Burger Club - Verdict is Still Out...

Image by Fatiha B. 

While I've been hearing some mixed reviews about Burger Club, I have to say that it intrigues me very much.  I've passed by a few times, but have always been on my way somewhere else, so I haven't yet ventured inside.  While it looks enticing, it's also never too crowded, which shows they still have their work cut out when it comes to clientele.  Curious about the menu, I grabbed one and wanted to share it.  They have poutine...wowza!

If you've tried it, please let me know your feedback, and I'll report back in a few weeks:

Appetizers:

Assorted pickled vegetables - Served with ricotta cheese and country bread...$6.75
Braised short ribs - Hand-cut French fries with cheese poutine...$8.75
Hanger steak sliders with onions - Pickles & chipotle ketchup...$7.75

Salads:
Prosciutto - Shaved parmesan, grape tomatoes, mescalin greens with mustard vinaigrette...$9.50
Club Salad - With walnuts, roasted peppers, blue cheese, dried cranberries, mescalin greens with balsamic vinaigrette...$9.75
Roasted Beet - Spinach, arugula, goat cheese & toasted almonds with red beet vinaigrette...$9.25

Burgers:
Breakfast Burger - Topped with hickory smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fried egg & homemade aioli...$9.25
Carolina Burger - Topped with slow-cooked pulled pork, pepper jack cheese & homemade coleslaw...$10.25
Bison Burger - With homemade BBQ sauce, jalapenos, crispy onion strings & pepper jack cheese...$10.75
Farmer's Market Burger - Seasonal vegetable burger, marinated portobello mushrooms, avocado & goat cheese...$8.25

Shakes:
Cookies and Cream Shake...$5.25

Peanut Butter, Banana and Whopper...$5.25
Root Beer Float Malted...$5.25

Desserts:
Burger Club's Ice Cream Burger...$5.25

Chocolate Mud Cake - With vanilla ice cream, whipped cream & chocolate sauce...$6.25

The Burger Club - 32-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.777.7788
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.burger-club.com 

Edible Gifts Homemade Cookies n' More Workshop Coming Up

My friend, Chef Raquel is back at it again with a slew of amazing cooking classes, just in time for the holidays.  In fact, I'm participating in an Addam's Family themed cooking class later in December, and I can't wait.  What I love about Raquel's classes is that she always keeps it interesting and inventive, and very interactive.  I promise you won't be bored while learning, and will pick some helpful tricks along the way.  Here's a fun holiday themed class I think you'll enjoy:

Edible Gifts/Homemade Cookies n' More Workshop 

Sunday, December 11th, 2011 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 
$60/person or 2 $100 special

The menu includes:
Chocolate Meringues 
Jam Filled Thumbprints
Coconut Macaroons
Peppermint Bark
Orange marmalade

I think this is a great way to spend quality time with friends, doing something interactive, not to mention that it can make a great gift for your favorite foodie.

RSVP here, and Raquel will disclose more details.  

www.apinchofsalt.com

Malu is Chock-Full-of Fun Events

Malu, LIC's proud "mom and pop shop," as they call themselves is heating up.  Sure they sell cool treats that are delicious all year round, but besides that, they do a great job at connecting with the community through their various events.  3 in particular are going on this week.  I hope you get to stop by for at least one and enjoy:

Wednesday, November 30th - Come by for a chocolate tasting from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Malu is known for their chocolate dips, in which they submerge all your favorite nostalgic foods into rich chocolate (think chocolate covered corn flakes, rice crispies, Swedish fish and more)

Thursday, December 1st and Saturday December 3rd - 4 p.m. story time for the kids.  Bring your little ones and enjoy some time off while they stay quiet and listen to an enchanting story (followed by a treat if you so choose).

Saturday also marks the debut of their holiday gift show, which features local artists and craftsmen, showcasing some of the most creative local products.  It's a good way to prepare yourselves for the holidays and get your loved ones some lovely food gifts.

Malu - 12-09 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
718.729.6258
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.amomandpopshop.com

Luke's Lobster - Simple and Perfected

Given our long Thanksgiving weekend, it was also a great time to explore new food places that have been on my must-try list.  One of those included Luke's Lobster, the rustic lobster joint that started out in the East Village and that now has locations virtually all around the city.  Dan and I visited the Upper West Side locale. 

The legend of Luke's Lobster has to do with freshness and being supplied directly from Maine shores - no middle man involved.  Therefore, you know that your lobster is freshly caught and hasn't been transported to your plate from afar.  And...you can therefore feel really good about eating it.

Atmosphere:
Staying true to its humble beginnings, Luke's Lobster is a simple, no frills place that feels like it belongs in a quiet New England town, as opposed to the busy streets of Manhattan.  In fact, when you step in, you're immediately transported into a more laid back place, and can't help but think of lazy summer days by the beach.

The space is long and narrow and decked with a couple of communal style high tables with stools.  A long mural, depicting a Maine beach scene on one side, and a busily stacked wall of Luke's redeemed frequent customer cards on the other, showcases just how popular it is.  I plan to put mine up there someday, as after my first experience, I can with certainty say I'll be back.

Food:
Dan and I both got the lobster roll combo, which came with a pickle, a bag of chips and a drink of choice.  We ooh'd and aaah'd as soon as we took a good look at this lobster roll, main reason being because the chunks of lobster were so gorgeous in color and so substantial in size.  What a bummer it is when you receive a lobster roll with more mayo than lobster, the whole thing resulting in a soggy mess! Well not this, for the lobster was surely the main ingredient, only hit with a touch of mayo and some ingenious house seasoning.  It was so simple, yet so very delicious, each bite of the chunky sandwich reaffirming to us the starring role the lobster played.  After we finished it, we felt satisfied and happy, as opposed to weighed down and overly full, as can be the case with heavily mayo-drenched renditions.

Service and Cost:
Although the service is as casual as the rest of Luke's, the staff is friendly and helpful, and generally seems happy to be there.  The woman behind the counter was nice and tried to accommodate Dan with the beer of his choice, after some ambivalence.  She had a sound idea of what was good, and tried to weigh out the options for us in terms of the best value.

Costs are very fair for the amazing quality you get.  Each lobster roll combo set us back $17, which included the aforementioned pickle, chips and a drink.

3 Mmmms

Luke's Lobster - 426 Amsterdam Avenue, New York NY 10024
212.877.8800
1 Train to 79th Street
www.lukeslobster.com 

Ovelia's 5th Anniversary - 3-Course Dinner Giveaway

I can't believe it's been 5 amazing years since my beloved Ovelia Psistaria opened.  I remember it like yesterday, checking out the new storefront with Margot, peeking in and wondering what's to come.  We tried to crash their opening friends and family party (it's true) but had to wait another week to step into this modern Greek food haven.

Since that day five years ago, I've been back continuously and watched it evolve into something even more amazing than when it opened.  The care and perfection that's poured into this family owned restaurant never gets old, but they also do a great job of sticking to tradition and respecting their roots.

In honor of their big 5, Ovelia is graciously inviting a Fooditka reader and their guest to join them for a complimentary 3-course dinner.  I'm pretty excited about this giveaway, giving you a chance to taste the greatness. 

Ovelia 3-course Dinner Giveaway

Includes - 1 appetizer, 2 entrees and 1 dessert (valid for the entire month of December)

How to Enter: Comment on this post and tell me what you love about Ovelia, or if you haven't been, why you'd like to try it.

Enter between now and Thursday, December 1st 2011.  A winner will be chosen at random and announced on email and on this site on Friday, December 2nd.  Please make sure to leave your email in your comment, so I can contact you.

Good luck everyone - and please join Ovelia in their 5 year celebration this Thursday, December 1st. 

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

Happy Thanksgiving Truffles

Even though I'm not hosting Thanksgiving at our place (never have and will try to shirk it as long as possible) - I'm of course contributing to a fabulous feast that's about to take place at Dan's cousin's house.  And since I've been on a truffle kick lately, I decided to have another go at it, creating these white chocolate, pumpkin truffles.  Similarly to my first try at truffles, I see that I still need loads of practice, but the good news is that the end result still tastes yummy.

I made two types of truffles, as you can see here - one is coated in white chocolate and includes a pumpkin (butternut squash in my case), cream cheese, white chocolate, cookie crumbs, cinnamon, sugar and orange zest filling and is coated in the white chocolate.  Like a proper truffle should look.  The others are a bit more rustic, as I ended up mixing the remainder of the white chocolate with the above mentioned filling and then coating it with the cookie crumbs.  Still yummy but just a different look.  Hope you have the patience and appetite to try something like this - while the pumpkin (or the butternut squash lasts).  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and I can't wait to hear about the yummies you cooked up.

White Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles Recipe (courtesy of Whole Foods)

Thanksgiving Blogger Appreciation

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I just love that it's a celebration of all wonderful things - family, friends, health, happiness and food!  I have so many things to appreciate in my life, but besides the obvious, my life has truly been enriched through writing about my food adventures and meeting some of the most amazing people in Queens.  My fellow Queens bloggers...this one's for you.

We Heart Astoria - My other blogging pride and joy, you may know that I'm one of the fellow founders and contributors of this blog that's all about "delivering insider scoop in and out of Astoria." Check out Meg's amazing round-up of Thanksgiving activities - from special restaurant menus, bar promos and more.

Harmonious Belly - Meg's blog, dedicated to sustainable food practices and lifestyle is always a meaningful read - and the pictures make me salivate each time.  In her latest post, read about the non-traditional feast she's putting together this Thanksgiving. 

SITE Design Blog - Although not a food blogger per se, Mackenzi knows what's what and better yet, what's to come on the Astoria and LIC food horizon.  In her blog, inspired by her fabulous store, SITE, she talks about trends, quirky items on sale at her store, and in case you didn't know, you can also find her musings on We Heart Astoria.  

Amuse*Bouche - I love Bradley...but let's face it, everyone LOVES Bradley Hawks, the jovial, food porn extraordinaire who gets into every nook and cranny of Astoria's food scene.  His latest post highlights the new, Bear Restaurant, which offers a Thanksgiving prix-fixe tomorrow.  If you'd like to get a special deal when you visit, check this out and get a free glass of vino.  

Handjobs for the Home - AJ's brilliant blog speaks to the imagination and creativity that can live in all of us too, as he uncovers simple yet sophisticated DIY projects (a lot of them centered around food). I love his Thanksgiving post that gives us some simple tips and tricks to entertaining (especially in small spaces). 

Gluten Free Fun - It's funny that I came to know Erin through a nostalgic High School connection.  The blogosphere really is a small world!  I enjoy reading posts about a her fun, fearless gluten-free adventures that are always full of thoughtful advice and support.  In her Thanksgiving post, she of course gives homage to the wonderful gluten-free community that inspires her each day.  

Much to My Delight - Jenn's awesome blog is a little whimsy, tongue-in-cheek, but also full of insightful stories.  Her Thanksgiving post, similar to this one gives props to her favorite Thanksgiving blog round-ups.  

City Spoonful - Recently getting acquainted with Anne and Clare who run this blog, it's all about food.  And what I like is that it spreads the love beyond Queens to also those other boroughs, and even New Jersey.  Hmmm...not sure what I think about that, but anyway ;)  Kidding! Take a look at their awesome Thanksgiving post on how to cook a perfect turkey. 

Gardenfreude - WT and Erich are not only geniuses in the garden, but also in the kitchen.  Their blog shines a light on a variety of creative topics from food to gardening, knitting to wellness, design and more.  Their latest post totally made my tummy rumble - it's a recipe for a chocolate pumpkin loaf.  

Tastoria - Focusing on her two favorite topics, food + Astoria, Sue uncovers some of our neighborhood's hidden gems.  I love her intelligent observations and musings on simple things and places we'd normally bypass...until now.  Her Thanksgiving post shows us just how lucky we are to have Astoria in our lives.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone - and once again, thank you, thank you!

Thai Elephant - The Elephant in the Room You Want

It's been a very long time since I've been to Thai Elephant on 31st Street in the Ditmars neighborhood.  Frankly, I haven't had Thai in quite a while, and the night after our Queens Swap was as good an opportunity as any.  Meg, Tom, Dan and I decided to give it a try (we were all ravenous!) - and for some, it was a new experience while for others a really pleasant do-over.  Here's what we had:

Thai Buffalo Wings - Since it was technically football night, wings were very appropriate.  We all dug in with gusto into these crispy looking things, which were quite tender and tasty. I especially liked the sweet chili sauce that served as the dipping.  The portion was generous and we each had about two wings to tide us over.

Curry Puff - I've tried these here before and remember liking them.  Consisting of ground chicken, potato and onion, wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, it was a nice way to indulge.  While the exterior was a bit on the oily side, we still enjoyed it, as it was comforting and delicious.  Served with a chilled cucumber sauce, I loved the juxtaposition between hot and cold, refreshing and savory.

Tom Yum Soup - This is one of Dan's favorites, and I of course had to have a bite too.  I loved the flavorings in the broth, as the overall effect was a bit spicy but in the most pleasant way - really heating up your palate for the next course.  My favorite aspect of the soup were the beautiful mushroom chunks that added an element of earthiness and texture.

Thai Cashew Nut Chicken - A new dish for me, I loved the sound of it, as it was a mixture of sauteed cashews with onions, bell peppers, celery, carrots and mushrooms.  The whole thing was then tied together with a pungent chili sauce, which I asked to be prepared on the mild side.  The best part for me were the cashews of course, and once enveloped in that smoky sauce, they took on a different quality, almost as if they were roasted.  The dish came with a side of rice and therefore besides containing lots of filling ingredients, the rice rounded it out completely.

Other Dishes -My dining companions loved their dishes, each one of them getting something different.  Meg's duck garden salad looked and tasted spectacular, the duck was nice and crispy and beautifully cooked.  Dan ordered a classic Pad Thai, which he enjoyed (I didn't taste it though) and Tom got a beautiful dome of fried rice, with which he also seemed pleased with.

Service and Cost:
I'm happy to report that service was attentive and prompt, but also nice and laid back.  After a busy day filled with fun activities (which still exhausted us nonetheless) it provided a great respite.

Costs are affordable and include:
Appetizers - $4 - $7
Salad - $5 - $8
Curry - $9 - $15
Noodles - $9 - $15
Fried Rice - $8 - $10
Vegetables - $9 - $10
Entrees - $9 - $15
Sides - $1 - $5

3 Mmmms

Thai Elephant - 21-09 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.204.8827
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.thaielephant-astoria.com 

Gardenfreude's Sea Salt - My New Obsession

Over the past couple of months, I've been lucky to get acquainted with two fabulous individuals who I've met through Mackenzi, my follow We Heart Astoria blogee.  Those two people are WT and Erich from the Gardenfreude blog, based right here in Astoria.  To say they know good food is an understatement, as they cultivate their own crops and grow all sorts of things - from fresh herbs and greens to veggies like tomatoes (in the summer of course), peppers, and more!

The most recent development in their veggie-lovin-life (they are vegans) is the ingenious way they've paired their fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley, paprika, sage and others with fine quality French sea salt.  It's a perfect way to finish any meal and I've been using it non-stop.  

Where to find this?
I first heard about WT & Erich's legendary sea salt from friends and fellow bloggers, AJ and Meg.  The fact they're both super knowledgeable about food (and good sustainable food no less) made my brows raise with excitement.  

But legend became reality when I actually saw these salts being sold at Mackenzi's Pre-Holiday party at SITE.  There were all kinds of flavors (all of the above I mentioned) and Mackenzi served the rosemary on popcorn, which immediately drew me in.  The popcorn took on this gorgeous perfume, making you feel like you've stepped into the lushest garden.  I couldn't resist so I grabbed a jar and have since become obsessed.

Rosemary Salt - As I already mentioned, the smell of this salt is heavenly (I just undid the top and took a whiff as I'm writing).  Mackenzi's use of it on popcorn was clever and I highly suggest it, but since then I've also put it on toast with olive oil, pasta,  my spinach/ricotta gnocchi, pea soup and virtually anything and everything it could marry into.  Although I cannot wait to try some of the other flavors like the sage, I think I'll continue my love affair with rosemary a little longer.

If you're interested in trying this salt and supporting a fabulous local product, you can visit Mackenzi's store, SITE or contact Erich or WT directly.  Enjoy and start pinching those fingers together!

www.gardenfreude.com  

Fooditka + Bear Thanksgiving Deal

This post is participating in the Astoria Blog Carnival, hosted by We Heart Astoria.

With Thanksgiving this week, lots of restaurants in the nabe are running some fun specials, while others are closing early.  Luckily for us, the newly opened Bear Restaurant will be open all night and featuring a sweet prix-fixe feast to boot.  Besides the menu sounding absolutely scrumptious, I also want to spread the news of a great deal if you mention my site.  Here goes...if you reserve your spot and mention "Fooditka," you'll get a complimentary glass of wine.

Now feast your eyes on this menu:

Thanksgiving Dinner at Bear

Thursday November 24, 2011
From 3 p.m. -10 p.m.  $55/person

Amouse Bouche - Stewed Mushroom Casserole

Choice of Appetizer
Roasted Beet Salad - Roasted beets, fresh carrot ribbons, sweet pickled onions, goat cheese, and parsley oil dressing
Butternut Squash Soup
Mixed Green Salad Fresh salad with radish, apple, walnuts and a cider dressing
Herring and Potato Three Shot Vodka Special Ice chilled vodka paired with house-pickled vegetables and cured meats

Choice of Entree
Turkey Dinner with Stuffing -Includes whipped mashed potato, homemade cranberry sauce and cornbread muffin
Diver Sea Scallops - Large sea scallops, pan-seared and served with shiitake-tomato-barley risotto
Balked Salmon - Served with couscous and Enoki mushrooms, drizzled with parsley oil
Sweet Potato Gnocchi - In a brown butter sauce with fresh sage and shaved Romano cheese. The Grizzly Our bear of a burger with a large helping of Bear Fries

For the Table
Bear Salad - Signature potato salad
Glazed Green Beans with ginger, cider and marinated garlic

Choice of Desserts
Sweet Potato Pie with ginger-lime- whipped cream
Poached Pears - dipped in chocolate and hazelnuts
Cheese Plate - A selection of fine artisanal cheeses plated with fresh berries and fruit, nuts, and local honey

Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Long Island City NY 11106
917.396.4939
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bearnyc.com

Making Chocolate Truffles from Scratch

As I mentioned yesterday, I recently made my own chocolate truffles for Queens Swap.  Of course being that Queens Swap is an amalgamation of hard core foodies, I knew I had to bring it up a notch, and ended up infusing the chocolate with coconut milk and yerba mate tea.  Something to keep things more interesting...

Overall a little intimidated by the truffle making process, I had to try it out a couple of times before they came out right.  A key hint is to use very good quality chocolate and I used a trusty baked goods supplier, NY Cake on 22nd Street near 6th Avenue in the city to help me out.  

I also experimented with a truffle mold that turned out to be a giant failure (I couldn't get the chocolate out), so in the end I molded each truffle with my own two you know what.  It was very enjoyable, therapeutic and also ultra messy.  But so worth it.  I've already gotten nice feedback from my fellow swappers, so I hope to continue this experiment yet again for another occasion.

Coconut Yerba Mate Truffles Recipe (courtesy of Whole Foods)

3 Times A Charm - 3rd Queens Swap at Sweetleaf

As I mentioned a few weeks back, Meg, AJ and I have been diligently preparing for our 3rd Queens Swap, which took place this past Sunday afternoon at Sweetleaf LIC.  I'm proud to say the event was a hit, and we always manage to learn something new each time.  Also loving the mix of attendees, from loyalists to newbies, each event features something unique and keeps things interesting.

The Venue
Our friends at Sweetleaf LIC were generous to lend us their laptop room for the swap, which included a sectioned off space with a large, communal table with chairs and additional stools.  It was a cozy, intimate space that was conducive to networking and also displaying all our wares.  I liked the intimacy of it all because it enabled you to see everything easily and made you talk to virtually everyone - and let's face it, that's one of the core benefits of the swap.

The Swappers
While we had some newbies, which we always appreciate (new talent and hunger is what drives these events) but we also had loyalists that have become a part of our foodie family.  We appreciate your loyalty Laura, Jean, Lisa and Lydia.

Our newbies included Mira, Kim, Amy, Tim and Julie. 

Here's what everyone contributed - needless to say, there wasn't a shortage of intriguing items to swap:

Laura - Cranberry bread (jumbo sized) with fresh cranberries; garlic infused extra virgin olive oil
Mira - Beet relish
AJ - Rosemary, bacon focaccia; pear chutney; corn salsa
Kim - Home-brewed beer and curried cashews
Meg - Variety of canned goods including tomatillo sauce, canned tomatoes, avjar, blueberry jam, dilly beans, and more
Jean - Fresh apple sauce with cinnamon
Lisa - Apple cinnamon rum, sweet & hot pepper and red onion jam
Amy - Homemade sourdough bread and homemade chocolate flavored soy milk
Vivian - Peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes
Tim - Spicy beef chili
Julie - Almond tofu fruit cocktail
me - Coconut mate chocolate truffles

The Swap
The actual swapping process is two-fold, first you scope out your goods and place bids on the items you want acquire, and second you negotiate with the owner of the item to make the actual swap.  This process altogether took about 45 minutes, as there was a lot of back and forth going around.  I was happy to see that a lot of people bid on my truffles, and because my boxes were closed, I even included an iPad display that showcased them in full glory (more on that in a future post).

I like that Meg laid out the ground rules in the very beginning of the swap, making it clear that the mission behind a successful swap was to walk out with items that you really wanted.  And that it was OK to say no sometimes, which I ended up doing (albeit still feeling a tiny bit bad).

My Goodies
To say that I was thrilled with my goods would be an understatement, as I really did get everything I wanted and walked out as happy as can be.  Here's what I acquired:

Tim's chili
Kim's beer
Jean's apple sauce
Amy's bread (no pun intended)
Meg's tomatillo sauce 
AJ's focaccia bread

So far it's been a fantastic way to stock up my pantry, however I have to admit that some of the items have already gone (focaccia, beer, chili).  In terms of the other attendees, I can safely say that everyone seemed content, and overall I think we had another success on our hands.

I'd sincerely love to thank Sweetleaf for being gracious hosts - you guys rock and we thank you!

For more information about our next food swap, visit www.queensswap.com

Sweetleaf - 10-93 Jackson Avenue, LIC NY 11101
917.832.6726
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.sweetleaflic.com

Cafes Do Brazil - Brunch's Charismatic Companion

Since my college days when I was lucky to meet some fabulous Brazilian friends and thus getting exposed to its rich culture, I've always been a big fan.  That's why when friend and blogger colleague Elena extended a generous invitation to a Cafes Do Brasil press brunch, I without hesitation said "sim." I mean, yes. I said yes! 

Coupled with my excitement about tasting unique Brazilian specialty coffees, I was also thrilled the brunch was being held at a small but fabulous West Village restaurant, Casa.  You guessed it, Casa boasts thoughtfully prepared Brazilian homemade specialties, which I've had the pleasure of trying before.  If you haven't yet been, their pao de queijo is enough to convert you.

About Cafes do Brasil - I was surprised to find out that Brazil is actually the largest coffee producer, rich in Arabica and Robusta production.  I always associated coffee production more with Columbia, but I guess you always learn something new when food and beverage is involved, so this intrigued me.  

It was also interesting to learn that many Brazilian coffee farms have led the way in green coffee production, "some producing Certified Carbon Neutral coffees, and many championing fair trade and sustainable coffee production practices."  This made me feel good about their products, and as a conscious foodie, I try to practice what I preach by eating responsibly and supporting the businesses that instill responsible practices.

And here's where Cafes do Brazil week comes into play.  Organized by the Brazilian Coffee Roasters Association, it aims to spread awareness and excitement about Brazil's unique coffee products to the curious foodies of New York.  This specially themed week, taking place between now and Saturday, November 19th debuts Brazilian coffee for the first time in a lot of carefully selected NYC establishments.  Running the gamut from specialty food stores, coffee shops and of course some of the best restaurants in the city, I do hope you have a chance to check it out.  Here's a list of participating locations.  

Coffee -To give you a little preview of what you can expect from these coffees, I wanted to tell you about some of the varieties I tasted at Casa.  There were three choices that were paired with brunch including one from the Cerrado region (medium roast), another from the Mogiana Region (light roast) and the last one from the Planalto Region (dark roast).  It was interesting to taste the contrast in flavor and undertones in each coffee, and I preferred the Cerrado the most.  It had a gorgeously rich color with a little caramel and a chocolate aftertaste.  I think I found my answer right there - chocolate, my long-time obsession.  I should've known!

I liked that this coffee brought forth a lot of boldness and confidence, and it absolutely didn't need any milk or sugar to go with it.

Brunch - What can be better than pairing high quality coffee with really top notch food?! Casa definitely brought their A game, as we were served a two course brunch, the first course consisting of various breads and pastries, and the second, eggs Florentine.  

I loved the bread course, which definitely whet our appetite with a sampling of nicely warmed pao de queijo, bite sized cinnamon doughnuts and a generous slice of yucca coconut cake.  My favorite was the latter, as it was moist on the inside and slightly crunchy on the outside, the overall taste being savory and sweet at the same time. But not too sweet!  It goes without saying that the pao de queijo was cheesy and delectable, a perfect representation of what this signature starter is supposed to taste like.  Our new Brazilian blogger friend, Gisela confirmed it too.

In terms of the egg Florentine, that was also very tasty.  The portion wasn't too large, which was a good thing and the eggs were cooked just right.  I loved how runny they were in the middle, which created a silky golden sauce to dip the beautifully roasted potatoes in.  A side of Brazilian sausage (or Linguica) made the dish sing even more, as it provided a bit more heartiness and smokiness that I personally can't turn down.

Service:
The staff at Casa as well as the representatives from Brazilian Specialty Foods and Apex Brasil portrayed a lovely display of Brazilian hospitality.  They made me excited not only about the coffee and food, but also about visiting this gorgeous country one day.  

Thanks again to Elena for the warm invite, and if you'd like more information about Cafes Do Brazil, visit www.cafesdobrasil.com  

Casa - 72 Bedford Street, New York NY 10014
212.366.9410
1 Train to Christopher Street
www.casarestaurant.com

Chimney Cake Smells of Richness and History

Image by Chimney Cake

Right before Meg, AJ and I headed over to Queens Swap on Sunday, we made a pit stop at the most interesting, niche bakery in LIC, just a few storefronts away called Chimney Cake.  Meg had brought this place to my attention before, as it's named after a Hungarian/Transylvanian specialty dessert, which this place solely concentrates on.  Although my roots are seeded in Hungary as well as Slovakia (my father's side is Hungarian), I haven't heard of this dessert at all.  But I was needless to say, very very intrigued.

Atmosphere:
The three of us walked into the spacious bakery, not really knowing what to expect.  The space was vast and quite empty for the weekend afternoon, but that worked in our favor, as we got to converse with its friendly owner.  Her lovely nature and hospitable disposition, led her to offer us some delectable samples of the chimney cake and she even showed us the really unique oven that's used to make these treats.  It was pretty hard core, and seemed authentic.

Aside from the fancy equipment, the bakery is pretty plain, and could do with an infusion of more ethnic touches and personality.  The walls are a bit bare, the tables and chairs sparse, but still, we felt welcome and interested, for the goodies they sell are truly something special.

Chimney Cake:
We had the pleasure of tasting the coconut chimney cake, which was sweet on the outside, mostly attributed to the candied coconut.  The chimney cake itself is very light, with soft, flaky dough that you unwind from its naturally tubular shape.  And because this dessert is baked on wooden rods that help hold its shape, the inside is hollow.  While the variety we tried, didn't include a dip, you can embellish the cake further with a submersion of butterscotch, chocolate, vanilla or cream cheese.  Oh and Nutella too, which seriously ups its deliciousness quotient.

Service and Cost:
As I already hinted above, we were served by Chimney Cake's owner, who was friendly, informative and helped illuminate the history behind this interesting cake.  She said it was from the Hungaro-Transylvanian region and was often served on special occasions such as weddings, christenings, and the like.  She said you can currently find them at ski resorts or holiday markets, which rings a few bells actually when thinking back on the Christmas markets in Slovakia.

The costs here are moderate, especially given the level of uniqueness of the pastry.  Each pastry is $4 and for an extra $1 you can add a dipping sauce.  They also serve organic coffees and teas if you so desire.

3 Mmmms

Chimney Cake - 10-50 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
718.786.1818
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.chimneycakenyc.com

Ovelia - The Lamborghini of Greek Food. Literally

Tonight, my We Heart Astoria friends, Meg, Mackenzi (and a future WHA'er, Lindsay) got together at Ovelia for a team meeting and dinner.  We haven't been in quite a while and decided to come by last minute.  It was such a happy circumstance, and especially since their happy hour was going strong until 9 p.m.  But I was also especially sated, since I finally got to try their piece-de-resistance burger called the lamburgini.

Pikilia Dips - We started with these lovely apps and shared a large portion for the four of us.  These are simple, staple starters you can find in any good Greek restaurant, but simple doesn't always mean it's flawless in execution.  Ovelia however masters them splendidly, the melitzanosalata is chunky, garlicky and full of flavor, whereas the tzatziki is cool, refreshing with a hint of dill too.  The taramosalata is creamy and luxurious, reminding me of something really delicious I wouldn't mind spreading on a plump bagel.

Lamburgini - The relatively new lamb burger is quite the showstopper here, and although it comes at a premium, it incorporates some pretty spectacular ingredients.  A thick lamb burger is cooked to your liking and then bathed in a creamy feta sauce and topped with chunks of crimini mushrooms.  But the best part for me was the bretzel (homemade pretzel bread) that hugged the burger's contents - so hearty and salty and very filling.  I think because this dish is so robust, I'd recommend splitting it or saving the rest for take-away. Since I was pretty hungry, I devoured nearly the whole thing, but as I'm writing this, I'm still pleasantly full.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress did all the right things - she was observant yet really appropriate when it came to timing.  Everything was brought out efficiently and very close attention was paid to refilling our glasses of water, pita bread, and cleaning our plates.  I felt like we didn't have to ask for a single thing and really appreciated that. In all honesty, I haven't had especially stellar service lately in Astoria and my experience here proved that it still exists.

Costs are moderate and all dishes we got were very gently priced, except for my crem de la crem, lamborgini, which was $22 (but it also included a generous side of French fries).  All in all a very satisfying and delicious meal that I'd love to repeat on any day.  Thanks Ovelia!

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

Fooditka's Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

I'm always curious to experiment with different salad combinations and pairing together ingredients with juxtaposing textures.  The salad I will tell you about here is a prime example of that, as it marries warm, cooked ingredients with chilled, raw ones.  The salad was a big hit and didn't need much of a dressing, except a few drops of truffle oil and a sprinkling of sea salt and pepper.  Some lemon juice would do just fine too, or maybe even some honey.  Feel free to improvise and use your imagination.

Fooditka's Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Ingredients (serves 3)

1 package of baby arugula
2 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
Small butternut squash, cleaned, seeded and cut into 1/4" pieces
1/4 pound of burrata mozzarella cheese, teared into 1/4" rustic chunks
1/2 anjou pear, cubed
Handful of dried cranberries
Large handful of pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Toss butternut squash in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Roast for about 50 minutes (or until golden brown), taking it out and turning the squash 1/2 way in between.  Let cool for 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the remainder of the ingredients by placing in individual bowls. I'd recommend not putting it into a large bowl, to avoid the greens getting soggy.  Top with the roasted butternut squash and a sprinkling of truffle oil or extra virgin olive oil and additional salt and pepper if needed.

A Great Little 5 Napkin Surprise on 11/11/11

Given the funny date we're graced with today, I thought it was pretty clever of 5 Napkin Burger to roll out with this impromptu deal. Here are the deets - this is definitely a fun, last minute thing to do tonight, so I hope you get to take advantage of it, whether you're in Astoria or the city.

In honor of today's date, 11/11/11, 5 Napkin Burger offers a special 11% discount off the entire bill during the 11th hour (as in 11 p.m. tonight). I love that this deal is relevant in all 5 Napkin Burger NY locations including Astoria, Hell's Kitchen and the Upper East Side.

Hope you guys enjoy and eat your hearts out.

5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com

A Fabulous Pit stop at Veslo

Image by Veslo

Just the other day, while on our way to Bear's friends and family party, my cousin Vicky and I stopped at Veslo to have a drink and a much needed snack after what was a long work day.  I suggested Veslo, as it wasn't terribly far from our final destination, and I remembered the sizable bar area that would just suit our needs.  All in all, it was a great place to stop for a casual bite and a refreshing cocktail.  Here's what we had:

Dalmatian Platter - We were looking for something to tide us over before we embarked on a Russian feast, and this was the perfect way to do it.  Consisting of generous slices of very good quality prosciutto, crumbly parmesan cheese and a sampling of green and black olives and pickled peppers, it was just what we needed.  I especially loved wrapping the prosciutto around the cheese, both of which were served slightly chilled, giving them a crisper taste.  The platter size was quite large and although we were both hungry, we just couldn't finish it all.  The portion would've been perfect for about 3 people.

Sangria - I noticed they had a big container of red sangria at the bar and I ordered a tall glass of it.  Loving the fact that it wasn't too sweet, it was packed with generous apple cubes and some citrus fruit too.  I liked that it wasn't too diluted, letting you taste the wine and vermouth inside.

Service and Cost:
Served by the bartender, who was no doubt Croatian, the service was very prompt and efficient, but not that friendly.  Our server was polite and she did absolutely nothing wrong, but I didn't feel any kind of warmth from her - and I couldn't help noticing that she was very friendly to her Croatian patrons.  Oh well, it still wouldn't deter me from coming back.

Costs are affordable, and the generous sized platter of food and a large cup of sangria set me back $14 including tax.  Enjoy it, and try to venture deeper into their menu as well - they have some really neat Dalmatian delicacies.

3 Mmmms

Veslo - 32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.728.0549
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.veslonyc.com 

Tomorrow is Live Music Night at Mojave

Not only known for their delicious food, but also for the fact that they like to have fun, Mojave is introducing Wednesday Live Music Night.  Talk about a nice way to get over the hump.

In addition to the boisterous music, you can also enjoy Riazul tequila and Happy Hour specials until 9 p.m. at the bar.

And since the weather is getting chilly, there's no better way to enjoy their comforting food than with a nice shot of tequila that'll further cozy you up.  Specific dishes I personally recommend are the MotherRoad Roadhouse Chili, plantain empanadas, and the Mexican chocolate fondue for dessert. Enjoy and do let me know how you liked it.

Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.mojaveny.com

Enjoy this Bear of a Meal

I wanted to officially announce that the much anticipated Bear restaurant is celebrating its grand opening this Friday.  Excited about this news, I had a chance to preview their menu of Russian delicacies last week, along with my We Heart Astoria colleagues and friends, Vicky and Kimberly.   We all had a lovely time, mingling with fellow Astoria blogger friends such as WT and Erich from Gardenfreude blog.

Atmosphere:
Set in a quiet residential neighborhood on 31st Avenue near the East River, Bear's location is a bit remote, although still a good walk from the subway on a nice day and an easy few blocks if you opt for the bus.  I like that the street it's on is quiet and mellow, so if you're looking for a something private and personal, this will be it.

The dining room is long and rectangular, boasting a few comfy banquettes along the perimeter.  There's a bar towards the back of the restaurant, which reminds me of the one at Ovelia, a long, smooth piece of marble with a sprinkling of shiny, irregular flecks.  I like that the vibe is casual yet still nice enough to be the setting for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.  The center aisle is wide and flowy, allowing patrons and staff to walk through freely, promoting a collaborative and open atmosphere.

Food:
I liked that the format for the party included a buffet, which was refreshed every couple of minutes with new and exciting dishes.  Although we tasted a whole bunch of typical Russian foods, the ones below specifically stood out.

Roasted Tomatoes -As you can see from the above picture, these tomatoes were gorgeous in color and even more impressive in taste.  Soft and juicy on the inside, they had a hint of sweetness but also lots of great acidity.  Thin slivers of fresh basil added a shot of earthiness and freshness characteristic of a quality tomato.

Potato Salad - Absolutely loving this dish, it reminded me exactly of the type of potato salad my mom and aunts would make at home and serve at every family get together.  It's truly a European version of a classic potato salad, made with sliced carrots, peas, pickles, and a few pieces of smoky ham.  My family omits the latter ingredient, but I thought it was a great idea that brought the salad to a new level.

Roasted Duck - Once again, each bite of this hit home, as it was a slow roasted duck that was tender and shredded to delectable pieces.  It tasted incredibly rich, given it was cooked for about 9 hours, developing intense flavors that were comforting and just right on this cold November night.

Potato Pancake Poppers  - These reminded me of mini latkes, however, they were round and shaped like a croquette.  Fried to perfection, with a golden brown crust, they were crunchy with a soft interior - the whole combination was addicting and extremely poppable. It's no wonder that most of us went back for seconds and thirds.

Mushroom Salad - Russians sure love their mushrooms, and there were two types of mushroom salads featured that night - a cold, pickled version and a warm one too.  I preferred the latter, made up of thinly sliced baby bella mushrooms in a tangy cream sauce, coupled with fresh dill.  It was a lovely side dish that held its own next to showpiece foods such as the duck.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi - A true show-stopper, this dish was a Chef Natasha original.  Looking like pretty little orange torpedoes, the gnocchi was nice and tender, coated in a brown butter sage sauce and salty Romano cheese that made you stop, chew slowly, and just savor each bite.

Service and Cost:
Hospitable, friendly and family-oriented are ways I'd describe the service at Bear.  Run by a family of native Russians from Kiev, Alex (front of house) and Natasha (chef) they do a great job at making everyone feel at home.  Even welcomed by mama and papa Pogrebinsky, the party at Bear was a true family affair, and one I'd love to be a part of any day.  Russian or not, they'll welcome you with open arms (and a vodka shot in hand).

Costs are moderate and include:

Appetizers - $9 - $14
Entrees - $19 - $28
Sides - $7 - $9
Late Night Menu - $8 - $19

Bear opens this Friday, November 11th, so come by and make sure to check it out.

Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Long Island City NY 11106
917.396.4939
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bearnyc.com