The Brown & White

The sweet and spicy aromas drifting from the restaurant's kitchen are hard to identify by name. But, that is expected at Timezones Global Goodies & Framing Gallery, where the fare - which includes tilapia, Cajun shrimp and quesadillas - is inspired by recipes from around the world.

A culinary melting pot located in South Bethlehem, Timezones offers not only an international eating experience but a multi sensory one, too.

The gallery-café provides an extensive selection of both eats and arts to stimulate all the senses. While smelling the savory scents floating through the air, clients can admire the featured works for sale that line the walls and listen to music reverberating from the lofty ceiling.

Sisters and world travelers Roz Bachman and Roxanne Steckel own the gallery-café, located at 322 E. Third St.

An array of poster art, prints and framed samples are grouped in displays around the store for clients' viewing pleasure, while a section of the back wall displays works by local artisans. In the future, Bachman plans to sell pieces by local jewelers, too.

"Timezones celebrates the different cultural backgrounds represented in the Lehigh Valley using all five senses," Bachman said. "We want there to be a sensory overload."

From the outside, the store appears as industrial and rugged as the nearby steel mill. Inside, the exposed piping and high ceilings accentuate the airiness. But, instead of finding an expected draft, patrons relish in the warm temperature and cozy atmosphere.

Soft orange and yellow hues cover the walls, where the eclectic mix of artwork hangs. Natural sunlight pours through the large panes of glass onto small tables dispersed casually throughout the store. The brass-studded leather tables are infused with the scents of curry, cinnamon and other exotic spices. Mugs etched with a map of the world serve as each table's centerpiece.

The mugs symbolize the menu's extensive options. Timezones is a global gathering place that encourages its visitors to indulge the senses. Here, customers sit at a crossroads, sampling a culinary slice of a foreign country and admiring the local talent represented on the walls.

Bachman, an experienced framer, and Steckel, an imaginative cook, were inspired by their international experiences and their early years in Bethlehem when creating the concept for Timezones.

After eating and admiring their way through much of Europe and areas of Australia and New Zealand, Bachman and Steckel wanted to combine their appreciation of foreign cuisine and fine art with the rich history and flavor of South Bethlehem.

Much of the ethnic diversity found in the Lehigh Valley can be attributed to the Bethlehem steel mill. Because the area was once booming with immigrant settlers, Steckel wanted her menu to reflect that variety - from the French-inspired "poulet divan" and Dutch potpie (nicknamed "Steelworker's Pie") to Moroccan veggies and couscous and halupki.

Because Bachman and Steckel understand customers have different dietary needs and food preferences, the menu includes vegetarian options. A favorite among regulars is the Timezones salad, which features craisins, mandarin oranges, Gorgonzola cheese and sugared pecans with the house vinaigrette.

Though their menu changes daily, there are soup, salad and entrée staples. There are options for every customer, from the ravenous to the calorie-conscious, and every taste preference, from a generous helping of lasagna or a light, refreshing strawberry salad to a piping-hot bowl of Tuscan orzo soup.

Almost all of Timezone's homemade recipes are borrowed from the "Nanas" of the world, Steckel said - the grandmothers of generations past who whipped up blue-collar comfort food with maternal ease and care. Steckel said she stays true to the basics of each, but likes to tweak each dish to her individual liking to make it just right.

To cater to the auditory sense, Timezones plays a steady stream of varied musical genres throughout each weekday, but on weekend nights the acoustics are provided by anyone who wants to get behind the microphone. Presenters can perform anything they like, from poetry reading or dramatic skits to songs or stand-up comedy routines.

Kublai Khan, a student band from Lehigh, will perform there sometime in the next few weeks.

"Timezones has a relaxed atmosphere, which compliments the performers being showcased," said Ben Rosenau, '08, Kublai Khan's bass player. "It's big enough to hold a large number of people, but small enough to retain an intimate setting."

"Having that kind of coffeehouse feel, where people gather to eat, enjoy live performances and admire local artwork was always part of the plan," Steckel said.

And they're sticking to it.