Lehigh Valley Style September 2023

Belle Terre

Distinguished, refined, established. It is a rare pleasure to encounter such a stunning residence with timeless appeal. A gated entrance and long driveway are introductions to the 13,000 sq.ft. stone manor house centered on 25 acres. 5 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 14,808 sq.ft. in all buildings. $7,950,000

Hidden Gem

Nestled quietly in a lovely backdrop with hills and meadows beyond, Hidden Gem is a work of art, showcasing classic architectural elements, world-class materials, modern technology, and superb craftsmanship. 5 bedrooms, 7 full baths; guest suite. Over 14,000 sq.ft. on 3 levels. $3,300,000

Myron R. Haydt, winner of the Top Pennsylvania Custom Home Builder Award, will work with homeowners who require nothing less than extraordinary quality, location and design to create their dream home with materials gifted by nature and honed by fine craftsmen. Starting at $2,700,000

Fairway Vistas

Maison Élégante

$2,350,000

Perfectly positioned on 1.2 acres on the fifth fairway of a private golf course. Westerly views provide exquisite evening sunsets and, sometimes, your own private view of fireworks from the club. A sophisticated floor plan boasts over 8,000 sq.ft. on 4 levels.

House Beautiful

Built in 1926 and lovingly updated over the years, the house offers 3,200 sq.ft. of living space over 3 finished floors. The covered front porch & screened side porch are reminders of the craftsmanship & character of this era.

$690,000

The remarkable 6,900+ square foot home has been beautifully designed, with magazine-ready details and impeccable taste. Gleaming Brazilian cherry floors and radiant heated tile bring both physical and visual warmth to rooms that are accented with soaring ceilings and abundant windows.

$1,410,000

Tucked away in the lovely neighborhood of White Acre, this 3.7 acre property is being offered on the open market for the first time since 1976. The property has generous frontage on a notable private road, in a remarkable setting of lush lawn, gardens and specimen landscaping. There are bucolic vistas from every window. $799,000

More than 10 acres of pristine land include a wooded area through which runs a tributary of Cooks Creek. Cleared land with gentle rolling hills and mature trees offers a multitude of options for building your dream home.

$355,000

Situated at the top of a small rise along 212 in Coopersburg is this 10+ acre parcel. Cleared land, currently farmed, is surrounded by old growth trees. Sloping up and away from the road, the rolling acreage provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. $325,000

Creekside at Pleasant View

Melrose Lane

White Acre

Sunlit Acres

GREAT DEALS ON BACK TO SCHOOL STYLE

Shop for everything kids want for school, all in one place. Find great deals on clothing, shoes and accessories from the hottest brands.

OUR BASIC FOOD GROUPS: GUAC, SALSA, TEQUILA.

We start with the essentials: 5 kinds of made-to-order guacamole, 4 types of salsa and a selection of 80 tequilas. That only whets your appetite for a menu filled with ancient Mexican cuisine made with modern ingredients and new flavors. Creatively prepared tacos. Fresh takes on ceviche and enchiladas. All our dishes are part of a balanced diet of awesome Mexican food you can’t find anywhere else.

torrerestaurant.com

610-841-9399

the Difference!

At Platinum Star Cleaning Services, we know how stressful life can be. Between work, family and obligations, there’s little time for anything else.

That’s where we come in. Whether it’s a monthly deep-clean or a weekly tidy-up, you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy with the people you love when you leave the cleaning to us!

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shot by Alison Conklin.

PHOTO BY MARCO CALDERON

Rue was born a year ago with two tiny holes in her heart. Our Pediatric Cardiologists keep her healthy and happy by monitoring her condition. She’s one of hundreds of kids being cared for by St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialists. Parents will find a complete range of pediatric care from orthopedics to neurology to general surgery that’s all close to home and family. So whatever care Rue needs, we’re here to help keep her going strong all through childhood. sluhn.org/pediatrics

Thanks to pediatric cardiology, there’s no telling how far Rue will go.

SEPTEMBER

As we welcome fall in the Lehigh Valley, there’s so much to look forward to. Every year, we plan our scenic drives through the region’s stunning foliage, mark our calendars for the area’s seasonal festivals (Oktoberfest at SteelStacks, the garlic and bacon fests in Easton, the Fall Wine Festival at the Lehigh Valley Zoo) and make plans to visit the Valley’s apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and beyond. While there’s so much fun to be had, we hope that this edition gives you even more inspiration for ways to spend the cooler months ahead.

Go back in time with a visit to The Dery Mansion in Catasauqua. On pg. 50, read the story behind the historic property that was purchased by Herve Rousseau in 2017. Five years into the remodel, there’s still work to be done, but Rousseau

celebrates the magic of the space, favoring a contemporary vibe that complements all of its antique features.

Then, go inside Warren and Derrick Clark’s Belleville Market, which made its debut in Easton this past July. The space is now home to 40-plus creators, curators and collectors. On pg. 62, we’re introducing you to 10 and hope their stories and their offerings will entice you to explore even more of what’s in store on 3rd & Pine.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of the season at Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse, on pg. 74, celebrate what’s ahead for the area’s arts and culture scene on pg. 48, check out Black Box Charcuterie on pg. 26, get wellness insight from Matt Baker, founder and head coach at The Refinery Fitness in our new Living Well With column on pg. 35, and so much more.

Warmly,

Big thanks to Amy Oselkin for hosting our photoshoot at her home in Allentown!

Shopping at Belleville Market.

VOLUME

I can’t pick just one! I love the concept of being able to support multiple small, local businesses under one roof!

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher

Pamela Deller

Editor-in-Chief

Kristen Wagner

Director of Creative Services

I can’t wait to visit the Belleville Market and check out…

I was very happy to see that Belleville Market has kept a number of the long-time collectors from the Easton Antique Emporium; the magpie eclecticism of Objet d’Art has always been well worth a browse.

Mike Matuczinski

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski

Corporate Marketing & Events Manager

Jen Fronheiser

Sales & Marketing Account Managers

Caroline Adams, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers

Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin

Proofreader

Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Donna Bachman, Olena Ovchinnoikova, Sarah Varano

They all look amazing, but I’m especially excited to check out Five Senses Décor and Curated Aegean!

Checking out FD Market is high on my list. In the midst of the weather-event summer we’re having, environmental responsibility feels more and more critical. FD Market’s refillable, sustainable goods help reduce waste, and they’re made in the Lehigh Valley. A win-win for all of us!

Rascal Salvage Vintage would be first on my list. There’s nothing like nostalgia!

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.

10 SEPTEMBER 2023 : L EHIGHVALLEYSTYLE.COM

ELEGANT FARMHOUSE

BETHLEHEM CITY: Historic features meet modern amenities in this magnificent Georgian-style farmhouse. Perfectly located on almost 6 acres with stunning views of Monocacy Creek. 5 bedrooms, 3 full/1 half bath. $1,350,000

ALISON CONKLIN

Contributing Photographer

I loved working on the September issue. Chatting with Chef Rivera at Hotel Bethlehem was inspiring. His story of resilience and hard work is incredible.

8-SEAT MOVIE THEATER

LOWER SAUCON TWP: Fabulous updated home in Woodfields. Freshly painted, refinished hardwood floors, new carpeting and much more. Primary suite with sitting area and lower level entertainment area. 4 bedrooms, 2 full/2 half bath. $677,000

STATELY COLONIAL

SALISBURY TWP: Beautiful home with over 4000 sq.ft. of living space. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, stunning gourmet kitchen open to a spacious great room. 4 bedrooms, 4 full/1 half bath. $818,000

RENOVATED CAPE COD

HELLERTOWN BORO: Refinished hardwood floors throughout. Stunning kitchen, family living & dining room open floor plan. New full bath, 2 more large bedrooms on second fl. Fenced-in large yard, great for entertaining. 4 bedrooms, 2 full/1 half bath. $489,000

SUSAN GOTTSHALL

Contributing Writer

Spending the afternoon with Charles Rosen, owner of Ironbound Farm, was a little like going home. I spent the first seven years of my life on my grandfather’s dairy farm in Montgomery County. Feeding the chickens from cobs in the corn crib and marching down the aisles between cows in their stanchions as they were milked left me with a love of the land and its bountiful gifts that sustain and nurture life in all its forms. Rosen’s work bringing a former vineyard back to life and building a new model of farming meant for these complex times gave me hope for true change in our food systems —and, ultimately, in our communities.

DAISY WILLIS

Contributing Writer

Putting together the 5 Things for arts and culture was really sweet because events like these have really picked back up since the pandemic chased them all online.

END-UNIT TOWNHOME

LIMERICK TWP: Highly sought-after Waterford Greene. Bright open floor plan with upgrades throughout. Two-story family room with gas marble fireplace. Eat-in kitchen adjoining large private deck. Finished basement. 3 bedrooms 2 full/1 half bath. $435,000

CONVENIENCE & PRIVACY

HANOVER TWP: Magnificent 7+acre, flat, wooded residential lot, positioned in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. Envision the home of your dreams. Choose your own builder. Public water, sewer and natural gas available. $475,000

BEST OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY PARTY

PRESENTED BY MEMBERS 1

ST

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Located at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown

Lehigh Valley Style hosted the 2023 Best of the Lehigh Valley Party on Thursday, July 20 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown. Guests enjoyed sampling winning bites and sips from over 15 Best of the Lehigh Valley winning restaurants, dancing to live entertainment from Best Local Band, The Weekenders, posing for the 360 video booth and a variety of photo opps by Members 1 st Federal Credit Union and Audi Allentown.

1 | Event décor and photo opps by Best Event Specialist, Lavish Haus Co. 2 | Balloon décor by Blueprint Creations 3 | Best Burger & Best Patio/Outdoor Dining, Union & Finch 4 | Best Fresh Pressed Juice Bar, Green Vida Co. 5 | Fitness pong with Best Fitness Community, Forward Thinking Fitness 6 | 360 video booth by Mojo Booths, presented by Members 1st Federal Credit Union 7 | Best Specialty Candy, Josh Early Candies 8 | Best Winery, Clover Hill 9 | Winners Welcome Sponsor, Audi Allentown 10 | Best Local Band, The Weekenders 11 | Best Happy Hour, Blue Grillhouse 12 | Best Hot Dog, Yocco’s Hot Dogs 13 | Best Frozen Yogurt, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 14 | Best Sandwich, Ciao! 15 | Dancing with KYRASKIN, winners of the Best Facial 16 | Official Brunch Boys, Best Local Podcast winners 17 | Guests enjoying sips and bites from Blue Grillhouse and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

BEST OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY PARTY

PRESENTED BY MEMBERS 1 ST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Located at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown

1 | Kyley Agostinelli, Nikole Grim, Gab Edwards and Valorey Wehra 2 | Michael Pierce and Tom Gallagher 3 | Mark and Candace Weaver and Brittany and CJ Teta 4 | Lori Kutler and Kathy McCusker 5 | Stacey Redfield and David Miller 6 | Victoria Ashton, Carolyn Gagnon, Debbie Collins and Gretchen Green 7 | Paige Tamburelli, Arienne Krane, Kyra Hajioannou, Kailyn Stenger, Hannah Kukitz and Olivia Wagner 8 | Wilson and Jackie Rueda 9 | Lauren Paparo, Allison Chayka, Brittany Decheine, Tiffany Kisslinger, Kateryna Grullon Morel, Kylie Brauchle and Stephanie Hill 10 | Sarah Kazmierski, Shelby Caccamo, Lindsey Titone, Amy Shoff and Samantha Wilson 11 | Olivia Torres and Sherry Velasco 12 | Martin Razo, Yuri Laubach, John Gerhardt, Matt Reichard and Phee Roussell 13 | Pam Taylor, Arielle Solliday, Pam Deller, Jen Fronheiser, Caroline Adams, Denise Lichty and Kristen Wagner

BEST OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY PARTY

PRESENTED BY MEMBERS 1 ST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Located at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown

1 | Dan Lopez, Blyss Moyer, Ashley Quinn, Abbey Hicks, Christy Lee Kuchak, Ali Schaeffer-Lybacki and David Lucabeche 2 | Allie Grantz, Mercedes Peil, Cristie DeRea, Alyssa Kresge, Kara Kolton and Emily Parkins 3 | Jason Miller and Abby Silfies 4 | Hannah Berry and Angela Prass 5 | Kenia and Ernesto Guzman 6 | Joe Harvey, Molly Herman, Kris Ewaniuk, Todd Leibenguth, Mark Prestifilippo and Wade Stoneback 7 | Joshua Watkins, Dana Farnsworth, Ginny Watkins, Amy Angelone and Monica Gawronski 8 | Alisa Farrell, Barry Dobil, Jr., Amy Dobil Barnett and Brian Frisch 9 | Kim Woodling, Chelsea Renna, Matt Tessitore and Samantha Snyder 10 | Ava Del Rio and Christy Del Rio 11 | Jolene Schlegel, Kari Skrip, Stormy Skrip, John Skrip IV, Nhu Nguyen 12 | Alison and Geoff Conklin 13 | Anthony Settles, Shannon Washington, George Gaisey and Faustinus Boyah

Were you photographed at an event?

Find your photo online at lehighvalleystyle.com/party-pics

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ROBINSON PRODUCTIONS

THIS MONTH’S PICKS

Zekraft at LVIA

This month, Zekraft is officially landing at the Lehigh Valley International Airport, courtesy of Tailwind Hospitality. Now travelers can enjoy Zekraft’s salads in a jar, coffees and pastries pre or post flight. zekraft.com

SUNDAYS AT SURV

Did you know SURV in Easton is now open on Sundays? Stop by between 2 and 6 p.m. for their American and Asian fusion cuisine. surveaston.com

ICE CREAM AT PA HOUSE

Hellertown’s PA House officially serves ice cream to go! Swing by their takeout window on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for a sweet treat. thepahouse.com

Gather & Graze at County Seat

Cheese lovers can find Gather & Graze charcuterie cups and boxes at County Seat Spirits Thursday through Sunday. Enjoy a snack while sipping on the distillery’s delicious cocktails. gatherandgraze_charcuterie

BIRTHDAY CAKE CANNOLI

Vegan Treats recently debuted a birthday cake cannoli, their newest and most colorful cannoli offering. Each one is filled with birthday cake and cannoli filling in a confetti shell dipped in sprinkles. The best part? They’re available for shipping nationwide! vegantreats.com

CANNED COCKTAILS AT BÖSER GEIST

Böser Geist Brewing Co. has introduced Hidden Still ready-todrink canned cocktails, with offerings including a vodka iced tea, vodka soda, bourbon and ginger, Paloma, margarita and chocolate martini. bosergeist.com

PHOTO BY MARCO CALDERON

PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN

Tom Garrity Compass Point Family Business Consultant

Colleen Driscoll, COO & John Yurconic Jr, President, The Yurconic Agency

BY CARLY BUSFIELD

TRENDING NOW

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

THE RAVEN 96

A CLASSIC JOSIE’S

NEW YORK DELI

Owner Josie Koury considered selling or renting her business after it closed due to the pandemic, but her heart was always set on reopening her beloved deli. After undergoing extensive renovations, Josie’s original location has reopened with a commercial kitchen and a newly remodeled interior. The deli specializes in sandwiches and wraps, but the chicken salad sandwich is without a doubt the most popular item. Koury has been using the same recipe since opening the deli in 1983, and it remains the best seller to this day.

14 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.252.5081 josiesnewyorkdeli.com

Raven Gabriele had been searching for a space to open her breakfast and lunch eatery, but most locations were too large for a firsttime restaurant owner like herself. Then, she received a call from an owner of Böser Geist Brewing Co. letting her know that there was an eatery for sale in Easton’s Simon Silk Mill. The day after that call, she arrived to the space and immediately fell in love; the vision was clear. The Raven celebrated its grand opening in July with great feedback from the community. The eatery specializes in mini raven-shaped pancake flights, with specialty flavors varying based on the season and customer feedback. Another dish you don’t want to miss? The Raven’s Nest, made with oven-roasted avocado egg “nests” topped with bacon bits, cheese and green onions.

669 N. 13 th St., Easton theraven_eastonsilkmill

LATE NIGHT

AMIGOS MEXICAN GRILL

Serving the Downtown West community of Allentown, Amigos is a trendy, late-night spot perfect for those in need of a bite past 8 p.m. And starting on September 18, locals can grab tacos, burritos or a signature Amigos Bowl until 3 a.m. Amigos of Allentown prides itself on companionship and fresh ingredients, swearing that their customers will never want frozen food again. Their namesake is based on the strong friendship between the owners, Angel Ramirez and Kevin Rodriguez, that has lasted for over 25 years. And Chef Antonio is a key factor in producing great food for everyone to enjoy. “Chef Antonio is our secret sauce,” share Ramirez and Rodriguez. “Being a graduate of Art Institute of Philadelphia, Chef has cooked for the most prominent figures and celebrities, such as Madonna, NSYNC, Justin Timberlake and Emmanuel Stewart, just to name a few.” They hope to be a Downtown West anchor by offering residents a healthy alternative and giving their customers the confidence that they can eat well—even late at night.

932 Hamilton St., Allentown | amigosallentown

Find The Raven 96 at Easton’s Simon Silk Mill.

TRENDING NOW

HANDMADE TRUFFLE BAR

What started for owner Brooke Dietrick as a pop-up event at Barre3 Allentown flourished into a brick-and-mortar location in May. At the Truffle Bar, Dietrick offers her handmade truffles in a wide variety of 18 flavors, including chocoholic, cookies and cream, dark salted caramel, mint chocolate chip, blueberry pie, lemon raspberry and so many more. “I would say the most underrated flavor is key lime pie,” she says. “There is just something about this truffle that leaves everyone wanting more.” Each truffle is individually rolled, hand-dipped and decorated by Dietrick. Purchase a gift box of 12, 16 or 25 pieces, or grab a treat bag of just five or 10 pieces. And don’t miss the Truffle Bar’s BYOB Ladies Nights where you can test out your chocolate decorating skills.

5831 W. Tilghman St., Allentown

610.291.8283 | trufflebar.store

Baumer Wealth Management

Now more than ever, personalized advice matters.

Glenn W. Baumer, CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®

Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor

Christopher S. Baumer, C(k)P®, CPFA®, CPWA® Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor

Breanne N. Pfeffer, CRPC™, RICP®, ChSNC®

Assistant Vice President, Senior Business Manager

Tiffany A. Nguyen, CRPC™

Registered Wealth Management Client Associate

certification marks CPWA® and CIMA®. Use of CPWA® and/or CIMA® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for certification. C(k)P ® is a registered trademark of The Retirement Advisor University, Inc. CRPC ™ is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. The RICP® is the property of The American College, which reserves sole rights to its use, and is used by permission.

© 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | 5802192 | 07/2023

NEW TO NAZARETH

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Taylor Romero created Let Them Eat Cake as a way to encourage indulging in the finer things in life. When Romero was 12, she was obsessed with baking brownies until her mother finally urged her to make something else. “So, naturally I made the hardest thing I could possibly think of, the French macaron,” she says. Ever since then, and after sampling many French macarons, Romero dreamed of creating a small boutique-style bakery of her own. Let Them Eat Cake offers cakes for all occasions, cupcakes and macarons ranging in all sorts of flavors. “My personal favorite is our signature honey lavender macaron,” she says. “It’s a best seller and perfect balance of floral and sweet.” Romero prioritizes quality above all else.

143 S. Main St., Nazareth | letthemeatcakeshop.com

ALEXANDRIA J CROUTHAMEL, ESQ. Owner | Crouthamel Law Offices, P.C.

Attorney Crouthamel’s firm focuses on criminal defense and family law. She defends clients against all types of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies, including homicide. She protects families during difficult divorce and custody proceedings, interactions with CYS and PFA matters. Her clients appreciate her intelligence, compassion and strength.

Attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel has been representing Lehigh Valley residents with passion and efficacy since 2019. Crouthamel Law Offices, P.C. is proudly run by an all-female team, and with two locations in the Lehigh Valley, provides legal representation to individuals across Eastern Pennsylvania. Attorney Crouthamel specializes in family law and criminal defense, with a dedicated paralegal for each area of law. This specialization and support leads to satisfied clients, and favorable outcomes. Collectively, the whole team at Crouthamel Law Offices strives to serve their clients clearly, efficiently, aggressively and, most importantly, with the client’s best interest in mind. Attorney Crouthamel prides herself on working hard to build a relationship with her clients to understand what they need and want. Then, she fights—with passion and perseverance—for what matters to them. Client feedback speaks for itself: Crouthamel Law Offices, P.C. is a five-star firm, providing five-star representation.

306 S. New St. Suite 110, Bethlehem 1011 Brookside Rd. Suite 230, Allentown 610.428.3386 crouthamellaw.com

ARIELLE SOLLIDAY

Sales & Marketing Account Manager | Lehigh Valley Style magazine

“Whether it’s understanding the needs and desires of my clients or collaborating with my amazing colleagues,” says Arielle, “I thrive on building meaningful relationships.”

Arielle Solliday joined the Lehigh Valley Style team in December 2022 as a Sales and Marketing Account Manager.

She loves working with local businesses to create print and digital marketing campaigns that help their businesses grow. Prior to her work at the magazine, Arielle handled the marketing for a thriving dental practice.

“Above all, what truly ignites my spirit is the opportunity to connect with people,” says Arielle. “It is the human element that brings a unique dimension to marketing, allowing me to empathize and deliver solutions that resonate with our audience.”

Arielle was born and raised in Bethlehem and now lives in Allentown with her husband, Erik, and fur baby, Graham. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and participating in volunteer work.

Arielle is eager to continue her journey in sales and marketing at Lehigh Valley Style, and applying her skills and passion to make a positive impact in this ever-evolving industry.

3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer Office: 484.546.0431

lehighvalleystyle.com

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH MESSERLI

PHOTO BY TARA FLEXER / LOVESTRUCK PICTURES

Black Box Charcuterie

Tell us about your journey to opening Black Box Charcuterie!

Black Box opened on December 4, 2022. After putting boards and boxes together for family and friends, I figured why not turn this into a business?

There are not many physical locations in the Lehigh Valley where people can come into a storefront to place and customize their order! It is something I truly enjoy doing and eventually would like to expand into catering one day.

Tell us about the inspiration behind the name.

The inspiration behind the name Black Box was rather simple. I started out ordering a handful of boxes online one day in my favorite color: black. I've always liked the black and gold combination, which carried over to my signage, business cards, brochures and logo all done by Cliff Ross of Easton.

What do you love about being based in Easton? What I love about Easton

is building relationships within the community. I truly enjoy getting to know my customers and building a repeat clientele. I also enjoy the convenience of my location being just minutes from 22 and 33 as well as having the township of Palmer and the cities of Easton and Bethlehem all within a few miles.

How has Black Box Charcuterie been received by the community thus far? So far the community has been very receptive to my business.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Walk-ins are welcome to stop by the store!

Head to Ali DelSerro’s Black Box Charcuterie in Easton for curated and customizable creations, ranging from savory to sweet.

ALI DELSERRO Owner

The biggest compliment, aside from people enjoying my product, is referring their friends and family as well as receiving orders from previous customers.

What sets Black Box Charcuterie apart from other local charcuterie businesses?

I believe Black Box sets itself apart by using top-quality suppliers and the highestquality ingredients in every product that leaves the shop. I also feel as though the creativity that goes into each and every box and board sets it apart, as it’s not a simple meat and cheese tray lacking in color, time and design. Charcuterie really is an art form that takes time and effort as well as strong attention to detail.

Describe your offerings! Black Box offers a variety of options, such as our savory

boxes and boards, which include our meat and cheese charcuterie. We also offer a dessert charcuterie featuring a variety of house-made baked goods, fruits, chocolate, nuts and cheeses on the sweeter side. We also offer cookie trays as well as ice cream, which is all made in house. The ice cream has really taken off and includes flavors such as Bananas Foster, Nutella, pistachio, cookie dough, Biscoff and a variety of berry ice cream all made from scratch. Flavors change weekly.

Describe your easy ordering process and how customizable your options are.

Ordering is simple and convenient. It can be done through our website ( blackboxcharcuterie. com), by phone, email ( blackboxcharcuterie@gmail. com) or in person. Orders are

also customizable, so if a customer would like to omit something or add a special item, we do our best to accommodate them.

In what ways do you think charcuterie boards bring people together?

I believe charcuterie boards bring people together because they are a perfect addition to any gathering or event, from bridal showers, graduations, birthdays and holidays, a simple night in and everything in between.

What seasonal creations do you anticipate this fall?

I anticipate fall seasonal creations to include a variety

of pumpkin-, cinnamonand apple-flavored items such as ice cream, specialty cannoli and baked goods. We started a little early with the cinnamon-flavored ice cream by recipe testing a snickerdoodle doodle offering with a brown sugar cinnamon base… it was delicious!

377 S. Nulton Ave., Easton | 610.417.2922 blackboxcharcuterie.com

ALI DELSERRO Owner

ASK THE EXPERT

Vince Wimberly OWNER, LIFE ADVANCE FITNESS lifeadvancefitness.com

Winning workplaces support their employees’ well-being, knowing that a happy staff is invested in shared success. Wellness programs offered through the workplace have the potential to provide a perk with whole-life benefit, and with Emmaus’s Life Advance Fitness, participants open up a world of fun and functionality. Owner Vince Wimberly explains how the Life Advance Fitness’s Corporate Wellness program works, and why.

A PERK WITH PROMISE: CORPORATE WELLNESS WITH LIFE ADVANCE FITNESS

EXERCISE IS FOR EVERYONE

Exercise is not just for athletic folks who have always made activity a particular hobby.

“From my experience,” Wimberly says, “people these days are paying more attention to their health, and that physical and mental health go hand in hand.”

Employers who want to retain a healthy, effective workforce do well to acknowledge that stress leads to burnout. While stress can be a natural part of challenging work, giving the team an opportunity for release from that stress shows a consideration that contributes to morale.

…physical and mental health go hand in hand.

Wimberly’s feedback has reflected a boost in self-value and workplace atmosphere. “Having another common ground,” he says, “transfers to the workplace. If your employees are feeling great about themselves and happy with their work environment, statistics show they’re going to perform better.”

At Life Advance, he works with young athletes pushing themselves to the limit right up to elders building strength and functionality into their 80s. Wherever individuals find themselves in life and activity level, if there’s an interest in pursuing greater health with his assistance, Wimberly is ready to meet them where they are.

THE LAF PROGRAM

Many typical corporate wellness programs include membership to a local gym. While this free rein over the floor of dumbbells, power racks and other equipment is the perfect playground for some, Life Advance Fitness leans on its strengths to provide Corporate Wellness participants a small class setting.

Where motivation can otherwise present an uncertain ingredient, classes with direct assessment and instruction take away the onus of willpower and research. “It sets a standard for expectation and performance,” Wimberly says. “The engagement and atmosphere is motivating—they don’t have to rely on themselves to know what to do.”

Anyone who would rather attend from the comfort of home can patch in via Zoom through laptop or phone. “Not everybody is willing to be on camera,” Wimberly notes, “so it takes a little bit of persuasion to let me see them, but that helps me be able to correct their form.”

On an initial visit to the business he’s working with, Wimberly explains the program and distributes general information on diet and exercise that anyone can engage with on their own time, as their level of interest dictates, and he explains his philosophy.

START A HABIT

“I don’t want anyone coming in and feeling like they can’t do anything,” Wimberly says. The general exercise classes offered through his Corporate Wellness program

explore equipment like kettlebells and dumbbells as well as resistance band exercises and bodyweight. Wimberly focuses on variations and modifications that make the moves accessible to anyone. Those on Zoom can grab a comparable object and follow along.

For some, these general classes could be the start of a familiarity with gym equipment and basic exercises that provides a launchpad to greater exploration. “One of the biggest things,” Wimberly says, “is I want everybody to be comfortable with going to a gym and exercising because they’ve used the weights or been introduced to circuit training.”

In addition to these classes provided gratis to participating employees, the Corporate Wellness program offers participants discounts on other classes involving cool things like battle ropes and tire flipping as well as a discount on personal training sessions.

STRONGER THAN YESTERDAY

One of Wimberly’s mottoes, “stronger than yesterday” focuses on the one-footin-front-of-the-other, short-term dedication that carries his clients from their first assessment to their greater long-term goals.

“I focus on the functional approach,” he says.

“I want you to move comfortably and successfully in daily life, in everyday activities, to be able to balance, take off your shoes one at a time without sitting down.” Living with less or no pain and greater ability is the new six-pack.

Wimberly aims to change the thought process behind workout and fitness. “We chase feeling good about our abilities regardless of where we’re at, understanding some of our goals are going to take time, and it’s OK. We’re still stronger than we were yesterday.”

If your work sees you or your employees sitting at a desk or laboring in ways that tax the body, continually putting off greater health goals, Life Advance Fitness could provide the impetus and opportunity to realize change with intentionality, follow-through and expert advice. “We try to get positivity flowing through,” Wimberly says. “We set ourselves up for the straightest path possible.”

BSI CORPORATE BENEFITS

BSI Corporate Benefits is one of the fastest growing, nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firms in the region. With over 20 years of experience helping employers bring stability, control and predictability to their benefits plan, BSI is committed to providing customized solutions, education and a level of day-to-day support that cannot be matched.

One of the solutions developed for employers by BSI is BSI CORE, which garners the purchasing power of an employer consortium combined with actuarial credibility to provide clients with datadriven strategies that lead to cost control. BSI CORE offers clients superior protections such as no future lasers, or exclusions, and capped stop-loss rate increases. As a result of these protections, employers achieve greater financial results than being fully insured or enrolled in stand-alone, and other selffunded models.

BSI’s ability to deliver on promises made to their clients and team has been the foundation for their continued success. They serve to educate employers and employees about available options, and resources that contribute to financial savings and retention. Most recently, BSI was named a 2023 MarshBerry MAX Performer, for their mark of distinction as an independent firm with operational excellence and for providing world-class client service on a human and financial level.

Whether an employer receives a high increase during renewal or wants to learn about different options, such as BSI CORE, BSI encourages employers to reach out, become well-informed and learn about the ways BSI helps employers and their employees navigate the complex world of healthcare.

BSI brings a level of expertise and service that is unmatched in the industry. From executive level strategies on maintaining market-competitive benefits, to helping employers bring stability, control and predictability to their benefits plan, BSI provides customized solutions, benefit education and a level of day-to-day support that helps employers achieve greater financial savings.

205 Webster St., Bethlehem 484.821.1300 | bsicorporate.com

Left to right: Val Lewis, Chief Operating Officer; Tony DaRe, Chief Executive Officer; Nick Tranguch, Senior Vice President; Shawn Hughes, Senior Vice President; Vicki Doulé, Senior Vice President

PHOTO BY ELAINE ZELKER

WIND CREEK BETHLEHEM

Wind Creek Bethlehem not only provides a first-class experience to guests, they’re also part of a unique company culture that supports its team members in remarkable ways. Everything they do is guided by a simple value system: Do it right. Be the best. Have fun.

Newly renovated, newly expanded—Wind Creek Bethlehem has it all, including a casino floor, upscale AAA Four Diamond Hotel (including a brand-new hotel tower that debuted in 2023), a variety of restaurants, entertainment and bar venues, a sportsbook, wedding and meeting space, spa and so much more. Join a winning team and enjoy a fast-paced work environment at the East Coast’s premier casino resort.

Retrofitted onto the historic Bethlehem Steel plant, Wind Creek Bethlehem is a 24-hours-a-day/ 7 days-a-week entertainment enthusiast’s dream destination that provides escapes day and night. With so much to do on property, there’s a wide array of departments to choose from, including games, food and beverage, catering, hotel, retail, marketing, security and so much more. The company strives to not only provide a firstclass experience to its guests, but also to team members through a unique company culture that supports them in remarkable ways. In other words, Wind Creek Bethlehem has its team members’ back with a winning work environment that’s filled with the energy one would expect from an award-winning casino resort.

Benefits? Only the best—including over four weeks of paid time off, insurance plans, bonuses, team member events, on-site dining ($3 a meal) with free options available and more.

Ready to apply or learn more information? Scan the QR code with a mobile device—applying online via a phone or computer is seamless with a straightforward application process.

A Halloween Event

not to be missed!

APPLE DAYS

FESTIVAL SEPT. 16-17

Live music, eats, drinks, treats, family fun AT BURNSIDE PLANTATION

MARKET TO GO FRIDAY SEPT. 15

historicbethlehem.org

Saturday, October 7, 2023

6-9 p.m.

• Mingle with acclaimed & emerging artists at the Museum's fun fall fundraiser.

• Start or grow your art collection.

•Music by DJ Brad, drinks by Root, fabulous food, fashion & conversation!

• LV Style magazine's Style Wall.

Check out this year's artists & sponsors & purchase tickets at allentownartmuseum.org

Celebrate the season at The West End Fairgrounds with a family-friendly, Instagram-worthy walkthrough experience featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins plus food trucks and fire pits.

electrifyingjackolanterns.com

MATT BAKER

FOUNDER & HEAD COACH AT THE REFINERY FITNESS

We talked to Matt Baker, founder and head coach at The Refinery Fitness in Coopersburg, about his wellness routine, workouts, daily habits, motivation and more. Read through his answers for inspiration from this former professional soccer player.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

The way to go

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to overall wellness? My philosophy on wellness is that it’s so important to stay active, and everything in moderation. Stay active through training for a race, perfecting your technique within a sport or chasing your kids around. Remain flexible with your routine and adjust based on your goals.

Set your sights on a goal and go after it full throttle.

What are some notable aspects of your daily habits that have made a huge impact on your lifestyle and well-being in a positive way?

Consistency. Set your sights on a goal and go after it full throttle. As a former professional soccer player, life was structured and required a lot of discipline. This shaped my daily routine to get the tough tasks out of the way first thing in the morning, in order to end the day with relaxation, fun and family.

How about your nighttime routine? I normally work long hours so having a calming nighttime routine helps me decompress. A hot shower, aromatherapy and white noise to fall asleep does the trick.

I try to use only clean, cruelty-free products. Right now, I’m loving the brand Saje Natural Wellness [for my aromatherapy]. It’s 100-percent natural, cruelty-free and everything smells amazing!

What are your favorite healthy, easy-to-make meals at home?

My favorite kitchen appliance is my rice cooker. Quick and easy is the name of the game with my wife and our busy schedules. Jasmine rice, chicken and vegetables is a staple in our household.

What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal?

We are frequent flyers at Playa Bowls, White Orchids and a hidden

gem in Hellertown called PA House. I appreciate fresh ingredients!

Is there anywhere locally that you love to shop for grocery items?

Arnold’s Market for local produce and Whole Foods delivery. I really appreciate the delivery option because there’s only so much time in a day and that’s one less thing to try to squeeze in. It also allows me to be more intentional with what I buy. My wife and I will usually look up recipes for our meals for the week, plan out our snacks and that’s it. It has cut down on our waste significantly.

What’s something that you love to indulge in?

Ice cream is my kryptonite. Growing up, my mom always had ice cream as her evening treat. She even had a special ice cream bowl and freezer. Needless to say, ice cream brings back fond memories and continues to be a treat that I indulge in. My wife and I went to Italy years ago and of course we became gelato connoisseurs and are always on the lookout for the best in the Valley. We are currently loving Batch Microcreamery and The Inside Scoop.

Where are your favorite places to visit in the Valley to stay active and/or get outside?

I pretty much live at our new training facility in Coopersburg, Perfect Touch

New To Lehigh Valley But Not To Facials!

There are so many buyers waiving inspections lately, so this could be an advantage for all the buyers out there!

Buyers may schedule two pre-settlement walk-through inspections of a property for the limited purpose of determining that the property is in the condition required by the agreement of sale. The buyer’s right to these inspections is not waived by any other provision made in the agreement of sale.

Even if you WAIVE inspection, you are entitled to two walk-throughs. Save one walk-through for right before closing and the other is up to you! Take this time to take measurements for your furniture, make sure the home is in the same condition as it was during your first showing, and check in with your Realtor® before closing! Make sure you stay informed with a great Realtor® by your side. Looking for more buyer tips and facts? Capture the QR Code to follow me on Instagram and feel free to text me anytime!

Sports Facility. We offer adult strength and conditioning classes, sport-specific strength training and soccer skills and development. We also have land that we are hoping to convert to be more conducive to outdoor training.

What’s your preferred method of working out?

My favorite type of workout is the Capacity class that we offer at The Refinery Fitness. It combines team training and strength and conditioning With my background in team sports, it’s nice to feel the support from those around you. We were intentional in developing a class that creates connection through teamwork.

When it comes to mental health, do you have any practices or daily habits? Soccer has always been my happy place. All my problems and stress disappear when I have a ball at my feet. Outside of soccer, I have focused on sharing more and not letting things build up inside.

How do you stay motivated when it comes to wellness and fitness?

The drive to being better each and every day is what keeps me motivated to continue to move and be better. Setting goals is helpful as well—whether it be completing a Spartan Race, half marathon or just getting a new lifting PR. Having a focus on wellness and fitness will allow me to live a more active life. A new goal of mine is to keep up with our 15-monthold daughter for years to come.

Is there anyone you look up to in the wellness/fitness space?

I admire anyone that has the drive and consistency to excel at the highest level in their sport.

What would your advice be to someone struggling to find a wellness routine that works for them?

Keep trying and give it time. Having someone to keep you accountable is a great way to help make sure you are showing up for yourself. Consistency is key.

BOARD & BRUSH

BOARDANDBRUSHALLENTOWNPA | BOARDANDBRUSHEASTONPA

Board & Brush is the place to build on-trend, farmhouse-classic, inspirational pieces of décor for home, office or cottage.

6000 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.310.5252 | boardandbrush.com/allentown 2210 Corriere Rd. Unit D, Easton | 484.553.7113 | boardandbrush.com/easton

MICHAEL THOMAS FLORAL

MICHAELTHOMASFLORALDESIGN

A florist does more than put flowers in a vase. From Valentine’s roses to Mother’s Day carnations, prom corsages to wedding bouquets, Get Well Soon to sympathy arrangements, Michael Thomas Floral is there for every occasion.

HABITAT LEHIGH VALLEY RESTORE

HLVRESTORE

Where can shoppers, DIYers and contractors get the best deal in the Lehigh Valley? The Habitat Lehigh Valley ReStore is the perfect one-stop shop for new and gently used items, including flooring, furniture, home furnishings and more! Visit the ReStore today! Donate. Shop. Volunteer.

1053 Grape St., Whitehall | 610.776.7499 | habitatlv.org

HUMMUS HOUSE

HUMMUSHOUSEPA

Family owned since 2014, Hummus House features all local purchasing, all original recipes, fresh ingredients, healthy food, fresh all-fruit smoothies and juices. Dine in, pickup, delivery and catering options are all available.

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN | HAIR & MAKEUP BY JORDAN NORBERTO

Amy Oselkin

Author of TheStoryBehindthePoem: AReflectiononMommyhood, MiscarriagesandMarriage

So often in life when highly anticipated moments finally come to pass, expectations that have built up over months or years don’t align with the true reality of the occasion. Perhaps a garden party that was carefully planned down to the calligraphy on the place cards went awry when a storm swept through. Or a sprained ankle necessitated a new, much-lower-key agenda for what was supposed to be an active couples’ retreat in the mountains. And yet, somehow the memory maintains its sparkle anyway—just in a different way. It’s a great story to tell.

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

Such was the case when Amy Oselkin spied her book of poetry out in public for the very first time. As she recalls it, she was hustling through a local Barnes and Noble with her two-year-old daughter in tow. “I was dressed in gym clothes, I had mascara running down my face,” she says. Her daughter, Danika, was in desperate need of a potty break. And it was then, on the way to the bathroom, that she saw The Story Behind the Poem: A Reflection on Mommyhood, Miscarriages and Marriage on the store shelf. She could only briefly bask in the moment (any parent who’s ever had to hustle a small child with a full bladder into a bathroom stall will understand why), but she has no regrets: “I never pictured it that way, but it was so perfect.”

It’s perfect because it’s real; even on the good days, life can be messy and imperfect, and Oselkin is candid about her struggles as a wife and mother. Many women may find a kindred spirit in her poems as she tackles tough topics like miscarriage, resentment toward a spouse whose career frequently keeps him away from home and trepidation about navigating the unknowns of new motherhood. But she also mines joy from the same subject matter: a positive pregnancy test after a loss, rekindling romance with that busy spouse, falling in love with a new baby; these are the rainbows that appear in Oselkin’s world after the storm clouds have cleared. Each poem is accompanied by a brief explainer that provides the context for its inspiration.

Oselkin says she’s always been a writer. “I remember in fourth grade submitting poems to a poetry contest. It was about trees and the seasons, and I remember it getting published so that was a big deal to me.” But a lot would transpire before she became a published writer of poetry for adults. Oselkin was born and raised in Los Angeles. “I’m a true valley girl,” she says. “I’m from the San Fernando Valley, like from Clueless. I know Reseda Boulevard like the back of my hand.” She was a journalism and theater major at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she met her now-husband, Martin.

Post graduation, Martin moved to New York City to attend medical school, and Amy went back to Los Angeles and worked for E! News, first as a production assistant and eventually as a field producer. She

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enjoyed the work (one of the highlights, she says, was covering the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in Italy) but maintaining a bicoastal relationship with Martin for three years was difficult. She writes about those struggles in “Long Distance”:

(Excerpted)

Oselkin was able to join Martin on the East Coast when she transferred to E!’s office in New York. 2008 brought a professional shift when she left E! to join In Touch Weekly as senior lifestyle editor. She wrote about fashion, trends, health and beauty. She also covered star-studded events like Fashion Week in New York City and was a frequent guest on morning and entertainment shows to discuss celebrityrelated lifestyle news. In her book, Oselkin describes it as a great gig, and yet, she ultimately had something else in mind when it came to her career. “My goal was always to be on QVC,” she says. Turns out, writing wasn’t the only hobby that was a constant during her childhood. The QVC channel launched in 1986, and a young Amy was a frequent viewer, much to her playmates’ chagrin. “Friends would be like, ‘let’s watch Nickelodeon,’ and I’d be like, ‘no, it’s Diamonique hour!’” she recalls now, laughing at the memory. As a child she also dreamed up and performed skits to pitch various products to her mother, just as a real host would under the bright lights of the QVC studios. It might seem that such a dedicated superfan with on-air experience and a resume like Oselkin’s would be a shoo-in for a job there, but she says that wasn’t the case. She applied to be a host for years, to no avail. “I was like, ‘come on, I just interviewed George Clooney, why aren’t you hiring me?’” she jokes.

That changed in 2012 when the shoe company Clarks brought her on the air

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I long for an encore, one last note, please abide

Without your song, I’m just empty inside

as its pitchwoman at QVC. Oselkin finally had the job she wanted, and two years later she’d have the family she craved, too, when she and Martin (they married in 2010) welcomed their first child, Dylan. Prior to his arrival, she fretted about figuring out how to care for a newborn in her poem “Mothering on a Prayer”:

(Excerpted)

She did get the hang of it, of course, and she and Martin were overjoyed in 2016 to learn they were expecting again. Unfortunately, they lost the baby (a girl) at 17 weeks along. “That really affected me, it traumatized me, so a lot of poems came pouring out of me,” Oselkin says. “It was how I coped during that time period.” Later that same year, another blow: another pregnancy, and another miscarriage.

(Excerpted from

Oselkin says she was wracked with fear when she learned in March of 2017 that she was pregnant again. This time, there would be no heartbreak. Baby Owen was born in November of that year, exactly one year after the second miscarriage.

By that time, the family had relocated to South Whitehall Township after Martin took a job as a neurointerventional radiologist with St. Luke’s University Health Network. Oselkin admits, prior

I’m scared and hope this little guy will be OK, Otherwise, what do I do, I guess I’ll just pray.

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to the move, she’d never heard of the Lehigh Valley. “I didn’t even know the Billy Joel song [“Allentown”],” she says, “so I was like, ‘where are we moving?’” But fastforward to today and Oselkin says she feels right at home in her new-ish surroundings. In June, she traveled to California to see family members and had a revelation: “Wow, I really don’t fit in here anymore.”

The Story Behind the Poem was officially released in April of this year. Oselkin decided to self-publish after she kept running into dead ends when trying to do it the old-fashioned way. She still tries to write when she has free time, but she’s busy juggling three kids (daughter Danika was born in 2020), a husband, a still-thriving (and totally worth the wait) career at QVC and a multitude of other hobbies and interests. She says she’d love to break into songwriting one day, although that aspiration may take a touch more tenacity (“I’m fully tone deaf,” she says). But even if she never writes another poem, and even if Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson never clamor for a collaboration, perhaps she’s already done enough. Oselkin says women who’ve read her poems have thanked her for giving a voice to the very same emotions they were feeling. That was always the goal.

“I wrote the book for women so we could all connect, we could all heal, we could all share, we could all joke about our experiences,” Oselkin says. “Maybe there’s someone who has a best friend or a sister or a daughter who’s going through a step like creating their family, or a tough part in their marriage or a joyful part in watching their kid take their first steps, or finally sleeping through the night, all the little things we celebrate.”

amyoselkin.com

Just like your favorite pair of pants, your cozy couch or your morning coffee, we ensure that you are always comfortable, no matter the season. For all your HVAC needs, you have friends at Comfort Generation.

BY DAISY WILLIS

FALL PREVIEW

Thought-provoking theater, home-grown songwriters, visiting luminaries and an abundance of art are all found in the fabric of a culture-rich community like the Valley. Here are a few highlights this fall to make you feel entertained, enlightened and human.

1. SAMARA JOY

WILLIAMS CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT LAFAYETTE COLLEGE

October 18 | williamscenter.lafayette.edu

Jazz prodigy Samara Joy picked up a couple of Grammys this year on her way to Easton to perform at the Williams Center for the Arts at Lafayette College this fall. Best New Artist with the Best Jazz Vocal Album, she’s serenading the Valley with old-school velvety jazz, voice leaping and percussion tap dancing in concert. With original songs as well as covers of golden age favorites, her command of the genre will sweep you away.

2 . THE LARAMIE PROJECT

CIVIC THEATRE OF ALLENTOWN

September 14–24 | civictheatre.com

The Civic Theatre of Allentown is closing in on its hundredth year as a hub for the arts in this area, providing theater experiences for audience and actor alike. This month their production of The Laramie Project takes the stage, a script formed from the painstaking interview of citizens in the town whose outskirts saw the kidnap and murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. More than 200 interviews over the year after and the trial of the killers provide an exploration of the best and worst of human potential.

Experience

Samara Joy, pictured here, in Easton this October.

3. ART IN THE PARK

WEST PARK OF ALLENTOWN

September 16 | art-in-the-park.org

Now in its 48th year, this festival of art vendors is a major event, bringing the painters, potters, glassblowers and weavers of the Valley and beyond out of their studios and to one place for your perusal. Enjoy live music and food in the heart of Allentown at West Park and check out the work of dozens of artists sharing their expertise across the universe of artistic media. Something special will catch your eye and come home with you!

ZOELLNER ARTS CENTER

4. NEIL GAIMAN

October 8 | zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu

Flush with colleges and universities, the Valley enjoys the privilege of their guest speakers, like British fantasy writer Neil Gaiman, visiting Lehigh’s Zoellner Arts Center in October. A suitably spooky month, as this renowned author brought us such skin-tingling stories as Coraline and The Sandman comic book series. Wise and whimsical, his insight on storytelling inevitably enriches the imagination of the listener.

5. NASHVILLE MEETS BETHLEHEM

ARTSQUEST CENTER AT STEELSTACKS

November 17 | steelstacks.org

Underground Music Collective is a media company that started here in the Valley hyping local acts with dogged enthusiasm. It returns from Nashville in mid-November for a songwriter showcase in the style of that music mecca. Make your way to ArtsQuest in Bethlehem to hear eight of the area’s talented performers all in one place.

INSIDE HERV E ROUSSEAU’S

DERY MANSION

By Amy Unger |

Photography by Marco Calderon

Desiderius George Dery has been dead for more than 80 years, but apparently he can still come through in the clutch. Herve Rousseau, the current owner of Dery’s palatial home in Catasauqua, can remember a time a few years ago when his quest to restore the sprawling estate to its Gilded Age glory wasn’t going so well. “I was broke,” he says. Putting the place on North 5th Street back on the market seemed to be his only option. One day Rousseau went to a spot inside the home where he says he feels close to Dery (although he won’t reveal the exact location) to make an otherworldly appeal: “I said, ‘Mr. Dery, I’ll make a deal with you. Help me out, and I’ll pull the house off the market.’”

“

I NEEDED AN I NEEDED SOMETHING

ADVENTURE, CRAZY.

Later that same day, Rousseau says, he found out his application for a loan from the federal government’s Small Business Administration had been approved. He immediately called his broker and told him to pull the listing. The dream wasn’t dead. The renovations could continue.

If the clichés are to be believed, it’s typical for men of a certain age to splurge on something like a flashy sports car. But Rousseau’s 50 th birthday present to himself was a 24,000-square-foot fixer-upper in a town that he had previously never visited. Rousseau, a native of Paris, France, came to the United States at the age of 25 and had made a name for himself as a successful restaurateur in New York City—he currently owns the champagne bar Flute—but as the milestone birthday grew larger on the horizon he was looking for a new project. “I needed an adventure, I needed something crazy,” he says.

The Dery Mansion showed up on a list of historic properties for sale around

the country. With his father and stepmother in tow, he toured the grounds and found out just how big the home truly is. (It’s 56 rooms, by the way.)

“I lost my father along the way. It took me like half an hour to find him,” Rousseau recalls. Afterward he heard two voices inside his head: one telling him he’d be crazy to entangle himself with such an uncertain venture, and the other insisting if he didn’t take the plunge now, he never would. He chose to adhere to the advice of the latter and set about doing some research on the Lehigh Valley and Dery himself. “I think he was a bit of a romantic person and a bit of a dreamer, which I find myself as well,” Rousseau says.

Dery (his last name was originally spelled Deri) was born in 1867 in Vienna, Austria. He learned the trade of silkmaking at the Vienna Textile Academy, and in 1887 set sail for what was then the silk capital of the United States: Paterson, New Jersey. Ten years later he decided to move to Catasauqua and open a silk mill of his own.

ROMANTIC

I THINK HE WAS A BIT OF A PERSON…WHICH I FIND MYSELF AS WELL.

According to state historians, by 1914 Dery had 15 mills in Pennsylvania and one in Massachusetts, employing some 4,000 people. He came to be known as the “King of Silk” because he was the world’s largest individual silk manufacturer.

Naturally, every king needs his palace; Dery began work on the home at 520 5th Street in the early 1900s (some sources say 1901, others say 1910; most agree the home was expanded in 1917). Eventually the estate, with its 12-car garage, carriage house and garden, would consume half of a city block, and consume about $1.5 million of Dery’s

money (about $22 million by today’s standards). Naturally, Dery spared no expense inside the walls of his fortress-like, Neoclassical dwelling: Tiffany stained glass (including a breathtaking skylight), marble fireplaces, a pub, an observatory for stargazing and even a pool in the basement. The exterior exuded a regal air as well, with an entryway flanked by a pair of towering, two-story columns; pilasters; cornices; and a multitude of balconies and terraces.

Unfortunately, the Silk King’s reign was a short-lived one. Dery was forced into bankruptcy in 1923 when the price of silk declined.

His Catasauqua silk mill closed that same year. In 1934 a strike at the mills he managed to retain finished off his business interests and he died virtually penniless in 1942. Dery’s mansion would go through a variety of owners and personalities over the next several decades; it was carved up into apartments at one point. During another reincarnation it was a popular venue for wedding receptions. In more recent years, subsequent (and separate) plans to turn the property into a B and B and condominiums seemed promising, but the community’s hopes for a rebirth would be dashed time and time again.

When Rousseau purchased the home in 2017, evidence of those stalled plans, along with halfhearted prior attempts to revive the century-old relic, was everywhere. Walls had been knocked down. Floors had been ripped up. Fixtures had been removed.

But, thanks to his prior experience with business builds and remodels, Rousseau wasn’t completely daunted. “I could see, when a wall is open, why it’s been opened,” he says. Still, that’s not to say there wasn’t work to be done—lots of work. When asked what renovations he had made, his response was: “Everything.” It took time to assemble a team of contractors he could trust. And beyond the grunt work that goes into any construction overhaul—fixing the HVAC system, refinishing the hardwood floors, repainting the walls—there would be plenty of aesthetic considerations as well. One thing was for certain—there would be no Victorian vibe in the Dery/Rousseau house. “It bores me. I fall asleep in it,” says Rousseau. Instead, he favors a contemporary vibe that will jibe with the home’s antique features. He points to the downstairs ballroom (one of two in the home) as

an example of these worlds colliding for the better. An original staircase leads down to the ground floor; someday soon, he hopes to hang one of the modern paintings he favors on the wall beside it. He also envisions a chandelier hanging nearby. Many of the paintings that have already materialized throughout the home are in the style Rousseau prefers. Some, he says, were painted by a close friend. Others are the work of Emily Strong, who has a studio in the mansion.

Beyond adding the newer flourishes, Rousseau knows when to hang on to the old stuff, too—the Tiffany skylight and other stainedglass windows remain and add a bright pop of color to the neutral walls and dark wood accents. There’s original Moravian tile on the patios and in some of the interior rooms. Ornate plaster molding on the ceiling also harkens back to Dery’s days.

MAGIC THERE IS SOMETHING IN THIS PLACE.

Five years deep into the remodel, Rousseau’s diligence is paying off. He estimates about 85 percent of the home is finished, including some eight suites that are available for rental. Among them is Room 208—the very first set of rooms deemed fit for company. As one might expect, there’s a framed picture of Dery in the space. But, step into that bathroom, and there’s that unexpected modern touch again—what Rousseau laughingly refers to as the “disco” shower head (it lights up in rainbow colors).

“Every room is unique,” he says. That includes his own quarters as well; Rousseau has

an apartment in the building where he lives part-time. It’s made up of what used to be the library and solarium. Dery’s former observatory for stargazing has been converted into a bedroom for Rousseau’s son.

The areas of the property that Rousseau hasn’t gotten to yet include the pool in the basement and the outdoor garden area. He also has plans for the rooftop terrace. But the timeline for those renovations will depend, in part, on the Dery Mansion’s success as a business venture. The home also doubles as an event space for parties and special occasions. “All of the money we get from that, we re-invest into making it even better,” Rousseau says. He’s eager to show off his “little shack,” as he jokingly calls it, to the Lehigh Valley, and establish it as a community hub. “Every time I come here, I’m happy,” he says. “There is something magic in this place.”

MITRI BROTHERS

GENERAL CONTRACTORS AND ROOFING LLC

Meet Leila Karam-Mitri and Wasim Mitri, the husband-andwife power couple behind Mitri Brothers General Contractors and Roofing LLC, the up-and-coming construction company. Both Leila and Wasim have a construction and entrepreneurial background. A shared passion to renovate and remodel is what motivates their business to excel.

Everyone on the well-trained and talented staff is a specialist in their work and can be found all around the Lehigh Valley remodeling properties. Family-owned and operating out of Lower Macungie, Mitri Brothers covers the entire Lehigh Valley. They are the go-to contractor for every construction need, including interior and exterior, residential and commercial. Full renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, roofing and siding are their specialties, with additional specialty work in customizing kitchens, bathrooms and more. They are known as the one-stop shop for all types of construction jobs. No job is too big or too small for them to handle. Their staff is very understanding and caring, and communicates every step of the way. Mitri Brothers treats each client’s home with TLC, as if it was their own home.

With just one call to Leila, she will find a way to bring a client’s vision to life. The amount of communication and work on each project is what keeps their clients satisfied and leads them to become repeat customers. Wasim coordinates and designs what is needed and manages the project, to ensure everything runs smoothly. “Our staff will take your home and hand it back to you, ready to go,” says Leila. “Our goal is to ensure no client will feel stressed during their home renovation. We like our clients to sit back and relax, and let us show them the transformation at the end.”

The most rewarding aspect of all for Mitri Brothers is seeing their clients as happy as they are when they see the transformation. It’s like one big family for everyone who works at Mitri Brothers, and they team up to make sure every client is satisfied beyond measure. The teamwork put in by this husbandand-wife duo speaks for itself, and they are thankful to their staff, family, friends and clients for always being behind them.

Feel free to call or message Mitri Brothers General Contractors and Roofing LLC for any construction project.

Mitri Brothers offers a wide range of services related to construction, roofing, renovations and full-scale rehabs. They specialize in transforming homes and buildings into functional and beautiful spaces.

HANDCRAFTED & WELL-DESIGNED

Penn Mount Stone is a full service design/ build masonry contractor with over 30 years of experience. “Our business has been built on honesty, integrity and quality,” says owner Ken Spence. “We understand the unique aspect of each project and we are equipped not only to meet, but to exceed the expectations of all our customers.”

Masonry is a building material typically associated with strength, longevity and beauty. Its diverse range of materials is unparalleled and its application and design options are limitless. Interior or exterior masonry undoubtedly adds a unique element of beauty to every project. “Our team would enjoy working with you to design and build your upcoming project.”

THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S WATER SOFTENER EXPERTS

Founders Barry and Ben Long of Lehigh Valley Water Systems, the only Long family in the water treatment business, are committed to offering cutting-edge water solutions for both public and private well water systems. Lehigh Valley Water Systems provides unmatched capabilities for both residential and commercial installations as well as in-depth knowledge about various water softener systems. Their technicians custom-design products for the Lehigh Valley’s water supply and offer the support needed to extend the systems’ lifespan. Lehigh Valley Water Systems also provides regular salt deliveries and service to further simplify the process for their customers.

Additionally, the company’s newly renovated retail location is open for all customers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Customers are always welcome to stop in for free water tests, salt, filters, to check out the latest products or discuss an installation at their home or business.

From natural stone veneers and traditional brickwork to custom fireplaces, patios and hardscaping, whether it’s all-new construction or a thorough restoration, trust the expert masons at Penn Mount Stone.

Owned and operated by the only Long family in the water business, Lehigh Valley Water Systems is ready to serve with everything needed for water softening, water filtration and water treatment.

THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S PREMIER BUILDER

The mission of G Contracting & Design is to provide the highest quality of professional service, at a competitive price, while achieving spectacular beauty, craftsmanship and functionality in any interior or exterior space they create.

Since 2012, G Contracting and Design has continued to emerge as the Lehigh Valley’s premier home remodeler. They strive to maintain this title with their continued commitment to provide exceptional design and installation services. This starts with prioritizing their expertise, focusing on kitchens, bathrooms, home additions and interior remodels. In doing this, they can give each project the attention it deserves. With over a century of trade practice and 35-plus years of design experience, homeowners can trust that the project they’ve always dreamed of will effortlessly become a reality.

From the initial contact, through project completion, the team at G Contracting is with their clients every step of the way. They will seamlessly handle all aspects of the project, ranging from in-home project assessments and personalized meetings with a designer, to full project coordination and on-site project management throughout the construction process.

Every detail is meticulously reviewed, allowing G Contracting to truly take any stress of the remodel process away from the homeowner. They utilize industry-leading technology to ensure their clients have a clear vision of their project, while also providing an accessible line of communication to reach any team member.

All craftsmanship provided by G Contracting is backed with a stellar five-year warranty, proving their confidence in their abilities. What’s more, G Contracting goes the extra mile by offering zero-percent finance options, making the remodel process even more attainable for homeowners. For those seeking trust and reliability, do not hesitate to contact G Contracting and take the first step towards transforming a home.

BETTER STANDARDS... BETTER HOMES

For over 59 years, Curtis E. Schneck, Inc. builder and developer has been building award-winning Lehigh Valley homes for homeowners who want custom-built quality that offers style and comfort. Curtis E. Schneck builds on pride with innovation and better standards for a better home.

With nearly 1,000 homes in communities like Fairland Farms, and throughout the Lehigh Valley, Curtis E. Schneck is one of the most respected Lehigh Valley builders.

5426 Route 873, Schnecksville 610.767.5018 | c-schneck.com

DESIGN, CREATION & INSTALLATION

142 Ironworks is a custom metal fabrication company whose specialty is turning clients’ visions of metal projects into reality. Based in Macungie, the family-owned business designs, creates and fabricates railings, stairs, gates and architectural metal work. President Justin “JP” Huddleston says 142 Ironworks’ goal is to use their high-quality creative development process and personalized consultations to shift the current paradigm of custom metal fabrication and create a new path forward for the industry.

142 W. Main St., Macungie 610.965.0909

“YOUR HOME, YOUR STYLE”

House Splendid, a noteworthy design studio and retail shop based in the heart of Emmaus, first opened its doors in 2003 and has been proudly serving the Lehigh Valley and beyond ever since, specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, as well as beautifully designed custom cabinetry for every room in the home. The specialties don’t stop there. With thousands of finely selected decorative and architectural hardware choices—from the fun and funky to the sleek and sophisticated—clients will find the perfect finishing touches to elevate their home to a whole new level. And for those standout items to complete the home or gift giving, visit House Splendid for a distinct array of home accessories, seasonal décor and customizable gifts.

Owner and principal designer Lia Papasimakis Fraccaro has been firmly established for her uniqueness as both a kitchen and bath designer and an interior designer, and continues to create and transform spaces of every kind. From rustic farmhouse to urban contemporary, House Splendid leads clients from design conception through to the completed renovation. And now with coastal design projects spanning to the Hamptons, the Jersey Shore and Southeast Florida, her range of creativity has no limits.

345 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.965.3030 housesplendid.com

House Splendid offers kitchen and bath renovations, custom cabinetry, full interior design services, decorative and architectural hardware, home décor, accessories and unique gifts.

CUSTOM-i-ZABLE HOMES FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE

Kay Builders, the Lehigh Valley’s local homebuilder, has served the area continuously since 1961. With numerous active locations, and more to come, Kay Builders has constructed communities for thousands of residents who call the Valley home. Kay’s success can be attributed to being a local, third-generation family business—providing not only the expertise that comes with decades of experience, but also modern, cuttingedge home designs crafted by their skilled team.

With Kay Builders, there are nearly endless possibilities when it comes to building the perfect home. Their floor plans are CUSTOM-i-ZABLE and can be adapted to suit a family’s personal needs. Together, create a unique home in an eye-catching community— something special inside and out!

Contact Kay Builders today to learn more about their various Lehigh Valley communities:

The Fields at Brookside (Elegant Singles) – Macungie

Laurel Field (Luxury Townhomes) – Upper Macungie Twp.

The Fields at Indian Creek (55+ Active Adult) – Emmaus

The Fields at River Hill (Twin Villas & Singles) – Bethlehem Twp.

COMING SOON The Fields at Mill Spring (Executive Homes) – Upper Macungie Twp.

Whether someone is a first-time homebuyer, a downsizer, or looking to move up, Kay Builders has it all. From executive homes to townhomes, to 55+ communities— all with creative designs and elegant exteriors—Kay Builders builds homes for every lifestyle. Contact their knowledgeable team today for more information!

Serving the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas 484.353.6100 kaybuilders.com

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & QUALITY

Earthtones Outdoors provides customers with all their outdoor needs, bringing knowledge, experience and quality. Call or email today to inquire about a project!

Earthtones Outdoors provides beautiful outdoor living spaces unique to each one of their clients’ specific desires. They use the team’s talent and 22 years of experience to deliver all of their clients’ outdoor needs, and pride themselves on supplying resources to complete any project from start to finish.

Some of their services include excavating, drainage work, custom vinyl-liner inground pools, hardscaping (including paver patios and retaining walls), custom masonry outdoor kitchens, hydroseeding and sod installation, and commercial snow removal.

Earthtones also provides commercial services for light excavation. Their extensive knowledge allows them to stand out from competitors in providing proper installation and layout on every project. Visit their website to explore their latest creations. Earthtones is looking forward to making outdoor dreams a reality.

484.623.4409

earthtonesoutdoors.net

mmerc e Together Bringing People, Art

Yo ur Gu ide to the & Co

By Daisy Willis | Photography by Marco Calderon

The corner storefront on 3rd and Pine in Easton has moved through incarnations of antique shop over the years before stretching new wings as the butterfly that is the Belleville Market. Modeled on the Belleville neighborhood in Paris known for its outdoor markets and street art, this shopping experience is the work of Domaci Home’s Derrick and Warren Clark, who envision a onestop shop for the perusal and purchase of unique gifts and goods.

Independently owned small businesses have a foothold in front of shoppers in 40-plus booths and showcases at Belleville, giving those with no brick-and-mortar location a physical presence, and some established businesses a secondary location to sell from. For up and coming entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to run with a great pack. “In that way,” Warren says, “we hope to be a sort of small business incubator.”

Not only will shoppers find a menagerie of local creators’, curators’ and collectors’ wares, the space includes the loft-level Atelier, a leasable workshop and event space. This flexible space carries the vintage vibe of Belleville to private events such as showers or birthday parties, and the Clarks anticipate plenty of creative workshops like floral design, paint and sips, or handbuilding pottery. It’s easy to see how Belleville Market brings people, art and commerce together.

The diversity of the shopping experience can’t be overstated. From the handmade to the painstakingly restored, from the edible import to the alive-and-leafy potted plant, from the ornamental to the interactive, the merchandise from Belleville’s sellers runs a vibrant gamut that continues to evolve. Here are just 10 of the many merchants for your browsing bliss.

bellevillemarket.com

Derrick & Warren

DOMACI

Anchoring it all is the new HQ of Domaci, the elegant yet down-to-earth home goods store that first got its footing in Bethlehem when it became a furnishings fixture in 2015. The first sight to behold upon entering Belleville is Domaci’s set-up of carefully curated home décor and everyday essentials. A revolving assortment of furniture offerings fills the display window, with more to peruse in the Domaci Studio located in Belleville’s upstairs loft. These pieces are built to last: cozy, classic and timeless, with the potential to populate the antique stores of tomorrow!

domacihome.com

STEEL CITY

Plant Co.

Plant parents are a special breed, and will make a beeline to Steel City’s proffered house plants, supplies and “plantcessories” as soon as they walk into Belleville. While owner Angela Stein loves bringing the plant-loving community together, she’s also devoted to making the purchase and care of plants accessible to all: “We’ve created our own custom plant-care guide to help you keep your babies thriving!” Don’t worry about conflicts with furry family members; Steel City’s specialty is pet-friendly houseplants so everyone can enjoy the timeless grace of greenery in safety.

steelcityplantco.com

RASCAL Salvage Vintage

Foraging for the quirky vintage treasures that give them glee is what brought Michele and Rob together. Their High Bridge, NJ, store is stocked with hand-picked collectibles, vintage vinyl and 70s clothing, toys from your own and prior childhoods and much, much more—and now so in their location at Belleville! With a strong nostalgia for midcentury artifacts, they offer an ever-tumbling kaleidoscope of found objects and décor to reminisce over or discover. “Every time that we can teach someone’s kid how to use a rotary telephone or have them completely enthralled with a View-Master, well, that’s a victory!”

rascalsalvagevintage.com

COTTAGE & Bloom

White, natural wood and pops of green foliage compose the palette of Cottage & Bloom’s décor. “Your home should feel peaceful and comfortable and be a haven to relax from the stresses of the world,” says owner Sheri Reaser. A mantel built into the original Emmaus shop and now the Belleville space showcases her passion for creating a beautiful focal point. From candles and kitchen accessories to pillows and blankets, the collection meshes well with a variety of styles, especially if you love Cottage & Bloom’s cozy-casual European cottage aesthetic. Stop in and get inspired to create your dream space!

cottageandbloom.com

Sheri & Sean

Olive Oil & Vinegar

This collection of oldworld charm has been glimmering out of Easton like a hidden gem through two name changes on the storefront. Now owner Anna Maria Peterson finds her French-inspired curation of antiques auspiciously at home in Belleville. “It was inspired by my visit to the Palace of Versailles in 1999,” she says, “and that one glimpse at the Hall of Mirrors.” The sparkle and opulence of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries in France is reflected in the mirrors, furnishings and fancies ready to bewitch you to another time.

SEASONS FRENCH

Fat and acid are two foundational elements of good cooking, epitomized by rich olive oil and tangy vinegar. Along with Seasons’ variety of pestos, pastas, olives and other ethically sourced delights, it’s easy to enhance any dish to luxurious levels. At their Belleville location, sample Seasons’ famous array of olive oils infused with garlic, chili or fruit essences, traditional balsamic vinegar aged to perfection as well as fruit-infused, and get ready to drizzle and emulsify your way to success. Grab a gift basket of this kitchen gold: the foodie in your life will be floored.

Patina Co.

piecesofpastandpresent pieces_of_past_and_present

NOTCH NOTION +

Caitlin Leggett, creator of Notch and Notion’s upcycled accessories, combines her background in the fashion industry with a passion for sustainability to populate her place at Belleville with one-of-akind creations. “I love vintage prints, retro silhouettes, bright colors and nature,” she says, “so shoppers will see that reflected in each piece.” From the tote bags made from vintage cross-stitchings to magnets made from magazine cutouts, the traces and textiles of yesterday find new life in finely made items. Stop in for a velvet pillow or a scrap scrunchie that won’t hurt the earth.

notchandnotion.com

HARMONY Girl Charm

Kristin & Teresa

The mother-daughter team behind Harmony Girl Charm started painting furniture together over a decade ago and built this creativity into a business where they share the vintage finds and furnishings that bring them joy. At Kristin and Teresa’s booth at Belleville you’ll find updated heirlooms, resin ocean creations like charcuterie boards and coasters, and a full line of Fusion Mineral Paint—their favorite for bringing new life into a refinishing project. “We encourage people to take the leap and freshen something up in their home,” says Kristin. “They won’t be able to stop.”

harmonygirlcharm

HOME Husted

Third-generation woodworker Matt Husted turns wood into wonders, proudly sourced right here in southeastern Pennsylvania. The black walnut, maple, cherry, sycamore and locust that you’ll see gleaming from Husted Home’s Belleville booth is sourced from salvaged trees and milled themselves, keeping material as local and eco-friendly as possible. From the bowls, boards and rolling pins you can wield in your kitchen to the custom furniture and keepsakes Matt is game to create, Husted Home products look to last for generations, not unlike the trees they’re made from. For an example of custom signage look no further than the elegant Belleville Market sign behind the counter.

hustedhome.com

When you’re not traveling, you’re spending a lot of time thinking and Googling about where to go next. An Adventure Awaits is for you. Kailey and Jeff’s Push Pin Maps help enshrine memories and ambitions of wanderlust while looking sleek on the wall. Use colored pins to pinpoint where you’ve been and the dream destinations in your sights. Prints, mugs and stickers on the same theme fill out their inventory with perfect gifts for the perpetual passportwielder. Kailey and Jeff are headed to Portugal in the fall— what’s on your bucket list?

shopanadventureawaits.com

Pork Chops WITH

SPANISH CHORIZO YELLOW RICE, RED BEAN STEW AND TOSTONES

WITH HISTORIC HOTEL

BETHLEHEM CHEF RODNEY RIVERA

Rodney Rivera, executive chef at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, is sharing a recipe for a meal he once looked forward to every Sunday growing up, one that his grandmother would make for him: pork chops with Spanish chorizo yellow rice, red bean stew and tostones. Simply the smell and the sound of the pork chops on the grill bring him back to her kitchen in Puerto Rico. The rice recipe also includes his family’s sofrito purée of peppers, garlic, onions and cilantro. By the young age of 13, Chef Rivera had lost both of his

parents, and his grandmother raised him. “Every day there was a pot of rice with beans on the stove. At 95 years old, my grandmother is still cooking that way,” he says laughing.

Rivera moved to the Lehigh Valley with his brother when he was 19. His first job was actually at Hotel Bethlehem as a dishwasher. “I loved the energy of the kitchen,” he says. “I wanted to learn everything.” This led Chef Rivera to work at The Farm House and Shula’s Steak House before returning to Hotel Bethlehem. He worked with Chef Michael Adams

for 18 years and considers him his mentor.

In 2020, tragedy struck again when Rivera lost his younger brother. The resilience of Chef Rivera has forged him into the grateful, kind and inspiring man he is today. “I always tell my team what a privilege it is that we have a chance to cook for our diners. It is something that I never lose sight of,” he says. “I feel so thankful to be able to share my food with people.” This idea and knowledge of how precious life is makes Chef Rivera a remarkable leader. “One

of my favorite things about cooking is my team I get to work with. It takes a great group of people to make a busy kitchen function and with this wonderful team we have so much fun together.”

The profound losses in Chef Rivera’s life have only pushed him further and have given him a deep perspective on life. The simplicity of a family recipe, like the one he is sharing, is filled with nostalgia and love.

437 Main St., Bethlehem hotelbethlehem.com | 855.264.2598

PORK CHOPS

WITH SPANISH CHORIZO YELLOW RICE, RED BEAN STEW AND TOSTONES

INGREDIENTS & INSTRUCTIONS

Pork Chops

4 ½-inch pork chops

1 Tbsp. fresh oregano

1 Tbsp. fresh thyme

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup lime juice

Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients, cover pork chops and let marinate 12 hours.

Pat chops dry, season with salt and pepper and grill until cooked.

Rice 1 quart water

2 cups white rice

½ cup tomato purée

1 Tbsp. sofrito purée

(made of peppers, garlic, onions and cilantro—Rivera says every family has their own recipe)

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and bring to boil. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Red Bean Stew

1 quart can red beans

4 cups water

1 Tbsp. sofrito purée

1 can tomato sauce

1 bay leaf

Combine all ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes, until reduced by one third.

Tostones

Peel and cut three-inch slices of green plantain.

Fry at 350 degrees for two minutes. Then, using the bottom of a large pot, smash the slices to ¼-inch thick and fry again for two minutes until crisp.

Plating

Put the rice on the plate surrounded by the beans. Add the pork chop with tostones and sliced avocado.

Tag @lvstylemag when you make it at home!

BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

IRONBOUND FARM

Harvesting FreshFrom-the-Field Flavor

Already days are getting shorter. While summer’s send-off is always bittersweet, there’s also reason to celebrate. It’s harvest time—time to reap the bounty of farm and field, and few places offer more reason to celebrate that abundance than Ironbound Farm in Asbury, NJ.

Just 15 minutes or so across the Pennsylvania border from Easton, this 108-acre regenerative farm beckons with a craft cidery, farm-tofork restaurant, weekend farm market—and purpose. Sample the unique, handcrafted hard ciders or dine at the Ciderhouse and savor its exciting, bold, field-fresh cuisine. At the farm market, pick up some of the best locally sourced, organic foods you’ll find anywhere to fill your winter larder.

As if those weren’t reason enough to cross the border, there’s also this: Ironbound is quite simply just a cool place to hang out. It’s a farm, after all, so it’s rustic, casual and über-easygoing. A circa-1700s barn houses the cidery and its tasting room, and fields fan out in a velvet carpet of green. Outdoor dining spaces encourage reveling in pastoral views, and live music on weekends amps up the vibe that celebrates all things living in wholeness with the land.

The seed of Ironbound’s story was planted about a decade ago when owner Charles Rosen set out to prove a for-profit company could successfully do business in ways that would build and benefit its community. (“Ironbound” comes from the working-class, multiethnic Newark neighborhood where his company was founded.) Obstacles to his original vision of workforce development for the most marginalized in

ALEC GIOSEFFI Farm Director & Executive Chef

AMANDA COX Chef de Cuisine

DANIELLE NGUYEN Beverage Director FINN Best Boy

Newark gradually evolved his purpose to a focus on farms as the heart of a new food system.

It’s a vision that looks to the future yet finds roots in the past. When he bought the former King’s Road Vineyard in 2015, the land had lain fallow for close to two decades. What’s more, the soil had been depleted and damaged by chemical weed killers. Rosen and a crew cleared 50-plus acres of grape trellises and invasive species to begin healing the land for planting a 10,000-tree apple orchard.

But the story goes back even further—back to the days when the barn was built. Hard cider was the drink of choice for many in the 1700s and 1800s, since water wasn’t safe to drink. And the hard cider produced in and around Newark was one of the best in those times, thanks to the Harrison apple, specially suited to cider making.

Fast-forward to the present. Even though the Harrison was considered lost to time (it’s on Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, a catalog of foods facing extinction), Rosen

wanted to produce hard cider with a history. Working with “apple detectives and historians” for two years, he successfully brought back the fruit, and today it is, indeed, the foundation of Ironbound’s hard ciders.

Making wine was never a consideration, despite the farm’s previous identity. That’s because making cider is more fun, says Ironbound’s cidermaker Cameron Stark— who worked as a winemaker for 20 years. There’s more opportunity for creativity, says Stark. He’s not making a chardonnay for which there’s a preconceived notion of taste, so “we can go all over the board with flavors and styles; we have more freedom.”

That freedom has yielded interesting hard cider flavors such as Devil’s Harvest (infused with Pine Barrens cranberries and tart cherries) and Black Tea and Lemon (infused with farmbrewed tea and fresh organic citrus). Stark took cider-making to a new level with the cidery’s Imperial selections. The four fortified hard ciders are mixed with apple brandy that stops

fermentation, then infused with herbs and botanicals. The result? A beverage like vermouth or Italian amaro, good for sipping or used in a cocktail.

These unique ciders showcase Stark’s creativity. For example, Cherry Burdock, infused with burdock root along with farm-grown botanicals, offers up aromatics of cherry, apple blossoms and exotic spice. And Lemon Beebrush, an aperitif cider infused with the flowering plant also known as lemon verbena, imparts notes

of green apple, tea, bittersweet chocolate, pie spice and lemonade.

In a bramble-style cocktail created by beverage director Danielle Nguyen, the Lemon Beebrush—mixed with muddled blackberries, lemon juice and fresh sage—adds depth and richness to the bright notes of this garnet drink that gleams like a polished gem.

Ironbound’s gluten-free ciders have no preservatives, or added sugars or sulfites. And botanicals hail from the farm or its partner producers

Bramble Bound

Ironbound Lemon Beebrush Imperial Cider with muddled blackberries, lemon and sage

INSIDE DISH

and growers. The innovation that drives the ciders and cocktails along with their farm-fresh ingredients makes these drinks oneof-a-kind. Therein lies their “artisan” character, says Nguyen. That artisan theme runs through the food as well.

Ciderhouse cuisine is boldly creative, influenced by the tastes of many different cultures and bursting with the peak flavor that comes only from food harvested just hours before it’s served. Alec Gioseffi,

executive chef and farm director, says 80 percent of the produce used in the food comes straight from the farm, the remainder from neighboring producers and growers.

Consider the panzanella. This Italian bread salad features tomatoes, peaches, bronze fennel and viola flowers from Ironbound. Blackberries, corn and burrata hail from partners, and the crusty bread cubes come from sourdough loaves baked on-site with heritage

grains from a neighboring producer. What a stellar study of seasonal color, taste and textural contrast.

Roasted eggplant—topped with oat berries or groats, feta, blackberries, tahini and honey, and fresh mint— features sweet notes balanced by briny feta and tahini’s nutty sesame overtones.

New Jersey day boat scallops explode with flavor. Plated with fingers of kaju masala, an Indian cashew-based curry sauce, garnishes of umi plum and roasted red pepper jam add artistic touches of color.

Rolls of paper-thin slices of piel de sapo, an heirloom melon originating in Spain, bring clean counterpoint to the curry’s heat and fiery cauliflower marinated in harissa paste and cider.

A yakitori-inspired plate of skewered pieces of grilled heritage pork loin and ribeye are ever-so-crisped outside and so moist inside. These are partnered with New Jerseygrown black and tan rice, oi muchim (spicy Korean

cucumber salad) and Napa cabbage kimchi.

Brown butter ice cream, made on-site with milk from a local partner, melts in rivulets over warm cornbread skillet cake, topped with local blackberry compote, in an individual cast-iron pan. Need I say more?

From May to November, Ciderhouse food is cooked in the outdoor kitchen with its centerpiece motherfire— an open-fire grill inspired by Argentinian pit cooking. Its 25-plus-foot chimney towers over the open dining areas, underscoring the rustic sensibility here. From November to April, when there’s no outdoor dining, food trucks provide cooking space.

Farm and food are inextricably linked at Ironbound. The eight chefs start their shifts by gathering fresh ingredients—eggs, herbs, edible flowers and more. And Gioseffi designs the menu to feature foods and ingredients from the farm and its partners. In winter when he develops

Cornbread Skillet Cake with brown butter ice cream and blackberry compote

Panzanella featuring sourdough cubes, tomatoes, peaches, bronze fennel, blackberries, corn, burrata and viola flowers

Roasted Eggplant with oat berries, feta, blackberries, tahini, honey and fresh mint

the next crop plan, it’s based on the Ciderhouse menu he’ll write for the coming growing season.

Everything that Ironbound Farm is today began with healing the soil. Cover cropping put nitrogen back to build organic life, which created a soil ecosystem. That ecosystem set the stage for integrated farming where chickens live in the orchard rows and, along with turkeys, ducks and geese, help control pests. Goats and sheep take care of weed management, and the heritage-breed pigs root and till the fields.

“If you ask me what I grow,” says Rosen, “I would say soil.” Nutrients in soil are tied to flavor; more microorganisms in soil increase nutrients, and more nutrients in food equal more flavor, he says.

Along with growing soil, Rosen is growing community. He’s developing partnerships by supporting people who are farming the right way, he says, and he’s building a new marketplace where like-minded farmers and producers connect and collaborate.

Gioseffi says the food at Ciderhouse intentionally features ingredients from, at minimum, seven to 10 partners in Ironbound’s food hub region. The Farm Market offers partners’ products as well. This collaboration of local growers and producers is the heart of Rosen’s vision of a new food system: “My successes should not come at your expense; my success should come with yours.”

This is what we believe in, says Rosen: “Healing the land. Healing people. Building community together.” A regenerative purpose, for sure.

Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse

360 County Road 579, Asbury, NJ 908.940.4115 | ironboundhardcider.com

HOURS

Ciderhouse Food & Beverage Service Hours: Thurs. & Fri.: 4–10 p.m. (Kitchen closes 8:30 p.m.); Sat.: noon–10 p.m. (Kitchen closes 8:30 p.m.); Sun.: noon–9 p.m. (Kitchen closes at 7:30 p.m.)

To-Go Cider Sales:

Tues.–Thurs.: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Tasting Room)

Farm Market: Fri.–Sun.: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Parking: Abundant

Reservations: Reservations required Thurs.; reservations encouraged Fri.–Sun.

WHAT TO ORDER

Don’t miss the panzanella. It’s a flavor party on a plate. Anything with the hyper-local produce is a treat for tired taste buds.

The farm’s heritage pork is a revelation. Sample the earthy Berry-Beet Sparkler mocktail made with beet shrub—like a garden in a glass. Sip fortified Cider Royal (pure Harrison apple hard cider aged in toasted oak), or toast the harvest with Harrison’s Sparkling Pét-Nat that drinks like rustic champagne. Here’s to fall!

BAR

notchmknb.com

Modern American with an Asian Twist. Lunch & dinner.

$$$

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.

$$

switchbackpizza.com

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

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.

$$

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 Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

$$

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

A casual American bistro serving lunch and dinner six days 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.

$$

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

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

$$$

youellsoysterhouse.com

Sea to table since 1895. The region’s destination for fresh Lunch & dinner.

$$$ hotelbethlehem.com

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

$$$

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.

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

$$$

Casual American dining, featuring some unique and Brunch, lunch & dinner.

Blue Grillhouse

$$$

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 Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.

BOLETE RESTAURANT & INN $$$

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

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

Chop House at Wind Creek $$$

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

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

DADDY’S PLACE $

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

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

DIMAIO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA $$

27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net

Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.

THE DIME $$$

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

Contemporary American cuisine. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

EDGE RESTAURANT $$$

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

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

Mama Nina Foccacheria $

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

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

PA House $

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

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

SOCIAL STILL $$$

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

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

SURV RESTAURANT $$$

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

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

THREE OAK STEAKHOUSE $$$

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

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

TWISTED OLIVE $$$

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

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

TWO RIVERS BREWING COMPANY $

542 Northampton St., Easton, 610.829.1137, tworiversbrewing.com

House-made craft beer and the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to provide the highest quality dining experience. Lunch, dinner & late night.

Urban Table $$

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

Capturing flavor from a myriad of culinary regions, Urban Table’s menu is a match for every palate—with offerings including prime beef burgers, gumbo, cauliflower steak, truffle-honey glazed fried chicken, premium chops, seafood and more. Lunch & dinner.

YIANNI’S TAVERNA $$$

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

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

ZEST BAR+GRILLE $$$

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

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

BY KRISTEN WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON

BROWN SUGAR FIG MATCHA

PLANTS + COFFEE

This fall, reconsider your pumpkin spice as the flavor of the season and, instead, opt for a drink sweetened with brown sugar. “As we approach the fall months, we wanted a couple of sweet drinks with a little bit of a warming touch without being too hot,” explain Jenny and Brandt DeLorenzo, owners of Plants + Coffee, the familyowned coffee cafe with a plant shop inside that made its debut in Easton in April.

Featured here is their Brown Sugar Fig Matcha, made with brown sugar, matcha powder, milk and fig jam. This brandnew drink will be offered at the end of summer as Plants + Coffee transitions into the start of the school year and fall.

Jenny and Brandt say matcha pairs well with fruits and recommend enjoying the Brown Sugar Fig Matcha with an apple cinnamon bagel or their avocado toast bagel that comes with a side of mango.

“We’re really excited for the cooler weather when we can create unique warm and sweet coffee drinks,” they share. “Stay tuned for new drink specials as the summer winds down.” Also keep an eye out for some after-hours private events and fun terrariumbuilding workshops; details will be posted on social media and on their website.

The drink was prepared by Plants + Coffee baristas Megan and Ellie.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it...

001 Listen to 99.9 The Hawk between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays from September 5–29th.

002 The Hawk Morning Show, Kara & Mitch will announce the secret code throughout the day.

003 Text the secret code to 610.904.9999 to enter for the chance to win a two-year lease on a 2023 Hyundai Kona EV SE.

004 Finalists will be selected from contestants who submit the correct secret code.

005 Qualified contestants will attend a reverse drawing at Lehigh Valley Hyundai on Saturday, October 7th.

Most trusted care for kids.

Trace, Age 6

Pediatric neurosurgery champion

LVHN.org/Trace

Thank you for trusting us to care for your kids. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is the region’s most experienced children’s hospital. As the third busiest children’s hospital in Pennsylvania, it offers an entire health network built just for kids including the region’s only Children’s ER, Children’s ExpressCAREs and Children’s Cancer Center. Read about Trace’s remarkable recovery at LVHN.org/Trace.