Zenon Taverna - Brings Back and Creates New Wonderful Memories

It's been a while since Dan and I have eaten at one of our Astoria Greek food favorites, Zenon Taverna.  We finally went back last week after a successful afternoon at the first Queens Swap, and as ever, our experience at Zenon sealed the deal on what was a very enjoyable day.

Although we've tried a lot of items on their extensive menu, we went pretty standard and light that afternoon.  However, as simple and classic our selections were, they also tasted wonderful.  Here's what we enjoyed:

Chicken Souvlaki Platter - Given that Dan is still on his strict exercise and diet regime, he wanted to order something light and healthy and went with this grilled chicken kebob option.  Although a simple dish, it was really excellent, boasting juicy chicken cubes that were perfectly charred on the outside.  For me, dipping the chicken into the creamy, zesty tzatziki was the best part, and I was a little addicted to it after Dan gave me an initial taste.  The lemon potatoes that came as a side were also flavorful and light, stepping up the hearty aspect in this dish.

Zenon Pita - When I first read the description of this pita, I right away noticed that halloumi cheese was included - and based on that, I was immediately sold.  Adoring this firm, salty cheese that's great for grilling, I was excited to also see that it was paired with grilled pork loin, which I've already had (and loved) at Zenon.  The two were a nice combination indeed, stuffed in an oversized thin pita, which loosely hugged its contents.  Once again, the homemade tzatziki enhanced all the flavors on the inside of the pita and helped bring in a welcome element of freshness.

Dessert - As a surprise from our friend Constantina whose family owns Zenon, we received a generous piece of semolina cake, which was flavored with sweet syrup and rosewater.  Moist and decadent, the cake was a splurge, our favorite part being the sweet, floral aftertaste you got at the end of each bite.  We ended up taking most of it home, and I'd recommend eating it with a refreshing piece of melon or strawberries.

Service and Cost:
Even considering how busy and bustling the restaurant was on a Sunday, the service didn't suffer at all.  Our water glasses were always full, fresh pita and olive bread were at the table in minutes and our dishes arrived within good reason.  There's something to be said for the warm, family atmosphere, and regardless of your heritage, Zenon makes you feel at home.

Costs are affordable, especially given the generous portions.  The above meal, which I described set us back $38 including tax and tip.

3 Familiar Mmmms

Zenon Taverna - 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
718.956.0133
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.zenontaverna.com

When In Astoria...Eat Domatokeftedes

Living in Astoria has no doubt broadened my culinary horizons.  As you know, I love to cook all things but have gained a big interest in preparing Greek cuisine.  I do it not only because of the excellent flavor combinations that Greek food provides, but also because I love to brag about my latest creation to my friend Moses who happens to be Greek.  We always laugh together (or he laughs at me and I laugh at him, laughing at me) at my horrendous Greek food pronunciations. I think that I JUST got galaktoboureko down, and now I have to work on my domatokeftedes.

So when I saw the below recipe for Domatokeftedes (or tomato fritters) on Foodbuzz' Top 9, I had to try them.  The preparation seemed similar to other veggie fritters such as zucchini, which are also popular in the Greek kitchen. 

Not only was this recipe easy, but I liked it because it used fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs such as mint (ahh I love cooking with it) and also a very unusual tzatziki sauce.  Instead of the traditional cucumber tzatziki, it called for mango. 
I can't tell you how amazing this was and how much it elevated the flavors in this sauce.  Sweet from the mango fruit and refreshingly cool from the Greek yogurt, it was a perfect accompaniment to the fritters.  I loved the way it lightened them up and the crisp, clean flavor really surprised me.  What a great summer dish - thanks 5 Star Foodie.

Here's the recipe - give it a try!

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

Greek Appie That Makes You Happy - Grilled Halloumi

It's no secret that I love Greek food, and living in Astoria has certainly intensified my affinity for it.  Since moving here over six years ago, I've grown accustomed to Greek foods that were downright foreign to me in the past - dishes such as spanakopita, gyros, tzatziki and also halloumi cheese.  Mmmm...just thinking about the latter makes me hungry for a bite. 

For those of you who aren't that familiar with it, halloumi is a traditional Cypriot cheese that comes from a mixture of goat's milk and sheep's milk.  It's deliciously salty and tastes wonderful when grilled or even on its own, without fancy preparation.

The only other time that I've worked with halloumi was when I made pastichio.  Dan and I loved the cheese sprinkled on top of this hearty Greek pasta dish and we were eager to try it again, but this time prepared in a different style.  So I decided to grill it and serve it simply with grilled pita, fresh tomatoes, lemon and parsley.  Yum! The freshness of the dish spoke volumes, and the salty bite from the halloumi made it a treat.  I love all the gorgeous grill marks that the cheese acquired, but just to give you a hint, make sure to leave it on the grill for a few minutes before you turn it.  If you do it too fast, the cheese can fall apart, as it needs a few minutes to firm up.

Here's how to make this at home:

Grilled Halloumi on Pita (serves 2)

Ingredients:
1/2 lb of halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2 inch slices (you can buy it at a specialty foods store - I got it from Mediterranean Foods on 34th Street near 30th Avenue)
2 small tomatoes, sliced across into 1/2 inch slices
2 pita breads, grilled and cut into fourths
1 whole lemon, quartered
Fresh parsley, chopped or ripped
Olive oil

Directions:
Heat a grill pan or a grill on medium - high heat.  Lightly brush slices of halloumi with olive oil and place on hot grill.  You can lightly brush the grill with some oil to prevent sticking.  Turn after about five minutes or until the cheese has settled a bit.  Turn over and check if the cheese has acquired nice char marks.  Grill the other side for another 5 minutes.

In the meantime, assemble your grilled pita slices.  Place a tomato on top of the pita and then top with the halloumi and then the parsley for garnish.  Arrange on platter and place slices of lemon between the halloumi pita.  Squeeze lemon juice over pita before taking a bite.

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

Bahari Estiatorio - Tasty Greek Grub...But Replaceable

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

On many occassions, I've been hearing effusive praise about Bahari Estiatorio, some people even declaring it as the "best Greek restaurant in Astoria." That of course piqued my interest and raised my expectations immensely.  And after a visit a couple of weeks ago, I can't exactly say that they were completely met.  While I did enjoy my experience, Bahari hadn't outperformed my ultimate favorite Greek restaurant, Taverna Kyclades.

Atmosphere:
The space is used quite well, as you walk into a narrow area, which doubles up as a kitchen and a proud display of the fresh seafood they have to offer.  This nook then leads to a large, rectangular dining room that's crisp white with thick nautical ropes suspended loosely from the ceiling.  A mix of these modern and rustic features give off a very cool vibe, making you feel like you're in a Mediterranean village, getting ready to embark on an unexpected culinary adventure.

Aside from the main dining room, there's another spacious squarish room off the to left, which feels like an ultra modern and somewhat disjointed addition.  Although it didn't seem to quite fit in with the rest of the space, it was pleasant nonetheless and also just as lively as the main dining room.  This is where we sat and our table allowed us to observe both what was going on here and in the main dining room.

Food:

The cuisine at Bahari consists of traditional Greek fare.  I was excited to see all my favorites on the menu including a variety of cold and hot meze.  We decided to be adventurous, ordering both expected and unusual items such as baby shark.

Krya Pikilia (Assortment of Spreads) - Greek spreads such as tzatziki, spicy feta, eggplant, fish roe and potato/garlic are some of my favorites to get in Greek restaurants.  And sampling platters such as the one we ordered here are a great way to try them all.  This was the best part of the entire meal for me, as I got to indulge in all of these dips, spreading them on the nicely warmed pita that was served alongside them.  The presentation was lovely, each dip separated by a juicy slice of tomato.  I loved using the tomato as a dipping tool and also enjoyed the meaty kalamata olives that decked the plate further.

Loukaniko - We were curious to sample Bahari's rendition of this typical Greek meze.  Yum! We weren't disappointed with the thick pieces of finely grilled sausage that had a very tender inside.  I liked the earthy oregano that was mixed into the meat and really made the flavors in this dish sing.

Arni Kokkinisto - Being that we were in a Greek restaurant, we just couldn't skip the lamb, and we ordered the baby lamb loins cooked in hearty tomato sauce.  I liked how tender and juicy the meat was and how it fell apart upon contact.  A big lover of braised meat, I was definitely digging this dish and used some left over pita to soak up the sauce. If you love lamb, I'd suggest this and especially because it's very different than the usual gyro.

Galeos - This was our baby shark plate, which came with a side of skordalia (potato/garlic dip).  Although we were curious and enthusiastic to try it, its taste was disappointing, which had a lot to do with its rubbery texture.  Unfortunately, it just wasn't what we were expecting and had a slightly funky fish taste that we didn't care for. 

Dessert - As is the case in most Astorian Greek restaurants, we received complimentary dessert, which was a small piece of semolina cake.  I can't say that I always enjoy these but Bahari's version was absolutely divine, with a soft light interior, zinged up with cinnamon and some delicate rose water.

Service and Cost:
Despite it being a busy Friday night and given that the restaurant was full, service didn't suffer.  We received just the right amount of attention from our waiter and he seemed jovial and interested in giving us a good experience.  He wasn't afraid to voice his opinion about the food, telling us at one point that we wouldn't like the loukaniko.  This encouraged us to get it of course, and after he saw how much we enjoyed it, he seemed slightly amused by our adventurous tastebuds.

Costs are moderate for pretty solid Greek cuisine and include:

Meze - $6-$14

Meat - $9.50 -$23

Seafood - $10 - $21

2.5 Mmmms

Crave Astoria is Open Late, Serving a Wide Variety of Grub

Back in February, I told you about a new cafe, Crave Astoria, opening up on 36th street and 30th avenue.  I walked by last weekend and it's officially open and serving hungry Astorians.  The interior space is small but really quaint and nicely done.  They seemed busy for a rainy day, whipping up orders left and right.  I grabbed a menu of course and wanted to give you a taste:

Greek Specialties:
Spanakopita - Spinach and feta cheese baked in phyllo...$4.50
Tiropita - Classic cheese pie...$4.50
Zambonotiropita - Ham and cheese baked in puff pastry...$4.50
Grilled Halloumi - Served with pita...$7.95
Saganaki - Kefalograviera cheese...$7.95

Fish n' Chips: (served with a choice of tartar sauce, lemon or malt vinegar)
Cod or Flounder...$8.95
Shrimp...$11.95

Spreads:
Tzatziki...$.75 - $2.75
Tirokafteri...$1.75 - $5.75
Taramosalata...$1.75 - $5.75
Hummus...$1.50 - $5.25

Crave Bowls: (all served on a bed of chips and with a pita)
Greek Bowl - Your choice of lamb gyro, pork doner or chicken doner, topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese and warm lemon vinaigrette...$8.95
Cravy Bowl - Melted mozzarella and gravy...$6.95
Chili and Cheddar - Chili, scallions and cheddar sauce...$7.95
Last Call Bowl - Chili, bacon, jalapenos, scallions, cheddar sauce and ranch dressing...$8.95

Baby Back Riblets...1/2 rack...$9.95, full rack...$18.95
Chicken Wings...1/2 dozen...$5.95, dozen...$9.95

Burgers:
Crave Burger - Lettuce, tomato, American cheese and house remoulade...$5.95
Greek Burger - Lettuce, tomato, onion, feta cheese...$5.95
Western Burger - Egg over easy, ham, fried onions, jalapenos and cheddar cheese...$7.95
Cali Burger - Lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and mayonnaise...$7.95

Desserts:
Fried Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce...$3.95
Crips Banana Rolls - With chocolate sauce and vanilla whipped cream...$4.95
Crave Bites - Greek style dough puffs, cooked to order with warm honey cinnamon sauce...$4.95
Ekmek - Shredded phyllo dough, honey, walnuts and vanilla whipped cream...$3.95

Crave Astoria - 28-55 36th Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.726.4976
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Dan's 2 Cents - Pita Pan

Unfortunately, your beloved Foodista is out of comission for a couple of days.  She is currenty fighting off a nasty stomach virus that we've labeled "Toddler-zuma's Revenge" as I caught it myself late last week at my neice's 1st birthday party.  And obviously, as husband and wife we share everything so...you get the idea.

So in an effort to pitch in and keep the blog rolling I am going to try and add a little content for you all to enjoy.  And while The Foodista's forte is that of neighborhood sit-down restaurants and brunches and delicious homemade food of which I am often the beneficiary, my experience is more involved with take-out food and the like.  And everyone always says "write about what you know."  Which brings me to Pita Pan.

Anyone who hangs out with me regularly would probably know that Pita Pan is my favorite take-out/delivery place in our beloved Astoria.  Located on 30th Avenue, just west of 38th Street, it's really easy to find, and they deliver all over Astoria.  The food is good, and unlike a lot of delivery joints around, there are relatively healthy options to choose from.  But don't worry...it's not all healthy.  They have fries, burgers and pizza too.

Another plus about Pita Pan is the price.  It's pretty reasonable.  I'd say $7.00 would get you pretty full and $10.00 would get you stuffed.  My typical order from there is 3 chicken souvlaki sticks and a falafel sandwich.  They have pork souvlaki as well if you're into the "other" white meat, and the sticks come 3 for $3.00.  The individual gyro or falafel sandwiches are right around $3.00 also. They aren't huge, but they are pretty nicely stuffed with meat, veggies and sauce, and they roll some french fries right in with everything, which adds a delicious salty crunch to the overall experience.  And if you're really hungry, you can just double up on the sandwich.  I'm actually getting hungry right now as I'm writing.

About the only drawback to the place is when calling to place an order for delivery, they almost always put you on hold as soon as they answer.  And then they almost always forget about you so you end up having to call back.  Sometimes on a busy night this can happen a couple of times in a row.  But as patience is a virtue, it usually pays off with a good meal that is relatively healthy and delivered pretty promptly.  And all for a reasonable price.  I'll leave the official "Mmmm's" assigning to the Foodista herself, but I'm usually quite satisfied with the end result.

Pita Pan- 37-15 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.204.1633
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.pitapanny.com/