Mexican Month Week #1: La Lupita

Taqueria La Lupita

4 W. 4th St.

Bethlehem, PA  18015

610-868-5733

When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, La Lupita has become one of our favorite spots to share with others.  Though they have renovated in recent years, the concrete floors, color scheme, and wall hangings still give an atmosphere that matches its genuine menu.  It includes familiar dishes such as a burrito, fajitas and a taco salad. 

However, it has introduced me to some of my favorite picks:

Sopes:  3 fresh made tortillas with blackbeans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and meat. ($7.50 for a platter that includes rice)

Huarache

Huarache:  Large thick corn tortilla fresh made with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, green sauce, and your choice of meat. ($7.50)

Garnachas:  3 flat tortillas topped with black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, sour cream and cheese. ($7.50)

Choice of meat for all dishes includes:  chicken (pollo), Spicy Chicken (tinga), pork (carnitas), roast pork (pierna), Mexican sausage (chorizo), beef tongue (lengua), fried beef (suadero), steak (bistek). Sorry--can't speak to the beef tongue.

Fajitas

Burrito

Other recommended menu items include:

Tamal:  Corn meal stuffed with chicken wrapped in banana leaf and red sauce on top. ($2/each!)

Mexican Flag: presented as a mexican flag, this includes a sampling of their enchiladas and sauces.

Their reasonable menu offers vegetarian options and affordable selections to mix and match a $2 taco, $2.50 empanada or tostada and more.  Of course, delicious tortillas and salsa welcome you at each visit.

Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

Whether you are a local Lehigh University student or want to spend a day shopping in Bethlehem, service is reliable, efficient and friendly.   

Asian Month #4: The Cafe

The Cafe

221 W. Broad St.

Bethlehem, PA  18018

610-866-1686

Mon-Fri 11-2  5-8  Sat. 5-8 Closed Sun-Mon

This week's feature offers a "Euro-Asian" (Thai-French) cuisine in a historic, Victorian Bethlehem home.  Perfect for a lunch date or a private dinner party, there are 2 floors of converted dining rooms, giving you a touch of that "homey" feel.

The cuisine is quite impressive and unexpectedly modern in spite of its vintage decor.  Choosing to try their version of a traditional Thai dish, I ordered the Pad Thai Basil.  It was quite enjoyable with a generous blend of vegetables mixed in with the classic noodles and shrimp.  All dinner entrees come with a side salad--including one with a signature peanut dressing.  Their fresh bread was also a nice touch.
Besides the quiet, private atmosphere and delicious dinner, a highlight was their dessert.  Since The Cafe' originally opened as a French Pastry shop, they are well-known for their sweet endings.  We enjoyed a chocolate hazelnut cake layered with raspberry preserves and a chocolate ganache icing.

One final aspect that sets it apart are its stories of friendly ghost sightings.  Assuredly I can tell you we had no uninvited dinner guests--so hopefully that won't scare you away from trying this local fusion treasure!

Asian Month #3: The Other Fish

The Other Fish

59 E. Broad St

Bethlehem, PA  18018

484-221-1370

Hours:  Tue-Thur 11:30a-2 p; 5p-10p

Fri 11:30a-2; 5 p-11 p  Sat 5 p-11 p

Closed Sun-Mon 

Bethlehem is stacked with Asian specialties...tucked away a few blocks from downtown is our all-time favorite sushi spot.  Its charm, relational service and most of all its top notch product give it a vote for "Evans Eats Overall Top 7 Faves."

I asked our server what makes their product distinct?  Besides having one of the only Japanese sushi chefs in the Lehigh Valley, he informed us they buy their fish fresh and whole, process it on the premises and use it fully in their dishes.  Their chef also pours time and love into the sushi rice whose ingredients enhance the flavors of a roll.

Keep in mind--The Other Fish makes the phrase "hole-in-the-wall" seem literal.  It is a cozy, narrow store-front with only one round table that seats parties of 4-6.  It is a great date spot as tables for 2 line the wall with fish string lights setting the mood or a prime spot at the bar to watch the chefs in action.  One sweet touch for friends and couples of all seasons are the boxes of  "Table Topics" at each table--providing conversation starters like "What view would you love from your kitchen window?"

The Japanese-focused  menu includes more than sushi, including various soups, salads and entrees.  We primarily focus on the rolls.  If you are skeptical of sushi, you should know that there are a variety of cautious options with cooked ingredients or fresh veggies.  Each individual should try sushi at least once in their life. Our recommendations?  You can't go wrong, but for those who desire direction on the vast menu:

Of the Traditional Rolls: 

Funky Monkey:  spicy tuna, shrimp & crab topped with tobiko

Spider: fried soft shell crab, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo

California: avocado, crab

Rainbow: layer of assorted fish and avocado on top of a California roll

Dancing Fish Favorite Rolls:

Bobby Knight:  Salmon & cucumber wrapped in avocado & lemon

Favorite Rolls:

Tropical Delight:  Asparagus & avocado topped with smoked salmon & mango

If you want to experience the finest of this fresh, creative, healthy cuisine--be sure to stop in at The Other Fish-tell them Evans Eats sent you.

Asian Month #2: Wild Rice Asian Cuisine

Wild Rice Asian Cuisine
Tilghman Square Shopping Center
4624 A Broadway Rd.
Allentown, PA  18104
610-395-7888
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11a-9:30p Fri & Sat 11a-10:30p Sun 12p-9:30p

This post is dedicated to Jacob Stephen, a special boy born this week. It was his parents who introduced us to Wild Rice, their favorite Asian restaurant in the LV & B. 

It was a warm summer evening when they took us there and started our meal with a "pressert" (a term used for eating dessert before dinner).  When they presented us with fortune cookies which we assumed came form the hostess station, little did we know the matching messages stating: "a joyful heart and a radiant smile reveal a new mother,"  were a ploy to tell us that they were expecting their first baby!

We enjoyed the celebration over an eclectic meal providing a customized Asian experience.  Its assets include a reasonable price, generous portions and a selection of Chinese, hibachi, and sushi under one roof.  Its ambience is a cut above the average Chinese restaurant and its presentation matches a trendy urban bistro.

For an appetizer, we recommend the egg rolls, spring rolls, or shrimp dumplings.

If you are a sushi lover, they have a satisfactory selection for a decent product, but it does not earn our   vote for Best Sushi in the Lehigh Valley. 



For the classic Chinese entrees, we recommend the General Tso's Chicken, voted "Best in the Lehigh Valley" by Jacob's dad.  He thoughtfully observed that its bite-sized pieces are often overlooked in Chinese food accompanied by an extra-sweet sauce.
 

General Tso's Chicken

Jacob's mom recommends the pork fried rice that accompanies



the combo platter (a reasonable option $6-lunch; $8-dinner including a traditional selection with pork fried rice and choice of egg roll, wonton soup, or egg drop soup).  Steer clear of szechuan sauce.



 
I was thoroughly satisfied with the Thai grilled salmon (lunch $7.50;
 dinner $9.50) including miso soup and wild rice (a dark purple sticky Thai rice.)  In fact, the additional options of wild or brown rice are assets that set apart this Asian dining experience.

miso soup

While we can't guarantee a "pressert" birth announcement, Wild Rice is an impressive Asian spot.  We look forward to returning with Jacob! 

Asian Month #1: Thai Thai II

Thai Thai II
509 Main St.
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-868-1919
Hours:  Tues-Sun Lunch & Dinner

What first comes to mind when you think about Asian food?  Hopefully this month will expand your horizons to the local options besides your neighborhood Chinese take-out joint.  For those of you who still celebrate Valentine's Day, the LV & B offers a variety of Asian restaurants proving to be ideal date spots.

My primary local preference for Thai food is found  in downtown Bethlehem: Thai Thai II.  To my knowledge, it shares an owner with relatively new to Emmaus: Thai Thai House.  If you have had the    opportunity to try the downtown Emmaus location, we'd love to receive your comments!

Thai Thai II offers a quaint location, clean, bright, modern environment, with exceptional service.  Its menu, aesthetics and respectful staff provide a seemingly overall authentic experience, which often seems stripped down in current trendy Thai restaurants.

Spring Rolls

If you are new to Thai food, consider it a less heavy, more flavorful version of Chinese food.  A classic is Pad Thai, but as you peruse the vast menu you'll be sure to find a selection that suits your interest of vegetables, sauces and your choice of meat:  pork, shrimp or chicken. In addition, a dinner guest will receive their desire of rice or noodle dishes and customized level of spice. 

Thai food is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly genre, also offering tofu or meatless dishes.  Our friends enjoy the Pad See Aew, a stir-fried flat noodle with egg, chinese broccoli and seasoning soy sauce.  Drunken noodles is another stir-friend flat noodle served with a variety of vegetables, choice of meat and basil sauce.

Vegetarian Kra Prow

One of my favorite selections on their menu  is Vegetarian Kra Prow: a variety of vegetables, tofu, and a distinct, palatable basil sauce served over rice.  For a starter, I recommend thai dumplings, spring rolls or a thai salad drizzled with the classic peanut dressing.  For the sweet tooth, try a classic Thai iced tea.

Thai Thai II is versatile, providing an environment for a romantic date, night out with friends, lunch with a coworker, and ample seating for a family outing.  Its quiet setting promotes quality conversation.  However, if there is a birthday in the room, you'll enjoy "Happy Birthday" played loudly with the lights dimmed!  Finally, you'll leave satisfied, tastebuds enlightened, with a light, healthy feeling.  

Bakery Month #4: Dolce Patisserie

Dolce Patisserie
The Shoppes at Hellertown
23 Main Street
Hellertown, PA 
484-851-3652

Hours: Mon-Wed 9a-6p; Thur-Fri 9a-7p; Sat 9a-12p Closed Sun-Mon


This Christmas season was memorable as we had the privilege of visiting family in France.  We were spoiled and inspired by the daily walks to the local patisserie to purchase tantalizing baguettes, croissants, and pastry treats...a cultural aspect that I could easily adopt.
There were also the special desserts:  a chocolate tart, creme brulee and the traditional holiday desserts such as la buche de Noel that will be extraordinary features of our experience.    

It's hard to top this European experience in the Lehigh Valley.  For example, we had the discussion, where can you find a croissant of this quality?  Then I was reminded of Dolce Patisserie.  Excuse this late addition of "Bakery Month."  I forgot my initial plan to review this Hellertown treasure introduced to us by our now-Parisian family members, former residents of Hellertown.  What ideal timing as my husband and I enjoyed a nostalgic date the other morning with a cup of robust coffee, some chocolate croissants or "pain au chocolate", combined with a pleasant conversation with store owner and artisan, Alan Pitotti.


Alan is a true artist.  Each dessert, tart, and chocolate is uniquely and personally designed and crafted.  His creations are truly for a certain clientele--one who enjoys a product of quality ingredients and does not mind paying a price that represents his work. Alan also creates custom order wedding cakes--ideal for the "foodies" who want a rich, flavorful and  memorable dessert. 


Being there reminded us that Valentine's Day is coming...consider an assortment of his chocolates ($1.65 each), each one a true art-form. We enjoyed the purely decadent dark chocolate orange and coffee dulce de leche. He makes many of his flavors in heart-shape for the lovers' holiday.  Personally, I recommend of this picturesque tarts or his signature cake: chocolate cake with a vanilla creme brulee layer, fresh raspberries and chocolate mousse.

We were thrilled to hear they offer their own "Bouche de Noel",  as we anticipate next Christmas and a way to re-experience what we enjoyed in France.  We're

Dolce Patisserie adds class to the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.

Evans Eats Lehigh Valley & Beyond: Best of 2011

A Year In Review:

We've reflected on our blogposts so far. I've never liked the decisive mandate of choosing a "best of" or "favorite".  However, I'll take a risk to provide a brief summary of this year's monthly categories for our readers.  If you have your own vote, we'd love to receive your comments. 

Best Mediterranean:   Soumaya & Sons
Best Gyro:  Theo's Gyros
Best Cheese Steak:  Steak & Hoagie Factory
Best Breakfast:  Blue Sky Cafe'
Best Ice Cream:  The Inside Scoop
Best Summer Stop:  Limeport Inn
Best Burger:  Goody'z
Best Coffee:  Brig O' Doon Coffee House
Best Burrito:  Cali Burrito 
Best Bakery:  Vegan Treats
Best Bagel:   Three Men & a Bagel

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2012!