Planning Commission Says 'Yes' to Deli in Rehabbed Garage Space

By Christina Georgiou

Above, garage spaces at 321 South 10th Street in Easton's West Ward are
on track to become a new delicatessen and small grocery, shown in
this conceptual drawing.

The garage at 321 South 10th Street in Easton's West Ward as it appears
today.

A run-down row of garages along South 10th Street in Easton's West Ward got city planning commissioners' approval Wednesday evening to be rehabbed and transformed into a delicatessen with seating for up to eight people and a small section of groceries.

Khalid Chohan, who said he purchased the property last year, told the board he plans to completely renovate the structure, and showed sketches of how the eatery will likely appear when complete, which he estimated will take about a year.

Chohan, who was accompanied by his attorney Thomas Elliot, also told commissioners he will replace the broken sidewalk in front of the building, noting, "You can't even walk down the sidewalk respectfully."

The business requires a variance because it lies in a mostly residential neighborhood, and also for parking, but planning commission members agreed the neighborhood will benefit from the shop and that most customers patronizing the business would be on foot from the surrounding blocks.

"I think what you've offered--we're glad to have it," said Planning Commissioner Ron Shipman. "It will be a big improvement."

Approval from the Easton Zoning Hearing Board is also necessary for the plan to go forward, and the potential new business' plan is on the agenda for this coming Monday's meeting.

If approved, Chohan said he hopes to have his new deli and grocery open in about a year.

Updated at 1:16 p.m.

West Ward Deli Offers More Than Just the Average

By Christina Georgiou

Owner Danny Roman, third from right, cuts the ribbon at the grand opening
celebration of Pan-Tree Deli early Wednesday evening, as Easton councilman
Jeff Warren, state Representative Bob Freeman and Easton Mayor Sal Panto,
accompanied by Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce representatives and a
crowd of about 40 other attendees (not pictured) applaud.

Most new delis and corner stores would have a quiet ribbon-cutting for their grand opening celebration and be done with it. But Pan-Tree, which just opened its doors on the corner of South Seventh and Northampton streets in Easton's West Ward is a little bit different.

Strains of high energy music provided by a deejay on the sidewalk greeted the more than 40 people that showed up for the shop's grand opening Wednesday afternoon. But that's only one of the ways Pan-Tree going the extra mile.

While the deli offers the usual fare, the store also carries a selection of  healthy, local food in addition to the usual offerings of sandwiches, chips, basic staples, and sodas.

"I grew up around the neighborhood. I think small business should support small business," Roman said.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto checks out the selection of raw
milk, yogurt, and cheeses from Klein Farms Pan-Tree Deli
stocks.
Click on any photo for a larger view.

The take-out eatery's rolls and bread come from Lusitania bakery in Bethlehem, and it carries a full array of dairy products from Klein Farms, located just a few miles away in Forks Township. The meats and cold cuts are all Boar's Head. Ready-to-heat-and-eat  meals from Challenger Foods in Ringoes, NJ are also available.

Despite the extra attention to detail, fare is affordably priced, and SNAP cards are accepted.

"I want to provide a good product for a good price for the people who live around here," Roman said.

While Pan-Tree's grand opening was yesterday, the shop quietly opened its doors in its new location about two weeks ago, and a number of locals have already become regulars, Roman said.

Local residents watch as
Pan-Tree Deli owner Danny Roman
cuts the ribbon at Wednesday's
grand opening.

That's a change from Roman's last attempt to make Pan-Tree a success. The deli was formerly located on the 800 block of Bushkill Street, and the business struggled the couple of years it was located there, Roman said.

"It was a little slow down there, so when this opened up, I moved down here," he said.

West Ward Neighborhood Partnership
Director Esther Guzman, right, and project
coordinator Lynne Holden, center, chat
with another attendee during
Pan-Tree Deli's grand opening
Wednesday. WWNP has spearheaded
community garden projects and a number
of other initiatives in support of making
healthy foods more available in the
neighborhood.

In addition to nearby residents, a number of city officials, representatives from Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce and the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership, and state Representative Robert Freeman attended the opening event and offered their best wishes for success, with all saying the store is just what the neighborhood needs.

"You've opened up a business close to my heart," said Mayor Sal Panto, whose family once ran a deli and butcher shop in the city. "I get excited about the small businesses in neighborhoods."

The mayor added that he thinks businesses that cater to locals and garner foot traffic are just what Easton needs.

"A community is not buildings, it's people," he said. "These are the things that are starting to change our neighborhoods."

Alison Miers, of the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce,
helps to truss magician Stevie Blatz into a straightjacket,
which he promptly escaped from in front of the crowd
which gathered on the sidewalk.

Stevie Blatz walks on
real broken glass in front
of Pan-Tree Deli during the
corner store's grand
opening Wednesday
evening. Despite the chill,
he also stripped off his
shirt and laid down on the
bed of glass as well.

As the opening celebration attendees munched on samples of Pan-Tree's offerings, including sandwiches, Klein Farms cheese, smoothies made from raw milk yogurt, and homemade cookies, deejay Stevie Blatz, of Bethlehem Township, revealed his true calling.

A gathered crowd watches and
photographs magician Steve Blatz's
performance in front of Pan-Tree
Deli Wednesday evening.

Also a local stage magician, Blatz escaped from both a straitjacket and a mailbag, and walked on broken glass, drawing another small crowd on the sidewalk in front of the corner store.

Such performances seem unlikely to  happen regularly at Pan-Tree Deli, but pleasant surprises and the shop magically transforming into an integral, everyday part of the West Ward Easton community seems nearly a certainty.

Pan-Tree, located at 698 Northampton St., is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Take out orders may be placed by phone at 610-253-2762.

Catering and other services also appear to be planned for Pan-Tree's future. Keep up with new developments at the deli's website at www.pan-treedeli.com

Scene in Easton: Used Grooves Grand Opening Bash at Club Jungle

By Christina Georgiou

Used Grooves, a new shop in Easton's Downtown that opened its doors in June and sells vinyl records, held its official grand opening party at Club Jungle Friday night, drawing several hundred locals and others to the event, where guests danced the night away.

The crowd grooved to the non-stop beats of four DJs, DJ Dogtrane, Cozmo D, DJ DB, and Derrik Foxx, all  well-known on the New York and international club scenes, until closing time at 2 a.m.

Josh Finck as Selectronics improvising some video ambiance
at the Used Grooves grand opening party at Club Jungle
Friday night.

Also on hand was Selectronics' Josh Finck who provided improvised video ambiance, and models from the  newly opened Elite Boutique, also in Downtown Easton.

Whether you made it to this hot event or not, there will be more chances in the near future to join the party, as Used Grooves intends to hold more events on a regular basis.

From left to right, DJ DB, Cozmo D, and DJ Dogtrane
collaborate on a dance beat Friday night at the Used Grooves
grand opening party at Club Jungle.

"We're going to have one every month," said store manager Brad Scott Smith. "There will be one in September, and we're planning a bash for Halloween too."

Smith is also a DJ too, and can be seen on Sundays during brunch at Valenca. This Sunday, he will likely be joined by Foxx, who said he may delay travelling back to New York and spend the weekend in Easton.

Foxx also plans to spin some tunes this afternoon at Used Grooves, located at 401 Northampton St.

For more about the shop and to keep up with future events, visit www.usedgrooves.com

Click on any photo for a full size view!

Models from Elite Boutique pose at the door at Club Jungle during Used
Grooves' grand opening party Friday night.

FAIT breakdancers pose for a photo during the Used Grooves grand
opening party at Club Jungle in Downtown Easton Friday night.

Breakdancer Fait De Prince struts his stuff
at Club Jungle Friday night during Used
Grooves' grand opening party.

Derrik Foxx prepares to take the stage Friday
night at Used Grooves' grand opening party.

Used Grooves co-owners Ken Connors and Peter Ruzich, along with store manager Brad Scott Smith,
pose for a photo during the new Downtown Easton shop's grand opening party Friday night.

New Record Shop's Grand Opening Is a Nightclub Bash

By Christina Georgiou

Many new shops have opened in Easton recently, and most of them celebrate shortly after opening their doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and maybe a small party, possibly with light  refreshments.

But that's not enough for Used Grooves, which was opened in June by owners Pete Ruzich and Ken Connors on the corner of North Fourth and Northampton streets. The shop, dealing in vintage vinyl records, which are seeing a revival among hipsters and audiophiles across the country, is planning a bash from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the nearby Club Jungle for 500 people tomorrow evening--the night spot's full capacity.

Four DJs--all known on the New York club scene and beyond--along with breakdancers, models from the also recently-opened Elite Boutique, and Selectronics, will all be on hand to ensure the party is the place to be Friday night.

Used Grooves store manager Brad Scott Smith
chats with DJ Dogtrane at the shop
Wednesday afternoon.

"We're giving out loads of tickets," said Used Grooves store manager Brad Scott Smith.

Having a ticket to the event isn't strictly necessary to attend the party, and they're also available at many restaurants, cafes, and other shops around town, but having one can't hurt, Smith said.

"Just like we don't discriminate when it comes to the music we sell, we want everyone who wants to be there to come," he said. "It's our thank you to Easton for all the support the city has given us."

Pretty much the only requirement is that attendees be 21 or over and dress for the occasion.

"Dress to impress--think night life. No flip-flops," Smith said. "At the end of the day, it's a private party."

The vibe is set to bring a little bit of the classic New York City nightclub scene to Easton, with DJ Dogtrane, Ben "Cozmo D" Cenac, DJ DB, and Derrik Foxx all taking a shift at the turntables and bringing their individual sounds on the experience.

Those familiar with the international club scene will recognize Cozmo D as a member of Newcleus, which produced "Jam-On Revenge" in the early 1980s. DJ Dogtrane is his son and a rising DJ in his own right.

DJ DB is the founder of of Breakbeat Science recordings and store, the first record store in the United States to specialize in drum and bass, while Derrik Foxx was a Friday night fixture for many years at the Sound Factory and the first resident DJ at Cafe con Leche in NYC.

"Elite Boutique is hosting the VIP room," Smith said, and Josh Finck will perform as Selectronics to provide visual ambiance.

Used Grooves will celebrate its grand opening Friday
night down the street from the shop at Club Jungle.

While many in Easton  may overlook Club Jungle, or even mistake the venue as being part of Latino Heat next door, it's the perfect spot for the party, Smith said.

"If you see the system in there, it's amazing," he said. "It's such a hidden cave--it's perfect for an event like this."

While Used Grooves sells records, ultimately the new shop aims to do more than just provide retro home entertainment, and the party is the kick-off for future events, which will probably happen monthly, Smith said.

Some events are already happening, with DJs and breakdancers having also performed on several past Saturdays. Smith is also a DJ himself and can be seen at his weekly Sunday gig during brunch at Valenca.

Foxx will be spinning at Used Grooves this Saturday after the grand opening party, and may also stay in Easton long enough to accompany Smith on Sunday at Valenca as well, he added.

And, while the shop is well-stocked, "We're more than just a record store," Smith said.

Used Grooves' official grand opening party runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Club Jungle, 411-419 Northampton St. Cash bar, must be 21 or over to attend. 

For more information about the party or Used Grooves, visit www.usedgrooves.com, call 610-252-8282 or stop by the shop at 401 Northampton St.

See you there!

Nazareth Boutique Moving to Former Bixler's Location

By Christina Georgiou

The former Bixler's Jewelers on Centre Square,
vacant for nearly five years, will be occupied
by the boutique, All Gussied Up, this fall.

A Nazareth boutique, All Gussied Up, plans to move into the former Bixler's Jewelers location on Easton's Centre Square, the shop has announced via its Facebook page.

The new boutique will be the first tenant in the space since Bixler's, the oldest jeweler in America, closed its landmark location in Easton in early 2009. Bixler's still maintains a location in Whitehall. Frozen yogurt vendor Frozenlandia opened in the other half of the space earlier this year.

All Gussied Up features spray tanning, teeth whitening, and airbrush makeup application, plus "a killer-diller retail boutique and a lovely lounge with a darling little tiki bar". Upon the move to Easton, the shop, which also features vintage clothing along with selected designer items, will expand some of its offerings too, said owner Kelly Pettis.

"We're very excited about it," she said. "We just have to get inspected and then we should be ready to go."

Along with some new products, the shop will be taking offering co-op space to some carefully selected vendors, including Behind the Seam, which sells used designer jeans with a story, a Polish handbag maker and a soap maker, Pettis said.

The shop will also offer mini-photo shoot sessions on an ongoing basis, probably on Sundays. The Nazareth location has offered them occasionally, and they've proven to be very popular, she said.

"We want to stick with some stuff that people like, but we're definitely adding new stuff too," she said.

Pettis has also taken on a partner to ensure the new location's success, Jenn Mich, jewelry designer and owner of Wicked Ice Wear. Mich is a current employee of All Gussied Up, so the match is perfect, Pettis said.

Pettis said she became sold on Easton as the perfect place for All Gussied Up to move by hearing from many people about all the new shops and restaurants opening in the city, as well as noting the enthusiasm from locals at Porters' Pub, where she also works.

She also recently moved to Easton, and that clinched it, she said.

Pettis briefly considered Bethlehem for the move, but decided against it, she added.

"I feel like Bethlehem already has so many boutiques," she noted. "I just thought Easton would be the way to go."

She feels the former Bixler's location on Centre Square will be perfect to attract new customers, with its proximity to the Crayola Experience.

A photo from All Gussied Up's Facebook page show's a
retouched photo of the door of the former Bixler's Jewelers
announcing the imminent arrival of the boutique in Easton.
Contributed photo

"There's so many moms that come out of there. They're my customers," Pettis said. "When I went to see the property, I knew instantly. I could just visualize it."

All Gussied Up will be open in its new Centre Square location by October 1, if all goes well, she said.

A grand reopening celebration for the Easton incarnation of All Gussied Up will be announced after the shop receives its certificate of occupancy from the city, Pettis added.

Shop hours at 22 Centre Square have yet to be set, but the boutique will probably be open Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Pettis said.

For more about All Gussied Up, visit www.allgussieduppart2.com or check out the boutique's Facebook page.

Ribbon Cutting Formally Opens Batuque

By Christina Georgiou

Center, Antonio, Ana, and Barbara DeMattos, owners of
Batuque, cut the ribbon, accompanied by, left, Easton
Mayor Sal Panto, and right, Phil Mitman.
Photo by Howard Lieberman

Easton's newest restaurant, Batuque, quietly opened last month, but with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration the authentic Brazillian barbecue bistro held last evening, word is surely out.

A number of local notables attended the event, including Easton Mayor Sal Panto and former Mayor Phil Mitman, representing Easton Area Industrial Land Development, who helped with financing for the new eatery, along with the Lehigh Northampton Counties Revolving Loan Fund and the Greater Easton Development Partnership.

Representatives from the business community were on hand too, including from the Easton Main Street initiative and the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce.


Ana DeMattos greets guests and makes
menu recommendations.



Once the official business of the slicing the ribbon was complete, all enjoyed wine, appetizers, and a number stayed for dinner, enjoying the restaurant's specialty, to strains of Nazareth guitarist Doug Sanders.

Batuque is owned by Antonio and Ana DeMattos, along with their daughter, Barbara DeMattos, who are the former owners of Rios in Nazareth, as well as Made in Brazil in Allentown, closed due to sharply rising rent which made the business unprofitable.

Antonio DeMattos said he's looking forward to a long, prosperous future in Easton.



Ana and Antonio DeMattos' smiling faces greet restaurant
guests at Batuque, located at 154 Northampton St. in
Downtown Easton.



With an "endless" stream of meats cooked on a Rodizio charcoal rotisserie grill served by chefs tableside, also known as "Churrasco", the new restaurant is sure to be a hit.

Batuque, located at 154 Northampton St., is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for both lunch and dinner.

To make reservations or for more information, call the restaurant at 610-250-7171.

New Downtown Burger Restaurant to Open in June



Cheeburger Cheeburger will feature a 1950s-themed decor.
Contributed photo

 Cheeburger Cheeburger, a "small, but excellent gourmet burger franchise" with a 1950s-themed decor, will open in the newly-renovated Pomeroy Building at 336 Northampton St. in Easton's Downtown sometime in June, the company has announced in a press release.

The restaurant, which is just a few steps away from the Crayola Experience, will offer an "extensive, family-friendly menu" that will encourage patrons to "invent" their own burger, with five sizes of burgers, nine cheeses and some 33 toppings available.

The burgers will be all-natural Angus beef, "guaranteed to have no added hormones, no antibiotics, no additives, no steroids and always fresh, never frozen."

Milkshakes are also a Cheeburger Cheeburger specialty, the release said, boasting of "more than 1,285,000 milkshake flavor combinations".

While no liquor license has been reported to be in the works for the establishment, the restaurant said it plans to be open 24 hours a day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, clearly looking to capitalize on the after-hours bar crowd as well as families with children.

The Downtown Easton location will be the chain's sixth restaurant in Pennsylvania; there are about 60 Cheeburger Cheeburger locations in 18 states total.

The new Easton restaurant will seat about 120 people, and the new location plans to hire 40 to 50 full- and part-time workers, the company announced in the media release.

A sign annnouncing the opening of Cheeburger Cheeburger
in the window of their newest location.

Applications for employment will be available in coming weeks, and the eatery plans on holding a job fair as well.

While the space next to Maxim's 22, which specializes in French-inspired cuisine, was originally slated for retail, Pomeroy developer Mark Mulligan said he's pleased to lease it to Cheeburger Cheeburger.

"We’ve spent more than two years working on this building which had been vacant for more than 35 years. In that time we’ve seen an amazing movement in the city towards revitalization," Mulligan said.

For more information on Cheeburger Cheeburger or to apply for the new positions in Easton  in coming weeks, visit www.cheeburger.com

New Downtown Takeout Offers Homecooked Fare on the Cheap

By Christina Georgiou

Downtown Dawg owner Nate Haschak

Cheap fast food doesn't always mean handing your money to underpaid help at a large corporate-owned chain, at least if you're in Downtown Easton.

Downtown Dawg opened just two weeks ago, but already word is spreading of the inexpensive  tasty fare the little takeout has to offer on North Fourth Street.

Dawg owner Nate Haschak is a newcomer to the food world, having worked for years in security and as a bouncer.

"It's something I always wanted to do," he said. "It's got to be afforable for people to come to Downtown Easton and eat."

As the name suggests, hot "dawgs" are at the top of the menu, with 15 available toppings to customize your order, some free, some for 25 cents extra on top of the basic $1.25.

A homemade ground beef barbeque sandwich is also standard fare for $2.

The new establishment has a handy spot to park your
"dawg" too right out front, while you stop by
to pick up a quick bite.

Rounding things out, all for $1.25 to $2, are a variety of sides, including homemade baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, pierogies, and fresh cut french fries ("one size fills all").

With the Crayola experience just two blocks away, menu also features kid meals, with the most expensive priced at $3.25.

And, Downtown Dawg also offers daily specials, "while supplies last".


Customers check out Downtown
Dawg's menu offerings.

But it's not just about pleasing families with kids. Despite the seemingly drastic career change, Haschak is putting his former career experience to good use. Downtown Dawg is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 3 a.m. to give the bar crowd a place to grab something to eat after closing time.



Other days of the week, Downtown Dawg is open until 10 p.m.

Open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m. and offering free delivery in the local area for orders over $10, it looks likely that Haschak has a hit on his hands.

Downtown Dawg is located at 77 North Fourth St. Call for the daily specials or delivery orders, or visit the takeout eatery's Facebook page.

Two Rivers Brewing Company to Finally Open--After One Last Hurdle

By Christina Georgiou

Two Rivers Brewing Company is set to open to the public, after holding two preview nights for its Founders Club members and for those that contributed to its Kickstarter campaign over this past weekend, on Friday and Sunday.

The new restaurant and maker of on-site craft brews hopes to be open Tuesday evening, if the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board gives their final approval. Though the venue passed city health inspections and has been granted a certificate of occupancy, the LCB has delayed granting the establishment its liquor license because the second floor outdoor balcony seating, mentioned in its application, is not yet ready for use.

The by-invitation-only preview nights were jam-packed with friends of the pub. Because of the lack of liquor license, invitees enjoyed a night of free beverages.

Seating will be on the ground level of the old hotel until the building renovation is completed sometime next year, when the second floor--including the balcony--will also become restaurant space.

"We're just waiting for the LCB to come through, and then we can make this an every night thing," said co-owner Kathy Reynard at Sunday evening's preview event.


Co-owner Troy Reynard talks with dining
guests at the Sunday evening preview.

There were two seatings on Sunday, and more than 100 people showed up to sample selections from the pub's New Orleans-inspired, locally-sourced  menu.

"That's so good," and "Wow, I like that" was overheard from tables more than once.

For now, the restaurant is serving local craft brews other than its own, including selections from Weyerbacher, Victory, Troegs and Lancaster, along with two beers Two Rivers master brewer Wayne Milford created in collaboration with the Allentown/Bethlehem-based Fegley's Brewworks. 

The fully stocked bar also reflects the brewpub's commitment to handcrafted and quality, featuring a number of liquors not often found on the barscene, such as Root, an organic liquor made from the natural ingredients that make up old-fashioned, traditional root beer.



A rinser cleans and chills
every pint glass before
the beer is served.

Though the new brew pub isn't yet open, it has already established one house tradition--when city fire trucks roll out of Easton's Central Fire Station across the street, shots of cinnamon-infused Fireball whiskey are $2.


When the fire trucks across the street
roll out, so does Fireball whiskey.

Troy Reynard said they were worried the noise of the truck sirens would be disruptive to guests, so they're offering the special to offset the potential issue.

"But it hasn't been so bad," he said, noting that despite the non-issue, they have no plans to do away with the new "tradition."

Live music is already in the works, with the first band, "Last Small Town", a bluegrass band, set to play on Thursday night from 8 to 11 p.m. "Edison's Hot Mess" is booked for Friday evening, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m.



Co-owner Kathy Reynard chats with preview
guests at the bar Sunday evening.

All of that is dependent, of course, on Two Rivers Brewing Company's liquor license mix-up getting straightened out. But principals in the business say they've been assured they should have final approval by Tuesday morning.

"As soon as we get that license in our grubby little hands, we'll throw the doors wide open," said co-owner Troy Reynard.

Two Rivers Brewing Company
co-owner Brad Nelson.

Partners Judy and Brad Nelson said they can't wait for the moment. The Reynards and Nelsons have invested their life-savings in the restoration and establishment of the brew pub.

"It's been 17 months since we bought the building, and now...wow," Brad Nelson said.

Judy Nelson echoed the thought.

"Can you believe it?" she asked, adding she celebrated her 50th birthday on Friday, during the Founders Club preview night, the very first time the pub has invited a full-house of guests. "So it's a milestone in many ways."

A period reproduction lighting fixture
hangs over the bar, complete with
a reproduction turn-of-the-century light bulb.

Call 610-829-1131 to check the status of Two Rivers Brewing Company's public opening, or to make reservations once it does. They're not required, but if the crowd at the preview nights is anything to judge by, they might be a good idea!

 

Two Rivers Brewing Company is also on Facebook. Visit them at www.facebook.com/tworiversbrewing






Update, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:45 p.m. and again, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5:23 p.m.: Two Rivers Brewing Company reports that the new establishment is still awaiting its  liquor license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board...

Update Thursday, Dec. 19, 2:45 p.m.: Two Rivers Brewing Company will open to the public tonight! Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, with lunch/brunch hours to be added on weekends shortly.