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7 ways to explore Centre County’s diverse culinary scene

Stories by Centre Daily Times journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles highlight Centre County's diverse cuisine experiences, focusing on community-centric dining, the introduction of new eateries, and expanding food offerings. They frequently mention local farms, cultural influences and new culinary spaces.

Kitchen Garden in State College brings Turkish and Mediterranean flavors, emphasizing breakfast and a health-focused menu. Owner Fatih Erkan highlights Turkish hospitality with a breakfast spread that includes sujuk and various cheeses. The eatery utilizes authentic ingredients and looks to provide a holistic cultural experience.

Fatoum Bistro offers a blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. Co-owner Hitham Hiyajneh notes dishes like "Fungus Amongus," combining Middle Eastern flavors with Western favorites. The bistro's menu includes a variety of omelets, pancakes, and Middle Eastern recipes, aiming to honor family culinary traditions.

Other must-taste culinary experiences are below.

Two Mexi Hot dogs, which features meat sauce, chopped onions and mustard, from Dog’s on the Run. By Abby Drey

NO. 1: DO YOU MISS POP’S MEXI-HOT AND JOHNNIE’S HOT DOG CART? WHERE TO GET YOUR SUMMER FIX CENTRE COUNTY

We dug into the archives for a recipe John Cocolin served at his downtown State College hot dog cart. | Published July 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by Anne Quinn Corr

Rolled Kadaif and baklava from Kitchen Garden in State College on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 2: NEW EATERY BRINGS TURKISH AND MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, HOSPITALITY TO STATE COLLEGE AREA

The breakfast and lunch spot officially opens next week. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Holly Riddle

The Governors’ Pub on High Street in Bellefonte on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. By Abby Drey

NO. 3: FOOD NETWORK PICKS CENTRE COUNTY EATERY AS ‘MOST CHARMING SMALL-TOWN RESTAURANT’ IN PA

If you’re hungry for “comfort food with a twist,” your search might be over. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jackie Starkey

The Fatoum Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located on Westerly Parkway in State College. By Jessica McAllister

NO. 4: NEW STATE COLLEGE RESTAURANT FEATURES MENU INSPIRED BY ‘WORLDLY CUISINE.’ HERE’S A LOOK

The Fatoum Bistro held its soft opening on Thursday. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

Tiramisu is among the offerings at Kitchen Garden in Hills Plaza on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 5: CENTRE COUNTY HAS 7 NEW EATERIES THIS YEAR. WHAT SHOULD YOU ORDER FROM EACH ONE?

What’s the best item at The Meadows? What about the dessert to order at Kitchen Garden? Here are our picks. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Josh Moyer

A slice of cheese pizza from Benny Leone’s opening at 109 S. Fraser Street in downtown State College. By Abby Drey

NO. 6: HUGE SLICES ARE SERVED AT STATE COLLEGE’S NEWEST PIZZA SHOP. SEE HOW THEY’RE MADE

The shop specializes in 28-inch New York-style pizzas that offer a meal in each slice. | Published June 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

Tables are available for dine-in eating at Bella Vita Pizzeria & Grill, which recently opened in Millheim.

NO. 7: GRANGE FAIR VETERAN OPENS PIZZA SHOP IN PENNS VALLEY. ‘HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL’

“Instead of doing it for one week a year, I’m doing this for life,” the new owner said. | Published June 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.