Go Wasabi - Go, Go, Go Here!

Go Wasabi - 34-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.7354

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.gowasabi.com

This Sushi establishment is a reliable staple when it comes to good Japanese food. Its interesting spin? Go Wasabi actually serves both Japanese AND Korean cuisine.

Atmosphere:

Located just 3 blocks from the N/W subway, Go Wasabi is hard to miss. When walking in, your attention immediately focuses on the piano--yes, they have live Jazz on Fridays and Saturdays. The decor is classic and sleek with shiny chrome chairs and tables. You won't get bored here; and even if you find yourself waiting for your dining companion, you can watch nostalgic cartoons on their flat screen TV. I think that I caught an episode of the Smurfs once!

Food:
You'll perhaps find this surprising, but I'm a major right wing Sushi conservative--no funky pink sushi with fisheads for me! Luckily for Sushi conservatives and liberals alike, Go Wasabi offers something for pretty much everyone. Click here for menu. I can always count on their hot Miso soup and Etamame to hold me over. My other conservative Sushi favorites such as California, avocado, cucumber and eel rolls are done right and recommended. A serious Sushi-head friend of mine once tried a very funky looking specialty roll--the Rainbow. She raved about it afterwards not only to me but spread the good word to others. An interesting alternative to Sushi is the Korean food--you can order hearty Korean bbq beef or your choice of chicken, beef, seafood or tofu in a hot stone pot.

Want to take the flavor of Go Wasabi with you? Buy their very own Sesame and Ginger salad dressing!

Service and Price:

The waitstaff here is lovely. They're polite, courteous and always smiling. Who doesn't want to get served by someone like that? The prices are very reasonable--appetizers range from $3.45-$7.95, basic rolls from $3.45-$6.45, specialty rolls from $3.95-$9.95 and Korean entrees from $12.95-$15.95.

One last thing to note--check out Go Wasabi's sibling on Ditmars Blvd.

Where in the World Is...A Great Map of Astoria?

Click on map to enlarge.
Map by Starrock Media: www.starrockmedia.com

Right here, right here.

I've been looking forever for a good--and resourceful--map to help you better understand the locations that I tell you about. I found this awesome map of Astoria at the most unexpected time and place--when I was getting my new glasses at Vardiman Eyewear.

The map highlights almost all of Astoria--or the most popular parts with great restaurants. Take a look and feel free to use. Some eateries highlighted here:

1. Fatty's Cafe - I've written about this place a lot! See my reviews.

2. Crescent & Vine - Cool wine bar right next door to Fatty's.

3. Cafe Triskell - French Creperie--never been but can't wait to try!

4. 718 Restaurant - Another Frenchie spot, see my review.

5. Hell Gate Social - Never heard of it but looks awesome.

6. Mundo 31 - Great intimate spot, see my review.

7. Cafe Bar - Hip art deco cafe with good food--owner is friends with owner of Mundo 31.

8. Il Bambino - Small, casual cafe serving cappuccinos and panninis.

9. Brick Cafe - Charming corner cafe with great outdoor seating, see my review.

10. Wave Thai - My favorite Thai place in Astoria, see my review.

My Own Creation - A Bavarian Delight!

Some of you know that in addition to exploring Astoria's awesome restaurants, I'm also a passionate cook and hostess. Mostly cooking on the weekends, I do on occasion whip up something quick and easy on a weekday. Here's an example of a fast dinner that I made for Dan and me. I call it my Bavarian Delight! It's a quick ethnic dish that's very low maintenance and high on taste. Go ahead and try it and please ask any questions along the way.

Foodista’s Bavarian Delight:

Ingredients:

1. 1-2 big links of turkey, chicken or pork sausage (whatever you prefer)
2. 3-4 long sheets of filo dough
3. 1/2 large or 1 small onion chopped (might seem like a lot but it reduces when you cook it)
4. 2-3 small-medium Idaho potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
5. 1/2 stick (or less) of melted butter
6. Olive oil
7. Handful of chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
8. Dash of paprika
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Serves 2

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Defrost the sausage. Unfold sheets of filo dough, getting ready to stack one sheet on top of the other. Prior to actually stacking them, brush each sheet with melted butter and then stack sheets. This is to ensure that the sheets of filo stay wet and don't break (filo dries VERY quickly because it's super thin). Place sausage in the filo dough and roll up. Brush top layer of filo with butter and lightly season with salt and pepper. Place on a greased baking sheet and put in the oven for 25-35 minutes (check to see if the filo is golden). One way to tell it's done--you'll smell the deliciousness!

While the sausage is baking, sautee the onions in olive oil until translucent. Season with salt, pepper and paprika (as needed and as you like it). Add the potatoes and sautee until golden brown and crispy. Take off the flame and place directly on top of baked sausage in filo dough. Garnish with chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley.

Ta-da! Foodista's Bavarian Delight is now ready to devour. Hit me up with any questions!

Fatty's - A Follow-Up to the Place We Love!

As you might know, I'm a total Fatty's freak--I got Dan hooked for good and most of my friends are also big supporters! (see my full review below). I've been to Fatty's on various occasions for lunch and dinner but haven't had the pleasure of trying their brunch--until now. Three words...must go back!

Brunch:
If you're expecting a traditional french toast, pancakes and omelette brunch menu, you simply won't get it. What Fatty's offers is so much more and in such a creative format. See brunch menu here. You'll find interesting dishes with a Latin twist--eggs with rice & beans, plantains with bacon and beef, Cubano sandwiches and even polenta pancakes (ok, this last dish is a tad on the Italian side).

I especially loved my plate of La Pistola--fried eggs on a bed of rice and beans, served with a soft tortilla on the side. It was such a great combination and reminded me of the time that I got re-fried beans and eggs in Texas. This dish was also pretty light, considering how large it was. Dan got the Mofongo--a mound of mashed plantains mixed with pancetta, beans, beef and a hearty sauce. He was a bit unsure in the beginning but once he tried it he said that I MUST get it next time. I tried it and kept stealing fork fulls off his plate throughout the meal--it was that good.

Price:
You can't go wrong with this value! For just $11 you'll get a big entree and and a morning cocktail such as a mimosa (they have many flavors including mango and papaya), bloody mary or limeade.

Added Bonus:
If you go to Fatty's now, you'll get to see their local art showcase called "Dog Days" by Shasta Molnar. Click here to sample her exhibit. I simply love these cheery works, dedicated to some pretty damn good looking furry friends.