Lunching at Cherrywood Kitchen – With Guest Contributor, John Figlesthaler

I decided to bring you something a little different today. A NYC review of Cherrywood Kitchen, a newly opened casual eatery, with the help of my colleague and friend, John Figlesthaler. John and I work together in our day gig and realized that we had the love of food in common – and the love of the word too. Being a professional copywriter, John has his way with words but creative writing is where he really shines. See what you think, as I let him take the reins, but I pipe in with 2 cents as well. Enjoy!

Atmosphere:
For an area that is somewhat void of a solid food and drink scene, Cherrywood Kitchen has carved out a nice little space for itself. The interior has a streamlined class to it that is subtly adorned with antiquated bookshelves and other necessities like a well stocked central bar. At our lunch visit (which it just started serving), the place was nearly empty so the service was right on point. Welcoming and offering suggestions, the manager and server steered us towards a hearty and wide-ranging lunch that made it hard to go back to the office instead of having another cocktail and dozing off in a lawn chair.

Botanical Gimlet (Hendrick’s Gin, English Cucumber, Lime)  - If gimlets grew out of a magical garden that sprouted when it rained gin, this is what they would taste like. A cool and velvety texture from the pulverized cucumber laced with mild acidity of the lime that run hand in hand with the botanical elements of Hendrick’s.

Pretzel Rolls, Whipped Hot Dog Mustard Cream - Probably the most sophisticated ballpark snack I’ve ever tasted – a soft pretzel roll with a well-baked shell and a side of buttery cream that brings out the cheer of a good ‘ol ballpark frank.

Fooditka’s 2 cents – I also enjoyed this prelude to our meal, and I always have a soft spot (pun intended) for a good pretzel roll. The texture of the bread was really appreciated, as it was light and fluffy and not dense as some pretzel rolls can be. The whipped hot dog mustard butter was out of this world – even though I’m not a baseball fan, I couldn’t help but imagine myself at a pitiful Mets game.

Smoked Asparagus, Serrano Ham, Poached Farmer’s Egg - This classic trio is hard to go wrong with, but this version needed a little something more to knock it up a peg. A bit more smoke essence in the asparagus would have done the trick to comingle more with the ham and the golden liquid yoke.

Fooditka’s 2 cents – Being a huge fan of Serrano ham and anything with a poached egg on top, I was excited. Even though I enjoyed this app, I think it was a bit on the salty side and needed a little pop of something refreshing to lighten it up a tad.

Grilled Squid, Braised Rabbit, Pineapple Salsa - Probably one of the most intriguing “surf and turf” combos I’ve had in a while, the squid rings were grilled just right, no rubber band action, then stuffed with the salty braised bunny and a tangy sweet pineapple salsa on the side to balance it out. The squid and salsa evoked a Caribbean breeze, yet the rabbit seemed to have slyly jumped right in, making it something unexpected and satisfying.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: I appreciated this interesting take on calamari and have never seen anything like it. Stuffed with braised rabbit meat, it was nice to enjoy it in this way, as rabbit has a tendency of being pretty boney, but we didn’t have to worry about that here. Although I loved how the calamari encased the tender rabbit meat, keeping it nice and neat, it got a little outshined by the latter and by the pineapple salsa. Even so, I enjoyed this dish and would recommend trying it for the novelty factor. 

 

Soft Shell Crab BLT - In a perfect world this would be a readily available at every bar, tavern or watering hole where I may find myself drinking frosty pints of beer. A massive crab, fried to a corn dredge crunch perfection, topped with fat slabs of pepper bacon with the lettuce and tomato for freshness. Squeezed between a soft brioche bun slathered with a slightly chili-ed mayo – this is one hell of a sandwich. Sure, it’s messy, and of course it’s salty, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oh, and how can forget the little clay pot full of French fry ends topped with bacon crumble and cheddar that kept the BLT company. My only complaint with these crispy hash browns was that the cheddar somehow disappeared in the pile of fries and bacon.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: I love a good BLT and couldn’t refuse one with fried soft shell crab. As John already mentioned, it was a messy, get-your-hands-in-there kind of dish, but it was tasty. Another form of surf and turf—this one more casual—I enjoyed the chewy, smoky bacon with the fried goodness of the soft shell crab in one big bite. There was a side of sinful French fry ends with bacon and cheddar – the craziest, maverick move I’ve seen in French fry history :) I like that Cherrywood went no holds barred with this dish.
 

Pan Seared Bass, Bone Marrow, Ankimo - Don’t let the bass fool you here – this wasn’t your usual light and airy pan seared fish dish. This was a decadent celebration of three delicious creatures all on one plate. Right away, the forearm-sized marrow filled bone topped with ankimo (monkfish liver) got my attention as it propped up the bass filet. The fish was seared with a textbook crisp skin and became a righteous vehicle for pairing with bites of the buttery marrow or ankimo, aka the foie gras of the sea. Because each of these proteins on the plate were so naturally rich and heavy on their own, this could have used more than just the crostini with fava beans and peas on top to cut through the (mouthwatering) fattiness. Either way though, this was a pretty freaking good concept that drooled of innovation – you’ve just got to know what you’re getting into when you order it.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: This was a no joke dish, and it had a lot going on the plate – at certain points, you didn’t know where to look first. The pan seared bass was just one component that was actually the lightest thing on the plate, as everything else was super rich and decadent. I found the bone marrow calling my name, so I dug in and slathered it on the already moist crostini with peas. It was extravagant for sure, and not something for the faint of heart, as it was further topped with monkfish liver. The latter component was a bit too much for me, so I stuck to the marrow instead, which in my opinion could’ve been served on the warmer side. Even though I appreciated the inventiveness of this dish, I probably wouldn’t get it again.

Service and Cost:
Cherrywood wasn’t too busy for lunch yet, as I assume people are still hearing about it and probably visiting the restaurant more so during dinner hours. Having said that, the service was attentive and totally personalized and I have no complaints. I like that we were checked on frequently throughout the meal, but in the most unobtrusive way possible.

Costs are moderate for lunch and include:

Heavenly pretzel rolls – Complimentary with lunch
Appetizers - $8-$12
Entrees- $15-24
Sides - $5-$6
Dessert - $6

2.5 Mmmms

Cherrywood Kitchen - 300 Spring Street, New York NY 10013
646.559.2328
E/C Train to Spring Street
www.cherrywoodkitchen.com

Sweets First Bakeshoppe is Coming

On our way from 5 Napkin Burger today, Dan and I spotted a soon-to-open bakeshoppe called Sweets First.  I noticed it right away from its bright and cheery exterior that showcases its piece-de-resistance sweet, which is the cupcake.  Anyone who knows me also knows how crazy I'm about cupcakes, so this is very very exciting.  The sign in the window says it'll open soon, so I'll definitely keep you posted.

In the meantime, I took a peek at their website and saw their menu, which has a mixture of sweet and savory cupcakes too.  I was surprised and delighted to see a sweet potato cupcake alongside a broccoli and cheese, and even a French toast cupcake.  Really inventive and different, and I can't wait to take a bite.  I'll make sure to keep you in the know.

Sweets First Bakeshoppe - 34-05 35th Street, Astoria, NY 11106
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue or R/M to Steinway Street
www.sweetsfirstnyc.com

Basil Brick Oven is Super Sized

Right before going to Japan, I had the distinct pleasure to attend a really fun event at Basil Brick Oven Pizza, in honor of their big expansion.  Meg came with, and we were prepared to enjoy a fun, yet laid-back evening with good food, drinks and culinary networking.  We were totally shocked to see how high-profile and glitzy this event was (in a good way), and as soon as we arrived, we noticed people spilling out of the new location, enjoying their fizzy prosecco cocktails and eating gelato.  "Wow! What a neighborhood affair," we both thought, as we saw people laughing, chatting and really relishing in a new and exciting neighborhood establishment.  

Even though the food, I don't think was totally representative of what they serve in the restaurant, as it was designed to serve a big party rather than more intimate dine-in groups, the atmosphere was electric.

New Digs:
To say that the space at Basil Brick doubled would be doing it injustice, as I feel it more like quadrupled.  The previously little pizza and panini spot went from a tiny storefront, seating about 20, to a legit restaurant with an impressive anteroom, a large kitchen and an expansive dining room in the middle and the back (now probably seating more like 50 or 60).  I just love the view you get from the back of the restaurant, as you can observe the busy Hoyt Avenue, and get a gorgeous vision of the RFK bridge.  Outdoor seating will be available as well, and surprisingly the restaurant feels more private and somehow more legit.  I mean, we all knew they produce quality eats, but now they have the space to prove it.

Something else I noticed and really liked was the gelato area towards the front of the restaurant, which feels more casual and still very much like a grab and go place.  Meg and I indulged in a cup of their homemade gelato, me trying the coffee and Meg having the stracciatella, I believe.   While I didn't taste the latter, the coffee flavor was deliciously strong and had that nice creamy consistency too.  I'd gladly come back for another on a hot day.

If this little description hasn't enticed you yet, make sure to check out their tantalizing menu of homemade, simple Italian eats such as gnocchi, pasta, pizza (both savory and sweet), salads, panini and more.  You can enjoy a meal in their beautiful new space or you can always get take-out.  Try it, and do let me know what you think.

Basil Brick Oven Pizza - 28-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102
718.204.1205
N/Q Train to Astoria Blvd
www.basilbrickoven.com 

New Ramen Bar Coming to Ditmars

While shopping on Ditmars yesterday, I noticed that the old St. Honore Patisserie space is being transformed as we speak.  The newcomer on this block will be a Japanese style noodle bar that's currently being worked on.  Seems like a good idea, as I don't know of a place like this existing in Astoria yet, but the only issue may be all the other Asian-style eateries located on that 3-4 block stretch such as Watawa (currently being expanded, yay!), Spiced Diner (Indian/Chinese fusion), Sakura and many more.  Let's see how it does...I'm rooting for it.  Will let you know once I have more information but wanted to keep you informed that it's in the works.

New Ramen Bar - 33-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd

Hill Country Chicken - Not Your Ordinary Clucker

Hill Country Chicken - 1123 Broadway, New York NY 10010
212.257.6446
N/R Train to 23rd Street
http://www.hillcountrychicken.com/

Recently learning that one of my favorite BBQ joints in the city, Hill Country was launching a fried chicken place that just opened, I was gung-ho about trying it.  My friend Bo, who's also a fried chicken fan joined me, and together we indulged in a very delicious, Southern-style lunch.

Atmosphere:
Although in a completely different location than Hill Country, you can tell that Hill Country Chicken is its close relative.  The fun whimsical vibe and the vibrant employees embody that same Southern hospitality feel, although Hill Country Chicken is a lot more out there and colorful.  The color palate is so bright and cheery that it stimulates your senses from the minute you walk in. I especially love the decorative wallpaper that differs on each wall and the huge star on the far back wall, which your eye naturally focuses on.

After you take everything in, you're ready to wait in line to be served at the bright yellow counter, displaying all the freshly fried chicken, flaky biscuits, sides and other yummy grub.  A separate pie counter is located on the side, for which the line is considerably shorter and you can visit it after you finish your chicken, as to not spoil your appetite (or to receive a freshly baked piece right out of the oven).

Food:
Chicken is of course the star of the show and it comes in various methods including straight up fried pieces, chicken tenders, sandwiches such as a chickwich, a club sandwich, and even a fried chicken salad.  Bo and I chose the simple fried chicken and the Hill Country club, along with sides and some pie too.

Fried Chicken - We got a couple of pieces of fried chicken including a leg and some wings.  I personally munched on a good sized wing with crispy skin and a wonderfully juicy inside.  Bo noticed that the chicken had a unique flavor and was slightly sweet.  That was fine by me and besides the hint of sweetness, there was some spice to it too.

Hill Country Club - I also ordered Hill Country's club sandwich, which looked very impressive.  Bo and I watched it come together before our eyes - a large, thick, fried chicken cutlet, big hunks of avocado, a beefsteak tomato and creamy mayo sauce that tied it all together.  Even though it looked messy, it was a pleasure to eat - the delicious, succulent meat being the star component yet again.  Since this sandwich is quite large, I suggest sharing it with your dining companion.

Sides - Two small sides accompanied our hearty lunch including a buttermilk biscuit and cheesy fried mashed potatoes.  We ate the former with the fried chicken, of course and it was light, flaky and freshly baked.  You could tell it was made from scratch and not from some artificial mix.

The cheesy mashed potatoes were out of this world and unlike any mashed potatoes I've had.  I loved the stringiness of the cheese and how it wrapped around the soft potatoes.  There was a surprise ingredient too - fiery red peppers that gave these already scrumptious potatoes additional panache.

Pies - Hill Country's mini pies are worth talking about.  They have about six flavors each day, and they're all enticing.  I went with a peach blackberry cobbler with a pretty star design on top.  The minute I bit into it my eyes lit up - the filling was chunky, zesty and not too sweet while the crust was perfectly buttery and crumbly. 

Service and Cost:
The servers at Hill Country personify Southern Hospitality.  I appreciated the welcoming attitude they all had and the willingness they portrayed to make sure that we had everything we needed.  The staff was cheery, friendly and stood out as a highlight of our experience.

Costs are moderate but a fair trade for what you're getting:

Fried Chicken - $1.75 - $5.50
Texas Tenders - $6.50 - $19
Sandwiches & Salads - $5 - $10
Sides - $.50 - $5
Pies - $3 - $40

3 Fried Mmmms

Sweet Afton - Sweet Addition to the Nabe

Sweet Afton - 30-09 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.2570
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sweetaftonbar.com

News about Sweet Afton's opening spread like wildfire this week, and Meg, Tom and I were right there along for the ride. We paid a visit to this new speakeasy-esque bar on Thursday when it was still in its soft opening--but now, it's officially open. Three words, you gotta go!

Atmosphere:
I call Sweet Afton "speakeasy-esque" because in spite of it being a comfortable, laid-back bar, it's also something very special. The dim lighting, distressed wooden beams, exposed light bulbs and welcoming communal seating, makes you feel like you've entered a new world very much outside of Queens but without pretension. In addition to the cozy indoor seating, which stretches all the way to the back, there's also a quaint outdoor area with about a handful of tables. Although it was still closed when we visited, on a nice night, it'd be a great setting to relax with a spicy margarita or Afton's delectable grub.

Food and Drink:
While the food menu is short, it boats new spins on bar grub such as their signature beer battered fried pickles, Irish sausage rolls, hand cut fries with malt vinegar and a Pat La Frieda burger. What I love about the food selection is that everything is locally supplied and therefore very fresh--same goes for the drinks.

Drinks - We started the night with a round of drinks and the variety that we got was great. Meg ordered a wheat beer, that was refreshing and light, Tom got a glass of Malbec and I chose a mixed drink called the Spicy Cherry Margarita, which made quite the impression on me. If you like drinks with personality, this one's for you--the first sip tastes crisp and fruity and immediately after swallowing, the habanero infused tequila warms your throat. It's a wonderful sensation that lingers in your mouth until you stop drinking it, bringing your tastebuds to attention in a good way.

My second drink was Afton's signature Red Lemonade with citrus vodka, simple syrup, lemon and cranberry. It was refreshing too but not as spectacular as my margarita--I think it was a tough act to follow--the overall flavor being sweet and syrupy without much zing. If you like tropical, sugary drinks, you'll enjoy this one.

Nibbles - We started with a basket of Irish sausage rolls, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. I loved biting into the buttery pastry dough and then getting to the hearty sausage part that had some spice. It came with a side of vinegary HP sauce, which gave it a kick.

Next came the legendary beer battered fried pickles with smokey mayo sauce. I couldn't imagine what they'd look like, never having tried fried pickles before. They simply blew me away, looking like gorgeous puffy clouds. Once we took a bite, we were hooked. The batter was super light and tasted like the dough of a sweet zeppole, without the powdered sugar of course. The inside, where the pickle lay nestled, was crunchy and juicy, but not soggy. The spicy mayo enhanced this snack further, making the flavors in the pickle really sing, while giving the tongue a slight tickle.

Main Grub - Our main dishes consisted of Afton's signature burger, two ways, and their creamy mac and cheese. Both were outstanding and I especially loved the mac and cheese, which incorporated Irish cheddar, gruyere and muenster cheese. Needless to say, it was as rich as can be, and the best part was the well-done crunchy crust.

The burgers were excellent too, and the meat was the piece-de-resistance. You could literally taste the quality when you bit into the soft, juicy medium-rare patty. The bun was delicious, airy and slightly sweet, making it the perfect way to sandwich the burgers' yummy contents. I mentioned two varieties of burgers, one of which was topped with thick, double smoked bacon and the other included caramelized onions. I preferred the onions because the bacon was a tad too greasy for me, but for hard-core bacon lovers, it's great.

Service and Cost:
The staff at Sweet Afton is friendly, personal and they have tons of passion for what they do. Owner, Ruairi Curtin's hospitality was second to none, as he sent out his personal food recommendations, which we appreciated. But even before we met Ruairi, our waitress was helpful and nice--and PJ, the chef was wonderful, giving us the inside scoop about local food suppliers they use.

Costs are moderate for drinks but inexpensive for food, given the excellent quality of ingredients. Beers: $5-$8; wines: $7-$9/glass, $28-$36/bottle; mixed cocktails $8-$9.
Food: burger $8 (+$1 for toppings); mac and cheese $8 (+$1 for bacon); fried pickles $4; Irish sausage rolls $7.

3 Sweet Mmmms

Enter the Side Door - Bistro 33's New Ice Cream Parlor

Bistro 33's Side Door - Entrance is just to the side of Bistro 33
19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.721.1933
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.bistro33nyc.com

Curious about Bistro 33's new ice-cream joint, Side Door, Dan and I went to check it out last night. Still in its soft opening, it was pretty chill (no pun intended), given that it was a rainy night--but that's not to say that it was lacking customers. There were a couple of loyalists that came and went, enjoying a nice scoop of creamy ice cream and old fashioned candy.

Atmosphere:
Just like Bistro 33, Side Door has a relaxing, casual vibe. Several welcoming tables and chairs offer a place to sit as well as an inviting bar up front where you can enjoy your treats--casually conversing with your server, or staring indulgently at the penny candy that's situated there. The overall feeling is laid-back and lovely, much unlike a crowded Coldstone Creamery where things get hectic. Music is another strong element, with soft, alternative tunes such as The Shins projecting through the speakers.

Ice Cream:
Although Side Door doesn't make their own ice cream, they're upfront about it, mentioning they use Bassetts--a legendary brand of ice cream, which has been around for almost 150 years--as their supplier. You can get a regular scoop (or two) or get it all served on a brownie like I did. The latter is tempting, especially because the brownies are freshly baked on the premises.

Butterscotch Vanilla on a Brownie - This was my ice cream choice, which you could see pictured above. So rich, so flavorful and so awesome to finally taste real ice cream, considering the fro-yo, low-fat infested world we live in. The flavors were decadent and the texture was thick and buttery, mixing beautifully with the dark chocolate fudge brownie. On its own, the ice cream was fabulous but with the brownie, it was out of this world. Dan, who didn't get a brownie kept stealing bites off my plate to mix with his peanut butter swirl ice cream.

Peanut Butter Swirl - Dan loves anything with peanut butter so his choice wasn't surprising. If you're a serious peanut butter head, I wouldn't skip this. Just like my butterscotch vanilla flavor, it was rich and intense but not so much so that it was overpowering.

Besides ice cream, Side Door's other offerings include old fashioned root beer floats, cheesecake, smoothies, coffee drinks, nostalgic candy and even Greek yogurt, which you can get with honey and walnuts.

Service and Cost:
The service matched the surroundings - it was friendly, relaxed and casual. We got what we ordered on the spot, chatted briefly with the owners, and were invited to stay as long as we liked. It's a very lax environment, which I welcome after a long, hard work day.

Costs are moderate for ice cream at $4/cup, but you're getting quality and flavor. Nothing is above $10, making this a great place for a much needed treat.

3 Mmmms

Campagnola Pizzeria - Now Open

The old Cinema Paradiso space that I didn't much care for has been replaced by Campagnola Cucina Italiana e Pizzeria, now open as of last week. So far there's been positive feedback about the food, as Ryan, a reader of mine called their wood oven pizza "outstanding."

I spoke with a very nice Campagnola employee to get more insight, and the food seems to be Italian traditional, consisting of pizza, pasta, seafood (crablegs, oysters, etc) and even steak. There's a pizzeria within the restaurant where you can just get a pie and prices range from about $12 - $20, depending on the size of pie you get. The largest pizza is about 16", which should feed a lot of hungry Astorians.

I'll report back with more details but wanted to let you know that it's up and running. It might be a good place to stop in before or after seeing a movie at Kaufman Astoria theater. Enjoy!

Campagnola Cucina Italiana e Pizzeria - 36-02 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103

718.392.8989

R/V/G Train to Steinway Street or 36th Street

Juice for Life Opens Tomorrow

In April we said goodbye to Nebuta Japanese take-out, and tomorrow, we say hello to Juice for Life, a new health eatery that will open in its place. The trend for healthy, organic food has surged everywhere--no less in Astoria--and it's nice to see another option for good-for-you-food.

What I know is that Juice for Life will feature not only the obvious--juices and smoothies--but also salads, healthy meals and all-natural desserts. Check them out tomorrow--I anticipate that they might give away some free samples for their special grand opening. Below are the deets:

Saturday, August 22nd
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Juice for Life - 29-18 Hoyt Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.545.1800
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.juiceforlife.biz

Trattoria - Brick Oven Pizza Coming to 30th Avenue

I saw the above sign on 30th Avenue and 37th Street last week. What a nice surprise - looks like we're getting a brick oven pizzeria soon. I don't know details just yet but I'll monitor it for future developments. Not sure if the place is called Trattoria (looks that way though) or if that's just a teaser, but a pizza place will be welcomed amongst a sea of Greek cafes. Can't wait...

Let me know if you have more scoop.

Trattoria - Corner of 30th Avenue and 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Rio Market - Brazilian Specialty Foods

Rio Market - 32-15 36th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.706.7272
N/W Train to 36th Avenue

I was both surprised and delighted when I saw that a new Brazilian specialty supermarket opened up on 36th Avenue and 32nd street. A bit confused at first, I couldn't figure out what it was, as the space also houses a Brazilian travel agency and a small eatery, offering various grilled meats and even desserts.

Exploring the supermarket portion, which is located in the middle of the two aforementioned businesses, I saw that that they carry a lot of interesting national foods such as breads (both sweet and savory), meat, sweets and inventive frozen foods such as croquettes. They offered a generous tasting of the latter and they were delicious--I really liked the chicken breast and cheese croquette the best and might have to buy it the next time I host a cocktail party.

Prices are inexpensive and judging by Saturday's traffic, it doesn't get crowded. I'd suggest checking it out and stopping at Arepas Cafe for an afternoon snack. Yum!

Testaccio Italian Restaurant - Opening Soon

Back in June, I found out about a new Italian restaurant, Testaccio, opening soon in Long Island City. I walked by it last week, and it's definitely still in progress. I had a chance to chat with the chef at the Taste of LIC and he mentioned that they'll be opening in early August (that's in less than 3 weeks).

I think the future for Testaccio is promising, as it will offer lighter, Northern Italian fare, directly competing with its Italian neighbor, Bella Via. Bella offers more of a traditional red sauce cuisine, which is also delicious but caters to different tastes.

We'll see what surfaces with Testaccio but in the meantime, I'll keep a close eye on it.

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

BareBurger by Guest Reviewer Aaron

A passionate Astorian, Aaron recently wrote about his experience at Bare Burger, the newly-opened organic burger joint on 31st Avenue. He went through the trouble of writing a very insightful review so I decided to share it with you. Hope it's helpful - it sure made me want to try it!

BareBurger - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011
N/W Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com

Went to BareBurger a few weeks ago. I didn't know it was open yet when I passed by on the way to Il Bambino, but I decided to try it.

Atmosphere:
The atmosphere was fun, playful and stylish. Being that it's summer, they have the place opened up to the street. A garage door, which has been painted yellow, serves as the opening to 33rd Street, which I thought was a nice touch. The metal seating is comfortable and a cross between an outdoor patio chair and something industrial. Tall, greenish booths line the left hand wall and chandeliers made from spoons hang above each of the three tables. A faux, wooden plank floor and ceilings gives it an odd lodge-type feel.

There is something quirky and joyful in the spirit of the place. A flat screen TV is mounted high on the right hand wall, up near the counter, but the sound is turned off and a mix of 50's to 90's music was playing over a sound system. Although there are seats and a waitstaff, there is a counter, much like any burger joint where you can order take out.

Food:
We both went for the original Bareburger ($8.95) which comes with Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce (shredded iceberg), tomato, raw red onion and BareBurger's special sauce. We shared a basket of onion rings which came with ranch dressing and peppercorn steak sauce. We ended by splitting a vanilla milkshake to go.

Overall I enjoyed the meal. I found the burger tasty, but slightly salty. I don't know whether they put spices in the meat or if it was the special sauce, but it could've been a little more neutral. If for no other reason than it would allow the taste of the meat to stand on its own. The bun was delicious and though it may sound strange to say, it fit the burger perfectly and stayed with the burger through the whole meal. You know how sometimes a burger and its bun seem destined to be eaten apart? Not this burger.

The onion rings were delicious, if slightly greasy. I don't want to mislead you here...onion rings are always greasy, they are fried after all. These were not overly greasy, but they were definitely deeply fried and not healthy, organic or not. The thing is, the basket they brought us was huge. I think if you eat a few it's OK, but three or four people could easily be satisfied by a single basket of rings. There were two of us so we probably ate more rings than we ordinarily would have. Even admitting to this gluttony, we didn't finish them.

The vanilla milkshake was tasty, not overly thick or sweet, rather it was a clean and refreshing finish to the meal.

Everything is organic at BareBurger ...organic beef, milk, ice cream, coffee, poultry, vegetables...you name it, it's organic. They serve Boylan soda, which is probably a little more expensive than your average Coke or Pepsi, but it's tasty and constitutes something other than the status-quo. It also goes along with their natural/organic theme as Boylan's advertises itself as all natural.

Service and Cost:
The service was friendly and exuberant. Our waitress seemed a little overly pumped, but not in a negative or obnoxious way. She was on top of everything without being on top of us.

Two original Bareburgers, one basket of onion rings, two sodas and one vanilla milkshake came to $38.38 with tax. With tip the meal came to $46. Forty-six dollars is not a back-breaking expense, but it's not cheap for a night out grabbing a couple of burgers. When I think of having burgers in the summer (the way I think of them, when I was a kid) it was one of those quick, cheap meals that cost a couple guys $10-$20. It was something you ate when you didn't have a lot of money on you. Compare it to cooking at home where you can easily make four non-organic burgers with all the trimmings for roughly $20 and you realize the premium you are paying for the special sauce and organic everything.

That said, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was fun and energetic and the service was good. I would definitely recommend trying BareBurger.

Restaurant in the Renaissance Building

On my way to the post office, I noticed a fancy restaurant in the Renaissance apartment building by the same name. I've never seen it before, probably because I don't walk there much but it's apparently been in existence for some time. I peeked inside and it looked very lush with lots of rich wood, high ceilings and comfy-looking chairs. I spied the menu that incorporated classic dishes such as crab cakes, a Waldorf salad and other continental goods.

Later exploring this place online, I noticed that it's also a venue for weddings and large events. The language on the website is very effusive (too much so for my taste) but they claim that they could customize a menu to any party size. Sounds interesting and might be worth taking a look.

Let me know if anyone has been there already and if so, what your experience was. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on it.

Renaissance of Astoria - 27-34 21st Street, Astoria NY 11102
718.274.9210
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd or 30th Avenue
www.renaissanceofastoria.com

Da Franco - Uncomplicated Italian Food

Da Franco - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105
718.267.0010
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd
www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com

Da Franco has been in the works since March and opened about a month ago. Meg and I ventured over there last week and were pleasantly surprised by the food. The restaurant itself is generic but I'd turn to it again for good, uncomplicated Italian food.

Atmosphere:
Located in the Pistilli Riverview East building near Astoria Park, Da Franco is convenient for residents and park goers alike. It seems very much like a family environment, and Meg and I saw a handful of families with kids eating dinner. The space itself, although large is simple with a little too much red and gimmicky touches such as tables with maps of Italy on them.

In addition to the dining room, there's a large outdoor patio with about a dozen tables, shielded by umbrellas. I'd like to sit there next time, as it seems conducive to people watching, albeit you yourself might feel a tad exposed, facing the busy 21st street.

Food:
We heard mixed things about the food but weren't disappointed with our options. I think the key is to stick to simple basics such as pizza, salad and sides.

Insalata De' Medici - We were immediately drawn to this salad because it contained beets, our beloved vegetable. Other ingredients included orange zest, pine nuts and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. It all worked well together and stood out as one of the best dishes of the night--the orange zest was especially pleasing, as it added freshness and zing.

Sauteed Mushrooms - Served alongside our salad, the mushrooms were a perfect complement. They were tender, meaty and marinated in pungent garlic that gave them an enticing smell. I loved mixing the salad with the mushrooms and they were also nice when paired with Da Franco's soft pizza bread.

Pizza Alla Modena - Meg and I just had to try Da Franco's brick oven pizza. We gravitated to this option with cherry tomatoes, fresh homemade mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, arugula and parmigiano cheese. The pizza dough was nice and light, with a slightly crispy crust. I liked the sauce and the mozzarella but thought that the prosciutto was a tad fatty and the parmigiano sliced too thick (not shaved as the menu promised). Overall it was a safe choice but I'd skip the parmigiano next time.

Dessert - We ordered two desserts - the pecan pie and homemade coffee gelatto. The pie was disappointing because it was a small piece and the pecan filling was dry. I liked the dough but didn't love the pie enough to get it again. The gelatto was pleasing - not the best that I've had but pretty good. The coffee flavor was gentle, whereas I would've liked it to be stronger and on the whole, it was too sweet. Meg loved it though and I think that it'd appeal to the majority of palates.

Service and Cost:
The service at Da Franco was good - friendly, informative and very attentive. Our water glasses were always full and we never felt like we weren't paid attention to. It was refreshing and welcomed--and characteristic of a new establishment.

Costs are moderate and for the above-mentioned dinner, we paid $28 per person with tax and tip. Just to give you an idea, appetizers range between $9.95 - $15.95, Primi Piatti (homemade pasta) cost between $13.95-$21.95 and traditional main courses will set you back between $15.95-$27.95.

2 Mmmms

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company - Now Open on 30th Avenue

It's no secret that the Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company is my favorite bagel shop in Astoria. That's why I was thrilled when I found out that a new location would open on 30th Avenue. That happy--and much awaited--day has come today, when Brooklyn Bagel opened its 30th Avenue doors. Check it out - it resides near Grand Cafe and the New York Sports Clubs.

I'll be getting my carb fix from them soon--and you can too. Enjoy!

30th Avenue between 36th and 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

www.brooklynbagelcoffeecompany.com

Mundo Introduces La Papa - Baked Potato Bar

Image courtesy of Mundo

When Meg told me last week that a baked potato bar was opening in Astoria, I got mighty excited. And when I heard that it's from the owner's of Mundo, my enthusiasm grew! Introducing, La Papa in the old Pastalicious space on 30th Avenue.

La Papa's show-stopper is the mighty baked potato (apparently a popular fast food in Turkey), which after baked, its contents are mashed with butter (or olive oil) and kasseri cheese. The rest is up to you, as you can choose unlimited toppings or you can go with a suggested "papa," such as:

LaPapa Classic - Beef franks, Russian salad, pickles, green olives & corn

LaPapa Chili con Carne - Chili con carne with beans, jalapeno, tzatziki, corn & tortilla chips

LaPapa Vegetarian - Corn, mushrooms, Russian salad, beets & green olives

LaPapa All-American - Corn, sour cream, bacon bits, fresh broccoli & pickled cucumbers

Or you can choose any of these toppings: artichokes, bacon bits, beef franks, beets, black olives, black olive paste, corn, green olives, jalapeno, mushrooms, pickled cucumbers, roasted red & green peppers, Russian salad, sour cream, sweet & sour red cabbage, tortilla chips, tuna salad, tzatziki

If you're not in the mood for a potato, they also have soups, a jumbo hot dog and Turkish-style paninis. A sweet treat that caught my eye was the Supangle (dark chocolate pudding).

Prices are very affordable with all baked potato options being just $6 (except for the chili con carne, which is $6.50). In fact, nothing on the menu is over $6.50, which is quite the steal.

I plan on trying them soon and will let you know my thoughts.

LaPapa - 25-13 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102

718.777.7879

N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.lapapaonline.com

24 - New Wine Bar Sprucing Up 24th Avenue

24 - 25-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

I'm surprised at how 24th Avenue has come along, with a variety of budding restaurants and bars. One such new place is 24 wine bar, which was previously a neighborhood deli. Owned by the same person, 24 is a definite improvement from its predecessor, offering a comfortable scene to unwind with friends and a glass of wine.

Atmosphere:
24 is a small, dimly-lit space that's not unlike a living room. Several comfortable couches and small tables with chairs line the room, but the middle looks bare. The furniture looks thrown together and there's an element that's a tad strange. I can't put my finger on exactly what was bothering me about it, but it might be that the lamps were a touch bright and the background music too low--you could hear snippets of other people's conversations. Imperfections aside, I liked the local artwork on display, which made it feel warm and interesting.

Wine:
24 has a nice selection of international wines, which are reasonably priced. Beer options are excellent, featuring the usual suspects as well as unexpected domestic micro brews such as Pete's Wicked Ale. Dan and I ordered Argentinian wine, mine a Malbec and his a Cabernet. I'm not a wine expert, so I won't analyze it too much, but both glasses were thoroughly enjoyed--and generously poured. I'd recommend the full-bodied Malbec, with an earthy taste and a hint of berry flavor--a lovely way to warm up on a cold, rainy night.

While food isn't available yet, 24 plans to incorporate a light snack and dessert menu in the future.

Service and Cost:
We were well taken care of by 24's hospitable owner. He welcomed us right away and made us feel at home, gesturing to the comfortable couches. It was nice that we were able to hang out as long as we wanted, not feeling rushed in the least.

Costs are moderate and generally affordable. Most glasses of wine are in the $7-$8 range and beer is typically in the neighborhood of $6-$7. Although the prices aren't as inexpensive as I'd like, you definitely get your money's worth (at least for the wine), as the glasses come nearly three-quarter's full.

2 Mmmms

Mano's Papaya - Now Open!

The long-awaited Mano's Papaya on 30th Avenue has now been open for about 2 weeks. I walked by and checked out their digs and they're pretty nice. Simple but nice. The menu is the same as before, your standard hot dogs, smoothies and blended juices. Prices are super reasonable, about $1-$3 for hot dogs (more if you add embellishments) and $1 - $7 for juices and smoothies (price varies based on complexity of ingredients and size).

I've sampled their smoothies before and really like them, as they use fresh fruit and no unhealthy add-ons such as ice-cream or even yogurt. You could just get a plain smoothie with fresh fruit juices of your choice and ice. Yum!

Mano's Papaya - 30-15 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102
718.777.5670
N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Munch - 24th Avenue is Bustling

I've been noticing significant development in the residential 24th Avenue neighborhood. First a new wine bar, 24, opened up and just this past weekend a small cafe/sandwich shop called Munch opened too. Although the name is not my favorite (I hold a similar sentiment towards it as I do for the name Winegasm), the place is friendly, charming and serves good food. They had a tasting of their various offerings this weekend and I was able to sample a couple of things--and liked them a lot.

Munchwich - Their signature sandwich with corned beef and zesty coleslaw captured my attention. The bread was nicely toasted and its contents were warmed too, giving it that comfort-food feel. The slaw was crunchy and fresh and the quality of the deli meat was great. I'd like to get this again in a regular portion. Sandwiches range between $4.95 - $5.95, depending on size.

Shrimp Ceviche - Not having high expectations for this, I was surprisingly impressed. The shrimp was delicious and the broth was refreshing with welcome additions of cilantro, onion and nuts. It'd make for a good snack or starter.

I'll follow-up with a menu soon, as they didn't yet have it available this weekend. Although there isn't much room to sit inside, there's a comfortable-looking bench and a small table outside, providing a nice way to enjoy your sandwich, morning coffee, a snack or what have you.

Munch - 24-01 29th Street, Astoria NY 11102
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd