Taste of the Month

Creating a cohesive menu out of the culinary heritage of diverse lands and cultures might seem like a daunting task to even an experienced restaurateur, but that’s exactly what Hitham Hiyajneh and chef Carlos Avia have accomplished with Fatoum Bistro. And it’s not just a whim or passing fancy, either. Inspired by his late mother’s…

By Sherri Jordan & Luciano Sormani What do you do next when you’ve been a chef at some of Centre County’s best-known restaurants, ran the Red Horse Tavern for 10 years, and had a successful food truck and meal-prep service? You open an ice-cream shop! To some people, that might not seem the most logical…

What began as an effort to keep Amish families on the farm has grown into a business that ships cheeses, jams, and more, all made in Happy Valley with local milk and produce. Just past Hublersburg, surrounded by farms and pastures, is Goot Essa. This business sells a variety of cave-aged, locally produced, all-natural cheeses.…

As the sun rises each day in Philipsburg, the “council of elders” gathers over breakfast, cups of coffee, and freshly baked pastries inside Coco’s Coffee House at Brown Dog Catering. The group comes in each morning to gather and talk with one another about life, plans for the day, and anything else that pops up.…

A small turquoise food truck is offering big flavors at festivals and events this summer in the Centre County region. Rumba & Soul focuses on building community by sharing the Rodriguez family’sCaribbean culture, one plate at a time. Business owners Angel and Nia Rodriguez have lived in Centre County for about seven years. They opened…

Three local families have created a little piece of the Mediterranean for diners in State College. Opened in mid-February, Kitchen Garden is quickly becoming a favorite for breakfast, baked goods, and Turkish specialties. Co-owner Fatih Erkan describes the restaurant as a place for breakfast, lunch, and grabbing a coffee while working. “We were always passionate…

All are “wilkum” for an evening of elevated comfort food with a Pennsylvania Dutch twist at Pass the Dutchie in Reedsville. Some familiar faces are responsible for one of the region’s newest restaurants. Owners Liz Hoffner and Quintin Wicks, who also operate nearby Revival Kitchen, have been thinking about Pass the Dutchie for a while.…

Family tradition is served by the slice at Angelo’s Pizzeria in Boalsburg. Located along Business Route 322, Angelo’s is a casual, family-friendly restaurant that has featured pizza, strombolis, subs, salads, entrees, and more for nearly 25 years. Owner Vita Moyer owned a pizza shop in Spring Mills for three years before opening Angelo’s in August…

During cold Central Pennsylvania winter afternoons and evenings, Happy Valley diners can warm up at Ramyun Studio. Owner Don Kim says Ramyun Studio is an affordable, quick, and convenient way to experience a part of Korean culture in downtown State College. The restaurant opened in early October with noodle dishes, kimbap, and kimchi. The restaurant…

If your New Year’s resolution includes health and wellness, you’re not alone. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center Survey, nearly eighty percent of Americans make resolutions related to health and wellness. Building a healthy lifestyle certainly includes increased physical activity, but decisions made in the kitchen or while out to eat have an important…