Tastemaker Profiles

The term “gastropub” is a portmanteau of gastronomy and pub. The Mint is an American gastropub that focuses on the perpetual pursuit of an ever-changing, ever-evolving, ever-growing neighborhood gastropub, making the Mint “an experience without count

187 Rue Principale is a French-inspired, farm-to-table restaurant in Emmaus. The menu is driven by the seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients from local farmers and farm cooperatives. Ingredients not locally available are procured from sou

The Hamilton is a staple for cuisine and a night out in Allentown. It’s known for its creative, delectable but authentically unique dishes. The Hamilton takes guests back to the days of the public house; a time when locals and visitors would gather

Matey’s success wasn’t built overnight. Father and son team Michael and Ron Matey spent 28 years creating and perfecting their award-winning cheesesteaks and pizza. From humble beginnings, Matey’s has grown to a full-menu, full-service, “go to” dest

White Orchids Thai Cuisine is approaching its 10-year anniversary! Since opening in 2007, the Virojanapa family has worked hard to fulfill their mission of bringing the premier Thai restaurant to the Lehigh Valley.Their cuisine has been voted the “B

The Bayou Boys opened their first Lehigh Valley restaurant, The Bayou, in the spring of 2014. The Bayou was an instant hit, and owners Cristian Duarte and Mo Taylor began building a team that would allow them to expand the company. While The Bayou wa

He is as instantly recognizable as his restaurants: Giuseppe Grisafi, a.k.a. “Joey G,” has been a Lehigh Valley tastemaker for over 15 years. After graduating from Emmaus High School in 2000, Joey G went to work full-time, operating both Taste of Ita

Overlooking the heart of revitalized Downtown Allentown, The Dime is an upscale dining location like no other. The menu features locally-inspired and locally-sourced Pennsylvanian American cuisine, not just from the Lehigh Valley but from all regions

The owners of Grain and The Bayou are proud to present Queen City BBQ, a new, high-energy eatery located on the ArtsWalk at City Centerin Downtown Allentown. “Our menu melds traditional barbecue with our Pennsylvania Dutch culinary heritage—think s

Bell Hall is a quintessential American burger joint. It’s about approachable cuisine in a unique setting and a serious craft beer program. Bell Hall’s burgers range from the comforting Old Hickory with cheddar, housebarbecue sauce, and bacon to the

Enjoy urban ambience with a sense of the past at Roar Social House. Located across the street from the city’s bustling arena, Roar’s historic building has been transformed into one of the Lehigh Valley’s most striking dining spots. Including a newly

Owner Shahnaz Hanna drew inspiration from her favorite restaurants in Manhattan when fitting out Union and Finch. Upon moving to the Lehigh Valley in 2011 from New York City with her husband and three children, she and family invested in the building

Chef/owner Andrew Foreman brings to Switchback Pizza a diverse and extensive culinary background. His passion for seasonal and organic food took him to Italy five years ago. It was there in central Italy, surrounded by organic farmland, that he learn

Join Chef de Cuisine Jason Shafer and let Centro serve the finest Northern and rustic Italian food right in the heart of Downtown Allentown! Whether it’s one of the seasonal or house specialties, freshly made pasta, risotto or traditional Italian des

Chef Steve Kershner’s unique cuisine is based on fresh seasonal ingredients and classic culinary techniques. Chef Steve cites his passion for gardening and his European travels as a major inspiration for his cuisine today at Twisted Olive.When Chef