LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — If you’re looking to enjoy the long-awaited solar eclipse Monday, there are plenty of interesting eats to make sure you're not hungry during the experience.
While there are several eclipse viewing parties scheduled throughout the Lehigh Valley, if you're holding your own celebration, you can stand out with some specialty showstoppers — including a special L.V. exclusive.
So pick up some solar eclipse shades, set aside time between 2:08 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. — the maximum viewing time for the eclipse will come around 3:24 p.m. when about 92% of the sun will be obscured by the moon — and relax with these astro-gastronomical options.
Burgers, pizza and more
Chains restaurants throughout the area will offer up special deals, including Burger King, where Royal Perks loyalty members can text the word ECLIPSE to 251251 to get a buy-one-get-one-free Whopper deal redeemable from April 8 through April 15.
Pizza Hut will offer any large pie for $12 on April 8, including a create-your-own option with up to 10 toppings, in addition to its own Pizza Hut originals, Thin ‘N Crispy, Hand Tossed and Original Pan pizzas.
If you need a sweet beverage to wash any of that down, Sonic Drive-In has a Blackout Slush Float, “an eclipse-inspired, blackout slush topped with creamy soft serve and galaxy sprinkles.”
According to Sonic, the slush is a mashup of cotton candy and dragon fruit flavor, capped with vanilla soft serve and blue and purple sprinkles for a finishing touch.
Each float — available in medium size only — comes with a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses, as well.
Celestial cake, donuts
You simply must have a stunning centerpiece for your eclipse party, and you can’t go wrong with a standout ice cream cake from The Bethlehem Dairy Store, also known as The Cup.
Its Eclipse Cake is a half vanilla/half chocolate ice cream concoction with chocolate crunch in the middle, featuring incredible solar art: a chocolate disc gently creeping over an icing sun, with a blue icing sky and star sprinkles.
As for leftovers, if our staff taste test is any indication, the cake will disappear quicker than the eclipse's totality.
Various sizes are available, according to the shop’s Facebook page, and while they do have a few in the freezer at the moment, you may want to place an order by noon today, Friday, April 5, at 610-691-8422, to ensure you get one.
Employees recommend taking the cake right out of the freezer and slicing it up with a knife run under hot water for clean cuts. As for leftovers, if our staff taste test is any indication, the cake will disappear quicker than the eclipse's totality.
Naz-O-Nut, at 64 E Lawn Road, Nazareth, also will offer up a sweet, celestial donut deal.
You can get seven filled donuts with any flavored filling, along with two regular donuts and up to four pairs of eclipse glasses while supplies last.
Donuts must be preordered, so call them now at 610-365-2244.
Stellar beverages
If you’re looking for a properly themed cocktail, Applebee’s will offer up a “Perfect Eclipse Margarita” with Patrón Premium Silver Blanco Tequila, Citrónge Orange Liqueur, Monin Blue Raspberry and Passion Fruit syrups, and lemon and lime.
It's available now through April 14.
Perhaps you’d prefer a Belgian-style wheat ale? Blue Moon has just released specialty Eclipse Sips kits on its website for $25.
It features black light coasters and a flashlight, four Blue Moon pint glasses, and “Moon Dust” to make your ale glow.
Special edition solar eclipse chips
You won’t be able to score SunChips’ Solar Eclipse flavor until the eclipse actually starts, but it’s worth keeping an eye on its website to score a bag and some free swag.
The limited-edition release brings together Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda to evoke “sunny skies and bright days ahead while nodding to the moon with a cheesy touch.”
“SunChips draws inspiration from the sun so there’s no better moment to spotlight this snack than during the extraordinary solar eclipse,” Rhasheda Boyd, vice president of marketing at Frito-Lay, said.
“With this exclusive flavor drop, fans who enter for a chance to win their own bag during the moment of totality will have the opportunity to continue celebrating the eclipse even after the rare event is over.”
SunChips also has partnered with astronaut Kellie Gerardi to promote astronomical education, in addition to donating $50,000 to the PepsiCo Foundations Food for Good U.S. social enterprise, which promotes and delivers nutritious meals to students.
The company also will carve out playful messages directed at the moon across wheat fields located in the path of totality.
As you gather your spread to celebrate the big event — and make sure you don’t miss it, otherwise you’ll be waiting another 20 years for the next one — make sure to check out our other eclipse content so you don’t miss a thing.
And remember the solar eclipse glasses — no one wants any long-term eye damage during a party.
