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 #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? 

 

"Eat Fresh, Eat Local Month"--Week #3: The Honey Underground

photo: compliments of facebook

The Honey Underground
1153 Gravel Pike
Hereford, PA  18056
484-330-6405 

I rarely review a restaurant prior to personal experience---but I've made an exception because of time constraints and the wonderful things I have heard about "Chef Wendy."  Known for her previous Emmaus-based business, Balasia, she now serves a "Seasonal Supper Club" on select Fridays and Saturdays 5p-10p in Hereford.  Their food is also available at

• the seasonal Emmaus Farmers Market (Sundays 9a-2p)
• Steelstacks' Farmers Market in Bethlehem on Thursdays (3p-7p) & 
• 2 local health stores: Frey's in Hellertown and Green Earth in Emmaus  

Her cuisine deserves its own reservation on this month's "Eat Fresh, Eat Local" theme on Evans Eats because of her commitment to serving “beyond organic, locally grown goods directly from the farmers to the community."   The vegans and vegetarians of the LV & B are not the only ones who enjoy her delectable creations. 

Here is the review of a good friend who values fresh, organic, wholesome eating: 

I have been eating Chef Wendy's amazing vegan cuisine for almost five years.  My husband and I first went to her restaurant in Emmaus called "Balasia."  From the staff, to the ambiance to the food everything was just perfect.  We feasted on the spicy peanut soup, and curry-yaki tofu and moist chocolate and peanut butter brownies.  Now, it has become a favored tradition of mine that every Valentines's Day and Mother's Day, my husband has Wendy deliver family-size portions of her salad, soup, and of course, my favorite baked curry-yaki tofu to our home.  The tofu platter is full of rice, mixed greens dahl, fennel, cumin and mustard seed crusted tofu and and incredibly flavorful red curry sauce.  If you like to try new flavors, dine on distinctive food and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating, you MUST try the honey underground.  

 I look forward to an opportunity to sample and support the Honey Underground & will definitely provide a follow-up report.

Deli Month-Week #3: Wally's Deli

Wally's Deli
Emmaus: 1245 Chestnut St.  M-W 9-6; Th-F 9-7; Sat 9-6
Allentown:  711 N. 17th St.    M-W  7-6; Th-F 7-7; Sat 7-6

Wally's has the potential to become quite the local icon.  While it has been around for 13 years, it is the reputation of a permanent community pillar.  Their website claims they have one Morning Call's Reader's Choice vote for "Best Deli" 3 years in a row.

For those who enjoy the deli experience, you'll love Wally's--who takes the term "deli" to a superior level.  Each sandwich is memorably packed with meat, many including more than one kind.  Their sandwiches, known as "hogs",  are purposefully served on a round roll, which evenly distributes the meat and cheese.  Each "hog" sized small, medium and large ($5.19-9.99), includes a "special sauce" suited for its flavor.  The "hogs" are traditional deli sandwiches including egg salad, turkey, pastrami, and more.  The "specialty hogs" which can be toasted, combine a variety of meats, toppings and flavor. 


Wally's serves breakfast sandwiches and a variety of hot sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and includes a children's menu. Any "hog" can be served on a wrap or "unhog"--its ingredients served in a bowl instead of a roll.  For your next office luncheon, go a cut above and order a sandwich platter from Wally's.

Mexican Month-Week #2: Fiesta Ole'

the original Emmaus locati

Fiesta Ole'

3 Lehigh Valley Locations:

1116 Chestnut St. Emmaus, PA 18049  610-966-5522

1808 Macarthur Rd. Whitehall, PA  18052  484-664-7109

2955 Linden St.  Bethlehem, PA  18017  610-625-4554

Fiesta Ole' offers the most spacious, family-friendly Mexican Restaurant in the LV & B.  Although it has now opened 3 locations and has an expansive menu, it does not lose the authenticity of a modest ethnic kitchen.  With reasonable prices and selections for all-size appetites and preferences, it is a safe option for the less-than-adventurous diners.

Complimentary chips & salsa will curb your appetite as you decide on your entree.  

Some recommendations include:

• Burrito Fiesta Ole'

• Chicken or Steak Fajitas

• Spinach Quesadilla

• Combination Lunch & Dinner which enables you to have a sampling of Mexican traditions including  tacos, chalupas, enchiladas, tamales, or chile rellenos. 

Rumor has it a mariachi band occasionally entertains an evening crowd.  While we have yet to experience this, we've enjoyed sharing this spot with friends while observing families and large parties celebrating over a shared meal.

And...there just happens to be a current Groupon available this week.

Asian Month #1: Thai Thai II

Thai Thai II
509 Main St.
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-868-1919
Hours:  Tues-Sun Lunch & Dinner

What first comes to mind when you think about Asian food?  Hopefully this month will expand your horizons to the local options besides your neighborhood Chinese take-out joint.  For those of you who still celebrate Valentine's Day, the LV & B offers a variety of Asian restaurants proving to be ideal date spots.

My primary local preference for Thai food is found  in downtown Bethlehem: Thai Thai II.  To my knowledge, it shares an owner with relatively new to Emmaus: Thai Thai House.  If you have had the    opportunity to try the downtown Emmaus location, we'd love to receive your comments!

Thai Thai II offers a quaint location, clean, bright, modern environment, with exceptional service.  Its menu, aesthetics and respectful staff provide a seemingly overall authentic experience, which often seems stripped down in current trendy Thai restaurants.

Spring Rolls

If you are new to Thai food, consider it a less heavy, more flavorful version of Chinese food.  A classic is Pad Thai, but as you peruse the vast menu you'll be sure to find a selection that suits your interest of vegetables, sauces and your choice of meat:  pork, shrimp or chicken. In addition, a dinner guest will receive their desire of rice or noodle dishes and customized level of spice. 

Thai food is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly genre, also offering tofu or meatless dishes.  Our friends enjoy the Pad See Aew, a stir-fried flat noodle with egg, chinese broccoli and seasoning soy sauce.  Drunken noodles is another stir-friend flat noodle served with a variety of vegetables, choice of meat and basil sauce.

Vegetarian Kra Prow

One of my favorite selections on their menu  is Vegetarian Kra Prow: a variety of vegetables, tofu, and a distinct, palatable basil sauce served over rice.  For a starter, I recommend thai dumplings, spring rolls or a thai salad drizzled with the classic peanut dressing.  For the sweet tooth, try a classic Thai iced tea.

Thai Thai II is versatile, providing an environment for a romantic date, night out with friends, lunch with a coworker, and ample seating for a family outing.  Its quiet setting promotes quality conversation.  However, if there is a birthday in the room, you'll enjoy "Happy Birthday" played loudly with the lights dimmed!  Finally, you'll leave satisfied, tastebuds enlightened, with a light, healthy feeling.  

Bakery Month #3: Baked. cafe' & bakery

BAKED. cafe' & bakery

228 Main Street

Emmaus, PA

610-966-6100

Hours:  M-F 8a-3p  Sat-Sun 9a-3p

 

Emmaus’ efforts to develop a downtown has proven successful.  Have you perused the Blind Willow Book Shop, had dinner at one of the restaurants, or taken advantage of the local produce at their seasonal Farmers’ Market? 

 

Amongst the gems, is Baked Café & Bakery, a small nook that fills a niche in the “Lehigh Valley & Beyond.”  The innerambience is instantly attractive with a neighborhood café’ flare.  If you’ve ever envied the café selection of US cities or European towns, you’d appreciate what Baked brings to Emmaus.  My respect for it grew when I came home and read about their history.  Opening in June, 2010 and then purchased by its current owner in January, 2011, their consistent goal is helping the environment and community.  They use biodegradable products, organic and local produce and products as much as possible.  Even their communal table at the main window and their chairs are refurbished local artifacts. 

The other asset of this quaint business is the menu selection.  Serving tantalizing treats for the gluten free, the vegans, or those who prefer whole wheat flour and unrefined sugar, you'll be sure to have a satisfied sweet tooth.  

For those who desire savory over sweet, they offer a small but thoroughly gourmet-flared selection for breakfast or lunch.  Some recent  guests positively commented on their quiche with goat cheese & sun-dried tomatoes and a “yummy” turkey sandwich.  They also chose the pumpkin white chocolate chip scone and termed the coffee ‘amazing,' a cut above another cup they had later that day in local Bethlehem.  I would agree--the coffee was superb...which I came to discover it's the fresh, rich taste of La Colombe coffee, one of my favorite coffees whose original cafe' is in Philadelphia.

Speaking of Philadelphia, I had the privilege of experiencing Baked with a Lehigh Valley-native journalist who has written reviews in Philadelphia & London.  With great delight, I share her observations:  

The large Victorian home that houses Baked first led me to false perceptions: the interior is actually quite small. But don’t let the cozy cafe’s size fool you, for what they lack in space, they make up for in their cornucopia of cookies, scones, salads, bars, and drinks- even for vegans! The ginormous, chewy vegan ginger molasses cookie paired with a spicy soy chai au lait proved a perfect and fueling pre-holiday breakfast. If I don’t return for the eclectic treats, I’ll certainly come back just to try the Pumpkin Pie soda.

Well-said.  I also look forward to returning for another cup of that coffee & a sampling of another selection turned down on this trip.   Their menu of cakes to order are also tempting, including gluten-free and vegan options.