Gourmet Comfort Food: PA Soup & Seafood House

Pennsylvania Soup & Seafood House
22 S. Main St Doylestown, PA  18901
215-230-9490
Hours: M 11a–3 p, Tues. 11a–7p; W & Th 11a–8p; F & Sat. 11a–9p; Sun: Closed   

One of the joys of having this blog is having others make personal recommendations for places to try.  A shared meal or enjoying a favorite spot with others is a small piece of offering one's self to another in relationship.  It's personal, making the experience that much more meaningful.

A friend & co-worker shared this gem in Doylestown, a town already stacked with hot dining spots.  Inside the Main Street Marketplace is an open, yet cozy spot for a quiet lunch or an out-on-the-town dinner.  

Creamy Crab

Its menu takes bar & comfort food to a sophisticated level.  Some of its offerings include:  Potato-encrusted crab cake entree ($14.99), pan seared scallops ($16,99), crab-topped sirloin steak burger ($10,99) and a variety of sandwiches offered on focaccia bread or a wrap ($8.99-11.99)  

Minestrone

A highlight of the menu was its soup selection.  Wow--a perfect lunch on a cold, winter day--but how does one decide between the 14 options on the menu?  Thank goodness for samples to experience more than one.  While the butternut squash & minestrone sounded delicious, I settled on a bowl ($7; cup: $4.25) of the Creamy Crab, in keeping with their Name: "Soup & Seafood."  Made on the premises & a generous-sized bowl, this soup was completely 
satisfying.

A favorite highlight was the all-you-can-eat, self-serve bread bar.  Olive oil & balsamic vinegar accompanied these delicious freshly-baked selection of bread.  A perfect addition to complete an enjoyable lunch.  I can't speak for the rest of the menu, but if you're looking for a soup that bring the comfort of home with a modern gourmet flare, this is an ideal choice.



   
     

Round 2 of Mexican Spots-Week #3: Tijuana Tacos

Tijuana Tacos
216 W. Broad St.
Quakertown, PA  18951
215-536-0444
Hours:  Sun 8a-0p; M-Th 10a-10p; F & Sat 10a-11p

There is an interesting strip in Quakertown that my brother has coined "Little Mexico" due to a few restaurants and a grocery store with a Latin American flare.  I finally had the opportunity to try this taco joint with my husband and some foodie friends.  While it is modest in decor, the food was satisfying. 

I love the fusion of English/Spanish writing in the menu. The prices and selection (tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, platters, etc.) were also agreeable.  We were greeted with delicious tortilla chips and fresh guac.   Our table enjoyed a burrito ($7.99) 2 chicken sopes ($7) served with beans, lettuce, tomato, sour 
 cream; and chicken enchiladas (choice of mole sauce or green or red salsa $9.99), served with rice and beans.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it seems most people order take-out so if you dine-in, you'll have privacy.  It's a worthwhile spot if you value authenticity, quality food, generous portions and reasonable prices.


 

Round 2 of Mexican Spots: Week #2- La Placita

La Placita Mexico Deli
158 N. 12th St
Allentown, PA 
610-821-4549
Hours:  M, W, Th: 11a-8p; F-Sat 10-9:30p; Sun 10a-7p 
(Credit Cards not accepted)

Some time ago, I came across some reviews for La Placita.  It was evident that the Lehigh Valley has given its approval for authenticity--so one Friday night we ventured out to give it a try.  Upon driving by, my husband refused to stop, as it appeared to be a corner store with only 2 stools by a crowded window for seating.  While my adventurous spirit is willing to make anything work, he apparently wasn't in the mood to make these aesthetics our Friday night out.  When convincing could not work, I resigned  myself to the missed opportunity to try what could be a hidden gem.  Thankfully, not too long after this, 2 friends asked us if we had tried La Placita, naming it their favorite places in the area.  After confirming there was more seating in the back, this is the verification my husband needed to give it another try.  

A true lesson in judging a book by its cover.  Located in the heart of Allentown, this family-run business is like stepping into the home of a true Mexican madre.  I even pulled out my high school Spanish skills while reading the part- Spanish/part-English menu and ordering La Placita Special (a chicken taco and chorizo taco with refried beans and rice-($6.75).  One of the best features was the double-wrapped corn tortillas.  Mark ordered green chicken enchiladas ($7.75), deliciously topped with avocado, cheese, sour cream and sides of classic rice and beans.  His review: "very spicy, very good."  

 
The complimentary chips and delicious salsa were enjoyed while we waited in the cozy back amidst the store shelves.  They maximize their space, but seating is limited--a few nestled tables. 

If you have a large party, take-out is your only option. But this is the place to go to charm your friends with some of the most authentic Mexican in the Lehigh Valley.

Round 2 of Mexican Spots-Week #1: Cactus Blue

Cactus Blue
2915 Schoenersville Rd.
Bethlehem, PA  18017
610-814-3000
Hours: M-Th 11a-9p; F-Sat 11a-10p 
Reservations Suggested

Writing these blogposts is an encouraging reminder that the Lehigh Valley truly does have an increasingly wide variety of cuisine offerings for those who are willing to take the time to step out of the box and look for it.  One evidence of this is this month's second round of featured Mexican Restaurants.  Since our first round of reviews, we have been able to enjoy some others worth sharing. 

Cactus Blue has often been mentioned to us.  We had two previous attempts of going but each time there has been a long wait (They suggest reservation on their website!)  Last night we hit it early enough that we were seated.  It was a perfect opportunity to support Bethlehem's Restaurant Week and determine why it's so popular.


We both have agreed that it must be the aesthetics and not the authentic cuisine that have added to the hype.  The food was decent but didn't leave me with the impression that I was walking into an authentic Mexican kitchen.  Of course, the service may have added to our impression that Cactus Blue was overrated.  Our server was definitely fast-working, but so fast that he failed to listen to our correct drink and food orders.  


One of us chose the 3 course restaurant week feature for $20 so we enjoyed an appetizer and dessert with our entrees.  After our guac and the complimentary salsa fresca, generous portions of our entrees' supplied us with an extra meal of leftovers of our fish tacos and chicken mole (was supposed to be enchiladas de mole but I figured I had my share of tortillas with our appetizers so I didn't send it back).   I enjoyed the mole sauce, a mexican tradition with a touch of cocoa to add to its rich, dark, dense coloring and flavor.  The side of black beans and rice were a fitting touch--but again did not ring true compared to us other spots in the area that I look forward to sharing with you in future weeks.

             We chose the chocolate bread pudding which came with the Restaurant week feature.  Delicious ending. 

What is your favorite Mexican Restaurant in the LV & B and what makes you choose it?  We value authenticity over aesthetics but would love to hear the opinions of others.

2012 In Review

2012 In Review:

Another year of enjoyable cuisine from the Lehigh Valley & Beyond.
Here are a few categories we've chosen in reflection of some of our favorites.
What have been the most memorable meals for you and your family in 2012? We'd love to hear your comments!

Best Mediterranean:  True Blue Mediterranean


Best Cheese Steak: Rascals Cheesesteaks

Best Burger:  Creamery on Main

Best Bakery: Dolce Patisserie

Most Fresh Menu:  Cafe' Santosha

Favorite Find:  Prince Palace Dumpling House

Best New Spot in LV & B:  Fiesta Habanero

Most hip atmosphere:  Horns
 
Best True "Hole in the Wall"(& best sushi):  The Other Fish 

Most Memorable Meal:  True Blue Mediterranean, Bethlehem (falafel gyro with a side of basmati rice and mediterranean salad, especially during the power outage of Superstorm Sandy)

  Happy New Year--we look forward to more creative eating in 2013!