It was a couple of years ago now. I had just started experimenting with Twitter and was trying to figure it out. Trying to keep twitter focused on  local folks and interactions is not that easy, and I didn't know what a hootesuite was, so there was no way to keep track of my tweeps or tweets. 

But one thing was happening regularly when I logged into my twitter account and on Facebook too for that matter. I kept noticing that tweets were about people meeting at BFD. A tweet might go like this: @PamBurzynski where are u? I'm at BFD. Then another tweet would say: @JoeSmoe Yum, I'm having the best Borscht ever at BFD and so it went with constant references to BFD, tasty delicacies, and an apparent meeting central at BFD.

What was this BFD anyway? I just had to find out what I was missing. I'm pretty sharp, so it didn't take me long to figure out BFD stood for Black Forest Deli. But where was this place? Again, being quite sharp I figured out it was located in West Bethlehem on the Corner of 7th Avenue and Union Boulevard. How could it be that I had not  heard of this incredible Deli? Well, I hadn't, but that was going to change. I dashed over there.

I have to say, it wasn't what I was expecting, yet my expectations were exceeded. In some strange way I felt like I had just walked into the General Store on the Waltons, the Fillin' Station in Mayberry, or Lukes Diner in Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls)...the Black Forest Deli, mother-daughter team of Vica and Milana are so friendly and welcoming that they remind you of the type of hospitality that isn't common place today! And believe me, this place, BFD, is networking central! Everyone, and I mean everyone, meets there. On Fridays typically 10-15 people cluster around a big table for lunch and share info about their businesses. Vica (not pictured) started this whole deal, and then went on to create a Facebook group called BOLV (Business Owners of the Lehigh Valley) that currently has over 500 members. It's kind of like an AR for Lehigh Valley Business Owners. It's quite amazing!

If you're in the Bethlehem area,  and need a bite to eat, a friendly smile, or want to know what's happening and where in Bethlehem or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley PA stop by Black Forest Deli for some good eats and lively chatter. Follow Vica on Twitter @BlackForeastDeli or on Facebook and join in the conversation and be sure to let Vica and Milana know that @PamBurzynski sent you!