Holiday Reunion Month-Week #3: Molinari's

Molinari's 
322 E. Third St.
Bethlehem, PA  
610-625-9222
Hours:  M-W 5-9 p; Th-Sat 5-10 p
Price Range:  $12-27/entree

Just over a year old, I have only been to Molinari's one time, but it has left a lasting impression.  I recall a cold, wintry night and the cozy atmosphere that facilitated dinner conversation and delicious cuisine for dates, birthday celebrations and other gatherings on Bethlehem's Southside.  Just another Italian restaurant in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond?  I think not.  Molinari's has set itself apart with its modern aesthetics, simple but complete menu, hospitable staff and a niche restaurant between your local pizza joint and the overpriced upscale Italian dining options.  

We received some fresh, delicious flatbread, seasoned with rosemary.  For our entrees, we settled on Funghi Al Forno pizza (roasted mushrooms, porcini and tomato ragu, smoked mozzarella and oregano, $14) and Pine Nut Crusted Salmon (Braised Liberty Gardens Swiss Chard, ceci beans, and melted leeks, $24).  Memorable and impressive meals that reflect their value of fine products, including some local produce.

For a more comprehensive review with a personal background of the owners and chef, check out Lehigh Valley Style's article.   Honoring Molinari's with the 2012 Favorite New Restaurant Award is just one blessing of return for the values that undergird their business.  From this article I learned that 2% of their receipts to orphanages in Haiti and Zambia.  Even more incentive to consider this spot for a date night in 2013.

Holiday Reunion Month #2-Diana's Cafe

Diana's Cafe
4907 Route 309
Center Valley, PA  18034
610-797-2525
Hours: M-Sat. 7a-3p

I have distinct memories of a spontaneous breakfast outing with a college friend on the morn of Christmas eve several years ago.  Our chosen spot was Diana's Cafe.   If you are local to Center Valley, I would highly recommend it, not just for a solid selection to take your incoming holiday guests, but an overall reputable option for a business or personal meeting.  

Egg White Greek Omelet

With reasonable prices and a menu that is a cut above diner food, it provides a private and cozy dining atmosphere, especially on the porch.  I enjoy a cup of their flavored coffee (though they also thoughtfully offer french press coffee) with a create-your-own omelet with some of the best whole grain toast you might find at a restaurant.   My other standard is their steel-cut oatmeal, with a selection of various toppings including blueberries, fresh apples, cinnamon, walnuts, etc.  Another popular breakfast item is eggs florentine.  

They always offer a large variety of intriguing daily specials.  For lunch, I usually enjoy their soup selection.  Their autumn bisque and crab bisque are memorable, and can be accompanied by a side salad or sandwich.  With taste of a home-prepared  meal, you can't go wrong: salads, burgers, sandwiches and even a quiche special accompanied by soup and salad.
  
   

Holiday Reunion Month-Feature #1: Sweet Memories

Sweet Memories
180 Main St. Emmaus, PA  18049
Hours:  T-Th 10a-5p; F-Sat 10a-5p; Sun 10a-6:30p



"The Holidays."  It's that time of year where
friends and family return to town and are increasingly intentional to reunite, reconnect and reminisce.  Where are your favorite spots to meet an old friend?  

Sweet Memories in Emmaus is my long-time favorite to meet a girl friend for a special lunch.  Walking up the sidewalk of busy downtown Emmaus, the anticipation increases when greeted by the whimsical landscaping and outdoor trinkets.  Stepping indoors is an equally intriguing atmosphere.  Amidst numerous gift items are plenty of small tables.  Each table is welcomed by an individual chalk board menu.  The large room holds many small parties and includes the menu on a chalk board wall.  

The menu is ample and diverse with many healthy, lite fare items.  My preference is the "pick 2"--I look forward to one of the delicious soups (like pumpkin mushroom wild rice) and salads (baby spinach with apples, walnuts and a poppyseed dressing).  Of course it must be accompanied by one of their many hot or cold teas....the selection is a tea lover's dream!   The warm atmosphere, hospitality and tasty foods give you a feeling of home.

Finally, the homemade dessert selection is enticing.  Save room to end the meal. 

Because of its popularity, reservations are recommended if not necessary.  This local gem is sure to make any gathering with a friend an extra special outing.  

 
      

  

"Who knew?" Month-Week #3: Prince Palace Dumpling House

Prince Palace Dumpling House

5000 Bath Pike (Route 512)

Bethlehem, PA  18017

610-419-8199

Hours: Mon-Sat 11a-9:30 p; Sun 11a-9:30 p

When I first read some online reviews, this sounded too good to be true—a dumpling house that rivals Manhattan’s Chinatown?  On Bath Pike in Bethlehem? 

Prince Palace is literally a hidden treasure—a spacious restaurant sitting far off the road can be easily overlooked.  However, if you are looking for authentic Asian cuisine, family-friendly, with hospitable staff and unbeatable prices—consider this treasure discovered.

The menu inspires ordering an assortment of dumplings, “steamed juicy buns,” egg rolls and more due to the inexpensive prices.  Dumplings (including our recommendations: shrimp boiled; chicken and napa cabbage boiled; curry chicken boiled) range from $3.50-4.75 for 8!  Steamed crab and pork juicy buns were bursting with flavor $3.95-7.25 for 6.   A bowl of chicken corn soup ($1.75) was tasty but heavy. 

We took our friends back for a second trip and enjoyed exploring more of the menu.  This time our meal ended with a sweet Asian dessert.  We also ventured into their beverages including coconut milk tea and bubble tea. ($2-2.75)  Prince Palace is ideal for large parties and take-out.  For a home gathering, you can purchase frozen dumplings (50 for $15-22.00).   

An all-around delicious meal and enjoyable place to eat! 

"Who Knew?" Month--Week #2: Creamery on Main

Creamery on Main
332 Main St.
Emmaus, PA 18049
610/928/1500
Hours:  M-Sun 10a-10p 
  
Another unexpected surprise...Downtown Emmaus' relatively new ice cream spot serves some of the best burgers in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.  I was skeptical when my brother, his wife and 2 of his kids repeatedly and individually told us they served the best burgers...Last Spring when Groupon was featuring a special, we decided to see for ourselves...proving there was no exaggeration.

A highlight of this quaint business is its draw to local families--most likely due to the casual, inviting atmosphere, reasonable prices and delicious, generously-sized food.  What makes the burgers so great?  First of all, a wide selection is listed on a wall menu--creative names and creative concoctions.

Consider the Doogie Howser (topped with bacon, guacamole, swiss, & mayo),  
The Wesley Works (topped with pierogies & blue cheese), 
or I Hate Cowboys (topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.)  Not sure how to describe the rolls--but they really are clutch in making their burgers superior.

They serve salads, wraps and a variety of other sandwiches including turkey and veggie burgers). 2 of the most intriguing include: The Hawaii 5-0 (Grilled Chicken with teriyaki sauce, pineapple and cheddar) or The Elvis (Grilled PB & J or Banana).  Burgers and sandwich average a fair-priced $5.75.  Fries are served a la carte--but come in a large portion to share.  Both the regular or sweet potato fries are recommended.

Creamery on Main offers fair trade coffee from One Village Coffee, and if I am not mistaken, ice cream comes from local business, Longacres Dairy.  As their slogan claims: "We are more than just ice cream," Creamery on Main has kept their word.  Who knew? 

 

"Who Knew?" Month-Week #1: Rascals Cheesesteaks

Rascals Cheesesteaks
1350 MacArthur Rd
Whitehall, PA  18052
(610) 774-9600
Hours: M-Sat 7a-8p; Sun 9a-5p

A cheese steak shop in a Home Depot?  Who knew? Sometimes the greatest gems are in the most inconspicuous locations.  For more than 5 years, Rascals has been serving up hands-down the best cheese steaks in the Lehigh Valley to contractors and home repair customers--and thankfully our friends have introduced us.  

A completely take-out restaurant with only 3 stools, they have the most diverse cheese steak menu with reasonable prices ($4.99/small; $7.99/large).  Their gourmet selection includes Indian, Thai, Jamaican jerk, Creole, Greek and more.  

Their sturdy, generous rolls surpass the standard.  Not to mention, the passionate, quick service in a clean, classy set-up puts customers at ease. (Home Depot must have hooked them up with some great tiling that really enhances the aesthetics!)

We look forward to a return to sample more of the flavorful menu.  Which one next?

Jamaican Jerk

Spicy BBQ