"Eat Fresh Eat Local" Month-Week #4: Cafe' Santosha

Cafe' Santosha

7150 Hamilton Blvd.

Trexlertown, PA  18087

610-366-1711

Hours: M-F 9:30-2:30

 

Hidden in a strip mall health food store (with quite a vast selection), is a treasure self-proclaimed as "the only organic cafe' in the Lehigh Valley."  Opening over a year ago, the store owner's daughter now is pumping out wholesome goodness.  While we were told their main specialty is their lunch, I was captivated by the scrumptious breakfast and consistent values. 

First of all, every detail of their store purposefully promotes organic, sustainable nutrition & living.  From the display of silverware, cloth napkins, vintage plates and mugs, to the selection of organic teas and coffees, accompanied by natural sweeteners like stevia and organic honey.  Not to mention the coconut milk creamer, a thoughtful touch that will win over any vegan, organic or lactose-intolerant diner.  They promise to "carefully select local farms & vendors to offer the highest quality organic, veg, hormone-free meats & dairy products."

I ordered a delicious yogurt parfait, with my choice of Greek yogurt sweetened by agave, artistically topped with homemade granola, raspberries, sliced bananas and a hint of mint.  Thankfully I saved room for the recommended almond scones, straight out of the oven...a conversation-stopping, tastiest scone I have ever experienced.  Again, my heart was warmed by the considerate and authentic options of strawberry, apricot, orange or raspberry jam.  

I enjoyed every aspect of our quiet, delicious breakfast but I was definitely compelled to make a return trip for lunch as I viewed the menu, especially the soup of the day:  sweet potato with coconut and red quinoa.  Vegan & gluten-free options are available on most itmes upon request.  A variety of summer specials are offered:  the cobb salad, summer bruschetta trio, summer panini and raw zucchini-pasta bowl.

As well as their "create your own sandwich menu" where the customer chooses a protein, spread cheese, vegetable and bread.  Just when this sounds routine, consider some of their choices---a wide selection of vegetarian proteins such as "soy boy caribbean or smoked tofu, baked fresh tofu with homemade marinade, sunshine or garden burgers, Tofurkey slices, etc.  Spreads include safflower mayo, garlic and herb mayo, stoneground mustard, dijon mustard and a special sauce (grapeseed oil veganaise & stoneground mustard.)  Peruse more of their menu on facebook but consider the bread options: sprouted 7-grain; artisanal seeded multi-grain; whole-wheat wrap, olive roll, croissant or gluten-free bread.

Just when you didn't think it was possible to maintain your organic diet while dining in the Lehigh Valley, Cafe' Santosha brings an encouraging and hopeful encounter.  Also, catch them at Bethlehem's Vegfest on September 8, 2012

"Eat Fresh, Eat Local Month"--Week #3: The Honey Underground

photo: compliments of facebook

The Honey Underground
1153 Gravel Pike
Hereford, PA  18056
484-330-6405 

I rarely review a restaurant prior to personal experience---but I've made an exception because of time constraints and the wonderful things I have heard about "Chef Wendy."  Known for her previous Emmaus-based business, Balasia, she now serves a "Seasonal Supper Club" on select Fridays and Saturdays 5p-10p in Hereford.  Their food is also available at

• the seasonal Emmaus Farmers Market (Sundays 9a-2p)
• Steelstacks' Farmers Market in Bethlehem on Thursdays (3p-7p) & 
• 2 local health stores: Frey's in Hellertown and Green Earth in Emmaus  

Her cuisine deserves its own reservation on this month's "Eat Fresh, Eat Local" theme on Evans Eats because of her commitment to serving “beyond organic, locally grown goods directly from the farmers to the community."   The vegans and vegetarians of the LV & B are not the only ones who enjoy her delectable creations. 

Here is the review of a good friend who values fresh, organic, wholesome eating: 

I have been eating Chef Wendy's amazing vegan cuisine for almost five years.  My husband and I first went to her restaurant in Emmaus called "Balasia."  From the staff, to the ambiance to the food everything was just perfect.  We feasted on the spicy peanut soup, and curry-yaki tofu and moist chocolate and peanut butter brownies.  Now, it has become a favored tradition of mine that every Valentines's Day and Mother's Day, my husband has Wendy deliver family-size portions of her salad, soup, and of course, my favorite baked curry-yaki tofu to our home.  The tofu platter is full of rice, mixed greens dahl, fennel, cumin and mustard seed crusted tofu and and incredibly flavorful red curry sauce.  If you like to try new flavors, dine on distinctive food and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating, you MUST try the honey underground.  

 I look forward to an opportunity to sample and support the Honey Underground & will definitely provide a follow-up report.

"Eat Fresh-Eat Local" Month-Week #2: the Stache Natural Foods

the Stache Natural Foods: "Gluten free personal chef, catering & weekly dinner service"

tori@thestachenaturalfoods.com

Owner of the Stache Natural Foods, may be young in age, but she is mature beyond her years in her ambition, wisdom & entrepeneurship.  High school student, Tori Cuce' began her business summer 2010 at the Plumsteadville Grange Farmers Market.  She provided a variety of flavorful, creative and tasty dishes with an emphasis on her mission and philosophy:  "100% gluten free...organic locally sourced and sustainable produce whenever possible."   Through the Stache's influence, my diet and appreciation expanded to enjoy the satisfaction of wholesome eating.  

The Stache Natural Foods is also known in the Lehigh Valley by its presence at the Emmaus Farmers market 2010.  However, it is now serving dinner orders through delivery to Lehigh & Bucks County.  

For loyal customers on its email listserv, The Stache will send out a weekly email with the menu.  Not only will the selections be tantalizing, it will also provide you with the nutritional health benefits of each product.  The Stache's chef works in conjunction with holistic health counselor, Eileen Cuce', who values the power of "healing foods."

Beyond being friendly for those with a specific diet (ie.gluten free, raw, vegan, organic), anyone would benefit from the flavorful, wholesome goodness of the Stache--delivery included!!  Check out their website to sign up for menu emails.

Here is a sampling of this past week's menu:

Dinner service for Friday, July 7th: Organic black bean, brown rice and sweet potato tacos with all the classic fixins! Includes side containers of: guacamole, organic cheddar cheese, salsa fresca and tofu sour cream (tacos are vegan with any toppings except cheddar cheese)

                                     Family size: $75   Individual: $20

Health benefits of this meal: Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6, dietary fiber, protein, and gamma-oryzanol (SMILE- a mineral that stimulates the release of endorphins!)
 

Black beans are like magic beans-they aid the digestive tract, the blood sugar regulatory system and the cardiovascular system. A serving of black beans also contains as much protein as a serving of meat and more protein than a serving of fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy products, nuts and seeds, or seafood. And a bonus, black beans also contain fiber, which makes the protein more digestable! The protein in common animal products is prominent, but difficult to digest without the fiber it naturally doesn't contain.
 

Sweet potatoes are an excellent anti-inflamitory source of antioxidants, beta carotene, fibrinogen (required for successful blood clotting) and when passing through our digestive tract, they may be able to lower the potential health risk posed by heavy metals and oxygen radicals.
 

Not to mention the monounsaturated fat of the avocados in the guacamole, which is the kind that has been proven to lower cholesterol levels.

The Stache also offers a variety of weekly dips (available in 16 or 32 oz. containers):

• Any flavor of hummus (please ask for list of original flavors
• Fresh, preservative-free guacamole (so much fresher than that processed, premade grocery store excuse for guacamole!)
• Mediterranean baba ganouj
• The Stache signature pistachio pesto
• The Stache signature sundried tomato pesto (as featured in the famous breakfast sandwiches at last year's Emmaus Farmer's market)