The New Maximus Lounge - What's their Deal?

Maximus Lounge - 36-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

I've really been wondering about the new Maximus Lounge on 30th Avenue, previously named Boomerang.  What is their deal?  While it seems to be revamped and renamed (and probably under new ownership - Greek vs. Balkan), it's still out of commission.  I've tried contancting them several times without success.  Not sure if it's a new late night bar hangout, but I'll continue to keep my eye out for progress.  In the meantime, if anyone knows what's up and when it'll officially open, let me know.  My curiosity has certainly been piqued.

V-Day at Testaccio

I can't believe that Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  While I'm not a huge fan of the ultra expensive Manhattan restaurant options, there are plenty of fun offers happening right here in our nabe.  One that particularly caught my eye this week is Testaccio, the new (and chic) modern Italian eatery in LIC.  While it still offers a prix-fixe menu, the cost isn't exorbitant and the dishes sound scrumptious.  It's an undoubtedly romantic place for you and your special guy or gal.  And if you prefer to spend this day with a big group of great friends, it'll do the trick too. 

Testaccio Valentine's Day Menu: $55 per person (includes a glass of champagne)

Course 1: (choice of)
Cream of artichokes & lemon with chives bigne' (puff pastry)

Grilled jumbo shrimps with red rose sauce, caramelized golden beets & endive
Steamed white asparagus with Gruyere sauce & crispy leeks

Braised short ribs with chocolate & rosemary over soft polenta

Course 2: (choice of)
Lobster ravioli with prosecco & crispy guanciale

Homemade spinach cavatelli with duck sausage & sundried tomatoes served in an Asiago crust

Pistachio-crusted Chilean sea bass with red pepper sauce, manila clams, mashed potatoes & aspiration broccolini

Grilled venison chop with goat cheese crumbles & port wine sauce with sweet potato wedges & baby spinach

Potato crusted Caribbean lobster tail served with ruby grapefruit sauce with black salsify & mache

Course 3:  (choice of)
Molten chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream
Citrus terrine with mango sauce

Chilled vinsanto sabayon with ladyfinger cookies

Testaccio Ristorante - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.937.2900
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://testacciony.com/

New Recipe - Dan's Savoriest Pizza Ever

If you're like me, you're probably not too thrilled with the current chill in the January air.  Throughout the day, I try to think happy thoughts "only 3 more months till spring," but it doesn't always get me out of my winter funk.  What does make me happy is cooking--and eating--warm, savory foods. 

The below recipe for Dan's Savoriest Pizza Ever is an example of a food that's easily devoured in winter.  He made it last week for dinner and it filled our bellies pleasantly, enjoying it even more with a glass of wine (white or red, it doesn't matter).

Dan did a great job on the pizza, as you can see above, but our only complaint was about the dough.  We bought it from Trader Joe's and were so disappointed.  It didn't get crispy or brown and next time around, I'd make my own dough or get it from my favorite bakery, Rose and Joe's.  The tomato sauce I used, while unusual, was really delicious.  Sent to me to try, it was Paul Sorvino's Neopolitan Marinara Sauce, which also comes in a vodka sauce version.  Pretty cool stuff - in addition to being an actor, who knew that he had a food line?

Back to the recipe...here's how you make it.  Enjoy it on a chilly night like tonight.

Dan's Savoriest Pizza Ever (serves 2)

Ingredients:
1 lb of pizza dough - I recommend buying it from Rose and Joe's
1/2 cup (or just eyeball it) of marinara sauce, spread thin.  We used Paul Sorvino's Neopolitan
4 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into smaller pieces (see above picture)
10-12 slices of potato, sliced paper thin (almost translucent)
8-10 small slices of dried Italian or French sausage
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
Handful of flour or corn meal
1/4 cup of red onion, sliced thin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees (with pizza stone if you have one).

Roll out and stretch pizza dough into a round pie (about 14" if you can) - leave edges thicker.  Flour or place corn meal on a wooden paddle and then place prepared pizza dough on it. 

Spread sauce thinly on dough and integrate the pressed garlic, distributing it throughout the pizza.  Add the remainder of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper if necessary (you might not need the salt, it depends how salty your sauce and other ingredients are).

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until pizza dough gets puffed up and golden brown on the edges.  Enjoy with a nice big glass of vino.

Rye House - Respect the Mighty Pittsburgh-Style Sandwich

 

 

 

Rye House - 11 West 17th Street, New York NY 10011

212.255.7260

F/V train to 14th Street, N/W/R/4/5/6/L train to 14th Street/Union Square

www.ryehousenyc.com

My co-workers and I did lunch at a fun new bar-eatery in the Flatiron/Union Square area called Rye House.  What drew me in was their menu of hefty foods such as Pittsburgh-style sandwiches, famous for being loaded with fries and cole slaw.  Naturally, a lover of these ingredients, and all sorts of carbs in general, this place was just what I needed to fill my belly on a cold day.

Atmosphere:
First impressions of Rye House are that it's more a bar than a restaurant.  But don't be fooled because as you walk towards the back, you'll see a dimly lit, spacious dining room with rustic wooden tables and even a couple of comfortable-looking booths.

I like that the decor is simple but sleek and modern at the same time.  Natural and slightly unfinished wood furnishings and industrial-looking light fixtures deck the space.  Tables are set with good, strong silverware and I like that they give you real linens instead of flimsy paper napkins.  The overall vibe is casual yet high quality, a perfect atmosphere for lunch with nice co-workers.

Food:
Although Rye House boasts an impressive beer and cocktail list, we only tried the food this time around.  Deciding to share a couple of small plates, getting our own entrees and once again splitting dessert, we got a good feel for their cuisine.

Starters - We went for three different starters including the sloppy joe sliders, the fried pickles and Mama's fried Mac n' Cheese.  The sliders were my favorite, as they contained good quality beef (kobe) and tangy pickled jalapenos in a really delicious brioche bun.  The bread was my most beloved component, elevating it above an ordinary sloppy joe.

The fried pickles were good but didn't stand a chance next to Sweet Afton's dumpling-ey version, which contained a more doughy exterior versus Rye House's thin, crumbly crust.  While they were tasty, I wouldn't get them again.  Can't say much about the fried Mac n' Cheese since I didn't try it, but my co-workers weren't impressed.  They said they prefer a more traditional version without the fried crust.

Entrees - Three of us ordered the Pittsburgh sandwich with grilled andouille sausage, fries and cole slaw in it while one person got the chili and another chose the drunken mussels. 

All I have to say is that our sandwich ruled supreme! Served on soft rye bread, it gave the senses an explosion of flavor including spicy smoke from the sausage, crunchy tang from the cole slaw and a salty starch from the fries.  It was like a complete meal in one bite and I enjoyed every minute.  My friends loved it too and couldn't believe how filling it was.  Although I scarfed the whole thing down, I really didn't need an appetizer and next time around I'll skip it.

The other two dishes were OK but mediocre at best.  The mussels lacked flavor and the quality wasn't the best I've seen - they fell apart easily and got kind of slimy.

Dessert - This was a completely unnecessary course but we went for it anyway.  Next time, I'd stay away, as this isn't their strong point. 

We ordered the Mint Julep ice cream sundae and the ice cream sandwich.  The sundae was good but a bit too alcoholey for my liking.  There were too many nuts on top - instead, I'd prefer it if they were interspersed throughout.  

The ice cream sandwich was unremarkable with a hard cookie exterior - not much else to say there.  Pass...

Service and Cost:
This is an area in which Rye House impressed.  We loved our waitress--she was a spunky Australian woman with a hunger for life (and good food).  I appreciated that she was very frank about everything and recommended her personal favorites.  She wasn't afraid to tell us when she didn't like something and I had to give her props for that - it was gutsy.

Costs are moderate.  While our lunch ended up costing a lot (in my opinion at least), next time around I'd order more conservatively, skipping appetizers and dessert.

Apps: $6-$16
Entrees: $8-$12
Sides: $5
Dessert - $7

2 Mmmms

Ornella Now Serving Brunch

Great news! As of this weekend, Ornella Trattoria will be adding brunch to their delicious offering.  The menu contains traditional egg dishes as well as various paninis, light pasta and other house specialties such as a potato pancake with pancetta, polenta with gorgonzola, a nutella filled crepe.  Need I say more?

When I looked at the menu, my eyes got wide and my stomach rumbled.  I hope it inspires you too!

Brunch service starts this Saturday, 1/30 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Brunch Menu

Entrees: (include choice of coffee or tea)

Selection of Italian imported cold cuts, dry figs, honey and gorgonzola cheese...$11

Uova Alla Benedettina Canadese Con Aragosta - Eggs Benedict, poached eggs, English muffin, chunks of Canadian bacon and chunks of Canadian lobster, hollandaise sauce...$9

Uova Alla Benedettina - Eggs Benedict, poached eggs, English muffin, Canadian Bacon, hollandaise sauce...$8
Uova Alla Fiorentina - Eggs Florentine, poached eggs with toasted bread, spinach and parmesan cheese...$8
Panino Di Pollo - Pressed panini with grilled chicken, fontina cheese, and arugula served with shoestring potatoes...$9
Panino Alla Giovanni - Pressed panini with mortadella, buffalo mozzarella and tomato...$9

Panino Alla Pino - Pressed panini with bresaola, porcini mushrooms, mozzarella cheese served with shoestring potatoes...$9
Frittata di Asparagi - Italian frittata with asparagus...$8
Frittata di Gamberi - Italian frittata with shrimp and artichoke...$10

Frittata Di Fegato Di Pollo - Italia frittata with chicken livers...$10

Bistecchina Alla Angelo - Very thin sliced beef steak, sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, served with shoestring  potatoes...$11

Frittelle Di Patate Alla Massimo - Potato pancake served with pancetta...$8

Spaghetti Carbonara Vegetariana - Vegetarian carbonara made with seitan wheat...$13

Crespella Alla Nutella - Crepe with Nutella filling...$10

Polenta Con Gorgonzola - Cornmeal with melted chunks of gorgonzola cheese...$10

Sweets:

Torta Di Ricotta - Italian cheesecake, made with ricotta cheese and mascarpone cheese...$6

Torta Di Cioccolato - Choccolate Mousse Cake...$6
Tiramisu - Ladyfingers, espresso café, coffee liquor, mascarpone cheese...$6
Budino A Modo Nostro - Flan with amaretto glaze...$6

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Indigo is now the Astoria Brewhouse

I couldn't believe it--Indigo bar changed its name to the Astoria Brewhouse.  The name change seemed to come out of nowhere and I decided to inquire if anything else about it had changed.  Interestingly, nothing else is different. They will have new menus with 90% of the items remaining pretty much the same, they're just cleaning it up a bit and getting rid of a few unpopular items.  The decor remains the same and business is as usual - no new management either.

Just wanted to clarify its status in case you were wondering what was up.  Nada!

Astoria Brewhouse - 28-50 31st Street, Astoria NY 11102
718-728-0050
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Superbowl Party at Vesta - Win a Dinner with Me

Superbowl time is almost here, and there's plenty of things aside from the actual game to get excited about.  Ummm...like the food!

I wanted to tell you about a great Superbowl party that's happening at one of my Astorian faves, Vesta.  They're having a celebration in honor of the big game, including a special "gametime menu," raffles and opportunities to win prizes including Vesta, Sweet Afton, Locale and Hell Gate Social gift certificates, as well as a dinner with me, your Foodista.

So come join the fun on February 7th, starting at 6 p.m.  Reservations are recommended.

And if you'd like a taste of the special menu, feast your eyes on this:

Vesta Superbowl Menu:

Meatballs, Pasta & Pizza:
Margherita...$11.95
Potato, pancetta, caramelized onions, apple and chevron cheese...$13
The Quacker - Duck leg, wild mushrooms, charred onions and goat cheese sauce...$14.50
Saltie - Olives, capers, serrano chili, blue cheese, tomato and radicchio...$13.50
Slow braised meatballs parmigiano cheese and tomato...$10.95
Lasagna, three-meat ragu (Sunday Dinner Style)...$14.95

Sandwiches:
Hot Roast Beef – Dry rub, crispy onion rings and horseradish cream
Hand Carved Turkey Breast – Marinated portabello mushrooms, melted tallegio cheese and mache lettuce
Ham and Cheese – Serrano ham, melted gruyere, fresh tomatoes and basil pesto
Crispy Chicken – Roasted red pepper, fontina sauce and romaine lettuce

Sides:
French fries
Potato Chips
Potato Salad
Mac n Cheese
Nut Mix
Pickles

Let the games begin...

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

Da Franco - Italian Food with a Warm Fuzzy Feeling

 

 

 

Da Franco - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.267.0010
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com

Last week, the Joey in Astoria ladies and I were invited to have dinner at Da Franco Ristorante.  While Meg and I have been there before, our food choices were limited and therefore we wanted to try it again.  Not only did we like it even better, I highly recommend it to all of you.

Food:
We tried a lot of new dishes this time around, most of them focusing on fresh pasta and Da Franco's freshly baked breads.  Choosing to go vegetarian, we not only wanted to accommodate our vegetarian friend Mackenzi, but we also wanted to be more health conscious.

Appetizers - Our first dish was a great salad called insalata di rucola con noci.  It contained fresh, peppery arugula, crunchy fennel, toasted walnuts, apples and generous shavings of parmigiano cheese.  I loved the fresh mint cider vinaigrette, which gave the veggies some zing and freshness.  It was a fabulous way to start the meal.

Other starters we devoured were the fried calamari, grilled vegetables and a big order of Da Franco's homemade focaccia bread.  All were excellent but I had a strong preference for the focaccia, which was puffy and beautiful, tasting like a soft cloud of goodness. I liked that it was seasoned with an aromatic Italian spice mix and that it was slightly salty.  Its overall taste improved even more when I dipped it into aged balsamic vinaigrette. 

Main Dishes - As I mentioned, we went purely vegetarian and ordered two vegetable based pastas.  One of them was the ravioli al profumo di tartufo and the other was the rigatoni alla siciliana. 

The ravioli was my clear favorite, as it contained aromatic mushrooms in a creamy sauce, embellished with a hint of truffle oil.  I loved that the pasta was super light and cooked to perfection - even though the sauce was creamy, it didn't feel heavy, and I could've polished off a portion of my own.  I'll definitely be getting this again next time around.

The rigatoni was tasty too, but was hard to see at first, as it was hiding under large pieces of grilled eggplant.  While I enjoyed this entree too, it was sharper on the palate--the overall taste a bit acidy for my liking.  The quality of everything was very good, I just preferred the mushroom pasta.

Dessert:
This is where Da Franco's took the meal to the next level.  We were awed and delighted to see that Franco, the owner, prepared a beautifully sugar-dusted Nutella pizza just for us.  Paired with a helping of freshly made zeppoles, Meg and I were in heaven, enjoying every bite. 

The other dessert we tried was the tiramisu, and it was simply out of this world.  Not sure if this was their regular portion, but it was really huge with beautifully soaked lady fingers lining the side of the dish.  It was embellished with two piroette cookies, fresh whipped cream and a cute little melon ball, giving it that extra splash of color.  The quality of the custard was amazing and not overly sweet.  I liked that it was a bit chocolatey, with a nice sprinkling of cocoa, but again it wasn't excessive.

Service and Cost:
Our server was a young woman from Italy who knew a lot about the menu and the cuisine in general.  We appreciated how nice and polite she was.  Warming up to us during the meal, she shared some stories about her favorite places to live and to eat. 

Franco, Da Franco's owner was lovely--revealing valuable insight about his pasta, bread and the wonderful cheeses, which are produced in his Queens-based mozzarella factory.

Costs are moderate to inexpensive, and as I announced last week, they're currently running a $19.95 weekday pasta special.  Other costs include:

Appetizers: $6.95-$14.95
Pasta: $9.95-$17.95
Meat: $14.95-$27.95
Fish: $17.95-$25.95
Pizza: $7.95-$14.95

3 Mmmms

Still Eating Healthy - My Roasted Shrimp Salad

In an on-going effort to eat well and cook healthy, I made really good roasted shrimp on a bed of mixed greens and other fruits and veggies.  I used my signature oil/mustard/lemon juice/honey vinaigrette and the overall effect was delicious.  I don't think you need another side dish with this, but it can use some nicely toasted bread or pita.

Hint - When buying fresh shrimp, get the uncleaned vs. the cleaned - it'll provide a significant savings.  I couldn't believe that the cleaned shrimp was a whopping $16.99/lb vs. the uncleaned which was a mere $6.99/lb at Whole Foods.  It takes an extra 15 minutes to clean and devein, but it's worth it.

Foodista's Roasted Shrimp Salad (serves 2)

1 lb of fresh shrimp (uncleaned)

Olive oil

Salt and coarse pepper to taste
Mixed greens such as arugula, radicchio, fresh baby spinach
1/2 red pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 or a whole golden delicious apple, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed into 1/4" pieces
Handful of dried cherries, halved
My signature dressing

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Peel and devein shrimp and then coat in olive oil (about 2 tbs).  Season with salt and pepper and then mix thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated.  Place on foil-lined baking sheet and put in oven for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink.

In the meantime, prepare the salad by tossing the greens with the peppers, apples, cheese, cherries and then finally the dressing.

When the shrimp is done, place on top of the greens and enjoy.  As I mentioned, a crusty piece of bread or a pita might be tasty with this.  Bon appetit.

Goodbye Zabb Thai...Hello Matsu

Matsu - 34-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

718.726.7029

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

While strolling on 30th Avenue this weekend, I noticed that the short-lived Zabb Thai has been replaced by a sushi joint called Matsu.  While there hasn't been much change to the restaurant's appearance, the cuisine is clearly different and poses a rivalry with their neighbor, Go Wasabi. 

Matsu is offering an enticing incentive for diners in honor of their grand opening - they'll give out complimentary hot sake & house wine for all dine-in guests.  Hmm...I'm considering it for sure.  In the meantime, here's a peek at some of their menu selections:

Appetizers:

Gyoza - Pan fried pork, shrimp or vegetables...$4.50

Soft shell crab...$9

Sweet potato tempura...$5

Ebisu - Shrimp with sweet vinegar...$6

Sashimi Jalapeno - Tuna, salmon, yellowtail with jalapeno & yuzu sauce...$9

Matsu Specials:
Tuna Martini - Tuna wrapped in nori, lightly fried, served in spicy shichimi sauce...$8

Kani Pizza...$7

Peking Duck - Crispy duck with cucumber, scallion & hoisin sauce...$9

Fancy Rolls:
Jesup Roll - Crabmeat, avocado crunch topped with eel...$11

Madrid Roll - Spicy white tuna, avocado, crunch, jalapeno with soy bean wrap...$11

Disney Roll - Inside: two shrimp tempura. Outside: eel & avocado...$11

Hollywood Roll - Inside: spicy mix of tuna, yellowtail and salmon.  Outside: scallop, kiwi...$11

Foxwood Roll - Inside: kani avocado, crunch.  Outside: toro, avocado & spicy sauce on top...$11

Entrees:
Salmon teriyaki...$15

Tofu steak...$10

Chilean seabass...$20

Chicken or pork katsu...$13

Lunch Specials:
Bento boxes: $9-$12

Sushi lunch special with a choice of soup or salad...$8.50-$10

Dinner with the Wandering Foodie at Dinosaur BBQ

 

 

Dinosaur BBQ - 646 West 131st Street, New York NY 10027

212.694.1777

1 Train to 125th Street

http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/

I did something unusual yesterday, and I must say I had fun doing it.  Having dinner with fellow blogger and "wandering foodie" extraodinaire, Hagan Blount proved to be a great experience. 

Accompanying Hagan on his 54th stop of the 93 Plates adventure, we found ourselves in West Harlem at the legendary Dinosaur BBQ. Let me tell ya, it was worth it and I'm already thinking about my next visit.

Atmosphere:
Dinosaur was absolutely packed last night for a Monday night--granted it was a holiday.  We walked in and got seated immediately, a total anomaly I'm told for an everyday diner.  But I was grateful for our table--eating with another foodie certainly has its advantages.

I like that the space is expansive and the overall vibe is saloon-like and social.  It's fun to walk into a place that's buzzing with excitement, tables filled with parties both large and small, and in many instances including small children.  The decor is hoakey and kind of random (a humongous deer head hung on one of the walls) but it all works to create a casual and fun atmosphere where you want to stay a while and let your hair down.

Food:
While the atmosphere certainly set the tone for our experience, the food spoke for itself.  The menu was simple but offered great choices that were conducive to sharing.

Appetizers - An item that was a must for us was the fried green tomato.  When we saw this offered as part of a sampling platter coupled with Dinosaur's signature wings, deviled eggs and a spicy shrimp boil, we couldn't resist.  The portion was generous and just perfect for splitting with another person.  My favorite item was the chicken wing, nicely charred on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside.  I loved how meaty it was and despite its claim, it wasn't spicy, but actually quite mild.

Our second app included the Iceberg lettuce wedge topped with signature Bar-B-Blues House dressing, spicy pecans, cherry tomatoes and the most wonderful house cured bacon.  The bacon was my favorite component, as it brought in an irresistible smoky flavor, which paired well with the savory cheese dressing.  The iceberg introduced a little break from the richness, providing a much needed neautralizer in your mouth.  This app was slammin' and I won't miss it next time I come back.

The Main Event (BBQ) - We were explicitly told that not going with the ribs would be a mistake, so we of course chose a meat sampler that included them as a main component.  Our meaty feast consisted of not only ribs but also 1/2 chicken and sliced beef brisket along with two sides and corn bread.  Out of of all the meat, the ribs were the best--their exterior was firm to the bite but the inside was more tender.  The meat separated from the bone but not so much that you didn't have to use your choppers to do the work, which I'm told is a good thing--meat shouldn't break away so easily, there should be some work involved.  The chicken and the brisket were excellent too, again having great flavor and nice moistness.

All this protein was chased with some good o'l carbs including Dinosaur's signature Syracuse Style Salt Potatoes and the mac and cheese.  Hagan strongly preferred the potatoes and couldn't stop raving about them, while I liked the mac and cheese more.  It combined a couple of different cheeses and had a nice well-done crust that we benevolently shared.

Desssert - We ordered key lime pie and a sweet potato pecan pie just to prove that we could stuff another thing in our bloated bellies.  The key lime was disappointing, with a runny custard and an unremarkable crust.  But we were impressed with the sweet potato pecan pie that boasted a crumbly, buttery crust and a slightly savory, crunchy inside.  Topped with fresh whipped cream, it was the only part of the dessert that disappointed me, as the cream was overwhipped and clearly broken.  Can't say I don't understand, but this could use a significant improvement.

Service and Cost:
The staff at Dinosaur is great and seems to know what they're doing.  Our waiter had a clear point of view about the dishes and gave us his recommendations without being imposing.  Everyone seems to have a laid-back, casual attitude, which fits in perfectly with the atmosphere.

Costs are affordable and as I mentioned, dishes are great for sharing.  The humongous bbq platter we shared cost a mere $23.95!  Here's a rundown of the prices:

Appetizers: $3.95-$22.95
BBQ Dishes: $13.95-$27.95
Sandwiches: $6.95-$11.95

3 Mmmms

Here's Hagan's post with me on video for those that want to check it out.

Bistro 33 Now Delivers

Bistro 33, a long-time Astoria favorite of mine now delivers.  You can enjoy their sushi, sandwiches, burgers and signature small plates in the comfort of your home.  Delivery might be a good option if you're not in the mood to wait and be seated in their small space.

The delivery area includes Shore Blvd to Steinway Street, from 20th Avenue to Hoyt Avenue/Astoria Blvd North.

Take a look at their delivery menu below and add them to your take-out list.

Salads:
Mixed Greens - Mesculin, carrots, tomatoes, red onion, ginger-daikon dressing...$6
Blue Cheese Walnut Salad - Candied walnuts, Stilton blue cheese, tomato, carrot, onion, raspberry vinaigrette...$10
Tofu Salad - Sesame/onion dressing...$7

Appetizers:
Tuna "Dumpling" - Crab salad wrapped with tuna paper with eel & wasabi sauce...$10
Moules Frites - PEI mussels, garlic, thyme & white wine butter sauce, pomme frites...$9
Sushi Sandwich - Spicy tuna, eel, avocado, sandwiched in sushi rice, sweet-spicy sauce...$11
Sushi Tostada - Tuna or salmon with guacamole & spicy mayo on a tortilla...$11
Shrimp Kakiage - Tempured shrimp and vegetables...$7

Entrees:
Salmon Sandwich - Salmon filet, lettuce, tomato, cucumber sweet chili relish, fries...$12
Crab cakes -  Mixed greens, sweet yuzu sauce...$16
Scallop Sobaccine - Seared sea scallops, soba pasta, uni butter, piave cheese...$19
Black Angus Beef Burger - Bacon, gruyere cheese, lettuce tomato, red onion, fries...$16
Duck Confit Crostini - Cucumber, Japanese mayonaise...$11
Steak Frites - Grilled hanger steak, pomme frites, mixed greens...$20
Short Ribs -Boneless short rib, miso daikon, roasted fuji apple...$23
Katsu Pork Chop -Panko breaded pork chop, garlic mashed potatoes, green apple-wasabi brulee...$17
Roasted Hen - Potatoes, mushrooms, bacon, hen au jus...$ 17
Portabella Mushroom Burger -  Portabella mushroom, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, fries...$11

Sushi:
Thirty-Three Sushi - 2 pieces tuna, 2 pieces yellowtail, 2 pieces salmon with spicy tuna roll...$19
Tricolor Sashimi - 4 pieces salmon, 4 pieces tuna, 4 pieces yellowtail...$23
Sushi Platter -7 pieces assorted sushi, spicy tuna roll...$20
Sashimi Platter -15 pieces assorted sashimi...$20
Sushi & Sashimi Combo - 5 pieces sushi, 12 pieces sashimi, spicy tuna roll...$24

Signature Sushi Rolls:
Fuzzy Tuna Roll - Mango, kani topped with spicy tuna & potato crunch...$8
White Tuna Asparagus Roll - Spicy white tuna, asparagus, white tuna, avocado, wasabi tobiko, potato crunch...$10
Tuna Love Roll -  Tuna & avocado with spicy tuna & potato crunch...$12
Tuna Tataki Roll - Toasted almonds, sweet soy...$7
Spicy Girl Roll -  Tuna & avocado roll topped with red pepper tuna...$11
Firecracker Roll - Spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, crunch topped with kani salad & potato crunch...$12
Fire Dragon Roll - Eel, cucumber, avocado, spicy tuna, sweet soy...$9
Red Spider Roll - Spider roll topped with spicy tuna & avocado...$13
Old Man & the Sea Roll (no rice) - Lobster & shrimp tempura, kani, avocado, soy paper...$15
Naked Godzilla Roll - Tuna, salmon, white tuna, eel, kani...$9
Sesame Crusted Shrimp Roll - Orange-curry mayo, balsamic glaze...$7
Island Roll - Mango, avocado, mushrooms, cucumber, tomato, soy paper...$7
Garden Roll -  Cucumber, asparagus, avocado, tomato, greens...$7
Sun dried tomato - Avocado... $5

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.1933
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.bistro33nyc.com

Back to Cooking - Baked Cherry Chicken

After being on vacation for two weeks, it was hard to get back into cooking, but I'm glad to have it back in my life.  Eating out is fun, but there's nothing like making your food, and knowing that you're eating well and healthy at the same time.

The below recipe for baked cherry chicken coulndn't be simpler, and the beauty of it is that you can use different substitutes for the veggies or dried fruit.  It's a relatively quick dish too that's great for weeknight cooking--preparation and cooking time taking about an hour.  I hope that you enjoy it and that it inspires you to cook healthier and lighter.

Foodista's Baked Cherry Chicken (serves 2)

Ingredients:
1 lb of chicken tenders (white chicken breasts)

2 tbs of olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp of honey
1 tsp of grain mustard
1/3 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
Small handful of dried cherries, cut in half

Small handful of sliced almonds

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Prepare baking sheet and line with aluminum foil, and then gently grease with olive oil (about 1 tbs or less - just lightly brush the surface).

Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.  Make marinade by mixing together the remainder of the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grain mustard, honey and salt and pepper.  Whisk until combined thoroughly. 

Place seasoned chicken tenders in a wide, shallow bowl and pour marinade over it.  Let rest for about 20-30 minutes. Take chicken out of marinade with tongs and place it on prepared baking sheet - leave excess marinade in the bowl and discard.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a small glug of olive oil, salt, pepper, cherries and sliced almonds and mix together with your fingers until incorporated.  Top chicken with breadcrumbs, place in oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

While the chicken is baking, make a side dish such as a mixed salad or cous cous with vegetables. Enjoy!

It's a Pasta Fest at Da Franco's

 

Last night, the Joey in Astoria girls, Meg, Mackenzi and I, dined at Da Franco Ristorante.  We had a delightful meal with plenty of fresh veggies, homemade focaccia bread, pasta, and even a Nutella pizza.  I'll shed more light on our experience next week, but in the meantime, I wanted to let you know about a great pasta special they're featuring on weekdays. 

It's called their weekly "Pasta Fest" and it includes 3 dishes and wine for $19.95 per person. I'd call that a steal, and for the quality of food you get, I think it's one of the best deals in town, especially if you love homemade Italian food.  Here are the deets:

Da Franco's Pasta Fest: Monday - Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

$19.95 per person

Includes:

Fresh baked focaccia (pictured above)

House salad

Glass of red or white wine

And...choice of one of the following pastas:

Ravioli Al Pomodoro - Homemade spinach, cheese or meat ravioli served in tomato sauce

Rigatoni All'Matriciana - Rigatoni pasta with pancetta, onions, Pecorino Romano in a light tomato sauce

Penne Alla Bolognese - Penne pasta served in a bolognese meat sauce

Orecchiette Alla Barese - Homemade orecchiette pasta sauteed with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, broccoli rabe and pork sausage

The special is running from now until the end of the month.  I hope that you enjoy it.

Da Franco - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.267.0010
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com

Attention LICers - Look out for El *Ay*Si Money!

Image by El*Ay*Si

The above picture of an El*Ay*Si $10 bill caught my eye on Facebook. I clicked on it and found out that El*Ay*Si will be "distributing" or better said "planting" these $10 bills around the 'hood, redeemable for credit at the restaurant.  The message instructs locals to "keep their eyes open."  Not sure exactly what this means but I'm assuming that you can find them anywhere in the nabe, whether it's outside or inside other businesses in LIC.  What fun! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled and you should too.  Enjoy.

El*Ay*Si - 47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.389.8781
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.elaysi.com

Where to Get Great Pao De Queijo?

I love Brazilian food and there's plenty of it in Astoria.  One of my favorite Brazilian specialties happens to be something other than meat.  It's the indulgent, cheesy bread called Pao de Queijo.  I first got introduced to it by my dear friend Tamah, who originally tasted it in Brazil.  She raved about it so much that I had to try it, and needless to say, I absolutely loved it.

That's why when I saw Grub Street's post about the 14 best places to get Pao De Queijo in New York, I got excited - especially when I saw a couple of Astorian joints mentioned.  New York Pao de Queijo on 30th Street and Broadway came in at #7.  I further explored this place online and it seems awesome - offering inexpensive Brazilian-style sandwiches and burgers.  Where else can you get a burger with corn, potato stix and mayo for $3.95?

But getting back to the Pao de Queijo, "Always Hungry" blog, who's referenced on Grub Street calls New York Pao de Queijo's bread "similar in size to the average version in Brazil," and "flaky, with a thin-cracked outer texture that covers a chewy interior--like eating a ball of cheesy tapioca."  While this delicacy comes at a premium, $1.75 for just one, I bet it's worth it.  Can't wait to check it out!

I also called around the neighborhood to check where else you can get Pao de Queijo and the options aren't plentiful to say the least.  Favela and Malagueta, two well-known Brazilian eateries in Astoria don't carry it.  Luckily, I found a great deal on it at the Brazilian supermarket, Rio Market for $1.99-$3.29 per bag.  If you're interested in trying it and sharing it with friends, this option might be the one for you.

Bom apetite!

New York Pao de Queijo - 31-90 30th Street, Astoria NY 11106

718.204.1979

N/W Train to Broadway

www.newyorkpaodequeijo.com

Rio Market - 32-15 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.706.7272
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

Preview of the New Sweet Afton Brunch

Sweet Afton - 30-09 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.2570

N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sweetaftonbar.com

If you're a loyal Sweet Afton fan, you've probably noticed the signs annoucing that "Brunch is Coming Soon."  This past Sunday, they had a friends and family first run and I was lucky to be invited.  If this was just their first shot at it, you have a major treat coming your way - simple but great dishes that are hearty enough for the cold winter months, and packed with tons of flavor.

Sweet Afton Breakfast Burger - Sweet Afton is known for an excellent quality burger on a regular basis, so we knew we couldn't go wrong with the breakfast version.  Three out of five people in our party couldn't resist it, Dan being one of them.  I had a bite of it and my eyes lit up.  The flavors exploded in my mouth - the smooth, savory egg, the hearty bite of the medium-well burger, the zest from the tomatoes and Brooklyn pickles, and the fluffy country white bun that held all of it together.  Taking a bite was no easy feat, as the burger was huge, but I guarantee that if you get it, you won't need to eat lunch or can get by on a small dinner.

Irish Breakfast Roll - Although we were initially put off by this because of non-traditional ingredients such as black pudding, it turned out to be my favorite dish--the black pudding being the most divine thing in it.  Black pudding is actually sausage that reminds me of a breakfast meat we eat in Slovakia called jaternica, but Sweet Afton's version was softer and the meat flavor more pronounced.  It all went together beautifully, with the Irish sausage (similar to American breakfast sausage but better), Irish bacon and a fried egg.  Just like the burger, this is a very filling meal that will keep you satisfied for most of the day. 

Organic Scrambled Eggs - Eggs are still my favorite food to brunch on and that's why I chose this dish.  It came presented beautifully in a cast iron skillet, with a side of pullman toast and a soft grilled tomato.  I chose the "loaded" version of this dish, incorporating yummy bits of bacon, scallions and Irish cheddar.  While I couldn't taste the cheese, the bacon was delightful, giving the eggs more substance.  We ended up getting a side of baked beans too and I mixed them with the eggs, thus creating a great combination.

The Drinks - To not touch upon the inventive brunch cocktails would be a crime, for Sweet Afton's menu incorporated some of the most interesting breakfast concoctions I've ever seen.  The coolest--and tastiest--by far was the Oatmeal Martini with oatmeal infused vodka, maple syrup and raisin puree.  It tasted like a comforting bowl of oatmeal with a kick--and it was almost like eggnog towards the bottom.  I liked that there were real raisins in it, but overall the drink was very smooth and went down easy.

Other creative drinks we tried were the Blueberry Muddle and the Elderflower.  The blueberry drink tasted like a breakfast mojito - again, fresh and light enough to be digested for breakfast but with a welcome spike from the gin.  The Elderflower was a Mimosa raised to the nth level, including gin, Saint Germain, fresh lemon juice, bits of cucumber and champagne.  The cucumber taste was fresh and cooling and a perfect way to start any Sunday. I highly recommend it!   

Also wanted to share Dan's 2 cents about the Bloody Mary, as he proclaimed it "the best I've ever had."  It was incredibly strong and zingy, the flavors making the tastebuds sing, especially the sour flavor from the pickle juice.  Talk about hair of the dog - yowza!

Service and Cost:
As always, the service was excellent.  Our waitress Rebecca was very attentive and so patient with us when we asked her to explain basically everything on the menu.  I was very impressed by the knowledge she possessed about obscure ingredients, especially the black pudding.  If you're lucky enough to get Rebecca as your server, you'll be in great hands.

Costs are reasonable with most dishes in the low teens. Cocktails are more expensive ($8-$9) than the customary brunch drink but know that they are truly special and absolutely worth it.

3 Mmmms

Merchants - Not Just a Fun Cigar Bar, The Food Rocks Too

Merchants NY - 1125 1st Avenue, New York NY 10065

212.832.1551

4/5/6/N/R/W Train to 59 & Lex

www.merchantsny.com

Dan and I were generously invited to a fun dinner tasting at Merchants East last week.  Known for its cigar lounge downstairs, I've been there before with Dan and friends to enjoy a nice smoke.  But I've never tried the restaurant, which after this visit I will gladly return to.  The food was tasty, the menu eclectic and the price point accommodated every budget - all in all a home run.

Atmosphere:

There's no doubt about it, Merchants has a masculine feel.  The lighting is dim, the furniture is loungy and there's a cigar bar on the lower level.  Dan has attended a couple of guy dinners here--for birthday parties, bachelor parties and the like--all proving to be enjoyable.

But despite it being conducive to guys, the loungy, sexy vibe at Merchants is also nice for us ladies.  I liked it especially for a small, one-on-one dinner or even a family meal, for which they have long tables.  In fact, a family sat at a table next to us and seemed to be having a great time--Merchants' eclectic menu satisfying everyone's needs.

One more thing...if you're squeamish about cigar smoke, don't worry, as the cigar bar is completely separate from the restaurant.  If you'd like to enjoy a cigar after dinner, go right ahead but if you don't care for it, you won't even know it's there.

Food:
As mentioned, Merchants' menu has something for everyone and the cuisine has a variety of influences, from Mediterranean to Asian to good o'l American.

Goat Cheese Salad - I started with this salad because I'm a huge fan of goat cheese.  And on top of that, when I saw that these were goat cheese "croutons" (as in fried balls of goat cheese) I was sold.  There were about 4 croutons, which was just enough, and the salad part consisted of peppery arugula with a tangy red beet vinaigrette.  The portion was large, so after I finished all the croutons, I took the rest home and devoured it the next day.  It was still delicious and I used it as a topper for my pita pizza. YUM!

Point Judith Calamari - Dan is a traditionalist in his starters and usually goes for the calamari.  This one came recommended by Merchants and it was a sound choice.  The portion was large but what was so great is that it wasn't too oily as calamari sometimes can be.  The breaded crust was crunchy and a little bit crumbly, which I liked.  My favorite aspect was the garlicky lemon red pepper aioli that came on the side as a dipping sauce.

Pan Roasted Monkfish - I had my hesitations about this dish but when it arrived, it proved that I ordered the right thing.  First, I took a couple of seconds to admire it--the presentation was so colorful that it drew us in, both of us ooohing and ahhhing.  The fish itself was beautiful - roasted to perfection, with a crispy golden crust and a moist, flaky inside.  If you're put off by monkfish don't be, it's an incredibly gentle white fish and when prepared right, it makes for a delicious and light meal. 

The bed of lobster mashed potatoes on which the fish rested were delighful and creamy, while the cheesy asparagus on top provided a touch of indulgence.

Jerk Chicken Sandwich - Dan once again went simple with this sandwich (he's trying to eat lighter), but unlike his experience at Manetta's, this time he wasn't disappointed.  Although sounding ordinary, the sandwich had a mix of surprising flavors that excited the tastebuds.  For example, sliced pineapples, guava preserves and avocado were incorporated, providing a taste of the tropics.  I liked the combination very much and would like to make it at home.

Molten Chocolate Cake - So far our experience was so great that we had to take a stab at dessert.  Molten chocolate cake is an all time favorite of mine so this choice was a no brainer.  While we liked it, it wasn't the best part of the meal.  The molten chocolate took too long to get into and once we got a nice spoonful, I thought that it could've been warmer and the quality of the chocolate wasn't superb.  While the dish was passable, I wouldn't get it again.

Service and Cost:
Our server was wonderful and very caring about our needs.  I liked that he was attentive and seemed genuinely interested in us.  Glasses of water were refilled speedily and all dishes were brought to the table in good time.  He apologized for not checking on us after our entree, but I didn't even see this as an error - he had a good heart and a nice personality, which didn't go unnoticed. 

Prices run the gamut and are suitable for every budget.  For example, if you'd like a casual dinner with a sandwich or salad, you'll spend less than $20 on food, but if you're looking for something more celebratory like steak, that's an option too--it'll cost more but it won't break the bank.

Appetizers: $8.95-$14.95

Sandwiches: $11.95-$17.25

Entrees: $16.95-$32.95
Sides: $2.75-$3.75

Desserts: $2.75-$15

If you liked this review and are further curious about Merchants, I'll be doing a gift certificate giveaway later this week.  Check back for more details.

3 Mmmms