As a part of the MATPRA (Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance) Conference, we went on a dine-around last evening. A group of people follow the leader to one restaurant for appetizers and then a different restaurant for entrees. We returned to Hotel Bethlehem for dessert. Our group had appetizers at EDGE. The restaurant is in the historic downtown area and offers chic dining experience. We had three appetizers including Crispy Calamari, Crispy Alsatian Pizza and Baby Greens. I enjoyed the pizza with an ultra thing crust and layers of flavor. I tried the house Cabernet Sauvignon. Since I make Cabs I like to try different Cabs. This had a bit of a black fruit aroma and some fruit on the taste. There were mild tannins on the finish.

Just as we were settling into conversation, it was time to leave and head to the next restaurant for entrees. McCarthy’s Tea Room is a hidden gem. You walk through the retail store, plenty of items from Ireland, to the dining area. We had a choice of three different Irish foods. I selected the Steak and Ale Pie. A light golden brown pastry hid the beef and leeks cooked in a Golden Ale from nearby Bethlehem Brew Works. There was a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County on the table and I found it tasty and paired well with the Steak and Ale Pie. Dinner was a bit more leisurely since there wasn’t a hurry to return to Bethlehem Hotel for dessert.

Eventually we broke loose and ambled the short walk back to the hotel. Desserts we small hand portions of a large assortment of sweets. Choices! The dine-around experience introduced us to just a couple of the fabulous restaurants that Bethlehem has to offer. Other people went to different restaurants. We were happy to experience EDGE and McCarthy’s Tea Room.

Cheers,
Terry