The Dime

The Dime

As we entered the front door of the Rennaissance Allentown Hotel, a friendly greeter led us to an elevator that would take us to the third floor. We were amazed at what we saw when the elevator doors opened.

The Dime is one of the newest additions to the burgeoning Allentown restaurant scene and it is very impressive. Shiny dark floors and wooden wall accents lead to the hostess desk where we were shown to the bar to have a drink. I felt like I was sitting at the Landmarc on Columbus Circle in New York gazing at the recently refurbished statue of Christopher Columbus as we overlooked the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at 7th and Hamilton.

It is very Metropolitan. The bar was manned by Jenny, Laura and Nick who were quick to mix up a Cosmopolitan for me and a Martini for my friend Sandi who joined me for a girls’ night out. The bar menu also features a Wise Mule – The Dime’s twist on a contemporary cocktail.

Dime3The huge windows illuminate high top tables and brick walls bringing natural light into the very chic bar area. We loved the ultra thin table running the length of the room where revelers can rest their glasses while standing around and chatting. Very cool!

There is a completely open concept at The Dime allowing you to appreciate the view from every angle. Beautiful windows rise from the floor in the dining room adding natural light to the high-density lighting fixtures that are absolutely fantastic throughout.

We were shown to our table at one of the marble Chef’s Tables adjacent to the open kitchen.  Also next to the kitchen is a private dining room, which was hosting a party the evening we were there. Even though we were in close proximity to the kitchen everything is glass-buffered so it was not noisy.

Kaitlin, our server, was quick to our table with individual tablets displaying The Dime’s menus with colorful photos. Since we visited during Allentown’s Restaurant Week, we opted for the prix fixe special menu and added a few items for tasting. Sandi and I started by sharing the Housemade Chips with Caramelized Onion dip. These dark russet chips were delicious – crispy but not at all greasy. We both agreed that this appetizer could be dangerous while sitting at the bar.

Next, we tasted the three vegetable appetizers on the menu. Our favorite, by far, were the Salt-Roasted Beets with whipped Goat Cheese and Lemon Viniagrette. These were exceptional. The sweet beets were enhanced by the sea salt and the cheese was warm and delicious with a perfect dressing. Coming in second were roasted Heirloom Carrots with Avocado Mousse and toasted pistachios. We loved the different textures in this dish and the avocado was perfect with the sweet carrots.

Sandi ordered the Fennel Crusted Cod served with Braised Escarole, Flageolet beans and roasted tomatoes. This dish was outstanding. The cod was very fresh and the sauce, although very rich did not overpower the delicate taste of the fish.

There is a very talented cast of professionals in the kitchen who have created a menu of locally inspired and locally sourced Pennsylvania American Cuisine.

I ordered the Bison Bolognese served atop whole wheat pasta. The savory rich beefy sauce was wonderful on the housemade pasta.  I do not eat a lot of beef these days but this was wonderfully delicious. We sipped glasses of Columbia Crest Merlot and Sledgehammer Cabernet with our meals and they were perfect.

Everyone is very friendly at The Dime. We had the pleasure of meeting The Dime’s Restaurant Manager Rodrigo Marin who stopped by our table throughout the evening answering questions and checking to be sure all was okay. I also spoke with Kyle Workman who hails from PF Changs in Warrington and together with Jeannette Talavera serve as Assistant Restaurant Managers.

Dime2There is a very talented cast of professionals in the kitchen who have created a menu of locally inspired and locally sourced Pennsylvania American Cuisine. Executive Chef Jason Viscount is a native of York, Pennsylvania and attended the Restaurant School of Philadelphia. Chef Jason was not working the evening we visited but I had the pleasure of chatting with Executive Sous Chef David Troxell who is an award-winning chef with an experience history including Executive Chef of Hotel Bethlehem. He holds the prestigious title in the restaurant industry of Vice Conseiller Culinaire from Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

For dessert, we tried two – the Pink Lemonade Sorbet served with sous vide strawberries and lavender shortbread as well as the Orange Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cardamom ice cream and poached fruit. We loved both desserts and just when we were sipping coffee and thought we were done, a third dessert tasting arrived at our table – Nutella Hazelnut Cake with pretzel chips and hazelnut brittle. It is one of The Dime’s signature dishes and it was incredible. Try it.

We were very impressed by extra touches at The Dime, especially the fine glassware, quality silverware, special napkins and exceptional cleanliness within the kitchen and dining areas right down to the ladies room. There are wood and tile floors in the trafficked areas but rugs on the floor muffling the sounds in the dining room where the tables are well-spaced along the windows and where leather banquettes line wooden walls that resemble wine casks. The decor is very unique and we loved it.

There are two private dining areas – the Mercury Room which accommodates 24 and a back dining area that holds 46, both of which are very attractive.

The historic Dime Savings and Trust building dates back to 1925 and has been incorporated into the new PPL Center at 7th and Hamilton Streets. In its heyday, Dime Savings was one of three principal buildings in downtown Allentown. It is wonderful that the magnificence of this building has been preserved inside this new structure.

The Dime’s complete menu along with photographs, and dining hours, is posted on line at thedimeallentown.com.

There is valet parking at the entrance on 7th Street so it’s a quick walk to the door. Call 484.273.4010 for reservations or you may reserve online through Open Table.

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