Rafaela's -- Take two

Rafaela's -- South Side Bethlehem.
Date: January 6,

After my wife heard about my successful visit to this tiny, five-table establishment in 2005, she wanted a piece of the action. We finally made it -- and it was worth the wait. And we brought the kids along for the experience, too.

A step up from the limited (but delicious) buffet offering at lunch, the dinner menu offered a variety of South American dishes featuring meats, seafood and even sandwiches. Before delving into our entrees, I must say that service at the establishment is mediocre. After ordering, we waited for 20 minutes for our salads without bread or anything to munch on. Good thing our kids are patient!

The salads were a step above typical fare, with shredded iceberg lettuce topped with fresh tomato slices, green olives and dried cranberries comprising an odd but pleasant mix. Dressings -- Italian, creamy Italian, French and Blue Cheese -- were conventional.

My daughter enjoyed a Cuban sandwich. A bit different from traditional Cuban sandwiches, this one featured lettuce, mayonnaise and a thick slice of ham rather than the typical thin ham. Still, she enjoyed half of it (and we ate the rest for lunch the next day.)

My son ordered steak and rice. The steak, as is common with other South American restaurants I've been to, was thin and chewy -- certainly not a loin cut, which he is accustomed to from home. Still, it was seasoned nicely. He also had fried plantain slices, which he didn't like.

My wife dug into a dish called "choffa," which consisted of beef chunks, chicken and shrimp enbedded in rice seasonsed with soy sauce. Although a bit similar to fried rice, it still tasted South American because of the seasoned meats/fish and other spices.

I had the paella for one, though it was easily enough for two. (I should have known when I saw the $25 price!) The paella was prepared in the traditional style: yellow rice studded with chicken, chirizo, squid, fish, shrimp, clams and mussels, tossed with some peas and topped with roasted red pepper strips. The flavors melded perfectly. All elements were nicely prepared, save the shrimp, which were dramatically overcooked. Still, I doubt I could find comparablyepaella in the Lehigh Valley.

Total for four dinners and drinks came to $60 without tip. Not bad at all. In fact, pretty darn good.