“Drunken noodle.” That was all I needed to hear when I interviewed Matchimo Danpo months ago about the special dishes she planned to offer at the Thai Avenue restaurant (now open) in the K-Mart Shopping Center on Tilghman Street in South Whitehall. Described as stir-fried flat noodles with broccoli, tomato, onion, bell peppers, egg, chili and basil leaves, it sounded so delicious and tempting that I knew exactly what to order when my mother-in-law and I stopped in for lunch on a recent Thursday: Lunch special 10. Drunken Noodle. Danpo had told me that, contrary to what many people think, not …

Since my friends and I decided to eat lunch at the Chicken Lounge & Grill in the Dorneyville Shopping Center for my November review, we all opted for a chicken sandwich for lunch from the wide menu.  Little did we know the chicken dishes on the menu were not the reason for the restaurant's name! Manager Augie Moore said it took him years to learn that the Chicken Lounge got its name from an octagonal design in the original carpet that looked like chicken wire. Wallpaper in the place also had some chickens on it, he said. "Hey, it was the '70s," Moore said defensively. Renovated 3.5 years ago…

LongHorn Steakhouse1035 Grape St.Whitehall, PA 18052610-231-8829www.longhornsteakhouse.com At LongHorn Steakhouse, everything is crafted to simulate an experience reminiscent of the American West. Images and statues of horses, actual saddles and cowboy boots, framed silver belt buckles, and chandeliers fashioned from wagon wheels and antlers constitute the décor. Seating is a mix of substantially proportioned wooden booths and tables under high ceilings with exposed beams. The music playing on the speakers is exclusively Country Western. Steaks grilled to order are the staples of the menu. …

Last year, Domino’s started a campaign that basically said “Our pizza is bad, so we’re going to make it better.” But did they stay true to their word? Not long ago, as a pizza lover, I always preferred Pizza Hut over Domino’s. Domino's was definitely not my favorite. But after hearing so much about this campaign, I had to check it out. Domino’s menu has been expanding for a while, now. It features a variety of traditional pizzas – hand-tossed, deep dish, crunchy thin, and Brooklyn style – along with specialty pizzas like Honolulu Hawaiian, Pacific Veggie, and Buffalo Chicken. It also offers …

Okay, let’s get it over with right away. Fast food isn’t health food. But, there are times when one finds oneself in the checkout line at a fast food establishment... well...because it’s fast. As a mom, I try to avoid winding up in that checkout line too often. But, sometimes you give in to the begging and pleading and sometimes, you just can’t possibly stare into the great abyss that is the fridge and design a meal with cooked onions (that’s all the only kind of onion the little guy eats) and raw onions (that’s the only kind of onion the big guy eats), low-salt (the hubby’s request)…and most…

If you still haven’t been to Baked, head over. It’s a charming little bakery and café featuring baked goods, coffee and tea, and even a light lunch. With a handful of tables to sit at (including a bar-styled one with a view of Main Street) and chalkboard menus and messages, it’s a cute place to relax and treat yourself to something sweet. Along the counter, you’ll find “cookie monsters” (like Snickerdoodle and Peanut Butter) stacked in glass jars, muffins (like Lemon Poppyseed) wrapped in burgundy papers, and scones (like Choco Cherry). Baked also serves small meals like soups, savory tarts, …

Rossi’s Pizza is a small shop tucked away on Lehigh Street. It has a few tables for in-house dining, but it seems that most people call in their orders for delivery or pick-up. The owner is incredibly nice (and incredibly Italian, which is always a good sign). When I walked in, he said a warm hello and handed me a printed menu.  When I looked over the menu, I realized that Rossi’s is anything but small.  They’ve got a long list of pizzas, including specialties like BBQ Chicken, Taco and Chicken Bacon Ranch. They also offer a ton of different appetizers like Broccoli Cheese Bites and Potato …

Many were disappointed with the closure of Tap & Table in April – it was a unique gastro pub and restaurant with a medieval feel and an up-scale menu. But mourn no more! Tap & Table employees Jennifer Funk and John Kerstetter re-opened the business as The Trapp Door, and I’m happy to say not much has changed. The building is the same – exposed wooden beams and red and gold walls, with a large chalkboard behind the bar advertising daily specials. The atmosphere is still dimly lit, with dark wooden tables and the same copper-topped bar, but the candles in the chandeliers have been replaced with…

Sitting in Apollo Grill is almost like sitting in a big art gallery. The atmosphere is artsy and contemporary: the ceiling is tiled white, it's lit with track and blue pendant lighting, and the large square bar is topped with a dark stone. But the neatest part is the wall artwork that changes as they sponsor new artists. The food is a whole different story. The Apollo menu is extensive. There are plenty of sandwiches like the Crab Cake, Italian BMT, Grilled Tuna Wrap, and Vegetable Baguette, and plenty of salads like the Nicoise, Apollo Waldorf, and Tricolore. In addition, they feature …

If you’ve ever been to the Macy’s side of the Lehigh Valley Mall, you’ve probably smelled the wafts of sauerkraut and potatoes coming from Dunderbak’s Café. This little restaurant features a wide variety of German food (hey, all you Pennsylvania Dutch!) and imported beers. Plus, there always seems to be polka music playing. On the menu, Dunderbak’s is known for their hearty, meat-filled sandwiches. Some popular ones include Bier Bologna, Liverwurst and the Grilled Reuben (and if those aren’t big enough, you can check out their Double Decker Mealwiches). And their hot, chunky soups (like Dutch…

If the words “comfort food,” “hearty” and “southern-style” perk your ears up, give Cracker Barrel a try for your next meal out. Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’re sure to leave with a good meal under your belt. With dozens of vintage signs and memorabilia and a giant fireplace complete with an oversized checkerboard “rug” to play on, Cracker Barrel is all about feeling at home (they even have rocking chairs on the front porch). And to top it off, there is an Old Country Store connected to the restaurant that sells everything from candles to clothing to vintage toys …

Ever wonder where everyone goes for a good wing night? Just head to P.J. Whelihan’s Restaurant and Pub on a Tuesday.  With its casual, laid-back atmosphere, P.J.’s attracts all kinds of people – from businessmen to students to blue-collar workers. It’s one of those places where you can relax and enjoy some good comfort food or one of the 19 different beers on tap. P.J.’s is often referred to as a sports bar because of the televisions in every corner and walls covered in sports memorabilia, but its dim lighting and crowded tables also make it strangely cozy. The famous wings come with a choice…

A lot of people forget about Pistacio Bar & Grille. Maybe it’s overshadowed by the restaurants around it like T.G.I. Friday’s, Carrabba's, and Friendly’s.  Maybe it’s the name. Or maybe it’s just too pricey. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely worth a trip – even if it’s for a one-time splurge. What I find great about Pistacio is that it offers a fine dining experience without feeling the need to dress up. The atmosphere is elegant, but with a modern, southwestern twist. The walls are a dark amber color and splashed with mirrors, mosaic tile art, and colorful chandeliers. There are large …

After you park your car outside what looks like a rustic wooden cabin, you’ll open the door and hear country music blaring. Next, you’ll see a giant barrel of peanuts and a large glass showcase filled with slabs of raw, thick-cut meat. The walls are strewn with antlers and neon beer signs, and there are caricatures of music artists in cowboy hats. By this point, if you don’t like honky tonk tunes and a good steak, you should probably head for another restaurant, because Texas Roadhouse is all about the good ol’ South and good ol’ eats. Before a staff member brings you to your table, they’ll …

Not long ago, I started seeing Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar commercials on TV. Being a sports-based restaurant, the basic idea is that while you’re there, the BWW staff (and fans) will pull far-fetched strings in order for you to spend more time with your friends or watching the game. One of my favorites is of a sunny weather forecast commercial that suddenly reveals a grueling storm (via garden hoses and leaf blowers) when BWW-goers say they have to get back to work. Because of these witty commercials, I wanted to check BWW out, so my friend and I set off for the closest one. When I walked…

You’ve all heard about how good Red Robin’s “gourmet burgers” are (heck – it’s even in their name). And I’m sure some of you have been a little skeptical (Gourmet? Really?), but have no fear – their burgers really are awesome. With 12 different options like the Sauteed ‘Shroom Burger, the Pot Roast Burger, and the Chili Chili Cheeseburger, who wouldn’t be tempted to indulge? Their best-selling one (according to our waitress) is the one that started it all – the Red Robin Gourmet Cheeseburger, where you choose your own cheese. And the best part is that all of the burgers come with the …

This week keeps the awesome restaurant streak going with Hunan Springs. It’s a great place for not only a delicious Asian meal, but a unique dining atmosphere. The restaurant’s building was once a large horse stable, and when the Ho family opened Hunan Springs in 1994, they preserved its pastoral appearance. With its stone walls, wooden rafter beams, and high ceilings, the place has a rustic feel to it. But it also has a touch of elegance. Tiffany-style lamps dangle in every shape and color (seriously - no two are alike) and sheets of black paisley paper separate seating areas for a cozier …

Darto’s, a row-home-turned-restaurant, has become one of my favorite places to grab breakfast. Nestled into the residential side of West North Street, it’s quick, cheap (coffee is only 80 cents!), and comfort-food delicious. Plus, the waitresses are refreshingly laid-back and friendly. When you walk in, you’ll get an immediate sense of nostalgia. Homemade donuts are displayed on an antique glass pedestal, the wooden ceiling beams are strung with pine branches, and there are vintage signs and pictures along the wood panel walls. The nine booths sport worn (and often slanted) wooden tables clad…

After you walk through the giant revolving door at Bonefish Grill, you’ll find a warm welcome of amber walls, large mahogany tables, and wire-and-wood cabinets filled with bottles of wine. The dining room is lit nicely with gold sconces and large globe lights that reflect off of the dark ceiling, and each member of the wait staff is dressed in a white chef coat and genuinely looks happy to be there.  The music at Bonefish really caught my ear. Their soundtrack is a fantastic, eclectic mix of artists not often heard and unknown tunes by famous artists. Music is a big part of the dining …

It’s easy to pass right by this little Mexican restaurant that’s tucked into Lehigh University’s campus, but it’s worth finding if you’re in the mood for some simple and fresh “Beth Mex” food. Inside Tulum (named for the Mayan ruins of Mexico) is a tiny dining area, with only three small tables and a bar-like counter along the wall. There are a couple of pictures and colorful tablecloths, but otherwise, the place is pretty dark. If you’re not taking your meal to go and don’t want to sit inside, there is also a back patio that sports picnic tables and umbrellas. Tulum’s menu focuses on flavor …