Unexpected Deliciousness at Staccato Gelato

Before we went out last night to see a fun live band in the neighborhood, we happened upon Staccato Gelato, a cute little gelato shop that satisfied our sweet tooth.  Lucky for Dan, they had coffee too, which he had a hankering for.  Here's the low down:

Atmosphere:
Located in the "deep South" of the North East, as some Portlandians say, you can find Staccato Gelato on NE 28th Avenue, near lots of other enticing eateries and shops.  We stopped in for a quick coffee at first, but then got tantalized by the gelato, which boasted simple but delicious sounding flavors.

The space itself is lovely and very colorful, proving also that it's a kid friendly spot.  There's a pretty mural of a tree house that looks like it came from a Dr. Seuss book, and all the seating furniture is colorful too.  Since we popped in kind of late, we mostly saw adults inside but I imagine this place is popular with children and parents during the day.

Gelato:
I like that the gelato selection wasn't overwhelming and allowed me to choose rather quickly.  Spotting a dark chocolate/orange combination, I thought it sounded indulgent and refreshing at the same time, so I decided to get it.

Chocolate/Orange Gelato - Getting my gelato scoop in a kiddie sized cup proved to be a good idea, as it was very rich and a little went a long way.  The chocolate was semi sweet and of really great quality, allowing the orange essence to also shine with each bite.  Even though we're in February and this was a tasty flavor to enjoy, I'd expect it to be even more perfect in the summertime.

Aside from all the yummy gelato, Staccato is also known for their freshly baked donuts and donut holes, the latter which they still had in the shop yesterday.  Even though I didn't try one, I loved the look of the flavors such as chocolate coconut, prince of darkness, cardamom, honey glazed, fairy princess and more.  The donuts are made fresh just on Friday - Sunday, so make sure you remember that before getting your heart set on them.

Service and Cost:
True to its local neighborhood vibe, the service at Staccato Gelato is casual and friendly. The staff lets you try different gelato flavors, as is customary and appreciated by the patrons.

Costs are moderate and include $2.50 for a kid sized scoop, $3 for a small scoop, $3.75 for a medium and $4.50 for a large.

3 Mmmms

Staccato Gelato - 232 NE 28th Avenue, Portland OR 97232
503.231.7100
staccatogelato.com

The Taste of a Sweet Milkflower

At last, at last...I've had the opportunity to visit Milkflower last week with Dan and friends, Jennifer and Nuno.  Hearing only good things from Mackenzi and Ivona, I couldn't wait to taste the wood fired pizza deliciousness for myself.  Since Milkflower is still in the process of getting their liquor license, it's currently a BYOB joint, which was more than fine with us.

Atmosphere:
Occupying one of my favorite streets in Astoria, which is the tree-lined, 31st Avenue, Milkflower is located on the popular stretch of restaurants between 33rd and 34th Street.  Its exterior is a bit unassuming, but once you step inside, you'll be glad you came.

I loved the variety in seating from small 2-tops to larger communal tables, which we occupied.  The atmosphere is casual and social, and I love all the refurbished decor such as the blue and white tables made of police barricades.  From what I hear, everything has been constructed by the owners themselves, who originally hail from Jersey but love their new Astoria surroundings.  We're happy to welcome them here, certainly, as they're proving to do things right by Astoria standards.

Food:
We of course came for the pizzas and therefore sampled a few, proving to ourselves and to Milflower just how addicting they are.  But first, we started with apps...

Appetizers - We started with a plate of milky burrata cheese (hence the name Milkflower), which was further dressed with roasted red peppers and lots of sweet balsamic glaze.  The inside was creamy soft and just a perfect juxtaposition with the meat plate we also ordered.

Speaking of the latter, it was on the small side, but the meats were of nice variety, including a jamon Serrano, salame rossa, and spicy sopressata.  To add some nice texture, it was paired with a little bowl of crunchy walnuts and some sweet, mascerated strawberries in balsamic glaze and honey.  It was fun to put these fixins in the center of the cured meats, roll them up and enjoy like a savory/sweet cigar.

Pizza - It was hard to get enough of Milkflower's star component, which was of course the pizza.  Starting with two small pies, we went for the mushroom and the Hawaiian.  Both were awesome and my favorite part was the crust that had a delightful charred flavor.

Even though I expected to like the mushroom pie better, the Hawaiian stole the show, as it incorporated prosciutto and thin slices of spicy jalapeno peppers.  Loving the little bite of spice that often came as a little jolt of surprise, we all thought this pizza was pretty stellar and something we'd get again.

Ending things off with the Green Pizza, with lots of fresh arugula on top, it was the earthiest of the three and a nice way to get your fix of super-food greens.

Dessert - We couldn't leave Milkflower without trying their non-traditional gelato flavors, including a black sesame, a blueberry with fennel seeds and a fior di latte (a traditional Italian flavor of milk, cream and sugar).  The blueberry was my favorite, as the fennel gave it a licoricey aftertaste that added to its sophistication.  All gelato flavors were pretty light and not overly sweet, which was appreciated.

Service and Cost:
It's pretty evident that Milkflower is still getting its footing where service is concerned.  Everyone is very nice and accommodating, but they still need to work on speed and precision, which is OK for a barely month old restaurant.  They'll get there.

Costs are affordable and especially since Milkflower is currently a BYOB.  The aforementioned dinner set us back about $50/couple with tax and tip.

3 Milky, cheesy and stringy Mmmms

Milkflower - 34-12 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.1300
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.milkflowernyc.com 

3 Delicious Spring Treats

Image by Brooklyn Bagel

Now that it officially feels like spring, and boy did we need it, everyone is up and about, roaming the nabe.  I love seeing everyone looking all chipper and happy, and it goes without saying that we're now in the mood for refreshing, cold treats.  In honor of spring, I wanted to give you just that - three delicious, cool treats you can enjoy on a warm sunny day.

Cold brewed iced coffee - With so many places to get a flavorful cup of iced coffee, there are a few that stand out to me, including Brooklyn Bagel, Avenue Cafe and The Queens Kickshaw of course.  Take one to go while walking to the subway or enjoy one while sitting down at a sidewalk cafe (Avenue Cafe would be great for that!).  

Gelato or ice cream - If you're looking for a cool, delicious little something, there's nothing like homemade gelato in the nabe.  My personal favorite is the pistachio from La Guli, followed by the hazelnut from Martha's or my new personal favorite, the We Heart Astoria Baklava ice cream from Malu in LIC.  

Healthy smoothie - There's nothing like a refreshing, healthy juice or smoothie to get your day started right, and there are a few places in Astoria you can get one.  Your Healthy Kitchen on 30th Avenue and 44th street will make virtually any juice you like.  Meg, Mackenzi and I tried an amazing concoction with beets, spinach, ginger, carrots and other delicious ingredients, which made this drink really satisfying.  Other good smoothie options include Pita Pan and Create Astoria.

La Guli's Pistachio Refreshment

It's been a little while since I last visited La Guli Pastry Shop, one of my old school neighborhood favorites that always brings me back in time.  Although I love sweets, I try to behave myself on a regular basis, but of course love to splurge once in a while and yesterday was such a day.  As it was quite warm and pleasant out, and I just got a haircut at the nearby SPAce salon, I thought it the perfect opportunity to pop in for a quick gelato refreshment.  

For those of you who haven't yet tried La Guli's gelato, you simply must.  I think it's really the best in the nabe and beats any other competitors, such as Martha's or Omonia, etc.  Even though I really enjoy the latter ones as well, La Guli always upholds the highest standard.  While I usually go for something rich and indulgent like chocolate/caramel, I went with pistachio this time.

Pistachio Gelato - The best part of La Guli's gelato is the texture.  Creamy and smooth, it's the right amount of soft and frozen.  It very much tastes homemade and you can feel the perfected recipe that has gone into this dessert and the rich history poured into each scoop.  It's not overly sweet, which adds to its refreshing taste, and the chunky (and only slightly salty) pistachios that further add to its authenticity make me quickly reach for another consecutive spoonful.  And so it goes, until the cup is empty...

Service and Cost:
Beware that it gets quite crowded in La Guli's narrow space on hot days, but the wait is never long enough to be a turnoff.

A single (but generous) scoop of gelato in a cup is $3, which I think is fair for such amazing quality, and comparable when you think of the competition.

3 Mmmms

La Guli Pastry Shop - 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.728.5612
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.laguli.com

Omonia Next Door Hits the Sweet Spot

After what was a very delicious and filling meal at JJ's, Meg, Tom and I still had an inkling for something sweet.  Well the truth was that on my way to meet them, I passed by Omonia Next Door and was completely drawn to the sign that said "Gelato." It was a pretty warm day out, and I was jonesing for something cold and refreshing.  Besides, I've been meaning to check out this place, after a very short impromptu visit the first time around.

It didn't take much to convince my food-loving (and dessert appreciating) friends to visit this sweet shop. They were all-in.  Upon walking in, we were confronted by a plethora of colorful and beautifully prepared goodies such as intricately dressed cupcakes, cookies of all shapes and sizes, cakes and of course the gelato we were after, located in the back.

The gelato flavors varied from cherry, pistachio, biscotti, Nutella, several fruit flavored sorbets, and also a flavor that caught my eye, caramelized fig and biscoff.  I ordered a small cup and dug in with pleasure.

Caramelized Fig and Biscoff Gelato - Even before I get into the taste of this gelato flavor, I want to take a minute to touch upon the pretty presentation you see above.  I love that it included an upside down mini cone that you can dip your gelato into and enjoy in small, delicate bites.  The gelato itself was delicious and not overly sweet.  It had a hint of liqueur in it (maybe amaretto) and I enjoyed the slight crunch from the biscoff cracker.  It was a great way to end a very satisfying meal, and as you can see from the portion above, they didn't skimp out.

The gelato set me back about $3.75, which isn't cheap but definitely worth every penny.  I was very tempted to get some other stuff too, but I'll have to hold out for next time.

We did have the chance to check out the outdoor garden, and it was fabulous - peaceful, quiet and surrounded by nice-looking greenery.  Although I'm not sure that the greenery was natural, it was still nice to look at and created a relaxing atmosphere and a respite from the busy hubbub of Broadway.

3 Mmmms

Omonia Next Door - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.274.6650
N/Q Train to Broadway
http://www.omoniacafe.com/

Fabbri - A Scoop of Sweet Heaven Right in Queens

This past weekend, I had the distinguished honor of doing something really special that involved one of my culinary loves, gelato.  Cordially invited to tour and make gelato at Fabbri of North America, an Italian gelato ingredient supplier with an American branch located right here in Maspeth Queens, I was intrigued and excited about the prospect.  Accompanied by my mom and my brother's girlfriend Fiana, we indulged in a delicious afternoon filled with delectable treats, as well as the company of the most passionate of teachers. 

About Fabbri:
Founded in 1905, the Fabbri family have been in the specialty foods business for over 105 years.  Impressed by its longevity, I was by no means surprised to find out about Fabbri's quality products including their signature trademark, amarena cherries, floating in a sea of deeply rich sweet syrup. 

But aside from liqueur-flavored fruit, Fabbri's product arsenal is fully stocked with every kind of ingredient you'd ever need for making a flavorful, artisan gelato.  From neutral bases that help enrich a gelato's texture to almost 60 different pastes that bring out each flavor's uniqueness, Fabbri's products are tapped by both large-scale distributors and small, more personalized producers.

As hinted above, Fabbri's North American division is located in Queens.  "What an amazing gem to add to our already culinarily vibrant borough," I thought.  Its location is pretty discreet, situated in a residential neighborhood in Maspeth, well hidden by other industrial buildings in the vicinity.  Actually, I think it's what makes Fabbri so special - a well-kept secret that I hope stays just between us friends.

Our Teachers:
The Fabbri experience was no doubt made wonderful by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers, Bob and Michelle.  Bob, Fabbri's co-owner is the ambassador for gelato, specialty foods and really food in general.  Just chat with him for a few seconds and you'll quickly see that he knows everything there is to know about good food in Queens, Manhattan and overseas. 

Michelle, who's a gelato extraordinaire of her own is a Fabbri employee for half the year.  For the other half, she's the proud owner of a specialty gelato shop in Provincetown, Massachusetts called I Dream of Gelato.  There, she cranks out exorbitant amounts of gelato to hungry vacationers, students and Cape Cod residents.  During the winter months, she comes to Fabbri to experiment and create new flavors - a much needed preparation for the busy summer season.

The Gelato-Making Experience:
During our experience, we made a traditional gelato and a sorbet.  Our efforts were closely supervised by Bob and Michelle, and with their help, we learned about the ingredients and the processes that go into making these sweet treats.  The basic ingredients consist of milk, a little bit of cream, lots of sugar and Fabbri's products such as classic gelato and sorbet bases and flavoring pastes.

First we made the sorbet, which used water instead of the aforementioned milk, thus making it a much lighter dessert.  We mixed all the ingredients together with an industrial sized immersion blender, which was a definite workout for the biceps.  After everything was fully incorporated, we poured it into an industrial sized machine that formed it into a thick-creamy consistency.  The three of us took turns working with the ingredients, and in the end it was me who was quickly scooping the freshly made sorbet into a large tray - not unlike what you'd do in a real gelateria.

In terms of the gelato, we made a classic Nocciola (hazelnut), which included milk and cream in place of water and a Fabbri Nocciola deli paste, made of toasted hazelnuts.  The mixture smelled so divine even before completed, that we had to try it several times before putting it into the machine to solidify. 

After our finished products came out of the freezer, we were free to taste them.  Wowza - were they delicious!  The lemon sorbet was light and fresh and absolutely what I'd like to have after any hearty meal.  I can also see it being a nice palate cleanser between courses.

The nocciola was something else entirely and definitely more up my alley. It was thick, delicious and so intensely flavored that I couldn't get enough.  While I've seen some nocciolas incorporate add-ons such as chocolate syrup or nuts, Fabbri's version didn't need it at all. It was perfect, uncomplicated and refreshing - just like a good gelato should be.

Additionally to hazelnut and lemon, we also tasted flavors such as dark chocolate, cappuccino, passion fruit, mango, vanilla rum raisin and yogurt.  They were all excellent in their own way but I had a strong preference for the dark chocolate, which was more custardy than the others--and to top that off, it was also gluten free.

If you're further intrigued about Fabbri's products and where to find them (they distribute in Queens!), you can contact them at the info below.  Thank you Fabbri for making our weekend so sweet!

Fabbri of North America - 57-01 49th Place, Maspeth NY 11378
718.764.8311 Extension 114
www.fabbrinorthamerica.com

Creamy, Dreamy Caramel Gelato You Can't Miss

Okay, so I’m not a caramel expert, but I do like my frozen treats and just have to rave about Talenti’s Dulce de Leche gelato. It’s richly flavored so you don’t need a lot to get your fix. The flavor is so familiar (like those clear plastic-wrapped squares, but way better) but surprising at the same time - not as cloyingly sweet as candy - and each spoonful has unexpected depth. I think it’s the Argentine dulce de leche? Anyone know anything about it?

Full disclosure that Talenti sent me a big sampler of their gelatos and sorbets a couple months ago and I’m only now getting to try all the flavors but the Dulce de Leche was a standout. Other yummy flavors include Black Cherry gelato (with fresh cherry bits mixed in), Hill Country Peach Champagne (channels summer picnics), and Double Dark Chocolate (includes tiny semisweet Belgian chocolate pieces). Talenti uses only natural ingredients- the milk is freshly pasteurized and free of growth hormones, fresh fruit and nuts, and fancy things like whole Tahitian vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea and coconuts from the Philippines.

Locally, you should be able to find it at Whole Foods and Target, but they also have online ordering.

And when your friends come over, be prepared to hide your stash because they might try to eat the whole pint in one sitting!

My Quest for Great Gelato Has Ended

La Guli Pastry Shop - 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.728.5612
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.laguli.com

Last weekend, you might remember me talking about my quest for great gelato, when my parents and I tried a variety of flavors at Da Franco's.  But even though our experience was pleasant and certainly refreshing, I wanted to try something new this weekend, so I decided to sample the gelato at La Guli.

A true neighborhood icon, La Guli is a nostalgic Italian bakery with beautifully made sweets ranging from cookies and pastries to cakes and pies and homemade gelato to ices.  I knew what I came for and I did a good job at keeping my dessert blinders on, ordering a rich-looking chocolate/caramel gelato cup.

Chocolate Caramel Gelato - Wow! If I thought last week's gelato at Da Franco's was good, the one at La Guli truly blew me away.  The texture was rich and creamy and so chocolatey, tasting of good quality dark chocolate.  The caramel was interspersed throghout in soft gooey chunks and it was a truly excellent pairing.  Although the flavor was very rich, it didn't feel heavy and did a great job at cooling me down on a hot day.  I highly recommend it if you're a hard-core chocolate fan.  In addition to this flavor, I spied some other ones such as coffee, strawberry, pistachio and am curious to try them soon and see how they measure up to Da Franco's.

In terms of cost, it was a bit cheaper at $3 for a small cup - and the scoop was more generous than the one at Da Franco's.

3 Sweet Mmmmms

Da Franco's Refreshing Gelato - Perfect in Hot Weather

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

Terrizzi Pasticceria - The King of Gelato

After a second trip to BareBurger last night, Crystal and I paid a visit to Terrizzi Pasticceria for a sweet finish. I was in the mood for gelato and heard that it was quite excellent here. After we walked in, gelato wasn't the only thing on our minds, as we admired Terrizzi's sweet offering of gooey cupcakes, chocolate fudge mice, mini-pastries, cookies, cakes and so much more.

Despite the temptation of enticing treats, we stuck to our original plan--getting frozen desserts. I ordered a hazelnut gelato and Crystal opted for the chocolate ices. Both were scrumptious, refreshing, and tasted uncompromisingly homemade. The hazelnut gelato was not only creamy and decadent, it also contained crunchy pieces of hazelnuts, which made it more authentic and slightly rustic. It bothers me when gelato tastes artificial, but this one had no traces of unnatural flavors.

The ices was also good and quite refreshing on a hot, 90 degree day such as yesterday. Although it wasn't creamy like the gelato, it still contained a good deal of flavor and nice consistency. Crystal was quite happy with it, and judging by her empty cup, I'd say that she'd get it again in the future.

Cost:
Although some of these goodies come at a premium, they are 100% worth it. A small cup of gelato set me back $4 and a medium cup of ices cost Crystal a mere $1.50. Needless to say, the ices was a better value but the gelato was definitely more flavorful. I'd recommend both - as well as any of their other frozen flavors such as pineapple, stacciatella, pistachio, chocolate, blueberry, raspberry and much more.

Terrizzi Pasticceria – 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.726.9698
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Manducatis Rustica - A Refreshing Summer Snack

On our way back from LIC's Greenmarket this weekend, we treated ourselves to some gelato from Manducatis Rustica. Vicky and I have been there before--and loved it--but we wanted to introduce it to my mom who immediately appreciated its rustic, homemade charm. We browsed around and looked at the fun kitchen knick-knacks and then proceeded to admire the gelato.

We were in the mood for something fruity so we each ordered a small serving of different flavored fruit gelato. I got the banana, Vicky went for the passion fruit and my mom opted for the apricot. They were all fresh and a perfect little treat to snack on. I liked Vicky's passion fruit the best, followed by my mom's apricot. Unfortunately, I didn't care for mine because it had too much of a banana taste, if that makes any sense. The flavor was too strong for me and it would've been nice if mixed with some nuts or even chocolate chunks.

I think that next time I'll go for my beloved nocciola (hazelnut).

Cost:
A small cup of gelato is $2.50, setting our grand total for 3 cups at $7.50, which is quite affordable. You can sit outside on Manducatis' little bench (pictured above) and enjoy it until you're done.

Manducatis Rustica - 46-35 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

718.937.1312

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue

Martha's Country Bakery - Homestyle Baking at its Best

Martha's Country Bakery - 36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.545.9737

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.marthascountrybakery.com

One of my favorite bakeries in Astoria, Martha's always put me in a good mood. And just like I wanted to show off Trattoria L'Incontro to my aunt and uncle, I wanted to do the same with Martha's. They appreciated it for its goodness and we stuck around to indulge in a couple of confections.

Atmosphere:

I love Martha's for its atmosphere as much as I love it for its baked goods. The country theme is definitely conveyed even before you walk in--the awning has maroon stripes and the window display showcases gorgeous lattice fruit pies, tarts, cupcakes and fruit breads. The inside is even more charming with whimsical decorations such as a big vintage clock and country-style furniture in warm yellows, reds and browns. Simply put, it's a lovely place to linger and enjoy a sinful treat. And linger, you can, as Martha's boasts a seating area of approximately 8-10 small tables. Not many bakeries in the area (and in general) can say the same--it's usually a grab-and-go type of situation.

The Treats:

I've had Martha's on a number of occasions but most of the things we sampled last Friday were new to me.

Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake with M&M's: I'm a sucker for Martha's cupcakes and have tried most varieties--my favorite one being the red velvet. I haven't tried this simple vanilla buttercream variation with M&M's and after devouring half of it in barely a couple of minutes, I think I'd call it my new favorite. The inside was beautifully moist and the buttercream tasted like it should--soft, sugary with hints of vanilla and lemon. The M&M's provided that choco fix, which I so often crave and overall, I'd say that this is a nice choice for b-days (for both adults and kids).

Hazelnut Gelato: Dan ordered this and it actually consisted of one scoop of hazelnut and one scoop of cappuccino gelato. I didn't taste the latter so I'll only talk about the hazelnut. Being that Nutella is one of my favorite desserts in the whole world, I naturally adore hazelnut gelato. This one was creamy and rich and had that home-churned feel. I kept taking spoonfuls from Dan's bowl and decided that I'm definitely going to get it next time.

Chocolate Cannoli: This was my least favorite dessert because it just didn't stand a chance next to La Guli's cannoli. The ricotta filling tasted waxy and the crust wasn't flaky enough. While I love chocolate, I think there was too much of it here--in the filling, around the dough and there were even chocolate chips inside. I'd skip the cannoli next time around.

Service and Cost:

Because we were sitting at a table, we had a waitress bring out our order. She was really nice and unobtrusive but she chimed in a the right moments. For example, when we were trying to figure out who sang a song playing in the background, she came to the rescue.

I'd say that for the quality of goods you're getting here, Martha's treats are priced fairly but to the naked eye they could seem expensive. Cupcakes are $1.75 each, cannolis are $2.75 and a scoop of gelato is a whopping $3.75. You pay for the greatness.

3 Mmmms