Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Pandini's

Pandini’s in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley offers guests old-world style and new world flavor at budget-friendly prices.

Pandini’s takes old-world Italian to a whole new level, according to the restaurant's website. Offering hand-stretched artisan pizzas, its signature Labretti sandwiches, pastas and salads, Pandini’s combines the expected with the unexpected. Pandini's currently is offering Summer Sensations fresh specials, including a Strawberry Bistro Sandwich, a Savory Bacon & Goat Cheese Pizza and a Strawberry Patch Salad. All sound like refreshing culinary choices for the end of summer. The artisan pizzas available at Pandini's include Buffalo Chicken, Thai Peanut Chicken, Spinach & Artichoke and Zesty Roasted Veggie, among others. Prices range from $5.99 for a Mozzarella Cheese Pizza to $7.99 for those with toppings, such as the Savory Bacon & Goat …

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Diana's Cafe

It's casual dining with fine dining selections at Diana's Cafe on Route 309 in Center Valley.

After waitressing and managing area fine dining restaurants, self-taught chef Diana Hall-Yurasits followed a dream. Taking note of market trends and the shift toward more casual dining, she took her passion for cooking and in 1998 opened Diana’s Café in Upper Saucon Township. On a rainy Wednesday, I decided to stop in for breakfast after dropping my usual breakfast and lunch ‘date’ off at camp. The menu features everything from simple choices to elaborate creations for both the breakfast and lunch crowds. The selections for breakfast range from the traditional eggs, pancakes and French toast to more creative listings such as the Breakfast Burrito, which was one of the specials the day I dined at Diana's. It also ended up being my choice. A…

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Casa Toro Mexican Grill

Tucked away in a Coopersburg shopping center is a Mexican restaurant worth seeking out.

Tucked away in the Fairmont Village Shopping Center on Route 309 in Coopersburg is Casa Toro Mexican Grill. Described as a restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine, my family and I visited one evening on the recommendation of a friend. Upon walking in I noted that there were already people waiting for a table. Reviews online mentioned that they do not take reservations, but thankfully it was not exceptionally busy and we didn't have to wait long to be seated. The bar area was full and the restaurant's happy hour specials may have been part of the reason for that. Every Monday through Saturday, from 4:30 to 6:30pm, Casa Toro offers house margaritas for $5 and half off appetizers--except for ceviche, which is a refreshing 'cocktail' …

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Bites Nearby: The Breakfast Table

This Palmer township eatery is all about “family, friends and food.”

Two words instantly spring to mind when walking into The Breakfast Table in Palmer Township: charming and contemporary. The small restaurant, which can accommodate 45 patrons, is cozy, well-lit, and, perhaps most importantly, very clean. The Breakfast Table, which is located in a Tatamy Road strip mall next to Husky Food Mart, only serves breakfast and lunch, but its menu is anything but typical. Breakfast, which is served all day, includes the usual suspects such as French toast, pancakes, eggs made to order and meats. There are also breakfast burritos and a variety of omelets on the menu. One stand-out omelet is filled with tomato, basil and mozzarella, while another unique choice is stuffed with broccoli, mushrooms and swiss cheese. …

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Bites Nearby: The Inside Scoop

The Inside Scoop proves that it's always perfect weather for homemade ice cream.

Even though spring arrived almost a week ago, Mother Nature has had something different to offer, with snow showers and lows in the 20s in the forecast. Nevertheless, it's still a perfect time to visit The Inside Scoop, and on a chilly, rainy day we ventured down to Coopersburg to do just that. The Inside Scoop is much more than just an ice cream parlor. For starters, the restaurant serves one of the best cups of coffee in PA, made on an espresso machine imported from Holland. The Scoop's decor is '50s-inspired, with juke boxes located at each of the booths as well as a full-sized model by the entrance. Pop in a dime and in a moment you're listening to "Earth Angel" while enjoying a frosty Atomic Freeze--a soft serve-like treat made with …

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Bites Nearby: Kome

If you're a lover of Japanese cuisine, be sure to check out this stylish restaurant at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

Maybe you're feeling the need to celebrate the fact that you've gotten those taxes done (we won't talk about the refund part of the equation). Or perhaps the warm days we've been experiencing--here and there--have given you a little more pep in your step. Whatever the reason, if you're hungering for dinner out and you're a fan of Japanese food, you should check out Kome at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. Ever since it first opened several years ago, Kome's reputation as one of the premier Japanese restaurants in the Lehigh Valley has been growing. Step inside its sleekly appointed interior and you'll begin to realize why. The restaurant features two levels, and its open concept-style main dining area bears a resemblence to fine …

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Bites Nearby: Nick's Pizza Restaurant

Although Nick's is called a pizza restaurant, it has a lot more to offer than pies.

At Nick’s Pizza Restaurant in Bethlehem the staff take great pride in providing outstanding food and service. When you eat at Nick’s, they want you to feel like you’re among family.  Of course their pizza selection is extensive and includes everything from a simple Neapolitan or Sicilian to a selection of gourmet pizzas, such as Stuffed Meatlover's Pizza, Eggplant Rollatini Pizza, Taco Pizza and even Greek Pizza. Nick's also offers calzones, stromboli, subs and salads. If you like to start your meal with appetizers, you won’t be disappointed by a selection sure to please everyone. The pasta servings at Nick's are big enough for two to share, and there’s even a kids menu guaranteed to make any visit that includes the little ones a truly …

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Bites Nearby: Vassi's Drive-In

The Hellertown "drive-in without a drive-in" has been serving up everything from burgers and fries to Greek gyros to Hershey's ice cream for decades.

If you live in the Hellertown area or traverse the Route 412 corridor regularly, it's probably safe to say that Vassi's Drive-In is a landmark well-known to you. The 1950s-era peach-and-green building has itself become an architectural icon over the years, but it's the fast food and ice cream served by Vassi's since 1995 that have really cemented its reputation with both locals and travelers. In addition to gyros, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and fries, Vassi's now features burgers made with all-natural, hormone-free, locally raised beef on its menu. Other menu favorites include chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches and a new selection of specialty "Vassi's Big" burgers, including the Bacon Cheddar, the Vassi's Big Time Burger and the…

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Richard Hafner

2:03 pm on Friday, February 18, 2011

Great food!!   more ›

Bites Nearby: Confetti Cafe

Known for its ice cream delights, homemade soups and dinner specials, Confetti Cafe is a culinary landmark in historic downtown Bethlehem.

A charming atmosphere; fast, friendly service; delicious, well-priced food; and of course, yummy ice cream for dessert--these are just some of the attributes ascribed to Bethlehem's Confetti Cafe by exuberant online reviewers.  Confetti, a downtown fixture for decades, features a menu offering an assortment of appetizers, soups, chili, salads and sandwiches. Among their appetizer offerings are favorites such as nachos, sautéed portobella mushrooms and quesadillas, and their generous portions are often enough for two to share. From a basic ham and cheese sandwich to their vegetarian Main Street Masterpiece (whole wheat bread, swiss cheese, mushrooms, zucchini, alfalfa sprouts, lettuce and tomato finished off with mayo, Dijon and a splash of…

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