Charly's Thai Restaurant

Charly's Thai Restaurant
832 E. 4th Street
Bethlehem, PA  18015
610-866-3490
Hours:  T-Sun 12-9 (Closed Mondays)
Cash Only
Spoon Rate:    

This was a surprising treasure.  For some reason, we have overlooked Charly's in spite of driving by many times.  Perhaps it looks small from the outside or the "Thai food to go" sign misled us.  We chose this one Friday night by default.  We were in route to another new place, but due to time constraints, we knew we needed to move on to Plan B.  As we drove by, we decided to try it.   
An early arrival for a Friday night, the place was quiet.  A clean, modern atmosphere, we were amazed by the prices on the simple, yet complete menu.  An entree for $4.95?  A hardworking couple took our order and served us a fresh, hot, delicious and reasonable meal.  We enjoyed spring rolls (3 for $2.95), red curry bowl with tofu ($4.95) and pad thai ($4.95).  

There are a few tables for dining in, but it is primarily a take-out.  Personally, with Steelstacks in view from the bar table at the window, I would love to go again this summer and enjoy some take-out at a free outdoor concert.  If you love reasonable, thai food and don't need fancy aesthetics, Charly's is for you.                     

Celebrating Simplicity #4--Big Bite's BBQ

Big Bite's BBQ
641 S. West End Blvd (Route 309), Store #5
Quakertown, PA  18951
267-227-3102
Current Hours-weekend only: Fri & Sat 12-8; Sunday 12-6 

Spoon Rate:  

Once again, a faithful reader recommended a new BBQ joint in Quakertown--we had the privilege of going in June, a week after opening.  Currently only open on weekends, they certainly fill a niche in the Uppers Bucks County area--only time will tell:  will the Quakertown area embrace it?  

The menu is simple, but complete as far as the basics (We were craving some sweet tea, though--would have topped it off!).   Basic meats (ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket) include your choice of one of 2 sauces: traditional or ruby red.   Wall art provides a modern, clean feel while giving explanations for their dishes.  A guest can choose a sandwich or platter ($4.99-18.99) and add some classic & reasonable sides ($1/each), like baked beans, coleslaw, corn salad, potato salad, corn bread, etc.  

Their menu offers a unique item: a BBQ parfait--layers of choice of meat, 2 sides, & cornbread.  I was also curious about their "banana bites"--a sweet ending for only $1.  After reading about its description on their facebook page, I wish I did not pass up the opportunity:  "In Southern BBQ, there is a popular dessert of banana pudding and vanilla wafers. Jean has been pondering this, and created her own creative spin on this traditional dessert...In this spin off from banana pudding, she has created a smooth vanilla cupcake, with a whipped filling of banana puding and white chocolate, and topped with a raspberry glaze." 
 
Meals come in a handy box--easy for take-out.  Our selections of chicken and ribs were delicious, including their special sauces.  Baked beans were our favorite sides--corn bread was OK, but a little dry, and we wished the corn salad was not a mayonnaise base.  We see great potential for growth & improvement, in hopes the community will embrace its own taste of southern BBQ!  

Celebrating Simplicity--Full of Crepe

Full of Crepe
335 S. New St.
Bethlehem, PA  18015
610-419-6400
Hours: M-Sat 9a-4p; Sun 9a-3p
Cash Only
Spoon Rate: 

French cuisine has a special place in our hearts because my brother & his family currently reside in France.  While various cultures have a version of the crepe, its name is of french origin, and they can be found throughout the country in "creperies," as a sit-down restaurant or walk-up street vendors.  A simple but delectable treat is actually one of France's only form of "fast food."  

Simple:  Thin pancake (key ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, butter, salt) 
Delectable:   Choose sweet or savory.  Creatively combine variety of ingredients (ie. herbs, cheeses, meats, veggies, fruits).

Since October, 2012, Bethlehem has its own creperie.  Located near Lehigh University, it currently only has a walk-up window (no indoor seating), so be prepared to find a spot for a picnic or enjoy a crepe on a walk across the bridge to downtown Bethlehem.  

The hardest choice is sweet or savory.   They offer a variety of options or have "Fill your own" for the adventurers.  My mom, craving a crepe after her recent trip to France, and I chose "The Kid" (spinach, tomato, caramelized onion, goat cheese with balsamic, added eggs for $1--total: $7) and a sweet crepe "The Bond Girl" (fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with lemon curd finished with creme anglaise $8).  Sizable, tasty & satisfying.  Not the atmosphere of France & comfort of enjoying one with our family abroad--but a noteworthy addition to the LV & B.

Celebrating Simplicity--on Milkshakes at 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: 


For the first time, I am reviewing a restaurant 2 weeks in a row.  A mere addendum to last week's review  on Bucks County's first food truck now planted in Ottsville, would not suffice.  You see, I mentioned that we were hesitant to try their milkshakes since it was so close to Owowcow, too tempting to be that close to one of the best ice cream spots in the LV & B. 

This weekend, however, we ventured to Owowcow for dessert.  On a warm summer evening, sunroof, tunes glaring, a country drive...and a packed parking lot with long line at Owowcow.  I would have waited it out, but my husband suggested trying the milkshakes at MOO.  I was so skeptical.   I knew they were $5.50.  Would they disappoint?  I am thankful we took the risk.

 




The menu included chocolate, vanilla, black-and-white and a "special."  To our enjoyment, we asked what the special was: caramelized banana with crushed walnuts.  Some of my favorite flavors and ingredients?  Without hesitation we ordered one and a black-and-white.

It may have been the scenic route and the warm breeze--but I don't think so.  This Bucks County local ice cream (Tanner's in Richboro) provided 2 flavorful, thick milkshakes...I can confidently say they were the best milkshakes I have had.  Worth the financial splurge.  We just may have made a second trip the next night...love summer nights...and a refreshing treat.

   
 

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.