2012 In Review

2012 In Review:

Another year of enjoyable cuisine from the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.
Here are a few categories we've chosen in reflection of some of our favorites.
What have been the most memorable meals for you and your family in 2012? We'd love to hear your comments!

Best Mediterranean:  True Blue Mediterranean


Best Cheese Steak: Rascals Cheesesteaks

Best Burger:  Creamery on Main

Best Bakery: Dolce Patisserie

Most Fresh Menu:  Cafe' Santosha

Favorite Find:  Prince Palace Dumpling House

Best New Spot in LV & B:  Fiesta Habanero

Most hip atmosphere:  Horns
 
Best True "Hole in the Wall"(& best sushi):  The Other Fish 

Most Memorable Meal:  True Blue Mediterranean, Bethlehem (falafel gyro with a side of basmati rice and mediterranean salad, especially during the power outage of Superstorm Sandy)

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2013!

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.  

 
      

  

Destination Month/Week #2: Newport, Rhode Island

Last summer was our first time visiting Newport, RI for our 10 year anniversary celebration get-away.  We were hooked.  A perfect combination of quaint New England/beach town, offering great places to stay, walk, relax and eat.  Here are a few of our highlights that we can easily recommend from our 2 visits:

First of all, if you are traveling from the Lehigh Valley, we encourage strategic road trip meals.  We stumbled upon Sea View Snack Bar
145 Greenmanville Ave Mystic, CT
 in Mystic, CT last year.  Directly off the exit from Route 95, a scenic outdoor view with casual seating and full menu, including New England seafood.  We had our first lobster roll experience.  It was worth the $15/roll.  Perfectly toasted roll, and lightly dressed and seasoned lobster contribute to this delicacy that brought us back on the return home.

In Newport, Le Maison de Coco 28 Bellevue Ave Newport RI

became one of our favorite stops for a mid-morning refresher after the cliff walk.  We have yet to experience their french-influenced menu including quiches, salads, scones and tarts, which include a variety of local products.  In addition, they only use organic sugars and flours, and dairy

products made from sustainable farming practices (pesticide-free; no growth hormones).   You can view their website to learn more of the owner and chef's on-site french training. 

We enjoy the quaint environment, friendly staff and iced drinks. They have my vote for the best iced coffee--
I was privileged to learn the secret-they blend their iced drinks, giving it a smooth texture with a froth.  Another winning touch is their offering of natural sweeteners including stevia and agave syrup.  We sampled a delicious gluten free cookie and one of their specialties, "tea-infused chocolates."   If you are visiting Newport, it's a necessary stop.     

Lunch recommendation:
Flo's Clam Shack  
4 Wave Ave  Middletown, RI 02842

We were again privileged to stumble upon this gem.  Truly a New England clam shack experience. The lines proved 2 things: the service takes their time & the crowds keep coming back.  Overlooking the beach, there is ample outdoor deck fresh seafood dining.  Whether going for lunch or dinner, be prepared to take your time, but definitely worth the wait.

Dinner Recommendations:

 
Best view/Fresh New England Seafood experience:  Aquidneck Lobster Co. Bowens Wharf 
The entrance has the feel of

salmon

walking into a fisherman's wharf, viewing their freshly-caught lobster.  It opens up to a large bar, indoor dining and deck overlooking the

calamari & caesar salad

water.  


Beautiful view and delicious food with a casual atmosphere. 

Family-friendly/cost-effective: 

The Fifth Element    111 Broadway    On the less "touristy" side of town is a young "bar meets grill" restaurant.  Generous seating, friendly service and a hip atmosphere accompanied our order:  a Boston Bibb salad and their "pizza of the moment"-a white pizza with fresh oregano, zucchini and tomatoes.  Delicious!

Fine Dining: 

22 Bowen's     22 Bowen's Wharf Bar & Grille - Bowen's Wharf      With ample indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water, the food selections will be just as exquisite as the view.  Well known for its steaks, we were satisfied with a generous-portioned salad and appetizer for our meal. 

  

Ice cream: To watch the sunset over Bannister's Wharf, visit New England-based,  Ben & Jerry's.   For a Newport classic, visit Kilwins 262 Thames Street, located in the center of town across from the wharfs, offering a variety of unique flavors.  

Destination Month-Week 1: Ocean City, NJ

An inevitable aspect of most summer vacations is increased dining out.  For many, this enhances the total experience.  When you ask your friends, "How was your vacation?", many will respond by sharing their activities:  the tours, the attractions & sites.  For us, we willinevitably resort to telling you about a great meal we had or the experience of a local restaurant.  Let's be honest:  Food brings people together & makes memories.

The nostalgia of the Evans' family annual vacation spot:  Ocean City, NJ, includes many eating traditions.  While some may refute the jersey shore as an adequate beach, preferring Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina or Florida, we cherish the peaceful, quiet north end of this therapeutic island and crave the spots that have become routine.  

After enjoying a morning walk on "the boards," a highlight is meeting my sister in laws at 1 of 2 hot-spot, rivaling coffee shops for an iced coffee.   

4th St. Cafe', on 4th & Atlantic, is an ideal location and favorite amongst the locals.   I love sitting outside under the awning with one of their delicious baked goods and flavorful iced coffees.   They make an incredible breakfast panini and if it's not too hot, I'll get the oatmeal.  If that doesn't sound appealing because oatmeal is part of your daily routine at home, you may want to reconsider--it's extra special, made with steel-cut oats and your choice of peanut butter, flax seed, bananas and dried cranberries.  4th st. also serves lunch--(but we have another lunch tradition so I've never tried it!)  With a laid-back casual interior garbed with local art, we most value their wide selection of unique baked goods (ie. orange chocolate chip muffin; banana lime coconut cake, etc.)


We also frequent
"Who's on First Cafe'.
Self-proclaimed as "the Original 4th St. Cafe'", they are now on 1st & Asbury Ave and baking up daily fresh scones.  While they have a limited selection (2 different flavors & usually 2 types of muffins), the scones are top-notch & they serve la Colombe' coffee--also ideal.  We prefer 1st street for it's ample outdoor seating and $.50 iced coffee refills!   

A light breakfast leaves room for our favorite lunch spot.  The Evans' Family certainly invests in Berenatos' Deli, 1st & Atlantic.  When it comes to sandwiches in OC, they can't be beat.   One of the main reasons is their fresh, ideal rolls...like the box says from their source, "It starts with the bread."   Whether you prefer an italian or turkey hoagie or a cheese steak--you can't go wrong.  Our favorites include the bbq chicken cheese steak or buffalo chicken cheese steak (with hot or sweet peppers). Depending on your appetite, a full can feed 2-4 people.  
If we are not in a rush to hit the beach, we love eating out under their awning.  By the way, you'll get the true Italian attitude from the owners--don't be offended--we've come to find it endearing. 


 What does the boardwalk have to offer?  If you are craving a slice of boardwalk pizza, we recommend "Three Brothers" (944 Boardwalk).  Manco & Manco, formerly known as Mack & Manco, may be the most well-known, but as far as quality and size--we consider this the best.  They offer a variety of toppings and it's pricey & large--but feeds the whole family. 


This year we finally visited the infamous 
Smitty's Clam Bar.  For those who are willing to cross the bridge, Somers Point has a good thing going--from the casual, family-friendly atmosphere to the waterside view of the bay, you'll enjoy a classic seafood experience.  


I was thoroughly pleased with one of the daily specials, baked tuna with a sesame-soy glaze, accompanied by a corn salad.  The rest of the party tried the classic oyster po boy sandwich and crab melt.   While we went for lunch, rumor has it to expect a wait for dinner--but it's an enjoyable seaside atmosphere--food and service are worth the wait!


 
Vacation should include at least one dessert splurge.   While the self-service, pay per pound yogurt craze has hit the Jersey shore,  we are Kohr Brothers custard loyal fans.  An enjoyable selection of flavors (where else can you get mint-chocolate, strawberry-banana, coffee-caramel or chocolate-peanut butter soft serve?) with the creamiest consistency.  A simple and consistent product keeps the line moving quickly & pleases the entire family.  (Secret: kid size is not on the menu, but is an ample smaller portion given upon request.)


Finally, one of the boardwalk's best kept, healthy secrets is Bashful Banana.  Serving a broad menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, this is truly the place to visit for fresh food, gluten free, vegan or special diet concerns.  My favorite item on their menu is their unique Banana Whip.  Made with just bananas, it undoubtedly has the consistency of frozen custard.  A variety of other frozen fruits can be added and toppings include an all fruit fudge sauce.  Thanks to Bashful Banana, no one is left out of the boardwalk cuisine!  (Another special touch--the only known place to order a Green Mountain flavored iced coffee!)


This sums up a perfect day of Evans' family traditional favorites at our annual vacation spot.  What are some of yours?