Committing Delicious Carbicide at Mac!

In the mood for some carby goodness, Dan and I recently dined at Mac! Mac and Cheesery, which we've known about even before we moved to this lovely city.  Who doesn't love a good mac 'n cheese, really, so it's hard not to be in the mood for something this tasty and comforting.

Atmosphere:
Located on a busy commercial block on Mississippi Avenue, Mac! boasts a whimsical sign and logo and an overall friendly facade.  On a warm day, you'll notice people dining outside and the inside being virtually empty, which was the case when we went in as well.  The outdoor is inviting, as the tables occupy a wide sidewalk area that's also shared with the sushi restaurant next door, and together with the other stores on that busy block.  This all makes for good people watching, which gives Mac! yet another draw, but even if you decide to dine inside, you'll have a pleasant experience.  

Food:
Mac and cheese is of course the star of the show here and there are over a dozen different varieties to choose from - some more inventive than others.  While there are other things on the menu as well, Dan and I knew why we came and ordered different mac renditions.

Truffle Mac - Everything about this dish was music to my ears including the shaved prosciutto on top, mushrooms, peas and of course the truffle oil.  While the latter ingredient was definitely felt, it wasn't overpowering and I admired their restraint.  The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the prosciutto gave it a little more sophistication and Italian flavor - an all around hit.

Chili Mac - Once thinking about this dish, it became so obvious to us, making us ask the question "why haven't we thought to make this before?!"  Dan loved it and decided to supplement the regular pasta with a gluten free variety, which worked great next to the hearty meat sauce.  The whole dish felt like a really complete meal and you almost forgot that it was just a bowl full of pasta.  Loving the generous portion, it's a perfect thing to share with someone else or makes for good leftovers.

Bloody Mary - To go along with the comfort food theme, Dan also got a Miss Mary Mac! cocktail, which is Mac's! take on a classic Bloody Mary.  Everything about it was delicious and just the way it should be, Dan said, even down to the slightly warm piece of bacon that floated on top.

Service and Cost:
Quite satisfied with the service, you order up at the counter and then have your food brought to your table.  All this is well and good in certain restaurants in town only to later discover that your order has been delayed - but not here.  Everything was done to a T and we got our mac in a mere 10 minutes. Much appreciated!

Costs are affordable and you get great bank for your buck with most of the mac dishes at just $8 or $9 a pop.

3 Mmmms

Mac! Mac and Cheesery - 3936 N. Mississippi Avenue Portland OR 97227
503.200.5787
macandcheese.biz

Ode to Mami at Mother's Bistro

As I briefly mentioned on the blog a few weeks ago, my mom, Mira was graciously awarded the honor of being featured at Mother's Bistro & Bar in Portland with a special Slovak menu.  Selecting a few dishes that represent our Eastern European heritage, my mom provided Mother's Owner & Executive Chef, Lisa Schroeder with the recipes that further got refined to fit the restaurant's clientele in Portland.  

Attending a celebratory dinner in my mom's honor this past weekend, we got to sample all her dishes, as served at the restaurant, and other delicious things that make Mother's so special.

Atmosphere:
Warm, comfortable and delightful are words I'd use to describe the atmosphere at Mother's.  From the beautiful lighting that comes in the form of vintage chandeliers to the paintings in gilded frames and the French country cupboards, you immediately feel at home even if this isn't the type of house you grew up in.

Impressed by the sheer size of the restaurant that seemed to extend throughout an entire city block, we marveled at how busy it was - no doubt a great sign.  Situated by a lovely rectangular table that was set for five, we took advantage of the comfy bench seating that gave my mom and I a great view of the entire restaurant.

Even though I'll get to the details of the service a little later, it must be said that everyone at Mother's - from the hostess to the waiters all the way to the bus boys - exude warmth, friendliness and an overall happy disposition.  Not only did this immediately make us feel comfortable, it's also a sign of a well run business.

Food:
Needless to say, we were dying to try Mother's rendition of my mom's dishes which included her Segedinsky Gulas, Stuffed Cabbage and Slovak Apple Cake.  Aside from that, we were encouraged to try other things on the regular menu, which we simply couldn't refuse.  Here are the highlights:

Segedinsky Gulas - While my mom usually prepares this dish with chunks of chicken, it's actually supposed to be cooked with pork, which is just what Chef Lisa did.  Made up of shredded pieces of braised pork shoulder, the dish was also topped with delightful little egg noodles (that we call nokerle) which were slightly browned and therefore crunchy.  Although different from my mom's dish, this really looked the part and tasted absolutely delicious.  We couldn't get enough of the hearty gravy that surrounded all that tender meat and there was no doubt this dish was packed with love and flavor.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Loving the beautiful color on this dish, it was piled high with additional shredded cabbage, which is just how my mom prepares it.  Once we let our forks pierce its soft shell, a tender beefy middle exposed itself, bejeweled with rice, making it that much heartier.  A side of smashed potatoes was an alternative way to enjoy this meal but no doubt a tasty one.

Slovak Apple Cake - Describing this as a "two crust flaky pastry filled with apples," we fell in love with it immediately.  Reminding us more of my mom's zemlovka (Slovak bread pudding, also made with apples), we appreciated the healthy dose of shredded apples and the rich maple walnut ice cream that made it that much more luxurious.

Pierogi - Along with the Segedinsky Gulas also came a portion of potato pierogi that were hard not to love.  I think they were the perfect size too, as each piece provided about two good bites that we devoured with sauteed onions and silky sour cream on top.

$15,000 Dungeness Crab Cakes - Dan couldn't resist ordering this decadent dish made of fresh local crab, seasoned with creole mustard sauce, coleslaw and matchstick potatoes piled way high.  I had a generous piece of the crab cake and was impressed by its creamy consistency and perfectly crunchy crust.    

Service and Cost:

Truly receiving A-list treatment, we couldn't have asked for a better evening.  Not only were we treated like special VIP guests, my Mom was given the well deserved kudos by both staff and customers, which made her day and melted my heart.  Chef Lisa and her whole staff were beyond lovely, generous and welcoming and we treasured just how seriously they take their Mother of Month program.  It rightfully exemplified a business that not only sticks to its mission but carries it out with pride and dignity.

Since we were the guests of honor that night, our meal was graciously comped but here's an idea of the prices you can expect.  They're very reasonable!

Appetizers - $3.95 - $12.95
Entrees - $13.95 - $21.95
Dessert - $6.50 - $7.50

3 Motherly Mmmms

Mother's Bistro & Bar - 212 SW Stark Street, Portland OR 97204
503.464.1122
mothersbistro.com

Eating like the Three Amigos at Tasty n Sons

Last week's dinner at Tasty n Sons on North Williams street proved to be one of our favorite meals in Portland so far, which timed out well with Kimberly's visit.  Even though I've been here before with friends, Moses and Sonya, it was for brunch and I think our recent dinner was more memorable.

Atmosphere:
Located on a busy block in the burgeoning North Williams Street neighborhood of Portland, Tasty & Sons is the sister restaurant to the popular Tasty n Alder in the South West part of town.  The atmosphere is bangin' and from the minute you walk in, you're enveloped by the most delicious smells that emanate from the open kitchen.  On a random Thursday evening, it was packed to the gills, especially after 8 p.m., which is surprising for Portland.

Lucky for us, there's a nice bar out front where you can get some tasty libations and even strike up a conversations with some locals, which we did.  The vibe is communal and friendly and as you'll quickly see, sans social barriers. What a welcome change from NYC!

Food:
Since we got friendly with our bar neighbor, he explained that all entrees come with a choice of two sides, which seemed like a great deal.  Starting to formulate our strategy even before sitting down, we knew we wanted to share a few dishes and lots of sides.  Here's what we got:

Low Country Hush Puppies - These were simply calling our name from the start, as we all love a good fried cornbread.  Tasty n Sons' generous portion exceeded expectations, as these puppies were crispy and golden on the outside but soft and pillowy on the inside.  A side of whipped spice butter made for a lovely accompaniment.

Steamer Clams - The day's special, we loved their meaty quality and the slightly spicy broth in which they bathed.  My favorite part of the dish was using that beautiful rustic grilled bread you see above and dipping it into that diabolical spicy sauce.  Clam heaven!

Fried Petrale Sole - In the mood for fried fish, this was one of our entrees and it was cooked beautifully.  Not the least bit greasy but sporting a nice crunchy crust, the fish was flaky and buttery on the inside and paired nicely with a side of collard greens.

Fried Chicken - I know what you must be thinking, "fried, fried, fried." Yeah, we couldn't help it so we went big.  Dan was most enthused with this dish, as he remarked not once but many times about how moist and juicy it was on the inside.  The crust was once again prepared well and provided a nice toothsomeness with each bite.  Together with the creamy mac 'n cheese, it was hard not to devour.

Sides - Since we had a choice of four sides, we felt the world was our oyster.  Going with the gooey mac 'n cheese, the fried cauliflower, collard greens and the stuffing, there wasn't one dud in the crowd.  Amongst these dishes the collards and the mac and cheese stood out most and I'd get them again in a heartbeat.  The cauliflower was also delicious and had a unique curry spice to it, but since we got a lot of fried stuff already, I thought this was maybe one too many.

Dessert - Mustering up the courage and the room in our stomachs to order dessert, we went with the chocolate cream pie.  A total delight and one of the big standouts of the evening, the filling tasted like decadent chocolate mousse that was then topped with fluffy whipped cream that wasn't overly sweetened, providing just the right touch of luxury and indulgence.

Service and Cost:
From the helpful host to the friendly bartender and all of our nice waitresses, the service was totally on-point.  Given that it was a busy evening, we were impressed with the way things went down and we felt very accommodated and well taken care of.

Costs aren't overly expensive for a finer dining establishment, setting us back about $80 for the three of us for the aforementioned food and tip.

3 Tasty Mmmmms

Tasty n Sons - 3808 N. Williams Street, Portland OR 97227
503.621.1400
tastynsons.com

Root and Bone - Chicken, Waffles and Overall Comfort

Recently invited out for a belated birthday dinner by my cousin Vicky, she thoughtfully chose Root & Bone, the new farm to table Southern-style eatery as our destination.  While I didn't know much about it initially, Root & Bone quickly impressed me, delivering delicious eats, pleasantly casual service and an overall fun time.

Atmosphere:
Situated in the heart of the East Village on East 3rd Street between Avenue A & B, Root & Bone sits in a cool, trendy neighborhood, which is also exemplified by its clientele.  Mostly populated by young hipsters and foodies, the vibe inside is cheery, boisterous and already very busy at 6 p.m.  Since they don't take reservations, we scored two seats at the bar, which I don't always love but this time it worked out well and provided a more private spot for Vicky and me.

Liking the simple, charming decor in the form of little embellishments such as dried flowers, fresh fruit, vintage bowls, glass containers, and cookbooks, Root & Bone very much reminded me of Yardbird's aesthetic in Miami, which happens to be its sister restaurant.  A total plus in my book, I appreciated the Southern influence felt here, but at the same time Root & Bone also feels very New York.

Food:
Sampling a few items from the menu and sharing is usually how we do and it worked out well again.  Mixing it up with veggie dishes and also some protein created nice balance and left us feeling full and happy.

Lady J Cocktail - The Tito's vodka in this drink sold me right away, indicating it would be clean and smooth, on which it delivered.  Mixed with summery flavors such as strawberry and lemon, it was a vibrant and refreshing drink, and quite perfect on a hot day.

Sprouting Garden Salad - Wanting to start with something earthy, this simple yet colorful salad spoke to us.  Composed of a medley of seasonal veggies such as avocados, watermelon radishes, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, and a sprinkling of root chips, it looked like a Jackson Pollock painting. Loving that each corner of this dish was distinct, we couldn't decide if we liked mixing its elements together or enjoying them separately.

Chicken & Waffle Sandwiches - Looking around the room, we saw mostly everyone's table graced with this signature dish so naturally we had to try it too.  Personally, I love chicken and waffles and have made my own renditions of it many a times, so Root & Bone's version truly excited me.

What came out of the kitchen was a thing of beauty, with two fluffy waffles sandwiched between handsome pieces of fried chicken, a pickled green tomato and watercress.  Not only was the chicken perfectly moist and delicious, we loved the accompanying whiskey maple syrup that added a hint of Southern charm.

Catch of the Day - Although at this point we were getting full, the catch of the day, which was hake provided a delicious finale to the meal.  Loving the beautifully grilled skin and the soft, flaky middle, it was everything that a fresh piece of fish should be. A side of seasonal succotash and a piece of grilled lemon infused even more freshness, showcasing the summer's natural bounty.

Service and Cost:
Our position at the bar lent itself to casual, friendly but also fast service and despite the restaurant being really busy, we felt well taken care of.

Costs are moderate, and not exorbitant for such a hot-spot:

Small Plates - $6-$15
Bigger plates - $22-$33
Sides - $7-$10

3 Mmmms

Root & Bone - 200 East 3rd Street, New York, NY 10009
646.682.7076
L Train to 1st Avenue

rootnbone.com

Fun World Cup Experience at Marketa

Yesterday's big World Cup final warranted enjoying it and celebrating in public.  There's a few places I had in mind to get that true spirit and atmosphere that only a diverse crowd in Astoria can bring, Studio Square Beer Garden being one of them. In the end, Dan and I found ourselves strolling down 30th Avenue and settled comfortably at Marketa.

Never actually having been to Marketa, I've observed it from the outside a bit as well as kept my eye on their social media presence.  I have to be honest in that what actually got us through the door is that it wasn't completely packed yesterday, unlike some of its neighbors.

Atmosphere:
Following suit with other popular eateries and bars on this heavily trafficked block, Marketa offers everything they do, plus convenience and hospitality to boot.  I like the varied set-up of the main dining room including different sized tables up front, in the back and also in their charming backyard.  The entire space has very much of a loft vibe, as there's more room upstairs, with a bar presumably, but I didn't go and check it out myself.

Since we were there to just cheer on the teams and have mostly cocktails, we situated ourselves at the spacious bar, which also had access to a big screen TV.  We liked this spot since it didn't feel cramped and was conducive to being chatty and social.

Food and Drinks:
During our visit, Marketa was still serving brunch, which is in effect til about 4 p.m. on weekends.  We weren't much in the mood for it, as we hosted brunch at our place earlier that day, but wanted something smallish to nibble on.

Short Rib Hash - Dan selected this little side, which was actually pretty hefty in size and just as filling.  Topped with braised short rib that was juicy, succulent and full of flavor, it was a perfect way to keep us satiated and also at attention in between cocktails.  The hash that sat underneath the short ribs was also flavorful - on the well done side and sautéed with veggies such as onions and red peppers.

White Sangria - A tall glass of white sangria was the perfect refreshment during yesterday's humid weather.  I liked that it was fruity but not overly sweet and also topped with plenty of fresh fruit such as sliced apples and oranges.  Our bartender served it up with a little wooden spear that allowed you to neatly fish out all the fruity goodness - instead of just relying on your fingers.

Other Drinks - I noticed a few other interesting non-alcoholic drink options that I didn't have the pleasure of trying yet but that I'd be back for.  Including items such as a Nutella latte (frozen or iced), frozen hot chocolate, a java chip frappe and various smoothie options, consider it when you need a little refreshment.

Service and Cost:
I'm happy to say we enjoyed great service at Marketa, as our bartender was attentive, thoughtful but also knew when to leave us be.  She mixed a mean cocktail and did a great job of juggling different requests during this very busy sporting event.

Costs are moderate to almost reasonable for the progressively more expensive 30th Avenue cafes.  Our drinks (three in total) and our hash set us back about $24 ($28 with tax and tip).

3 Mmmms

Marketa - 37-17 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
347.813.4437
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

Celebrate Queens Comfort's 3rd Anniversary

Everyone loves a little down home Queens Comfort in their life, and judging by the steady lines that appear in front of this place each weekend, they must be doing something right.  I recently caught wind of the fact that their 3rd year anniversary is coming, which in some ways seems long overdue.  It sounds gluttonously delicious and I thought to spread the word with you.

Queens Comfort - 3rd Year Anniversary Party
Sunday, March 30th
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy lots of delicious, fried, baked and smoked foods, old school beats and various shenanigans.

Queens Comfort - 40-09 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

646.597.8687

N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

www.queenscomfort.blogspot.com

Warm Up in Astoria - Part Deux

Surprise...the chill is back in our neck of the woods!  Just another good opportunity to highlight the warming foods and drinks you can get around town to deal with yet another round of the polar vortex.

Image by Bradley Hawks

Wine is always a good idea, especially at Bear where they're featuring $20 bottles, each day. Check it out also for their warming Russian-style cuisine such as hot Ukranian borscht, cabbage and beef casserole, hunter's stew (with lamb) and more. 12-14 31st Avenue, LIC. 917.396.4939

For more vino goodness, Rest-au-Rant is a great option, especially on Wednesdays when all their wine is 20% off.  Pair it with something luxurious such as their savory fondue or a gooey gorgonzola, fig and green apple panini.  30-01 35th Ave, LIC.  718.729.9009 

I'm loving Alewife's new craft beer collection, including thick malty options such as Peak Organic Oak Aged Mocha Stout, which can be enjoyed with a signature, Sigmund's Pretzel Shop pretzel.  If you haven't tried one yet, they're absolutely fantastic!  5-14 51st Avenue, LIC. 718.937.7494

There's nothing like a warm, delicious, melty mac 'n cheese and the one at the Sage General Store is hard to beat.  Featuring a five cheese concoction with spicy cayenne breadcrumbs on top, it's the ultimate comfort food.  24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  718.361.0707

Warming up with a tasty burger is easy to do in the nabe, and these days I'm pretty excited about BareBurger's new bar offering, which goes beautifully with one of their signature burgers such as the Roadhouse or the Big Blue Bacon.  The 31st Avenue locale now has a full on bar with signature cocktails such as the Johnny Appleseed (bourbon, green apple, hot honey, ginger brew), Rachel Carson (rosemary infused vodka, blackberries, homemade lemonade), Old Macdonald (bourbon, white peach, agave punch) and more.   Check out the awesome $50 gift card giveaway we're doing with BareBurger on We Heart Astoria.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7011

Cooking for the Snow Storm

The crazy weather today has certainly made things interesting, as a lot of folks are staying home and hunkering down.  While a lot of places in the nabe are staying open (see my Where to Eat Now: Snow Part Deux piece on We Heart Astoria), people are also looking forward to cooking at home.  I thought to hook you up with a few suggestions for comforting, warming dishes.

Apricot Lamb Stew - A combination of sweet and savory is perfect for a winter storm.  I love this recipe because unlike a lot of stews, it only takes about an hour to cook.

Lebanese Beef Stew - For a little taste of the Middle East, I highly suggest this beef stew, which makes use of simple, lean ground beef and a homemade mix of spices.  Serve it up with a side of hummus, yogurt dip and pita chips.

Pesto Bean Soup - An easy soup to make with ingredients you have on-hand, it's nothing fancy, consisting of white beans, roasted red peppers and green olives.  A fresh homemade pesto ties it all together to create an earthy, comforting medley.

Homemade Chicken Soup - There's nothing like a homemade chicken soup from scratch.  Staying indoors creates the perfect opportunity to stew some homestyle flavors of chicken, veggies and herbs.  You can always reuse the chicken carcass for stock.  

Homemade Challah Bread - While this recipe is certainly ambitious, it's something my mom whipped up a few years ago, also during a snow storm.  It not only looks beautiful but creates a lovely accompaniment to any meal.  You can top it with savory or sweet things.  

Venturing out to Venturo

Ever since I've found out about Venturo, the newest outpost from the guys that run Vesta and Pachanga Patterson, I knew I wanted to check it out.  Promising a cozy, comfort food experience in an intimate setting in Sunnyside, I didn't need to hear more to know I wanted to experience it.  My brother Peter and I headed there on Saturday and totally dug it - from the friendly vibe to the down-home delectable food.

Atmosphere:
Located in a prime location on Queens Blvd, near 44th Street, Venturo is easy to find and it's also subway accessible. Surrounded by a few disparate establishments such as a pet store, an Irish pub, not far from the old Meat Boutique (now closed), Venturo really stands on its own, as it's the only one of its kind in the neighborhood.

Once you walk in, you feel not unlike you do at Vesta or Pachanga Patterson.  The space is small and intimate, but it has a certain buzz and charm.  On a Saturday evening, it was packed to the gills, and I was glad I had the foresight to make a reservation.  There's a small bar in the center of the dining room, which is similar to the setup at Vesta.  I appreciate the varied clientele, from young professionals, families, singles ready to mingle and the like.

Food:
Given that the menu is quite simple and short, it's not difficult to make a decision.  Since I was limited by my gluten free diet this week, I couldn't try the pastas, but will definitely come back for them next time around.

Cauliflower and Raisins - We ordered this dish as a starter, even though it's technically a side.  Loving the sweetness that came from the golden raisins, we devoured the cauliflower, which was beautifully separated into bite sized florets.  Enjoying the lovely texture, which was quite tender, it's certainly a unique take on a sometimes underrated vegetable.

Stuffed Trout - Since I was limited in my food options, I chose the stuffed trout, which sounded and looked delicious.  I'm not sure what I imagined when reading its description, but I was in awe at how gorgeous and rustic it looked.  The taste was excellent, as the fish was flaky and buttery, while the skin remained crispy and nicely seasoned with fresh herbs. My favorite aspect was the pesto, which the fish rested on, and I scooped it up with my fork and smeared it onto the already flavorful skin.  Adoring how garlicky it all was, it packed a lot of flavor and personality.

Eggplant Lasagna - Peter couldn't resist a pasta dish, but at the same time was curious to try something new, so he went with this "pasta free" concoction.  Made of layers of breaded eggplant, cheese, tomato sauce and a creamy bechamel sauce, it was the epitome of a fall comfort dish.  I had a little bite sans the breadcrumbs of course, and was totally obsessed.

Service and Cost:
Just like at Vesta or Pachanga Patterson, the service at Venturo was unassuming yet efficient and in general took care of business.  Even though the place was packed on a Saturday night and people were hustling, we always felt well taken care of.

Costs are moderate to inexpensive for the high quality of food and the nice atmosphere.  Like I said, the only one of its kind right now.

Appetizers - $8 - $18
Pizza & Pasta - $12 - $15
Entrees - $17 - $22

3 Mmmms

Venturo - 44-07 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside NY 11375
718.406.9363
7 Train to 46th Street
www.venturovino.com 

Going Gluten Free with Tommy Lasagna

Everyone who knows me can vouch for how much I love bread, as it’s a very big part of my Eastern European roots. That’s why it may surprise you that I’m going gluten free for the next two weeks.

If you’re wondering why – it’s simply an experiment to see how my body will react and whether I feel any difference in my energy levels and my ability to think clearly. Currently, reading about the positive effects a gluten free diet has had on one of my favorite tennis players, Novak Djokovic, I was totally intrigued and decided to plunge in to see if it does anything for me. And if not, that’s OK too, at least I’ll know that my body reacts well to gluten. We’ll see…

On that topic, I had a little taste of the gluten free life last week, as a friend and fellow blogger Erin from Gluten Free Fun invited me to a blogger dinner at Tommy Lasagna. Even though this restaurant isn’t a purely gluten free establishment, they do have a dedicated menu to gluten free eats they were excited to show off.

Atmosphere:
Situated just East of Park Ave in Union Square, Tommy Lasagna is a centrally located restaurant with a neighborhood vibe. I like its modern façade and the interior design to match, which is suited for both intimate and larger groups. We happened to sit in the central part of the cozy dining room at a large communal table, which felt small enough to have good conversation. In fact, the acoustics were great in this space, as you can easily have a conversation with the person at the other end of the table.

Overall, the vibe at Tommy’s feels laid back and comfortable, making you feel far removed from the bustling atmosphere of Union Square. I also like the somewhat open kitchen concept and the access you get to Chef Tommy and the folks who cook your food.

Food:
Exposing us to their new gluten free menu, there were tons of things we tried that night. So much so honestly, that we walked out incredibly full – almost to the point of overstuffed. I didn’t mind of course, as pasta is one of my favorite foods, but after the fifth course, you could stick a fork in me. I was done. Here were my stand-outs of the night:

Focaccia Bread – Even though it was just a little sample of things to come, the bread really stood out to me. Using Cup4cup gluten free flour, as Chef Tommy explained, the bread had a nice crusty texture that was accented with fresh herbs such as rosemary. I was pleasantly surprised how light and airy it was, and at how hard it was to differentiate it from regular bread.

Ceviche – The sole presentation of this dish got me excited, as it came in a pretty drinking glass that was layered with ceviche goodness. The bottom layer consisted of the actual marinated seafood such as calamari, shrimp, octopus and the like, while the top was dressed with popcorn. Yes popcorn! It was such an unusual way to eat ceviche, and one that I’ve never thought of before, but it worked really well. The two textures complemented each other really well, and I loved how the popcorn soothed your tastebuds after each sharp bite from the citrusy marinade that hugged the seafood.

Bolognese Lasagna – I love me a good Bolognese, and seeing as this dish exemplified what Tommy’s is named for, I was expecting it to be good. The lasagna delivered, and then some, as I was totally in love with the chunky tomato sauce that rested on top of the pasta and the meaty bits found inside its layers. The pasta sheets themselves were delicious and felt a little lighter than its gluten full sibling – but just like with the focaccia I mentioned above, it was hard to tell the difference.

Lobster Fettuccine – Looking forward to this treat, it once again surpassed my expectations. The beauty was in the simplicity of the sherry pasta sauce, which was a little buttery and was laced with chunky bits of fresh lobster that was perfectly cooked. The pasta itself was silky smooth and cooked al dente, as it should be.

Dessert – Even though we were stuffed to the gills, who can resist dessert, especially when you had cheesecake and a flourless chocolate cake on the same plate. Out of those two, I liked the cheesecake best, as it was a lot lighter and airier than a traditional NY style cheesecake. It also boasted a distinct vanilla flavor, which was just delicious.

Service and Cost:
We really appreciated the personalized service at Tommy’s and it was especially a treat to get to know Tommy himself. I enjoyed hearing the story about why he created a gluten free menu, which seemed genuine, and overall, it seemed like Chef Tommy is invested in the community and to delivering unique and progressive comfort food.

While the gluten free menu comes at a premium, the prices are fair and still approachable for the high quality of food and the care with which they’re crafted:

Appetizers - $8 - $15
Pasta – $18 - $26
Main Course - $25 - $28
Dessert - $10

3 Mmmms

Tommy Lasagna – 119 East 18th Street, New York NY 10003
212.228.3494
4/5/6/N/Q/R/L Trains to 14th Street/Union Square
www.tommylasagna.com

Gnocchi Carbonara Coats the Soul

After a long work week, I'm always in the mood to indulge in some good ol' fashioned comfort food.  And because I had a package of John's Ravioli gnocchi (started in Corona, Queens), I wanted to put it to good use and create a homemade sauce to coat its beautiful ridges.  

Spotting an enticing recipe for Gnocchi Carbonara on the Simply Delicious blog, it inspired me to recreate it with my own spin.  Instead of bacon, I substituted in crispy cubes of pancetta that I rendered down, along with a mixture of fat free half and half (I know...that sounds like heresy), eggs and a mixture of romano, asiago and parmesan cheese.  The whole thing took about 15 minutes to make, which was totally awesome, and I just loved watching the sauce turn into thick, creamy, cheesy goodness.  The eggs cooked in a matter of seconds and served as a thickening agent for the already velvety sauce.

Once the sauce was done (less than 2 minutes), I mixed in the gnocchi and let it sit for about a minute or two.  Embellishing this already delightful mixture with some fresh herbs such as freshly chopped parsley is always a good idea.  Fresh basil would be nice too.  Bon appetit, friends!

Gnocchi Carbonara recipe, as adapted from the Simply Delicious blog.

More than just Meat at Queens Comfort

Tonight was special, as I went out to support and celebrate the accomplishments of one of my favorite food blogger comrades, Bradley Hawks. For those of you not familiar with Bradley’s work in the food world, it’s quite remarkable how he has his fingers in so many honey pots, and I always marvel at how much he juggles. Not only does Bradley write and edit BORO Magazine, he’s also a contributor to the Village Voice, writes his own blog, guest posts on We Heart Astoria, and takes beautiful photographs for many local restaurants in Astoria and LIC.

Probably known most famously for the latter, Bradley’s photos always entice, tease and make the mouth water. In fact, tonight’s celebration was all about his photography, as Queens Comfort proudly showcased some of Bradley’s best works.

Aside from marveling at the beautiful shots of sushi, burgers, pizza, sandwiches and the many other wonderful foods that serve as muses for Bradley’s photography, Meg and I also enjoyed some quintessential Queens Comfort eats. After a long day, we were both loving all their little indulgences and concurred that the quality of everything we had was great.

BBQ Tofu Sandwich – Seeing an enticing picture of this sandwich from none other than Bradley, I was excited to see it on the menu and went for it. It didn’t disappoint, and in fact far surpassed expectations, as it was a beautifully composed dish with fried tofu, crispy slaw, a tangy Siu Hauu sauce, enveloped in a buttery brioche bun. The tofu was really crunchy on the outside, decked in a golden fried crust, and it was tender and substantial on the inside. I love how that sauce permeated into the little nooks inside the tofu that gave it a very delicious Asian flavor.

Donuts – The first thing we smelled when we came in were the donuts, and they looked divine to boot! We loved watching them be prepared - first the glaze was added and then they were topped with a little fried donut hole.

There were two varieties we tried including the Oreo and the PBJ. I preferred the latter, as it was glazed first with some creamy peanut butter and then topped with a light strawberry jelly. The inside was cakey and wonderfully soft, while the outside was a little crunchy. Although it was tempting to finish completely, I had to hold myself back so I can try its Oreo companion. Even though I liked it a lot, I thought that the Oreo cookies could’ve been more prominent in the donut, and there wasn’t much going on in terms of the creamy white filling. I felt this donut wanted to achieve that nostalgic Oreo-ness but only got there halfway.

Service and Cost:
Despite it being a busy night at Queens Comfort, the service was pretty quick. Even though it would’ve been nice to refresh our waters and get us some more napkins, the actual food came out in good time, and we didn’t have to wait long for the check either. Overall, the staff is friendly and pretty laid back. I felt that we could’ve hung out for a while even after we finished eating.

Costs are affordable, but know that it’s still a cash only establishment. I paid a total of $16 with tax and tip for my sandwich.

3 Comfortable Mmmms

Queens Comfort - 40-09 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

646.597.8687

N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

www.queenscomfort.blogspot.com 

Mac 'n Cheese Brunch Bites at Ovelia

Image by Ovelia

Ovelia is known to have great brunch, and I personally love their standbys such as Yiayia's omelette with French fries embedded right in the omelette; the stuffed French toast; corn flapjacks topped with ricotta and walnuts; as well as other yummies.  However, spotting a newbie brunch item today on their Facebook page, I got excited and wanted to share it.  I'm talking about their mac 'n cheese bites that you see here, which consist of little balls of mac 'n cheese goodness, which are then further topped with Hollandaise sauce and then sprinkled with bacon bits.  

It's considered an app during brunch service, so if this sounds like it's up your alley, make sure you ask them about it this weekend.  While it's rich and indulgent, why not share just a little bite with your dining companions?!

Ovelia's brunch service goes all weekend from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Enjoy!

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.ovelia-ny.com

Sylvia’s – Gospel, Comfort, and then Some

Just a few weeks ago, my family and I paid a visit to the vibrant neighborhood in Harlem. Totally wowed by the burgeoning food and cultural scene, it’s certainly a place we’ll return to in the future – especially when it comes to checking out new restaurants. During this visit, we dined at the old dependable Sylvia’s, which was an experience I’d gladly repeat.

Atmosphere:
Since it was Sunday, we were eager to check out Sylvia’s for their Gospel Brunch. The restaurant was quite busy, as during this time they feature live music by a talented gospel singer, so we had to wait outside for a bit to be seated. Unfortunately they don’t take reservations, but since they’re organized, it didn’t take long to get a table, and waiting on line was an experience on its own. We enjoyed hanging out with the other soon-to-be diners and made some friends during our wait.

Once inside, we were glad we waited, as the atmosphere is friendly, social and warm. The space is divided into several dining areas, some larger than others and some more private. We were happy to be seated in one of the prominent rooms, situated to the left of the entrance, which seemed to be where most of the action was taking place (including the singing). The room itself is simple, no frills, but the energy of the restaurant and all the happy people inside added to it.

Food:
We came for the comfort food, and the fried chicken to be exact. Most of us ordered this dish in one form or another, while I decided to be the oddball and chose the ribs instead.

Chicken and Waffles – Simply a good ol’ classic, this chicken and waffles had it going on. The chicken drumsticks and breasts were on the bone, which made them super moist and juicy while the batter remained crispy but not oily. I liked that the batter had a little bit of a kick to it, and the waffle was soft and fluffy on the inside, but also had a slightly crunchy crust you had to get through.

Ribs and Sides – Since I knew I’d get a generous helping of Dan’s chicken and waffles dish, I decided to order something different and went with the BBQ spare ribs and two sides. The ribs were smothered in a slightly sweet BBQ sauce, (aka Sylvia’s Original Sassy Sauce), and the ribs themselves were tender and falling off the bone. They were a little fatty for my taste, but whatever meat I got off of them, I enjoyed.

The sides of collard greens and the candied yams were amazing. Collards can be a hit or miss, but these were perfectly cooked in a fragrant stock that made them taste like home. Out of this world sweet and tender, the yams tasted more like dessert than a side dish. It reminded me of something I’d have on Thanksgiving, except I’ve never had a yam dish this delicious – and for the record, no marshmallows were needed.

Dessert – Even though we were full, we couldn’t resist the temptation of a down home comforting dessert, and ordered a portion of the peach cobbler and the red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Both things were scrumptious, but I had a strong preference for the red velvet cake, which was really moist. While the cake itself was pretty sweet, the cream cheese frosting gave it a hint of tang that cut the richness. We all agreed this was a pretty stellar take on a Southern classic.

Service and Cost:
The service at Sylvia’s reflected the personal, family oriented vibe of the restaurant. From the lovely hostess (who I think was the late Sylvia’s daughter) to our nice waitress, we felt comfortable and well taken care of. Looking around the room, other diners seemed to have the same experience, and it’s no wonder that Sylvia continues to be the popular foodie landmark in this thriving part of the city.

Costs are fair and certainly not overpriced for what you’re getting. A hearty meal with drinks, entrees and dessert set us back about $28/person including tax and tip.

3 down home Mmmms
 
Sylvia’s – 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York NY 10027
212.996.0660
2 Train to 125th Street
www.sylviasrestaurant.com

Fooditka's Take on Bolognese

Since I've been pretty eating pretty well lately, and on a veggie kick, I wanted to make something comforting but also healthy for a satisfying dinner.  Always up for pasta, as I equate this with comfort food goodness, I decided to make my own Bolognese sauce, but instead of with beef or pork, I substituted it with chicken sausage and mushrooms, which made it really hearty.  I let the whole concoction cook in a sauce of crushed tomatoes and then placed it on a bed of whole wheat spaghetti deliciousness. It was lovely and such a perfect thing to freeze and use later for pasta, pizza sauce, dipping sauce.  Whatever!

Fooditka's Healthy Bolognese (serves 2-4)

Ingredients:
(1) 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1 lb of chicken sausage, casings removed
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 package of baby bella mushrooms, sliced (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Fresh basil
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Sautee the onions first until they get soft and then add the mushrooms.  Add salt and pepper and cook until the veggies get well done.  Add chicken sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until cooked through.

Combine with crushed tomatoes and a little bit of water (approximately 1/2 cup).  Let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes until all the flavors combine.  Add cheese and fresh basil as a last step.

Place Bolognese over whole wheat spaghetti.  You can sprinkle it with fresh basil for extra flavor. Enjoy with a tall glass of red vino.