Home Care In Nazareth, PA

NAZARETH, Pa. - Downtown Nazareth is abuzz with new business activity.

A novelty shop - Comfy Cozy Apothecary - recently opened, and a French Regency-inspired bakery - Let Them Eat Cake - is set to open this weekend on the borough's Main Street.

Debuting this past weekend was Comfy Cozy Apothecary, offering gifts and goods "to nourish mind, body, home and spirit," at 40 S. Main St.

Customers can shop a curated collection of unique items - including artisan candles, jewelry, housewares and personal care products - made by small, independent businesses in the Lehigh Valley and across the country.

The shop also carries books, journals, healing crystals, eucalyptus and sage bundles, aromatherapeutic incense, yoga supplies, and bath and personal care products such as eucalyptus shower spray, bath salt soaks, beard oil and lip balm.

"I want people to feel like they're escaping their hectic lives when they come here," owner Jennie Brown said. "I want this shop to be a calming place, where your senses are activated by welcoming scents, music and interesting items."

Comfy Cozy Apothecary also offers tea, tote bags, room sprays, wall art, bamboo lunch boxes, gemstone bracelets, flower and herb seeds, affirmation cards and greeting cards.

"We have a little bit of everything in here, and I'm so excited to share it all with the Nazareth community," Brown said. "Many of these products are handmade, and a lot of them come from small, family-owned businesses."

"So, this shop is all about supporting independent creators while also offering unique, high-quality items to the local community. It's my hope that everyone leaves feeling comfy, cozy and nourished in mind, body, home and spirit."

Brown, an author of 20 books in various genres and a former high school English teacher of 14 years, moved to the Lehigh Valley from the Hershey area right before the pandemic.

She lives in Bushkill Township with her husband, son and three dogs, and she plans to utilize the Main Street space for writing as well.

"When we moved here, I knew that I wanted to have some sort of retail space that I could also use as office space away from home," Brown said. "When this building became available a few weeks ago, I jumped at it because it's the perfect size and has a little office in the back that's nice and quiet where I could get my writing done."

Comfy Cozy Apothecary is open 12:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 12:30-5 p.m. Sundays. Info: comfycozyapothecary.com.

Let Them Eat Cake, a French Regency-inspired bakery offering cakes, cupcakes, macarons and more, will hold a grand opening 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at 143 S. Main St. The first 50 customers will receive a free six pack of macarons.

The renovated space previously housed other bakeries, including Deliciously Decorated and, most recently, A.M. Bakery.

Taylor Romero of Nazareth started Let Them Eat Cake as a home-based operation about two years ago, making cakes, macarons and other sweet treats for weddings, baby showers and other private events.

With business steadily growing month after month, she decided to join forces with her mother, Channon Smyley of Easton, to open a brick-and-mortar bakery.

The pair aims to create "elegant, timeless desserts that taste as divine as they look."

They take inspiration from the opulent styles of the French Regency era of the early 18th century, with the bakery's tagline being "a bite of elegance."

Their goal is to craft fanciful and intricately designed cupcakes, macarons and other desserts "that not even the French royalty could refuse."

"Our desires have always revolved around creating top quality and edible art that emphasizes our connection to our understanding of life and its beauty, eminent enough to leave an imprint on the mind, and heart," a message on the business' website reads. "We adore our clients, and the opportunities to collaborate on bespoke designs, explore creative limits, new ideas, and themes.

"With considerable experience in all events, we continue to work heavily in testing and creating new designs, and bringing a taste of magic in every bite."

Let Them Eat Cake is a nod to a quote often attributed to Marie Antoinette, the French queen known for her extravagant lifestyle, although historians have generally concluded that she never actually said this exact phrase.

"Marie Antoinette very much believed in indulging herself," Romero said. "She loved the finer things - ornate and over-the-top, and she treated every day like it was a lavish occasion, which is what we want to bring to our customers. We want our customers to feel like royalty."

Romero, who earned her pastry arts degree from Mercer County Community College, started baking when she was about 10 years old.

She credits her mom with fostering her creativity and love for culinary arts.

"It's always been a dream to have our own bakery," Romero said. "We both love the French Regency era and have very specific tastes and aesthetic. For everything that we make, we use only the finest ingredients that we can get - like Belgian chocolate and European butter. We're all about the quality in our products, and it shows in our taste and presentation."

Bakery customers will be able to purchase grab-and-go cakes, cupcakes and macarons, and they'll also be able to place custom orders in advance.

A variety of cake fillings and icings are available, and Romero can create custom designs in line with various special occasions.

Designs incorporating flowers, chocolate gold drips and other elegant accents are Romero's specialty, and she also can make macarons in the shape of animals and other unique shapes such as a teacup and ice cream cone.

"I haven't seen these designs anywhere else in Pennsylvania," said Romero. "So, it's extremely exciting to be doing something different."

Romero and Smyly are also contemplating offering coffee and tea as well. Seating at about six tables will be available.

For the latest bakery updates, follow the business' Facebook and Instagram pages. To inquire about a custom order, call or visit letthemeatcakeshop.com.

LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa. — The primary concern of each of the three candidates running for a seat on the Lower Nazareth Township Board of Supervisors can be described in one word: Warehouses.

Republican incumbents Amy L. Templeton and Robert J. Hoyer, and Democratic newcomer Nancy Teague are running for two open seats on the board. Both are six-year terms.

All say they are focused on limiting the influx of warehouses for which several developers are working to gain township approval.

According to Lori B. Seese, Lower Nazareth Township Planning & Zoning administrator and building code official, six warehouses have been approved to date since 2019, but none this year.

No warehouse projects have been denied since 2019, Seese said.

In February, supervisors began working to amend the township zoning ordinance to limit warehouse construction to areas designated as general industrial.

General industrial areas include previously built warehouses along Hanoverville Road near the former Dutch Springs, along Route 248 in the township’s northeast corner, and a narrow strip near Georgetown Road on the border with Upper Nazareth.

Here is a look at the candidates:

AMY L. TEMPLETON

Templeton, who was elected to the board of supervisors in 2017, said warehouses are high on her list of issues in the township.

“They’re in our face right now,” she said. “It’s really been on my mind, the warehouses. Nobody wants them.

“Beyond that, we’re concerned about preserving land. In my six years or so on the board, we’ve honed in on improving and preserving the land we have.”

Templeton said the current board has worked with township landowners to preserve the farmland that developers are trying to buy and build warehouses on.

“They’re in our face right now ... nobody wants them."

Amy L. Templeton, Lower Nazareth Township supervisor

“But it’s not easy,” she said. “A developer can give landowners more money than what we say preservation can do.

"It comes down to the landowner to decide — go for top dollar or do what’s best for the community. We need to preserve what we have.”

A native of Mount Bethel Township, Templeton, 41, for eight years has been employed as a real estate agent, currently for Home Team Real Estate in Bethlehem.

In February, supervisors amended the zoning code regarding warehouses to bar such development from light industrial areas.

“We did that as a safeguard,” she said. “But we had to advertise that we were going to change zoning 30 days before we changed it. That tipped off developers.

“The day before we amended it, we had three applications from warehouse developers, who are privileged to the old ordinance. Now, we have to listen to what they say prior to the ordinance change.

"And they’ll be going after areas that will cause gridlock for residential homes.”

A member of the township park and recreation board, Templeton also is focused on improving those areas for residents. An independent agency polled residents and found they wanted improved areas for biking and walking, she said.

ROBERT J. HOYER

Hoyer, 72, is a 49-year township resident who owns Buzas’ Greenhouse and Farm on Newburg Road in the township.

Hoyer was chosen in 2018 to fill a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors after the death of LeRoy Bickert in April that year.

Hoyer previously served as a township supervisor 1986-92.

Hoyer said his experience serving township residents is not only what drew him back into civil service but why he believes he is best positioned among his fellow candidates to address his constituents' needs.

“Lower Nazareth Township already has more than its share of warehouses.”

Robert J. Hoyer, Lower Nazareth Township supervisor

“I have the experience,” he said. “I’ve served on a number of committees. I’ve lived here for more than 40 years. I run a family owned business here. I know the issues here.”

Hoyer said he believes the greatest challenge facing residents is the influx of warehouses in the township, such as the proposed 73,000-square-foot structure on Lonat Drive near Route 191 and Nazareth Pike and also a 450,000-square-foot warehouse at Northampton Farms on Nazareth Pike, less than a half-mile away.

“Those warehouses would increase traffic, noise and congestion,” Hoyer said. “Lower Nazareth Township already has more than its share of warehouses.”

Asked whether he believes township residents share his concerns, he said, “Yes, they do.”

NANCY TEAGUE

Teague, 44, is an 11-year resident of Lower Nazareth and mother of two school-aged children.

While she has been a volunteer in the township as a Girl Scouts troop leader and Cub Scouts den mother and with the Lehigh Valley Zoo, she said she never intended to run for elective office.

The influx of warehouses in the township changed that.

“That’s my biggest concern,” Teague said. “There’s an imbalance of warehouses in Lower Nazareth Township compared to the Lehigh Valley.

“Also, the time it took the current board to recognize the situation; it took them time to amend the ordinances.”

A vote on the amendment is pending.

“That’s my biggest concern."

Nancy Teague, candidate, Lower Nazareth Township Board of Supervisors

“The traffic and noise effects on these residential neighborhoods that will be adjacent to warehouses are a major concern,” Teague said.

“This all goes to the township planning. I believe in progress and planning. But we have so many warehouses.

"If we continue putting a majority of that industry in one basket, what happens when warehouses find a better tax break in another township? We’re stuck with these concrete buildings. We need to diversify.”

Teague could not say whether Templeton or Hoyer have been effective supervisors. However, she believes she would provide the board with a fair vision of how the township should move going forward.

“I feel I have something to add,” she said. “I want to do things to help the township. I want our children to be safe. I want schools to flourish.

“If I get the opportunity to serve on the board, I will protect our small-town feel. I love Lower Nazareth Township — the tree-lighting ceremony, the events in the park. I will give everyone a fair shake.”

It wasn’t the cleanest of games for either side, but Nazareth (8-1) vs Bethlehem Catholic (5-4) sure was entertaining! This low scoring affair started out with a Nazareth drive down to the Becahi 27-yard line before the drive stalled and Blue Eagles turned the ball over on downs. The Nazareth defense then answered with their own stop. After another solid drive by Nazareth, the Becahi defense held strong and forced a 31-yard field goal by Nathan Baker. The Blue Eagles led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. Becahi’s offense got rolling and was inside the Nazareth 10-yard line before they were stopped and forced to attempt a 26-yard field goal that hit off the upright. The score remained 3-0 with 10 minutes left in the first half. Just a minute and a half later, the Nazareth offense flew down the field and punched in a 2-yard touchdown run by Peyton Falzone. The Blue Eagles led 10-0. Both team’s defenses held strong and the score remained unchanged heading into the half. Through the first half, both teams combined for just 34 yards on the ground. Becahi came out swinging in the second half and with 6:38 remaining in the third quarter, they got into the endzone for the first time since the third quarter of the Easton game on September 23rd (15 quarters of football). The touchdown came from a 5-yard rush by Jacob Sutton. Nazareth still led 10-7. Becahi continued a momentum filled third quarter with another touchdown, this time it was Golden Hawk quarterback, Cayden Vassa, who found his brother, Carter, for the 2-yard reception. Becahi took a 14-10 lead over the Blue Eagles with 1:35 left in the third quarter. Just when it looked like Becahi had all the momentum, the high powered Nazareth offense struck again. This time it was a wide receiver pass from Mason Kuehner to fellow wide receiver Caleb Newsome for a 52-yard score. The energy in the stadium was back as the Blue Eagles held a 17-14 lead with 8:05 remaining in regulation. After trading possessions the Golden Hawks had one last chance to tie or win the game. They had 88 yards to go with 2:49 left and only one timeout. After entering Nazareth territory, Becahi was challenged with a crucial 4th and long. Vassa dropped back and heaved a high ball into a crowd which included his brother and three Blue Eagles’ defenders. Miraculously, Carter Vassa reeled the catch in and Becahi had the ball on the Nazareth 4-yard line with just 11 seconds remaining. It looked like the Golden Hawks were about to pull one of the biggest upsets of the year before Nazareth safety, Logan Hilarczyk, made the play of the night and jumped a route securing an interception and a Blue Eagles win. What a game it was as both teams now move on to finish out their regular season’s next week.

NAZARETH, Pa. - Peppermint mocha, vanilla macchiato and other specialty coffee drinks are now brewing at a new business in Northampton County.

Bella Bean Bara Boom, offering fresh coffee, tea, pastries and more, held a soft opening on Saturday at 6 S. Broad St. in Nazareth, according to Cynthia Soliman, who’s operating the shop with her husband, Morsy Soliman.

The renovated space previously housed Nazareth Sign Co., which moved in the summer to a larger location on North Spruce Street in Nazareth.

Bella Bean features “new everything,” including fresh flooring, lighting, counters and coffee equipment such as an Italian-imported espresso machine, Cynthia said.

The coffee shop has a chemistry theme with signage depicting chemical compounds and elements of the periodic table, a nod to Morsy’s chemistry background.

The Solimans, of Forks Township, have heard “nonstop requests” for them to open a Nazareth coffee shop since the spring, when the pair began selling the coffee at the Nazareth Farmers Market, Cynthia said.

“The community has supported our coffee business with great enthusiasm over the past several months, and we are so happy and grateful for that,” Cynthia said. “Nazareth has quite a few bakeries and other businesses that sell coffee, but it doesn’t have one that focuses on coffee. So, we’re happy to be filling a void in the community.”

“We’ve heard over and over again from people in the community, ‘When are you opening a coffee shop?’ or ‘Please, please open a coffee shop,’” Morsy added.

The excitement was evident on Saturday, when a steady stream of customers flowed through the business’ doors during the morning and afternoon hours.

Peppermint mocha was a top pick on the coffee shop’s first day, Cynthia said.

Bella Bean utilizes a special coffee blend that is unique to the shop, Morsy said.

The couple grinds the beans, which are imported from Latin America, fresh to order for each coffee beverage, giving customers “the best coffee experience in a single cup.”

Hot drip coffee is available in three sizes, starting at $2.50 for a 12-ounce cup.

More than a half dozen espresso drinks include Americano, red eye, lattes and cappuccino, with flavors such as hazelnut, lavender and strawberry available for an extra charge of $.50.

Various milks, including oat, almond and coconut, are also available at an additional charge.

Other drink menu highlights include hot chocolate, kombucha, fruit juices and cold and hot teas, including chai, Earl Gray, lemon ginger and orange spice.

Bella Bean also offers a variety of freshly baked cookies, danishes, muffins, croissants, scones, turnovers and other baked goods, partnering with Nazareth’s Sweet N Savories Bakery for many of its sweet treats.

“Sweet N Savories also has a stand at the Nazareth Farmers Market, and we love to being able to support them here at our shop,” Cynthia said. “Their baked goods are so delicious.”

Bella Bean, which has four counter seats and two lounge chairs, will continue to sell coffee at the Nazareth Farmers Market, Cynthia said.

For the past few years, Cynthia has also sold her handcrafted NuVGN soaps, lotion and candles at the market, and the artisan goods are also available for purchase at the coffee shop.

Additional food and drink offerings, including boba tea and specialty toasts such as avocado and hummus, will be introduced in the coming weeks, Cynthia said.

Bella Bean, which also sells its coffee in bags to-go, is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Online ordering through the business’ website along with heaters for the shop’s covered outdoor dining area are coming soon.

For the latest Bella Bean happenings, follow the business’ Facebook page.

NAZARETH, Pa. - A new business is serving up juicy burgers, seasoned chicken tenders and other fresh American fare in Northampton County.

Vista Grill, a fast-casual eatery offering made-from-scratch mac and cheese, onion petals and other dishes for takeout or delivery, opened Friday at 49 N. Broad St. in Nazareth.

The renovated space is the former home of Schubert's Bakery, which closed after more than 50 years of business in 2020 following the death of owner Stephen Riccelli.

In recent years, the property was home to another bakery, More Than Cakes Bakery & Pastries.

Vista Grill owner TJ Bostian of Lower Nazareth Township is looking to bring "more fresh food options along with more convenient service" to Nazareth area residents.

"I've worked in IT for years, and I'd often get home at late hours really hungry, with few options," Bostian said. "Many times, the choice was between Wawa or Wendy's. So, we're aiming to offer a nice variety of fresh, delicious and high-quality food that people can enjoy for lunch, dinner and late-night meals."

To help get staff accustomed to the workflow, Vista Grill is operating at reduced hours - 2-10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday - during its first few weeks.

Starting the week of Aug. 7, the restaurant plans to begin its regular hours of 11 a.m. to midnight daily, Bostian said.

"We're also going to have a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce at 5 p.m. Aug. 8," Bostian said.

Vista Grill offers starters such as onion petals, cheddar cheese curds and fries (seasoned waffle or traditional); entrees such as grilled cheese, fish and chips, large chicken wings and a loaded mac-and-cheese bowl (topped with customizable options such as crispy beef bacon, chicken or mozzarella sticks); and desserts such as chocolate chip lava cake and cheesecake.

A variety of burgers, handmade on site using a secret ground beef recipe, include a double cheeseburger (with two smash patties, sharp American cheese and toppings on a griddle-toasted bun) and double beef-bacon cheeseburger (with two smash patties, melted American cheese and toppings).

Mac and cheese is made from scratch using Italian-imported flour for the pasta and a house-made cheese sauce, Bostian said.

"Indulge in American takeout delights with our juicy burgers, creamy mac 'n cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken, expertly crafted with the finest ingredients," a message on the business' website reads.

Bostian, a 2017 graduate of Nazareth Area High School, overhauled the Broad Street space with new counters, kitchen equipment, wall paint, LED lighting and turf floor accents.

He also refurbished the original hardwood flooring and added wood cut-outs of Lehigh Valley landmarks such as Dorney Park and the SteelStacks campus around the interior's perimeter.

Customers can view Vista Grill's full menu and place orders online at thevistagrill.com. Delivery through third-party services is also available. Info: 610-665-3287.