Editor’s Note: Michael and Nicole Borrell review Lebanon Valley’s restaurants and eating attractions as the Lebanon Valley Food Critics. The couple aims to offer unbiased reviews of the eating and drinking establishments the Lebanon Valley has to offer. LebTown is pleased to partner with LVFC to share these reviews with our readers. Bon appétit!

It is time once again for us to get back out to the Valley’s dining scene. After the conclusion of Burger Wars, we needed to take a brief break from red meat.

Another thing that can be challenging is having our little critic, who is growing and getting involved in many more activities, and finding the time to make meals at home.

Knowing one such evening was coming up, I noticed a local spot was hosting a special dinner event, to-go style. We always like it when someone tries something new and different.

Normally known for their breakfast/lunch sandwiches and coffee, ARE and Be CAFE is trying to incorporate various dinner options every couple of weeks on Wednesday evenings.

ARE and Be CAFE

381 8th & Lehman Street
Lebanon, PA 17042

Website
Facebook page

Hours
Monday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday – Closed

Located at the corner of 8th and Lehman streets, this café offers counter and table seating as well as a retro game room in the back.

The first dinner meal they offered was Sweet Chicken Kabob Meal w/ seasoned rice and vegetables. There was a two kabob ($10) and four kabob ($17) option. Orders must be placed and paid for ahead of time. They told us they had about 40 orders for this first Wednesday dinner.

A well-seasoned chicken breast kabob comes on a hefty bed of seasoned rice with lightly mixed in vegetables of broccoli and Brussel sprouts. We were given warning this would have some spice to it and spice it did. The chicken was tender and flavorful. The rice could have included more veggies but we did appreciate that the spicy heat in the dish came from both the chicken and the rice.

Our take: This local café really endears the local aspect. They try local incorporate local ingredients, pastries, and other ventures within their walls. The sandwich menu has a mix of offerings, and the coffee drinks are good too. Now they will be offering dinner options every few weeks and after this first one, we will be back for more.

We give this place 🥓🥓🥓🥓.

Be on the lookout as we will be running a brief lunch time series before we start gearing up for our next “Wars” series. What will it be?

If you have a restaurant you would like us to visit or review, whether a place you like or are nervous to try, please message us on Facebook or email lvfoodcritics@outlook.com and let us know. We thank everyone for the recommendations and the kind words we have received.

Read more from Lebanon Valley Food Critics here

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