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)
 


 

Sindbad Mediterranean Cuisine

Sindbad Mediterranean Cuisine

426 N. 7^th Street

Allentown, PA 18102

610-351-3789

Hours: M-Closed; T-Th 10a-8p; Fri-Sat 10a-10p; Sun 11a-7p

Spoon Rate: 

Ready to try something new, we visited www.restaurant.com to take advantage of a gift certificate.  We stumbled upon Sindbad, a restaurant in Allentown that was unfamiliar to us.  Given our love for Mediterranean cuisine, we are always ready to find a new spot in the Lehigh Valley, amidst the many other restaurants that we have grown to love.

In the heart of Allentown, Sindbad is located on N. 7^th Street, home of some other restaurants.  We passed Winston’s, a Jamaican restaurant previously visited and enjoyed by Evans’ Eats, and Mariam’s, on the list of places to review.  Do not be deceived--the Lehigh Valley is full of viable choices for ethnic eating!  On a cold winter night, Sindbad looked intriguing and inviting, with its warm lighting, classy sign and ornate foyer.  As we were greeted by the owner and his father, who prepared our meals, we learned they designed and completed this tiled entrance and all aesthetics of this small, but clean and classy establishment.  Open since August, 2014, Sindbad serves mostly take-out customers, but two tables are available for those who want to dine-in to enjoy the full, hospitable experience.

We ordered cauliflower as an appetizer.  It was delicious, perfectly sautéed and seasoned, with a lemony flavor. For our entrees, we chose a beef shawarma combo ($9.45, includes beverage and hummus or fries) and falafel combo ($9.00). Both were fresh and extraordinary in quality.  The side of hummus and pita was an appreciated side, and its generous portion provided leftovers to take home.

We ended our meal with fresh, authentic Arabic coffee and slices of namoura (cake), a perfect ending to this memorable, satisfying meal.  The friendly, caring hospitality of the owner and his father enhanced the experience.  Their excellence in making everything fresh and using local products show the quality of their work and cuisine that we can easily recommend.  We look forward to returning to try their baba ghanouj, tabbouli and kibbi, along with taking advantage of their outdoor seating in warmer weather. 

  

Johnny's Drive-In: Known for Its Gyros

Johnny's Drive-In
2722 Easton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA  18017
610-865-9999
Hours:  M-Sat 11a-9p; Sun: Closed


Johnny's Drive-In.  An unassuming yet intriguing exterior is sure to provide a satisfying experience.  After a long-time recommendation from a friend who knows we enjoy gyros, we finally took the opportunity to visit.  On a Friday evening, there was a steady stream of local customers who seemed to be regulars.  While the menu provides a wide array of classic American options (cheeseburger, cheese steak, chicken fingers), we went to our preferred and recommended:  "the New York Gyro" ($6.15), topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatsiki sauce.  Our sides included french fries (large: $2.99) and a greek salad (small: $4.59).  
While we waited, we overheard someone raving about the gyros.  He visited another city and ordered a gyro while out to dinner.  He then proceeded to tell the owner of this restaurant: "If you want to learn how to make a gyro, go to Johnny's gyros. They're the best I've ever had!"  This was an encouraging validation of our imminent meal.  
We enjoyed our sides:  greek salad, topped with a stuffed grape leaf and black olives and generous portion of french fries.   However the highlight was the delicious gyro, definitely of the best we've had in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.  Perfect temperature of fresh meat and pita and ideal amount of accompanied tzatsiki sauce.  
Another asset of Johnny's is its personable ownership, who were working hard, while greeting and serving their customers.  While there is limited seating and most seem to come in for take-out, the environment was bright, clean and inviting.  Now that we've been to Johnny's, it will be at the top of our list when asked where to go for the best gyros in LV & B.
 

Summer Stops-Pappy's Pig Roast BBQ

Pappy's Pig Roast BBQ
205 Roosevelt Blvd
Marmora, NJ  08223
609-390-8600
Spoon Rates:   
   
Summer tends to include more travel and thus, opportunities for adventurous eating.  For us, this year we visited most of our usual summer stops, reviewed other years on Evans' Eats.  We have one noteworthy place to share with you.

As we headed to the Jersey shore my husband was determined to find a roadside BBQ stand.  Nearing our destination, we were losing hope in finding one when Pappy's appeared.  Though we stopped in their actual restaurant, the sighting of a parked food truck gave us hope that we may have found something to meet our goal.  

We had a delectable, filling meal to start off our family vacation in Ocean City, NJ.  The vast menu has something for the entire family--it includes items of a traditional pizza shop like pizza, cheesesteaks, and some intriquing sandwiches (like Italian Chicken Florentine-breaded chicken, topped with roasted red peppers, spinach, sauce & cheese, $6.99 or 9th St. Pork Sandwich, roasted pork with sauteed spinach, garlic, roasted red peppers, & provolone cheese, $8.95. 

But, I chose to stay true to our original plan and order a Carolina Pork BBQ sandwich ($6.99), with your options of BBQ sauce--I ordered the mild version (vinegar base).  They offer a variety of cultural twists from Southern, Carolina, German (topped with sauerkraut), Italian (sauteed spinach and garlic) and Jersey (topped with slaw).  We chose sides of mashed sweet potatoes and baked beans, but the large sandwiches would have been sufficient!

In viewing their website, Pappy's also offers carry-out packages and catering.  Overall, a viable stop on your way to or from the Jersey shore! 

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!

"Who Knew?" Month-Week #1: Rascals Cheesesteaks

Rascals Cheesesteaks
1350 MacArthur Rd
Whitehall, PA  18052
(610) 774-9600
Hours: M-Sat 7a-8p; Sun 9a-5p

A cheese steak shop in a Home Depot?  Who knew? Sometimes the greatest gems are in the most inconspicuous locations.  For more than 5 years, Rascals has been serving up hands-down the best cheese steaks in the Lehigh Valley to contractors and home repair customers--and thankfully our friends have introduced us.  

A completely take-out restaurant with only 3 stools, they have the most diverse cheese steak menu with reasonable prices ($4.99/small; $7.99/large).  Their gourmet selection includes Indian, Thai, Jamaican jerk, Creole, Greek and more.  

Their sturdy, generous rolls surpass the standard.  Not to mention, the passionate, quick service in a clean, classy set-up puts customers at ease. (Home Depot must have hooked them up with some great tiling that really enhances the aesthetics!)

We look forward to a return to sample more of the flavorful menu.  Which one next?

Jamaican Jerk

Spicy BBQ

BBQ Month-Week #3: Dancing Pig BBQ

Dancing Pig BBQ
Dublin Village Plaza
161 N. Main St.
Dublin, PA
215-249-3334
Hours: T-Sun 11a-8p (closed Mondays)

 Dublin Village Plaza is famous for it's PA Driver's License Center, but it has competition.  Dancing Pig is serving delicious southern-style BBQ to Bucks County.  Known for its 100's wood-fired, wood-smoked, all-fresh, never frozen meat, this almost year old business is bringing a cultural experience to town.  

We highly recommend the "Dancing Pig Style Baby Back Ribs" (a traditional dry rub and a "light finishing mop"--also serving "Texas Style"-cracked black pepper and coarse salt).  Love the smoky smell it leaves on your fingers!  Thankfully they provide complimentary moist towelettes for the messy fingers.

They also have the full offerings of sandwiches including pulled pork, beef brisket (our choice-delicious!), chicken bbq and more.  A few creative selections include the beef brisket cheese steak or the chorizo sandwich.  Each table includes 2 versions of sauces.  They offered "Dancing Pig Devil Dust" for the spice lovers--we respectfully declined and failed to ask for a description.

Side items are a la carte, but reasonably priced.  The "settler beans" were flavorful and an ideal choice, along with the distinct corn bread and garden slaw (vinegar base).

They are obviously serving a steady take-out business but the dine-in atmosphere is warm and inviting.  Most of all we enjoyed the hospitality of the owners--who are sure to inform and generously serve their customers.

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?