Las Delicias Restaurant: Colombian & Spanish Cuisine

Las Delicias
144 W. St. Joseph Street
Easton, PA  18042
610-559-9490
Hours: Sun 9a-8p; Mon: Closed; Tues 10a-8p; Wed-Sat 10a-9p 
Spoon Rate: 

"La clave es hacerlo con amor."

 

Our friends introduced us to this charming, neighborhood restaurant in Easton.  The simple exterior and atmosphere include an inviting feel with a steady stream of customers throughout our time there.  We are handed menus, yet our eyes are also drawn to the chalkboard menu which displays an intriguing variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials--too many things to try for one visit!  Sandwiches, quesadillas, empanadas, traditional dishes that include steak, beef, chicken or fish, and arepas are among the options.  (Arepas, made from maize, could be considered a pita or tortilla of Colombia.  It can be ordered plain or filled with cheese, avocado, meats, etc. 

The bottom of the chalkboard reads: "La clave es hacerlo con amor."  In spanish this means, the key is to make it with love.  This won my heart before trying the food.
We started our meal with their delish guacamole and chicken and beef empanadas.

The entrees arrived with generous portions.  I ordered the tilapia (can receive it broiled or fried), enough for 2 additional meals after this one.  Topped with a creamy mushroom sauce, it was truly comfort food.  Entrees come with choice of sides. I took advantage of the opportunity to order plantains and cassava, satisfying compliments to the flavorful fish.
Our friends ordered churasco, a skirt steak, with a tasty chimichurri sauce, accompanied with their choice of plantains, rice and beans.
Las Delicias also serves breakfast all day, including one of our orders:  eggs mixed with vegetables and side of steak and beans.
Quality service and food, comfortable friendly environment, generous portions with reasonable prices and made with love=overall enjoyable experience. 

Winston's

619 N. 7th Street

Allentown, PA  18102

484-221-9682

Hours:  M-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-7p

Credit Card:  Accepted

Spoon Rate: 

Winston's brought us to a part of Allentown we might not normally visit or travel.  The online reviews were supportive that it was worth a visit.  To my knowledge, Winston (the personable owner), has a niche in the LV serving Jamaican or "West Indian & American" cuisine.   A no-frills ambience, reggae music playing in the background and authentic-looking, friendly employees greet you as you enter.  

We asked, "What's good here?  What do you recommend?"  He looked at us with confusion at our question and responded "ALL of it!"  His enthusiasm overshadowed his lack of assistance in understanding the simple menu.  Here it is: (see photo)  No paper menu.  No explanations...but the steady stream of customers, almost all getting take-out, all seemed to know exactly what to order.  We graciously accepted some free samples of the curry goat and oxtail.  He explained rice, beans, mixed vegetables and plantains come with every order (selections of fish, chicken or beef).  I like that.   Not to  mention, he guessed what I would order--jerk chicken ($8), a safe and standard option, for sure.  My husband ordered the curry goat ($10).   Now that we know the system--ordering would be a breeze.   

We dined in at one of the few tables--to get the full experience.  We enjoyed observing the friendly, neighborhood vibe.  The customers know a reasonable deal....as we were soon amazed by the portions.   The curry goat was tender--curry taste was not too overpowering.  Jerk chicken had a mild bite to it, but combined beautifully with the sides.  Definitely delicious, flavorful comfort food, with plenty of leftovers to take home. 

Our leftovers

Mexican Month/Week #3: Fiesta Habanero

Fiesta Habanero

500 West Broad Street

Quakertown, PA  18951

215-538-2228

This post brings both sad and hopeful news. Sad news:  Previously reviewed, Empanadas Argentinas has closed.  We are disappointed to say good-bye to those pockets of goodness.  Good news:  Fiesta Habanero, a pleasing new business to downtown Quakertown, has taken its place.

 

Within weeks of opening, the husband and wife duo are hard at work pumping out a reasonable and tasteful sampling of Mexico's finest.  You can't beat a Chorizo taco for $1.75, served on a corn tortilla with cilantro, onion and salsa on the side, or a Tamale with red or

green sauce for $1.50 each.  

Menu includes a full selection of burritos ($5.95), flautas ($6.75), quesadillas ($3.50), including a vegetable or intriguing squash flower.  
  
My husband enjoyed the enchiladas with green sauce accompanied by rice and beans ($8.95) while I stumbled upon a grilled chicken torta ($5.95), a mexican sandwich served with beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and jalapenos.

Served fresh with caring service, we enjoyed every bite.  Not everyone's idea of a Friday night out, but we thoroughly enjoyed ordering at their walk-up window and informal seating on a warm spring evening.  Welcome, Fiesta Habanero--we wish you a successful business and look forward to a return visit!

Summer Stops #1: Bochi's

Bochi's Homemade Food 
500 West Broad Street
Quakertown, PA  18951
215-538-2075
Hours:  11 AM-8 PM

Summer is arguably the best season of our year.  One of its assets is the weather and outdoor eating freedom it provides.  Furthermore, Evans Eats is devoting this month to review eateries that will be most enjoyed in the warm season.. 
  
Bochi's, otherwise known as "Empanadas Argentinas" due to their vast sign, brings South American cuisine to a side street in Quakertown.  Located in a small walk-up window storefront, it sits next to Pep's Ice Cream Parlor (former location of Rita's water ice.)  Open since early 2011, this friendly, hospitable Argentinian couple are working hard to provide an excellent and affordable product.  While their menu includes basic items such as subs, hot sandwiches, "all American" hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as some Italian items, their featured delicacy is the empanada. 

spicy chicken

corn

For the local PA Dutchmen who have never head of this, it's similar to a deep-fried pierogie, but filled with meat, cheese and/or vegetables.  Don't be intimidated by the word "fried"--it was not too greasy--in my opinion, perfectly cooked.  We couldn't decide on our favorite but thoroughly enjoyed spicy chicken (chicken, red peppers, onions, picante sauce and seasoning), corn (sweet corn in a creamy sauce, onions, scallions, and parmesan cheese), vegetarian (spinach, ricotta and minced onions) or BBQ pork (squares of tender pork and provolone with BBQ sauce).   
Besides the authentic, flavorful taste, the prices are unbeatable, leaving our table to order a second round.  And I quote, "You can feed a small army for $60!"
                                                      3 empanadas + a soda=$4:00
6 empanadas+2 free=$7.60
12 empanadas+4 free=$15.00
18 empanadas+6 free=$22.00

The rest of the menu's prices are similar--a cheeseburger for $1.50 a huge milanesa completa (an authentic sandwich-breaded veal, egg, lettuce, tomato on a large roll) for $4.90!  Egg on a sandwich with veal? Common for many South American countries--why not expand our cultural awareness? 
Next time I plan to try a personal tarta--looks like a generous-size personal quiche offerd in veggie, ham & cheese or Bochi's special including ham, cheese, bacon, tomato, sweet peas and eggs. ($4.90)

Be prepared for picnic table seating--ideal for families but not if you value comfort and ambience.  The night we tried Bochi's, we happened to overhear a father teaching his 2 kids about Argentina and the correct pronunciation of "empanadas."  Later, we ran into him at owowcow creamery.  Commenting on his great selection on this evening out with his kids, he exclaimed, "You gotta raise 'em right!" 
I couldn't agree more.

The simple yet thoughtful presentation reflects Argentinian hospitality

Look closely for letters imprinted on each empanada--this is their system for distinguishing flavors!

Will I return? Yes--especially because I want to try one of those good-looking tartas or a milenasa especial.  Bochi's is a creative inexpensive summer lunch or dinner spot.  Let us know what you think!