Nonna - Homemade Italian Comfort Food in Portland

Last weekend, I found myself having a fun girls night with friends Sonya and Liz, presenting a great opportunity to try a new restaurant for dinner.  Looking for something cozy, delicious and not too high maintenance, we decided on a quaint little neighborhood Italian joint called Nonna.

Atmosphere:
A dimly lit, comforting vibe enveloped us as soon as we walked into Nonna.  To our surprise, the space is larger than we thought, sporting a large, welcoming bar that cuts the restaurant's space in half, allowing you to sit on either side of it, essentially.  If you make your way around the bar towards the back restaurant, I think you'll love its privacy and access to the semi open kitchen.  This is exactly where we sat, and I must admit that I liked seeing what the chefs were cooking up and knowing when our food would arrive.

Food:
Even though the menu was limited, there were lots of simple yet delicious sounding options to choose from.  The menu's brevity helped us decide quickly and I personally didn't have doubts about my choice.

Calamari Salad - Eager to try the calamari, I liked its simple and fresh presentation, as the marinated calamari was speckled with bits of tomato and fresh herbs.  I'm happy to say that the calamari was presented in bite sized chunks and that it was super fresh - spritzed with a little lemon juice and olive oil. Why mess with good ingredients?

Bolognese Pasta - I love me a good Bolognese and couldn't resist trying Nonna's version, which was both delicious and plentiful.  The pasta tasted fresh and was cooked perfectly al dente, letting the hearty Bolognese adhere to it, dutifully.  There were plenty of meaty chunks in the sauce, which made the dish hearty and so much so that I had to take about half of it home.  Needless to say, the leftovers didn't go to waste.

Other dishes - Sonya and Liz ordered the seafood stew and a simple angel hair pasta dish with tomato, garlic, and cheese, respectively.  I think Sonya liked her dish more than Liz, as it was more complex, while Liz was disappointed they didn't have her beloved ravioli on the menu anymore.

Service and Cost:

I have to give a big kudos to the service at Nonna, as we were treated really well from start to finish.  Our waiter was charming and attentive and provided everything we needed when we needed it.  Being very frank about the new chef at the restaurant, he remained patient with us and went into detail about the ingredients in their dishes.

Costs are moderate to inexpensive, especially for a nice restaurant on a Saturday evening.  My portion of the bill came out to about $24 including tip, which I thought was very reasonable - even more so since I had leftovers to take home.

3 Mmmms

Nonna - 5513 NE 30th Avenue, Portland OR 97211
503.894.9840
nonnapdx.com

A Late After-Dinner Snack at Gian Piero's

I'm happy to say that part of this past weekend included eating great food and hanging with good friends.  Spending Sunday night dinner at Mombar, Dan and I along with friends, Chris and Joanna enjoyed a lovely Egyptian meal, only to continue shortly after at Gian Piero's bakery for a little sweet snack.  The truth was that Joanna was looking for good bread and I craved to show her the Pane di Casa at this awesome Italian bakery.  But who was I kidding? We came by way too late, only to see that the best of the best was sadly picked over.  No matter...we dug into the dessert they still had, including the following:

Italian Cheesecake with Ricotta Cheese - While American style cheesecake is often very heavy and leaves you feeling super full, the Italian version is totally different, as it's made with ricotta cheese instead of traditional cream cheese.  I adored Gian Piero's version, which was really moist and airy and had a nice, slightly browned crust, which held the cheese together quite well.  Each bite was pure decadence, but again not in a totally gluttonous way.  I tasted some nice, fresh flavors of lemon zest too, which added to its authenticity and overall deliciousness.

Chocolate Mousse Cake - Dan ordered this beautifully colorful cake, which had the piece-de-resistance rainbow cookie on top, which he adores so much.  Although it looked quite pretty, I had the chance to taste it and wasn't impressed.  Unlike a good mousse, this one wasn't too light and felt a bit too buttery.  The chocolate flavor was quite nice and pronounced but overall, it wasn't a smooth dessert and I felt that it failed on execution.

Service and Cost:
As usual, the staff here are friendly and do a nice job of helping you right away.  They were apologetic about a few key items like the bread and cannolis being sold out, but they accommodated us with other goodies.

Costs are really affordable and for 3 treats, including the two I mentioned above as well as a rum torte, we paid a total of $6.75.

2.5 Mmmms

Gian & Piero Bakery - 44-17 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.274.8959
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

Woodside Cafe - A True Diamond in the Rough

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of joining a fabulous group of foodie-inclined women (hi Meg, hi Sue!), for a very delicious culinary adventure in Woodside.  We tried an under-the-radar ethnic gem called Woodside Cafe, suggested by my friend Anne from City Spoonful blog.  I trust her entirely as far as food is concerned, and ethnic food especially, as she has a great knowledge of South Asian cuisine.

With a generic name like Woodside Cafe, you must be wondering where its ethnic roots lie.  I did too - but rest assured this is no generic eatery, as it boasts a fusion of  Nepalese and Italian food.  How's that for originality?!

Atmosphere:
Although the food is anything but boring, the atmosphere leaves something left to be desired.  The interior feels a bit barren and not efficiently spaced out - there's large gaps between tables, which are awkwardly assembled.  Also what was once a functioning bar is just another place to sit, and instead patrons can bring their own spiked beverage of choice, as Woodside Cafe is BYOB - a big plus in my book!

Food:
Now this is where things got really interesting, as we took a look at the exotic menu, filled with Nepali specialties, which catered to both vegetarians and carnivores.  I loved the freedom of choice here, and as we ordered a bunch of things to share - we omnivores getting to experience two sides to the same dish.

There were so many things we opted to try, that the appetizers alone could've done the job of filling me up.  Collectively, we ordered samay baji (an arrangement of items such as a fried pancake with beaten rice and meat; veggies such as black soybeans; diced ginger; greens and more), chatamari (a Nepali-style pizza or dosa), momos (or dumplings), curried soybeans, and achar (potatoes with a spicy pickled relish).  Even though everything was visually and tastefully stimulating, I had a couple of favorites I wanted to call out:

Chatamari - Hands down my favorite dish of the night, it resembled a pizza but tasted nothing like it.  The dough consists of rice flour flat bread, which makes it almost pancake like, instead of having a pizza texture, which is a lot thicker and breadier.  The toppings of ground chicken, veggies and a fried egg on top made it extremely hearty and wonderful, filling me up pretty quickly (almost without me noticing). Even though my tummy was quite full after a few bites, I had to continue eating it, as it was delectable and something I'd recommend to everyone.  A veggie option is also available, and is as equally delicious.

Samay Baji - I really enjoyed trying this typical Nepali appetizer, which was like a true guest offering - it had a little bit of everything.  The main event was the fried pancake of beaten rice, which reminded me a lot of a latke (similar texture and taste).  But the pancake was just a canvas for all the interesting things that surrounded it such as black soybeans, black eyed peas, braised greens and pickled ginger.  It was nice to pair these sides with the pancake and watch its more neutral taste transform into something lively and sensational.

Curried Soybeans - Even though this was a simple little app, it went a long way.  It again did the trick of filling you up quite quickly, but because the soybeans are so tiny and poppable, they're pretty addicting.  I really couldn't stop eating them, as the spice from the curried seasoning completely tantalized my senses.  My dining companions agreed that this was a standout.

Service and Cost:
Because this place is pretty small and under the radar, the wait staff is limited and not overly interested in being attentive.  They're perfectly nice and are happy to welcome outsiders, but just know that you'll most likely have to approach them for a recommendation, a refill on your water, an extra plate for sharing or what have you.

Costs are incredibly affordable and the value you get for the amount of delicious food can't be beat.  For about 4 sharing plates each, we paid roughly $13/person including tax and tip.  Oooops, looks like the cat's out of the bag!

3 Mmmms

Woodside Cafe - 64-23 Broadway, Woodside NY 11377
M/R Trains to 65th Street
347.642.3445

Momento Reopens as Dino's on Monday

I spotted a curious thing last night, walking on Newton Ave from the supermarket. Momento Italian Restaurant, which hasn't had the best rep is being revamped and reopened under a different name. The new place (under the same management) is called Dino's Restaurant and Bar of Astoria. I inquired about the cuisine and it'll still be Italian with a few upgrades - I'll get a hold of the menu soon and post it.

The inside of the restaurant is getting a much needed face lift and in order to see it for yourself, you can check it out this Monday when it'll open to the public. Curious to see if these improvements will make a difference.

Dino's Restaurant and Bar of Astoria - 29-35 Newtown Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.267.2771
N/W train to 30th Avenue

Trattoria - Brick Oven Pizza Coming to 30th Avenue

I saw the above sign on 30th Avenue and 37th Street last week. What a nice surprise - looks like we're getting a brick oven pizzeria soon. I don't know details just yet but I'll monitor it for future developments. Not sure if the place is called Trattoria (looks that way though) or if that's just a teaser, but a pizza place will be welcomed amongst a sea of Greek cafes. Can't wait...

Let me know if you have more scoop.

Trattoria - Corner of 30th Avenue and 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Punta Dura - Northern Italian Food with Star Quality

Punta Dura - 41-15 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.2137
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.puntadura.com

Meg and I tried Punta Dura, Northern Italian restaurant last week. We didn't really know what to expect but were pleasantly showered with excellent service and scrumptiously, fresh food.

Atmosphere:
As most traditional Italian restaurants, Punta Dura doesn't differ dramatically in the decor department. The place is spacious with nice wooden tables and chairs, white tablecloths and large artwork, depicting the Italian countryside. While not overly inventive, the surroundings are comforting, nice and as mentioned earlier, familiar. There's a large bar in the front of the house, which is welcoming and conducive to hanging out if you're not looking for a formal meal.

Food:
The quality and freshness of the food impressed me. I especially loved the fish and would urge anyone and everyone to order it as an entree.

Mixed Salad with Chickpeas - Included in the day's specials, it sounded great to us. What sold us on it were the chickpeas and the balsamic glaze dressing. Overall, it was lovely--the veggies were fresh and the glaze was somewhat on the sweet side, yet still savory.

Baked Clams Oreganata - A traditional seafood appetizer, it was new to Meg but not to me. I happen to love it so I had no complaints, and this version was exceptionally amazing. The best part was the crunchy, well-done topping of breadcrumbs, garlic, butter and parsley. The breadcrumbs were as crispy as can be and the clams were fresh and juicy--tasting like good clams should, having an "of-the-sea" essence without being fishy.

Grilled Branzino - Our waiter recommended the fish of the day, which we gladly chose. The fish of choice was grilled branzino, filleted and served with vegetables and potatoes. It was impressive to watch it being deboned tableside, which took a couple of minutes but it was worth the wait.

The texture of the fish was exquisite--soft, gentle and flaky, with a nice off-the-grill flavor. The seasoning was simple but perfect and the veggies and potatoes were a nice complement. I especially loved the potatoes, as they had a crispy crust and a soft, delectable interior.

Penne Piccate - Unlike its name suggests, this dish wasn't spicy--at least in my opinion. It consisted of al-dente penne pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and a sauce with dried red pepper flakes. I was very happy with it, as it was flavorful and uncomplicated--and I'd suggest it to safe, non-experimental eaters. A nice sprinkling of fresh parmigiano cheese topped off the yuminess, giving this dish more personality.

Dessert - We ordered two desserts--I got the Torta Frutti di Bosco specialty while Meg went for her favorite, Tiramisu. Both were delicious but I preferred the Torta Frutti di Bosco, as it offered something new and exciting. I adore ricotta cheese, which was the filling in this, topped with fresh blueberries and plenty of powdered sugar. I thought that they went a bit heavy on the latter but I wouldn't say that I minded.

Meg's Tiramisu was decadent and creamy but not too heavy. I only had a couple of spoonsfuls so it's hard to judge, but she finished her portion, making me believe that it was awesome.

Wine - Meg and I enjoyed a lovely white Croatian wine, which was a welcomed difference from the standard pinot grigio. It was dry with fruity undertones, offering the perfect way to enjoy this fabulous meal. I'd highly recommend asking about their imported wines.

Service and Cost:
The service was truly excellent. Our waiter, Jordan took his job seriously--he was thorough in explaining the specials to us, as well as any dishes we asked about. He was meticulous when serving our meal, arranging everything beautifully in front of us, making sure that we were 100% happy and comfortable. Because we asked, he provided a little history lesson about the wine and other dishes on the menu, which are a mix of Italian and Istrian cuisine.

Costs are moderate and worth the investment, given the good quality. Appetizers range between $8.75-$12.75, pasta dishes are between $12.75-$21.75, meat and fish entrees run between $14.75-$29.75. And as I mentioned last week, I have $20 gift certificates available. If you'd like to get your hands on one, email me your favorite Northern Italian recipe (critic@foodistanyc.com).

3 Mmmms

Trattoria L'incontro - Reopens Wednesday

Trattoria L'incontro, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Astoria has been closed since July 13th for its customary summer vacation. They reopen this Wednesday the 29th so get ready to revisit this Italian heaven for their delicious homemade pasta, brick-oven pizza and amazing seafood. I'm especially fond of their gnocchi and frutta di mare. Enjoy!

Trattoria L'incontro - 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.3532
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.trattorialincontro.com

$20 Closer to Yumminess

Last night, Meg and I ventured over to Punta Dura Northern Italian restaurant on 34th Avenue and 41st Street. I've passed this place many times when I used to live in the neighborhood without going in--and did I miss out.

The cuisine was not only fresh, it was interesting and homemade, with very careful and excellent service. I'll go into more details next week, revealing all that I ate but in the meantime, I wanted to whet your appetite...

Send me your favorite Northern Italian recipe and tell me what makes it special (i.e. your grandma makes it, you're famous for it, etc.)

10 lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive (1) $20 gift certificate to Punta Dura.

Send me your recipes by the end of next week, and I'll draw and announce the winners by August 4th - simply write your recipe into the comments section of this post.

Good luck, have fun, and in case you're wondering what that gorgeous berry treat is, it's Punta Dura's Torta Frutti di Bosco. Mmmmm...

Punta Dura - 41-15 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.2137
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.puntadura.com

Vesta's Hangover Cure

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

My friend Crystal and I had the most enjoyable brunch at Vesta yesterday. I wasn't surprised by how much I adored it (as I love everything in this restaurant) but I must give Vesta additional praise for always reinventing the menu, making their dishes appropriately seasonal. Below are some of the foods we tried:

Hangover Pizza - I was extra eager to try this, especially after last week's post, comparing my hangover pizza to theirs. The texture was excellent, with Vesta's signature flaky crust--I loved the smokiness of the pancetta pieces on the thin layer of spicy tomato sauce. But my favorite part was the fried egg that broke apart when bitten, infusing with the rest of the ingredients. It was a fabulous way to "recover" after a long weekend of eating and fun.

Whole Wheat French Toast - One of my all-time favorite brunch dishes, I ordered it as my main meal. The toast was crunchy on the outside but soft and moist on the inside. It was super thick-cut and once slathered with the sweet apricot/orange marmalade, it was bliss. The pieces of toast were topped with sweet butter, which was a nice complement but I think there was too much, so I removed most of it.

Buttermilk Pancakes - Crystal chose this as her main brunch entree and also loved it. The pancakes were thick and fluffy, topped with juicy, fresh fruit such as bananas, blueberries and strawberries. A gorgeous dollop of fresh whipped cream lay on top and while it looked impressive, Crystal was conservative about eating it. After all, we still had a whole Hangover Pizza to get through.

Dessert - Although our tummies were nearly full, we saved room for dessert, which consisted of grapefruit sorbet and affogato. Both were decadent and super tasty but we had a strong preference for the grapefruit sorbet, which was so refreshing that we nearly polished off the entire thing. We loved the fresh fruit served with it, including sliced peaches, grapes and strawberries, making this the perfect summer dessert.

The affogato was fantastic as well but more on the indulgent side. I enjoyed pouring the fresh espresso over the vanilla gelatto and the peanut brittle softened slightly after making contact with the warm liquid. It was a very different flavor than the sorbet, but equally delicious.

Service and Cost:
You always feel pampered when you come to Vesta. The servers are so warm and attentive that you have a hard time leaving. I could confidently say that they treat all the customers, well...like family.

Costs continue to be a great value with brunch entrees ranging between $5.95 - $10.50. Coffee and a morning cocktail are priced separately but you get what you pay for--excellent quality. They use local, fresh ingredients supplied by a local farm in Greenpoint, which happens to be on top of a building. Wowza!

3 Mmmms

Da Franco - Uncomplicated Italian Food

Da Franco - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.267.0010
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com

Da Franco has been in the works since March and opened about a month ago. Meg and I ventured over there last week and were pleasantly surprised by the food. The restaurant itself is generic but I'd turn to it again for good, uncomplicated Italian food.

Atmosphere:
Located in the Pistilli Riverview East building near Astoria Park, Da Franco is convenient for residents and park goers alike. It seems very much like a family environment, and Meg and I saw a handful of families with kids eating dinner. The space itself, although large is simple with a little too much red and gimmicky touches such as tables with maps of Italy on them.

In addition to the dining room, there's a large outdoor patio with about a dozen tables, shielded by umbrellas. I'd like to sit there next time, as it seems conducive to people watching, albeit you yourself might feel a tad exposed, facing the busy 21st street.

Food:
We heard mixed things about the food but weren't disappointed with our options. I think the key is to stick to simple basics such as pizza, salad and sides.

Insalata De' Medici - We were immediately drawn to this salad because it contained beets, our beloved vegetable. Other ingredients included orange zest, pine nuts and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. It all worked well together and stood out as one of the best dishes of the night--the orange zest was especially pleasing, as it added freshness and zing.

Sauteed Mushrooms - Served alongside our salad, the mushrooms were a perfect complement. They were tender, meaty and marinated in pungent garlic that gave them an enticing smell. I loved mixing the salad with the mushrooms and they were also nice when paired with Da Franco's soft pizza bread.

Pizza Alla Modena - Meg and I just had to try Da Franco's brick oven pizza. We gravitated to this option with cherry tomatoes, fresh homemade mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, arugula and parmigiano cheese. The pizza dough was nice and light, with a slightly crispy crust. I liked the sauce and the mozzarella but thought that the prosciutto was a tad fatty and the parmigiano sliced too thick (not shaved as the menu promised). Overall it was a safe choice but I'd skip the parmigiano next time.

Dessert - We ordered two desserts - the pecan pie and homemade coffee gelatto. The pie was disappointing because it was a small piece and the pecan filling was dry. I liked the dough but didn't love the pie enough to get it again. The gelatto was pleasing - not the best that I've had but pretty good. The coffee flavor was gentle, whereas I would've liked it to be stronger and on the whole, it was too sweet. Meg loved it though and I think that it'd appeal to the majority of palates.

Service and Cost:
The service at Da Franco was good - friendly, informative and very attentive. Our water glasses were always full and we never felt like we weren't paid attention to. It was refreshing and welcomed--and characteristic of a new establishment.

Costs are moderate and for the above-mentioned dinner, we paid $28 per person with tax and tip. Just to give you an idea, appetizers range between $9.95 - $15.95, Primi Piatti (homemade pasta) cost between $13.95-$21.95 and traditional main courses will set you back between $15.95-$27.95.

2 Mmmms

Vesta - A Perfect Comfort Meal

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

Last night I had the great fun of dining at a favorite local spot, Vesta. I continue to love it because I know that what I'll get each time will be consistent - great food, lovely wine and fantastic service. My friend and I decided to order a couple of small plates and a pizza to share. Here are some of the new dishes that the evening brought:

Eggplant Caponata - A chunky eggplant spread, it was garlicky with a hint of freshness from the chopped parsley. I also loved the crunchy pine nuts that were interspersed throughout--they gave the spread heartiness and body. My only criticism was that the bread was too thick and crusty--I'd prefer if the slices were thinner because they'd be easier to bite into.

Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Grilled Crostini - Another simple and delicious appetizer, it consisted of beautiful rounds of creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes with slivers of basil. It was a clean way to start a meal, whetting our appetite. I'd recommend it across the board because it caters to virtually everyone.

Meatballs - A relatively new item on the menu, we were curious about how they'd measure up. I was astounded at how heavenly they tasted! The sauce and the meatball were the quintessential dynamic duo--the sauce was chunky, fragrant and so light, while the meatball was tender, juicy and just melted in your mouth. A fine quality ground meat was used and it showed, from consistency to smell to its decadent taste. While I normally wouldn't think of a meatball as a treat, this one felt like pure luxury.

Stracchino Pizza - I think that this is the only pizza I haven't yet tried here so we decided to give it a shot. Like a traditional Vesta pie, it had a thin, crispy crust, which was light and airy. The stracchino cheese, nestled on top had a creamy consistency and mild flavor--it created a perfect marriage of flavors together with the light tomato sauce and seasoned breadcrumbs. Once again, a simple stand-out dish, which I'd put on the same scale as their potato/pancetta/caramelized onion pizza.

Service and Cost:
In true Vesta fashion, the service was lovely. Attentive yet unobtrusive, our waiter did a good job at making sure that we were satisfied. He came by to check on us a couple of times while eating, always with a pleasant demeanor and a smile on his face.

Vesta continues to be a reasonable option. For three appetizers, an entree, two glasses of wine and dessert, our total bill was about $59 without tip.

3 Mmmms

Vesta - An Unforgettable Birthday Dinner

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

As mentioned yesterday, we celebrated Dan's actual birthday at Vesta with an intimate group of friends. In true Vesta fashion, the food was fresh and scrumptious and the service couldn't be more detail oriented. Once again, the guys at Vesta hit it out of the park. Here are some of the new things that we tried:

Pizza - I can't remember the exact name of this pizza but apparently it was new on the menu, combining a mix of different creamy cheeses. It was super thin and crispy and a bit on the well done side, which wasn't a problem--we gobbled it up in minutes. Seasoned with breadcrumbs, it made the most wonderful sound effects in my mouth - definitely a keeper.

Lasagna - Looking forward to trying a pasta entree, I along with three of my dining companions chose the three-meat ragu lasagna. What a beauty! Served in a mini red pot, it was oozing with richness and heavenly aroma. I liked that the edges of the pasta were crispy and that the inside was soft and gooey - and packed with plenty of meat. This was a general crowd pleaser and while I had no problem finishing it, it would be an easy take home dish to save for next day leftovers.

Honey Glazed Duck - This was our friend Andy's entree and he cleaned his plate in less than five minutes, no joke. I was able to get a small sliver just to sample it and it was lovely. I'm not the biggest fan of duck so it tasted a bit gamey to me but the meat itself was cooked perfectly and had nice embellishments of apricots, almonds and farro. I thought that the farro was a good idea and offered something different than potatoes or pasta.

Whole Roasted Branzino - The birthday boy chose this as his main course and while he liked the taste of it, he had a hard time dealing with all the bones. Note that this dish is very rustic and doesn't come de-boned, which is fine if you're willing to play with your food but probably not something you want if you're looking for neat food. Sauteed broccoli rabe was served as a side, making this a light meal.

Sides - We also tried two delicious side plates - roasted Brussels sprouts and creamy polenta. Both were delightful and I especially enjoyed the Brussels sprouts' smoky, well-done taste. It was a nice complement to the fish and to the pasta. The polenta was as silky as can be and provided a touch of luxury, pampering the senses to the fullest.

Chocolate Mousse Cake - This was one of my favorite desserts, right after the Baby Jesus Cake. The best part was the bittersweet chocolate sauce poured on top, and the interior mousse wasn't bad either. I liked that they added a fresh strawberry on the side, complementing the flavor of chocolate so well.

Service and Cost:
The service at Vesta has never let me down. Even though we were a big group, the staff at didn't miss a beat - always refilling our wine glasses, replenishing bread for dipping and just making sure that we were comfortable. There's an element of warmth and hospitality here that's special and can't be found anywhere else - you feel as if you're being served by close friends.

The cost was affordable. The three course dinner and wine set us back about $60 per person including tax and tip.

3 loud Mmmms

DaFranco Ristorante - Coming Soon

This weekend I saw that a new Italian restaurant will be opening in the Pistilli Riverview East building on 24th Avenue and 21st Street. The location will be quite convenient for the residents in the building and it'll join the already existing organic pharmacy on the ground level. I'm excited to find out more about it and promise to post a menu as soon as I get a hold of it. If anyone knows more about it, please give me a shout. I think that an Italian place will be a good addition to that neighborhood, as there's currently a lack of them. We shall see what surfaces...

DaFranco Ristorante Italiano - 19-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102

Mia Dona - Donatella's Delicious Comeback

Mia Dona - 206 East 58th Street, New York NY 10022
212.750.8170
N/W/R/4/5/6 Train to 59th and Lexington
www.miadona.com

I had a lovely dinner at Donatella Arpaia's newest restaurant, Mia Dona, with my friends, Alexis and Maya. Maya suggested it for restaurant week, and when we saw the rich menu offering, we couldn't resist. It was fun for a casual get together, but I'd steer clear if you're looking for a romantic environment.

Atmosphere:
Being a fairly new restaurant, the decor is fun and inventive. The layout is broken up into three rooms--the lounge, the living room and the library. We sat in the living room which is smack in the middle of the other two. It's a cheery room, with black and white floral wallpaper and a zebra skin carpet. Overall, the color scheme and the design is modern and elegant--although it incorporates a lot of little touches, it's not overdone.

Around us, we noticed other female diners, concluding that Mia Dona is very much a social environment. The only problem that I had with it were the acoustics. It was too loud in there and it was frustrating having to strain to hear my friends.

Food:
Given the renowned owners of this restaurant, we had high expectations for the food. As we usually do, we ordered different dishes and sampled a bit of everything. It was nice to see that that the restaurant week menu was representative of the regular dinner menu, which is not always the case.

Appetizers - I started my meal with the cannellini bean soup, which was warm and especially hearty. I was happy that the broth was clear instead of creamy, incorporating a variety of fresh herbs and veggies such as beans, tomatoes and parsley. It was sprinkled with fresh parmesan cheese and good quality olive oil, for that extra fruity touch.

Alexis ordered the Mia meatballs, which were magnificent and come highly recommended. Once again, good quality olive oil and parmesan cheese graced this dish, but what really stood out was the meat. It was tender and flavorful and I wouldn't be surprised if it combined a variety of high quality ground meats such as pork, beef or even veal.

Orecchiette (or little ear shaped pasta) with spicy sausage, kale and white beans was Maya's choice. I loved that it didn't use a red sauce, which made it much lighter and the pasta was perfectly cooked, with a slight bite to it. An overall solid dish.

Entrees - We all stayed away from pasta and either went for fish or beef. Both Maya and I got fish--I chose grilled branzino while Maya got the cod. I enjoyed my dish immensely, as the fish was crispy around the edges but tender and flaky on the inside. The sauce was refreshing and lemony, the fingerling potatoes soaking it up beautifully. Braised Moroccan olives were interpresed in the citrus sauce--they had a lovely hint of sweetness that was a welcome flavor.

Maya's cod was tasty too and again, very light. While it didn't include a red sauce, it was topped with a chunky tomato paste that provided a hint of acid. I was surprised by how generous her portion was.

I also had the opportunity to try Alexis', grilled hangar steak with broccoli rabe, herb ricotta and pepperoncini. While it was no doubt an inventive combination of savory/citrusy/spicy flavors, I didn't care for the texture of the meat and thought it was overdone. Alexis seemed to enjoy it though, which was the most important thing--it was her dish after all.

Dessert - Alexis and I both ordered the tiramisu while Maya opted for the maple panna cotta. The tiramisu was exceptional--silky mascarpone custard melting on my tongue, turning the corners of my mouth into a smile. What I especially loved was the side of very strong espresso gelato and the chocolate crumble, offering a rich essence of cocoa. Alexis didn't care for the gelato but aside from that, she agreed that this was a stand-out dessert.

Maya's panna cotta was also fantastic. The custard was velvety smooth and incorporated lovely bits of vanilla bean. What I loved about it the most was the soft, caramely apple compote, served on the side. And together with the crunchy pizzele cookie, all of these flavors formed a most comforting dessert.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress was laid-back and friendly. In fact, all of the waitstaff seemed to have an open, unpretentious aura. We also noticed that they didn't sport the standard all black or black/white uniform. Instead, they wore fashionable checkered shirts that looked great and non-traditional.

In terms of cost, it was the standard $35 per person restaurant week prix-fixe. However, with tax and tip, dinner set us back about $45 - $50. If you come here on a regular night, the prices aren't outrageous--$9-$14 for appetizers, $11-$21 for pastas, $19-$26 for fish and meat and $6-$9 for dessert.

2.5 Mmmms

Let Vesta Be Your Valentine

Vesta, my new neighborhood fave will be featuring a special Valentine's Day menu and three seatings at 5:00pm, 7:00pm and 9:00pm. When I looked at the scrumptious-sounding menu and saw that the prix-fix was reasonable at $39.95 or $49.95, I knew that this would be the place where I'd spend my V-Day. Dan didn't object and we're already looking forward to our meal--and having the incredible Baby Jesus Cake pictured above.

Here's the menu--if you're interested, call them to make a reservation soon.

Appetizer (choose one):
Oysters three ways: Shucked - orange Fresno, fried - wrapped in endive cup with basil & lemon coriander aioli, shooter - limoncello, chili, horseradish & tarragon
Imported Burrata Mozzarella - Cherry tomato, olive & basil salad
Hudson Penne - Caramelized fennel, basil, radicchio & ricotta salata

Entrees (choose one):
Burnt Honey Glazed Long Island Duck Breast - With farro grains
Braised Lamb Shank - With cipollini onions & hazelnut cous cous
Seared Diver Scallops - With braised endive & minted peas
Pistachio Crusted Long Bone Rib Steak for Two - With roasted tomatoes & white corn polenta

Dessert (choose one):
Chocolate Pot de Creme
Quince Strudel
Baby Jesus Cake (my recommendation)

Seatings:
5pm $39.95
7pm $49.95
9pm $49.95

20% gratuity will be added to all checks

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

Vesta - Whoa Baby Jesus!

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com

After much hype from friends and colleagues, Dan and I finally tried Vesta. To say that we liked it is an understatement. Simply put, we fell in love. In love with its quaint, relaxed vibe and in love with its soulful dishes. I have a strong feeling that there will be seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths at Vesta...I think you get the picture.

Atmosphere:
There is no way to judge the amazingness of Vesta by looking at its exterior. While the outside is nice and new-looking, you'd never guess that what lies inside is a warm, cozy yet modern eatery. The decor is a collection of old and new--sleek mahogany tables backed by a wall of old family photographs or modern light fixtures illuminating a zaftig copper pig. It all works, making you feel relaxed and eager for your next bite or that next glass of vino.

Another aspect that we loved about Vesta was their music selection. We were pleasantly surprised to hear some of our favorite indie folk bands such as the Neutral Milk Hotel and the Shins. We'd never expect to hear something like this at a 30th Avenue joint, which would normally play loud, obnoxious techno. Note to self, the guys at Vesta know their music.

Food:
Meg gave Vesta's food rave reviews so I was expecting excellence--she knows what she's talking about and has a great palate. Not surprisingly, both Dan and I loved all of the dishes that came out of the kitchen that night. Served in a true feast fashion, we walked out with full bellies and fond memories. Here's what we tried:

Crostini - We had two varieties, which were both yummy. It has to be said that Dan who isn't a fan of ricotta cheese, absolutely adored the ricotta crostini. The cheese was milky, smooth and evidently fresh. It was embellished with fresh basil, which was a nice, soothing complement.

The other crostini plate included slightly al-dente chickpeas with good quality olive oil, basil, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. I enjoyed it very much and even put the chick peas on top of the ricotta. This crostini version was a lot more rustic, which I like.

Butternut Squash Soup with Pine Nuts - Although I just had butternut squash soup the night before, this one sounded wonderful to me, especially because it was cold and snowy outside. I was delighted when it came out, for it was steaming hot and had a beautiful ribbon of balsamic vinaigrette on top. I tasted it and my choice was once again affirmed--hearty, sweet yet savory from the crunchy pine nuts, it was a winter night's dream on a spoon. Dan tried it too and wholeheartedly agreed.

Fritto Misto - Dan is a lover of everything fried so this dish spoke to him. It included fried calamari, shrimp and round zucchini discs. I only tried the zucchini and loved them because they were thicker than the traditional zucchini fried sticks, which often fall apart. The roasted garlic aioli was a fragrant and creamy dipping sauce that enhanced the fried goodness. Dan didn't love it and went for the traditional marinara sauce instead.

The Pizza - We tried two different pizzas because we were unsure about portions--but after seeing how huge these pies were, we'll only share one next time. I ordered the Potato/Pancetta pie, which used light apple sauce in place of traditional marinara. It also included a sprinkling of goat cheese and caramelized onions, which were in the sauce. I've never seen a pizza this innovative and this light. The dough was perfect--super thin and not soggy after a few bites, just the way that I like it.

Dan ordered the Margherita pizza on whole wheat dough. He loved it and said that it tasted healthier but I liked my pie better. I thought that the whole wheat flavor was too strong and it didn't work for me. The sauce and the cheese were good though--everything was fresh, as seems to be the motto here.

Dessert - I cannot believe that we had room for dessert, but after seeing the impressive spread of "Baby Jesus Cake" and the panna cotta, we couldn't refuse. The Baby Jesus Cake was unlike anything I've ever tasted--it was a warm, crispy around the edges and slathered in butterscotch sauce with fresh whipped cream on the side. The dough was spectacular and reminded me of tender bread pudding. The sauce was a delight and Dan and I took turns dipping our forks into it and then into the whipped cream. It's hard to do this cake justice in words, so you're going to have to try it for yourself.

The panna cotta was also nothing short of spectacular. Topped with fruit soaked in sweet balsamic vinaigrette and mint on top, it created an essence of luxury and decadence. The panna cotta (cooked cream) itself was as smooth as silk and felt light and airy. I had a feeling that it wasn't low fat at all, but because it went down so easily, I couldn't help but finish the entire portion. It was also fun to double up a scoop of panna cotta with a piece of Baby Jesus Cake--indulgence at its best.

The Wine - Vesta offers a nice selection of wines in a variety of portions such as a shot, glass or a bottle. It's neat that they offer 2 oz wine shots because it allows you to try different types of wines--or if you're not a big drinker like me, you'll be happy with just a little taste.

Most of the wine that we drank was white. Both Dan and I had the Pinot Grigio '07, Stella Umbria and then I also tried the Orvieto '07, La Carraia, Umbria. Both were light and refreshing and slightly sweet, which I like. After dessert, we were served a sweet port that was lovely and a perfect way to end our meal. I was too full to finish mine but Dan loved it. Again, a shot was just the right portion--especially for a port, which tends to be syrupy-sweet.

Service and Cost:
Our waitstaff was fantastic--attentive, friendly and informative. Every time that I asked questions about the food, I was given an honest answer. The people who work here seem warm and really love what they do--you could tell that they put their all into this business.

In terms of cost, Vesta is reasonably priced. Appetizers range between $5.50 - $11.95, pizza costs between $8.95 - $11.95 for a huge pie and entrees range between $10.95 - $24.95. They also offer weekend brunch with all entrees under $11. The wine is also inexpensive and very good--a shot ranges between $2.50 - $4, a glass is $6.50 - $9.50 and bottles cost between $24 -$38.

3 Mmmms

Bacaro - A Touch of Venice

Bacaro - 136 Division Street, New York, NY 10002
212.941.5060
F Train to East Broadway
www.bacaronyc.com

I wanted to go to Bacaro ever since I saw it featured on Mike Colameco's food show on PBS. Besides being an inviting and comforting place, the food seemed simple and fantastic. I just had to experience it for myself, as Kimberly and I schlepped over there last weekend--but it was so worth it!

Atmosphere:
Even before you walk into Bacaro, you could tell that it's something special. There's no sign on the outside, peaking your curiosity. Once you step inside, the mystique doesn't wither. You're confronted by a large, antique chandelier, a small bar area and a handful of cozy tables. Simple white candles line the upstairs room and the staircase leading to the cellar.

The downstairs is even more intriguing and it feels like you've stepped into a private supper club. The tables range in size, and each one is set with a gothic candelabra as its centerpiece. The impressively stocked wine cellar can be found in the front of the room, its contents taunting you to order a potent elixir with your meal.

Overall, Bacaro is a place that can be romantic or enjoyed with a small group of friends. Casual and comfortable are the key words here.

Food:
As simple as the food is, boring it is not. Kimberly and I chose the sharing route, as we ordered a couple of appetizers so we could try a bit of everything. Some of our choices included:

Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms - Oh how I wanted to try these! Their skin was fabulously crispy while the inside was soft and luxurious, filled with fresh ricotta cheese. The cheese was the best part, a sort of sweet surprise, which was not unlike the filling of a decadent truffle.

Stuffed Artichoke - Although this was a basic dish, it looked fancy. Shaped like a beautiful sunflower, the artichoke's outer layers were charred and crispy while its nucleus boasted a buttery bread crumb and herb stuffing. I loved both components and ate the entire thing, including the leaves. I know that some people scrape the leaves with their teeth but I just devoured them whole. Yum!

Crostini Platter of the Day - Another impressive plate, this one was quite large. I loved that it featured an offering of plump, red grapes alongside the crostini and three dips. The dips included an olive tapenade (good but a bit salty), a baccala or cod spread (refreshing and lemony) and a mushroom mixture (earthy and hearty). My favorite spread was the baccala because it was so unique--its taste was lovely and there was no unwanted fishiness.

Spicy Fried Meatballs - These were bite-sized meatballs with a curious kick. I liked them very much and was especially keen on their size--a tad bigger and the spice would've overpowered them. The meat that was used in them was also of good quality.

Panna Cotta with Dried Cherries - Because we ordered appetizer portions, we had room for dessert. The panna cotta was like a crafty magic trick--it felt light and smooth going down but it was deceivingly rich. The luscious cream, fresh ricotta and the sweet compote definitely satisfied our sweet craving.

Wine - We ordered a light, white wine from the Veneto. The flavor was sweet, fragrant and definitely worth the price. For a $16 carafe, we were each able to pour ourselves 2 full glasses.

Service and Cost:
Our waiter was friendly; he had good recommendations and was unobtrusive. Like everyone else at Bacaro, he had personality and flair, which I dig. Even when the restaurant got busy, our service didn't suffer.

It's astonishing how affordable Bacaro is--I guess that's why it's still considered a hidden treasure. Appetizers range between $9 - $14 and entrees top out at $18. Our entire bill was about $65 for 4 appetizers, 1 carafe of wine and dessert.

3 Mmmms

Vesta's Feast of the Seven Fishes

Image provided by Vesta

Vesta, the relatively new Italian eatery on 30th Avenue is hosting a "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve. The celebration--and the eating--begins at noon and lasts until 9pm.

Why seven fishes?
It's actually an Italian custom that started in Southern Italy but spread throughout the entire country. Eating fish is meant to honor the birth of baby Jesus, but the "seven" hasn't been fully explained--some extend the feast up to thirteen dishes!

Here's Vesta's offering - you can opt for a traditional dinner menu or take advantage of a $34.95 prix fixe. The choice is yours...

Prix Fixe Menu - $34.95

Antipasto:
Baccala Crostini - Salted cod pate on grilled pane di casa
Calamari & Cracked Wheat
Shrimp & Citrus Horseradish
Octopus & Preserved Lemon

Pasta:
Lobster Ravioli - With chanterelle mushrooms

Entrees:
Pan-roasted Diver Scallops - With asparagus, cipollini onions & walnut pesto
Striped Bass - With faro, eggplant, tomato and kalamata olives

Traditional Dinner Menu - A La Carte

Butternut & Acorn Squash Soup...$5.50
Roasted Red and Yellow Beets - With mixed greens, hazelnuts and goat cheese...$6.95
Margherita Pizza...$10.95
Lasagna Sunday Dinner Style - With three meat ragu...$12.95
Free-bird Chicken - With roasted breast, asparagus and creamy polenta...$15.95
Pan Roasted Salmon - With warm lentil salad and a prune reduction...$18.50
Bavette Sirloin Steak - With herb roasted potatoes...$18.95

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.com