or that it was hurting your relationship.

She might learn something, but don’t be surprised if family members rankle at change and try to draw you back into comfortable patterns—they’re being frustrated by their own unmet expectations.

COMMUNICATE YOUR LIMITS

Lay down your limits ahead of time so that everyone’s expectations are a little more realistic. After expressions of warm enthusiasm, Borsos says, “You might add, ‘The kids and I are coming over, but if Dad gets drunk and starts pulling his stuff again, we’re leaving.’” Or, “I look forward to seeing everyone at the family dinner, and I’ll be leaving around 9 p.m.”

It will ease the impact of your new boundaries to make others aware that you’re taking a different approach this time. Be prepared to respectfully handle the blowback and not cave in to family pressure. Maybe it will dissipate by the day of the event!

THE PITFALL OF POLITICS

Strident diatribes on the political sphere are both a running joke and a bugbear of the holiday scene. However, within Borsos’ wisdom, the controversy over social issues is the same as a difference over sports teams,

It all started here!

competition over the most popular dessert or any other behavior you find abrasive. “Don’t try to stop people from arguing,” he says.

“Respect their right to participate, but feel free to say, ‘You’re getting too intense for me, I’m going for a walk.’”

And you can always tell Uncle Conspiracy Theorist that you want to talk about something else when you get tired of explaining why he’s wrong.

with a Mortgage Refinance at

While gracefully deflecting and avoiding people and topics that bother you, invest your attention in the things you enjoy about gathering.

For more information and to apply:

Call 610.797.7440 Ext. 612 or Visit PeopleFirstCU.org Low Refinance Rates!

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY

Part of keeping your cool when you’re navigating habitual negativity is not identifying yourself personally with the item or topic being criticized. When someone says your stuffing is too dry, or your candidate is a monster, it's not about you, and don't take it that way. It may be easier said than done, but it goes a long way in giving you the space to choose calmly how you want to steer your interactions and experience.

Envision a future in which you can tell your dad breezily as you carve that if he doesn’t like the turkey he can go to McDonald’s.

Let the Magic of the Season gently warm the heart and bring comfort & joy. fineSt reaL-Look ChriStMaS treeS & freShLy-Cut fraSier fir treeS fragrant greenS for the MantLe

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

While gracefully deflecting and avoiding people and topics that bother you, invest your attention in the things you enjoy about gathering. If you have to change the subject, bring up a fond memory or a positive topic, break out a lighthearted board game or seek out the family members who leave you feeling the warmest.

And if this is discouragingly difficult: “I may be tougher on this than most people,” Borsos says, “but if it’s not good for you, don’t go.” bethlehemcounselingassociates.com

heirLooM ornaMentS to CheriSh Sweet treatS to deLight the ChiLdren StoCkingS for aLL & CandLeS agLow PerfeCt PreSentS under the tree weLCoMing winter PorCh PLanterS gingerbread houSeS Lit froM within drive Just a short t to the hear ounty! of bucks c

visit our website for details noV 21 Say heLLo to our ViSiting reindeer! noV 24–deC 13 ViSit our barnyard aniMaLS

Delaware Valley’s Most IncreDIble chrIstMas shop & GIft boutIque 1057 N. EastoN Road, doylEstowN, Pa 18902 215.766.7800 | buckscouNtRygaRdENs.com

G

A

R

D

E

N

S

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

25

HOW DOES A FAMILY BUSINESS SCALE FOR GROWTH?

610.336.0514

They hire the Family Business Experts.

Take your family business to the next level with Compass Point.

Compass Point Consulting LLC

fambiz_matters

@compasspt

www.compasspt.com

www.compasspt.com/client-stories/erwinforrest

Get this Growth Story! - ROI 14X in 18 Months!

GROWING

Erwin Forrest President, Keith Hoeing & foreman, Alex Brochu Custom Home Builders

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW TOMASINO

INSIGHT

Russell Fletcher FOUNDER & CEO OF THIS LIFE FOREVER

Russell Fletcher has that whole turning-lemons-into-lemonade thing down pat. But for him, wine and vodka might be better stand-ins for the proverbial fruit and beverage, respectively.

And we’re not talking about a figurative transformation— he really did turn wine into vodka, as part of a reinvention plan that has made him the first Black distillery owner in Pennsylvania.

The name “This Life Forever” comes from the title of a Jay-Z song that Fletcher likes.

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

27

INSIGHT Initially, Fletcher’s career was firmly outside the realm of booze-making. The Brooklyn native spent the late 1990s and early 2000s running an online multimedia company and working in promotions with some big-name clients in the music and touring industry, like Jay-Z and Wu-Tang Clan. But he had an itch to try something different. He moved to Allentown with his wife, Tetyana, about 12 years ago. His mother had just purchased a building in Lansford, Carbon County, and Fletcher had plans to open a winery in one of the vacant storefronts on the ground floor. He says he was excited to dig into a new project in a new place.

“You could see the opportunity. I knew that this was where we needed to be,” he says.

Fletcher dedicated himself to learning the ancient craft of winemaking, with the benefit of all the assistance that modern-day technology affords. He pored over instructional videos on YouTube and read everything he could get his hands on about the process. He also consulted with others who were in the know. But Fletcher admits, there was a lot of trial and error in those early days. “It took so much patience to curate something that was palatable,” he says. “[There were] tons of bad batches. Refrigerator and refrigerator full of bad grape juice.”

Is your home ready for the

Holidays?

Call today and ask about our

ENHANCED DISINFECTION cleaning service!

610.866.8428

Serving Northampton County for Over 28 Years

28 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

...within a few years, his honey vodka was winning several gold and silver medals.

Eventually Fletcher did get it right, and then some: His wines won multiple amateur gold medals, leading to the creation of his This Life Forever brand—the name is taken from the title of a Jay-Z song that he likes. Unfortunately, his burgeoning skills were not enough to sustain the winery in Lansford. “It never really took off from a financial standpoint,” Fletcher explains. “Our margins were very thin. We kept getting squeezed, price-wise.” And initially he was, as he describes it, burning the candle at both ends—still working in promotions while trying to get his winery off the ground.

He feared he was falling behind in his efforts to cultivate both businesses. “In order to stay on top of things, you have to stay ahead of things,” Fletcher says.

A breaking point came in 2011 when he was trying to meet the demands of a client

Financing for Your Business If your future includes a building purchase, new construction, remodeling or refinancing, we’re here to help.

he was working with on the promotions side, while planning an event involving the winery at the same time. He had to make a decision.

“I said, ‘Alright, let’s kill the New York situation and see if I can make the Pennsylvania situation happen full-time.’” Within three months, Fletcher had closed down the office for his multimedia company on Staten Island.

But, with the writing on the wall for the winery in Lansford, it was time for a new venture for the vintner. “I thought, if I can get the proofing up, I can create a spirit,” Fletcher says. His wife’s family dabbled in vodka-making, so it seemed only natural to go in that direction.

Again, just like with his first foray into oenology, he surrounded himself with a plethora of information about apt technique. He also took road trips to see the process in person, including one excursion to North Carolina where he saw moonshine being made. He knew the end goal was opening a distillery in Allentown. “I just liked the vibe of it,” Fletcher says of the city. “There’s so much going on.

We wanted to be a part of that.”

In the meantime, the wheels were turning and he wanted to see how his product would measure up to other brands. He entered his vodka into the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015—perhaps a bit prematurely. “My wife kept telling me, ‘It’s not ready, it’s not ready,’” he recalls. But within a few years, his honey vodka was winning several gold and silver medals. Fletcher had picked the name Mishka for his vodka line, which also includes cranberry and plain varieties.

The word “mishka” translates to “little bear” in Russian, which is a nod to Fletcher’s wife, who is Ukrainian. Disney fans might also note that it sounds awfully similar to the first part of the password to the Mickey Mouse clubhouse (there are a couple of spelling variations floating around out there), which Fletcher watched on TV as a boy, and is now on his viewing

ESSA Bank & Trust can arrange the financing you need to help bring your vision to life. We can also assist with letters of credit or term loans to grow your business.

Choosing the right financial partner for your future is essential. Learn more at ESSABank.com/Business or give us a call today.

Barry Reifinger 610.849.4028

Robert Lepley 484.554.4026

W. Tyler McCann 610.849.4043

Visit us today: ESSABank.com/Business

Lehigh Valley Regional Office 190 Brodhead Road, Suite 200 • Bethlehem, PA 18017

TAKE YOUR MARKETING TO NEW HEIGHTS THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

idpcreative.com | 484.546.0402

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

29

INSIGHT

Holiday Gifts Wedding Favors Promotional Items Home Décor and more!

FAST TURNAROUND! ORDER AHEAD FOR PICK-UP or ENGR AVE WHILE YOU WAIT

2738 Eberhart Rd., Whitehall | 610.437.6991 | asyouwishengraving.com

Give the gift of Subscribe today at lehighvalleystyle.com

Get 12 issues for $12, AND give another 12 issues for only $1!

30 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

list again, as the father of a two-year-old son.

Fletcher says the brand’s whimsical touch helps it to stand out on store shelves. “Everything else was so serious,” he explains. “From being in entertainment, we know alcohol doesn’t create seriousness. We wanted it to be more about a relaxed mood. We didn’t want to come across as stiff as some of our competitors.” In short? Think premium vodka at an unpretentious price.

Fletcher officially opened his distillery on North Gilmore Street in Allentown in 2019, making him the first and only Black distillery owner in the state. He notes the importance of reaching the milestone in the minorityowned-business community, but says that achievement alone does not define him or his work. “That’s cool, but at the same time, that’s never been how I’ve gotten in the door and stayed in the door,” he says. “The bigger thing is the quality of the product. Our taste is always going to win a person over. Anyone can open a distillery, but building a brand, that identifies exactly what you’re about.”

It’s the careful crafting of the spirit that Fletcher says is one of the things he enjoys most about what he does. “I love when a flavor pattern works,” he explains. “The diversity of the spirit. It can handle anything that you throw at it.” It can also stand alone as a sipping vodka, Fletcher says. Mishka vodka can be purchased locally at state liquor stores or ordered off the menu at places like The House and Barn in Emmaus, Three OAK Steakhouse in Easton and Ringers Roost in Allentown. Fletcher says he’s planning on growing his line of spirits in the near future; whiskey is on deck in 2021, along with new flavors of his signature vodka. He’s also exploring the possibility of expanding the offerings at his distillery to include food, provided he can find the right partner to help make it happen. “I don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” he says. “I like to rely on the right person.”

But, like many other business owners, Fletcher can’t make any real moves until the fog of the coronavirus pandemic lifts. He shifted production to hand sanitizer in March and was able to make several large-scale donations to local hospitals and nonprofits. “I just wanted to make sure I was giving back to the people who are doing the work outside,” he says.

And reinvesting in his adopted hometown is also important to him. “We’ve deeply rooted ourselves in the Valley,” Fletcher says.

“At the end of the day, I know this is where we’re staying.” mishkapremiumvodka.com

Your health is your

TRUE WEALTH

Although we are six feet apart, we are still on the same page.

1134 Pennsylvania Avenue, Emmaus, PA 18049 Phone: 610.421.8664 EvansWealthStrategies.com Fax: 610.421.8666

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Evans Wealth Strategies is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 32,000 nominations, more than 4,000 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top 1,000 Women Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of 7 years of experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Research Summary (as of April 2019): 32,000 nominations were received based on thresholds (9,654 women) and 1,000 won. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience.

Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please visit https://www.forbes.com/top-women-advisors/#28abc5bd51f4 for more info.

PROFILES : FINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING & INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

“Your Goals, Your Way” For over 17 years, Financial Advisor Stephanie Miller, CRPC®, CRPS®, has provided long-term investors with financial services in the Lehigh Valley. Partnering with an experienced Branch Office Administrator, Candice Shoop, her branch team at Edward Jones in Allentown brings high-quality personalized service to meet all their clients’ wealth management needs. They help individuals and families plan for and live through life events such as retirement, marriage, divorce, births, inheritance, legacy planning, life insurance and long-term care needs. They also help businesses create and manage retirement plans and educate employees on a wide array of wealth management issues. They will also partner with other professionals on a client’s wealth management team.

Doing things the client’s way also means how everyone works together.

In person, online, virtually or by phone, the Edward Jones team in Allentown will accommodate clients in the way most appropriate to their needs, comfort and situation. In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s great for clients to have an experienced team focused on them and a firm with over 100 years’ experience committed to their needs.

Working together the way that best fits their clients: that’s Stephanie and Candice’s goal.

Edward Jones 3900 Hamilton Blvd. Suite 6 Allentown 610.437.2066 edwardjones.com/stephanie-miller

Financial Advisor Stephanie E. Miller, CRPC®, CRPS®, (right) and Branch Office Administrator Candice Shoop (left) bring high-quality personalized service to meet all their clients’ wealth management needs.

Plan for the Future with Proper “Wealth Care” Everyone knows the importance of health care, but there is another concept to consider: “wealth care.” Wealth care is making sure someone has the right savings, investments, retirement and financial planning to ensure a comfortable living both today and into the future. Fidelity Bank offers a full array of “wealth care” advice through its Wealth Management Division. There, the experienced team reviews a client’s overall financial situation, identifies their needs and goals and takes steps to maximize and preserve wealth.

“We believe in a team approach, assigning a relationship manager, investment advisor and fiduciary advisor to each client,” says Theresa M. Hinton, Esq., CTFA, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer.

While investment management is an integral part of wealth management, Fidelity’s services are much broader, encompassing individualized investment advice, tax and insurance planning, estate planning, retirement planning and education planning.

Everyone should have financial and estate plans, and those plans change over time.

Fidelity’s team helps clients build plans, and works to refine them as life dictates.

“Our full-service Wealth Management team has a low advisor-to-client ratio, which allows the team to provide clients with a high level of attention,” says Hinton. “With regularly scheduled client meetings, we are able to address changes to clients’ goals, needs or risk tolerance and review account performance.”

Fidelity Bank has eight offices throughout the Lehigh Valley. Learn more by visiting bankatfidelity.com, or calling 1.800.388.4380 to speak with a Fidelity Banker.

Fidelity Bank Offices throughout the Lehigh Valley 1.800.388.4380 bankatfidelity.com

32 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Valley National Financial Advisors (VNFA) began celebrating 35 years in business at the start of 2020. As it became clear that this year would be more significant, amid the global pandemic and social unrest for the country, Team VNFA prioritized three goals, starting in March 2020. 1) Maintaining the safety and health of VNFA’s team and clients. 2) Maintaining a client-first focus during remote service. 3) Emerging from this crisis stronger than before. With those goals in mind, VNFA has continued to proceed carefully while increasing accessibility and maintaining transparency to help clients feel protected and engaged during an unprecedented time.

The challenges of 2020 have ranged from financial to personal and everything in between. VNFA clients have the peace of mind that they can rely on their relationships with their service teams and financial advisor to safely navigate change and adjust planning to maintain a steady course toward their long-term financial goals. “It is often when people must work through turbulent and uncertain times that they realize the value of having a trusted advisor who understands them and is available to help,” says Matt Petrozelli, VNFA Chief Executive Officer.

“Our team of professionals didn’t hesitate to step up, make appropriate shifts to digital platforms and continue to support our clients without skipping a beat.”

VNFA offices have been closed since March 17, following government guidance. Six months later, the team quietly celebrated their official 35th anniversary on August 28 in a virtual meeting. “There will be plenty of time to tell our story and properly commemorate this milestone,” says Judianne Harris, VNFA Chief Marketing Officer. “What is most important now for all of us is the ongoing safety and security of our clients, our colleagues and our community. Some organizations are not as fortunate as VNFA to have such a secure legacy and stable outlook.”

Since 1985, Valley National Financial Advisors has been a one-stop financial services firm with a mission to help clients make the right financial choices in pursuit of their long-term goals and dreams. Founder and Chairman Thomas Riddle started the company as a solution for his clients to be able to have one trusted advisor to address almost all of their financial questions. Of the company today, he notes: “We have been a partner for several generations of clients as a local and independent firm, and we intend to continue that work for many more.”

Valley National Financial Advisors 1655 Valley Center Pkwy. Suite 100, Bethlehem 610.868.9000 420 Coventry Dr., Phillipsburg, NJ 908.454.1000 valleynationalgroup.com Securities offered through Valley National Investments, Inc. - an independent broker/dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Valley National Advisers, Inc is a Registered Investment Adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Valley National Financial Advisors is the marketing name for Valley National Group, Inc. and its affiliates.

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

33

PROFILES : FINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING & INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

35 Years Strong: Team VNFA’s 2020 Story

PROFILES : FINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING & INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Financing for a Business’s Future For companies looking for business financing, the ESSA Bank & Trust team of experienced business lenders is ready to listen.

They’ve learned firsthand that no two businesses are the same.

Taking time to understand a client’s short- and long-term goals and business strategies is where ESSA always begins.

For a company whose future includes purchasing a building, new construction, remodeling or refinancing, ESSA is there to arrange the necessary financing to help bring that vision to life. Or, maybe there’s a need for a letter of credit or a term loan for expansion to take the business to an entirely new level. No matter the borrowing need, ESSA is there to help.

ESSA’s team of expert commercial lenders is standing by and is ready to offer the insights and leadership that work best for clients and their companies. No hard sell, no ridiculous fees or high rates.

They’ve got the know-how and resources to get clients the money they need to grow.

More than ever before, choosing the right financial partner for a business in 2021 is essential. It’s the perfect time to talk to ESSA Bank & Trust. Reach out to ESSA today. Learn more at essabank.com/business.

ESSA Bank & Trust 190 Brodhead Rd. Suite 200 Bethlehem essabank.com/business

The ESSA Bank & Trust Senior Commercial Relationship Management Team, clockwise from above: Barry Reifinger Phone: 610.849.4028 breifing@essabank.com W. Tyler McCann Phone: 610.849.4043 tmccann@essabank.com Robert Lepley Phone: 484.554.4026 rlepley@essabank.com

“Do You Have a Retirement Plan?”

For many, retirement planning begins with a 401(k), so why not turn to a retirement plan advisor?

Whether someone is responsible for the operation of a company plan, or wants to develop a personal, long-term plan for retirement, it’s GFP Investment Services’ business to be their guide.

GFP’s President Scott Babashak is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant®, specializing in retirement plans and retirement planning.

The firm manages 401(k) plan investments for corporate clients, helping them navigate the retirement plan industry, and follow the fiduciary process the Department of Labor expects.

Sophisticated investment menu evaluation and ongoing monitoring, fee benchmarking, employee education and retirement planning are all part of the process. GFP’s experienced plan design partners help maximize plan benefits for owners and employees.

Many individual client relationships begin with retirement planning, including evaluating existing investment strategies, expected income and expenses, and developing a retirement illustration. Customized investment strategies are designed to fit the final plan.

It’s never too late to think about retirement, and when that happens, GFP is there to take the mystery away and explain how someone’s hard work and saving can help fund their dreams.

Contact GFP today, so they can help start the planning!

GFP Investment Services, Inc. 135 E. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.419.8680 gfpinvestmentservices.com This information was developed as a general guide to educate plan sponsors, but is not intended as authoritative guidance or tax or legal advice. Each plan has unique requirements, and you should consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation. In no way does advisor assure that, by using the information provided, plan sponsor will be in compliance with ERISA regulations. Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Other advisory services offered through GFP Investment Services, a separate entity.

34 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PROFILES : FINANCIAL, ACCOUNTING & INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

Left: Main Street Financial Partners’ new Coopersburg location (presently under construction; to be completed June 2021). Right: Elizabeth M. Snyder, president and founder.

One-Stop Shopping for Outstanding Brokerage Since 2009, Main Street Financial Partners, LLC, a diversified, successful financial services firm, has focused on providing superior service in planning and execution, always putting their clients’ interests ahead of their own. No matter where someone may live or work, or if they need comprehensive employee benefits, financial management services, or any type of insurance, Main Street is available to assist them with their expertise.

The firm’s mission is simple—help business owners, companies, individuals and their families thrive and achieve peace of mind. With so much unrest in the market, in places of employment and indeed in the world today, no one should have to navigate health care and retirement decisions alone. Main Street is there to help with difficult and confusing options, either when approaching Medicare eligibility or retirement milestones.

Main Street specializes in the fundamentals, whether that means protecting assets, considering retirement decisions, or most importantly the

ability to access the very best health care, long-term care and the financial stability necessary for a sense of well-being in these turbulent times.

Indeed, there are many ways to achieve peace of mind, and Main Street works with their clients to make sure that they and their loved ones are ready for the future. Their team members are experts in all health care options, with a special expertise in Medicare and long-term care. Main Street educates their clients on innovative ways to receive long-term care coverage within a permanent life insurance policy so that they do not waste premiums paid for such coverage if they never use it. Main Street also can show clients how to set up their retirement to provide tax-free income! Yes, tax-free. In addition, they have special retirement vehicles available to them where their clients can grow their retirement nest egg up to three times greater by advance funding their retirement using cash flow from a bank loan; all without credit checks. Sounds too good to be true? Main Street

can show clients this kind of retirement vehicle and many more. Their expertise and retirement knowledge will show clients how to receive more income at retirement without the sleepless nights due to market correction nightmares.

At Main Street, they are all about clients. Visit with them in their new location in Coopersburg or their southern location in Gilbertsville.

Main Street Financial Partners 230 E. Landis St., Coopersburg 1012 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertsville 1.800.862.1401 mainstreetfinancialpartners.com

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

35

Restaurant THE 2020

AWARDS 30 LOCAL FAVORITES

By Carrie Havranek and Christopher Hippensteel Photography by Alison Conklin

It’s been an interesting year, to say the least. It’s a year in which we’re feeling a little bit more love for our local restaurants and food purveyors. Read on to celebrate these reader-voted favorites.

36 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

1

2 TAPAS ON MAIN

1

FAVORITE SPANISH

THE

This Spanish restaurant in the heart of Downtown Bethlehem took home two Best Of awards this year (Best French Fries and Best Sangria), but that’s only the start of what Tapas has to offer. Their Spanish flatbreads, empanadas and paellas are also worth some attention—and are the perfect complement to any of Tapas’ signature drinks.

500 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com

4

STATE CAFE AND GRILL

FORKS MEDITERRANEAN DELI

FAVORITE BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

14–16 S. 5th St., Easton 610.829.0188 | thestatecafeandgrill.net

FAVORITE DELI

3

Forks Mediterranean is your favorite hometown deli with a Mediterranean flair. Ask for a pita wrap or specialty sandwich drenched in their signature olive oil, crafted from family-grown olives in Lebanon, unfiltered and cold-stone pressed the old-fashioned way. Their menu also includes regional classics like kibbi, falafel and shawarma, as well as delectable pastries like baklava and maamoul.

Photo by Marco Calderon

Breakfast is not hard to execute as far as restaurants go, but it’s also really easy to mess up and do it all wrong. There’s no way to leave The State Cafe hungry, which means they’re doing it all right, and have been for six years now. That consistency comes from having the same chef since the start. “Coreen Freeman and chef Bill Poplawski have both been here with me since the beginning.

I couldn’t have done it without them,” says owner Bill Sneeringer.

The State Cafe is also sourcing locally as much as possible, from the likes of Breakaway Farms, Salvaterra’s Gardens and Scholl Orchards, which ensures a high degree of quality and freshness— right down to the coffee from Homestead Coffee Roasters in Upper Black Eddy. There are so many omelets, and so many ways to customize your breakfast, whether it’s soy sausage, regular sausage or a range of veggies including hot peppers and caramelized onions. Those who love pancakes should save room to indulge in whatever the seasonal pancake offering happens to be. (Cinnamon Bun Pancakes?

Peach Cobbler Pancakes?!) You won’t be disappointed.

GIO ITALIAN GRILL

1530 Sullivan Trl., Easton 610.250.0711 forksmediterraneandeli.com

FAVORITE GOURMET PIZZA

At Gio, they take pizza seriously. Every pie is hand-tossed with flour imported from Italy and cooked to perfection at 600 degrees in an open flame. Their classic Margherita pizza comes topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Or try one of their specialty pizzas, like the Bianca Neve with ricotta and roasted garlic, or the Campania with goat cheese, pear and arugula.

No matter which pie you pick, we promise you’ll be fighting your friends for the last slice.

6465 Village Ln., Macungie | 610.966.9446 | gioitaliangrill.com LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

37

Photo by Colin Coleman

5

SETTE LUNA EASTON FAVORITE

6 ZEST BAR + GRILLE FAVORITE ATMOSPHERE

This is Italian food done right. Their menu offerings include authentic Neapolitan pizzas, a wide selection of pastas and entrées like wood-oven-roasted Norwegian salmon and chargrilled jumbo shrimp served over vegetable risotto. Pair that with a massive beer and wine list, and Sette Luna is your Easton dinner destination.

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s truly an experience, go to Zest. Brought to you by the creators of Grille 3501 (also on this list), Zest boasts a terrace with skyline views of Bethlehem.

If you’re there for dinner, the menu has an expansive selection of appetizers, so there’s no reason not to take your time and savor the view. Or you can just grab drinks, kick back and watch the sun set over SteelStacks.

219 Ferry St., Easton 610.253.8888 | setteluna.com

306 S. New St., Bethlehem 610.419.4320 | zestbethlehem.com

7

APOLLO GRILL BETHLEHEM FAVORITE

Apollo Grill has secured a number of Lehigh Valley Style awards over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. This Bethlehem staple offers some of the best appetizers and small plates the area has to offer—ahi tuna tartare, Asian beef short rib lettuce wraps and mouthwatering garlic bread with Gorgonzola sauce. Assuming you make it to the main course, don’t miss out on the B.L.A.T. (an upgraded BLT with avocado and herb aioli on sourdough bread) or the short ribs with roasted corn grits and guajillo chile barbecue sauce.

8

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

UNION AND FINCH ALLENTOWN FAVORITE

Even in Allentown’s highly competitive restaurant scene, Union and Finch rises above the rest. Their expansive menu includes your standard American fare, as well as Mediterranean, Indian and New Orleans-inspired dishes. Start off with their Truffle Finch Fries (seasoned with salt, pepper and truffle oil) and then for the main course go for their crab po’ boy with Old Bay aioli.

Union and Finch also offers an outstanding brunch menu, so don’t forget to come back in the morning.

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

38 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

9

Limeport Inn SMALL-TOWN FAVORITE

Most of the regulars live within a five-mile radius of this rural restaurant, making Limeport Inn the definition of the small-town favorite.

Head chef Emily Fischer, whose parents Mark and Angel Jamison own the restaurant, says the support has been incredible. They do their best to accommodate special requests especially during this challenging time and to bring a sense of “normality and home” to the experience. “One of our regular couples had an anniversary and I cooked them a

special ‘off menu tasting’ to take home. Little touches like that make us special,” she says. But you don’t have to go off menu to get something delicious, especially if you like to dine with an eye toward ingredients you don’t typically prepare at home, such as burrata and beets, fried brie en croute or, say, an entire rack of za’atar-crusted New Zealand lamb. The pasture-raised burgers and steaks are standouts.

1505 Limeport Pke., Limeport | 610.967.1810 | limeportinn.com

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

39

10

Notch Modern Kitchen and Bar FAVORITE NEW

Most restaurants don’t make it through their first year. Even when you know what you’re doing, which Jeff Virojanapa does, having owned White Orchids Thai Cuisine in Center Valley with his parents since 2007, it’s still a gamble. Add in a pandemic and you’re operating without precedent. Notch stayed open the entire time—within its legal constraints, of course.

“From the first day, we sat down as a core team and began expanding on ideas and tweaking from the ground up where we were when we first opened last August,” says Virojanapa. They paid attention to what customers were ordering throughout the curbside-only phases; items that became popular during curbside transitioned to the green phase menu, he says.

Notch takes Asian fusion to new levels, merging the concept of comfort food classics with Asian favorites: think Drunken Bolognese, brisket chow mein (a dish that migrated from its special chef’s table to curbside quite easily) and a bulgogi pulled pork “bbq” sandwich.

Staying afloat and then winning an award (shout-out to chef Tyler Baxter and his team in the kitchen) are small and big feats, but the pandemic has taken so many “normal” parts of hospitality out of the equation. “We were taking care of guests takeout container by takeout container, not being able to put a face to a name. We are so thankful that our guests appreciate what we’ve been trying to do.”

5036 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.841.4610 | notchmknb.com

14

11

DADDY’S PLACE FAVORITE MIDDLE EASTERN

COOPERSBURG DINER

This family-owned Lebanese restaurant has a menu packed with Middle Eastern staples, but the best comes before the main course. Start your meal off with hummus, baba ghannouj or labne dips, or appetizers like falafel, baked kibbee or fried meat pies.

FAVORITE DINER

There’s nothing quite like diner food, and nobody in the Valley does diner food better than “The Coop.” Burgers, wraps, sandwiches, melts, pancakes, omelettes—if you’re searching for comfort food, this is your place. They also have an entire sauté menu devoted to their signature sizzling dishes, including chicken cacciatore and shrimp and scallops marinara.

Don’t skip out on dessert, either.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try the Cooper Bun: vanilla ice cream sandwiched between a homemade cinnamon bun and topped with chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

Photo by Marco Calderon

650 Northampton St., Easton 610.438.4442 | daddysplaceeaston.com

12 ASIA ORIENTAL CUISINE FAVORITE ASIAN

Take takeout to the next level with Asia Oriental Cuisine. This restaurant offers authentic Chinese dishes inspired by cuisine from the Sichuan, Hunan and Canton provinces.

It also draws on the flavors of Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese cuisine to ensure there’s a dish for everyone.

Not convinced? Asia Oriental Cuisine has been ranked in the top 100 Asian restaurants in the United States.

1102 E. Susquehanna St., Allentown 610.798.7777 | asiaorientalcuisine.com

13

WHITE ORCHIDS THAI CUISINE

336 N. 3rd St., Coopersburg 610.282.1853 coopersburgdiner.com

FAVORITE THAI

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley hosts some of the best restaurants in the Lehigh Valley (a few more of them are on this list), and White Orchids Thai Cuisine is a must-try. They use top-shelf imported products for their dishes, and their curries are made with the highest quality coconut milk.

For authentic Thai flavor with a twist, go for their Bangkok Curry Noodles, HawaiianPad Thaior TropicalFriedRice.

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.7499 | whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

41

15 18

GRILLE 3501 FAVORITE MODERN AMERICAN

Grille 3501 is a regional icon and a recurring recipient of Lehigh Valley Style accolades. If you’re wondering why, the food speaks for itself.

On top of its excellent bar and wide selection of drinks, Grille 3501’s menu takes classic dishes and makes them unforgettable. Try their pan-seared scallops with crawfish risotto, or their pan-seared Chilean sea bass with pineapple rice.

3501 Broadway, Allentown | 610.706.0100 | grille3501.com

16

BOLETE

FAVORITE FINE DINING

This Salisbury Township restaurant’s fame extends far beyond the Valley, as the restaurant was even a semifinalist in the national James Beard awards. Bolete proudly makes all their dishes with farm-to-table ingredients. Their offerings include a Korean fried chicken sandwich with house kimchi and sriracha aioli, seared scallops with pork belly ravioli and braised Tuscan kale, and a sandwich called “The Best Sandwich Ever.” You’ll have to verify that for yourself.

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

SAVORY GRILLE FAVORITE LOCALLY SOURCED

If you’re looking for a taste of the unexpected, Savory Grille is your go-to.

With a menu that changes daily, the only constant at this Macungie restaurant is the quality, locallysourced ingredients.

Even though the dishes typically draw from French, African, Asian, Mediterranean and Southwestern cuisines, Savory Grille truly offers a taste of the Valley.

Find it operating out of the historic Seisholtzville Hotel.

2934 Seisholtzville Rd. Macungie | 610.845.2010 savorygrille.com

17

19 MIKE PICHETTO

3rd & Ferry Fish Market FAVORITE CHEF

TERRY’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT FAVORITE ITALIAN

There are so many little hidden gems tucked away on and just off 611, heading south away from Easton.

Terry’s is one of them. Established in 1951 by Bob and Terry Mugione, Terry’s is the epitome of the warm and welcoming Italian-American restaurant, best known for its thin-crust pizza that’s kind of inside out—the sauce on the top, mozzarella cheese on the bottom. People also adore the homemade ravioli and the fresh weekly seafood specials.

Since March 2010, Nancy and Tom Winters and their son T.C., who went through the culinary program at Northampton Community College over a decade ago, have been running Terry’s.

“We are very family oriented and we recognize that all of our staff, from head chef to sous chef to servers to dishwasher and busser, have played a big part in getting us to where we are today,” says Nancy. “[And] our customers, who not only voted us into this award, but who have stood by us from the beginning transition back on March 1, 2010 right through to today, including the difficulty of navigating COVID!” 200 S. Delaware Dr., Easton | 610.252.5330 | terrysrestaurant.com

42 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

20

3 & Ferry Fish Market rd

FAVORITE SEAFOOD

It might be the completely open kitchen that energizes anyone who comes into 3rd and Ferry, and makes everything about your meal prep totally transparent. It might be the super-fresh seafood (delivered six days a week), fantastic cocktails served at that long, copper-topped bar, excellent appetizers and unbelievable lobster roll.

Oh, there’s also the ceviche, too, a dish that offers no room to hide quality as the citrus juices basically “cook” the fish. It could also be his gregarious, warm nature—all of these are some reasons why Mike Pichetto has been voted the favorite chef this year.

This year isn’t really an average year, either. Pichetto capitalized on his ability to order necessities and pass on

those deliverables by making them available to customers— bread, milk, eggs, that kind of thing—during the pandemic.

The restaurant never really closed, but now they’re rocking curbside, outside and serving from about 75 percent of their menu—and the entire raw bar.

“It feels pretty awesome to win this award. I never really think of myself like that, and the chefs that have won in past years are pretty bad ass. It’s nice to know that people see all the hard work and dedication,” says Pichetto.

56 S. 3rd St., Easton | 610.829.1404 | thirdandferry.com

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

43

21

VegOut FAVORITE VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

If you follow the food truck scene around these parts, you may know the name Vegan Voyagers. Well, the food is now parked and available at a brick-and-mortar business on Church Street in Bethlehem.

Since December 2019, it’s been home to VegOut, run

by Mary Lopresti, and it offers all your favorite comfort foods—rendered vegan. Mac and cheese? Got that. Impossible and/or Beyond Burgers? Yep, that, too. Pierogis, Reuben-style? Also available. Oh, and if you want loaded pierogis, they top it with coconut bacon, cheese sauce, fried onions and parmesan—you can have those things, too. Everything at VegOut is plant based, including the decadent milkshakes—the flavor changes every week.

Can’t decide? Lopresti says the mac and cheese is a best seller. “We also have various toppings including our Big Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Mac and Cheese, Taco Mac and Cheese and a loaded version.”

1 E. Church St., Bethlehem | 610.419.0126 | vegoutbethlehem.com

44 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

23 THREE OAK STEAKHOUSE FAVORITE STEAK HOUSE

Come here for some of the best cuts the Lehigh Valley has to offer, from New York Strip to filet mignon. And all their beef is aged in-house, in a dry-aging room lined with Himalayan-salt bricks. The atmosphere at Three OAK Steakhouse is top notch, too, with every fixture, decoration and piece of furniture constructed on-site.

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

25 TRE SCALINI RISTORANTE FAVORITE BYOB

22 TRUE BLUE

MEDITERRANEAN CAFE FAVORITE MEDITERRANEAN

True Blue is a cozy coffee shop on Emmaus’s Chestnut Street, serving up specialty drinks like hot, cold and frozen lattes in an endless variety of flavors.

There’s Nutty Buddy, Snickers, Cherry Jubilee, Caramel Royale and so many others. But as the name (and win) suggests, True Blue is most celebrated for its Mediterranean fare. Try the Cauliflower Basmati—roasted and lightly fried cauliflower served over basmati rice—or their Lamb Kabobs—grilled lamb marinated in olive oil, lemon and garlic, served with grilled vegetables and seasoned basmati rice.

1301 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.966.8555 | yourtrueblue.com

24

AMAN’S ARTISAN INDIAN CUISINE

If you’re looking for the best pasta dishes in the region, head to Tre Scalini. Every dish at this Tuscaninspired restaurant is prepared with fresh ingredients and the highest level of attention.

Their pastas, which include bucatini with smoked bacon, plum tomatoes and pecorino along with pappardelle tossed in mushroom sauce and served goat cheese and truffle oil, are truly unforgettable.

Bring your own bottle to complement an already perfect experience.

221 E. Broad St. Bethlehem | 610.419.1619 trescalini.net

FAVORITE INDIAN

Aman’s is back in the Restaurant Awards for another year, and given their tradition of top-notch Indian cuisine, it’s not hard to see why.

Choose from expertly crafted curries, naan breads and tandoori dishes.

And don’t forget to order one Aman’s signature drinks, including mango lassi and masala chai.

336 Northampton St., Easton | 484.298.0400 | amanseaston.com

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

45

28 TORRE

26

FAVORITE MEXICAN

Torre is south-of-the-border done right. Their wide assortment of tacos, enchiladas and fajitas are some of the best in the area; their salsa and guacamole come with house-made corn chips. Don’t forget to order one of their specialty Mexican drinks, either, from spiked coffees to D’Aristi Xtabentún (a traditional Mayan drink made from flower nectar, honey and anise).

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

COAL

30 TAVERN AT THE SUN INN

LOUNGE AND GRILL FAVORITE GLOBAL CUISINE

FAVORITE INN/TAVERN

Coal is the Lehigh Valley’s premier Ghanaian restaurant, serving up authentic West African fusion cuisine. All of their ingredients come from local farmers’ markets or are imported from Ghana. Try their loaded yam fries (toppings include bacon, chicken, sour cream, onions, peanuts and cheese) or chicken khebabs fresh off the grill and drizzled with house marinade.

81 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 484.456.1192 | coalbethlehem.com

27

THE BAYOU FAVORITE SOUL FOOD

With unique takes on gumbo, jambalaya, fried chicken and po’ boys, The Bayou brings the taste of New Orleans to the Lehigh Valley. If you’re looking for a new take on a classic—or just a reason to get breakfast for dinner— try their chicken and waffles, topped with pickled fruit, spiked syrup and powdered sugar. The Bayou also won this year’s Best Of award for its stellar mac and cheese, so don’t forget to order a skillet-full the next time you go.

64 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.829.1700 702 Hawthorne Rd., Bethlehem 610.419.6669 | datbayoulv.com

46 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 : L E H I G H V A L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

29

TERRA CAFE FAVORITE CAFÉ

With its local art, relaxed boho vibe and smoothies for days, Terra Cafe feels less like the Lehigh Valley and perhaps more like some spot on the West Coast; it seems like you should be able to walk out the door and onto a beach rather than the streets of Downtown Easton. These days, cafés are even more important to a sense of community, and Terra has plenty of it.

Run by Marcel Bedoya and Manuel Fresneda, Terra offers overflowing sandwiches, smoothies (in bowl or cup form!), fair trade and organic coffee (from Homestead Coffee Roasters in Upper Black Eddy) and unique offerings such as Colombian empanadas, arepas and pandebonos (the latter is a baked cheese bread). Try the Jungle Sunshine smoothie to get a taste of why they won—orange juice or coconut water as the base, with banana, mango and pineapple.

321 Northampton St., Easton | 610.330.6900 | terracafeeaston.com

The Tavern at the Sun Inn offers a unique tavern dining experience in a historic location (the Inn’s museum could tell you more about that). Chef Billy Gruenewald has crafted a unique colonial-modern fusion menu featuring unforgettable dishes, including grilled confit wings with strawberry habanero sauce, a slow-roasted pork wrap with red cabbage slaw and a black bean burger topped with grainy mustard aioli and arugula on a brioche bun. In true tavern fashion, there’s also a wide rotating selection of draft and bottled beers.

564 Main St., Bethlehem 610.419.8600 suninnbethlehem.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPOTLIGHT: DRINK LOCAL

Farm to Bottle Eight Oaks Farm Distillery is a veteran-owned, familyrun, farm distillery located in the rolling farmlands of the Lehigh Valley. Their Farm Distillery & Kitchen in New Tripoli serves their award-winning spirits, including applejack, rye whiskey and bourbon, along with handcrafted cocktails and food. They can also be found in the following year-round farmers’ markets: Allentown, Broad Street and Reading Terminal Market.

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery 7189 Rte. 309, New Tripoli 484.387.5287 eightoaksdistillery.com

Grain to Glass

Sip the Suns Triple Sun Spirits is an artisanal, small-batch distillery located in the quaint town of Emmaus. With a passion for their craft, Triple Sun Spirits is committed to producing ultra-premium spirits that they are proud to serve. Open Thursday to Sunday, their tasting room offers carefully crafted cocktails in addition to flights of their award-winning rums, whiskeys, gins and vodka. Tours available by appointment.

Xplorer’s grain-to-glass process uses locally grown potatoes and high-quality grains that honor Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage. Their spirits are distilled 12 times to a high level of purity, ensuring a great experience in the glass. They are committed to creating the finest spirits the world can offer. Enjoy their Potato Vodka Gluten Free, American Gin, Rooibos Gin, Bourbon & 100-percent Rye Whiskies, Penna Dutch Apple Pie, Honey, Chocolate and Peach Bourbon Liqueurs!

Triple Sun Spirits Co. 518 Bank St., Emmaus 610.904.8082 triplesunspirits.com

Xplorer Spirits - Kilimanjaro Distillery LLC 995 Postal Rd., Allentown 484.661.2488 xplorerspirits.com

Create a Stir!

ROOT Crafted Cocktail Mixers are award-winning cocktail mixers for the bartender in everyone. ROOT makes refined effortless: mix two parts ROOT to one part spirits and enjoy an artisanal cocktail anywhere! ROOT offers six unique blends to satisfy any palate. ROOT makes the perfect hostess gift and is perfect for holiday entertaining. Created by two moms, a shaker and a dream in Bethlehem. Find ROOT at local Fine Wine & Good Spirits and gourmet shops.

ROOT Crafted Cocktail Mixers Bethlehem rootcrafted.com

It’s All About the Grapes Grab some friends and visit Tolino Vineyards to enjoy estate-grown wine. Sprawl across the spacious lawn while listening to tunes, enjoying the vineyard views and sipping on wine, sangria, slushies or craft beer.

Purchase some bottles to take home. Visit Tolino to taste what PA craft beverages are all about.

Tolino Vineyards 280 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Bangor 610.588.9463 tolinovineyards.com

Cozy Up with Locally Crafted Spirits Warm up and unwind with a spiked hot cocoa or fall hot toddy at County Seat Spirits’ tasting room in Easton’s Simon Silk Mill, serving the best craft cocktails in the Valley made from their small-batch spirits distilled in Allentown—plus flights, local beer and wine, and bottled spirits and cocktails to go!

County Seat Spirits LLC 669 N. 13 th St. Suite A104, Easton 610.438.2531 instagram.com/countyseatspirits_easton LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

47

Your Musical Home for the Holidays

WLEVRADIO.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STYLE MARKET

VISIT & SHOP WITH US

this holiday season.

Quaint Towns | Specialty Shops | Wineries & Breweries | and much more!

SLATEBELTRISING.ORG | SLATEBELTCHAMBER.ORG

shop online or safely in our bethlehem store donegalsquare.com | 610 866 3244 | 534 main st bethlehem pa 18018

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME WITH

PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

SPRUCE UP WITH OUR

Holiday Sale

THE FUTURE OF FUN & FITNESS HI-TECH FITNESS with THE MIRROR XRCYCLING with SPIVI + TECHFIT STEM-BASED VR LESSONS for KIDZ ACTIVE GAMING + PRIVATE PARTIES VR + MULTIPLAYER + FREE ROAM + LASER TAG ESCAPE ROOMS + CORPORATE RATES AVAILABLE

123 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.867.3494 martinsfurniturebethlehem.com

2550 BROADHEAD ROAD, SUITE 210, BETHLEHEM

484.821.0939 // XRSTUDIOZ.COM LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

49

5 THINGS

BY DA ISY W IL L IS | PHOTO COURT ESY OF V EG A N T RE AT S

Cinnamon Rolls & Sticky Buns Ooey-gooey swirls of tender dough warm with that familiar spice, cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort with just enough indulgent oomph to make any occasion especially sweet. Here are five cinnamony sources in the Lehigh Valley to boost your holiday brunch, easily impress your in-laws or just reward yourself for getting out of bed.

Indulge in this classic fall favorite!

1. VEGAN TREATS

1444 Linden St., Bethlehem | 610.861.7660 | vegantreats.com

When it comes to baked goods that are conscience of our fellow creatures, Vegan Treats delivers both a sumptuous sticky bun and a richly-iced cinnamon roll. The sticky bun is baked in a pan of caramelized pecans for a nutty finish, and the cinnamon rolls are drenched in a cream cheese icing. Come for one—leave with both!

50

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

2. CAKE & COROLLA 125 N. 3 St., Easton 484.272.9090 | cakeandcorolla.com rd

These massive cinnamon rolls easily feed two people, and sell out quickly on weekends.

Aside from their generous size, the rolls are a quintessential classic, with crunchy sugar wrapped inside and cream cheese topping melting into the landscape—that is, unless they’re playing with adventurous flavors like coconut, raspberry, brown sugar pineapple, applewood-smoked bacon and more.

Award-Winning Indian Dining

3. THE FLOUR SHOP

North Indian Cuisine.

2980 Linden St., Bethlehem 610.419.9645 | flourshopbaking.com

World Class Ambiance.

Exceptional Flavors.

The hand-rolled sticky buns at The Flour Shop are baked in individual muffin tins, soaking up a bath of butter and brown sugar.

These cinnamon swirls are made with the freshest, most local ingredients available, including butter from Way-Har Farms. Order online or find them at Easton, Lansdale and Emmaus farmers’ markets.

4. JUMBARS

1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem 610.866.1660 | jumbars.com

Famous for their fabulous breakfast, Bethlehem’s Jumbars offers a satisfying sticky bun made with brioche dough. The layers are loaded with cinnamon and studded throughout with raisins.

A glaze of honey, butter and brown sugar tops these golden buns, with the added crunch of chopped pecans.

5. WARM SUGAR BAKERY Available at various area farmers’ markets 610.838.6835 | warmsugar.com

For the decadent delight of “Cinnabon only better,” look no further than Northampton’s Warm Sugar Bakery. The heavier dough in these rolls is spread with a blended filling, fusing butter, sugar and cinnamon in every layer, then balanced by an especially light and fluffy cream cheese frosting. Seek out their sales locations or pre-order online.

TOP 10% OF RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE

336 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 484.298.0400 AmansEaston.com LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

51

BEYOND THE MENU

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Spiced Sangria

with Chef Rafael Palomino

The sangria at Tapas on Main is a repeat Best of the Lehigh Valley winner.

“Do it with passion or not at all” has always been chef Rafael Palomino’s motto, and looking over his impressive career, it’s easy to see that is exactly how he approaches life. His love of cooking began as a child who would tag along with his father to the Spanish markets in Queens, New York, and then together they would cook a meal for the family. His career as a chef took him all over the world and allowed him to meet and work under some incredible names in the industry. Some of his favorite memories were being able to meet the late James Beard while working at Jams in New York City as a sous chef.

He also quickly became one of the youngest head chefs at Metropolis Cafe (also in New York City).

His drive and passion have led him to publish five cookbooks and open eight restaurants—four of which are here in the Lehigh Valley and include Tapas on Main, Cachette Bistro & Creperie, and Mesa Modern Mexican.

These days, in his own kitchen, he sticks to simple healthy meals.

And he loves to pair his dishes with a seasonal sangria—an offering regulars at Tapas know and love.

This fall, he is sharing his recipe for spiced sangria with cinnamon.

500 Main St., Bethlehem 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com

Tag @lvstylemag and #livelvstyle when you make it at home!

52

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

INGREDIENTS .5 oz. cinnamon simple syrup .5 oz. apple pucker 1 oz. triple sec 1 oz. brandy 1 oz. white wine 2 star anise

INSTRUCTIONS Top with a splash of cranberry and club soda!

INSIDE DISH

BY CHRISTINA BUBBA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

SAKE, SUSTAINABLE SUSHI AND SAVORY JAPANESE CUISINE AT

Sango Kura

Sango Kura is the only sake brewery in the state.

Poke Bowl

Salmon, tuna, cucumber and avocado over rice in a citrus soy dressing Tucked away in the Delaware Water Gap, in between the Pocono Mountains and downtown Stroudsburg, lives the only sake brewery in all of Pennsylvania.

Sake, which in simplistic terms is fermented rice, is brewed on site by owner Jay Cooper and pairs nicely with the restaurant’s authentic Japanese dishes. More than just sake, Sango Kura has a

54

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

full food menu that is comprised of Cooper’s favorite meals from the two years he spent living in Japan.

“All these meals spark a memory from Japan,” Cooper says. “If you bite into a ramen and it brings you back to hanging out with your friends, four in the morning, in downtown Kyoto... eating ramen, then

that’s when I knew that I had hit the flavor profile.”

The inspiration for Sango Kura came in equal parts from the food and culture of Japan and from Cooper’s daughter Kura, which is Japanese for “coral.” However, it was not until Cooper moved back to the States that he learned how to cook Japanese cuisine and picked up sake brewing. From

making the dough for ramen noodles to rolling sushi, the owner gives most of his credit to the internet for these self-taught cooking skills.

“I didn’t learn how to cook [in Japan], but I definitely learned about the food, how to cook for myself and I definitely knew what I wanted to learn from there,” Cooper says with a laugh.

Through a combination of YouTube videos and trial and error, Cooper eventually landed on recipes that brought his taste buds back to Japan, which was his goal all along. From there, he was able to relay what he likes to call “the window of flavor profiles” to head chef Eric Ramos, so that he could spend more time expanding the sake brewing side of his establishment.

“I don’t completely consider myself a chef—more an ambassador of recipes,” Cooper says.

The menu items that are homemade, which include the kimchi and ramen noodles, are worth the trip alone. But, it is all too difficult to resist the urge to

indulge in their sushi that comes with eight sizable rolls and uses sustainably caught and farmed fish. Their small and thoughtout sushi menu consists of ahi tuna, Ora King salmon, anago eel, shrimp tempura, avocado and cucumber rolls, each with a side of soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. Although filling for sushi rolls, a side of pork or veggie gyoza, or dumplings, makes for a perfectly portioned lunch.

“All of the dishes are to complement the sake we make here,” Cooper explains. “So, my favorite dish is the Kasu Miso ramen because making the noodles is a very beautiful process and making the broth is a very beautiful process, and then making the sake is a whole other world and that’s where the two combine because we’re using the lees from the sake.”

Kasu, or lees, are what is left over from the rice after the sake brewing process. The lees are then added back into the Kasu Miso broth to make for an especially individualized ramen dish. There are four other types of broth for the ramen offered at the restaurant, ranging from the spicy Tan Tan to a soy-sauce-based

ERIC RAMOS

JAY COOPER

MELISSA HIRSCHHORN

Yaki Soba

Sautéed soba noodles and cabbage in yaki soba sauce, with pork, pickled ginger and Kewpie mayo

Shoyu. Slightly different than a ramen soup, the Udon soup is made out of the shoyu broth, but uses a thicker noodle, scallions, shrimp tempura and tofu curd.

However, if you are unfamiliar with ramen and the options seem overwhelming, one can never go wrong with the longtime customer favorite of Yaki Soba mixed with pork, chicken or tofu.

“Once people order that the first time, they usually get it again and again and again,” Cooper says. “’Cause you don’t fix what’s not broken and that’s a wonderful, filling dish.”

The combination of the crunch of cabbage for texture and the occasional taste of pickled ginger for flavor variance is satisfying in itself. But nothing beats the taste of the noodles sautéed with the addictive yaki soba sauce that leaves your mouth watering for more after each bite. Every detail matters in this dish, as the Kewpie mayo and scallions successfully tie everything together. Soba lovers are sure to enjoy the Salmon Soba, a dish where the soba noodles and cooked salmon sit in a savory cream sauce topped with salmon caviar and dried seaweed.

Do not be discouraged if you are more of a fried rice fanatic,

because there is something for you, too. The Yaki Meshi is enough to satisfy any rice craving and then some, quite literally.

Be prepared to go home with leftovers of the heaping plate of fried rice mixed with cabbage, shiitake mushrooms and wakame.

With a choice of pork, chicken or tofu, and topped with scallions, pickled ginger, spicy mayo and a fried egg, this dish does not disappoint. Try the Meshi Special when looking to add an extra spice, with all the same scrumptious ingredients.

As if all of these options don’t already make it difficult enough to land on a decisive order, the additional taco truck menu on Saturdays and Sundays is sure to make ordering that much harder.

Tsunami Taco’s menu consists of a chicken or pork taco box, with three soft-shell flour tortillas, refried beans and rice, a crispy quesadilla and a massive burrito.

Before he was a sake brewer or ramen cook, Cooper traveled around Portland, Oregon, with this very same food truck that he keeps on site for the additional weekend menu.

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

55

INSIDE DISH

Tonkotsu Ramen

Pork bone marrow broth with chashu pork, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, wakame, bamboo shoots, soft boiled egg, corn and pickled ginger “That taco truck is purely to show that sake pairs with every kind of food, unlike wine where the window is super small,” Cooper says.

With Sango Kura being the only sake brewery in the state, Cooper anticipates that not all customers have happened upon this type of alcohol before. Therefore, he welcomes sampling of the clear sake along with any and all questions that patrons may have. He explains that sake sips like a wine, and also has around the same alcohol content as wine, but is brewed more like a beer. The clear sake is Junmai Ginjo, which is the style of sake that Cooper brews on site. It is also the base sake that all of the other flavors are derived from.

On its own, Junmai Ginjo has subtle floral flavors and is the base for most of the sake mixed drinks, with the exception of the Citra Spritzer and the sake Bloody Mary.

Cooper currently makes four other sake flavors. Nama sake is unfiltered Junmai Ginjo and is only sold by the bottle. Citra dry hops are added to the Citra sake, making it taste almost like a beer, whereas cedar wood is added to the Taru sake to give it a more earthy flavor. The Nigori sake is cloudy from the rice sediment added back into it, which also happens to make it the sweetest sake offered at the brewery. They hope to see full tastings in the future, once COVID-19 restrictions cease and it is safe to do so. In addition to bottles of sake that are sold in quantities of 750 milliliters or 375 milliliters, four-ounce glasses and mixed drinks are also available.

Every cocktail on the menu is a homemade creation of manager Melissa Hirschhorn’s.

“Sake lends itself to lots of different flavors and pairings, so it’s pretty easy to use in any drink where you would use

56

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

a clear spirit,” Hirschhorn says.

“Really, it’s having a premium quality product that lends itself to so many different uses: behind the bar, in cooking and just even pairing a straight glass with many of our dishes.”

Beyond sake, there is an extensive drink list for virtually every customer who may wander in. All of their alcoholic beverages are local to Pennsylvania, as Cooper is ardent about giving

back to the community and local business. Their cocktails feature spirits from Silverback Distillery located in East Stroudsburg and their extensive beer list features brews as close as Shawnee Mountain to Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown. There is also a variety of nonalcoholic favorites such as the Japanese soda Ramune and Boylan sodas.

Food and drinks from all menus can be ordered, paid for and picked up at the front counter, making for a safe and comfortable dining environment. Sango Kura has always operated this way and will continue to do so, although counter service is becoming more normalized. The seat-yourself and get-up-at-your-own-convenience atmosphere is still intact, but face masks are required whenever not seated due to current regulations.

Alternatively, customers can place and pay for their order online, making for an almost contactless transaction.

Not only is Sango Kura one of the lucky eateries that is able to maintain a full menu and persevere during this pandemic, but Cooper has big plans in store for its future. He hopes to implement a micro-greenery and start in-house tofu making soon.

Sango Kura Sake Brewery & Japanese Eatery

39 Broad St., Delaware Water Gap 570.476.0132 | sangokuradwg

*Please check their website and/or social media for current operating hours and procedures.

Hours Wed. & Thurs.: 3–8 p.m., Fri.: 2–9 p.m., Sat. & Sun.: noon–9 p.m.

Parking Lot on premise

Reservations Reservations not taken, but “heads up” calls for large parties are encouraged

What to Order Pairing one of their homemade dishes with a sake-tail or glass of clear sake is a must when dining at Sango Kura. It is then a matter of choosing between one of their homemade ramens and handcrafted sushi rolls. Saturdays and Sundays are great days to swing in at lunchtime for a build-your-ownstyle Taco Box at Tsunami Taco.

Specials/Events

Nigori, Junmai Ginjo, Taru and Citra Sake

The Tsunami Taco food truck is open every Saturday and Sunday and a live music schedule can be found on their Facebook page.

available by the bottle

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

57

PROFILES : TASTEMAKERS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Northern Italian Cuisine in a Home-Like Setting

Scratch-Made, Crafted with Love

A Ca Mia, which translates to “At My House,” opened in 2012. The restaurant highlights Northern Italian cuisine, traditional Italian and a variety of American-style dishes, and embodies the feeling of a warm, relaxing home.

Walking in, guests’ attention is grabbed by the open-concept kitchen where the chef creates hand-crafted dishes. The kitchen lends itself to a casual, family dining experience. All food is prepared fresh, including their Scottish salmon. All ingredients are cooked together to create one-of-a-kind sauces that pair well with the fresh vegetables used in the dishes.

Chef Tim Widrick has been behind the scenes since 2002 when Edge first opened. He is the mastermind of the food the Valley has come to love from his all-scratch kitchen. Drawing inspiration from his own unique dining experiences, and having grown up with a mother who raised five children, Chef Tim uses his life-taught techniques and love of food to create the delicious menus he has brought to Edge for almost 20 years.

For those looking for a special occasion meal, business dinner, company party, bridal shower, pre-wedding dinner or reception, or just simply a night out, there is something on Edge’s menu to fit everyone.

A Ca Mia 4330 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport 610.760.3207 | acamiapa.com

Edge Restaurant 74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.814.0100 | edgerestaurant.net

A Laid-Back Italian Culinary Experience La Cucina: Italian for kitchen, the heart of every Italian home. Where worries are cast aside in order to enjoy simple, but delicious, ingredients combined to make memorable meals. That is what Folino Estate has always been about—enhancing the experience with handcrafted wines. Folino Estate wanted to bring the laid-back Italian experience one feels in Mama’s kitchen when visiting. The focus is on fewer, more seasonal dishes crafted by Andrea and Marco Folino and the culinary team, who use the freshest ingredients for the most savory flavors to pair with their world-class wines. Guests can order at their leisure with one of the friendly tasting hosts, then sit back inside or outside on the Vineyard Terrace with a glass of wine while the team prepares the meals from scratch. It’s a different, more laid-back experience with the same focus on quality ingredients, the best wines and an unmatched, authentically Italian atmosphere without the plane ticket. Bring the good company, Folino Estate provides the rest.

Folino Estate 340 Old Route 22, Kutztown 484.452.3633 folinoestate.com

58

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

Photo by Marco Calderon

DINING GUIDE

Order Gio Italian Grill’s Farfalle & Crab Pasta.

Style Award Winner

Live Entertainment

Gluten-Free Options

Outdoor Seating

Vegetarian Options

Entrée Price Range:

Wheelchair Accessible

$ under $15 $$ $15-$25 $$$ $25+

Serves Alcohol BYOB

$$

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.

*Highlighted entries are Lehigh Valley Style advertisers. Look for their ads in this edition!

*We recommend checking each individual restaurant’s website and/or social media to confirm whether it is open and accessible during these unprecedented times.

$$

CASA TORO MEXICAN GRILL 7001 Rte. 309, Coopersburg, 610.282.8888, casatoromexgrill.com

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

$$$

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

Berks

Copperhead Grille is a place where handcrafted recipes and sports merge to form the ultimate sports dining experience.

Lunch, dinner & late night.

FOLINO ESTATE VINEYARD $$ & WINERY Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.

$$

THE GRILLE AT BEAR CREEK

$

DON JUAN MEX GRILL

340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com

101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com

Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.

Bucks

7751 Glenlivet Dr., West Fogelsville 1328 Chestnut St. Emmaus, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com

Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.

GIO ITALIAN GRILL

$$

6465 Village Ln., Macungie, 610.966.9446, gioitaliangrill.com

Gio Italian Grill offers old world charm with a progressive twist.

Centering around their woodstone open flame hearth, Gio uses only imported ingredients to produce mouth-watering flavors.

Take-out and private parties available. Lunch & dinner.

$$$

GRILLE 3501

3501 Broadway, Allentown, 610.706.0100, grille3501.com

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

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

HOPS FOGELSVILLE

$$

7921 Main St., Fogelsville, 610.395.3999, hopslehighvalley.com

Historic pub serving up all American classics with weekly specials to make mouths water. Lunch, dinner & late night.

HOPS AT THE PADDOCK $$

1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown, 610.437.3911, hopslehighvalley.com

$-$$$

SLOPESIDE PUB & GRILL 1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com

Come to eat, drink and have fun! Friendly, food-oriented sports bar with cold brews! Lunch, dinner & late night.

HOUSE & BARN

$$

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.

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

Lehigh

1410 Grape St., Whitehall, 610.434.7600, keystonepub.com

ALADDIN RESTAURANT 651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com

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

KEYSTONE PUB $$

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.

$

Demand better beer! Lunch, dinner & late night.

LIMEPORT INN

$$-$$$

1505 Limeport Pike, Limport, 610.967.1810, limeportinn.com

New American cuisine in a relaxed country setting. Lunch & dinner.

Savory at Home order from our curbside menu and shop our retail offerings at

SavoryGrille.com Wed.-Sat. 4:30-10pm Sunday 1-8pm Favorite Locally Sourced

2934 Seisholtzville Rd. Macungie

610.845.2010

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

59

DINING GUIDE

’Tis the Season to Celebrate Call today to reserve our private dining room.

$$$

MADELINE’S

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

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

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.

$$

MY TEQUILA HOUSE

1808 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall, 484.664.7109, mytequilahouse.com

Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.

NOTCH MODERN KITCHEN & BAR $$$

5036 Hamilton Blvd., 610.351.8222, notchmknb.com

Modern American with an Asian Twist. Lunch & dinner.

$$

RINGERS ROOST

1801 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 610.437.4941, ringersroost1801.com

Family-friendly restaurant. Lots of parking. Friendly faces. Excellent food, from seafood to cheesesteaks. Great beer selection. Lunch, dinner & late night.

SAVORY GRILLE

$$$

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

A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille takes gives back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Dinner.

74 W. Broad St. Suite 220, Bethlehem CURBSIDE PICKUP AVAILABLE: 610.814.0100 edgerestaurant.net

Thank You

for voting us your Favorite Gourmet Pizza!

$

THE TAVERN ON LIBERTY

2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 484.221.8765, tavernonliberty.com

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of beer.” Check out other location in Reading called The Liberty Taproom. Open seven days a week.

Lunch, dinner & late night.

TOP CUT STEAKHOUSE

$$$

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

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

TOPGOLF SWING SUITE AT THE SWEET SPOT $$$ 2805 Lehigh St., Allentown, 610.813.2536, thesweetspot.golf

American bistro cuisine featuring indoor sports and entertainment.

Lunch & dinner.

TORRE

$$

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

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

$$$

THE TRAPP DOOR GASTROPUB 4226 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.965.5225, thetrappdoorgastropub.com

Upscale food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with an extensive craft beer list. Brunch, dinner & late night.

$$

UNION AND FINCH

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

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

$$

WHITE ORCHIDS THAI CUISINE

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

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

Northampton 1741 ON THE TERRACE

$$$

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

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

6465 Village Lane, Route 100, Macungie // 610.966.9446 // gioitaliangrill.com

+ Enjoy Curbside Takeout & Cocktails To Go

60

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

A CA MIA

$$

4330 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport, 610.760.3207, acamiapa.com

Unique, homemade, Italian cuisine made with fresh flavorful ingredients; served in a family-friendly atmosphere. Lunch & dinner.

So fresh, you’ll pinch yourself...

WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON SERVING THE

best quality

STEAKS

AND SEAFOOD IN THE AREA, WHICH IS WHY WE STOCK OUR SHELVES EVERY MORNING WITH MARKET-FRESH INGREDIENTS TO GIVE YOU THE

freshest,

MOST

flavorful

FOOD POSSIBLE.

Come visit!

610.881.4031 484.280.0192

1420 Jacobsburg Rd., Wind Gap AMERICAN-LOBSTER.COM MON.–THURS. & SUN. - 11:00AM–9:00PM FRI. & SAT. - 11:00AM–1O:00PM

DINING GUIDE AMAN’S ARTISAN INDIAN $$$ CUISINE 336 Northampton St., Easton, 484.298.0400, amanseaston.com

Aman’s elevates Indian dining with an upscale ambiance and an award-winning menu to match. Lunch & dinner.

AMERICAN LOBSTER

$$$

1420 Jacobsburg Rd., Wind Gap , 610.881.4031, american-lobster.com

The mission at American Lobster is to bring the best steaks and seafood to the area. Lunch & dinner.

GOOD BEER. REAL FOOD. COOL VIBES. A BREWERY WHERE THE FOOD IS AS GOOD AS THE BEER.

FOR RESERVATIONS:

DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN 732 HAMILTON ST. 610.351.7600 BRUDADDYSBREWINGCO.COM

$$$

APOLLO GRILL

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

Bistro-style restaurant encouraging a grazing dining experience.

Comfortable, friendly, sophisticated and lively. Lunch, dinner & late night.

$$

BETHLEHEM BREW WORKS 559 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.882.1300, thebrewworks.com

Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery.

Family owned and operated since 1998. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

BILLY’S DOWNTOWN DINER

$

10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.867.0105, billysdiner.com

Not your ordinary diner. Visit them in Historic Downtown Bethlehem for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.

BLUE GRILLHOUSE & EVENT CENTER

$$$

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

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

BUDDY V’S RISTORANTE

$$$

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

The menu offers twists on Italian-American favorites like Sunday Gravy and Steak Pizzaiola. Lunch & dinner.

BURGERS AND MORE BY EMERIL

now : ing serv

CuLcavy Cream Liquer

It's been one hell of a year, and we couldn't have done it without you.

To our loyal patrons near and far, during this festive season, we raise our glass and say

Thank You

$$

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

Chef Emeril Lagasse uses only the freshest and finest ingredients to create a mouth-watering burger customers will never forget.

Lunch & dinner.

$$$

COPPERHEAD GRILLE 5737 Rte. 378, Bethlehem, 610.282.4600, copperheadgrille.com

Copperhead Grille is a place where handcrafted recipes and sports merge to form the ultimate sports dining experience.

Lunch, dinner & late night.

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.

DINER 248

freshly made !

$

3701 Easton-Nazareth Hwy., Easton, 610.252.4300, diner248.com

Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead seating available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

and bottled at

DON JUAN MEX GRILL

$

5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem 2600 William Penn Hwy., Easton 300 N. 3rd St., Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com

Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.

EDGE RESTAURANT McCARTHY’S red stag pub AND WHISKEY BAR

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

FOGELSVILLE: 610.395.3999 ALLENTOWN: 610.437.3911

call us for curbside pick-up or buy a bottle safely at our pub

redstagpub.com | 610 861 7631 | 534 main st bethlehem pa 18018

62

$$$

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

HOPSLEHIGHVALLEY.COM

EMERIL’S CHOP HOUSE

$$$

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

Indulge in a variety of irresistible dishes featuring tender steak cuts, mouth-watering prime rib and so much more. Dinner.

EMERIL’S FISH HOUSE

$$$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 877.726.3777, windcreekbethlehem.com NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

Discover an exciting new menu featuring notable additions including Grilled Octopus, a raw bar and so much more. Dinner.

$

GREEN VIDA CO.

1800 Sullivan Trl. Suite 330, Easton, greenvidacompany.com

Café and cold-pressed juice bar, using local and organic ingredients. Breakfast, brunch & lunch.

$

KEYSTONE PUB

3259 Easton Ave., Bethlehem, 610.814.0400, keystonepub.com

Demand better beer! Lunch, dinner & late night.

THE MARKET GOURMET EXPRESS

$

a cut above the rest

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

All the classic favorites in one place. Nathan’s hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salad, sushi, ice cream and coffee. 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.

PRIME STEAK HOUSE

Thank you for your continued support!

$$

We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

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.

SOCIAL STILL

$$$

530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, 610.625.4585, socialstill.com

Full plate American-fusion restaurant, craft distillery, craft beers, local wine and tasting room. Lunch & dinner.

STEELWORKS BUFFET & GRILL

$$

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, 610.419.5555, steelworksbuffetandgrill.com

Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks 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, fresh-carved meats and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

TAP ROOM AT HOTEL BETHLEHEM

Now taking holiday reservations.

Casual Indoor & Outdoor Dining • Takeout • Private Parties • Catering DELIVERY AVAILABLE VIA DOORDASH, GRUBHUB & UBER EATS

325 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem 610.882.4070 primestkhouse.com

$$

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.

$$$

THREE OAK STEAKHOUSE 323 Northampton St., Easton, 610.559.5510, threeoaksteakhouse.com

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

TRUE BLUE MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

$

A Local Favorite for

1301 Chestnut St., Emmaus, 610.966.8555, yourtrueblue.com

Mediterranean cuisine, fresh, vegan, vegetarian. Belly dancer, opera singer, café, clean, reasonable and centrally located.

Lunch & dinner.

TWISTED OLIVE

HOMEMADE

$$$

Comfort Food

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.

ZEST BAR+GRILLE

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM BURGERS • HOMEMADE CHILI MAC’N’CHEESE • SHRIMP TACOS BACON JAM • VEGAN OPTIONS COMING SOON: COFFEE & HOT CHOCOLATE

$$$

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

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

Lehigh Valley Style (ISSN 1540-0867) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95 (Canadian and foreign one year rate is $40, U.S. funds only). Single copy price $3.95. Postage paid at Easton, PA 18045 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to Lehigh Valley Style , P.O. Box 2548, Orlando, FL, 32802-2548.

All contents copyright © 2020 Lehigh Valley Style . Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. Lehigh Valley Style and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in USA.

USE THE HEARTLAND GUEST APP TO ORDER ONLINE AND TO EARN LOYALTY POINTS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! The Shoppes at Hellertown

610.838.8004 // dimaios.net BYOB // Mon.–Th. 11am–9:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am–10pm

610.419.4716

312 E. 3rd St. Suite 102, Bethlehem

dinkysicecream.com DELIVERY AVAILABLE WITH

LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM : NOVEMBER 2020

63

DRINK THIS

BY KRISTEN RINALDI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ

Pudding Milkshake KHANISA’S: THE PUDDING BAR

The Gimme S’more is made with their signature chocolate pudding (chilled), graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, chocolate sauce and an optional whipped cream topping.

64

NOVEMBER 2020 : LEHIGHVALLE YST YLE.COM

Locals love the pudding cups, cakes and waffle sundaes at Khanisa’s in Easton, and this summer, they introduced a new way to have pudding—in a milkshake.

“Our goal is to showcase the diversity of pudding, and using traditional desserts is a great way to do it,” says Khanisa Darby, who owns the pudding bar with her husband, Sean. “Milkshakes are a favorite for so many. We think having more options makes it even more enjoyable.”

For those looking to keep it classic, they’ve got vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. “Customers love being able to choose their favorite pudding flavors and turn them into a shake,” she says. “If you’d like to shake it up— pun intended—our Red Velvet and Brownie Galore shakes are made with real cake and brownie chunks, and are quickly becoming crowd favorites. Our customers seem to really love chocolate, and the S’more shake is a go-to for sure.”

The Gimme S’more, pictured here, is made with their signature chocolate pudding (chilled), graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, chocolate sauce and an optional whipped cream topping.

This fall, keep an eye out for a seasonal variety! “We love having autumn and winter flavors and spices reflected in our desserts, but haven’t yet included pumpkin. This year, we plan to release a few delicious options for our pumpkin lovers,” she says.

118 Northampton St., Easton 484.895.8002 | khanisas.com

READY TO TRY IT? Tag @lvstylemag and #livelvstyle!

Your Local Internet, Cable TV & Phone

provider for over 70 years.

From our family to yours ... may you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

Safe is good.

Safer is not missing annual checkups.

Stay safer. If you have an annual checkup scheduled for your child, keep it. If you need an appointment, make it. Keeping up to date on vaccines and regular checkups is important for your child’s overall health. To schedule your child’s appointment, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/children.