"Now That's Italian" Specialty Market & Deli

Now That's Italian: Specialty Market & Deli
127 South 3rd Street
Coopersburg, PA  18036
610-282-4242 
Hours:   M-Sat 10a-6p; Sun 10a-4p


This is too good to be true.  First, a bagel shop recently opened in Coopersburg...now an Italian Market & Deli?!  My husband and I, both born and raised in Pennyslvania, are reliving some of our favorite parts of our brief residence in one of New York City's boroughs.  Returning to Lehigh Valley, PA was a sacrifice when it came to authentic Italian cuisine.  One easily becomes spoiled by the plethora of delis, superior slices of pizza, and authentic, fresh pasta and marinara sauce.  Hospitable Italian friends are honored to share their prized sauce recipe, traditionally prepared for a Sunday feast and variations throughout the remainder of each week.

Entering Now That's Italian brought a nostalgic, comforting smile to my face as we were greeted by friendly owners, a chalkboard of sandwich items and a pleasant market environment.  To our left, were several packaged Italian products including pasta, canned tomatoes, recipe books and more.  A few tables allow opportunity to dine-in.  

A beautiful sight was a case of fresh Pastosa ravioli, a much-awaited reunion with one of our favorite traditions.   It is difficult to return to frozen pasta after many meals with this fresh, well-known New York city product.
Next, I was greeted by a case of FRESH Italian bread!  I recognized the New Jersey bakery, Liscio's from our favorite cheese steak joint in Ocean City, NJ.  This inspired mouthwatering visions of our newfound opportunity to pick up fresh ravs and a loaf of bread for dinner in our PA home town! 

This is not the first venture for business partners, Laura Rosada & Joseph Sinagra, originally from New York City.  Previously owning a deli in the Poconos, they are excited to offer something at a prime location in Coopersburg PA.  Sandwich selections include a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables.  While their menu lists 14 cold sandwich options and 4 hot specialty sandwiches, during their initial opening, they are serving one hot sandwich option.  My mother and I settled on Under the Tuscan Sun (eggplant, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, roasted peppers, sundried tomato, balsamic vinegar, salt pepper, $9,99) and 1 of 5 salad options, La Bella Donna (lettuce, tomato, onion, banana pepper, cucumber, sweet peppers, olives, $6.75).   Our delicious flavorful sandwich included housemade mozzarella cheese and was accompanied by a side of pasta salad and chips.  Now That's Italian also offers catering for your next large gathering. 


Of course we needed a sweet sampler to end our experience.  The tantalizing case and our delicious almond-flavored, moist delight called us for a return visit.  Many of the Italian pastries are housemade, and Italian cookies are imported from a Brooklyn bakery.  Now THAT'S Italian.   I'm thrilled at the increased variety of options in our hometown and hope many venture in for an authentic, delightful experience.

Holiday Reunion Month #2-Diana's Cafe

Diana's Cafe
4907 Route 309
Center Valley, PA  18034
610-797-2525
Hours: M-Sat. 7a-3p

I have distinct memories of a spontaneous breakfast outing with a college friend on the morn of Christmas eve several years ago.  Our chosen spot was Diana's Cafe.   If you are local to Center Valley, I would highly recommend it, not just for a solid selection to take your incoming holiday guests, but an overall reputable option for a business or personal meeting.  

Egg White Greek Omelet

With reasonable prices and a menu that is a cut above diner food, it provides a private and cozy dining atmosphere, especially on the porch.  I enjoy a cup of their flavored coffee (though they also thoughtfully offer french press coffee) with a create-your-own omelet with some of the best whole grain toast you might find at a restaurant.   My other standard is their steel-cut oatmeal, with a selection of various toppings including blueberries, fresh apples, cinnamon, walnuts, etc.  Another popular breakfast item is eggs florentine.  

They always offer a large variety of intriguing daily specials.  For lunch, I usually enjoy their soup selection.  Their autumn bisque and crab bisque are memorable, and can be accompanied by a side salad or sandwich.  With taste of a home-prepared  meal, you can't go wrong: salads, burgers, sandwiches and even a quiche special accompanied by soup and salad.
  
   

Deli Month-Week 1: Kim's Kitchen

Kim's Kitchen

5842 Main Street

Center Valley, PA  18034

610-282-5857

Hours:  M-F 10-7; Sat 10-3; Sun Closed

I've made a pleasant discovery as I considered this month's feature:  the Lehigh Valley has a unique twist to delis.  Living for a brief time in New York City, the term "deli" has one connotation:  every corner is decked with a mom-and-pop business that serves a meaty sandwich on a kaiser or a killer New York bagel.  While this is definitely a highlight of the metropolitan cuisine, the Lehigh Valley's delis, at least the ones I'll be featuring, have an ethnic creative flare.  I look forward to sharing the adventure with you and hope you'll be thankful for the Lehigh Valley's expansion of the term "deli."

Our first feature leaves me ashamed that I have not supported it sooner.  Right in my Southern Lehigh Backyard, we are privileged to have what must be the LV & B's best Korean fare.  Since 2004, this deli's friendly owner,  Kim has been introducing the area to a sampling of traditional Korean foods.  Her business lives up to its name--I entered and left with the impression I was in her personal kitchen, being served with some beautiful Asian hospitality.  

Warmly greeted as I walked in, I was quick to feel at home with the cozy tables and the offer of a cup of hot loose leaf green tea.  She was quick to offer suggestions from the menu, showing her confidence and pride in the cuisine.

Her menu offers variations of Korean and American dishes for a quick or sit-down meal, such as a korean cheesesteak  served with choice of korean dumplings or salads, made with her own korean beef (if you've ever enjoyed the privilege of a flavorful korean barbecue, you'll be enticed by this fusion!) or enjoy a traditional American deli sandwich such as a BLT, salami or roast beef.  (all $5.99)

I highly recommend trying the "Korean Specialty" as an introduction to where Kim shines. With your choice of Korean beef, pork or chicken, you receive a truly generous sampling of traditional Korean food.  For $8.99-9.99, it comes with 4 dumplings, served with a delicious sauce (ground asian pear, soy sauce, and ginger.  

The second course was a delicious cup of squash soup (some of its ingredients included curry, coconut milk and sprinkled with cinnamon).  Kim then brought out the third course, a sampling of "kim-chi" and "cucumber kim-chi", assorted salads.  My favorite was the seaweed salad. 

The main entree included rice, chicken, a seafood pancake (including egg, spinach, shrimp) , Asian noodles, and a portabella mushroom.  As if there weren't enough surprises, my experience ended with a dessert plate of sliced mango and a piece of gum.  

This touching feature is served with the Korean Specialty entree--nothing better than leaving with fresh breath!

                                       Not only that, I left with  some                                       enjoyable leftovers and a satisfied stomach.

Besides offering a private, comfortable setting for a lunch or dinner date, Kim's Kitchen provide catering and private dinner parties.  Next time you are in charge of planning a corporate meeting or family function, step outside the box and try a Korean Barbecue.  You'll enjoy delicious food served with an inviting, enjoyable chef and hostess.



 

Summer Stops #4: Pita Pit

Pita Pit

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

3045 Center Valley Parkway

Center Valley, PA  18034

610-841-PITA

New 2^nd location:  Lehigh Valley Mall

823 Lehigh Lifestyle Center

Whitehall, PA

Occasionally, a chain will make it to Evans Eats: LV & B.  When it has the charm of an independent eatery

Hayden & Daniel enjoying a pita

and an excellent product that exhibits distinction, it is noteworthy, such as this ideal summer stop.  Whether you are shopping or meeting friends at the Promenade, in need of a quick lunch break stop with coworkers, or in the mood for a light summer dinner---enjoy the picturesque outdoor seating and a great meal at the Pita Pit.  Since its inception in 2007, Pita Pit has provided a consistent, healthy, fresh, and customized product to young and old of the Lehigh Valley.   You are sure to be greeted by pleasant staff and a helpful owner, who now runs 2 respectable businesses, with the opening of their 2^nd store at Lehigh Valley mall’s Lifestyle Center.  One can quickly tell the employees enjoy their job and believe in what they sell….a pita packed with a customer’s creation!

Its vast menu provides reasonable pita sandwiches ranging from $5-7, for vegan to meat-lover diets.  Somehighlights on the menu:  chicken souvlaki, buffalo chicken, philly steak, chicken crave (formerly known as Hawaiian—chicken breast, black forest ham, romaine lettuce, pineapple, tomatoes, melted American cheese, and honey mustard), falafel or veggies (both paired well with babaganoush, an eggplant spread or hummus.)  The best part is watching the employees man the grill and then stuff your pita to your liking—from your choice of white/wheat pita, to the selection of veggies, pickles, sauces, and spreads—you leave with a sense of satisfaction in their customer-friendly and creative-centered approach to a healthy fresh meal.

Pita Pit also offers a breakfast pita (Why have I not tried one yet?) and any pita can also be made a salad.