October’s Delicious Food And Drinks
Welcome, fall! As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, our cravings shift toward comforting flavors that warm both body and soul. October is one of our most delectable magazines of the year, and this month we’re celebrating the food and drink that makes our city such a delight for the senses.
There’s an art to creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also stirs memories of home. Food has a unique way of connecting us to our past while bringing us together in the present. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out with friends or hosting a cozy dinner at home, these shared moments are what make life flavorful.
Don’t miss a fun community tradition coming Saturday, Oct. 4: Newtown Library Company's Annual 5K Walk/Run. Whether you’d like to walk, run or volunteer, there’s something for everyone.The generosity of supporters has helped keep the library strong for 265 years!
Additionally, also on Oct. 4, after 14 years of tradition, community and great brews, Newtown Beerfest is back to celebrate the best of craft beer culture while supporting a vital cause: the Newtown Fire Association. Its new location will be at NAC, 120 Pheasant Run.
Lastly, on Oct. 20, will be Council Rock North Baseball’s first annual Golf Classic, “From the Diamond to the Fairway,” at Spring Mill Country Club. This new event is to raise funds for the local baseball program. For registration, sponsorship information or to donate raffle items, contact Dana Brady at golf4crnbaseball@gmail.com
Here’s to savoring every bite this fall, DANA
WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Dana Weissenberg
Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian Wagner
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Haley Weltz
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Madeline Marriott, Julie Brown Patton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Wagner, Stephen Moraux
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Newtown Real Estate
STEPHEN MORAUX
FLOURISH CAKES COURTESY
CAVA
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Stockton Market Provides Pantry Staples, Prepared Meals
Stock up on delectable provisions at Stockton Market, such as Monte’s Fine Foods’ sauces, whose manufacturer indicates don't contain tomato blends, pastes, starches, fillers, artificial additives, colors, dried herbs or added sugars. It's certified kosher, vegan and gluten-free. The market's team also offers prepared foods for grab-and-go situations that owner Dana Ashburn says are delicious and easy to ready for lunches, dinners or small dinner parties. "We use fresh and flavorful seasonal ingredients," she adds.
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Owowcow Serves Up Scoops For First Time At Grange Fair
For the first time, Bucks County Owowcow was among the food vendors for this year's Middletown Grange Fair held at the fairgrounds off Penns Park Road in Wrightstown Township. The creamery's team scooped up four ice cream flavors in cups and waffle cones: Cookie Monstah, Madagascar Vanilla, I Hate Chocolate and special flavor Perfect Sundays. In addition, they will be offering sorbet popsicles, some vegan and non-dairy options and a special peach sundae.
Guru’s Indian Cuisine Becomes Take Out Eatery, Seeks Future Location
Chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar and Priya Trivedi shifted Guru’s Indian Cuisine in Newtown to a “takeout only” operation. The couple reassumed the restaurant's ownership from their nephew, Samarth Joshi, after they returned from India to adopt two young sisters from their homeland. Priya publicly explained that while 203 N. Sycamore Street has been their location for 10 years, it became increasingly difficult to secure refinancing needed to maintain that location. They're pursuing a new location.
Photography by Stockton Market
Photography Courtesy of OwowCow
Photography by Priya Trivedi
Newtown Bagel Hopes To Celebrate 25 Years With Possible Expansion
Newtown Bagel's been a family-owned business at 31 Swamp Road since 2001. Owner Chris Myer says they hope to observe their 25th business anniversary by expanding into 1,800 square feet of next-door space formerly occupied by C&N Bank. At press time, Chris was working with city officials through the conditional use permit process. This staff serves bagels (including gluten-free), lunch sandwiches, snacks, muffins, sweets, beverages and catering. Chris hopes to add a new coffee center.
Capital Grille, Newtown, Recognized With Prestigious Restaurant Award of Excellence
Capital Grille in Newtown was recognized with Wine Spectator's prestigious 2025 Restaurant Award of Excellence for its exceptional California and French wine program. The Restaurant Awards represent the world’s only program focused exclusively on restaurant wine programs. Other Bucks County restaurants winning the Award of Excellence this year were: Nektar Wine Bar in New Hope, Ferry & Main in New Hope, Frost Lounge in Doylestown and Spinnerstown Hotel Restaurant & Tap Room in Quakertown.
Grounds For Sculpture Presents New Exhibition
Grounds For Sculpture's new solo exhibition is work by Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist Salvador Jiménez-Flores, curated by GFS Executive Director Gary Garrido Schneider. Salvador's work is considered to be both playful and provocative. As a native of Mexico who moved to Chicago at age 15, he centers his creative work on his experiences as a bicultural immigrant. The exhibition will be on view in the sculpture park’s East Gallery and outdoors.
Photography by Newtown Bagel
Photography by GFS
Jade Fetterolf Photography
NEW
MENU ON
Some Fabulous Fall Flavors Coming At Piccolo Trattoria
Piccolo Trattoria, a member of the Newtown community since 2001, is highlighting new menu items this fall.
Fami and Amali Elabed, the restaurant’s co-owners, designed dishes and drinks with the flavors of fall in mind. The menu features butternut squash sautéed with imported pancetta, fresh sage and walnuts in honey brown butter sauce topped with burrata cheese.
“For fall, butternut squash is the natural star,” Amali explains. “It’s earthy, slightly sweet and comforting. From there, we layered flavors and textures that balance and elevate it.”
ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN WAGNER
“It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory and nutty,” Fami adds. “You get the natural sweetness of the squash and honey, the salty depth of pancetta, the herbal lift of sage and the toasted crunch of walnuts all enveloped in silky brown butter and topped with the lush creaminess of burrata. Every bite feels layered and comforting, yet vibrant.”
Like many menu items at Piccolo’s, the dish combines classic Italian flavors with a modern twist.
“Dishes like this are a reflection of who we are: rooted in authentic Italian tradition, yet always open to creativity and seasonality,” Amali says.
The autumnal vibes continue at the bar with the Bacon Me Crazy drink: bacon fat, washed Maker’s Mark bourbon, maple syrup and Angostura bitters, garnished with a fresh piece of bacon.
“When creating cocktails, we look for ways to surprise people while still keeping drinks approachable,” Fami explains. “This one is all about balance: the smoky, savory notes of bacon play against the sweetness of the maple, while the bourbon provides warmth and body.”
According to Amali, this cocktail goes well with hearty dishes, pairing the drink’s smokiness with savory meats.
Piccolo Trattoria is known for offering authentic, elegant Italian cuisine or catering, and making each entrée from scratch. Their restaurants also are known as a destination for intimate gatherings within an atmosphere of Old World ambiance with real Italian flair, creativity and quality.
‘Our People. Our Coffee.’
EE TEAM SERV E S WARM, COLD
Newtown native Andrew Dittman intentionally founded Calm Waters Coffee during 2015, along with his wife, Jodi, as a place for people who turn coffee into a ritual and a café into a second home. They still support that mission every day. Jodi says Calm Waters was born along the Flambeau River as they sipped campfire coffee in quiet, predawn hours.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CALM WATERS COFFEE
Andrew and Jodi Dittman, founders, Calm Waters Coffee
During 2022, while stepping into the spot that previously was The Coffee Room at 15 S. State St., Andrew and Jodi expanded clientele from their original coffee shop in Bristol. Jeremy Keating joined them as co-owner/COO.
"We work on crafting enjoyable coffee experiences," assures Andrew. "It differs from person to person, but at the end of the day, our core mission's simple and wholly inclusive: love yourself, love others. Our hope is no matter what's happening in your life, when you walk into our shop or brew our coffee at home, you'll find in that moment a powerful peace, one to carry with you into the rest of your day."
Additionally, this vibey Newtown cafe can be rented as a cozy, perfect backdrop for baby showers, birthday parties or creative workshops — or for reading Newtown City Lifestyle.
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finest fall food
ANDREA ESPOSITO, RISTORANTE LUCCA EXECUTIVE CHEF, COOKS UP APPEALING AUTUMN MENU
ARTICLE BY JULIE
BROWN
PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY RISTORANTE LUCCA
Hailing from the charming coastal town of Monte di Procida in the province of Naples, Andrea Esposito has embraced his lifelong passion for cooking — beginning with the art of pizza — nurtured by his family and rooted in the rich culinary traditions of southern Italy. He presently serves as executive chef at Ristorante LUCCA in Bordentown, New Jersey. There, he blends authentic Neapolitan flavors with refined technique, offering guests a true taste of Italy.
Andrea says his goal as he proposes year-round Ristorante LUCCA menus is to create a symphony of food that reflects each season.
"For this fall, I'm doing my research, and together with my food provisioners, we're finding the freshest vegetables and best choices for fish and meats to fuse them to make unique, delicious appetizers and entrees," he says.
"One given direction for the fall is showcasing pumpkin as a key ingredient and dish because it reflects the season so well. This gives our patrons new items to choose from and enjoy; that's my goal and I take this responsibility very seriously."
Indeed, in American culture, pumpkins have become a quintessential symbol of fall, and their wide-ranging ability to taste savory or sweet solidified this vermillion fruit's place as a special autumn food craved by many.
Andrea honed his culinary craft at the esteemed Lucio Petronio Hotel and Catering Institute in Monterusciello, Pozzuoli, where he developed the technical expertise that he says now defines his cuisine. "Growing up along the Gulf of Naples, I was surrounded by an abundance of fresh seafood and high-quality meats, ingredients, which sparked my creativity and continues to influence my cooking today."
Though far from his native home, Andrea remains deeply connected to his heritage and proudly honors the traditions of Neapolitan gastronomy in every dish he creates. In fact, he confirms he thinks of it as continuous opportunities to share Tuscany locally. Fine Italian cuisine and elegant, exceptional dining is promised by the team at nearby Ristorante LUCCA & Piano Lounge, 144 US-130. Guests indicate stepping into the Piano Lounge’s cabaret dining experiences means leaving the ordinary world behind.
609.262.0110
RistoranteLucca.com
ANDREA ESPOSITO, RISTORANTE LUCCA
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Experience Exceptional Dining
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RISTORANTE LUCCA
Meet Ristorante LUCCA's General Manager "Pino"
As Ristorante LUCCA's general manager, Giuseppe “Pino” Algeri directs staff and resources to provide exceptional guest experiences. Raised in Italy, and fluent in Italian, English and Spanish, Pino attended two hotel and restaurant schools: Hotel Enalc and Hotel Foresta. He then completed an internship working onboard the cruise ship TSS Michelangelo in Italy.
Prior to joining Ristorante LUCCA, Pino served as manager of Ristorante Toscana in Cherry Hill for six years. Pino also booked banquets and coordinated menus. Previously, Pino was dining room manager at Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill.
Earlier in his career, Pino was general manager of Nunzios Ristorante in Collingswood, New Jersey, for 13 years.
Other restaurant management/ Chef de Rang experience includes: Le Bec Fin/Brasserie Perrier, Girasole Ristorante and the Monte Carlo Living Room Restaurant & Night Club, all in Philadelphia. Pino worked in various restaurants throughout England, as well as at The Water’s Edge, a 5-star hotel on Jersey Island.
Giuseppe “Pino” Algeri, Ristorante LUCCA general manager
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ARTICLE BY MADELINE MARRIOTT
Local Fare Favorites On The Go
5 FOOD TRUCKS TO TRY THIS FALL
Spuddy Buddy serves up sweet, savory french fry baskets with options from sweet and spicy Thai to s’mores. Book for special celebrations or find them at Bucks County events.
Bonjour Crêperie brings French fare to festivals and area markets, with classics like nutella with fresh strawberries, plus wild cards packed with grilled chicken, bacon, cheese and barbecue sauce.
Kono has made pizza portable with their unique cones. From a meatball parm cone to a cannoli cone, a meal can be held in one hand at any brewery, festival and outdoor gathering they frequent.
Often found setting up at local breweries, Taco the Town’s menu includes mouthwatering birria tacos, burritos and enchiladas alongside Philly favorites like cheesesteaks with Mexican twists. Check out their calendar on Facebook.
Nina’s has five locations across Bucks County offering homemade sweet treats. But for those who can’t make it there on special days, they’ll bring the goodies in their catering truck by reservation only.
Spuddy Buddy Fry Factory
Taco The Town Kitchen
Nina’s Waffles And Ice Cream
Bonjour Crêperie
Kono Pizza
Courtesyof
Spuddy Buddy FryFactory
Courtesy of Bo njour Crêperie
Courtesy of Taco T he TownKitchen
Courtesy of Kono Pizza
CourtesyofNina’s Wafes AndIceCream
PARISIAN PASTRIES FLAIR
Artisan French Bakery Mamie Colette Creates Pâtisseries Classics For Newtown Enthusiasts
Rise and shine in Newtown with the aroma of happiness from handcrafted French viennoiseries, croissants, danishes, rolls, breads, tarts, brioches, Far Bretons or puddings, baked fresh daily. Smell it wafting now?
Mamie Colette bakery's co-owner, chef Magali "Mag" Henry, typically rolls the dough herself,
transforming it into magical croissants. Business partners Magali and Isabelle Noblanc founded and opened the bakery during 2022. Meeting in France during 2006, both women share French heritage and discovered they both desired to launch a traditional French bakery in the United States, so the Newtown region got the benefit of that dream.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MAMIE COLETTE BAKERY
Mamie (means grandma in French) Colette was named in honor of Magali's grandmother, Colette. Born in the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe, Colette journeyed to Chartres, France, to give her seven children an opportunity for a better life. That inspiration guided Magali to become an artisan viennoiserie baker, specializing in handmade croissants and danishes.
Fine coffee or tea beverages are available, too. Business manager Isabelle also stocks a line of French candies and one-of-a-kind host or treat gifts.
When the local bakery opened, her relatives came from France to join the celebration.
"Everything at Mamie Colette is made from scratch with the finest, natural ingredients, including a special butter. The almond croissants are filled with an almond cream layer, making every bite something to savor.
Chocolate croissants use only the finest chocolate nestled in the flakiest of doughs. The jam croissant has a splendid strawberry filling. There are light and creamy cheese danish made with cream cheese, cranberry pastries and a favorite Nutella croissant," says Magali.
"There also are special additions to extend the menu. Along with the sweet, there are savory treats, such as ham and cheese or spinach croissants. We prioritize taste, quality and health."
"As a teenager, I wanted to become a baker, but my parents decided it would be better for me to go to university. I studied sales and marketing, and became a good, but professionally unfulfilled, sales executive," Magali explains. "I later studied culinary entrepreneurship in the US, and bread and viennoiseries baking in France, at l’Ecole Banette. I quickly realized I was meant for baking, and that my old dream was still very alive."
From 202 S. State St., the bakery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. During 2023, the partners opened a second, sister location in Titusville, and named it L'Annexe de Mamie Colette. Gift cards are available.
Extra print copies of Newtown City Lifestyle can be found at their Newtown bakery to peruse while noshing and sipping.
215.550.6110 MamieColetteBakery.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
OCTOBER 3RD, 4TH, 10TH, 11TH, 17TH, 18TH, 24TH, 25TH, 31ST
Lantern Tour
Washington Crossing Historic Park | 6:30 PM
Learn about the Crossing during time of day it actually occurred, free tours held every Friday and Saturday during October at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tours include a living history presentation and last about 1 hour, covering conditions and history of the crossing, as well as three battles that follow it, the battles of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton.
OCTOBER 4TH
Market Day
Newtown Historic Borough Streets | 10:00 AM
Market Day is an annual, family-friendly Newtown tradition in its 49th year to celebrate the colonial tradition of local farmers and homesteaders bringing crops, livestock and homemade wares into town to sell. It now features high-quality artists, crafters, food artisans, colonial-era demonstrations, reenactments, activities, two stage areas with live music, eatery area and puppet show. It runs through 4 p.m.
OCTOBER 11TH - 12TH, 18TH - 19TH, 25TH - 26TH Fall Festival
Charlann Farms | 10:00 AM
Enjoy fall fun on the farm! Each child with fall festival ticket will receive a sugar pumpkin to decorate at pumpkin painting table. Timed tickets are required for AM or PM sessions to ensure guests can enjoy fun while not feeling overcrowded. Tickets include festival activities and hayride. PYO pumpkins are additional cost per pound; pony rides ($10 cash only).
OCTOBER 11TH - 12TH
9th Annual OctoberFeast
Peddler’s Village | 11:00 AM
Enjoy a weekend in New Hope featuring food trucks, beer garden, live entertainment and family activities. Grab a stein and stroll amongst larger-than-life scarecrows every day through Oct. 26, part of the 46th Annual Scarecrows in the Village. Peddler’s Village shops will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Admission and parking are free. Phone 215.794.4000 with questions.
OCTOBER 18TH
Yardley Farmer's Market
Buttonwood Park | 9:00 AM
The mission of this market in Yardley is to promote sustainability through focusing on locally grown and sourced produce, meats and materials, while expanding marketing opportunities for local farmers, artisan food vendors and small businesses. The market closes at noon. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in Buttonwood Park.
OCTOBER 18TH Harvest Festival
Middletown Grange Fairgrounds | 4:00 PM
Free, family fun event in Wrightstown from 4-7 p.m. offering tractor pulled hay wagon rides, hay slide, games, entertainment, food and prizes and more. Organizers encourage attendees to come in costume. A non-perishable donation for the Wrightstown Food Pantry is requested. For more details, call 215.598.3313.
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