Seven Star Cafe'

Seven Star Cafe'
13 S. Main S,
Coopersburg, PA  18036
484/858/0690
Hours:   Wed-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 10a-8p
Spoon Rates:  

We love living in Coopersburg, but we are often envious of other local downtowns, like Bethlehem, Emmaus & Easton, offering much more of a commercial district of shops and restaurants.  So, we are happy to support the businesses that intermittently appear on Main Street, with its charming potential.  A new option, Seven Star Cafe' is a solid, quiet alternative to the well-known Coopersburg Diner.

Located in a historic landmark, the Barron House, Seven Star Cafe' is serving lunch & dinner, with brunch also offered on Sundays.  Indoor dining includes entertainment on the weekend.  We chose outdoor seating, maximizing this beautiful weather.  The take-out orders were steady as we enjoyed our meal.

The menu contains a variety of creative yet classic sandwiches and salads.  Our party started with one of several appetizer options, the "Macho Nachos", ($6) a generous pile tortilla chips topped with cheddar cheese, taco beef & onion.  We had a variety of selections for our entrees including the delectable 7 Star Salad ($7.95), mixed greens with thin sliced grilled marinated steak, tomatoes, red onion, bleu cheese & pepperoncini , with red wine vinaigrette
The crispy roast beef sandwich ($6.25, topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, fried onion rings & horseradish mayo), had a vote of approval.  I chose one of their daily specials, a scallop poboy--a rare menu option in the Lehigh Valley.  

Decent prices, a flare of gourmet, and a quiet setting.  Ice cream for dessert is conveniently next door at Good Earth.  We hope the locals will support Seven Star Cafe' and grow our downtown metropolis! 

Additional note: After publishing this post, we received this informative reply from the owner.  We wanted to share this valuable information that enhances the value of this restaurant:  

Thanks for the review...We would like to add to it......Many don't know this but we offer lot's of organic choice's. Our chicken is always organic along with our salad mix....We also try to get our produce such as, tomatoes, spring mix, potatoes, onions, kale, pea shoots and anything else we can find in season from local farms that do not use pesticides. Our meats are the best and highest quality. We use Black Angus for our hand made burgers and also for our steak sandwiches! We offer gluten free bread at your request. Since your visit ... We now have home baked fruit and cream cheese filled yummy muffins and desserts available everyday.

We would like to invite you to come in on a Friday evening where specials such as home made (wild caught) crab cakes or other fish choices, 12oz Rib Eye steaks or maybe a chicken pot pie with puff pastry crust perhaps Chicken Saltimbocca....Homemade Lobster wonton sautéed with shrimp in a béchamel sauce.....Butternut squash lasagna or a great homemade soup...... lot's of delicious choices!

Bon Appetit!
 

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.  

 
      

  

Destination Month-Week #3: Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, rightly famous for its deliciously comforting soft pretzels and cheese steaks, has becomingly increasingly known for its brunch spots.  Many of the hip, up-and-coming neighborhoods' restaurants are part of a growing competition for where the locals will frequent each weekend.  True to the character of the city of Brotherly Love, each of these is earth, art, vegan/vegetarian-friendly.  Here are a few I've enjoyed:

Honey's Sit 'n Eat
800 N. 4th St.
Hours: M-Th 7a-8p; F & Sat 7a-9p; Sun 7a-5p
(note: Cash only restaurant)

Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, there is a perpetual out-the-door line during brunch hours.  Honeys' offers a casual down-home, country farm environment in the middle of Northern Liberties.  Committed to using local ingredients whenever possible including the free-range eggs, produce & bacon, it has a wide menu whose highlights include:

Enfrijoladas ($9-Two flour tortillas filled with scrambled eggs & beans, topped with salsa verde, black bean puree, sour cream, queso fresco, red onions, radishes and mixed micro green salad
Add Chorizo, Veggie sausage, Breakfast meat or substitute tofu for an additional charge)

Savory Tofu Scramble ($9-Green peppers, onions and tomatoes, served with hand-cut fries)
 
Whole Wheat Pancakes ($9-Filled with granola and berries, with maple syrup)

All eggs come with choice of cheese & onion potato latke, homefries or grits, & hearty bread selection:  buttered challah, country white, wheat, rye, corn muffin or biscuit)

Coffee is bold & delicious--and an outstanding feature is their fresh-squeezed orange juice--squeezed in sight behind the counter.  Certainly a fun vibe and tough-to-beat meal at Honeys'.


Sabrina's Cafe
3 locations:  Italian Market-910 Christian St. 
Hours: T-Th 8a-9p, F-Sat 8a-10p, Sun-M 8a-4p

 

Fairmount/Art Museum Area-1804 Callowhill St Hours: T-Sat 8a-10p; Sun & M 8a-4p

University City Drexel Campus:  227 N 34th St Hours: T-Th 8a-9m; F-Sat 8a-10; Sun & M 8a-4p

University City location

Visiting the Italian Market location, provided a quiet brunch spot with quaint outdoor seating.  University City offers the college campus vibe in a historic, picturesque building.  I especially enjoyed sitting in a room with large windows and generous natural lighting.  

Coffee was vibrant and delicious.  Menu highlights include:

Tofu Scamble

Tofu Scramble: ($7.89 spiced tofu, sauteed onions, shallots, garlic, peppers, spinach and mushrooms, with a side of Philly famous LeBus Multigrain bread and fresh fruit.

Egg white primavera Frittata:  ($9.99 made with assorted vegetables)

Stuffed french toast specials

Green Eggs Cafe



3 locations
N. Liberties: 719 N.2nd St
S. Philly: 1306 Dickinson St.
Midtown Village: 212 S. 13th St.
Hours: 8a-4p daily
cash only

Speaking only for the Northern Liberties location, I thoroughly enjoyed the hip, urban, open-air atmosphere.  Friendly staff serve high quality, delicious food.  Green Eggs has an earth-friendly philosophy--including recycling all paper products, glass, plastic and aluminum and composting all food and organic waste.  From their website I learned the grow herbs & spices in-house on a rooftop garden! 

Delicious coffee accompanies a superior menu with these recommendations:  

Veggie Benedict:  ($9-Portobello mushrooms, sauteed spinach and roasted peppers on toasted brioche rounds topped with two poached eggs and a rich hollandaise sauce  (all eggs served with an excellent choice of signature or rosemary potatoes)

 
Stuffed French Toast ($10-Brioche slices stuffed with fresh berries, ricotta cheese topped with Chantilly cream, fresh berry compote, and blackberry coulis) 

Quinoa Porridge ($6-Agave nectar, cinnamon, cardamom, golden raisins, and cream topped with fresh berries and fresh berry compote, vegan option available)

Granola ($6-Artisan made mixed berry or coffee chocolate chip granola with fresh fruit, sweet berry compote and greek yogurt)

If you have another favorite Philly brunch spot, include a comment with your suggestion! 

 

Destination Month/Week #2: Newport, Rhode Island

Last summer was our first time visiting Newport, RI for our 10 year anniversary celebration get-away.  We were hooked.  A perfect combination of quaint New England/beach town, offering great places to stay, walk, relax and eat.  Here are a few of our highlights that we can easily recommend from our 2 visits:

First of all, if you are traveling from the Lehigh Valley, we encourage strategic road trip meals.  We stumbled upon Sea View Snack Bar
145 Greenmanville Ave Mystic, CT
 in Mystic, CT last year.  Directly off the exit from Route 95, a scenic outdoor view with casual seating and full menu, including New England seafood.  We had our first lobster roll experience.  It was worth the $15/roll.  Perfectly toasted roll, and lightly dressed and seasoned lobster contribute to this delicacy that brought us back on the return home.

In Newport, Le Maison de Coco 28 Bellevue Ave Newport RI

became one of our favorite stops for a mid-morning refresher after the cliff walk.  We have yet to experience their french-influenced menu including quiches, salads, scones and tarts, which include a variety of local products.  In addition, they only use organic sugars and flours, and dairy

products made from sustainable farming practices (pesticide-free; no growth hormones).   You can view their website to learn more of the owner and chef's on-site french training. 

We enjoy the quaint environment, friendly staff and iced drinks. They have my vote for the best iced coffee--
I was privileged to learn the secret-they blend their iced drinks, giving it a smooth texture with a froth.  Another winning touch is their offering of natural sweeteners including stevia and agave syrup.  We sampled a delicious gluten free cookie and one of their specialties, "tea-infused chocolates."   If you are visiting Newport, it's a necessary stop.     

Lunch recommendation:
Flo's Clam Shack  
4 Wave Ave  Middletown, RI 02842

We were again privileged to stumble upon this gem.  Truly a New England clam shack experience. The lines proved 2 things: the service takes their time & the crowds keep coming back.  Overlooking the beach, there is ample outdoor deck fresh seafood dining.  Whether going for lunch or dinner, be prepared to take your time, but definitely worth the wait.

Dinner Recommendations:

 
Best view/Fresh New England Seafood experience:  Aquidneck Lobster Co. Bowens Wharf 
The entrance has the feel of

salmon

walking into a fisherman's wharf, viewing their freshly-caught lobster.  It opens up to a large bar, indoor dining and deck overlooking the

calamari & caesar salad

water.  


Beautiful view and delicious food with a casual atmosphere. 

Family-friendly/cost-effective: 

The Fifth Element    111 Broadway    On the less "touristy" side of town is a young "bar meets grill" restaurant.  Generous seating, friendly service and a hip atmosphere accompanied our order:  a Boston Bibb salad and their "pizza of the moment"-a white pizza with fresh oregano, zucchini and tomatoes.  Delicious!

Fine Dining: 

22 Bowen's     22 Bowen's Wharf Bar & Grille - Bowen's Wharf      With ample indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water, the food selections will be just as exquisite as the view.  Well known for its steaks, we were satisfied with a generous-portioned salad and appetizer for our meal. 

  

Ice cream: To watch the sunset over Bannister's Wharf, visit New England-based,  Ben & Jerry's.   For a Newport classic, visit Kilwins 262 Thames Street, located in the center of town across from the wharfs, offering a variety of unique flavors.