Food & Drink

J Rads Wood Fired Pizza fed Allentown Rescue Mission residents last week amid bitterly cold weather.

Crispy Halal, known for its other location at 514 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, serves up fried chicken, falafel, loaded fries, salads, cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteak, desserts and family meals.

Barley Creek Brewing Company and Distillery announced its newest location now is open for business. After "unexpected delays" pushed back its initial opening in October, the Pocono-based company announced that it's ready to serve guests as of Friday, Nov. 28.

A local restaurateur is taking over day-to-day operations at one of Allentown's newest restaurants: Rosa Blanca. "Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces still owns the Cuban café, but asked the owners of Amigos, which sits next door, to help manage it.

Mangiacarne has rebranded, with Chef Luca Manfè taking sole ownership and changing the name to Luca and Sons, with promises of high-quality meats, cheeses,and a few new items as well.

Next month, Wind Creek Event Center owner Jeff Trainer plans to open The Broken Record, a restaurant in Lower Macungie Township that will combine a broad range of food offerings with a music theme — and perhaps more.

Rod's Dogs is coming back to Easton within the next few months under new ownership, but the beloved classic menu will remain just the same.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone has confirmed he will host his annual free turkey giveaway for residents in need, set for Nov. 22.

Developers said the restaurant is planned to be open serving burgers, flatbreads and other American-style food by this time next year.

The Vegan Chef challenge was organized by Vegan Outreach and Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley, and the challenge drew more than 400 community reviews between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Winners were honored at an awards ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 4, inside Swift at the Wilbur Mansion.

Hotel Bethlehem’s event experts share holiday hosting tips, emphasizing confidence, preparation, and simplicity. It's not as hard as you think, they advise.

Warm up outdoor weather shopping this weekend with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate and some warm cinnamon pastry.

The mocktail mixing competition brought together media personalities from different outlets in the Lehigh Valley, serving up alcohol-free drinks.

Marblehead Chowder House on William Penn Highway in Palmer Township has been in operation since 1996. The ownership says the business has changed with the times and owes its success to loyal customers and staff.

Let's Go Coffee Co. in Emmaus held its grand opening Friday. The business offers a wide selection of coffees and gluten-free baked goods.

Yardley-based craft brewpub Vault Brewing Co. will celebrate its official opening, with specialty-brewed beers, holiday cocktails, and a curated menu focused on locally-sourced foods this weekend.

More than 70 Lafayette College students and other College Hill faithful packed into Gyro Concept at 323 Cattell St. in Easton to celebrate its grand opening. A Bethlehem-area location is coming soon.

Originally beginning as an online dumpling delivery service, this weekend Kerri McCarthy and Vasa Li will open a brick-and-mortar shop called Angry Dumpling in Nazareth.

One family's show of caring for another down on their luck from many years ago embodies the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

The free-admission event features 40 unique merchant huts, live entertainment, a skating rink and more. It runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22.

Organic whole and baby carrots linked to Grimmway Farms, including several brands available in stores throughout the Lehigh Valley, have been recalled due to concerns of E. coli.

Sophie Vandecasteele is hoping to open Sophistiqué before Thanksgiving, with a soft opening set for Friday, Nov. 22, at 924 Walnut St.