Ice Cream Month: oWowCow Creamery

oWowCow Creamery

4105 Durham Road

Ottsville, PA. 

610-847-7070

	Hours Mon-Sun 12-9 PM

Ice cream: a hallmark of a summer night; a celebratory delicacy that seems to unite, relax, and envigor its consumer.  It’s also something that reveals personality—as far as preference….and there is most likely more than we realize that goes into your preferred ice cream spot and flavor choice. 

OWowCow….is it for everyone?   Thought I stumble to adequately convey a description, I’ll seek to tell you some of its distinctions and you make your decision.

For one who is willing to make a scenic country drive on a summer night with the windows down, conversation stirring or tunes jamming visit OWowCow’s rural Bucks County location.  Located not too far from Palisades High School, Lake Nochamixon State Park or on the scenic route home from a night out in Doylestown, you’ll join many locals of all ages. 

For one who is adventurous in their flavor choice, you will be overwhelmed with options.  Good thing they offer samples in order to savor their blended flavors of locally sourced, organic ingredients…to make totally unique combinations that I have not seen elsewhere including:  Fudge amaretto swirl, chai cream, grapefruit with chocolate covered lemon peel (AMAZING!); sweet honey cream, going bananas, lemon ginger, honey lavender, rum raisin, caramel cashew, strawberry rhubarb, chocolate jalapeno….just to whet your appetite.  Their facebook page will give you a few more options.  For those of you who like routine, be prepared for the rotating flavors, often based on what is in season.  For those of you who like it simple, they’ll provide your basics—but not without a twist: they have 3 different forms of vanilla! 

If you, like my husband, consider yourself an ice cream connoisseur, you’ll notice the difference with their ice cream made on location in small batches.  The texture is repeatedly described as “creamy” and “the best around” in several reviews.  If you are lactose intolerant or prefer an ice cream alternative, they offer a variety of sorbet flavors.

If you support “buying local,” you’ll enjoy the support they offer local farmers, as well as businesses, including their coffee and ice cream toppings such as organic granola, sun butter (like almond or peanut butter, but made with sunflower seeds).  Honey and other local baked goods are also for sale.

If you enjoy eating outside in a country setting, pleasant and well-trained young staff,  and complimentary water, you should try oWowCow.

If you want a price of a 1950’s dairy stand, oWowCow is not for you.  You are paying for the experience of eating fresh, local, and at times organic ingredients in a creative, excellent product served in an earthy, yet modern way that only Bucks County can do.  Prices:  Kids $2.36; Small $3.11 and medium $4.68. Bring cash--I don't think they accept credit cards.

Will I return?  While this isn’t the spot I’ll hit out of convenience in the Lehigh Valley, OWowCow rivals my favorite local ice cream joint. I like it more each time I go. Thanks to my brother, Nate & “brother-in-law”, Wes, who were the first to recommend it to us.

Breakfast Month #5--Billy's Downtown Diner

Billy’s Downtown Diner-“Not Your Ordinary Diner”

10 E. Broad St.

Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-867-0105

Hours: Daily, 7 AM-3PM

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul makes a short but profound statement to Timothy, with the implication to give thanks for food because it’s a gift of God given for our enjoyment.  As I scanned the vastly innovative menu at Billy’s, this verse came to mind.  God has so graciously created food to be diverse, colorful, and tastefully combined in such a way that food can and should cause us to worship Him. After all, He is the source.  Did Billy know he’d inspire such an effect?

The features for Evans Eats’ Breakfast month were in place until 2 trusted individuals, my brother Nate and friend Mark, recommended Bethlehem’s well-known eatery.   It was a place I had not visited.   I must confess, diners are not my preference so I proceeded with teachable caution.  When I perused the website’s menu, I knew their slogan “not your ordinary diner” was trustworthy.  The best description of my meal was “an eating event.”

A wall full of local awards advertises its success

Let “Billy” speak for himself as he shares the history and vision for the business her purchased in 2000.    While you are there, notice their daily breakfast specials. 

I was so tempted by the Baklava French toast, one of the many items on their breakfast and lunch menu that reveals their Greek emphasis.  Instead, I went for another unique offering--

Gia’s breakfast treat:  Pita pocket stuffed with a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, crunchy granola,

sliced fresh strawberries and bananas drizzled with honey ($6.29)

 In addition, my friend Courtney ordered Berry Krunch French toast: Three slices of French bread dipped in our own egg mixture crusted with crunchygranola drizzled with homemade brown sugar glaze. Topped with dried cranberries and fresh strawberries. Crowned with whipped cream and cinnamon ($8.29)

Both proved to be unique, but genius combinations of flavoring and texture, not to mention appetite-satisfying.  The menu was full of sweet and savory items for any sized appetite. 

The atmosphere had the comfortable and almost cozy feel of a vintage diner car. It did not take long for every table and booth to be filled, many who appeared to be neighborhood locals.  The service was fast and friendly.  Coffee was average—what you’d expect from an “ordinary diner.”

Will I return?  On occasion—remember it is an “event,” including the “not your ordinary diner” prices—so it won’t be a regular treat. However, there are many other menu items that are waiting to be experienced. Consider these:

Tonga Toast:  Sourdough bread dipped in our own French toast mix and topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and walnuts.  Draped with low fat vanilla yogurt and dusted with cinnamon ($7.99)

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast Sandwich:  This great sandwich is made with

eggs blended with spinach and basil pesto, sliced ham, melted mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes on a grilled ciabatta ($6.59)

Lil' Havana Omelet:  Slow roasted pulled pork in authentic Cuban seasonings with grilled ham, Swiss and Pepper jack cheese wrapped by three fluffy eggs and topped with diced tomatoes ($8.99)

I’ll be back. 

  

Breakfast Month #4--Piccadelly Cafe

Piccadelly Café

3610 Route 378

Bethlehem, PA  18015

610-868-5455

What role does friendly service play in a dining experience?  It’s a subtle yet valuable aspect that contributes to the satisfied, positive feeling after a good meal out.  Piccadelly Café encompasses that.  In fact, they’ve had my vote for “most friendly service” 2 years in a row for Morning Call’s Reader’s Choice Awards.  The women who run the business take such ownership of hospitality and customized care, giving you the impression that they are serving you in their own home.

Piccadelly Café may not look attractive from the exterior.  In fact, it is easily overlooked in its strip mall  location at the intersection of Route 378 and Black River Road.  Yet it is daily filled with dozens of regulars, coming in for take-out, a pre-work breakfast, or a lunch break with co-workers.  They’ll remember your face and peg you with a “usual” order.

Feta & Spinach Omelet

Breakfast menu includes the standard, along with these recommended highlights:

• Feta & Spinach Omelet, side of potatoes and toast

• Walnut Encrusted Croissant French Toast, topped with strawberries

Yogurt Parfait

• And my personal favorite:  the yogurt parfait—combo of lowfat vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit chopped with love, topped with granola…this surprisingly filling dish will be sure to include in season fresh fruit, at times from their own orchard!  In fact, at times it has a subtle minced mint that enhances its flavor.

Keep in mind, these women aim to please and will be sure to honors special requests.  Its 7:00 AM openin g is a highlight of this café, a convenient and quiet location for an early breakfast date.

For coffee lovers, be sure to try Saigon Cinnamon—one of the most enjoyable flavored coffees I have had. 

Piccadelly is open for breakfast and lunch, but closed on Mondays.  Besides the delicious breakfast menu, it offers delicious salads and sandwiches—sure to please male and female!  Sandwiches can even be ordered as a pressed panini.  A personal lunchtime favorite is their housemade quiches, served with your choice of salad or fruit.  Their selection of desserts will be sure to entice you after any meal…don’t pass up the pumpkin cheesecake offered in the fall!

Will I return?  Definitely—this happens to be a regular place that I meet friends for a breakfast or lunch date. 

Breakfast Month #3: Jumbars

Jumbars

Bethlehem, PA

610-866-1660

My only regret related to Jumbars, is not visiting sooner.  When Evans Eats’ began breakfast month reviews, I was reminded by 2 dear friends of my need to include Jumbars, what I have come to believe may be one of the best kept secrets in the Lehigh Valley.  While I spoke so highly of Blue Sky Café and remain loyal to that review, this overall experience is quite a rival. The beautiful weather enticed outdoor seating, but the cozy indoor environment is too good to   pass up for a first time guest.  

Every table was filled in the inconspicuous house with a small sign—adding to the thrill of the best-kept secret.   The crowd included all ages and both genders—a good sign for appealing to all.  Solo parties could be seen reading a book or magazine while enjoying a cup of delicious fair trade and organic coffee or a fresh house made baked good with one of their variety of flavored hot or iced teas.  Some groups were spotted pairing up after running into each other there…the treasure of a well-done local spot: encouraging community!  Beyond the crowd, so many small touches enhanced the overall comfortable and enjoyable feeling—from the colorful vintage fiestaware, to the sturdy farmhouse water glasses, to the bar overlooking the display of baked goods, to the shelves of book for perusing pleasure.  

It's a privilege to have my friend and guest blogger, Meghan share her perspective in yellow:  

One of life’s simple pleasures, a gift from God, is a slow Saturday morning. A morning without a to-do list, tedious errands, and numerous events. This past Saturday I had one special engagement, with mentor and a friend. A smile exploded on to my face, Friday night, when I was invited, the next morning, to brunch with Heather Evans.
Nestled outside historic Bethlehem, Jumbars is a small brick home which possesses a character and a style all its own. The delight of the dining room is only complimented further by Jumbars homemade entrees, pies, and breads.
Stepping through the restaurant’s front door, the room held the warmth of my Grandmother’s own kitchen. After seating ourselves, Heather and I, eyes wide, scanned the yellow and green walls posted with today’s gourmet specialties. The quaint, but colorful dining room held you like an old friend. The springtime sun flooded the room and conversations swirled through the air. Friendliness seemed to reach out from the walls. I was too busy smiling to set eyes on the menu.
When the waitress came up to us, for the third time, I figured I better order something. How can you choose between an Asparagus, Mushroom and Provolone Quiche or a Pork Roll Sandwich with farmer’s cheese on a toasted house-made english muffin? As much as I’d like to say I ordered both, I chose the pork roll sandwich and a shared a side of colorful fresh fruit. 

 

(I, Heather, enjoyed customizing an omelette, accompanied by daily fresh house-made bread and potatoes, but could not pass up the fresh fruit cup, especially since they support local produce.   

The unique feature that melted my heart was the selection of their jams—again house made—I was sure to try 4 different kinds: blueberry, orange marmalade, peach, and strawberry-rhubarb!  Bread loaves and jars of jam can be taken home, along with the wide assortment of baked goods.  The gourmet lunch menu looked enticing with a variety  of unique salads and sandwiches,  Their breakfast menu is simple, classic, yet thoughtful.) 

 

Jumbars prides it’s cafe on a sense of community and “fresh, hand-crafted cuisine.” What you see is what you get, and my there is so much to see. Tables around you are filled with fluffy hot-cakes, an assortment of omelets, decadent pie slices, soups and salads. Light, fresh smells glide into the air off of warm plates. Bright and vibrant colors assure a crisp, unprocessed meal. There is beauty in the simplicity and ease in the atmosphere.
After another a cup of coffee and a few more minutes of positive conversation, I encourage you to grab a brochure before you leave to uncover the name, the women, behind the gem that is Jumbars.

Will I return? Without a doubt!  I wish it were closer—as this has and will be a deterrent—but I am looking forward to sharing this with some other breakfast lovers!

Open for Breakfast and Lunch, closed on Mondays

Breakfast Month #2: Morgan's Restaurant

Morgan’s local flavor

3079 Willow Street
Allentown, PA 18104
(610) 769-4100

I can only remark about the breakfast experience at Morgan’s, but consider it a highlight of the Lehigh Valley when it comes to a warm atmosphere combined with an excellent menu.  For me, an eatery is noteworthy when the mutual effort of aesthetics and creative eating conspicuously greet you and remain throughout your dining experience.  From the moment you pull into the parking lot, you will observe historic and stately charm, including the dining room’s exposed wood beams and stone.  If you are fortunate, you will be seated  by their fireplace—perfect for a winter morning.

The menu changes regularly to include featured specials.  One can join their mailing list to receive these in advance. On our last visit, our party enjoyed:

Zucchini Frittata with "health bread" toast

Chicken Fajita Omelet

• Chicken Fajita Omelet—which earned approval for the “fluffy” eggs, just as described in the menu 
• Zucchini Frittata, a nice alternative to an omelette, combined with "cottage fries" and hearty "health bread" toast.  (Don’t you respect the toast that has some depth to it?)    
• Pumpkin Spice Waffle, topped cinnamon butter-outstanding!                                          

Pumpkin Spice Waffle with cinnamon butter

 We resisted our temptation to order the specialty French toast stuffed with chocolate, coconut and too much sweetness for 8:00 in the morning. Unfortunately, we enjoyed our meals so much there was no room for "dessert!"

Along with the quality food, the service was “quick, friendly and not rushed.”  Coffee inevitably accompanied this breakfast—bold yet not too strong for the conservative Lehigh Valley folks, served in a “Morgan’s” mug.

If you are looking for a special occasion meal, try Morgan’s.  Their capacity is an advantage, sure to fit a family gathering or a party of friends. 

Will I return?  Occasionally-saving it for a special occasion breakfast date.

Breakfast Month #1--Blue Sky Cafe

Blue Sky Café

22 W. 4^th Street

Bethlehem, PA

610-867-9390

Breakfast: What may be the most underrated meal of the day proves to be my favorite.  So where are the local hotspots to enjoy breakfast?  While the “Coop D” or other local diners are typically the first place many consider, this month will give you a few more options.  It is with great pleasure, that I introduce you to Blue Sky Café, which happens to be in “Evans Eats overall Top 5 faves.”

While you’ll be sure to enjoy their lunch menu, I have found this to be the Best breakfast in the LV & B.  What makes this South Bethlehem such a hot spot?  The crowds, including local Lehigh University students, faculty and families, speak volumes of the food quality, efficient service and ideal ambience.  One diner said it well by commenting on the good vibe of the crowd and the atmosphere mirroring a New York Upper West side café.

Sweet Potato Quesadilla

 

Sure to have something for any preference, it provides your standard breakfast items with an ideal gourmet flare—using creative and artistic combination of flavors and products.  I’ve been there several times, but I’ve returned more than once to a house special:  sweet potato quesadilla, topped with scrambled eggs, black beans, salsa, and a side of sour cream.  Before you scoff, challenge your rigidity and trust their adventurous judgment—a hugely satisfying meal, bursting with creative flavor. 

Steel City Omelette

Homefries are “real” potatoes cut with love, not a frozen shredded product, and the toast is heartier than your usual diner bread.  Omelettes and frittatas offer a variety of cheeses such as asiago and fontina—consistently pushing you to broaden your horizon.  The coffee is a notch above your standard coffee.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with a Blueberry compote syrup

For the sweeter breakfast, I recommend their French toast, specifically the banana bourbon is topped with sliced bananas and a rich caramel glaze—but this caramel is legit—not from a Smuckers squeeze bottle!  One member of our recent breakfast party claims the lemon ricotta pancakes drizzled with a blueberry syrup, “did not disappoint.  The blueberry was sweet but not overpowering”-a subtle touch to the tart lemon.

Sausage Frittata

Another of our party stated he was “on the fence” with his overall satisfaction.  “Although I loved its pesto highlights, the sausage frittata let me wanting more…”  In spite of this honest review, If you are looking for a ‘trendy, small, brunch and family place”—attempt Blue Sky.

Blue Sky hours:

Tuesday - Thursday: 7am-3pm
Friday - Saturday: 7am-5pm
Sundays: 7am-2pm

Steaks & Sandwich Month Week #5

Cheesesteak Louie’s

1207 Chew Street

Allentown, PA 18102

610-432-8411

On the hunt for a quality cheese steak in the Lehigh Valley, I was eager to try Cheesesteak Louie’s.  The owner, Louie Belletieri, is well-known in the area for his Italian restaurant currently in Allentown (near Emmaus).  The site of his newly opened hub, was the previous location for his Italian restaurant, which has a family history.  I figured an Italian couldn’t go wrong with a good cheese steak.

Large cheesesteak

House favorite: tomato gorgonzola steak

We were not disappointed.  He describes his steaks as “Lehigh Valley Style”—which affirmed my previous observation that there is a distinction between a Philly and Lehigh Valley cheese steak!  I appreciate the reasonable prices ($4.49-7.49), the generous portions of the 2 sizes (regular/large), and the creative twists on this classic sandwich.  The most imaginative on the menu include: pepperoni cheese steak, tomato gorgonzola steak (termed the house favorite), scampi style steak and spinach ali oil cheesesteak.  Louie has earned my respect with his gourmet-flare! 

The menu includes some Italian specialty sandwiches (unfortunately, I didn’t see chicken parm), burgers, subs, wings, and salads. I enjoyed “Louie’s famous tossed salad” with my cheese steak, which included the house vinaigrette & gorgonzola cheese.

The new establishment was conspicuously swarming with newcomers as well as regulars who were confidently and quickly placing their usual order.  Service was serious and efficient, atmosphere full of seating but slightly stark.  Zandy’s atmosphere & Louie’s steaks would be an ideal combo.

If you are looking for an Allentown adventure, visiting Cheesesteak Louie’s is worth it. 

Large Buffalo Cheesesteak

Would I return?  Yes--especially since my husband said 2 times in the last 2 days: "When are we going back to Louie's?"  His heart was won.

Credit Cards accepted; Closed Sundays.