Trivet Family Restaurant

January 9, 2010 in Emmaus, Lehigh County | Tags: , | Leave a comment

When I asked my husband where he’d like to eat breakfast this morning, he said “Find a place in Emmaus.  We’ve never eaten there.” A glance through my list of reader recommendations sent us toward The Trivet Family Restaurant, a popular spot in Emmaus that we’d been told offers exceptional home style cooking, including traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food.

Although the weather was a chilly 27° when we left home in Nazareth, and a colder 21° in Emmaus, the morning was pleasant with a golden winter sun and the powder blue skies that often appear in the January cold.

When we arrived, the Trivet’s parking lot was nearly full but we found a few open spaces.  Inside, we were escorted to a booth next to a side window.  Our waitress delivered menus, along with our requested coffees and water.  The menu had an extensive list of Omelets, Belgian Waffles, “Eggsceptional Offerings” and many other breakfast favorites.  Both of us were hungry and we chose quickly.  We saw that home fries are not included with the dishes, so we each asked for a side order.

In no time at all our waitress delivered our nicely warmed plates.  M. chose his favored Eggs Benedict and side orders of home fries, and link sausage.   He received six links, superbly cooked.  The Eggs Benedict was also cooked to his taste.  It had been a while since I’d eaten an omelet so I chose a Bacon, Tomato, and Cheddar omelet from the specialty menu.  No salt and pepper was needed; it was filled with flavor.  My toast came unbuttered and on top of the omelet so it stayed warm; a dollop of whipped butter came on the side.  What a good idea.  More restaurants should do that.  We both found our homefries crisp and delicious.  Great food!

Throughout our meal our waitress kept up a steady round of good-natured conversation with every table she waited on.  It was delightful to see her chatting away in such a cordial manner while still seeing to the needs of each and every customer.  She was quick, efficient, and friendly.  We never wanted for anything, nor did anyone she served.

Our total bill came to just over $16 (plus tip) for an order of Eggs Benedict, a bacon, tomato, and cheddar omelet, whole wheat toast, two side orders of home fries, six links of sausage, and two coffees with a carafe for refills.  Reasonable prices, great food, and terrific service.  I understand the popularity and am sure you will, too.

The Trivet Family Restaurant is located at 4102 Chestnut Street in Emmaus, PA.  610-965-2838.

Sara

Union Diner & Family Restaurant

December 31, 2009 in Allentown, Bethlehem | Tags: | 3 comments

Last year, a few months after I started this blog, our son recommended we compare four diners along Union Boulevard, east of Airport Road.  Some call the area “diner row.”  In January 2009 we visited his first recommendation, the Golden Gate Diner at 1318 Union Boulevard.  In June we ate breakfast at the Top Diner at 1019 and, in mid-August, we ate at Izzy’s Family Restaurant, at 920.  Somehow it seemed fitting to end the year at the newest of the four, the Union Diner & Family Restaurant, located at 2302 Union Boulevard.

The Union Diner opened about two years ago.  I read that the building had previously operated as a Pizza Hut; the signature windows are still intact.  The interior, however, was fully remodeled with new tiled floors and booths.  On this snowy morn, the diner was nearly empty.  My son and I were offered our choice of seating.  We chose a booth along the front wall.

A smiling waitress brought menus that included a large list of the usual diner breakfast options.  She soon returned with our coffee and tall glasses of iced water with straws.  We placed our orders for one of the breakfast specials – eggs, homefries, bacon.  One advantage of eating out on a weekday, other than choice of seating, is the prices on the specials.

We sipped steaming hot coffee, chatted, and looked around.  The dining room, still with that new feel, appeared sparse, almost barren;  only a few red ribbons still celebrated the holiday.  A sign above the dessert case near the front announced “Under New Management.”  After only two years?  As I mulled it over, through the west window I saw two men across the street pushing snowblowers.  They seemed in rhythm as they came together then parted along their separate paths.

Our food was delivered promptly and with another smile. I was disappointed to learn there was no strawberry jam for my toast.  The cordial waitress said they only offer grape and mixed fruit jellies.  Both my son and I found the scrambled eggs to be the tastiest part of the meal, moist and fresh.  The home fries were golden crisp and not too greasy.  Bacon was tasty.  The coffee wasn’t quite as strong as I like it, but our watchful server kept our cups filled.

The total cost of the meal was just under $7 (plus tip) for the two of us. A real bargain for two orders of scrambled eggs (2), homefries, 3 slices of bacon, whole wheat toast and coffee.  As mentioned, an advantage of eating out on a weekday morning. I have to wonder if an added 50 cents would have provided the strawberry jam most diners offer. No matter.

I’m told there will soon be new menus and a new name for the Union Diner.   Members of the same family that now own the increasingly popular West Side Diner at 19th and Tilghman will rename this one the East Side Diner.  It will be interesting to see what other changes might be in store.

At the start, I mentioned the four diners along Union Boulevard.  All four diners served good, tasty breakfasts.  Service at all was great, with the Golden Gate and the Top Diner leading the way for friendly, attentive service.  Izzy’s and the Golden Gate carried the day for the strongest, old time diner charm and atmosphere.   Izzy’s coffee was tops, strong and robust, with coffee at the Golden Gate a close second.  My opinions only.  Please comment with your thoughts.

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2010!

Sara

Meadowbrook Diner

December 6, 2009 in Brodheadsville, Monroe County, Poconos | Tags: | 2 comments

Christmas calls. Late this morning we headed north up Highway 33 to the Poconos on our annual trek for Christmas greenery.  As we drove across the mountain at Wind Gap, we were awed by Saturday’s gift.  Trees and bushes everywhere were covered in a luminous Christmas card white.  Along Route 209 in Brodheadsville, about five miles west of Highway 33, we happened upon the Meadowbrook Diner.  We decided to stop for breakfast.

M. was intrigued by a sign on the restaurant’s west side and started to park there. I soon convinced him that it probably wasn’t intended for us.  “Maybe when we retire dear,” I told him.  With a deadpan expression, he replied “We’ll trade in your Jeep.”  He winked then swung the vehicle into a more appropriate spot.

The Meadowbrook is not a large diner, but it has a cozy country feel.  Inside, we were told we could sit where we wished.  The small restaurant was packed but there were two booths available; we chose the one next to a window.  As we waited for our waitress and M. settled himself with the morning news, I noted the smooth efficiency of the staff.  Waitresses took orders and the bussers cleaned tables.

When the waitress set our menus on the table, we asked for our usual coffees and water.   We skimmed through the simple menu offerings – standard egg dishes, a variety of omelets, pancakes, and Belgian waffles.   Our waitress set down our coffee mugs and water glasses, then took our order.  I’d decided on a Belgian waffle.  With an apologetic smile, she told me they’d run out of the Belgian waffles.  Both M. and I settled on eggs and bacon.

The coffee was well-prepared, not too strong, but with a fine, robust flavor.   As we waited for our food, a co-worker of our waitress stopped by with a refill.  We browsed the newspaper, and enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere.

Soon our waitress arrived with two large plates of food.  M. had ordered sunny-side up eggs and I’d ordered scrambled.  The homefries were a bit buttery, but otherwise were thinly sliced, fresh tasting, and hot.  Nicely browned, too.  Our bacon was crisp, and the eggs were tasty and cooked to order.  All in all, a comfortably good diner breakfast.

Our total bill came to just under $17 (plus tip) for two orders that each included 2 large eggs, 4 slices of bacon, toast, a large serving of homefries, and 2 coffees with ample refills.  Overall service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was homey.

The Meadowbrook Diner III is located along the south side of Route 209 in Brodheadsville, roughly 5 miles west of Highway 33.  Phone – 570-992-5205.

Sara

Turkey Hash

November 28, 2009 in Recipe | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

We thought of going out for breakfast but the howling November wind sounds too cold and biting.  It’s warm inside.  From our kitchen the refrigerator calls, still half-filled with leftovers from our Thanksgiving feast.  What better morning could there be to make a savory Turkey Hash for breakfast?

TURKEY HASH

  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 small to medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups leftover turkey, cut-up
  • 2 cups leftover stuffing
  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, white or sweet
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley

In a large skillet, melt butter then sauté chopped onion until brown and tender.  Stir in turkey, stuffing, and potatoes.  Cook about 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally and pressing into pan until browned.  Serve sprinkled lightly with fresh chopped parsley.

Variations: Instead of mashed potatoes, use 2 cups cooked potatoes, white or sweet, cut into cubes.  Add ½ to 1 cup turkey gravy with the turkey for added moisture.  May also top with poached or sunny-side up eggs, if desired.

About hash: In their book The Encyclopedia of North American Eating and Drinking Traditions, Kathlyn and Martin Gay tell us that “The word ‘hash’ (fried odds-and-ends dish) came into English in the mid-17th century from the old French word ‘hacher’, meaning to chop……In the 19th century, restaurants serving inexpensive meals – precursors to today’s diners – became known as “hash houses.”

Have an enjoyable post-Thanksgiving weekend!

Sara

Thanksgiving Breakfast

November 22, 2009 in Recipe | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Amid the bustle of Thanksgiving Dinner preparations – slicing celery and chopping onions, peeling pounds of potatoes, roasting the turkey – Thanksgiving breakfast is often pushed aside. We grab a quick bowl of Raisin Bran, or steal a thin slice of pumpkin pie, and continue with the morning’s chores.

As a breakfast alternative, on Thanksgiving Eve I like to bake a tempting coffee cake to set on the counter. It makes a great breakfast offering to any potential pumpkin pie thieves (including me!). Best enjoyed with a mug of fragrant, hot coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. Here’s a family favorite from the Krusteaz website.

CINNAMON APPLE PECAN CRUMB CAKE

  • 1 package (21 oz) Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake Mix (1 pouch each cake mix and cinnamon topping mix)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350° F. Place full pouch cake mix, 3/4 cup cinnamon topping, egg, sour cream and water in medium bowl. Stir until moistened. Fold in chopped apple. Spoon batter into lightly greased, 9-inch round pan. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon topping over batter. Top with pecans. Bake 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cake cool 10-15 minutes before removing from pan. Makes 12 servings.

•~•

In spite of the current faltering economy, the H1N1 virus, and other tragedies, we in America have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We live in a free nation, with freedom to set our own goals, our own course. As we gobble down turkey and stuffing, and nibble at the pumpkin pie, let us ponder all that is good in our lives and give thanks!

May you and your family enjoy a most blessed Thanksgiving!

Sara

Harvest Grill

October 31, 2009 in Hwy. 248, Nazareth | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Halloween morning dawned slowly. Early drizzles were soon swept away by a warm drying breeze.  Flame colored leaves blew from the trees.  Harvest GrillPromises of a fair day for folks young and old to march in Nazareth’s Halloween Day Parade. All in all, a good morning for breakfast at a restaurant named the Harvest Grill.

As we entered, we spied a couple seated on a couch and chair near the front window.  Deep in conversation, they seemed to enjoy their leisurely breakfast.  We walked on into the elegant décor.  Earth-toned granite tile floors and salmon-hued walls gave the whole restaurant a solid, classic look.  We chose a corner table near the front.

A pleasant young waitress delivered breakfast menus and took our drink orders. Coffee and iced water, as usual.  Stuffed French ToastAs we waited, we scanned the menu.  Many favorites to choose from but today it just took a minute or so to decide.  When our fragrant coffee arrived in over-sized white mugs, we placed our orders.  Eggs Benedict for M. while I chose Strawberry Stuffed French Toast.

We sipped our coffee, as flavorful as the aroma.  Chatting idly, we paged through the Morning Call and Express-Times, skimming articles ranging from the latest on the flu to the upcoming election. Tuesday, November 3rd – remember to vote!

Our food arrived looking exquisitely delicious on the large white plates.  Chef Bob certainly understands presentation! Eggs BenedictThe waitress asked if I wanted syrup then brought a small pitcher.  I didn’t need it.  The thick French Toast was spread with cream cheese and strawberries, delightfully rich and sweet.   M. enjoyed his Eggs Benedict, every bit as tasty as it looked.  Although the food arrived hot, the one improvement, he said, would have been pre-warmed plates.

Our total bill including tax came to just under $20 (plus tip) for Stuffed French Toast, Eggs Benedict including home fries and fruit, with a side order of bacon, and two cups of coffee with ample refills.  Our food was of good quality, service was excellent, and the atmosphere inviting.  It’s worth a visit!

The Harvest Grill is located at 4062 Easton-Nazareth Highway, at the intersection of Highway 248 and Main Street in Nazareth, PA.  610-365-2964.  There is adequate parking at the rear of the restaurant, and limited parking along the east side.  They are open Tuesday through Sunday.  Click here for hours. Dinners allow for BYOB.  The Harvest Grill also caters, and is available for private parties.

Sara

Palmer Diner

October 4, 2009 in Easton, Palmer Township | Tags: , | Leave a comment

The blacktop in front of the diner glistened from an early morning rain. Palmer signOverhead, a light breeze puffed away the clouds, changing the sky from soft gray to powder blue.  A few Saturday morning errands with my son included a stop at Jiffy Lube for an oil change.  While the car was being serviced, the Palmer Diner seemed convenient for some hot coffee and a bite to eat.

My son stops in occasionally but it had been a while since I’d been there.  The restaurant looked refreshed since then – the floor tiled, the booths newer.

We took a booth next to the window.  The lone waitress, a sweet looking girl, brought over two menus.  While she left to bring our coffees and water, we reviewed the offerings of standard breakfast fare.  The coffee was delivered in a stainless steel carafe (by now, you may know how I love carafes!)  then took our orders.

As we waited for our meals, we caught up on each others’ lives – school, work, and outside interests.breakfast 326 Eating out for breakfast, however infrequent, allows a mom to catch up with her adult child’s life. Sitting captive in a diner forces conversations one might not otherwise have. :smile:

Our food didn’t take long.  Soon our friendly waitress was setting our rectangular plates in front of us.  My son had ordered a standard for him – eggs, bacon, homefries, and wheat toast.  I’d ordered one of my usual favorites – French Toast with a side order of bacon.

The plates were new looking.  More important, they were hot, assuring us of warm food.  Palmer Diner breakfastOur bacon was crispy and flavorful.  His eggs were nicely scrambled.   My French Toast was average, a little drier than I normally like, but still tasty.  Nice presentation.

Service was excellent with our waitress stopping back as needed to check on us.  The interesting metal coffee carafe held ample refills of fresh-brewed coffee.  Tables were cleaned promptly.  Overall, our visit to Palmer Diner provided what we wanted – friendly service, decent food, and a clean and friendly atmosphere to visit.

Our bill came to just under $12 (plus tip) for 2 eggs, homefries, bacon, and toast, and 2 slices of French Toast with a side order of bacon, plus two coffees.  Reasonably priced in today’s economy.

The Palmer Diner is located at 2913 Old Nazareth Road, Palmer Township, PA (across from Palmer Mall and just behind Jiffy Lube).  610-252-0164.  They are open 6 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week.  Their business card says they specialize in homemade food, and they provide a Senior Citizen Discount.

Sara

Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co.

September 13, 2009 in Bushkill | Tags: | 1 comment

Breakfast fundraisers are popular in the Lehigh Valley. They are a great way to help support the volunteers who risk all in case tragedy strikes.   This Sunday morning, my husband and I drove north on Bushkill Center Road to visit one of the largest in the area–the Bushkill Township Volunteer Bushkill TownshipFire Co.’s monthly buffet breakfast.   On such a beautiful day, it was no surprise to find a nearly filled parking lot.

The breakfast is pay at the door – $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children.  Age 6 and under are free.  We were greeted with smiles.  At the table there was a large jar for additional donations, and a raffle for a prized custom-made Martin Guitar (on display and beautiful!).  Also on sale were assorted glassware with the fire company’s bright red logo.

Once inside, we made our way toward the buffet line.  On the way we passed a table with a huge box of assorted donuts, and two large bowls of canned fruit.  Up front, there were two buffet lines with a condiment station at one end, all in a U-shaped formation.  Condiments included syrup, two fruit toppings, cheese, and ketchup.  These folks know what they’re doing.

Breakfast foods included scrambled eggs, thin slices of scrapple, sausage links, mountains of bacon, regular toast,  thick-sliced French Toast sprinkled with cinnamon, pancakes, waffles, potatoes, sauteed onions, creamed chipped beef,  and probably some things I’ve forgotten.  After we filled our plates (thick styrofoam with heavy duty plastic utensils), we found two vacant spots at one of the long tables then returned to the drink station for coffee, juice and water.   Coffee cups were large.   There was a restaurant-sized milk dispenser with both white and chocolate milk.  Juices included orange, apple, and pineapple.

Around us families of all ages, young and old, talked, laughed, and ate. The buffet was continually re-filled.  Scrambled eggs were moist, still hot when I’d put them on my plate.  Bushkill Fire TruckI especially enjoyed the sausage links and pancakes, very tasty.   M. mentioned how well organized the breakfast was.  As plates were emptied, volunteers magically appeared to take them away.  In the kitchens, cooks kept busy cooking to refill the buffet.  We even saw a high chair brought over to one table.

Occasionally during the meal, announcements were made about upcoming events – from Haunted Hayrides to a Craft Fair coming up in a few weeks.   It was a lively, enjoyable morning, made possible by a well-organized team of workers.

The breakfasts are held every 2nd Sunday at the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Co. Hall at 155 Firehouse Lane.  That is just off of Bushkill Center Road, behind the Township Hall at 1114 Bushkill Center Road, Nazareth, PA.  The next breakfast will be on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Try it!

Sara

P.S. If you know of a breakfast fundraiser in the Lehigh Valley, send me the information.  I’ll announce it on my sidebar.  Comment here, or e-mail me at valleybreakfast@gmail.com.


Portland Family Restaurant

August 23, 2009 in Portland | Tags: , | 2 comments

Some of our breakfasts out just happen.  Others are planned. M. arranged yesterday morning’s trip, but didn’t at first reveal our destination.  He had his reason.  Through the gray drizzles we drove Portland signnortheast, up through Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, and Bangor.   Soon we were driving into Portland.

From the road, the blue, white, and silver siding of the Portland Family Restaurant seemed to sparkle, particularly in the dreary summer rain.  The fact that it was mid-morning and neither of us had yet gulped down any coffee made it doubly welcoming.  As we entered the diner, we could already smell the aroma.  We were greeted by a smiling hostess, and a round dessert case filled with appealing pastries.  We asked for a booth and were escorted into the larger of two rooms where we were seated at the last available window booth.  At a table nearby, a mom and dad with their four sons happily enjoyed pancakes, eggs, and bacon.

Over cups of steaming coffee, we scanned the plastic-covered menus.  Portland Family RestaurantThe Portland Diner has a broad selection of breakfast foods and specials – omelettes, French Toast, pancakes, corned beef hash, Delmonico steak and eggs, and even blintzes.  An item called Holly French Toast caught my eye.  “It’s a thicker French Toast,” said our waitress.  How could I resist?   M. ordered his much favored Eggs Benedict.

As we waited for our food, we chatted idly over the newspaper.  Our anniversary is coming up soon, within a month.   Being married for as many years as we have, there’s a comfort factor in conversation.  We catch each others’ subtleties and hidden quips almost telepathically.  Portland breakfastIt’s scary sometimes.  And yet, amazingly, he can still surprise me.

The pleasant family of six at the table next to us were finishing their meals when our food arrived.  I was awed by the sight of the three huge pieces of Holly French Toast dusted lightly with powdered sugar and surrounded by crispy browned bacon.   After a quick click with my camera, I opened the syrup for dipping.  Light, luscious, and flavorful!  The saltiness of the bacon was a perfect complement.  M.’s Eggs Benedict looked almost too perfect.  The dish proved to be as good as it looked, he said.   Our waitress kept our coffee cups and water glasses filled.  Her friendly smile added to the homey atmosphere.

Our total bill came to less than $14 (plus tip) Duckloe'sfor M’s order of Eggs Benedict, homefries and juice, my Holly French Toast with a side order of bacon, and our two coffees.  Quite reasonable, especially given the excellent quality of the food and service.

We walked out into the steamy August heat, got into our car, and left the parking lot.  M. drove up the street to Duckloe Brothers’ Furniture, his purpose for the trip.  Since we first visited their showroom some twenty years ago, we’ve talked of the exquisite simplicity of their New England Windsor Arm Chairs.  And our anniversary is on the horizon. :smile:

The Portland Family Restaurant is located at 398 Delaware Avenue in Portland, PA.  570-897-5600.  Stop by for an enjoyable meal.  And afterward, wander over to Duckloe’s to see true American craftmanship.

Sara

Izzy’s Family Restaurant

August 16, 2009 in Allentown, Lehigh County | Tags: | Leave a comment

On this bright summer morning, with M. out of town, my son and I went out for breakfast.  He likes diners.  Two ofIzzy's Family Restaurant his local favorites are about a half-mile apart – the Golden Gate Diner (click to read about our January visit) and Izzy’s Family Restaurant.   Today we ate at Izzy’s.

The restaurant was crowded, normal for a weekend.  Although it’s not large, there is ample seating.  Dining room seating is cozy.  A young waitress quickly showed us to an empty booth, handed us menus and asked for our beverage order.  In a few minutes she returned with iced water and coffee, then took our food order.  The menu was varied with the usual egg dishes and several types of omelets, French Toast, and pancakes.

While we waited for our meals, my son and I browsed Baptism Daythrough a few sections of the Express-Times and caught up on family life.   Some of his older cousins are now parents and I showed him recent pictures he hadn’t yet seen of their children.  Seems not all that long ago when the toddler and baby pictures I was showing off to others were of him, of his siblings, and those cousins who now have children of their own.   Suddenly we’re into the next generation.  What precious children they are!   But, while being a grand-aunt is truly grand, I’m not quite ready to be a grandmother.  :wink:

Our food arrived in no time, served up with smile by our friendly waitress.   You know, I have a great admiration for good waitresses.  Izzy's Breakfast On their feet for hours they take orders, deliver hot plates of food, pour coffee, and see to the needs of demanding customers.  How do they do it?

Today both of us ordered scrambled eggs and bacon, served up with home fries and toast.  Both the homefries and bacon were crispy, just as ordered.  Tasty, hot, and delicious.  Our waitress kept our coffee filled – great coffee – and checked back occasionally to see if we needed anything else.  Friendly, with a nice smile.

Our total bill came to just under $10 (plus tip) for two orders of eggs, bacon, homefries, toast, and coffee.  In today’s economy it is comforting to know that there are still good quality restaurant meals around with reasonable prices and good service.

Izzy’s Family Restaurant is located at 920 Union Boulevard, Allentown, PA, just east of Airport Road.  610-437-9644.  They are open 24/7.   Stop by for a visit!

Sara

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A thought

"A simple enough pleasure, surely, to have breakfast alone with one's husband, but how seldom married people in the midst of life achieve it." --- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

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Fundraising Breakfasts

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Post details here about your up-coming fundraising breakfast. Email information by clicking on the "Contact Me" tab at top right. - Sara
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