Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto brought Thanksgiving early to one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants Il Gattopardo.
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto
Hosted by the always amazing certified Italian Wine Ambassador with a Diploma in Wines & Spirits, Susannah Gold, we tasted through 6 wines (4 white, 2 red) paired with 4 courses aiming for a Thanksgiving to remember.
The secondo was very Thanksgiving – influenced (and spoiler alert: the wine that Donnachiara chose was absolutely perfect.)
Italian Wine Expert Susannah Gold
The special secret to Donnachiara Winery’s roster in my humble opinion is incredible Old World quality with truly remarkable present day pricing.
Donnachiara Winery is Old World with Modern Twist
Before we ate, Ilaria introduced her family’s history and explained how the new generation (her generation) is leading the Montefalcione wine revolution, with her mother’s blessing.
Donnachiara Winery’s Ilaria Petitto
In the same spirit, Ilaria proudly announced that she is now the Vice President of the Conosrzio di Tutela dei Vini dell’Irpinia.
Ilaria continued, sharing their winery is located in Montefalcione, in the Irpinia area near Avellino. While the vineyards have been in the family for over 150 years, the modern winery was completed in 2005. Ilaria’s mother, Chiara Petitto, is a vocal supporter of her work in the winery.
Tell Me More About Donnachiara Winery
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The Donnachiara Winery stands high on the hills of Montefalcione.
Montefalcione is nestled in the Central West of Italy, near Montevergine and Chiusano – just over two hours south of Rome and about an hour East of Naples.
The Donnachiara Winery on the hills of Montefalcione
The winery’s philosophy is to preserve the traditional grape varieties of the local territory and keep the typical character of the wines from being lost to standardization, like many of the wines on the market today.
Our Early Thanksgiving Feast Starts
Antipasti
Crudo di Spigola marinato al lime ed erbe su crostino
Mini Mozzarelle in Carrozza Con Salsetta D’ Acciughe di Cetara
Palle di riso piselli, parmigiano e sughetto di vitello
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021 is the perfect start. A golden shimmer in the glass. The nose matches with a striking aroma of cream, a hint of bread crust and french vanilla. The mouth is full bodied, bright and creamy. A light touch, which would pair well with grilled salmon.
Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021 continues to tease and tickle your senses. Straw yellow in the glass with a chalky, limestone bouquet. A lighter mouthfeel with a soft, tart note. Would pair deliciously with seafood, mussels, lobster.
Fiano de Avellino docg 2021, Empatia Fiano de Avellino BIO 2021
Primo
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Cavatelli di grano antico “Senatore Capelli”
Con fagioli Spollichini e cozze
Greco di Tufo docg 2021 is pale yellow in the glass. A beautiful bouquet of peach, pineapple, and apricot. The mouth is fresh and soft, and lingers on and on. Pairs well with light seafood and pasta with truffles.
Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 is quite incredible. Pale yellow in the glass. A complex nose of peach, pineapple and the faintest hint of cedar. The strikingly fresh, bolder taste and slightly heavier mouthfeel would pair well with seafood, pasta with mushrooms, and blue cheeses.
Greco di Tufo docg 2021, Aletheia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020
Secondo
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
con friarielli saltati in Padella
Tacchino del “Ringraziamento” ripieno di Castagne e Salsiccia
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020 has a gorgeous violet shimmer in the glass. The nose is blueberry with a hint of herb. Medium mouthfeel with mineral and herbal hints. Would pair well with turkey and rabbit.
Taurasi docg 2018 is an all-star for this meal. Ruby red in the glass. Burnt cherry, with plums and toast on the nose. Mouth is a velvety, gush of jam with black currant. Would pair well with gamey and braised meats.
If you’re serving cranberry as a side dish, this Taurasi bottle elevates the taste. It’s a winner.
Aglianico Irpinia doc 2020, Taurasi docg 2018
Dolce
La Pastiera Napoletana
Caffe
Biscotti
La Pastiera Napoletana
While each of the wines tasted at lunch were enjoyable, there were two that are perfect for your Thanksgiving pairings.
If you ordered both for your Thanksgiving, poured Alethia Greco di Tufo docg Riserva 2020 as your guests are arriving and offered Taurasi docg 2018 as you served your main course, magic would happen!
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Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
Lehigh Stunned by Sweet Innovation From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
Lehigh Invaded with Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
Screenshot
Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
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Lehigh Valley’s Neffs National Bank ‘Dress Down Day’ to Raise funds for local nonprofits
Lehigh Valley’s The Neffs National Bank, its employees, and customers are proud to participate in a yearlong Dress Down Day initiative to raise funds for local nonprofits.
Each month a local nonprofit is selected to receive funds raised by employees during their casual dress down days and customers via collection at both our Neffs and Walnutport Branch offices.
Funds raised are then matched by The Neffs National Bank*.
These organizations were selected for providing invaluable support to our local community and surrounding areas as well as holding personal value and connection to The Neffs National Bank employees.
The 2022 drive raised over $5,900 for local organizations. This support is raised in addition to The Neffs National Bank annual giving policy.
The Neffs National Bank is proud to be able to continue to support their local community in 2023 as the Bank celebrates it’s 100th Anniversary.
The following nonprofits were selected to benefit from the 2023 drive:
· January- Northern Valley EMS
· February- Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
· March- Walnutport Diamond Fire Company
· April- Neffs Volunteer Fire Co.
· May- D&L Heritage Trail
· June- Schnecksville Fire Co.
· July- PA Outdoor Veterans
· August- Carbon County Environmental Center
· September- Let’s Build Camp for Girls
· October- Bloom for Women
· November- Lily’s Hope
· December- Ruff Life Animal Rescue
Please help us support our local community and offer your support by visiting the lobby of our Neffs or Walnutport offices to contribute a donation today. *Limitations apply
The Neffs National Bank
The Neffs National Bank, a subsidiary of Neffs Bancorp, Inc., is committed to serving the financial needs of our clients and local communities with high quality customer focused service and maximizing long-term shareholder value.
In 2023 The Neffs National Bank celebrates 100 years of serving our local community
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Lehigh Valley is Falling in Love with the Flavors of Nazareth’s Indigo 52
Lehigh Valley is falling in love with the flavors of Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52
Indigo 52 is a Nazareth restaurant gaining big buzz both in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the East Coast.
It’s not your average restaurant. There’s a twist.
The menu, the owner, the ingredients. Everything is special and there’s a reason why.
Lehigh Valley is falling in love with the flavors of Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52
It’s special enough to inspire families to drive hours just to enjoy a meal there. More about that in a minute, let’s get to the food.
Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52 Menu
Restaurant Owner Felicia Rocchino has a “Food Vision” for the items they serve and if you’re a foodie, you’re gonna love this:
All their dishes are:
- Unique – things you can’t find everywhere
- Better than what someone can cook at home
- Plated amazingly – be instagrammable!
Here’s what I sampled on my visit:
Indigo 52’s Cauliflower wings
Cauliflower wings
Grain-free battered cauliflower with maple garlic (you could also choose hot buffalo or mild sauce).
These were delicious and better than what I expected. The flavor, the breading; and each piece held together well, even after dipping.
Indigo 52’s Vegan “Crab” Cake Bites
Vegan “Crab” Cake Bites
Mini heart of palm bites, seasoned, and served with a house made cocktail dipping sauce
Great flavor, very moist. The same tender and moist notes (like most vegan “crab” cakes) also made them fall apart easily. Delicious, but delicate.
Indigo 52’s Hand-cut Sweet Potato Fries
Hand-cut Sweet Potato Fries
Served with house-made maple garlic dipping sauce
I wanted these to be great and they were. Big flavor, excellent snacky side dish and the maple garlic is a winner.
Indigo 52’s Chicken Marsala Rotini
Chicken Marsala Rotini
Anti-biotic free chicken breast, over pasta with julienne onions, mushrooms, organic spinach, fresh herbs, with marsala sauce.
This was the highlight. A very well-balanced dish. On different bites, the onion stood out, then the mushroom, then the marsala. There’s a lot of nuance here and the sauce pulls it together. Also, it’s a big portion. Take the remainder home and give yourself a present for lunch tomorrow.
Indigo 52’s Apple Pie stuffed French Toast
Apple Pie stuffed French Toast
3 slices topped with a house-made fresh apple cinnamon “filling”, house-made cashew cream, and 100% pure grade A maple syrup.
The brunch favorite brings a big bold flavor. And, again, a lot of food. Each bite makes you smile. If you’re into boozy brunches, this plate deserves a glass of bubbly.
Felicia’s Passion for Nazareth restaurant Indigo 52
Felicia is a triple-threat. She has a creative eye, a global expertise in restaurants and retail and she has a personal passion creating this concept to help others.
Creative in the way the restaurant looks and feels. It’s funky. It’s whimsical. It’s playful. As you walk in, the decor gives your eyes flavors to enjoy, while the menu handles your taste buds.
Indigo 52’s Felicia Rocchino and Chef Kadel Woody
Expertise from years at her previous corporate work helping successful restaurants launch and grow into hugely popular brands.
And personal passion. Yes, it’s very personal.
Recently, Felicia was living the life of a big city retail and hospitality professional based out of Philadelphia, helping restaurants grow and fulfill their professional dreams.
Indigo 52’s funky, whimsical, playful decor gives your eyes flavors to enjoy
Problem is, she was always feeling sick; and in and out of dozens of doctors offices trying to understand why. Year after year, test after test, with no answers.
One day, she met the right doctor who decided to give her a different test and there she learned the truth – Felicia has Celiac Disease.
Celiac Disease is sensitivity to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, which is in… a lot of food.
Indigo 52 is gluten free and dairy free
Truthfully, many of us suffer from different nutrition allergies, with different levels of sensitivity in reaction. The statistic is 1-10 people.
A strong majority of people are un-diagnosed. Some people react with a stomach ache, others are rushed to the hospital for a few days of care.
Those who end up with stronger reactions (like needing a hospital visit) tend to never eat out or get take-out, because the risk isn’t worth it.
Even “gluten-friendly” food tends to not be so friendly. The restaurant and its kitchen needs to enforce incredibly disciplined action and even then, it’s still a risk.
But Felicia Rocchino’s Indigo 52 practices incredibly disciplined kitchen practices to make it safe for immune-compromised people.
And around the country, people are taking notice.
“That’s Just The Way Life Is.” Nah, it doesn’t have to be.
A local family always stops by the Nazareth eatery when they’re picking up their college-aged daughter because their family is immune sensitive and Indigo 52 is one of the only restaurants on the East Coast that truly offers safe food. So they’re willing to drive hours for a meal there.
Indigo 52’s seating and decor
Same thing for a Lehigh Valley couple who became used to not eating out because of the risk. Then they tried Indigo 52 and to their relief, it was perfect. As a result, they even had their anniversary dinner there and Chef Kadel catered the menu toward romance.
Because of the growing unique demand, Indigo 52 has become reservation-only with diners driving from hours away to have a very specific and risk-free meal.
This Lehigh Valley restaurant has become one of the very few healthy (and delicious) stops on the East Coast to offer a consistently safe (risk-free) experience to immune-compromised diner. And word is spreading quickly.
Chef Kadel’s work is Art, Magic and Flavor
Chef Kadel Woody has been working in Lehigh Valley restaurants since he was in high school. Learning his kitchen secrets from time at Widow’s Tavern and Grille, Two Rivers Brewing, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
Felicia and Kadel connected when she knew she needed someone magical to create these unique and challenging dishes and her first several chefs couldn’t give her the results she envisioned.
Chef Kadel’s plating is art.
Chef Kadel’s ingredients are magic.
And the flavor is in every bite.
The kitchen is open so that diners can watch him create magic from their seat or even step over and get a closer glimpse.
Local Food Brings Big Flavor
Most of Indigo 52’s ingredients are local. Some come from Nazareth farms literally down the street from the restaurant and their delivery is walked over. That’s very local. That’s fresh.
Felicia and Kadel are big supporters of the local community handing out snacks at nearby businesses and contributing delicious bites at neighborhood events.
Indigo 52 Review
Cuisine: Very strong. From their locally sourced ingredients and an inventive menu, to Chef Kadel who’s able to create custom experiences for even the most sensitive diners.
Ambience: Fun, playful. Small town quaint with ambitious creativity
Service: Now that they’ve switched to reservation only, once you’ve been seated you get plenty of friendly and knowledgeable support. The kitchen proudly goes out of their way to service your specific needs.
Hospitality: Because Indigo 52 is such a unique experience, if you visit knowing how special your experience can be, the kitchen and staff go out of their way to surprise and delight you
Indigo 52 is located at:
52 S Main St
Nazareth, PA 18064Indigo 52 is open Thursday – Saturday, 10a- 8pm, reservation only
Make a reservation here.
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The Piano Guys Return To Easton’s The State Theatre Sept 15
The Piano Guys Return To Easton’s The State Theatre on September 15, 2022.
Since their serendipitous start in a Southern Utah piano shop, THE PIANO GUYS have proven to be a powerhouse group without limits.
Arriving as a musical phenomenon seemingly overnight, the quartet of Jon Schmidt [pianist, songwriter], Steven Sharp Nelson [cellist, songwriter], Paul Anderson [producer, videographer], and Al van der Beek [music producer, songwriter] have delivered bold compositions that transcend boundaries of style and genre, a boundlessness that has since translated into a massively-successful career.
Related:
Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” Sat July 23 at Allentown Symphony Orchestra
Their 2020 album release “10” was a celebration of The Piano Guys’ 10-year anniversary. The album included their most popular hits from the past 10 years as well as brand-new arrangements. Steven and Jon are gearing up to hit the road to perform their new music and share their great humor.
For more info and tickets to The Piano Guys at Easton’s State Theatre.
The Piano Guys explain further:
So many people inspire us, our music and our videos.
When we began as The Piano Guys, we drew our inspiration from sources we’ve known all our lives – family, God, nature, classical composers and others we’ve looked up to.
We could never have imagined all the stories we’ve received from people who have listened to our music and watched our videos since we began – stories that have made us laugh and that have made us cry; stories that have motivated us to reach even higher; stories that have kept us going when we’ve wondered how we can.
These people and their stories are the reason we are The Piano Guys and the reason we never want to stop making music videos. If you are one of these people, thank you from all of us for being our inspiration.
VIP Meet & Greet Package:
- One (1) Premium Reserved Seat in the first 2 Rows.
- Meet Jon and Steve! Say Hello and snap a photo with them after the show!
- Commemorative VIP Laminate
- Exclusive Merchandise
VIP Limited Edition Merchandise Package:
- One (1) Premium Reserved Seat
- Commemorative VIP Laminate
- Exclusive Merchandise
