Omonia's Sweets Explosion

Image via Yelp by A.A

It's been way too long since I've visited Omonia Cafe, which is no doubt one of the most quintessential Greek cafes in the neighborhood.  And while Omonia may carry with it many Astoria-centric stereotypes that we often try to shake, it remains a special place for me, reminding me of my early days here.  Dan and I finally went back the other eve, for a late night snack, together with our friends Nuno and Jennifer.  We tried a few new things,  which left us feeling pleasantly full (and plump).

Chocolate Napoleon - Being that I'm Eastern European, I love me some Napoleon (or Kremes, as we say).  Omonia's version more than delivered with a light as air filling of smooth chocolate cream that was carefully placed in between crunchy layers of filo dough, topped with whipped cream and more powdered sugar for good measure.  Although I couldn't take a photo of our piece because the place is famously dark, I think the above photo helps to paint a picture.

Walnut Cookie - Because I was trying to keep to my gluten free diet, I managed to find something without any pastry dough (but truth be told, I cheated that night, as proven by my Napoleon escapades), which came in the form of a walnut cookie.  Resembling a macaron in appearance and texture, the cookie was light and airy, hugging the sweet contents of a seedy raspberry jam, producing some serious yum action.

Service and Cost:
We experienced fast and efficient service during the time we ordered and when our sweets were delivered to our table.  Even after we finished everything, we felt comfortable to just hang out and were by no means rushed to leave.

Pastry prices remain competitive, especially when dining in-house at $4.75 - $7 a piece.

3 Mmmms

Omonia Cafe - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

718.274.6650

N/W Train to Broadway
omoniacafe.com

Omonia Next Door Has Sweet & Savory Crepes

I love getting out to Omonia Next Door any chance I get, and happened to stop in last week after dining at Pachanga Patterson.  It was a hot night and I was very much in the mood for gelato again.  My previously successful gelato experience there definitely steered me that way again, and I wanted to try new flavors.

The selection changes somewhat day to day, but I was happy to see they had dulce de leche, which I instantly tried.  I went for it, combining it with a scoop of mango gelato to cut the sweetness.  Here's what I thought:

Dulce de Leche & Mango Gelato - Just like my previous experience with the caramelized fig flavor, the consistency of the gelato was perfect.  Luxuriously creamy and smooth, it was easy to spoon out, its semi-soft goodness melting on your tongue.  The dulce de leche was pretty sweet and carameley but in just the right way, making you dip your spoon in continuously for more. I loved pairing it with the mango, as it made the combination more refreshing and gave it that hint of zest.  The fruit tasted natural, instead of some gelato in which you can taste the artificial powder - not here certainly, and I'm encouraged to try more flavors next time.

As I was walking out, I noticed an interesting flyer near the entrance, which spoke of their sweet and savory crepe offering.  It looked absolutely delicious and tantalizing, so I wanted to share it with you here:

Sweet Crepes:
La Prima Donna - Nutella and whip cream...$4.95
Fruit Flambe - Fresh strawberries, bananas, vanilla custard, nutella, Bailey's Irish Creme, Grand Marnier lit with Bacardi 151...$10.50
The Achilles - Apple pie filling, fresh bananas, cinnamon, walnuts, Grand Marnier & chantilly cream...$7.75
Nutty Professor - Bananas, fresh strawberries, chocolate fudge, walnuts & chantilly cream...$7.25

Savory Crepes:
Ham & Cheese Crepe - Ham, cheese and mushrooms, served with a light mayonnaise dressing...$7.50
The Broadway Crepe - Chicken, ham, mushroom, scallions, garlic, basil and Swiss cheese...$7.95
4 Cheese Crepe - Mozzarella, monterey jack, Swiss cheese and gouda, served with a balsamic vinaigrette...$7.25
Chicken Pesto Crepe - Shredded chicken, roasted peppers, Swiss and parmesan cheese...$7.95

Omonia Next Door - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.274.6650
N/Q Train to Broadway
http://www.omoniacafe.com/

Omonia Next Door Hits the Sweet Spot

After what was a very delicious and filling meal at JJ's, Meg, Tom and I still had an inkling for something sweet.  Well the truth was that on my way to meet them, I passed by Omonia Next Door and was completely drawn to the sign that said "Gelato." It was a pretty warm day out, and I was jonesing for something cold and refreshing.  Besides, I've been meaning to check out this place, after a very short impromptu visit the first time around.

It didn't take much to convince my food-loving (and dessert appreciating) friends to visit this sweet shop. They were all-in.  Upon walking in, we were confronted by a plethora of colorful and beautifully prepared goodies such as intricately dressed cupcakes, cookies of all shapes and sizes, cakes and of course the gelato we were after, located in the back.

The gelato flavors varied from cherry, pistachio, biscotti, Nutella, several fruit flavored sorbets, and also a flavor that caught my eye, caramelized fig and biscoff.  I ordered a small cup and dug in with pleasure.

Caramelized Fig and Biscoff Gelato - Even before I get into the taste of this gelato flavor, I want to take a minute to touch upon the pretty presentation you see above.  I love that it included an upside down mini cone that you can dip your gelato into and enjoy in small, delicate bites.  The gelato itself was delicious and not overly sweet.  It had a hint of liqueur in it (maybe amaretto) and I enjoyed the slight crunch from the biscoff cracker.  It was a great way to end a very satisfying meal, and as you can see from the portion above, they didn't skimp out.

The gelato set me back about $3.75, which isn't cheap but definitely worth every penny.  I was very tempted to get some other stuff too, but I'll have to hold out for next time.

We did have the chance to check out the outdoor garden, and it was fabulous - peaceful, quiet and surrounded by nice-looking greenery.  Although I'm not sure that the greenery was natural, it was still nice to look at and created a relaxing atmosphere and a respite from the busy hubbub of Broadway.

3 Mmmms

Omonia Next Door - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.274.6650
N/Q Train to Broadway
http://www.omoniacafe.com/

Omonia Next Door is Awesome!

It's been about 2 months since Omonia Next Door, an offshoot of the original Omonia Cafe opened.  Walking by the other day, the storefront immediately caught my eye, as it looked modern and had an attention grabbing display of breads that looked oh-so-fresh.

Naturally, I walked in to check out their offering and was very impressed.  When I tell you that this bakery has nearly everything under the sun, I mean it - cupcakes, red velvet cake, cookies, bread, muffins, bagels, coffee.  I only peeked in for a few minutes, and didn't yet order a treat, but what I saw was very impressive and the staff was lovely.

Something else that attracted me was the quaint outdoor garden they have in the back, where you can take your treat and enjoy it in the fresh air.  It seems like a quiet, chill area to relax and I'll make sure to take advantage of it soon.

A full review will come in the near future, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you a quick heads-up.  Has anyone tried it yet? And if so, what do you think?

Omonia Next Door - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.274.6650
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.omoniacafe.com

Omonia Cafe Plans to Expand

While on my way to BareBurger this week, I saw an interesting sign in the storefront next to the famous Omonia cafe, saying that the bakery is expanding.  The note is a bit cryptic albeit intriguing as it says that Omonia will be "introducing our new line of baked goods and added surprises."  Judging by the quality of goods that this place already delivers, we're in for something good.  I'm sure of it.

I'll let you know more as I investigate further, but in the meantime, I wanted to pique your curiosity.  Please chime in if you know more about this sweet development.

Omonia Cafe - 32-20 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

718.274.6650

N/W Train to Broadway

 

THE NEW SPACE IS RIGHT NEXT DOOR