ALLENTOWN, PENN. (October 16, 2019) – Restaurateurs Jeff Virojanapa, along with Chumroon and Pornpun Virojanapa, have announced the official “Grand Opening” of their newest venture,Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar, for Wednesday, October 16, 2019. The Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will mark the occasion with an official Ribbon-Cutting ceremony that evening at 5:30 PM during the opening party from 5-7 PM. With Notch, the owners have expanded from their traditional Thai cuisine at 12-year-old White Orchids restaurant at The Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley, to feature an American menu with Asian influences. Helming the kitchen is Emeril’s Chophouse alum, Executive Chef Tyler Baxter. Guests will also be delighted by the extensive bar program led by beverage manager Joshua Coates, featuring over 15 specialty cocktails along with wine and beer.

Chef Baxter, a graduate of the culinary program at Northampton Community College, has created a menu taking influences from his work, as well as pan-Asian flavors, to create the mouthwatering dishes at Notch. Items made to share called “Social Plates” include items such as Chicken Wings(Szechuan Lemon Pepper Rub, Notch Ranch); Crab Fritters (Soy Glaze, Kewpie Mayo, Bonito); Sticky Pork Ribs Duo (Ginger Mustard, Green Papaya, Caramelized Fish Sauce, White Sesame Seeds); and Smoked Tuna Dip (Fermented Red Onion, Black Dark Garlic Syrup, Wonton Crisps).

Sandwiches and wraps called “Hand Helds” include items like a Strip Steak Burrito (Strip Streak, Basil Fried Rice, Chili Aioli, Edamame Salad); Fish & Chips Wrap (Crispy Cod, Tartar Sauce, Kimchi Coleslaw, Malt Vinegar Fries); and the Notch Double Smash Burger (Double Patty, Bacon, Aged Cheddar, Ranch, Soy Glazed Onions on Brioche). Items coming from the “Wok,” “Butcher Block” or “Dockside” include Korean Fried Chicken (Sticky Garlic Sauce, Radish & Pickles, Gochujang Butter); Crispy Red Snapper (Tomatillo Relish, Kohlrabi Slaw, Thai Basil, Coconut Fried Rice); Carrot Massaman Curry (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Tofu, Puffed Lentils, Coconut Foam); and Tamarind Glazed Brisket (Red Pepper Coulis, Carrots, Sweet Potato).

Over at the bar, Coates and his crew have crafted up some unique libations with a handful of spirits unique to the Lehigh Valley, as well as ingredients like roasted mushroom-infused ruby port and rose-infused yuzu liqueur. Some examples of specialty cocktails include Where You Water It (Shochu, Licor 43, Frangelico, Lavender, Matcha Half & Half); She Sang Before She Spoke (Dolin Blanc, Ume Liquer, Lo-fi Gentian Amaro, Clover Honey, Lime, Shiso, Soda Water); The Lehigh Valley Housewives (Gin, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Angostura Amaro, Strawberry, Lemon, Brut Wine); and True Nature’s Child (Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Cilantro, Peppercorn, Red Bell Pepper, Lemon & Pineapple juice). Additionally, the team has roughly 10 beers on draft, as well as wines by the glass and bottle. Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks are also aplenty with the Seasonal Switchel (blueberry, mint, cucumber, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar) and Boba and Thai Iced teas available.

The restaurant seats up to 200 people divided among multiple areas. A gorgeous 20-seat bar with adjacent booth seating is separated from the main dining area and allows for casual conversation and vibrant energy. An outdoor patio accommodates 50 and is available for full dining in the warmer months of the year. An exclusive communal-style Chef’s Table, which directly overlooks the kitchen, is available once per night, four times per week, and features a 6-course menu for $75 per person. The table seats up to 10 people and must be reserved in advance. The table can also be booked for a private dinner as well by reserving all 10 seats. The restaurant’s main dining area is split between the first and second levels, to allow for intimate dinners and large parties amongst booth and table seating. Additionally, For private events, the second floor features a banquet space that can be booked for up to 65 people, and also broken down into two smaller spaces.

Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar is located in the Lower Macungie Township at 5036 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM – 9 PM, and on Friday & Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. For more information please visit www.notchmknb.com or call the restaurant directly at (610) 841-4610. Get social with Notch on Facebook or Instagram @NotchMKNB.