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.

To CEO Russell Fletcher, starting out as a small hyper-local business gave Mishka Premium Vodka a leg up to evolve at the rate it is right now. Soon, the vodka, which is distilled in Allentown, will be carried by yet another national chain.

The new eatery, Okatshe, will open at 947 W. Hamilton St., connected to The Moxy Allentown Downtown Hotel in mid-September, Garces announced in a release.

El Jefe Taqueria in Bethlehem is expected to reopen this month. The popular Mexican restaurant has been closed since May because of water damage from a fire in an above apartment complex.

Wind Creek Bethlehem held a preview Tuesday for its latest restaurant: Bethlehem Barrel and Drafthouse.

Ray Neeb, senior vice president of operations for ArtsQuest, said he and his team are “out here day and night” to be sure of a smooth celebration from July 31 through Aug. 10.

German food, polka and Cast in Bronze are just some of the beloved traditions found at Musikfest each year.

After 13 years on the brewpub scene, Two Rivers Brewing Company will shutter the doors on its Easton location this Aug. 17.

Palmer Township supervisors approved final plans for the Lehigh Valley's first Rutter's, set to be built on Main Street, near Tatamy, during their Monday meeting.

Food, drinks, music and an act of kindness kicked off the 42nd Musikfest on Friday night. The 10-day, free music festival will run through Aug. 10.

One of Easton's favorite cultural festivals, Lebanese Heritage Day returns to the city this weekend, featuring plenty of music, culture, and, of course, food.

MeLVin will join families for a Phamily Phun Night at Bear Creek Mountain Resort on Aug. 13.

Ending months of BYOB, which patrons have come to like, the former Nonna Sulina's has moved to Fountain Hill under a new name and can finally announce full-service status.