BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new restaurant is offering an “elevated dining experience” – complete with Tuscan ribeye, Espana mussels, flaming saganaki and other Mediterranean specialties – in a beautifully restored, 19th-century mansion in Northampton County.
Swift & Olive, a full-service establishment featuring a Mediterranean-inspired menu that incorporates local ingredients, held a soft opening in late May at The Wilbur Mansion in Bethlehem, according to Lorrie Miller, The Wilbur Mansion’s general manager.
Ryan Kneller
Swift & Olive replaces The Wilbur Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant that opened in late 2022 alongside The Wilbur Mansion, a boutique hotel and event center at 201 Cherokee St.
“At The Wilbur Mansion, we feature a restaurant, hotel and event space,” Miller told 69 News.
“We decided to debut Swift & Olive because some people weren’t realizing that we have a full-service restaurant that’s open to the public. The restaurant’s name was the same as the hotel and event center, and we thought a fresh new concept would help it to stand out. So, we are slowly rolling out Swift & Olive as a separate brand over the next few weeks to distinguish the restaurant from the rest of our space.”
Ryan Kneller
Swift & Olive offers small plates ($12-$19) such as bacon-wrapped scallops, beef carpaccio, braised short rib ravioli, charred octopus (Spanish octopus, blistered bell pepper, red pepper coulis, Bello olive oil, lemon and fresh Herbs de Provence), lemon shrimp skara (sauteed shrimp, lemon garlic white wine butter and cucumber feta salad) and roasted Italian peppers (stuffed baby bell peppers, sweet Italian sausage, Parmigiano Reggiano, tomato-basil and fresh herbs).
More than a dozen entrees, $17-$55, include options such as center-cut filet mignon, fresh branzino, pan-seared king salmon, Wilbur pork chop, pasta primavera, herb-grilled lamb chops (with warm couscous salad, roasted artichokes, Greek olive, sun-dried tomatoes, mint gremolata and basil oil) and frutti di mare (seared scallop, Prince Edward Island mussels, garlic shrimp, fresh jumbo crab, fresh fettuccine, roasted tomato broth and toast points).
Other menu highlights include salads and soups such as classic Greek salad, Caesar salad, insalata di caprese and lemon chicken and orzo soup; and sides such as garlic-herb whipped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sauteed broccolini and sweet corn polenta.
Ryan Kneller
“The menu has a distinct Mediterranean flair,” Miller said.
“There are some Greek influences, French influences, Spanish influences and Italian influences. We wanted to offer a little something for everyone. We also brought in a new chef, Mike Linn, a few months ago to help overhaul the menu and ramp up for this. So far, we’ve gotten very positive feedback, and we’re excited for the future.”
Swift & Olive is located within The Wilbur Mansion, a mid-19th century building located just off Route 378 near the Hill-to-Hill Bridge.
Husband and wife John and Lynn Noble purchased the property in 2015, sensing it was rich with history and potential.
Ryan Kneller
The couple was struck by its impressive architecture as well as its unique location at the gateway to Bethlehem, with views of the SteelStacks campus and other parts of the city.
The Nobles spent more than three years renovating the 9,000-square-foot mansion, restoring original features such as hardwood and tile flooring and ornately carved wooden columns and staircases, while adding aesthetic upgrades such as new light fixtures, furniture and wall paint.
In December 2020, demolition of the former Masonic Temple – adjacent to the mansion – took an interesting turn when John was approached by a neighbor and local Audubon Society member, Jennie Gilrain.
Gilrain informed John that the building’s 40-foot-high chimney was used as a resting stop for swifts migrating to South America.
“As a lifelong advocate for nature and wildlife, John knew he would do whatever it took to keep our chimney upright,” a message on The Wilbur Mansion’s website reads. “With the help of our local community, the Audubon Society, engineers and architects we were able to find a way to save the existing chimney.”
Ryan Kneller
The restaurant’s name, Swift & Olive, is a nod to both the migrating chimney swifts that call the property home and the dining establishment’s Mediterranean flair, Miller said.
“The swifts are a unique and special part of this property, and we’re happy to incorporate them into our name,” Miller said.
Built in the 1860s, the mansion was originally home to Elisha Packer Wilbur, former president of Lehigh Valley Railroad and nephew of Asa Packer, founder of Lehigh University.
The property is now home to a nine-bedroom boutique hotel, featuring a mix of modern amenities and historical charm, including original 1860s bathroom tiles.
“The Wilburs built this place back in 1864,” Lynn told 69 News in 2022.
“And they were such an amazing family in the community. They had 10 kids; they were always throwing parties. I feel like we’re finally bringing that back here. We’re giving life back to this place.”
The ground floor is home to Swift & Olive, with seating available in three dining rooms and a bar and lounge area.
Ryan Kneller
There’s also an outdoor dining patio surrounded by lush greenery, along with a lower-level wine cellar for additional dining space and private parties.
A portion of the main floor is made of glass, allowing for natural light to reach the lower level.
Swift & Olive, which also offers brunch on the weekends, will be expanding its hours in the coming weeks, Miller said.
“We’re very excited to welcome the community to Swift & Olive,” Miller said. “It’s a new restaurant, with a new menu, but individuals who have dined with us previously will find the same elevated dining experience,”
For the latest updates, follow the restaurant’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.
More Bethlehem buzzNew Bethlehem Barrel & Drafthouse to serve ‘elevated pub fare,’ specialty drinks
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A new full-service restaurant is heading soon to south Bethlehem.
Bethlehem Barrel & Drafthouse, operating under Aramark Sports + Entertainment, is slated to open this summer at The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem, according to a news release.
The establishment will blend a warm, rustic interior with sleek finishes, creating a “refined yet casual atmosphere” for whiskey, beer and food lovers alike, the release states.
Guests will be able to enjoy “elevated pub fare” alongside standout specialty items that are crafted for the community, complemented by an extensive selection of whiskeys, a rotating offering of beer from Pennsylvania breweries, and a cocktail program featuring local spirits with a Pennsylvania history, the release states. Full story here.
Bethlehem Barrel and Drafthouse
Newly revamped Westgate shopping center in Bethlehem up for sale
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following a more than $20 million, multi-year redevelopment project marked by partial demolition, new construction and several new restaurants and retailers, a Bethlehem shopping center is now available for purchase.
Colliers, a diversified professional services and investment management company, has been retained to sell Westgate, a newly redeveloped retail center totaling more than 250,000 square feet on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, according to a news release.
An asking price for the property cannot be shared, a Colliers spokesperson said.
Following the transformative redevelopment by owner Onyx Equities, the retail center has been “thoughtfully reimagined as a modern, grocery-anchored destination,” the release states. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Allentown newsSale of iconic, family-run Allentown bar and restaurant ‘in the works,’ co-owner says
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A beloved and longstanding spot for beers, burgers and banter among friends in the Lehigh Valley could have new ownership later this year.
The sale of Stahley’s Family Restaurant & Sports Bar, a popular, decades-old restaurant and bar at 1826 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, is in the works with an expected closing date of late summer, co-owner Darryl Stahley told 69 News.
“Nothing’s been finalized, but we are very close to a sale,” Stahley said.
Stahley stressed that the likely takeover is still in its “early stages,” but if all goes as planned, the sale to Bethlehem’s Zonia Sibri-Quinde – an established Lehigh Valley restaurateur – should be complete by the end of August. Full story here.
New Lehigh Valley cheesesteak restaurant nearing completion
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new destination for flavor-packed cheesesteaks, fresh-cut fries and other tasty eats is almost ready to get cooking in Lehigh County.
A new location of Wiz Kidz, a 1980s- and 90s-themed restaurant offering cheesesteaks, fries, pierogies and more, is expected to open in early July at 751 Union Blvd. in Allentown, co-owner Mo Taylor said.
The new restaurant will represent a strategic shift for Wiz Kidz, which closed its 3.5-year-old location on Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township in April to expand operations in the western portion of the Lehigh Valley, Taylor said.
The former Freemansburg Avenue location and the business’ original location on Elizabeth Avenue in Bethlehem operated about five miles away from each other, and the partners noticed a lot of overlap in terms of delivery orders, Taylor said. Read more here.
Wiz Kidz
‘Made with love’: New Lehigh County bakery offering gourmet cinnamon rolls, danishes and more
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new addition to the Lehigh Valley’s food scene is satisfying a wide array of sweet cravings.
Dulce Vanella Bakery, offering an assortment of specialty desserts made fresh daily, held a grand opening Saturday at 1727 W. Liberty St. in Allentown, owner Nolvia Chacon said.
The family-run bakery, with seating for around 12 guests, operates in a retail strip across from MainGate Nightclub.
“Everything is fresh and made with love,” owner Nolvia Chacon said. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
‘Raise a glass under the summer sky’: Weyerbacher Brewing Co. to open 3rd location
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular Lehigh Valley brewery is expanding operations with a new taproom and biergarten.
Weyerbacher Brewing Co., producing a wide array of craft beers that include IPAs, stouts and Belgian-style brews, is planning to open a third location this summer at North 17th and Liberty streets in Allentown, according to a post on the business’ Facebook page.
The brewery’s new taproom and biergarten will operate at the site of the former Pines Dinner Theater, which moved operations to The Shops at Cedar Point on Cedar Crest Boulevard in Allentown. Full story here.
Weyerbacher Brewing Co., producing a wide array of craft beers that include IPAs, stouts and Belgian-style brews, is planning to open a third location this summer at North 17th and Liberty streets in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
New developmentPlan for mixed-use project with 318 apartments, hotel advances in Lower Macungie
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Planning Commission conditionally approved a major land development plan for a mixed-use project at its Tuesday night meeting.
“The Shoppes at Hamilton” is planned for a 54.1-acre site at 617 N. Krocks Road, across the bypass from Hamilton Crossings and adjacent to Route 222 in the Highway Commercial (HC) zoning district.
Phase 1 of the project consists of a 318-unit apartment community in 10 three-story buildings; a 160-room hotel on a separate lot; 19,800 square feet of retail, dining or service space; and a clubhouse, a pool, a dog run, and sports courts. Read more here.
A concept landscape plan (November 2022) for 617 N. Krocks Road, across the bypass from Hamilton Crossings.
Melillo Bauer Carman Landscape Architecture
Allentown commission OKs plan for riverfront high-rise with 267 apartments
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a preliminary/final mixed use land development plan for a new mixed-use building near the Lehigh River.
The applicant, Urban Residential Properties, plans to demolish the former American Atelier furniture factory and construct a building with 267 apartment units; 21,351 square feet of office space; and 23,684 square feet of retail space at 249 N. Front St. near the Lehigh River. The building is proposed to rise 16 stories.
The residential units are slated for floors eight through 16, with the first floor containing retail and vehicle parking. Additional parking will occupy also the immediate floors above. Read more.
Bucks, Montgomery counties‘We love this community’: Beloved restaurant to reopen next week at larger Quakertown spot
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – A staple of Quakertown’s dining scene is almost ready to welcome customers to its new location in the borough.
Sunday’s Deli & Restaurant, a full-service, family-run eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared dishes for breakfast and lunch, is set to reopen 7 a.m. Monday, June 16, at its larger Quakertown spot, 44 Front St., co-owner Elaine Pappas told 69 News.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with Quakertown Alive will be held at noon, and food specials will be available throughout the day.
The family-run restaurant is moving from its former home of 35 years at 140 E. Broad St. The business’ last day on East Broad Street was May 18. Full story here.
Sunday’s Deli & Restaurant
Grocery store chain to open new regional location in July as it eyes 1st Lehigh Valley store
MONTGOMERY TWP., Pa. – One of the fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food is growing its footprint in the region.
A new location of Sprouts Farmers Market, an Arizona-based grocery store chain inspiring “wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people,” will hold a grand opening event July 25-27 at 751 Horsham Road Unit B1 in the Montgomeryville section of Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, according to the company’s website.
The doors will open at 7 a.m. July 25, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:45 a.m. Read more here.
By UNLIMEAT
Wawa celebrates newest regional location with free coffee
L. POTTSGROVE TWP., Pa. – Wawa celebrated the opening of its newest regional location offering fuel services, convenience items and freshly prepared food such as “Sizzli” breakfast sandwiches and “Shorti” hoagies.
The Delaware County-based gas station and convenience store chain’s newest regional location opened Thursday, June 12, at 157 Evergreen Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County.
Doors opened at 8 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and “Hoagies for Heroes” fundraising contest following at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 customers received a free T-shirt, and the location offered free any-size coffee all day. Read more.
WFMZ-TV | Kevin Fitzsimmons
Odds and endsLehigh Valley area restaurants, other businesses serving up Father’s Day specials
Father’s Day is this weekend — Sunday, June 15, to be exact.
To help celebrate the dads, grandfathers and paternal figures in your life, several Lehigh Valley area restaurants are offering special menus, promotions and meals fit for a king.
Here are some suggestions (reservations recommended or required at many locations). Full story here.
PLCB celebrates grand opening of new Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in Carbon County
LEHIGHTON, Pa. – Individuals seeking to purchase merlot, whiskey and other alcoholic beverages can shop more than 1,400 varieties of wines and spirits at a new store in Carbon County.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board on Thursday, June 5, welcomed local officials and the public to the grand opening of a new Fine Wine & Good Spirits at 101 Blakeslee Blvd., Suite 2 in Lehighton, according to a news release.
To celebrate the grand opening, all in-store wines, spirits and accessories were 10% off during regular business hours on June 5. Read more here.