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. 

Burrito Battle Month #4: Tulum & Hello Burrito

Within its quaint, serene downtown, Bethlehem, has its own burrito duel between 

Tulum                                                                                        Hello Burrito

17 W. Morton St                                                                       38 W. Broad St

Bethlehem, PA  18015                                                               Bethlehem, PA  18015

610-691-8300                                                                           610-882-2124

Tulum has the feel of a Tex-mex joint in Texas...small and cozy, colorful tiled walls and counters and a unique use of seating space.  It's the classic college-town stop, and hopefully provides a wholesome meal for a study break to many Lehigh students with its near-campus location.

Their menu is classic with a choice of chicken, beef, pork or grilled veggies.  Their intriguing menu has the burrito classified by sauce--with an authentic mexican mole and salsa verde.  They use some unique products on their burritos, including sweet potatoes on the Santana and pineapple and roasted corn on the Mayan.  Their signature burrito is wittily termed "the Beth-mex" with a classic red sauce.  If I recall, all burritos and tacos include a side of chips and salsa.  Another thoughtful aspect of their menu is the "miniritto"--a smaller-size portion for only $5.35!

Unfortunately, I have only been to Tulum once.  While my counterpart's impression is usually compatible with my own, this time he has referred to them as "weak."  That's the only quote I can obtain regarding why he refuses to return.  While it's not my favorite burrito in the Valley, I would definitely return to experience their synthesis of flavors and wholesome commodities.

Just over the bridge, Hello Burrito is a relatively new business promoting their commitment to fresh, non-fried, unprocessed and largely local products with an emphasis on burritos, quesadillas and soups.   Beyond the traditional "southwest" burrito, it features the fusion flare by having a variety of ethnic burritos represented on their menu including the mediterranean, thai and asian sesame.  While we haven't been there since it first opened, I remember enjoying the thai burrito.  My main suggestion is that they call themselves "Hello Wrap", which would seem to be a better representation of their product.  Their "burritos" (or wraps) come with a side of apple or bagged chips--a nice gesture, but to me screams "wrap" joint not "burrito" joint.  Rumor has it the owners also have a wrap business in Kutztown--so maybe that explains it.

The aesthetics are clean, bright, open and airy--though depending on your preference it may feel stark.  Hello Burrito does provide an enjoyable lunch spot with plenty of healthy options and has pleased many LV consumers.  Just think "wrap-burrito" fusion.

So, Who has your vote for Best Burrito in the Lehigh Valley?