Celebrating Simplicity #4--Big Bite's BBQ

Big Bite's BBQ
641 S. West End Blvd (Route 309), Store #5
Quakertown, PA  18951
267-227-3102
Current Hours-weekend only: Fri & Sat 12-8; Sunday 12-6 

Spoon Rate:  

Once again, a faithful reader recommended a new BBQ joint in Quakertown--we had the privilege of going in June, a week after opening.  Currently only open on weekends, they certainly fill a niche in the Uppers Bucks County area--only time will tell:  will the Quakertown area embrace it?  

The menu is simple, but complete as far as the basics (We were craving some sweet tea, though--would have topped it off!).   Basic meats (ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket) include your choice of one of 2 sauces: traditional or ruby red.   Wall art provides a modern, clean feel while giving explanations for their dishes.  A guest can choose a sandwich or platter ($4.99-18.99) and add some classic & reasonable sides ($1/each), like baked beans, coleslaw, corn salad, potato salad, corn bread, etc.  

Their menu offers a unique item: a BBQ parfait--layers of choice of meat, 2 sides, & cornbread.  I was also curious about their "banana bites"--a sweet ending for only $1.  After reading about its description on their facebook page, I wish I did not pass up the opportunity:  "In Southern BBQ, there is a popular dessert of banana pudding and vanilla wafers. Jean has been pondering this, and created her own creative spin on this traditional dessert...In this spin off from banana pudding, she has created a smooth vanilla cupcake, with a whipped filling of banana puding and white chocolate, and topped with a raspberry glaze." 
 
Meals come in a handy box--easy for take-out.  Our selections of chicken and ribs were delicious, including their special sauces.  Baked beans were our favorite sides--corn bread was OK, but a little dry, and we wished the corn salad was not a mayonnaise base.  We see great potential for growth & improvement, in hopes the community will embrace its own taste of southern BBQ!  

Round 2 of Mexican Spots-Week #3: Tijuana Tacos

Tijuana Tacos
216 W. Broad St.
Quakertown, PA  18951
215-536-0444
Hours:  Sun 8a-0p; M-Th 10a-10p; F & Sat 10a-11p

There is an interesting strip in Quakertown that my brother has coined "Little Mexico" due to a few restaurants and a grocery store with a Latin American flare.  I finally had the opportunity to try this taco joint with my husband and some foodie friends.  While it is modest in decor, the food was satisfying. 

I love the fusion of English/Spanish writing in the menu. The prices and selection (tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, platters, etc.) were also agreeable.  We were greeted with delicious tortilla chips and fresh guac.   Our table enjoyed a burrito ($7.99) 2 chicken sopes ($7) served with beans, lettuce, tomato, sour 
 cream; and chicken enchiladas (choice of mole sauce or green or red salsa $9.99), served with rice and beans.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it seems most people order take-out so if you dine-in, you'll have privacy.  It's a worthwhile spot if you value authenticity, quality food, generous portions and reasonable prices.


 

Pizza Month-Week #3: Giovanni's

Giovanni's

224 Route 309 (Kohl's Shopping Center)

Quakertown, PA

215/538/2120

Hours:  Mon-Sat 10:30a-10p; Sun 11a-10p

 Ideal timing to be introduced to a gem of a pizza place in Quakertown.  Our Quakertown-resident friends recommended one of their favorite spots to frequent, claiming "Giovanni's deserves praise!"   

A quaintly-designed interior has ample seating for casual dining.  Greeted by friendly staff, we perused the extensive menu.  Since Evans Eats is featuring zza month that simplified a decision that would have been difficult....the menu has a large variety of salads, sandwiches, calzones and strombolis--everything looked and sounded delish.  We settled on a tossed salad and a large pizza topped with roasted red peppers and chicken.  One more local restaurant is proving that excellent pizza is possible in the LV & B.  Giovanni's definitely deserves a return visit to sample more of the menu.

Mexican Month/Week #3: Fiesta Habanero

Fiesta Habanero

500 West Broad Street

Quakertown, PA  18951

215-538-2228

This post brings both sad and hopeful news. Sad news:  Previously reviewed, Empanadas Argentinas has closed.  We are disappointed to say good-bye to those pockets of goodness.  Good news:  Fiesta Habanero, a pleasing new business to downtown Quakertown, has taken its place.

 

Within weeks of opening, the husband and wife duo are hard at work pumping out a reasonable and tasteful sampling of Mexico's finest.  You can't beat a Chorizo taco for $1.75, served on a corn tortilla with cilantro, onion and salsa on the side, or a Tamale with red or

green sauce for $1.50 each.  

Menu includes a full selection of burritos ($5.95), flautas ($6.75), quesadillas ($3.50), including a vegetable or intriguing squash flower.  
  
My husband enjoyed the enchiladas with green sauce accompanied by rice and beans ($8.95) while I stumbled upon a grilled chicken torta ($5.95), a mexican sandwich served with beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and jalapenos.

Served fresh with caring service, we enjoyed every bite.  Not everyone's idea of a Friday night out, but we thoroughly enjoyed ordering at their walk-up window and informal seating on a warm spring evening.  Welcome, Fiesta Habanero--we wish you a successful business and look forward to a return visit!

Burger Month #5: Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Local locations:  

254 NW West End Blvd.
Quakertown, PA 18951

Tel: 215-536-0555

Tilghman Street Center

4025 Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18052

Tel: 610-336-9315

Airport Center

914 Airport Center Drive
Allentown, PA 18107

Tel: 610-266-5135

Another chain has crept onto Evans’ Eats: LV & B.  Why?  Because it is that good—burger month would not be complete without adding Five Guys Burgers & Fries-arguably voted the best burger in the Valley.  In addition, there are 3 local stores (our preference is Tilghman St—clean, airy atmosphere with friendly staff) to enjoy!   If you are in any way a burger fan, you must try Five Guys---and let us know what you think!

Their first one opened in Arlington, VA in 1986—there are now 750 locations in 40 states with plans to open 200 stores in the next year.  Why Five Guys?

• Their successful mission is to serve a reasonably priced consistent product every day.
• The burgers contact ONLY fresh ground beef—in fact, they promote that they have no freezers in Five Guys locations—only coolers to ensure nothing is frozen.  You can TASTE the difference!!
•  They use peanut oil and their menu is trans-fat free. 
•  The fries are amazing…in fact they have a chalkboard sign that tells you the state descent of potatoes used to make that day's fries—adds a personal down-home quality when you are reminded that the delectable fries came from a domestic farmer’s crops!  Not to mention the generous-sized portion.
•  Of course this means excluding those who have peanut allergies—but one of their trademarks are the boxes (yes, boxes) of peanuts sitting throughout the restaurant, with the coolest self-serve scoop and cartons so that you can munch on peanuts as you wait for your burgers!  Genius!
• And undoubtedly, one of my favorite aspects of a good burger joint—the FREE toppings—same price and as many or few as YOU choose:  Mayo, Relish, Onions, Lettuce, Pickles, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions or Mushrooms, Ketchup, Mustard, Green Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Green Peppers, A.1.Steak Sauce, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce.  I am not going to tell you what to order—because that is the beauty of building your own—it encourages creative and customized thought! 

One tip:  for the smaller appetite order the little hamburger or cheeseburger which is 1 patty.  Their hamburger and cheeseburger serve 2 thin patties on an incredibly soft and pliable roll. Hot dogs are also on the menu and 2 vegetarian-friendly options:  a grilled cheese & a veggie sandwich (NOT a veggie burger, but a sandwich with veggies).

Photos--compliments of Google Images. I cheated for this post.

Summer Stops #1: Bochi's

Bochi's Homemade Food 
500 West Broad Street
Quakertown, PA  18951
215-538-2075
Hours:  11 AM-8 PM

Summer is arguably the best season of our year.  One of its assets is the weather and outdoor eating freedom it provides.  Furthermore, Evans Eats is devoting this month to review eateries that will be most enjoyed in the warm season.. 
  
Bochi's, otherwise known as "Empanadas Argentinas" due to their vast sign, brings South American cuisine to a side street in Quakertown.  Located in a small walk-up window storefront, it sits next to Pep's Ice Cream Parlor (former location of Rita's water ice.)  Open since early 2011, this friendly, hospitable Argentinian couple are working hard to provide an excellent and affordable product.  While their menu includes basic items such as subs, hot sandwiches, "all American" hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as some Italian items, their featured delicacy is the empanada. 

spicy chicken

corn

For the local PA Dutchmen who have never head of this, it's similar to a deep-fried pierogie, but filled with meat, cheese and/or vegetables.  Don't be intimidated by the word "fried"--it was not too greasy--in my opinion, perfectly cooked.  We couldn't decide on our favorite but thoroughly enjoyed spicy chicken (chicken, red peppers, onions, picante sauce and seasoning), corn (sweet corn in a creamy sauce, onions, scallions, and parmesan cheese), vegetarian (spinach, ricotta and minced onions) or BBQ pork (squares of tender pork and provolone with BBQ sauce).   
Besides the authentic, flavorful taste, the prices are unbeatable, leaving our table to order a second round.  And I quote, "You can feed a small army for $60!"
                                                      3 empanadas + a soda=$4:00
6 empanadas+2 free=$7.60
12 empanadas+4 free=$15.00
18 empanadas+6 free=$22.00

The rest of the menu's prices are similar--a cheeseburger for $1.50 a huge milanesa completa (an authentic sandwich-breaded veal, egg, lettuce, tomato on a large roll) for $4.90!  Egg on a sandwich with veal? Common for many South American countries--why not expand our cultural awareness? 
Next time I plan to try a personal tarta--looks like a generous-size personal quiche offerd in veggie, ham & cheese or Bochi's special including ham, cheese, bacon, tomato, sweet peas and eggs. ($4.90)

Be prepared for picnic table seating--ideal for families but not if you value comfort and ambience.  The night we tried Bochi's, we happened to overhear a father teaching his 2 kids about Argentina and the correct pronunciation of "empanadas."  Later, we ran into him at owowcow creamery.  Commenting on his great selection on this evening out with his kids, he exclaimed, "You gotta raise 'em right!" 
I couldn't agree more.

The simple yet thoughtful presentation reflects Argentinian hospitality

Look closely for letters imprinted on each empanada--this is their system for distinguishing flavors!

Will I return? Yes--especially because I want to try one of those good-looking tartas or a milenasa especial.  Bochi's is a creative inexpensive summer lunch or dinner spot.  Let us know what you think!
 

Steaks & Sandwiches Month-Week 4

Lee’s Hoagie House

220 S. West End Blvd

Quakertown, PA
(215) 538-7875

While Lee’s has been voted Best in Philly, Bucks & Montgomery, the “best” does not include service at the Quakertown location!  The regular cheese steaks and chicken cheese steaks are worth the “guilt trip” we experienced as we seemingly hassled the employee who took our order.  It was comical as she gave us an inconvenienced sigh in response to our straightforward order of steaks, fries, and fountain sodas.

In exchange, they are serious about their sandwiches and steaks.  Lee’s is a franchise, whose original storefront opened in 1953 in a Philadelphia neighborhood.  As far as an authentic product, this is a good sign for the current 17 locations in the Philadelphia, Bucks & Montgomery County locations.  Besides Quakertown, another local Lehigh Valley store is Emmaus, a hopeful redeeming alternative if you value a friendly face to take and deliver your order.

If you are skeptical by outward appearances, the Quakertown store is apparently under new management and the restaurant has a clean, standard appearance.  If ambiance concerns you, it obviously has a huge take-out business.   

I recommend the buffalo chicken cheese steak, light on the blue cheese.  I enjoyed it because it emphasized the roll vs. meat.  It depends on your preference.  (For you meat lovers, don’t be deceived by a woman’s review.  Lee’s has my husband and nephew’s approval, the latter self-proclaimed as a new “regular” of Lee’s.)  The roll is ideal with its tough exterior and soft, dense interior.  The meat is a good consistency—not too finely chopped that it seems crumbly, but not as thick as the strips at some local Philly spots like Pat’s & Geno’s.  

They additionally offer a full sub menu —for meat-lovers try the “Cheltenham”—named after a Northeast suburb of Philly, packed with at least 4 meats and 4 cheeses.   For the health-conscious, more reviews to come during other months , but Lee’s does offer salads as well as a large variety of wraps, including some vegetarian options. 

Steaks & hoagies come in 3 sizes: mini, half & whole, not including party option of a 3 foot hoagie, a classic find at an Italian occasion.  One more downside to our trip:  $.50 for refills.  No thanks. I’ll end my meal chomping the ice on the bottom of my cup instead.

If you are interested in a genuine Philly cheese steak or hoagie, be sure to consider Lee’s.

Would I return?  Occasionally. The product is worth it, but I guess my experience of ambiance & tone affect my vote more than I realized.