E-Z Bagels: NY-style Bagels meet Coopersurg

E-Z Bagels
Fairmount Village Shopping Center
7001 Route 309 
Coopersburg, PA  18036
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30a-6:30p

Every town needs a good bagel shop.  This was confirmed during our time living in one of New York City's boroughs.  There was no lack of deli or store to complete a morning routine of coffee and a bagel and cream cheese or egg sandwich.   We have missed this since returning to Pennyslvania 10 years ago.  It is like a dream come true to have a bagel shop in our own small town!

This is not just any bagel shop.   Easy to miss nestled in one of the Coop's shopping centers, it sells bagels, New York style, hand rolled and boiled in water.  There is a difference.  This is the secret to a superior bagel.  E-Z Bagels is a second location for its owner, also operating one in Bethlehem.  Previously working under one of the Lehigh Valley's best and most popular bagel shops, Johnny's Bagels, he started his own business in 2011 and is now enhancing Coopersburg with a new option for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner.

Bagel selections are classic, such as pumpernickel, plain, egg, cinnamon raisin, everything, and a tasty honey wheat option.  Menu items include bagel and cream cheese (intriguing flavored options: honey walnut, veggie, herb garlic, bacon scallion, olive, jalapeno) or a variety of breakfast sandwiches ($3.50-$4.50) and omelettes ($5.99-$6.99). 

E-Z bagels expands beyond bagels.   The wide menu appeals to a basic American appetite (Philly cheesesteak, Reuben, "The Mike," "The Coopersburg" $5.99-6.99) or adventurous customers who enjoy a Mediterranean flare.   I look forward to an opportunity to return to experience their grilled kabobs ($6.99), gyro ($6.99), falafel ($6.99) or fava bean pita ($5.99) 


Not only do we have a new lunch location right in town, but we look forward to many more morning routines of bagels & coffee to enjoy in the clean, peaceful atmosphere or to take home and share with friends.  

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.

Evans Eats Lehigh Valley & Beyond: Best of 2011

A Year In Review:

We've reflected on our blogposts so far. I've never liked the decisive mandate of choosing a "best of" or "favorite".  However, I'll take a risk to provide a brief summary of this year's monthly categories for our readers.  If you have your own vote, we'd love to receive your comments. 

Best Mediterranean:   Soumaya & Sons
Best Gyro:  Theo's Gyros
Best Cheese Steak:  Steak & Hoagie Factory
Best Breakfast:  Blue Sky Cafe'
Best Ice Cream:  The Inside Scoop
Best Summer Stop:  Limeport Inn
Best Burger:  Goody'z
Best Coffee:  Brig O' Doon Coffee House
Best Burrito:  Cali Burrito 
Best Bakery:  Vegan Treats
Best Bagel:   Three Men & a Bagel

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2012!

Coffee Shop Month #4: Brig O' Doon Coffee House

Brig O' Doon Coffee House
239 Durham Rd.
Ottsville, PA  18942
215-847-6844
Hours:  Tues-Fri 6:30am-5:00pm  Sat-Sun 7:00am-4:00pm

Brig O’ Doon, is not only one of Buck’s County’s best-kept secrets, it currently holds the primary spot on my mental list of all-time favorite coffee shops.  To me, it not only effectively represents the culture of Bucks County through its historic, modern, down-to-earth ambience, but it sets a precedent.

Brig O’ Doon has become an appreciated setting for personal retreat.  On a country road, it preserves a quiet internal and external atmosphere for undistracted reading, studying, and writing.   My favorite spot is one of the window nooks, with a countertop made out of a large tree trunk and high glass windows-the perfect light and inspiring scenery.   A blend of "chill" music, such as Jack Johnson, is often playing quietly in the background as Ottsville locals move in and out during their morning routine. 

Brig O’ Doon attracts cyclists breaking from a journey on the country roads of Bucks County, while neighbors meet and gather around the front tables or the comfortable couches towards the rear.  It’s energizing to overhear the conversation & community that is facilitated by this atmosphere and observe how this has become the town-center of-sorts for this rural area. 

Once chatting with a fellow customer, he verbalized the philosophy of Brig O’ Doon:  “Get to know each customer by name.”  The owner, who opened the shop less than 5 years ago, has effectively trained his employees to mirror this personal approach.  Visible in his oversight on a daily basis, he leads the way in greeting consumers, and then introducing them to staff members. 

The personal touch & setting are not the only forms of excellence.  It rotates 30 different blends of coffee from Finger Lakes Roasters.  My favorite is Jamaican me Crazy, amongst the most vibrant flavored coffees I have had.  Patrick, the owner, is sure to state that he encourages individuals to support their most local coffee businesses. 

For the non-coffee patrons, they serve a variety of teas-brewed and often mixed in advance with milk & sugar.  Be sure to ask for a sampling.  Currently they serve Ajiri tea, a quality product with a social mission.  Coffee & tea can be purchased in bulk to take home.  

Brig O' Doon has a simple but quality selection of breakfast items:  my favorites include the baked goods (scones & muffins baked on premises or from local businesses.), the delicious oatmeal made to order (toppings include raisins, dried cranberries, walnuts, and/or brown sugar), and the bagels with a variety of cream cheeses.  I was surprised to find out the authentic NY bagels come from Vic's Bagels of local Bethlehem, PA, impressively hand-rolled and boiled by a Lehigh Valley Local!

One final feature is their neighbor, Kimberton Whole Foods market, offering a variety of organic products.

Brig O' Doon Coffee House exemplifies excellence: ambience, product, setting, & customer relations.  I look forward to many more memories of rest & retreat with a book, journal, and cup of Jamaican me crazy.

Coffee Shop Month #2: Hava Java

Hava Java
526 N. 19th St.
Allentown, PA 18104
610-432-3045

Have you been to the "West End District" of Allentown?  Near the Allentown Farmers' market, there is a strip of 19th Street that is home to the historic Civic theatre, some trendy boutiques and Hava Java Cafe.

Hava Java has become a place I intentionally visit.  Its owner has created a hospitable tone that engages locals of all ages.  I had the privilege of first visiting while attending a Sexual Abuse Survivor Poetry night.  This alone gives you an indication of the observed philosophy of Hava Java--a relational atmosphere that includes coffee, the arts, and a platform for contemporary issues.

With a full menu of espresso drinks, you'll be sure to find your preference. I tend to enjoy the brew of the day, produced by a private roaster who ensures fair trade, organic, kosher and bio friendly-certified beans.  A variety of teas will accompany one of the cookies, muffins or biscotti made by local bakers.  They serve a few lunch items as well including chicken salad sandwiches made-to-order and some DELICIOUS spinach pies, made with love by the owner's mother.

Besides a solid coffee experience, its the subtle assets of Hava Java that provide distinction.  Its ceilings are lined with dozens if not hundreds of assorted coffee mugs, giving it a down-to-earth, at-home feel.  One can sit at a table uniquely painted by various local artists, enjoy a book on a cozy leather couch, or sit outside on the quaint street.  Its a peaceful, relatively quiet atmosphere but yet it promotes conversation. 

Finally, another feature of this coffee shop is its owner. A personal activist for social rights, she cares about the community and its individuals.  For example, I had the privilege of observing her empowering and reassuring an adolescent customer who shared about a bullying experience.  I've named her the "Matriarch of Allentown" as she builds relationships with teenagers, college students and adults, having a pulse on the real issues they face.  She is quick to prompt a discussion on a current issue in the city, the family, politics, or media.  She uses her position of mingling with a variety of customers to take ownership of her city and promote change.  She has been a personal inspiration.

This is what excites me about Hava Java.  Customize your cultural experience: enjoy a quiet cup of coffee alone, bring a friend, join a conversation with other customers, or attend a poetry night (usually every Tuesday).  Save the date:  Thursday January 19, 2012 7-8:30 PM, Hava Java will host a Sex Trafficking Awareness Night sponsored by The Vast Coalition (The Valley against Sex Trafficking).


 

Coffee Shop Month #1: The Wise Bean

The Wise Bean Coffee & Espresso Bar
634 North New Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-867-5010
7-7 Mon-Fri
7-5 Sat.
Cash Only

I've been looking forward to Coffee Shop Month.  Some day I aspire to write an entire post on my top 10 all-time favorite coffee shops--but for now, I look forward to focusing on a few local spots in the LV & B.  This week's feature is one that I have discovered within the last year and have been drawn to its neighborhood charm.  Slightly off the beaten path from the bustling Main St. district of Bethlehem, it may not receive the attention and traffic it deserves.  However, my hope is that it will preserve its cozy and personable feel that is sure to draw in many locals. 

This family-owned business serve a variety of  "socially responsible specialty coffees", including fair trade & organic blends, insuring that each bean brewed or purchased is within 10 days from its roast date!  A classic is their New Street Blend, named after their street location.  When asking the owner more about their coffee, he proudly kept the secret of their roaster's identity, insuring a coffee experience reserved by the Wise Bean.  The platters of enticing baked goods are produced daily by local bakers are a vital pair for the offerings of coffee and a variety of espresso drinks.   

The Wise Bean will provide a warm friendly greeting by its owners and a comfortable environment for a friendly conversation whether you are meeting a friend or on your way to the office.  A nook in the corner is reserved for local artists' products.  Reasonably priced, buy local this holiday season and find some thoughtful gifts for a friend or family member.  If you are in the neighborhood--be sure to stop by and experience what surely does encompass a neighborhood coffee shop. 

Bagel Month #4: Johnny's Bagels

Johnny's Bagels
472 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-861-8299
additional locations:  Westgate Mall & Lehigh University Campus Square

Downtown Bethlehem is a charming location for any restaurant or retail business and happens to include an ideal spot for a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.  The warm lighting, long & narrow layout blends modern & historic in this corner spot visited by tourists, locals & college students.  Ideal for take-out if you can't grab a seat because of the usual morning crowd.

Johnny's serves a boiled bagel--definitely prime choice in the Lehigh Valley for overall best bagel based on size, density, and flavor (along with NY-style authenticity).  Served with a variety of cream cheeses or a delicious variety of egg sandwiches-one cannot complain about the selection.  I've heard great things about their large menu of lunch sandwiches and look forward to visiting again   sometime.  Johhny's also serves delicious brews of fair trade coffee, some coming from One Village Coffee, a local group with a great mission.

My favorite feature:  the window view red leather couches...where I have shared memories of conversation, breakfast and friends--a great view of Main St. Bethlehem and eye-catching art for the window shoppers.

Bagel Month #3: Three Men & a Bagel

Three Men & a Bagel

1259 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 101b

Allentown, PA  

610-433-2600

2nd Location:  

150 Hamilton Blvd

Trexlertown, PA

I was thankful when this Trexlertown-based business opened a 2nd location closer to home--but it's easy to miss!  Nestled amongst medical offices across from Lehigh Valley Hospital, it is a nice surprise if you're looking for a quick breakfast or lunch.   One of my favorite parts is its meandering, grand corridor, leaving you in suspense for its final appearance.  Once inside, you'll discover a beautiful, warm, spacious and clean environment with friendly and helpful staff.

Offering around 18 assorted bagel flavors, my favorites include the rare cranberry orange & the energy bagel...topped with one of their assorted cream cheeses.  Their bagels appear small but have a moist density as a distinct feature of the area's bagels and are plentiful in satisfaction.

In addition, they serve a variety of deli sandwiches that can be served on the bagel of your choice, roll or bread.  A hidden treasure if you're looking for a quiet meal.  

Bagel Month #2: Bagel Basket

Bagel Basket
1850 Friedensville Road
Bethlehem, PA (near Hellertown)
610-838-7980
Hours: M-W 6 am-3 pm, Th-Fri. 6 am-8pm; Sat-Sun. 7-3pm

Where is your favorite spot to get a bagel?  I've discovered a few out-of-town spots that I love to visit as I can...one of my new favorites is Village Bagel in Warrington, PA because of their generous-sized, flavorful specialty bagels or Fill-a-Bagel in Jenkintown, PA because of their great store-front, delicious bagels and La Colombe coffee.  In addition to these recommendations,  Bagel Barrel in Doylestown, PA, is another that not only offers a great product but the community-friendly feel that accompanies it.

This is what stands out to me at Bagel Basket.  Offering a wide assortment of on-premises freshly baked bagels, the typical line and full tables show that it is a favorite morning stop for many local residents.  One of its best features is the outdoor seating under their porch. On a side road in Hellertown, it feels tucked away, providing a serene setting for a chat with a    friend or reading the morning paper.


Although I've heard mixed reviews about their bagels, my husband and I are among many who enjoy an opportunity to stop by.  Bagel  Basket can win the local prize for the vast assortment of flavored cream

Annie Energy Bagel w/peach cream cheese

cheese--including peach, blueberry and apple cinnamon to some of the more standard sweet spreads.  For the bagel sandwich lovers, the consensus is "they know how to fry a mean egg and their bacon is delicious."  Top it off with their wide array of  supreme Green Mountain coffee.

Bagel Basket is also open for lunch and their sandwiches sound delicious--besides cold deli sandwiches, they serve a variety of hot sandwiches served on a bagel, croissant, ciabatta, wrap, kaiser roll, white, wheat or rye bread.  Their combos come with a pickle and a side of pasta, macaroni, potato salad or coleslaw.  Finally, they always have a few homemade sweets (scones, magic bars, cookies and more!) hanging around the register that I haven't tried, but look enticing. 





 While Bagel Basket can feed for your family year round--beat the coming cool season and take a book or a friend over to the Bagel Basket to start your morning right.