The full-service Italian restaurant The Vineyard Di Norma, located at 605 Fiot St. in Fountain Hill, is scheduled to close on December 24. The Prosseda family took over the beloved Italian restaurant, which was formerly known as The Vineyard Restaurant, in September 2021. They chose to better customize the business after a little over a year of operation, renaming it Vineyard Di Norma after the Italian town of Norma, where the Prossedas are from, while still honoring the brand that local customers have come to know and love.

The family posted a notice on the restaurant's Facebook page about its impending closure. The informal fine-dining restaurant was sold to Matt and Cindy Prosseda in 2021 when Pietro and Maria DiMatteo, the former owners of the Vineyard, retired after 31 years. Rachael and Luke Prosseda, the siblings' children, had always dreamed of running an Italian restaurant. Rachael and Luke Prosseda, who were raised in Wellsboro, Tioga County, felt the Lehigh Valley to be a friendly place to launch their business.

Rachael's husband, a Liberty High School alumnus, introduced the couple to the area while she was a Bloomsburg University student. It has now been eight years since the siblings moved to Bethlehem. Luke, the chief chef at The Vineyard Di Norma, attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In addition to continuing the DiMatteos' custom of slaughtering on-site, he makes pastas, sauces, and other dishes from scratch with the assistance of his culinary crew.

Appetizers like burrata and broccoli rabe, chicken or veal dishes like Marsala, piccata, and Roman saltimbocca, and seafood dishes like shrimp "scampi-ed" and spaghetti with lump crab flesh, roasted peppers, and basil, mixed with oil and garlic, are all part of his menu concept. Along with a strong love and appreciation for food and family, many of the dishes on the menu have been handed down through the centuries. Rachael manages front-of-house operations, Matt and Cindy are usually available to help when required, whether in the dining room or behind the scenes, and Luke creates the menu and cooks the food. Rachael stated on Thursday that financial considerations played a significant role in the family's decision to close the restaurant. It was getting increasingly difficult to maintain the building and business. The owners of former Vineyard Di Norma will not go down without a fight. They are confident that we will see them again in the near future. 

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Spiro's Restaurant, a full-service restaurant with a large selection of made-to-order cuisine, will reopen at 710 Washington St. in Freemansburg in early November.

On Thursday, October 31, the Freemansburg Diner will close its doors for the final time under the current owners. Spiro's had been using the space from 1982 to 2021 before Freemansburg Diner opened.

The partners expressed their gratitude to all their customers and everyone who supported their business over the years. Margetis intends to close the restaurant for around a week in order to install fresh wall paint, switch the roadside signage to Spiro's, and make other aesthetic improvements. Then Spiro's will reopen with a large number of the same employees, including a cook who has been there for more than 20 years and several servers.

Spiro's will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. It will have Spiros' original menu, which includes well-liked mainstays including baked meatloaf, stuffed peppers, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash, beef goulash, and beef stroganoff. All day long, breakfast options will be offered, such as different omelets, egg platters, pancakes, and French toast. 

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If you missed your chance to buy a home in Bethlehem this year, here’s your chance. Just Listed at 1118 Spring St in West Bethlehem, this beautiful home shows extremely well!

The Lehigh Valley real estate market continues to be a strong sellers market.  The Greater Lehigh Valley MLS recently released home sales data for September 2024. The median sales price increased from $325,000 to $350,000, indicating a 7.7% price increase compared to 1 year ago. This is great news for home sellers! The average days on market increased slightly from 17 days 1 year ago, to 19 days in September 2024. Most homes still sold at or just over asking price.

The good news for buyers is that mortgage interest rates are down, and available inventory of homes for sale is up slightly. The monthly supply of available homes was up just over 7% to 1.4 months of inventory. New home listings grew 5.3%, but pending sales grew over 14%.

The bottom line is homes are selling, inventory has improved, but buyer demand is still strong. For more detailed information on market data, or buying and selling home, pease reash out to Lehigh Valley Just Listed Real Estate.

When a new Italian market opens in South Whitehall Township, it will sell sandwiches, international items, and handcrafted cheeses, among other things.

After relocating from Naples, Italy, the Assante family first launched the eatery more than 20 years ago.

Assante Italian Market's Facebook page states that it will be "coming soon" to 4210 W. Tilghman St. It will be a sibling restaurant of Northampton Borough's Assante Ristorante Italiano, which is situated at 2050 Main St.

Assante Italian Market's is extremely excited for the second location. There is just some small adjustments left before opening, but opening will be soon. 

The market is expected to open before the end of the month; they will announce the opening soon!

The market and restaurant representatives were not immediately available for comment. As of Monday, there was no opening date listed on the market's Facebook page either.

View Homes For Sale Near Assante Italian Market in South Whitehall

The 1812 Piano Lounge, a piano lounge with live music, light bites, and beverages, is anticipated to open in the spring at 1812 W. Allen St. in Allentown's West End. Owner Schaefer had yearned to open her own piano bar in the Lehigh Valley after visiting piano bars in other towns around the country. Schaefer describes the upcoming 1812 Piano Lounge as a "dream" come true since she has long dreamed of opening a piano lounge while managing operations at the nearby Allentown Appliance firm with her late brother, who founded it in 1987. Schaefer worked with her brother for almost 30 years after joining the appliance company in 1996. She is currently the company's president.

Schaefer worked with DesignPoint, a Bethlehem-based design business, to help realize her idea. There will be booths and a variety of high- and low-top tables in the lounge to accommodate 50–60 people. The furnishings and general design will feature rich hues like deep blues, golds, and reds. The construction began Monday and should be completed in about four months.

Serfass Construction of North Whitehall Township is in charge of the project, which will involve new plumbing, flooring, kitchen facilities, restrooms, a bar, a raised stage, and electrical work. A sizable piano painting by local artist Lauren Kuhn is already visible on the building's front, next to the parking lot. Live music performances at 1812 Piano Lounge will include duets, solo piano acts, and ensemble shows with a range of instruments. There will also be entertaining, participatory activities like music bingo and music trivia. The owner wants it be all about fun and music!

Cindy Billera, a restaurant manager with over 25 years of experience, will work alongside Schaefer to run the piano lounge. Schaefer thought it would be a great fit.

In Allentown's West End, a bustling neighborhood where she was raised and now runs her appliance company, Schaefer is thrilled to be able to fulfill her ambition.

 Don Carlos Fine Mexican Food & Tequila Bar, a full-service restaurant serving real, homemade Mexican food, is anticipated to open at 1406 Center St. in Bethlehem in the beginning of 2025. Carlos Morales, the owner of Don Carlos, bought the property and intends to make significant renovations before the Mexican eatery opens the following year.

People who have been passing the property in recent weeks have probably already noticed some external improvements, such as colorful murals. On the building's front, artists are painting a range of vibrant Mexican motifs, such as cacti and Day of the Day patterns. The owner of Don Carlos is extremely excited to bring Mexican Culture to Bethlehem.

Morales already owns two El Patron Mexican restaurants in Glen Gardner, New Jersey, and Port Jervis, New York; Don Carlos will be his third Mexican restaurant. In addition, he has five pizzerias in New York and New Jersey. Morales, who lives in Middletown, New York, became acquainted with and drawn to the Lehigh Valley dining scene because he had friends in the restaurant business who dwell there.

In order to avoid confusion with another El Patron Mexican restaurant in the Lehigh Valley, located on North Seventh Street in Allentown, he chose the name Don Carlos. The menu at Don Carlos will change slightly from that at Morales' El Patron restaurants, but it will still include a number of El Patron favorites, according to Morales.

People may anticipate a broad variety of Mexican delicacies made with proteins like chicken, beef, and shrimp, such as burritos, tacos, fajitas, flautas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and nachos. The salsa, guacamole, and desserts like flan, churros, and tres leches cake will all be created from scratch. Every day, lunch and dinner will be provided. In recent weeks, Morales and a group of laborers have begun clearing out the old Rudy's premises in preparation for the start of significant interior remodeling.

More of an open-concept dining space with Mexican-imported furniture and vibrant colors is what Morales has in mind. In addition, he intends to renovate the restrooms, install new kitchenware, and build a new bar with a wide assortment of tequilas and mixed drinks like mojitos and margaritas. Don Carlos Fine Mexican Restaurant wants to be a place for enjoyment, good food/drinks, and an celebration of important events!

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The contentious plans to construct a mobile home park in Northampton County are still at the center of the dispute.

In the 1400 block of Van Buren Road, the developer plans to construct 182 mobile homes. The zoning hearing in Palmer Township's municipal center resumed.

On November 18th, the hearing is scheduled to resume.

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Three Birds Coffee Shop in Easton placed the second-best independent coffee business in America.

The USA Today 2024 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards Ranked ThreeBirds Coffee House As 2nd Best Independent Coffee Business in America. 

The readers voted for the top 10 independent coffee shops in the United States based on their distinctive menus, welcoming baristas, and comfortable settings. An expert panel made the decision.

In addition to being a modern masterpiece in coffee production, open in 2019, ThreeBirds Coffee House is an blast from the past of the 19th century. They have many selections ranging from a nitro cold brew or kombucha on tap, or one of their rotating selection of single-origins and blends.

Pastries from The Modern Crumb bakery are served in the cafe. The café serves a changing assortment of single origin coffees from across the globe on drip, pour over, and espresso. Selections from China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and India are available on the tea menu. 

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A well-known shopping center in Northampton County is being revitalized with additional dining and entertainment options.

Aroma Authentic Indian Cuisine, a new full-service restaurant, opened its doors on Sunday at Palmer Park Mall, located in Palmer Township at the intersection of Nazareth Road and Park Avenue. Two more companies, Wrap'd Tight 2.0 Fully Loaded and Back to the Arcade II, are scheduled to open at the Palmer Park Mall in the upcoming weeks.

Aroma Authentic Indian Cuisine launched on Sunday and serves Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani dishes. Every dish is halal. The New Ranchito, a restaurant serving Puerto Rican and Mexican food, used to be located there. The owners are very passionate about serving and being India Culture to their restaurant for people to enjoy. Open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m,  Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday is from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

In roughly two weeks, Wrap'd Tight 2.0 Fully Loaded should debut. The fast casual restaurant will occupy a renovated space that was formerly a Subway restaurant with space for about 20 customers. Founded in 2005 on the South Side of Bethlehem, Wrap'd Tight first operated near the intersection of Five Points, then moved to a now-demolished building at South New and Third streets, before relocating to its current site at 2027 Willow Park Road in Bethlehem Township. Along with getting ready for Wrap'd Tight's new home at the Palmer Park Mall, Griffith is also taking the company's new food trailer to breweries and other locations, as well as local events.

The trailer can be booked for private events including birthday parties, graduation parties, and business meetings in addition to appearing at festivals and other public events. Most people would not know from the company name that Wrap'd Tight's extensive menu of overstuffed baked potatoes is one of its most well-liked offerings. "Southwest Chicken" (chicken, black bean corn salsa, and cheese) and "Steak 'n Potato" (slow-cooked sliced steak with sautéed onion sauce) are two of the approximately twelve types of baked potatoes. Bestsellers include "spicy Potato" (Buffalo chicken, cheese, and spicy peppers) and "All or Nothing" (butter, sour cream, chives, crumbled bacon, melted cheddar cheese, broccoli, chili, and chicken).

Back to the Arcade, a well-known arcade with over 70 classic and contemporary arcade games, intends to launch a second facility at the Palmer Park Mall by early November. Prior to moving to the South Mall in November 2021, Paden operated Back to the Arcade out of the now-defunct Merchants Square Mall in Allentown. The new site would initially include between 30 and 40 arcade machines before expanding to include a number of more machines in the months after its opening. The games do not require tokens or quarters to play.

Play is available all day with a single fee. Adult admission costs $20, children under the age of 18 pay $15, and veterans and those 60 and older pay $10. Aroma Authentic Indian Cuisine and Wrap'd Tight 2.0 Fully Loaded are joining the Palmer Park Mall's expanding list of establishments.

Known for planning festivals, vendor events, and other gatherings in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley,  debuted its first physical store in early April, showcasing goods from over 100 regional small business owners and craftspeople. Customers can peruse a vast selection of handcrafted goods, such as fashion accessories like jewelry and purses, toys for kids, and home décor. The co-owners of Blue Flame Events, Timothy and Kimberly Stockers, also own Candleman Creations, which sells goods in the store. These include wax melts, all-natural soy candles, and bath and body items including moisturizers, soaps, and beard care products.

Lehigh Valley Fashion Week Shops, a continuation of the biannual Lehigh Valley Fashion Week event, also opened at the mall in April. In order to highlight the imaginative work of regional fashion designers and models, Cyrie Jackson-Robinson established Lehigh Valley Fashion Week in 2014. Along with a changing assortment of items from leading designers based in New York and other major cities across the world, the new store features the newest styles as seen in several Lehigh Valley Fashion Week runway presentations. Another recent addition is Santalexa & Fitness Love, which opened in mid-March at the mall's eastern end, close to Boscov's, and offers hair care treatments and products, eyelashes, and more. Customers can peruse wigs, eyelashes, laminated eyebrows, hair care products, and weight loss items made entirely of human hair.

Santa Martinez, a businesswoman, is the owner and operator of Santalexa. In 2022, she added educational courses to her company. Martinez teaches several techniques to women who want to learn more about hair extensions. With components including camellia seed oil, jojoba oil, Moroccan oil, aloe vera, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5, Santalexa provides premium natural hair extensions and a range of hair vitamins.

Aside from these latest additions, companies that have opened at the mall in the last 12 months include Hocca Bubble Tea, which specializes in freshly made bubble tea and bubble waffles, and Asante Art Gallery, which features a range of African artwork. Additionally, in the summer of 2023, Cloud City—which buys, sells, and swaps games, comics, toys, and collectibles—moved from its two-year-old position near Decor Home Furniture & Mattresses at the mall's western end to a larger facility near Boscov's at the mall's eastern end.

The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

View Homes For Sale near Palmer Park Mall in Northampton County