Omnivores and carnivores, it’s nothing personal. You’ve seen your share of juicy burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs and summer barbecue spreads splashedall over the pages of Lehigh Valley Style. There will be others.But right now, it’s time to shine the spotlight on vegetarian andvegan options. It’s tough to pinpoint exactly how many Americans have gone meatless; various sources seem satisfied with a figureof about 5 percent of the population, give or take. Maybe you’re among them, having fully embraced a diet centered aroundplant-based proteins, or maybe you’re just starting to dip yourtoe into that pond—a Meatless Monday here, an Impossible Burger there—but you have questions. What are the health risks of completely eschewing meat? What are your dining and shopping options in the Valley? How can you combat a chicken parmcraving that comes on strong? Read on to get your veg on.
It's Not One Size Fits All
The simplest definition of a vegetarian is one who abstains from eating meat. But there are different levels of commitment. The Mayo Clinic identifies six different vegetarian diets:
Lacto-vegetarian: excludes meat, fish, poultry and eggs as well as foods that contain them, but allows dairy products.
Ovo-vegetarian: excludes meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products, but allows eggs.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian: excludes meat, fish and poultry, but allows dairy products and eggs.
Pescatarian: excludes meat and poultry, but allows fish.
Vegan: excludes meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products as well as foods that contain these products.
Flexitarian: mostly plant-based, but allows meat, dairy, eggs, poultry and fish on occasion.
Vegan All the Way
Photo by Shelbie Pletz
VegOut
VegOut got its start as a pop-up restaurant inside Roasted on Bethlehem’s Southside (see more on Roasted’s vegan offerings below) before branching out on its own. Its menu is chock-full of comfort food classics like mac and cheese (Classic, Big Mac, Buffalo, Taco or Loaded) pierogi (Cheddar Jalapeño Ranch, Loaded, Buffalo or Reuben), nachos and even a cheesesteak. The side dishes include a variation of In-N-Out Burger’s famed (or infamous?) Animal-Style Fries.
Paranormal Pizza
Pizza fans squealed with delight when the 100-percent veganParanormal Pizza began serving up its made-from-scratch pies(featuring cashew cheese madein-house) at its Bethlehem storefrontin March of 2022. Less than a year later, the shop was forced to close because of a fire. Although pizza-making is on hold for now, Paranormal Pizza is still a presence in the area, offering its sandwiches, wings and sides at pop-ups. They’ve invited their many hungry fans to follow them on Instagram(@paranormalpizzacompany) for updates on reopening.
Living Electric
Living Electric is an all-vegan café and juice bar in Allentown. Stop by for a quick smoothie (like the Take CNTRL with strawberries, mangoes and cherries), cold-pressed juice or stayfor a full meal. The menu changeswith the seasons, but some recent items have included made-to-order vegan tacos, quinoa stir-fry and coconut island pasta. Customerscan build their own creations with options like walnut meat, mashed chickpea “tuna” and cashew cheese.
Worth the Drive
V-Spot
It’s a bit outside the Lehigh Valley, but V-Spot in New Hope willbe worth the drive for those seeking an entirely plant-based,organic dining experience. What’s for dinner? BBQ Seitan Ribs, Banana Blossom Fish and Chips, Chick’n Parmesan with Pastaand Mushroom “Duck” with Plum Sauce are some of your options. And don’t miss the Sunday Champagne Brunch.
Umami Gorilla
Another spot worth the extra gas money: Umami Gorilla.They’re a vegan grab-and-go deli in Wilkes-Barre. Try the Frankenstein Burger: fried “chick’n,” blueberry pepper mayo,“bac’n,” citrus pineapple and sautéed dandelion greens. Theyalso have their own dry-freeze products available for purchase,like Spanish rice, roasted garlic pasta and Southern chili.
What Are My Dining Options?
While restaurants and eateries that are strictly vegetarian or vegan are certainly still the minorityin the Lehigh Valley, they are growing in number. And many places that do have meat on the menucan make substitutions or offer specific dishes for their strictly plant-eating patrons.
Veg Friendly
Hummus House
Hummus House restaurant and deli on Bethlehem’s Southside isn’t exclusively vegetarian or vegan,but it has a menu flush with options for both. That includes burgers (Beyond Meat or Impossible patties) servedup all-American style (tomato, onion, pickles, etc.) or witha tangy BBQ sauce. Or skipthe bun and order up the buffalo cauliflower burritoor plant-based chicken panini. This is the place to get your falafel fix, too. Hummus House does catering as well.
Café Santosha
Café Santosha opened in Trexlertown in 2011 as an extension of health food store Healthy Alternatives. The menu relies heavily on fruits and veggies sourced from organic farms (local when possible). Breakfast and lunch selections change with the seasons,but vegan options are a constant. In a hurry?Grab something from the to-go case.
Black & Blue
Easton’s Black & Blue bills itself as a “house of misfits”—maybe it’s the dimly lit interior and touches of spooky décor—but vegans will feel right at home here with a generous menu that has a lengthy list of offerings that span appetizers to desserts. Owner Marcel Bedoya says the vegan wings are one of their most popular orders. Entrées include lasagna (zucchini, sunflower seeds, tomato, onion and garlic), spaghetti with P.B. Thai sauce (served with coconut tofu or coconut cauliflower) and a “chicken” burger orBeyond Burger served on a portobello mushroom. Finish with a peanut buttermoose brownie or choco-cherry cake.
The Vegan Butcher
The Vegan Butcher in Allentown is not (despite its name) a 100-percentvegan establishment. But it does offer plant-based versions of all itsmenu items, which include tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls and burgers.The banh mi is a tofu or beef barbecue sandwich topped with pickledred onions, jalapeños, carrots and cucumbers. Or try the Shroom ETA,which is sautéed mushrooms, grilled eggplant, tomato and arugula ona French baguette. And no need to hold the “egg” for any of theselections; The Vegan Butcher has a plant-based add-on.
Editor's note: Following time of press, The Vegan Butcher announcedthat they will be embarking on a new chapter andclosingtheir current Allentown eatery.Stay tuned for new locations to come as they partner with a national venture group to expand their footprint.
Aladdin
Aladdin’s Middle Eastern cuisine has been a fixture in Allentown since 1981. A number of appetizers and entrées are vegetarian friendly. That includes babaganoush (smoked eggplant blended with tahini and garlic), megdous (pickled baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts, garlic and red peppers), foul moudammas (fava beans cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes and tahini sauce) and the arnabit platter (cauliflower fried and topped with tahini sauce).
Brunch Spots
Bed Head Vegan Brunch House
Bed Head Vegan Brunch House in Bethlehem is the new kid on the block, and it’s all in on brunch. The fully plant-based menu features staples like chicken and waffles (the “chicken” comes from a soy and wheat substitute), biscuits and gravy and even a vegan-friendly bacon. There are sweet treats, too, of the waffle variety: lemon, tiramisu and amore (strawberry compote, chocolateganache, white chocolate drizzle).
Photo courtesy of The Flying Egg
The Flying Egg
Also in Bethlehem, The Flying Egg isn’t a vegan restaurantbut it does offer three yummy dishes that are vegan friendly:tofu avocado toast, tofu scramble and the vegan skillet (sweet potatoes and quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, mushrooms,turmeric tofu and garlic tofu “aioli”).
Roasted
As previously mentioned, Roastedin Bethlehem used to share space with VegOut. Even though it’s flying solo now, it still offers lots of vegetarian and vegan options for the breakfast and lunchtime crowds. From sandwiches to scrambles to pancakes to quesadillas, there are plant-based options in just about every category on the menu. Pictured here is their Vegan French Toast, Vegan Seasonal Pancake andVegan Cooper (broccoli, red onion, roasted beets, roasted Brussels sprouts, toasted walnuts and roasted potatoes topped with tofu locally sourced fromFresh Tofu in Allentown).
Griddle 145
A trio of vegan options is also on the menu at Griddle 145 in Whitehall: No Huevos Rancheros (fried tortillas, seasoned tofu, breakfast potatoes, onions, black beans, bell peppers, ranchero sauce and guacamole), a tofu scramble andcoconut banana French toast.
The Raven 96
The Raven 96 set up shop in July at Easton’s Simon Silk Mill. They offer a handful of vegan options, including a black bean lentil burger, a hummus wrap and breakfast tacos: vegan egg, black beans, cilantro and onion. Throw in a side of vegan sausage, too.
Sweet Treats
Bananarama
Bananarama believes you can have your ice cream and eat it, too—even if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Their ice cream is made from organic bananas that are whipped into a soft serve. Choose from one of their 13 sundaes—strawberry shortcake, peanut butter cup crunch and cherry chocolatepie are among them—or come up with your own, using their assortment of toppings, all of which are vegan. The best partis, Bananarama comes to you. The food truck can be bookedfor parties or private events. Or follow them on socialmedia to see where they’re appearing next.
Fro'mo Dog Treats
Even Fido can get in on the vegan movement, thanks to Fro’mo Dog Treats. The Bethlehem-based company whips up plant-based ice cream for dogs. They don’t have a brick-and-mortar storefront but do accept orders through their online shop (fromo-dog-treats.square.site) and make appearances at pop-ups and fundraisers throughout the year.
Vegan Treats
Long before veganism went mainstream, Vegan Treats inBethlehem was putting to bed the notion that a diet devoid of animal products had to be bland. Since 1998, the bakery has been stocking its display cases with an assortment of goodies guaranteed to please not just vegans, but anyone with a sweet tooth. They do it all: cakes (including custom wedding cakes), cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, doughnuts, pies and even soft serve ice cream.
Cooking
Butterhead Kitchen
Perhaps one of the most daunting things about attempting a vegetarian or vegan diet is figuring out how to prepare the delicious cuisine procured at any of the aforementioned establishments at home. That’s where Butterhead Kitchen can help. Owner Jason Sizemore says their cooking events are like an interactive dinner party. You sit back and enjoy while they prepare each course in front of you, talking you through each step and teaching you cooking and prep tips along the way. At the end of the evening you’ll have a full belly as well as the recipes for what was prepared and a shopping list to take home with you. You can opt to have the experience at Butterhead’s kitchen spacein Bethlehem Township, or they can come to you. There’s a menu for every palate, too, including Greek, Mexican, Italian or picnicstyle. Those still not feeling at ease wearing the chef’s apron might opt for the Easy Vegan 101 option, which incorporatesstore-bought vegan products to make quick and tasty recipes.
Photo by Colin Coleman
Jenny's Kuali
The closing of Jenny’s Kuali on Southside Bethlehem was a big blow for fans of the unique Malaysian cuisine. Luckily, Jenny doesn’t mind spilling her secrets. Owners Jenny and Roy Lim continue to be a presence in the Lehigh Valley with cooking classes that dish on their recipes for signature items like vegan dumplings, spring rolls and curry puffs. They’ve also made some appearances at pop-ups, and offer catering services, too. In addition, Jenny’s Kuali signature sauces and cookbook are available for purchase.
But Is It Good for Me?
Some people adopt a vegetarian diet for health reasons. Experts say going meatless can loweryour blood pressure, lower your risk for heart disease, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and help you maintain a healthy weight. But there are drawbacks, too. The Mayo Clinic says some vegetarian diets may rely too heavily on processed foods that contain an abundance of sugar, fat and salt. After all, a can of soda, a slice of cheese pizza and a candy bar could be considered a vegetarian meal, right?
Experts say it’s important to focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nutrient-rich foods. Protein that would normally come from meat can be obtained from a variety of plant sources, such as legumes, soy products, grains, nuts and seeds. A few easy options to keep handy in the pantry or fridge to grab and go: avocados, pumpkin seeds, cashews, steel-cut oats, tofu and peanut butter.
Shopping
Wegmans and Whole Foods have a reputation for carrying a wider selection of plant-based products than other grocery stores; those are perhaps two of the more obvious choices.Grocery Outlet is not a name that automatically comes to mind, but it’s been singled out by some online shopping sleuths for its low prices on certain vegan staples. But if chains aren't your thing, you have options.
Firefly Cafe in Boyertown has an outpost that sells an assortment of vegan products.Queen’s Nutritional Products in Allentown offers vegetarian and vegan options.You can also find vegetarian and vegan options at Nature’s Way Market in Easton.Frey’s Better Foods is a family-owned organic grocery store in Hellertown.
Why Go Vegan or Vegetarian?
Beyond the obvious considerations for animals, deleting meat from your dinner plateis also a way to be kinder to the environment. The Vegetarian Society says, after takinginto account everything that goes into feeding, raising and harvesting animals for food,a veggie-based diet translates into two-and-a-half-times fewer carbon emissions thana meat diet. Furthermore, the society says, eating vegetarian food for a year eliminatesthe same emissions as a family taking a small car off the road for six months.
Local Support
WhereDo I Gofor Vegan Resources?
Looking for like-minded people or need help getting started? Check out these local organizations.
Lehigh Valley Vegan
Sarah Bilotti and Hilari Stahler foundedLehigh Valley Vegan as a food forward approachto advancing veganism while supporting andpromoting the Valley’s plant-based eateries. One of theirmost popular events, the Lehigh Valley Vegan s’Mac Down, returns to SteelStacks in Bethlehem on November 12. Local restaurants will be showcasing their best dairy-free, vegan versions of that comfort food classic, macaroni and cheese. Prior to the pandemic pushing it to the back burner, theevent drew hundreds of eager taste-testers in previousyears. Hummus House is the reigning champ.
Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley
Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley seeks to buildan inclusive vegan community through education and advocacy. Their website provides a wealth of resourcesabout how to adopt a vegan lifestyle. As president Sheryl Petrillo points out, it’s not just about food.
In January, Animal Defenders in conjunction withBed Head will launch a support group for establishedvegans, for people transitioning to a vegan lifestyle andfor those who are just curious about it. Each meeting will take place at Bed Head and will have a guest speaker, refreshments and an open forum discussion. Email vegansupport@animaldefendersglv.org for more information and to sign up.
For those who would rather begin their journey online, Petrillo recommends Veganuary and Challenge 22 as two solid places to start.
veganuary.com | challenge22.com
Published as “Veg Valley: A Plant-Based Guide to the Region”in the October 2023 editionofLehigh Valley Stylemagazine.
