Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week welcomes in the New Year

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

This year, my resolution is to eat more good food.

I'm starting with the Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week, scheduled for Jan. 9-15, according to a news release.

Of course the second resolution is to eat more good food without having to buy all new pants.

Participating restaurants include: Allentown Brew Works, Bada Bingg, Bay Leaf, Cosmopolitan, Island in the Sun, Made in Brazil and Sangria. Diners can also sample from Pasta alla Rosa and the new Cafe Central.

Varieties range from Brazilian rodizio, Mediterranean specialties and contemporary Asian and Thai flavors. Restaurants will offer fixed price meals.

Check out the menus at hamiltondistrictmainstreet.com. Every time you eat, you can enter to win gift certificates and other prizes.

Find free parking after 5 p.m. at the Spiral Deck at Eighth and Linden streets and at the Farr Lot. On-street metered parking is free after 6 p.m.

Not that you asked, but in case you're curious and new to the Allentown dining scene, here are a few dishes I highly recommend.

Allentown Brew Works: Their Fegley's Fondue of French Dip is permanently ensconced in my list of Top 5 Sandwiches. A crusty roll, tender slices of roast beef and sauteed onions and a cup of beer cheese soup for dipping. Add an order of their crunchy thick beer-battered fries and I'm in heaven.

Bada Bingg: I have a very hard time choosing what to order at Bada Bingg. I'll eat just about anything on a sweet Portuguese roll. The sandwiches are filling, but if you still have room I'd recommend the Love Nuggets (a crunchy corn nugget with a corn pie-esque filling, and served with chipotle sauce for dipping). Yum!

Bayleaf: I love the mild heat and sweet flavors of their Thai Chicken Curry Pasta. It's a healthier lunch that will delight the taste buds and leave you filled, but not stuffed.

Made in Brazil: If you haven't tried a rodizio restaurant yet, by all means try it. They bring out different cuts of meat on skewers and cut portions for your plate. Meats are slow cooked over a grill for a smoky flavor. Go for the all you can eat option and try the different meats and Brazilian side dishes that go with them. Go hungry!

Sangria: Try their tilapia with crab over wilted spinach. It is a very light option to help you stick to your New Year's resolution, but with a silky beurre blanc that will make you feel like you're splurging.

Are there any favorite dishes you recommend for Downtown Allentown Restaurant Week?

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