"Eat Fresh, Eat Local" Month-Week #1: Horns

Horns

123 W. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA

610-867-5818

T-Sat 11 a-10p; (Breakfast-Sat. only 8a-2p) Closed Sundays

There is an abundance of tasty food in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.   However, there is a growing population who is thoughtfully concerned about the quality and origin of what they consume.  This includes an emphasis on organic, hormone-free, locally grown products.  This month will feature a few of those up-and-coming treasures that will not exclude the health and environment-conscious eaters.

Opening early Fall, 2011, Bethlehem has gained a unique dining experience....the aesthetics quaintly combine rustic farmhouse/refined French cafe with the lighting, dark wood features and indoor classy picnic tables.  I didn't know a picnic table could be classy till visiting this casual/fine-dining duet!

Their mission is clearly communicated on their walls, menu and in their food creations:  Made in-house using only the freshest ingredients, striving to use local and organic products as much as possible.  A chalk board displays their source from local farms and businesses.  Their menu states all poultry and meat are all natural and injection free and bacon and hot dogs are nitrate-free.

From the charming reusable silver tins that carry your food,  the recycled paper napkins & menus, to the real silverware, they are consistent with their earth-friendly values.

Their menu so endearingly combines a home-cooking comfort food with gourmet flare. I enjoyed one of their vegetarian options, the house veggie burger ($10), made with gluten free falafel topped with cucumber salad and tzatziki sauce, served on a brioche roll (gluten-free rolls offered upon request).  This came with a side of vinegar-based, house-made Asian slaw.  Deliciously flavorful meal!!  I had a hard time choosing between their freshly-brewed lavender mint tea or basil lemonade, served in large mason jars!  Refreshingly fantastic!  My husband enjoyed the Frenchy, ($12) a charboiled burger topped with ham & melted brie.  A generous portion of fresh cut sweet potato fries ($6) made a wonderful side.  

The remainder of the menu, including breakfast and desserts, sound enticing.  On a second visit, I thoroughly enjoyed a cup of

"single brew pour-over coffee," from a NC roastery, they slow brew the freshly ground coffee by hand before your eyes so you enjoy a smooth, rich personalized cup.  To my knowledge, the only business in the

our neighbor's italian roasted pork sandwich

LV & B that offers this delicacy.

At Horns you spend a little more than your local fast food joint, but you are supporting a business that values fresh, local, earth-friendly eating...a great investment!  For the vegan and gluten-free,there are many options.

Pizza Month-Week #4: Martellucci's Pizzeria

Martellucci's Pizzeria
1419 Easton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA
610-865-2013
Hours:  M 4-9p; T-Th 11a-9p; F 11a-10p; Sat 3p-10p; Sun 4p-9p

This "third generation owned and operated" Italian restaurant creates a pizza pie that leaves a lasting impression and should go on our list of eateries to frequent more often.  My brother and his wife introduced us several years ago during their time of living in a quaintly quiet Bethlehem neighborhood.  Their rave reviews of this charming spot with remarkable pizza proved to be true.  

I recall sweet sauce with a thin, crispy crust and hospitable owners, who know how to captivate a following of regular customers.  The warm interior feels like home, which adds to the overall family-friendly dining experience.  A great pie, an atmosphere promoting quality conversation and a reasonable price.  Though they offer a few pizzas, their traditional pizza pie is sufficiently tasty.  The menu is stacked with traditional Italian fare, though we'll have to return to sample their sauce and meatballs.

 

Pizza Month-Week #3: Giovanni's

Giovanni's

224 Route 309 (Kohl's Shopping Center)

Quakertown, PA

215/538/2120

Hours:  Mon-Sat 10:30a-10p; Sun 11a-10p

 Ideal timing to be introduced to a gem of a pizza place in Quakertown.  Our Quakertown-resident friends recommended one of their favorite spots to frequent, claiming "Giovanni's deserves praise!"   

A quaintly-designed interior has ample seating for casual dining.  Greeted by friendly staff, we perused the extensive menu.  Since Evans Eats is featuring zza month that simplified a decision that would have been difficult....the menu has a large variety of salads, sandwiches, calzones and strombolis--everything looked and sounded delish.  We settled on a tossed salad and a large pizza topped with roasted red peppers and chicken.  One more local restaurant is proving that excellent pizza is possible in the LV & B.  Giovanni's definitely deserves a return visit to sample more of the menu.