Summer celebration hits a high point for the Fourth of July, when grills are smoking, fireworks pop and picnic potlucks abound. Here are five local favorites for a star-spangled spread.
1. Hot Dogs
Yocco's
Multiple area locations | yoccos.com
For over a century the Valley has known the intense stare of the Hot Dog King and his equally noteworthy special secret chili sauce. While the staff excels at caramelizing these beef-and-pork dogs to perfection, you can try your hand at it too with a Doggie Pac of 12 uncooked hot dogs, buns and all the fixings. Be prepared with an eight-ounce tub of chili sauce to really drown those dogs in trademark taste.
2. Pasta Salad
Saylors & Co
1105 Main St., Hellertown | 610.838.6363 | 325 Northampton St., Easton | 484.544.4810 | saylorsandco.com
The family behind Saylors & Co stocks their groceries with fine meats, imports and prepared foods that put the selection at major chains to shame. While they can also provide sausages and steaks for the grill, the goods to grab for your next get-together may be found in the gourmet case where perfect pasta or potato salads sit in splendor, ready to complement your picnic plate.
3. Ice Cream
Owowcow Creamery
1262 Simon Blvd. Unit B106, Easton | 610.438.5269 | owowcow.com
Concocted on the premises by creative ice cream crafters, Owowcow's frozen confection delights with unusual flavors along with the tried and true, composed of local and organic cream, eggs and honey. Order a party-to-go pack and steal the show at your BBQ with ice cream sandwiches, pops, pans or pints for a crowd that's about to go wild.
4. Pie
Pie + Tart
444 Northampton St., Easton | 484.202.0235 | 2inhand.com
“American as apple pie” is a well-worn phrase, but leave those autumn flavors for future feasts and hit up Pie + Tart's mouthwateringly wonderful inventions. Seasonal flavors include the Bananas Foster Cream Pie with rum and browned butter, Pineapple Coconut with a kick of lime or Blueberry and Ginger with a buttery oat crumb topping. Cut a slice of summer!
5. Beer
Cave Brewing Company
521 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.739.1381 | cavebrewing.com
Guests dipping into an ice-laden cooler will find a welcome complement to a beating sun and salty snack food when you stock up on six-packs from Cave Brewing Company. Almost as refreshing as stepping into the cool stone shelter of its namesake, Beach Bum Blonde's notes of tropical fruit and grass make for a crisp, clean blonde ale. For the hard-seltzer seekers, the Peach Mango tastes as good as it sounds.
Published as “5 Things” in the July 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
