2 days Ago By Kelly Mintzer
A sweet new day is on the horizon for the Lehigh Valley dining scene. Veteran baker Melanie Lino will begin serving Bethlehem Afro-Dominican treats later this year at From Lino Bakehouse, her debut brick and mortar storefront, reports local media outlet 69 News . Guests will be able to stop in to grab a sweet snack that “mix Afro-Dominican flavors with European baking techniques” at 802 Spring Street, a space that previously housed Anthony’s Deli.
A precise opening date is not yet available, however Lino is aiming to open her doors in either late summer or early autumn. Lino intends to make From Lino more than just a bakery. She wants the establishment to be a powerful resource for the community.
In addition to utilizing local ingredients, the baker will be making her inaugural storefront a small but impactful retail destination. The shop, inspired by similar concepts in the Dominican Republic, will focus on offering certain staple items. Lino describes the genesis of the idea and her intentions for it, saying: “In the Dominican Republic, there are these neighborhood shops called colmados, and you go to them to get whatever you need in a moment’s notice.
So, I’m trying to create that on a smaller scale in Bethlehem...
I’m following the heart, and my heart is leading me in this direction.” Lino is looking forward to serving her neighborhood. She states: “I’m very passionate about strengthening community through food, and I saw an opportunity to do just that in the very place where I live.
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