Europa Restaurant & Barbecue
954 Pembrook Road
Freemansburg, PA  18017
610/814/6870
Hours:  T-Th 10a-9p; F-Sat 10a-10p; Sun 10a-7p
Spoon Rate:
 

 We stumbled upon this restaurant one evening.  While we were skeptical of the exterior (that reminded me of an American Legion Hall), the sign stating "churrasqueira" was intriguing.  It's always a good sign when you look in to see other customers.

Our choice to stay was affirmed by the extraordinary meal that we continue to talk about and recommend to others.  Serving a combination of Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, it is a family-friendly, modest-sized and decorated dining room.  While many chose take-out, its coziness gives it a homey feel as diners wait.  

Complimentary fresh Portuguese bread and black olives start off the meal.  We also shared a simple tossed salad ($6) for an appetizer.  The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, meats and fish.  We decided to choose from the barbecue options, which included chicken, shrimp, ribs, pork or steak and some combos.  We chose the chicken and ribs combo ($14) which came with a side of fries and the chicken and shrimp combo ($15), which came with a side of rice.  We also ordered a side of black beans for the full experience.

Each bite was bursting with seasoned flavor and left you fascinated by how they made such a simple meal so delectable. As you can see by the pictures, the portions were large enough for more than 2 meals.  

 A satisfying meal and quiet dining experience. 

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.  

 
      

  

"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! 

Pizza Month-Week #2: Ecco Domani

Ecco Domani

216 E. Fairmount St. & Route 309

(Giant Shopping Center)

Coopersburg, PA  18036

610-282-4589

Sun-Thur 11a-9p; Fri-Sat 11a-10p

Tucked into Giant Shopping center in small-town Cooperburg is arguably the best family-friendly italian restaurant in the LV & B.  With ample seating and friendly staff, it is satisfying many appetites in this Southern Lehigh community.  

Ideal for take-out orders or meeting with family or co-workers, one can choose from a variety of hot sandwiches (I strongly recommend their cheese steaks or chicken parm); salads (the tossed salad is a generous size, great for 2 as an appetizer), calzones/strombolis and traditional italian dishes.  Of course, dining in includes a greeting with their famous warm garlic knots!  Everything on the menu is a safe options due to their consistent excellence. 

 

Their pizzas are our favorite menu item--which by the way are far above "mediocre", an adjective I used to previously describe this region's quality of pizza. I tend to judge a pizza on its crust--and Ecco does it right!  Our favorite on the menu is Roma (their white pizza) with spinach and/or chicken.  At lunch, they offer a specialty slice, including this one pictured, barbecue chicken with blue cheese, as well as personal pizzas, such as the recommended Bianca eve (mozzarella, ricotta & garlic). 

Affectionately known around here as "Ecco", currently has Evans Eats' Vote for Best Pizza in LV & B.  Who has  your vote?

Asian Month #3: The Other Fish

The Other Fish

59 E. Broad St

Bethlehem, PA  18018

484-221-1370

Hours:  Tue-Thur 11:30a-2 p; 5p-10p

Fri 11:30a-2; 5 p-11 p  Sat 5 p-11 p

Closed Sun-Mon 

Bethlehem is stacked with Asian specialties...tucked away a few blocks from downtown is our all-time favorite sushi spot.  Its charm, relational service and most of all its top notch product give it a vote for "Evans Eats Overall Top 7 Faves."

I asked our server what makes their product distinct?  Besides having one of the only Japanese sushi chefs in the Lehigh Valley, he informed us they buy their fish fresh and whole, process it on the premises and use it fully in their dishes.  Their chef also pours time and love into the sushi rice whose ingredients enhance the flavors of a roll.

Keep in mind--The Other Fish makes the phrase "hole-in-the-wall" seem literal.  It is a cozy, narrow store-front with only one round table that seats parties of 4-6.  It is a great date spot as tables for 2 line the wall with fish string lights setting the mood or a prime spot at the bar to watch the chefs in action.  One sweet touch for friends and couples of all seasons are the boxes of  "Table Topics" at each table--providing conversation starters like "What view would you love from your kitchen window?"

The Japanese-focused  menu includes more than sushi, including various soups, salads and entrees.  We primarily focus on the rolls.  If you are skeptical of sushi, you should know that there are a variety of cautious options with cooked ingredients or fresh veggies.  Each individual should try sushi at least once in their life. Our recommendations?  You can't go wrong, but for those who desire direction on the vast menu:

Of the Traditional Rolls: 

Funky Monkey:  spicy tuna, shrimp & crab topped with tobiko

Spider: fried soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo

California: avocado, crab

Rainbow: layer of assorted fish and avocado on top of a California roll

Dancing Fish Favorite Rolls:

Bobby Knight:  Salmon & cucumber wrapped in avocado & lemon

Favorite Rolls:

Tropical Delight:  Asparagus & avocado topped with smoked salmon & mango

If you want to experience the finest of this fresh, creative, healthy cuisine--be sure to stop in at The Other Fish-tell them Evans Eats sent you.