Sparrow's Bifteki Burger is Bangin'

Visiting Sparrow Tavern is always a pleasure, and I'm visibly excited whenever anyone suggests it.  Saturday night was Meg's choice, as we went in for an early dinner before heading out to our friend Mackenzi's party, which was also lots of fun.

Food:
For all you Sparrow heads, you won't be surprised to learn that the their classic burger was ordered by Dan, but I veered from the usual by getting the Bifteki burger.  Trying this a few years ago, I forgot that it's technically a sandwich rather than a burger, which was A-OK in the end, given its deliciousness.

Bifteki Burger - While the name of this burger insinuates that it's Greek, which is true, you'd think the meat would be made of lamb, but it's actually beef.  What makes it Greek is the seasoning of fresh mint, soft, creamy manouri cheese and tangy tzatziki sauce.  The crusty baguette that hugs its insides makes it delightful--a perfect vehicle for getting all that savory goodness into your mouth.  A classic Sparrow accouterment is the side of fries, which gives it more of a burger feel.  Never disappointing, the fries came out crispy and beautiful, adoring a sprinkling of that fragrant rosemary I love so much.

Service and Cost:
While I can't boast about the service (maybe I've been having bad luck lately), it doesn't warrant a serious complaint. Our waitress was nice enough but seemed a bit distracted or just busy on a bustling Saturday night.

Costs are moderate and even a bit expensive for burger fare, but totally worth it for all that flavor and deliciousness.  Dinner set us back about $30/person including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Sparrow - 24-01 29th Street, Astoria New York 11102
718.606.2260
N/Q Train to Astoria Blvd
www.thesparrowtavern

Thalassa Brings a New Meaning to Greek Food

A few weeks ago, I was lucky to attend a fabulous tasting at Thalassa Restaurant in Tribeca.  Being invited by the restaurant to taste its delicious food was a total treat and I knew I'd run into foodies I knew, so that was yet another plus.  Low and behold, Lindsay from The Lunch Belle was a fellow dining companion and I was so excited to catch up and break bread (I mean pita) with her and my other lovely companions.

Atmosphere:
Set in an old historic building on Franklin Street in Tribeca that originally served as a warehouse, Thalassa is colossal.  I love that it exemplifies a cross between old world industrial style and something completely modern.  The bar is beautiful and sleek, made of custom-made white marble, and is a nice gathering spot when waiting for your party to arrive.

As we made our way into the main dining room, we couldn't help but notice the impressive display of fresh seafood that would later become dinner.  The giant scallops were especially amazing and we couldn't help but snap a few photos, our excitement for our upcoming dinner growing by the minute.

Once we sat down, the atmosphere continued to be sleek and luxurious, studded with simple embellishments such as sheer flowing curtains, Greek urns and soft lighting, which made you feel as if you were very far away from Manhattan.  This was very welcome after a long day at work, as we exhaled the stress and inhaled the serenity of Thalassa.

Food:
As Astoria has spoiled me with some pretty fine Greek food, I do tend to judge a little harshly.  Thalassa certainly held its own, and then some, as I was impressed not only by the food's exquisite taste, but also by its beautiful presentation.

Meze - This is the best part of a Greek meal for me and was my favorite course at Thalassa.  There were quite a few things we tasted, including the zucchini/eggplant chips you see above, the grilled octopus, Maine diver sea scallops, a series of dips with pita, and bakalao.  

My standouts were by far the seafood dishes including the octopus and the scallops.  Both really distinguished themselves from traditional meze - the octopus boasting a beautiful melt-in-your-mouth texture that can only be achieved by massaging the octopus during preparation, and the scallops enveloped in crispy kataifi phyllo dough that's typically used in dessert.  The latter was especially unique, showcasing a sophisticated juxtaposition between the crispy exterior shell and the tender scallop nestled inside.  Resting in a kalamata balsamic reduction, the whole thing was perfection on a plate.

Mains - I like that we went simple with our main course, which was a plate of grilled red snapper, prepared with olive oil, lemon, capers and a little bit of dandelion greens.  The whole thing was clean and uncomplicated and reminded me of something I'd eat on vacation in the Greek isles.  I'd recommend sharing something like this with another dining companion, especially if you've already tried a few meze.

Dessert - Ending things grandly, we enjoyed four shared desserts, including their house baklava, Ekmek, walnut chocolate Karydopita, and the Mastiha panna cotta.  Each were delicious in their own right, but my favorite was the Ekmek, which looked pretty non-traditional, wrapped in a dark, rich Valrhona chocolate dome.  Inside was a creamy, custardy middle with pistachios, and more pistachio ice cream on the side too.  While it was a little tough to break its beautiful shell, it was completely worth it.  The panna cotta was a close second favorite with caramelized pears and fresh berries on top, leaving the creamy middle simple and pure. 

Service and Cost:
The best part of the service for me was the extensive knowledge that Thalassa's staff had about the food.  Reciting the contents of each dish as naturally as stating the weather per se, you can clearly tell that you were at a fine dining establishment.  We also had the pleasure to meet Thalassa's Chef, Raphael Abrahante who was happy to chat with us and even revealed some of his tricks behind making those impeccable scallops and octopus.  It's clear that he has a passion for this stuff and it all showed through this spectacular dinner.

Costs are on the higher side, as this is fine dining at its best.  However, they also have some reasonable happy hour specials Monday - Friday from 5:30 - 7 p.m. when they serve meze,  1/2 priced specialty cocktails and select Greek wines by the glass.

Meze - $14 - $22
Mains - $29 - $48
Desserts - $12

3 Mmmms

Thalassa - 179 Franklin Street, New York NY 10013
212.941.7661
1 Train to Franklin Street
www.thalassanyc.com

Fun Dinner Special Tonight at Thymari

Image by Thymari

For those of you who stayed home this weekend, there's plenty to do.  Beside the U.S. Open, and the eats around it, which I'm totally addicted to, there's other things to munch on right in our neck of the woods.  I was excited to see this awesome special on dinner at modern Greek restaurant, Thymari.

Enjoy 20% off on all dinner entrees today all night long.  

This includes their lobster as well, which looks fabulous.  Other things I really enjoy here are their soutzoukakia (Greek meatballs), kolokythokeftedes (crispy zucchini fritters) and their variety of Greek spreads (aka Pikilia).

If you go, do let me know what you think of the lobster.

Thymari - 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.2880
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.thymari.com

Thymari - The Verdict is Still Out

With our friend Moses in town last week, we were all excited to get together and give him a piece of what he's been missing in Astoria while living in Portland.  Being that he's Greek and naturally an expert on Greek cuisine, I thought it'd be fun to try Thymari, given that he loved its predecessor, Philoxenia.

Overall, the experience was fun and memorable because it was a nice get-together between great friends, but some of the food left something to be desired.  Not all of it, but still some of it proved to be a work in progress for most of us.  

Atmosphere:
Not changing things around too much from its predecessor, we saw this as a good thing, as the large, spacious dining room remained, along with all its modern furnishings.  The exposed brick walls and wooden beams are wonderfully rustic and convey a cozy vibe that somehow reminds me of the islands, especially with the open windows giving off a nice breeze from the outside.  The lighting is soft and atmospheric, and I could see how it can create an intimate vibe for couples.

Besides the interior dining room, there's also a small sidewalk space outside you can enjoy, but I think the inside is a lot more charming and special.  It feels more Greeky!

Food:
Since we were really in the mood to enjoy a true Greek-style dinner, we ordered a few mezedes and shared everything.  I love doing this because I love Greek food and also enjoy tasting a whole lot of things including dips, meats, seafood, veggies and other specialties.  My dining companions were totally on-board.

Pikilia - A sampling of different dips such as tzatziki, melitzanosalata, tyrokafteri and skordalia, it was a nice way to start the meal but it wasn't some of the best stuff I've had in Astoria.  I thought the tzatziki and the melitzanosalata were delicious, garlicky and fresh, but the skordalia and the tyrokafteri were just so so and a bit bland.  They didn't really differentiate themselves from the bunch, which is not usually the case.

Horiatiki Salad - Even though this was really simple, it still stands out for me as one of the best dishes of the night.  All the veggies including super ripe, blood red tomatoes, huge chunks of feta and buttery olives made this a much needed, refreshing preamble to the main meal.

Sotzoukakia - These are the meatballs you see above and they were one of the stand-outs (this confirmed by our Greek expert Moses).  Incredibly moist and flavorful, they were spiced with cumin and fresh mint, and covered in a spectacularly rich, homemade tomato sauce, further topped with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce.  Totally satisfying and worth getting again!

Octapodi Psito - This was the grilled octopus dish, which we were really looking forward to but that only half delivered.  It looked gorgeous, but once we bit into it, it was on the chewy side and the flavors were too muddled, as Moses said.  They failed to keep the dish simple and clean, as it should be.

Kalamari - We chose to get the fried calamari, which was a no brainer.  Even though it tasted nice, I think it was a bit too greasy and thick.  Personally, I prefer when the pieces are thinner and daintier and also when I get a lot of those wiry tentacle pieces, which I unfortunately didn't see here.

Dolmades - Stuffed grape leaves, with bulgur wheat, pine nuts, mint and diced apricots, it sounded better than it tasted.  When I bit into one, the flavors I just described were muddled, and all I tasted was the thick bulgur and not much else.  I was really excited for the apricots particularly, but didn't really get a feel for them at all in this dish.

Kolokythokeftedes - Ordering these by mistake, it was the best mistake we made.  Piping hot zucchini and feta fritters, they were tender and the cheese melted beautifully on the inside.  A perfect combination of rich and earthy, they were even better when paired with the cool tzatziki.  Each bite made me think of being on an exotic Greek isle.

Dessert - A bonus treat we received from the chef, it was another surprising stand-out.  A cold dessert, consisting of a yogurt mousse cup, topped with an amaretto walnut mixture, it was wonderfully refreshing and clean tasting.  Not only did it do a great job of cleansing our palate after this diverse meal, it didn't leave us feeling weighed down and was a total hit that I'd get again in a heartbeat.

Service and Cost:
The service was really nice here, as our waiter knew a lot about the menu and was just generally really attentive, making sure all was OK during our entire experience.  I liked that they let us linger around and chat as long as we liked, and we felt totally welcome and relaxed, which is something I'd return for.

Costs are moderate, and for the meal I just described to you (with drinks), we paid about $46/person (including tax and tip).

2 Mmmms

Thymari - 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.2880
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.thymari.com

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

Taverna Kyclades Rocks It Again

Taverna Kyclades - 33-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.545.8666

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
http://www.tavernakyclades.com/

Given that it was such a scorcher yesterday, I was in no mood to cook so Dan and I decided to have a late lunch at Taverna Kyclades.  We've only been there once before and were absolutely blown away, and this time was no different.  Although it's usually unbelievably crowded and they never take reservations, we came at a good time, around 4:30 p.m.  Not only were there plenty of tables outside but we ended up getting a prime spot inside in the air-conditioned dining room. 

We couldn't resist some of our favorite standbys such as skordalia, grilled calamari and fried Greek potatoes, but there are a few new things we tried too that I'll highlight here:

Grilled Shrimp - I remember the beautiful stuffed shrimp that Dan and Margot got last time and it got me in the mood for something similar but not as indulgent.  Plus because it was so hot outside, I went with the grilled version without the stuffing.  WOW! It was truly amazing.  The shrimp was jumbo sized and butterflied in the middle, which made it appear larger.  I loved the clean seasoning of olive oil, lemon and salt and pepper.  The dish couldn't be simpler, but it was quality.  The only semi annoying part was that you had to peel off its shell, which was first a nuisance but then started getting fun, as it got you more involved with what you were eating.

Garlic Beets - Beets are hands down one of my favorite vegetables, so when I heard that this was a possible side with my entree, there was absolutely no question that I'd choose it.  Again, the dish was simple - sliced, cooked beets dressed with olive oil and diced garlic.  I loved the natural sweetness of the beets and the garlic just gave it that something special - that Greekness you might say.  It was awesome and I'm definitely going to make it at home.

Service and Cost:
Kyclades doesn't mess around when it comes to service.  Because of the large crowds they get throughout the year, they're very efficient in getting you what you need.  All waitstaff and busstaff is experienced and yesterday was no exception.  Even though they're quick with orders, they don't make you feel rushed to leave, which we appreciated.

Costs are moderate but I think inexpensive for the great quality and the generous portions you get.  We paid a total of $57 including tax and tip for an appetizer, two entrees and two beers.

3 Mmmms

The Greek Captain is now Psari

If you're taking a stroll on 36th Avenue and looking for the oldie but goodie, Greek Captain, I'm here to tell you that you're out of luck.  But there is good news ahead, because in its place, you'll find Psari, the new name for this classic Greek restaurant, which has remained unchaged except in name and in exterior appearance.  I did some digging and found out that everything remains as was - the food, the management, the hospitality. It's all consistent. 

While the reason behind the name change is far from sexy (the building's lease was up), I think it's a good change and a nice refresher from its traditional and somewhat stale facade. It now looks more modern and inviting and has certainly piqued my interest. I'll be visiting Psari soon and reporting back on my experience.  If anyone has had been there recently, please give us your thoughts.

Psari - 32-10 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.786.6015

N/W Train to 36th Avenue

Still on Dessert - New Sweets at Ovelia

Ovelia's sweet offering just got a little sweeter with new dessert items that are Greek inspired with a modern twist:

Strawberry Banana Crepe - Topped with honey and walnuts...$8
Glyka Koutaliou (Spoon Sweets) - Served over Greek yogurt or ice cream with a choice of fig or sour cherry preserves...$6
Loukomades (little Greek donuts) - Topped with with Nutella or orange marmalade and served with ice cream and walnuts...$8

New sweet items come not only in eats but also in drinks. Here are some of Ovelia's new cocktail options:

Rakomelo - Hot Raki with honey, cinnamon, cardamom, clove...$8
Portuguese Sangria - Port wine over ice with a sprig of mint and a slice of orange
Bubble Berry Tea-ni - Blackberry tea, raspberry vodka, chambord, champagne, honey, lemon, garnished with mint

I continue to love Ovelia because they never stop reinventing their menu and trying new, interesting things. Try 'em out and see what you think.

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

Posidonio - Will it Last?

Posidonio - 33-12 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.729.4945
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

Many of you probably recognize the facade on this "new" Greek eatery on 33rd Street and 36th Avenue. That's because the building stays the same but the name of the restaurant keeps changing often - as in every couple of months. The space has seen a plethora of Greek establishments from Athena to Matrix to g-d knows what. The newest iteration is called Posidonio and I'm curious about how long it will last. The sign is slightly scary and domineering, with a half naked Greek god showing a helpless ship who's boss. Anywho, I looked at the menu and wanted to give you a preview:

Appetizers:
Cold Dips - Taramosalata (caviar dip), tzatziki, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip)...$9.95
Kefalograviera - Imported Greek cheese with tomato and olives...$8.95
Pan Fried Calamari...$9.95
Garides Saganaki - Sauteed jumbo shrimp, feta, tomato and olive oil...$12.95
Keftedakia - Mini meatballs with lemon and wine sauce...$7.95
Loukaniko - Greek sausage with lemon and wine sauce...$7.95

Seafood:
Seafood Plate - Grilled jumbo shrimp and salmon...$17.95
Jumbo Shrimp Greek Island Style - With feta, tomato, onion, over rice...$15.95
Grilled Filet of Salmon...$14.95

Steak-Chops-Chicken:
Ribeye Steak 16oz - Marinated in Greek seasoning...$16.95
Baby Lamb Chops - Marinated in Greek seasoning...$17.95
Chicken or Pork Kebab - Over rice...$13.95

S'Agapo - Love at First Bite

S'Agapo - 34-21 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.626.0303
N/W Train to Broadway

Kimberly was in town last weekend and because she missed Greek food so much, we decided to check out S'Agapo. A traditional Greek joint, it's been in the neighborhood for 40 years, known for traditional, homestyle Greek cuisine. The reviews that we read were good, but the actual experience was stupendous and we'd go back in a heartbeat.

Atmosphere:
There's nothing fancy about S'Agapo and that's OK--it doesn't try hard to impress but succeeds to make you feel comfortable with its cozy, personal vibe. The inside dining room is simple with wooden chairs and tables and a glass display, showcasing the catch of the day.

What I found really nice on a warm night like last weekend was their outdoor patio. Again, nothing too elaborate, it consists of plastic chairs and simple tables, which curve around the restaurant. I liked the fairy lights on top of the striped awning that added a festive touch, as well as the tall bushes that gave the patio some privacy.

S'Agapo appeals to native Greeks and you'll hear the beautiful language spoken around you. However, if you're American, you won't feel like an outsider and will be treated with importance and respect.

Food:
Not sure about what to expect, we were astounded at how much we liked everything. From the beautiful, rustic presentation to the flavorful taste, we fell in love with S'Agapo's food.

Traditional Greek Salad - We wanted to start out with something light and fresh, thus ordering this salad, consisting of tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, endives and feta cheese. It was very simple, flavored with a lemon/olive oil vinaigrette--and the veggies were incredibly fresh. The tomatoes were juicy and the feta was milky white, with a nice tang. We loved piling this on top of our toasted pita or stuffing the endive leaves with the other contents of the salad.

Dip Assortment - While most Greek restaurants in the neighborhood offer an assortment of 3 to even 5 dips, S'Agapo stepped it up with 8 amazing dips on one plate. The selection was almost overwhelming but so much fun to try, as I think the dips catered to all tastes. The roe and grape leave spreads offered a salty bite whereas the roasted red pepper and the beet spreads were on the sweeter side. There was also a non-traditional parsley dip that reminded us of pesto, except that it was more earthy and lemony. One of my favorites was the tzatziki, refreshingly cool and slightly garlicky. An innovative aspect about this dish were the veggie separators, which included cucumber slices and a hybrid vegetable, which was a cross between an avocado and a cucumber. Yowza!

Zucchini Croquettes - Instead of taking the long shape of the zucchini, these were round and almost pancake-like. I liked them a lot but didn't understand why they were paired with a dollop of hummus. I preferred them with the cooling tzatziki instead and dipped them into this part of our dip sampler.

Cheese Dumplings with Honey - This was a show-stopper for me, more so than for Kimberly. It consisted of crispy pastry dough dumplings filled with sweet dessert cheese. A side of honey was the perfect pairing, as it gave the dumplings a floral essence and a touch of indulgence. I loved how light the cheese was and the crispiness of the crust was lovely.

Greek Meatballs - We both stopped and exclaimed after our first bite because we couldn't believe how light these were. Despite an airy quality, they had intense flavor, enhanced by fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Acompanied by a generous glug of tzatziki, I couldn't get enough, making this dish a must.

Service and Cost:
Our waiter was polite and took the time to explain and recommend the food and wine to us. The server, who we thought was also the owner was especially cordial, explaining the contents of everything, even all of the dips. There was a strange occurrence with our pita (we thought that it was partially nibbled) but the situation was handled with humor that kept us in stitches for the rest of the night.

S'Agapo is incredibly affordable, especially for the great quality that you get. Our meal, which consisted of 5 dishes that we shared as well as a carafe of house wine set us back $43 per person. It was a lot of food that made us comfortably full and that could've easily fed 1-2 more people.

3 Loud Mmmms

Akti - Third Time...Still Charmed

Akti - 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.3530
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Akti continues to be one of my favorite Greek restaurant in Astoria. To show off its culinary prowess, I took my family and my family friends there for a Greek meze feast. We enjoyed ourselves and our friends loved this authentic "taste" of Astoria. The octopus especially stood out as well as Akti's wonderful dips and grilled pita.

The new dishes that I tried this time around were all delicious and included:

Portobello Mushroom Salad - We were in the mood to start with something fresh and healthy prior to the fish and chicken courses. This salad made a great impression, as it was full of tasty fresh veggies, some of which were grilled such as the portobello mushrooms. I loved the thin strips of grilled goat's cheese that rested on top of the greens, adding protein and body. The dressing was a simple lemon juice and olive oil with salt and freshly ground black pepper--a nice, finish with a moderate amount of acidity.

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) - A signature Greek dish, we were curious how it'd measure up. Quite well but it wasn't my favorite spinach pie in Astoria, as I prefer Opa Opa's version a little bit more. The filo dough on top was lovely and had a well-done golden crust. The filling of spinach and feta cheese was flavorful and a little bit creamy. It wasn't heavy at all, which is something this food is often criticized for. Overall, a solid option that's conducive to sharing.

Falafel - Yum! Another home run. I loved how crunchy the falafel ovals were on the outside and how soft and chunky on the inside. They were flavored beautifully and weren't bland at all, the hummus served on the side a nice embellishment. They went a little too heavy on the tahini, but overall it was a good complement to the falafel.

Black Sea Bass - I adore Akti's grilled fish and we sampled a black sea bass. It was extremely light and flaky, seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, pepper and giant green capers. The capers were the best part, as they added a little zest and provided a jolt to the senses. All of their fish is on the bone but the small bones are cleaned off so you don't have to worry if you're uncomfortable with that sort of thing.

Chicken Souvlaki - We also got a chicken souvlaki platter for the sake of variety. It looked impressive on enormous skewers with grilled veggies and a side of lemon potatoes. While I enjoyed it, I thought that the meat was a little dry and maybe a bit overcooked. The potatoes were fantastic and just slightly flavored with lemon, which wasn't overpowering.

Service and Cost:
The service at Akti continues to be great. Our server was polite and made good recommendations. My only complaint was that they were a bit slow with changing our plates but otherwise, everyone was fantastic. We especially loved the complimentary, palate-cleansing wedges of fresh watermelon at the end of our meal. Very considerate!

Costs are wallet friendly, and for a party of 8, ordering 8 meze and two main courses set us back $124 without tax and tip. This comes out to about $15 per person, which is incredible!

3 Mmmms

Stamatis on Broadway - Now Bahari

Bahari Estiatorio - 31-14 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.204.8968
N/W Train to Broadway

The original Stamatis restaurant on Broadway and 31st street has been renamed Bahari. The new, bigger Stamatis located on 23rd Avenue and 29th street has been there for about a year but Bahari (the old location) has only changed its name a few months ago. I inquired if the food was any different but everything remains as was--traditional Greek staples such as lamb, seafood, spinach pie and others continue to be featured.

Insight into why the name changed? Well despite the same menu, the chefs are different and confusion was starting to build with respect to reservations, locations and so forth, making it easier just to change the name.

I have yet to check out the new Stamatis digs but I might give this oldie but a goodie a try first. To see where it all started...

Philoxenia - Good Food but Hospitality Forgotten

Philoxenia - 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.626.2000
N/W Train to Broadway
www.philoxeniarestaurant.com

Last night I finally visited a restaurant that's been on my to-try list for a while, Philoxenia. I've heard many great things about it, especially about how warm and authentic it is. While I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere very much, the service needed improvement.

Atmosphere:
What a lovely place! Even though my dining companion and I sat in the semi-outdoor area in the front, we were curious and explored the back of the restaurant after our meal. We were so impressed that we agreed to sit here during our next visit.

The walls are rustic with exposed brick and Greek folky knick-knacks such as clay pots, plates and vases. There's a huge fireplace in the back of the room that's a focal point and gives Philoxenia a cozy feel. Another aspect that drew us to the main dining area was the live Rebetika, Smyrneika & Entehna music, featured every Tuesday night at 9pm. It was beautiful, relaxing and set the mood further for an authentic evening of Greek eats.

Food:
There was a nice selection of meze as well as traditional Greek seafood. My dining companion and I chose the sharing route, as we split four distinctive meze and a dessert. It was just enough for us and we walked out full but not overstuffed.

Pikilia (Sampling of Spreads) - I like this sort of meze because it offers a variety of tastes on one plate. The four spreads included tzatziki, eggplant, spicy feta and fish roe. My clear favorite was the tzatziki because it was the most refreshing, with a distinctive cucumber flavor. A close second was the spicy feta. While my dining companion thought that it was too spicy, I could've handled a bit more heat--I like how it woke up the senses with its sharpness. The fish roe and the eggplant were also good but I've had better at other Greek neighborhood joints such as Akti and Agnanti.

Grilled Haloumi - A big fan of this grilled goat's cheese, I was curious to try Philoxenia's. I thought that it was satisfactory but unremarkable because it was a bit dry. Again, I preferred Akti's version, which is served on pita with tomatoes and lemon.

Keftedes Tiganitoi (Meatballs) - This dish hit it out of the park for me. The meatballs were lightly fried with a crunchy exterior and the softest, most fragrant interior. There were plenty of fresh spices intertwined in the meat and I could've eaten the whole plate myself. These were far superior to other Greek meatballs that I've tried in the neighborhood and I recommend them wholeheartedly.

Octapodi Psito (Grilled Octopus) - A highly recommended dish by the New York Times, we just had to try it. Its texture was nice and the flavor was fresh (not fishy) and lemony. Seasoned simply but well with salt, pepper and oregano, it was flavorful and refreshing. The portion was generous and definitely enough for two people.

Karidopita (Walnut Cake) - I just loved this spicy, walnut-cinnamon cake. It wasn't heavy and was dressed with a dollop of simple Greek yogurt. Although cakes like this have the propensity to be dry, this one wasn't and it actually didn't even need the yogurt. We both liked it and cleaned the plate--again, the portion was big, especially given the low cost.

Service and Cost:
The service started out amazingly, as our cheery waitress came over every few minutes to check on us, take our order and answer various questions. However, we felt disappointed when we asked her for suggestions and she was unable to give us a clear cut recommendation, instead providing us with sugary generalizations, saying that "everything is good."

Towards the middle of dinner, we got another waitress and at the end, yet another. We had a hard time getting hold of anyone when we needed the check and felt forgotten. Philoxenia shares this unfortunate service trait with Agnanti - they start out stellar but neglect patrons at the end of the meal.

Costs are moderate but more expensive in comparison to its Greek counterparts. We paid $40 per person for a meal consisting of 4 meze, 1 dessert and 2 glasses of wine. Meze range between $5.50 - $18.50, fish dishes run between $13.50 - $24 and desserts are in the $5.50 neighborhood.

2 Mmmms

Greek Easter at Ovelia

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.ovelia-ny.com

With Greek Easter this Sunday, Ovelia will be celebrating with a themed prix-fixe consisting of the following scrumptious-sounding dishes:

Magiritsa, traditional Greek soup with eggs, lemon, greens, sweetbreads and liver.

Greek salad and a choice of Rotisserie Lamb or Oven Roasted Leg of Lamb with a choice of a side such as lemon potatoes, broccoli rabe or rice.

For dessert, enjoy Ovelia's sweet loukomades (aka Greek doughnuts).

All this food for $28 per person. Yum!

Zodiac - Closed for Good?

About nine months ago, I mentioned the temporary closing of Zodiac Cafe due to renovation. I've been keeping a close eye on it and I haven't seen any sort of progress, making me wonder if this long-time Astoria staple is closed for good. Investigating further, I called their number and it has been disconnected, raising more red flags. If anyone knows the scoop about this place, please drop me a line. And unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume that this place is finito.

Zodiac - 30-15 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.726.3995
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Agnanti - Astoria's Most Acclaimed Greek Joint?

Agnanti Meze: 19-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.833.7033

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.agnantimeze.com

Last Friday, Dan and I ventured to Agnanti, Astoria's most popular Greek restaurant. I can't even recall how many times I've seen this place mentioned on TV and on countless food and non-food related websites. We brought friends, Lauren and Keith in for the ride and while everyone enjoyed themselves, we weren't at all wowed.

Atmosphere:
Agnanti gets super busy at night and especially on the weekends. I made reservations ahead of time and it was a good thing too, the place was jam-packed when we got there. The medium-sized dining room was filled with a diverse group of diners--young Americans, older Greeks, families with kids, the list goes on.

I liked that the restaurant was nice and warm, as it was a particularly chilly evening. In spring and summer months, they offer outdoor seating, which I've taken advantage of. Inside, you'll see lots of nostalgic pictures on the walls and a couple of cool artifacts that showcase Agnanti's history. One thing in particular that I love is the old hearth (which was actually turned on) with nice-looking clay pots, jugs and containers--it's evident that this place brims with personality and history.

Food:
Sampling Agnanti's food once before, I knew that it would be good. While I was impressed the first time, this time I was slightly underwhelmed. My experience was no doubt tainted by the strange service but I think that the food suffered too. We ordered the following:

Melitzanosalata (eggplant spread) - One of Agnanti's signature dishes, I've tasted it before and once again, loved it. While my dining companions thought that it looked unappetizing, (it was grayish in color), I thought that it simply resembled mushed eggplant with garlic. The taste was strong and very garlicky but somehow it agreed with me. It was delicious when smeared on warm pita wedges, which we had to order separately. This seemed strange to me--how could you eat spread without a palette?

Tomatokeftedes (tomato croquettes) - We tried to order more veggie dishes to accommodate our dining companions. I recommended this because I've tasted it once before and remembered it being nice, light and quite different from traditional croquettes with creamy fillings. They were juicy and fragrant from the herbs but also a little oily--and the outside wasn't as crispy as you'd expect. Next time, I'd love to try the cod croquettes or even the zucchini/cheese croquettes.

Fried Calamari - Despite Agnanti offering so many interesting seafood dishes, we went for this simple one because it's Dan's favorite. The large, piping hot plate looked impressive and the calamari tasted good too. It was fresh and the batter in which the calamari were fried was crunchy and yummy. Dan disagreed with me--he thought this dish lacked something, which he couldn't identify and I don't think that he'll get it again.

Soutzoukakia from Smyrna (meat balls) - Three of us ordered the meatballs for our entree, as they sounded simple and good. While the meat itself was tender and flavorful, I think that the sauce took away from it. It was on the bland side and not something representative of a Greek dish, in my opinion. I liked Dan's biftekia much better because it didn't need sauce to compete with its delicious flavors. My dining companions agreed with me--they weren't completely enamored with the meatballs either.

Biftekia - Dan ordered this Greek specialty, which I've tasted before at other restaurants. While simple, it was a home run. The meat was light, seasoned with Greek spices such as oregano and thyme, delivering an earthy flavor. Served with white rice and veggies such as tomatoes and onions, it was refreshing and hearty enough for dinner but didn't leave you feeling overstuffed.

Dessert - Agnanti offers complimentary dessert, consisting of Greek yogurt topped with a sour cherry compote and cinnamon. It's surrounded by semolina cake squares, which aren't flavorful on their own but are quite delicious when paired with yogurt. While this isn't a traditional, rich way to end a meal, I really loved it because it made for a great palate cleanser. Dan didn't agree--I think he was looking for something more traditional like chocolate or ice cream.

Service and Cost:
Similarly to last time, the service was hot and cold. It started out well and our server was attentive. Toward the middle of our meal however, we were asked to switch tables because Agnanti didn't plan accordingly for a big party. We were gracious enough to switch our table, which was both disruptive and annoying. Our new table wasn't as private as the first one and we felt squished. It was nice that Agnanti offered us a free round of drinks for the inconvience but the service continued to plummet. Orders were brought out at the wrong time and we couldn't help but feel forgotten. There is much room for improvement as far as service is concerned.

In terms of cost, it was inexpensive to moderate. Dinner, including one round of drinks set us back about $30 per person with tax and tip. Appetizers range between $ 6 - $12.50, entrees are between $7 - $21.50. Portions are generous and dessert as mentioned, is complimentary.

2 Mmmms

Recession Specials at Ovelia

Like many restaurants in the nabe, Ovelia is also offering a wallet-friendly special. As some of you loyal readers know, this is one of my favorites in Astoria, especially for brunch.

Their Recession Menu includes:

Lunch, which served all day, every day - not a bad deal if you're trying to eat light

and...

An extended Happy Hour until 10pm, Monday - Friday at the bar - you can get discounted drinks and small mezes, which are fantastic.

Visit this eatery for these fabulous deals. And if the timing doesn't work for you, there's always brunch on weekends.

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.ovelia-ny.com

Free Pizza at Pita Pan

Pita Pan is currently running a pizza special, which goes a little something like this:

Get a FREE plain pizza (regular or whole wheat) with an order of over $20

OR

Get a FREE pizza of any kind with an order of over $30

OR

Get 2 FREE pizzas of any kind with an order of over $50

While I haven't tried their pizzas, their gyros are pretty good. Try out this deal perhaps when you're having people over for the big game. For the NFL playoffs for instance...

Pita Pan - 37-15 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103

718.204.1633

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.pitapanny.com

Ta Vlahika - Third Time's a Charm

Another new place has replaced the much-changing space on the corner of 23rd Avenue and 31st Street. The new Greek Taverna, which most recently replaced Athens Tavern is called Psitopolio Ta Vlahika.

It seems refurbished, showcasing some needed change. The new space also appears to be more casual than its predecessors but the cuisine is pretty much the same with maybe friendlier prices.

Here's a sample of their menu - check them out and let me know what you think.

Cheeses:
Kefalograviera...$8.00

Feta...$5.00

Grilled Haloumi...$6.50

Hot Meze:

Eggplant, zucchini and peppers...$8.00

Fried meatballs...$9.00

Village sausage...$9.00

Roasted feta with peppers and tomatoes...$6.50

Cold Meze:

Black-eyed beans...$5.00

Stuffed grape leaves...$8.00

Cold antipasto - eggplant dip, tzatziki, tirokafteri, skordalia and taramosalata...$10.00 (small), $12.00 (large)

Charbroiled Dishes:

Lamb on a spit...$22.00

Stuffed pork...$14.00

Chicken...$12.00

Roasted Dishes: Served with rice or vegetables or French fries or roasted lemon potatoes

Beeftekia (3 chop steaks)...$12.00

Butcher's Platter - donner pork, donner chicken, kontosouvli, kokoretsi, kebob, pites, tzatziki, onions and French fries...$28.00 (medium), $39.00 (large)

Psitopolio Ta Vlahika - 31-01 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

718.545.4000

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Ovelia Celebrates 2 Glorious Years

The winter of '06 evokes good feelings and nice memories, as it was when Margot and I first discovered Ovelia. It's remained one of our favorite hang-outs in Astoria--and it's been the place of many dinners, birthday celebrations and casual brunches.

I'm happy to tell you that Ovelia is celebrating its 2nd year in business--and they seem to be thriving! Saturday will bring a big shin-dig in honor of their big 2 year Anniversary.

Ovelia's 2 Year Anniversary: Saturday, December 6th, 2008

8pm - 10pm - $35 Prix-fixe dinner, featuring new modern Greek dishes such as:

Starters:
Fried calamari
Ovelia Loukaniko
Cream of artichoke soup

Entrees:
Lamb fig kebab
Olive brine pork tenderloin
Greek coffee skirt steak
Ouzo stir-fry
Garides (shrimp) Ovelia
Grilled scallops with asparagus wrapped in prosciutto

Dessert:
Pumpkin Galaktobouriko (Pumpkin custard in crispy filo dough and syrup)

Glass of Wine

10pm - 12am - Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drink specials at the bar

Get ready to let your hair down!

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.ovelia-ny.com