New Restaurant on Seventh!

Rincon Liniero (548 N. 7th Street) has just opened in the old Century Cafe space at Seventh and Allen. For the moment, all signage for the new Dominican eatery states, in a Seinfeld vein, "Restaurant." (The new restauranteurs have simply rubbed off their predecessor's name.) I haven't had a chance to sample the cuisine, but will upload a scanned menu soon. Rincon Liniero (610-433-9450) is open daily 7:30am to 9pm. Restaurants within one block in either direction: Winston's, Sweet Italian Pizza, Casa Latina, Happy Garden, and Taqueria Los Amigos.

Paradise Floral Design Gets Window Makeover

Siding Removal on 7th Street

Some of the city's most hideous siding met its maker today. 521 N. 7th Street is now back to its original, brick-facade glory. Here's an in-process shot from earlier today:

Morton's Now Open

Morton's, the long-awaited "family restaurant with a Southern flare," is now open in the old Lo Baido's building at 8th and Liberty Streets.

Facade work begins on Mexican Grill

La Mexicana Grill, perhaps the Lehigh Valley's best Mexican restaurant, is starting its much-needed facelift, courtesy of the Seventh Street Development Committee.

New Sidewalk Signs

Look out for the new, attractive sidewalk signs along 7th Street--including Sweet Italian Pizza and Casa Latina (pictured below).

Gifted Gardener, Great Lady and Even Greater Friend passes away

Hello all,
Most of you have heard that Bernadette Cozart passed away this week...I figured I'd get something posted on her memorial service this Saturday -- we invite whoever would like to come and celebrate Bernie's life. There will be a reception following the service -- please feel free to bring a plate.

The service is Saturday, 11am, at the Metropolitan Community Church, 930 N. 4th Street, #101 (the Silkwerks building).

A future post will commemorate Bernie and mark her contributions to 7th Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. For now, see the Morning Call's obituary, and a segment from Channel 69 News.

An excerpt from the Morning Call obituary

Bernadette Cozart, a gifted gardener who won international recognition for founding the Greening of Harlem, passed away suddenly on July 27, 2009. A transplanted New Yorker, Bernie was an active, prolific volunteer and community leader. Most recently, Bernie was unanimously elected Design Chair of the Seventh Street Development Committee and served two years as president of the Allentown Garden Club. Survivors: Bernie is survived by her partner of 17 years Kathleen Kapila, her many friends and community partners. Services: A celebration of Bernadettes life will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. in Metropolitan Community Church, 930 N 4th St #10, Allentown, PA 18102-1881, (610) 709-8800. Arrangements, Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown. Contributions: Contributions may be made to Lehigh Gap Nature Center, PO Box 198, Slatington PA 18080, (610) 760-8889, Mr. Dan Kunkle.