Rose and Joe's - The Best Olive Bread in Town

One of my favorite types of bread is olive bread. I've bought it many times in various bakeries around NY and while they're all pretty good, they have a tendency to be a little oily. Last weekend when walking by Rose and Joe's fantastic bakery on 31st Street, I discovered a different type of olive bread that I'll surely be back for.

Rose and Joe's Olive Bread:

Instead of the standard loaf that's usually sliced, Rose and Joe's offers a crusty olive baguette. It comes with both green and black olives and I chose the black--they're sweeter. Wonderful is not even the word! Besides the dough being soft on the inside and as crunchy as your teeth could handle on the outside, the olives were perfectly dispersed and were of very good quality. I tasted more than just olives in the dough and I think that there were sun-dried tomatoes added too. Just divine! Although I intended to make a panini out of it, I just couldn't toast this delicious bread so I ate it fresh with mozzarella and Hungarian sausage. However, if you have leftovers the next day, I'd suggest that you use a toaster or a panini press.

The cost of the olive loaf couldn't be better--$1.89 for this baby is definitely worth it. Next time, I'm going to buy more than just one and freeze it.

While I haven't yet tried the pizza at Rose and Joe's, it seems very popular. There was a long line in the store with people waiting for their pizza and they seemed enthusiastic. It'll be the next thing to try on my list...

Rose and Joe's Italian Bakery - 22-40 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105

718.721.9422

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Angelo & Sons - New and Improved

Angelo & Sons Bakery/Cafe - 22-09 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11102

718.278.2332

N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

A couple of months have passed since the re-opening of Angelo & Sons Bakery and I have to say that it's better than ever. This staple bakery, which has been in the neighborhood for 25 years has done a great job at reinventing itself. For one thing, the space has doubled in size--it's now modern and even offers breakfast and lunch. I went in for my favorite treats--a jumbo Linzer cookie and spongy rainbow cookies. The Linzer is by far my first love but I couldn't help to observe their offerings of themed sandwiches, wraps and even omelettes. The prices remain affordable, making this old/new bakery/cafe that much more attractive. Check out some items that certainly caught my eye:

Nutella on a roll ... $1.00; on a bagel ... $1.25

Greek Omelette ... $4.75

Soups ... $1.95 (flavors vary by day)

Al Pacino Sandwich - Steak and cheese melt, lettuce, tomato, sauteed onions and mayonnaise ... $6

James Dean Sandwich - Salami, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella, black olives, lettuce, tomato, red onions, red wine vinaigrette dressing ... $6

Angelo's Steak Burger - Fresh angus beef burger with lettuce, tomato, bernice sauce on crusty semolina bread ... $5.25

Sal's Panini - Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato, sweet peppers, oil and vinegar ... $4.00

Angelo's Personal Pizzas - A variety of flavors from traditional sauce and cheese to onion and mozzarella ... $5.00 - $6.00

Pay Angelo's a visit or call for free delivery between 11am - 4pm.

What Ever Happened to Breakfast?

Terrizzi Pasticceria – 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103

718.726.9698

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Many of us look forward to a weekend, treating ourselves to a nice brunch. But what about breakfast? We often skip it, saving our calories and our dough for a bigger meal. But before you miss this important course again, take a look at a mouthwatering breakfast special from Terrizzi Pasticceria:

The Tuscan Breakfast Special: Available everyday (and on the weekends until 3p)

Two eggs on a roll with pancetta, provolone and a cappuccino - $5.75

Now that sounds like a treat to me and I plan on trying it very soon. Terrizzi has been a staple of the ‘hood for more than 40 years. So give this local pasticceria a try and tell ‘em who sent ya.