Happy Father's Day Astoria

Picture of my dad - we call him "Oci" (Slovak word for dad).

Father's Day is just around the corner, this Sunday, June 20th.  If you're still wondering what to do for it, here are 10 helpful suggestions that should certainly whet Dad's appetite.  While most restaurants aren't having any specials or prix-fixes, I think that's a good thing.

5 Napkin Burger - What better place to take Dad than for a hearty, juicy burger at this newly opened joint.  I highly recommend their signature "5 Napkin" burger with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese.  They open at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  35-01 36th Street, Astoria. 718.433.2727

Ornella - If Dad is a pasta man, you have to take him to this intimate Italian eatery, boasting traditional and innovative pasta.  My favorite is the imbustata, which is a pasta "envelope" stuffed with roasted veal, chicken and wild mushrooms.  The homemade ricotta cheesecake is an absolute must.  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.9477

Zenon Taverna - Zenon provides the ultimate family atmosphere with homemade Cypriot dishes such as pasticchio, keftedes (meatballs), loukaniko (sausage), grilled halloumi cheese and so much more.  For $18.95 - $22.95 per person, you can get a whole 12-16 course mezedes tasting. No...I'm not kidding! 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.956.0133

Christos Steakhouse - Want to treat Dad to a nice steak dinner with an unpretentious vibe? Christos has that and much more. The steak speaks for itself and the appetizers and sides have a Greek twist, such as the Greek spreads, saganaki cheese, loukaniko (Greek sausage) and more. 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.8400

BareBurger - Another delicious burger place, this one is all organic and serves amazing organic beer at affordable prices.  Try the Big Blue Bacon Mushroom Onion Burger and the crispiest onion rings in all of Astoria.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7011

Taverna Kyclades - If you're a family that loves Greek food, you can't miss this place.  Even though they don't take reservations, I'd suggest getting there at an off-peak time (around 4 or 4:30 p.m.) to get a prime table.  Enjoy any of the grilled seafood such as the calamari or shrimp, and don't forget to get a slew of apps too.  33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.545.8666

Akti - Akti is never a miss and it's a close second for me (right after Kyclades) for Greek food.  Dads will love the plethora of grilled Greek meat and seafood as well as a selection of fresh salads and really amazing Greek cheese. Prices are affordable.  34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.3530

Lucas Steakhouse - While a definite splurge, modern Dads will love this chic steakhouse with stylish furnishings and all your favorite steakhouse classics.  They boast a 28 days dry-aged steak, which comes served with their house steak sauce.  34-55 32nd Street, Astoria. 718.786.5200

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Beer-enthusiast Dads will love the laid-back atmosphere of this outdoor space.  It's probably going to be a lot more crowded than usual because of the World Cup, but if you get there early enough, you'll get a good spot.  Besides the beer, enjoy authentic Slovak and Czech cuisine.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

Trattoria L'Incontro - I couldn't believe it, but for once on a special occasion, L'Incontro is not having a prix-fixe.  Dads will love their extensive daily specials including homemade pasta, a variety of antipasti, brick oven pizza, fresh seafood and more. 21-76 31st Street, Astoria.  718.721.3532

Fatty's - If you're looking to have a very low key Father's Day, Fatty's is a nice choice.  You can munch on a casual meal with Dad in their outdoor garden over beers, burgers, burritos and empanadas.  25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.267.7071

Vesta - Take Dad to this delicious, intimate eatery serving the freshest ingredients sourced from a nearby rooftop farm.  I recommend any of their salads - they're absolutely wonderful and so vibrant.  The pizza and the fresh pasta is excellent too. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

Akti - Third Time...Still Charmed

Akti - 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Akti continues to be one of my favorite Greek restaurant in Astoria. To show off its culinary prowess, I took my family and my family friends there for a Greek meze feast. We enjoyed ourselves and our friends loved this authentic "taste" of Astoria. The octopus especially stood out as well as Akti's wonderful dips and grilled pita.

The new dishes that I tried this time around were all delicious and included:

Portobello Mushroom Salad - We were in the mood to start with something fresh and healthy prior to the fish and chicken courses. This salad made a great impression, as it was full of tasty fresh veggies, some of which were grilled such as the portobello mushrooms. I loved the thin strips of grilled goat's cheese that rested on top of the greens, adding protein and body. The dressing was a simple lemon juice and olive oil with salt and freshly ground black pepper--a nice, finish with a moderate amount of acidity.

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) - A signature Greek dish, we were curious how it'd measure up. Quite well but it wasn't my favorite spinach pie in Astoria, as I prefer Opa Opa's version a little bit more. The filo dough on top was lovely and had a well-done golden crust. The filling of spinach and feta cheese was flavorful and a little bit creamy. It wasn't heavy at all, which is something this food is often criticized for. Overall, a solid option that's conducive to sharing.

Falafel - Yum! Another home run. I loved how crunchy the falafel ovals were on the outside and how soft and chunky on the inside. They were flavored beautifully and weren't bland at all, the hummus served on the side a nice embellishment. They went a little too heavy on the tahini, but overall it was a good complement to the falafel.

Black Sea Bass - I adore Akti's grilled fish and we sampled a black sea bass. It was extremely light and flaky, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper and giant green capers. The capers were the best part, as they added a little zest and provided a jolt to the senses. All of their fish is on the bone but the small bones are cleaned off so you don't have to worry if you're uncomfortable with that sort of thing.

Chicken Souvlaki - We also got a chicken souvlaki platter for the sake of variety. It looked impressive on enormous skewers with grilled veggies and a side of lemon potatoes. While I enjoyed it, I thought that the meat was a little dry and maybe a bit overcooked. The potatoes were fantastic and just slightly flavored with lemon, which wasn't overpowering.

Service and Cost:
The service at Akti continues to be great. Our server was polite and made good recommendations. My only complaint was that they were a bit slow with changing our plates but otherwise, everyone was fantastic. We especially loved the complimentary, palate-cleansing wedges of fresh watermelon at the end of our meal. Very considerate!

Costs are wallet friendly, and for a party of 8, ordering 8 meze and two main courses set us back $124 without tax and tip. This comes out to about $15 per person, which is incredible!

3 Mmmms

Mother's Day in Astoria

Mother's Day is this Sunday and there's never a lack of activity in Astoria. Below you'll find interesting restaurant specials and suggestions for a Mother's Day lunch, dinner or brunch.

Prix-Fixe Specials:

Seva - Although this isn't a Mother's Day prix-fixe per se, I'd recommend a visit here for either lunch or dinner. They offer a $12 three-course dinner and a $7 two-course brunch. The portions are generous, the food is delicious and it's a BYOB so you could bring your own wine. 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.626.4440

Bistro Les Minots - Their $29.95/person all-day Mother's Day special will feature classic French dishes such as escargots, braised short ribs, an apple tart and the like. Brunch will be offered between 11am - 4:30pm, showcasing their regular menu. 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.606.2535

Ovelia - Promising a modern Greek experience, Ovelia's $28/person three-course prix-fixe is packed with flavorful dishes such as homemade Greek sausage, fresh seafood, a leg of lamb among others. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Zenon Taverna - Both a prix-fixe (price is still being decided) and the regular menu will be available. I prefer their keftedes or Cypriot meatballs that are full of flavor and spice. The hospitality is wonderful--it's very much a family oriented place. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Cavo - An upscale Mother's Day at this Greek eatery includes a $54/per person four-course meal, complete with a tuna roll sampling, salad, a variety of entrees and dessert. Click here for the Mother's Day menu. Valet parking is complimentary and seating starts at 1pm. 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001

Trattoria L'Incontro - Although this place is all booked up for Mother's Day, if you want it bad enough, you can call to see if they get cancellations between now and Sunday. The offering is a $60 four-course prix-fixe. Another splurge but the food is fantastic! 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Specials but no Prix-Fixe:

Vesta - A great place to bring Mom, Vesta has a cozy, unpretentious vibe. Brunch will be available from 11am - 4pm and dinner will start at 5pm and go until 10pm. Special dishes added to the menu include charred calamari, orecchiette with asparagus ragu and double lump-blue crab cakes. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Mundo - They'll have a couple of daily specials, one of which includes grilled shrimp but aside from that, their menu will remain unchanged. Good thing too because they already offer so many goodies such as empanadas, red sonjas and Ottoman dumplings. 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829

718 - Serving dinner dishes all day long, the daily specials encompass a variety of grilled plates such as calamari, a rack of lamb, sea scallops--and the only non-grilled specials offering is the chocolate tartlet. Personally, I love their tarte flambees--try those! 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553

Il Bambino - Want to bring Mom to an Astoria gem? Try Il Bambino where they'll have a couple of panini, crostini and salad specials for Mother's Day. Besides that, their fabulous menu of crunchy paninis and small plates remains the same. 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.0087

Business as Usual but Still Noteworthy:

Akti - The fresh seafood here is always impressive and they have a delectable meze selection. It's been open for about a year and has gotten very popular. They're almost booked up for Mother's Day but have a couple of open reservations (7:30pm, 8:00pm) so call soon if you're interested. 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530

Agnanti - If you're looking for traditional Greek food, this is it. Halloumi, biftekia, keftedes, Agnanti has it all. They might end up with some daily specials but that hasn't been decided yet. Reservations are suggested, as Agnanti gets crowded. 19-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.833.7033

Piccola Venezia - An upscale Italian joint, it's on the traditional side and their fresh pasta is supposed to be superb. The signature menu will stay the same for Mother's Day and there will be three main seatings -- 1:00pm, 3:30pm and 6:30pm. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Happy Mother's Day Astoria!

Where to Eat on Easter Sunday

With Easter this Sunday, I thought it'd be helpful to provide some dining options in case you aren't feasting at home. The restaurant offerings below sound tasty and some are even cost effective, as not everything is a prix-fixe.

Prix-Fixes:

Beer Garden - Visit the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden this Sunday for their Easter celebration. In addition to the authentic Czech food for $19.95 per person, they'll have an Easter egg hunt and live music. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Trattoria L'Incontro - In true Trattoria fashion, they'll be featuring a $60/person 3-course prix-fixe menu. While expensive, you'll get your money's worth with all the delicious, quality food that Trattoria is known for. Entrees will consist of meats such as lamb and filet mignon, and reservations are still available. 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Bistro Les Minots - A new French eatery in Astoria, they're having a $25 prix-fixe on Sunday with traditional Easter dishes such as a leg of lamb with mashed potatoes and classic French desserts such as chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries. Yum! 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.606.2535

Special Menu/Daily Specials:

Vesta - Their Easter menu features selections from brunch and dinner. My favorite item is the braised lamb shank (pictured above), and I guarantee that if you get it, you won't be disappointed. Vesta's signature dessert, the Baby Jesus cake is delicious and quite appropriate for Sunday's holiday. Everything is priced a-la-carte. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

718 - Another Frenchie spot, 718 is known for their tarte flambees, which resemble thin crust pizza. They'll have these along with their regular dinner menu all day on Easter. Brunch however, will not be available that day. 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553

Locale - Similarly to Vesta, Locale is offering a fusion of brunch and dinner on Easter. Special dishes include an Italian-style fritatta, steak marinated with peppers and avocado relish and fancy French toast. The atmosphere is very cool, contemporary and relaxing. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080

Tournesol - This LIC French bistro will have a couple of daily specials on Easter but their menu offering will remain a-la-carte. They make a killer French onion soup and some really yummy desserts such as bread pudding with luscious Creme Anglaise sauce. 50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101. 718.472.4355

Akti - Even though this place is Greek and they don't celebrate Easter until next weekend, it'll be fully open on Sunday, featuring a couple of daily specials. I'd recommend their catch of the day (grilled) and the zucchini croquettes. 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530

Regular Menu:

Piccola Venezia - Although they won't be featuring a special menu, they're known for fresh pasta and hearty meat dishes. Like Trattoria L'Incontro, Venezia is on the upscale side and the prices reflect that. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Mojave - In the mood for a non-traditional Easter dinner? Try Mojave and enjoy a plethora of Southwestern dishes. Prices are moderate and the atmosphere is lovely and celebratory. Everything will be offered a-la-carte on Sunday. 22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.4100

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday, full of beautiful dishes--and chocolate Easter eggs!

Still Deciding About Valentine's Day?

Guest Foodista Vicky and I send smooches your way

While for some, Valentine's Day is a dreaded Hallmark holiday, it could also be a lot of fun. It's about what you make of it, and since V-Day is on Saturday this year, there are plenty of things going on. From low-key casual dinners to extensive prix-fixe meals, the choice is yours. You could be as casual or fancy as you want to. Here are my recommendations, in no particular order.

Vesta - This neighborhood gem has won over my heart and my stomach. For $39.95 - $49.95, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe during these seating times: 5pm, 7pm and 9:30pm. As a personal recommendation, don't miss out on the Baby Jesus Cake--it's out of this world. Vesta Vino - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Mundo - A cozy, veggie-friendly eatery, Mundo also boasts a three-course V-day prix-fixe with complimentary spiced wine. There's still room for the 6pm and the 10:15pm seatings but space is going fast. The cost is affordable at $80 per couple. Mundo - 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria NY 11106. 718.777.2829

Bistro 33 - Looking for an intimate, romantic atmosphere? Bistro 33 is your place--and they have great food to boot! The offering is pricey at $75 per-person but it includes a wine pairing with every course. Bistro 33 - 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.1933

Ovelia - Not just for lovers, Ovelia is great to visit with a group of friends. They take a fun, playful spin on V-day with their creative menu of modern Greek dishes such as the Saganaki Stroganoff. Enjoy a three-course prix-fixe for $55. Ovelia - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Agnanti - A traditional Greek staple, Agnanti will feature their regular menu for V-day. But if you'd like to eat here, make a reservation now because seats fill up very fast. I was informed that when dining here on V-Day, you're limited to a two hour stay. Agnanti - 19-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.833.7033

Winegasm - What a deal! Winegasm offers a four-course prix-fix with wine for $45 per person. I recommend the bacon wrapped prunes and their cheeses are also great. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about their vinos, as they should be. Winegasm - 31-86 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103. 718.932.3331

Brick Cafe - Brick will be serving their regular menu with a couple of specials for V-day. Reservations are available and they have a great bar section where you could relax with a nice glass of wine before or after your meal. Brick Cafe - 30-95 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.267.2735

Fatty's Cafe - While their Valentine's Day "singles party" didn't quite work out last year, Fatty's is looking to turn things around in 2009. This casual beer, burger and Latin flava joint will offer a special prix-fixe menu. Costs and seatings are TBD so more to come on that. Fatty's - 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.267.7071

Il Bambino - A beloved neighborhood paninoteca, Bambino will be featuring a $40 V-day prix-fixe. Details are still hazy and I'll follow up with more information. If you're looking to eat from their regular menu, the green bean salad and the antipasto platter are amazing! Il Bambino - 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.0087

Akti - This delicious Greek eatery on 30th Avenue will be serving dinner as usual on Valentine's Day. There might be a couple of daily specials and opportunities for special requests, so ask for them. Their seafood is especially tasty and very fun to share. Akti - 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530

Happy Valentine's Day Astoria!

Love Always,

The Foodista

Akti - Still Going Strong

Akti - 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

I'm a big fan of this relatively new Greek/seafood restaurant on 30th Avenue. I've now been there twice--the second time for a celebratory dinner with Dan's mom--and I continue to be impressed by it.

Here are a couple of new things that I tried my second time around:

Spread Assortment: We started out with an assortment of spreads, including taramosalata (fish roe spread), tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber spread) and tyrokafteri (roasted pepper and feta cheese spread). These were really popular with the whole table and we insisted on leaving them in front of us for most of the meal. We dipped not only our pita bread into them but also spooned them on the side of our entrees. The tyrokafteri continues to be my favorite because of the fabulous zing it leaves on your tongue. The tzatziki was also great--very cooling and fragrant from the cucumbers.

Octopus Stew: This dish really impressed me because it was very different from what I'm used to. When it came out, it looked like something that would be served at Mombar--sort of like a tajine full of slow cooked ingredients. The dish contained tender octopus with sweet shallots in a white wine reduction. The spices were extraordinary and with the broth, they created a deliciously sweet stew--I'm suspecting that anise was used because of the licoricey flavor. I'm going to be honest and say that while I loved this dish, it's not for everyone. If you enjoy pungent ethnic flavors, you'll love it and if you veer on the side of caution, I'd stay away.

Marinated Greek Olives: Kimberly had good things to say about these, so naturally we tried them. She was right--the olives were marinated in the most wonderful mixture of olive oil, parsley, oregano and garlic. I preferred the green ones but both types were very good.

Fried Calamari: Dan requested this specifically and it was solid. After having Akti's seafood now on different occasions, I could say with confidence that it's top notch. The calamari was large and shaped beautifully in round ringlets ,which were interspersed with wild tentacles. It came seasoned with parsley and lemon wedges, which added more freshness and great flavor. Please note that these do not come with marinara sauce--Akti is after all a Greek restaurant--but you can ask for some and the gracious waitstaff will be happy to provide it.

Greek Cypriot Village Sausage: Dan and I are big meat eaters so we naturally rooted for this--and it delivered. It looks very rustic on the plate--two large rounded links, bursting at the seams where the slits were made. It was a nice peasant dish, simple at its core but packed with so many fragrant spices and meat that I could've eaten another portion. The skin was especially good and crispy from the grill. It reminded me of my beloved kielbasa that I get at the Beer Garden.

Grilled Pork Chops: Dan's dad, David ordered this and he seemed pleased. I tasted it too but it wasn't my favorite dish--the meat was a bit tough and not juicy enough. But there were no complaints from David and he polished it off and even took some home with him because the portion was so large.

Grilled Red Snapper: As I mentioned, Akti really shines with their seafood. The snapper was delightful--light and flaky with nice hints of char from the grill and a citrusy tang from the capers. Make no mistake, this dish is rustic, (with the head still on) and if you'd like it deboned you have to ask for it. I enjoyed it very much and so did everyone else, commenting on its freshness and great flavor. By the time we were done with it, the head was all that was left.

Dessert: It was hard to say yes to dessert after the meal we just had but when they brought out a complimentary round, how could we refuse? Our sweet finish consisted of two types of honey cakes--coconut and walnut. I preferred the walnut because it was super moist and spiced with cinnamon. It was so airy and delicious that I'm certain I ate more than one piece. Dan and his parents seem to enjoy the coconut-honey cake more so that worked out nicely.

Service and Cost:
The service was outstanding, just like last time. Our waiter was on the ball, making suggestions, telling jokes, smiling and keeping the service flowing. He did a good job recommending wine to Dan's mom Vicki and he was attentive with all aspects of the meal.

The cost was again reasonable--the huge dinner, which I just described cost us about $40/per person (including alcohol). I have to be frank and say that we got a couple of things on the house but still, the prices won't break the bank--especially if you share a bunch of dishes with your dining companions.

3 Enthusiastic Mmmms

Mother's Day in Astoria

Mami and Me - Mother's Day '07

Mother's Day is this Sunday so I thought I'd provide you with helpful hints on where to take Mama. The great thing about an Astorian Mother's Day is that you can choose between a high-end prix-fix or a casual brunch or dinner. The choice is yours!

Below are some of Astoria's great eats for Mother's Day.

Akti: This new Greek eatery is social and fun but also has an upscale feel, which Mom will like. Their seafood is out of this world and so fresh! Although they are not having a specific Mother's Day special, I encourage you to try their regular menu.

34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Brick Cafe: A charming bistro style eatery with great outdoor seating and yummy Mediterranean dishes. They're offering a brunch/dinner combo menu on Mother's Day but prices will remain as usual.

30-95 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.267.2735
N/W Train to Broadway or 30th Avenue

Cavo: This elegant Greek haven is celebrating Mother's Day with a bang! Cavo is known to be expensive but you get great quality food. Their Mother's Day special includes a 4-course $49 prix-fix special. An added bonus? All moms get a $20 Cavo gift card.

Click here for menu.

42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001
R/V/G Train to Steinway or 46th Street

Mojave: This modern Southwestern joint and sibling of NYC's Agave will serve their regular menu items on Mother's Day. You will not feel like you are in Queens here--the space is absolutely gorgeous, which will impress Mom.

22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.4100
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Ovelia: A contemporary Greek eatery and the heartbeat of Astoria's 30th Avenue, Ovelia offers amazing eats and a fun indoor and outdoor atmosphere. For Mother's Day, they'll serve their regular brunch menu and for dinner they'll have a Rack of Lamb special as well as their regular dinner menu items.

34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Stove: An endearing and peaceful Irish restaurant with a quaint outdoor garden, friendly staff and delicious comfort food. They're offering a $35 prix-fix menu for Mother's Day, which consists of an appetizer, entree, dessert, tea and coffee. I have the menu on-hand so please email me at critic@foodistanyc.com if you'd like to see it.

45-17 28th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.956.0372
R/V/G Train to 46th Street

Trattoria L'Incontro: This is definitely the Astorian splurge but worth every penny. You'll get the freshest pasta in town, great wine and an a homey atmosphere to boot! They offer a $60 prix-fix menu, including an appetizer, entree and dessert. Space is VERY limited so if you're interested call now.

21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

For more of my Mother's Day recommendations, see my article on about.com.

Happy Mama's Day Astoria!

Akti - Open at Last!

Akti Seafood Restaurant – 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Akti is open at last--and you're probably sick of me counting down the days. After much delay, this Greek seafood restaurant opened its doors on Friday and is now fully functioning. They even set up a heated outdoor seating area, which is currently covered but still allows you to feel like a part of the action. The place looks cheery with a welcome table set up outside with flowers, business cards and menus. Walk by and grab one!

Here's what the menu offers:

Akti is after all a seafood restaurant so you'll find a lot of fish and shellfish. I was pleasantly surprised that most of the menu is made up of small plates or hot and cold "mezedes". Some of the more interesting ones that caught my eye are:

Tyrokafteri - Roasted peppers and feta cheese dip ... $7.00

Pantzarosalata - Red & gold baby beets, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, boiled eggs, oven roasted potatoes and green olives ... $9.00

Mydia Saganaki - Broiled mussels with scallions, fresh tomatoes and kefalograviera cheese ... $11.00

Oktapodi Stifado - Stew octopus with shallots in a wine reduction ... $12.00

Hortopita - Phyllo dough stuffed with greens and feta cheese ... $6.00

Horiatiko Loukaniko - Grilled Cypriot village sausage ... $8.00

All the fish comes at market prices and includes a wide selection such as porgy, black sea bass, red snapper, swordfish steak and more.

Want to see the full menu? Email me at critic@foodistanyc.com

Check it out and see what strikes your fancy.

Akti Update - The Curtains Have Lifted

Earlier this week, I told you about a new Greek restaurant--Akti--that's scheduled to open. I walked by again yesterday and the window covering has been lifted, exposing the work-in-progress dining room. I was able to stop and chat with one of the employees working on the space. Asking him when Akti will open, he replied "probably next Friday afternoon." Another interesting tid-bit I found out is that Akti is owned by the same people as Table 30, its across-the-street neighbor. More news to follow--I'm looking forward to trying it.

Akti Restaurant - Corner of 35th Street and 30th Avenue. 718.721.3530

Akti - When Will It Open?

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely among the curious Astorians who walk by this place weekly. And every week, I ask myself "when is this place going to open?" I tried calling the number on the sign but no one answers. If anyone knows the inside scoop about Akti and when they plan opening, shoot over a comment. What I know to date is that they'll serve authentic Greek cuisine for lunch and dinner. I spied a "help wanted" sign in the window about 3 weeks ago but it's now gone. I can just smell an opening! Stay tuned...

Akti Restaurant - Corner of 35th Street and 30th Avenue. 718.721.3530