Happy Father's Day Round-Up

Just a friendly reminder that Father's Day is this Sunday!  I'm personally very excited, not only to celebrate with my Dad (pictured above) but also with my 91 year old grandfather, who is visiting from Slovakia.  I can't wait to spend the day with both of these role models in my life, and I hope you take the time to honor the special men in your life as well.  In honor of the big day, I wanted to provide you with a few suggestions for treating your Dad, Grandad, Uncle, Brother, or whoever you choose in the right way.

Cavo - This is a pretty awesome deal, as Dads eat FREE on Father's Day.  The way it works is that Dad receives a free combo entree, which includes a 10 oz. hangar steak with lemon shrimp scampi, served with steak fries and a charred tomato.  You must have at least four persons in your party to take advantage of this deal, and reservations are strongly encouraged.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.1001

Thymari - The still newish Greek food joint on 34th Avenue and 32 Street (old Philoxenia space) will be serving their dinner menu all day on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  Special to this day in particular - Dad can also get a Kreas Pikilia (meat platter) with pork, country sausage, chicken and beef sliders.  Manly plate, I must say...and a complimentary beer for Dad with dinner also comes with the deal.  32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.2880

Christos Steakhouse - I usually recommend this for a Father's Day treat, as it's absolutely wonderful for a special occasion, and there's no way to go wrong here.  You can treat Dad to a classic Porterhouse or Ribeye and a plethora of mouth-watering sides such as smoked feta mashed potatoes, cream spinach, lobster mashed potatoes (with huge lobster chunks) and their signature dessert, Baked Astoria.  41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.8400

Bear - If Dad is more adventurous and curious to taste some inventive eats, I suggest a visit to Bear, who feature a Sunday supper (it starts at 5 p.m.), right after their Sunday brunch which you can also take advantage of that day.  If you join for dinner, you can expect rich, delicious delicacies, that are seasonally appropriate, such as a New England Clam Bake, a slow-roasted Long Island Duck, pork ribs in a house cherry-plum BBQ sauce and more!  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria.  917.396.4939

Sac's Place - If Dad is more of a traditionalist, Sac's is a great choice for some classic red-sauce Italian food. They excel in coal oven pizza, which comes in six different styles, including a Mama's old fashioned pie.  Pasta staples such as Manicotti, six types of ravioli, two types of gnocchi and plenty of meat dishes are also a sure way to satisfy Dad.  Reservations are recommended, as Sac's gets busy.  25-41 Broadway, Astoria.  718.204.8724

Christos Steakhouse - Beef with Attitude...and then some!

While far from being my first time at Christos, there has been quite a respite between my last meal here.  So when the opportunity presented itself, Meg and I took the bait of checking it out and digging into some new menu items as well as a few oldies but goodies.  Bringing the guys along with us, there were absolutely no complaints from the peanut gallery, as we walked out with happy moods, full bellies and an eagerness to come back.  

Here are some of the standouts of the night, which I highly encourage trying:

Apps - The evening started off with many gorgeous apps, including an elegant steak tartare with schezuan peppers and a delicate quail egg on top.  While at first it was something I had to get used to, it ended up being my favorite app--rich, decadent and really beautifully flavored.  Meg knew the secret to its greatness, as she gingerly added the dijon mustard and onions on top of the beef, which cut its richness, giving it that pop and burst of freshness.

I also really enjoyed the grilled calamari, with a nicely charred crust, simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.  It was far from heavy and reminded me of something I'd eat on vacation.  The oozing saganaki cheese with a well done crust was also something to write home about, and was just lovely when paired with the crusty peasant bread.

Salad - We enjoyed two salads, including the baby arugula with figs, shallots, and smoked feta as well as a classic Greek salad with juicy, thick-cut tomatoes, cucumbers, feta and oregano.  Both were an excellent prelude to the main event, and even though they contained a lot of interesting ingredients, they also served as nice palate cleansers.

Steak - The piece-de-resistance of the meal was of course the steak, and we got to taste "The Wedge" a gargantuan piece of USDA prime aged steak, which included a variety of cuts, including filet, culotte and tri tip.  I thought it was a nice way to go, especially for a group, since we got to sample the different cuts and choose which one we liked best.  All the meat was cooked nicely, with a medium rare inside and a beautifully charred crust on the outside.  We used Christos' signature steak sauce to make this already delicious hunk of meat even more flavorful.

Sides - Even though I love steak, I usually get more excited about the sides, and just loved everything Christos brought out.  Two items shined for me the most, including the lobster mashed potatoes and the smoked feta mashed potatoes.  I know, I know...both sound similar but their flavors were totally different--the former interspersed with chunky pieces of fresh lobster meat that automatically gave you that surf and turf splurge, while the latter velvety and smooth as butter tasted sort of like bryndza.

Dessert - The desserts were just incredible, and between the red velvet cheesecake to the baklava tart, the Baked Astoria and the fresh banana pudding, it was hard to choose a winner.  If I'd have to, it'd be the Baked Astoria, closely followed by the baklava tart.  The former is Christos' take on the Baked Alaska, with a golden brown meringue shell and a soft, cakey inside, and some ice cream too.  It felt incredibly special and like a true treat that you can't get anywhere else.  The baklava tart was unique as well, as they transformed this traditional Greek pastry into an open faced tart, with the walnut, pistachio and almond filling and some ridiculously good almond ice cream on top.  This was heaven...just heaven!

Service and Cost:
We loved the experienced service at Christos, as everyone is courteous, professional and seems to have an interest in what they do.  We were lucky to speak with Chef Mina Newman as well, who humored us and our questions about her favorite cuts of steak, the sourcing of her ingredients and her inspiration for the menu.  I really enjoyed the insider view from a strong, female steakhouse chef, which I think is pretty rare.  Go Mina!

Costs are moderate for steakhouse standards and include:

Appetizers - $10-$19
Salads - $10-$14
Steak - $35-$130
Sides - $8-$10

3 Mmmms

Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.777.8400
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.christossteakhouse.com

Happy Father's Day Astoria - Father's Day Resto Roundup

Happy Father's day to all the great dads out there, including my very special Oci.  That's what we call Dad in Slovak and my American friends find the word intriguing and endearing.  Just like the man himself, pictured above.  In honor of Father's Day, I bring you this resto round-up, and while you'll see that most places are doing business as usual, they still provide a wonderful atmosphere for Dad and the whole fam.

Mojave - Fun times are sure to be had at this Southwestern eatery.  In honor of Father's Day, they'll have a BBQ and an open bar on their patio and even free shots of tequila for Dad. Salud!  22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105.  718.545.4100

Cavo - This upscale Greek resto will feature their regular menu for Father's Day but Dads gets pampered with 1/2 priced entrees, so order something expensive.  You can also enjoy $20 pitchers of sangria, which is customary for Sundays.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.721.1001

eXo - You won't want to miss eXo's Trapezi night, which features a whole lamb on a spit, roasted beef, Greek pork shoulder and plenty of sides and meze to go with it.  The whole feast will only set you back $35/person and Dad gets some cold ones on the house!  15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 11357.  718.767.4396

Christos Steakhouse - If Christos isn't the epitome of manly cuisine then I don't know what is.  Take Dad to this staple Greek steakhouse for a gorgeous steak, lobster and classic steakhouse sides with a Greek spin.  They'll have a couple of daily specials for Dad but the menu is staying as is.  41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.777.8400

Bistro 33 - Check out this neighborhood favorite for Father's Day, and especially now as it's fresh from being renovated.  As many of you may know, the previously known Side Door ice cream parlor has now been renamed Side Door Sushi and is serving just that.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105.  718.721.1933

BareBurger - Who wouldn't want to sink their teeth into a juicy, organic burger that comes in 14 different varieties?!  Dad can mix and match his protein with the various fixins and can choose from traditional beef to a more exotic ostrich or bison patty.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.777.7011

Zenon Taverna - If your Dad loves homemade, delectable Greek food, you can't miss Zenon.  My favorite thing to get here is the 16 course meze tasting menu for just $19.95.  Yes...it's true, and yes...it's very delicious and filling.  34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.  718.956.0133

Vesta - With their menu always being fresh and seasonal, there's nothing not to love here.  From pizza, pasta, steak, fish, pork and lots of great veggie options, Dad will surely love breaking bread at this local eatery.  They have plenty of wonderfully chosen wines on the menu too so don't forget to order a glass or a bottle.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

Ornella - Here's an idea for you...celebrate with Dad on Monday and take advantage of Ornella's steak night where all steak dishes (6 varieties in total!) are only $14.99.  This is a great opportunity to treat Dad, while not breaking the wallet either.  And while you're there, don't miss my absolute favorite dish - the duck meatballs! 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.9477

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

Christos Steakhouse Extends Generous Specials

My favorite steakhouse in Astoria, Christos is extending some great holiday specials that might just last until after the new year.  I went there back in October and took advantage of the Queens Restaurant Week special menu, which was also a $35 prix-fixe.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it provided great value.  Check out their current deal below:

Christos $35 Prix-Fixe Dinner Menu:

First Course: choice of...

Butternut Squash Soup - With Spiced Apples and Crème Fraiche

Baby Arugula Salad - With Caramelized Pears and Goat Cheese in a Sherry Vinaigrette

Second Course: choice of...

Petit 16oz Premium Gold T-Bone - With Cheesy Potato Romanoff and Sautéed Haricot Verts

Bone-in Chicken Scaloppini - With a Wild Mushroom Sauce and Potato Frites

Red Snapper Filet - With Sautéed Spinach in a Tomato Ouzo Broth

Dessert: choice of...

Milopita Apple Oatmeal Crumb with Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Bottomed Crème Brulée

They also have a special bar menu, that's served all night and that also offers discounted treats:

Christos Bar Menu:

Miniature Lamb Burgers - With yogurt sauce...$14

Prime Hamburger on Toasted Country Bread - With hand cut French Fries...$16

Spiced Lamb Rolls - With roasted pepper yogurt sauce...$12

Roasted Bone Marrow with Mushroom Sherry Sauce...$10

Cajun Chicken Wings - With BBQ onion jam and roquefort dressing...$12

Oregano slow cooked Baby Back Ribs with Tzatziki...$14

Oysters Rockefeller...$18

Saganaki Pan Fried Valhotyri Cheese...$10

Warm Potato Chips - With garlic butter and smoked salt...$6

Fried Calamari...$13

Christos Baked Clams...$14

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail...$25

Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.777.8400
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.christossteakhouse.com

Happy Thanksgiving Astoria!

The famous Turkey day is here this week.  How are you spending it? Whether in the mood for a classic American feast or a meal with an ethnic twist, here are 11 delicious venues that could help you celebrate Thanksgiving Day. 

Vesta -They're featuring a special Thanksgiving themed menu, but no prix-fixe, which is a good thing.  The butternut squash soup and braised pork shank sound particularly enticing.  See entire menu here. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

DiWine - A four-course Thanksgiving menu with a traditional Turkey roast, orange cranberry and walnut relish and a classic pumpkin pie with cinammon whipped cream will put you over the edge.  $55 per person.  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.777.1355

Bistro Les Minots - Curious about a French Thanksgiving? Try Bistro Les Minots' offering from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. for just $24.95 per person.  Their feast includes three courses, and it guanrantees a couple of French infusions such as goat cheese and homemade chocolate mousse.  47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.606.2535

Cara Bella - Just steps away from Bistro Les Minots is Cara Bella and they have a special Thanksgiving menu too.  $35 per person will get you three hefty courses and a complimentary glass of prosecco.  They're kid friendly and offer a $14 kids menu.  47-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.956.1101

Da Franco - More on the Italian front, Da Franco's Thanksgiving menu boasts a 4-course $40 prix-fixe, which includes an appetizer, pasta (ravioli with toasted pumpkin), turkey and a signature dessert. They'll also have the regular menu if you're in the mood for pizza and homemade gelato.  23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105.  718.267.0010

Christos Steakhouse - Does turkey bisque, an apple stuffed roast, chestnut stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie sound good to you? If so, check out these items and more on the Christos Steakhouse Thanksgiving menu for $35 per person.  41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.8400

Zenon Taverna - This homey Greek eatery knows how to do things right with a $23 per person Thanksgiving menu with a mix of traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey and pumpkin pie--but also classic Greek dishes such as Cyprus meatballs.  The regular menu is available as well.  34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.956.0133

Ovelia - Another fun Greek eatery that's celebrating Thanksgiving is Ovelia with a $19.95 3-course prix fixe with a cream of turkey soup, a turkey platter with stuffing and a choice of two sides, as well as candied sweet potatoes for dessert.  Plan for an early meal, as Ovelia will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.721.7217   

Seva - Want to veer away from tradition? Have an Indian-style Thanksgiving at Seva, where they boast a $13 3-course prix-fixe dinner.  Seva's cuisine is a wonderful option for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.626.4440

Studio Square - Although they're not serving dinner on Thanksgiving, Studio Square will host a big Thanksgiving Eve bash on Wednesday night.  A live DJ, $15 pitchers and $5 shots should get people off their couch.  35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.383.1001

Othello Deli - My favorite deli in Astoria is offering a $9.95 take-home Thanksgiving dinner plate with soup, turkey, stuffing, yams and mashed potatoes.  Call ahead and place your order.  26-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.956.1337

Establishments that are closed on Thanksgiving:
Mundo
Petey's Burger
Ornella Trattoria
Fatty's

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving everyone!

Christos Steakhouse for Queens Restaurant Week

Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.777.8400
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.christossteakhouse.com

Dan and I went to our beloved Christos Steakhouse on Monday to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. Our first experience here was so phenomenal that we were very much looking forward to trying it again. Second time was still a charm, and what was even better was their affordable Queens Restaurant Week special. I'll go into the details about the special and also highlight some new things we tried:

Queens Restaurant Week Special - 1 more day left!

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese - Even though this looks like a very simple salad (and it was), it was seasoned well and had tons of flavor from the crumbly goat cheese and the creamy balsamic dressing. I loved biting into the sweet beets, which in addition to giving this dish a milder touch, they made it colorful and pretty.

Hanger Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Haricot Verts - I chose the steak entree, which was inevitable with Christos being a steakhouse after all. Oh how delicious it was! The steak was cooked perfectly at medium rare and produced a really juicy bite. The mashed potatoes had an intoxicating aroma from the garlic and it was lovely pairing them with the steak and the earthy, delicate haricot verts--I savored each bite as slowly as I could.

Mini Chocolate Molten Cake with Banana Foster - What a nice way to end a meal--sweet and indulgent but not excessive. I loved the bite sized pieces of chocolate cake with a luxurious oozing middle. The bananas foster were sweet and slightly caramely. I liked that the bananas didn't entirely lose their texture and we got some nice chunks that we scooped up with the chocolate cake. Yum!

Other new dishes - Another appetizer we enjoyed was a simple standby, fried calamari. Even though this isn't innovative, it was tasty, very crispy and the calamari was fresh. The marinara sauce that came as a dipping condiment was flavored beautifully with fresh herbs.

Pene a la vodka was a new side we tried. Just like with the calamari, the sauce was excellent and enhanced by garlic, fresh herbs and good quality olive oil.

Service and Cost:
Just like last time, the service was excellent. Our waiter knew just what to do and when - he gave us a good amount of time to choose our selections and even when there was a problem with Dan's steak, he was happy to send it back, being really cordial about it. I also liked that he gave me some extra wine, refilling my glass at no charge.

The restaurant week cost is $35/person for 3 courses. The portions are smaller than the regular menu but you still get a good amount. Regular costs include the following:

Appetizers: $10-$20
Steak: $30-$96
Sides: $7.50 -$10
Dessert: $10-$14

3 Mmmms

Happy Father's Day Astoria!

My dad and me (pictured above)

This Sunday is Father's Day and I'm surprised that only one restaurant on my round-up list is doing anything special. Father's need some love too! In any case, check out these good eats that you can hit up with Dad.

Vesta - Impress Dad with rustic, Italian dishes from Vesta. Personal favorites include the sheep's milk ricotta crostini, interesting pizzas such as the potato, pancetta, caramelized onions, apple and goat cheese pie, as well as hearty pasta dishes. For traditional eaters, steak with red onion and blue cheese butter is available. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.545.5550

Ovelia - The only eatery with a Dad special, it includes robust entrees such as surf and turf with Greek coffee skirt steak, a stuffed lobster tail, and a Kobe burger and beer combo. Both options are reasonably priced, especially the burger. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Christos Steakhouse - A perfect place to take meat-lover Dads, Christos' high-quality food and impeccable service offer a memorable experience. I'm a big fan of their steak au poivre and the seafood is top-notch. You can probably imagine that an exceptional experience comes with a higher cost--but as far as steakhouses go, this one is affordable. 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.777.8400

Trattoria L'Incontro - Shocked to find out that they aren't featuring a prix-fixe this year, it's probably for the best. Known for their fresh pasta and delicious antipasti, it's hard to go wrong with anything here. The specials are Trattoria's main attraction, and I'm sure they'll be even heftier on Sunday than usual. 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Lucas Steakhouse - The newest steakhouse in Astoria, it promises a chic, modern atmosphere. The prices reflect its avant-garde-ness, but judging by the fact that they share owners with Locale , I trust that it's good. The menu is traditional, featuring New York strip steak, clams casino, New York cheesecake and more. 34-55 32nd Street, Astoria NY 11106. 718.786.5200

Malagueta - Another good option for steak lovers, my husband enjoyed a classic broiled steak with sauteed spinach here. The Moqueca de Camarao (shrimp stew, palm oil, onions, peppers, coconut milk and cilantro) is their signature dish and quite delicious. Price-wise it's affordable, especially considering the nice atmosphere. 25-35 36th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106718.937.4821

Taverna Kyklades - Taverna doesn't feature any specials nor take reservations, but you can always count on it for exceptional Greek dishes such as spinach pie, grilled octopus, all sorts of grilled and fried seafood, chicken kebobs, Greek-style hamburgers and much more. It's hard to get in so if you decide on this place, get there early. 33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105. 718.545.8666

Koliba - My favorite Slovak/Czech restaurant in town, they serve the most delicious bacon that I've ever tasted on top of hearty potato and cheese spaetzle. There's also a plethora of beef, pork and chicken dishes with dumplings to choose from. Everything is flavorful and super filling--and a nice, tall glass of beer makes this cuisine complete. 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.626.0430

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Take Dad to the original Beer Garden, which despite a worthy adversary (Studio Square), is still my favorite. You can enjoy a variety of international beers, grilled food such as kielbasa, burgers, chicken as well as homemade Czech and Slovak specialties such as goulash, dumplings, fried cheese and more. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Studio Square Beer Garden - The new beer garden in town will have appeal for modern dads. They have over 18 beers on tap and serve grilled meats such as sausages, burgers, chicken and even pulled pork. The fries are particularly delicious and super crispy. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106718.383.1001

Astorian Father's Day

Father's Day (this Sunday) seemed to creep up on us this year. I reached out to local eateries to see if they've got something special cookin', but it looks like they've been caught by surprise too. No real specials to report and for the most part, restaurants are doing business as usual, which isn't a bad thing. Why fix it when it ain't broke, right?

Below are my suggestions for celebrating Father's Day the Astorian way.

Christos Steakhouse - Treat Dad to a great classic steak dinner or lunch. Their meat and seafood are top quality and I'd suggest trying the Clams Casino and the Steak au Poivre. They're opening shop three hours earlier on Sunday in honor of Father's Day. 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.777.8400

Piccola Venezia - This Northern Italian eatery will be serving their regular menu on Sunday. Expect a lot of homemade pasta and interesting combinations such as pumpkin in brandy cream sauce. It's on the expensive side so count on dishing out some bucks. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Locale - Again, serving their regular menu, they'll be open from 11a-4p for some fabulous brunch. Dinner service starts at 5p, and I'd recommend trying the Gnocchi Sorrentina. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden - The Euro Cup is on this weekend and you can catch coverage right here. Just a warning, it gets way crowded so get there early. And while you're at it, treat Dad to a yummy burger or a kielbasa from their outdoor grill. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.274.4925

Zenon Taverna - This affordable and homey Greek spot doesn't disappoint. For Father's Day, they'll be serving specials such as spring lamb the old fashioned way, rabbit stew, Greek lasagna and fried meatballs. Stop in and see what the hoopla is about. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Taverna Kyklades - Although the menu is the same as usual, get here early to grab a spot--this place is notorious for lines so be prepared. The seafood is supposed to be out of this world and one of the best in Astoria. 33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.8666

Elias Corner - Another rustic, Greek fish place, this one's definitely masculine and something that Dad would enjoy. Have him pick out a fresh fish for his entree, which he can enjoy on the outside terrace. 24-02 31st St, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.932.1510

Stove - A classic comfort food restaurant that serves Dad-friendly fare such as French Onion Soup (pictured above) and hearty fish and chips. Their outdoor garden is a perfect setting to enjoy a cold one with Dad. 45-17 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY, 11103. 718.956.0372

Happy Father's Day Astoria!