Spiced - Indian Inspired Thai and Chinese Food

As I mentioned earlier this week, there are a few new Thai restaurants in the Ditmars area - one of them being Green Curry and the other is Spiced. They're right across the street from each other and therefore hard to miss. Spiced caught my eye especially because I haven't yet seen a restaurant that serves Indian inspired Thai and Chinese cuisine. I thought this was interesting so I grabbed their menu and liked what I saw. As is customary with Asian cuisine, prices are super competitive, and they're even offering 20% off of your dinner. Worth checking out, in my opinion. Here's a sampling of the menu:

Appetizers:
Chicken Lollipop - Crispy pulled back winglets shaped like lollipops, served with spicy dipping sauce...$5.95

Rocket Shrimp - Jumbo shrimp, batter fried & served with chili garlic sauce...$6.95

Honey Chili Tofu - Crispy tofu glazed with a honey chili sauce...$4.95

Sweet Corn Soup - Creamy corn soup with choice of chicken, crab meat or vegetables...$2.95

Chicken Dishes: $7.95
Chicken Manchurian - Cubed dark meat chicken spiced with Indian flavors of ginger, garlic or coriander leaves, prepared Manchurian style

Szechuan Chicken - An arrangement of authentic Indian spices and sliced chicken in a spicy sauce prepared Szechuan style

Chicken Thai Curry (choice of red, green or yellow) - Creamy chicken curry cooked with bamboo shoots and coconut milk

Lamb/Duck Dishes:
Fried Chili Lamb - Crispy lamb sauteed with onions and fresh green chili...$9.95

Crispy Duck in BBQ Sauce - Crispy duck seasoned with fresh herbs and topped with Chinese style BBQ sauce...$13.95

Lemon Pepper Duck - Fried duck topped with a lemon pepper sauce...$13.95

Seafood Dishes:
Shrimp on Fire - Shrimp sauteed in black pepper sauce...$9.95

Whole Red Snapper - Pan fried crispy whole red snapper topped with a choice of chili, ginger, garlic or black bean sauce...$15.95

Lobster Hong Kong Style - De-shelled lobster with green peppers, onions and cashews cooked in a red wine sauce...$16.95

Veggie Options: $7.95
Broccoli and Baby Corn (choice of brown or black bean sauce) - Sauteed broccoli and baby corn topped with a choice of sauce

Vegetable Manchurian - Crispy vegetable balls spiced with Indian flavors of ginger, garlic and coriander leaves, prepared Manchurian style

Szechuan Eggplant - Batter fried eggplant cooked in a sauce with a blend of Indian spices, prepared Szechuan style

Noodles:
Hakka Noodles - Soft egg noodles stir-fried with a choice of chicken or vegetables...$6.95

Singapore Noodles - Angel hair noodles stir fried with shrimp onion and vegetables...$7.95

American Chop Suey - Crispy fried noodles topped with a sweet and tangy sauce and eggs, with a choice of chicken or vegetables...$9.95

Their lunch special is just $5.95

Spiced - 35-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.626.8180
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

My Birthday at SHI - Chic and Fabulous

I celebrated my birthday last Saturday, with a small family and close friends dinner at SHI. It was the perfect way to ring in the end of my 20's, and while I've eaten here on several occasions, below are some of the new dishes that I tried:

Homestyle Steamed Bao - These are the pot sticker-looking things pictured on top and they were delicious. The portion was large, with six sizeable pieces filled with meat, served with a side of soy dipping sauce. I liked how light they were and how silky the exterior felt - overall, a great starter.

Lychee Calamari - Another interesting appetizer, it included fried calamari with pieces of fried lychees, which were super sweet. Paired with a sweet and sour sauce and sprinkled with fresh scallions and peppers, I think it was a step up from traditional fried calamari.

Salmon Teriyaki - This was Vicky's entree and I loved it. The teriyaki sauce is what made it awesome - tangy, slightly sweet yet still savory. The fish was cooked nicely and was on the medium side, which I like. Vicky seemed to enjoy it too and finished her portion.

Spicy Basil Beef - Leave it up to the Texan, Kimberly, to choose something fiery. She loved it and went as far as to say that she'd get it again. I tried it and agreed with her--very yummy and not too spicy. The basil flavoring was nice, rounding out the dish with freshness and nice aroma. It was also great that veggies such as red onions, carrots and peppers were incorporated.

Sweet and Sour Chicken - Fiana chose this traditional Chinese entree and she wasn't disappointed. I tried it too and loved the crunchy batter and the soft, juicy white-meat interior. The sauce was nice and not too thick - again interspersed with veggies such as peppers, onions and carrots, adding freshness and zing.

Pineapple Fried Rice - Peter's choice of entree was surprising but he seemed happy with it, adding chicken as the protein. It was a good summer dish, including fruits and veggies such as juicy pineapple chunks, scallions, carrots and even dried cranberries.

Dan Ang Vermicelli - Eric's dish, which I didn't try included various seafood such as shrimp, scallops, mussels and squid with crispy vermicelli noodles. I'm assuming that he liked it because he finished it, also mentioning that his mom got it before and loved it.

Service and Cost:
The service was good with a couple of minor hiccups with the drinks. It wasn't anything to complain about, and it was especially lovely that SHI was accommodating to us bringing in outside dessert. They didn't charge us for it and were gracious by serving it with a birthday candle. They also sang Happy Birthday to me, which made the vibe more festive.

This group dinner including drinks (in some cases two per person), 4 appetizers and 8 entrees set people back $49 per person with tax and tip (it would've been $43 but my guests treated me - thank you!)

A really funny thing to check out are the peepholes in the bathrooms. Located under the mirrors in both the guys and girls bathrooms, you'll encounter a very comical surprise if you look into them. I won't reveal the secret, so you'll have to go there personally and check it out.

SHI - 47- 20 Center Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
Reservations: 347-242-2450 Take Out: 347-242-2448
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.shilic.com

Green Curry - Another Modern Thai Option

Green Curry - 35-13 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.7013
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

I've been hearing about several new Thai eateries that recently opened up on Ditmars Blvd. One of these more modern restaurants, includes Green Curry authentic Thai cuisine. It looks appealing inside - I grabbed a menu and was interested in some of their offerings. A sampling of their cuisine includes the following. Oh and notice the affordability factor, it's a definite draw.

Appetizers:
Golden Taro - Crispy shredded taro wrapped with tofu skin; served with a special tamarind sauce...$5.95

Chicken Puffs - Ground chicken, potato, water chestnut, onion, carrot and curry powder wrapped in a Thai pastry...$5.95

Thai Dumplings - Ground chicken/shrimp, water chestnut, mushroom and carrot wrapped in wonton skin; served with sweet soy sauce...$5.95

Mee-Grob - Shrimp, chicken and crispy rice noodles mixed with a tamarind sauce...$7.95

Tom Kha Gai Soup - Pieces of chicken cutlet cooked in coconut milk, sliced galanga, fresh lime juice and chili pepper...$4.95 bowl....$9.95 hot pot

Yums - Authentic Thai Spicy Salads:
Nam Sod - Well cooked ground pork marinated with roasted chili, peanut, fresh lime juice and shredded ginger...$8.95

Yum Goon Chieng - Chinese sausage marinated with fresh lime juice, chili pepper, tomato, cucumber and red onion...$8.95

Noodles:
Pad Woon Sen - Sauteed shrimp and chicken with bean thread noodles, mushroom, baby corn, egg and napa...$10.95

Goy See Mee - Soft egg noodles topped with gravy, chicken cutlet and vegetables...$9.95

Lard Na (Choice of beef, chicken or pork) - Sauteed broad noodles topped with broccoli in black bean gravy...$10.95

Veggie Options:
Pad Broccoli - Sauteed broccoli with garlic and oyster sauce...$7.95

Tofu with Mixed Vegetables - Sauteed tofu and fresh vegetables in a golden brown sauce...$8.95

Veggie Duck Basil - Sauteed veggie duck with chili-garlic sauce, onion, basil leaves and strips of chili pepper

Entrees (Meat or Fish): beef, chicken or pork...$9.95, shrimp...$11.95
Pad Priew Wan - Thai sweet & sour sauce with pineapple, tomato, onion and cucumber

Pad Kraung Keang - Red curry sauce with onion, chili and fresh sweet basil

Pad Khing - Black bean sauce with shredded ginger, mushroom, chili pepper and scallion

Keang Massaman - Sauteed meat with massaman curry paste, coconut milk, potato, onion and peanut

Pla Lard Prik - One of the most popular Thai dishes; deep-fried red snapper topped with a special sweet and spicy tamarind chili sauce...$18.95

Pla Jiean - Deep-fried red snapper topped with a combination sauce made of ginger, mushroom, and ground pork...$18.95

Pla Chu Chee - Hearty, aromatic herbal curry fish dish. Deep-fried red snapper with red curry sauce, coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves...$18.95

They also offer a daily lunch special for $7.95 from Monday - Friday between 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Punta Dura - Northern Italian Food with Star Quality

Punta Dura - 41-15 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.2137
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.puntadura.com

Meg and I tried Punta Dura, Northern Italian restaurant last week. We didn't really know what to expect but were pleasantly showered with excellent service and scrumptiously, fresh food.

Atmosphere:
As most traditional Italian restaurants, Punta Dura doesn't differ dramatically in the decor department. The place is spacious with nice wooden tables and chairs, white tablecloths and large artwork, depicting the Italian countryside. While not overly inventive, the surroundings are comforting, nice and as mentioned earlier, familiar. There's a large bar in the front of the house, which is welcoming and conducive to hanging out if you're not looking for a formal meal.

Food:
The quality and freshness of the food impressed me. I especially loved the fish and would urge anyone and everyone to order it as an entree.

Mixed Salad with Chickpeas - Included in the day's specials, it sounded great to us. What sold us on it were the chickpeas and the balsamic glaze dressing. Overall, it was lovely--the veggies were fresh and the glaze was somewhat on the sweet side, yet still savory.

Baked Clams Oreganata - A traditional seafood appetizer, it was new to Meg but not to me. I happen to love it so I had no complaints, and this version was exceptionally amazing. The best part was the crunchy, well-done topping of breadcrumbs, garlic, butter and parsley. The breadcrumbs were as crispy as can be and the clams were fresh and juicy--tasting like good clams should, having an "of-the-sea" essence without being fishy.

Grilled Branzino - Our waiter recommended the fish of the day, which we gladly chose. The fish of choice was grilled branzino, filleted and served with vegetables and potatoes. It was impressive to watch it being deboned tableside, which took a couple of minutes but it was worth the wait.

The texture of the fish was exquisite--soft, gentle and flaky, with a nice off-the-grill flavor. The seasoning was simple but perfect and the veggies and potatoes were a nice complement. I especially loved the potatoes, as they had a crispy crust and a soft, delectable interior.

Penne Piccate - Unlike its name suggests, this dish wasn't spicy--at least in my opinion. It consisted of al-dente penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and a sauce with dried red pepper flakes. I was very happy with it, as it was flavorful and uncomplicated--and I'd suggest it to safe, non-experimental eaters. A nice sprinkling of fresh parmigiano cheese topped off the yuminess, giving this dish more personality.

Dessert - We ordered two desserts--I got the Torta Frutti di Bosco specialty while Meg went for her favorite, Tiramisu. Both were delicious but I preferred the Torta Frutti di Bosco, as it offered something new and exciting. I adore ricotta cheese, which was the filling in this, topped with fresh blueberries and plenty of powdered sugar. I thought that they went a bit heavy on the latter but I wouldn't say that I minded.

Meg's Tiramisu was decadent and creamy but not too heavy. I only had a couple of spoonsfuls so it's hard to judge, but she finished her portion, making me believe that it was awesome.

Wine - Meg and I enjoyed a lovely white Croatian wine, which was a welcomed difference from the standard pinot grigio. It was dry with fruity undertones, offering the perfect way to enjoy this fabulous meal. I'd highly recommend asking about their imported wines.

Service and Cost:
The service was truly excellent. Our waiter, Jordan took his job seriously--he was thorough in explaining the specials to us, as well as any dishes we asked about. He was meticulous when serving our meal, arranging everything beautifully in front of us, making sure that we were 100% happy and comfortable. Because we asked, he provided a little history lesson about the wine and other dishes on the menu, which are a mix of Italian and Istrian cuisine.

Costs are moderate and worth the investment, given the good quality. Appetizers range between $8.75-$12.75, pasta dishes are between $12.75-$21.75, meat and fish entrees run between $14.75-$29.75. And as I mentioned last week, I have $20 gift certificates available. If you'd like to get your hands on one, email me your favorite Northern Italian recipe (critic@foodistanyc.com).

3 Mmmms

Trattoria L'incontro - Reopens Wednesday

Trattoria L'incontro, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Astoria has been closed since July 13th for its customary summer vacation. They reopen this Wednesday the 29th so get ready to revisit this Italian heaven for their delicious homemade pasta, brick-oven pizza and amazing seafood. I'm especially fond of their gnocchi and frutta di mare. Enjoy!

Trattoria L'incontro - 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.3532
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.trattorialincontro.com

Yamashiro Sake Bar - Will Open Soon

On our way back from Punta Dura, Meg and I noticed a new Sake Bar/Japanese restaurant that will soon open on Steinway Street, between 30th and 31st Avenue. We stopped in our tracks, as we were fascinated by this new addition, promising to bring something new and fresh to the nabe. Its success is yet to be seen, as Steinway doesn't have the best track record in terms of Japanese restaurants--Ginza Japanese restaurant closed about a year and half ago, which served Hibachi-style cuisine.

I'll keep you posted about its official opening, but on Thursday night, it looked like it was almost there. Holler if you know more...

Yamashiro Sake Bar - 30-27 Steinway Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.932.1338
N/W Train to 30th Avenue or R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

$20 Closer to Yumminess

Last night, Meg and I ventured over to Punta Dura Northern Italian restaurant on 34th Avenue and 41st Street. I've passed this place many times when I used to live in the neighborhood without going in--and did I miss out.

The cuisine was not only fresh, it was interesting and homemade, with very careful and excellent service. I'll go into more details next week, revealing all that I ate but in the meantime, I wanted to whet your appetite...

Send me your favorite Northern Italian recipe and tell me what makes it special (i.e. your grandma makes it, you're famous for it, etc.)

10 lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive (1) $20 gift certificate to Punta Dura.

Send me your recipes by the end of next week, and I'll draw and announce the winners by August 4th - simply write your recipe into the comments section of this post.

Good luck, have fun, and in case you're wondering what that gorgeous berry treat is, it's Punta Dura's Torta Frutti di Bosco. Mmmmm...

Punta Dura - 41-15 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.2137
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.puntadura.com

Bao Noodles - Vietnamese Delight

Bao Noodles - 391 2nd Avenue, New York NY 10010
212.725.7770
6 Train to 23rd Street
www.baonoodles.com

Lisa and I embarked on a Vietnamese adventure at Bao Noodles last week. The evening offered up deliciousness and surprises, as we tried dishes that were brand spankin' new to both of us.

Atmosphere:
Although Bao is an Asian restaurant, it feels very much like a bistro. The long mirrors, the wooden bar, the dim lighting and the mosaic-tile floor all work together to create a comfy bistro vibe.

Lisa and I sat in a booth towards the front of the restaurant, where we had privacy but at the same time, people-watched to our heart's content. There's a trend that we observed amongst the clientele--they're young, hip, not pretentious and totally into Bao. It appeared that a lot of people were regulars who lingered for quite a bit, leading me to the conclusion that Bao is a beloved neighborhood hangout.

Food:
We were super psyched about our tasting menu, which offered a sampling of Bao's specials that are still under experimentation. All ingredients tasted fresh and most of them come straight from Chinatown.

Appetizers - The fist thing we tried was a green soy bean salad, which was super simple, and fresh. It was a nice way to start because it offered light and clean flavors, originating not only from the beans but also from the crunchy jicama and red onions. My only complaint was that it was a bit hard to eat with chopsticks and a fork might've been helpful.

Our second appetizer, Malanga with a sesame cracker and pickled eggplant, hit it out of the park. The malanga (or taro) was our favorite, as it tasted like a light bean paste and provided the most delicious spread for the sesame cracker. Our taro nibbles got even better once we piled on the curried tofu sauce and the tangy pickled eggplant. I loved the texture party in my mouth--soft and smooth from the taro, spongy from the tofu, and crunchy from the pickled eggplant. One word--awesome!

The shrimp paste noodle soup was yet another starter that we enjoyed. The broth was the best part, as it was flavorful, comforting and not too salty. There were plenty of fresh scallions and cilantro in it, providing a nice crunch and an earthy taste. The shrimp paste had a definite kick and its texture was almost meat-like--quite interesting and different from the norm.

Entrees:
The first entree was the salt and pepper soft shell crab. We both dived in enthusiastically, first for the crab and then for the tangy bed of slaw. I adore cabbage and thought it made for a nice pairing with the crab, again juxtaposing different textures--the soft crab with the crunchy slaw. The crab itself was seasoned exquisitely with Asian spices and plenty of fresh cilantro.

Pan roasted quail with choi sam was our second entree and though we had doubts--I've tried quail before without much liking--the first bite changed our perceptions. The quail meat was cooked to perfection, maintaining enough juiciness to preserve its flavor yet lacking gaminess. The bed of bok choy (Chinese cabbage) was delightful, as it balanced out the heartier meat with fresh, healthy flavor.

Dessert:
Not sure how we managed to eat two desserts but they included the Durian sorbet as well as the yucca waffle with blueberry sauce. The durian sorbet was fragrant and refreshing - tasting slightly like coconut. It wasn't overly sweet, but had a hint of bitterness that surprised the senses.

The yucca waffle was incredibly rich and slightly buttery, resembling an Eggo waffle. The best part was the blueberry sauce, which was sweet and the aromatic--and the scoop of lavender ice cream made it more luxurious.

Drinks:
The drinks were another highlight of our experience, and for the most part, they were summery and exciting. One in particular that I enjoyed was the Summertime, featuring kiwi-strawberry infused sake, fresh kiwi, strawberry and prosecco. It was light, fizzy and went down easy. I also enjoyed the Sake Sangria, which was white in color with fresh fruit on top. It was a tad sweet for my liking, yet it was another thirst-quenching, sexy drink.

Service and Cost:
The waitstaff wasn't overly social but they were detail oriented and methodical. We enjoyed speaking to the owners, Chris and Chris, who also helped to explain the dishes to us and communicated the evident passion and enthusiasm they've infused into this place. Overall, all dishes came out in good time and nothing warranted complaints.

Costs on the regular menu are gentle on the wallet and very conducive to today's challenging economy. Appetizers range between $4.95 - $11.95 and entrees will set you back between $7.95 -$16.95 (including anything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to seafood to pho, noodles or soup.

3 Mmmms

Testaccio Italian Restaurant - Opening Soon

Back in June, I found out about a new Italian restaurant, Testaccio, opening soon in Long Island City. I walked by it last week, and it's definitely still in progress. I had a chance to chat with the chef at the Taste of LIC and he mentioned that they'll be opening in early August (that's in less than 3 weeks).

I think the future for Testaccio is promising, as it will offer lighter, Northern Italian fare, directly competing with its Italian neighbor, Bella Via. Bella offers more of a traditional red sauce cuisine, which is also delicious but caters to different tastes.

We'll see what surfaces with Testaccio but in the meantime, I'll keep a close eye on it.

Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Boulevard, LIC NY 11101
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
info@testacciony.com

Waterfront Crab House - Back in Action

Waterfront Crab House - 2-03 Borden Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
718.729.4862
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
http://wfcrabhouse.com/index.html

My friend Gina has been wanting to check out the Waterfront Crab House for some time, and after spotting it when I was at the Water Taxi Beach, I was curious too. We had the guys join us for a nice evening of conversation and lots of seafood.

Atmosphere:
It's wonderful how homey and lived-in this place feels, even after the recent fire they experienced. They reopened just a month ago now, and everything looks as it should--after all, it holds a lot of history, as it's been around for more than 30 years.

Indoor as well as partial outdoor seating is offered but the indoor is a lot cozier and authentic, as the outdoor consists of hard picnic tables. We sat inside, in the back room which was a lot quieter than the front-of-the-house. Crescent-shaped booths are common, providing a nice way to accommodate larger groups. There's also plenty of nostalgic memorabilia on the walls such as old murals, random merry-go-round horses and various little knick-knacks that have been collected over the years. Although it could seem a bit strange, it works to create a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Food:
I've heard great things about the seafood here and my experience didn't leave me disappointed. They key, I came to discover was to order "lighter" food, as most dishes use a lot of oil and butter--so the plainer the better.

Baked Clams Oreganato - This was a winner for all of us, as the clams were fresh and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb mixture that was both aromatic and flavorful. It was nice that the portion was generous and we each downed about 3 medium sized clams. Like with most dishes here, lots of butter was used but not so much that it was overpowering.

Escargot Dumplings - We were all captivated by the sound of this dish because it was so different from traditional escargot, which usually comes in the original snail shell. The dumpling was crispy and so delicious, reminding both Gina and I of Crab Rangoon. The escargot filling was lovely and again very fresh, with no fishy aftertaste. I'd recommend this to adventurous and safe eaters alike, as there is enough familiarity in the dish to not scare away conservative eaters.

Scallops (2 ways) - Both Gina and Dan went for scallop dishes with different preparation methods--Dan ordered them broiled while Gina got them fried. I preferred the fried ones because they had more flavor, but there were too many on the plate to finish. Also, ordering fried onion rings made the dish hard to get through--not that it wasn't good, Dan said that the onion rings were crunchy and awesome but that the quantity was overwhelming. Next time, both Gina and Dan said that they'd order something different, as the bay scallops were too tiny to get any significant substance out of.

Stuffed Filet of Sole - I decided to play it safe by ordering this light fish with a unique twist--it was filled with crabcake stuffing. Wow! I absolutely loved it! The fish itself was gentle, with a creamy, luxurious crab middle that made it a lot more exciting to eat--also reminding me of the filling that they put in lobster. I ordered a side of rustic mashed potatoes, with the skin still on. Yum! They were awesome, creamy and just the right amount of buttery.

Maryland-Style Crabs - Joe went for the main attraction of this place--the crabs. Being from the D.C./Maryland area, he wanted to experience The Crab House's version of this dish. Overall, I'd say that he was satisfied, as he finished a gargantuan tray of about 20+ crabs. I don't know how he did it but he nearly licked his plate (I mean, tray) clean, so the crab meat must've been more than acceptable.

Service and Cost:
Our server was nice although not very responsive. It would've been great if he anticipated our needs instead of reacting to them--for example when he cleared Joe's full crab carcass tray only after we asked him to. However, he was kind and although we got impatient with him, he never showed his frustration.

Costs are moderate and worth it for the quality of seafood that you get. Appetizers range $6.50-$12.95, entrees are in the $16.95 - $28.95 ballpark and some items are market price. Our dinner set us back about $40 per person including tax and tip.

2 Mmmms

Organic, Fresh, Delicious Dinner

I've been talking about buying organic, local and fresh ingredients lately, so I decided to highlight a dinner that I made last week, which stressed these concepts. The meal was a simple one, consisting of grilled chicken, cous-cous and a cucumber-corn salad made from veggies that I bought at the farmer's market. Anyone can recreate this--and feel good about eating it. It's the definition of guilt free eating and I highly recommend it.

Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken - I like the citrus in this grilled chicken dish, as it adds a hint of summer flava. I marinated it for about a half hour but you can certainly increase the time to intensify the flavors.

Ingredients (serves 2)
1 lb of organic chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
Olive oil
The juice of 1 lime
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts and spread with a pastry brush to fully incorporate. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a small bowl, combine a small glug of olive oil, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Place seasoned chicken breasts into the mixture and let marinate for a half hour or longer if desired.

Place on hot grill pan (or outdoor grill) and cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Cucumber-Corn Salad - I bought fresh cucumbers and corn at the Union Square Greenmarket last week. The cucumber was small and crunchy, with a hint of lemon, and the corn had tiny kernels that were super sweet. It doesn't get much better, except that the two together made the perfect organic marriage.

Ingredients (serves 2)
3 small organic cucumbers, chopped into 1/2" pieces. You can leave the skin on if you prefer (I did)
2 corn, husked
Small shallot, chopped
A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Olive oil
The juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Brush corn with olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt and pepper and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on a grill pan or on an outdoor grill until slightly browned (about 25 minutes). Let cool for 10 minutes and then separate the kernels from the cob using a knife.

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and adjust seasoning and citrus based on your preference.

Cous-Cous with Raisins - This is my customary cous-cous pairing, which includes cooking organic cous-cous according to the directions on the box and adding a generous handful of golden raisins. It adds a sweetness that balances out the savory quality of this summery meal. Enjoy!

Brasil Coffee House in LIC is Closed

Just as happy I was to discover the amazingness of LIC's Brasil Coffee House last year, I was just as sad last week when I saw that it closed. I'm bummed about this, as I thought this coffee house served great brew and delicious Brazilian treats such as Pao de Queijo (cheesy bread)--plus, it was a nice alternative from the run-of-the-mill Starbucks.

I checked their website and there were no updates about the closing so I'm guessing it happened recently. Also curious about its other location in LIC, I called to find the number disconnected. Sounds like they are definitely finito in LIC.

The space is currently empty but I'll keep a close eye to see if anything else pops up in its place. Here's to hoping for another unique coffee house...

Brasil Coffee House - 48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.729.5969
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.brasilcoffeehouse.com

BareBurger by Guest Reviewer Aaron

A passionate Astorian, Aaron recently wrote about his experience at Bare Burger, the newly-opened organic burger joint on 31st Avenue. He went through the trouble of writing a very insightful review so I decided to share it with you. Hope it's helpful - it sure made me want to try it!

BareBurger - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011
N/W Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com

Went to BareBurger a few weeks ago. I didn't know it was open yet when I passed by on the way to Il Bambino, but I decided to try it.

Atmosphere:
The atmosphere was fun, playful and stylish. Being that it's summer, they have the place opened up to the street. A garage door, which has been painted yellow, serves as the opening to 33rd Street, which I thought was a nice touch. The metal seating is comfortable and a cross between an outdoor patio chair and something industrial. Tall, greenish booths line the left hand wall and chandeliers made from spoons hang above each of the three tables. A faux, wooden plank floor and ceilings gives it an odd lodge-type feel.

There is something quirky and joyful in the spirit of the place. A flat screen TV is mounted high on the right hand wall, up near the counter, but the sound is turned off and a mix of 50's to 90's music was playing over a sound system. Although there are seats and a waitstaff, there is a counter, much like any burger joint where you can order take out.

Food:
We both went for the original Bareburger ($8.95) which comes with Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce (shredded iceberg), tomato, raw red onion and BareBurger's special sauce. We shared a basket of onion rings which came with ranch dressing and peppercorn steak sauce. We ended by splitting a vanilla milkshake to go.

Overall I enjoyed the meal. I found the burger tasty, but slightly salty. I don't know whether they put spices in the meat or if it was the special sauce, but it could've been a little more neutral. If for no other reason than it would allow the taste of the meat to stand on its own. The bun was delicious and though it may sound strange to say, it fit the burger perfectly and stayed with the burger through the whole meal. You know how sometimes a burger and its bun seem destined to be eaten apart? Not this burger.

The onion rings were delicious, if slightly greasy. I don't want to mislead you here...onion rings are always greasy, they are fried after all. These were not overly greasy, but they were definitely deeply fried and not healthy, organic or not. The thing is, the basket they brought us was huge. I think if you eat a few it's OK, but three or four people could easily be satisfied by a single basket of rings. There were two of us so we probably ate more rings than we ordinarily would have. Even admitting to this gluttony, we didn't finish them.

The vanilla milkshake was tasty, not overly thick or sweet, rather it was a clean and refreshing finish to the meal.

Everything is organic at BareBurger ...organic beef, milk, ice cream, coffee, poultry, vegetables...you name it, it's organic. They serve Boylan soda, which is probably a little more expensive than your average Coke or Pepsi, but it's tasty and constitutes something other than the status-quo. It also goes along with their natural/organic theme as Boylan's advertises itself as all natural.

Service and Cost:
The service was friendly and exuberant. Our waitress seemed a little overly pumped, but not in a negative or obnoxious way. She was on top of everything without being on top of us.

Two original Bareburgers, one basket of onion rings, two sodas and one vanilla milkshake came to $38.38 with tax. With tip the meal came to $46. Forty-six dollars is not a back-breaking expense, but it's not cheap for a night out grabbing a couple of burgers. When I think of having burgers in the summer (the way I think of them, when I was a kid) it was one of those quick, cheap meals that cost a couple guys $10-$20. It was something you ate when you didn't have a lot of money on you. Compare it to cooking at home where you can easily make four non-organic burgers with all the trimmings for roughly $20 and you realize the premium you are paying for the special sauce and organic everything.

That said, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was fun and energetic and the service was good. I would definitely recommend trying BareBurger.

2 Reasonable LIC Lunch Specials

While eating out dinner can sometimes be bank-breaking, lunch is always a great--and less expensive--alternative. While in LIC, I spied two interesting lunch specials on Vernon Blvd that caught my eye--both venues are conveniently located and one even offers outdoor seating.

Blend - This interesting Latin-fusion joint offers hearty lunch dishes from $6.95 to $7.95. Their options are very meat-heavy so you gotta be a carnivore to enjoy them.

Click here for their complete lunch menu.

Blend - 47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

718.729.2800

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue

www.blendlic.com

Lounge 47 - A comfortable spot with a cozy outdoor garden, they're known for good burgers and wasabi deviled eggs. An $8 lunch special includes the following:

Taquitos
Grilled cheese and tomato sandwich
Samosa with salad
Chicken melt with greens or a soup
Falafel platter (vegetarian)
Soup and salad combo (vegetarian)
BLT
Mini Shepherd's Pie

Lounge 47 - 47-10 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

718.937.2044

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave

Gian Piero Bakery - Making Astoria That Much Sweeter!

Gian & Piero Bakery - 44-17 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.274.8959
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

After our evening at DiWine, we wanted to finish with something sweet so we headed over to the famous Gian & Piero Bakery on 30th Avenue--an Astoria staple for 14 years. Known for traditional Italian pastries and strong espresso, we were ready to satisfy our sweet tooth.

Atmosphere:
In terms of decor, Gian & Piero's is no frills, very simple. The pastries are the main attraction, and despite the plain furnishings, there's always a crowd to be found--especially outside where they have a couple of benches set up. From young people to Italian nonnas, Gian & Piero's seems to be a popular gathering spot for exchanging the latest news or maybe even neighborhood gossip.

Pastries:
We immediately set our sights on the cannolis as well as the carrot cake. Meg told us that she heard the latter was great so naturally, our curiosity got the better of us.

Cannolis - It's nice that in addition to traditional sized cannolis, they also carry minis. Meg and I chose these in two variations--I got the chocolate dipped while Meg ordered the traditional. Although I didn't try Meg's, mine was absolutely delicious. The crust was crunchy and buttery and the cannoli cream was the best part--luxuriously thick with a hint of vanilla extract. The small size was just perfect to satisfy our craving.

Carrot Cake - Martha's carrot cake looked gorgeous, with colorful buttercream (not cream cheese) sprinkled with walnuts. We all shared it, as the slice was large and we loved its sweet-spicy flavor. Boasting nice texture, the cake was perfectly moist with yummy carrot shavings, raisins and an infusion of cinnamon. I could've eaten it all myself but that would've been gluttonous--and embarrasing.

Espresso - Martha also got a shot of Gian Piero's legendary espresso, which I didn't try but I trust her when she said that it was "awesome," and really strong.

Service and Cost:
The servers here are very old school, and they get things done. You might not be greeted with a smile but know that you'll be taken care of very well. I think they take their jobs seriously.

Gian Piero's sweets are by no means bank breaking. For three desserts (2 minis) and a shot of espresso, we paid $5.20 total! Watch out Magnolia, you aint got nothin' on this pasticceria.

3 Mmmms

DiWine - Chic Wine Bar With Flava

DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com

Meg, Martha (new Joey in Astoria colleague) and I went to check out DiWine wine bar last night. I didn't have many expectations except that I looked at their site beforehand and loved what I saw. It seemed to be a chic, trendy place and a nice venue to meet for after-work drinks. All these things it was, and despite being a bit out of the way for me, I think I'll visit again soon.

Atmosphere:
Trendy, chic and comfortable are all accurate ways to describe DiWine. Although the space isn't huge, it's laid out so creatively that it gives the illusion of something bigger. There's a small outdoor seating area but the inside--at least for me--was more intriguing. The natural wood and exposed-brick decor makes DiWine feel earthy and rustic. Its best feature is the semi-private booth area that's sectioned off by sheer netting. The seats are comfy and cushiony and you can't help but recline and let your hair down. Besides a nice casual date place, I'd also recommend DiWine for a small group of friends.

Food and Wine:
The menu offered a lot of interesting-sounding small plates. We decided on the sharing route and ordered two tapas and a pizza. While the former was underwhelming the latter sure made up for it.

Spinach-Artichoke Dip - Recommended by our server, this was an easy sell, however, what came out wasn't anything to brag about. The bread was stale and the actual dip was just OK, nothing special. I'm wondering if it was homemade...? We voiced our disappointment about the bread and were brought something better, which was a nice way to approach the problem.

Mushroom Torchon - I love a good Portobello but was yet again disappointed with this one, which was filled with roasted red peppers and topped with herbed goat cheese. It sounded great on paper but when we tasted it, it lacked seasoning and was a bit watery. I was underwhelmed because what I envisioned was something aromatic and flavorful and this was anything but.

The Gigi Pizza - This is where things turned around. From first sight and smell, we were impressed, as the pizza looked fantastic--packed with interesting ingredients such as smoked beef, capers, mushrooms and fresh buffalo mozzarella. Once we tasted it, it was simply "divine," the flavors melding together to form a hearty, smoky bite. The crust was super light and crunchy but needed more salt. Overall though, it was a delicious pie that I'd happily order again.

Wine - A nice selection of domestic and international whites and reds (and even organic options), made my decision challenging. I chose a classic Italian Pinot Grigio and was very satisfied by its crisp, fruity undertone. Martha went for another white, which I can't recall by name but it was also nice, with a slightly more acidy touch.

Service and Cost:
I have absolutely no complaints in this department. Our server was considerate and knowledgeable, providing recommendations where he could. He made sure to check on us, ensuring that we were happy and as noted, accommodated us when we were not.

Costs are reasonable with tapas ranging between $6-$14, all pizzas are $10, cheese platters run between $10-$15 and the wine is also wallet-friendly with most glasses at $8. Two tapas, a pizza and three drinks set us back about $21 per person with tax and tip.

2 Mmmms

Manducatis Rustica - A Refreshing Summer Snack

On our way back from LIC's Greenmarket this weekend, we treated ourselves to some gelato from Manducatis Rustica. Vicky and I have been there before--and loved it--but we wanted to introduce it to my mom who immediately appreciated its rustic, homemade charm. We browsed around and looked at the fun kitchen knick-knacks and then proceeded to admire the gelato.

We were in the mood for something fruity so we each ordered a small serving of different flavored fruit gelato. I got the banana, Vicky went for the passion fruit and my mom opted for the apricot. They were all fresh and a perfect little treat to snack on. I liked Vicky's passion fruit the best, followed by my mom's apricot. Unfortunately, I didn't care for mine because it had too much of a banana taste, if that makes any sense. The flavor was too strong for me and it would've been nice if mixed with some nuts or even chocolate chunks.

I think that next time I'll go for my beloved nocciola (hazelnut).

Cost:
A small cup of gelato is $2.50, setting our grand total for 3 cups at $7.50, which is quite affordable. You can sit outside on Manducatis' little bench (pictured above) and enjoy it until you're done.

Manducatis Rustica - 46-35 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

718.937.1312

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue

Gooseberries, Boysenberries Oh My!

I went to the LIC Greenmarket yesterday with my mom and cousin Vicky. Although I was expecting it to be more bountiful, it was nonetheless a good experience. There were about 6 stands with local fruits, vegetables and interesting baked goods. One place in particular that caught my eye was a stand called Not Just Rugelach, which boasted amazing-looking baked goods such as homemade pies, cookies, brownies, granola and to be perfectly honest, I didn't see the rugelach!

My mom's attention went directly to the fresh berries of all kinds such as gooseberries, boysenberries and currants. We have a great family recipe for a cool, summer fruit soup, so she decided to buy two types of gooseberries, which she hasn't had since we moved here from Slovakia. The recipe is the same as for my grandma's Hungarian cherry soup. I recommend to let it sit overnight and enjoy the next day--we'll be eating ours soon at lunchtime and I can't wait.

All in all, the LIC Greenmarket provided a nice organic offering that I'll take advantage of again. The atmosphere was lovely and festive, with someone singing and playing the guitar--it was a nice, little organic getaway.

Long Island City Greennarket - July 11 - November 21
Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
48th Avenue at 5th Street

Macondo - Funky, Inventive Tapas

Macondo - 157 East Houston Street, New York NY 10002
212.473.9900
V/F Train to 2nd Avenue
www.macondonyc.com

After reading a compelling review about Macondo, Lisa and I decided to check it out. We both love tapas so it was an easy sell, and when Lisa spotted their enticing Happy Hour offering, we were that much more excited about it.

Atmosphere:
I'd describe Macondo as cheery and festive. The interior color scheme is bright with greens and earthy browns. Interesting touches such as nets that hold little trinkets and a "green room" with wild ivy are found here, giving the space an element of surprise.

The front of the house is a lot more casual than the back--people sit on long stools and high tables inside and there's a small outdoor seating area that faces the bar. The music is a tad loud but you get used to it fast. Overall, the vibe is fun and celebratory--I'd suggest it for a casual birthday dinner or an impromptu get-together. I would not however come here if you're looking for a romantic meal.

Food:
Consisting of small plates (or tapas), the menu offered many options that piqued our interest. We were first drawn to the less expensive Happy Hour food menu but in the end, mostly ordered from the regular menu due to better choices and bigger portions.

Calamares Crujientes (Crispy Calamari) - These weren't your ordinary fried calamari and both Lisa and I agreed that they were exceptional. Dressed with rocotto honey aioli, they had a sweet/tangy essence. Slightly crispy on the outside but nice and chewy on the inside, the squid tasted deliciously fresh.

Mofongo with Shrimp - Part of the Happy Hour menu, this dish included a small mound of mashed green plantains with spicy shrimp on the side. Both Lisa and I loved the kick from the salsa that dressed the shrimp. Once again, the seafood was fresh and very tasty, the only regret being that the portion was small. We would've preferred more of the mashed plantains--they were slightly smoky and had nice texture.

Pork Tacos - Although it was our least favorite dish of the night, it was still pretty good. The pork had a mild flavor and wasn't too fatty. We both thought that the tacos needed some creaminess or a sauce to bind it together. Unfortunately, it was hard to eat and it could've used a heavier hand with seasoning.

Bacalao Arepa - The stand-out dish of the night, it was both innovative and magnificent to look at. The egg that rested on top of the arepa with cod, tomatoes and peppers was a gorgeous sight, not unlike a bright, happy sunflower. Once we broke the yolk and let it marry with the rest of the ingredients, it brought our senses to attention. The salty cod had a pickled taste and the earthy arepa provided a wonderful base, soaking up the spicy salsa and the creamy yolk.

Churros - The mini churros and dipping chocolate were a great way to end our meal. Boasting great consistency, the churros were crunchy on the outside but soft and doughnut-like on the inside. Dipping them into the chocolate was fun but I wished that it was a bit thicker so it'd adhere to the churro better. But all in all, a yummy treat.

Drinks - In addition to the sangria (which was delicious), we were served a small pitcher of an inventive concoction called Porron--a mix of beer and Fresca. It was complimentary with our tapas and the way it was encouraged to be drunk was through the small spout of the hand-sized pitcher. Our waitress demonstrated how this was done (without getting our clothes dirty). We both tried it with mild success and in the end, resorted to pouring it into our glasses--cowardly, I know. The taste was sweet and citrusy and overall very pleasant.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress was a slightly off-beat yet nothing to complain about. All dishes came out quickly and service went off without a hitch. The only weirdness was when I gave the waitress my cash, asked for change and she didn't provide it until I reminded her. A bit shady but maybe she forgot in the midst of busy Happy Hour--I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

Costs are moderate with most tapas in the $8-$10 range. Happy Hour tapas are in the $4-$6 neighborhood but portions are significantly smaller. All in all, four tapas, one dessert and two drinks set us back about $35 per person, including tax and tip.

2.5 Mmmms

Astoria and LIC Greenmarket Now Open

Image by www.cenyc.org

Earlier this week, I mentioned the importance of eating good-quality, organic food and I wanted to provide you with some resources for where to get it.

Starting this week, the Astoria and LIC Greenmarkets will be open, operating once a week from now until November. I'll be frequenting the LIC Greenmarket more than the Astoria location since it's open on a Saturday. See below for details on locations and times, not only in Astoria and LIC but across Queens.

Astoria Greenmarket - July 8 - November 25
Wednesdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
14th Street at 31st Avenue

Long Island City Greennarket - July 11 - November 21
Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
48th Avenue at 5th Street

Jackson Heights Greenmarket - June 7 - November 22
Sundays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
34th Avenue at 77th Street

Sunnyside Greenmarket - June 6 - December 19
Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Skillman Avenue at 43rd Street

Corona Greenmarket - July 10 - November 20
Fridays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Roosevelt and 103rd Street

Atlas Park Greenmarket - June 6 - November 21
Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cooper Avenue at 80th Street