The People's Kitchen

The People's Kitchen
639 Linden St.
Bethlehem,  PA

610-849-2080
Hours:M-F 6a-3p; Sat 7a-3p; Sun 8a-2p
Spoon Rate:
  
There is always room for another neighborhood breakfast joint in the Lehigh Valley, especially quaint Bethlehem.  I was eager to try The People's Kitchen after stumbling across an advertisement, and wonder how did I miss hearing about this place earlier since they have been open since October, 2014?! Located on active Linden Street, but off the beaten path of popular Main Street, this has the desired feel for a local spot to meet with friends and neighbors for breakfast or lunch.  Fighting off envy that it is not within walking distance to frequent more regularly, I enjoyed watching the camaraderie of its guests of all ages.

The environment is clean, fresh, with a hipster touch in its decor  (this may be their intended look since one of their menu items is the hipster bagel).  It has limited seating, giving the classic "hole-in-the-wall" feel that Evans' Eats prefers.  We visited for breakfast and enjoyed their classic menu, with a gourmet twist to some basic selections.  Menus uniquely and endearingly arrived on clipboards, displaying a variety of choices, along with some seasonal specials.  A chalkboard on the wall shared their current fresh bread selection: cinnamon bread and honey whole wheat with spiced cran-apple jelly.  This was difficult to overlook, but I settled on the quiche with roasted red peppers, spinach & gouda cheese with a hash brown crust ($7), giving this local hotspot a notch above your local diner.  Thankfully, my mom and I have similar tastes and she chose the other menu item calling my name, so we could share.  She received a shortstack of cranberry pancakes drizzled with cream cheese apple cider sauce.  The shortstack included 2 LARGE delicious pancakes.  Our only regret in ordering these two items is not having the opportunity to try the many other unique offerings:  Breakfast mac n' cheese ($7), BBQ shrimp & grits crepes ($9), & croissant french toast ($8) to name just a few. 

Lunch menu included some classic burgers, salads and sandwiches and intriguing options:  chicken & prosciutto croquettes with gouda dipping sauce ($8); crab bread ($10) and pulled pork flatbread with cheddar, roasted red pepper, spinach, & chipotle BBQ ($8).

Bethlehem can be proud for another business that is hip in atmosphere, classy in cuisine, and friendly in Lehigh-style.

Jesse's Barbecue & Local Market

Jesse's Barbecue & Local Market
98 N. County Line Road
(entrance: Chestnut St.)
Souderton, PA  18964
215-723-4600
Hours:  Sun & M: Closed
T-Th 11a-7p
F & Sat 11a-8p
Spoon Rate: 


We are always looking for a good BBQ spot in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond and were thankfully introduced to this intriguing place south of us.  A good sign is a hopeful statement for quality.  The rustic, yet clean modern exterior as you walk into this restaurant/market also add to the positive curiosity.  As we arrive to the entrance, the long, energetic line makes yet another statement about this quaint gem.  Besides viewing the daily specials, the long line gives us time to 1. hope they haven't yet run out of meat that is smoked on-site; 2. view local products (like raw honey, coffee, salad dressings) in their market area.  


The perfect menu item for our curious appetite was the BBQ sampler, including 3 ribs, 2 slices of brisket, 1 drumstick, & pulled pork ($18.50)  Accompanied by your choice of 2 sides (with classic offerings:  mac & cheese, coleslaw, cornbread muffin with honey butter, collard greens, or BBQ baked beans), it was a generous amount for 2 to share.  We also sampled a side of their wings.  As if there is not enough flavor in these delish meats, one of the highlights was their sampling of complimentary sauces for a diner's dipping pleasure.  Freshly brewed sweet tea was the ideal beverage for this satisfying, traditional BBQ meal.
One more highlight:  outdoor dining at picnic tables overlooking the meat smoker that made this meal possible.  The atmosphere is bustling with energy of families and friends enjoying their meal.  Indoor & outdoor seating are limited, but for those who find a spot, it's an enjoyable evening with a simple, but quality meal and setting.  Jesse's also offers take-out & catering.

 

Vassi's Drive-in

Vassi's Drive-in
1666 Main St.
Hellertown, PA 18055
610/838/1877
Hours: M-Sun 11a-9p
Evans' Eats Spoon Rate: 
 

 Summertime is ideal for simple, outdoor eating.  We started our season of alfresco dining by finally visiting Hellertown's historic, well-known and loved, Vassi's Drive-in.   Easily accessible to Route 78 and nearby the popular Saucon Rail Trail, Vassi's is a delightful stop for summer sojourners.  For "hole-in-the-wall" alfresco lovers, it has an attractive front which features a walk-up and order ice cream counter.
    

The menu offers a simple classic sampling of classic family-friendly favorites including burgers, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches and a variety of sides and appetizers.  We highly recommend their New York gyro ($8.65) as a flavorful, satisfying treat.  We also sampled the buffalo chicken cheesesteak ($6.70), a solid option, but it did not top their locally well-known gyro.

For those who are interested in a sweet ending, Vassi's offers soft and hard ice cream, sundaes, milk shakes and banana splits.  

Outdoor eating does provide a view of current roadwork, so it requires some flexibility.  An indoor dining room is also available for a more quiet experience.   This summer keep it outdoor, simple, family friendly and inexpensive.

 

  

Smokin' Bull Shack BBQ

Smokin' Bull Shack BBQ Truck
Inside Scoop Parking Lot
301 N. 3rd St (Route 309)
Coopersburg, PA  18036
Wed-Sun  11a-8p


It's the time of year to maximize outdoor dining.  The next few posts will feature some gems in the Lehigh Valley--that may be easily overlooked but are sure to provide enjoyable, family-friendly outdoor eating experiences.   I'm thrilled to begin by announcing a new resident to our very own hometown of Coopersburg.  Yesterday I did a surprised and please doubletake as I drove by our favorite ice cream spot, The Inside Scoop.   There was a food truck.  In our town.  And it featured BBQ.    I immediately contacted my husband and he confirmed he had also seen it.  I was thrilled.  Today was a beautiful day to stop by to try out our new neighbor.  

Having relatives who live in Texas, we've grown a strong appreciation for Texas BBQ and we are always watching and eager to find local BBQ restaurant, as seen from our previously featured BBQ month. With the trendy food truck phase in most urban settings, it is thrilling to see one find home in our small town.  An ideal location on busy Route 309, it can easily serve families and fans at the Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park during football or baseball season.  It is in close proximity to the Southern Lehigh Pool and it shares a parking lot with the famous, Inside Scoop, providing a perfect compliment before your sweet treat.  My hope is that this town will rise to the challenge, not only to show hospitality, but keep this food truck in business so it finds a permanent home.

The owners are from the Lehigh Valley, providing catering services and attending other local events.  Since they have only been open 2 days, their menu was simple.   Though the truck advertised poboys, which immediately piqued our interest, they were not yet being served.  The simple menu included a classic pulled pork sandwich ($7), jerk chicken roll ($6), a prime rib sandwich ($12), and hot dogs ($2.50).  Somehow we missed ribs ($12) on the menu, which gives us a definite need to return.  Sides included fries, nachos and an intriguing deep fried mac and cheese ($5). 
We settled on the pulled pork sandwich and jerk chicken roll.  Pulled pork sandwich had the undeniable smoky flavor, a sturdy and ideal roll and was topped with cole slaw. The jerk chicken roll was flavorful and also topped with slaw.  (It comes with a wasabi slaw--sounds amazing, but my cautious husband chose traditional slaw.  I recommend the wasabi slaw--Why not?  And I'm sure it had the feisty kick this sandwich was  missing.)
The truck is pristine and attractive, outdoor setting provides a peaceful eating environment and Texas BBQ in Coopersburg?  Out of a truck?  If either of these things sounds unappetizing or too far out of your comfort zone--take the challenge.  Get on the latest food trend and visit a food truck in our backyard.  And take a break from your traditional local lunch or dinner spot and enjoy some southern cuisine. 

Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant

Machu Picchu
1330 E. 4th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610/865/5838
Hours: M & T: Closed; W-Th 12p-7p; F 11a-8p; Sat & Sun 11a-10p
Spoons: 

Southside Bethlehem has an appealing variety of ethnic cuisine, including a family-friendly Peruvian restaurant in the heart of one of its neighborhoods.  To my knowledge, it's the only Peruvian restaurant in the region.  Having a wonderful experience at one in New York City with our Peruvian friend, we were curious to see what Machu Picchu brings to the LV & B.  

Though the atmosphere temperature was a little too cool for comfort on the cold evening we visited, the dining room is spacious, clean and ready for many local guests.

Although we didn't try the traditional Peruvian dish, ceviche, (a raw fish cured in citrus juices), we were eager to select from the appetizing traditional menu options.  We always appreciate the authenticity of a restaurant when the menu is primarily Spanish, with English Translation.  Of course I attempted to resurrect my rusty Spanish from high school education as I order.  The menu includes a variety of beef, chicken and fish ($6-$15, depending on portion size)  Entrees served a variety of sides, including rice, french fries, fried bananas or beans.  I ordered Pescado Frito Filete Arroz con Yuca ($10-fried fish fillet with rice and cassava).  The meal was simple, but delicious and comforting.  An accompanying housemade green sauce, that appeared to include oil, parsley and garlic, was a key addition for flavor.
My husband ordered pollo a la brasa con papas fritas y ensalada de lechuga ($9-chicken with french fries and salad).  His selection was flavorful, tender and generous in portion. 

As we dined, the tables slowly filled on an early Friday evening.  Some came in for take-out orders, while other groups of all ages, including families, joined us for dine-in service.  
Our meal ended with leftovers and a full satisfaction from South American hospitality and comfort cuisine.    

Our next visit will definitely bring a sampling of their ceviche and something from their dessert menu, like crema volteada (flan).

Winston's

619 N. 7th Street

Allentown, PA  18102

484-221-9682

Hours:  M-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-7p

Credit Card:  Accepted

Spoon Rate: 

Winston's brought us to a part of Allentown we might not normally visit or travel.  The online reviews were supportive that it was worth a visit.  To my knowledge, Winston (the personable owner), has a niche in the LV serving Jamaican or "West Indian & American" cuisine.   A no-frills ambience, reggae music playing in the background and authentic-looking, friendly employees greet you as you enter.  

We asked, "What's good here?  What do you recommend?"  He looked at us with confusion at our question and responded "ALL of it!"  His enthusiasm overshadowed his lack of assistance in understanding the simple menu.  Here it is: (see photo)  No paper menu.  No explanations...but the steady stream of customers, almost all getting take-out, all seemed to know exactly what to order.  We graciously accepted some free samples of the curry goat and oxtail.  He explained rice, beans, mixed vegetables and plantains come with every order (selections of fish, chicken or beef).  I like that.   Not to  mention, he guessed what I would order--jerk chicken ($8), a safe and standard option, for sure.  My husband ordered the curry goat ($10).   Now that we know the system--ordering would be a breeze.   

We dined in at one of the few tables--to get the full experience.  We enjoyed observing the friendly, neighborhood vibe.  The customers know a reasonable deal....as we were soon amazed by the portions.   The curry goat was tender--curry taste was not too overpowering.  Jerk chicken had a mild bite to it, but combined beautifully with the sides.  Definitely delicious, flavorful comfort food, with plenty of leftovers to take home. 

Our leftovers