Marshall - New Balkan Eats with a Modern Twist

 

While in the Broadway neighborhood yesterday, I stumbled upon a new restaurant that caught my eye called Marshall.  From afar, it looked like any modern cafe (perhaps Greek, I thought) but upon looking closer, I saw that it actually serves Balkan food.  I peeked inside and loved what I saw - a really beautifully laid-out, modern space with an impressive bar and a sleek dining area.  It looked really pretty without trying too hard.  Of course I spied the menu too and was intrigued to find yummy-sounding Balkan dishes such as cevapi and pljeskavica.  Prices seemed moderate to inexpensive, with most entrees in the mid to low teens.  I'm very curious to give it a try.

In addition to their regular menu, I noticed they're running a Valentine's Day special:

5-course prix-fixe for $40 per person (includes a glass of champagne)
There will also be live music.

Enjoy and let me know how you like it!

Marshall - 35-03 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106

718.545.3500

N/W Train to Broadway

Ornella Trattoria Replaces Samba Grill

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)

Testaccio Roman Cuisine - Opening October 24th

Image by Testaccio Restaurant

Nearly four months have passed since I first found out about Testaccio at the Taste of LIC event, in which they featured a delicious appetizer of figs topped with mascarpone cheese and pine nuts. It was such a nice, light take on Italian fare that it captured my attention and I've been watching its progress ever since--impatiently waiting for it to open. Happily that time has come, as Testaccio is scheduled to open in less than two weeks on October 24th.

Through their newsletter, I got a preview of delicious things that are yet to come. Testaccio's menu will focus on contemporary Roman food - a modern take on Italian cuisine if you will. They've certainly whet my appetite, especially by revealing an interesting recipe for a dish with a playful name, suppli di riso al telefono (rice croquettes "on the phone"). Why on the phone? Read on to find out...

Testaccio's Suppli di Riso Al Telefono
They' re called "al telefono" because when you bite into them, the melted mozzarella creates a "string" similar to that of a telephone cable. This is a great dish that can be prepared in bulk and placed in the freezer for later use.

Ingredients (makes 20)
2 cups carnaroli rice
1 onion, chopped
7 spoonfuls of unsalted butter
1 cup dry white wine
8 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoon of parmigiano cheese
1-2 sprigs of parsley, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
Olive oil
1 tablespoon shelled green peas, fresh or frozen
2 slices prosciutto cotto or cured ham, finely diced
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
3 eggs, beaten
Breadcrumbs to roll the suppli in

Directions:
Sauté the onions in a pan with olive oil and butter until lightly browned. Add the rice, toasting it for a few minutes - make sure not to burn the grains. Pour the wine over the rice and let evaporate. Once evaporated add broth and cover. Cook for 14 minutes, add broth when necessary and stir continuously. Add salt to taste.

Meanwhile fry the tomato in olive oil until the pulp reaches the consistency of sauce. When the rice is "al dente," incorporate the sweet peas, tomatoes and prosciutto. Finish the rice mixture with butter, parmigiano cheese and parsley, then stir until it becomes creamy.

Pour the mixture onto a flat baking sheet and let cool. Scoop a handful of rice and roll it into an oval shape about the size of a golf ball. Poke a hole in the middle of each suppli with your fingertip and insert a piece of mozzarella inside, sealing the hole with rice. Repeat.

Dip the suppli in the egg mixture, and then dredge in breadcrumbs. In a deep pan, heat olive oil and fry the suppli gently until they are crispy and golden. Drain and serve hot or at room temperature.

Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Boulevard, LIC NY 11101
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.testacciony.com