Chef Isaac Csezmadia grew up in the house everyone wanted to go to. “My mom would make homemade sauce, meatballs and pasta that would be simmering in the kitchen for hours. It was an event and everyone in the neighborhood was invited,” says Csezmadia. “I was always prepping for my mom when I was kid but it wasn’t until COVID hit that I started cooking nonstop.” At that time, he was a behavioral therapist but it was the trips to the farmers markets and watching different fresh vegetables being turned into a stir fry that really made him fall in love with cooking. One day, while searching for the perfect place to order a sandwich, he had the epiphany to open his own hero shop.
“I knew it had to have amazing bread, Boar’s Head meats and I would make all of the delicious sauces myself,” he says. “The first sandwich I made for my menu was The Chez.” The Chez has roasted turkey, American cheese and salt and vinegar chips directly on the sandwich. “We offer a chopped hero off-menu just like they are making in New York City, where all of the ingredients are diced up and chopped to be placed onto our fresh bread.” Csezmadia is always dreaming up different heroes and flavors. He also takes direction from what his customers are craving and the feedback he gets on social media. You can find Chez’s Delicatessen inside the Downtown Allentown Market off of the lively Arts Walk. “It is such a great vibe here,” says Csezmadia.
Mozzarella is his favorite cheese and, since there is nothing better than a good old-fashioned cheese pull, he is sharing his recipe for fresh fried mozzarella. “I use homemade mozzarella hand-battered in Italian bread crumbs,” he says, “and although they are a bit labor intensive, they are worth it!” Paired with his homemade sauce to dip the crispy cheese in, it’s an absolute fan favorite. “Whenever someone eats something I made for them and they are so happy and satisfied, it is the best part of my day,” shares Csezmadia. “I love making people happy with my food.”
Chez’s Delicatessen | 27 N. 7th St., Allentown | 484.387.5600 | eatwithchez.com
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Fresh Fried Mozzarella
Servings: 12
Ingredients
1 lb. fresh mozzarella
16 oz. Italian bread crumbs
16 oz. flour
4-5 eggs (beaten)
Instructions
Slice the mozzarella into 12 squares, approximately ¼-inch thick and 2–3 inches in size.
Place your bread crumbs, flour and eggs in three separate mixing bowls.
Dip each mozzarella square in the flour, then the eggs, and then the bread crumbs. For extra-crispy mozzarella, repeat egg and bread crumbs once over.
Place on parchment paper or a plate and freeze for at least 20 minutes.
Fry in 350°F oil for 2–2½ minutes, until golden brown.
Serve immediately. Add marinara as a delicious dipping sauce.
Published as “Beyond the Menu” in the April 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
