Monday, March 05, 2012
St. Patrick's Day in the Lehigh Valley
I couldn't have done a better job than Lehigh Valley Style in compiling a great list of St. Patty's Day festivities to enjoy. (Except Tess failed to mention the annual bar crawl on March 10.)
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Chef extraordinaire Jessica Young
Please excuse the brief commercial... the beautiful Jessica Young (daughter of the owners of Young Medical Spa in Center Valley) is a fantastic chef, available for catering parties of all sizes at your home or business. She's the real deal. She works in NYC and PA.
Check out the adorable video she made at a party in December. All of the sudden, I'm hungry for s'mores.
December 8th, 2011 with Jessica Young from Lee Loechler on Vimeo.
Check out the adorable video she made at a party in December. All of the sudden, I'm hungry for s'mores.
December 8th, 2011 with Jessica Young from Lee Loechler on Vimeo.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Crabs in the Lehigh Valley
I received some reader email this week, from a nice couple we recently met at a neighborhood party. After we met, they looked up the blog and sent in a question:
Hi, We checked out your blog and thought that you would be the right person to ask about, you guessed it, crabs. I sometimes have severe crab cravings, either for Maryland Blue crabs or Alaskan Snow crabs. Have you heard of anywhere in the valley that has them. You can help my fix..
Thanks,
H
Here's my reply:
Hi! Thanks so much for your email, it is good to hear from you!
There are two places I think of when I think seafood in the LV - Henry's Salt of the Sea in Allentown and Marblehead Grille and Chowderhouse in Bethlehem Twp (the address might be Easton). Both reliably have fresh seafood. Or you could go to Allentown Farmer's Market and talk to the fishmonger. If they don't have something they will order it for you.
Readers, how did I do?
Hi, We checked out your blog and thought that you would be the right person to ask about, you guessed it, crabs. I sometimes have severe crab cravings, either for Maryland Blue crabs or Alaskan Snow crabs. Have you heard of anywhere in the valley that has them. You can help my fix..
Thanks,
H
Here's my reply:
Hi! Thanks so much for your email, it is good to hear from you!
There are two places I think of when I think seafood in the LV - Henry's Salt of the Sea in Allentown and Marblehead Grille and Chowderhouse in Bethlehem Twp (the address might be Easton). Both reliably have fresh seafood. Or you could go to Allentown Farmer's Market and talk to the fishmonger. If they don't have something they will order it for you.
Readers, how did I do?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Blogs you might not be reading yet
Lehigh Libations by Kristen Dunleavy on Lehighvalleylive.com: She's blogging about tasty beverages and all the fun activities that surround them here in the Lehigh Valley. Her first post recommends a margarita from Spectator's in Kutztown.
A Foodie in the Valley by Donald Harer II, also on Lehighvalleylive.com: He's started with a series on guilty pleasures.
The Corner Seat gives you a front row seat to what's happening with the Lehigh Valley Rollergirls, the women's rollerskate derby that is a sight to see.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Did you forget about Valentine's Day?
Did you forget about Valentine's Day?
Don't worry. I have three chocolatey recommendations that could save the day.
Alan Pitotti, Pastry Chef at Dolce Patisserie (23 Main St Hellertown) has you covered. Just stop in and pick up some of the most beautiful chocolates you have ever seen and watch your loved one melt when they take a bite (if they dare - they are almost too pretty to eat. Almost).
If you're closer to Bethlehem, stop in at Tallarico's Chocolates (17 E. Third St., South Side Bethlehem). You can always find metered street parking on the block. Brian and his parents will be there to welcome you. He's pre-packaged gift boxes for easy pick up, or you can select a mix that would be just right for your sweet-toothed sweetheart. To me, Brian's chocolate-covered Oreos (pictured below), "Kona Crunch" coffee and chocoate bites (pictured right), and dark chocolate-covered lemon snaps are just divine. Check out his collection of cigar-box guitars while you're inside the store! And if you dare - inquire about the novelty chocolates he can make for any occasion, including bachelorette parties! You won't see them in the display case. :)
When I want a fix of something special when I'm on Main Street in Bethlehem, I stop in at Chocolate Lab, at 446 Main Street, next to the Moravian Book Shop and across the street from Hotel Bethlehem. The owner, Arlene, helps me pick out a box of completely gorgeous, unique chocolates. From chocolate-covered marshmallows to chocolates that taste like Mounds if they were made fresh, she's got a wide variety of treats, many pre-packaged and ready to give. Or, you can just get a box, and a napkin, and hit the road.
(Don't they look like cupcakes?!)
Happy Valentine's Day, all!
Don't worry. I have three chocolatey recommendations that could save the day.
Alan Pitotti, Pastry Chef at Dolce Patisserie (23 Main St Hellertown) has you covered. Just stop in and pick up some of the most beautiful chocolates you have ever seen and watch your loved one melt when they take a bite (if they dare - they are almost too pretty to eat. Almost).
Dolce came highly recommended to me by my friend Tom, who told me that when he was on a feeding tube in the hospital, he fantasized about eating the French pastries at Dolce, and when he was well enough, that's exactly what he did. Wow.
Alan's a boomerang like me - he grew up in Pen Argyl, and graduated from Northampton
Community College's culinary arts program. He left the area to study at the Culinary Institute, specializing in baking and pastry, served as the assistant pastry chef at the Hotel Hershey, then worked at Philly's legendary French restaurant Le Bec Fin and Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers, FL, before coming home to the Lehigh Valley to open Dolce in 2008.
Alan's a boomerang like me - he grew up in Pen Argyl, and graduated from Northampton
Community College's culinary arts program. He left the area to study at the Culinary Institute, specializing in baking and pastry, served as the assistant pastry chef at the Hotel Hershey, then worked at Philly's legendary French restaurant Le Bec Fin and Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers, FL, before coming home to the Lehigh Valley to open Dolce in 2008.
If you're closer to Bethlehem, stop in at Tallarico's Chocolates (17 E. Third St., South Side Bethlehem). You can always find metered street parking on the block. Brian and his parents will be there to welcome you. He's pre-packaged gift boxes for easy pick up, or you can select a mix that would be just right for your sweet-toothed sweetheart. To me, Brian's chocolate-covered Oreos (pictured below), "Kona Crunch" coffee and chocoate bites (pictured right), and dark chocolate-covered lemon snaps are just divine. Check out his collection of cigar-box guitars while you're inside the store! And if you dare - inquire about the novelty chocolates he can make for any occasion, including bachelorette parties! You won't see them in the display case. :)
When I want a fix of something special when I'm on Main Street in Bethlehem, I stop in at Chocolate Lab, at 446 Main Street, next to the Moravian Book Shop and across the street from Hotel Bethlehem. The owner, Arlene, helps me pick out a box of completely gorgeous, unique chocolates. From chocolate-covered marshmallows to chocolates that taste like Mounds if they were made fresh, she's got a wide variety of treats, many pre-packaged and ready to give. Or, you can just get a box, and a napkin, and hit the road.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Literary speed dating for young Bethlehem-area singles
Can a love of books lead to true love? Let your passion for a particular book, whether you loved it or hated it, become an ice-breaker on Valentine’s Day. What are you doing on Tuesday, February 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.? If you are single and in your 20’s or 30’s, sign up for Literary Speed Dating at the Main Library.
The event promises to be a fun event for singles on a notorious couples’ day! Enjoy refreshments and win door prizes from Bethlehem stores and restaurants including Horns, Girlfriends Boutique and Billy’s Downtown Diner.
Registration is required for both men and women. Register online or phone 610 867-3761 x224. Convenient parking is available in the garage below the Library. Click here for more info… and enjoy!
The event promises to be a fun event for singles on a notorious couples’ day! Enjoy refreshments and win door prizes from Bethlehem stores and restaurants including Horns, Girlfriends Boutique and Billy’s Downtown Diner.
Registration is required for both men and women. Register online or phone 610 867-3761 x224. Convenient parking is available in the garage below the Library. Click here for more info… and enjoy!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
There ain't s**t to do here
Yesterday, I noticed a message on Twitter (a "tweet") that bothered me. Keep in mind that tweets are limited to 140 characters, hence our abbreviated messages.
Anyone have advice for Jay?
"@ROBB_EMLB: RT @JayETC_EMLB: Bethlehem's bigger than you would think unfortunately there aint (sic) s**t to do here."I thought right away about LVWithLove and WINK's upcoming prom, the South Side Film Festival, and the Allentown Art Museum's new photography exhibit, "Rock the Valley," and the Art After Hours event this Thursday night celebrating it. All three are accessible using multiple LANTA bus routes.
I asked, "What do you like to do?"
He replied, "I'd like for people to throw more parties and better public transportation and more events overall."
(This is the part where I laugh out loud to myself. If there were any more events in the Lehigh Valley we'd have to add another month to the year.)
I asked, "What events have you been to? Do you like music, art, sports? Public trans is just ok. Good city to city."
He replied, "I'm so use (sic) to New York public transportation, that LV's is mediocre, and I've been to some events but they aren't appealing."
Anyone have advice for Jay?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Maxim's 22, Allentown Restaurant Week and other Lehigh Valley foodie news
I can't wait for a French bistro Maxim's 22 to open on the ground floor of the former Pomeroy building near Centre Square on Northampton Street in Easton. Maxim's 22 is brought to you by some familiar faces in the downtown restaurant scene: the principals are Josh and Terry Palmer, two of the owners of Sette Luna at 219 Ferry St. Patch and Express-Times got the story last month when the liquor license was transferred. So, is that enough to tip off Retail Watch? ;)
- Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week January 9 - 15, 2012Enjoy lunch and dinner at special prices atAllentown Brew WorksBada BinggBayleafCafe CentralCosmopolitanIsland in the SunMade in BrazilPasta Alla RosaSangria
On Friday night, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy meet and greet sessions with local artists! Check out Bobby Zeik at Sangria, Chris P. Jones at the Allentown Brew Works and Brandon Wunder at Made in Brazil.
Free valet at Cosmopolitan (as always), free lot parking after 5 p.m. at the Farr Lot after and in the Spiral Deck at 8th and Linden Streets, and free street parking after 6 p.m.
- The Long Road for the Sun Inn Restaurant from The El Vee
Michael Adams, the Lehigh Valley's only James Beard-award winning chef, has been busy since he left The Farmhouse. He may even open a restaurant in Bethlehem! Stay tuned.
- 30 flavors of hot chocolate offered at Zanette's Grill in Upper Nazareth Township from Lehigh Valley Food by Kelly Huth | The Express-Times
It's the perfect time of year for this! Happy new year, foodies!
Saturday, January 07, 2012
New Year's Resolution: Exercise, Dance?
Does your New Year's Resolution include getting more exercise, and learning to dance? Did you dance as a kid and miss the cameraderie of class and discipline of regular dance instruction? Do you want to get your kids interested in dance?
Registration is open now for Spring 2012 community classes at Muhlenberg College. Through its Muhlenberg Community Dance Center, classes are offered in Dance, Pilates, & Fitness for All Ages & Experience Levels.
Registration Deadline: Monday, Jan. 9!
For a full schedule and information about these programs, download a brochure from the College's website.
Classes for Young DancersJan. 17 – May 5, 2012
Young dancers of all ages and experience can chose classes in a variety of levels in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, pointe and hip-hop. Students perform in an annual concert and may be invited to join the MCDC Company. New this year: Creative Movement classes for ages 4-6.
Adult Ballet ClassesJan. 23 – April 30, 2012
If you enjoyed dance classes in your youth, but got away from it, or have always wanted to try a ballet class, MCDC Adult Ballet is the perfect opportunity. Classes meet Mondays 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Tap Classes for Adults with Shelley OliverJan. 24 – March 20, 2012
April 3 – May 8, 2012
Community tap classes are designed to proved a unique dance experience that combines rhythmic expression and organic movement. The object of every class is for each student to have fun while learning and developing at their own pace in a supportive environment. Three levels of tap dance allow students to determine the degree of challenge that they enjoy while experiencing this American art form. All levels of classes meet on Tuesday evenings for one hour.
Pilates Classes for AdultsJan. 24 – May 3, 2012
The Pilates Center has classes designed for all exercise levels and wellness needs. Courses being offered include Beginner Group Mat, Intermediate Group Mat, Intermediate Group Reformer, Core Synergies (for the advanced Pilates student). Private Pilates and duet sessions also available.
Registration is open now for Spring 2012 community classes at Muhlenberg College. Through its Muhlenberg Community Dance Center, classes are offered in Dance, Pilates, & Fitness for All Ages & Experience Levels.
Registration Deadline: Monday, Jan. 9!
For a full schedule and information about these programs, download a brochure from the College's website.
Classes for Young DancersJan. 17 – May 5, 2012
Young dancers of all ages and experience can chose classes in a variety of levels in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, pointe and hip-hop. Students perform in an annual concert and may be invited to join the MCDC Company. New this year: Creative Movement classes for ages 4-6.
Adult Ballet ClassesJan. 23 – April 30, 2012
If you enjoyed dance classes in your youth, but got away from it, or have always wanted to try a ballet class, MCDC Adult Ballet is the perfect opportunity. Classes meet Mondays 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Tap Classes for Adults with Shelley OliverJan. 24 – March 20, 2012
April 3 – May 8, 2012
Community tap classes are designed to proved a unique dance experience that combines rhythmic expression and organic movement. The object of every class is for each student to have fun while learning and developing at their own pace in a supportive environment. Three levels of tap dance allow students to determine the degree of challenge that they enjoy while experiencing this American art form. All levels of classes meet on Tuesday evenings for one hour.
Pilates Classes for AdultsJan. 24 – May 3, 2012
The Pilates Center has classes designed for all exercise levels and wellness needs. Courses being offered include Beginner Group Mat, Intermediate Group Mat, Intermediate Group Reformer, Core Synergies (for the advanced Pilates student). Private Pilates and duet sessions also available.
Friday, January 06, 2012
New Year's Resolutions: Learn Something New?
New Year's Resolutions: Learn Something New?
Want to expand your horizons? Maybe meet other people with a global perspective? Lehigh University's upcoming lecture series may be a way for you to accomplish both goals.
Source: Lehigh University:
Want to expand your horizons? Maybe meet other people with a global perspective? Lehigh University's upcoming lecture series may be a way for you to accomplish both goals.
Source: Lehigh University:
2011-2012 Town Hall Lecture Series
The ongoing series discusses topics that are timely and relevant to the local community. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem City Hall, 10 East Church Street.
Now in its second year, the Town Hall Lecture Series, presented by The City of Bethlehem and Lehigh University's South Side Initiative, seeks to foster an exchange of knowledge between the university and city residents, touching on matters of current interest and of local, national, and global importance.
“We have an exciting line-up of lectures this year,” says Seth Moglen, co-director of Lehigh’s South Side Initiative. “Lehigh faculty members, who are nationally recognized experts in their fields, will talk about issues of wide interest to the people of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. These are issues that matter, issues that people in our city care about. The lecture series provides an opportunity for university faculty to share their expertise and for open, wide-ranging conversation after the presentations.”
Upcoming lectures include:
Feb. 8, 2012: Breena Holland, associate professor of political science, will draw on her research in order to offer a compelling vision of environmental justice, which will also enable us to think practically about how to address some of the city's most pressing challenges, including hunger and lack of access to affordable fresh food, and related public health issues like obesity, diabetes and asthma in her lecture, “Environmental Justice, Food Security, and Public Health: A Future for Bethlehem.”
April 11, 2012: John Pettegrew, associate professor of history, will speak on, “The Empathy Project: Understanding the Experience of U.S. Combat Veterans of the Iraq and Aghanistan Wars,” which will draw from Pettegrew’s interviews with combat veterans in the Lehigh Valley in order to try to close the huge gap of understanding between American civilians and the hundreds of thousands of men and women who fought in the post-Sept. 11 wars.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
New Year's Resolution: Meet people + Learn to SCUBA Dive?
New Year's Resolution: Meet people + Learn to SCUBA Dive?
Always wanted to learn how to SCUBA dive? Or getting ready to go on a tropical vacation and want to get certified in advance?
Always wanted to learn how to SCUBA dive? Or getting ready to go on a tropical vacation and want to get certified in advance?
Lehigh Valley Dive Center on Route 191 in Bethlehem Township offers classes at a couple of locations in winter.
The first classes are starting soon:
Bethlehem Twp Community Center
Price: $375
Sundays: 9 A.M.-2 P.M.
Orientation 6:00 P.M.: Monday, Mar 5
Pool sessions: Mar 11, 18 & 25
Open water sessions: May 5 & 6
Lehigh University Taylor Gym
Price: $375
Wednesdays: 6:30 P.M.-10 P.M.
Orientation 6:00 P.M.: Wednesday, Jan 25
Pool sessions: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Open water sessions: Apr 30 & May 1
PS - I purchased my wetsuit for triathlon training at the Dive Center and found the staff to be knowledgeable, patient and helpful!
The first classes are starting soon:
Bethlehem Twp Community Center
Price: $375
Sundays: 9 A.M.-2 P.M.
Orientation 6:00 P.M.: Monday, Mar 5
Pool sessions: Mar 11, 18 & 25
Open water sessions: May 5 & 6
Lehigh University Taylor Gym
Price: $375
Wednesdays: 6:30 P.M.-10 P.M.
Orientation 6:00 P.M.: Wednesday, Jan 25
Pool sessions: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Open water sessions: Apr 30 & May 1
PS - I purchased my wetsuit for triathlon training at the Dive Center and found the staff to be knowledgeable, patient and helpful!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Pork = New Year's Luck in the Lehigh Valley
Although I've lived in the Lehigh Valley since 2006, I had never eaten pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day until I joined a family that draws its roots in Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
I'm not from Pennsylvania or "Dutch" (really, German), so until I began dating my now-FH, I hadn't considered it an essential tradition. But in his family, it's no joke - everyone eats pork, and even those who aren't wild about sauerkraut need to have some of that, too. It's good luck to do it, and bad luck not to.
(This is also the family that is so superstitious about the Philadelphia Eagles that when they scored a touchdown once while we were eating dinner together, they started making new rules, like "Now we have to eat soup every time the Eagles play.")
Like an obedient convert, I ate my pork and sauerkraut and have high hopes for 2012 as a result. 2011 was a sad one for our family, since we lost two loved ones. The recipe for 2012 looks good: start with memories of those loved ones, add a new baby or two, mix in a wedding and a trip to visit family friends in Maine. Bake for 12 months. Serves a family.
My friend Kirwei always buys new pajamas and sheets on New Year's. I always clean my home office desk, put new pictures in frames and dust off the old ones. Some people buy new underwear and eat black-eyed peas.
If you're from the Valley, is pork on New Year's a tradition in your family? And if it's not, have you adopted it since you've moved here? Any other New Year's traditions?
Even if not... happy new year, everyone!
I'm not from Pennsylvania or "Dutch" (really, German), so until I began dating my now-FH, I hadn't considered it an essential tradition. But in his family, it's no joke - everyone eats pork, and even those who aren't wild about sauerkraut need to have some of that, too. It's good luck to do it, and bad luck not to.
(This is also the family that is so superstitious about the Philadelphia Eagles that when they scored a touchdown once while we were eating dinner together, they started making new rules, like "Now we have to eat soup every time the Eagles play.")
Like an obedient convert, I ate my pork and sauerkraut and have high hopes for 2012 as a result. 2011 was a sad one for our family, since we lost two loved ones. The recipe for 2012 looks good: start with memories of those loved ones, add a new baby or two, mix in a wedding and a trip to visit family friends in Maine. Bake for 12 months. Serves a family.
My friend Kirwei always buys new pajamas and sheets on New Year's. I always clean my home office desk, put new pictures in frames and dust off the old ones. Some people buy new underwear and eat black-eyed peas.
If you're from the Valley, is pork on New Year's a tradition in your family? And if it's not, have you adopted it since you've moved here? Any other New Year's traditions?
Even if not... happy new year, everyone!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Lehigh Valley restaurant blog roundup
How was your weekend? See any camels? I did!
Coffee Shop Month #3: Re-Wired Cafe/Alando's Kenyan Cuisine
from Evans Eats: Lehigh Valley & Beyond by Heather Evans
Heather's quest to explore the area's coffee shops is a lot of fun. And I know most of you have never visited this restaurant or had Kenyan food, so read her blog.
Nights at The Roxyfrom By Gabriella Lee/Lehigh Valley Style
Gabriella gives a history of the independent, second-run, beautiful theater in downtown Northampton. If you haven't been... put it on your 2012 LV Bucket List!
Restaurant Profile: Chimpun Peru Restaurantfrom Lehigh Valley Food by Kelly Huth The Express-Times
See above re: Kenyan food - you probably haven't had this, either. Stop by Chimpun when you're downtown shopping at Boutique Easton, which is open Saturdays until 8.
Bethlehem to get two new Italian restaurantsfrom Lehigh Valley Food by Lynn Olanoff The Express-Times
For those who identify businesses based on what was once there, Molto Pazzo is on Main Street where Olio was after Bonte Wafflerie. Molinari's is where the Lucky Duck Diner and Steel City Bar and Grill were.
Art Museum Cafe Opening Tomorrow!from Allentown Good News by Matthew Tuerk
Everyone's favorite high-end caterer, Karen Hunter, enters the cafe scene and we can FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY get her delicious brown sugar chocolate cookies every day of the week. A Christmas miracle! While you're getting a panini and a cookie, visit the museum shop or even - since you're there - the newly-refurbished art galleries.
Coffee Shop Month #3: Re-Wired Cafe/Alando's Kenyan Cuisine
from Evans Eats: Lehigh Valley & Beyond by Heather Evans
Heather's quest to explore the area's coffee shops is a lot of fun. And I know most of you have never visited this restaurant or had Kenyan food, so read her blog.
Nights at The Roxyfrom By Gabriella Lee/Lehigh Valley Style
Gabriella gives a history of the independent, second-run, beautiful theater in downtown Northampton. If you haven't been... put it on your 2012 LV Bucket List!
Restaurant Profile: Chimpun Peru Restaurantfrom Lehigh Valley Food by Kelly Huth The Express-Times
See above re: Kenyan food - you probably haven't had this, either. Stop by Chimpun when you're downtown shopping at Boutique Easton, which is open Saturdays until 8.
Bethlehem to get two new Italian restaurantsfrom Lehigh Valley Food by Lynn Olanoff The Express-Times
For those who identify businesses based on what was once there, Molto Pazzo is on Main Street where Olio was after Bonte Wafflerie. Molinari's is where the Lucky Duck Diner and Steel City Bar and Grill were.
Art Museum Cafe Opening Tomorrow!from Allentown Good News by Matthew Tuerk
Everyone's favorite high-end caterer, Karen Hunter, enters the cafe scene and we can FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY get her delicious brown sugar chocolate cookies every day of the week. A Christmas miracle! While you're getting a panini and a cookie, visit the museum shop or even - since you're there - the newly-refurbished art galleries.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Starfish Brasserie – Dec. 11th
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Starfish Brasserie – Dec. 11th from What's Cooking, Lehigh Valley? by Matty If you love this tradition, as I do, but don't want to prepare seven separate fish dishes in your own home, as I have, you may want to visit this great Bethlehem restaurant tomorrow. Yelling at your relatives in Italian is optional.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Bethlehem Christmas celebrations
Bethlehem and your adorable holiday traditions!! I love you.
No tickets required, no cost, no paid parking, lots of singing, REAL CAMELS, (no kidding!):
33rd Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas PageantDec 10 & 11, 2 p.m.
Bethlehem Rose Garden Band Shell, off Eighth Avenue between W. Broad Street and Union Blvd. Info: 610-865-0274
One of my favorite *new* traditions in Bethlehem is Saturday's luminaria night, in which thousands of area residents light luminaries (white bags with sand and a votive candle) along the front of their homes.
14th Annual Luminaria Night
The fundraiser benefits New Bethany Ministries.
December 10, after dark
All over the City of Bethlehem and some surrounding areas - drive around, you won't believe how beautiful it is.
Having volunteered at a mall gift wrap fundraising event on the day before Christmas Eve, I can tell you: December 17 may be too early to hold this event. Most men are unapologetically procrastinators. But this is a very festive idea.
Men's Shopping Night in Bethlehem's Two Downtowns
Dec 17 5pm-9pm
During this event, the stores and restaurants of Bethlehem’s Historic District and SouthSide offer discounts on merchandise, free gift wrapping, refreshments and drinks (beer and scotch are on the menu at several locations), as well as personal shoppers offering advice for men looking to pick up the perfect gift for loved ones!
Info: 610-751-4979
Bethlehem is beautiful at night, but for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area, you may miss some of the "good stuff" without a guide. Great for anyone with mobility issues or kids in the "sweet spot" - old enough to sit still, young enough not to be texting the whole time:
Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour
Tours depart from Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 505 Main St.
Info: 610-332-3378 or online
$12 for adults; $6 for ages 6-12; Ages 5 and under free
A guide in period dress takes you back in time on a 45-50 minute tour of the Christmas City. Highlights include the unique religious heritage of the town under the guiding influence of its early Moravian founders and the progression of power and innovation that marked the city's later entrepreneurial and industrial spirit.
Check out everything that's happening in the Christmas City here.
No tickets required, no cost, no paid parking, lots of singing, REAL CAMELS, (no kidding!):
33rd Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas PageantDec 10 & 11, 2 p.m.
Bethlehem Rose Garden Band Shell, off Eighth Avenue between W. Broad Street and Union Blvd. Info: 610-865-0274
One of my favorite *new* traditions in Bethlehem is Saturday's luminaria night, in which thousands of area residents light luminaries (white bags with sand and a votive candle) along the front of their homes.
14th Annual Luminaria Night
The fundraiser benefits New Bethany Ministries.
December 10, after dark
All over the City of Bethlehem and some surrounding areas - drive around, you won't believe how beautiful it is.
Having volunteered at a mall gift wrap fundraising event on the day before Christmas Eve, I can tell you: December 17 may be too early to hold this event. Most men are unapologetically procrastinators. But this is a very festive idea.
Men's Shopping Night in Bethlehem's Two Downtowns
Dec 17 5pm-9pm
During this event, the stores and restaurants of Bethlehem’s Historic District and SouthSide offer discounts on merchandise, free gift wrapping, refreshments and drinks (beer and scotch are on the menu at several locations), as well as personal shoppers offering advice for men looking to pick up the perfect gift for loved ones!
Info: 610-751-4979
Bethlehem is beautiful at night, but for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area, you may miss some of the "good stuff" without a guide. Great for anyone with mobility issues or kids in the "sweet spot" - old enough to sit still, young enough not to be texting the whole time:
Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour
Tours depart from Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center at 505 Main St.
Info: 610-332-3378 or online
$12 for adults; $6 for ages 6-12; Ages 5 and under free
A guide in period dress takes you back in time on a 45-50 minute tour of the Christmas City. Highlights include the unique religious heritage of the town under the guiding influence of its early Moravian founders and the progression of power and innovation that marked the city's later entrepreneurial and industrial spirit.
Check out everything that's happening in the Christmas City here.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Best deals on Christmas shopping in the Lehigh Valley
Recently, I received a question via Twitter:
I am probably the worst person to answer this question, since I pretty much don't shop for Christmas gifts. I've given up exchanging gifts with my parents in lieu of a night at the theatre together. This year we're going to Pennsylvania Playhouse in Bethlehem to see "Broadway Christmas Carol." I usually find a couple of things for FH without looking and the rest of my gift giving is consists of one gift exchange with FH's family. I picked FH's cousin who wanted an iTunes gift card, which I got at the pharmacy. Done.
My reply, though, was this:
I appreciate the brevity of Twitter Q&A's - gets right to the point. But I still didn't answer the poor guy's question. Any suggestions for great "deals?"
@RobRiveraPA: @LVtransplant where are the best deals to go Xmas shopping in
your opinion?
I am probably the worst person to answer this question, since I pretty much don't shop for Christmas gifts. I've given up exchanging gifts with my parents in lieu of a night at the theatre together. This year we're going to Pennsylvania Playhouse in Bethlehem to see "Broadway Christmas Carol." I usually find a couple of things for FH without looking and the rest of my gift giving is consists of one gift exchange with FH's family. I picked FH's cousin who wanted an iTunes gift card, which I got at the pharmacy. Done.
My reply, though, was this:
@RobRiveraPA I like shopping local: downtown Easton, Bethlehem(s). And
getting tix for local events and food from local producers as gifts.
I appreciate the brevity of Twitter Q&A's - gets right to the point. But I still didn't answer the poor guy's question. Any suggestions for great "deals?"
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Chipotle in the Lehigh Valley
Next year, I will celebrate my sixth year as a Lehigh Valley resident. There are so many things I appreciate about my new home. And a lot has changed in these six years. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Coach, and Banana Republic arrived. But there are still a few things that I miss about Washington, DC.
Trader Joe's is one. Chipotle is another.
The wait is over for one of them. Chipotle is coming.
Yes, I love Cali Burrito. Lots. But Chipotle has some sort of weird hold on me. White Castle lovers say they feel something similar for the chain's sliders. Maybe it's because when I was newly-graduated and living on a really limited budget, a Chipotle burrito could feed me for two days for $10. Or that the one in Tenleytown had a liquor license. (I doubt the Lehigh Valley Mall location will.) I'd wait in line for 20 minutes to get one. On Halloween, people dress up like burritos to get a free one. Music playing inside is hip and the vibe is chill. Food memories are silly but powerful.
In the absence of our favorites, we muddle through, find substitutes or make them ourselves.
Now that Corner Bakery's closed its Lehigh Valley location, I miss their ham and cheese sandwich on pretzel bread - an indulgence I allowed myself when things got stressful at my fundraising job on K Street. But now I can buy pretzel bread at Wegman's, or order up the ham and bechamel on brioche sandwich at The Mint.
What stores or restaurants is the Lehigh Valley missing, in your opinion? And what do you do to get by?
Trader Joe's is one. Chipotle is another.
The wait is over for one of them. Chipotle is coming.
Yes, I love Cali Burrito. Lots. But Chipotle has some sort of weird hold on me. White Castle lovers say they feel something similar for the chain's sliders. Maybe it's because when I was newly-graduated and living on a really limited budget, a Chipotle burrito could feed me for two days for $10. Or that the one in Tenleytown had a liquor license. (I doubt the Lehigh Valley Mall location will.) I'd wait in line for 20 minutes to get one. On Halloween, people dress up like burritos to get a free one. Music playing inside is hip and the vibe is chill. Food memories are silly but powerful.
In the absence of our favorites, we muddle through, find substitutes or make them ourselves.
Now that Corner Bakery's closed its Lehigh Valley location, I miss their ham and cheese sandwich on pretzel bread - an indulgence I allowed myself when things got stressful at my fundraising job on K Street. But now I can buy pretzel bread at Wegman's, or order up the ham and bechamel on brioche sandwich at The Mint.
What stores or restaurants is the Lehigh Valley missing, in your opinion? And what do you do to get by?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wing Night at Christkindlmarkt
Some guys have a regular night for poker, or darts night, or get together at a sports bar for wing night.
Alyssa and I thought that sounded pretty good. An excuse to get together no greater than the bar's appetizer special. We wanted a "wing night," too. Now it's become an ongoing joke: anytime things get crazy, one of us will ask - time for Wing Night?
We organized a wing night - actually a wing "day" - Sunday on the South Side of Bethlehem, that had nothing to do with wings. We'd planned to go to lunch at Blue Sky Cafe, but the tables were full of Lehigh students and parents, and the line was out the door. The food at Blue Sky is fantastic, but the kitchen is only sobig. So we walked up the street to see if Horns was open. Nope. Back up 4th Street, we passed by La Lupita, Subway, Alexandra's Bistro, Nawab and General Zapata's (all open). We decided to visit Nawab since the $9.95 buffet was open and we were both hungry for something a little different. Eating at their daily lunch buffet is a great way to try out a variety of Indian dishes without commiting to one, and you can "order with your eyes" instead of off the menu, where you might not recognize the names of dishes. There were vegetarian and chicken dishes, and lots of colorful options, including a bright-red chicken tikka masala and a green saag paneer (but no wings).
After making a quick detour back home to let FH into the house - he'd locked himself out - we rolled over to SteelStacks to check out Christkindlmarkt. I have two ways to get in free: I volunteered at the event this year, so I can go anytime, and we are ArtsQuest members. She had a free pass from work.
When we arrived, we saw the admissions line snaked out the door, and heard Christmas music playing. We walked right in, and were drawn in to the booths with handmade crafts, ornaments, and silly kids' hats. In the center area, an artist wielding a chainsaw was carving a dog out of ice, and the glass artists from Banana Factory were making glass candy canes. In the second tent, a brass band was performing Christmas standards while the shoppers perused more gifts. Alyssa picked up something for someone which shall remain secret in case that someone reads this blog.
It was a great wing day, and a good example of how to "make a day" on the South Side.
Details:
The history: Christkindlmarkt used to be on the north side of Bethlehem, where Volksplatz is during Musikfest. But its new south side location includes plenty of free parking, access to the ArtsQuest Center with real bathrooms (vs. outdoor port-o-johns at Christkindlmarkt), great food, films and performances, and now - the blast furnace light show!
Cost: $8, but anyone can get a $1 off coupon from the ArtsQuest web site. Military servicemen and veterans also get a discount. Seniors and students get a $1 discount which cannot be combined with the coupon.
Parking: Free, across the street from the tents in a gravel lot.
If you want to volunteer, there are still shifts available. I enjoy helping out at the front of the house, at the information desk or the admissions area, welcoming everyone to Bethlehem and answering questions. Top 2 questions: Where do we go for lunch/dinner after this and where is Santa?
For more information on CK and other Bethlehem holiday happenings: Visit the ArtsQuest web site.
Alyssa and I thought that sounded pretty good. An excuse to get together no greater than the bar's appetizer special. We wanted a "wing night," too. Now it's become an ongoing joke: anytime things get crazy, one of us will ask - time for Wing Night?
We organized a wing night - actually a wing "day" - Sunday on the South Side of Bethlehem, that had nothing to do with wings. We'd planned to go to lunch at Blue Sky Cafe, but the tables were full of Lehigh students and parents, and the line was out the door. The food at Blue Sky is fantastic, but the kitchen is only sobig. So we walked up the street to see if Horns was open. Nope. Back up 4th Street, we passed by La Lupita, Subway, Alexandra's Bistro, Nawab and General Zapata's (all open). We decided to visit Nawab since the $9.95 buffet was open and we were both hungry for something a little different. Eating at their daily lunch buffet is a great way to try out a variety of Indian dishes without commiting to one, and you can "order with your eyes" instead of off the menu, where you might not recognize the names of dishes. There were vegetarian and chicken dishes, and lots of colorful options, including a bright-red chicken tikka masala and a green saag paneer (but no wings).
After making a quick detour back home to let FH into the house - he'd locked himself out - we rolled over to SteelStacks to check out Christkindlmarkt. I have two ways to get in free: I volunteered at the event this year, so I can go anytime, and we are ArtsQuest members. She had a free pass from work.
When we arrived, we saw the admissions line snaked out the door, and heard Christmas music playing. We walked right in, and were drawn in to the booths with handmade crafts, ornaments, and silly kids' hats. In the center area, an artist wielding a chainsaw was carving a dog out of ice, and the glass artists from Banana Factory were making glass candy canes. In the second tent, a brass band was performing Christmas standards while the shoppers perused more gifts. Alyssa picked up something for someone which shall remain secret in case that someone reads this blog.
It was a great wing day, and a good example of how to "make a day" on the South Side.
Details:
The history: Christkindlmarkt used to be on the north side of Bethlehem, where Volksplatz is during Musikfest. But its new south side location includes plenty of free parking, access to the ArtsQuest Center with real bathrooms (vs. outdoor port-o-johns at Christkindlmarkt), great food, films and performances, and now - the blast furnace light show!
Cost: $8, but anyone can get a $1 off coupon from the ArtsQuest web site. Military servicemen and veterans also get a discount. Seniors and students get a $1 discount which cannot be combined with the coupon.
Parking: Free, across the street from the tents in a gravel lot.
If you want to volunteer, there are still shifts available. I enjoy helping out at the front of the house, at the information desk or the admissions area, welcoming everyone to Bethlehem and answering questions. Top 2 questions: Where do we go for lunch/dinner after this and where is Santa?
For more information on CK and other Bethlehem holiday happenings: Visit the ArtsQuest web site.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Hookah Lounge
Hookah is kind of like smoking a bong, but with tobacco instead of pot (or in some cases, just tobacco-free, flavored herbs). You can get a little buzzed smoking it, but don't worry, Mom, it's not illegal. The hookah itself is usually glass with multiple flexible stems (everyone gets their own - and it comes with a disposable mouth cover for hygiene purposes). Often smoking is the centerpiece of activity at a lounge/nightclub that attracts a lot of young people of Middle-Eastern decent and/or hipsters. There's usually contemporary and Middle Eastern music, think lounge-y, more than clubb-y. And somehow backgammon usually follows. Needless to say, this is not MOST Lehigh Valleyans idea of a fun time (yet). But for those people who:
a) don't feel like wilin' out to Livin' on a Prayer for the 900th time at MacGrady's
b) can picture you and your friends hanging out on pillows, talking without screaming over music or the blaring distracting of the Phillies game
c) can get a sitter - (this is not a family activity)and d) are down with a little variety in your cultural diet and don't mind the smell of fruit-flavored smoke
... this is for you.
The ones I went to in DC (Chi-Cha Lounge and... shoot, I can't remember the name of the other one, I am sure it's closed now, but it was in the Foggy Bottom area... pretty far west on K Street I think, somewhere in the 30's) served yummy, authentic food, tea and coffee, and it was cozy and low-key. I say: Gentlemen, bravo. You have the pleasure of educating the area locals on hookah and have committed to running businesses in urban neighborhoods, and I wish you the best of luck!
- Gardenia Hookah (760 Hanover Avenue, Allentown) - go to Dragon Palace on Airport Road before for a bite to eat.
- Bliss Hookah (209 Union St, Allentown) - go to Aci Halal (34 N 2nd Street, Allentown) for dinner before - trust me. Tasty Turkish food!
- Sultana Hookah Lounge (3 E 3rd Street, Bethlehem) - on the corner of New Street and 3rd Street, where the Fahy Bridge meets 3rd, across from Tallarico's Chocolates and Glen Anthony Designs. Dinner at 23 East Asian Bistro, or General Zapata's, or the trendy new Horns!
- Hookah Turka (44 W.Broad St., Bethlehem) - where the candy store was, on the same block as the (closed) Boyd movie theater. Dinner anywhere on Main Street. Have you been to the new Italian place, Molto Pazzo, at 553 Main Street?
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Great Allentown Comic Con in Lehigh Valley
November 19 and 20, you are cordially invited to "Get UR Geek On" at The Great Allentown Comic Con.
The Lehigh Valley's largest comic & pop culture convention attracts artists, celebrity guests, dealers, and comic book geeks of all ages. Smurfs, Disney, Star Wars, zombies, Star Trek... this show has something for every comic lover.
At: Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 (just off Lehigh Street, behind the Toyota dealership) Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Admission Cost: One-Day Pass $8 per adult, Two Day Pass $10 per adult
- free for children 12 years-old and under accompanied with an adult
- $1 per pass will be donated to epilepsy awareness
Don't want to pay? The GACC is looking for volunteers. You'll eat free and meet guests and dealers. Email for info.
All of these recommendations are within a 3.5-mile radius of Comic Con:
Go to The Brass Rail for cheesesteaks (3015 Lehigh Street), Louie's Restaurant for Italian (2071 31st Street SW), or Amigo Mio Cafe for Mexican (545 Cleveland Street).
Drop in at Drop Me a Line Costume Shop (1050 Lehigh Street) and Double Decker Records (808 Saint John Street) - two unique indie stores. Catch a screening of "The Skin I Live In" starring Antonio Banderas at The Civic Theatre (19th Street) on Sunday at 1:30. It's a 2-hour film in Spanish with English subtitles. Then visit my friend Steph at Step in 4 Mor (1823 W Allen St) and try on some fabulous shoes.
May the force be with you.
The Lehigh Valley's largest comic & pop culture convention attracts artists, celebrity guests, dealers, and comic book geeks of all ages. Smurfs, Disney, Star Wars, zombies, Star Trek... this show has something for every comic lover.
At: Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 (just off Lehigh Street, behind the Toyota dealership) Hours: Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Admission Cost: One-Day Pass $8 per adult, Two Day Pass $10 per adult
- free for children 12 years-old and under accompanied with an adult
- $1 per pass will be donated to epilepsy awareness
Don't want to pay? The GACC is looking for volunteers. You'll eat free and meet guests and dealers. Email for info.
And while I appreciate the show's effort to promote local attractions (Crayola Factory, Lehigh Valley Mall, Historic Bethlehem, Sands), there are a few places that are even closer to Comic Con that are worth checking out, too.
Go to The Brass Rail for cheesesteaks (3015 Lehigh Street), Louie's Restaurant for Italian (2071 31st Street SW), or Amigo Mio Cafe for Mexican (545 Cleveland Street).
Comic Con is also close to the South Mall, (3300 Lehigh St) which has the only Stein Mart in the Lehigh Valley. You'll also find a drive-through Starbucks in the parking lot and Gypsy Rose antiques mall inside.
May the force be with you.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Indian cultural celebration in Allentown
Allentown Symphony Hall (23 N. 6th St. Allentown) is celebrating Indian Culture this weekend with two colorful and exciting events. If you have ever traveled to India, love opera or classical Indian dance, or just want to be transported to another land for a few hours, you may want to attend these events. Not to mention, for those of you who think the Lehigh Valley is not culturally diverse, I suspect this program's audience will be a good mix.
The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series "The Met: Live in HD" features 11 live transmissions, including one at our very own Allentown Symphony Hall. Since the live shows are simulcast, you can enjoy The Met's Opera series without driving to Manhattan and paying high ticket prices.
This weekend, Richard Croft is Gandhi in Philip Glass’s unforgettable opera, Satyagraha, which the Washington Post calls “a profound and beautiful work of theater.” November 19, 2011 at 1pm - Tickets $20-22/$15 Students (Encore: December 21, 2011 at 6:30pm)
On Sunday, November 20, Ragamala Dance will present Sacred Earth at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25-50/$10 Students
Ragamala Dance, called “rapturous and profound” by The New York Times, blends ancient Indian visual art traditions with classical Indian dance in Sacred Earth. Performed against large-scale painted panels by master folk artist Anil Chaitya Vangad, Sacred Earth invokes a deep connection to the earth and illustrates the ever-renewing cycle of life.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Lehigh-Lafayette Football Weekend 2011
The beer distributors are all out of PBR. The Easton and Bethlehem police are preparing for the crowds. And the rumble of Mercedes and Lexus SUVs from New Jersey, Connecticut and New York is unmistakable. It must be Lehigh-Laf weekend.
For those of you who did not attend one of these schools, are not from the Lehigh Valley, or don't care at all about football, you'd still be wise to pay attention. This Saturday, November 19, the roads, neighborhoods and institutions around Easton and Bethlehem will be full of alumni and students gearing up for the 147th meeting of their two football teams.
Quick wiki lesson: Lehigh University and Lafayette College are located 17 miles apart in eastern Pennsylvania, and are both members of the Patriot League. Their football rivalry has been played 146 times since 1884, making it the most-played football rivalry in the nation. It is also the longest uninterrupted rivalry, since the teams have met every year since 1897.
The game is hosted at the stadiums on Lehigh's and Lafayette's campuses in alternate years. This year, Lehigh "welcomes" Lafayette to their home in Bethlehem/Saucon Valley. If you don't already have tickets, you could watch a live broadcast online, or at bars including Starter's Riverport, Bethlehem Brew Works, and JP Macgrady's in Bethlehem.
Friday night is always a big night to party on and off campus, since young alumni come back to town a little early to start pre-gaming. On Saturday morning, alumni meet up at their old fraternity house for a ceremonial beer or 10, and after the game is over, most will be swerving their way home from Goodman Campus. Many will stay the night in the region's hotels and enjoy a meal at one of their old favorite restaurants (beware, if you were planning to get breakfast at Billy's Diner or a burger at College Hill Tavern this weekend!).
The rivalry is so serious you can taste it in the tailgate beer. (Lehigh's bookstore sells a T-shirt that has "Lafayette" on the front, and "Because not everyone can get into Lehigh" on the back.) So figure out who you're for, and stay away from the people on the other side (and the drunk drivers!).
For those of you who did not attend one of these schools, are not from the Lehigh Valley, or don't care at all about football, you'd still be wise to pay attention. This Saturday, November 19, the roads, neighborhoods and institutions around Easton and Bethlehem will be full of alumni and students gearing up for the 147th meeting of their two football teams.
Quick wiki lesson: Lehigh University and Lafayette College are located 17 miles apart in eastern Pennsylvania, and are both members of the Patriot League. Their football rivalry has been played 146 times since 1884, making it the most-played football rivalry in the nation. It is also the longest uninterrupted rivalry, since the teams have met every year since 1897.
The game is hosted at the stadiums on Lehigh's and Lafayette's campuses in alternate years. This year, Lehigh "welcomes" Lafayette to their home in Bethlehem/Saucon Valley. If you don't already have tickets, you could watch a live broadcast online, or at bars including Starter's Riverport, Bethlehem Brew Works, and JP Macgrady's in Bethlehem.
Friday night is always a big night to party on and off campus, since young alumni come back to town a little early to start pre-gaming. On Saturday morning, alumni meet up at their old fraternity house for a ceremonial beer or 10, and after the game is over, most will be swerving their way home from Goodman Campus. Many will stay the night in the region's hotels and enjoy a meal at one of their old favorite restaurants (beware, if you were planning to get breakfast at Billy's Diner or a burger at College Hill Tavern this weekend!).
The rivalry is so serious you can taste it in the tailgate beer. (Lehigh's bookstore sells a T-shirt that has "Lafayette" on the front, and "Because not everyone can get into Lehigh" on the back.) So figure out who you're for, and stay away from the people on the other side (and the drunk drivers!).
Friday, November 11, 2011
Lehigh Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines: The Sing-Off, Lehigh Valley-style
I met Michele because she had the good sense to join Junior League. She also happens to be a member of the same amazing collegiate sorority as I am - from Texas State, no less - and is a very talented singer (which I am not). I am in awe of musicians like her and my other friend Courtney, who are a capella goddesses, and of course the kids on The Sing-Off.
The Lehigh Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will present its annual show, A Cappella A la Carte, at 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 12, at the Allentown Jewish Community Center’s Kline Auditorium, 702 North 22nd Street in Allentown, PA. Doors open at 7 PM.
We’ll be featuring music that spans every generation, including pop, swing, show tunes and ballads – all in a cabaret setting with refreshments and cash bar for wine and soft drinks. The Lehigh Valley Gay Men’s Chorus and the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts Women’s Choir will join us as guest performers.
Show tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door, and $12 for children 12 and under. For more information, directions to the venue or to purchase advance tickets online, visit LVC’s website. You may also call 908-859-5796 or send an email.Michele joined The Lehigh Valley Chorus when she moved to the area, and she let me know that the group has its yearly show this weekend, and it promises to be a great evening. She adds:
Also, for anyone interested in joining the chorus, I can attest that the ladies of the group are some of the sweetest and most supportive people I've ever met. Makes it easy for new members to fit right in. I'm still considered a guest singer but hope to audition formally very soon. I'll be performing in one song at the show.Autographs are $5. Break a leg!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Pairings - beer, wine and food for Equi-librium
I was too busy pouring Riesling and IPA to report on The Pairings myself...
Thanks also to Moe, a dear family friend, expert networker and talented photographer, for allowing me to borrow her beautiful photographs for this post.
Stay tuned for more guest posts soon!
After enjoying the fine food, wine and beer at The Pairings this past Sunday, I’m ready to return next year with even more friends. The event was designed to allow guest interaction with chefs from 10 local restaurants and catering businesses presenting a tasty offering paired with wine and craft beer. The fact that there was a beer and wine option for each tasting was impressive and immediately set it apart from other tasting events I’ve attended. Often times either the wine drinkers or beer drinkers are left out. Here both were available and if you enjoy wine AND beer like myself you had options. I am the “Wine-Know” so I tried mostly wines throughout the evening, but I did try a few of the beers and got feedback from others in my group. The number of chefs was nice because it did not overwhelm the guests and it wasn’t over crowded so I felt I had time to actually savor and enjoy every bite and every sip. Also, the quality in presentation of each offering was obvious. The chefs were there to impress and they did just that and I was more than satisfied by the time the event ended.
I attended the event with my husband and two of our friends. I asked the three of them to tell me their favorites and one that all four of us and ranked high was from Balasia located in Hereford, PA. Chef Wendy prepared a curried butternut squash dish with poppadom and habanero infused coconut flakes for an extra kick. This tasty vegetarian dish even wow’ed two “meat-eating” men. A great wine selection was made offering Hermann J. Wiemer Semi-Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes in New York. I visited this winery a few times and it is one of my favorites in that region. As the “Wine-Know” I highly recommend a visit to this area and in particular this winery. Lake Placid Brewery’s IPA was the beer selection for this dish, and interestingly enough another place I had a chance to visit. Also a beautiful area and a fun local brewery worth visiting. Balasia offers vegetarian, vegan, organic and local food. Check out their website to see local farmers markets they sell at and to learn more about their vegan supper club, The Honey Underground.
The perfect “melt in your mouth” tasty dish was Sette Luna’s Pork Ossobucco. This Easton gem located on Ferry Street is one of my local favorites as well. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dined there. I know most of the staff and I’ve tried just about everything on the menu. However, they had something new and yummy to try. Once again they did not disappoint. It was delicious so I put in a request to see this on the menu in the near future. The Pork Osso buco was paired with Bigi Vipra Rossa, offered by the quartino (a glass and a half) at the restaurant, and Abbey des Rocs Grand Cru, a tasty brown ale. Both guys commented that this was probably one of the best beer pairings.
I really enjoyed Pearly Baker’s tasty house-made duck ham served cold on a crostini. It may sound relatively simple, but trust me, it was delicious. I haven’t seen this option on their menu, but perhaps in the near future. Wine and beer selections included Dopplebock Thomas Creek and Wild Horse Pinot Noir. Pearly's does a great job at offering menu options from local farmers, so if you haven’t been it’s worth checking out.
There was dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Warm Sugar from Hellertown offered a cherry chocolate cupcake in her “sugarbaby” size/mini cupcake. She had a few of her other flavors on display in both sugarbaby and sugarmama sizes. You can learn more about her bakery and flavor options on her web site. They were so pretty you almost didn’t want to eat them. Well, actually I had that thought for about 5 seconds and then I just had to try one. I’ve had cupcakes from some of the more well-known bakeries in major cities. No need to travel to NYC. We’ve got better cupcakes in the Valley! I enjoyed the cupcake with Robert Mondavi’s Cabernet Sauvignon and the beer pairing was Old Heathen from Weyerbacher Brewery.
Even though it seems the retail world is rushing us into Christmas, Vintage at Morgan Hill in Easton wanted us to savor the season and enjoy the “First Thanksgiving Bite”. This yummy phyllo purse was filled with creamy turkey and sat on cranberry sauce. Offered with Smoking Loon Viognier and Amber DBG from Caron Brewing, this “bite” had me looking forward to November 24th!
Around this time last year I was in New Orleans for a long weekend celebrating my mother -in-law’s birthday. I recommend that city for a culinary road trip. In the meantime if you are craving some southern cooking try Gala Gourmet Catering located in Hellertown. They presented creole shrimp on a corn cake bringing back memories from my trip and paired it with L’Ardi Dolcetto and Sam Adams Imperial Wit.
Indulging for a good cause is always acceptable. I’ll be looking forward to this event again next year and recommend it to any foodie looking for a true tasting experience. The set up was welcoming and provided an opportunity to interact with the chefs and sit down to savor your tasting. There were many generous sponsors that helped make the night possible. You can view them online and to learn more about Equi-librium’s programs, ways to get involved and/or donate please check out their web site.
So big thanks to my friend Eileen, a local businesswoman and young professional with her own wine events business, who wrote the following guest blog. Visit her web site and follow her @wine_know on Twitter!
Thanks also to Moe, a dear family friend, expert networker and talented photographer, for allowing me to borrow her beautiful photographs for this post.
Stay tuned for more guest posts soon!
-------------------
Equi-librium, a therapeutic riding and driving non-profit for children and adults with special needs, hosted their first “Pairings” event this past Sunday, November 4th, at The Bank Street Annex in Easton, PA. In recent years their major fundraising event was the Lehigh Valley Brewfest and I have to admit, I was at first disappointed the LV Brewfest was not going to take place this year. It had become somewhat of a tradition for a number of my friends sporting our pretzel necklaces, but there were some challenging weather conditions the past couple of years. I can understand how having an indoor event eliminates that risk. In addition, if you’ve ever been responsible for fundraising you know that there comes a time and place when a major event needs a change.
 |
| Learning about Equi-librium between pairings |
After enjoying the fine food, wine and beer at The Pairings this past Sunday, I’m ready to return next year with even more friends. The event was designed to allow guest interaction with chefs from 10 local restaurants and catering businesses presenting a tasty offering paired with wine and craft beer. The fact that there was a beer and wine option for each tasting was impressive and immediately set it apart from other tasting events I’ve attended. Often times either the wine drinkers or beer drinkers are left out. Here both were available and if you enjoy wine AND beer like myself you had options. I am the “Wine-Know” so I tried mostly wines throughout the evening, but I did try a few of the beers and got feedback from others in my group. The number of chefs was nice because it did not overwhelm the guests and it wasn’t over crowded so I felt I had time to actually savor and enjoy every bite and every sip. Also, the quality in presentation of each offering was obvious. The chefs were there to impress and they did just that and I was more than satisfied by the time the event ended.
 |
| Weyerbacher's Easton-made beer was a popular pairing |
I attended the event with my husband and two of our friends. I asked the three of them to tell me their favorites and one that all four of us and ranked high was from Balasia located in Hereford, PA. Chef Wendy prepared a curried butternut squash dish with poppadom and habanero infused coconut flakes for an extra kick. This tasty vegetarian dish even wow’ed two “meat-eating” men. A great wine selection was made offering Hermann J. Wiemer Semi-Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes in New York. I visited this winery a few times and it is one of my favorites in that region. As the “Wine-Know” I highly recommend a visit to this area and in particular this winery. Lake Placid Brewery’s IPA was the beer selection for this dish, and interestingly enough another place I had a chance to visit. Also a beautiful area and a fun local brewery worth visiting. Balasia offers vegetarian, vegan, organic and local food. Check out their website to see local farmers markets they sell at and to learn more about their vegan supper club, The Honey Underground.
 |
| Wendy from Balasia shows off her vegan spread |
The perfect “melt in your mouth” tasty dish was Sette Luna’s Pork Ossobucco. This Easton gem located on Ferry Street is one of my local favorites as well. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dined there. I know most of the staff and I’ve tried just about everything on the menu. However, they had something new and yummy to try. Once again they did not disappoint. It was delicious so I put in a request to see this on the menu in the near future. The Pork Osso buco was paired with Bigi Vipra Rossa, offered by the quartino (a glass and a half) at the restaurant, and Abbey des Rocs Grand Cru, a tasty brown ale. Both guys commented that this was probably one of the best beer pairings.
 |
| Bigi Vipra Rossa |
If I had to have my top three favorite pairings, the third would be from Wegmans on Easton/Nazareth Pike. They offered the perfect comfort food dish, which was Steakhouse Chili served in a pretzel roll. The rolls were the perfect size and added to the presentation. Matched with Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel I immediately saw myself stopping here on the way home on a crisp fall or winter night for take out. Wegmans does a great job with quick, fresh and healthy options for occasions when you don’t have time to cook. I dream of the days we have one in the Phillipsburg area, just as Megan dreams of the days we have a Trader Joe’s in the Lehigh Valley. Listen I certainly hope for that day too, but one grocery store hurdle at a time.
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| Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zin... their motto is: no wimpy wines. |
The most unique and impressive presentation would have to go to Chef Mimmo from The Mint, a relatively new gastropub located on W. Broad Street in Bethlehem. “The Egg” was served with Vitiano Vermentino and Bethlehem Brew Works Hop Explosion. The chef used the sous-vide technique which is a French term that means under vacuum. Sous vide is a culinary technique in which vacuum-sealed food is immersed in a water bath and cooked at a very precise, consistent temperature. This technique allows you to cook food to perfection, and eliminates concern of overcooking. They eggs were cooked between soft boiled and hard boiled creating a “pudding like” texture. The pork belly served with the egg was extra tender from this method of cooking. The result was a very savory and decadent dish.
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| Chef Mimmo from The Mint prepares "The Egg," an item often found on the restaurant's menu |
I really enjoyed Pearly Baker’s tasty house-made duck ham served cold on a crostini. It may sound relatively simple, but trust me, it was delicious. I haven’t seen this option on their menu, but perhaps in the near future. Wine and beer selections included Dopplebock Thomas Creek and Wild Horse Pinot Noir. Pearly's does a great job at offering menu options from local farmers, so if you haven’t been it’s worth checking out.
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| Duck ham on crostini |
There was dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Warm Sugar from Hellertown offered a cherry chocolate cupcake in her “sugarbaby” size/mini cupcake. She had a few of her other flavors on display in both sugarbaby and sugarmama sizes. You can learn more about her bakery and flavor options on her web site. They were so pretty you almost didn’t want to eat them. Well, actually I had that thought for about 5 seconds and then I just had to try one. I’ve had cupcakes from some of the more well-known bakeries in major cities. No need to travel to NYC. We’ve got better cupcakes in the Valley! I enjoyed the cupcake with Robert Mondavi’s Cabernet Sauvignon and the beer pairing was Old Heathen from Weyerbacher Brewery.
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| No caption needed :) |
Even though it seems the retail world is rushing us into Christmas, Vintage at Morgan Hill in Easton wanted us to savor the season and enjoy the “First Thanksgiving Bite”. This yummy phyllo purse was filled with creamy turkey and sat on cranberry sauce. Offered with Smoking Loon Viognier and Amber DBG from Caron Brewing, this “bite” had me looking forward to November 24th!
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| Yummy Thanksgiving bites from Vintage Restaurant at The Club at Morgan Hill |
Around this time last year I was in New Orleans for a long weekend celebrating my mother -in-law’s birthday. I recommend that city for a culinary road trip. In the meantime if you are craving some southern cooking try Gala Gourmet Catering located in Hellertown. They presented creole shrimp on a corn cake bringing back memories from my trip and paired it with L’Ardi Dolcetto and Sam Adams Imperial Wit.
There were two other chefs' offerings to complete the evening and fill our bellies. Meatballs & Pasta Neopolitan from deLorenzo’s at Knox Avenue on College Hill in Easton were paired with Epic Brewing Fest Devious and Ruffino Chianti. I have yet to dine at their restaurant, but after just one bite I’ll be sure to make a visit in the near future. Bethelehem BrewWorks prepared Cold Smoked Salmon Bruchetta with Brew Works Bagpiper’s Scotch Ale and Hermann J. Wiemer Chardonnay.
Indulging for a good cause is always acceptable. I’ll be looking forward to this event again next year and recommend it to any foodie looking for a true tasting experience. The set up was welcoming and provided an opportunity to interact with the chefs and sit down to savor your tasting. There were many generous sponsors that helped make the night possible. You can view them online and to learn more about Equi-librium’s programs, ways to get involved and/or donate please check out their web site.
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| Cheers! |
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Westgate Mall Indoor Outdoor Farmer's Market in Bethlehem
The Westgate Mall (2285 Schoenersville Rd. Bethlehem) is probably best known for the time presidential candidate John McCain visited a few years ago, pushing a shopping cart through Weis Market with the common folk.
Westgate is not as glamorous as the Promenade Shops is - no Starbucks or fountains here - but the Bon-Ton department store is just fine, and Westgate Pizza is one of our favorites. It also has a store that repairs vacuum cleaners and sewing machines, and a drive through coffee trailer in the parking lot(Mocha Mike's - beloved by soccer and baseball moms taking their kids to the Bethlehem Municipal fields for games as well as commuters).
Now it's the first Lehigh Valley mall to open a year-round farmers' market! Westgate Mall Indoor Outdoor Farmer's Market opened today with much fanfare - including a visit from US Congressman Charlie Dent. It will be open every Wednesday from noon until 7 p.m.
Here's a partial list of vendors:
Westgate is not as glamorous as the Promenade Shops is - no Starbucks or fountains here - but the Bon-Ton department store is just fine, and Westgate Pizza is one of our favorites. It also has a store that repairs vacuum cleaners and sewing machines, and a drive through coffee trailer in the parking lot(Mocha Mike's - beloved by soccer and baseball moms taking their kids to the Bethlehem Municipal fields for games as well as commuters).
Now it's the first Lehigh Valley mall to open a year-round farmers' market! Westgate Mall Indoor Outdoor Farmer's Market opened today with much fanfare - including a visit from US Congressman Charlie Dent. It will be open every Wednesday from noon until 7 p.m.
Here's a partial list of vendors:
- Valley View Farms products
- Hereford Country Store - Gourmet Quiches, Veggie Tarts and Old Fashion Baked Goods
- The Popcorn Pit - freshly made Gourmet Popcorn
- Jett Produce - year-long chemical free greens, holiday wreaths, fresh grain fed turkeys
- Y Knot Alpacas Alpaca gloves, socks and soaps
- Verba Farms - Fruit baskets, eggs, produce
- The Phillips Company - specialty and holiday flags
- Hair Accessories plus Uniques - Uniques hair clips and accessories
- Apple Ridge Farms - Featuring Brick Oven Bread & Produce
- Easton Salsa Company - Salski/Salsa
- Christine's Secret Garden - fine teas and tea pots
- Blondies - designer cupcakes, haluski, tomatoe mac & cheese and pierogie casserole
- Hum-Dinger Alpacas - yes, more alpacas! - alpaca fiber products, both handspun/handknit, and commercially processed
Friday, November 04, 2011
Friday Roundup
TGIF!
I love using Google Reader to compile all the web sites, blogs and writers I follow. If there's a post I want to see, it waits patiently in my inbox until I get around to it. If you don't already have a Google account, you can get one for free. Then set up your Reader by adding sites like Lehigh Valley Transplant. :) Then, when you can't remember where you read something, you can search on a keyword in Google Reader to figure it out. (Usually when I can't remember, it's one of the little gems Kelly Huth unearths.)
Speaking of Kelly: read her Restaurant Profile of General Zapata : "Head to General Zapata -- a reincarnation of Zapata's -- for a deep-fried taco"
Then visit Jaime K's piece on co-ops, and envision one in Bethlehem.
Swoon over Abby Leigh's ode to Wawa.
E-visit Bolete Restaurant with Wine-Know.
And tonight, meet up with Twitter users at Starfish Brasserie in Bethlehem (7 p.m.). If you go, you'll meet a friendly bunch of media mavens. Even if you aren't hip to Twitter yet, they'll inspire you to be. #tweetup
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to vote on Tuesday!
Update: Sorry to have to remove the links on this post: One of them was linked to malware! :(
I love using Google Reader to compile all the web sites, blogs and writers I follow. If there's a post I want to see, it waits patiently in my inbox until I get around to it. If you don't already have a Google account, you can get one for free. Then set up your Reader by adding sites like Lehigh Valley Transplant. :) Then, when you can't remember where you read something, you can search on a keyword in Google Reader to figure it out. (Usually when I can't remember, it's one of the little gems Kelly Huth unearths.)
Speaking of Kelly: read her Restaurant Profile of General Zapata : "Head to General Zapata -- a reincarnation of Zapata's -- for a deep-fried taco"
Then visit Jaime K's piece on co-ops, and envision one in Bethlehem.
Swoon over Abby Leigh's ode to Wawa.
E-visit Bolete Restaurant with Wine-Know.
And tonight, meet up with Twitter users at Starfish Brasserie in Bethlehem (7 p.m.). If you go, you'll meet a friendly bunch of media mavens. Even if you aren't hip to Twitter yet, they'll inspire you to be. #tweetup
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to vote on Tuesday!
Update: Sorry to have to remove the links on this post: One of them was linked to malware! :(
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Snowtober in Lehigh Valley for transplants
On Friday night, we gave away candy to 400 trick or treaters, including one cute little chicken and his parents, Paul and Katie. When we ran out of candy at 7:15 p.m., we turned off the front porch light and took Stella for a stroll to visit our friends Tyler and Jenna (who had 800+ kids in 2 hours- check out their video!) and our friends who recently moved to the neighborhood, Molly and Ryan.
The next day, in the midst of a storm, Lehigh Valley residents lost power as the heavy snow accumulated on the leaves and branches snapped under the weight, bringing down power lines and making a huge mess.
Most people lost power for a few hours. Many faced no power or heat for a few days. Some still don't have power.
Who do you turn to when you need help? A lot of locals stayed with family or close friends. Many seniors were able to tap into a network of social services. But transplants, many of you in apartments or rental houses, or living in new developments where you don't know your neighbors well, were left in the cold. As it is, it's hard to imagine asking a neighbor you barely see or know to house you and your pets, children and freezer contents. It's even harder when that neighbor is staying with family or friends elsewhere.
Now that most of you have power back, how would you do things differently? Would you buy a generator, a backup sump pump and/or a chain saw? Get a wood stove and a gas-powered range? Would you stay in a hotel? Would you get to know your neighbors better? Are you developing an emergency plan in case this happens again someday?
The next day, in the midst of a storm, Lehigh Valley residents lost power as the heavy snow accumulated on the leaves and branches snapped under the weight, bringing down power lines and making a huge mess.
Most people lost power for a few hours. Many faced no power or heat for a few days. Some still don't have power.
Who do you turn to when you need help? A lot of locals stayed with family or close friends. Many seniors were able to tap into a network of social services. But transplants, many of you in apartments or rental houses, or living in new developments where you don't know your neighbors well, were left in the cold. As it is, it's hard to imagine asking a neighbor you barely see or know to house you and your pets, children and freezer contents. It's even harder when that neighbor is staying with family or friends elsewhere.
Now that most of you have power back, how would you do things differently? Would you buy a generator, a backup sump pump and/or a chain saw? Get a wood stove and a gas-powered range? Would you stay in a hotel? Would you get to know your neighbors better? Are you developing an emergency plan in case this happens again someday?
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Young Lawyers in the Lehigh Valley
A bunch of young lawyers walk into a bar...
There's no punchline. It's really happening.
Check out a happy hour fundraiser for the Northampton County Young Lawyers Division tonight.
Mach’s Gute, 713 Linden Street, Bethlehem
Wednesday November 2, 2011, 5:30-7:30 pm
$20 donation pre-registered, or $25 at the door.
Paying guests receive a free drink ticket and free appetizers. Benefits: the Northampton County YLD Holiday Hope Chest Project, which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged and needy children throughout the Lehigh Valley.
At the event, you might win a raffle or door prize, and are pretty much guaranteed to meet well-dressed, community-minded, smart young professionals who live in the Lehigh Valley.
There's no punchline. It's really happening.
Check out a happy hour fundraiser for the Northampton County Young Lawyers Division tonight.
Mach’s Gute, 713 Linden Street, Bethlehem
Wednesday November 2, 2011, 5:30-7:30 pm
$20 donation pre-registered, or $25 at the door.
Paying guests receive a free drink ticket and free appetizers. Benefits: the Northampton County YLD Holiday Hope Chest Project, which provides Christmas gifts to underprivileged and needy children throughout the Lehigh Valley.
At the event, you might win a raffle or door prize, and are pretty much guaranteed to meet well-dressed, community-minded, smart young professionals who live in the Lehigh Valley.
Friday, October 28, 2011
No Boys Allowed: An event for tweens, teens and moms
An event just for teen girls and moms is happening this weekend in South Side Bethlehem.
The Glam Squad's mission and purpose is to empower girls/women of all ages. The group's focus is on Body Image, Media, Hair and Makeup, Self-Care and Wellness, Fashion Do's and Don'ts. The genius behind the organization, my friend Rosalin, says the Glam Squad aims to create "a movement of Stylish, Strong, Secure Divas, one girl at time." Righteous!
The annual "No Boys Allowed" event is this Saturday, Octobe 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Comfort Suites on E. Third Street. Some programs designed for both moms and daughters, including Fashion/Styling Basics, Age Appropriate Skincare and Makeup, Priority Setting, and Love and Limits. Others are just for moms, including topics like dealing with relational agression and bullying and How to Talk to Your Daughter About Sex. At the same time their daughters attend a session that encourages the girls to DREAM BIG, and to learn how to become financially savvy, and media literate.
The Anti Pageant begins at 6 p.m. featuring a healthy competition that showcases girls' originality, commitment to community service, public speaking, and more. Fathers, brothers and other supportive males are welcome to attend the Anti Pageant.
Tickets are $10, and a portion of each ticket for expo will benefit the YWCA of Bethlehem. Visit http://projectglamsquad.com/ for tickets and information.
The Glam Squad's mission and purpose is to empower girls/women of all ages. The group's focus is on Body Image, Media, Hair and Makeup, Self-Care and Wellness, Fashion Do's and Don'ts. The genius behind the organization, my friend Rosalin, says the Glam Squad aims to create "a movement of Stylish, Strong, Secure Divas, one girl at time." Righteous!
The annual "No Boys Allowed" event is this Saturday, Octobe 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Comfort Suites on E. Third Street. Some programs designed for both moms and daughters, including Fashion/Styling Basics, Age Appropriate Skincare and Makeup, Priority Setting, and Love and Limits. Others are just for moms, including topics like dealing with relational agression and bullying and How to Talk to Your Daughter About Sex. At the same time their daughters attend a session that encourages the girls to DREAM BIG, and to learn how to become financially savvy, and media literate.
The Anti Pageant begins at 6 p.m. featuring a healthy competition that showcases girls' originality, commitment to community service, public speaking, and more. Fathers, brothers and other supportive males are welcome to attend the Anti Pageant.
Tickets are $10, and a portion of each ticket for expo will benefit the YWCA of Bethlehem. Visit http://projectglamsquad.com/ for tickets and information.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Check out the #1 ranked US college theater program - in Allentown this weekend
Admit it, when you looked at colleges, you read the Princeton Review. You checked to see if a school was anywhere near the top of the rankings for "Party Schools," what the food was like, and whether your roommate was likely to be an aspiring senator. Those rankings often tell more about a school than the M/F ratio (not in my favor at my alma mater, or most colleges, for that matter), average class size and number of student organizations that you'll get in most college guidebooks.
Muhlenberg College, a higher education institution known locally for its beautiful West End Allentown campus, its active Jewish student population, and its drop-dead-gorgeous-looks-like-Hogwarts dining hall, is also ranked #1 in the US among the 376 college theater programs the Review inspected. (It only ranks the best 15% of all colleges and universities to begin with.)
The college's summer musical series is unmatched in the region, and shows frequently sell out. Subscribe to the college's Calendar (iCal or Google Calendar) on the theatre department's web site to find out when the shows are announced. See the students in action in their latest musical production," Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along," October 28-November 6. General Admission tickets start at $20. For mature audiences. Call 484-664-3333 or visit www.muhlenberg.edu/theatre.
Muhlenberg College, a higher education institution known locally for its beautiful West End Allentown campus, its active Jewish student population, and its drop-dead-gorgeous-looks-like-Hogwarts dining hall, is also ranked #1 in the US among the 376 college theater programs the Review inspected. (It only ranks the best 15% of all colleges and universities to begin with.)
Here's the Wood Dining Hall. When Niki and I had lunch there recently, it took my breath away.
Not #1 out of Mid-Atlantic colleges, or among Division 2 schools, or schools with Hogwarts-like dining halls. #1 in the nation, better than NYU, better than USC, best overall. In Allentown!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Fall fever: pumpkin picking and other fun autumn activities in the Lehigh Valley
image borrowed from The Gold Puppy - I adore the string at the end of the pumpkin stem.From my window in Bethlehem this morning, everything is still green, green, green. But I drove up Route 33 to Wind Gap this weekend and it is definitely fall there already. Which means... next weekend is probably going to be peak leaf peeping time north of here.
Everyone seems to be itching to do fall-type activities, like stomping grapes, picking pumpkins and apples, taking a hay ride, and generally enjoying the anomaly that is the Lehigh Valley: Where you can enjoy a pastoral afternoon on a real working farm and a world-class farm-to-table meal and show in the evening, and never leave your county.
TMC and ET list the parades, parties and other fall festivities happening around the Lehigh Valley this weekend. Don't forget that Trick or Treat night in your neighborhood may NOT be October 31. Don't get caught unprepared!
Discover Lehigh Valley also has some great suggestions, including Pennsylvania Youth Theatre's October 29 “Thrill the World” event, where they invite visitors to break world records as you join tens of thousands of people around the globe all dancing “Thriller” at the exact same time, then stick around for music, dancing, movies and general zombiance.
I'd also suggest visiting Hawk Mountain, since the fall migration is in full swing and you'll likely see a lot of birds: yesterday, 151 were sighted off the various lookouts on the mountain. Even if you aren't an avid birdwatcher, the Mountain's trails are well-maintained and the views are breathtaking, especially as the leaves change.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Dayglow Party at Lehigh University
Sympathies to The Morning Call newsroom, decimated by layoffs. What is written locally is put together by the few brave writers left, and some of the writing is very, very good. Andrew McGill and Spencer Soper are clever and self-deprecating. Reporting by Jenna Portnoy and Arlene Martinez is eloquently researched, written and edited. While I am no news reporter, I admire the hard work of the journalists who make their living covering our community's news. I subscribe to the paper seven days a week, and now also pay extra to read it online, because of their work (and to get a daily update of how bad it things are at Olympus).
But some of the writers...
Susan Gottshall's restaurant reviews are so overly descriptive and sweetly positive that by the time you get to the end, you feel full.
But the one that takes the cake - and the inspiration for this post - is John Moser.
He reviewed the Fuel and Buckcherry concert this summer. And, he interviewed Hot Chelle Rae when they visited Crocodile Rock recently . In both cases, he sounded like someone's dad writing about his kids' kind of music.
But this weekend's piece about Dayglow, complete with this photo of a girl covered in paint (black and white in the newspaper), took the cake.
"Expect pulsating club music and body paint at Dayglow party... Dayglow, coming to Rauch Fieldhouse at Lehigh University Dec. 3, will be a rave-style party with club music and body paint."
But some of the writers...
Susan Gottshall's restaurant reviews are so overly descriptive and sweetly positive that by the time you get to the end, you feel full.
- On a pizza place in Bethlehem: "Rosanna's cannoli ($2.75) was a sweet treat, indeed, its creamy, rich center fine contrast for the crispy shell. I enjoyed a cup of cappuccino ($3.25) just as much, thanks to its hot froth steaming the aroma of coffee into my olfactory senses."
- On The Mint, a Bethlehem gastropub with 120+ domestic microbrews on the menu, one of its most distinctive features: "I found The Mint a bit noisy, but, even so, I look forward to watching how this restaurant matures, because it already qualifies for my 'must return' list. Including tax and tip, dinner for two without alcoholic beverages totaled $88."'
Tyrone Richardson writes the newspaper's Retail Watch column. I don't know why, but he seems to be the last to know. I know more than Tyrone does about retail happenings in the Valley, and it's not even my job. It seems like most of his sources are press releases and the business owners themselves. It wouldn't be hard to do a little research or get out of the office more. His predecessor used to slay me with his humor and insider information.
But the one that takes the cake - and the inspiration for this post - is John Moser.
He reviewed the Fuel and Buckcherry concert this summer. And, he interviewed Hot Chelle Rae when they visited Crocodile Rock recently . In both cases, he sounded like someone's dad writing about his kids' kind of music.
But this weekend's piece about Dayglow, complete with this photo of a girl covered in paint (black and white in the newspaper), took the cake.
John quotes three hard-hitting news sources: Temple University's online student newspaper, the promoter's press release, and Dayglow's web site.
What I really want to read is his personal review of the event. :)
P.S. Tickets: $45, general admission. $70, VIP. On sale now online. For more information, call 610-333-3987.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley Grand Opening - Part 2
Here are a few more photos of the newly-renovated Allentown Art Museum. Did you go to the festivities this weekend? Had you visited the museum before the renovation? Maybe you think you aren't the "museum type," but you are curious, and want to check it out in a social setting. If so, check out this event:
Art After Hours, "Celebrate the Renaissance," 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 17, museum-wide event. $20; $10, members. During the Renaissance, life's milestones were marked in celebrations and light. Celebrate the museum's renaissance with an evening inspired by the "Shared Treasure: The Legacy of Samuel H. Kress" exhibition. Sample themed hors d'oeuvres, regional wines and catch a performance by a madrigal or two.
A view from the arts plaza
New glass facade and a brand new tree on North Fifth Street.
Heaven on Earth: Textiles of the Renaissance and Baroque, Goodman Gallery, through Jan. 15
An accompanying exhibition to "Shared Treasures," "Heaven on Earth" provides a further introduction to the arts of the Renaissance and Baroque through a group of dramatic textiles drawn from the museum's extensive textile and costume collection. Included is a selection of textiles that includes flat and cut velvets, tapestries and embroideries that reflect the important modes of textile production from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Salvatore Grippi: Invented Terrains, Rodale Gallery, through Jan. 15
Salvatore Grippi (b. 1921) uses everyday prosaic objects to convey an impressive sense of mystery, intensity and surrealism in a display of 29 drawings, collages and paintings from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s. The black and white drawings capture light and dark, hovering between still life and landscape, the physical and metaphysical, while the brilliant red paintings shout for a different kind of attention, presenting similar objects as both confrontational and remote.
No visit to the museum would be complete without a visit Artie in the Art Ways area for kids. Here, the museum's Chief Curator Diane Fischer checks on him before the museum opens to the public.
The Art of India and Tibet from the Permanent Collection, Fowler Gallery
Facing Fifth Street with lots of window light, the Linny and Beal Fowler Gallery is an ideal exhibition space for sculpture. The exhibit of sculpture and textiles dating from the sixth to early 20th centuries combines the Asian Indian and Tibetan works from the museum's Goodman Gallery with the recently gifted pieces from the vast collection of Drs. Peter and Caroline Koblenzer of Philadelphia.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley - Sneak Peek
I got a sneak peek of the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley this week, just before its grand re-opening to the public this weekend.
A view of the museum from the rooftop of the Baum School of Art (courtesy of Allentown Art Museum)
The museum got more than a fresh coat of paint - there are new galleries, a new cafe (opening this winter during museum hours) and a host of new exhibits that are sure to entertain a repeat visitor like me and first time visitors like most of you.
If you've lived in a large city like I have, you know that museums can play a big part in the cultural calendar, and this museum aims to do the same. By increasing the number, size and capacity of its galleries, it is well-suited to host guests young, old, and in-between (the latter being the most elusive museum-going audience). Adding a cafe will entice attract visitors who don't typically visit museums and tempt museum-goers to stay a little longer... and maybe pick up a unique gift at the museum shop.
The museum has already scheduled a series of events, including lectures, festivals, and the return of my favorite cocktail party in the region, Art After Hours (save the date: November 17 is the first one). The museum will re-open its doors this Saturday, October 16th, with a Preview Party from 6-8 p.m. Free admission to museum members, $15 for non-members.
As for the art you'll see if you visit: Chief Curator Diane Fischer has gone for baroque with Renaissance era paintings from the museum's permanent collection, plus additional works collected by Samuel Kress to complement them:
The museum’s inaugural exhibition Shared Treasure: The Legacy of Samuel H. Kress celebrates the 50th anniversary of the gifting of the Kress Collection of Early European Art. It features forty (40) key selections from the museum’s permanent collection as well as thirty (30) additional works borrowed from other museums and institutions such as the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the National Gallery of Art. A few examples (also courtesy of the museum):.
For more information, visit the museum's web site. Thanks to Elsbeth and Jen for making my little visit possible!
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