A long-standing breakfast and lunch restaurant has closed, making way for a custom cake business in west Bethlehem.
The Mayflower Luncheonette, which opened more than 65 years ago, closed in recent weeks at 622 W. Broad St.
In a message addressed to customers and friends on the business’ Facebook page, Mayflower owners Bill and Candi Hatzinikolaou stated they are “excited to move on to new opportunities.”
“We have enjoyed serving you for over 12 years and continuing a tradition that started in 1951,” the couple wrote in the Sept. 21 message. “…Thank you for your support and we will see you in the community!”
The Mayflower, nestled next to row homes, featured a retro look that included neon pink booths and green tables.
Popular dishes included blueberry French toast, creamed chip beef, egg sandwiches on Vallos bakery rolls, steak sandwiches, meatloaf, Salisbury steak, rice pudding and “The Greek” breakfast sandwich (gyro meat, feta cheese, home fries and onion omelette with tzatiki sauce in a grilled pita).
Rotating Greek specialties, including moussaka, spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and tyropita, were offered on Tuesdays.
“There’s a strong sense of familiarity; it feels like a place where everyone knows your name, and your parents’ names, too,” freelance writer Susan Gottshall wrote in a 2014 Morning Call restaurant review. “… “The Mayflower’s spirit, homemade food and kitschy charm are, quite simply, a Bethlehem treasure.”
While The Mayflower’s closure is a hit to Bethlehem’s dining scene, foodies will be happy to learn another tasty enterprise is set to take its place in the coming months.
Cake as Canvas, a business specializing in custom cakes, is expected to open in the West Broad Street space in November following renovations, according to owner and pastry chef Huma Usmani.
Usmani, who earned her pastry arts degree from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, has been operating her business out of a commercial kitchen in Allentown for the past six years.
“We specialize in wedding cakes, birthday cakes and custom cupcakes,” Usmani said. “We will also be offering cake decorating classes and small private birthday parties that have a cake-decorating theme.”
While custom cakes, which must be ordered in advance, are the focus of Cake as Canvas, the Bethlehem venue also will offer pre-made cakes that can be purchased on-the-spot, Usmani said.
Popular cake flavors such as vanilla, marble, banana and red velvet are available, along with a wide array of fillings and buttercreams, including chocolate ganache, cream cheese, coconut frosting, lemon curd, white chocolate buttercream and tiramisu (a creamy mascarpone filling).
“We know that you are unique, and we want your cake to be as special to you as a guest from your party,” a message on Cake As Canvas’ website reads. “From crazy, comic and beautiful – to soft, sentimental and wistful, we are ready to stun you with our exceptional service and quality.”
Article Written by The Morning Call https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/food-drink/restaurants/mc-ent-beloved-mayflower-luncheonette-closes-bethlehem-20190923-7rol532wtrf2dcbbptjhrpo7ce-story.html
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