Food & Drink

ArtsQuest's annual Souper Bowl brought hundreds to the SteelStacks campus a week before the big game. The contest pitted Lehigh Valley chefs and caterers against one another for bragging rights to the Lehigh Valley's best soup.

McCarthy's Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar, a popular Bethlehem restaurant, is closed following a small fire. McCarthy's owner Neville Gardner said the fire broke out about 4 a.m. when no one was in the building. "The place is haunted, you know," he said.

Porters' Pub, a beloved bar which served as a launching point for the revitalization of Easton, has been passed on to a local couple with a strong connection to the community.

Fastnacht Day might be Feb. 13, but don't tell that to the customers at Mary Ann Donut Kitchen. They came for the donuts early Thursday, and they'll be sold through Feb. 25.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Seventeen restaurants in Bethlehem will offer discounted meals and drinks from Jan. 28 through Feb. 3 as part of restaurant week.

Veganuary, a challenge in which people give up animal-based products for the month of January, might seem hard, but it's easier than ever thanks to resources in the Lehigh Valley.

The new owner of Carl's Corner told LehighValleyNews.com that he settled on the property this week and looks to take over the business Sunday. Carl's Corner has locations in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth Township.

Looking to lose the alcohol but still enjoy a drink this January? Bars in the Lehigh Valley have you covered, with craft brews and tasty mocktails which don't need booze to please your palate.

The troop from New Tripoli has set a goal of selling 6,000 boxes, with plans to use that money to fund a two-week trip to Europe next year.

The IronPigs are joing forces with Peeps for a special promotion, creating IronPeeps merchandise including caps, jerseys and more.

Pokemoto is a Hawaiian-style fast casual chain opening its first Lehigh Valley location in Bethlehem at 4 Farrington Square on the Lehigh University campus. Menu options include various proteins and plenty of mix-ins.

Heavenly Coffee Shop in Easton serves authentic paisa eats like migao, hot chocolate and cheese and buñuelos.

There will be two “Twist & Shout” Musikfest Sunday Brunches in Hotel Bethlehem's Grand Ballroom — Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

Popular deli meat company Boar's Head has issued a recall for their liverwurst and other deli meats due to a listeria outbreak which has shown at least one reported case in Pennsylvania.

The Lehigh Valley will soon get its first Raising Cane's. The Louisiana-based fast food restaurant offers chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, Texas Toast and its signature "Cane's Sauce."

A Sunday morning fire extensively damaged Nonna Sulina's Sicilian Kitchen and Grill, forcing the Italian restaurant located on 5000 Bath Pike to close.

For the first time, the two-day festival will feature a barbecue competition, along with 11 blues performers. It will take place Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at SteelStacks.

Says the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event marks “a celebration of our local culinary talent and a testament to the strong community spirit that makes our area special.”

The 37th Annual Blueberry Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, with live music, food, kids activities, outdoor games, and of course, blueberries. New this year is the Blueberry Tavern Tent, serving centuries-old tipples for tasting and taking.

The beer was flowing, the staff was polished and prepared, and food and drinks came with just the right cushion between appetizers and entrees at a soft opening event at the brand new Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Whitehall.

Freezin' with Aubrie has targeted Butterscotch Krimpets — yes, like those of Tastykake snack cakes fame — to bring an exclusive snack to Dorney Park.