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

Flo Cafe is Back

After much anticipation, the newly renovated Flo Cafe is open. I took a peek inside and it looks impressive--spacious, modern and buzzing with conversation. It was especially crowded last Sunday, as people enjoyed their weekend brunch.

The menu has changed slightly, incorporating more serious dishes in addition to light cafe fare. You'll now find items such as steak, wraps and even sushi on the menu.

The newest addition to the restaurant, the back-of-the-house outdoor garden is still there and connected to the main dining room. It's not yet open because of the cold weather but it'll be available once it warms up.

Check out the new Flo and let me know what you think.

Flo Cafe - 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.6096
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.flocafeny.com

An Update About Flo Cafe

I walked by Flo Cafe today, which is still very much a work-in-progress. Its opening has been delayed from November to early January, and we'll see if even that materializes. But despite being unfinished, Flo is showing signs of progress. Their new sign, which showcases a new, modern logo is up (see picture above). I quite like it and even more so than the original logo, which was boxy and unoriginal. Also peeking inside, I saw that the new digs will be more spacious, again taking a modern, contemporary approach.

I hope to have more updates about a re-opening date but if anyone knows anything, please give me a shout.

Flo Cafe - 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.6096
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.flocafeny.com

Flo Cafe - Closed for Renovation

Another eatery that's also getting vamped up is Flo cafe. The sign says that it'll open back up in November (soon?) but walking by last week, it still looked very much closed. We'll see how their look changes and actually I'm a bit puzzled as to why they are renovating, as this place is quite new. Also, in the past year, they opened up another lounge space, located on 38th street, which is connected to the main restaurant. It's lovely and inviting so I'm not entirely sure what's going to change. Will keep you posted but if anyone knows, drop me a line.

Flo Cafe - 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.6096
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.flocafeny.com