Youell’s Oyster House is the Lehigh Valley’s answer to seafood.
Youell’s Oyster House is hidden in a cozy neighborhood of Allentown, PA within minutes of the Allentown Fairgrounds, Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College. About twenty minutes from the PPL center.
Youell’s Oyster House has History
Part of Pennsylvania history, originally opened in 1895. Then Gus Filipos, a longtime patron of Youell’s, bought the business in 1984 and his son Chris joined in 1987.
Over the years they earned a reputation for excellent food. Their oysters, their Certified Black Angus beef. Their wine and craft beer selections.
And very fresh seafood.
According to their website the scallops (and presumably most of their seafood) is caught less than 12 hours before being served on your plate.
Pretty good.
The motto they repeat throughout their website is:
“Upscale dining
in a relaxed atmosphere.”
I was told a few times during a recent East Coast visit, that Youell’s has the best seafood in the Lehigh Valley, so I planned to try them out.
Let’s Taste Youell’s
I arrive on a Saturday mid-afternoon, take a seat at their half full bar and proceed to order an Old Fashioned, Caesar Salad and Salmon Tartare.
Youells Oyster House Caesar salad
Cuisine
Are the ingredients fresh? Is your dish well-plated?
The cuisine is excellent. Crisp lettuce in the salad. Fresh, creamy salmon tartare. The plating is inventive and inspiring. I can close my eyes later and still happily taste it all.
Youells Oyster House Salmon Tartare
Youell’s Ambience
The setting is comfortably disarming. The phrase they use is “Upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere’ and they accomplish this goal.
Open floorplan, lovingly re-built after a devastating fire, pastel and light wood. Lots of outside light shining in.
Youells Oyster Bar
Not necessarily “romantic”, but more “homey”. Not really a first date kind of place, nor a “Saturday night” kind of place.
I am a bit surprised the customers ranged older (55+) considering the location is so close to colleges and other younger spots.
Service
As mentioned, it’s a Saturday afternoon and I am surprised by how busy it is. Feels like neighbors and regulars. Nobody seems “in a rush.”
My bartender is friendly and pleasant, but she keeps busy. The service is as relaxed as the vibe itself. Some prefer that, some would like a bit more attention.
Hospitality
Does the restaurant deliver on the promise it makes to their customers?
If you’re looking for comfort and excellent food, this is a great place to try. Not “impressive” or romantic, but down home quality.
I’d go back again on a Friday or Saturday night to see if the vibe does evolve for a more sexy, date night feel. But my guess is, it doesn’t and that’s the way the restaurant and its usual crowd likes it.
Youell’s Oyster House has excellent seafood in the Lehigh Valley, but their relaxed ambience might leave some of their customers wanting more of an experience.
Located at 2249 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18104
Lunch 11-3pm daily
Dinner from 11am daily
Visit their website at: https://youellsoysterhouse.com/
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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.
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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 Foodies: This Spring Find the Best Wines at the Best Prices, revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith
This Spring Find the Best Wines at the Best Prices, revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith
With the coming of spring and the equinox, we start a time of renewal in nature, particularly in the northern hemisphere as the vineyards start to bud and come alive with energy. As the weather starts to warm and the plants wake up from a nice winter snooze, it’s time to think about what the last few years harvests have given us (as far as bottled wine).
With this warming, we still have cool if not cold nights, so when thinking about choosing wines for this new season, we have few limits.
We can celebrate in the day with sparklers and fade into the evening with a heartier red to keep you toasty.
These wines were chosen for QPR (quality to price ratio) as this is the single best determinate that defines well made wines. A good way to think about this is that if you have the means to drink a bottle daily, sub $20 is a sweet spot.
If you prefer one better bottle a week for a nice dinner on the weekend, perhaps $35 is a nice option; a very special bottle shouldn’t cost more than $75 (ever) in a store.
Not to give away the game but generally at wholesale if a bottle costs, for terms of simplicity, $10, in a store it would be 35% on top of that; on a shelf to you for ~ $14.
The markup for a restaurant is generally 300-400%, as they have many operating costs inlaid.
If anyone ever tells you they understand how bottles of wine are priced, they are lying.
These 15 wines represent some of the tastiness that is the exciting wine market right now. The wine will include both domestic and international selections and depending on where you live, will dictate the availability of each; the internet is the great leveler of the field!
For ease of choice to match both your moos and temperature needs, we split these up into a few categories. Mix and match!
Sparkling Springtime Wines
Sparkling wines are an everyday pleasure, from Pet-nats to traditional Champagne, the category is wide open, exciting and affordable.
Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia
Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia $22
Absolutely one of the most fun and tasty and colorful sparklers out there, the wine nerds and G-Ma would both drink this.
Buy Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé here
Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna
Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna , Italy $14
Don’t buy this if you want that sweet & heavy sparkling red, this is another level, fully dry and zippy.
Buy Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna here
Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy
Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy, $18
Hands down one of the best dry Prosecco’s made.
Buy Le Vigne di Alice here.
1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain
1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain $15
Traditional Cava , off – dry, not fruity and solid QPR.
Buy 1+1+3 Cava here.
FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne, France $41
FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne
A Champagne for this price that destroys all the big names in this category.
Buy Fresne-Ducret here
White wines for Springtime
White wines: light to heavy and joyous to accompany the new season!
2020 SELBACH ‘INCLINE’ RIESLING QUALITÄTSWEIN, MOSEL, GERMANY $17
Pure Riesling essence, a touch fruity, green apple crunchy!Buy Selbach ‘Incline’ Riesling here
ARNEIS, COLLINA SAN PONZIO Roero , Piedmont, Italy $14
Clean, fresh, apple and fennel , zippy minerals, perfect.Buy Arneis Collina San Ponzio here
Collina San Ponzio 2021 Roero Arneis
Dog Point Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc , New Zealand $20
Find a better savvie , you won’t!
Dog Point Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc , New Zealand
Buy Dog Point Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc here
Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay, California $30
New school, rich and complex, no butter in sight.
Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay
Buy Scar of the Sea x Dedalus here
GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE, France $16
Deep and rich, a heavier wine with texture for days.
GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE
Buy Grenache Blanc Dom De La Solitude here
Red Wines for Springtime
Red Wines: lighter to heavier again, dealers choice.
Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain $18
Light , zippy, Smokey , perfect for a warm night.
Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain
Buy Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra here
Lieu Dit, Gamay , Santa Maria, California $25
Step outside of Beaujolais and see what the cool kids are drinking from Cali.
Lieu Dit, Gamay , Santa Maria, California
Buy Lieu Dit, Gamay here
CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy $16
Medium bodied, dense black fruits, Smokey, meaty, lovely.
CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy
Buy CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico here
BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION, France $25
A classic claret!Buy Bordeaux, Chateau Landes Emilion here
BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION
COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES-SAINT GERVAIS, ROUVIERES, MOURVEDRE/SYRAH, France $18
Full bodied, spiced, herbed, a rich bowl of black fruits.
Cotes-du-Rhone-Villages Saint-Gervais “Les Rouvieres
Buy Cotes Dr Rhone Villages-Saint Gervais Rouvieres here
About Sommelier Jaime Smith
Sommelier Jaime Smith
a drone in the Sommelier Brain Collective. Jaime Smith loves wine. He’s currently in DC causing havoc.
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Join the Celebration! European Wax Center of Center Valley Celebrates 1 Yr Anniversary on April 28 with local business owner Nanci Emiliani
Join the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce to celebrate European Wax Center of the Promenade Shops one-year anniversary!
European Wax Center began as a family-owned business in 2004 and strives to have every guest “Walk in and STRUT out” feeling confident.
Owner of several of the local stores, Nanci Emiliani fell in love with the brand and their mission in 2009.
She opened up her first location in 2015 and continued to expand the European Wax Center brand across the Valley by opening a third location at the Promenade in 2021. With Covid being still very prominent at that time, it made celebrating their official opening challenging.
“Many people do not realize that the national chain stores within our community are locally owned and operated”, stated Hayden Rinde, Assistant Vice President of the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.
“We love working with the local owners because they are so passionate about their involvement in the community.”
Nanci and her EWC team want to take the time and celebrate all the joys of being open for over a year with their staff, family, friends, guests and their amazing Promenade neighbors.
All are invited to join the celebration on Friday April 28th from 12:30 to 2:30. Along with snacks, drinks, and some amazing promotions and raffles, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 1:30.
When: April 28th, 2023 12:30 to 2:30, Ribbon Cutting at 1:30
Where: European Wax Center 3045 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley, PA 18034
Pricing: Free
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Penn’s Peak Annc’s Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9
Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9, 2022 at 8pm.
Every Saturday night for the last 5 years, crowds of ecstatic fans and newcomers alike have thrown on their best spandex, leg warmers and metal gear, lined up, and come to downtown NYC for an all-out celebration at the Back to the Eighties Show.
Each week you can find hundreds of fans singing at the top of their lungs, dancing and having the time of their lives as the top-notch musicians and vocal performers of Jessie’s Girl blow them away. Jessie’s Girl has mastered stunning renditions of the world’s most vibrant songs, all while dressed up as the unforgettable characters of that decade!
Bon Jovi, Cindi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and many more
come to life right before the dazzled eyes of the crowd.
It is theatre, meets live music, smothered in 80’s glitz. A performance like no other and a party you have to experience to believe.
Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Back to the 80’s Show with Jessie’s Girl, Saturday, December 9, 2022 at 8pm.
Tickets on sale Friday, July 29th at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
General Admission
Advance: $25.00
Day of Show: $30.00
About Penn’s Peak
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers. Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event. It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.
