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!

        

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!

     

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.