A trip to Emmaus yesterday has me convinced that it's truly getting easier to be a vegetarian in the Lehigh Valley. I had gone to the “Souper Bowl” at Starters Riverport on Saturday with my girlfriend, where my choices were limited but the most interesting offering I tasted came from a place called Balasia, which the guy behind the table described to me as a completely meat-free restaurant. I had never heard of it before, but made it a point to try it out along with a friend (we'll call her "T") from the Emmaus area.

Balasia sits on the corner of 5th and Chestnut in a house T claims has seen quite a few tenants in the past few years, explaining why I hadn't heard of Balasia and why it doesn't have a website as of yet. The fact that this particular restaurant sits in a house not unlike your grandmother's is the first sign that you're in for a unique experience, the fact that you walk into a lobby that features a community "borrowing" library is a quick and powerful second.

Yesterday's lunch menu was completely vegan, and despite the fact that I do eat (and love) eggs, I opted for an egg-free quiche featuring mushrooms and greens on a bed of brown rice. T went for a wrap that featured, among other things, sweet potatoes. Once again, I don't claim to be a food expert, but I can say that I had no way of noticing that my quiche was egg-less save for the fact that the waiter told me it would be, and T wouldn't shut up about how good her wrap was.

The total bill came to just under $20, though T only had water; my one complaint about Balasia is the fact that I chose a $2.50 iced tea and was never offered a refill despite the fact I was given a glass with more ice than tea. I don't know if they have a no-refill policy, but that seems a bit much to pay for tea that was easily gone before the waiter even took my order, let alone before he actually gave me my food. T got quite a big water, however. Oh, speaking of the bill, the most unique part of the whole Balasia experience has to be the actual, physical bill. I'll let you find that one out for yourself, but I do have to say that T didn't stop laughing for a solid five minutes after the waiter walked away, plus the fact that she kept it for posterity.

Balasia earns four out of five uh... stars, I guess out of lack of originality, for what is one of the most unique dining experiences in the Valley. Those who frequent Yocco's more than anything else will likely not find anything on Balasia's menu appetizing, but carnivores open to experimentation may just surprise themselves. As for the Valley's vegetarians and vegans, Balasia is a must.

-Ryan