Frites
Lehigh Valley Mall
823 Lehigh Lifestyle Center
Whitehall, PA
484/442/0580
Hours:  Mall hours



Spoon Rate:

The Lehigh Valley can now experience fries on a whole new level.  Local natives have brought an international delicacy to our local mall to totally enhance your next shopping meal or snack..   I had the privilege of sitting and dining with CEO, Richard Scott and his son, William, to learn the history of this recently-opened business, their passion for excellence, flavor and unique eating.  

Richard Scott ended his career in corporate America in May, 2013.  Looking for a change, he joined William, Penn State finance graduate, in this new endeavor.  Richard, born in England, had the opportunity to travel many places as a young boy, exposing him to the diverse expression of food around the globe.  At age 11, he lived in Brussels, Belgium and was exposed to one of their delicacies, pommes frites, meaning "apple of the earth."  Found in "street food" stands, pommes frites was served in cones with a side of mayo. 


Scotts' vision was to have a fast, casual eatery committed to local, fresh products.  While emphasizing the french fry, they wanted it to be distinct, accompanied by the entire dining experience.  Frites (pronounced Freets) seeks to offer us an authentic cultural experience, yet in a setting and delivery that appeals to American taste.  I respect this philosophy and it does not take long to recognize they have achieved their initial purpose.  Greeted by friendly, helpful staff and a clean, bright, modern surroundings, the atmosphere mirrors their personal commitment to excellence.   

A behind-the-scenes tour impressively revealed there is "nothing frozen" and "nothing from a can."  In fact, they removed the freezer upon obtaining this prime location at the Lehigh Valley Mall.   What is the secret ingredient that makes these fries extraordinary?  The time and care committed to each fresh USA Russet potato.  I learned that "sugar is the enemy of frying." The process of washing, cutting the ends, evenly slicing and rinsing the potatoes removes excess starch that could lead to burning.  Preparation of these potatoes is a 16-24 hour process.  This gives a whole new meaning to the expression "made with love!"  After soaking overnight, there is a two-stage frying process.  Cook, blanch, drain, and cook again.  Fries are made to order and served at room temperature.  After fried to perfection, they are placed in a "Frites tosser", imported from Europe.  The holes on the bottom of this special creation allow them to be tossed with delicious sea salt and maximum grease removed.  Quality ingredients, these fries are also gluten free, and vegan/vegetarian-friendly.

If you are not yet convinced that these fries are worthwhile and memorable, let's review the menu.  One can receive the traditional cone of frites (small, large or double, ($4.99-8.99), with your choice of 1 dipping sauce, or 2 dipping sauces for the double order.  I recommend taking a friend and ordering the double so you can try 2 of their 17 dipping sauces.  Also made fresh on location, each sauce is bursting with flavor and creativity.  Only one of their options is not housemade, the frite sauce, imported from Holland.   While hard to narrow down a favorite, curry ketchup and pow pow (a thai sauce) were my preferences.  Garlic parmesan and ranch are  two more traditional sauces for the less adventurous palate.    

Frites again achieves superiority with their meal options, a Bowl or Frita.  The Bowl ($6.49-8.99) combines fries topped with fresh toppings.  We sampled the Mexicano ($6.49), topped with black beans, vegetarian chili, jalapenos, pico de gallo and cheddar jack.   This bowl is bursting with flavor and a beautiful combination of sweet and spicy.  If you are looking for the most unique offering on the menu, I would recommend the poutine bowl ($6.99).  This provides a sampling of the unique Canadian delicacy of Wisconsin cheese curds, gravy and bacon.  Scott, describing himself as a "voracious researcher," found the best local supplier of cheese curds, remaining true to his commitment of excellent, fresh, and local products.

All menu options can also be made into a Frita, their unique sandwich version, a grilled pita stuffed with fries and toppings.  Pita bread, a sturdy successful carrier of these ingredients, is from a New Jersey supplier.  I was thrilled to try the Barbecue Brisket frita ($8.99).  Supplied by Big Papa's Backyard BBQ, we sampled freshly smoked brisket and locally made BBQ sauce, also topped with coleslaw.  Undeniably wonderful.

This father-son duo are ambitious and have a vision to see at least 3 more locations in the LV & B region.  They have done their part in contributing to the LV Eating Scene....now it's up to us to appreciate, support and enjoy their efforts towards frites excellence.

Wash your meal down with one of their unique teas, including a seasonal option.

Celebrating Simplicity--on Milkshakes at MOO.

MOO

4010 Durham Road

Ottsville, PA  18942

610-990-6267

Hours: M-Th 11a-8p; Fri-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-5p

Spoon Rate: 


For the first time, I am reviewing a restaurant 2 weeks in a row.  A mere addendum to last week's review  on Bucks County's first food truck now planted in Ottsville, would not suffice.  You see, I mentioned that we were hesitant to try their milkshakes since it was so close to Owowcow, too tempting to be that close to one of the best ice cream spots in the LV & B. 

This weekend, however, we ventured to Owowcow for dessert.  On a warm summer evening, sunroof, tunes glaring, a country drive...and a packed parking lot with long line at Owowcow.  I would have waited it out, but my husband suggested trying the milkshakes at MOO.  I was so skeptical.   I knew they were $5.50.  Would they disappoint?  I am thankful we took the risk.

 




The menu included chocolate, vanilla, black-and-white and a "special."  To our enjoyment, we asked what the special was: caramelized banana with crushed walnuts.  Some of my favorite flavors and ingredients?  Without hesitation we ordered one and a black-and-white.

It may have been the scenic route and the warm breeze--but I don't think so.  This Bucks County local ice cream (Tanner's in Richboro) provided 2 flavorful, thick milkshakes...I can confidently say they were the best milkshakes I have had.  Worth the financial splurge.  We just may have made a second trip the next night...love summer nights...and a refreshing treat.

   
 

Celebrating Simplicity-MOO

MOO  

4010 Durham Road

Ottsville, PA  18942

610-990-6267

Hours: M-Th 11a-8p; Fri-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-5p
Spoon Rate: 

I love it when readers send me suggestions of restaurants we may enjoy, especially meeting someone new by sharing the love of great local eateries.  It took me a few months till we tried this new spot in Bucks County's Ottsville.  If you aren't from Bucks County, this is a great season to take a scenic drive to this family-friendly spot.  Formally "Friends" ice cream, this location, not too far from Lake Nochamixon, Palisades High School and Owowcow , has been taken over by a young, ambitious chef (Solebury graduate, 2011). 

MOO started as the first food truck in Bucks County.  Planted in Ottsville, he is serving up American-style food, mainly sourced from local farmers. Loved the decor, including photos of local farmers and a simple, clean country-American feel.  Individuals of all ages were served quick, simple, average-sized, but sufficient orders.  His simple menu with a gourmet flare includes burgers, veggie burgers ($6), hot dogs ($3-4), PB & J for the kiddos ($4--homemade organic PB, raspberry preserves, served warm!), house-made soups ($4-5),  and a beautiful seasonal salad ($6, ours included micro greens, local dried cranberries, roasted walnut, honey-dijon vinaigrette).Their shakes sounded tempting, including strawberry, with locally made strawberries and homemade ice cream ($5.50), but instead we took advantage of Owowcow creamery being so close!  

Holiday Reunion Month-Week #3: Molinari's

Molinari's 
322 E. Third St.
Bethlehem, PA  
610-625-9222
Hours:  M-W 5-9 p; Th-Sat 5-10 p
Price Range:  $12-27/entree

Just over a year old, I have only been to Molinari's one time, but it has left a lasting impression.  I recall a cold, wintry night and the cozy atmosphere that facilitated dinner conversation and delicious cuisine for dates, birthday celebrations and other gatherings on Bethlehem's Southside.  Just another Italian restaurant in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond?  I think not.  Molinari's has set itself apart with its modern aesthetics, simple but complete menu, hospitable staff and a niche restaurant between your local pizza joint and the overpriced upscale Italian dining options.  

We received some fresh, delicious flatbread, seasoned with rosemary.  For our entrees, we settled on Funghi Al Forno pizza (roasted mushrooms, porcini and tomato ragu, smoked mozzarella and oregano, $14) and Pine Nut Crusted Salmon (Braised Liberty Gardens Swiss Chard, ceci beans, and melted leeks, $24).  Memorable and impressive meals that reflect their value of fine products, including some local produce.

For a more comprehensive review with a personal background of the owners and chef, check out Lehigh Valley Style's article.   Honoring Molinari's with the 2012 Favorite New Restaurant Award is just one blessing of return for the values that undergird their business.  From this article I learned that 2% of their receipts to orphanages in Haiti and Zambia.  Even more incentive to consider this spot for a date night in 2013.

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.

"Eat Fresh Eat Local" Month-Week #4: Cafe' Santosha

Cafe' Santosha

7150 Hamilton Blvd.

Trexlertown, PA  18087

610-366-1711

Hours: M-F 9:30-2:30

 

Hidden in a strip mall health food store (with quite a vast selection), is a treasure self-proclaimed as "the only organic cafe' in the Lehigh Valley."  Opening over a year ago, the store owner's daughter now is pumping out wholesome goodness.  While we were told their main specialty is their lunch, I was captivated by the scrumptious breakfast and consistent values. 

First of all, every detail of their store purposefully promotes organic, sustainable nutrition & living.  From the display of silverware, cloth napkins, vintage plates and mugs, to the selection of organic teas and coffees, accompanied by natural sweeteners like stevia and organic honey.  Not to mention the coconut milk creamer, a thoughtful touch that will win over any vegan, organic or lactose-intolerant diner.  They promise to "carefully select local farms & vendors to offer the highest quality organic, veg, hormone-free meats & dairy products."

I ordered a delicious yogurt parfait, with my choice of Greek yogurt sweetened by agave, artistically topped with homemade granola, raspberries, sliced bananas and a hint of mint.  Thankfully I saved room for the recommended almond scones, straight out of the oven...a conversation-stopping, tastiest scone I have ever experienced.  Again, my heart was warmed by the considerate and authentic options of strawberry, apricot, orange or raspberry jam.  

I enjoyed every aspect of our quiet, delicious breakfast but I was definitely compelled to make a return trip for lunch as I viewed the menu, especially the soup of the day:  sweet potato with coconut and red quinoa.  Vegan & gluten-free options are available on most itmes upon request.  A variety of summer specials are offered:  the cobb salad, summer bruschetta trio, summer panini and raw zucchini-pasta bowl.

As well as their "create your own sandwich menu" where the customer chooses a protein, spread cheese, vegetable and bread.  Just when this sounds routine, consider some of their choices---a wide selection of vegetarian proteins such as "soy boy caribbean or smoked tofu, baked fresh tofu with homemade marinade, sunshine or garden burgers, Tofurkey slices, etc.  Spreads include safflower mayo, garlic and herb mayo, stoneground mustard, dijon mustard and a special sauce (grapeseed oil veganaise & stoneground mustard.)  Peruse more of their menu on facebook but consider the bread options: sprouted 7-grain; artisanal seeded multi-grain; whole-wheat wrap, olive roll, croissant or gluten-free bread.

Just when you didn't think it was possible to maintain your organic diet while dining in the Lehigh Valley, Cafe' Santosha brings an encouraging and hopeful encounter.  Also, catch them at Bethlehem's Vegfest on September 8, 2012