Jesse's Barbecue & Local Market

Jesse's Barbecue & Local Market
98 N. County Line Road
(entrance: Chestnut St.)
Souderton, PA  18964
215-723-4600
Hours:  Sun & M: Closed
T-Th 11a-7p
F & Sat 11a-8p
Spoon Rate: 


We are always looking for a good BBQ spot in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond and were thankfully introduced to this intriguing place south of us.  A good sign is a hopeful statement for quality.  The rustic, yet clean modern exterior as you walk into this restaurant/market also add to the positive curiosity.  As we arrive to the entrance, the long, energetic line makes yet another statement about this quaint gem.  Besides viewing the daily specials, the long line gives us time to 1. hope they haven't yet run out of meat that is smoked on-site; 2. view local products (like raw honey, coffee, salad dressings) in their market area.  


The perfect menu item for our curious appetite was the BBQ sampler, including 3 ribs, 2 slices of brisket, 1 drumstick, & pulled pork ($18.50)  Accompanied by your choice of 2 sides (with classic offerings:  mac & cheese, coleslaw, cornbread muffin with honey butter, collard greens, or BBQ baked beans), it was a generous amount for 2 to share.  We also sampled a side of their wings.  As if there is not enough flavor in these delish meats, one of the highlights was their sampling of complimentary sauces for a diner's dipping pleasure.  Freshly brewed sweet tea was the ideal beverage for this satisfying, traditional BBQ meal.
One more highlight:  outdoor dining at picnic tables overlooking the meat smoker that made this meal possible.  The atmosphere is bustling with energy of families and friends enjoying their meal.  Indoor & outdoor seating are limited, but for those who find a spot, it's an enjoyable evening with a simple, but quality meal and setting.  Jesse's also offers take-out & catering.

 

Smokin' Bull Shack BBQ

Smokin' Bull Shack BBQ Truck
Inside Scoop Parking Lot
301 N. 3rd St (Route 309)
Coopersburg, PA  18036
Wed-Sun  11a-8p


It's the time of year to maximize outdoor dining.  The next few posts will feature some gems in the Lehigh Valley--that may be easily overlooked but are sure to provide enjoyable, family-friendly outdoor eating experiences.   I'm thrilled to begin by announcing a new resident to our very own hometown of Coopersburg.  Yesterday I did a surprised and please doubletake as I drove by our favorite ice cream spot, The Inside Scoop.   There was a food truck.  In our town.  And it featured BBQ.    I immediately contacted my husband and he confirmed he had also seen it.  I was thrilled.  Today was a beautiful day to stop by to try out our new neighbor.  

Having relatives who live in Texas, we've grown a strong appreciation for Texas BBQ and we are always watching and eager to find local BBQ restaurant, as seen from our previously featured BBQ month. With the trendy food truck phase in most urban settings, it is thrilling to see one find home in our small town.  An ideal location on busy Route 309, it can easily serve families and fans at the Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park during football or baseball season.  It is in close proximity to the Southern Lehigh Pool and it shares a parking lot with the famous, Inside Scoop, providing a perfect compliment before your sweet treat.  My hope is that this town will rise to the challenge, not only to show hospitality, but keep this food truck in business so it finds a permanent home.

The owners are from the Lehigh Valley, providing catering services and attending other local events.  Since they have only been open 2 days, their menu was simple.   Though the truck advertised poboys, which immediately piqued our interest, they were not yet being served.  The simple menu included a classic pulled pork sandwich ($7), jerk chicken roll ($6), a prime rib sandwich ($12), and hot dogs ($2.50).  Somehow we missed ribs ($12) on the menu, which gives us a definite need to return.  Sides included fries, nachos and an intriguing deep fried mac and cheese ($5). 
We settled on the pulled pork sandwich and jerk chicken roll.  Pulled pork sandwich had the undeniable smoky flavor, a sturdy and ideal roll and was topped with cole slaw. The jerk chicken roll was flavorful and also topped with slaw.  (It comes with a wasabi slaw--sounds amazing, but my cautious husband chose traditional slaw.  I recommend the wasabi slaw--Why not?  And I'm sure it had the feisty kick this sandwich was  missing.)
The truck is pristine and attractive, outdoor setting provides a peaceful eating environment and Texas BBQ in Coopersburg?  Out of a truck?  If either of these things sounds unappetizing or too far out of your comfort zone--take the challenge.  Get on the latest food trend and visit a food truck in our backyard.  And take a break from your traditional local lunch or dinner spot and enjoy some southern cuisine. 

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.