2008 Woodie Awards
Melt: a top-notch restaurant
Alexis Resnick
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Life!
Although it may not be that obvious, being that many of my reviews have been fairly positive, Melt is one of the first restaurants in the Lehigh Valley that I'm really excited about. It so effortlessly blends classy elegance with contemporary Italian cuisine, delivering a dining experience that is appealing to both the taste buds and the eye.
Melt is located in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley which is about 15 minutes from Muhlenberg. For those of you who do not know the Promenade Shops are really beautiful outdoor shops, which serve as the perfect setting for the equally beautiful restaurant.
Upon walking into Melt the eye is immediately drawn upwards to the abstract display of uneven paper lanterns that dangle from the ceiling.
The warm browns and tans of the carpet and walls paired with the deep burgundy booths and sleek cherry wood juxtapose a cool, chic décor and warm, soothing environment. The many different fabrics and use of geometric shapes throughout give the restaurant its modern edge, while at the same time radiating warmth with the dim lighting.
It is a contemporary yet comfortable ambience. The two levels offer a very spacious layout and the openness of the restaurant allows for fluidity between the levels.
While I could go on and on about the décor at Melt, the cuisine also showcases the restaurant's sophisticated style and ability to spin a twist on some classic Italian flavors.
To start off my table had the grilled shrimp with saffron-olive couscous and the mussels in a white whine sauce, both which were delicious.
The freshness of the ingredients was undeniable and while I was able to taste each individual ingredient, they managed to come together to create one flavor combination.
The white whine sauce on the mussels was one of the best I have ever had. Let me also recommend the salad with roasted beets, watercress, walnuts and gorgonzola. The clean, neat flavors make this a great choice. The beautiful presentations also added a special touch to the already clever dishes. Other appetizers include the classic prosciutto di parma with fruit or the braised sausage with white beans.
Melt is located in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley which is about 15 minutes from Muhlenberg. For those of you who do not know the Promenade Shops are really beautiful outdoor shops, which serve as the perfect setting for the equally beautiful restaurant.
Upon walking into Melt the eye is immediately drawn upwards to the abstract display of uneven paper lanterns that dangle from the ceiling.
The warm browns and tans of the carpet and walls paired with the deep burgundy booths and sleek cherry wood juxtapose a cool, chic décor and warm, soothing environment. The many different fabrics and use of geometric shapes throughout give the restaurant its modern edge, while at the same time radiating warmth with the dim lighting.
It is a contemporary yet comfortable ambience. The two levels offer a very spacious layout and the openness of the restaurant allows for fluidity between the levels.
While I could go on and on about the décor at Melt, the cuisine also showcases the restaurant's sophisticated style and ability to spin a twist on some classic Italian flavors.
To start off my table had the grilled shrimp with saffron-olive couscous and the mussels in a white whine sauce, both which were delicious.
The freshness of the ingredients was undeniable and while I was able to taste each individual ingredient, they managed to come together to create one flavor combination.
The white whine sauce on the mussels was one of the best I have ever had. Let me also recommend the salad with roasted beets, watercress, walnuts and gorgonzola. The clean, neat flavors make this a great choice. The beautiful presentations also added a special touch to the already clever dishes. Other appetizers include the classic prosciutto di parma with fruit or the braised sausage with white beans.