I was excited to find a Vietnamese restaurant in Allentown, but less than thrilled by both the food and the decor. My friend and I ordered spring rolls and pho, with ice cream for dessert. The spring rolls were sticky to the touch, something that I’d never before encountered. Maybe it was the humidity? They were okay, but could have been fresher. The peanut dipping sauce was very good, though. My pho ga also was also only fair. I’ve had better, much better. It could have been fresher, as well. They did provide a nice helping of very fresh basil, mung bean sprouts and sliced peppers to add to the broth. The scoops of mango and green tea ice creams were also good. All in all, the whole experience was a bit of a disappointment. I didn’t hear any Vietnamese spoken in the kitchen, either, so maybe the recipes are less than authentic. I also ordered a side of fried rice to take home, and found that it was just the same as any other fried rice I’d ever ordered from a Chinese takeout. Not sure whether I’ll go back and give it another try in the future.

I’ve been to this new restaurant twice now, and loved it both times. Before going to Spice India, I thought I didn’t like Indian food, but I’ve sure changed my mind. The first time I went with a friend and ordered Cashmere Chicken, and since I like spice and heat, I ordered it “spicy,” the hottest level of spice. It was fabulous! I also ordered Afghani Nan which is flatbread with the subtle addition of fruit and nuts – warm and delicious. My friend ordered Tandoori Chicken, which she loved, but I wasn’t as enthusiastic about it. For dessert, I had their Rice Pudding, which was delicious, just like everything else. Don’t expect the average American thickish sweet mixture – this is thinner and not nearly as sugary. Just went back yesterday, this time with family members. I had to order the Cashmere Chicken again, and also ordered Malai Kofta which are vegetable balls in a spicy sauce. The Kofta were recommended by a vegetarian buddy who just loves Indian food, and I had to try them. The chicken dish was just as good as the first time, and the Malai Kofta, very good as well. I actually had quite a lot left over in a take out bag, and enjoyed the Kofta even more re-heated in the microwave for lunch this afternoon. Other dishes we enjoyed were Salmon chunks in a spicy sauce, and Chicken Kebabs served on a bed of sliced veggies. For dessert, we sampled several items including a Mango Ice Cream dish, Cheese Balls in sugar syrup and rose water, and another with noodles in a tall parfait glass (sorry the exact name escapes me). The waiter was very attentive, but not intrusive, and kept our ice cold water pitcher full at all times. There is takeout and a buffet available on a week night, too. A casual eatery, but a highly recommended dining experience.

Stopped in after a long day to get some take out. The place has an interesting name, and the inside is decorated in a tacky Mexican style. I ordered Beef Fajitas to go. They were nicely packaged for the trip home, but oh my, that’s where the nice ended. The “beef” was thickly “shredded” in clumps from a very dry and overdone, crispy on the ends pot roast. There were some tiny plastic containers of artificial tasting sour cream, some pre-packaged store bought guacamole, a tiny dab of salsa that was mostly liquid, and a puzzling solid lump of cream colored stuff that must have been some kind of microwaved cheese – it was rubbery, so it must have been cheese. Three tortillas were included, and I finally found some overcooked onions and green peppers hidden under the dry beef. The dish wasn’t even tasty – might have been worth 3 or 4 stars if there had been some flavor, but there was none. How this place could have been chosen as “Best of the Valley” for 3 years is beyond me. I know Mexican food – I cook it myself, and I’m a native Californian. This is real junk.

This little place is a breath of fresh air. At first, I was a little taken aback by the stark grey cinderblock look of this little restaurant, but don’t let that fool you. Inside, it’s small, but congenial enough, and the people are friendly. But the food will wow you, if fresh and top quality ingredients are what you look for. I ordered Mango Shrimp and was very pleasantly surprised to be served a large plate of super fresh mango slices, shrimp and vegetables. The mango tasted like they just picked it off a tree outside the front door. So wonderful! I took some home in a box and had it for lunch the following day. One of my dining companions had Coconut Shrimp, and that, too, was out of this world. I’m looking forward to going back to try their Pad Thai and Orange Beef, among other things. They have quite a few appetizers – the edamme are fresh and very delicious, and the Crab Rangoon fabulous. They also have take out and lunch specials. I will go back again and again.

Went to Copperhead Grille on Airport Road for dinner on a week night a couple of weeks ago with a group of friends. The place was pleasant and fairly friendly – a typical sports bar. I ordered an Italian pasta dish, sorry, the name escapes me, but it was chicken with Marsala wine and sounded fabulous. When it arrived, it looked good, but tasted very bland. Couldn’t taste any Marsala flavor at all (I love a similar dish at Carrabba’s). Very disappointing – edible, but no flavor. The overall experience that evening was fine, but I was annoyed that the server charged me for a Pepsi that someone else had purchased for me at the bar before we were even seated.

I stopped in after work a couple of days ago, and was impressed with the pleasant interior, but that’s where the good stuff ended. If they mention tacos on their wall menu, I missed it. Ended up ordering a “Big Sur” steak burrito with a whole wheat tortilla, pinto beans and cilantro white rice. Sounded good. Took it home (within 15 minutes) and found the tortilla to be really soggy, the interior mostly foul tasting rice and a few beans. Where the steak and cheese was, I don’t know. I am a native northern Californian, right from the geographic places these people decided to name their “burritos.” The server at the counter said the owners “had lived” in California; well, maybe, but they sure didn’t learn anything about Mexican cuisine, even Americanized Mexican cuisine. Would have given it “minus” stars if I could have done so. The only thing I got out of this visit was a bad case of intestinal upset the next day. Don’t know if the food itself was spoiled or just tasted bad. Never again.

As a native Californian, I grew up with Mexican cuisine, and the people at La Mexicana know what they’re doing. Good Mexican food is very hard to find in the Lehigh Valley; even Taco Bell is better than some of the local so called “Mexican” restaurants.

If you want a very tasty, reasonably priced, authentic meal, then head to La Mexicana. The tacos and fajitas are fantastic.

The fare on the Hibachi side is generally good. Sometimes they make a whole party wait until the entire table has been seated before starting; the wait has been up to 30 minutes. The salad dressing and noodles are very good. The whole crew is never very friendly, and the service (other than the cooks) is often lacking. It feels like they just want you in and out, with as little fuss as possible.

Nice family atmosphere, fairly comprehensive menu, and great service. I love the Veal Marsala and always order it at Carrabba’s.

Tiny little Chinese take out place, but their food rocks! The people are very friendly and accommodating. Give it a try.