Football Season is Back - Where to Watch, Eat and Drink

With Sunday and Monday night football back in full swing now, it seems like everyone's got the fever!  I know this past Thursday was a huge night for it, and folks seemed to be up and about, enjoying the games.  In the spirit of sportsmanship, I wanted to provide you with a quick little roundup of places in Astoria where you can watch, eat, drink and cheer on your team.

Sunday:
Veslo - Not only do they feature every game on Sundays, they also boast some pretty enticing drinks specials such as $12 pitchers of beer, $4 shots or Jamo and a free beer with any food order.  And speaking of grub, it's pretty amazing here - so if you appreciate some authentic Balkan eats, I suggest you try the cevapcici, goulash or the stuffed cabbage if they have it that day.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria.  718.728.0549

Sunday & Monday:
Studio Square - If you're in the mood for something loud and merry, come by on Monday nights to LIC's token beer garden. Their 16 foot wide big-screen, which is located outside is really impressive, and will of course feature the home game.  During this time, you can take advantage of a 2 pitchers & a bucket of wings special for just $25.  35-33 36th Street, Long Island City.  718.383.1001

Monday:
Ditmars Station - One of the most convenient bars in the nabe, this one's located right below the Ditmars Blvd subway stop, so you have no excuses but to pop in.  You can cheer on your favorite team on Mondays while enjoying specials such as $20 buckets of Amstel Light, $5 shot specials, $4 mixed drinks, as well as all your favorite bar food such as mozzarella sticks, onion rings, wings and more.  22-55 31st Street, Astoria.  718.777.1177

Are you ready for some football Astoria!? Gooooo G-Men!

More Football Food - Dan's Homemade Onion Rings

We're probably not unlike many American families on Sunday and Monday nights in that we watch football.  Well not me really, it's more that I watch it by osmosis, as it's always on and I'm exposed to pre and post football banter pretty much all weekend.  I can name every quarterback in the NFL...try me!

In honor of this fun American sport, Sunday and Monday nights are splurge nights in our household.  When we can, we indulge in some good ol' American greasy-spoon food (in moderation of course).  The below recipe for homemade onion rings was made and perfected by Dan.  It uses a classic flour, egg and breadcrumb coating except that it's dipped twice.  The result is a super crunchy and slightly doughy consistency and makes you keep reaching into that bowl for yet another one.

Dan's Homemade Onion Rings (Serves 3)

Ingredients:
1 large white onion cut into 12-15 medium to large sized rings

2 large eggs, whisked thoroughly

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs

Vegetable or canola oil - enough to coat 1/4 of medium saucepan

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Coat onion rings in flour, then dip in egg.  Let sit in egg for a few seconds to ensure it coats thoroughly and then place into Panko.  Rest in Panko for a few minutes and then dip in egg and Panko again.  Repeat until you use up all onion rings.  Position onion rings on a lined cookie sheet and let sit for 5 minutes.

Heat oil in medium saucepan and when oil is hot enough, gently place the breaded onion rings into it.  Watch them closely and take out with a slotted spoon when they've turned golden brown and look crispy.  Add salt and pepper if you want.  Serve warm and enjoy with your pick of ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce or banana ketchup if you have some. I used Baron Banana ketchup that I got in St. Lucia but you can just as easily buy it online.

Gleason's 25 Cent Wings - Worth the Quarter and Then Some...

Back in October, I told you that Gleason's bar on Broadway and 33rd street features 25 cent wings on Sundays and Mondays.  What a deal!  I can truly say I was impressed with the quality and abundance of these wings. 

Honey Mustard Wings - I got to the bar a bit late, finding Dan and his friend Mo already buffalo-winged-out.  They seemed to really enjoy the wings and commented on their hefty size, "they weren't puny."  Dan took one for the team, as we ordered another plate of 10 wings, getting the honey mustard for a change.

I loved them!  The sauce was thick, tangy and there was just enough meat on the bones.  It annoys me when wings are all skin and no meat but these weren't like that at all.  They came with a side of creamy blue cheese dressing and a small helping of fresh carrots and celery.  I would've liked to see more of these to cleanse the palate, but it wasn't a deal breaker.

Service and Cost:
The staff at Gleason's was great - attentive, friendly and quick.  We got our wing order about 10 minutes after we placed it, and when we were done, they were speedy with the check and change.  Oh and they also give you plenty of wet naps to clean those messy fingers!

In terms of costs, 25 cent wings are hard to beat.  An order of 10 was a mere $2.50 so watch out, it's easy to overdose.  YUM!

Gleason's Fine Food and Spirits - 33-08 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.626.5393
N/W Train to Broadway
www.gleasonsbar.com 

Gleason's 25 Cent Wings - Are You Ready for Some Football?

I passed by Gleason's yesterday and spotted a great deal for Sunday and Monday night football - 25 cent wings! You can't get a much better bargain than that. They'll be running the special on all sorts of wings including buffalo, teriyaki, honey mustard and BBQ.

Along with the wings, you can get $4 beers on tap - probably Saratoga but that might change. Call them to check back about the drink specials as they change from week to week.

For more cheap wings after Sunday and Monday, check out Dillinger's on 30th Avenue and 46th street, where they have 25 cent wings on Tuesday nights. I've had them before and they're darn tasty.

Go team! Go wings! Go sauce!

Gleason's Fine Food and Spirits - 33-08 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.626.5393
N/W Train to Broadway