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.

Wing your Super Bowl party with these recipes inspired by Bethlehem's chefs

When 33-year-old Miguel Barragan shows up to the kitchen at Texas Roadhouse, people know to get out of his way. Next month, he's competing nationally in a very specific kind of competition — one that he's been dominating this year.

Customers can order Taylor Swift-themed chocolates and Super Bowl cakes from Vegan Treats, the popular Bethlehem bakery on Linden Street.

Following the introduction of a sewage treatment plan to Whitehall Township commissioners, the developers behind a new Outback Steakhouse are one step closer to opening up a branch of their popular Australian-themed restaurant.

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.