Queens Restaurant Week Coming Soon

Image by www.discoverqueens.info

Like Manhattan, Queens is also holding its Restaurant Week soon--September 15-18, September 22-25. Usually it's been great because the prices are lower than in Manhattan, actually making Restaurant Week a good value. Not this year! I was surprised and annoyed to find out that the prices are on par with Manhattan Restaurant Week--$25 prix-fixe for lunch and $35 prix-fixe for dinner. I don't see the point, as most restaurants in Queens are a lot more cost effective than their Manhattan counterparts. So why put a big price tag on them and market them as a good deal? I simply don't get it.

Here's a list of the Astorian and LIC Restaurant Week participants. Some of them are worth checking out, but most of them I'd visit on a regular night.

JJ's Fusion - 37-05 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.8888

Mezzo Mezzo - 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105. 718.278.0444

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria NY 11106. 718.777.2829

Pinocchio Palace - 32-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.932.4976

Riverview Restaurant (this one might be worth it) - 2-01 50th Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.392.5000

Tournesol - 50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.472.4355

Water's Edge (not worth it) - 4-01 44th Drive, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.482.0033

Winegasm -31-86 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103. 718.932.3331

Zenon Taverna - 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106. 718.956.0133

But there is one thing, which actually sounds like a deal:

The first 200 people that reveal their favorite restaurant in Queens will be invited to a kick-off party and media event, which includes a three course menu, representative of the Queens culinary scene. And these participants will also be entered to win various Queens restaurant gift certificates. Visit www.discoverqueens.info and then click "contact us" to name your favorite Queens restaurant.

Good luck!

Precious Water - Astorians Join the Tap Project!

Image by www.tapproject.org

Thousands of restaurants around the country are joining the Tap Project--a campaign that recognizes and appreciates clean and available tap water in our communities and at the same time helps UNICEF distribute clean water to children around the globe.

How the Tap Project Works:

All participating restaurants encourage their patrons to donate a $1 for their drinking water during their visit. Yes, that water is normally free but by giving a $1, you'll help provide clean water to those who need it most.

I was excited to see that Astoria's restaurants stepped up to support the cause. Visit these eateries between Sunday, March 16th and Saturday, March 22nd, give $1 for your water and help needy communities around the world.

Participating Restaurants in Astoria:

Ovelia Psistaria - Fun place for traditional and modern Greek cuisine--and a great brunch option. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Sanford's Restaurant - Astoria's landmark diner--has been in the 'hood for over 75 years!

30-13 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106. 718.932.9569

Chocolate Spoon Coffee House - A new cafe/bakery in Astoria--known for serving drinks in amazingly oversized mugs. 37-03 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.204.0780

JJ's Asian Fusion - A neighbor of the Chocolate Spoon, you'll find tasty sushi and other eclectic Asian grub. 37-05 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.8888

Locale - Trendy cafe/bar, serving Italian dinner specialties and various brunch options. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080

Support this cause and enjoy Astoria's delicious cuisine along the way.