Bakery Month #3: Baked. cafe' & bakery

BAKED. cafe' & bakery

228 Main Street

Emmaus, PA

610-966-6100

Hours:  M-F 8a-3p  Sat-Sun 9a-3p

 

Emmaus’ efforts to develop a downtown has proven successful.  Have you perused the Blind Willow Book Shop, had dinner at one of the restaurants, or taken advantage of the local produce at their seasonal Farmers’ Market? 

 

Amongst the gems, is Baked Café & Bakery, a small nook that fills a niche in the “Lehigh Valley & Beyond.”  The innerambience is instantly attractive with a neighborhood café’ flare.  If you’ve ever envied the café selection of US cities or European towns, you’d appreciate what Baked brings to Emmaus.  My respect for it grew when I came home and read about their history.  Opening in June, 2010 and then purchased by its current owner in January, 2011, their consistent goal is helping the environment and community.  They use biodegradable products, organic and local produce and products as much as possible.  Even their communal table at the main window and their chairs are refurbished local artifacts. 

The other asset of this quaint business is the menu selection.  Serving tantalizing treats for the gluten free, the vegans, or those who prefer whole wheat flour and unrefined sugar, you'll be sure to have a satisfied sweet tooth.  

For those who desire savory over sweet, they offer a small but thoroughly gourmet-flared selection for breakfast or lunch.  Some recent  guests positively commented on their quiche with goat cheese & sun-dried tomatoes and a “yummy” turkey sandwich.  They also chose the pumpkin white chocolate chip scone and termed the coffee ‘amazing,' a cut above another cup they had later that day in local Bethlehem.  I would agree--the coffee was superb...which I came to discover it's the fresh, rich taste of La Colombe coffee, one of my favorite coffees whose original cafe' is in Philadelphia.

Speaking of Philadelphia, I had the privilege of experiencing Baked with a Lehigh Valley-native journalist who has written reviews in Philadelphia & London.  With great delight, I share her observations:  

The large Victorian home that houses Baked first led me to false perceptions: the interior is actually quite small. But don’t let the cozy cafe’s size fool you, for what they lack in space, they make up for in their cornucopia of cookies, scones, salads, bars, and drinks- even for vegans! The ginormous, chewy vegan ginger molasses cookie paired with a spicy soy chai au lait proved a perfect and fueling pre-holiday breakfast. If I don’t return for the eclectic treats, I’ll certainly come back just to try the Pumpkin Pie soda.

Well-said.  I also look forward to returning for another cup of that coffee & a sampling of another selection turned down on this trip.   Their menu of cakes to order are also tempting, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Bakery Month #2: J Scones

J. Scones
4119 E. Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA
215-489-9198
Hours:  Wed-Fri 8a-6p; Sat 8a-3p

An inconspicuous small shop with a subtle sign offers uniquely delightful scones.  While the baker's retail hours are limited, scones and other pastries and cakes can be ordered.  Frozen bundles of scone dough can also be purchased---a wonderful item to have on hand over the holidays for those out-of-town guests.   In fact,this enables other local businesses such as Brig O' Doon Cafe to offer freshly baked scones. 

Scone lovers will appreciate the flavor selection and their moist consistency while those who typically pass over a scone should think twice if you make the stop at J. Scones.  Follow the small sign by the   Keystone Diner on Route 313.  The friendly owner will take the time to beautifully wrap your purchase. 

Bakery Month #1: Vegan Treats

Vegan Treats

1444 Linden Street

Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-861-7660

Hours:

Tue - Thu:	10:00 am	-	9:00 pm
Fri - Sat:	10:00 am	-	10:00 pm
Sun:	10:00 am	-	5:00 pm

Their Famous Peanut Butter Bomb

No time for your own holiday baking?  This month will feature just a few of the area's bakeries who may assist you in the remaining days of December.  Decadent treats with a purpose.  Vegan Treats' dessert & baked goods may be "cruelty free, dairy free, & cholesterol free," yet they are full of excellence.  My skeptical spouse, affected by the term, “vegan,” has become a huge fan—calling their Boston cream doughnut, personal-sized cheesecakes, and infamous “peanut butter bomb,” amongst the best desserts he has tasted.  We are blessed to have one of their bakers as a personal friend, who consistently feeds us with the latest goodies.

What does "vegan" mean, you may ask?  Veganism is a type of diet that excludes all animal-derived products.  Most vegans, including the owner of this nationally-known bakery, engage in this form of eating as animal rights activists.  How does one make a cake, cookie, doughnut or cheese cake that actually tastes good without the use of dairy products?  Hence, the mysterious delight of Vegan Treats.  Vegan or not, don't hesitate to experience for yourself. 

One might consider Vegan Treats a secret of the Lehigh Valley, located on an unassuming side street in Bethlehem.  However, this successful establishment busily supplies restaurants, bakeries, stores, and even vegan celebrities around the country.  Mainly a take-out business while seating is limited with 2 high tables, it still provides a fun place for a date with a friend, served with cute hot pink, black and white plates & napkins.  You'll want to bring a partner so you can get a sampling of more than one item.  For the dairy-free diets or vegans who miss ice cream, Vegan Treats also provides a delicious soft serve soy ice cream.  Their menu also includes gluten-free options.

My favorites? Wow:  Hard to decide between the peanut butter bomb, the coconut bun and the dozen options of cakes and cheese cakes.  Vegan Treats also serves specialty & wedding cakes.  It's not too late to place a Christmas order while simultaneously showing kindness to an animal.

Coffee Shop Month #4: Brig O' Doon Coffee House

Brig O' Doon Coffee House
239 Durham Rd.
Ottsville, PA  18942
215-847-6844
Hours:  Tues-Fri 6:30am-5:00pm  Sat-Sun 7:00am-4:00pm

Brig O’ Doon, is not only one of Buck’s County’s best-kept secrets, it currently holds the primary spot on my mental list of all-time favorite coffee shops.  To me, it not only effectively represents the culture of Bucks County through its historic, modern, down-to-earth ambience, but it sets a precedent.

Brig O’ Doon has become an appreciated setting for personal retreat.  On a country road, it preserves a quiet internal and external atmosphere for undistracted reading, studying, and writing.   My favorite spot is one of the window nooks, with a countertop made out of a large tree trunk and high glass windows-the perfect light and inspiring scenery.   A blend of "chill" music, such as Jack Johnson, is often playing quietly in the background as Ottsville locals move in and out during their morning routine. 

Brig O’ Doon attracts cyclists breaking from a journey on the country roads of Bucks County, while neighbors meet and gather around the front tables or the comfortable couches towards the rear.  It’s energizing to overhear the conversation & community that is facilitated by this atmosphere and observe how this has become the town-center of-sorts for this rural area. 

Once chatting with a fellow customer, he verbalized the philosophy of Brig O’ Doon:  “Get to know each customer by name.”  The owner, who opened the shop less than 5 years ago, has effectively trained his employees to mirror this personal approach.  Visible in his oversight on a daily basis, he leads the way in greeting consumers, and then introducing them to staff members. 

The personal touch & setting are not the only forms of excellence.  It rotates 30 different blends of coffee from Finger Lakes Roasters.  My favorite is Jamaican me Crazy, amongst the most vibrant flavored coffees I have had.  Patrick, the owner, is sure to state that he encourages individuals to support their most local coffee businesses. 

For the non-coffee patrons, they serve a variety of teas-brewed and often mixed in advance with milk & sugar.  Be sure to ask for a sampling.  Currently they serve Ajiri tea, a quality product with a social mission.  Coffee & tea can be purchased in bulk to take home.  

Brig O' Doon has a simple but quality selection of breakfast items:  my favorites include the baked goods (scones & muffins baked on premises or from local businesses.), the delicious oatmeal made to order (toppings include raisins, dried cranberries, walnuts, and/or brown sugar), and the bagels with a variety of cream cheeses.  I was surprised to find out the authentic NY bagels come from Vic's Bagels of local Bethlehem, PA, impressively hand-rolled and boiled by a Lehigh Valley Local!

One final feature is their neighbor, Kimberton Whole Foods market, offering a variety of organic products.

Brig O' Doon Coffee House exemplifies excellence: ambience, product, setting, & customer relations.  I look forward to many more memories of rest & retreat with a book, journal, and cup of Jamaican me crazy.

Coffee Shop Month #3: Re-Wired Cafe/Alando's Kenyan Cuisine

Re-Wired Cafe' & Alando's Kenyan Cuisine  

520 Main St. 

Bethlehem, PA

Re-Wired's hours:  M-Th 9a-9p; F-Sat 9a-10p; Sun 9a-8p

Alando's hours: M-Th 11a-9p; Th-F 11am-11p; Sat. 12-8 p

Main Street Bethlehem offers an artsy stop: Re-wired Café, formerly known as Wired Café.  In spite of changes in ownership and management, one thing remains the same:  an ideal window-shopping break or date with a friend to savor a delish bold roast of fair trade coffee alongside a locally made breakfast, lunch or dessert     item. Another consistency is their commitment to feature local artists. 

A unique aspect of Re-wired Café is their roommate:  Alando’s Kenyan Cuisine.  As one meanders to the rear of the store, it’s as if you have taken a trip to another continent.  The culture and aesthetics evolve into African attire.  I had the privilege of experiencing both businesses in one visit.  Upon waiting for a friend, the owner of Re-wired offered a beverage.  She served me a spunky version of hot chai that was a wonderful accompaniment to my proceeding meal. 

Alando’s Kenyan Cuisine, formerly a resident of Quakertown Farmer’s Market (otherwise known as “the Q Mart”), has recently immigrated to quaint, historic Bethlehem.  Authenticity is guaranteed by its Kenyan owners & kitchen power.  One might ask:  Kenyan food?  Is it worth it?  Our food safari was sure to prove satisfying with the rich, vibrant, and generous-sized portions.  Are you adventurous?  Here are a few suggestions:

I started with a cup of the lentil coconut soup…amazing. 

                                               We then moved on to share:

Chicken masala wrap (chicken masala wrapped in Cardamon flat bread with dressing) including “bhajia,” (sliced potatoes marinated in turmeric-cilantro batter, served with tamarind sauce). 

Veggie pilau (veggie rice pilaf, sautéed in masala spices, green peas and    raisins--a key ingredient).  

                                             Both were equally enjoyable & flavorful.   

An addition to our meal was chapo-poa, a flat bread with cheese. 

We left with many leftovers and too full to try the enticing Alando’s sweet potato pie on the dessert menu.

My lunch partner’s well-stated summary:  "I can now say I’ve been to Africa because I’ve been to Kenya in a day on a plate.”  Enjoy her blog review with expanded descriptions.

Coffee Shop Month #2: Hava Java

Hava Java
526 N. 19th St.
Allentown, PA 18104
610-432-3045

Have you been to the "West End District" of Allentown?  Near the Allentown Farmers' market, there is a strip of 19th Street that is home to the historic Civic theatre, some trendy boutiques and Hava Java Cafe.

Hava Java has become a place I intentionally visit.  Its owner has created a hospitable tone that engages locals of all ages.  I had the privilege of first visiting while attending a Sexual Abuse Survivor Poetry night.  This alone gives you an indication of the observed philosophy of Hava Java--a relational atmosphere that includes coffee, the arts, and a platform for contemporary issues.

With a full menu of espresso drinks, you'll be sure to find your preference. I tend to enjoy the brew of the day, produced by a private roaster who ensures fair trade, organic, kosher and bio friendly-certified beans.  A variety of teas will accompany one of the cookies, muffins or biscotti made by local bakers.  They serve a few lunch items as well including chicken salad sandwiches made-to-order and some DELICIOUS spinach pies, made with love by the owner's mother.

Besides a solid coffee experience, its the subtle assets of Hava Java that provide distinction.  Its ceilings are lined with dozens if not hundreds of assorted coffee mugs, giving it a down-to-earth, at-home feel.  One can sit at a table uniquely painted by various local artists, enjoy a book on a cozy leather couch, or sit outside on the quaint street.  Its a peaceful, relatively quiet atmosphere but yet it promotes conversation. 

Finally, another feature of this coffee shop is its owner. A personal activist for social rights, she cares about the community and its individuals.  For example, I had the privilege of observing her empowering and reassuring an adolescent customer who shared about a bullying experience.  I've named her the "Matriarch of Allentown" as she builds relationships with teenagers, college students and adults, having a pulse on the real issues they face.  She is quick to prompt a discussion on a current issue in the city, the family, politics, or media.  She uses her position of mingling with a variety of customers to take ownership of her city and promote change.  She has been a personal inspiration.

This is what excites me about Hava Java.  Customize your cultural experience: enjoy a quiet cup of coffee alone, bring a friend, join a conversation with other customers, or attend a poetry night (usually every Tuesday).  Save the date:  Thursday January 19, 2012 7-8:30 PM, Hava Java will host a Sex Trafficking Awareness Night sponsored by The Vast Coalition (The Valley against Sex Trafficking).


 

Coffee Shop Month #1: The Wise Bean

The Wise Bean Coffee & Espresso Bar
634 North New Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-867-5010
7-7 Mon-Fri
7-5 Sat.
Cash Only

I've been looking forward to Coffee Shop Month.  Some day I aspire to write an entire post on my top 10 all-time favorite coffee shops--but for now, I look forward to focusing on a few local spots in the LV & B.  This week's feature is one that I have discovered within the last year and have been drawn to its neighborhood charm.  Slightly off the beaten path from the bustling Main St. district of Bethlehem, it may not receive the attention and traffic it deserves.  However, my hope is that it will preserve its cozy and personable feel that is sure to draw in many locals. 

This family-owned business serve a variety of  "socially responsible specialty coffees", including fair trade & organic blends, insuring that each bean brewed or purchased is within 10 days from its roast date!  A classic is their New Street Blend, named after their street location.  When asking the owner more about their coffee, he proudly kept the secret of their roaster's identity, insuring a coffee experience reserved by the Wise Bean.  The platters of enticing baked goods are produced daily by local bakers are a vital pair for the offerings of coffee and a variety of espresso drinks.   

The Wise Bean will provide a warm friendly greeting by its owners and a comfortable environment for a friendly conversation whether you are meeting a friend or on your way to the office.  A nook in the corner is reserved for local artists' products.  Reasonably priced, buy local this holiday season and find some thoughtful gifts for a friend or family member.  If you are in the neighborhood--be sure to stop by and experience what surely does encompass a neighborhood coffee shop.