PRESS PHOTO BY DEB BOYLAN

In Belgium, they are referred to as "Pommes Frites." In the United States, they are simply a side of fries. Frites, the newest fast casual dining destination in the Lehigh Valley Mall, hopes to elevate the taste buds of local mall-goers to appreciate all-American fries with a European twist. Father and son duo, Richard and William Scott, have come up with a concept they hope to expand to other locations in the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Valley Mall location is the first for Frites. The Frites staff are, from left, Christie Dejesso, Raven Stola, Zeke Kulp, Mark Teseny, Jess Sine, Fay Younes, William and Richard Scott. Located just inside the mall and considered part of the "lifestyle center," the newly-opened restaurant's goal is for shoppers and diners to consider fries to be more than just a casual side dish. Frites offers stand-alone servings of fries as well as sandwiches and platters. It is one of the few places one can find Poutine, a Canadian favorite of French fires topped with cheese curds, bacon and gravy. Richard Scott gave up corporate success for a try at personal success. He asked his son William, a recent graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, if he would like to help run the new operation. Frites prides itself on using fresh ingredients. Many are locally-sourced. For example, the brisket used in the Frita sandwich is brought in from Quakertown. All potatoes are hand-cut and nothing is frozen. Another source of pride is the large selection of dipping sauces. Frites offers 17 choices. All are made on-site.