Great Food in Confined Spaces

Last week I found myself standing in about a 4-foot by 4-foot area enjoying great food -- not once but twice -- and in different areas of the Lehigh Valley.

The first was at DeFranco and Daughters Catering in Bangor where my husband and I stood in a claustrophobic little space while talking to the owner about Italian recipes our grandmothers had made. DeFranco didn't seem to mind that I kept ordering and ordering as I learned what all was available, and each time he had to leave his kitchen to go outside in the snow to what I assume was some giant freezer in the woods.

My husband I enjoyed the Italian hoagie for two days; my aunt and I enjoyed the white bean and escarole soup for another two days; we ate the cupcake and the biscotti on the spot. My children and I enjoyed the homemade sweet and hot sausage and the homemade cheese and beef ravioli.

I guess the word "homemade" is repetitive since DeFranco only does homemade. We will be back!

Later in the week when I was telling a friend about the experience, she told me about a similar experience at Full of Crepe on New Street on Bethlehem's Southside. We went that very day and enjoyed great conversation and incredible food all in a 4-foot by 4-foot area.

I had a roast beef and brie with horseradish crepe and some absolutely fabulous coffee. I plan to return soon for dessert crepes with my sons and by then they may have a seating area. I'll enjoy a place to sit but will miss the chance to talk to the chef as she prepares my crepe.

Size really doesn't matter when it comes to places to get great food in the Lehigh Valley -- perhaps it does. Maybe the experience of talking to the person preparing your food makes it even better!