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Bolete Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
1740 Seidersville RdBethlehem, PA 18105
(610) 868-6505
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Bolete Restaurant
Review Highlights
"And for dessert, the butterscotch pudding."
(in 11 reviews)
"Best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley hand's down."
(in 12 reviews)
"We decided to go with the Chef's Tasting Menu."
(in 3 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Charles D.
Easton, PA
10/22/2011
Every year from our anniversary, my wife and I always treat ourselves to a restaurant that we would not go to on a regular basis. This year we chose Bolete. They are a farm to table restaurant that uses as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. Whenever I could in this review, I included the name of the local farm.
We arrived at 7:30 PM for our reservation and we were seated immediately. Our server tonight was Melissa. She was very attentive to us all night. She made sure that we under stood the components of our dishes and was delighted that we had such a fantastic meal.
We decided to go with the Chef's Tasting Menu. If you're not familiar with what this is, you place your culinary tastes in the hands of the chef. They ask you for any dietary restrictions and after that you buckle in for the culinary ride. At $75 per person, it is worth it.
Chef Chizmar started us off with an amuse bouche of Chilled Island Creek Oysters. They were just the right size, sweet, briny and the mignonette was perfect. This was the only course that was the same for both my wife and I.
All the other courses we got were different and we decided to eat half and then swap. If you do the chef's tasting, please do what we did, you will not be disappointed.
The next course was the Scallop and Lobster Ceviche w/ Champagne Grapes and Lime and the Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare w/ Green Apples, Cucumber and Apple Broth. Both were phenomenal.
The next course was the Butternut Soup for me and the Mushroom Soup for my wife. Now I am a soup nut so these really spoke to my heart. They were so smooth and silky, they were ethereal.
Next came the Pepper Crusted PA Beef Carpaccio w/ Pickled Mushrooms, Porcini Mustard and Horseradish Crème Fraiche and the House Smoked Happy Farm's Duck "Ham" w/ Farro, Both dishes really spoke to us. The duck "ham" was more like a prosciutto as it is cured, smoked and then hung before the chef serves it. Shaved thin w/ the Black Mission fig gastrique and the Keepsake Farm's Ferale Cheese, again it was perfect. The beef carpaccio was perfectly seared and the porcini mustard was a great condiment.
The next course was the Seared Day Boat Maine Sea Scallop w/ pork belly ravioli, Hen of the Woods mushrooms, and Scholl's Orchards apple gastrique and the Day Boat Alaskan Halibut w/ risotto, chanterelle mushrooms and house cured bacon. The seafood was seared perfectly and the ravioli was phenomenal. Again it was a perfect course.
The final savory course was the Braised Colorado Lamb Osso Bucco w/ carrots, Liberty Gardens Turnips and beech mushrooms and the Roasted Beef Ribeye. The beef cam with a twist though, the accompaniments to this dish were parsley vinaigrette, fingerling potatoes and crispy shallots. This was a brand new creation of the chef's. Thank you Chef Chizmar for this, I was amazed at your culinary mind to come up with this on the fly like you did. The lamb was perfect and the sauce that came with it was so smooth and rich.
Our desert course we broke from the sharing aspect and kept them to ourselves. I had the Apple Dumpling w/ Apple Cider Granita, Cheddar Cheese Crisp and Thyme infused Crème Anglaise. My Wife had a Dark Chocolate Tart w/ Orange Sorbet and Orange Segments. The chef must have been psychic because I love apples and my wife is a chocolate fanatic. Again, it was another perfect course.
The whole meal took about 3 hours to complete and we were the last to leave. I did have a chance to meet Chef Chizmar and I told him that the meal he fed us tonight was perhaps the very best meal we have ever had, including the meal my wife and I had in Italy on our honeymoon.
If you have a special occasion coming up and you want to impress that special someone, please definitely consider Bolete before traveling in to NYC or Philly.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Edouard M.
Pittsburgh, PA
11/30/2011
between three and four stars, closer to 4
supposedly the best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. It was overall good, but not outstanding.
The oysters had been well chosen, but my own appetizer (sweetbread) was a deception - it was more a bar food version of sweetbread, and had no particularly distinctive flavor. (Fried, with some sweeter sauce in the bottom and some fried, panned chesse (?) with it.)
The fish dishes were really tasty - halibut and bass - and the bed of vegetables below the fish was interestingly diverse - different kinds of mushroom, somewhat sweeter than the fish.
The experience suffered from the very high expectations we had, based in part on the yelp reviews in part on what we had been told. We were expecting some stunning dishes, not just some good, well done, food. -
Review from Alex N.
10/13/2011
I've heard it from multiple sources that this is one of the best new restaurants in the country.
I'm not the high falutin' type that eats at places like this often, but I took a date here on valentines day and it was very romantic and frankly the food was on a level that I have never eaten before. I've had some fancy meals in my time but this was definitely one of the most thought out menu's that I have ever seen.
Their commitment to locally sourced and seasonal ingredients is very impressive and quite exciting! You'll try things here that you probably wouldn't ever get the chance to elsewhere. As you would expect, the service here is very attentive and they will help guide you through a culinary journey the likes of which you have never experienced before.
Oh yeah, the cocktails? They are made with the same attention to detail as the food.
Check it out, you might have to refinance your house afterwords, but its worth it. -
Review from Shannon H.
Hellertown, PA
1/14/2012
Its my boyfriends birthday, we decided to go to bolete. He is a chef, and we are big
Foodies so I wanted to do something special! Bolete came highly recommended , and we have been there before and liked it. However like I said somthing special, we also love wine. Bolete everyday has a 5 course dinner prepared by the chef, with the option of wine pairings. Perfect! Just what were looking for!! So we go to bolete for a nice night! So for 5 courses of food 75$ with the wine pairing 125$. Per person. Let me just say the food was awesome!!! However if you are thinking of doing the wine pairing, do not!!!! When I say they give you a splash of wine for each course I mean a splash!!! Your better off getting 2 bottles of wine for the same price, or getting glasses to share! I felt that 50$ per person for wine, added to at best to 2 glasses of wine! Witch I feel is ridiculous! Now the wines that were giving were all off the wines by the glass list, they were like 10,12 a pop at best. All and all bolete was very good , just make you own wine tasting cause there's is a rip off! -
Review from Joe B.
Hokendauqua, PA
1/14/2012
Ate here 1/13/12. A little tight at first, had 7:00 PM reservations, table not yet vacated, bar had private party. Had to wait in entry way, hostess gracious, served drinks & popcorn. Upon seating, found at least 4 small plates I'd like to have tried, but settled on Chestnut soup. Great presentation, absolutely delicious ! Shared very good Caesar salad with my wife. Great wine list, decided on Cabernet Franc bottle, did not disappoint. Main course was Sturgeon, never had before, also did not disappoint. Finished with butterscotch pudding, absolutely great. Very nice dining experience, thanks for the evening !!!
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Review from Steve L.
Allentown, PA
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Likely the most upscale restaurant in the valley in likely the oldest building in the valley where old is good. Our first time among many regulars who enjoy food and drink for refined tastes. A more attentive and welcoming staff you will not find. We will return for special occasions.
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Review from Roberto B.
Princeton, NJ
8/14/2011
Outstanding.
Dinner at Bolete was one of the TOP 5 in over 30+ years of dining round the world. That's right, this place is just superb.
Our evening was memorable in every way - from the cool iPod soundtrack that accompanied our dinner in the tavern to the inventive cocktails (dirty farmer martini anyone?!) and fortified sangria to the succession of courses and vino that followed.
We enjoyed it all. Starting with a small cauldron of popcorn, followed by piping hot rolls with a nice addition of herbs and sea salt, then ultra fresh oysters to start, seared ribeye and tuna tartare for apps, striped bass and scallops on a bed of gnocchi plus local veggies for entrees and finally butterscotch pudding to end the evening.
Words can't describe the freshness and quality of the ingredients, the expertise in the kitchen or the outstanding and welcoming service.
Bolete has it all and then some. -
Review from Shelly M.
9/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Tried the wine and food pairing menu, to get a good feel for the master chef that works there.
Boy was it brillant, the food was presented wonderfully. The wine pairing was excellent - our server for the night was Steven and he was a brilliant.
The overall atmosphere and the quality of food was outstanding and I was abit taken aback for find this so close to home for both my partner in crime!
Wil we be going back? Duh! For sure. -
Review from Andrew T.
Manhattan, NY
8/29/2011
Absolutely one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Geographically a restaurant of this calibur seems a little out of place, however having had a chance to talk to the owners I can understand that they wanted to return to their roots.
The menu showcases seasonal ingredients while putting an emphasis on locally sourced foods. This deliberate attention to detail means that anything that ends up on your plate is unbelievebly delicious.
Bolete shows culinary mastery in every aspect of the meal while managing to maintain and incredibly approachable and comfortable atmosphere. The wine list is extensive and the cocktails are excellent.
With no doubt this is the best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley and in my personal opinion could even be one of the best in the world. You cannot make a poor meal choice here because everything is excellent. Be sure to make reservations well in advance. -
Review from Don K.
Bethlehem, PA
12/7/2011
I love this place, the bar, the food, its yummy
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Review from Steve G.
Mechanicsburg, PA
Updated - 8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Revisited Bolete after about a year and a half, and it's still as great as ever. We couldn't do the chef's tour, but the food on the daily menu was a knockout anyway.
The cocktails (I had a spice little "Ghost of Mary") are something to remember, and the food is out of this world. The menu that is assembled new each day, and the food is as fresh as it gets, and it's prepared with a cooking talent that is rare in this part of the world.
One thing to keep in mind is that the service can be a bit slow. The kitchen is VERY small, and preparing meals with such freshness requires a lot of coordination in the kitchen...and sometimes things get delayed a little. Just know that it's worth the wait. Take time to savor the atmosphere!
Thanks to the talented chef Lee, gracious hostess Erin, lovely server Inez, and all of the staff who helped make this yet another meal to remember.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/31/2009
After reading all the glowing reviews, I decided that Bolete should be the place where my wife and I… Read more »
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Review from Brett B.
Bethlehem, PA
6/30/2011
Simple, wonderful ingredients are let to speak for themselves without heavy salt and sauces that america has been trained to like, yet still challenges the palette with diverse organic flavors. Menu changes often and I look forward to the suprises.
This is not a health food restaurant as another "one-dimensional" reviewer was looking for, but oddly I was able to enjoy the Halibut poached in duck fat with Spetzel in butter and my trigycerides/cholesterol #'s are still great after eating there, currently 97 and 185 respectivley. Shocking I know....
If you enjoy and wonderful culinary experience with great, food, drink, wait staff, setting, where you are not rushed through your meal. This is THE culinary forefront in the Valley.
Bolete, you had me at duck fat... I'll be back (in moderation of course...) -
Review from Jennifer P.
Bethlehem, PA
10/16/2011 4 photos
I'm embarrassed that I've been living in Bethlehem for 13 years and have only been to this restaurant once. Granted it's not a place for kids. Okay I'm ashamed that for the last 8 years of my adult life I've only been to this place once. Hey with age comes wisdom. You want a nice restaurant, skip the Applebee's and Olive Gardens. Bolete is so intimate. I felt like i could stay there for hours. My boyfriend took me there for Valentine's they had a special menu that include surf and turf. The chef was very accommodating to my shelled fish allergy and provided an alternate and I think he even adjusted the price b/c I wasn't getting the same experience. The waitress was very nice. I need to go back sooner than later!
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Review from Frank M.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2011
Bolete, the restaurant with the Latin name (not Spanish or Italian), is no longer serving lunch.
I recommend this inn as an alternative to Emerill's Chop House at the Sands Casino.
The Grass Fed Beef Ribeye for $36 with crisp duck fat fried potato, Liberty Garden's spinach, cremini mushrooms, shallots, foie gras emulsion, bordelaise. Is in contrast to Emeril's $44 core price plus $8-$12 for a side dish for the same dish.
The sample seasonal Tavern Menu follows
"Chips & Dip" $9.
Oyster Poor Boy(s) $14.
Pulled Pork Sandwich $14.
Cast Iron Seared Slow Roasted Bolete Burger* $14.
Maine Lobster Roll $20. (STANDOUT TAVERN DISH)
lobster salad, crème fraiche, house-made roll, pickled shallots, house-made potato chips
Chef's Tasting Menu for dinner
6 courses $75 with wine pairings $125
Foie Gras as a Course is a $12 supplemental charge
The Chef, Lee Chizmar, and his wife Erin Shea bought The Inn of the Falcon in the fall of 2007 for $800K to realize their dream restaurant. The 200 year old building is a mere 3100 sq. ft.
Lee is originally from Allentown and attended Salisbury High School; less than a mile from Bolete. After graduating from the CIA in 2000 he traveled to San Francisco to work at Bradley Ogden's Lark Creek Inn in Marin County.
He spent four years being mentored by the then Chef Jeremy Sewall and took the call when Sewall was putting together his "dream team" to travel back East and open Great Bay for Chef Michael Schlow and celebrated restaurant guru Christopher Myers.
Great Bay received great accolades upon opening, including "Best New Restaurant in the Country" by John Mariani of Esquire magazine.
After quickly being promoted from sous chef to chef de cuisine in the first 9 months, he was then asked to take the reins when Jeremy left to open his own restaurant, Lineage, in Brookline. -
Review from Vinny P.
11/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place came highly recommended by a friend who knows that I love food and I can be a bit of a snob. Needless to say, I was impressed.
Set in a very old house (excess of 200 years) and bustling with charm and sophistication is the restaurant called Bolete. Their website states that the "integrity of their ingredients defines the food." They hit that mark and stylishly I might add.
The only part of the meal that fell slightly short for me was the appetizer. I felt the foie gras was just a bit overcooked on the top and the peanut butter/jam combo just seemed like an odd combination. The small pb&j toasts along side of the foie gras were very tasty, along with the bed of arugula it was on. The main portion of the app fell a bit short.
My entree was the seared duck breast. The portion of the duck was a tad smaller than I would have liked but I might just be a glutton for duck. I believe it was served over quinoa with figs and a very tasty sauce. The duck was perfectly cooked and very tasty.
Dessert was a goat cheese cheesecake. Wow. I mean really wow. Nomtastic.
Good food, great, friendly staff and a nice space. If you're up in Bethlehem, put it on your short list. -
Review from Aakif A.
Nassau, NY
9/4/2011
Great food everytime! service is very good, wait staff is friendly. The menu is different everytime i go back encouraging repeat visits. Chefs tour is only on weekdays
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Review from Kate L.
Souderton, PA
11/12/2010
My husband and I went to Bolete last night for dinner, and it was amazing, as it always has been. This was my third visit (the first two were for brunch), and his second (he was there for the second brunch).
Let me just say: I love everything about this restaurant... the thoughtfully, tastefully done interior (I love the parsley wallpaper in the entryway... it's a small space, so it's not overwhelming; it's just charming), the calm atmosphere, the kind greeting we've always received upon our arrival, and not to mention, the food and drinks, which are always spot-on... the menu and each dish are carefully crafted to provide balance of flavor on the plate as well as a balance of options for entrees. The food is beautiful to look at and eating it is just a transcendent experience.
The timing of the service is wonderful... we've never waited terribly long for any course (although on one previous occasion, there was a bit of a delay in the kitchen which was promptly brought to our attention and apologized for, but it really was not a big deal at all... we just enjoyed our conversation and probably would not have noticed a delay, had it not been mentioned)... this is food to savor and to truly taste.
They are also very willing to accommodate any special requests you may have, as they state on their website (for example, I have an allergy to peanut oil and so they take care to ensure that, if there is peanut in a dish when we visit, that my plate goes nowhere near those dishes in the kitchen). Also, if you don't know what a certain ingredient is (I had to ask what "mizuna" was), they will very graciously explain what it is.
Last night, we shared the bay scallop and the duck egg appetizers, the duck entree, and the halibut entree. I cannot do these dishes justice with my words. The balance of fat and acidity, texture, and color was masterful. Both times I have been previously have been in warmer months, and so while I usually get the "summer sipper" cocktail, this time I opted for the "not your grandmother's greyhound", and I think I've found a new favorite drink. My husband enjoyed a Southern Tiers double IPA, and for dessert, we split the cookie plate, which is a new offering. I highly, highly recommend it! 6 well-sized, well-crafted cookies that were perfect for sharing...
I think our next visit may involve a trip to the bar side of the old inn, to sample the tavern menu (which is available in the main dining room) and more thoroughly explore their beer selections.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Go. You will be amazed. -
Review from Sideburns M.
Bethlehem, PA
8/11/2010
I'm going to kill two birds with one stone with this review, so it may get lengthy. If you're easily bored, you should stop now. I'm about to rant.
So first of all, I'd like to do the direct thing first, and say Bolete is by far my favorite restaurant. Perfect for a couple of friends (Frugal Foodie), couples (Tasting Menus), and for a nice Brunch on Sunday if you are sick of the normal shrimp cocktail and run-of-the-mill omelette station. Expensive? Maybe, but you know what they say about getting what you pay for. Food for thought: comparing prices between Bolete and the other local 'fancy' (loosely used) restaurants in the area, they tend to be nearly the same. And I don't think you're getting even half of the preparation, finesse, and execution anywhere else in the valley.
How many BELLS did anybody else in the Valley get? Exactly.
I've had a great deal of dishes from Bolete, and not one has let me down. The dishes are like a class in palette education, raising your awareness of flavors, and unison therein. From their selection of oyster to their entrees, the bread to the stocks and sauces, and from desserts to soups, the level of attention and invention is amazingly evident. Every staff member (including front of the house) is a SUPERHERO!
On to the second part. It just pains me to read reviews from people like Ricky B, and especially when it's on a place so close to my heart. I'd like to address my issues with the review, line for line...
"From a nutritional standpoint, this food is indistinguishable from Mcdonalds"
This sort of thing just knocks me back a step or two. I tend to wonder why Ricky would suggest that a place that serves super processed foods with genetically modified foods present in nearly every item, not to mention Transfats, stabilizers, and some of the highest sodium levels of any eating establishment would be on the same level as an establishment offering food with NONE of the above? Funny that you see fats and cholesterol as your only concern, evidently they don't teach any progressive nutrition at your college. Maybe I'll give them a 1 star review.
"So a steak, cooked in butter, topped with blue cheese crumbles, on a bed of mashed potatoes whipped with creme fraiche, butter, salt, and a side of cheesecake for dessert is the same as a cheeseburger, fries, and milkshake"
Everytime I've come to Bolete, the setups are much for diverse than this, in fact, I highly doubt your description is accurate at all. I've had setups with WONDERFUL vegetable setups, and almost no starch at all. Roasted carrots, baby turnips, rye gnocchi, spinach, tons of mushrooms, spaetzel, you name it. Fresh herbs, sauces made from reduced Veal Stock, or rich emulsions (requiring very little fat at all). Might I suggest you talk to your server, and ask if the Chef can change a setup around for you before you start giving poor reviews? Refer to the old Spanish proverb "A closed mouth receives no food".
"Beef tartare, cheesecake, steak, fois gras, etc, etc. are not healthy foods, even if they are organic or local. Yes, it is better for the environment. Yes, it probably tastes better. But better for you? No."
The unhealthy aspects of Fois Gras, or a cheesecake may be a very important factor in eating, but the simple fact is that portions are specifically geared toward limiting that sort of excess in your dining process. Don't like that sort of thing? Why not try a different menu item. Their apps list is wide enough in scope to accommodate your needs as well as the next guy. Try the oysters, great protein, low fat, low cholesterol. Plus, they are the best East-Coasters you'll ever have, I promise.
"A focus on Mediterranean based dishes rather than French inspired cuisine is the key to achieving both goals of health and tasty food"
If every restaurant abided by a single cuisine standard, we'd have a whole lot of boring food, and in your case a whole lot of Feta and Oregano. Sometimes people need egg yolks, butter, cream, and raw red meat. Isn't there some measurable quality to having a meal that makes you FEEL good? Food isn't just a necessity anymore, it's a means to happiness. If I had to eat shellfish and vegetables in olive oil for the rest of my life, I may be physically happy, but I'd also be culinarily depressed, and for the most part let down by one of the best senses we've been blessed with.
...and finally
"Saturated fats cause heart disease which is the predominant cause of premature death in the United States."
But isn't being overly concerned with trivial things and/or stress a leading cause of 'essential hypertension'? And wouldn't that sort of thing put you at a higher risk for stroke, aneurysms, and heart failure? Funny that this whole thing is a double edged sword.
So you might call me a mean guy, or maybe just a 20 something guy bitterly trying to defend his favorite spot...
...and you'd be SO right.
Go waste that rhetoric in class. -
Review from Patrick L.
Easton, PA
6/22/2011
Bolete is, as of this writing, the best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley.
That said, this fact has caused the place to be packed. It's a small place with a small kitchen. The last time we went, there was some issue with the food not being ready. They eventually brought us a complimentary beet salad to keep us occupied. We overheard the waitress telling another table that they only have a 6 burner stove or something. You'd figure they'd have accounted for that when they decided the number of tables they were capable of serving. Also, I ordered a pork chop and it was the size of my head. It was so difficult to navigate on the plate. I'm surprised they served something like that.
Still, awesome food and service. -
Review from Lauren B.
Oxford, NJ
8/30/2011
I took my parents here for their anniversary recently -- no regrets! The service was excellent and the food was phenomenal. For those who are concerned about food ethics and supporting local farming, this is the place to go; they list all their sources at the bottom of their menu and make sure that their ingredients are all high-quality. This place has set a high standard for me.
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Review from Angela K.
Bethlehem, PA
6/14/2011
Wasn't all that impressed with the menu. Service was phenomenal though! Nice to try once but wouldn't return. For the price I expected more flavorful food and a quieter dining area. I had to sit so close to the table, leaning forward so I could hear my husband and have a conversation with him. Presentation was pretty good for the entrees that we ordered but just didn't hit home flavor wise. That being said the food was pretty good but for that price I expected better.
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Review from Tiana g.
Allentown, PA
7/28/2010 1 photo
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time last night and we absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was relaxing and service was very attentive.
To really experience Bolete, we went with their Chef's tasting menu and wine pairing. Our dinner consisted of an island creek oyster, a beautiful salad, tuna tartare in watermelon broth, soup (mind-blowing), halibut, a duck dish (perfect comfort food... this one we were told is not on their current menu), a blueberry dessert (good, but my least favorite) and their delicious butterscotch pudding. It was a gracious amount of food for a tasting menu, but we were very happy :) I should also mention their wine pairing was beautifully done.
If I were to improve anything, I would have liked to have made reservations via http://opentable.com. We originally wanted to dine Saturday, but they were booked. Enabling a feature like this would have made it easier. -
Review from Chadwick T.
Bethlehem, PA
3/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Well if I enjoyed a seat at the tavern bar anymore I might grow roots. We shall we begin :)
For those of you who remember the Inn of the Falcon, Bolete has taken over this old stone house turned restaurant. The parking lot is a bit of a mess, needing to be paved but get over it because what waits inside more than compensates!
You enter the small wooden door to the delightfully charming building that oozes character to a very small lobby. Now comes the big choice; to your right is a 'formal' dining room and to your left is the tavern area.
While I have enjoyed the dining room a few times, the Tavern is really where it's at. James (staple bar keep) has a very calm and friendly demeanor that helps add to the rustic feeling of the wood and stone and modest bar. Don't let his relaxed approach fool you, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and has the menu to prove it. From a steak tartare that's to die for down to the chilled Island Creek oysters, you can't go wrong. Close your eyes and point to something on the menu, order it, you won't be disappointed. They regularly change the menu so it can fluctuate and accommodate weekly findings from the head chef. While I would love to talk about each item I've eaten here before, I don't' want to lose you...simply two thumbs up!
We talked about the chow, now let's hit the drink list. Simply genius. They resurrect the art of true mixology. With homemade syrups, juices and garnishes they create concoctions that tantalize your taste buds in ways a normal drink wouldn't dream. Such unique style must be praised. Try them all, I slowly am :)
The staff and atmosphere remains professional and admirably grounded after numerous mentions and features in magazines and most notably the Food Network's show "Best Thing I Ever Ate".
Your best to get into the Tavern early for a seat, since it's limited and the dining area will almost always require a reservation.
Must Try: Cast Iron Seared Slow Roasted Bolete Burger
Don't Miss: Happy Hour Oyster Special - 1$ oysters for the first and last hour the Restaurant is opened Tuesday - Friday
Best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley hand's down. -
Review from Jim D.
Wow. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the meal I had this weekend at Bolete. The restaurant definitely lives up to its reviews. Julie S really broke it down to the exact dining experience.
It's definitely a very intimate restaurant. Very comfortable seating in a rustic yet cozy ambiance. This is a small restaurant so be sure to get your reservations in early. There were no empty tables by 6pm.
The food is superb and completely satisfying on every level. I ordered the ham hocks with whole grain mustard for my appetizer, rib eye for my entree and the pain perdu for my dessert. It was all prepared and presented perfectly. Even my drink was delicious. I ordered the Brit which is composed of Hendrick's gin, lavender essence and kumquats. I normally don't mix anything with Hendrick's because I think it's perfect all by itself, but this drink was damn good.
Service was top notch. Our waitress was extremely friendly and accommodating. She even refilled our multiple orders of bread without even a snicker. Let me tell ya...that bread is amazing. You wait and see for yourself. You'll want to order it 2-3 times at least. Mmm.
A lot of people are claiming Bolete to be the best in the Valley. Given the quality of ingredients (almost all coming from local, sustainable farmers), expertly prepared and delicious dishes and the level of service, I might be inclined to agree with them. -
Review from Ben R.
8/25/2010
Service: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Rustic food, done as fine dining with very complex and interesting dishes. The venue itself is rustic, yet classy like the food. Menu changes daily and is based on local supply from area farms. I have been very impressed by the wait staff's enthusiasm, attentiveness, and knowledge. -
Review from Tom M.
Seattle, WA
8/25/2009 6 photos
This is a long overdue review written on the strength of our experience at Bolete in January 2009, which despite the gap in time still remains a wonderful and vivid memory.
We were fortunate enough to find this lovely restaurant within easy range of a visit to my wife's sister in Allentown. The setting for Bolete is wonderful; a lovely stone farmhouse (I think) that stands at a country crossroads. I found it easy to imagine the cross-traffic that no doubt passed by this house for a century and more.
The hospitality was great. We were the first customers for a Sunday brunch (though the cozy bar area was already full with diners) and brought along four young children who stepped up their game as a result of the dotting attention paid to them by the waitstaff. We also had a longish wait for our food, but the waitress did her best to keep us entertained and it wasn't until seeing another review that I remembered the wait (breadth of time can be a good editor).
Our food was delicious and served in a creative and colorful manner. My eggs benedict was delicious, with the necessary soft center and not too tart, not too flabby hollandaise sauce. We were fortunate to sit next to a beautifully dressed window and I spent several minutes playing around with still-life photo ops with my daughter.
Not being native, I cannot say that there aren't similar experiences nearby that we may have missed. However, Bolete was for us a real find and a memory that provides a nice complement to that damn Billy Joel song that keeps going through one's head in that part of PA. -
Review from Robert T.
Bethlehem, PA
6/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I tried Bolete over the weekend. The service is five star, and the cuisine is excellent. The is elegant dinning at it's finest. This is a perfect place for a special date or for a special event. Reservations are recommended. This is not casual dinning. I highly recommend you visit their website to see the menu.
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Review from Murphy W.
Towamencin, PA
6/7/2009
What a great find... Thank you to all my fellow Yelpers out there... I took my wife here for our first anniversary last night...
My Garmin gave my a little problem getting there as the address came up with two options, of coarse I picked the wrong one, because I didn't look at which side of valley it was taking us to... my bad... it only cost us five minutes... not a big deal... I got the whole "we're lost deal" from my wife... but working outside sales, I knew better...
Bolete is in an old farmhouse, smaller restaurant, but very nice and well set up... We where seated in the main dinning room, to your right as you walk in... (We also checked out the outdoor seating when we left... It looked nice as well!!)
Ordered a couple cocktails of specialty drink menu... I had "The Brit" and the wife ordered "Not your Grandmother's Greyhound" (or something like that) both where great!!!
All the food is made to order, so our waitress suggested ordering everything at once... (She also informed us we could order off of the "Pub" menu, even though we where sitting in the main dinning room, which I thought was a nice touch) For the first coarse I ordered the oysters and she had the steak tartar... The oysters where amazing... Very fresh tasting... So much so, my wife actually tried one... Her first oyster, big step from her as when I first meet her she swore she would never eat an oyster! Her steak tartar with the quail egg was very good as well...
For our second coarse we ordered the Rib eye and the Scallops... I ordered my Steak "Rare" and the chef did a great job cooking it to perfection... The scallops were tasted so good...
For dessert, we split the "Goatcheese Cheesecake" ... I think we ordered just because neither us had ever had goatcheese cheesecake... It was good, but I kind wish we had ordered the butterscotch pudding...
All and all, this place is five stars and more... The chef's use of different mushrooms in all of his dishes is superb... Will definitely be back... Maybe for lunch to try the lobster role!!!
FYI... Make reservations in advance!!! -
Review from Je E.
Allentown, PA
6/10/2011
The best in the Lehigh Valley without question. Only critique is that the portions are too large.
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Review from Wendi T.
Aliso Viejo, CA
5/10/2011
THE BEST SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN THE AREA... GREAT Butterscotch Pudding!!! A must try!!
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Review from paula v.
Claremont, CA
5/18/2010
We flew in via NYC to visit family and I was a little afraid of the food I was going to find in this area. Wow was I surprised. My friends and I LOVE good food and this meal was up there with the best (Alinea in Chicago being my all time favorite and my friend's is still the French Laundry), so you can see where we placed this restaurant.
Foam will get me in a happy mood every time so when my braised (truly braised) short ribs came with horseradish foam, I knew, this a good place. I of course, had to taste entrees from the rest of the table, even the foods that are not normally my favorites were wonderful. The gnocchi was perfect, I don't know how they got so much potato flavor in each little morsel.
The butterscotch pudding was amazing but so was the lime curd filled beignets - gasp out loud good. -
Review from Caroline C.
Philadelphia, PA
7/22/2009
All the five star reviews really speak for the consistent quality of this restaurant. Well, I actually don't know how consistent its quality is...I have only been the one time:
http://mealsihaveeaten...
But what a wonderful meal it was.
Great service, cozy outdoors seating area (though the restaurant's location right by the road does lead to the occasional loud rumbling of a motorcycle or truck in the middle of your meal) and great, fresh and creative food. -
Review from Julie S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/19/2008 4 photos
Hands down, no question, irrefutably the best restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. I grew up in the Lehigh Valley but have since lived in New York and San Francisco and eaten at really, really good restaurants. The food at Bolete totally lived up to anything I've ever had anywhere.
The rolls with thyme and sea salt were homemade and delicious. My sister got a roasted grapefruit soda that started off yum and ended with this aftertaste that made us both pause and say, "What is going on in my mouth?" My seasonal sangria with raspberry was also unique and delicious. The whole drink list, both alcoholic and not, was full of fresh fruits and vegetable and herbs. They treat drinks with the same attention as food.
We started off with tiny kettles of exquisite tomato soup paired with a mozzarella tomato sandwich. (I'm definitely missing modifiers here-- heirloom, roasted, house-made, etc.) I had "the best sandwich ever" with house-cured guanicale, bacon, homemade mozzarella, tomatoes, and a few other things. Great. My sister had a kind of deconstructed fish and chips. Outstanding. We didn't have room for dessert, but they looked good.
The service is great without being fussy or fawning. When my sister went to the bathroom, the lovely co-owner, Erin, folded my sister's napkin and put it on the table. (Don't think I didn't notice, Erin!) The decor is simple and classy and there's a small but sweet backyard garden with tables for food and lawn furniture for hanging out and drinking. It's a great place for a hot date. The prices are on par with the food--think $27-37 for dinner entrees, $13-18 for lunch entrees. There are other restaurants in the Lehigh Valley with these prices, but unlike many of them, Bolete is truly worth it. -
Review from Lisa M.
Baltimore, MD
1/6/2010
Bolete far exceeded my expectations. This place was awesome. First, the way the place looks is great. Some sort of rustic, homey farmhouse cottage that looks almost like a fairy tale from the outside. On the inside it is beautifully decorated, good lighting, a perfect mixture of comfortable and fancy.
We decided to get the tasting menu. I get teased for being cheap, so this was quite a splurge for me, but I can tell you it's worth it, although I am always surprised how expensive restaurants are in our area and how similar they are to big cities with a much higher cost of living.
The waiter was extremely helpful. First we were asked first if we had any dietary restrictions, or specific requests, or if we could have whatever. Both of us said whatever the cook wanted to prepare we were going to eat (in my opinion that's how you go into a tasting menu). We were told that if we wanted the foie gras we had to pay extra but both of us declined that. Apparently there was also a tasting menu for vegetarians which is always a bonus if you have meat-hating friends.
What I loved is besides the oysters, (wonderful) we both got different food for every course. So we got to try double the amount of things. If I go again, I'm bringing more people.
This is a meal I ate in the summer, so I'm having trouble remembering it completely, but everything was really creative and fun to try. the presentation was excellent.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars because when I think of other high scale restaurants (le benardin, the fountain) i can honestly say they were better than Bolete. But in all fairness, this is not Philly, this is not New York City. But here we have a restaurant that is definitely competition for both city's best restaurants. and that's great. -
Review from Richard P.
New York, NY
5/28/2010
A good dining experience, but not yet in the top league.
I sampled their oysters, the halibut and the much lauded butterscotch pudding. All were good, enjoyable and certainly way above the typical restaurant offering.
I over indulged in my consumption of the butterscotch. I would recommend that either the kitchen reduce the portion size, or diners like me commit to only taste and not recklessly consume!
Also avoid the table beside the kitchen door; it's a busy area.
Bolete is worth a detour. -
Review from Dan F.
Philadelphia, PA
1/29/2009
Bolete is one of the best farm-to-table style restaurants I've been to. I've been here twice for brunch and once for dinner. I can say this may be the Lehigh Valley's best restaurant.
The atmosphere is as relaxing as it is peaceful within this old Inn-turned-restaurant. There is a lone dining room and a bar in another room with some seating as well. Bolete is a small restaurant, however, this simply adds to the coziness that one might expect from the building's appearance.
The food is the highlight of Bolete. The homemade rolls were outstanding; served warm with sea salt baked in. The grass-fed beef filet I had for my main course was some of the best beef I've tasted behind Kobe beef. The horseradish foam was a pleasant surprise, as I didn't take note of that on the menu. The pan seared foie gras and beef tartare topped w/ a quail egg blew me away as well. Dessert at Bolete should not be passed up. The butterscotch pudding is possibly the best pudding I've had. Great for a Sunday brunch too (probably the best brunch spot in the LV). Delicious!
Of the three times I've been to Bolete the service was top notch and friendly. The only thing I can complain about is that the server forgot to bring more rolls when I asked (they were extremely tasty).
I'm definitely looking forward to the next time I am back in the LV and can try Bolete for the chef's five course tasting dinner menu (Tues-Thurs). I'll be sure to update my review whenever that happens. -
Review from Joshua S.
Bally, PA
4/19/2011
Not a cheap dinner, but absolutely one of the best you will find in Allentown, PA. I would highly recommend Bolete. I was treated to dinner here by the in-laws and was thoroughly impressed! The cold asparagus salad I ordered was the best salad I ever had (no kidding). The ribeye was cooked and seasoned perfectly! The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu.
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Review from Jason C.
1/25/2011
Yes, 5 stars.
My wife and I dined went for brunch on Sunday 1/23 around Noon. The restaurant is a beautiful 200 year old farmhouse. The interior is bright and simple, and I could see why, your attention should be focused on the food. We arrived and the hostess graciously took our coats. To the left of the entrance is a cute little bar that has a 6 seat bar and a few tables. I think there is a pub menu.
I started with their signature drink, a "Ghost of Mary" martini. They make their own spicy tomato water and then add Ketel One Vodka, serve it up with 3 olives.This drink blew me away. It's like they took 2 of my favorite cocktails, a bloody Mary, and a dirty martini and bred them! I will be trying to replicate this at home in the near future. My wife ordered a glass of grapefruit juice. It was fresh squeezed and delicious.
Our server, who was so cheerful and attentive, brought us a basket of breads which consisted of ; a Bacon Cheddar Chive Scone, Almond Biscotti, and Pumpkin Muffin. All were really good, but the biscotti was incredible. So crunchy and loaded with almond flavor.
We shared an appetizer of Scallop Crudo with Skin on Anchovies, Artichokes, Chick Peas, Meyer Lemon, and a Parsley sauce. It was Delicious, and the presentation was sexy as hell. The texture and flavor of the scallops were perfect. The combination of flavors in the dish were well thought out and was a great start to our meal.
For entrees Stacy ordered Duck Confit Hash(she's such a sucker for duck), with Poached Eggs, Chilies, Micro Greens, and a Chili Hollandaise. It was presented beautifully and each ingredient complemented the next without any muddling. Great dish. I ordered Eggs Chizmar(the Chef's last name). It was a fresh Buttermilk Biscuit, topped with 2 Fried Oysters, and Chive Hollandaise. WOW. The Oysters were breaded perfectly! The dish paired so well with my Ghost of Mary Martini as well.
Now we had read about the Butterscotch pudding on Yelp before coming, but had forgotten about it, until our server mentioned that they were offering it. She said it was great for sharing, so we ordered one. HOLY CANOLI. This dessert is a conversation stopper. It's served in an open Mason Jar with a layer of fresh Chantilly cream on top and garnished with Chopped Candy Walnuts. This was by far the best pudding we have ever tried. The butterscotch flavor was intense and so good! The texture of the pudding is what made it so special. It's not smooth. It has a wonderful crystal like texture that runs through it that is almost indescribable. We jokingly told our server "how dare you suggest we share this!" Thinking about it now has my mouth watering.
This was an unforgettable meal. I can not wait to return and try dinner, as well as the pub menu. -
Review from TJ M.
Pittsburgh, PA
8/14/2009
Really?
A-plus bar with craft drinks, but underseasoned food. Local/slow food doesn't have to be bland.
We had foie gras, tuna, duck & cod, & it was all presented well, but boring. (And inexpert: tuna sashimi too thick, duck flabby, miso broth with cod vinegary.)
Long wait from kitchen but dining room half full; hostess uninterested. Waited hour between 1st course & second.
Perhaps it was just a bad night , but snap judgement is: go for the bar, then save your cash and eat elsewhere. -
Review from Jaime M.
Allentown, PA
9/12/2010
One of my favorite restaurants in Lehigh Valley. Love it for holiday brunches or a night out with my husband. The food is creative and fresh and the drinks are phenomenal. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
