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.

 

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. 

Frites
Lehigh Valley Mall
823 Lehigh Lifestyle Center
Whitehall, PA
484/442/0580
Hours:  Mall hours



Spoon Rate:

The Lehigh Valley can now experience fries on a whole new level.  Local natives have brought an international delicacy to our local mall to totally enhance your next shopping meal or snack..   I had the privilege of sitting and dining with CEO, Richard Scott and his son, William, to learn the history of this recently-opened business, their passion for excellence, flavor and unique eating.  

Richard Scott ended his career in corporate America in May, 2013.  Looking for a change, he joined William, Penn State finance graduate, in this new endeavor.  Richard, born in England, had the opportunity to travel many places as a young boy, exposing him to the diverse expression of food around the globe.  At age 11, he lived in Brussels, Belgium and was exposed to one of their delicacies, pommes frites, meaning "apple of the earth."  Found in "street food" stands, pommes frites was served in cones with a side of mayo. 


Scotts' vision was to have a fast, casual eatery committed to local, fresh products.  While emphasizing the french fry, they wanted it to be distinct, accompanied by the entire dining experience.  Frites (pronounced Freets) seeks to offer us an authentic cultural experience, yet in a setting and delivery that appeals to American taste.  I respect this philosophy and it does not take long to recognize they have achieved their initial purpose.  Greeted by friendly, helpful staff and a clean, bright, modern surroundings, the atmosphere mirrors their personal commitment to excellence.   

A behind-the-scenes tour impressively revealed there is "nothing frozen" and "nothing from a can."  In fact, they removed the freezer upon obtaining this prime location at the Lehigh Valley Mall.   What is the secret ingredient that makes these fries extraordinary?  The time and care committed to each fresh USA Russet potato.  I learned that "sugar is the enemy of frying." The process of washing, cutting the ends, evenly slicing and rinsing the potatoes removes excess starch that could lead to burning.  Preparation of these potatoes is a 16-24 hour process.  This gives a whole new meaning to the expression "made with love!"  After soaking overnight, there is a two-stage frying process.  Cook, blanch, drain, and cook again.  Fries are made to order and served at room temperature.  After fried to perfection, they are placed in a "Frites tosser", imported from Europe.  The holes on the bottom of this special creation allow them to be tossed with delicious sea salt and maximum grease removed.  Quality ingredients, these fries are also gluten free, and vegan/vegetarian-friendly.

If you are not yet convinced that these fries are worthwhile and memorable, let's review the menu.  One can receive the traditional cone of frites (small, large or double, ($4.99-8.99), with your choice of 1 dipping sauce, or 2 dipping sauces for the double order.  I recommend taking a friend and ordering the double so you can try 2 of their 17 dipping sauces.  Also made fresh on location, each sauce is bursting with flavor and creativity.  Only one of their options is not housemade, the frite sauce, imported from Holland.   While hard to narrow down a favorite, curry ketchup and pow pow (a thai sauce) were my preferences.  Garlic parmesan and ranch are  two more traditional sauces for the less adventurous palate.    

Frites again achieves superiority with their meal options, a Bowl or Frita.  The Bowl ($6.49-8.99) combines fries topped with fresh toppings.  We sampled the Mexicano ($6.49), topped with black beans, vegetarian chili, jalapenos, pico de gallo and cheddar jack.   This bowl is bursting with flavor and a beautiful combination of sweet and spicy.  If you are looking for the most unique offering on the menu, I would recommend the poutine bowl ($6.99).  This provides a sampling of the unique Canadian delicacy of Wisconsin cheese curds, gravy and bacon.  Scott, describing himself as a "voracious researcher," found the best local supplier of cheese curds, remaining true to his commitment of excellent, fresh, and local products.

All menu options can also be made into a Frita, their unique sandwich version, a grilled pita stuffed with fries and toppings.  Pita bread, a sturdy successful carrier of these ingredients, is from a New Jersey supplier.  I was thrilled to try the Barbecue Brisket frita ($8.99).  Supplied by Big Papa's Backyard BBQ, we sampled freshly smoked brisket and locally made BBQ sauce, also topped with coleslaw.  Undeniably wonderful.

This father-son duo are ambitious and have a vision to see at least 3 more locations in the LV & B region.  They have done their part in contributing to the LV Eating Scene....now it's up to us to appreciate, support and enjoy their efforts towards frites excellence.

Wash your meal down with one of their unique teas, including a seasonal option.

2013 in Review:

The end of 2013 brought time for reflection & thanksgiving...the Lehigh Valley really does have a lot to offer the food scene--our year of eating included Mexican, Turkish, Middle-Eastern, French, Southern BBQ, Jamaican, Spanish/Portuguese--to name just a few.   Locally grown products, health-friendly, comfort food--old and new spots include it all.  While we have our favorite spots we continually return, we want to share just a few categories to reflect some of our favorite eating in 2013.  What have been your most memorable meals? We'd love to read your comments!

Favorite Mexican:  Fiesta Habanero

Favorite BBQ:  Tex's Smoking BBQ

Favorite Ice Cream:  milkshakes at MOO

Noteworthy addition to the Lehigh Valley & Beyond:  Full of Crepe

Favorite Thai:  Charly's

Favorite Find:  Damascus

Favorite Comfort Food:  Paprika's

Most Memorable Meal:  Europa Barbeque

 

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.