Pizza Month-Week #2: Ecco Domani

Ecco Domani

216 E. Fairmount St. & Route 309

(Giant Shopping Center)

Coopersburg, PA  18036

610-282-4589

Sun-Thur 11a-9p; Fri-Sat 11a-10p

Tucked into Giant Shopping center in small-town Cooperburg is arguably the best family-friendly italian restaurant in the LV & B.  With ample seating and friendly staff, it is satisfying many appetites in this Southern Lehigh community.  

Ideal for take-out orders or meeting with family or co-workers, one can choose from a variety of hot sandwiches (I strongly recommend their cheese steaks or chicken parm); salads (the tossed salad is a generous size, great for 2 as an appetizer), calzones/strombolis and traditional italian dishes.  Of course, dining in includes a greeting with their famous warm garlic knots!  Everything on the menu is a safe options due to their consistent excellence. 

 

Their pizzas are our favorite menu item--which by the way are far above "mediocre", an adjective I used to previously describe this region's quality of pizza. I tend to judge a pizza on its crust--and Ecco does it right!  Our favorite on the menu is Roma (their white pizza) with spinach and/or chicken.  At lunch, they offer a specialty slice, including this one pictured, barbecue chicken with blue cheese, as well as personal pizzas, such as the recommended Bianca eve (mozzarella, ricotta & garlic). 

Affectionately known around here as "Ecco", currently has Evans Eats' Vote for Best Pizza in LV & B.  Who has  your vote?

Pizza Month-Week #1: Pronto's Pizza

Pronto Pizza

40 S. Main St.

Coopersburg, PA  18036

610-282-1696

Let's be honest.  It's hard to find good pizza in the Lehigh Valley.  Especially if you've been spoiled by living in New York City--no one does pizza like the Italians.  I know many people appreciate a slice from the average local pizza shop, but throughout my childhood, even prior to being exposed to the real deal, I found myself just tolerating it.  

Although there is much to be thankful for about the Lehigh Valley Region, coming back and looking for a decent slice (which I prefer a thick, hearty crust--not too crispy but definitely not too flimsy) was an exception.  However, we discovered a gem within walking distance from our home.  

The small borough of Coopersburg is stacked with pizza shops, including "Pronto's", a local favorite.  While there is nothing distinct about their regular pizza, I highly recommend their sicilian pizza.  Sicilian pizza is a thick rectangular pizza, slices come in a square.  While you pay more ($18/pie), it goes a long way, serving 12 generous slices.  

Pronto's may have our vote for all-time best Sicilian we have experienced.  What makes it distinct is the thick layer of cheese served under a large dollop of their red marinara sauce, with a sweet edge to it.  We look forward to opportunities to share this pizza with friends and are quick to recommend it to area newcomers.

Deli Month-Week #4: Black Forest Deli

Black Forest Deli

745 Union Blvd & 7th Ave.

Bethlehem, PA  

610-865-3036

M-F 8-4; Sat-Sun 8-2

Looking for the best Russian food in the LV & B?  Have you heard of Black Forest Deli?  
While it has an unassuming exterior and ambience,  it's serving quality lunches for this West Bethlehem neighborhood.  Bustling with customers of all ages, we received some tips from a man in front of us. 

Borsch

He informed us we "had to try the Borsch"--a traditional Russian soup including beets & cabbage.  He must have read my hesitant expression--telling me "I may think of hating beets as a kid...but really, you won't even know it's beets...good to the last drop."  He was right.  I thoroughly enjoyed the wholesome goodness, wanting to know the secret ingredients besides recognizable dill as a key flavorful herb.

"to die for" macaroni salad

He went on to tell us we must try the macaroni salad--"to die for...it's cracked pepper zing makes you want more..."  Again, he was spot on.  My friend, Kayla enjoyed a side of mac salad with her Italian hoagie from the sandwich menu--generously stuffed with meat for a reasonable $5. 

He also informed me that they occasionally offer a 5-course Russian dinner with the tantalizing Russian menu offerings.  We enjoyed a large plate of pierogies stuffed with sauerkraut and potatoes.  Wow.  Definitely beats the frozen ones we used to make when I was a kid.  

Where else can you find some authentic Russian food made fresh?  However, Black Forest Deli offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis, wraps & salads to serve every palate.

And it's not too far from previously reviewed, Vegan Treats, so we enjoyably ended our luncheon with these beauties...