Lehigh Valley InSite

happy mother's day

Ok, I admit it. I’m the mother of an 18 year old. I find that hard to believe because I really don’t feel that old. I still remember putting him on the kindergarten bus and yet next month he will be graduating from high school. It brings both tears of sadness and joy to my eyes. For those of you who think it’s over once your kid turns 18, ummm, let me tell you, it’s far from over. It may be a new chapter, but their need for their parents is probably just beginning, especially the way the world is today.

So, with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend and my son taking on a new chapter of his life, I’m thinking my time is coming for some awesome “payback” gifts to come. Not that his handmade cards and gifts weren’t the best. I’ve loved each and every one of them and still have plenty of them around the house. I would love even more just spending some quality time with him. I’m lucky if I get a, “hi mom” out of him anymore. It’s usually, “I need money.” Oh the joys of motherhood!

Lunch Gems

As part of my job, I attend trade shows and conventions all over the United States. One of my favorite parts of traveling is having lunch in local restaurants in each city I visit.

After a recent trip to Las Vegas, I got thinking about some of my favorite local Lehigh Valley lunch spots. I put together a list of some of my favorite spots and recommendations when visiting.

Cali Burrito

Cali Burrito is located on Hamilton Boulevard, just down from Dorney Park, across from the (now closed) Burger King. With an extensive menu of Mexican delight it’s hard to think of a better place to go in the Valley.

With that said, here are the top five things to get at Cali Burrito. You’ll notice that they’re not all food items…

Snickers Cupcake

Last night I was scanning through the TV Guide Channel and noticed that there was a new episode of Cupcake Wars on The Food Network. Normally this wouldn’t be worth mentioning, but Sunday’s episode featured a contestant from Lehigh Valley. Blondies of Catasauqua was one of 4 contestants competing in this unique competition. Unfortunately, Rebecca was knocked out in the second round, but it was not a reflection of the quality of her cupcakes. The judges felt her entries lacked the decorations other contestants used.

While it was great to see Blondies on The Food Network, I am happier to say they are a Lehigh Valley business. My wife and I have been ordering from Blondies for several months and have tried a wide variety of flavors. Our top 5 cupcakes are:

Sugars Stage & Spirits

I can’t even count how many times I’ve written a post about a cool local pub in Lehigh Valley only to follow with “I wish this place was in my neighborhood.” Well, after years of my beloved local pub, the Klecknersville Hotel being shuttered, Kim Kerstetter came to the rescue and re-opened the old stone structure as Sugars Stage & Spirits (658 Point Phillips Rd, Bath, PA 18014) Thanks, Kim!

Some changes were made to the interior, such as the much needed kitchen expansion and subsequent move of the pool table to another room. The furnishings and art work are way funkier that the old K-ville hotel, too, but you just can’t take the history out of an old building like this one. It still has the “neighborhood watering-hole” vibe, like on “Cheers”.

PEEPS

Easter will be here this weekend and I couldn’t think of a better time to “get down with the Peeps” that are made right here in Lehigh Valley, Pa. I have written a previous post about all the crazy people out there that are obsessed with this treat, but in keeping with the holiday spirit I simply couldn’t resist writing more. Plus, I just happened to catch a clip of David Letterman’s “Top Ten List” that was done this past Tuesday night. I mean, it’s not every day that Lehigh Valley’s city of Bethlehem gets featured on national television with the “Top Ten Questions Received by the Marshmallow Peeps Hotline.”  That’s when I really felt compelled to do some more research and publish some of the new things I found on this famous candy. Here’s what I found:

I’ve found that people appear to love the Peep or are just so obsessed that they create competitions, events and movies around them:

Rick Pongracz 1956-2012

These blogs are supposed to be about all that’s great in Lehigh Valley. Well about a week ago we had to lay to rest a colleague and a friend, and he was one that made the valley great. So here is my tribute to Richard “Rick” Pongracz.

Well Ricky, we just paid our last respects to a man that we thought so much of. You truly touched everyone you came in contact with. I was so happy to see and hear so many people saying such wonderful things about a man that I really only came to know over the past year. But, I count myself as one of the lucky ones for having had the opportunity to get to know you. From the people at Agere to the staff at Discover Lehigh Valley you made a difference. As an ambassador of Lehigh Valley there was never a day that you didn’t make someone laugh, smile or want to choke you. (LOL)

Sushi at Ichiban

My old college roommates and I couldn’t wait to get together for a girls only weekend, so I immediately jumped into planning mode. Being close to nightlife, shopping, and food were a must, and since I’m getting familiar with Lehigh Valley, why not bring it to Bethlehem?

The Comfort Suites Bethlehem seemed like the best option, and thanks to their help, we had a great suite with two queen beds, a sitting area, and a fridge and microwave (thank goodness, because I am the queen of leftovers). It was spacious, our beds were comfortable, and the front desk attendants were more than welcoming. Just a little tip: the hotel has hot breakfast, allows furry friends, and has a free shuttle to Sands Casino.

Old Forge, Pa pizza

This pizza discussion was such a topic of conversation in our office and in a past blog that I decided to bring it back.

“Remember you can’t eat meat on Friday.”  Growing up these words were often overheard throughout my house during Lent.  Being a native of the Scranton area (Blakely exactly) I had the privilege of some of the greatest pizza in the world.  For anyone who disagrees, next time in the Scranton, PA area take a trip down Main St in Old Forge and grab yourself a tray (yes,  “Scrantonites” call it a tray).  Let me know what you think.

1999 Anchor Steam

I’ve been meaning to visit the Farmhouse for quite some time, pretty much since I started working at Discover Lehigh Valley. Since the Farmhouse recently made the 100 Best Beer Bars in America list, it was high time I go.

Out of curiosity, I scoped out the beer list for the highest priced bottle they had. It was a 4L bottle of Dock Street, which would set someone back a cool $500. Mind you, this is a bottle of beer.