2015 Year in Review

Lehigh Valley & Beyond, 
You've provided many delicious meals, enjoyable moments and satisfying options for all of us in 2015.  Evans' Eats wants to take some time recognize a few of them.  This list is not exhaustive of every food genre, but rather gives some recommendable highlights from our longtime and recent dining experience:

Best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern:  Damascus Restaurant (Allentown, PA)
Best Mexican:  Fiesta Habanero  (Quakertown, PA)
Best Burrito:  Cali Burrito (Allentown, PA)
Best Sushi:  The Other Fish (Bethlehem, PA)
Best Appetizer:  Karisik Meze at Aci Halal (Allentown, PA)
Best Breakfast Spot:  Blue Sky Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
Best Sandwich:  Now That's Italian (Coopersburg, PA)
Best Dessert:  Baklava, Anatolian Kitchen (Bethlehem, PA)
Best Ice Cream:  The Inside Scoop (Coopersburg, PA)
Best Deal:  Prince Palace Dumpling House (Bethlehem, PA)
Best Night Out:  Aladdin (Allentown, PA)
New & Noteworthy: Tony's Pizza, especially the cheese steaks & calzones (Coopersburg, PA)
Thankful Addition to the LV & B: Penn State Creamery ice cream at The Shoppe at Hotel Bethlehem  (Bethlehem, PA)
 


 

The People's Kitchen

The People's Kitchen
639 Linden St.
Bethlehem,  PA

610-849-2080
Hours:M-F 6a-3p; Sat 7a-3p; Sun 8a-2p
Spoon Rate:
  
There is always room for another neighborhood breakfast joint in the Lehigh Valley, especially quaint Bethlehem.  I was eager to try The People's Kitchen after stumbling across an advertisement, and wonder how did I miss hearing about this place earlier since they have been open since October, 2014?! Located on active Linden Street, but off the beaten path of popular Main Street, this has the desired feel for a local spot to meet with friends and neighbors for breakfast or lunch.  Fighting off envy that it is not within walking distance to frequent more regularly, I enjoyed watching the camaraderie of its guests of all ages.

The environment is clean, fresh, with a hipster touch in its decor  (this may be their intended look since one of their menu items is the hipster bagel).  It has limited seating, giving the classic "hole-in-the-wall" feel that Evans' Eats prefers.  We visited for breakfast and enjoyed their classic menu, with a gourmet twist to some basic selections.  Menus uniquely and endearingly arrived on clipboards, displaying a variety of choices, along with some seasonal specials.  A chalkboard on the wall shared their current fresh bread selection: cinnamon bread and honey whole wheat with spiced cran-apple jelly.  This was difficult to overlook, but I settled on the quiche with roasted red peppers, spinach & gouda cheese with a hash brown crust ($7), giving this local hotspot a notch above your local diner.  Thankfully, my mom and I have similar tastes and she chose the other menu item calling my name, so we could share.  She received a shortstack of cranberry pancakes drizzled with cream cheese apple cider sauce.  The shortstack included 2 LARGE delicious pancakes.  Our only regret in ordering these two items is not having the opportunity to try the many other unique offerings:  Breakfast mac n' cheese ($7), BBQ shrimp & grits crepes ($9), & croissant french toast ($8) to name just a few. 

Lunch menu included some classic burgers, salads and sandwiches and intriguing options:  chicken & prosciutto croquettes with gouda dipping sauce ($8); crab bread ($10) and pulled pork flatbread with cheddar, roasted red pepper, spinach, & chipotle BBQ ($8).

Bethlehem can be proud for another business that is hip in atmosphere, classy in cuisine, and friendly in Lehigh-style.

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.  

Dessert Dining: Cafe Erica

Cafe Erica
637 Main Street
Hellertown, PA  18055
610-748-1500
Hours:  Sun 8a-8p; Mon 8a-3p; 
T, W, Th 8a-9p; F & Sat 8a-10

Spoon Rate: 

On a recent evening out with friends, we were on the hunt for a decent dessert location in the LV&B.  When wanting to take a break from the classic ice cream treat, where does one go to have a nice dessert over coffee?

We were in Hellertown, so we checked out the menu of Cafe Erica.   It looked promising and was open until 10.  We had a delightful experience.  

Adjacent to Bella's Ristorante ,  (which I have yet to try, but was busy serving tantalizing plates of Italian cuisine), Cafe Erica serves more than just desserts.  It offers a basic breakfast and lunch menu, along with a full coffee bar.  Its inviting aesthetics provide the kind of meeting and eating spot every small town should   include.  

Our party enjoyed a variety of warm beverages including coffee, tea and an americano, charmingly served in a variety of mugs.   We ordered a variety of desserts--chocolate-toffee lace cookies came from the case at Cafe Erica.  The others came from Bella's, including a chocolate cream puff, carrot cake, and blueberry cheesecake.  I can't yet speak for what they serve for breakfast and lunch, but it proved to be an ideal atmosphere and after-dinner ending.

Where do YOU like to go for an evening dessert?  Leave a comment to share your suggestions!

        

Daddy's Place

Daddy's Place
650 Northampton St.
Easton, PA 18042
 610-438-4442
Hours:  Sun 12p-9p; M-Th 7a-9p; 7a-10p



Spoon Rate:   

A highlight since starting this blog is having friends and family make recommendations for local restaurants to review.  A friend invited me to join her at Daddy's Place.  It could be because she knew the owner that we received such honorable treatment.  However, the hospitality we received is a true depiction of the pride and love that encompass this family-owned restaurant in downtown Easton.  Relatively new to this city, it has much to offer the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.

An unexpected asset noticed upon arrival is ample parking in their lot.  The signs, outdoor and indoor renovations are artistic, modern and clean.  Outdoor tables for eating is to be expected upon warmer temperatures.  Inside, the open, bright atmosphere is energizing, with an at-home feel.  The owners and employees were working hard in the kitchen, already starting to prepare an appetizer sampler for us. A case is full of treats ranging from spinach pie to slices of cheesecake.  I hear wonderful things about the homemade cheesecake and baklava--which must be popular because they were out of stock that day. 

The name Daddy's place lovingly came from one of the daughters of the owners.  With a Lebanese heritage, the menu includes Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern Cuisine.  Their menu is vast, including a variety of American options for breakfast, lunch, & dinner.  We chose to have the authentic Lebanese experience.  

The impeccable service started us with 2 mini-pie sampler ($5.99).  This variety of pastry pies were stuffed with cheeses, spinach, meats and flavor.  To follow, we requested the fava bean salad and a sampler of hummus, baba ganouj, tabouli, and grape leaves.  Accompanied by their delicious thin flatbread, we experienced the robust flavors of these classic dishes.  Their hummus was exceptionally smooth with a distinct hint of lemon.

We tried to pace ourselves so we could enjoy an entree.  All entrees are accompanied by a choice of 2 sides (salad, soup, rice and grilled veggies.)  We were recommended to try the lamb ($18.95).  My friend enjoyed the unique rice, tender lamb with an accompanying, flavorful sauce.  She commented on the authenticity of each recipe.  In her words, "Most middle eastern places serve the lamb kabobs a bit too chewy but the lamb there had the perfect balance of being char-grilled on the outside and tender on the inside. The rice was made with a roasted traditional Lebanese noodle, which gave it a comfort food flavor to it."  I chose the falafel with grilled veggies ($13.99).  Large portions and plenty of food left us beyond satisfied with many leftovers to enjoy the next day.  Our meal ended with a delicious cup of Turkish coffee.($1.50)

Not only does Daddy's place provide cuisine that makes you feel at home, it also serves as a beer distributor.  Said to have the largest selection of beer in the Lehigh Valley (over 600), it provides both imported and local brews to drink in-house or take home.  

An enjoyable addition to the city of Easton, I look forward to sharing the hospitable, delicious experience with my friends and family!

     

Mueller's Too Restaurant
3205 South Delaware Drive
Easton, PA  18042
610-252-8726 
Hours:  Mon-Sun 6a-9p
No Credit Cards Accepted
Spoon Rate: 


Mueller's came recommended by a friend whose family has a weekly routine of going each Sunday on their way home from church.  After she blessed me with a gift certificate, I was thankful for the opportunity to try it.  Located on the scenic Delaware River, it is off the beaten path of our normal routine, but a perfect destination for a Labor Day brunch.  In spite of the rain, we enjoyed the beautiful drive.  

As we walked in, we were greeted by a room full of people, definitely filled with locals who seemed to know each other and their servers.  Cozy, country decor and friendly servers lead you to feeling right at home.  The front room has a typical small-town diner feel.  We sat in the back room, providing more seating for larger parties.

Due to it being a holiday with an early close, they were only serving breakfast that day-which was perfect since their breakfasts came with the recommendation.  A classic breakfast menu provides plenty of options, along with a few specials.  

I was most intrigued by the breakfast scramblers--a variety of options of vegetables, meats, cheeses, scrambled with eggs and breakfast potatoes.   I created a scrambler with spinach, tomatoes, mushroom and feta cheese.  A delicious form of breakfast potatoes and sturdy toast accompanied our scrambler and omelet, tasting like it was prepared in love.

With its local charm and tasty, fresh breakfast, I can only imagine the wait for a table on the weekends.