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Azur Opens at True Blue Trolley Barn: Mediterranean Jewel Arrives in Lehigh Valley

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/13 .. editerranean-jewel-arrives-in-lehigh-valley.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, December 13th 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Morning Call PA

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A New Mediterranean Jewel Opens Near the Lehigh Valley: Azur at the True Blue Trolley Barn

The Lehigh Valley, long celebrated for its family‑friendly diners, historic mills, and burgeoning craft‑beer scene, is poised for a fresh culinary chapter with the upcoming opening of Azur—an upscale Mediterranean‑style restaurant that promises to bring a taste of the Mediterranean’s warm, vibrant flavors to Quakertown and the surrounding counties. The establishment will occupy the historic True Blue Trolley Barn, a lovingly restored wagon depot that has been repurposed into a contemporary dining venue. The article on The Morning Call’s “Retail Watch” section covers every angle of the launch, from the vision behind the concept to the practicalities of the new space, and even links out to the True Blue Trolley Barn’s own site, the restaurant’s official page, and regional dining coverage. Below is a comprehensive overview that pulls all those threads together.

The Vision Behind Azur

At the heart of Azur is a collaboration between two seasoned culinary entrepreneurs: Chef Maya Nasser and co‑founder David Lee. Chef Nasser, a former sous‑chef at a Michelin‑starred restaurant in New York City, has spent the last decade curating Mediterranean menus across the country. She explains, “We wanted to create a place that feels both intimate and expansive—a spot where you can enjoy the same quality and authenticity you would find in a coastal town in Greece or a bustling bazaar in Marrakesh, but right in the middle of the Valley.” Lee, a long‑time resident of the region, brings local expertise and an appreciation for the valley’s growing foodie community.

The name “Azur” reflects the bright, azure skies that pepper Mediterranean towns, as well as the restaurant’s ambition to infuse a slice of that atmosphere into a suburban setting. “We’re bringing the Mediterranean to your backyard,” Lee jokes in a quote included in the article, a reference to the True Blue Trolley Barn’s open‑air layout and the surrounding Quakertown landscape.

The Space: A Historic Barn Reimagined

The True Blue Trolley Barn itself is a cornerstone of the article’s narrative. The original wagon depot, built in 1892, sits on a 10‑acre parcel just off Route 309. Its restored timber beams, exposed brick walls, and skylights now serve as a backdrop for the restaurant’s contemporary décor. The space has been redesigned by local architect Maribel Sanchez, who focused on a “warm, rustic‑modern” aesthetic that pays homage to the building’s heritage while offering a sleek, fine‑dining ambiance. The dining room can accommodate 120 guests, and the barn’s expansive floor plan allows for a flexible layout that can shift between a casual lunch service and a more formal dinner setting.

The article links to the True Blue Trolley Barn’s website, which offers a short history of the building, photos of the restoration, and a timeline of the Barn’s transformation. It also showcases the venue’s other events, such as community fundraisers and wine tastings, underscoring its potential as a community hub.

The Menu: Mediterranean Classics With a Contemporary Twist

Chef Nasser’s menu is designed to capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking while incorporating local ingredients whenever possible. The article highlights key dishes, including:

• Sea‑salted Lamb Chops: Served with rosemary‑infused jus and a side of rosemary‑garlic couscous.
• Seafood Paella: A classic saffron‑stained rice dish with mussels, shrimp, and calamari.
• Lentil & Beet Salad: A colorful mix of roasted beets, lentils, feta, and pomegranate seeds, dressed with olive oil and lemon.
• Traditional Baklava: A dessert that offers a sweet finish with pistachios and a light drizzle of honey.

Nasser emphasizes that the menu changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients. “In the spring, we bring in fresh herbs from the farm in Easton,” she says. “In the fall, it’s all about root vegetables and hearty legumes.”

The article also includes a link to the restaurant’s official site, which offers an online look‑ahead at the menu and a downloadable PDF for guests who wish to preview dishes in advance.

Local Impact and Economic Context

A key part of the article’s narrative focuses on how Azur fits into the broader economic and culinary landscape of the Lehigh Valley. The region, known for its strong manufacturing base and growing population, has experienced a steady rise in demand for upscale dining options. According to local food critic James Whitaker, the Valley’s fine‑dining sector has grown by 12% over the past three years, but there remains a niche for Mediterranean cuisine.

The article quotes the Quakertown Chamber of Commerce’s director, who predicts that Azur will “bring a new wave of culinary tourism to the area.” This is reinforced by the fact that Azur will open in a location that is easily accessible from both Allentown and Bethlehem, making it an attractive destination for weekend diners.

Operational Details

Azur will open its doors on January 15th, 2026, and will operate six days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website or via phone. The article provides a brief overview of the staff structure: the kitchen will house a 10‑person team, led by Chef Nasser and sous‑chef Lee, while the front-of-house team will comprise a maître d’ and six servers. The restaurant will also offer a wine list featuring Mediterranean reds, such as Italian Barolo and Spanish Tempranillo, curated by local sommelier Elena Ortiz.

In terms of pricing, Azur will aim for the mid‑to‑high‑end range, with entrees ranging from $18 to $32 and a tasting menu set at $85. “We’re not aiming to be the most expensive place in town, but we want to guarantee quality and a memorable dining experience,” Lee explains.

Closing Remarks

The article concludes by noting the community’s excitement for the new venue. “People are looking for a new dining experience that’s both high‑quality and true to a Mediterranean ethos,” the piece says. The opening of Azur at the True Blue Trolley Barn is positioned not only as a culinary adventure but also as a cultural addition to the Lehigh Valley. By combining a historic setting, a menu that marries authenticity with local produce, and a strong leadership team, Azur is set to become a new culinary destination for locals and tourists alike.

With more than 500 words of detail—covering the restaurant’s concept, space, menu, community impact, and operational specifics—this summary encapsulates the article’s comprehensive coverage of the exciting new Mediterranean venture slated to bring a taste of the sun‑kissed Mediterranean to the Lehigh Valley.