So...how about this heat wave we're having? It was so unbelievably warm in my neck of the woods this weekend and especially in my apartment that I took a walk over to Da Franco's with my parents to get some refreshing gelato. My mom loves ice cream and the mere mention of Italian gelato, got her pretty excited. I enticed my parents further by telling them about Da Franco's nice outdoor area where we ended up enjoying our treats.
Here are the flavors we tried:Pistachio - Yum! This was my choice and also my favorite. It was super creamy with a distinct nutty taste and some actual nut clusters that added authenticity. I loved how indulgent yet refreshing it felt and since we only got one scoop each, it wasn't total, utter gluttony.
Amarena - My dad chose this interesting flavor, which I've never heard of until now. It consists of a clean milk flavor peppered with chunks of sour cherries. I liked the cherries (having real fruit in dessert is always a plus for me) but I thought it was a touch too sweet - yet interesting and different nonetheless.
Zuppa Ingelse - Again, I had to ask what this flavor actually consisted of, finding out that it's a mix of ladyfingers soaked in sweet liqueur. There's also a cake version but gelato is a good way to sample these flavors without eating an entire slice of cake. I tasted some delicious amaretto in it and even got a few pieces of the "cake." Pretty neat.
Service and Cost
Our server was really friendly and encouraged us to try all flavors of gelato. Even though we were tempted, we politely declined but enjoyed our chosen flavors at one of their nice outdoor tables with an umbrella that shielded us from the sun.
Costs are a bit pricey for gelato but comparable with other neighboring establishments. Each gelato cup was roughly $4.
3 Mmmms
Da Franco - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.267.0010
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com
Easter is this Sunday and from what's been predicted, the weather will be awesome. Warm and sunny and simply a perfect day to enjoy some time with close family and friends. If you're not planning a home cooked meal, there are plenty of restaurant options to enjoy. Some restaurants are planning special menus and prix-fixes while others are keeping it casual with regular menus.
Bistro Les Minots - This intimate French bistro will be having an Easter prix-fixe but I can assure you, it's affordable. For $29.95 per person, you'll get a three-course French meal with choices such as a Provencale tarte, roasted leg of lamb, a classic strawberry chantilly and more. 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.606.2535
718 Restaurant - Another Frenchie spot, this one isn't changing a thing for Easter, and I don't think they need to. You can enjoy their delicious brunch, which includes a three-course prix-fixe with a cocktail for $22. While it may seem like a lot for brunch, it's well worth it and especially for this festive holiday. 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553
Da Franco - This traditional Italian eatery will also skip a formal prix-fixe and instead will offer a couple of daily specials which will include fish, meat and pasta. I highly recommend asking for their blistery focaccia bread, or if you like sweet things, ask them to put nutella on it - it makes the most wonderful dessert. 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105. 718.267.0010
El Ay Si - A special Easter menu isn't in the works, so if you're in the mood for comfort food such as jalapeno corn fritters, black-eyed pea cakes, fried chicken and such, you've come to the right place. Although there's no special listed now, they often pop up on their Facebook page on the day of, so check back for updates. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.389.8781
Ornella - Masters of homemade food with soul, Ornella will be skipping the prix-fixes, concentrating on traditional Italian dishes that are popular for Easter. Whether you choose to go with a hearty lasagna or an earthy dish like lamb with rosemary, you can't go wrong. And if you want something special that you can't get anywhere else, ask about their buckwheat pasta called Pizzoccheri Della Valtellina. 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105. 718.777.9477
Ovelia - Tradition plays a big role in Ovelia's Easter offering with Magiritsa, a traditional egg lemon soup, available after midnight on Saturday. They'll remain open on Sunday and will serve Greek specialties such as Kokoretsi and roasted leg of lamb. You can get both as well as the soup for a $27 prix-fixe. Enjoy - and don't forget to ask for one of their fabulous cocktails. 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217
Testaccio - Long Island City's newest, modern Italian eatery delivers yummy Roman Easter classics. The Easter menu includes delicacies such as thinly sliced roast veal, roasted leg of lamb with porcini mushrooms, roasted rabbit with black olives and much more. Don't miss the Nutella pizza rolls for dessert - they're a must. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.937.2900
Trattoria L'Incontro - One of Astoria's best known Italian restaurants, they don't mess around when it comes to special occasions. They'll feature a generous 4-course prix-fixe for $60/person with Easter dishes such as a special Easter soup, ravioli with sweet potatoes, lamb, filet mignon, a choice of fish and various desserts of the day. 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532
Vesta - A dear favorite of mine and of many others, Vesta will feature a special Easter menu with a mix of brunch (till 3:00 p.m.) and dinner (till 9:00 p.m.). Their Easter menu boasts some of their signature dishes such as the Hangover Pizza, Slow Braised Meatballs, Lasagna (Sunday dinner style - pictured above) as well as new dishes such as skate and borcht soup. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.545.5550
Zenon Taverna - This wonderful Greek staple isn't wasting time when it comes to celebrating Easter. They'll be open real late on Saturday night/Sunday morning (until 3:00 a.m.) to ensure that people can enjoy a traditional Easter dinner right after religious services. There is a prix-fixe on Saturday and it's super affordable at $20.95/person for a 4-course meal including a special treat - flaounes, a traditional Cypriot cheese pie made especially for Easter. They'll be closed on Sunday. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133
