Round 2 of Mexican Spots-Week #1: Cactus Blue

Cactus Blue
2915 Schoenersville Rd.
Bethlehem, PA  18017
610-814-3000
Hours: M-Th 11a-9p; F-Sat 11a-10p 
Reservations Suggested

Writing these blogposts is an encouraging reminder that the Lehigh Valley truly does have an increasingly wide variety of cuisine offerings for those who are willing to take the time to step out of the box and look for it.  One evidence of this is this month's second round of featured Mexican Restaurants.  Since our first round of reviews, we have been able to enjoy some others worth sharing. 

Cactus Blue has often been mentioned to us.  We had two previous attempts of going but each time there has been a long wait (They suggest reservation on their website!)  Last night we hit it early enough that we were seated.  It was a perfect opportunity to support Bethlehem's Restaurant Week and determine why it's so popular.


We both have agreed that it must be the aesthetics and not the authentic cuisine that have added to the hype.  The food was decent but didn't leave me with the impression that I was walking into an authentic Mexican kitchen.  Of course, the service may have added to our impression that Cactus Blue was overrated.  Our server was definitely fast-working, but so fast that he failed to listen to our correct drink and food orders.  


One of us chose the 3 course restaurant week feature for $20 so we enjoyed an appetizer and dessert with our entrees.  After our guac and the complimentary salsa fresca, generous portions of our entrees' supplied us with an extra meal of leftovers of our fish tacos and chicken mole (was supposed to be enchiladas de mole but I figured I had my share of tortillas with our appetizers so I didn't send it back).   I enjoyed the mole sauce, a mexican tradition with a touch of cocoa to add to its rich, dark, dense coloring and flavor.  The side of black beans and rice were a fitting touch--but again did not ring true compared to us other spots in the area that I look forward to sharing with you in future weeks.

             We chose the chocolate bread pudding which came with the Restaurant week feature.  Delicious ending. 

What is your favorite Mexican Restaurant in the LV & B and what makes you choose it?  We value authenticity over aesthetics but would love to hear the opinions of others.

Mexican Month-Week #4: Mexico Lindo

Mexico Lindo
720 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-691-5141
Hours:  M-Th, Sun 11 am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm


Away from the hype of downtown Main Street, is an inconspicuous dining opportunity that receives Evans Eats LV & B award for "Most authentic Mexican kitchen experience."   A relatively small dining area in a renovated home is combined with a family-owned and operated feel.  While the service was on the slow side, it allowed for a quiet evening of conversation and the hot, fresh meal displayed the time, effort and love of a Mexican mother.

Their menu reflects a traditional and thorough cuisine.  Our meals were satisfying, generous portions full of flavor and spice.  This restaurant is for those who value authenticity over ambience.

Mexican Month/Week #3: Fiesta Habanero

Fiesta Habanero

500 West Broad Street

Quakertown, PA  18951

215-538-2228

This post brings both sad and hopeful news. Sad news:  Previously reviewed, Empanadas Argentinas has closed.  We are disappointed to say good-bye to those pockets of goodness.  Good news:  Fiesta Habanero, a pleasing new business to downtown Quakertown, has taken its place.

 

Within weeks of opening, the husband and wife duo are hard at work pumping out a reasonable and tasteful sampling of Mexico's finest.  You can't beat a Chorizo taco for $1.75, served on a corn tortilla with cilantro, onion and salsa on the side, or a Tamale with red or

green sauce for $1.50 each.  

Menu includes a full selection of burritos ($5.95), flautas ($6.75), quesadillas ($3.50), including a vegetable or intriguing squash flower.  
  
My husband enjoyed the enchiladas with green sauce accompanied by rice and beans ($8.95) while I stumbled upon a grilled chicken torta ($5.95), a mexican sandwich served with beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and jalapenos.

Served fresh with caring service, we enjoyed every bite.  Not everyone's idea of a Friday night out, but we thoroughly enjoyed ordering at their walk-up window and informal seating on a warm spring evening.  Welcome, Fiesta Habanero--we wish you a successful business and look forward to a return visit!

Mexican Month-Week #2: Fiesta Ole'

the original Emmaus locati

Fiesta Ole'

3 Lehigh Valley Locations:

1116 Chestnut St. Emmaus, PA 18049  610-966-5522

1808 Macarthur Rd. Whitehall, PA  18052  484-664-7109

2955 Linden St.  Bethlehem, PA  18017  610-625-4554

Fiesta Ole' offers the most spacious, family-friendly Mexican Restaurant in the LV & B.  Although it has now opened 3 locations and has an expansive menu, it does not lose the authenticity of a modest ethnic kitchen.  With reasonable prices and selections for all-size appetites and preferences, it is a safe option for the less-than-adventurous diners.

Complimentary chips & salsa will curb your appetite as you decide on your entree.  

Some recommendations include:

• Burrito Fiesta Ole'

• Chicken or Steak Fajitas

• Spinach Quesadilla

• Combination Lunch & Dinner which enables you to have a sampling of Mexican traditions including  tacos, chalupas, enchiladas, tamales, or chile rellenos. 

Rumor has it a mariachi band occasionally entertains an evening crowd.  While we have yet to experience this, we've enjoyed sharing this spot with friends while observing families and large parties celebrating over a shared meal.

And...there just happens to be a current Groupon available this week.

Mexican Month Week #1: La Lupita

Taqueria La Lupita

4 W. 4th St.

Bethlehem, PA  18015

610-868-5733

When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, La Lupita has become one of our favorite spots to share with others.  Though they have renovated in recent years, the concrete floors, color scheme, and wall hangings still give an atmosphere that matches its genuine menu.  It includes familiar dishes such as a burrito, fajitas and a taco salad. 

However, it has introduced me to some of my favorite picks:

Sopes:  3 fresh made tortillas with blackbeans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and meat. ($7.50 for a platter that includes rice)

Huarache

Huarache:  Large thick corn tortilla fresh made with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, green sauce, and your choice of meat. ($7.50)

Garnachas:  3 flat tortillas topped with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and cheese. ($7.50)

Choice of meat for all dishes includes:  chicken (pollo), Spicy Chicken (tinga), pork (carnitas), roast pork (pierna), Mexican sausage (chorizo), beef tongue (lengua), fried beef (suadero), steak (bistek). Sorry--can't speak to the beef tongue.

Fajitas

Burrito

Other recommended menu items include:

Tamal:  Corn meal stuffed with chicken wrapped in banana leaf and red sauce on top. ($2/each!)

Mexican Flag: presented as a mexican flag, this includes a sampling of their enchiladas and sauces.

Their reasonable menu offers vegetarian options and affordable selections to mix and match a $2 taco, $2.50 empanada or tostada and more.  Of course, delicious tortillas and salsa welcome you at each visit.

Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

Whether you are a local Lehigh University student or want to spend a day shopping in Bethlehem, service is reliable, efficient and friendly.   

Evans Eats Lehigh Valley & Beyond: Best of 2011

A Year In Review:

We've reflected on our blogposts so far. I've never liked the decisive mandate of choosing a "best of" or "favorite".  However, I'll take a risk to provide a brief summary of this year's monthly categories for our readers.  If you have your own vote, we'd love to receive your comments. 

Best Mediterranean:   Soumaya & Sons
Best Gyro:  Theo's Gyros
Best Cheese Steak:  Steak & Hoagie Factory
Best Breakfast:  Blue Sky Cafe'
Best Ice Cream:  The Inside Scoop
Best Summer Stop:  Limeport Inn
Best Burger:  Goody'z
Best Coffee:  Brig O' Doon Coffee House
Best Burrito:  Cali Burrito 
Best Bakery:  Vegan Treats
Best Bagel:   Three Men & a Bagel

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2012!

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?

Burrito Battle Month #3: Cali Burrito

Cali Burrito
3104 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610.351.1791
Hours:  Mon-Wed 11-8; Thurs-Sat 11-9; Sun 11-7

This week’s review not only introduces you to the winner of Burrito Battle Month—but possibly the winner of Evans Eats overall favorite eateries in the LV & B.  We discovered this spot soon after its opening through an article in Coupon Clipper.  My husband, as usual, was skeptical, but willing to join me in the adventure.  I was intrigued by the story of 2 Lehigh Valley-bred gents returning to this area after 10 years living in California.  They had a vision and mission to bring a Cali-style burrito joint to this area.   

Good sign #1:  They have lived elsewhere & have been exposed to other cultures.  Good sign #2:  The Lehigh Valley has a lot to learn from the dozens of taco/burrito joints along the bike paths of LA beaches. 

Upon first external appearance, it only added to my husband’s anxious doubts, but as soon as we entered, we were put at ease.  There is remarkable success in the California vibe they have brought to the serene, reserved culture of the valley.  It has the relaxing effect of a warm, sunny day and whets the appetite as if you just returned from a morning of surfing.

The crowds have only grown in the last few years and it’s                            easy to tell why…They provide a fresh, healthy, consistent product…served quickly from a friendly, “chill” staff, who add to the experience.  Keep in mind, this is not a Mexican burrito—it’s a California-style burrito…using fresh products with a Mexican flare.   The customized opportunities are endless…not only can you create-your-own burrito, you can choose from one of several –and add your own “hook-ups”:  cilantro, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, crushed chips, pickles, cabbage, or cheese. 

For the health-conscious, brown rice and whole-wheat tortillas can be substituted.  The vegan and vegetarians will enjoy 3 of my favorites:  

The Humboldt (smoked tofu, black beans, brown rice, sour cream & cheese) The Cambria (grilled veggies, black beans, brown rice, guacamole & cheese) & The Nepenthe (falafel, rice, black beans, pickles, tahini sauce).  

The classics include:   

The Big Sur (steak, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)    

The Old Monterey(chicken, black beans, rice, cheese and quacamole)    

The El Dorado (pork, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)   

The Mendocino (ground beef, pinto beans, 

                                                         rice, cheese and pico de gallo)  

I personally always check their featured “Burrito of the Week” which is usually a popular creative concoction.  Breakfast burritos are served all day and for the non-burrito lovers, enjoy their quesadilla and tacos.  Are you one who cannot decide between hard and soft-shell?  Cali-burrito has solved the dilemma but using both—a soft shell covers a stuffed hard shell.   I recommend The San Diego (deep fried fish and shredded cabbage).

 

Besides the cool atmosphere & delicious burritos, their best features are the house-made tortilla chips that come with every taco and burrito order, combined with their salsa bar (featuring amazing salsa of the week, salsa verde, mild and hot.)—This definitely puts Cali Burrito above the other option of the LV & B. 

Cali Burrito attracts a hip crowd of all ages, enjoying a meal after working out, grabbing take-out for the wife and kids, or providing a setting for a book-club discussion.  Enter the piece of Cali brought to PA.

Will we return? Definitely—it’s one of our favorite places to introduce friends & family.

Burrito Battle Month #2: Burrito Grille

Burrito Grille
4791 W. Tilghman Street
(Kmart Shopping Plaza)
Allentown, PA  18104
(610) 336-0333
Hours:  Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm

Another unassuming Lehigh Valley shopping plaza provides a burrito that holds its own in this month's Burrito Battle.  A simple menu and a friendly young staff are eager to help you customize your burrito, taco or salad. 
Similar to the "Chipotle-style" mentioned in last week's entry, it guides you through the ordering process:  Choose your meat (steak, ground beef, shredded beef, chicken, shrimp or fish--also offering vegetarian),
and then add your toppings--including cilantro-lime rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, sour cream and a few salsas.  They also offer BBQ or buffalo sauce and guacamole. 
Chips and salsa or queso can be ordered separate.  Promoting a family-friendly environment, they offer a kids' menu and "lite" menu for the smaller appetites. 
My favorite feature besides the high table and chairs was the delicious mahi-mahi burrito. If I returned, I'd love to try a BBQ shrimp burrito...a slant on the traditional burrito but delicious, flavorful options.  My husband ordered a classic-the chicken burrito with the works-cheese, sour cream, black beans, guacamole, etc.
A solid product and a clean, bright environment encourage a return to Burrito Grille, an easy-to-miss Tilghman St. Shopping Plaza find.

Burrito Battle Month #1

Burrito Works

818 W. Hamilton St.

Allentown, PA 18101

484-223-3805

This month will focus on local eateries that emphasize a single product:  the burrito.  Did you know the Lehigh Valley is encouraging a burrito battle?  Readers, who gets your vote?

We'll start by telling you about a new addition to Allentown’s Brew Works, proving to be a solid lunch spot for downtown Allentown.  They claim to serve all-natural, local, sustainable, organic meats and produce.  When I sought to confirm this detail, I didn’t receive too much information other than a certainty that the salsas were made with fresh produce.

Burrito Works’ concept is similar to the chain, Chipotle (closest location-Montgomeryville).  It simplifies the order process into 3 steps:

1.       Choose a burrito, burrito bowl, tacos, quesadilla or salad

2.       Choose chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian

3.       Choose rice, beans, cheese & salsa

In spite of this straight-forward menu, it includes ideal selections for each option…I recommend the corn salsa. If you like it spicy, try pineapple habanero or pico el diablo. 

Other stand-out features of their burrito:

• To remain true to its name, the meets and beans are marinated in different brews of beer, providing a distinct flavor.

• You watch them make it, thus encouraging consumer customization.

• They mix the ingredients, putting it into a warm tortilla—each bite will burst with the various elements.

• For those who need some assistance in creating their burrito, they offer signature burritos. I went for the vegetarian offering, “On the Green”, which included brown rice, black lager beans, pinto ale beans, salsa verde, sautéed vegetables, guacamole.

• The price is right at $6.95

• For a flare from the traditional burrito, they offer pizzapatas—a grilled flatbread with “mexi-italian toppings.”  Sound strange? Another example of the American liberty of fusion meals.

Burrito works is bright but slightly stark in ambiance, limited seating, and unfortunately offers bagged chips instead of tortilla chips. 

Would I return?  Probably not, unless I had a lunch meeting or jury duty in Center City, Allentown.  However, if you want to join the local BURRITO BATTLE, include this in your adventure.