Salvadorian in Bethlehem

Francisco's Salvadoreno Restaurant
100 East Broad Street, Bethlehem
(610) 866-3556

With the demise of the Kim Chee Express on the corner of Broad and Center streets, downtown Bethlehem has been down a quality ethnic eatery. The most recent iteration at this venue, Francisco's, brings a new genre of food in the Lehigh Valley -- Salvadorian. As you might expect from the Central American location of San Salvador, Salvadorian cuisine has much in common with the Latin-style restaurants that have become prominent in our region.

My recent lunchtime visit to Franscisco's was acceptable, but not great. The owner and staff were friendly and attentive. I ordered fish filet with rice red beans. The white fish, lightly floured and sauteed, was slightly overcooked and had lost some of its flakiness. The rice and means more than compensated. I believe the rice was spiked with butter, though my server claimed it was not. (I know butter when I taste it, though!) And the beans were tender and tasty, served amid a succulent sauce that complemented the rice.

Other menu items appear appetizing. A traditional breakfast (two eggs, mixed rice/beans, plaintain, sour cream, grilled beef and tortillas) would likely satisfy my hunger for days. Several dishes feature pupusas, a stuffed, handmade tortilla that's as Salvadorian as the hot dog is American. Several steak, shrimp and pork options round out the entrees, as well as Mexican-style items like burritos and fajitas.

On an encouraging note: the restaurant filled to about 2/3 of its 10-12 table capacity during my visit. It's good to see people supporting locally owned ethnic eateries. I hope to support Francisco's again and try something that will be worthy of praise.