ACI Halal keeps getting better

I've posted several reviews of ACI Halal on 2nd/Linden in Allentown (610-439-8782). Another recent visit was impressive enough to merit yet another entry, as each experience seems to best the previous.

Although the entrees, sandwiches and combination platters look appealing, I invariably migrate to the appetizers for a light lunch. "Appetizers" is a misleading term, as most of the dishes are closer to salads. I selected the tabule (tabbouleh ) and mercimek kofte (red lentils, cracked wheat, onions and spices). The tabule featured more parsley and less mint than Middle Eastern-style tabbouleh; nonetheless, an ideal amount of lemon juice provided a refreshing, piquant flavor. The mercimek kofte (the "c" is pronounced like a "j") arrived molded into five thumb-sized rolls and were dense, delicious and filling. My guest's entree came with mercimek corbasi (lentil soup) which was passed across the table to me. (Thanks, Kathleen.) This was one of the best ethnic soups I've tasted. Hearty, tangy, and chock full of lentils and other veggies, the soup was worthy of its own meal. (A bowl is only $2.25, so that might be my next visit.)

Others have reported to me that they've had equally positive experiences here. The restaurant seems busier every time I go. It's easy to see why.

Another Latin-style Comida: Las Palmas

Since reporting on the closing of the Cuban Churros Cafe in December 2006, I've closely watched the property to see when another restaurant would take its place. The site's most recent iteration -- Las Palmas -- opened in April. My family and I stopped in recently for dinner.

The Latin-style comida is a burgeoning genre in Allentown -- not surprising given the growth of the Latino community. Similar restaurants include Jarabarcoa City, Tu Nueva Casa, Mambo (though the menu is more diverse) and Latin Flava (yet to visit). I've found these restaurants to feature a variety of simmering, stewed meats served with a mountain of rice and delectable beans. Las Palmas fit the mold. Overall, we found the food good, not great, but very reasonably priced.

My wife's chicken had a bit of Latin spice, but had a rather thick layer of chicken fat atop the stewing liquid. Meanwhile, my beef stew was lean, tender and tasty. My son ordered fried chicken pieces. These took a long time to arrive at the table; I think the cook needed to turn on and reheat the deep fryer. When they finally arrived, they were thickly breaded, crispy, hot and nicely seasoned. My daughter's Cuban sandwich was acceptable, but not nearly as good as The Rock or Las Palmas' predecessor, Churros Cafe. It lacked the interplay of meat, cheese and mustard that is the hallmark of the Cuban sandwich.

From a value standpoint, Las Palmas is tough to beat. We purchased the four meals mentioned above with a side of fried plantains and five drinks for $26. However, I must say that there was nothing overly impressive about Las Palmas. I guess I'd equate it to an American-style diner: you generally know what's in store the minute you walk in the door. While there's something to be said for predictability and comfort, I prefer culinary adventure.

Fire at La Placita Mexico

La Placita Mexico -- one of the best authentic Mexican diners in Allentown -- was damaged in a fire earlier this week. (Thanks for the heads up, Karen!) Read The Morning Call's article for more details. I'll be running by early tomorrow morning to see how much damage is visible from the outside. I imagine it will be closed temporarily. Here's hoping the owners had adequate insurance and plan to repair the damage.

Update: I peered through the restaurant's sooty front window this morning (5/10). All the food was removed (ironically, even the barrel of chipotles!) and things looked in disarray, though the structure appeared to be intact. The only promising indication was a sign in the window for City Line Construction, a restoration service. It looks like a 4-8 week job. Let's hope it's sooner.

Caliburrito -- your thoughts?

The new Caliburrito has opened on Hamilton just east of Cedar Crest Boulevard. My wife has been twice and said it's quite good. I've heard mixed reviews from others. Nothing noteworthy popped out on the menu, especially compared to Tulum. I'll head there soon for a first-person assessment. Anyone have comments in the meantime?

Vietnamese twice in a week - and the winner is?

Rarely does one have the opportunity in the Lehigh Valley to enjoy Vietnamese food twice in one week. For me, it was a matter of convenience recently.

A RenewLV meeting on April 27 took me close to Pho Vung Tau, a Vietnamese restaurant operating continuously on Union Blvd. on Allentown's far east side for at least 15 years. It's been a stalwart, but my experiences have been passable -- nothing bad, but nothing great. Friday's visit was just that. I ordered a beef and carrot stew that was ideal for the cool, misty midday. The French bread promised by the menu was a halved sandwich roll charred on a grill. Ugh. What could have been a crusty, hearty complement was a tasteless, spongy eyesore.

Things were more promising at Little Saigon, which I've reviewed previously. After reviewing the extensive menu -- which features pho (beef rice noodles soup), bun (rice vermicelli) and a variety of duck, chicken, pork, beef and seafood entrees -- I decided to try the beef-pork-chicken vermicelli special, which was labeled hot and spicy -- my kind of meal. I broke a gentle sweat as ground chilis and garlic and other spices exploded onto my palate with each bite. Ultra-crispy bean sprouts with shreds of fresh herbs proved a wonderful foil for the intense flavor of the entree. The vermicelli also served to temper the heat. The portion was huge -- I could only finish about 2/3 of it. The $10.50 was a bit steep for a small restaurant, but worth it.

Rather than opting for just water or a Diet Coke, I tried a chrysanthemum tea drink. With cane sugar sweetener rather than the cloying and ubiquitous high fructose corn syrup, the tea drink was light, refreshing and unlike anything produced in the states.

Between the two, I'd spend my most of my time at Little Saigon. Pho Vung Tau, though reliable, seems stale compared to its newer counterpart.