Happy Hour Snack at Café Bar

Last week, Meg, Mackenzi and I met up with a potential future media partner at Café Bar. I haven’t been in a little while and always look forward to coming here because the food and the drinks are consistently good. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the service, but nonetheless, a good time was had by all.

Since it was still early evening, and just the time to grab a drink and some light snacks, we shared a pitcher of white sangria as well as a large cheese board.

White Sangria – Boasting a $20 sangria pitcher special on Wednesdays, we were intrigued to try the white, as it looked refreshing. Topped with lots of fresh fruit such as apples, plums and peaches, it made for a lovely summer drink that did a nice job of cooling us down. It was also good that the drink wasn’t too watered down, and after about two glasses, we were just about ready for our cheese snack board.

Cheese Board – We were all impressed when a colossal cheese board showed up at our table, decked with simple yet delicious accouterments such as a little pot of honey, chunky blueberry jam, grapes, honeydew and other fixins. There were about 5 varieties of cheeses, including goat, brie, blue, pepper jack and gouda. Even if you’re not a huge cheese fan, you had to respect the spread before you, and the beautiful way in which it was arranged. We all seemed to enjoy it, and I was surprised at how much it filled me up.

Service and Cost:
As I already hinted, the service was a little on and off, as we waited for a few minutes to be approached, then only to receive three glasses of water for the four of us, and so forth. Although it was a tad annoying, it was nothing that couldn’t be excused, and I do see myself coming back for more.

Costs are moderate and include $20 for the sangria and about $16 for the cheese platter.

2.5 Mmmms

Café Bar – 32-90 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.5273
N/Q Train to Broadway or R/V Train to Steinway Street
www.monikascafebar.com

Start Your Morning with a Cypriot Breakfast

Last week, Meg, Mackenzi and I spent some time at a local oldie but goodie over breakfast while we discussed some exciting We Heart Astoria matters.  That oldie/goodie is no other than Cafe Bar, which has been on a 24/7 schedule since the summertime.
Serving breakfast each day, not only on the weekends, from 10:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m., we were happy to see so many solid choices, each with a unique Greek and Cypriot twist.

We each ordered some form of eggs, and what immediately caught my attention was the first thing on the menu, called a Cypriot Breakfast.

Cypriot Breakfast - Making up a true mini Mediterranean feast, this breakfast offering is quite hardy, boasting a full plate of homemade Cypriot sausage, fried eggs (over easy), grilled halloumi cheese, fresh tomatoes and Cafe Bar's signature, hash browns.  All in all, a winning combination, I think the sausage definitely stole the show, and I couldn't believe how large it was.  Giving away a nice chunk to Meg for a try, she seemed to really enjoy it, and we both thought the homey flavors and the fresh herbs that were stuffed into the pork casing were just gorgeous.  Only later, I found out that this sausage is prepared in red wine, which made a lot of sense, considering the delicious pungency of each bite.

The perfectly cooked eggs had a lovely, silky yolk, which coated the already flavorful hash browns nicely, creating a rich golden glaze.  I loved seeing chunks of mushrooms and asparagus amongst the potatoes and appreciated the creativity in the preparation, as did my friends.

Red Dragon Smoothie - During our visit, we were also offered a first sip of a new smoothie on the menu called the Red Dragon.  Boasting a beautiful magenta color that just screamed beets, it's what was indeed inside, along with hints of apple, pear, mango, pineapple and cinnamon.  Each sip had a slightly earthy aftertaste that was also a little sweet, which reaffirmed its nutritious contents.  It was a great way to start the day and get energized, so if you see it (or don't yet see it) on the menu, do just ask for it - they'll hook you up.

Service and Cost:
Although our meal was absolutely lovely, the service was a bit spotty, which was interesting to observe, given the sparsely populated space.  It wasn't anything that put us off necessarily, it was just something we noticed and it could've been a result of where we were sitting.

Costs are moderate and the above mentioned breakfast (with coffee) set us back about $18 with tax and tip.

2.5 Mmmms

Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.5273

R/M Train to Steinway Street or N/Q Train to Broadway

www.monikascafebar.com

Where To Brunch on Presidents Day

Tomorrow is Presidents Day, and for those of us lucky enough to be off from work, it offers up a great excuse to go out for brunch.  While most restaurants in the nabe are having lunch service as usual, there are a few that will extend their brunch offering into Monday.

Il Bambino - A non-traditional yet wonderful way to enjoy brunch, Il Bambino will feature their brunch paninis (pictured above) tomorrow in addition to their regular menu.  If you haven't yet tried their soups, I urge you to do so - they change up the flavors daily and try to keep them seasonal.  Prices for brunch paninis range between $9 - $10.  34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.626.0087

Mojave - Leave it to Mojave to kick it up a notch for holiday brunch.  In honor of Presidents Day, not only can you enjoy Mojave's Southwestern brunch dishes, you can also indulge in an all-you-can-drink option for an extra $14.95.  Featured brunch cocktails include margaritas, mimosas, bloody Marys and sangria.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria.  718.545.4100

Cafe Bar - Also extending their brunch into tomorrow, Cafe Bar will have all their delicious organic egg dishes such as omelets and scrambled variations.  Sadly the only items that will be excluded are pancakes and French Toast, but not to worry, for there will be plenty of options to choose from including sandwiches and wraps. 32-90 36th Street, Astoria.  718.204.5273

Grand Cafe - Known for their generous weekend brunch, Grand's offering will be extended into tomorrow.  For just $12 you get to choose a coffee/tea, a morning cocktail such as a mimosa or bloody Mary and any of Grand's brunch entrees.  Personally, I like the Caprese Frittata with tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and mozzarella.  37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7321

Flo Cafe - If Grand is too crowded, you can also head to Flo Cafe, which is right across the street.  There's always a place to sit and just like Grand, it also offers a social, buzzing atmosphere.  Brunch items will be available tomorrow a la carte, but they also come with coffee, tea or OJ.  37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.6096

Great Small (and big) Bites at Cafe Bar

Being a big fan of relaxing, unassuming restaurants/lounges that don't emanate uber pretension, I'm naturally enamored by Monika's Cafe Bar.  And because our good friends Moses, Sonya, Jamil and Paul just moved to the 34th Avenue neck-of-the-woods, we go there often--usually late-night for small bites, a sandwich or a glass of vino.

Recently stopping in before hitting up Studio Square, we ordered a couple of delicious eats that I want to highlight here.

Pork Loin Sandwich - The ingredient that immediately drew me to this sandwich besides the pork is grilled halloumi cheese (traditional Cypriot cheese made of goat's or sheep's milk), which was nestled on top of the tender pork.  The meat itself was nice and juicy and further embellished by pickled mustard veggies.  Overall, it was a perfect mix of salty, spicy, tangy and a little tart, packing lots of personality between warm, toasty (and also beautifully grilled) bread.

Meze Plate - We've gotten this here before and it never disappoints. Consisting of delicious Greek dips such as hummus, eggplant spread, fish roe, tzatziki, and more, it's the perfect thing to get when you want to share with friends.  The whole platter comes with ample amounts of grilled pita, and if you run out quickly, just let the staff know and they'll happily bring you more.

Service and Cost:
I've never had bad service here and always find the staff to be on-point and unobtrusive.  Their casual attitude goes along with the vibe, but it's attentive enough where you feel like you're being taken care of.

Prices are fair and include $8-$18 for starters, $7-$10 for sandwiches, $13-$17 for entrees, and $4-$7 for desserts.

3 Mmmms

Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.5273

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

www.monikascafebar.com

A Spooktacular Halloween in Astoria

Happy almost Halloween Astorians!  As I usually do, I've prepared a menu of festive Halloween to-dos happening in and around Astoria.  It's great that the celebration falls on a Saturday this year, which means tons of fun parties, drinks specials and costume fun.  And just in case you're wondering, that's a picture of me in my friend Moses' Freddy mask.  Thought it made my Bond Girl outfit a little zestier.  Whatever you end up doing, hope it's spooktacular!

Cavo - The celebration starts early this year and you can either come by on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.  Each night promises a different style of music and costume fun - including Friday and Saturday night costume contests with some really great prizes including $1,000 in cash.  42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001

The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden also isn't wasting any time when it comes to Halloween fun.  Every night this week, they're having a Jack O'Lantern contest.  The winners of all five nights then compete on Sunday to see who'll take home a $250 cash prize.  Drinks specials such as a $20 Tasters Special go from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.274.4925

Studio Square Beer Garden - A big Fear Garden party is in store on Saturday night, complete with a live DJ, costume contest and fabulous cash prizes.  They'll be featuring shot specials all night.  If you're interested, there will be another party sponsored by Gooth magazine upstairs in their private event space. Enjoy the party hop!  35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.383.1001

Ovelia's annual Halloween ball starts at 11 p.m. on Saturday with no cover and plenty of good music and costume eye candy.  Order a yummy nibble while at the bar, especially their homemade Greek dips.  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Sunswick is hosting an unusual albeit intriguing Suns Wicked Haunted Dungeon Ball on Saturday night, starting at 9:00 p.m. $5 will get you in, as well as award you with a free shot and a look-see of the haunted dungeon.  $4 pints of Witches Brew will also be served.  Get ready! 35-02 35th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.752.0602

Cafe Bar's Halloween party is on Friday night.  Come in costume and enjoy their Happy Hour from 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. with $4 beers, mixed drinks and house liquor specials.  $6 pumpkin martinis will also be served. 32-90 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106. 718.204.5273

Mojave is also fun to check out on special occasions such as this one. Costumes are encouraged and they'll be featuring drinks specials. The food offering will remain as is, which is always delicious.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria NY 11105. 718.545.4100

5 Napkin Burger is doing something totally different on Halloween day with a 50's High School theme. You'll not only hear 50's music but you can choose from a variety of burger and sushi specials, as well as a festive pouring of Captain Lawrence Pumpkin Ale.  35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.433.2727

Astoria Brewhouse never misses a beat when it comes to a good party.  Their Friday night costume contest will be in full swing, along with karaoke and plenty of drinks specials.  28-50 31st Street, Astoria NY 11102. 718.728.0050

Cream Bakery - If you're looking for something sweet, make sure you check out Cream Bakery's Halloween themed cupcakes in various flavors such as vanilla, banana, red velvet and more.  They sport fun designs such as a marshmallow pumpkin face, candy corn and more.  31-78 Steinway Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.545.3800

Monika's Cafe Bar - Fun Happy Hour Specials

Image by Cafe Bar

I love Cafe Bar!  Besides its off-beat, retro atmosphere (which has been revamped a couple of months ago), its friendly staff and good food & drinks make it one of Astoria's oldies but goodies.  There's never a shortage of activity going on and if you'd like to stop in and enjoy the outdoor seating (while the weather still cooperates), check out their fun happy hour special every day of the week.

Weekday Happy Hour: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Well drinks & house wine - $4
$1 off bottled beers, $16 - $20 beer pitchers

And if you're hungry, try one of their small plates such as spinach halloumi fritters, mixed dips, cheese & meat platters and other fun munchies.

Monika's Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.5273
N/W Train to Broadway
www.monikascafebar.com

Cafe Bar - A Perfect Coffee/Dessert Pit-Stop

Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.5273

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

www.cafebarastoria.com

Meg and I were craving something sweet after our Studio Square meat and beer fest. So where did we, two faithful chocaholics go to satisfy that hunger?

Cafe Bar answered our call with their chocolatey rich desserts and flavorful coffee drinks. I usually don't get my own dessert, preferring to split it but why go dutch when we were already indulging?

Mississippi Mud Pie - You can't go more chocolatey than this--a thick, cheesecake-like middle of semi-sweet chocolate, topped with dark chocolate ganache. The base had a crumbly, oreo cookie-like consistency, which just put it over the top on the indulgence scale. While it was unbelievably rich, it went down way too easily, especially when coupled with a good decaf cappuccino. I'd recommend sharing this dessert but know that you can finish it on your own if you're so inclined.

Tiramisu - Meg chose a classic tiramisu cup, that was presented with gorgeous little layers of cocoa-dusted mascarpone cheese. Despite its richness, I just loved how wonderfully light it was both in your mouth and in your stomach--it resembled and tasted like a fluffy cloud. I liked that there wasn't much alcohol (if any) in it--I detest when restaurants drench tiramisu with liquor, it's uncalled for.

Overall, I'd strongly suggest checking out Cafe Bar for a light snack, dessert, tasty coffee drinks or even cocktails. It's an all around goody--and the funky art-deco furnishings work to create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony.

3 Mmmms

Celebrate Halloween in Astoria

Image by www.celebrating-halloween.com

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought that you'd find the below happs useful when making plans. The good news that most restaurants don't charge a cover and booty shakin' is almost always involved. Have fun!

As my Joey in Astoria colleague, Meg mentioned, Mojave will have food, dancing and an open bar from 10:30p - 2a. The party officially starts at 10p and there is a $50 charge for this all-inclusive evening. 22-36 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105, 718.545.4100

Indigo will have a costume party at 9p or 10p. There's no cover charge and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 1st place gets $250 in cash! They'll also have a DJ and karaoke too. 28-50 31st Street, Astoria NY 11102, 718-728-0050

718's annual costume shindig starts at 10:30p. They're offering a seasonal dinner, which starts at 5:30p and the party will continue until 4a with DJ Leon on the ones and twos. Ladies drink 2 for 1 from 10p - midnight and drinks generally range between $4-$9. 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, 718.204.5553

Cavo's costume party is definitely glam and they go all out--especially with the prizes. 1st prize winner gets a 4 night hotel stay in Vegas and the 2nd and 3rd prizes aren't too shabby either. The party starts around 9p - 9:30p and there is no cover. 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, 718.721.1001

While Ovelia won't be offering any food specials, they are having a masquerade ball, which starts at 11p. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103, 718.721.7217

Interested in a more private affair? Contact Bar 36 for their private Halloween party, which starts at 10p. 36-05 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103, 718.715.4420

Feast on a scary soup and sandwich combo at Cafe Bar, where a 1/2 sandwich and soup is only $9. They'll also have a DJ spinning some spicy Cuban beats. 32-90 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103, 718.204.5273

Want to keep your Halloween low-key? Visit Locale where there are no specific specials but you will be able to gawk at all the staff in costume. They have cute waiters so it might be worth it. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106, 718.729.9080

Cinco de Mayo is Here - Celebrate it, Astoria Style!

Image by www.buycostumes.com

Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday and a great reason to go out to eat, drink and celebrate. Whether you're Mexican or not, makes no difference--below check out four Astorian restaurants bringing you their own version of a fiesta.

Mojave - This modern Southwestern eatery is the sister restaurant of NYC's Agave. They're celebrating Cinco with live music and a free margarita with dinner.

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

Luna de Juarez - An authentic Mexican joint which makes great enchiladas. Luna is offering a free cocktail (any cocktail) with dinner and they'll have live music as well, so you can shake it!

25-98 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.274.4350

N/W to Train to 30th Avenue

Cafe Bar - Although this laid-back, art deco lounge is not having an official "Cinco de Mayo" special, they are having 2 for 1 drinks from 5-7p.

32-90 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.204.5273
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

Ovelia - I know, Ovelia is Greek but they serve a mean margarita. Check 'em out and take advantage of their happy hour special. $5 wine, $4 beers and $6 cocktails from 5p-8p.

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

Feliz Cinco de Mayo Astoria!

Cafe Bar - A Laid Back Art Deco Scene

Cafe Bar - 32-90 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.204.5273

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street

www.cafebarastoria.com

I sometimes wonder why I get caught up in new restaurant hype, on occasion passing up some eateries that have been in Astoria for ages. One such "oldie" but a goody is Cafe Bar on 34th Avenue. This quirky art-deco lounge is known for its relaxed scene, where you can read a book for hours without being bothered or munch on some amazing brunch everyday of the week.

Atmosphere:

Anything and everything goes at Cafe Bar. Walking in, you might be a tad overwhelmed by its art "decoey-ness." The funky plastic chairs, the wild plants that look like they'll overtake you if you don't behave, the wall display of geishas and fish tanks--this place literally has it all! But you can't help and smile at this sight--it's all very colorful, fun and uplifting.

The crowd is young and somewhat artsy--you're likely to find a mysterious, handsome guy with long hair reading a book or a group of boisterous women enjoying coffee and eggs, chatting freely. Even the waitstaff sports a relaxed look--it almost seems like everyone is at home, hanging out in their living room.

Food:

I scanned the brunch menu, my eyes resting on the Huevos Rancheros. I ordered them and was overjoyed with the end result--a gorgeous plate of corn tortillas stacked with a fried egg, refried beans and colorful chile. It looked like a beautiful Mexican Napoleon if you will--and the taste was even better. The chile topping was really fresh and I could feel the juicy crunch of onion and fragrant cilantro. The inside was oozing with silky egg yolk and creamy refried beans. I'm not lying when I say I could've eaten another order of this dish, it was that good. Oh and let me not forget to mention the side of herbed hash--it was light and flavorful, complementing the huevos so nicely.

Kimberly ordered a sandwich version of the ham, brie and apple omelette. She made me try a bite and I become a full convert. The honey mustard dressing made this dish but what also gave it uniqueness was the refreshing crunch from apples and the savory chewiness of ham. Kimberly added the apple as a substitute and the waitstaff was very accommodating.

Service and Cost:

The service here is good and very relaxed, matching the atmosphere. The waiters make you feel comfortable and they're as unobtrusive as they come.

Cost-wise, this place wins again. A brunch entree will cost you between $9-$10 and dinner won't be more than $30 including a drink.