The short-lived Samba Grill, which opened about a year and a half ago has been turned over to an Italian eatery called Ornella. I was shocked to find its cheery orange and white striped facade one day last week. While Meg warned me about it as well, Ornella just seemed to pop up from nowhere. Not sure when it's opening yet but I'll get back to you with details. It looks like not many changes besides the evident cosmetic ones have been done to the place, so I'm assuming Ornella will open its doors soon. Stay tuned and feel free to chime in if you know more information. I'll follow up with a menu as soon as I get my hands on it.
Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)