Bistro 33 - An Unbeatable Brunch

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.721.1933
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.lilbistro33.com

You must be thinking, another update about Bistro 33? I admit, I've become a little obsessed with this neighborhood eatery but for a good reason--the food is incredible, the service is attentive and simply put, I just adore it.

And because I haven't made it there for brunch yet, I suggested it for a Saturday morning chat and chew session with Margot and her man, Dillon. As usual, Bistro didn't disappoint and I'm still thinking about the amazing mound of blueberry pancakes, which I consumed in one short sitting. Here's a bit more about our lovely brunch:

Blueberry Pancakes - Even though the omelets sounded amazing, I was in the mood for something sweet and ordered the blueberry pancakes--which also come in a banana variation. I was impressed! Instead of humongous spheres of dough, these were smaller, silver dollar pancakes that were stacked high and topped with small, wild blueberries. I think that there were about four pancakes that formed my mini mountain and once I bit into them, their interior burst with flavor from the large, plump blueberries that were nestled inside--overall, a superb dish and a great value.

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich - This was Margot's dish and as you can see from the picture, it was gargantuan and impressive-looking. But looks can be deceiving. Margot said that although she wasn't completely unpleased, she wouldn't get this dish again because the mayo was excessive and she felt that it took away from the flavor of the crab. The sandwich was too large, making it hard to pick up and put in your mouth--it was beautiful yet unwieldy.

Cajun Fritatta - Dillon ordered this and said that it was fantastic. I didn't have the pleasure to try it but I have had Bistro's andouille before and know how great it is. The dish was large, colorful and paired with a simple salad. Dillon finished it to the last bite and I'd say that this was a good guy meal--hearty, spicy and significant.

The Accouterments - Along with our brunch, we also received coffee and a choice of a morning cocktail. This is usually the norm in Astoria but the drinks at Bistro were above average. Both Margot and I got the cranberry mimosa, which was gentle, fruity and overall, a pleasing morning pick-me-up. The portion was large and came in a normal sized wine glass, as opposed to the skinny champagne flute.

Dillon ordered the Tokyo Sunrise, consisting of sake, OJ and grenadine. Again, it came in a generous sized glass and when I tasted it, I liked it even better than my cocktail--it was sweet and brought a taste of the tropics to Astoria.

Service and Cost:

I never have complaints when it comes to service. Our food came quickly and our waitress was happy to accommodate Margot and me with iced coffee instead of the hot.

An entree, coffee and a morning cocktail came out to $14 a pop. Although it's a couple of bucks more than brunch at other Astorian cafes, I think that the quality and the inventiveness of the food is on a higher level.

3 Mmmms