Mr. V's Blues Cafe
59 East Broad St., 610-866-8412
My first experience with jambalaya was at Tulane University in New Orleans. I was traveling with the Bowling Green State University baseball team. Between games of a doubleheader, a rotund cajun man rolled a huge cast iron kettle behind the stands and proceeded to throw in "the trinity" -- onions, celery and green peppers -- along with andouille sausage, chicken, diced tomatoes and a load of rice. The aroma spread through the stands. I snuck out of the press box for 10 minutes to grab a sample of the spicy, satisfying dish, returning after the game for several helpings. Since then, I've been a huge jambalaya fan. (I make my own version at home; I'd be happy to share the recipe if anyone's interested.)
I've also found that jambalaya is almost never the same from chef to chef. To wit: Mr. V's Blues Cafe in Bethlehem replaces the sausage with succulent shrimp. I found no evidence of celery, and red peppers were used instead of green. Ordered "spicy", the entree exploded with delicious flavor.
Mr. V. -- Van Whitmore -- is an affable owner/chef. With his deep, soothing voice, he hosts a jazz show a couple of nights a week on WDIY. Considering that his restaurant has only about 15 seats, he can hold conversations with the entire seating area at one time. Old sheet music adorns the walls and tables. Of course, blues and jazz music adds to the mood.
Other menu options include sausage with rice and beans (hearty and tasty) and a grilled salmon with an apricot glaze, which I'm going to try my next time there. He also serves a variety of sandwiches and breakfast items that appear standard, but are likely extraordinary.
Mr. V's is only open for breakfast and lunch (until 2), so it's worth calling first to make sure you can get in.
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