Johnny's Drive-In: Known for Its Gyros

Johnny's Drive-In
2722 Easton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA  18017
610-865-9999
Hours:  M-Sat 11a-9p; Sun: Closed


Johnny's Drive-In.  An unassuming yet intriguing exterior is sure to provide a satisfying experience.  After a long-time recommendation from a friend who knows we enjoy gyros, we finally took the opportunity to visit.  On a Friday evening, there was a steady stream of local customers who seemed to be regulars.  While the menu provides a wide array of classic American options (cheeseburger, cheese steak, chicken fingers), we went to our preferred and recommended:  "the New York Gyro" ($6.15), topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatsiki sauce.  Our sides included french fries (large: $2.99) and a greek salad (small: $4.59).  
While we waited, we overheard someone raving about the gyros.  He visited another city and ordered a gyro while out to dinner.  He then proceeded to tell the owner of this restaurant: "If you want to learn how to make a gyro, go to Johnny's gyros. They're the best I've ever had!"  This was an encouraging validation of our imminent meal.  
We enjoyed our sides:  greek salad, topped with a stuffed grape leaf and black olives and generous portion of french fries.   However the highlight was the delicious gyro, definitely of the best we've had in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.  Perfect temperature of fresh meat and pita and ideal amount of accompanied tzatsiki sauce.  
Another asset of Johnny's is its personable ownership, who were working hard, while greeting and serving their customers.  While there is limited seating and most seem to come in for take-out, the environment was bright, clean and inviting.  Now that we've been to Johnny's, it will be at the top of our list when asked where to go for the best gyros in LV & B.
 

Melting Pot Month-Ephesus

Ephesus
549 Main St.
Bethlehem, PA
610-867-4040
Hours: M-Sun 11a-10p

Spoon Rate:      

Main Street, Bethlehem is blessed again with another new restaurant option.  I was intrigued by its name, an ancient city in Modern-day Turkey & its claim to serve Turkish, Greek & Mediterranean food.  There are plenty of other options in the Lehigh Valley that already have my attention, like True Blue Mediterranean (whose new 2nd location is around the corner from Ephesus), Soumaya & Sons, or a newfound, Damascus, just to name a few.  However, the Turkish cuisine, is a welcomed addition to the Valley.  This was intriguing.

I can't say we have an intelligible response for what distinguishes Turkish food, but we had an enjoyable meal.  An ideal location for a date night, we were offered the window seat--a beautiful evening to enjoy the Bethlehem strollers.  We were served with pita bread and a seasoned dipping oil.  Speedy and friendly service brought our salads (included in our entrees) with accompanying olive oil & a tasty vinegar.  (I read an online review where someone complained that this was the only dressing option--so this serves as a warning.  Seriously, though--can't we have respect for the cultural traditions and feel privileged by what's offered instead of needing our American, individualized preference?!)

I decided to order something new for me, and settled on the "Swooning Priest," intriguely-named, vegetarian dish of eggplant stuffed with tomatoes.  Served with rice and a generous portion of plain yogurt--it was interesting, I wasn't quite sure whether to mix the yogurt with the eggplant?  Nonetheless, it was enjoyable.  

The waiter raved about the lamb gyro platter my husband decided to order.  How can you resist when he repeatedly informed us "You can't buy meat like this anywhere.  We make it special."  He was satisfied and the most special part was the large serving, including 2 different kinds of rice.  The pride he took in the food that was served definitely enhanced our overall experience.  

Deli Month #2: Hellertown Deli & Pita House

Hellertown Deli & Pita House

1111 Main Street

Hellertown, PA  18055

610-838-1490

Hours: M-W 10 a- 3p

Th 10:30a - 6p

Fri  & Sat 11 a- 8p

I am indebted to my friend, Wes Checkeye, who consistently introduces me to stellar eateries.  When he told me about Hellertown Deli and their excellent falafel, I knew it was a trustworthy report.  To me, what is better than a downtown deli offering Middle Eastern food?  It provides the perfect excursion with a friend or co-worker:  something for those who enjoy an adventurous, ethnic flare or a traditional American sandwich.

The owners, a dashing couple, are hard at work preparing the food, but not too busy to provide a warm greeting and personalized

Mexican wrap

service.  Their menu includes an ample variety of grill items, hot sandwiches, hoagies, wraps, soups and breakfast sandwiches.  

The distinction of this deli is their middle eastern menu.  I enjoy the falafel platter ($7.99 also comes in a sandwich $4.75), a generous portion of 4 falafel patties, accompanied by your choice of salad, pita bread and appetizer.  I chose the classic meatless grape leaves, tabouleh salad (Parsley, onions, tomato, cracked wheat, oil, and fresh lemon juice).  Delicious!  I look forward to a return visit to sample more like their shawarma (a traditional middle-eastern pita sandwich usually including marinated beef or chicken with lettuce, tomato, and a yogurt sauce).  

There was a steady stream of locals enjoying a lunch break, eating in or picking up a take-out order.  The owner recommends their "mouth-watering" certified Black Angus burgers or the "Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich (4 cheeses-Provolone, American, Jack, and Cheddar, tomato and bacon served on seven grain bread, also served with beef or chicken steak meat.).  Next time I'll be sure to take some hummus and tasty baklava or rice pudding to go.

Burrito Battle Month #4: Tulum & Hello Burrito

Within its quaint, serene downtown, Bethlehem, has its own burrito duel between 

Tulum                                                                                        Hello Burrito

17 W. Morton St                                                                       38 W. Broad St

Bethlehem, PA  18015                                                               Bethlehem, PA  18015

610-691-8300                                                                           610-882-2124

Tulum has the feel of a Tex-mex joint in Texas...small and cozy, colorful tiled walls and counters and a unique use of seating space.  It's the classic college-town stop, and hopefully provides a wholesome meal for a study break to many Lehigh students with its near-campus location.

Their menu is classic with a choice of chicken, beef, pork or grilled veggies.  Their intriguing menu has the burrito classified by sauce--with an authentic mexican mole and salsa verde.  They use some unique products on their burritos, including sweet potatoes on the Santana and pineapple and roasted corn on the Mayan.  Their signature burrito is wittily termed "the Beth-mex" with a classic red sauce.  If I recall, all burritos and tacos include a side of chips and salsa.  Another thoughtful aspect of their menu is the "miniritto"--a smaller-size portion for only $5.35!

Unfortunately, I have only been to Tulum once.  While my counterpart's impression is usually compatible with my own, this time he has referred to them as "weak."  That's the only quote I can obtain regarding why he refuses to return.  While it's not my favorite burrito in the Valley, I would definitely return to experience their synthesis of flavors and wholesome commodities.

Just over the bridge, Hello Burrito is a relatively new business promoting their commitment to fresh, non-fried, unprocessed and largely local products with an emphasis on burritos, quesadillas and soups.   Beyond the traditional "southwest" burrito, it features the fusion flare by having a variety of ethnic burritos represented on their menu including the mediterranean, thai and asian sesame.  While we haven't been there since it first opened, I remember enjoying the thai burrito.  My main suggestion is that they call themselves "Hello Wrap", which would seem to be a better representation of their product.  Their "burritos" (or wraps) come with a side of apple or bagged chips--a nice gesture, but to me screams "wrap" joint not "burrito" joint.  Rumor has it the owners also have a wrap business in Kutztown--so maybe that explains it.

The aesthetics are clean, bright, open and airy--though depending on your preference it may feel stark.  Hello Burrito does provide an enjoyable lunch spot with plenty of healthy options and has pleased many LV consumers.  Just think "wrap-burrito" fusion.

So, Who has your vote for Best Burrito in the Lehigh Valley?

Breakfast Month #5--Billy's Downtown Diner

Billy’s Downtown Diner-“Not Your Ordinary Diner”

10 E. Broad St.

Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-867-0105

Hours: Daily, 7 AM-3PM

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul makes a short but profound statement to Timothy, with the implication to give thanks for food because it’s a gift of God given for our enjoyment.  As I scanned the vastly innovative menu at Billy’s, this verse came to mind.  God has so graciously created food to be diverse, colorful, and tastefully combined in such a way that food can and should cause us to worship Him. After all, He is the source.  Did Billy know he’d inspire such an effect?

The features for Evans Eats’ Breakfast month were in place until 2 trusted individuals, my brother Nate and friend Mark, recommended Bethlehem’s well-known eatery.   It was a place I had not visited.   I must confess, diners are not my preference so I proceeded with teachable caution.  When I perused the website’s menu, I knew their slogan “not your ordinary diner” was trustworthy.  The best description of my meal was “an eating event.”

A wall full of local awards advertises its success

Let “Billy” speak for himself as he shares the history and vision for the business her purchased in 2000.    While you are there, notice their daily breakfast specials. 

I was so tempted by the Baklava French toast, one of the many items on their breakfast and lunch menu that reveals their Greek emphasis.  Instead, I went for another unique offering--

Gia’s breakfast treat:  Pita pocket stuffed with a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, crunchy granola,

sliced fresh strawberries and bananas drizzled with honey ($6.29)

 In addition, my friend Courtney ordered Berry Krunch French toast: Three slices of French bread dipped in our own egg mixture crusted with crunchygranola drizzled with homemade brown sugar glaze. Topped with dried cranberries and fresh strawberries. Crowned with whipped cream and cinnamon ($8.29)

Both proved to be unique, but genius combinations of flavoring and texture, not to mention appetite-satisfying.  The menu was full of sweet and savory items for any sized appetite. 

The atmosphere had the comfortable and almost cozy feel of a vintage diner car. It did not take long for every table and booth to be filled, many who appeared to be neighborhood locals.  The service was fast and friendly.  Coffee was average—what you’d expect from an “ordinary diner.”

Will I return?  On occasion—remember it is an “event,” including the “not your ordinary diner” prices—so it won’t be a regular treat. However, there are many other menu items that are waiting to be experienced. Consider these:

Tonga Toast:  Sourdough bread dipped in our own French toast mix and topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and walnuts.  Draped with low fat vanilla yogurt and dusted with cinnamon ($7.99)

Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast Sandwich:  This great sandwich is made with

eggs blended with spinach and basil pesto, sliced ham, melted mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes on a grilled ciabatta ($6.59)

Lil' Havana Omelet:  Slow roasted pulled pork in authentic Cuban seasonings with grilled ham, Swiss and Pepper jack cheese wrapped by three fluffy eggs and topped with diced tomatoes ($8.99)

I’ll be back. 

  

Mediterranean Month-Week 2:

True Blue Mediterranean Café

1301 Chestnut Street                                          

Emmaus, PA  18049

I believe I entered this restaurant by default.  The first time I went I was meeting a friend at a nearby café which happened to be closed.  We chose True Blue instead and we were not disappointed.  Formerly known as True Blue Café & Bakery, the restaurant continues to include a full variety of coffee drinks.  Nothing like enjoying my favorite summer treat, iced coffee, with a good Mediterranean meal.  

I chose the falafel pita.  This can also be ordered as a Panini (my choice upon my 2^nd return to True Blue).  While this phrase describes a “fusion” trend, having the gyro pressed and grilled, added to its delight.  Along with gyros, I have found falafel, especially good falafel, to be a rare selection in the Lehigh Valley. 

I confidently told the restaurant owner, I believe it was the best falafel I have had, though I don’t claim to be an expert.  He confidently exclaimed in an authentic accent and passionate spirit, “That is because it is made from the heart!”  If that is the case, consider my heart won for this quaint, quiet choice for a lunch date.    The chicken and lamb gyros look great too.  Besides the accompanying iced coffee, my heart was also sold on the side offered with each lunch selection:  a small cup of hummus and pita chips, a healthy and thoughtful touch! 

The menu included a variety of other Mediterranean selections for entrees and dessert for an under $10 price. The inner environment almost feels like a garden cafe.  However, on a warm day, True Blue offers outdoor seating on a side patio.      

 

Would I return?  Yes, I would return.  I will most likely reserve this choice for a lunch date with an adventurous friend.  If you are looking for a simple Mediterranean place with a pleasing aesthetic environment, try True Blue.
Average Price:  Under $10 

 

Mediterranean Month-Week 1:

The Gyro Company.

1852 Airport Road

Allentown, PA

A pleasant surprise…though I was initially skeptical of the Airport Road “strip mall” location, I was surprised and pleased at the authentic, clean environment and overall dining experience.  Settling on the traditional gyro (a classic Greek delicacy:  a soft pita stuffed with a meat-beef, chicken or lamb, often accompanied by a sauce, onion,  lettuce & tomato), I found it to be heartier and more flavorful than other gyros I have had.  The offerings of various alterations of the traditional tzatziki sauce including a light version, basil pesto, marinara, buffalo, etc.  Though this may be more diverse than my preference for an authentic experience, I appreciate the options.    When I return, I’ll be sure to try their grilled chicken gyro or their veggie gyro, a plus for our vegetarian friends.

Highlights besides the exceptionally flavorful tzatziki sauce include their fast, friendly service, a clean down-to-earth dining environment with a touch of Greek décor, the side of fries and the roaming employee with samples of the traditional Greek dessert, baklava.  Unfortunately, she was not roaming during the time we are seated—but I am a huge fan of places that offer free samples.   Finally, we sampled a spinach cheese pie (spanakopita), a traditional baked dish with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in a filo dough—a decent addition to our meal.

The bill for 3 of us was:  26.12

Would I return?  Without a doubt. This is a much-needed, family-friendly ethnic addition to the area.  If you are skeptical to try a gyro, think again.  Forget the local diner this Friday night, and head to The Gyro Company.

As of now, has my vote for best gyro in the LV&B vicinity.

More reviews to come during Mediterranean Month……