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The New City View Diner sits proudly at the top of the hill on MacArthur Road in Whitehall, just north of Highway 22. Given its fantastic view of Allentown, it is aptly named. Since we were driving to the Lehigh Valley Mall area, the City View seemed a natural place for us to enjoy a leisurely Saturday breakfast. Apparently many others felt the same because, in spite of the sad downturn in the economy, the large restaurant was nearly filled when we arrived just before 10 this morning. No waiting though. We were seated immediately at one of the few vacant tables.
With its Art Deco influence, this Greek diner is both bright and clean. The long walls 
of windows bring the outdoors inside. The day’s dark clouds and drizzling rain didn’t dampen the warm, inviting feel in the large dining room. Our tall, young waitress quickly brought us our cups of coffee and glasses of water.
The City View’s breakfast menu contains a broad selection of eggs, a variety of pancakes and French Toast with a number of fruit toppings, as well as many other breakfast specialties. The rainy autumn weather seemed to call for a hearty breakfast. I chose a bacon and cheddar omelette. My husband ordered steak and eggs.
As we waited for our meal we skimmed through the morning papers. We especially noted the sad news about the death of historian and retired history teacher, James Wright. Among his other accomplishments, he was a published author who had written historical articles for the Express-Times for over 30 years. Mr. Wright left a solid legacy and he will be missed. Somehow, the day’s rain seemed appropriate. Our condolences go to his family.
Soon, our poised waitress was presenting our breakfast on hot, white plates. My husband’s strip steak was steaming and medium rare. He enjoyed it along 
with his eggs, homefries, and wheat toast. My bacon omelette and potatoes filled my plate providing more than I could eat. The food was hot, not greasy, and totally delicious. In spite of the now packed restaurant, our waitress checked back frequently as we ate, keeping our coffee and water glasses filled.
Our total bill came to just over $17 (plus tip) for steak, eggs, homefries, and toast plus a bacon omelette, homefries, and toast, as well as two coffees with ample refills. Considering the tastiness of the food, the warm atmosphere, and the fine service, it was well worth the cost.
The New City View Diner is located at 1831 MacArthur Road in Whitehall, PA. It is open 24 hours and provides a nice spot for breakfast, or any other meal. Click comments (above) to share your own experiences there.
Sara
A friend forwarded this recipe to me. I’m not sure where she got it, but she loves how easy they are to make. She says the batter comes out stiff so they’re not the prettiest muffin, but they are very tasty. No eggs or oil needed! The pumpkin gives all the moisture you need.
EASY PUMPKIN MUFFINS
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan. In a large bowl, use a large spoon to mix together the cake mix, pumpkin, and spices until smooth. Spoon equal amounts of batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean.
Variations:
- Substitute a spice cake mix and eliminate spices.
- Try with other flavors of cake mix.
- Top with brown sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Use mini-muffin cups and reduce baking time to 15 minutes.
Enjoy them!
Sara
This morning for breakfast I made some oatmeal, wheat toast, orange juice, and hot coffee. Then I sat down at the kitchen table and opened the morning news. Paul Carpenter’s column, Honors Student is Dishonored by Corrupt Rule in Bethlehem first made my stomach churn. Then I got mad.
Breakfast in the Valley was never intended to be political. Enjoying breakfast as I do, I meant it as a way to share that enjoyment with others. But as much as I love savoring breakfast with loved ones, I also hate injustice. Injustice due to raw greed and corruption is even worse. That’s what seems to have happened here. It’s why I’m speaking up.
I’ve always supported community service. It’s a good thing – to give back. But not when it becomes mandatory for earning a high school diploma. Graduation from high school is about academics, not about providing free labor for some school administrator’s brother-in-law.
Click the link above and read the article. Tell me what you think.
Sara
The Golden View Diner seemed the perfect name for a diner this morning. As we drove through the countryside, nature blazed with vibrant fall colors – greens, reds, oranges, rich browns, and brilliant golds. The sky was clear and the temperature comfortable, a cool 63 degrees with whispers of a soft breeze. A jacket was nice, but not necessary. Not yet thinking of winter’s cold fury, we basked in the beauty of a Pennsylvania autumn.
It had been a while since we’d last visited the Golden View. The diner sits a mile or so north of Highway 22, almost at the intersection Highway 512 and Hanoverville Road. Since our last visit a large CVS Pharmacy and a Turkey Hill Minit Market had been constructed just north of the restaurant. They’re not yet open, but soon will be. The fields and open spaces of the Lehigh Valley are changing, filling in. A few more conveniences, a little less natural beauty.
On this morning’s visit to the Golden View Diner, my husband and I were greeted by the hostess and shown to a booth in the greenhouse section, a sunny room surrounded by glass. Our smiling waitress soon brought iced water and strong, black coffee. The breakfast menu had much to offer, including some interesting seafood selections featuring crab. I almost ordered an asparagus and cheese omelet, but decided instead on one of my favorites – Raisin French Toast.
The restaurant was busy, not quite full but the waitresses and the rest of the staff were bustling. As we waited for our food, we talked and scanned sections of the newspaper, 
including some political cartoons. A few made me wince. Between the economy and the elections, it seems there’s not much cheerful news these days, although there are always a few rewarding stories. And suddenly our food was there.
I’d ordered a short stack of Raisin French Toast and a side of bacon. Delicious! He ordered poached eggs, home fries, bacon and toast. After a minute or so, he saw that his toast was missing. As soon as we caught our waitress, she rushed into the kitchen and brought out two slices of hot whole wheat toast. Overall our waitress was attentive and cheerful, refilling our coffee as often as wanted. A satisfying, wholesome breakfast with good service in a bright and friendly setting. What more can one ask?
Our bill came to just under $11 (plus tip) for a short stack of Raisin French Toast with bacon, and two eggs, home fries, bacon, and toast, and two black coffees. Reasonable.
The Golden View Diner & Family Restaurant is located at 5090 Bath Pike (Highway 512) in Bethlehem, PA. Stop by for a tasty meal, and let me know how you like it.
Sara
WFMZ-Channel 69 News at Sunrise is looking for talented, local area professional chefs to perform cooking demonstrations during their Friday morning newscasts.
According to the WFMZ website, each segment runs about three minutes. The first three segments will include three different recipes. The last segment will present the food along with a taste test. 69 News Reporter, Eve Tannery, will host, and time, each cooking segment. The site says that Eve will also interview the chefs and help, where she can, with the recipes.
If you’re a professional interested in sharing your culinary skills, go to the WFMZ-Channel 69 website and read more about it.
Sara
