Dan and I popped in to Rest-au-Rant tonight for some quiet time, a little vino and nice conversation. It was incredibly relaxing and the music was awesome, that we hung around for a while, just getting lost in our thoughts, and chatting away.
Even though we just went in for drinks, the friendly bartender told us about a fabulous little special that we'll certainly be back for, especially when I'm back to eating gluten. Here it is for you ladies and gents who want to enjoy Astoria's best kept secret:
- Draft and BBQ entree for $10. Tonight's featured item was their burger.
- 2 tapas and a bottle of wine for $40
- 4 tapas and a bottle of wine for $55
Their wine and cocktail menu is also wonderful, and not overpriced. Take a look right here.
Rest-Au-Rant - 30-01 35th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.729.9009
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
www.rarbarlic.com
Here's some exciting news from the Astoria cocktail circle, which continues to expand. This comes from the cozy 31st Avenue wine bar, DiWine, and I'm excited to report that they're featuring 3 new cocktails this season that are looking mighty delicious. I hope you have the opportunity to try them and let me know what you think.
The Rhubarb Redford - an earthy and warming bourbon cocktail, consisting of rhubarb infused bourbon, lemon, and Vya Sweet Vermouth
The Southern Pumpkin is making a comeback - with house infused pumpkin spice vodka, bourbon, cinnamon infused simple syrup, and pumpkin puree
Escobar - with Mezcal, amaro, Vya dry vermouth, ginger-lemongrass simple syrup, and lemon
Try these during DiWine's weekly happy hour from Monday - Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and get them for $6.
DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com
Image by DiWine
I love hearing about the fun new things DiWine constantly has in the cooker. Their latest and greatest mixes art with champagne in their Art + Champagne event, happening this Thursday.
The concept of this event is pretty cool, as it allows you to admire and ask questions about local works of art, and to top it off, enjoy some free champagne. I love the way DiWine always ties things back to the community, and I'd be curious to see what you think of this event. Here are the vitals:
Art + Champagne at DiWine:
Thursday, July 28th at 8 p.m.
Featuring the works of Mike Harrison
Free champagne until it lasts
The drinks special of the night will be the Kina Gin for $6
And speaking of drinks, if you'd like to try a few of their newest summer cocktails, here's their latest and greatest:
Mango Colada Martini - Mango-infused rum, cream of coconut, and mango puree
Rickiety Cucumber - Muddled cucumber and strawberry, lime juice, Irish whiskey, and simple syrup
Herbal Lemonade - Lemon-thyme infused vodka, lemon juice, cointreau, and vanilla simple syrup
All three have been added to DiWine's drinks specials, which means they are $6 each. Good stuff!
DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com
Image by DiWine
DiWine is never short on coming up with new and interesting ideas to keep things fresh. Their summer fun weekday and weekend specials sound lovely and have definitely piqued my interests. Between a brunch music series to discounted specialty drinks and a Chef's Table program, it all sounds fantastic and worthy of exploring. Here's some more information about each of these fun happs:
Brunch, Unplugged - Come by and have a listen to local, talented guitarist, Richard Padron as he performs at brunch every week starting on June 25th at noon. In addition to the music, enjoy a hefty $15 prix-fixe brunch and even unlimited drinks for an extra $7 to boot!
Daily Cocktail Specials - I love that on every day of the week (even on weekends) you can enjoy a discounted specialty cocktail, such as a $6 Marie le Poire on Sundays, a $5 Ginger Tennessee on Fridays, a $5 Pink Panther Caipirinha on Tuesdays and more.
Chef's Table Tuesdays - Get up close and personal with DiWine's Chef, Joe Fusco and learn professional cooking techniques by asking questions and getting a prime kitchen-side seat alongside all the action. Each course you order is only $10 and what's even better is that you'll walk out knowing how to recreate it at home.
Enjoy these cool summer specials and let me know your candid thoughts about them.
DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com
DiWine restaurant and wine bar is never at a loss when creating new, fun ideas for social gatherings--this time combining art with good drinks and food. This Thursday, they'll be doing just that, as they kick off a series of art nights, featuring local artists (Thursday's special guest will be artist, Mike Harrison) who will talk about the inspiration for their works.
Along with culture comes food and wine of course, and the reason you're probably reading this. So...if you stop in at DiWine for this event, you'll enjoy complimentary champagne (until it runs out) as well as their generous helping of thoughtfully prepared amuse-bouches.
In addition to the freebies, DiWine will be featuring their classic Kina Gin cocktail for just $6. You can RSVP to Thursday's event on Facebook.
DiWine's Art & Champagne Night starts this Thursday, March 10th at 8:00 p.m. Get there early to make sure you get some bubbly.
DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com
Image by DiWineDiWine, Astoria's funky-cool wine bar has a couple of new, fun things percolating during the week. I think this is a great, relaxing spot to hit up after a long work day, and I find their wine selection to be quite nice. Two specials they're featuring during the week include:
Chef's Table Tuesdays, where you get to sit right by the open kitchen and observe the culinary ways of Chef, Joe Fusco. You'll enjoy a chef-to-diner meal all evening, with $10 entrees. Reservations must be made.
Late Night App Happy Hour starts Thursday and ends on Sunday, during which you can get a buy-one-get-one appetizer after midnight. The kitchen stays open until 2 a.m. so this might just be the perfect way to dig into some late-night weekend snacking.
Have fun - and tell 'em who sent ya!
DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com
24 Wine Bar, the low-key, comfortable lounge on the residential 24th Avenue has exciting changes taking place. For starters, they're opening earlier on weekends starting at 6 p.m. Weekday hours are from Monday - Friday from 6 p.m. - 4 a.m. They also offer free wifi, which is pretty sweet.
Here are some new items on their menu:
Press coffees, French roast, Colombian Supremo
Herbal teas
Vegan brownies and muffins
A brunch with a Latin twist might be in the stars soon. I'll let you know as soon as the details get ironed out. Stay tuned...
24 - 25-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
347.777.6164
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
