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!

     

Deli Month #2: Hellertown Deli & Pita House

Hellertown Deli & Pita House

1111 Main Street

Hellertown, PA  18055

610-838-1490

Hours: M-W 10 a- 3p

Th 10:30a - 6p

Fri  & Sat 11 a- 8p

I am indebted to my friend, Wes Checkeye, who consistently introduces me to stellar eateries.  When he told me about Hellertown Deli and their excellent falafel, I knew it was a trustworthy report.  To me, what is better than a downtown deli offering Middle Eastern food?  It provides the perfect excursion with a friend or co-worker:  something for those who enjoy an adventurous, ethnic flare or a traditional American sandwich.

The owners, a dashing couple, are hard at work preparing the food, but not too busy to provide a warm greeting and personalized

Mexican wrap

service.  Their menu includes an ample variety of grill items, hot sandwiches, hoagies, wraps, soups and breakfast sandwiches.  

The distinction of this deli is their middle eastern menu.  I enjoy the falafel platter ($7.99 also comes in a sandwich $4.75), a generous portion of 4 falafel patties, accompanied by your choice of salad, pita bread and appetizer.  I chose the classic meatless grape leaves, tabouleh salad (Parsley, onions, tomato, cracked wheat, oil, and fresh lemon juice).  Delicious!  I look forward to a return visit to sample more like their shawarma (a traditional middle-eastern pita sandwich usually including marinated beef or chicken with lettuce, tomato, and a yogurt sauce).  

There was a steady stream of locals enjoying a lunch break, eating in or picking up a take-out order.  The owner recommends their "mouth-watering" certified Black Angus burgers or the "Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich (4 cheeses-Provolone, American, Jack, and Cheddar, tomato and bacon served on seven grain bread, also served with beef or chicken steak meat.).  Next time I'll be sure to take some hummus and tasty baklava or rice pudding to go.

Burrito Battle Month #3: Cali Burrito

Cali Burrito
3104 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610.351.1791
Hours:  Mon-Wed 11-8; Thurs-Sat 11-9; Sun 11-7

This week’s review not only introduces you to the winner of Burrito Battle Month—but possibly the winner of Evans Eats overall favorite eateries in the LV & B.  We discovered this spot soon after its opening through an article in Coupon Clipper.  My husband, as usual, was skeptical, but willing to join me in the adventure.  I was intrigued by the story of 2 Lehigh Valley-bred gents returning to this area after 10 years living in California.  They had a vision and mission to bring a Cali-style burrito joint to this area.   

Good sign #1:  They have lived elsewhere & have been exposed to other cultures.  Good sign #2:  The Lehigh Valley has a lot to learn from the dozens of taco/burrito joints along the bike paths of LA beaches. 

Upon first external appearance, it only added to my husband’s anxious doubts, but as soon as we entered, we were put at ease.  There is remarkable success in the California vibe they have brought to the serene, reserved culture of the valley.  It has the relaxing effect of a warm, sunny day and whets the appetite as if you just returned from a morning of surfing.

The crowds have only grown in the last few years and it’s                            easy to tell why…They provide a fresh, healthy, consistent product…served quickly from a friendly, “chill” staff, who add to the experience.  Keep in mind, this is not a Mexican burrito—it’s a California-style burrito…using fresh products with a Mexican flare.   The customized opportunities are endless…not only can you create-your-own burrito, you can choose from one of several –and add your own “hook-ups”:  cilantro, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, crushed chips, pickles, cabbage, or cheese. 

For the health-conscious, brown rice and whole-wheat tortillas can be substituted.  The vegan and vegetarians will enjoy 3 of my favorites:  

The Humboldt (smoked tofu, black beans, brown rice, sour cream & cheese) The Cambria (grilled veggies, black beans, brown rice, guacamole & cheese) & The Nepenthe (falafel, rice, black beans, pickles, tahini sauce).  

The classics include:   

The Big Sur (steak, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)    

The Old Monterey(chicken, black beans, rice, cheese and quacamole)    

The El Dorado (pork, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)   

The Mendocino (ground beef, pinto beans, 

                                                         rice, cheese and pico de gallo)  

I personally always check their featured “Burrito of the Week” which is usually a popular creative concoction.  Breakfast burritos are served all day and for the non-burrito lovers, enjoy their quesadilla and tacos.  Are you one who cannot decide between hard and soft-shell?  Cali-burrito has solved the dilemma but using both—a soft shell covers a stuffed hard shell.   I recommend The San Diego (deep fried fish and shredded cabbage).

 

Besides the cool atmosphere & delicious burritos, their best features are the house-made tortilla chips that come with every taco and burrito order, combined with their salsa bar (featuring amazing salsa of the week, salsa verde, mild and hot.)—This definitely puts Cali Burrito above the other option of the LV & B. 

Cali Burrito attracts a hip crowd of all ages, enjoying a meal after working out, grabbing take-out for the wife and kids, or providing a setting for a book-club discussion.  Enter the piece of Cali brought to PA.

Will we return? Definitely—it’s one of our favorite places to introduce friends & family.

Summer Stops #4: Pita Pit

Pita Pit

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

3045 Center Valley Parkway

Center Valley, PA  18034

610-841-PITA

New 2^nd location:  Lehigh Valley Mall

823 Lehigh Lifestyle Center

Whitehall, PA

Occasionally, a chain will make it to Evans Eats: LV & B.  When it has the charm of an independent eatery

Hayden & Daniel enjoying a pita

and an excellent product that exhibits distinction, it is noteworthy, such as this ideal summer stop.  Whether you are shopping or meeting friends at the Promenade, in need of a quick lunch break stop with coworkers, or in the mood for a light summer dinner---enjoy the picturesque outdoor seating and a great meal at the Pita Pit.  Since its inception in 2007, Pita Pit has provided a consistent, healthy, fresh, and customized product to young and old of the Lehigh Valley.   You are sure to be greeted by pleasant staff and a helpful owner, who now runs 2 respectable businesses, with the opening of their 2^nd store at Lehigh Valley mall’s Lifestyle Center.  One can quickly tell the employees enjoy their job and believe in what they sell….a pita packed with a customer’s creation!

Its vast menu provides reasonable pita sandwiches ranging from $5-7, for vegan to meat-lover diets.  Somehighlights on the menu:  chicken souvlaki, buffalo chicken, philly steak, chicken crave (formerly known as Hawaiian—chicken breast, black forest ham, romaine lettuce, pineapple, tomatoes, melted American cheese, and honey mustard), falafel or veggies (both paired well with babaganoush, an eggplant spread or hummus.)  The best part is watching the employees man the grill and then stuff your pita to your liking—from your choice of white/wheat pita, to the selection of veggies, pickles, sauces, and spreads—you leave with a sense of satisfaction in their customer-friendly and creative-centered approach to a healthy fresh meal.

Pita Pit also offers a breakfast pita (Why have I not tried one yet?) and any pita can also be made a salad.

Summer Stops #2: Foote's Rest Roadside Cafe

Foote's Rest Roadside Cafe
Exit 30 on I-87
Hudson Valley, NY 

Hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM-5 PM

This month, we continue highlighting ideal summer eating.  Though you may not be headed to upstate New York this summer, let this inspire your road trip meals.  In general, we try to avoid the easy rest stops or fast food restaurants and find a local "hole-in-the-wall."  We hit the jackpot this summer on our way to Lake Placid, NY for a family camping vacation. 

Upon exiting I-87, we decided to be on the look-out for a place to stop and have lunch.  It was not long until we spotted Foote's.  Quick group decision-making led us to dining with some locals and truckdriving regulars, soon to realize what keeps them coming back.  Besides the great sign that draws you in, the trailer is captivating, particularly its eco-friendly advertising as "solar-powered."

If one is skeptical of its initial appearance, you are soon put at ease by the friendly and proud owner who will help you peruse the simple, yet complete road-side menu.  How does one decide?  It serves New York's popular hot dog brand, Sabretts, with toppings and a home-made bun!!!

"The Michigan"

Good thing they were out of falafel--that helped to make my decision easier.   The veggie wrap or the taco with its homemade salsa were intriguing, but I soon decided on the traditional gyro. 

As he lovingly prepared each one, he confidently informed us of his research and tour to find the best gyro--leading him to create his own...which he says is the "best you can find."  One of its highlights is the fresh, "non-processed" meat...admittedly, one can taste the difference. 

The Burrito

Inexpensive, individually made with great care, and exquisitely flavored, our meal exceeded expectations.  The tacos, burritos and hot dogs looked great and received wonderful reviews.  If you're headed north on I87, stop at Foote's on Exit 30 for a pleasant experience.

Evans' Eats Challenge:  Find a non-chain, local hotspot on your summer road trip--if you have a favorite, be sure to leave a comment of recommendation!  Need some ideas?  Try www.roadfood.com

Mediterranean Month #5

Soumaya & Sons

264 Fullerton Ave
Whitehall, PA 18052

(610) 432-0405

While I have enjoyed their fresh pitas and hummus through my mother, it was not until a friend, Belen Mora, encouraged me to visit this local business as a part of Evans Eats’ Mediterranean month.  This month would not be complete without sharing this Whitehall Middle Eastern treasure.   My only regret was letting social or perhaps “culture-shock” apprehension, hinder me from getting to know the owners and learning more about their background.  The name matches my suspicion that this is a family owned-and-operated endeavor.

While the atmosphere is stark, with only 2 small eat-in tables, do not let that stop you if you want a true taste of Mediterranean culture.  This is a store with aisles of various groceries from grains, rices, seasons and more.  For this trip, I focused on the “deli” counter set-up and purchased hummus, baba ghanaugh (an eggplant spread—similar consistency to hummus), tabouli, falafel and spinach pies. 

Our friends who recently returned from Israel informed the falafel they had there was “golf-ball size,” which is what you can expect from Soumaya & Sons.  The size is small, but just as tasty with a reasonable price ($.50) for buying more than one.  It was offered in a sandwich, though I received it “to go.”

A highlight of this trip, besides the cordial, helpful, and efficient service, was purchasing a large bag of pitas fresh & warm ($1.75/dozen).  Peeking behind-the-scenes, I spotted their source: a stone oven, which is pictured on every bag.

Everything was delicious and reasonably priced.  You can easily eat $10 and under and receive a tasty, flavorful sampler at this Whitehall store.  Their full menu can be prepared there or bought for take-home, and in my opinion this location is a vegan or vegetarian’s dream.

Will I return?  Without a doubt—but will save it for a grocery stop rather than eat-in location.

Hours: Mon-Thurs. 7 AM-6PM