Taco Pedaler - New Brick and Mortar on the Mexican Food Scene

Usually it's Fooditka who "suggests" a place for us to check out and potentially review for the blog.  However this time, it was my idea to check out Taco Pedaler's happy hour.  I first noticed their new brick and mortar spot a few weeks back and wanted to stop in, as I love a good taco every now and again (and again and again and again).  

Atmosphere:

Taco Pedaler started their existence as a mobile food business based on N. Mississippi, selling tacos and other simple Mexican dishes from signature cargo-tricycles all over Portland.  A permanent home somewhere was the logical next step, and they set up shop on N.E. Broadway between 22nd and 23rd.  They did a great job with the space, and the building itself is a vibrant and eye-catching addition to the immediate neighborhood.  The colorful outside is adorned with one of their unmistakable bikes above the front door, and an artist's rendering of one on the side.  The interior is also really nice, with a lot of finely finished wood and authentic looking details.  It feels a lot like a no-frills Mexican cantina that some skilled artisan spent a lot of time getting perfect.  There are several tables inside and more outside for when the weather is nice, although the outside tables are a tight squeeze.  

Food:

The menu is pretty straightforward; in addition to tacos they offer chips and salsa/guacamole, as well as items called "Dillas."  They are kind of like empanadas, made out of a taco shell folded over and stuffed and then deep fried and grilled.  We got some of each, plus I ordered a michelada.  They have a full bar, so...yay.

Salsa, Guac and Chips - This was a solid opener.  Hard to really go wrong with salsa and guacamole, but they definitely do a fine job.  I actually preferred the guac to the salsa, which is interesting because usually I'm the other way around; it was just the right texture for me.

Dilla - It looked as good as it sounds.  Golden brown, crunchy and oozing all of its molten goodness out of the middle once bitten into.  Unfortunately, I didn't ask for a taste quickly enough.  By the time I thought to try a bite, Fooditka had already devoured it.  Next time I go, I'll have to get my own.  

Tacos - The bread and butter of any meat and potatoes taco shop should be its tacos. Too many cliched food metaphors? Maybe, but you get the point.  This is certainly true in Taco Pedaler's case.  Their tacos are strong, with delightfully authentic soft corn tortillas and a generous amount of filling in every one.  I ordered one each of the beef, the pork and the chicken.  I'd have to say I preferred the first two over the last.  In my honest opinion, I thought the chicken was a tad dry, although still made for an excellent taco after I garnished it up with some of their awesome house hot sauce.  The beef and the pork were outstanding though and covered with some sprigs of cilantro and lime juice, the overall effect was delicious.  I'm for sure going back sometime soon.

Service and Cost:

This is another of those order and pay before you sit and bus your own table kind of places, so the actual service was minimal.  Everyone there was very friendly though, and my michelada was a good one.  We went during happy hour, which is 3-6 p.m. so our total bill was very reasonable.  Dinner for both of us was less than $20.00.

3 Mmmms

Taco Pedaler - 2225 N.E. Broadway Portland, OR 97232

503.866.3333

tacopedalerpdx.com

Omonia's Sweets Explosion

Image via Yelp by A.A

It's been way too long since I've visited Omonia Cafe, which is no doubt one of the most quintessential Greek cafes in the neighborhood.  And while Omonia may carry with it many Astoria-centric stereotypes that we often try to shake, it remains a special place for me, reminding me of my early days here.  Dan and I finally went back the other eve, for a late night snack, together with our friends Nuno and Jennifer.  We tried a few new things,  which left us feeling pleasantly full (and plump).

Chocolate Napoleon - Being that I'm Eastern European, I love me some Napoleon (or Kremes, as we say).  Omonia's version more than delivered with a light as air filling of smooth chocolate cream that was carefully placed in between crunchy layers of filo dough, topped with whipped cream and more powdered sugar for good measure.  Although I couldn't take a photo of our piece because the place is famously dark, I think the above photo helps to paint a picture.

Walnut Cookie - Because I was trying to keep to my gluten free diet, I managed to find something without any pastry dough (but truth be told, I cheated that night, as proven by my Napoleon escapades), which came in the form of a walnut cookie.  Resembling a macaron in appearance and texture, the cookie was light and airy, hugging the sweet contents of a seedy raspberry jam, producing some serious yum action.

Service and Cost:
We experienced fast and efficient service during the time we ordered and when our sweets were delivered to our table.  Even after we finished everything, we felt comfortable to just hang out and were by no means rushed to leave.

Pastry prices remain competitive, especially when dining in-house at $4.75 - $7 a piece.

3 Mmmms

Omonia Cafe - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

718.274.6650

N/W Train to Broadway
omoniacafe.com

Mezze Place – “Mezzed Up” on Goodness

I just had to steal this funny phrase, "mezzed up", I heard from Mackenzi’s girlfriend Kellner, who loves this place so much. Mackenzi is a big fan too of course and the two have been spreading the good word about Mezze Place ever since it opened a few months ago.

Meg and I were really curious to try it, and when the time came, we organized our bi-monthly We Heart Astoria Queens Blogger social there. Hurray for that, as we all really loved it and felt extremely welcome by the gracious staff. I’m definitely understanding why it’s become such a quick favorite for a lot of folks in the community – especially vegetarians.

Atmosphere:
If you think back on the old Mundo space, you’ll remember how intimate it is, and in my eyes, that’s a good thing. The experience here feels really private and personal and although I’d recommend coming to Mezze with 1 or 2 other people, it’s OK for larger groups too, as long as you make a reservation.

While most of the décor doesn’t differ too much from Mundo, there’s one really awesome (and huge) distinguishing factor, which is a beautiful “Mezze Place” mural on the wall that’s closest to the kitchen. I kept turning around to look at it, as it was created by a local and exemplified what Mezze is all about – interesting Middle Eastern flavors, hospitality and fun. It almost looks like an infographic that you just want to snap a photo of and share with your closest Facebook and Twitter friends.

Food:
Besides the food tasting absolutely delicious, I was really happy with the pacing of it and found myself feeling pleasantly satiated after the entire experience – not uncomfortably full.

Mezze – There were many mezze shared around the big table, which was a lot of fun. And just when we thought they were done, they kept on coming. First came the refreshing, yogurt based dips (labaneh) with black sesame and oregano. They were both delicious and ultra creamy, which was perfect for spreading on the fluffly house-made pita bread that was served in a rustic fashion (aka inside a brown paper bag).

Next came the red lentil kofte (similar to Mundo’s red sonjas), which you wrap in buttery pieces of lettuce and spritz with fresh lemon. I loved them…and even more than Mundo’s version because of the friendly, bite-sized pieces.

The tabouleh salad was simple but looked really vibrant, and I adored the healthy sprinkling of blood red pomegranate seeds on top. I loved this touch, as it’s a very Israeli thing to add, the pomegranate being a symbol of life and love. Additionally, the salad incorporated plenty of fresh parsley, garlic and scallions, providing some nice bite.

Two other mezze, if you can believe it, were their homemade falafel and roasted cauliflower. The falafel stood out to me for its perfectly crisp exterior and soft (almost creamy) interior, which was paired with yummy pickles. It didn’t need a side of tahini or anything, but we couldn’t resist dipping it into the labaneh.

While I liked the cauliflower as well, I think it begged for more seasoning such as salt. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful dish and a healthful one at that.

Entrees – Each ordering our own entrée, I went for the lamb sania (sort of like moussaka) that was served in a rustic, round metal pan. I loved the layering of it, which made it look very beautiful, with the sprinkling of nuts and fresh herbs that you see on top. The lamb itself was really interesting, albeit a little chewy, flavored with a Middle Eastern spice mix called ras-el-hanout.

I also had the pleasure of trying my friend Dayna’s short ribs, which were absolutely spectacular. They fell apart upon contact with a fork and tasted rich and juicy. The sauce that coated them boasted a lovely texture that did a great job of soaking into the side of whole wheat cous-cous.

Dessert – There were three desserts we shared, but two in particular put me over the edge. The Middle Eastern cheesecake was my favorite, followed by Mezze’s version of rice pudding.

The former was almost savory, combining mozzarella cheese with ricotta and another cheese I can't remember. Topped with pistachios and some pretty-in-pink rose water, it had a unique taste that almost reminded me of Slovak-style fried cheese with a sweet finish. The best part for me was the well done, golden crust that was fun to break with a fork.

Service and Cost:
As I mentioned, the pacing of the meal was perfect, and I was glad that we didn't have to wait too long for anything. There always seemed to be something new and exciting coming, it was just a matter of time before it arrived.

We also loved interacting with Mezze’s staff, including their owner Youad, who was friendly and treated us with the utmost amount of hospitality. At the end of the meal, he thanked each one of us, and I couldn’t help feeling that our visit meant a lot to him. It’s something that makes me want to return here soon.

Costs are very reasonable and include:

Mezze - $5-$15
Entrees - $11-$19
Dessert - $8-$10

3 Mezzy Mmmms

Mezze Place – 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria NY 11106
718. 777.2829
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.mezzeplace.com

Vanilla Sky Is Not Your Average Self Serve Fro-Yo

Even though I've had my eye on Vanilla Sky fro-yo lounge for quite a while, I hadn't actually visited until now.  Overall, it was a great experience and definitely a big notch up from your typical 16 Handles, Red Mango and such.  It was a perfect little treat to enjoy on a leisurely day when all you want is a little taste of something sweet but not to over indulge.

Atmosphere:
The best part of this place is its lovely, bright and cheery atmosphere.  I love the colors, which are mostly light blue and white.  The first thing you see as you step in of course is all the fro-yo self-serve stations, the toppings and a nice counter with some baked goods and coffee too.  They were actually having a coffee and baked good special yesterday for $2.25 when you buy both.  But I came for the fro-yo.

After you set yourself up with your flavors of choosing, there's an awesome lounge area in the back where there's a modern arrangement of communal as well as more private seating.  Generally, it's pretty quiet and laid back, and you're welcome to stay as long as you like, watch some TV, read, enjoy your fro-yo and what have you.  It was extremely clean and well put together, which made it really welcoming and a nice place to come to with friends and even kids.  While some of the fro-yo joints such as 16 Handles tend to be so packed and crazy, Vanilla Sky was nice and orderly.

Fro-Yo:
I went for a small cup (small isn't very accurate as they're all pretty large, but the smaller of the two sizes) and filled it up with snickerdoodle and cookies 'n cream fro-yo.  The snickerdoodle was a tad too strong in flavor and didn't actually remind me of snickerdoodle at all, as it was too peanutey, which I didn't understand.  However, the cookies and cream was really delicious and just chocolatey enough.

I topped this mixture with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios and dried cherries in a sweet syrup.  Mistakenly, I thought they were figs, which I was excited about, but the cherries were lovely as well.  In fact, I was really impressed by the amount and variety of toppings offered , which I haven't seen at competitors such as 16 Handles.  Ones that stood out most include cheesecake bites, quince, wild cherry, wild fig, chocolate marshmallows, yogurt chips among others.

Service and Cost:
Since this place is self serve, there's not much to say about the service except it was pretty easy and turnkey to get your fro-yo.

Costs are on par with other fro-yo places and my little personalized creation set me back only about $2.67.

3 Mmmms

Vanilla Sky - 33-18 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
N/Q Train to Broadway
347.738.4195

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 

Mundo is on Summer Vacation

Mundo, home of the red sonjas (pictured above) is taking a summer vacation for the month of August. Yes, you heard me right...nearly the entire month, from August 3rd all the way through August 26th.

We'll miss you Mundo and your delectable food--but we're excited for your return when we'll enjoy our favorite old treats and maybe some new ones too. After all, absence makes the heart (and the tastebuds) grow fonder.

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria, NY 11106
718.777.2829
N/W Train to Broadway
www.mundoastoria.com

Stamatis on Broadway - Now Bahari

Bahari Estiatorio - 31-14 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.8968
N/W Train to Broadway

The original Stamatis restaurant on Broadway and 31st street has been renamed Bahari. The new, bigger Stamatis located on 23rd Avenue and 29th street has been there for about a year but Bahari (the old location) has only changed its name a few months ago. I inquired if the food was any different but everything remains as was--traditional Greek staples such as lamb, seafood, spinach pie and others continue to be featured.

Insight into why the name changed? Well despite the same menu, the chefs are different and confusion was starting to build with respect to reservations, locations and so forth, making it easier just to change the name.

I have yet to check out the new Stamatis digs but I might give this oldie but a goodie a try first. To see where it all started...

Gleason's - The Beer is Flowing

Gleason's on Broadway has been open for about two and a half weeks now, and it's buzzing. The cheery vibe and sports-oriented atmosphere makes it a social place to visit, and it's lovely how they open up the front on warm days. While I haven't been yet, I'm planning to check it out on Tuesday for Cinco de Mayo. They'll be having some specials and I'll get back to you about the details, as they're still being finalized. In the meantime, below is more information about their daily happy hour.

Happy Hour Special - 4pm - 7pm
Draft pints - $4
Mixed drinks - $4
Top shelf - $5
Bottles - $3
Imports - $4

Gleason's Fine Food and Spirits - 33-08 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.626.5393
N/W Train to Broadway

New Tapas Restaurant on Broadway

I noticed that the old Arcos Churasqueira is being replaced by a new tapas place called La Rioja. Very excited about this new addition, I think it'll complement Broadway's eclectic culinary offering of Greek, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and many other cuisines that I'm probably leaving out. The only other Spanish restaurant found in this hood is El Boqueron, which has received mixed reviews. I happen to love it but am looking forward to trying another option as far as Spanish and Portuguese food goes. I'll keep you posted about La Rioja's opening and a menu when I get it.

La Rioja Spain Restaurant - 33-05 Broadway, Astoria NY 11102
N/W Train to Broadway

V-Day at Mundo

Image provided by Mundo

Valentine's Day is on a Saturday this year and it's never early enough to start planning. I received word about a prix-fixe special at Mundo. This restaurant is one of my Astoria favorites and the food is always done right. The only draw-back is that it's small so if you're interested, make reservations now. There are three seatings offered: 6pm, 8:15pm and 10:15pm. The cost is $80 per couple not including tax and tip. Take a look at the below menu and if it catches your eye, call Mundo to make a reservation:

Complimentary Gluhwein:
Warm and spiced wine

Appetizer Platter:
Mini red sonja over green leaf lettuce, Russian salad, creamy eggplant salad in a phyllo dough shell, mini baked spinach and feta empanada, artichoke heart salad

Main Course:
Jumbo Portobello Ravioli - With ricotta and Parmesan in tomato vodka sauce

Shrimp Casserole - In tomato, green pepper and garlic sauce topped with Jack and cheddar cheese with a side of yellow Mexican rice

Beef Roast - With au jus topped with caramelized onions with a side of creamy eggplant puree and Moroccan couscous with dried fruits, nuts and greens

Dessert:
Heavenly Chocolate Souffle - Baked to perfection, topped with ice cream to share

Mundo opens at 1pm on Valentine's Day and they'll only be serving the prix-fixe that day. The regular menu will not be available.

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.2829
N/W Train to Broadway
www.mundoastoria.com

Benjamas' Taste of Thai - Winter Tasting

Dish du Jour Magazine is hosting a series of winter tasting events in Astoria and Long Island City. Benjamas Taste of Thai will be kicking off this series with a four-course tasting menu and even some neat food demonstrations, courtesy of Chef Chatchai.

This will be an active dinner and you might pick up some tricks along the way, as you watch Chef Chatchai make flowers from vegetables and showcase his carving skills. You'll also taste a variety of Thai beers that will be paired with your meal.

Besides the all the food and drink, there will surely be time for meeting, greeting and networking. And don't forget to bring a can of food with you! Dish du Jour will be donating these to a local pantry to help those in need during cold, winter months.

Here are the rest of the details:

Benjamas Taste of Thai Dinner

Tuesday, January 20th

7pm

$40 per person (does not include gratuity)

For reservations, call: 718.777.7918

Benjamas Taste of Thai – 34-16 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
718.932.8826
N/W Train to Broadway
www.thaibenjamas.com

New Year's Eve at Mundo

Pictured above: Mundo's famous dish - Red Sonjas

With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it was perfect timing when Mundo released their enticing New Year's Eve dinner special. For $65 per person, you'll get the below feast and a half. There are two seatings, as is the norm on New Year's--one during early evening and one closer to midnight. Below are the details, including their scrumptious sounding menu. If you'd like to take advantage of this special, please call for a reservation. Space is limited, as Mundo is quite intimate so I'd suggest to call very soon.

New Year's Eve Dinner - $65 per person (not including tax and gratuity)

Seating 1 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Seating 2 - 9:00pm - Midnight

Menu:

Homemade creamy tomato soup

Hors D'oeuvre Platter
Endives stuffed with goat cheese and apples
Russian salad
Muhammara (spicy red-pepper dip) in phyllo dough shells
Turkish style eggplant salad
Mundo-style guacamole over corn chips
Mini Red Sonja over green leaf lettuce (their most popular dish!)

Main Course Options
Oven roasted Atlantic salmon over sauteed spinach, topped with creamy caper dill sauce with a side of healthy wild rice and greens

Beef roast au jus topped with caramelized onions with a side of creamy eggplant puree and Moroccan couscous with dried fruits, nuts and greens

Fresh mixed vegetable casserole with soy grain, topped with Jack and cheddar cheese with a side of Moroccan couscous with dried fruits, nuts and mixed green salad

Dessert
Kadayif - Warm shredded wheat squares with pistachio and nuts, topped with ice-cream

A complimentary glass of champagne to toast!

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.2829
N/W Train to Broadway
www.mundoastoria.com

Guacamole - $5.95 Weekly Lunch Special

Guacamole - 38-07 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103

718.204.2406

N/W Train to Broadway or R/V/G to Steinway

I've heard some good things about Guacamole on Broadway. It's next to Las Margaritas, another Mexican joint, which serves really great tamal. While I haven't been to Guacamole yet, I'm going to have to make my rounds soon, especially to take advantage of the incredible lunch special that they're advertising:

Monday - Friday 12p - 4p - $5.95

Monday - Grilled chicken - served with rice and beans

Tuesday - Mexican steak - sauteed steak, tomatoes, jalapenos & onions -- also served with rice and beans

Wednesday - Tinga quesadilla - 12" flour tortilla with shredded chicken with chipotle tomato sauce, cheese, beans and sour cream

Thursday - Vegetarian burrito - 12" flour tortilla with pico de gallo, cheese, rice, beans, shredded lettuce and sour cream

Friday - Avocado filled with tuna - served on a bed of lettuce and peppers

Try it and let me know what you think. The Tuesday and Wednesday special is really calling my name!

Bai Sushi - Nothing Fancy But Still Good

Bai Sushi - 37-03 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103

718.956.7445

N/W Train to Broadway or R/V/G to Steinway Street

www.baisushiny.com

Although not my favorite sushi restaurant in Astoria, Bai Sushi is a good--and clean--Japanese eatery on Broadway. It's been there for a couple of years now, withstanding the fast turnover of other restaurants in the neighborhood.

Bai is nothing fancy--it's a really tiny, intimate place with a casual atmosphere and good, fresh sushi. I haven't experimented with too many sushi options there besides the basics--California, Eeel and Philadelphia rolls. I've had these at the restaurant and ordered them to go. In both instances they were great--the take-out option was surprisingly good, not lacking in freshness. I've also tried their chicken teriyaki and would definitely recommend it to non-sushi eaters.

Below is a sampling of their menu. The prices are reasonable, and are yet another reason to try this place out.

Appetizers:

Kani Su - Crab, avocado, cucumber in special Bai rice vinegar...$4.95

Agedashi Tofu - Deep fried tofu in chef's special sauce...$4.75

Oshinko - Japanese pickles...$2.50

Salmon Naruto - Salmon and crab rolled in cucumber with seaweed...$4.95

Entrees:

Chicken Teriyaki - Broiled chicken marinated in a special teriyaki sauce...$10.99

Ton Katsu - Breaded deep fried pork with tonkatsu sauce on the side...$12.99

Beef Negimaki - Scallion wrapped in thinly sliced beef...$14.99

Bai Big Rolls (8 Pcs Cut)

Bai - Shrimp tempura, crabstick, salmon, spicy tuna, asparagus topped with mango...$10.49

Crazy - Unagi, avocado, masago, cream cheese, deep fried...$9.99

Monster - Salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna, lettuce, mango with masago and seaweed seasoning outside - rolled in soybean paper...$12.99

Maki Roll (6 Pcs Cut)

Sunshine Roll - Salmon, avocado, mango & masago outside...$6.50

Buffalo Roll - Spicy tuna, papaya, mango, masago and seaweed seasoning outside...$6.50

Chiquitita - Crabstick, avocado, mango with tobiko outside...$6.50

Sweet Potato Roll...$6.75

Ocean Seafood - Replaces Janna

Remember Janna Mediterranean restaurant that opened at the beginning of the summer? Well, its empty dining room has seen better days and it's now being replaced by a new restaurant called Ocean Seafood. They've redesigned the outside and inside, and I saw workmen drilling and painting the other day. Not sure if it'll be another Mediterranean Seafood place but it looks like we'll find out soon. I'll follow-up with a menu.

Ocean Seafood - 35-03 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

N/W Train to Broadway

Cherry Cafe Replaces Cellar 34

Remember the old Cellar 34? If the answer is no, I don't blame you, as it was only in the 'hood for a couple of short months. Let's hope that newcomer, Cherry Cafe does better with its Mediterranean menu of kebabs, wraps, sandwiches and coffee. The place looks a bit generic with its colorful "grand opening" flags and modern decor, but let's hope that its cusinine will pleasantly surprise us.

Here's a sampling of their menu. Let me know if you've tried it yet and what you think.

Sandwiches - Served with chips or French fries

Falafel LT with white sauce...$3.99

Beef shawarma...$6.95

Chicken kebob - marinated chicken with lettuce, tomato, onions, tahini sauce on pita...$5.95

Seafood - Served with rice, salad tahini sauce and pita

Fried whiting...$14.95

Tajine shrimp...$17.95

Cherry combination of seafood - shrimp, calamari, tilapia and clams...$21.00

Soups - $3.99

Lentil, mixed vegetable and chicken noodle

Dessert

Baklava...$4.95

Kataifi...$4.95

Rice pudding...$3.95

Milk Shakes - $4.50

Banana, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, mango

Coffee/Drinks

Egyptian hot drinks (Helba, Yanson, Krkadia, Sahlab)...$3.50

Nescafe...$3.50

Frappe float...$4.50

Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company - Best Big Bagels

Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company - 35-05 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106

718.204.0141

N/W Train to Broadway

www.brooklynbagelandcoffeecompany.com

Despite its name, the Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company that I'm talking about is in Astoria--but there's also a location in the city. Many of you might know it for its gynormous, fluffy bagels (they're handrolled and waterboiled) and the great breakfast food. It's my number one go-to place for bagels in the neighborhood and I occasionally share this local treasure with family and friends--like yesterday when I brought a half a dozen over to my parent's house.

There are two locations in Astoria--one on Broadway and another one on Ditmars. They're identical in look, service and menu offerings. Standard breakfast foods such as eggs, bacon and their famous bagels make up its menu. They have every flavor of bagel that you could think of and my favorites include the everything and the egg. The cream cheese and spread selection is also extensive and includes anything from salmon spread to bacon and scallion cream cheese. Mini bagels are available but there's nothing mini about them--they're the size of regular bagels.

Expect a long wait when you visit and I'd allot about 7-12 minutes on line. But when you get those amazing pillows of heaven in your hands, you'll know that the wait was worth it. Since Brooklyn bagels are so substantial, they come at a premium at about $.85 each. But you can easily get two meals out of them.

If you haven't done so already, I'd recommend trying Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company for a casual yet delicious breakfast treat.

Gleason's - New Pub on Broadway?

On my way to Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company, I noticed a new pub that's coming soon to the Broadway neighborhood. I don't know much about it yet, except that it's called Gleason's Fine Food and Spirits. From the look of it, I think that it'll be a pub but it could even be a food/wine store. I'm not sure but wanted to bring it to your attention. If you know anything about it and when it'll open, please give me a shout--I'm curious.

Gleason's Fine Food and Spirits - Broadway between 33rd and 34th Street, Astoria NY 11106

Mundo - Back from Vacation

Great news! Mundo is back from a three week summer hiatus. They've re-opened their doors in time to participate in Queens Restaurant Week so check 'em out. Their welcome back message had a cryptic note about a new change. Not sure what that means but if anyone knows, please shoot me a note.

Don't miss out on Mundo and its delicious signature dishes such as the Red Sonjas, pictured above. And remember, this restaurant is very small so reservations are recommended.

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.2829
N/W Train to Broadway
www.mundoastoria.com

Le Onde - New Mediterranean Fusion

Le Onde - 33-04 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

N/W Train to Broadway

On my walk over to Winegasm last night, I noticed that the old Ethos Estiatorio is being replaced by a new Mediterranean Fusion-Seafood restaurant called Le Onde. Good G_d! I unfortunately had a terrible experience at Ethos (more so with the service than the food) that left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm looking forward to seeing what this new place will bring and will certainly monitor it for any progress. If anyone knows the deets behind Le Onde, drop me a line.