Where to eat...
This edition's food review goes to Black Forest Deli & Catering on 7th and Union blvd. in Bethlehem. The deli has been owned and operated by the mother / daughter team of Vica and Milana for 8 years. (I did get this info from the website.)
Like a few other places, I have been trying to get here for almost a year. Two weeks ago, they had a Blini and Potato Pancake Fest. I never tried potato pancakes, so I could not resist.
I took the 107 bus from Allentown over. Even though I was watching for the Deli, overshot it by 3 blocks. That is the only, slight, drawback here. Even though there is the bright yellow overhang, there is a chance you will miss it. Travel out of the way, time for the main review.
When I walked in, I immediately had a feeling I could relax here. The overall atmosphere reminded of a small town deli from years ago. Tables were set at the windows. A long table for larger groups is towards the middle. Counters with a register are at the far end.
I was greeted almost immediately by Vica Shparber, co-owner of the deli. No, she did not recognize me. Reason I state this: I don't want you to think anything was influenced by previous knowledge. Vica was very friendly with me and all of the customers. After being seated at a table by the window, I was given a menu and asked about a drink (Diet Coke).
Looking over the menu, the first thing I noticed was it is divided into 2 sections. One, is a more traditional deli menu: Pastrami and club sandwiches, etc. Most with a Russian twist. The second section (Kiev) is more, traditional Russian food: Borsch, Galuptzi, etc. Combining a traditional / Russian menu helps make Black Forest different from the rest.
Always trying new things, including food; I asked Vica for a suggestion. Yes, in honor of the fest, I did go with potato pancackes. I was there during dinner, It took about 20 minutes to get the food. I was actually glad for this for two reasons. 1) It gave me time to observe customer service and interaction. How customers were reacting to the deli. 2) I could tell the food was being made fresh and not already made. With the summary down, time for the point by point breakdown. All three points are equally important when I review a place that serves food.
Atmosphere: After I left, I looked at their website. I wanted to find out if the experience compared with it. From my observations of other customers, it did. The website states it's like walking into "Cheers". A place where people know each other and can feel at home. Almost everyone was known by Vica and greeted by their first name. A few regulars were even asked if they wanted their usual. After being seated, I found it easy to relax here. I was not pushed though to order or rushed through any part of the experience.
Food: Even though this was my first time trying Potato Pancakes, you can tell if something is fresh. The quality was excellent! 6 pancakes and a bowl of beets made up the meal. I later mentioned my experience to someone. They informed how potato pancakes are supposed to be done. Vica and Milana nailed it! They were brown to lightly burned on the outside. Edges and inside were white and cooked. I did try the diced beets. Even though they tasted very good, I was reminded of one thing: I will not like every new food I try. This part is only personal taste and opinion. It has nothing to do with the professional one.
Service: Taking into account the level I received and observed. Black Forest Deli has an extremely high level of customer service. Everyone was greeted when they walked in. Even though it was busy, time was made to check on the guests more than once. The smile, suggestions and overall friendly tone added to this experience. I could easily tell Vica and Milana care very much about the deli and their customers. From observing comments and conversations, the customers appreciate it.
Menu Prices: Average for a deli. Most items range between the $6 to $10 dollar area. Not including daily specials.
Time for overall rating / closing comments:
Overall rating: I would have to give Black Forest Deli and Catering a 5 star rating!
I would recommend Black Forest Deli and Catering to anyone. It is a great place to go, especially if you want to try something new. The atmosphere, food, service and prices will provide you with a very enjoyable dining experience. I will be returning in the next few months to try a more traditional, Russian, dinner.
Note: I admit to not being an "expert" when it comes to dining out reviews. Every review is purely based on my experiences and observations. Believe me, I have had several bad ones in my life.
Check out their menu and website:
http://bethlehemdeli.com/
Like a few other places, I have been trying to get here for almost a year. Two weeks ago, they had a Blini and Potato Pancake Fest. I never tried potato pancakes, so I could not resist.
I took the 107 bus from Allentown over. Even though I was watching for the Deli, overshot it by 3 blocks. That is the only, slight, drawback here. Even though there is the bright yellow overhang, there is a chance you will miss it. Travel out of the way, time for the main review.
When I walked in, I immediately had a feeling I could relax here. The overall atmosphere reminded of a small town deli from years ago. Tables were set at the windows. A long table for larger groups is towards the middle. Counters with a register are at the far end.
I was greeted almost immediately by Vica Shparber, co-owner of the deli. No, she did not recognize me. Reason I state this: I don't want you to think anything was influenced by previous knowledge. Vica was very friendly with me and all of the customers. After being seated at a table by the window, I was given a menu and asked about a drink (Diet Coke).
Looking over the menu, the first thing I noticed was it is divided into 2 sections. One, is a more traditional deli menu: Pastrami and club sandwiches, etc. Most with a Russian twist. The second section (Kiev) is more, traditional Russian food: Borsch, Galuptzi, etc. Combining a traditional / Russian menu helps make Black Forest different from the rest.
Always trying new things, including food; I asked Vica for a suggestion. Yes, in honor of the fest, I did go with potato pancackes. I was there during dinner, It took about 20 minutes to get the food. I was actually glad for this for two reasons. 1) It gave me time to observe customer service and interaction. How customers were reacting to the deli. 2) I could tell the food was being made fresh and not already made. With the summary down, time for the point by point breakdown. All three points are equally important when I review a place that serves food.
Atmosphere: After I left, I looked at their website. I wanted to find out if the experience compared with it. From my observations of other customers, it did. The website states it's like walking into "Cheers". A place where people know each other and can feel at home. Almost everyone was known by Vica and greeted by their first name. A few regulars were even asked if they wanted their usual. After being seated, I found it easy to relax here. I was not pushed though to order or rushed through any part of the experience.
Food: Even though this was my first time trying Potato Pancakes, you can tell if something is fresh. The quality was excellent! 6 pancakes and a bowl of beets made up the meal. I later mentioned my experience to someone. They informed how potato pancakes are supposed to be done. Vica and Milana nailed it! They were brown to lightly burned on the outside. Edges and inside were white and cooked. I did try the diced beets. Even though they tasted very good, I was reminded of one thing: I will not like every new food I try. This part is only personal taste and opinion. It has nothing to do with the professional one.
Service: Taking into account the level I received and observed. Black Forest Deli has an extremely high level of customer service. Everyone was greeted when they walked in. Even though it was busy, time was made to check on the guests more than once. The smile, suggestions and overall friendly tone added to this experience. I could easily tell Vica and Milana care very much about the deli and their customers. From observing comments and conversations, the customers appreciate it.
Menu Prices: Average for a deli. Most items range between the $6 to $10 dollar area. Not including daily specials.
Time for overall rating / closing comments:
Overall rating: I would have to give Black Forest Deli and Catering a 5 star rating!
I would recommend Black Forest Deli and Catering to anyone. It is a great place to go, especially if you want to try something new. The atmosphere, food, service and prices will provide you with a very enjoyable dining experience. I will be returning in the next few months to try a more traditional, Russian, dinner.
Note: I admit to not being an "expert" when it comes to dining out reviews. Every review is purely based on my experiences and observations. Believe me, I have had several bad ones in my life.
Check out their menu and website:
http://bethlehemdeli.com/
