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!

        

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.  
  

Seven Star Cafe'

Seven Star Cafe'
13 S. Main S,
Coopersburg, PA  18036
484/858/0690
Hours:   Wed-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 10a-8p
Spoon Rates:  

We love living in Coopersburg, but we are often envious of other local downtowns, like Bethlehem, Emmaus & Easton, offering much more of a commercial district of shops and restaurants.  So, we are happy to support the businesses that intermittently appear on Main Street, with its charming potential.  A new option, Seven Star Cafe' is a solid, quiet alternative to the well-known Coopersburg Diner.

Located in a historic landmark, the Barron House, Seven Star Cafe' is serving lunch & dinner, with brunch also offered on Sundays.  Indoor dining includes entertainment on the weekend.  We chose outdoor seating, maximizing this beautiful weather.  The take-out orders were steady as we enjoyed our meal.

The menu contains a variety of creative yet classic sandwiches and salads.  Our party started with one of several appetizer options, the "Macho Nachos", ($6) a generous pile tortilla chips topped with cheddar cheese, taco beef & onion.  We had a variety of selections for our entrees including the delectable 7 Star Salad ($7.95), mixed greens with thin sliced grilled marinated steak, tomatoes, red onion, bleu cheese & pepperoncini , with red wine vinaigrette
The crispy roast beef sandwich ($6.25, topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, fried onion rings & horseradish mayo), had a vote of approval.  I chose one of their daily specials, a scallop poboy--a rare menu option in the Lehigh Valley.  

Decent prices, a flare of gourmet, and a quiet setting.  Ice cream for dessert is conveniently next door at Good Earth.  We hope the locals will support Seven Star Cafe' and grow our downtown metropolis! 

Additional note: After publishing this post, we received this informative reply from the owner.  We wanted to share this valuable information that enhances the value of this restaurant:  

Thanks for the review...We would like to add to it......Many don't know this but we offer lot's of organic choice's. Our chicken is always organic along with our salad mix....We also try to get our produce such as, tomatoes, spring mix, potatoes, onions, kale, pea shoots and anything else we can find in season from local farms that do not use pesticides. Our meats are the best and highest quality. We use Black Angus for our hand made burgers and also for our steak sandwiches! We offer gluten free bread at your request. Since your visit ... We now have home baked fruit and cream cheese filled yummy muffins and desserts available everyday.

We would like to invite you to come in on a Friday evening where specials such as home made (wild caught) crab cakes or other fish choices, 12oz Rib Eye steaks or maybe a chicken pot pie with puff pastry crust perhaps Chicken Saltimbocca....Homemade Lobster wonton sautéed with shrimp in a béchamel sauce.....Butternut squash lasagna or a great homemade soup...... lot's of delicious choices!

Bon Appetit!
 

Holiday Reunion Month #2-Diana's Cafe

Diana's Cafe
4907 Route 309
Center Valley, PA  18034
610-797-2525
Hours: M-Sat. 7a-3p

I have distinct memories of a spontaneous breakfast outing with a college friend on the morn of Christmas eve several years ago.  Our chosen spot was Diana's Cafe.   If you are local to Center Valley, I would highly recommend it, not just for a solid selection to take your incoming holiday guests, but an overall reputable option for a business or personal meeting.  

Egg White Greek Omelet

With reasonable prices and a menu that is a cut above diner food, it provides a private and cozy dining atmosphere, especially on the porch.  I enjoy a cup of their flavored coffee (though they also thoughtfully offer french press coffee) with a create-your-own omelet with some of the best whole grain toast you might find at a restaurant.   My other standard is their steel-cut oatmeal, with a selection of various toppings including blueberries, fresh apples, cinnamon, walnuts, etc.  Another popular breakfast item is eggs florentine.  

They always offer a large variety of intriguing daily specials.  For lunch, I usually enjoy their soup selection.  Their autumn bisque and crab bisque are memorable, and can be accompanied by a side salad or sandwich.  With taste of a home-prepared  meal, you can't go wrong: salads, burgers, sandwiches and even a quiche special accompanied by soup and salad.