Bistro 33 is Taking Time to Beautify

The four year old Bistro 33 is taking some time to beautify its appearance for the summer.  The renovation will be cosmetic and you can expect the same yummy menu when they re-open again next week.  The period of this temporary close is between now and June 5 so pay a visit to their delicious neighbors such as Fatty's Cafe and Crescent and Vine in the interim.  Agnanti is a nice option too and offers great outdoor dining right near the park.

Let us know what you think of the new Bistro when it comes back next week.

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.1933
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.bistro33nyc.com

Memorial Day BBQ with Pesto Orzo Salad

We really lucked out with the weather today, which was very conducive to a quintessential Memorial Day barbecue.  Dan and I spent ours at our brother and sister-in-law's (Josh and Diana), where we indulged in a variety of grilled eats, delicious sides and as always, plentiful dessert.

My contribution was the above pictured orzo salad, which I thought of on the fly, using some of the ingredients I already had on hand - my favorite way to cook.  I made the pesto from scratch, boiled the orzo and added some of the other fresh ingredients. 

Overall, it was well received and went nicely with the bbq'd foods such as burgers, sausages, hot dogs and chicken wings.  I think I'll add a  touch more salt next time, but for the most part, it was a light, refreshing and somewhat healthy alternative.

Summer Pesto Orzo Salad

Ingredients (serves 6-8)1 package of Orzo pasta
3/4 cup of homemade pesto
2 large handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of chickpeas
1/2 cup of smoked gouda cheese, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook the pasta according to directions on the box, but cook to al dente, taking it out a few minutes before fully cooked.  The pasta will continue cooking after you strain it.

Place pasta into a large, deep bowl and add the homemade pesto 1/4 cup of pasta water and mix well to incorporate all the pesto with the orzo.  Add the tomatoes, chickpeas and cheese and mix well.  The cheese will melt into the orzo.  Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well.

Serve at room temperature or chilled - whatever you prefer.

Zenon Taverna - Brings Back and Creates New Wonderful Memories

It's been a while since Dan and I have eaten at one of our Astoria Greek food favorites, Zenon Taverna.  We finally went back last week after a successful afternoon at the first Queens Swap, and as ever, our experience at Zenon sealed the deal on what was a very enjoyable day.

Although we've tried a lot of items on their extensive menu, we went pretty standard and light that afternoon.  However, as simple and classic our selections were, they also tasted wonderful.  Here's what we enjoyed:

Chicken Souvlaki Platter - Given that Dan is still on his strict exercise and diet regime, he wanted to order something light and healthy and went with this grilled chicken kebob option.  Although a simple dish, it was really excellent, boasting juicy chicken cubes that were perfectly charred on the outside.  For me, dipping the chicken into the creamy, zesty tzatziki was the best part, and I was a little addicted to it after Dan gave me an initial taste.  The lemon potatoes that came as a side were also flavorful and light, stepping up the hearty aspect in this dish.

Zenon Pita - When I first read the description of this pita, I right away noticed that halloumi cheese was included - and based on that, I was immediately sold.  Adoring this firm, salty cheese that's great for grilling, I was excited to also see that it was paired with grilled pork loin, which I've already had (and loved) at Zenon.  The two were a nice combination indeed, stuffed in an oversized thin pita, which loosely hugged its contents.  Once again, the homemade tzatziki enhanced all the flavors on the inside of the pita and helped bring in a welcome element of freshness.

Dessert - As a surprise from our friend Constantina whose family owns Zenon, we received a generous piece of semolina cake, which was flavored with sweet syrup and rosewater.  Moist and decadent, the cake was a splurge, our favorite part being the sweet, floral aftertaste you got at the end of each bite.  We ended up taking most of it home, and I'd recommend eating it with a refreshing piece of melon or strawberries.

Service and Cost:
Even considering how busy and bustling the restaurant was on a Sunday, the service didn't suffer at all.  Our water glasses were always full, fresh pita and olive bread were at the table in minutes and our dishes arrived within good reason.  There's something to be said for the warm, family atmosphere, and regardless of your heritage, Zenon makes you feel at home.

Costs are affordable, especially given the generous portions.  The above meal, which I described set us back $38 including tax and tip.

3 Familiar Mmmms

Zenon Taverna - 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
718.956.0133
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.zenontaverna.com

Sunshine or Rain, Il Bambino is Always Welcome

There's never a time when Il Bambino isn't a good idea - nice weather, bad weather, I love coming here and grabbing a quick, comforting panino, a glass of wine, beer, or what have you.  And that's exactly what Meg and I did the other night, after making an appearance at the Perici Art House launch party.

It was a lovely, warm night, so like moths to a flame, we charged for the outdoor garden and found a comfortable table for two.  The atmosphere was great, as everyone was in a fabulous mood (no doubt due to the finally cooperating weather) and it absolutely rubbed off on us.  Here's what we enjoyed:

Tomato Fresca - Since I haven't been here in months, I was really craving one of Bambino's legendary paninis.  At first, I was intrigued by the chicken, cream of spinach panini special but quickly changed my mind when I saw the tomato fresca with small bits of smoked bacon, aioli and asiago cheese.  I have to admit that the bacon swayed me right away and in the end, I was handsomely rewarded.  Each bite was delightful with a sweet, acidic goodness of the tomato and the smoky bite of bacon.  The binder was the melted asiago of course, and for all you grilled cheese lovers, this is a pretty snazzed up version.

Spicy Avocado Goat Cheese Crostini - Although I didn't taste this beauty, as you can see from the above picture, the colors were vibrant and gorgeous.  Meg devoured it and confirmed that it's among her favorites. They're generous with all ingredients, and at $6.50 for a sizeable portion, I'd say this is a legit steal.

Prohibition Ale - I indulged in a cold one to wash all that salty, gooey sandwich goodness down and the Prohibition Ale caught my eye.  It had a hearty, in-your-face taste with nice bitterness and a slightly caramely finish. This liquid bread is definitely a nice complement to any panini, but especially something that's more salty rather than sweet.

Take advantage of Il Bambino's relaxing outdoor digs or feel free to sit inside, which is equally as enjoyable.

Il Bambino - 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
718.626.0087
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.ilbambinonyc.com

Omonia Next Door is Awesome!

It's been about 2 months since Omonia Next Door, an offshoot of the original Omonia Cafe opened.  Walking by the other day, the storefront immediately caught my eye, as it looked modern and had an attention grabbing display of breads that looked oh-so-fresh.

Naturally, I walked in to check out their offering and was very impressed.  When I tell you that this bakery has nearly everything under the sun, I mean it - cupcakes, red velvet cake, cookies, bread, muffins, bagels, coffee.  I only peeked in for a few minutes, and didn't yet order a treat, but what I saw was very impressive and the staff was lovely.

Something else that attracted me was the quaint outdoor garden they have in the back, where you can take your treat and enjoy it in the fresh air.  It seems like a quiet, chill area to relax and I'll make sure to take advantage of it soon.

A full review will come in the near future, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you a quick heads-up.  Has anyone tried it yet? And if so, what do you think?

Omonia Next Door - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.274.6650
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.omoniacafe.com

Eco Table Opens Tomorrow!

After visiting Il Bambino this evening, Meg and I spied that the about-to-open Eco Table restaurant on 31st Avenue and 33rd Street is literally about to open its doors.  The specific timing of its launch is tomorrow at 1 p.m. so if you're around, swing by for a quick bite and see what you think.  Their philosophy uses popular trigger words such as local, artisanal, fresh, healthy, which sounds promising so let's hope they deliver.

In terms of the interior decor, we peeked in and it looked nice - simple with earthy tones (greens and browns) and a really pretty wodden floor that looks ever so eco-chic.

Here's a sampling of what you can expect from the menu:


Appetizers:
Grilled salt & pepper wild caught shrimp - organic baby greens, EVOO, meyer lemon juice & fresh thyme...$12
Ahi tuna tartar - Line caught on flat bread with baby arugula...$12
Grilled eggplant spread - Mint infused olive oil...$9

Flat Breads & Paninis:Greco flatbread - Fire roasted tomatoes, imported feta, fresh oregano & EVOO...$6
ABLT - Avocado BLT...$7.50
Turkey Club - Applegate Farms roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato & Meyer lemo mayo...$8.50

Salads & Bowls:House salad - Organic baby greens, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, EVOO & balsamic vinaigrette...$8
Farmers chop - Seasonal chopped veggies, chopped organic baby romaine & Meyer lemon dressing...$9.50
Bowl of beets - Crumbled goat cheese, orange segments, candied pecans & white balsamic vinaigrette...$10

Entrees:
All natural grass fed lamb chops - Mint chimichurri sauce, rosemary, fingerling potatoes & tomato feta salad...$28
Sauteed organic chicken breast saganaki - Meyer lemon reduction, garlic braised organic baby spinach...$14
Line caught pan roasted halibut - Smoked paprika, fire roasted tomatoes, EVOO, & baby arugula...$25

Brunch:
Carrot pancakes - Fresh grated carrots, raisins, nutmeg & candied pecans...$9.50
Stuffed French toast - With berries and whipped cream cheese...$8.50
Daily frittata - With local organic vegetables...$9.50
Ham & Cheese - Applegate Farms slow cooked ham & Cabot Vermont cheddar...$9.50

Eco Table - 33-20 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.5557
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.eco-table.org

First Queens Swap - SCORE!

I am so very excited to report the good news about our first inaugural Queens Swap event - it was a success, as I think our participants would confirm. 

Taking place this past Sunday at the fabulous Queens Kickshaw, Queens Swap brought together passionate foodies with a penchant to share their culinary goods with like minded foodies. 

It was refreshing to see the diverse crowd that made their way into the back area of the Kickshaw, where we had a long, communal table set up for the swap.

How the swap worked:
We welcomed our lovely attendees with a warm hello and a few necessary materials to help them with the swap, including bid slips and a detailed schedule of events.  The bid slips were used to describe the item that was being swapped, as well as for swapees to write down what they'd be interested in trading for it.  Your item could get as many bids as possible - there was no limit.

The first half hour was for mixing and mingling, followed by the second half hour, during which everyone scoped out the goods and figured out what they were interested in.

During the last hour of the event, which was most exciting, participants engaged in actual negotiating for items and swaps were made.  Some items went faster than others (i.e. black onion relish, hot red onion and pepper jam, dulce de leche sauce, etc).  But in the end everyone received something, and some swappers who had extra items left over, shared the wealth amongst all of us.  Thanks guys!

Swapped Items:
Here's a full sampling of the fabulous items that were swapped - one was more impressive than the next.

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam - AJ
Black Onion Relish - AJ
Peanut Brittle - Amy
Marmalade - Autumn
Preserved Lemons - Autumn
Chocolate Chip Bacon Cookies - Foodista 
Granola - Jean
Homemade Cereal - Jocelyn
Carrot Honey Wine - John
Marshmallows - Kaitlin
Chocolate Chip Cookies - Laura
Kombucha Starter - Lawrence
Pickled Organic Cabbage - Lawrence
Hot Pepper and Red Onion Jam - Lisa
Vin D'Orange - Meg
Vanilla Extract - Meg
Maple Vinegar - Meg
Honey Lemon Apple Jam - Michele
Hot Fudge Sauce - Michele
Dulce de Leche - Michele
Olive Oil Granola - Rachel
Curried Pumpkin Seeds - The Queens Kickshaw
Amaretto Cream - Victoria

What I Scored:
Overall, I think I made out pretty well, and as I saw, it was beneficial to have goods in smaller quantities, as it allowed for an easier swap. 

My arsenal of goodies included:

AJ's Black Onion Relish - I already had it on a sandwich today and it was dee-licious.

Rachel's Olive Oil Granola - This too was hard to resist and I'm almost done with my batch, which is addictively delicious and includes ingredients such as coconut, pistachios, maple syrup, cardamom and more. It looks, smells and tastes divine!

Jocelyn's Cereal - Haven't had my bowlful yet, but will soon.

Lisa's Hot Pepper & Red Onion Jam - This dish has its roots in Italy and I can't wait to dig in.

Kaitlin's Marshmallows - They look wonderfully decadent and are so soft.  Hot chocolate action here I come.

Amy's Peanut Brittle - Crunchy, wonderful and oh so decadent.  It was totally addicting in the best way possible.

The Kickshaw's Curried Pumpkin Seeds - Given that I'm done with nearly my whole container is proof at just how stupendous these smokey treats are!

Meg, Charlene and I would love to thank everyone who attended and made this first swap so special.  We can't wait to see these friends as well as meet new ones at the next Queens Swap in July.  Stay tuned for details.

A BIG shout-out to the Queens Kickshaw for hosting this inaugural event.  We couldn't have done it without your generosity and wonderful-ness :-)

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies for Queens Swap

As you know, I'm pretty excited for Queens Swap.  The opportunity of exchanging some pretty interesting and unusual food items with people who are just as passionate about food as me is truly exhilarating.

So naturally, I wanted to ensure I make something attention grabbing and yummy, to encourage people to swap with me.  My items of choice were these obscenely gluttunous chocolate chip bacon cookies.  Yes...you heard right. Bacon.

The inspiration came from a fellow Foodbuzzer, Beth Michelle, who made these a couple of weeks back with much success.  Her trick? Sprinkling the bacon with a healthy dose of brown sugar on both sides, and thus caramelizing it to a perfect sweet-salty bite. 

Make sure you use good quality bacon because that's where the difference will lie.  Try to go for organic if you can, or a reputable brand you trust (I used Applegate Farms Sunday Bacon).  And follow the same rules for the dark chocolate - only the best.  I used Ghirardelli jumbo dark chocolate chips, which did the trick. 

The end result was a rustic looking (I arranged them too close on the baking sheet), thin-chewy treat with rich hints of sweetness and deeper accents of salt and smokiness.  It was heaven - especially still warm from the oven.

I hope my fellow swapees receive them well!  If you'd like to try these at home, here's the recipe from Beth Michelle.

Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies.

The Inaugural Queens Swap is This Sunday!

You may remember me mentioning Queens Swap - a cool, new food swap event that I'm organizing with two fabulous foodies, Meg and Charlene at The Queens Kickshaw. 

A really hot topic and activity in the food world right now, food swapping has already debuted in other boroughs such as Brooklyn and Manhattan.  But here's our effort to bring it to Queens.  And your opportunity to join.

Although Queens Swap has been sold out for a couple of weeks now (the event is free), we've opened up a few more tickets, so you still have the opportunity to sign up.  Here are all the deets you need to know and more about how to participate.

Inaugural Queens Swap Event:
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103. 718.777.0913

RSVP here - 3 seats left!

Queens Swap is a bi-monthly event that brings together passionate food enthusiasts, bakers, cooks, foragers to barter (or swap) quality, homemade foods.

Swapping at Queens Swap is free, but we're limiting it to 20 (now 25!) swappers for the first swap. If you can't get in, don't worry. We'll be having another swap in July. Queens Kickshaw normally closes at 4:30 p.m., but they're staying open later to host our event, so we encourage you to patronize them by purchasing coffee, sandwiches and other tasty items you spy on the menu. We happen to love the GOUDA sandwich!

Swap rules:
You can swap anything you want, but it must be made, grown, or foraged by you, personally. Product must packaged in some way - in cans, jars, paper bags or baggies, etc. This is because we need to comply with NYC health codes that prohibit "foods to be consumed on premises" brought in from outside the establishment. This means samples are also off-limits.

For more information on what to swap, head on over at www.queensswap.com

RSVP here.

Wednesday Nights are Lobster Nights at El Ay Si

Image by El Ay Si

Here's something fun, which can be a last minute deal for tonight or for any upcoming Wednesday at El Ay Si - Lobster Roll night.  They started this a few weeks ago and it seems to be going strong, with most nights experiencing quick sell outs of these crustacean wonders. 

They learned their lesson and stocked up this week, so in the event you do decide to get to it tonight, there's a good chance you'll get some.  I'd recommend calling ahead.

Here's what you'll get - nice sized chunks of lobster, coated with tangy mayo on a toasted, buttery bun.  Mmmm...can't you just smell the summer in that?

Each roll is $19, which is a lot but the quality should be worth it.  Try it and let me know what you think.

El*Ay*Si - 47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101
718.389.8781
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.elaysi.com

Meli Cafe & Bakery Came and Went

Last weekend when I was running errands on 30th Ave, I noticed that the short lived Meli Cafe & Bakery was papered up again.  It only seemed like yesterday when it looked this but for a very different reason - when it was opening. 

Meg confirmed the same suspicion the other day and then I got further confirmation from one of my Tweeples.  Feel free to chime in if you know more about it and if it's going to come back or what will take its place.  Personally, I still miss Pinocchio and would love to see it back.  I crave their gyros, and I know that a lot of people really loved their pizza. 

See you later Meli - do let us know if you'll return.

Meli Cafe & Bakery - 32-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.406.9950
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

Foodista Fringe - Beaten, Seared and Sauced Event

Image by Random House

Last week, I offered you Guy Fieri's cookbook, and this week in Foodista's Fringe, as I'm calling it, I'm giving you another great food book benefit.  This one is an event, hosted by the Museum of the City of New York, which showcases author, Jonathan Dixon, author of Beaten, Seared and Sauced , in a behind-the-scenes look about about becoming a chef at the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America. 

The event provides an intimate chat with Jonathan and fellow food writer, Andrew Friedman in which they'll explore the ups, downs and frequent roller coasters of working in one of the most competitive culinary settings in the country.

It's also neat that the event is being presented in conjunction with the Moveable Feast exhbition, which highlights a NYC-based mobile produce program called Green Carts.

Foodista readers get 50% off this event if you mention "The Foodista" when making your reservation. 

Here are the vitals:

Beaten, Seared and Sauced Event
Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 p.m.
Museum of the City of New York - 1220 5th Avenue, New York NY 10029
Reserve your spot: 917.492.3395 or email programs@mcny.org

$6/person with your Foodista discount

Enjoy the event, and please chime in with your feedback about this Foodista fringe. 

The Winners of the Guy Fieri Cookbook Are...

Image by Harper Collins

As promised, I wanted to announce the 2 winners of the Guy Fieri cookbook giveaway I hosted this week.  Even though not everyone had an opportunity to win, you sure contributed some creative entries about the most inventive comfort food you've ever had.

But without further ado, here are our 2 winners that were chosen by random.org and their fabulous entries:

TechGuy426 who said: "Lobster and shrimp mac and cheese with 4 different cheeses...Mmmmm."

and...

Amber who said: "Not at all inventive, but my favorite comfort food is my grandmother's scrambled eggs. There's just something about how she can get them perfectly fluffy and seasoned just so that has taken my entire adult life to master, and still I come up short. Thinking about them just reminds me of lazy summers as a kid when I would stay with my grandparents in the wooded suburbs. Unfortunately, my grandmother is no longer with us so I'll never know her secret to perfect eggs, but they'll always make me think of home."

What a lovely, sweet way to remember your grandmother, Amber. I'm sure she'd be proud of your creation.

And here were our other lovely entries:

Justin said: "Chorizo Corned Beef Hash at MexiQ in Astoria. Amazing!"

Lauren said: "Deep fried turkey with grilled corn on the cob (with cheese melted on top!) and yellow rice...comfort food summertime style, can't go wrong!"

suburban prep said: "I had a combination of Mexican and Chinese food.
It was a bit unusual."

Kimberly said: "Shrimp + grits paired with she-crab soup (made w/ brandy--yum!) down in Charleston, SC...love that low-country cooking!"

amuse*bouche said: "The "leftover fried chicken at WD-50 was outrageously delicious and original. Layers of various chicken filets have been pressed into a terrine, before being cooked sous vide, and then chilled again. The cold fried chicken is then topped with dollops of buttermilk whipped into a ricotta, almost like cool mashed potatoes. Teardrops of tabasco honey add a bit of heat, and shiny mounds of sturgeon caviar remind you just how far from leftover fried chicken this brilliant dish actually aspires. Crispy fried chicken skin and chervil were the perfect garnishes."

Sharon said: "Gumbo with chicken and andouille, sandwiches."

Thank you to everyone who participated. I will be in touch with the winners about claiming their prizes.  Congratulations!

I hope you enjoy your Guy Fieri Food cookbook. 

For those of you who didn't win this time, you can purchase the book here and try your luck again in my upcoming giveaways.

Mojave Brunch - Bring on the Color, Bring on the Spice

As part of our planning session for the soon-coming Queens Swap at The Queens Kickshaw, Meg and I decided to brunch at Mojave.  One of our favorite South-of-the-border eateries, Mojave never disappoints in terms of inventive food options and more importantly, the flavor in their food is always there.

Although Meg recalled having brunch here before, I was completely new to it.  We both ended up choosing Southwestern brunch dishes including Meg's Huevos Rancheros and my Mojave Benedict.

Mojave Benedict - Because I love classic Eggs Benedict, I was eager to try this version with avocadoes, tomatoes and Mojave's own version of hollandaise (with avocado).  When the dish arrived, I was suprised to see the ratio of homestyle potatoes to the eggs.  More than half the plate constituted of the potatoes, which were yummy but the quantity was unbalanced.  The eggs on the other hand were wonderful - as tender and runny as I like, and the avocado hollandaise had a nice spice to it.  Enjoying the crunchy English muffins that the eggs rested on, they were the perfect vehicle to carry all that eggy, gooey goodness.  Instead of the potatoes, it would be worth asking if they'd serve this with a mixed salad next time.

Huevos Rancheros - I got a bite of Meg's huevos rancheros and they were lovely.  As you can see, the presentation was gorgeously colorful.  I enjoyed the earthy quality of the blue corn tortillas and the spicy beef & pork chili that was found on the exterior.  Also topped with fresh tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole, the whole dish emanated with personality.  Meg seemed to agree, by her almost clean plate.

Service and Cost:
Our server was pretty diligent - almost to the point where we wanted him to lay off a little.  He was nice though and think he was just trying his best, but generally, I prefer more laid-back service.

Costs are very affordable, and for a 2 person brunch and a coffee, we paid a total of $25 with tax and tip.  Muy bien!

2.5 Mmmms

Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.mojaveny

New Brunch Menu at Ovelia

Recently, you may recall me talking about a delicious brunch I had with friends at Ovelia.  I loved everything about it, especially the beautifully colored beat omelet, pictured here.  But...over the past week, I found out that plans for brunch will change.  Not to worry though because the changes are improvements, as Ovelia will be overhauling the brunch menu (as well as their other menus) to include organic and dairy products from local NY farms. 

I'm excited about this new development and think that the quality of their offering will only improve. 

Another great happening is that Chef, Pete is being featured in an upcoming celebrity chef cookbook, which includes Martha Stewart and other notable icons.  His gracious contribution is his recipe for Ovelia's corn flapjacks - ricotta, walnuts, polenta...oh my! 

Hope I've whet your appetite to explore this local gem.  Now go...get your eat on.

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.ovelia-ny.com

Foodista's Chicken Sausage Cous Cous-otto

Since we're trying to eat as healthy as we can in our household (this is mostly driven by Dan and his crazy P90X routine), I've been trying to cook up healthy foods whenever I have the chance. 

When I went to Whole Foods to seek some inspiration, I didn't have anything in mind, but then became influenced by the gorgeous baby spinach in the fresh produce section.  I grabbed it and immediately thought of the garlic spinach I had at Ornella the night before.  Yes, that would do just great.

After making my rounds, I also grabbed a package of Bilinki's cajun andouille chicken sausage and thought to cook it up with cous-cous.  The spinach would be nice to add on top, I thought, and there it was, my idea behind my chicken sausage cous-cous-otto.

Foodista's Chicken Sausage Cous-Cous-Otto

Ingredients (serves 2)
1 cup of whole wheat cous-cous (I used Trader Joe's brand)
3 chicken sausages, diced
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Handful of dried cranberries
1 package of fresh baby spinach, whole
2 large cloves of fresh garlic, minced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Touch of truffle oil

Directions:
In a non-stick pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and sautee the garlic.  Make sure to watch the the garlic closely, so it doesn't burn.  Add the sausage and sautee until golden brown on the outside.  Remove from the pan.

In the meantime, cook the cous-cous according to the directions on the package.  Add the dried cranberries, and put the lid on, so they puff up.  Incorporate the sausage and the chopped parsley. 

In the sautee pan you used for the sausage, add the other garlic clove until slightly colored.  Gradually place all the spinach into the pan and stir with the garlic for about 2-3 minutes or until wilted.

Place the cous-cous into a bowl and top with a generous amount of fresh spinach.  Top with a sprinkling of truffle oil.  Enjoy the earthiness and the savory quality of this dish.

Exploring Bizarre Foods at Ornella

I love going to Ornella, and I know that when I do visit, it's always a personal, feel-good/feel-full experience.  Last week's dinner was graciously set up by my friend and fellow blogger, Bradley from amuse bouche blog and the theme was "bizarre foods."  With a pretense like that, what adventurous foodie worth her salt could refuse?!

Joined by a new blogger friend, Elena from The Gotham Palate blog, we formed a great trio that evening, and after just a few minutes, we were telling long-winded stories, many of which had us in stitches (especially ones told by Bradley).

In the midst of all this, we ate.  We ate a lot.  In his true hospitable fashion, Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner brought out a multitude of new dishes, many of which we haven't yet tried at Ornella or nowhere else for that matter.  They included:

2 Pizzas - Although pizza is far from bizarre, it is unusual to see it at Ornella, as they technically don't have it on the menu.  The two varieties were very different - one classic with cheese and fresh basil on top and the other a stuffed pizza with prosciutto, goat cheese and peppery arugula.  Both options were nice, but I preferred the fancier pizza with the tangy cheese and salty prosciutto, not to mention the crispy, thin crust that hugged it from the top and bottom.

Sheep Salad with Burrata - Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner is a master at reinventing dishes that he remembers from childhood or that have already debuted on Ornella's menu in a slightly different format.  This gorgeous salad reminded me of the previous porchetta salad that was also served with fresh juicy tomatoes and soft burrata cheese.  The sheep meat was a nice change-up and I liked that it was served chilled and also in bite sized pieces that were appetizing and easy to digest.  I don't even have to say it, but the burrata was as creamy, silky and decadent as always.

Pasta Latte - A good example of an Ornella childhood favorite, this pasta was as simple as can be but also as equally delicious.  Cooking the pasta in milk instead of water (hence the latte in the title), and letting it reduce, the homemade pappardelle was coated in the smooth, milky and slightly sweet sauce.  And even though I didn't grow up eating it, in some way, it reminded me of childhood.

Sweetbreads with Potatoes and Spinach - One of the last dishes of the night, but as the saying goes "save the best for last," we thoroughly enjoyed it.  I thought Bradley put it best when he said Ornella has an uncanny way of making this delicacy taste like the the most finger-licking good "Kung Pao Chicken." I agree.  Even though some purists would scorn at our comparison, I say "why not?!" The texture of the sweetbreads was tender and wonderful, and its sprinkling of fragrant truffle oil on top just put the cherry on the proverbial sundae.

If you have a penchant for unusual eats that taste smashingly delicious, you know where to find them.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana - 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd
www.ornellatrattorianellatrattoria.com

Guy Fieri Food Cookbook Giveaway

Image by Harper Collins

For those of you who are loyal Food Network fans, you'll recognize the vivacious man in the above picture as host of the popular, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives as well as Guy's Big Bite.  Regardless of whether you love him or hate him, Guy Fieri is a big food personality who's not going anywhere.  In fact, he recently visited Astoria's popular dive bar, Sparrow and got a taste for what a real burger with herbed fries should taste like!

And...he also just launched a cookbook called Guy Fieri Food, which highlights his 150 favorite eats, including lots of comforting dishes turned upside the head.  Things like watermelon pork tacos, firecracker wings, a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, Nor Cal carnitas and much more.  The book is full of funky looking illustrations that totally channel Guy's personality.

So...in honor of Guy's big book release, I'm giving away 2 copies just for you.  Here's how you can get your hands on one:

Comment on this post by telling me about the most inventive comfort food you've ever had.

Rules:
1.  Leave a comment on this post by this Friday, May 13th by 11:59 p.m. EST
2.  Make sure to leave your email in your comment so I know how to contact you
3.  2 winners will be chosen at random on Sunday, May 15th and will be notified via email
4.  If you tweet or post about this giveaway on Facebook, I'll grand you an extra entry

Take a big bite out of that!

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Mother's Day Cookies

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Mother's Day.  Celebrating the holiday at my brother's and Fiana's today, we enjoyed a delicious homemade meal prepared by our gracious hosts.  I wanted to contribute, of course, by bringing dessert and was inspired to make these sizeable cranberry, white chocolate chip cookies.

Dan has been ranting and raving about them for the past month or so, since his co-worker Karen has been bringing them in pretty much weekly.  And each time he had these cookies, he described them in vivid detail. 

After a few passionate depictions, I must admit, I was intrigued.  So much so that Dan asked Karen for the recipe, and fast forward a few weeks, here I was making them.

Overall, the recipe is as straightforward and basic as can be.  To elevate the taste level of these treats, make sure you use really good quality ingredients such as premium flour, high-quality chocolate and big, chunky cranberries.  The only thing I changed from the recipe is that I baked the cookies for an extra 5 minutes to ensure a pretty golden brown color.  Enjoy with a tall glass of cold milk and some good company.

Karen's Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Ingredients (makes 24 large cookies)
1 cup of softened butter
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
3/4 cup of light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cups of all purpose flour (I used King Arthur)
12 oz. white chocolate chips (I used about 3/4 of the package instead of the whole 12 oz.)
6 oz. dried cranberries

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together butter, sugars and vanilla.  Beat in the eggs. 
Sift together salt, baking soda and flour.  Whisk to incorporate.  Stir in white chocolate chips and cranberries.  Place large spoonfuls of the batter on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Astoria Mother's Day Plans

One of my favorite holidays, Mother's Day is here.  Not only do you get to honor your one and only Mama, you also get to indulge in lovely food and drink.  Astoria and LIC are paying special homage to our favorite matriarchs, and there are plenty of fun things to choose from. Such as...

Ornella - Aside from the delectable menu items that you can always find at Ornella (the imbustata and the duck meatballs are favorites), they'll also feature a 3-course prix fixe for $35.  This menu will contain delectable items such as chestnut pasta, burrata with porchetta, short ribs, Ornella's homemade Italian cheesecake and much more.  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.9477

Cavo - Since the weather is rumored to be quite spectacular tomorrow, treat Mom to a garden brunch at Cavo.  Sure it's a splurge at $49/person, but the setting is to die for and you can spend quite a while luxuriating in the sunshine.  The menu includes 3 courses and a glass of wine.  42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103.  718.721.1001

Astor Room - The newly opened Astor Room will feature regular brunch service during the day but a special dinner prix-fixe dinner in the evening.  A special 3 course dinner will include highlights such as duck confit stuffed squash blossoms, champagne poached red snapper, rosemary brick chicken, a chocolate & peanut butter mousse cup and more for $50/person.  34-12 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.255.1947

eXo - Although not an Astoria based resto, its chef, Costa hails from A-town, so venture out and experience the authentic, homey Greek cuisine.  They're showcasing both brunch and dinner service with a special prix-fixe and you can see the menu here.  To whet your appetite, expect Greek specialties such as Eggs Benedict Spanakopita, sizzling lamb hash, swordfish souvlaki and more.  15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 1135.  718.767.4396

Bistro 33 - While usually featuring a prix-fixe, Bistro will keep things casual with their regular menu but a couple of special items as well will shake things up.  Tomorrow, you can have brunch or dinner and bask in the sunshine by sitting in their open air cafe.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.721.1933

Veslo - If your mama has an adventurous palate, take her out for Balkan food at the new, fabulous, Veslo.  Their special Mother's Day menu is quite rich with a 5-course offering for $65/person with featured items such as veal gnocchi, surf and turf, osso bucco, Eastern-European style crepes and more.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106.  718.728.0549

Winegasm - It's all about brunch here for Mother's Day from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. So whether mom loves a good bellini, bloody Mary, mimosa or what have you, the unlimited cocktail option for moms is free tomorrow.  The food prix-fixe is just $12.50, which is a great deal, especially given the quality of the food and drink.  31-86 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.932.3331

L'Artiste Restaurant - Treat your favorite maman to a sophisticated French dinner at the quaint, L'Artiste.  Featuring a 3-course $35/person prix-fixe, you can choose from classic French dishes such as escargot, beet salad, roasted duck, steak frites and more.  Reservations are highly recommended. 42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  646.309.7504

Locale - For a cool, funky vibe, take mom to Locale where you won't be tied down to a prix-fixe menu.  There will be a couple of specials that day in the form of soups, paninis and more, and you can enjoy a lovely brunch, eat outdoors and people watch on the tree-lined 34th Avenue.  33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.  718.729.9080

Testaccio - Whether you're in the mood for a special treat or their regular (and equally yummy) menu, Testaccio welcomes Moms and families tomorrow.  A sampling of their specials includes wild boar meatballs with goat cheese, grilled shrimp skewers with orange glaze, braised lamb shanks with cherry tomatoes, four cheese tortellini in a pesto sauce and more.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101.  718.937.2900

Spring Things at LIC Market

LIC Market, a very delish natural foods resto is rolling out some fun stuff in the month of May.  First off, they're staring Sunday brunch service, beginning this week in honor of Mother's Day.  How exciting!  There are plenty of yummies to choose from, and I especially love their Bullseye Eggs (pictured above) with eggs cooked into crusty 7-grain bread. Mmmm...

Something else they're doing is participating in the LIC Arts Open, an eight day festival that honors and celebrates the growing creative community in LIC.  Hours will be extended on the weekend of 5/21 to the following:

Saturday, May 21: 11:00am - 4:00pm, 5:30pm - 10:00pm
Sunday, May 22 : 11:00am - 4:00pm, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Those who attend the LIC Arts Open will also enjoy a 10% discount at LIC Market. Pretty snazzy...I hope you enjoy.

LIC Market - 21-52 44th Drive, LIC NY 11101
718.361.0013
7 Train to 45th Road/Courthouse Square
http://www.licmarket.com/

Astoria Cinco de Mayo Mini Round-Up

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone.  What a fun excuse to go out and enjoy festive drinks, food and time with friends.  Astoria and LIC promises to be bumpin' tomorrow, and here's my mini round-up of cool happs you can partake in.

MexiQ - Festivities will start as soon as they open their doors at 5 p.m. with dedicated food specials (i.e. seafood and short rib empanadas), $5 Mexican beer on tap and a live Mariachi band that will make an appearance later in the night.  37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.0333

Mojave - This Southwestern eatery always has something fun and boisterous going on for Cinco.  This year, it'll be a special drinks promotion from Herradura and  Tiki tequila.  Shots incorporating both tequila brands will be complimentary, and there will also be a live band later on in the night to enjoy.  22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105.  718.545.4100

El Ay Si - Kicking it off at 8 p.m., El Ay Si's Cinco party will include enticing drinks specials, new menu items as well as lively entertainment.  Featuring guest DJ Monk One, you'll be able to groove to some hip Latin beats from Cuban Sol to Cali Salsa, Nuyorican Boogaloo and more.  The party will last all night, so you don't have to worry about showing up early.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101.  718.389.8781

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Even though it's far from a Latin establishment, the Beer Garden will be celebrating full-force with a special Mexican menu.  Instead of the typical dumplings, potato pancakes and pierogies, you can get $5 burritos, $2 tacos and $20 buckets of Corona and Corona Light.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.274.4925

Pachanga Patterson - The newest Mexican eatery in town will be doing something really special tomorrow. Get this...from 7 - 8 p.m. they'll have free drinks. Yep...FREE (I was astounded too).  You can also order 2 new tacos that they're adding to the menu especially for tomorrow.  Ole!  33-17 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 718.554.0525