Destination Month-Week 1: Ocean City, NJ

An inevitable aspect of most summer vacations is increased dining out.  For many, this enhances the total experience.  When you ask your friends, "How was your vacation?", many will respond by sharing their activities:  the tours, the attractions & sites.  For us, we willinevitably resort to telling you about a great meal we had or the experience of a local restaurant.  Let's be honest:  Food brings people together & makes memories.

The nostalgia of the Evans' family annual vacation spot:  Ocean City, NJ, includes many eating traditions.  While some may refute the jersey shore as an adequate beach, preferring Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina or Florida, we cherish the peaceful, quiet north end of this therapeutic island and crave the spots that have become routine.  

After enjoying a morning walk on "the boards," a highlight is meeting my sister in laws at 1 of 2 hot-spot, rivaling coffee shops for an iced coffee.   

4th St. Cafe', on 4th & Atlantic, is an ideal location and favorite amongst the locals.   I love sitting outside under the awning with one of their delicious baked goods and flavorful iced coffees.   They make an incredible breakfast panini and if it's not too hot, I'll get the oatmeal.  If that doesn't sound appealing because oatmeal is part of your daily routine at home, you may want to reconsider--it's extra special, made with steel-cut oats and your choice of peanut butter, flax seed, bananas and dried cranberries.  4th st. also serves lunch--(but we have another lunch tradition so I've never tried it!)  With a laid-back casual interior garbed with local art, we most value their wide selection of unique baked goods (ie. orange chocolate chip muffin; banana lime coconut cake, etc.)


We also frequent
"Who's on First Cafe'.
Self-proclaimed as "the Original 4th St. Cafe'", they are now on 1st & Asbury Ave and baking up daily fresh scones.  While they have a limited selection (2 different flavors & usually 2 types of muffins), the scones are top-notch & they serve la Colombe' coffee--also ideal.  We prefer 1st street for it's ample outdoor seating and $.50 iced coffee refills!   

A light breakfast leaves room for our favorite lunch spot.  The Evans' Family certainly invests in Berenatos' Deli, 1st & Atlantic.  When it comes to sandwiches in OC, they can't be beat.   One of the main reasons is their fresh, ideal rolls...like the box says from their source, "It starts with the bread."   Whether you prefer an italian or turkey hoagie or a cheese steak--you can't go wrong.  Our favorites include the bbq chicken cheese steak or buffalo chicken cheese steak (with hot or sweet peppers). Depending on your appetite, a full can feed 2-4 people.  
If we are not in a rush to hit the beach, we love eating out under their awning.  By the way, you'll get the true Italian attitude from the owners--don't be offended--we've come to find it endearing. 


 What does the boardwalk have to offer?  If you are craving a slice of boardwalk pizza, we recommend "Three Brothers" (944 Boardwalk).  Manco & Manco, formerly known as Mack & Manco, may be the most well-known, but as far as quality and size--we consider this the best.  They offer a variety of toppings and it's pricey & large--but feeds the whole family. 


This year we finally visited the infamous 
Smitty's Clam Bar.  For those who are willing to cross the bridge, Somers Point has a good thing going--from the casual, family-friendly atmosphere to the waterside view of the bay, you'll enjoy a classic seafood experience.  


I was thoroughly pleased with one of the daily specials, baked tuna with a sesame-soy glaze, accompanied by a corn salad.  The rest of the party tried the classic oyster po boy sandwich and crab melt.   While we went for lunch, rumor has it to expect a wait for dinner--but it's an enjoyable seaside atmosphere--food and service are worth the wait!


 
Vacation should include at least one dessert splurge.   While the self-service, pay per pound yogurt craze has hit the Jersey shore,  we are Kohr Brothers custard loyal fans.  An enjoyable selection of flavors (where else can you get mint-chocolate, strawberry-banana, coffee-caramel or chocolate-peanut butter soft serve?) with the creamiest consistency.  A simple and consistent product keeps the line moving quickly & pleases the entire family.  (Secret: kid size is not on the menu, but is an ample smaller portion given upon request.)


Finally, one of the boardwalk's best kept, healthy secrets is Bashful Banana.  Serving a broad menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, this is truly the place to visit for fresh food, gluten free, vegan or special diet concerns.  My favorite item on their menu is their unique Banana Whip.  Made with just bananas, it undoubtedly has the consistency of frozen custard.  A variety of other frozen fruits can be added and toppings include an all fruit fudge sauce.  Thanks to Bashful Banana, no one is left out of the boardwalk cuisine!  (Another special touch--the only known place to order a Green Mountain flavored iced coffee!)


This sums up a perfect day of Evans' family traditional favorites at our annual vacation spot.  What are some of yours?

   

"Eat Fresh Eat Local" Month-Week #4: Cafe' Santosha

Cafe' Santosha

7150 Hamilton Blvd.

Trexlertown, PA  18087

610-366-1711

Hours: M-F 9:30-2:30

 

Hidden in a strip mall health food store (with quite a vast selection), is a treasure self-proclaimed as "the only organic cafe' in the Lehigh Valley."  Opening over a year ago, the store owner's daughter now is pumping out wholesome goodness.  While we were told their main specialty is their lunch, I was captivated by the scrumptious breakfast and consistent values. 

First of all, every detail of their store purposefully promotes organic, sustainable nutrition & living.  From the display of silverware, cloth napkins, vintage plates and mugs, to the selection of organic teas and coffees, accompanied by natural sweeteners like stevia and organic honey.  Not to mention the coconut milk creamer, a thoughtful touch that will win over any vegan, organic or lactose-intolerant diner.  They promise to "carefully select local farms & vendors to offer the highest quality organic, veg, hormone-free meats & dairy products."

I ordered a delicious yogurt parfait, with my choice of Greek yogurt sweetened by agave, artistically topped with homemade granola, raspberries, sliced bananas and a hint of mint.  Thankfully I saved room for the recommended almond scones, straight out of the oven...a conversation-stopping, tastiest scone I have ever experienced.  Again, my heart was warmed by the considerate and authentic options of strawberry, apricot, orange or raspberry jam.  

I enjoyed every aspect of our quiet, delicious breakfast but I was definitely compelled to make a return trip for lunch as I viewed the menu, especially the soup of the day:  sweet potato with coconut and red quinoa.  Vegan & gluten-free options are available on most itmes upon request.  A variety of summer specials are offered:  the cobb salad, summer bruschetta trio, summer panini and raw zucchini-pasta bowl.

As well as their "create your own sandwich menu" where the customer chooses a protein, spread cheese, vegetable and bread.  Just when this sounds routine, consider some of their choices---a wide selection of vegetarian proteins such as "soy boy caribbean or smoked tofu, baked fresh tofu with homemade marinade, sunshine or garden burgers, Tofurkey slices, etc.  Spreads include safflower mayo, garlic and herb mayo, stoneground mustard, dijon mustard and a special sauce (grapeseed oil veganaise & stoneground mustard.)  Peruse more of their menu on facebook but consider the bread options: sprouted 7-grain; artisanal seeded multi-grain; whole-wheat wrap, olive roll, croissant or gluten-free bread.

Just when you didn't think it was possible to maintain your organic diet while dining in the Lehigh Valley, Cafe' Santosha brings an encouraging and hopeful encounter.  Also, catch them at Bethlehem's Vegfest on September 8, 2012

"Eat Fresh, Eat Local Month"--Week #3: The Honey Underground

photo: compliments of facebook

The Honey Underground
1153 Gravel Pike
Hereford, PA  18056
484-330-6405 

I rarely review a restaurant prior to personal experience---but I've made an exception because of time constraints and the wonderful things I have heard about "Chef Wendy."  Known for her previous Emmaus-based business, Balasia, she now serves a "Seasonal Supper Club" on select Fridays and Saturdays 5p-10p in Hereford.  Their food is also available at

• the seasonal Emmaus Farmers Market (Sundays 9a-2p)
• Steelstacks' Farmers Market in Bethlehem on Thursdays (3p-7p) & 
• 2 local health stores: Frey's in Hellertown and Green Earth in Emmaus  

Her cuisine deserves its own reservation on this month's "Eat Fresh, Eat Local" theme on Evans Eats because of her commitment to serving “beyond organic, locally grown goods directly from the farmers to the community."   The vegans and vegetarians of the LV & B are not the only ones who enjoy her delectable creations. 

Here is the review of a good friend who values fresh, organic, wholesome eating: 

I have been eating Chef Wendy's amazing vegan cuisine for almost five years.  My husband and I first went to her restaurant in Emmaus called "Balasia."  From the staff, to the ambiance to the food everything was just perfect.  We feasted on the spicy peanut soup, and curry-yaki tofu and moist chocolate and peanut butter brownies.  Now, it has become a favored tradition of mine that every Valentines's Day and Mother's Day, my husband has Wendy deliver family-size portions of her salad, soup, and of course, my favorite baked curry-yaki tofu to our home.  The tofu platter is full of rice, mixed greens dahl, fennel, cumin and mustard seed crusted tofu and and incredibly flavorful red curry sauce.  If you like to try new flavors, dine on distinctive food and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating, you MUST try the honey underground.  

 I look forward to an opportunity to sample and support the Honey Underground & will definitely provide a follow-up report.

"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.