Astoria and LIC NYE Round-Up

Image by Little Vintage Cottage Blog

It's almost here!  New Year's Eve is on a Monday this year, which breaks up the week so nicely.  How are you all planning to spend it? I'm providing you with a mini round-up of NYE activities in case you haven't made up your mind.  Please feel free to add to the list in the comments section.

Ovelia - Ringing in the new year with style and of course flavor, Ovelia will feature a 5-course prix-fixe dinner, with decadent specialties such as jumbo lump crab corn bisque, balsamic and maple glazed octopus, walnut crusted mahi mahi and even fried cheesecake!  $75/person - reservations recommended.  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.7217

LIC Market - Always planning something intriguing and delicious, LIC Market will also feature a special prix-fixe dinner, concentrating on some interesting and local specialties, such as stuffed cabbage, milk poached day boat cod, Nantucket bay scallops and more.  There are two seatings, one at 6 p.m. which is $65/person and another at 9 p.m. where you'll really get to ring in NYE at $95/person.  21-52 44th Drive, LIC.  718.361.0013

Bistro 33 - If you're looking for something a bit more intimate, Bistro's park-side location will do the trick.  This charming eatery will be preparing a very special 3-course prix-fixe meal on New Year's Eve, also with two seatings - one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. Prices vary, ranging from $65/person to $75/person for each respective seating.  Sample dishes include a braised venison osso bucco, roasted pork tenderloin, an ancho chili rubbed tri-tip and more.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.721.1933

Bear - For something really special, enjoy your evening at Bear with an "Old Russian Aristocratic Table" style dinner, where you'll have your table set with many dishes such as salads, hors d'oeuvres, main entrees, and drinks.  I couldn't believe how affordable this all is, at just $45/person or $60/person with an open bar option til midnight.  The party starts at 10:30 p.m. and goes on till about 4 a.m. See the full menu here.  12-14 31st Avenue, LIC.  917.396.4939

Thymari - Love Mediterranean food? You may want to consider celebrating New Year's at Thymari, which sounds like a great value.  Five hefty courses, including soup, salad, meze, a main course and dessert is only $55/person and also comes with a glass of celebratory champagne.  The menu sounds fantastic and includes dishes such as a goat cheese and fig salad, pan fried feta rolls, duck breast with sour cherry sauce, baked quince with creme fraiche and more.  See full NYE menu here.  32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.2880

New Year's Eve at Tournesol

With the holiday season officially being here, and nearly almost over, we still have New Year's Eve to look forward to.  And while some of you may know what you're already doing, others may still need some convincing.

Well here's just one option of many others that I'll post over the new few days, and it comes from one of my favorite little French bistros, Tournesol.  Besides loving the classic French menu of goodies, the New Year's Eve prix-fixe is wallet friendly too - just take a look, and if you're interested, make sure to reserve your spot soon, as Tournesol is on the intimate side.

Amuse Bouche

Course 1 (choose 1)
Butternut squash soup with truffle oil
Foie gras terrine with quince compote
Ballotine of rabbit with prunes and celery puree
Salad of Fourme d’Ambert with pears and walnuts

Course 2 (choose 1)
Salmon feuilleté with black rice and caviar sauce
Stuffed duck with truffles, zucchini gratin and seared mushrooms
Lobster papillotte with artichoke, broccoli and mango
Roasted rack of lamb with polenta and dates

Course 3 (choose 1)
Chocolate cremeux, kumquat sauce
Nougat glace with fig coulis
Pate a choux swan with praline cream
Roasted apple with apricot marmalade and sablé

Mignardises

$59/person (plus tax and gratuity) 

Tournesol - 50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.472.4355
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.tournesolnyc.com

Goodbye 2011...You've Been Good!

As this year comes to a close, I gratefully remember the wonderful things it has brought.  Lots and lots of changes, and some transitions that went along with it, but all in all a really prosperous and rich year that I would never take back.  I look forward to what this new year will bring, and can already feel the food adventures bubbling up, but before we go on, let me remind you of the big 2011 milestones that affected Fooditka.

1.  My Big Name Change - Of course the most significant thing this year for me was my big name change from the Foodista to Fooditka.  As you may remember, my new name ties in closely to my heritage and allows me to stand out more.  I happily unveiled this new site name and re-launch at a big party, graciously hosted by my good friends at 5 Napkin Burger.  

2.  My Big Travels - I've been fortunate to travel the world this year, living the dream of participating in a cooking program in Tuscany, where I learned about the wonders of clean, simple and delicious Italian cuisine.  But the fun didn't end there, as the year also brought exciting food adventures in Paris, London, Munich, Slovakia and Mexico.  I couldn't be happier to explore the cultures of these beautiful countries, and hope to take it to the next level in 2012.  Fooditka goes international again!

3.  My Big Love of Astoria/LIC - No matter where I go, what I see, and the fantastic things I eat, my passion continues to rest close to home.  And although this year has been fantastic when it comes to international food adventures, what keeps me going are the fabulous food-things percolating at home.  I love that this year has brought on exciting changes to the nabe such as new restaurants, cafes and more.  Some of the most notable ones that come to mind are The Queens Kickshaw, Sugarfreak, Bear, Veslo, Alobar, Astor Room, among others.  

It's been an absolute pleasure Astoria...thanks as always for your support, and I can't wait to do it all over again in 2012.  Hope you had a happy, healthy and delicious one as well!

10 New Year's Eve Options in Astoria and LIC

Image by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

With Saturday's New Year's Eve plans soon approaching, you may still be figuring out just what to do. Are you up for a fancy dinner and drinks at a hot spot or would you rather chill out at a small cozy resto and end the night with a glass of champagne at home?  It's up to you of course, but I wanted to provide you with options to make that decision.

Studio Square - If you're looking for something fun and boisterous to do with a large group of friends, Studio Square may be just right for you.  Their party will start at 8 p.m. with a live DJ, complimentary party favors, and lots of drinks options.  With only a $15 cover, it's affordable and promises to be a lively time.  35-33 36th Street, LIC.  718.383.1001

LIC Market - Extending their fabulous supper club concept to New Year's Eve, LIC Market will host two dinner seatings, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m.  The latter is the more lavish and pricier option, with a 6-course tasting and a glass of sparkling wine.  Cheers to that!  21-52 44th Drive, LIC.  718.361.0013

Seva - The deals at Seva never cease to impress me, and especially when you consider the high quality of their food.  For New Year's Eve, they're offering a 3-course dinner special for just $20.12 per person.  You can choose from all your regular favorites such as samosas, chicken, shrimp, lamb dishes, and more.  Considering that this deal is extended until New Year's Day, even if you don't end up here that night, you can still enjoy the great value the day after.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria.  718.626.4440

DiWine - It's guaranteed to be a partay at DiWine for New Year's, as they'll be offering a 4 hour open bar, a live DJ, party favors and more for $65/person.  Stay until midnight of course and receive a free glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.  I also noticed they're throwing in an incentive for dinner, as diners will receive a $10 off the open bar option.  Eat and drink up!  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.1355

Bistro 33 - Enjoy New Year's Eve in this intimate, casual venue with a special 3-course dinner that starts at 10:30 p.m. and includes a champagne toast and party favors.  You can also come by earlier and choose anything off their a la carte menu.  You can read all about the special menu items here, which include yummies such as steamed mussels, a duck duo, fluffer nutter dessert and more.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.721.1933

Cavo - Cavo's New Year's Eve event is always a big production and this year is no different. Whether you choose to come by for their Mediterranean feast between 7 and 8:45 p.m. or their after party, which starts at 9 p.m., it's guaranteed to be a night of excitement, dancing and fun.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.1001

Bear -  Although still a newcomer, Bear is certainly making a name for itself with its sophisticated menu and plentiful vodka offering.  For New Year's Eve, they'll be featuring a 3-course menu and a glass of champagne for $65/person.  The menu is tantalizing, with items such as roasted rabbit fettuccine, a three-shot vodka special, roasted duck with apples and more.  See the entire New Year's Eve menu here.  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria.  917.396.4939

Vesta - Always promising a great time, this wonderfully local restaurant is hosting a "Blast from the Past" decades party.  Guests are encouraged to come in costume from their favorite era, and enjoy a gorgeous 4-course dinner.  As usual, there will be 3 seatings, with the last one also including complimentary party favors, a session with a tarot card reader and a midnight toast.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

Veslo - Stretching out the celebration throughout the night, Veslo's New Year's Eve will start with a 5-course dinner with a top shelf open bar, and then extend to a big after party, starting at 12:30 a.m. Dinner reservations are highly encouraged and comfortable shoes are also a plus, as you'll want to dance your hiney off.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria. 718.728.0549

El Ay Si - Another great place to keep the celebration local is El Ay Si where you'll be able to enjoy their regular dinner service as well as other food and drinks specials.  A DJ will be spinning and the good news is that there is no minimum charge per person - a great choice that won't break the bank.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.389.8781

New Year's Eve at Seva Wows!

Although Astoria isn't exactly known for Indian cuisine, there is a fantastic place that stands as my all-time favorite, and because there isn't such an influx of Indian eateries here, it shines even more.  It's really excellent and for those of you who love Indian food will not be surprised that I'm talking about no other than Seva.

The comfortable, homey atmosphere and the addicting smells that come out of their kitchen are truly remarkable, making this place more than a restaurant but a true institution.  I was happy to find out they're making hay with their New Year's Eve menu, and in the spirit of sharing some culinary greatness, I wanted to tell you about it here:

Saturday, December 31st - Sunday, January 1st
3-course prix-fixe for $20.12

Choose one from each course 

First Course
Trio of Samosa (spinach &amp chickpea beet &amp, cauliflower sweet potato and pea
Tuna Tapioca Kabab
Fennel Lamb Chili

Mains (served with cumin basmati rice)
Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Tandoori Shrimp Tikka Masala
Cilantro Chicken Meatballs
Coconut Seafood Stew
Pumpkin & Butternut Squash Koftas

Desserts
Cashew Carrot Halwa
Rose Rasgulla

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

More New Year's Eve Goodness at LIC Market

Since I started the New Year's Eve train, I gotta keep riding it.  That's why I thought today, I'd tell you about another New Year's Eve special that's happening over at our LIC neighbors', LIC Market.  

Gaining popularity for their Saturday Night Supper Club dinners, not to mention just really all-around great food, LIC Market is extending their supper club concept to New Year's Eve.  How fantastic, and you'll be able to indulge in Chef Alex's special 5-6 course tasting menu, made up of no other than seasonal and local treats.

There will be two seatings - one for early birds and another for the midnight marauders.  Here are the specifics:

Seating 1: 6:00 p.m. 
Includes a 5-course tasting menu and a glass of sparkling wine.  All other drinks are a la carte. $65/person

Seating 2: 9:00 p.m.
Includes a 6-course tasting menu and a glass of sparkling wine.  All other drinks are a la carte.  $95/person

I hope you get to take advantage of either deal and spend your New Years in good company and delicious food.

LIC Market - 21-52 44th Drive, LIC NY 11101
718.361.0013
7 Train to 45th Road/Courthouse Square
www.licmarket.com

New Year's Bash at Studio Square

With the holidays almost officially here, it's definitely not too early to start thinking about New Year's Eve.  Unfortunately, because we happen to live in one of the best cities in the world, this holiday is pretty darn expensive to enjoy when you go out on the town.  But it doesn't always have to be - especially if you spend it in Astoria.  Lots of places will feature New Year's Eve specials (and I'll elaborate on that a bit later), but one place in particular, I wanted to highlight is Studio Square.

I always enjoy coming here for special occasions and have spent a recent Halloween and many big sporting events in its surroundings.  It's always a good time, and what I love about it is that it never feels overcrowded, since there's so much space inside and out.  They're having a New Years Eve Bash that sounds lovely and includes:

A Live DJ
Complimentary Party Favors
Taking table reservations, especially if you're coming with a big group

The shin-dig starts at 8 p.m. and goes on all night.  And the best part is, it's only a $15 cover.

Could be a fun thing to consider with a large group of friends, and what I love about this venue is that you can stay pretty casual and feel as comfortable as if you were wearing your spiffiest ensemble.  Enjoy!

Studio Square - 35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.383.1001
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue or M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.studiosquarenyc.com 

Happy New Year Recipe

In my last post, I mentioned a plethora of eating-out options for New Year's Eve but I never broached the subject of entertaining at home. If you are indeed taking this route, it's a fun, low-key way to go. I'll leave you with a last minute recipe for a fabulous hors d'oeuvres platter, which was inspired by Jamie Oliver's Italian cookbook.

I made this platter for Dan one night last week, when we were trying to eat light. It was perfect because it was low in fat and high in flavor and freshness. He especially loved the Amalfi lemons.

Amalfi Baked Lemons - This recipe is super easy and most likely includes ingredients that you already have at home. I omitted the anchovies, which Dan doesn't like so much--you can substitute them with dried sausage or plainly do without them.

Squashed Cannellini Beans with Garlic - A hearty, potent spread, I'd suggest finishing it off with more olive oil than what the recipe calls for--it'll be more spreadable.

And as you see in the picture above, we added a generous helping of dried Italian sausage and toasted pita bread. Yum!

Happy New Year everyone!

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Astoria

Still need last minute ideas for New Year's Eve? Don't fret because there's lots going on in Astoria. Just take a look at this sampling of New Year's Eve specials--and this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Enjoy the evening at Mojave where $65 per person will get you a 4-course dinner prixe-fixe, an open bar, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast. Mojave - 22-36 31st Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100.

Ovelia's New Year's Bash will start with dinner, which doesn't have specific seating times and will cost you $40 per person. An open bar will follow from 10pm - midnight, which will set you back $50 per person or $80 per person for a dinner/open bar combo. Ovelia - 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217

There are two New Year's options at Mezzo Mezzo. One offers a four-course dinner in the downstairs dining area for up to $45.95 and the other features dinner, Greek music and live belly dancing in the upstairs dining area for $95 per person. The latter also includes a glass of wine and midnight champagne toast. Mezzo Mezzo - 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.278.0444

Want to ring in the New Year in 80's fashion? Dine at Vesta for their New Year's Eve Feast, where $65 per person will get you a 5-course dinner, party favors, classic 80's tunes, live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop as well as a midnight champagne toast. Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Although dinner at Cavo is fully booked, you can still enjoy their $50 per person open bar, which starts at 9pm. Cavo - 42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.1001

Dinner at 718 includes three seatings--5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 9:30pm--but there's no prix-fixe so you're free to order whatever you like. There will also be a DJ for you to shake it! 718 - 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.204.5553

Bistro 33 will have two dinner seatings, one at 8:30pm, which features their regular menu and another at 9:30pm which offers a New Year's Eve special menu for $75 per person. Enjoy a glass of sparkling sake and midnight champagne toast with the second seating. Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.721.1933

In the mood for New Year's mariachi? Visit Luna de Juarez between 8:30pm and 10pm. Dinner will be offered at regular prices. Luna de Juarez - 25-98 Steinway Street, Astoria. 718.274.4350

While the intimate space at Mundo is fully booked for the 9:00pm dinner seating, the 6:30pm seating is still open. It features a 4-course dinner at $65 per person. Mundo - 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829

Have a fun and happy New Year Astoria!

Ovelia's New Year's Bash

Fun news! Ovelia is throwing a New Year's Eve Bash, complete with dinner, an open bar and lively music. You can stay for dinner, the open bar or both. The choice is yours!

Dinner - $40 per person (can be enjoyed at any time but reservations are recommended)
Features a 3-course prix-fix of modern Greek dishes

Open Bar - $50 per person from 10pm - Midnight
Includes passed appetizers

Dinner and Open Bar - $80 per person

Ring in the New Year with Ovelia!

Ovelia Psistaria - 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103
718.721.7217

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.ovelia-ny.com

New Year's Eve at Mundo

Pictured above: Mundo's famous dish - Red Sonjas

With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it was perfect timing when Mundo released their enticing New Year's Eve dinner special. For $65 per person, you'll get the below feast and a half. There are two seatings, as is the norm on New Year's--one during early evening and one closer to midnight. Below are the details, including their scrumptious sounding menu. If you'd like to take advantage of this special, please call for a reservation. Space is limited, as Mundo is quite intimate so I'd suggest to call very soon.

New Year's Eve Dinner - $65 per person (not including tax and gratuity)

Seating 1 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Seating 2 - 9:00pm - Midnight

Menu:

Homemade creamy tomato soup

Hors D'oeuvre Platter
Endives stuffed with goat cheese and apples
Russian salad
Muhammara (spicy red-pepper dip) in phyllo dough shells
Turkish style eggplant salad
Mundo-style guacamole over corn chips
Mini Red Sonja over green leaf lettuce (their most popular dish!)

Main Course Options
Oven roasted Atlantic salmon over sauteed spinach, topped with creamy caper dill sauce with a side of healthy wild rice and greens

Beef roast au jus topped with caramelized onions with a side of creamy eggplant puree and Moroccan couscous with dried fruits, nuts and greens

Fresh mixed vegetable casserole with soy grain, topped with Jack and cheddar cheese with a side of Moroccan couscous with dried fruits, nuts and mixed green salad

Dessert
Kadayif - Warm shredded wheat squares with pistachio and nuts, topped with ice-cream

A complimentary glass of champagne to toast!

Mundo - 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.2829
N/W Train to Broadway
www.mundoastoria.com