Korean food in the Lehigh Valley? Oh, yeah.

Kim Chee Express
Broad and Center streets, Bethlehem
Visited January 18, 2005

Update: Morning Call review

Who would have guessed that the Lehigh Valley would have a bona fide Korean restaurant? Well, we have one. Kim Chee Express opened in January 2005 with little fanfare. I found it while driving to a client meeting. I stopped in one cold January day with my eating friend, Rob, and was treated to flavors I had never experienced. While my memory of the lunch is a little fuzzy, I do recall starting with some Chinese-style pork-filled dumplings, though a little less assertive and greasy, which was welcome. We both had hot soup filled with all sorts of vegetables and chicken (Rob) and pork (me). The entrees were served with seven different condiments -- all odd, but all good. One was a combination of sardines and green peppers. Kim chee was provided as a side dish -- quite good. I'll have to head back soon and ask more questions about the food. I'll post a new entry upon my next visit. If you go, tell me about your experience. I've read of others going for dinner and having a tiny grill on the table. Any time fire is part of the meal, I'm there.

The Olive Branch - South Side Bethlehem

The Olive Branch
South Side Bethlehem, just east of five points on Broadway
Most recent visit: May 13, 2005

This friendly little Middle Eastern restaurant has been a Southside mainstay for the past five years or so. The yellow and olive-green decor provides a pleasant backdrop throughout the visit. Lunches feature a variety of pita sandwiches (chicken shwarma and falafel are highly recommended) as well as other selections. (Try the roasted vegetable pizza.) Appetizers are excellent -- above average hummus, tangy grape leaves, and 3-4 others. I've only been once for dinner; I recall the selection being minimal, though all the dishes were good. Lots of kababs, as might be expected. The real treat, however, begins after entrees. Sam, the proprietor, serves the best Turkish coffee I've ever tasted. He adds cardamon and sugar (?) -- the perfect foils for the rich, dark espresso-like coffee. The bottom 1/4 of the cup is as viscous as Pennzoil, but it's delicious. And the homemade desserts include baklava (not too sweet), chocolate raspberry cake, fruit tortes, and many, many more. Delicious food, reasonable prices, friendly service and the Turkish coffee make this a staple.

Great authentic Mexican deli in Allentown

La Placita Mexico
12th and Turner, Allentown

Not many know about this place (at least not too many Gringos), but I think it's one of the best tiny restaurants in Allentown. There are about five tables crammed into the back of this restaurant/deli. If you get one, consider yourself lucky.

The menu looks relatively standard -- lots of tacos and sides, along with tripe soup (not during lunch, though). Fillings for tacos include chicken, pork, spicy pork, beef, chirizo and a couple others, I believe, topped with onions and fresh cilantro, then double-wrapped in warm, pliable corn tortillas. (The double wrap is necessary to soak up the grease (read: flavor). Melt-in-your-mouth refried beans are topped with queso fresco. Outstanding. There have been times where I've been the only person who speaks English as a first language -- to me, that's a sign of authenticity.

I'd be remiss to mention the grocery portion of La Placita, which sells a wide variety of dried chilis and other Mexican foods at very reasonable prices. Also, several homemade pinatas are available for purchase. They're a welcome departure from the mass-produced ones you find at party stores and Target.

Caribbean Delight

Caribbean Delight
5th and Washington Streets, Allentown
Lunch on May 11, 2005

Fantastic little restaurant that serves an assortment of Caribbean foods. The curry chicken was outstanding -- stewed nicely so the chicken fell off the bone with only a gently touch with the fork. Served with what seemed like a pound of rice and peas (beans to the non-Caribbean). Total was about $7. My buddy Rob had the jerk chicken, about $7 also. It was encrusted with a spicy rub that warmed (but not burned) your entire body, starting with your mouth. Don't go for the service; we waited at the counter for about 10 minutes before having our order taken and being seated. But it was worth the wait.

An excuse to eat out more often

Since moving to the Lehigh Valley in 1990, I've witnessed a dramatic change in the Lehigh Valley's restaurant scene.

Thank goodness. After all, the Pa. Dutch aren't known for their culinary artistry. (If you ever had a corn pie at Walp's, you'll know what I mean.)

Two trends stand out. First, the growth in higher-end, more sophisticated dining options. Second, the surge in small, ethnic restaurants that mirror the growing diversity in the Lehigh Valley. Many of these are tucked away in our three main cities - Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.

I plan to use this venue to share my dining experiences with you. I want to enlighten the Lehigh Valley to the fact that you don't have to travel to New York or Philadelphia for high quality food. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines represented. But no chains. Why bother? Eating is about adventure -- not homogeneity.

I hope you enjoy my posts. Feel free to share your thoughts with me or post comments here.

Michael