Ahead of our last membership event of 2015 (December 8, 5:30-7:30pm), we caught up with Cristian Duarte, owner of The Bayou, to learn about why he chose to open his restaurant in Bethlehem and why he supports the Co-Op.
1. The Bayou has really made a name for itself since it opened a few years ago. When deciding to open a restaurant in Bethlehem, what made you decide on a southern-inspired cuisine theme?
My love for the city of Bethlehem and a fear of failure inspired me. I’ve seen various businesses flourish and then finally fail during my many years working in this industry. That, along with having acquired the building formerly known as Hawthorne House, I felt that as a young entrepreneur I needed to find and bring a certain niche to Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
I was blessed to have a very good working relationship with two of the most talented and knowledgeable local individuals in the industry - Mo Taylor and Jeremy Straub. In our search to find that niche came Tyler Baxter. At the time he was the executive chef at Tapas on Main who had worked and trained at a southern kitchen. We were able to combine our visions to create the restaurant you see today.
2. To keep the momentum going, you recently opened a new restaurant in downtown Allentown called Grain. What was it about the city’s recent revitalization efforts that made you want to be a part of it?
I understand that the success of Bethlehem and its businesses is in some part dependent on the success of the Lehigh Valley. With the success of The Bayou and its momentum being what it is we felt that we had something to add to the Center City revitalization. Allentown has been growing constantly, and there has been a draw for big franchises to move their businesses into that area. However, local businesses are essential to the local economy. Where the bigger franchises are more inclined to use cheaper products from other big companies, we at Grain use as many local products as we can.
3. What appeals to you most about having a co-op—a community owned grocery store—in the Lehigh Valley?
It’s all about local supporting local and how that helps the area’s economy. I understand first hand the utility of having a grocery store in the heart of the city that patrons can walk to. I live a few short blocks to the city’s downtown area and have gone several years without a vehicle. A strategically positioned grocery store would be a game changer for Bethlehem and to have it community owned would be crucial to it flourishing by ensuring that the people feel invested in and utilize it to its full potential.
Part-owned and managed by Australian Bloodstock, the six-year-old son of King Kamehameha was sent to Darren Weir and was due to make his Australian debut in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) but failed to gain a start as the first emergency.
He impressed onlookers in his first public outing, cruising to the line to defeat stablemate Peaceful State in an 1100m barrier trial at Werribee.
Australian Bloodstock Director Jamie Lovett told Racing.com the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 28 would be a likely starting point for Danon Liberty, and a forward showing would hopefully attract the attention of a The Everest slot-holder.
"With Brave Smash and even Tosen Stardom, their (Japanese) form was at a mile and 2000 metres but trained our way, they can sprint and run times that a lot of our horses can't run so I won't be shocked if he showed up at 1200 metres that's for sure."
Australian Bloodstock’s Brave Smash has been gifted a slot by Chris Waller Racing as he aims to go two better this year after finishing a gallant 3rd behind Redzel and Vega Magic in the inaugural The Everest.
Just to Confirm- Danon Liberty now wont be seen till the Bletchingly in the Spring- who knows maybe an Everest Slot beckons post that !!!
Sydney Spring Racing CarnivalThe Everest Verdict - Palmerbet's Grant Palmer gives us his insight into the Randwick race 11 Oct 2017
The build up towards Saturday’s $13 million The Everest (1200m) has dominated racing headlines for months. Read More
Latest market and betting odds for the 2018 The Everest as the best sprinters in the world line-up at Randwick.Read More
A final field of 12 plus emergencies are lining up at base camp as they prepare for Saturday’s inaugural running of The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick. Read More
Nature Strip has eyes for The Everest and is fresh off another uber-impressive victory, this time in the Listed UBET Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville. Read More
The inaugural runner-up of The Everest Vega Magic returned to his best at Caulfield on Saturday, winning the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m). Read More
The uber-talented three-year-old colt Menari is a confirmed starter for The Everest, with slot holders Max Whitby and Neil Werrett reaching an agreement with the owner-breeder of Menari George Altomonte. Read More
The Everest slot beckons for Danon Liberty - Japanese-import on trial for $13 million feature June 2018
Former Japanese galloper Danon Liberty will embark on a spring campaign that will be geared toward gaining a slot in the $13 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 13. Read More
A Phd. candidate Ben Gurion University, in the Hebrew literature department, under the Negev scholarship for excellent Phd candidates.
Teaches in Bezalel academy of arts, courses dealing with writing, love, ethics and American culture.
His research concerns representation of love and ethics in western culture and Hebrew literature, and also critical theory and American culture and literature.