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.

At 1 Million Cups-Lehigh Valley event in Bethlehem, prospective entrepreneurs gain knowledge to help them realize their dreams.

After over a year of both the local pub and Macungie Diner being empty, businesses are re-emerging in the borough to the delight of patrons whose options have been limited.

The Phillies say they're retiring Dollar Dog Nights in part because fans were throwing them at each other last season. Their Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs say at Coca-Cola Park, it's a whole different ball game.

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.

The first Easton Sweet Stroll will combine the excitement of a traditional pub crawl with the irresistibility of freshly baked goods. It's planned for noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and will feature 11 local sweet shops in Downtown Easton.

Bell Hall, a gourmet burger bar that opened its doors in October 2015, is listed as “permanently closed” on Google.

The restoration of the Macungie Pub continues, with a projected summer opening after a restaurant lease has been signed

Jay Losagio will soon bring a specialized donut shop to Hellertown called 'Aloha Jay's.' It will serve up traditional and fruit-filled malasadas, which are confections beloved across the Hawaiian islands.

Spring Beer Fest, which had a sold-out debut last year on the SteelStacks campus, will again serve up the suds for a second year March 30, ArtsQuest announced.

Visit the zoo, give the gift of wine or take a walk with your boo.

A Super Bowl Sunday tradition in Easton for more than 25 years, the chili cookoff held by Pearly Baker's Alehouse crowned a new set of winners Sunday.

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.