Celebrating Simplicity-MOO

MOO  

4010 Durham Road

Ottsville, PA  18942

610-990-6267

Hours: M-Th 11a-8p; Fri-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-5p
Spoon Rate: 

I love it when readers send me suggestions of restaurants we may enjoy, especially meeting someone new by sharing the love of great local eateries.  It took me a few months till we tried this new spot in Bucks County's Ottsville.  If you aren't from Bucks County, this is a great season to take a scenic drive to this family-friendly spot.  Formally "Friends" ice cream, this location, not too far from Lake Nochamixon, Palisades High School and Owowcow , has been taken over by a young, ambitious chef (Solebury graduate, 2011). 

MOO started as the first food truck in Bucks County.  Planted in Ottsville, he is serving up American-style food, mainly sourced from local farmers. Loved the decor, including photos of local farmers and a simple, clean country-American feel.  Individuals of all ages were served quick, simple, average-sized, but sufficient orders.  His simple menu with a gourmet flare includes burgers, veggie burgers ($6), hot dogs ($3-4), PB & J for the kiddos ($4--homemade organic PB, raspberry preserves, served warm!), house-made soups ($4-5),  and a beautiful seasonal salad ($6, ours included micro greens, local dried cranberries, roasted walnut, honey-dijon vinaigrette).Their shakes sounded tempting, including strawberry, with locally made strawberries and homemade ice cream ($5.50), but instead we took advantage of Owowcow creamery being so close!  

Melting Pot Month-Ephesus

Ephesus
549 Main St.
Bethlehem, PA
610-867-4040
Hours: M-Sun 11a-10p

Spoon Rate:      

Main Street, Bethlehem is blessed again with another new restaurant option.  I was intrigued by its name, an ancient city in Modern-day Turkey & its claim to serve Turkish, Greek & Mediterranean food.  There are plenty of other options in the Lehigh Valley that already have my attention, like True Blue Mediterranean (whose new 2nd location is around the corner from Ephesus), Soumaya & Sons, or a newfound, Damascus, just to name a few.  However, the Turkish cuisine, is a welcomed addition to the Valley.  This was intriguing.

I can't say we have an intelligible response for what distinguishes Turkish food, but we had an enjoyable meal.  An ideal location for a date night, we were offered the window seat--a beautiful evening to enjoy the Bethlehem strollers.  We were served with pita bread and a seasoned dipping oil.  Speedy and friendly service brought our salads (included in our entrees) with accompanying olive oil & a tasty vinegar.  (I read an online review where someone complained that this was the only dressing option--so this serves as a warning.  Seriously, though--can't we have respect for the cultural traditions and feel privileged by what's offered instead of needing our American, individualized preference?!)

I decided to order something new for me, and settled on the "Swooning Priest," intriguely-named, vegetarian dish of eggplant stuffed with tomatoes.  Served with rice and a generous portion of plain yogurt--it was interesting, I wasn't quite sure whether to mix the yogurt with the eggplant?  Nonetheless, it was enjoyable.  

The waiter raved about the lamb gyro platter my husband decided to order.  How can you resist when he repeatedly informed us "You can't buy meat like this anywhere.  We make it special."  He was satisfied and the most special part was the large serving, including 2 different kinds of rice.  The pride he took in the food that was served definitely enhanced our overall experience.  

Melting Pot Month-Week #4 Paprika's

Paprika's
1180 Main Street
Hellertown, PA  18055
610-838-6570
Hours:  M & T Closed; W & Th 12-7:30p; F & Sat 12-8:30p; Sun 12-6:30p
Spoon Rate: 

Dozens of times have I driven by & overlooked the only Hungarian restaurant in the Lehigh Valley & the ultimate source of comfort food.  Thankfully our good friends & Hellertown residents introduced us.  It was a truly enjoyable evening because it was so different from our normal weekend fare.

It brought me back to my childhood--we do not have Hungarian roots--but I recall many meals of noodles embedded in warm, creamy comfort.  Now I have a deeper appreciation for an opportunity to embark in the cultural heritage of this family-operated restaurant.  

We were greeted warmly and served joyfully.  The meal contains classics:  pierogies ($6.50); cabbage & noodles (appetizer size:$5.75-suitable for a smaller appetite; dinner: $10.75)   chicken or beef paprikas ($12.75, special sauce served over homemade noodles); halupkis (stuffed cabbage also served with mashed potatoes, $12.75); hungarian cottage cheese with noodles & breaded pork chops ($15.99); hungarian goulash ($11.75)--to name a few.  Dinners are served with rolls and soup or salad.  The portions are HUGE, adding to the comfort--nothing like a second experience of leftovers the next day. 

The casual atmosphere encouraged taking our time and enjoying conversation. Beyond the satisfying dinner, we saved room to sample their coffee & crepes.  Apricot & strawberry/nutella were our selections amongst at least 8 options.  Slightly thicker than the thin French crepes I have tried in the past.  Definitely a worthwhile ending.  Paprika's is family-friendly, non-pretentious home-cooking dining.

   

Melting Pot Month-Week #3: Sogo

Sogo Fusion Lounge
237 Northampton St.
Easton, PA  18042
610-250-0198
Spoon Rate: 

We rarely take advantage of up-and-coming downtown Easton and its selection of restaurants.  A free pair of tickets to a concert at State Theatre provided the opportunity.  We settled on Sogo for this venture--I was skeptical of it comparing to our favorite Lehigh Valley sushi spot, The Other Fish.  Admittedly, Sogo held its own.

shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings)

A spacious dining room provides an open atmosphere with plenty of seating to allow for privacy.  The sushi chefs efficiently rolled up our selections which included some classics: spicy tuna ($5.50) & rainbow roll ($10), and house special rolls:  monkey roll ($11-shrimp tempura topped with avocado and spicy sauce) & valentine roll ($9, salmon, crabmeat & avocado roll topped with tuna.)  Of course, not everyone loves sushi as they should--and there are plenty of other options on the menu including soups ($3-6), salads ($3.50-8), entrees ($10-24), noodles & rice ($10-12).  I can only attest that the sushi is excellent & recommended for downtown Easton!



 

Melting Pot Month- Week #2: Damascus

Damascus

449 N. 2^nd St

Allentown, PA

610-432-2036

Hours: T-Sat 10a-8p

Spoon Rate: 

Damascus:  one of those restaurants that has left its memorable impression since our visit on a snowy night this winter.  We were curious after the recommendation of a few different friends.  Family-owned and operated by Syrian natives, authentic cuisine & friendly service are part of the experience. (Their slogan on their t-shirts and menu says it all:  "Food so good you'll think we stole your mother!")  In an unassuming house in this Allentown neighborhood, it has modest yet hospitable decor.  Its large tables promote communal eating with a vast

grape leaves & babaghannouj

menu of Middle Eastern dishes.  


We sampled 3 of their appetizers:  stuffed grape leaves (vegetarian & meat, 12 for $6),hummus ($4.50) and babaghannouj (smoked eggplant dip with lemon, garlic & sesame paste $4.50) with pitas.  Wow. 

fatoush

The smoky taste of the "baba" made it superior to others we've tasted.  The expansive appetizer menu left many more to be explored upon another visit--including some unfamiliar to me (ie. spiced labnie; shankleesh, foul moudammas are sure to give me an educational adventure!)

falafel

The dinner specialties include a salad (which can be upgraded to $1.50 for greek, fatoush or tabouli).  I chose my favorite, falafel ,with a fatoush salad (includes toasted pita and their "secret" dressing.)  The falafel was delectable.  The lamb gyro is always a classic--and compared well to others we have had.

A definite highlight was the dessert.  Not only was it the best baklava I've experienced, they have a "choclava", otherwise known as chocolate-infiltrated baklava.  Wow.  Totally memorable and I wouldn't put it past us to drive there just for dessert sometime.

An overall charming experience and a definite recommend to the Lehigh Valley.