Goodbye Maximus...Hello Era

I saw a most curious thing the other day on 30th Avenue - the short-lived Maximus Lounge that opened just earlier this year seems to be closed and renamed yet again.  The sign says "Era - coming soon," as you can see above.  I've tried to do some digging but no luck on finding out what this new place will be just yet.  If you have the inside scoop, feel free to chime in, and I'll continue to keep an eye out.

Era - 36-11 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
N/W to 30th Avenue

New Eatery Near 30th Ave Satisfies Your "Crave"

Crave - 28-55 36th Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.726.4976

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

On my way from the gym this weekend, I noticed a new eatery right off of 30th Avenue and 36th Street called Crave.  Don't know much about it yet, except that it looks like it's about ready to open.  I have a call into them and will update you with any progress.  It looks like a cool space for something funky and different than the run-of-the-mill 30th Avenue cafe.  Holler if you know more about it.

Pomme Cafe - New Brasserie on Broadway

I was pleasantly surprised this weekend when walking on Broadway, seeing that a new French restaurant, a brasserie and a patisserie will open soon.  Pomme Cafe, the name of this new brasserie means "apple" in French and there's a cute apple logo displayed on its awning.  Although the space inside was still hidden, I anticipated that it would open in the next couple of weeks - and after calling them directly, the owner confirmed that it will open in two week's time.

Can't wait for this new Frenchie spot to grace our nabe.  If you know more information about it, feel free to chime in.

Pomme Cafe - 37-19 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103

718.545.4301

N/W Train to Broadway

Yolo (You Only Live Once) Opens in Astoria

Yolo - 22-55 31st street, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.1177
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.yolothincrustpizza.com

Yolo, yolo, yolo (aka You Only Live Once)...has been the latest buzz in the nabe about a new modern bar that opened up just weeks ago right under the Ditmars Blvd train tracks. Right next to O'Hanlon's Irish pub, Yolo offers a newer, sleeker vibe without the pretension.

The menu consists of simple bar food such as wings, sliders, and their specialty, thin crust pizza, which comes in ten interesting varieties. If you're willing and excited to check it out, the weekend might be a good idea, especially when they have all the games on, especially football. They boast a full bar with 14 beers on draft and plenty of daily specials. Sounds fun and promising.

Here's a sampling of their menu and prices:

Appetizers
Yolo's famous meatball - topped with marinara sauce with ricotta cheese...$8
Buffalo wings - tossed in hot sauce and blue cheese dressing...$8 (small), $14 (large)
Cheeseburger sliders - mini cheese burgers with sauteed onions...$8 (four)...$14 (eight)

Entrees
Penne ala Vodka with Chicken - in a pink vodka sauce with parmesan cheese...$14
Fettucicine Carbonara - prosciutto, pine nuts and fresh parmesan, finished in a light cream sauce...$14
Lobster Ravioli - in a tomato cream sauce...$14

Thin Crust Pizza
Meatball - marinara sauce and mozzarella with homemade meatballs...$9 (9"), $18 (16")
Ditmars Express - with bbq pulled pork, red onion and baby spinach...$9 (9"), $18 (16")
Yolo Infusion - topped with pesto and garlic with BBQ chicken, spinach, fresh basil and goat cheese...$9 (9"), $18 (16")
Absolut Flyin Hawaiian - marinara sauce, prosciutto, pineapple, fresh basil and mozzarella...$8 (9"), $16 (16")

Salads
Yolo Signature Salad - crisp mesculin tossed with sliced pear, walnuts, red onion and gorgonzola cheese with balsamic dressing...$10
Arugula and Bacon Salad - bacon, sliced mushroom, green pepper, cucumber, tomato and sun dried tomato with honey dijon dressing...$9
Mediterranean Salad - Crisp greens, olives, sun dried tomato, red onion, roasted red pepper and feta cheese with olive oil and vinegar...$10

Burgers and Sandwiches (served with French fries or salad)
Italian Burger - made with homemade meatball recipe...$9
Grilled Chicken Hero - with lettuce, tomato and provolone cheese...$9
Classic Burger - char-grilled 10 oz Angus burger on a sesame bun...$9 Add cheese, bacon, sauteed onions or mushrooms for $1/topping