Ovelia's Mighty Kobe Beef Slider

Ovelia is dipping into some exquisite luxury eats, as they've added the Kobe Beef Slider to their menu. Playfulness combined with decadence; what a combo! They're available for dinner and happy hour for a slightly lower price.

Co-owner Pete Giannakas gives us the scoop about these mini burger sensations:

Ovelia Kobe Beef Sliders: Made with 100% Kobe beef, sliders come lightly seasoned and cooked to a temperature of your choice. They're served on a mini bun with mixed greens, tomato and grilled halloumi (Greek cheese) and are accompanied by your choice of fresh cut potatoes or sweet potato chips. The dish is enhanced by three sauces--cilantro-lime mayo, house feta sauce and good ol' ketchup. Dinner: $16, Happy Hour: $12.

Check them out and hit me up with your comments.

34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Mother's Day in Astoria

Mami and Me - Mother's Day '07

Mother's Day is this Sunday so I thought I'd provide you with helpful hints on where to take Mama. The great thing about an Astorian Mother's Day is that you can choose between a high-end prix-fix or a casual brunch or dinner. The choice is yours!

Below are some of Astoria's great eats for Mother's Day.

Akti: This new Greek eatery is social and fun but also has an upscale feel, which Mom will like. Their seafood is out of this world and so fresh! Although they are not having a specific Mother's Day special, I encourage you to try their regular menu.

34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Brick Cafe: A charming bistro style eatery with great outdoor seating and yummy Mediterranean dishes. They're offering a brunch/dinner combo menu on Mother's Day but prices will remain as usual.

30-95 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.267.2735
N/W Train to Broadway or 30th Avenue

Cavo: This elegant Greek haven is celebrating Mother's Day with a bang! Cavo is known to be expensive but you get great quality food. Their Mother's Day special includes a 4-course $49 prix-fix special. An added bonus? All moms get a $20 Cavo gift card.

Click here for menu.

42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001
R/V/G Train to Steinway or 46th Street

Mojave: This modern Southwestern joint and sibling of NYC's Agave will serve their regular menu items on Mother's Day. You will not feel like you are in Queens here--the space is absolutely gorgeous, which will impress Mom.

22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.4100
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Ovelia: A contemporary Greek eatery and the heartbeat of Astoria's 30th Avenue, Ovelia offers amazing eats and a fun indoor and outdoor atmosphere. For Mother's Day, they'll serve their regular brunch menu and for dinner they'll have a Rack of Lamb special as well as their regular dinner menu items.

34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Stove: An endearing and peaceful Irish restaurant with a quaint outdoor garden, friendly staff and delicious comfort food. They're offering a $35 prix-fix menu for Mother's Day, which consists of an appetizer, entree, dessert, tea and coffee. I have the menu on-hand so please email me at critic@foodistanyc.com if you'd like to see it.

45-17 28th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.956.0372
R/V/G Train to 46th Street

Trattoria L'Incontro: This is definitely the Astorian splurge but worth every penny. You'll get the freshest pasta in town, great wine and an a homey atmosphere to boot! They offer a $60 prix-fix menu, including an appetizer, entree and dessert. Space is VERY limited so if you're interested call now.

21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

For more of my Mother's Day recommendations, see my article on about.com.

Happy Mama's Day Astoria!

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.