Hungry? Wegmans Pub Opens Wednesday

Wegmans Pub hostess Rachel Witcher had two months of training and it shows.

With confidence and poise, the 19-year-old from Upper Macungie congenially answered a series of questions lobbed at her in rapid fire about the food, beverages and the new pub opening Wednesday on Tilghman Street—and then some.

Witcher provided background, context and personal opinion about her favorite dishes at the new upscale restaurant and bar just completed at Wegmans in Allentown, the third in southeast Pennsylvania.

"The Amore sirloin steak is my favorite," Witcher said. "I'm a steak girl. And this one doesn't make you feel heavy. It's named after the Amore restaurant at the Wegmans in Rochester."

Yep. Ask any of the Pub employees a question. You'll get the answer with a pleasant smile. Sigh. No wonder Wegmans is routinely ranked among the country's best places to work.

The Wegmans in Allentown, which borders South Whitehall, "was the perfect place" to add a pub, said Doug Doran, Wegmans vice president of restaurant operations.

"We have a very supportive, loyal audience here," Doran said.

"They're customer-driven and they make you feel special," said Julie Duke, an Upper Macungie resident who attended a pre-opening tasting event Monday at the Pub.

Duke lavished praise on the food (especially the salmon with sauteed spinach, shaved fennel, artichokes, peas and bouillabaisse sauce), and the "gorgeous, upscale atmosphere" of the Pub. She liked the concept of having a pub right inside a grocery store.

"It's a great place to meet friends," Duke said.

Wegmans Manager Mike Kier said the store's weekly Friday night music program on the adjoining outdoor patio is a nice complement to the Pub.

Alycia Scebelo of Upper Macungie, who waxed poetic about the dark, velvety chocolate dome dessert, said, "The food is phenomenal."

Lora Vaknin of South Whitehall, a fan of both the curried cauliflower and rigatoni dishes, said she'd bring her daughter next time.

Diners who enjoy particular dishes can buy many of the ingredients featured in the Pub's menu at Wegmans, such as the compound butters and sauces.

The Pub at Wegmans opens 11:30 a.m. Wednesday and seats guests until 9 p.m.

Hours:

• Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.