An Astorian Valentine's Day

  

Valentine's Day is this Sunday.  With so many fun goings-on in Astoria and LIC, you won't need to schlep into the city. Here are 10 V-day choices that offer something for every kind of palate.

Vesta - All I can say is try Vesta for V-day because you won't regret it.  Dan and I went last year and were so impressed with the whole evening.  It felt special.  This year, they're offering three seatings at 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. for $55 per person for a 3-course dinner.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

Testaccio - This Italian newcomer is already causing a stir in LIC.  Known for their delicious pizza and rustic Italian fare, they're having a 3-course V-day prix-fixe for $55/person, including a glass of champagne.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.937.2900

Seva - If you're looking for a non-traditional V-Day meal, Seva shouldn't be missed.  In addition to amazingly flavorful Indian dishes, their 4-course prix-fixe is incredibly wallet friendly at $20 per person and $38 with a wine pairing.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria.  718.626.4440

Ornella - Their romantic menu looks enticing with plenty of homemade pasta options including their signature dish "the imbustata," which is to die for.  A 3-course prix-fixe will set you back a well spent $35 per person.  Remember that this place is BYOB so bring a bottle of vino with you.  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.9477

Ovelia - You can always count on Ovelia to do something creative for a special occassion.  For V-Day, they'll feature a special aphrodisiac menu and even a chocolate buffet for dessert.  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.7217

Mundo - This intimate eatery has quite the evening in store for lovers.  There are 3 seatings available, at 6:15, 8:15 and 10:15 with a 3-course menu for $80 per couple.  A cup of warm spiced wine comes with your dinner as an added bonus.  31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria.  718.777.2829

DiWine - Enjoy a chic atmosphere at DiWine with a 4-course V-Day menu and a glass of wine for $55 per person.  There are two seatings - one accommodating the early crowd at 5:30 p.m. and another one for the night owls at 9 p.m.  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.1355

Bistro Les Minots - Have a very French Valentine's Day at this little brasserie on 30th Avenue.  The V-Day menu offers classic French specialties such as French onion soup, mussels and an assortment of crepes and other French desserts.  A 3-course prix-fixe is $34.95. 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.606.2535

Marshall - An Astoria newbie, it serves Balkan specialities such as cevapi and pljeskavica.  Their V-Day menu includes a hefty 5-course prix-fixe for $40 person, including a glass of champagne and live music. 35-03 Broadway, Astoria. 718.545.3500

Cavo - Praised to be one of the most romantic venues in Astoria (I agree), they're featuring a 4-course prix-fixe menu at $65 per person.  Sure it's expensive but you're paying for your surroundings as much as the food.  Service starts at 1 p.m. 42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.1001

Happy Valentine's Day Astoria! xoxo

Gian Piero's Pane Di Casa - A Loaf to Remember

I haven't been to Gian & Piero's bakery in quite some time and decided to stop by yesterday to satisfy my craving for fresh, crusty bread.  Wow, did this place deliver!  I got a huge loaf of their signature, Pane di Casa, which made quite the impression on my family and me.  The loaf was so tasty, that a trek to this Italian haven is in my near future.

Pane di Casa - Aside from the amazing, fresh taste of this bread, its appearance is absolutely stunning.  The picture above shows a cut up version, but know that it's even prettier untouched.  Its blistery crust is an accurate preview for the deliciousness that awaits inside.

Once you cut this baby and slather it with your favorite spread--be it butter, hummus, pesto, whatever--your tastebuds instantly experience pleasure.  The crust is wonderfully crispy and the interior is soft with a slight hint of sourdough.  The consistency of the bread is light, with plenty of airy pockets from all the little holes.  Whether eating this bread with something savory or sweet, it brings out the best in each accompanying ingredient.

Price - This generously sized round of goodness comes at a modest price of $3.

Gian & Piero Bakery - 44-17 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.274.8959
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Trattoria El Greco on 30th is Almost There

Since the summertime, I've been closely watching the progress of a new Trattoria on 30th Avenue.  Its name is rumored to be El Greco Trattoria, owned by a Greek proprietor who aspires to put his own spin on Italian food.  For a long time, the facade has been blocked off by plywood, but not anymore.  The nice wooden and stone exterior is an inviting preview for things to come (eh hem...brick oven pizza)!  Its expected time of opening is at the end of this month, so stay tuned for further details and the menu.

Trattoria El Greco - Corner of 30th Avenue and 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Marshall - New Balkan Eats with a Modern Twist

 

While in the Broadway neighborhood yesterday, I stumbled upon a new restaurant that caught my eye called Marshall.  From afar, it looked like any modern cafe (perhaps Greek, I thought) but upon looking closer, I saw that it actually serves Balkan food.  I peeked inside and loved what I saw - a really beautifully laid-out, modern space with an impressive bar and a sleek dining area.  It looked really pretty without trying too hard.  Of course I spied the menu too and was intrigued to find yummy-sounding Balkan dishes such as cevapi and pljeskavica.  Prices seemed moderate to inexpensive, with most entrees in the mid to low teens.  I'm very curious to give it a try.

In addition to their regular menu, I noticed they're running a Valentine's Day special:

5-course prix-fixe for $40 per person (includes a glass of champagne)
There will also be live music.

Enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Marshall - 35-03 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106

718.545.3500

N/W Train to Broadway

Meg's Salsa Verde Chicken - Simple, Healthy and Bursting with Flava

Meg and I were sitting at Da Franco's one day when she told me about the most amazing (yet simple) chicken dish she made for her and her boyfriend Tom.  Her instructions, using poached chicken cooked in basically no fat (water instead of stock) made me curious to try a new way of making chicken.  I'm not a big poacher and usually bake or sautee my protein. However, since trying this dish, I'm a total convert.  Try it on a casual weeknight or make it for friends - you can certainly dress this baby up or down. 

Meg's Salsa Verde Chicken (serves 2)

Ingredients

1 full chicken breast, preferably organic/humanely raised

Water

Spices - Amounts undetermined, whatever you like.  Meg used salt, black pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes.  I used salt, pepper and spicy Mexican seasoning from Crema restaurant.

Salsa Verde - 1 12 oz jar.  We both used the one from Trader Joe's
1 cup of brown rice
Generous handful of Mexican cheese such as a cheddar/jalapeno mix

Fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1 small handful)

Directions:

Make rice according to directions on the packaging.

Cut up the chicken breast into pieces like chicken tenders.

Bring water and spices to a boil and add chicken.  Turn heat down to encourage a gentle boil.  Cook chicken in liquid for as long as it takes to cook all the way through - maybe 15 minutes or so.

Drain the chicken, and put on a plate. Rinse out the pot.  Shred the chicken using two forks (one to steady the warm chicken and the other one to do the shredding).  No need to wash off any errant spices, they just add to the dish.

Put shredded chicken back in the pot and dump in a jar of Salsa Verde.  Further shred any chicken you would like. 

Simmer for about 15 minutes.

Plate by putting the rice on the bottom of a medium bowl, then top with Salsa Verde chicken, cheese and fresh cilantro.  Since the chicken will still be warm, it'll melt the cheese, providing a wonderfully gooey texture.

Note from Meg:

This is a "base dish"- chicken breasts cooked in spiced liquid with sauce.   You could make this with salsa roja, moles of all kinds, Moroccan sauce, Thai sauce - anything!  Use a corresponding grain and/or legume.  It could be made into an Indian dish with a curry sauce, basmati rice, and dal.  If you cooked it simply in chicken broth and salt and pepper, with white rice it would be a mild dish when you're not feeling so great but need nourishment.

Thanks for a great idea Meg!

Superbowl XLIV - Where to Watch the Big Game

 

With the Superbowl this weekend, I'm sure that everyone's plates are looking full.  If you're still wondering what to do on this American "holiday," here are my top 10 suggestions.   Whatever you end up doing, I hope you eat and drink your hineys off.

10.  Dillinger's Pub & Grill - While they're not having specific drink specials, the game will most certainly be on, the food will be plentiful, and you'll have opportunities to win some fun give-aways.  46-19 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.956.5601

9.  Irish Rover - The game will be star of this show, and as always, their cheap drinks bring in the fun crowd.  Draft beers $4-$5, bottled beers $4-$4.50, liquor $4.50 except for premium.  Enjoy and drink up!  37-18 28th Avenue, Astoria.  718.278.9372

8.  YOLO - If you haven't seen Yolo's modern space, now is a good opportunity.  Their big screen totally rocks and will make great football watching.  Specials will include pitchers and pizza pie combos.  The party starts at 5 p.m.  22-55 31st Street, Astoria. 718. 777.1177

7.  Gleason's - While their Superbowl plans are still in progess, they will have a gametime menu with wings and pitchers.  The wings are a must, as they're meaty and delicious - I recommend the honey mustard, which are slightly sweet and tangy.  33-08 Broadway, Astoria.  718.626.5393

6.  The Quays Pub - This low-key Irish pub is partying it up with plenty of food and booze - as in DIRT CHEAP brew.  $2 pints of Coors, High Life, PBR and more - this special speaks for itself. 45-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.8435

5.  Testaccio - An Italian newbie, they'll feature a special Superbowl menu as well as additional flat screen TVs in the main dining room to watch the game.  I recommend their stone oven pizza and the cheesy rice croquettes.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.937.2900 

4.  LIC Bar - Happy hour deals will be extended on this special night with $3 Miller Light drafts, well drinks and shots.  A 6-for-$20 domestic beer special will also be in effect - that's just over $3 a pop, which is hard to pass up.  45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.786.5400

3.  Astoria Brewhouse - In their customary fashion, Astoria Brewhouse (previously Indigo) will host a Superbowl party with $13 domestic pitchers, 20-for-$10 wings and even chances to win a 32" flat screen TV.  The space is nice and boasts plenty of TVs to watch the big game.  28-50 31st Street, Astoria.  718.728.0050

2.  Studio Square Beer Garden - Now this is a proper party that will no doubt quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger.  For $25 per person, you'll get 5 hours of open bar (beer & wine only) as well as Studio Square's classic buffet.  The party starts at 6 p.m. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria.  718.383.1001

1.  Vesta - Vesta's Superbowl party promises a great time.  In addition to a special Superbowl menu with sandwiches, meatballs and pizza, you can win plenty of fun prizes including a dinner with me!  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

Seva's Romantic Menu

While a lot of restaurants are rolling out their V-Day menu, I haven't seen one as competitive in price as Seva's.  If I haven't mentioned it enough, Seva always accomplishes to amaze me - their flavorful dishes excite the senses and their hospitality makes you feel right at home.  Try their delicious homemade naan with the below specialties - it's to die for!  Reservations will go fast, so call them soon if you plan to go.

Seva's Valentine's Day Prix Fixe - $20 per person
(add $18 with champagne and wine pairing)

Choose one for each course.  All entrees are accompanied by saffron basmati rice.

Soups:
Watercress Yogurt
Toasted Almond Cream

Butternut Squash

Appetizers:
Salmon Crab CAke

Lamb Spring Roll
Chicken Apricot Seekh Kabab

Tuna Tapioca Kabab

Mains:
Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Cilantro Chili Chicken
Turmeric Halibut
Cochin Shrimp Curry
Masala Cabbage Kofta
Oyster Mushroom Saag

Desserts:
Carrot Cashew Halwa
Rasmalai

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com