Grand Cafe - An Acropolis of Fun

Pictures by Margot

Grand Cafe - 37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103

718.777.7321

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.grandcafelounge.com

Not just another Greek/European hangout, this café is a major watering hole for Astoria’s 20 and 30 somethings.

Atmosphere:

The setting at Grand is social and comfortably casual. Some people stop in for a quick coffee or dessert but others sit here for hours, chat with friends or watch a popular sports game.

Food:

I like coming here with friends and especially adore their brunch. It all starts with a generous--and complimentary--helping of corn muffins. These adorable bite-sized treats are moist, sweet and savory at the same time. The egg dishes are tasty and so filling--the portions are quite large so come with an appetite! While my favorite brunch dishes are the Caprese Frittata and the pancakes, the burgers and wraps are also tasty options. Aside from the specialty coffees--always recommended--I’d suggest trying their sweet tea. Very different from your typical iced tea, this one comes in a tall bamboo glass and is topped with lots of airy foam.

Service and Cost:

No sugar coating--the service here is hit or miss. On several occasions, I’ve been happy with speedy and attentive waitstaff, but other times--inconveniently when in a rush--it can be painfully slow with the check. The hostesses could seem a bit stuck up and clueless but it really depends on who you get. In my opinion, Grand Café is worth a visit, especially for an unbeatable weekend brunch prix fix of $11--includes coffee, morning cocktail and entree.

Brick Cafe - A Brick House of Delight

Brick Cafe - 30-95 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11102

718.267.2735

N/W Train to Broadway

www.brickcafe.com

Brick Café brims with charm and is suitable for various social occasions. It’s great for a casual meal with friends or even a romantic dinner with your hunny.

Atmosphere:

The inside decor is lovely--a cozy, dimly lit dining room with a multitude of wooden tables and sleek benches. Little details and special touches are peppered throughout this room, including anything from a vintage clock to the “worn” menus—designed to look especially “lived-in."

Brick's extensive outdoor dining area also deserves bragging rights--you could see these tables from afar and they cajole you to stop in for a nice lunch or a cappuccino.

Food:

The menu is easy to choose from and has a little bit of something for everyone. All of my visits to Brick include an order of the piping hot onion gratinee soup—the croutons are big and spongy and the gruyere dutifully sticks to the side of its dish. The seafood is also delicious and offers up a healthier alternative. I especially like to get the marinated grilled calamari with arugula and tomato salad--it's very refreshing and leaves you feeling guilt-free. Their chicken and pasta dishes are also yummy, although probably not as light on the calories. I haven’t tried Brick’s brunch yet but I’d definitely give it a shot based on my previous dinner experiences.

Service and Cost:

I like the service at Brick and the handsome waiters are definitely a plus. Even though they occasionally leave me waiting, it’s never for too long. I also like coming here for the reasonably priced dishes—appetizers range from $4.95 to $13.95 and entrees are generally in the neighborhood of $16.95.

Trattoria L'incontro - Molto, MOLTO Delizioso

Trattoria L'incontro - 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.3532

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.trattorialincontro.com

Every time I come here, it's for a special occasion. And as I look around me, I see that others do too--they enjoy birthdays, anniversaries and getting together at this traditional yet festive eatery.

Atmosphere:

The dining room is spacious and warm, with exposed brick walls and large scenic paintings of the old country. You'll find a huge hearth towards the back of the room--surely the place where delicious pizzas and flatbreads are made. Overall, Trattoria has old fashioned charm and inspires feelings of comfort, good friends and family.

Food:

Did I mention the phrase "Molto Delizioso" - very delicious? Well, the food here is just that and more! From fresh seafood, hearty pasta and pizza to tender veal and steak, Trattoria has an unmatched food selection--and I've never seen such extensive daily specials! Some of my favorite starters are the fried calamari, baked clams and baked brie--yes, a bit unusual for Italian but so decadent. In terms of the pasta, I'd advise you to try them all! The sauces are light and tasty and range from sweet to savory. I recently had the gnocchi and short ribs and couldn't be more impressed by the tender meat and pillowy dumpling combination.

Service:

Gallant and charming, the waiters are ambassadors of delight--and they look the part too, in their black vests and bow ties. Some sport authentic Italian accents and you can't help but stare open mouthed, as they recite a mantra of daily specials. You just know that you're in good hands here--your bread basket and water are always full, your food arrives promptly and you always receive helpful advice.