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A Saturday morning drive north toward the scenic Delaware Water Gap along the PA & NJ border 
brought us to the Mt. Bethel Diner. Although we’d long heard good reports about this small town diner, it was our first visit. The diner hugs the winding Highway 611 and overlooks a wooded valley and mountains. Certainly a pretty setting.
We arrived late mid-morning so the breakfast crowd seemed to be clearing and the lunch crowd not yet arrived. We were shown to a front window booth.
A slender, dark-haired waitress cordially brought us 
tall glasses of water then stepped away to start a fresh pot of coffee. We skimmed through the menu. Although breakfast fare filled only one page of the large menu, there were ample offerings. The chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes briefly caught our attention but on further thought we both decided to go with eggs. Fragrant, fresh-brewed coffee arrived and we gave our orders. Bacon and eggs for me, steak and eggs for M.
With only occasional chatter M skimmed through his morning paper while I read an engrossing mystery on my Kindle e-reader. 
I’d been reluctant to buy one. But in the past years we’ve been trying to downsize and books seem to have taken over our house. When a close friend published her book in e-book format I decided to give it a try. It’s true that I still love the feel of a paperback in my hands, but the Kindle is very easy to read and I can adjust the font size as needed. I especially like the portability when we travel.
Our food arrived almost too soon. My bacon was incredible and cooked crisp as I’d asked. The scrambled eggs were tasty, and the potatoes too many to finish. M’s steak was juicy and cooked a perfect medium, as he likes. Larger than expected. Other than a slightly dull steak knife, our meal was ideal. Throughout, our waitress discreetly kept an eye on our needs, and those of the folks around us.
Our bill came to just over $17 (tax included but before tip) for my platter 
(4 slices of bacon, 2 eggs, homefries, and whole wheat toast) and M’s (2 eggs, a large breakfast steak, homefries, and toast), and our two cups of coffee. Coffee price is reasonable at $1.10 per cup.
Excellent service, a pleasant atmosphere, and good wholesome food. It was our first visit, yes, but definitely not our last.
The Mt. Bethel Diner is located at 2600 N. Delaware Drive (Hwy. 611) south of Portland in Mt. Bethel, PA 18343. 570-897-6409. They are open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Sara
An errand in Easton on this drizzly Saturday took us south on Sullivan Trail in Forks Township, PA. We decided to stop for breakfast at the Forks Diner, just down the road from Braden Airpark.
As we entered the diner, a young hostess asked us if we’d like a booth or table. “A booth,” I said. Booths are quieter, more intimate, and it had been a long while since M and I had been out together on a breakfast date. Breakfast out with one’s husband allows time to talk and we had much to discuss.
We’d just opened the menus when our waitress appeared, a middle-aged woman wearing glasses and a comfortable smile. She quickly brought glasses of water, cups and saucers, along with a filled carafe of hot coffee then gave us time to browse the list of offerings. We saw a huge variety of omelettes, along with French Toast, pancakes, and the usual other breakfast foods. This morning M treated himself to steak and eggs. I opted for eggs and bacon. Both dishes came with homefries and toast.
While we waited, we sipped steaming coffee. Not overly strong, more to M’s taste than my own, but it tasted good on this gray morning. We browsed through the newspaper, commenting on an article or two. Salary freezes and lay-offs caught our attention.
Our food arrived promptly. M’s steak was more pinkish brown than the rare he’d asked for, but his eggs were poached nicely. My scrambled eggs and bacon were flavorful. The potatoes were crisp, as we’d asked, but they tasted old, like they’d been cooked up yesterday. Not sure I’d order the homefries again. Our wheat toast was evenly browned and hot.
The Forks Diner is larger than it looks with two sides for seating, along with a counter. It is slightly dated but still has a nice, friendly atmosphere and the booths allow private conversation. We enjoyed talking quietly in our high-backed booth, catching up on our daily work lives. I noticed others also engaged in similar quiet talk.
Throughout our meal our waitress was attentive but not invasive as she checked back occasionally to see what we might need. Friendly service.
Our total bill came to just over $17 (plus tip) for my meal of two scrambled eggs, homefries, three slices of bacon, toast, and coffee, and M’s plate that included a small steak, two poached eggs, homefries, toast, and coffee. Two could easily eat breakfast for under $10, depending on what was chosen.
The Forks Diner is located at 3315 Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040-7621. (610) 252-1028. I hope you stop by for a visit. Eating breakfast out is good for the economy, and maybe good for your relationship, too!
Sara
Valentine’s Day falls on Monday this year. For an early celebration, on Friday night I asked M if he would like to have Saturday breakfast somewhere special. “Do you have a place in mind?” he asked. I nodded, and showed him the website. Ten minutes later, he said “Looks like we should get there early.”
Jumbars in Bethlehem, PA
Jumbars had long been on our list of places to visit, recommended by more than one reader of BITV. The café was established in 2003 by Chef Paul Hoffert and his wife, Mary. The café’s name and many of its recipes, originate from Mary’s great-grandmother, Anna Jumbar.
Around 8:20 am, we walked into Jumbars and took a table against the south wall. The café is small, seating roughly 30 to 40 people. Floral tablecloths, local paintings, and vases of fresh cut boxwood all contribute to a cozy charm. At the front is a walk-up counter that displays some of their delectable homemade pastries and breads.
Our waitress brought us menus, followed by coffee and tall glasses of water. Although we’d already had a sneak preview of the menu on Jumbars’ website, we took our time perusing the many offerings. Assorted omelettes, and homemade breads caught our eye. M chose a New England Omelette with a homemade English Muffin. I chose a Garden Omelette.
As we waited for our food we chatted quietly about the past week and the spring to come, in the way of old married folk. Around us singles read, while friends and other couples talked. At the table behind us, grandparents had their two-year old grandson for a Saturday morning outing. The well-mannered boy thoroughly enjoyed his whole wheat waffle with Nutella and bananas.
Sausage & Apple filled New England Omelette with homemade English Muffin
Our breakfast soon arrived. “The jams are on the sideboard,” said the waitress. We each made a trip up front to choose from assorted jam pots of homemade preserves. Also on the sideboard was a huge selection of teas.
M chose the New England Omelette, three eggs filled with maple sage pork sausage, thin slices of Granny Smith apple slices, and cheddar cheese. His order surprised me. He normally stays away from omelettes because of their dryness but he said he liked the description and was willing to chance it. “Moist and delicious,” he said. “Fantastic!”
My own Garden Omelette was among the best ever. The inside was moist and stuffed with small cut pieces of broccoli and tomatoes, and the perfect complement of cheddar cheese.
Broccoli & Tomato Garden Omelette
The omelette came with one piece of whole wheat toast, cut in two, but that’s all I needed. It was hearty and filling, easily the equivalent of two pieces of store-bought. With a few dabs of homemade blueberry jam, it was perfect!
Throughout our meal in this most pleasant café, our coffee cups were kept filled with fresh ground Dean’s Beans organic coffee. Rich and superb! As we finished, more people arrived. I was glad we’d arrived early.
Our bill for a New England Omelette with breakfast potatoes and a homemade English muffin, and a Garden Omelette with breakfast potatoes and a thick slice of wheat toast, and two cups of coffee came to just under $20 (plus tip).
Of all the restaurants we have visited for breakfast over the years, we both agree that Jumbars is by far, among the best for food quality, preparation, atmosphere, friendliness, and service! Congratulations to the Hofferts for creating a true gem in Bethlehem.
Jumbars is located at 1342 Chelsea Avenue in Bethlehem. 610-866-1660. The café is open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
Sara
On a frigid day in early January, my son and I drove to The New Williams Family Restaurant in Easton for a late morning breakfast. As the host seated us, I noticed 
that the décor has been updated since my last visit, a few years ago. The walls and woodwork sported tasteful paneling, there were new booths, tables, and carpeting. Even saw a few flat screen televisions scattered about. Overall, a warm, inviting feel.
We asked for a booth and were led to the front window overlooking William Penn Highway. Our waitress was young (isn’t everyone these days?), prompt, and friendly. She stepped away to get our coffee and my son and I skimmed through the extensive breakfast menu. By the time she returned with our coffee and glasses of water, we’d settled on our standard fare – scrambled eggs and homefries.
Outside, winter gray clouds hung overhead but inside the dining room was warm and comfortable. 
While we waited for our meals my son and I chatted, catching up with the events in each others life. All around us came the gentle hum of others doing the same. The manager and staff moved easily around large restaurant, greeting customers like old friends. It seemed evident that The New Williams Family Restaurant has a very loyal and regular clientele. We may soon be among their numbers.
In no time, the waitress brought out our food on warmed plates. Our eggs were nicely scrambled and the potatoes browned
, as we asked. Although his bacon wasn’t quite as crisp as he normally likes, he said it was still tasty. We both especially like the toast made from grainy whole wheat bread. It was fresh, hot, and flavorful. I ordered mine dry then skimmed it lightly with strawberry jam. Delicious! Although there was no carafe, throughout our meal the engaging waitress kept our coffee cups filled.
Our meal came to just over $13 (not including tip) for two coffees, and two platters that included eggs, homefries, and toast, and one order of bacon for my son. A pleasant breakfast in a pleasant spot.
The Williams Family Restaurant is located at 3630 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA 18045-5119. (610) 253-8281. They are open daily from 5am-10pm. Stop in for breakfast – soon! You’ll be glad you did.
Sara
We woke early this morning, a regular weekday habit that doesn’t go away on holidays. 
With just our immediate family expected for Thanksgiving dinner this year, and not until early evening, we decided to go out for breakfast. M. and I donned our warm winter jackets, hopped into our car and drove west toward Bath, PA and the Town & Country Restaurant.
My decision over what to order was made before I stepped from the car. The large sign announced “Pumpkin Hotcakes.” What better choice could there be for a Thanksgiving Day breakfast?
With its homey country decor, the restaurant felt warm and inviting. The smiling hostess immediately showed us to a bright booth 
off to the left. We asked for coffee and water then settled in to study the extensive breakfast menu. Lots of standard breakfast fare but we also saw a few surprises. The Godfather Omelet was topped with marinara sauce. The chili egg dish looked perfect for a cold winter day. But I couldn’t get those Pumpkin Hotcakes out of my mind.
A friendly waitress took our order then disappeared into the kitchen. We skimmed through sections of the morning paper. Stores will open earlier than ever for Black Friday sales, some as early as 3 AM. (Why go to bed ?) A few department stores are offering Black Friday specials on Thanksgiving Day — online orders only but with free shipping. Amazing. Many retailers vying for fewer dollars.
As our waitress brought our food we realized the restaurant was filling up. 
Others, old and young, were sitting down at the counter, and at tables and booths. Glad we got there early.
M. had ordered his latest favorite — poached eggs, bacon, wheat toast. His large eggs were hot, the bacon crisp, and the toast nicely browned. I’d ordered only two pumpkin pancakes; I could have been satisfied with one. They were huge, hot, and delicious. The pumpkin flavor was subtle with the cakes moist and filled with flavor. The waitress had offered me a choice of syrups — regular, lite, and sugar free. I used the lite syrup sparingly. Truly wonderful.
Our bill for breakfast — his two eggs, three slices of bacon, wheat toast, and my two large pancakes, plus our two cups of coffee
— came to just over $10 (not including tip). A reasonable price. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, friendly and efficient service, and good home-cooked food, the Town & Country in Bath is well worth a visit.
The Town & Country Restaurant is located at 350 S. Walnut Street (Hwy. 512) in Bath, PA. 610-837-7220. They are open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also provide take-out orders. Today they are serving a special Thanksgiving Day Buffet from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Sara
P. S. This evening we will gather with those closest to us. We’ll dine on roast turkey and stuffing, on sweet potatoes, cranberries, and green beans. After the table is cleared, if there’s still room in our bellies, we’ll fork in some pumpkin or cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream We’ll talk, and laugh, and take joy in our time together. Family, friends, food — reasons aplenty to be grateful. May you and yours find happiness together this Thanksgiving Day! Blessings and a warm thank you to all.
Shut the Door (Ice Cream & More) may not be the place most people think of for breakfast. 
But this morning, as M. and I were driving west across the Valley, we saw they had an OPEN sign in the front window. We hadn’t yet eaten and wondered if they might serve something other than their truly fabulous ice cream. Perhaps breakfast? We turned around and drove back into the parking lot.
We walked into the dining room, passing their glass ice cream case, and settled into a booth next to the front window. A friendly young waitress greeted us with menus then quickly brought our requested two cups of coffee and tall glasses of iced water.
Shut the Door’s breakfast menu features a nice variety of omelets, pancakes, and French Toast, 
along with a large selection of other assorted breakfast fare. I almost expected there might be an offering of an ice cream topped waffle on the breakfast menu but didn’t see it. A table sign did offer “funnel cake fries.” Almost took them up on that but I’ve been watching my carbs. 
In no time at all we’d placed our simple order for eggs and bacon.
While waiting for our meals (a short wait; they came fast), M. skimmed through the morning paper while I played with my camera. Lots to capture in the charming décor. One corner displayed two surf boards and a brilliant oil painting of a couple at the shore. There’s also a Betty Boop statue, a hanging parrot, and wall-mounted juke boxes. A huge chalkboard shows lunch and dinner specials. 
Some appetizing looking offerings were posted there! Overall the atmosphere was friendly, cheerful, and appealing.
As mentioned, our food came quickly. Our eggs and bacon were well-prepared and hot from the kitchen. Our wheat toast arrived hot and fresh, and our charming waitress kept our coffee cups filled. A delightfully delicious meal!
Our total bill including tax came to a few cents over $10 for an order of two scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee, and an order of two poached eggs, bacon, homefries, toast, and coffee. Quite reasonable!
Shut the Door Ice Cream & More is located at 2693 Community Drive, just off Hwy. 946 and north of Bath, PA 18014. 610-837-2341.
NOTE: Breakfast is only served on Sundays. It’s well worth a visit for a Sunday breakfast, or anytime!
Sara
The blacktop in front of the diner glistened from an early morning rain. 
Overhead, 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.
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.
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. 
Our 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
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 
Fire 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. 
I 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.
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 
northeast, 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. 
The 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. 
It’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) 
for 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.
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
Saturday’s rains had a poetic quality. Staunch downpours took only an occasional breath to drizzle, then poured again. The rains are making the Lehigh Valley’s 
landscape a hundred shades of green. We might have stayed indoors but it seemed to be the perfect morning to enjoy breakfast at The Bístro on Main in Nazareth.
We’d also been reminded by News Over Coffee and the Express-Times that this weekend marked the Rotary’s fifth annual Barony of the Rose sale. The 5,000 acre tract of land that is now Nazareth was once owned by William Penn’s family. Each year, the tax to the heirs was one red rose. In memory, the Rotary now holds an annual rose sale, with funds raised going back to the community. So, on our way to breakfast, we stopped to buy our red rose.
The charming restaurant was nearly full when we arrived but we 
found a lone table that seemed to be waiting for our arrival. Our server, a tall young man, efficiently dropped off the breakfast menu then returned with two cups of steaming black coffee. Delicious! The one-page menu had a nice variety including omelets and other egg dishes, pancakes, and crepes! Not a dish always found in the Valley. Of course I had to try them. I’ve been a crepe lover since a visit to Quebec a few years ago. M. chose a hearty breakfast platter.
As we waited for our food, we talked and enjoyed the funky atmosphere of the bistro. 
Its black ceiling, checkerboard black and white border, gold painted walls, and subdued lighting make it a delightful place to enjoy a meal.
Our food arrived. I was astounded by the crepes. I had chosen a combination of fillings – blueberries, blackberries, and peaches. The crepes were packed with the fruit and the resulting flavor was exquisite. Perhaps not quite the same as my memory of Quebec’s French crepes 
but very close. M. also enjoyed his meal. He’d ordered a platter that included three eggs, two meats, homefries, and wheat toast. His eggs were exceptionally well-prepared and the meat was tasty.
Service was top-notch with our coffee cups refilled as often as needed.
Our total bill came to just over $15 (plus tip) for two coffees with ample refills, a breakfast platter that included three poached eggs, bacon, grilled sausage, homefries, and toast, and a plate of two large crepes filled with fruit, garnished with whipped cream, and drizzled with sauce. Quite reasonable. For its atmosphere, quality of food, service, and price, we heartily recommend a visit to The Bístro!
The Bístro on Main is located at 47 S. Main Street in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, just south of Center Square. 484-298-3360. They are open for breakfast and lunch. Stop in and let me know what you think.
Sara
