ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A renowned chef – who has amassed a large and loyal fan base by serving up her artisanal tarts, croissants, macarons and other French treats at local farmers markets – is planning to open her first brick-and-mortar bakery in Lehigh County later this year.
Sophie Vandecasteele, a French pastry chef and passionate cook, expects to open her new Sophistiqué – French Bakery in late October or early November at 924 W. Walnut St. in downtown Allentown.
Sophistiqué will focus on typical French baked goods such as fresh baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, and brioches, along with French pastries like tarts, eclairs, mousse cakes and millefeuilles.
Everything will be “homemade and prepared from scratch with quality ingredients,” Vandecasteele said.
“I will also have savory baked goods such as ham or turkey and cheese croissants, savory danishes, sandwiches with fresh baguettes and my quiches that people keep asking me to bring back!” Vandecasteele added. “My goal is really to bring something different to the Valley.”
Vandecasteele, who was born and raised in France and moved to the United States about eight years ago, held pop-up events in 2022 at Jay’s Local – a neighborhood eatery in Allentown’s West End – where she sold pre-packaged items such as shortbread cookies, hazelnut cakes and quiches such as red pepper and feta, bacon and cheese and salmon and cheese.
In early 2023, she began making her food fresh on-site at Jay’s Local with a once-a-week, pop-up bistro, Sophistiqué.
The pop-up series proved so successful that Vandecasteele and Jay’s Local owner Lyell Scherline decided to strengthen their partnership even further by expanding Sophistique’s hours to include multiple days a week for a majority of 2023.
In recent years, she’s also garnered followers by selling her treats at local farmers markets.
Vandecasteele concluded her season at the Macungie Farmers Market on Thursday, and she plans to continue selling her pastries and baked goods at the Trexlertown Farmers Market on Saturday mornings through the end of the month.
“A lot of people have followed me from Jay’s Local to the farmers markets, and I hope they continue to follow me to my new bakery,” Vandecasteele said. “I am so excited to open my own bakery. This is a dream of mine, and I am so thankful for everyone’s support.”
Vandecasteele is a mostly self-taught chef, who also received her pastry arts degree in France.
At Sophistiqué – French Bakery, she plans to specialize in French pastries and other sweet treats, including fruit tarts, danishes, mousse cakes and madeleines.
Handmade macarons will be available in classic flavors like chocolate and caramel, as well as seasonal flavors like raspberry and mango in the summer and pumpkin, apple cinnamon and pecan praline buttercream in the fall.
There also will be festive varieties such as chocolate peppermint and gingerbread and vanilla around the holidays.
“I’m really looking to showcase French desserts in unique ways and flavors that people may not be familiar with,” Vandecasteele said.
Sophistiqué – French Bakery will occupy a renovated space that previously housed a tattoo shop, across from the Maple Street Garage.
The bakery will feature new flooring, counters, kitchen equipment and other upgrades, Vandecasteele said.
For the latest Sophistiqué – French Bakery updates, including an official opening announcement, follow Chef Sophie’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.
More spots serving up French favs
Family-run bakery to sell French pastries, cookies and more at new Lehigh Valley location
HELLERTOWN, Pa – A popular bakery – known for its tasty, made-from-scratch sweet treats – is expanding operations with a new retail location in Northampton County.
Allie’s Specialties, a gourmet dessert shop specializing in “deliciously big cookies and French pastries,” is expected to open in late October or early November at 31 Main St. in Hellertown, employee Lindsay Lloyd said.
The new bake shop, between New Star Chinese restaurant and DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante and Pizzeria in The Shoppes at Hellertown, will be Allie’s Specialties’ first retail location.
For the past five years, Allie’s Specialties has utilized a Northampton facility – not open to the public – to produce and distribute its baked goods, Lloyd said. Full story here.
‘Mouthful of heaven’: French pastry shop to satisfy sweet cravings in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new, family-run sweet spot will soon be dishing out handmade macarons, croissants, gelato and other treats in Northampton County.
Le Macaron, an authentic French pastry shop, is expected to hold a soft opening within a week at 521 Main St., owner Gina Passerman said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is tentatively set for noon Oct. 18, she added.
Le Macaron, founded in 2009, began franchising in 2012 and now has more than 70 open or coming soon locations nationwide, according to the business’ website. Another regional location operates in Doylestown, Bucks County. Read more here.
Restaurant news
Popular family-run restaurant opens 2nd location at Bethlehem shopping center
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A few months after welcoming a new eatery specializing in Mexican and American dishes, Bethlehem’s Stefko Boulevard Shopping Center has added another tasty business to its roster.
Pho Viet Royal 2, a Vietnamese restaurant serving pho, vermicelli rice noodles and other specialties of the southeast Asian country, held a soft opening on Monday at 1806 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem, co-owner Joe Wang said.
The 24-seat eatery supplements the original Pho Viet Royal location, which opened in October 2019 at 2126 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem’s Lehigh Shopping Center.
In the Stefko Boulevard Shopping Center, Pho Viet Royal 2 is joining another new dining establishment, This Is Burritos, which has been serving up made-to-order tacos, burritos, po’boys, Philly cheesesteaks and other Mexican and American favorites since May. Read more.
‘Delicious feast’: Lehigh Valley’s newest Greek restaurant opening Monday
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Opa! A popular restaurant chain – serving up gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and other Greek specialties – is preparing to open its first Pennsylvania location in Lehigh County.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a fast-casual chain serving a variety of authentic Greek dishes created from family recipes passed down through generations in Greece, is set to open Monday, Oct. 14, at the Promenade Saucon Valley shopping center in Upper Saucon Township.
The 2,550-square-foot eatery, the chain’s first Pennsylvania location, will operate at 2880 Center Valley Parkway Suite 602, between Lashes by Gab and Komé Fine Japanese Cuisine.
Husband and wife Chris and Marcia Nagy, owners of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill location in Center Valley, are excited to get the business up and running and believe the community will love the “delicious, fresh, and healthy Mediterranean food,” Chris said. Full story here.
Sisters launch new eatery, bank opening next week at revamped Bethlehem shopping center
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After welcoming new locations of Starbucks, QDOBA Mexican Eats and Jersey Mike’s Subs in recent weeks, the revamped Westgate Mall – now known as “The Westgate” – added another eatery to its roster on Wednesday.
A location of So Fresh, a fast-casual chain aiming “to seamlessly integrate fresh, healthy eating into every lifestyle,” on Wednesday opened at 2413 Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.
The 24-seat eatery is operating between Jersey Mike’s and a forthcoming Tropical Smoothie Cafe location in a new strip mall building, which was constructed at the site of a former interior portion of the shopping center.
So Fresh has more than 20 locations open or coming soon in Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Maine, and the Bethlehem restaurant – owned and operated by sisters Cara Kuehner and Amy Smith – is the chain’s first Lehigh Valley location. Read more here.
Sisters Amy Smith (left) and Cara Kuehner pose inside their new location of So Fresh at The Westgate shopping center on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.
Region’s newest Japanese restaurant to offer all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi
POHATCONG TWP., N.J. – Fans of pork gyoza, salmon hibachi, shrimp tempura rolls and other Japanese specialties will have a new dining destination to frequent starting next week.
A new location of Sushi Kingdom, a full-service Japanese restaurant specializing in all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi, will hold a soft opening on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 1278 Route 22 in Pohatcong Township, owner Allen Ye said.
The renovated building, in the Pohatcong Plaza just outside Phillipsburg, previously housed other restaurants, including Ruby Tuesday and, most recently, Mountain Dudes.
The new Phillipsburg area restaurant is Sushi Kingdom’s first New Jersey location, Ye said. Read more.
‘Difficult decision’: TGI Fridays’ only Lehigh County location permanently closes
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A destination for wings, burgers and other classic American fare has ended operations in Lehigh County.
A location of TGI Fridays, a casual bar and grill chain offering “authentic American food and legendary drinks,” has permanently closed at 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown, according to a sign posted on the restaurant’s door.
The full-service restaurant operated in The Shoppes at Cedar Point.
“We regret to inform you that Fridays has made the difficult decision to close our doors at Allentown, PA effective October 6, 2024,” the posted message reads.
“We are extremely grateful to our loyal guests and our team members at our Allentown restaurant.” Read more.
Community staples
‘We don’t want to see it closed forever’: Slate Belt landmark roaring back to life
WIND GAP, Pa. — The curtain could rise again at the beloved Gap Theatre in Wind Gap, Northampton County, before the end of the year. 69 News has learned that renovations at the movie theater, which closed in 2020, are nearing completion.
Joseph Farruggio has owned the theater for more than 40 years. He’s now leasing the theater to Harry Guerro, who has been overseeing the building’s facelift, with a mission of getting people back in the seats at 47 Broadway.
“We cleaned it up, restored some things, and brought it back to what it looked like when Joe bought it,” Guerro said. Full story here.
‘Staple in the community’: Popular Bethlehem brewery in process of buying its 3rd spot
PARRYVILLE, Pa. – The owners of Seven Sirens Brewing in Bethlehem are under contract to purchase and take over Riverwalck Saloon in Parryville, Carbon County, the rustic restaurant and bar on the Pohopoco Creek.
“I’ve been going to the Riverwalck my whole life. It’s kind of been a staple in the community out there,” said Jordan Serulneck, co-owner of Seven Sirens.
Serulneck says when he heard the owners were looking to retire, it seemed like a no-brainer to put in an offer.
Now, they’re under contract.
“We like changing it up, keeping things fresh and this property has its own unique identity, and we just want to enhance it and add to the natural beauty that it has,” Serulneck said. Read more here.
Bottoms up! A-Treat debuts new flavor
A-Treat, the maker of popular sodas like Orange Cream, Big Blue and Birch Beer, is rolling out something new in the beverage aisle. And it’s not a soda.
Pink Lemonade Seltzer is the company’s first foray into what it’s calling “better for you” beverages. It’s A-Treat’s first-ever zero-calorie seltzer.
The flavor is making its debut to coincide with the 32nd annual Women’s 5K Classic. The run/walk was held on October 5 at Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway. The nonprofit raises money to support local organizations that promote women’s fitness, while assisting women and families affected by breast and other female cancers and educating women about breast cancer awareness, prevention and treatment. Read more.
Easton area updates
Easton OKs $1.5M deal to sell former Iron and Metal site for redevelopment
EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council approved an agreement to sell the former Easton Iron and Metal site Wednesday night at city hall.
The deal, with Foundry Development Group LLC — which is part of Easton-based VM Development Group — involves the property located along Bushkill Drive for the purchase price of $1.5 million. Plans for the property include apartments and retail.
The city will provide Foundry Development with $1.4 million in financing at an annual interest rate of Wall Street Journal prime less 50 basis points.
The company will be required to make interest-only payments for 24 consecutive months following closing. The purchaser could also opt instead to obtain customary bank financing to pay off the purchase price. Full story here.
Rendering of VM Development’s proposal for a mixed-use project featuring apartments and commercial space on the site of the former Easton Iron & Metal.
Palmer planners table Long John Silver’s redevelopment proposal
PALMER TWP., Pa. – The Palmer Township Planning Commission tabled a preliminary/final land development plan for a proposed drive-thru restaurant Tuesday night at the administration building.
The proposal, slated for 2463 Nazareth Road at the 25th Street Shopping Plaza, calls for the demolition of the existing Long John Silver’s building and then the construction of a new 6,715-square-foot building.
The plan, offered by 25th Street Plaza LLC, will designate 2,425 square feet for a restaurant and 4,290 square feet for three retail store spaces. The proposed eatery will also have a 630-square-foot outdoor patio seating area. The entire site will contain 694 parking spaces, with 44 being required for this project. Read more here.
Berks and Bucks counties
Beloved candy shop returns to downtown Reading
READING, Pa. – Reading’s mayor is celebrating the return of a beloved candy shop to the city.
Mayor Eddie Moran joined the ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday for the grand reopening of Sugar Shack.
It’s back at the old bus station at North Third and Court streets.
The shop was most recently open in West Reading. Read more.
‘Planted and permanent’: Popular food trailer satisfying appetites at new Quakertown spot
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – A food trailer – which has become a staple at local breweries, festivals and other venues – is serving up its made-to-order cheesesteaks, hoagies and other eats at a new, regular location in upper Bucks County.
Rachel’s Place, offering breakfast sandwiches, cheesesteaks, hoagies, reubens, fries and more, in early September held a soft opening at its new location, in the courtyard behind the Benner’s Hardware building, 1229 W. Broad St., Quakertown.
Rachel’s Place, established in 2020, is owned and operated by the business’ namesake, Rachel Schmied.
The business has built a large and loyal following thanks to its frequent appearances at local breweries, including Lost Tavern Brewing in Hellertown, Seven Sirens Brewing Co. in Bethlehem and Weyerbacher Brewing Co. in Easton, along with other venues such as various stores, wineries and festivals. Full story here.
Events
Lehigh Valley Mall retailers seeking to fill dozens of positions at job fair
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – The Lehigh Valley’s largest shopping destination is hosting a hiring event for local job seekers.
Lehigh Valley Mall, at 250 Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township, will host a job fair noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20, according to a news release.
Dozens of full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary positions are available. Job seekers should bring their resume. Read more here.
Oktoberfest continues at SteelStacks
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem is bringing Oktoberfest back for one more weekend.
Part 2 of the celebration at SteelStacks kicked off Friday.
The free festival features plenty of brews, food, live music and local artisans. Read more.
Spooky family fun awaits at Crayola Experience’s Screamin’ Green Hauntoween
EASTON, Pa. – Crayola Experience is scaring up wickedly colorful activities during its month-long celebration of the year’s most spook-tacular holiday.
Creep through fang-tastic attractions while collecting ghoulish clues to help Crayola’s mad scientist, Robin, search for a lost potion recipe needed to de-monster-fy the crayon crew. Along the way, journey through an ancient Pharaoh’s tomb, visit a vampire’s laboratory, and hear the stories of a 3D Bride of Frankenstein.
According to a Crayola Experience press release, a new activity this year lets kids be the center of a BATTY comic book adventure with their personalized cartoon portrait sketched right before their eyes by the CrayolaBot at the Cartoon Creator attraction. Full story here.
Oktoberfest comes to Peddler’s Village
The German traditions of Oktoberfest are making their way to Peddler’s Village this weekend.
The 8th annual Oktoberfeast kicks off on Saturday with German music, Oktoberfest inspired food and of course, a beer garden. Read more here.