"Eat Fresh-Eat Local" Month-Week #2: the Stache Natural Foods

the Stache Natural Foods: "Gluten free personal chef, catering & weekly dinner service"

tori@thestachenaturalfoods.com

Owner of the Stache Natural Foods, may be young in age, but she is mature beyond her years in her ambition, wisdom & entrepeneurship.  High school student, Tori Cuce' began her business summer 2010 at the Plumsteadville Grange Farmers Market.  She provided a variety of flavorful, creative and tasty dishes with an emphasis on her mission and philosophy:  "100% gluten free...organic locally sourced and sustainable produce whenever possible."   Through the Stache's influence, my diet and appreciation expanded to enjoy the satisfaction of wholesome eating.  

The Stache Natural Foods is also known in the Lehigh Valley by its presence at the Emmaus Farmers market 2010.  However, it is now serving dinner orders through delivery to Lehigh & Bucks County.  

For loyal customers on its email listserv, The Stache will send out a weekly email with the menu.  Not only will the selections be tantalizing, it will also provide you with the nutritional health benefits of each product.  The Stache's chef works in conjunction with holistic health counselor, Eileen Cuce', who values the power of "healing foods."

Beyond being friendly for those with a specific diet (ie.gluten free, raw, vegan, organic), anyone would benefit from the flavorful, wholesome goodness of the Stache--delivery included!!  Check out their website to sign up for menu emails.

Here is a sampling of this past week's menu:

Dinner service for Friday, July 7th: Organic black bean, brown rice and sweet potato tacos with all the classic fixins! Includes side containers of: guacamole, organic cheddar cheese, salsa fresca and tofu sour cream (tacos are vegan with any toppings except cheddar cheese)

                                     Family size: $75   Individual: $20

Health benefits of this meal: Brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese, and the vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6, dietary fiber, protein, and gamma-oryzanol (SMILE- a mineral that stimulates the release of endorphins!)
 

Black beans are like magic beans-they aid the digestive tract, the blood sugar regulatory system and the cardiovascular system. A serving of black beans also contains as much protein as a serving of meat and more protein than a serving of fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy products, nuts and seeds, or seafood. And a bonus, black beans also contain fiber, which makes the protein more digestable! The protein in common animal products is prominent, but difficult to digest without the fiber it naturally doesn't contain.
 

Sweet potatoes are an excellent anti-inflamitory source of antioxidants, beta carotene, fibrinogen (required for successful blood clotting) and when passing through our digestive tract, they may be able to lower the potential health risk posed by heavy metals and oxygen radicals.
 

Not to mention the monounsaturated fat of the avocados in the guacamole, which is the kind that has been proven to lower cholesterol levels.

The Stache also offers a variety of weekly dips (available in 16 or 32 oz. containers):

• Any flavor of hummus (please ask for list of original flavors
• Fresh, preservative-free guacamole (so much fresher than that processed, premade grocery store excuse for guacamole!)
• Mediterranean baba ganouj
• The Stache signature pistachio pesto
• The Stache signature sundried tomato pesto (as featured in the famous breakfast sandwiches at last year's Emmaus Farmer's market)

"Eat Fresh, Eat Local" Month-Week #1: Horns

Horns

123 W. 4th St. Bethlehem, PA

610-867-5818

T-Sat 11 a-10p; (Breakfast-Sat. only 8a-2p) Closed Sundays

There is an abundance of tasty food in the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.   However, there is a growing population who is thoughtfully concerned about the quality and origin of what they consume.  This includes an emphasis on organic, hormone-free, locally grown products.  This month will feature a few of those up-and-coming treasures that will not exclude the health and environment-conscious eaters.

Opening early Fall, 2011, Bethlehem has gained a unique dining experience....the aesthetics quaintly combine rustic farmhouse/refined French cafe with the lighting, dark wood features and indoor classy picnic tables.  I didn't know a picnic table could be classy till visiting this casual/fine-dining duet!

Their mission is clearly communicated on their walls, menu and in their food creations:  Made in-house using only the freshest ingredients, striving to use local and organic products as much as possible.  A chalk board displays their source from local farms and businesses.  Their menu states all poultry and meat are all natural and injection free and bacon and hot dogs are nitrate-free.

From the charming reusable silver tins that carry your food,  the recycled paper napkins & menus, to the real silverware, they are consistent with their earth-friendly values.

Their menu so endearingly combines a home-cooking comfort food with gourmet flare. I enjoyed one of their vegetarian options, the house veggie burger ($10), made with gluten free falafel topped with cucumber salad and tzatziki sauce, served on a brioche roll (gluten-free rolls offered upon request).  This came with a side of vinegar-based, house-made Asian slaw.  Deliciously flavorful meal!!  I had a hard time choosing between their freshly-brewed lavender mint tea or basil lemonade, served in large mason jars!  Refreshingly fantastic!  My husband enjoyed the Frenchy, ($12) a charboiled burger topped with ham & melted brie.  A generous portion of fresh cut sweet potato fries ($6) made a wonderful side.  

The remainder of the menu, including breakfast and desserts, sound enticing.  On a second visit, I thoroughly enjoyed a cup of

"single brew pour-over coffee," from a NC roastery, they slow brew the freshly ground coffee by hand before your eyes so you enjoy a smooth, rich personalized cup.  To my knowledge, the only business in the

our neighbor's italian roasted pork sandwich

LV & B that offers this delicacy.

At Horns you spend a little more than your local fast food joint, but you are supporting a business that values fresh, local, earth-friendly eating...a great investment!  For the vegan and gluten-free,there are many options.

Pizza Month-Week #4: Martellucci's Pizzeria

Martellucci's Pizzeria
1419 Easton Avenue
Bethlehem, PA
610-865-2013
Hours:  M 4-9p; T-Th 11a-9p; F 11a-10p; Sat 3p-10p; Sun 4p-9p

This "third generation owned and operated" Italian restaurant creates a pizza pie that leaves a lasting impression and should go on our list of eateries to frequent more often.  My brother and his wife introduced us several years ago during their time of living in a quaintly quiet Bethlehem neighborhood.  Their rave reviews of this charming spot with remarkable pizza proved to be true.  

I recall sweet sauce with a thin, crispy crust and hospitable owners, who know how to captivate a following of regular customers.  The warm interior feels like home, which adds to the overall family-friendly dining experience.  A great pie, an atmosphere promoting quality conversation and a reasonable price.  Though they offer a few pizzas, their traditional pizza pie is sufficiently tasty.  The menu is stacked with traditional Italian fare, though we'll have to return to sample their sauce and meatballs.

 

Pizza Month-Week #3: Giovanni's

Giovanni's

224 Route 309 (Kohl's Shopping Center)

Quakertown, PA

215/538/2120

Hours:  Mon-Sat 10:30a-10p; Sun 11a-10p

 Ideal timing to be introduced to a gem of a pizza place in Quakertown.  Our Quakertown-resident friends recommended one of their favorite spots to frequent, claiming "Giovanni's deserves praise!"   

A quaintly-designed interior has ample seating for casual dining.  Greeted by friendly staff, we perused the extensive menu.  Since Evans Eats is featuring zza month that simplified a decision that would have been difficult....the menu has a large variety of salads, sandwiches, calzones and strombolis--everything looked and sounded delish.  We settled on a tossed salad and a large pizza topped with roasted red peppers and chicken.  One more local restaurant is proving that excellent pizza is possible in the LV & B.  Giovanni's definitely deserves a return visit to sample more of the menu.

Pizza Month-Week #2: Ecco Domani

Ecco Domani

216 E. Fairmount St. & Route 309

(Giant Shopping Center)

Coopersburg, PA  18036

610-282-4589

Sun-Thur 11a-9p; Fri-Sat 11a-10p

Tucked into Giant Shopping center in small-town Cooperburg is arguably the best family-friendly italian restaurant in the LV & B.  With ample seating and friendly staff, it is satisfying many appetites in this Southern Lehigh community.  

Ideal for take-out orders or meeting with family or co-workers, one can choose from a variety of hot sandwiches (I strongly recommend their cheese steaks or chicken parm); salads (the tossed salad is a generous size, great for 2 as an appetizer), calzones/strombolis and traditional italian dishes.  Of course, dining in includes a greeting with their famous warm garlic knots!  Everything on the menu is a safe options due to their consistent excellence. 

 

Their pizzas are our favorite menu item--which by the way are far above "mediocre", an adjective I used to previously describe this region's quality of pizza. I tend to judge a pizza on its crust--and Ecco does it right!  Our favorite on the menu is Roma (their white pizza) with spinach and/or chicken.  At lunch, they offer a specialty slice, including this one pictured, barbecue chicken with blue cheese, as well as personal pizzas, such as the recommended Bianca eve (mozzarella, ricotta & garlic). 

Affectionately known around here as "Ecco", currently has Evans Eats' Vote for Best Pizza in LV & B.  Who has  your vote?

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...