"Who knew?" Month-Week #3: Prince Palace Dumpling House

Prince Palace Dumpling House

5000 Bath Pike (Route 512)

Bethlehem, PA  18017

610-419-8199

Hours: Mon-Sat 11a-9:30 p; Sun 11a-9:30 p

When I first read some online reviews, this sounded too good to be true—a dumpling house that rivals Manhattan’s Chinatown?  On Bath Pike in Bethlehem? 

Prince Palace is literally a hidden treasure—a spacious restaurant sitting far off the road can be easily overlooked.  However, if you are looking for authentic Asian cuisine, family-friendly, with hospitable staff and unbeatable prices—consider this treasure discovered.

The menu inspires ordering an assortment of dumplings, “steamed juicy buns,” egg rolls and more due to the inexpensive prices.  Dumplings (including our recommendations: shrimp boiled; chicken and napa cabbage boiled; curry chicken boiled) range from $3.50-4.75 for 8!  Steamed crab and pork juicy buns were bursting with flavor $3.95-7.25 for 6.   A bowl of chicken corn soup ($1.75) was tasty but heavy. 

We took our friends back for a second trip and enjoyed exploring more of the menu.  This time our meal ended with a sweet Asian dessert.  We also ventured into their beverages including coconut milk tea and bubble tea. ($2-2.75)  Prince Palace is ideal for large parties and take-out.  For a home gathering, you can purchase frozen dumplings (50 for $15-22.00).   

An all-around delicious meal and enjoyable place to eat! 

"Who Knew?" Month--Week #2: Creamery on Main

Creamery on Main
332 Main St.
Emmaus, PA 18049
610/928/1500
Hours:  M-Sun 10a-10p 
  
Another unexpected surprise...Downtown Emmaus' relatively new ice cream spot serves some of the best burgers in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.  I was skeptical when my brother, his wife and 2 of his kids repeatedly and individually told us they served the best burgers...Last Spring when Groupon was featuring a special, we decided to see for ourselves...proving there was no exaggeration.

A highlight of this quaint business is its draw to local families--most likely due to the casual, inviting atmosphere, reasonable prices and delicious, generously-sized food.  What makes the burgers so great?  First of all, a wide selection is listed on a wall menu--creative names and creative concoctions.

Consider the Doogie Howser (topped with bacon, guacamole, swiss, & mayo),  
The Wesley Works (topped with pierogies & blue cheese), 
or I Hate Cowboys (topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.)  Not sure how to describe the rolls--but they really are clutch in making their burgers superior.

They serve salads, wraps and a variety of other sandwiches including turkey and veggie burgers). 2 of the most intriguing include: The Hawaii 5-0 (Grilled Chicken with teriyaki sauce, pineapple and cheddar) or The Elvis (Grilled PB & J or Banana).  Burgers and sandwich average a fair-priced $5.75.  Fries are served a la carte--but come in a large portion to share.  Both the regular or sweet potato fries are recommended.

Creamery on Main offers fair trade coffee from One Village Coffee, and if I am not mistaken, ice cream comes from local business, Longacres Dairy.  As their slogan claims: "We are more than just ice cream," Creamery on Main has kept their word.  Who knew?