Food & Drink

PA Bacon Fest is back this weekend, showcasing over 150 vendors offering up bacon in just about every cuisine you can imagine.

The Korean-born, French-inspired Paris Baguette franchise is looking to expand its footprint in the Lehigh Valley as it chips away toward its goal of opening more than 1,000 cafes across the country before 2030. The bakery-cafe chain is specifically taking interest in the Allentown-area market.

Longtime borough resident Jennifer O’Neill has purchased the building at 2 N. Main St. and is transforming the space into Circle Cafe on Main, a café inspired by European coffeehouses that aims to foster community connection.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township, Berks County, has installed 10 new fully automated “state-of-the-art” snow guns that adjust automatically to weather conditions, “maximizing snow production when temperatures drop,” the resort said in a release.

Flooding and water damage has forced Clever Girl Winery, on the ground floor of the Commodore at 116 Northampton St., to shut down its Easton tasting room.

After years of turmoil, the owners and operators of vegan pizzeria Paranormal Pizza are asking the community for a couple bucks to help launch their new brick-and-mortar spot.

Garlic Fest is back, and this year promises more of everyone's favorite Allium in a wealth of savory and sweet dishes, drinks, and more, including a special preview night on Friday.

"Iron Chef" winner Jose Garces has opened Okatshe, a Japanese-inspired izakaya on Hamilton Street, with an eight-foot sushi roll instead of a ribbon-cutting. Located across from Rosa Blanca, Okatshe offers small plates, sushi, sake,and whiskey in a modern take on Japan’s traditional neighborhood bar.

Barley Creek Brewing Company is planting roots in the Lehigh Valley, opening a taproom at the Promenade Saucon Valley. The Pocono-based brewing company expects to serve customers with "100% Pennsylvania products" this fall.

The Wilbur Mansion transforms with Swift, a rebranded dining experience in the Fountain Hill District of Bethlehem, offering seasonal menus, handmade cocktails, outside dining, and historical flair.

While mid-afternoon rain on Friday forced postponement of Musikfest opening ceremonies, it did not deter folks from attending the festival — just as many food vendors expected.

The 41st Musikfest kicked off at SteelStacks with a preview night on Thursday. The 11-day, citywide festival features live music and a wide range of foods and drinks.

After over 90 years of business on Lehigh Street in Allentown, The Brass Rail will soon open doors in another part of the city. This time, it'll be at another location familiar to loyal customers: the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.

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.”