Food & Drink

The owners of Jimmy's Hot Dogs say they'll hold a customer appreciation day as a way of saying thanks for the loyalty folks have shown since they took over over the longtime Easton-area business a year and a half ago.

The Broken Record, whose decor and even food names follow a music theme, held a soft opening at its strip-center location at 6776 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township.

Griddle 145, which since 2011 has operated on MacArthur Road, will close Wednesday, Dec. 31, the restaurant announced in a Facebook post today, Saturday, Dec. 27.

A long-running Easton tavern announced its plans to close and asked patrons to visit in its last remaining days. It will close on New Year's Eve.

“Thanks for all the love and support, we will be back soon! Until then be sure to visit our Easton Location for the same great Pints Vibes,” Pints & Pies said on its website.

After customers speculated its permanent closure online, Casa Catrina shared an announcement on social media thanking patrons for their continued support over the past six years. This month, the Mexican restaurant posted on its doors a notice of a temporary closure.

Easton Farmers' Market will hold a Community Food Drive to collect fresh food, pantry staples and donations for SNAP at Scott Park on Saturday, Dec. 20.

After a decade of business, the restaurant inside the Renaissance Allentown Hotel is expanding its regional sourcing and guest experience with a new culinary concept and revamped interior. Director of Culinary and Restaurant Operations Nick Vogel said he intends to let local ingredients "shine" in the restaurant's four seasonal menus.

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.

TGI Fridays at The Shoppes at Cedar Point in South Whitehall Township on Monday had a sign on its doors saying the restaurant closed effective Sunday, Oct. 6.

ThreeBirds Coffee House in Easton was named among 20 coffee shops in the nation nominated for USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for "best independent coffee shop." Voting ends at noon today.

Melt Ice Cream Bar, a fixture for dairy fiends in Easton, is set to close in October. But they'll still keep their ice cream truck operational and open for special events.

It's time for Easton Garlic Fest, and the stink couldn't be any more prevalent, with over 130 vendors, incredible culinary options, and some of the very best entertainment around.

Occasional light drizzle did nothing to keep the crowd away from the opening night of the 14th Oktoberfest at SteelStacks on Friday night. The festival runs through the weekend and again Oct. 11-13.

Oktoberfest at SteelStacks begins on Friday, Oct. 4. The two-weekend celebration will feature four biergartens, a bratwurst eating contest, weiner dog race, polka music and a drag show.

Howie Day, whose 2004 song "Collide" sold four times platinum and helped his album "Stop All the World Now" reach platinum sales, will perform at the free annual Harvest Fest street fair. The event will be noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 at Main and Broad streets.

Giacomo's owner Sal Famularo said it’s been a long road, but the new Giacomo’s Italian Market and Grille will open at 11 a.m. Saturday at 4041 William Penn Highway — in the old Miller’s Paint & Wallpaper building in Palmer Township.

Celebrate the stink this weekend, when Easton Garlic Fest returns to the city, featuring over 130 vendors, and a special performance by Tito Puente Jr.

Melani and Jason Hansche are aiming to open Tucker Garage & Grocery in Easton this October, providing the public with a community café and grocery store. They just need a little help, and they're more than willing to offer some fun rewards in order to get to the finish line.

The International Cultural Festival will he held at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The foodie festival is now in its ninth year and will occur from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, showcasing "diverse options" of food, drinks and concerts.