Loopers Grill and Bar

After hearing so much about the little bar and grill next to NCC Fowler center campus, Loopers, I finally went in and checked it out. This is a small cozy little bar with a large menu of bar food, restaurant entrees and fabulous drinks. Loopers specialty is the over 500 different kinds of mar-tee-nis. The theme of the bar is centered around golf,with the hope of attracting a golf crowd after a long 18 holes. From Loopers web site I was able to figure out that they are celebrating their 6th anniversary of being in business this year.As noted on their website, Loopers "Voted 'Best of the Valley' in various categories for the past 5 years, including Best Neighborhood Bar, Best Martini, Best Bartenders, Best Wait staff and Best Desserts, Looper's is sure to become a favorite place for the whole family. Be sure to visit the patio for live music during Bethlehem's South Side First Friday celebration. Loopers is very community oriented and participates in various charitable events. While looking at their schedule for the year I see numerous events with proceeds donated to various organizations within the community like St. Lukes etc.

In order to attract and keep customers coming back Looper's has a club card that lists 36 different Martini's and every time you try a different one they mark your card and after trying 36 you will receive a martini glass with your name painted on it. I believe after 400 they will put your name on a stool. This is a smart idea because it makes you feel welcome and keep the customer returning.

Due to the alcohol level of the martini's, Looper's will only allow a customer no more than 3 drinks per visit and there must be three days in between.

Saucon Valley Country Club

Yesterday our Food and Beverage class were invited on a tour of the historic Saucon Valley Country Club located on the southern end of Bethlehem. Before I even walked through the door I was aware of the historic past of this exclusive private country club from my American History class taken at NCC last year. This was the private retreat of the executives of the world famous Bethlehem Steel Company.

As you drove through the carefully manicured golf courses you could appreciate the the beauty and magnificence of nature and prestige. Because it is in the beginning stages of spring the dogwoods and cherry blossoms were just popping out and the gas was bright spring green.

As we parked our cars I noticed how the warm weather had drawn out the golfers and the hustle and bustle of the golf carts were everywhere. We had to walk over a little covered bridge to get to the main clubhouse where we were given a tour. I really enjoyed listening to the Executive Chef Tim Egan about what his duties and how the culinary operations of the club were conducted.

I did not realize how large the country club property is until one of the staff explained that it was the same size of Central Park in New York City. Walking around the clubhouse and touring the dining rooms and kitchen was interesting. I was especially impressed with the two wine coolers and dry-age areas. I have worked in large hotels in the past and it was all a very familiar site. I think it would be very exciting to work in a country club like this one.