What a great year we had in the Valley shopping, dining and finding new and exciting entertainment options. As usual, our list of Favorite Things was easy to compile since there are more great things going on here every day. Take the "OFT challenge" and get out there to experience all of them for yourself. You will be glad you did!
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photo by donovan roberts witmer
Pure White Wonder
Our office may be located in Easton, but we know a trip to West End Allentown is well worth it when your goal is a dish of only the freshest coconut ice cream in the Valley.
Owner Matchimo Danpo says this incredibly soothing and sweet dish of heaven is made in-house with just four simple ingredients: coconut milk, half and half, sugar and coconut flakes. To keep up with the demand, Danpo says, they produce 10 quarts of it every three days. “Oh, so many people like it,” Danpo says.
For the record, we more than like it, Matchimo!
Thai Avenue Restaurant | 4791 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.351.9496 | thaiavenuerestaurant.com
photo by alison conklin
Night Moves
Salsa clubs are part of most any major city’s nightlife, but around here they’re harder to come by. There’s no better combination than dinner and dancing, which is why Rafael Palomino and Santiago Tapia, owner and general manager of Pacifico, respectively, made it their mission to address the problem.
“Something was missing,” Vega says. “We needed to provide late night entertainment.” So they started small, testing the waters one Saturday night a couple of years ago. They immediately attracted a sophisticated crowd of their 30- and 40-something diners. Now dancers of all ages and skill levels flock there every week to let loose and practice their moves. Pacifico’s tasty sangrias, mojitos and margaritas certainly help, as does the bumping combo of traditional salsa and top 40 remixes.
Pacifico | The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 2960 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley | 610.798.9666 | pacificopa.com
photo by donovan roberts witmer
A Sweet Candy Dream Come True
“There’s nothing but good and happiness around me every day,” explains Arlene Brockel, owner of The Chocolate Lab. Surely this sunny attitude makes its way into each and every one of her handmade chocolates. It has to be that secret ingredient that makes all of her cocoa creations taste so darn good. Brockel always enjoyed baking so it was only natural that after a lay-off from B. Braun she cashed in her severance package, 401(k) and sold her house to pursue her sweet, candy dreams.
She spent just one week in North-ampton Community College’s culinary program learning the art of candy making and from that brief experience she began making chocolate for friends. Friend and owner of nearby American Hairlines Dave McCormack told her, “Share your gift with the world,” she remembers. “I never thought I would fail. Everybody inspired me.” Now in her 11th year of business, Brockel can count salted caramels, chocolate covered Oreos and nonpareils among her most popular creations, made in small quantities with simple, quality ingredients—and love.
The Chocolate Lab | 446 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.865.5781 | thechocolatelabbethlehem.com
photo by alison conklin
When You Want More
A girl can buy shoes anywhere. She doesn’t even need to leave the house when she’s got the Internet. But she goes to Step in 4 Mor because she wants more. Owner Stephanie Morffi, 27, opened her West End Allentown boutique immediately after graduating college, determined to woo women away from the big department stores and online options for “a fun, personalized experience,” she says. This has resulted in a loyal customer base that seeks her “versatile and eye-catching” styles not at all out of reach for the average Valley consumer. The initial perception, Morffi says, was that her shoes were all sky high heels with premium designer price tags. Not so—many are comfortable fashions under $200. Morffi says she sees customers of all ages—from college girls to seniors—and admits to losing track of time catching up because she loves to give everyone her undivided attention.
“A great place for the friend who has everything,” Morffi’s accessories, cards and gifts are not to be missed. Find items for not only the shoe lover, but the wine lover and dog lover, too. Just ask her dog, Vino.
Step in 4 Mor | 1823 W. Allen St., Allentown | 610.432.1183 | stepin4mor.com
photo by olaf starorypinski
It’s "Wow" Worthy
The secret to Roma Ristorante’s bursting-with-Italian-goodness Shrimp Caprese Salad is that owner Joe Grisafi never skimps on the shrimp. In fact, you will say, “Wow!” when this plate is delivered to your table heaping with large, meaty shrimp and its crisp, spring mix greens layered with roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, sharp cheese, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. The other secret weapon in this salad? Well, that has to be the milky-smooth goodness of fresh-made mozzarella slices on every serving. A generous drizzle of an extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar reduction completes the perfect plate. Make no mistake, this is a generous salad for $13, but if you remain a tad hungry after your caprese feast, a sweet and creamy tiramisu will no doubt send you home happy and sufficiently wowed.
Roma Ristorante | Airport Shopping Center | 925 Airport Center Dr., Allentown | 610.841.ROMA (7662) | romapa.com
photo by colin coleman
Gifts-n-Gadgets Galore!
With all the great things going on over at Bethlehem’s SteelStacks, you may just overlook the uniquely local gift shop at its heart. This would be a mistake. Stacks Shop is stocked with both goofy and useful gadgets for the home and office, stationery, locally-made and handcrafted jewelry, accessories and a great collection of gifts that commemorate the history and legacy of Bethlehem Steel.
Need a refillable mug for your next Musikfest outing? This year, the store is celebrating the 30th anniversary of our favorite Fest with a variety of items and collectibles. How about a wonderfully creative case for your iPhone, or a great gag gift for the irrepressible teenager in your life? You’ll find all that and even nostalgic candy brands at the Stacks Shop.
“Make sure you take at least three laps in the store to see everything,” says Rebecca Hannon, retail operations manager for ArtsQuest. And she’s not kidding. We can report always discovering something new and fun there every time we visit, including the incredible works of glass blowing artists John Choi and Dennis Gardner.
Stop in and see for yourself when the store is open Thursday through Sunday. Visit steelstacks.org for exact hours of operation.
Stacks Shop | SteelStacks | 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | steelstacks.org
photo by alison conklin
Readers Rave!
We were not a bit surprised when reader Michele Mondeau Baum responded to our Facebook post about a favorite menu item with an appetizer from Bethlehem’s Apollo Grill. Their appetizer menu has been a reader favorite for many years in our annual Decadent Dish polling.
Among the many great selections, the Apollo’s Crab & Avocado Cocktail stands out for its succulent combination of jumbo lump crabmeat, the freshest avocado, red pepper and tomatoes sautéed in a tequila lime butter. All this savory goodness is served warm and delivered in a martini glass dressed with fried flour tortilla wedges and plantains. Restaurant co-owner Dyanne Holt says there are between 10 and 20 deliveries of this appetizer to their tables per day.
“It is in the top five requested appetizers and has been on the menu for about 12 years,” Holt says.
Let’s make that 12 more, we say!
Apollo Grill | 85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
photo by alison conklin
One Cool Place for the Face
What first attracted us to Panache was when we heard that owner Binita Shah was offering eyebrow threading. Everyone has heard about the benefits of threading as opposed to tweezing or waxing (more precise, lasts longer), but it was impossible to find this service beyond the mall kiosk. Lucky for us, Shah noticed. Learning her technique as a child in India, Shah helped out at her mother’s salon and went on to earn her degree as an eyebrow threading specialist, licensed esthetician and makeup artist. But when she moved to the states with husband Vipul, she put her career aside to raise a family. Then the kids got older and Shah knew it was time to share her talent. Ask anyone at Metro Beauty Academy and they will remember how every class award went to Shah and a loyal client base was built before she even graduated. Now that Shah has her own salon, she can offer not only threading, but a full facial experience at unbelievably low prices. “We give them our best by leaving room in between appointments so they won’t feel rushed,” she says. Put your best face forward with Dermalogica skin treatments and products, microdermabrasion for all skin types and Panache’s very own mineral makeup line.
Panache Skin Care & Makeup Studio | 340 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.691.3400
photo by alison conklin
Frock Luck
The best of the best always costs less at Designer Consigner in Downtown Bethlehem. That’s because this is the one boutique that consistently offers fabulous fashions with luxe labels whenever you visit. And it’s fun because it’s never the same shopping experience twice. It’s a curiosity to see what you might find each and every time you go. A Prada purse? Perhaps. A shoe from Stuart Weitzman? Sure. A dress from Dior? Divine! And if you’re the type who tires of her famous fashions quickly, check in with mother and daughter owners, Gail and Alexandra Fly to see if you can have your gently used but still fab items displayed at their store on consignment. These luxe ladies remarked that it was actually the aspect of recycling and giving fine items a second life that made opening the business especially attractive. Another attractive aspect of DCB is that they cater to savvy tech shoppers, as well. Need a hot outfit for the weekend? Instagram them and you’ll find a cyber closet of hot looks and outfit suggestions from their current inventory. Just come in and get it!
Designer Consigner Boutique | 453 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.419.0913 | designerconsignerboutique.com
A Whole New Level of Entertainment
Let’s be honest. For years, the Valley’s nightlife scene was on life support—in need of resuscitation. Sure, we have our fair share of fine dining establishments and bars, but we have longed for a new place to see and be seen. Lucky for us, the Sands Bethlehem empire heard our cries and opened their doors last spring. The Event Center, with its 3,600 person capacity, is big by Valley standards. So much so that we can now, with promotional support from LiveNation, attract big name acts who otherwise wouldn’t have made Bethlehem, PA a stop on their tour. Boys II Men, Willie Nelson, Stone Sour, Tiësto, the acts are varied and don’t just stop at music.
“We’re really trying to branch out into different genres and get bigger mainstream acts,” explains Amanda Kasinecz, marketing and special event manager. There are the off-Broadway theater shows, comedians, boxing and cage fighting; and several new shows are announced each week, she says. Vision Bar becomes the place to hang before a show, and on Friday and Saturday nights this luxe adjoining nightclub makes a night out on the town one to remember. Word has obviously spread beyond our borders because Kasinecz says she gets countless requests from DJs in New York City looking to book gigs at Vision. “This venue provides a whole new level of entertainment.”
Sands Bethlehem Event Center | 77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem | Box Office 610.297.7414 | sandseventcenter.com
Vision Bar | 610.297.7410 | visionbarpa.com
photo by alison conklin
Olé! Guacamole!
Only the finest combination of the freshest cilantro, tomato, lime juice and onion need apply to meld with the mellow fleshiness of the just-ripe avocado in this local restaurant’s version of one of our all-time favorite appetizers. The guacamole at Mesa’s Modern Mexican in Easton is all that and a bag of chips—well, actually a plate of chips—perfect for the delivery of this guacamole into one’s mouth. And if you’re adventurous you’ll want to try all the tasty varieties of guac they offer, including the Zapata Guacamole served in a weighty mortar and pestle and blended to perfection right at your table. The secret to this one is its topping: perfectly seasoned bites of chorizo that turn your festive appetizer into a meaty mini-meal.
Mesa Modern Mexican | 42 S. Third St., Easton | 610.829.2101 | mesamexican.com
photo by donovan roberts witmer
Our Fragrant Ravorite
It seems that every year we find something new to love about our favorite supermarket, Wegmans. Building on their excellent reputation for providing the best quality shopping experience, Wegmans has now even amped up their already gorgeous floral department as part of a store upgrade at their Allentown location.
As if the convenience of being able to decorate your table, as well as set it for dinner wasn’t enough, Wegmans goes above and beyond by providing so many options to choose from. You can pick up anything from a robust red rose bundle to Asiatic lilies grown on the outer rim of a volcano in a South American rainforest.
So if you’re shopping and still need to pick up a birthday present, you’ll feel confident that even a last-minute gift can make a great impression—and expression of your feelings for the recipient. We love Wegmans for their especially gorgeous European hand-tied bouquets, glorious orchids, abundant tufts of colorful hydrangeas and their crystal ball-like potted plant terrariums.
Wegmans can also fill your orders for special occasion flowers, even weddings, and why not fill your own hand basket with a special bouquet just for you? Take the hint and treat yourself next time you go grocery shopping. Shasta daisies and sushi, anyone?
Wegmans | 3900 Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.336.7900 | wegmans.com
photo by lisa lake
The Not-To-Be-Missed Night Out!
If there’s one evening circled on the Style Girl’s calendar every year it’s the date of the Allentown Art Museum’s Cocktails & Collecting event. Since November 2005, the AAM has been putting on this signature evening as a way to help educate the public about how to select art for their homes and personal collections, and buying a ticket to the event helps ensure the longevity of the museum. Cocktails & Collecting attracts about 300 patrons and more than 20 artists and dealers annually by offering a one-of-a-kind experience with a paparazzi-ed red carpet, gourmet appetizer stations and a chance to have your likeness painted by avant-garde portrait artist Barnaby Ruhe. Save the Date: This year's event will be held Saturday, November 9th.
Allentown Art Museum | 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown | 610.432.4333 | allentownartmuseum.org
photos by alison conklin
Shampoo, Set, Style!
A mere .75 miles from Jayson Morgan and Jamie Thomas’ College Hill salon, J.Morgan Salon and Home has certainly expanded their stylish empire in all the right ways. While they never set out to open a salon and home store so close to their original locale, they knew from the moment they laid eyes on the gorgeous corner Victorian that it would be the perfect space to share both their passions. The real treat at this salon is the blowout bar. This sophisticated room devoted entirely to the art of the blow out stands out among our area’s sea of salons. “It’s a modern day shampoo and set,” Morgan quips. Choose styles like the Swept Away or Straight Up from their blowout bar menu and learn how to achieve the “pretty finished ends” that make styling at home so daunting. Then check out the antique furniture, modern-day décor and vintage jewelry that await in Thomas’ territory. As the owner of a successful antique store near Nashville, Thomas uses his expert connections to acquire unique pieces you won’t find around here. Inventory comes and goes quickly—if you see something you like, buy it immediately!
J.Morgan Salon and Home | 252 Spring Garden St., Easton | 610.258.3480 | jmorgansalon.com
photo by alison conklin
Unforgettable Forkfuls
Few desserts achieve the sinful silky decadence of the cheesecake, and right now the pastry chef with the richest recipe has to be Andrea Geneoffo of My Sweet Lola. Oddly enough, this inspirational baker didn’t start out loving the cheesecake. “As a child, I really disliked cheesecake,” Geneoffo says. “I found it to be boring, bland, sour…definitely not a child’s dessert.”
In culinary school, however, Geneoffo learned that making a cheesecake would be a requirement. Rising to the challenge she decided that if she had to make one, she would make it taste as good as she knew it could taste. Her secrets lie in using only top-of-the line cream cheese, usually organic, and not over-mixing the batter which causes those trademark cracks in the dessert’s surface to form. Other things that set My Sweet Lola’s treats apart from others is their petite size, their unique flavors—everything from the tart lemon flavor of a “My Lady,” to the orange blossom and pistachio-infused, “Marrakech”—and a departure from the standard graham cracker crust.
“While the Graham Cracker crust is traditional, it is cardboard-like in taste,” Geneoffo says. The only way to make it taste better is to add more sugar and butter, Geneoffo adds; so she uses shortbread varieties that already have the added flavor. The result is a combination of the flavor-full textures of the creamy cheese base and the crunch of the shortbread crust.
So what’s in a name? “My Sweet Lola,” says Geneoffo, is an homage to her sweet, loving, but deaf cat, Lola. “Such a sweet soul, yet she finds herself to be the underdog, or shall I say, undercat?” We say, no way, Lola—with a mom like Andrea—you are definitely the top cat!
Order online or by phone, or you can visit Geneoffo’s stand every Sunday this season at the Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market at Water Street Park in Hellertown.
My Sweet Lola, the Art of Cheesecake | 484.860.5818 | cheesecakeisart.com
A Distinctly Stylish Spa
Pleasant surprises are always a good thing. Such is the case with a trip to Stone House. Those who rarely if ever traverse the winding back roads to Macungie would never know that nestled along this tiny town’s Main Street sits a blissful bed and breakfast/spa fit for total relaxation. Personal attention is a priority and no detail is left to chance. Husband and wife owners Fran and Jan Ondrejca lovingly restored this historic stone farmhouse to include four cozy rooms, each with their own distinct style, and a spa that is certainly worth the scenic drive.
While Fran handles the day-to-day operation of the lodging, the spa is all Jan’s domain. Jan and her team are obsessed with both cleanliness and pampering, from massages to haircuts to pedicures. Our suggestion: take advantage of their enormous selection of Zoya nail polishes, sit back and relax with a coconut-lime pedi treatment and gaze out at the picturesque views of Macungie Memorial Park. One trip will not be enough.
Stone House Inn & Spa 165 E. Main St., Macungie | 610.967.0343 | stonehouseinnandspa.com
photo by donovan roberts witmer
From Field to Farm Stand
For those of you who grew up in North Bethlehem, a weekly trip to Scholl Orchards’ stand on Center Street was a ritual. Apples and cider in the fall, peaches and cherries in the summer; if you want the best you go to Scholl’s. It’s been this way since George Scholl’s great uncle and aunt, Harry and Mary Nonnemaker, with help from George’s parents, Reginald and June Scholl, set up a humble table by the side of the road in 1948. George, who has lived on the property all his life, has continued the family business with his own family—wife, Faith, sons Ben and Jake, and daughters Martha and Emily—who all play a role from field to farm stand.
“It’s something we have a love for,” says Scholl, who counts his daughters-in-law among the team as well. It’s that warm, family feeling you get every time you stop in. The Scholls attract lifelong customers who have come to depend on their fresh fruit and more. This is why the family purchased a second farm in Kempton, and expanded into vegetables and seasonal favorites like mums and Indian corn. People who care about the food they eat want a direct connection to the grower so they can ask questions, Scholl says, and you’re going to get that. “You’re going to get the sense of a family providing something to them that’s unique and farm fresh.”
Scholl Orchards | 3057 Center St., Bethlehem | schollorchards.com
photo by colin coleman
Aisles of Italy
No, you are not in New York City’s Little Italy, but this is the little gem of an Italian market that certainly could be located on Manhattan’s famous Mulberry Street. For 16 years, Stravino’s has been located on the corner of Fifth Street and Fairmont Avenue in Whitehall and has made one simple word synonymous with success: Abbondonza! Before you put on your next pot of “gravy” you’ve got to visit the store that delivers the goods. In fact, this is the only place in town where you can purchase San Marzano brand tomatoes, the only brand Store Manager Jonelle Yonak swears by. Yonak also warns to accept no imitation. The authentic can of San Marzano tomatoes has an official seal on it designating the product is certified by the Italian government. And she would know because she has been helping sole proprietor and Uncle Don Stravino out at the store for the better part of a decade. (The family’s lineage in store ownership actually dates back to 1902.) Along with the best sauce starters, you can count on Stravino’s for the freshest Italian cheeses, great meal starters like luscious heat-and-eat eggplant rollatini and a deli bursting with fresh take-out sandwich offerings.
Stravino’s Italian Store | 269 Fifth St., Whitehall | 610.432.2551
photo by colin coleman
Built for Fun
This isn’t your grandparent’s bowling alley. Nor is it your dad’s sports bar. No, Revolutions is the kind of place that can only be described as an entertainment complex—37,000 square feet, to be exact. When the doors opened earlier this year, Revolutions understandably attracted a diverse crowd. There’s the 12 bowling lanes tricked out with projection screens and bumpin’ music, an arcade with virtual rides that have you riding motorcycles and being a Fruit Ninja, and a sports amphitheater that makes watching the game at home down right obsolete.
And then there’s the food. This usually becomes an afterthought at most entertainment venues but here it’s surprisingly fresh, made-from-scratch and, in a word, really, really, good. Sure, you could order a burger and fries (cut fresh, by the way) but why would you when there’s lobster mac n’ cheese made with Maine lobster, orecchiette pasta and mascarpone, and fish tacos made with mahi mahi and a tomatillo aioli? Order a ribeye in between strikes—there are private servers assigned to every lane! Add in live entertainment and a DJ and you’ve got yourself a party. It’s no wonder that Sandy Faulkner Franklin, director of sales and marketing, says she’s already booked hundreds of private parties and events to date that include corporate gatherings and wedding rehearsals alike. “This is a totally unique party atmosphere,” she says.
Revolutions | 3717 Route 378, Bethlehem | 484.935.3001 | revolutionsentertainment.com
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photos by alison conklin
Olive Love
In case you didn’t know it, olive oil is about as complex and varied as wine. There are more than 250 different varieties of olives, and pressing them early at low yields creates the best quality. Your average grocery store selection often contains spoiled olives that are harvested overripe or have languished on the ground, past their prime and deficient of nutrients, not to mention lacking in taste. That’s why a trip to Seasons is in order.
Owners Tim and Soraya Balshi are passionate about educating customers on their ultra-premium standard, internationally-award winning olive oils that offer maximum health and culinary benefits. Amazingly, there’s only a 10-day window of time at harvest to create this ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil, Tim says.
These spectacular oils come from all over the world—Italy, Spain (where Soraya’s parents own and operate a mill and olive grove), Portugal, Tunisia, Australia and Chile—and all can be sampled from the large stainless steel “fustis” that line the walls of this European-style store. “We keep everything fresh and treat it like you would a fruit juice,” Soraya says. “Freshness and perfect chemistry is everything.”
Same goes for their traditional quality balsamic vinegars that are infused with inspiring flavors like lavender and dark chocolate. And you’ll want to nab items from the amazing artisan salts, natural condiments and La Boite spices they carry exclusively.
Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom | 504 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.866.2615 | seasonstaproom.com
photo by mark nester
Fabulous Flagship
Just say the word Sorrelli and you can immediately envision the sparkle and shine. Whether you love bold statement pieces or small and demure, this brand attracts the eye of nearly every woman we know. Sure, you could peruse their website to find what you’re looking for, but the best Sorrelli shopping experience awaits at their fabulous flagship store. Kutztown may be defined by its namesake university and surrounding pastoral landscape, but Sorrelli is the true gem amid their Main Street merchants. Fans of the brand flock from near and far, says Store Manager Elaine Fioravanti, and they will be greeted with not only the spectacular shimmer of glittering jewelry, but a staff of passionate women who “truly love the jewelry and sharing the sparkle experience,” says Fioravanti, who can name the mayor of Kutztown among her staff (part-time, of course).
“We are very service-oriented. Our customers will have a lovely experience,” she promises. Locals visit often and it isn’t uncommon for them to pop in for a pick-me-up when they’re having a bad day. “This is a place people come to because they love sparkle,” Fioravanti says. And as if you needed any other reason to stop by, the store is constantly hosting special events (Midnight Madness, private bridal brunches, charitable fundraisers) you won’t want to miss.
The Sorrelli Store | 220 W. Main St., Kutztown | 610.894.9857 | sorrelli.com
by lisa j. gotto and meghan decker
