Dearest Readers,
I’m beyond thrilled to bring to you this first issue of Edible Lehigh Valley. As a veteran food writer and editor, recipe developer, and cookbook author who has lived in the Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years, it’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve been training for this job for a long time.
About 10 years ago, I met someone from Edible Communities at a conference and mused about how there ought to be an Edible Lehigh Valley. I learned that Ray and Nancy Painter were about to launch Edible Philly and its territory included the Lehigh Valley. I began writing for them immediately. You’re now holding a magazine that ambitiously includes Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, Lancaster, Carbon, Monroe, and Pike counties.
As part of the Edible Communities publishing family, we are concerned with food’s impact on our land, environment, communities, and families; but also our mind, body, and spirit. Four times a year, these pages will include stellar photography and writing that showcases an ongoing cast of compelling characters—kitchens and farms are full of ’em. But you can also expect us to ask tough questions and dig deeper, too and to tell you stories no one else can.
In this issue, we bring you the remarkable farm-to-table experience, Wonder Garden and Wonder Kitchen, on page 30. A chef shares his story about an unexpected career twist, on page 24, one which gives us a new way to talk about sustainability.
We believe this region is more than deserving of this publication. We’re here for all of it, and hope you are, too. Let us know your thoughts. You can reach me at editorial@ediblelehighvalley.com, and please do follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter on our website, and subscribe to the magazine.
With gratitude,
Carrie
Dear Readers,
It’s hard to believe that a year ago, this magazine was not even a glimmer in my eye. The tipping point likely came when my friend Mike turned to me at the Edible Communities conference and said, “We should get a magazine.” I misunderstood, and went to find a copy of one of the 80 or so active Edible publications, only to realize afterward what he meant.
As it turned out, we were serendipitously seated next to the wonderful Nancy and Ray Painter, publishers of Edible Jersey and Edible Philly. A discussion began, and the rest is history.
In truth, my love affair with Edible was born during Covid at my former home village, in England. My tearooms business was temporarily closed and my side gig of food judging suspended, leaving me baking sourdough variations and distilling gin (didn’t everybody?). But as a frequent visitor to New Jersey, I had friends who kept sending me Edible Jersey back issues. These sustained me mentally and spiritually, and reignited my love of food and cooking—much to the delight of my husband, Roger.
The Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, and the Poconos were not well known to me, though luckily our editor, Carrie Havranek, is steeped in our food scene. Every day my appreciation grows for the inspirational farmers, chefs, producers, makers, restaurants, retailers, breweries, vineyards, and distillers. With a unique mix of passion, business acumen, and resilience, they not only deliver great food and drink to us, but help us appreciate the importance of real food.
Edible Lehigh Valley is, however, all about you—our readers—and creating a magazine that inspires, informs, and ignites your passion for great local food. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying my small role in bringing it to you.
Sincerely,
Patrick
