When she opened The Blonde Bistro in downtown Bellefonte 12 years ago, owner Ciara Semack—she puts the blonde in Blonde Bistro—was glad to provide a comfy atmosphere where customers could enjoy her homemade from-scratch menu. But she never thought she would be adding house-made beer to her offering.
Well, after a second move in three years, she is doing just that at her newest location, fittingly named Blonde Bistro Beer Works, at 226 Nittany Valley Drive in Zion.
Along with the ability to serve beers brewed on-site, her brewery liquor license also allows for a full bar of Pennsylvania produced products, including spirits, wine, and other beers from around the state.
“I would have never dreamed that I would have a brewery, but we have always looked at how we could service the customers better. And customers like wine, they like to have spirits, and they like to have beer with their meals. Looking at liquor licenses and how rare they are to get in Centre County, I never dreamed that I would be able to meet that need,” says Semack.
She opened in late November in the space that was formerly home to long-time area favorite Michael’s Triangle Tavern before it became The Old Farmhouse in 2018. A brewery was added to the mix at that time, and now Semack and her team plan to put that equipment to good use. By the time this story comes out, the first batches of Blonde Bistro beer should be on tap. Naturally, a blonde ale is among the offerings.
“We are definitely going to try and fill the void that Centre County has when it comes to beer,” says Semack. To help do that, she brought on Johnny Weaver to be her brewmaster, describing him as an old-school home brewer.
“He is a very down-to-earth person who loves beer and loves making people happy with beer,” says Semack. Beyond a blonde ale, expect a crisp pilsner style beer, along with a cream ale. Seasonal brews will also be on the menu.
“We will constantly be changing the [food] menu along with the beer. That way things pair really well,” says Semack. And while she doesn’t have much experience brewing, she is learning a lot from Weaver and looks forward to bringing new flavors to the public.
“He is there to hold my hand, and he says that I have a palate that can help us develop more unique brews and develop more unique beers,” says Semack.
After spending the past few years heading up the in-house partner kitchen at Axemann Brewery, Semack is glad to be back to her roots, doing what she does best—making food that people enjoy. Thanks to a bigger kitchen, the menu includes customer favorites from her first location along with plenty of new flavors.
One thing is for sure, Semack aims to please with her homestyle cooking.
“I try to make sure that everyone is satisfied with what is served to them,” she says. “We are going back to our roots. Homemade pasta, homemade sauces, and we are definitely looking at a different unique menu.”
At the new location, Semack hopes to be able to interact with her customers more and provide a fun atmosphere. Back will be annual parties, such as the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (too late for 2022 but planning started for this year), and catering events and private parties.
Her long-time customers and new ones alike seem to be on board. Shortly after opening on a Wednesday night in late November, customers kept streaming in and Semack was busy in the kitchen, doing what she loves, cooking. She says the response has been great.
“Everybody has said that they are excited that we are back to our old-school ways,” says Semack. Cheers to that. T&G
Vincent Corso enjoys drinking local and meeting new people at central Pennsylvania’s many interesting establishments.
