Food & Drink

Authorities say an employee at the Giant supermarket at 7150 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township put sewing needles into grocery items. The juvenile worker has been identified and charges are pending.

After closing its doors in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, New Bethany South Side Drop-in reopened on Monday.

ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Brewers' Guild teamed up to launch the Spring Beer Fest in Bethlehem Saturday. With more than 850 tickets sold, the festival is likely to make a return, organizers said.

The event, hosted by the Celtic Cultural Alliance and Colony Meadery, offers attendees a chance to learn about mead's history and production as well as sample different meads.

Store associates Jessica Pastor and Crystal Garcia were chosen to be the face of a familiar brand after their store raised $12,448 to assist local food banks.

Jon Steinman, author of the book “Grocery Story: The Promise of Food Co-ops in the Age of Grocery Giants,” is coming to speak to the Bethlehem Food Co-op’s audience.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Ahead of the holiday weekend, the LehighValleyNews.com team did something it probably shouldn’t have – looked at TikTok.

There are plenty of fun, as well as sacred, ways to celebrate Easter in 2023.

In past years, Peeps has held the title of No. 1 Easter candy in the country. This is no longer the case.

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.

Just five months after officially being in business in their recognizable bright yellow teardrop-shaped trailer, co-owners Melinda Schneck and Josh Elmer are expending Roasties Mobile Cafe into a brick-and-mortar coffee shop. It'll take root where the couple says its heart is: Macungie.

Foodies now have another late night option in Southside Bethlehem. The Barbecue Boys, which opened Tuesday, Sept. 16, offers a fast-casual dining setting that's open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.

Pennsylvania saw 201.6 million visitors, generating $49.9 billion in visitor spending and $83.9 billion in economic impact in 2024. In the Lehigh Valley, visitor spending increased 1.5%, generating just over $2.5 billion.

Okatshe, a Japanese-themed restaurant/bar, expected to open next month.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Longswamp Township throughout September is offering all responders complimentary breakfast and a special hotel rate.