Bagel Du Jour Bistro Opens at Tilghman Square

Looking for an authentic French croissant in the Lehigh Valley? How about a New York bagel? And a healthy lunch?

Look no further than Bagel du Jour Bistro, which opened earlier this month at 4620 Broadway in the Tilghman Square shopping center in South Whitehall.

The bistro bakes its croissants using ingredients from the premier croissant maker in Canada, Bridor, said owner Bass Sylla, who knows his way around French pastries and breads.

But Sylla also knows bistro food.

Sylla, who was born in Senegal and grew up in the south of France, managed Au Bon Pain cafes in New York and Philadelphia for 25 years prior to launching Bagel du Jour Bistro, which opened April 13.

"I'm passionate about food and people," Sylla said.

Sylla said his dream was to open his own bistro that served fresh, healthy food using only the best suppliers. That means real food, nothing processed, he said. The eggs used in the egg white breakfasts on bialys are real. The lettuce for the wide variety of salads does not sit in plastic bags, he said.

The coffee used in the espresso bar comes from Batdorf & Bronson, an Atlanta-based roaster.

"I don't keep any beans past two weeks," Sylla said.

Sylla chose Tilghman Square on Broadway and Cetronia Road because he said. He seized the opportunity to buy the former Lena's Cafe, which closed earlier this year.

Bagel du Jour (sometimes they drop the article "le") serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, something that was needed in this fast-growing section of the township. Customers range from gym rats coming from Planet Fitness to patrons looking for a quick, healthy meal before or after a movie at the AMC movie theater across the street.

"This is a family-oriented environment," said Sylla, who along with his staff, which includes his daughter, Nene, assistant manager, and his wife, Maggie, greets his customers with a warm smile and cheerful hello.

They offer free Wi-fi and encourage their customers to sit and stay awhile.

Bagel du Jour Bistro

Address: Tilghman Square Shopping Center, 4620 Broadway, Allentown (South Whitehall)

Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Phone: 610-391-0101

Fax: 610-391-0991

email: info@bageldujour.com

Web site: www.bageldujour.com