Campagnola Pizzeria - Now Open

The old Cinema Paradiso space that I didn't much care for has been replaced by Campagnola Cucina Italiana e Pizzeria, now open as of last week. So far there's been positive feedback about the food, as Ryan, a reader of mine called their wood oven pizza "outstanding."

I spoke with a very nice Campagnola employee to get more insight, and the food seems to be Italian traditional, consisting of pizza, pasta, seafood (crablegs, oysters, etc) and even steak. There's a pizzeria within the restaurant where you can just get a pie and prices range from about $12 - $20, depending on the size of pie you get. The largest pizza is about 16", which should feed a lot of hungry Astorians.

I'll report back with more details but wanted to let you know that it's up and running. It might be a good place to stop in before or after seeing a movie at Kaufman Astoria theater. Enjoy!

Campagnola Cucina Italiana e Pizzeria - 36-02 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103

718.392.8989

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street or 36th Street

The Old Cup Diner is Bizaare

I've come to grips with the sad reality that the days of The Cup Diner are long gone. Its successor, Bizaare Avenue Cafe--a bizarre name indeed--caught my eye because they're featuring an interesting weekend brunch special:

It's a buffet extravaganza for $14 per person
11a.m. - 3:30p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

The menu includes typical brunch dishes such as pancakes, breakfast toast, eggs and even entrees such as chicken marsala, pasta variations and any other special that the chef cooks up.

Soft drinks and coffee are included and they're unlimited. If you'd like to get a morning cocktail such as a mimosa or a bloody Mary, you'll have to add a couple of bucks.

I'd like to check it out soon and will let you know what I think.

Bizaare Avenue Cafe - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.937.1234
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

Lucas Steakhouse Coming Soon

A little while ago, I noticed Lucas Steakhouse, a new restaurant on 35th Avenue and 32nd street that's said to open soon. I've been watching it for a couple of months now and haven't seen much progress. The owners of this steakhouse also run Locale just around the corner on 34th Avenue. I called them to inquire about Lucas' opening and they mentioned about 3-4 weeks--we'll see.

A new, modern steakhouse will be a welcome addition the neighborhood, as there currently aren't many with the exception of Christos but that's more on the traditional side. Judging from the cool, sophisticated feel of Locale, I think that Lucas will also embody some of these qualities. The Locale website has minimal information about it and calls Lucas an "intimate steakhouse with all the luxuries you would expect from a fine Manhattan steakhouse. Serving USDA prime beef, dry aged to perfection."

That certainly sounds good. I'll report back when I have more information and a menu.

Lucas Steakhouse - Corner of 35th Avenue and 32nd Street, Astoria NY 11106
N/W Train to 36th Avenue
www.localeastoria.com