Pizza Month-Week #1: Pronto's Pizza

Pronto Pizza

40 S. Main St.

Coopersburg, PA  18036

610-282-1696

Let's be honest.  It's hard to find good pizza in the Lehigh Valley.  Especially if you've been spoiled by living in New York City--no one does pizza like the Italians.  I know many people appreciate a slice from the average local pizza shop, but throughout my childhood, even prior to being exposed to the real deal, I found myself just tolerating it.  

Although there is much to be thankful for about the Lehigh Valley Region, coming back and looking for a decent slice (which I prefer a thick, hearty crust--not too crispy but definitely not too flimsy) was an exception.  However, we discovered a gem within walking distance from our home.  

The small borough of Coopersburg is stacked with pizza shops, including "Pronto's", a local favorite.  While there is nothing distinct about their regular pizza, I highly recommend their sicilian pizza.  Sicilian pizza is a thick rectangular pizza, slices come in a square.  While you pay more ($18/pie), it goes a long way, serving 12 generous slices.  

Pronto's may have our vote for all-time best Sicilian we have experienced.  What makes it distinct is the thick layer of cheese served under a large dollop of their red marinara sauce, with a sweet edge to it.  We look forward to opportunities to share this pizza with friends and are quick to recommend it to area newcomers.

Deli Month-Week #4: Black Forest Deli

Black Forest Deli

745 Union Blvd & 7th Ave.

Bethlehem, PA  

610-865-3036

M-F 8-4; Sat-Sun 8-2

Looking for the best Russian food in the LV & B?  Have you heard of Black Forest Deli?  
While it has an unassuming exterior and ambience,  it's serving quality lunches for this West Bethlehem neighborhood.  Bustling with customers of all ages, we received some tips from a man in front of us. 

Borsch

He informed us we "had to try the Borsch"--a traditional Russian soup including beets & cabbage.  He must have read my hesitant expression--telling me "I may think of hating beets as a kid...but really, you won't even know it's beets...good to the last drop."  He was right.  I thoroughly enjoyed the wholesome goodness, wanting to know the secret ingredients besides recognizable dill as a key flavorful herb.

"to die for" macaroni salad

He went on to tell us we must try the macaroni salad--"to die for...it's cracked pepper zing makes you want more..."  Again, he was spot on.  My friend, Kayla enjoyed a side of mac salad with her Italian hoagie from the sandwich menu--generously stuffed with meat for a reasonable $5. 

He also informed me that they occasionally offer a 5-course Russian dinner with the tantalizing Russian menu offerings.  We enjoyed a large plate of pierogies stuffed with sauerkraut and potatoes.  Wow.  Definitely beats the frozen ones we used to make when I was a kid.  

Where else can you find some authentic Russian food made fresh?  However, Black Forest Deli offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis, wraps & salads to serve every palate.

And it's not too far from previously reviewed, Vegan Treats, so we enjoyably ended our luncheon with these beauties...

Deli Month-Week #3: Wally's Deli

Wally's Deli
Emmaus: 1245 Chestnut St.  M-W 9-6; Th-F 9-7; Sat 9-6
Allentown:  711 N. 17th St.    M-W  7-6; Th-F 7-7; Sat 7-6

Wally's has the potential to become quite the local icon.  While it has been around for 13 years, it is the reputation of a permanent community pillar.  Their website claims they have one Morning Call's Reader's Choice vote for "Best Deli" 3 years in a row.

For those who enjoy the deli experience, you'll love Wally's--who takes the term "deli" to a superior level.  Each sandwich is memorably packed with meat, many including more than one kind.  Their sandwiches, known as "hogs",  are purposefully served on a round roll, which evenly distributes the meat and cheese.  Each "hog" sized small, medium and large ($5.19-9.99), includes a "special sauce" suited for its flavor.  The "hogs" are traditional deli sandwiches including egg salad, turkey, pastrami, and more.  The "specialty hogs" which can be toasted, combine a variety of meats, toppings and flavor. 


Wally's serves breakfast sandwiches and a variety of hot sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and includes a children's menu. Any "hog" can be served on a wrap or "unhog"--its ingredients served in a bowl instead of a roll.  For your next office luncheon, go a cut above and order a sandwich platter from Wally's.

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.

Deli Month-Week 1: Kim's Kitchen

Kim's Kitchen

5842 Main Street

Center Valley, PA  18034

610-282-5857

Hours:  M-F 10-7; Sat 10-3; Sun Closed

I've made a pleasant discovery as I considered this month's feature:  the Lehigh Valley has a unique twist to delis.  Living for a brief time in New York City, the term "deli" has one connotation:  every corner is decked with a mom-and-pop business that serves a meaty sandwich on a kaiser or a killer New York bagel.  While this is definitely a highlight of the metropolitan cuisine, the Lehigh Valley's delis, at least the ones I'll be featuring, have an ethnic creative flare.  I look forward to sharing the adventure with you and hope you'll be thankful for the Lehigh Valley's expansion of the term "deli."

Our first feature leaves me ashamed that I have not supported it sooner.  Right in my Southern Lehigh Backyard, we are privileged to have what must be the LV & B's best Korean fare.  Since 2004, this deli's friendly owner,  Kim has been introducing the area to a sampling of traditional Korean foods.  Her business lives up to its name--I entered and left with the impression I was in her personal kitchen, being served with some beautiful Asian hospitality.  

Warmly greeted as I walked in, I was quick to feel at home with the cozy tables and the offer of a cup of hot loose leaf green tea.  She was quick to offer suggestions from the menu, showing her confidence and pride in the cuisine.

Her menu offers variations of Korean and American dishes for a quick or sit-down meal, such as a korean cheesesteak  served with choice of korean dumplings or salads, made with her own korean beef (if you've ever enjoyed the privilege of a flavorful korean barbecue, you'll be enticed by this fusion!) or enjoy a traditional American deli sandwich such as a BLT, salami or roast beef.  (all $5.99)

I highly recommend trying the "Korean Specialty" as an introduction to where Kim shines. With your choice of Korean beef, pork or chicken, you receive a truly generous sampling of traditional Korean food.  For $8.99-9.99, it comes with 4 dumplings, served with a delicious sauce (ground asian pear, soy sauce, and ginger.  

The second course was a delicious cup of squash soup (some of its ingredients included curry, coconut milk and sprinkled with cinnamon).  Kim then brought out the third course, a sampling of "kim-chi" and "cucumber kim-chi", assorted salads.  My favorite was the seaweed salad. 

The main entree included rice, chicken, a seafood pancake (including egg, spinach, shrimp) , Asian noodles, and a portabella mushroom.  As if there weren't enough surprises, my experience ended with a dessert plate of sliced mango and a piece of gum.  

This touching feature is served with the Korean Specialty entree--nothing better than leaving with fresh breath!

                                       Not only that, I left with  some                                       enjoyable leftovers and a satisfied stomach.

Besides offering a private, comfortable setting for a lunch or dinner date, Kim's Kitchen provide catering and private dinner parties.  Next time you are in charge of planning a corporate meeting or family function, step outside the box and try a Korean Barbecue.  You'll enjoy delicious food served with an inviting, enjoyable chef and hostess.



 

Mexican Month-Week #4: Mexico Lindo

Mexico Lindo
720 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-691-5141
Hours:  M-Th, Sun 11 am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm


Away from the hype of downtown Main Street, is an inconspicuous dining opportunity that receives Evans Eats LV & B award for "Most authentic Mexican kitchen experience."   A relatively small dining area in a renovated home is combined with a family-owned and operated feel.  While the service was on the slow side, it allowed for a quiet evening of conversation and the hot, fresh meal displayed the time, effort and love of a Mexican mother.

Their menu reflects a traditional and thorough cuisine.  Our meals were satisfying, generous portions full of flavor and spice.  This restaurant is for those who value authenticity over ambience.

Mexican Month/Week #3: Fiesta Habanero

Fiesta Habanero

500 West Broad Street

Quakertown, PA  18951

215-538-2228

This post brings both sad and hopeful news. Sad news:  Previously reviewed, Empanadas Argentinas has closed.  We are disappointed to say good-bye to those pockets of goodness.  Good news:  Fiesta Habanero, a pleasing new business to downtown Quakertown, has taken its place.

 

Within weeks of opening, the husband and wife duo are hard at work pumping out a reasonable and tasteful sampling of Mexico's finest.  You can't beat a Chorizo taco for $1.75, served on a corn tortilla with cilantro, onion and salsa on the side, or a Tamale with red or

green sauce for $1.50 each.  

Menu includes a full selection of burritos ($5.95), flautas ($6.75), quesadillas ($3.50), including a vegetable or intriguing squash flower.  
  
My husband enjoyed the enchiladas with green sauce accompanied by rice and beans ($8.95) while I stumbled upon a grilled chicken torta ($5.95), a mexican sandwich served with beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese and jalapenos.

Served fresh with caring service, we enjoyed every bite.  Not everyone's idea of a Friday night out, but we thoroughly enjoyed ordering at their walk-up window and informal seating on a warm spring evening.  Welcome, Fiesta Habanero--we wish you a successful business and look forward to a return visit!