The Mint's got some spicy classics

Having been to The Mint before for lunch, I knew exactly what to get as soon as I walked in the bank-inspired-theme restaurant. Previously a bank on Broad Street and 12th Avenue in West Bethlehem, The Mint owner and head chef, Dominico "Chef Mimmo" Lombardo embraced the bank decor with a modern, colorful twist when it first opened in the summer of 2011.

The Mint features multiple menus- lunch, dinner, late night and an extremely extensive wine and beer menu. Between grilled cheese, tater tots and mac & cheese- it seems, at first glance, that The Mint sells glorified diner food at an expensive price. This assumption is completely false. Each food menu features these favorite comfort foods with an artistic twist that everyone knows and loves.


David Serfass, a server at The Mint since the opening, loves the restaurants decor, microbrews and has a few favorites from the menu of his own.


"It's traditional food done non-traditional ways. It's food that everyone is willing to identify with but will still be surprised by," said Serfass.


I ordered a bowl of the Wasabi Pea Soup with bacon lardons and crispy rice cakes. Not only was this the most fantastic pea soup I've ever had- and I am a huge soup fan- but the presentation was extremely intriguing (and only $9). Serfass poured the steaming soup from a hot kettle over the rice cakes and bacon- tableside service.


As for Serfass, he has a few menu favorites of his own.
 "The bank burger is something unique, the crabcakes are one of my favorites and the carrot soup is brand new."


As for other Mint-goers, almost everyone on Yelp's site decided they would definitely go back- check out what others think: http://tinyurl.com/7pe2mfn


Visit bethlehemmint.com to check out their unique menu and decor or check out their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mint/104382892989571?ref=ts


Check out my video interview with Chef Mimmo and The Mint: