Mediterranean Month-Week 4:

Petra  Mediterranean

81 W. Broad Street

Bethlehem, PA

610-866-3901

Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem, Petra Mediterranean is truly a perfect date choice.  The ambiance along with the option of before/after-dinner strolling on Main Street Bethlehem and surrounding neighborhoods definitely improve the ratings of this up-and-coming ethnic hotspot. 

While we joined 2 adventurous friends soon after Petra’s inception, we were not disappointed.  Other reviews of this restaurant refer to ‘kinks’ such as poor service and understaffed.  This may be the case, but you will not be disappointed by the owner’s intentional, customized and hospitable service.  With 4 of us, we were able to order a variety of selections and have a broader experience.

A favorite feature besides the hospitable owner and the clean and modern ambiance, are the “samplers”.  Reasonably priced, this appealed to my love for diversity.  If I recall accurately, I ordered Sampler #2:  grilled veggie, spinach pie, baba ghannooj, grape leaves, hummus, with pitas to enjoy the spreadable options.

Each person was satisfied with their order and pleased with the reasonable lunch prices ($9/sampler).

After choosing to pass on dessert, the owner generously returned with a dessert sampler, including baklava and nammura. 

Advertising proves Petra to be a vegan-friendly dining option, promising made-to-order requests.

Would I return?  Probably…This restaurant will be saved for a night out in Bethlehem with friends or perhaps a special date night when in the mood for meditteranean!

Price: $20 and under.

Mediterranean Month-Week 3: Theo's Gyros

Theo’s Gyros

Quakertown Farmer’s Market

21 Station Road

Quakertown, PA  18951

What makes an eatery excellent?  Many are fooled by the ambiance.  Instead, I challenge you to sacrifice an environment for the quality and taste of the product. Broaden the horizon of aesthetics to include a true taste of a different culture.  That said, I introduce you to the consistent product of Theo’s Gyros.   

Prior to experiencing The Gyro Company, Theo’s Gyros proved to be the best local spot to receive an authentic gyro.  Keep in mind, if you are looking for an aesthetically-pleasing dining experience, this restaurant is not for you. Nestled inside “the Q-mart”, you will be certain to receive a true cultural experience.  In order to remain succinct in the purpose of this review, I will not digress by talking about the Q-mart, but if you have never experienced it, you should.  It’s a complex flavor of the human diversity of our local region.  

If you are willing to join the Q-mart scene on a Friday or Saturday in a true “hole-in-the-wall” dining experience, Theo’s is the place for you.  The owner looks credible and conspicuously runs an efficient, friendly operation with a consistent and simple product.  One can receive a traditional gyro with lamb or chicken, with accompanying tzatziki sauce, onions, lettuce and tomato.   The simple but complete menu also includes kabob platters and salads.   It uniquely offers RC cola products and is generous with free refills.  Similarly generous in portion, though purchased separately are there French fries.

Would I return?  Definitely.   One must always remain loyal to the Q-mart/Theo’s in the mood for a gyro.  Theo’s gyros can also be purchased at Bethlehem’s annual Musikfest. 

Overall Evans Eats Rate: 

You may want to top off your Q-mart gyro with a cup of coffee at Country Grinder or a cinnamon roll at Fleck’s Bakery.

Keep in mind their limited hours: Friday & Saturday 9-9; Sunday 10-5
Average price: under $10

Mediterranean Month-Week 2:

True Blue Mediterranean Café

1301 Chestnut Street                                          

Emmaus, PA  18049

I believe I entered this restaurant by default.  The first time I went I was meeting a friend at a nearby café which happened to be closed.  We chose True Blue instead and we were not disappointed.  Formerly known as True Blue Café & Bakery, the restaurant continues to include a full variety of coffee drinks.  Nothing like enjoying my favorite summer treat, iced coffee, with a good Mediterranean meal.  

I chose the falafel pita.  This can also be ordered as a Panini (my choice upon my 2^nd return to True Blue).  While this phrase describes a “fusion” trend, having the gyro pressed and grilled, added to its delight.  Along with gyros, I have found falafel, especially good falafel, to be a rare selection in the Lehigh Valley. 

I confidently told the restaurant owner, I believe it was the best falafel I have had, though I don’t claim to be an expert.  He confidently exclaimed in an authentic accent and passionate spirit, “That is because it is made from the heart!”  If that is the case, consider my heart won for this quaint, quiet choice for a lunch date.    The chicken and lamb gyros look great too.  Besides the accompanying iced coffee, my heart was also sold on the side offered with each lunch selection:  a small cup of hummus and pita chips, a healthy and thoughtful touch! 

The menu included a variety of other Mediterranean selections for entrees and dessert for an under $10 price. The inner environment almost feels like a garden cafe.  However, on a warm day, True Blue offers outdoor seating on a side patio.      

 

Would I return?  Yes, I would return.  I will most likely reserve this choice for a lunch date with an adventurous friend.  If you are looking for a simple Mediterranean place with a pleasing aesthetic environment, try True Blue.
Average Price:  Under $10 

 

Mediterranean Month-Week 1:

The Gyro Company.

1852 Airport Road

Allentown, PA

A pleasant surprise…though I was initially skeptical of the Airport Road “strip mall” location, I was surprised and pleased at the authentic, clean environment and overall dining experience.  Settling on the traditional gyro (a classic Greek delicacy:  a soft pita stuffed with a meat-beef, chicken or lamb, often accompanied by a sauce, onion,  lettuce & tomato), I found it to be heartier and more flavorful than other gyros I have had.  The offerings of various alterations of the traditional tzatziki sauce including a light version, basil pesto, marinara, buffalo, etc.  Though this may be more diverse than my preference for an authentic experience, I appreciate the options.    When I return, I’ll be sure to try their grilled chicken gyro or their veggie gyro, a plus for our vegetarian friends.

Highlights besides the exceptionally flavorful tzatziki sauce include their fast, friendly service, a clean down-to-earth dining environment with a touch of Greek décor, the side of fries and the roaming employee with samples of the traditional Greek dessert, baklava.  Unfortunately, she was not roaming during the time we are seated—but I am a huge fan of places that offer free samples.   Finally, we sampled a spinach cheese pie (spanakopita), a traditional baked dish with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in a filo dough—a decent addition to our meal.

The bill for 3 of us was:  26.12

Would I return?  Without a doubt. This is a much-needed, family-friendly ethnic addition to the area.  If you are skeptical to try a gyro, think again.  Forget the local diner this Friday night, and head to The Gyro Company.

As of now, has my vote for best gyro in the LV&B vicinity.

More reviews to come during Mediterranean Month……

What inspired this?

 My husband Mark and I have a passion and interest in food, eating out, sharing food with friends—and specifically experiencing new restaurants—Ok,..well maybe that is MY passion and not Mark’s—but we both gravitated towards “hole-in-the-wall” independent eating spots over chain, over-priced and indulgently-decored establishments.  We enjoy sharing our experiences with others and are often asked “What’s a good place to eat in________?”  Where can I get a good_____?” Thus..my 2011 New Year’s resolution was to enter the world of blogging—not for the purpose of boring you with unnecessary details, but to share the wealth and equip you with some new eating adventures in the "Lehigh Valley, PA and beyond." 
Feel free to share your own dining experiences or feedback or pass on requests of future blog entries or restaurant reviews..
For now, I’ll be spending some time catching up on the places that are already near and dear to us.
Future blogs may include a banter with my spouse, as our opinions and perspectives do differ slightly, though they are equally as important!  In addition, be prepared for some guest bloggers!
Soon to Come: Mediterranean Month.