EASTON, Pa. – One of many area’s most prolific hospitality teams – identified for working top-tier eating places and accommodations like Three Oak Steakhouse, River Grille and Townley Home – is placing the ending touches on one other distinctive eating vacation spot within the Lehigh Valley.
Get pleasure from with Gusto Hospitality Group, the crew behind a rising portfolio of artistic eating places and luxurious accommodations, is planning to open a brand new full-service restaurant, Albanesi Restaurant & Bar, inside the subsequent few weeks at 235 Ferry St. in downtown Easton, in keeping with Mick Gjevukaj, Get pleasure from with Gusto’s founder.
The brand new institution, with seating for round 54 friends, will focus on southern European delicacies – that includes flavors and influences from Albania, Italy, Greece and different nations within the area.
It can occupy a renovated constructing that beforehand housed Ocean, a full-service restaurant providing high quality American delicacies, which Gjevukaj closed in January after 18 years so as to develop Albanesi.
Gjevukaj has many years of restaurant expertise, together with his first style of the business occurring throughout his adolescence, when he helped with numerous duties – together with baking bread, fishing for trout and butchering lambs – at his household’s restaurant within the former Yugoslavia.
When he got here to america within the early Nineteen Nineties, he realized to learn and communicate English earlier than opening just a few Italian eating places in New Jersey. He later bought these eating places to focus his consideration on Easton.
Gjevukaj describes Albanesi as his “dream restaurant” as it’s a nod to his household’s heritage.
The Get pleasure from with Gusto crew additionally contains Gjevukaj’s brother, Bekim Gjevukaj, and brother-in-law, Arti Kamberaj.
“I’ve opened a number of eating places through the years, however this one is actually like my child as a result of it’s extraordinarily private to me,” Mick mentioned.
“Lots of the dishes that we are going to be serving are dishes that I’m very conversant in and grew up consuming. I beloved Ocean, however this new restaurant is a very an extension of myself. It’s how I’d feed you for those who got here to my house.”
Albanesi will characteristic a $65, prix-fixe menu, the place friends might be handled to dips, made-to-order bread, pickled greens and different alternatives to share shortly after being seated.
Events will obtain seven or eight starters, which is able to rotate with the seasons to highlight contemporary elements, Mick mentioned.
Different choices could embody dishes akin to crispy artichokes, battered portobello, roasted tri-color child carrots, ajvar (roasted crimson pepper dip) and charred leeks (with walnuts, Bulgarian feta, herbs and truffle).
Diners would then be served extra small plates, or “mezze,” to share that would come with rotating alternatives akin to tuna crudo, lasagna, shrimp croquettes and qofte (seasoned floor beef with onion and Albanian spices).
“We’ll be drawing closely from Albania and different nations bordering the Adriatic Sea,” Mick mentioned.
“Albanian delicacies is simply as refined as Italian delicacies, however individuals in America merely aren’t as conversant in it. So, we may have a number of lovely, tasty dishes like freshly ready fish and seafood.”
Clients will then order entrees, which will even be shared, however the serving model “received’t precisely be family-style,” Mick mentioned.
No giant bowls or plates might be positioned on the desk for friends to serve themselves.
Albanesi Restaurant & Bar, a full-service restaurant and bar specializing in southern European delicacies, is predicted to open inside the subsequent few weeks at 235 Ferry St. in downtown Easton.
As an alternative, teams will decide their principal programs that might be ready and collectively divided and offered on particular person plates.
Rotating entrees might embody choices akin to rooster breast, herb-crusted grouper, brief rib, scallops, Albanian veal stew, lamb shoulder, baked seafood rice, pork shank and black bass.
“It’s kind of family-style, but it surely’s not an enormous portion that everybody helps themselves to in the course of the desk,” Mick defined.
“You’re going to get a style of all the pieces by yourself plate. So, for those who order branzino, brief rib or lamb, all people would get somewhat little bit of it. It’s a novel, extra intimate approach of eating, and I’m excited for individuals to expertise it. It’s best to undoubtedly come hungry since you’re mainly going to be consuming for 2 hours.”
The previous Ocean house was utterly gutted, with the Get pleasure from with Gusto crew upgrading the primary ground and decrease stage over the previous six months to make approach for the brand new idea.
A brand new structure options an open-concept eating space, with half round cubicles lining one wall and a mixture of sq. and round tables with chairs filling the rest of the house.
Visitors will get an up-close view of their dishes being ready as a newly expanded – and now open – kitchen is seen from each seat within the eating room.
A former bar on the primary ground was demolished, and a brand new bar has been constructed on the constructing’s decrease stage, which might be utilized as extra of a lounge house to chill out with drinks earlier than and after dinner.
“We introduced in all new gear and expanded the kitchen as a result of we would like friends to really feel near the motion, like they’re having fun with a meal in an previous buddy’s house,” Mick mentioned.
“The complete bar downstairs will characteristic actually distinctive, signature cocktails – with a number of southern European influences, together with a number of worldwide wines. We need to faucet a wide range of cultures and maintain individuals intrigued. I examine the entire eating expertise to a canvas that turns into a good looking portray after you expertise every a part of it.”
The crew describes Albanesi’s aesthetic as “classic glam,” with plush cubicles, glass chandeliers and hand-crafted wood ceiling panels.
The partitions showcase lovely brick, stone and wooden designs, and there are additionally fake greenery and tree trunks.
“We’re actually leaning into the classic glam vibe,” mentioned Kate Gjevukaj, Mick’s spouse and a member of the Get pleasure from with Gusto crew. “Ocean was very fashionable with a lot of metal and sharp edges, however our aesthetic has developed over time to extra old-world appeal and classic glamour.”
Get pleasure from with Gusto has a big downtown Easton presence, working different metropolis venues that embody Three Oak Steakhouse and River Grille eating places; Townley Home, a boutique lodge; and Bar Bix at Townley Home.
The crew is also making ready to assemble a seven-story lodge at 1-6 Centre Sq., the location of the previous One Centre Sq. music venue and The Commonplace bar and restaurant.
Demolition work is predicted to start inside just a few months, and the lodge – that includes 49 rooms, a restaurant and lounge and occasion house – is predicted to be full in late 2025 or early 2026, Mick mentioned.
For the most recent Albanesi updates, together with an official opening announcement, keep tuned to the enterprise’ website and forthcoming social media pages.
Extra in Northampton County
‘Very excited’: Lehigh Valley’s new family-owned grocery retailer targets July opening
EASTON, Pa. – A brand new enterprise providing contemporary meats, produce, dairy merchandise and different groceries is about to fill a void in a Northampton County neighborhood.
Bravo Grocery store, a family-owned grocery retailer, is predicted to open in mid-July at 250 Line St. on Easton’s South Facet, co-owner Grizel Mazariegos-Perez mentioned.
The forthcoming retailer is welcome information to South Facet Easton residents because the group noticed the closure of Easton Meals Market – one in every of its few grocery choices – final yr. Full story here.
Bravo Meat Market, a family-owned grocery retailer, opened in late February at 1101 Hanover Ave. on Allentown’s East Facet. Husband and spouse homeowners Felix Perez and Grizel Mazariegos-Perez plan to open one other grocery retailer, Bravo Grocery store, in mid-July at 250 Line St. on Easton’s South Facet.
‘We respect your help’: Bakery abruptly closes at The Retailers at Wind Creek Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A vacation spot for muffins, cookies, cannolis and different candy treats has ended operations in Northampton County.
Carlo’s Bake Store, a series of bakeries fronted by superstar baker Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, closed its solely Lehigh Valley location final week at The Retailers at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
“We remorse to announce that Carlo’s Bakery at Wind Creek has closed,” an indication posted on the bake store’s window reads.
“We respect your help and loyalty through the years. Please go to our different areas or store on-line at carlosbakery.com. Thanks for understanding.” Read more here.
Phantom Fireworks acquires 6 retail services, together with Easton space location
WILLIAMS TWP., Pa. – Phantom Fireworks, a number one retailer of client fireworks, is kicking off summer season with a bang by asserting the acquisition of a half dozen retail shops from Sky King Fireworks.
Of the six areas acquired by Phantom, 5 are in Pennsylvania, together with an Easton space facility at 130 Morgan Hill Highway in Williams Township.
Different Pennsylvania retail areas embody these in Morrisville, Tioga, Erie and Shrewsbury. One other retailer bought by Phantom is situated in Daytona Seashore, Florida. Read more.
Proposed Sheetz on Route 378 will get OK from Decrease Saucon
L. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – Decrease Saucon Township Council on Wednesday accepted a plan bringing a Sheetz to the Saucon Valley Sq. procuring middle on Route 378.
“I am trying ahead to having Sheetz as a enterprise in our group,” mentioned Councilmember Victoria Opthof-Cordaro.
The preliminary/last land growth plan contains constructing a comfort retailer on the website of the previous Fulton Financial institution within the procuring middle. The financial institution relocated to the Promenade Outlets at Saucon Valley in January. Full story here.
Lehigh County information
‘Can’t wait!’: Development of Brass Rail’s new location kicking off in Allentown
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With building permits secured, work is about to warmth up on a contemporary iteration of an iconic Lehigh Valley enterprise – identified for its tasty cheesesteaks and scorching canines.
The Brass Rail, a family-run, full-service restaurant that closed in June 2022 after greater than 90 years of enterprise in Allentown, will reopen in a fast-casual format on the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market later this summer season, proprietor Mark Sorrentino advised 69 Information.
The Brass Rail’s new stand, that includes counter seating and some close by high-top tables, will function available on the market’s decrease stage.
All building permits have been accepted, and the crew began the demolition part on Thursday morning. Plumbing and electrical work are set to comply with. Full story here.
‘New chapter’: Lehigh County cafe ends breakfast and lunch service, transitioning to new enterprise mannequin
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – A longstanding, family-run restaurant within the Lehigh Valley is present process a number of adjustments, together with an alteration to its title and a shift to a gourmand meals store idea.
Diana’s Cafe, a well-liked family-owned cafe providing made-from-scratch dishes at 4907 Route 309 within the Heart Valley part of Higher Saucon Township, has ended breakfast and lunch service as a restaurant and can proceed operations underneath a brand new format, in keeping with a submit on the enterprise’ Fb web page.
The brand new format contains persevering with to supply catering whereas reopening its doorways this summer season as a gourmand meals store, providing lots of the meals that have been served within the cafe.
The cafe has been briefly closed for renovations since late April, and possession hopes to reopen the enterprise underneath a brand new title, Diana’s Catering and Gourmand Market, in late July. Read more here.
New Lehigh Valley facility will get tails wagging with canine daycare, boarding and spa companies
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – People seeking to pamper their pets have a brand new facility to frequent in Lehigh County.
Hounds City Allentown, providing absolutely interactive canine daycare, in a single day canine and cat boarding and pet spa companies, on Thursday held a grand opening celebration at 2305 twenty eighth St. SW in Allentown.
The ability, which held a mushy opening in March, is a part of a nationwide chain of pet care services, with different regional Hounds City areas working in Studying, Berks County and Chalfont, Bucks County. Read more.
Hounds City Allentown, providing absolutely interactive canine daycare, in a single day boarding and pet spa companies, will maintain a grand opening on March 9 at 2305 twenty eighth St. SW in Allentown.
How organizers of Allentown’s Blues, Brews & Barbecue are making ready for the warmth
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The sixteenth annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue competition is again!
The streets of downtown Allentown might be flooded with individuals, music, good meals and chilly drinks on Saturday from midday to 10 p.m.
This yr’s occasion will characteristic 5 phases, three beer tents and practically 100 native distributors. Full story here.
Cirque Italia will current its Paranormal Cirque III present within the Lehigh Valley Mall parking zone, 250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall Township.
Paranormal Cirque III, a ‘horrifying but seductive’ present, returning to Lehigh Valley
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A preferred leisure firm – identified for its high-energy acts that push human boundaries – invitations you to discover “the darkest nook of your thoughts” in Whitehall Township.
Cirque Italia will current its Paranormal Cirque III present, a “loopy but enjoyable fusion between circus, theatre, and cabaret,” July 4-7 within the Lehigh Valley Mall parking zone, 250 Lehigh Valley Mall.
The one-of-a-kind manufacturing, which beforehand made a cease in Whitehall in October, brings friends to the sting of their seats with “death-defying stunts, creepy creatures, and haunting performances,” in keeping with a information launch. Read more here.
Berks, Bucks counties
Enterprise panorama altering in West Studying
WEST READING, Pa – Damaged Chair and Willow Creek Brewing in West Studying each lately introduced closure plans on social media, with Willow Creek pointing to retirement.
Is the microbrew craft beer market getting oversaturated?
“I do not suppose we have been oversaturated,” mentioned Nick Worth, West Studying Major Avenue government director. “You possibly can transfer round right here, which is actually neat. Folks would are available, you’ve a beer right here, have a beer there.” Full story here.
Quakertown Farmers Market welcomes a number of new shops, extra ‘thrilling new additions’ on the best way
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – New and increasing companies are persevering with to maintain the retail lineup contemporary on the Quakertown Farmers Market, affectionately generally known as “Q-Mart” to locals, in higher Bucks County.
The expansive procuring venue, at 201 Station Highway in Richland Township, over the previous few months has welcomed a number of new distributors, and leases for just a few extra potential tenants are being finalized, in keeping with Sara Hoadley, the market’s advertising director.
The most recent market addition is The Cheaper Route, carrying new clothes at liquidation costs, which opened in early June. Read more here.
Royal Farms holds grand opening for Amity Twp. retailer
AMITY TWP., Pa. – The primary Royal Farms in Berks County is formally open for enterprise.
The Baltimore-based comfort retailer opened its doorways on Monday.
“We’re world well-known rooster,” mentioned Melanie Clements, district chief at Royal Farms.
And that is not all Royal Farms has to supply.
“We additionally supply gas, good costs. We additionally supply comfort drinks, clear restrooms, clear shops, and we’ve got a wonderful rewards program,” mentioned Clements. Read more.
‘Dream come true’: Standard Berks County espresso roaster opens new cafe
BIRDSBORO, Pa. – A brand new cafe in Berks County is serving up caramel macchiato, campfire chilly brew and different specialty espresso drinks, together with different tasty alternatives akin to pure vitality drinks, fruit smoothies, pastries and teas.
Studying Espresso Firm, a 35-year-old enterprise that imports high quality espresso beans from around the globe and roasts them in small batches each day, has introduced the grand opening of its flagship cafe at 316 W. Major St. in Birdsboro.
The cafe dietary supplements the corporate’s roastery, retail retailer and wine store, all inside its headquarters on the identical handle. Full story here.