Leaf Restaurant Opens at Famous Smoke Shop

is the newest local upscale gathering place in Forks Township. It's part of the new Famous Smoke Shop complex at 90 Mort Drive.

The restaurant held an official grand opening Friday with more than 100 well-wishers who gathered at the complex for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"There is no other place like this in the state of Pennsylvania," said owner Arthur Zaretsky. "We're already bringing in people from outside the area into the community."

Leaf is a sophisticated extension of , combining fine dining with fine cigars, along with spirits and entertainment. There is a full selection of wines and beers from local wineries and breweries as well as others from around the world. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art ventilation, and it is open seven days for lunch and dinner.

Over the past year, undertook a major expansion. The operation imports cigars from foreign manufacturers and maintains a cigar inventory numbering in the millions. Daily shipments go out to consumers everywhere. The new facilities were under construction for more than nine months.

Leaf features indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge area, a walk-in humidor room and a full bar. Diners receive expert advice on pairings of beers, wines and cigars. Music by live groups will be offered on weekends. At other times, a pianist can be heard tickling the ivories at the end of the long bar.

Executive Chef Evan J. Kechely oversees a kitchen that features locally produced fruits, vegetables and meats. Prior to establishing the Leaf menu, Kechely was at Pearly Baker's Alehouse in Easton.

The menu at Leaf includes locally sourced beef, pork, duck and game hen. Rounding out the entrees are lamb Milanese, Polynesian tuna, rock shrimp and blue crab with sweet Jersey corn cakes. There is a full range of appetizers, soups, salads and selections of sandwiches and burgers. Call 610-559-1336 or visit www.LeafCigarBar.com.

Joining Zaretsky for the ribbon cutting last week was Kechely, Famous Smoke Shop Manager Jeff Brown, Leaf Manager Tina Gasparetti and retail store Manager David Zayas.

Local dignitaries included Forks Township Supervisor David Billings and Alison Miers, vice president of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.