Hamilton Kitchen adds to Allentown's tasty turnaround

Federal Grill, Johnny Manana's, Made in Brazil and Sangria are just a few of the restaurants that have come and gone in downtown Allentown in recent years.

But with a minor league hockey arena, office buildings, shops and apartments in the works, many restaurateurs see a reversal of fortune ahead as hungry hockey fans, workers and new residents descend on the city.

Donny Petridis, founder of posh Valley eateries Blue and Melt, is one of these individuals. After six months of construction, he opened The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar Tuesday (for dinner only) on the first floor of Two City Center at 645 W. Hamilton St. It will be open for lunch and dinner beginning Monday.

The 150-seat restaurant is the first of what could be a dozen eateries ranging from coffee shops and diners to sports bars and upscale restaurants to occupy new downtown buildings.

Asked if he was excited to be a part of the city's turnaround, Petridis pointed to the nearly completed PPL Center arena across the street and quipped, "How can I not be?"

"I feel this will be the place to live, work and play in the Lehigh Valley," he added.

With the help of New York-based Celano Design Studio, Petridis incorporates an industrial feel complete with vaulted-brick ceilings, exposed steel beams, hand-painted ceramic tiles, reclaimed woods and crimson-leather seating. Vintage jugs, baskets, buckets and other accents add to the rustic ambience.

The menu features items "for all tastes and budgets" and will change at least twice a year, said Petridis, a resident of Lower Saucon Township.

Snacks, under $15, include common comfort foods such as mac and cheese, as well as more unusual offerings such as warm cheese curds and wild boar hand pie.

Flatbreads such as duck confit and pork sausage, as well as sandwiches such as the Reuben and Gulf shrimp po' boy tap out at $15 while main entrees, $12-$48, include New York strip steak, pan-roasted pork chop and seafood stew, among other items. House-made ice cream and other desserts are also available.

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Hamilton Kitchen adds to Allentown's tasty turnaround