The Prosseda Family took ownership of a beloved local Italian restaurant in September 2021. After just over a year of operation, the Prossedas are taking steps to better personalize the establishment.

The restaurant, formerly known as The Vineyard, will now be known as The Vineyard Di Norma. The new name reflects family roots while still paying homage to the brand local patrons have grown to know and love. Previous owners Pietro and Maria DiMatteo sold the restaurant to Matt and Cindy Prosseda after three decades of operation. The Prosseda children, Rachael and Luke, had always yearned to own and run an Italian restaurant, and in 2021 the stars aligned on North Fiot Street in the Fountain Hill neighborhood of Bethlehem. The Prossedas’ Italian heritage traces back to Norma, Italy.

Many of the dishes found on the menu have been passed down over the generations, along with a deep love and appreciation for food and family.

Chef Luke Prosseda designs the menu and prepares the cuisine. Rachael Prosseda oversees front-of-house operations, while parents, Matt and Cindy, are frequently on hand to assist where needed, whether on the dining room floor or behind the scenes.

“We have a strong clientele base that has already discovered and enjoy our updated menu,”explains Chef Luke. “We are excited about the new name, which ties the restaurant to our history, to the food. The items on our menu are rooted in Italian-American tradition but will experiment with modern ideas and flavors as well as more traditionally Italian preparations. The name change is defining a new era for what The Vineyard is and what we offer.”

The Prosseda family believes life’s simple pleasures include fine wine, delicious spirits, and beautifully prepared food. The menu is prepared with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and Chef Luke’s weekly specials are often based on what’s in season. House made pasta is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and for the adventurous eaters, the weekly specials offer exciting dishes made with locally sourced products.

The wine list is unique and impressive, featuring many bottles not found elsewhere locally. The bar features hand-crafted seasonal and traditional cocktails and beers from local craft breweries, including Bonn Street Brewing Company, Lost Tavern Brewing, and Sherman Street Beer Company.

The Vineyard Di Norma is located at 605 Fiot Street, Bethlehem (at the corner of North Fiot and Cherokee Streets). Hours of operation are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 – 10 p.m. For the full menu and to make a reservation, visitvineyarddinorma.com

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