Ornella's Fall Pasta is Here

Even though I love, love, love the summer, the fall is also a nice time, due to the comforting dishes we get to indulge in.  No excuses!  You'll notice a lot of restaurants in the nabe changing up their menus and offering heartier dishes that as diners, we flock to.

Ornella, one of my dear Astoria faves always does a great job of being conscious of the seasons and has recently rolled out their fall pasta specials, which change daily.  What to expect here?

Fresh pasta with all sorts of meaty ragus - wild boar, oxtail, pork, lamb, venison.  I've literally tried them all and choosing a favorite is no easy feat , but if I have to I'd go with the wild boar, which is slow cooked, fragrant and just warms your bones.

If you're a veggie, don't worry, there's a whole vegetarian pasta menu you can take advantage of too - check it out here.  

And just to give testament to the incredible fresh pasta here, just watch my friend Giuseppe make their famous corzetti.  Buon appetito and happy Fall!

Ornella Trattoria -17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.94
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella Puts Out Another Hit

 

Any excuse I find to go to Ornella Trattoria, I take it, so when it came time to organize We Heart Astoria's bi-monthly blogger social, it was the first place that came to mind.  Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner was too happy to oblige, letting me know that a larger party wouldn't be a problem and that he'd work up a special menu for us.  Fun!  My colleagues, Meg, Mackenzi and I looked forward to it all week. And alas, the day came!

We got a nice long table at the front of the restaurant, near the long open window that carried in a comfortable breeze.  It was so fun to meet everyone and exchange our favorite Astoria blogging experiences.  There was a nice representation from various Astoria based blogs, including AJ from Handjobs for the Home, Sam from cocktailians, Annabel from 30th Ave Blog, Scott and Kate from We Could Eat and Erich & WT from gardenfreude blog.  I loved meeting these fantastic people and breaking bread with them was far more interesting that my typical Monday night.

Our special menu consisted of a choice of an appetizer, entree and wine for a good price.  Although I've tried nearly everything on the menu, here are some newbies I devoured:

Prosciutto, Melon & Burrata - I've had burrata here before, but I haven't had it with this classic melon/prosciutto combination and it was wonderful.  A lovely way to start a meal, it injected a breath of freshness from the melon, which helped to cut the indulgence from the creamy, milky cheese and the salty, smoky prosciutto.  Meg got it too and agreed it was delizioso.

Pappardelle with Braised Rabbit - Giuseppe had me at "pappardelle," which I knew even without him saying it, would be homemade.  He gave me a special portion with braised rabbit, cooked in a hearty tomatoey sauce with olives and garlic that really elevated the flavors of the meat to the next level.  I'm sometimes lukewarm on rabbit because of how bony it is, but I loved this iteration, with the tender, juicy meat that you just wanted to devour completely, leaving nothing but those little bones.  The pappardelle were smooth and a little thicker than what I'm used to, but I loved them, especially since they held their own next to the rabbit and did a great job of hanging on to that heavenly sauce.

Roasted Sole with Angel Hair Pasta - This was Meg's dish and a number of other friends chose it too.  I loved the sheer size of the fish, which was so generous and sported a beautiful golden skin.  I had a taste and loved how lemony it was and also appreciated the adequate amount of seasoning on it - I dislike when a good fish tastes bland because it's underseasoned, and that wasn't the case here.

Homemade Espresso with Foam - One of the highlights of our meal was when Giuseppe demoed how to make a homemade espresso with zabaglione-style cream in the simplest way.  By whipping it!  I loved the story behind the process he described to us as, "making the first coffee of the day," which starts him off each morning.  We had a taste of course and not only was it fragrant and delicious, the cream on top was sweet, fluffly and irresistible.

Service and Cost:
In true Ornella fashion, the service was magnifico - we got tons of personal attention but were also left alone to just chill and enjoy our surroundings.  I think that I speak for everyone when I say that a fantastic time was had.  Unfortunately I had to run out early, but my colleagues stayed and lingered for some more conversation in this fantastic setting.

Costs are affordable and as I mentioned, we worked out a special menu for this large group, which set us back about $27 per person including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Ornella Trattoria -17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.94
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella's Lobster Night

It's fun to witness all the lively food developments percolating at Ornella, one of my all-time Astoria faves.  Their theme nights offer some pretty great deals including Thursday night pasta night, where you can get any pasta dish for just $10 off their special menu.  Through my many rave reviews about their pasta, I don't think I have to convince you to try it out.

But now Ornella has a brand new theme night on Tuesdays, which involves lobster.  That's right...lobsta!  Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner loves to experiment with new things and happened to be serving linguine topped with lobster.  It was such a huge hit that it convinced him to expand the offering:

Tuesday Night Lobster Night
1 1/2 lb broiled lobster served with linguine - $21

Check it out and do let me know how you liked it.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana - 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella - A Most Unusual Dessert Comes to Astoria

 

Going to Ornella is always a culinary adventure, which usually starts with good ol' curiosity for new food.  I never tire of hearing about what Giuseppe, Ornella's owner has resurrected from his home country of Italy, and for the record, it's always something exciting, innovative and far from run of the mill. 

During this visit, Bo and I tried three new delicacies, 2/3 of which were savory and the rest sweet.  I'll save the best for last but just know that it's unlike anything you've ever tried - that much I can guarantee.

Porchetta with Burrata - The Italian version of a spiced boneless pork roast, Ornella served it with simple, clean ingredients, rightly letting its unique flavor shine.  Served on a bed of peppery arugula, alongside fresh slices of tomato and creamy burrata cheese, it's Ornella's way of showcasing a deconstructed porchetta sandwich.  The meat was soft, delicate and flavored by the earthy spices stuck to its skin.  I liked that the pieces of porchetta had been sliced so thin, that what would normally be a heavy dish, actually felt very light and was a nice prelude to the rest of the meal.

Beef Cheek Stew with Cauliflower Puree - While conservative eaters would be hesitant to try this, I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't bat an eyelash before saying "yes."  A hearty, comforting mixture of slow cooked beef and mirepoix in a red wine reduction,  it's the perfect way to satisfy yourself after a long, hard day and not to mention a cold one.  I love the pairing of creamy cauliflower puree that's served on the side, adding a touch of lightness to a full bodied protein dish.  I appreciated this thoughtful side, which far surpassed the expected mashed potatoes. 

Sanguinaccio - Now the moment you've been waiting for, and the most unusual (but also the most delicious and coveted) part of this meal - the sanguinaccio (aka pig's blood pudding).  Now before you left click that mouse, I urge you to stop and pay full attention, for this was one of the most interesting and palate electrifying desserts I've ever had.

Resembling the consistency and look of Nutella (one of my all time favorite desserts), its flavors were actually a lot more complex and far more delicious.  Just to paint a full picture for you, the sanguinaccio is made up of chocolate, orange essence, milk and of course fresh pig's blood.  One can wonder why the latter ingredient is necessary but trust me, it makes the dish, adding a strength in texture and a richness in taste that can't be replicated with anything else.  Served alongside fried rectangular cookies called chiacchiere, also an Italian specialty, I call it a Nutella sandwich, flipped upside the head.

The sanguinaccio is featured on Ornella's Pork Night menu on Tuesday nights, where you can enjoy a four-course all pork menu for $50 (including wine).  If you want to learn more about sanguinaccio and its interesting history, read Astoria's very own, Brad Hawks' article on Grub Street.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana - 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Valentine's Day in Astoria

Image by coffeestencil.com

It's that time of year again and love is in the air. Ok...that was pretty cheesy, as I tend to think of Valentine's day more as a fun day to celebrate with friends, family and significant others, rather than making a big to-do of it.  It's a day that you should have fun with and not stress out about.  Plus...it's a great excuse for eating out and a lot of Astoria/LIC restaurants are getting ready for it by featuring celebratory specials.  I wanted to outline them for you here, so no matter with whom you celebrate this day with, I hope you have a fantastic time.

Vesta - Always pulling out all the stops, Vesta welcomes V-Day with a 3-course menu made up of local, organic ingredients and a glass of prosecco.  You can expect some of their signature favorites such as a braised veal Osso Bucco and the very famous, Baby Jesus Cake.  The prix-fixe is $50 per person.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Cavo - Usually a pricey option, this year Cavo whipped out a refreshingly price-conscious menu with a 3-course prix-fixe for just $45 per person.  The food options are tantalizing, including a saganaki cheese flambee, four-hour braised black angus short ribs, and even a Cupid's chocolate surprise for dessert.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.1001

L'Artiste - Just a few steps from Cavo, you've got L'Artiste, which is the way to go if you want a romantic, intimate meal.  They're featuring a 5-course sophisticated French menu with a glass of champagne and a glass of wine for $75/person.  I know the price may sound steep, but the quality of food and the service are impeccable.  42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria. 646.309.7504

Seva - From a treat to a steal, Seva is a fantastic V-Day option if you're on a budget.  For $15/person you can score a 3-course menu full of homey, comforting Indian dishes.  And for just $10 more, you can get wine with that samosa too!  30-07 34th Street, Astoria.  718.626.4440

Veslo - This new Croatian eatery is certainly picking up steam, offering a robust 5-course V-Day prix-fixe for $50/person.  A mix of seafood, pasta and meat grace the menu and as for dessert, Croatian-style crepes are also in store.  This special is valid from 2/11 - 2/14 - enjoy! 32-11 Broadway, Astoria. 718.728.0549

DiWine - Are you a wine lover? If so, you won't want to miss DiWine's 4-course special menu, which also includes a glass of wine.  You can always ask one of their experts about specific wines to pair with this thoughtful menu, which includes items such as a duck confit spring roll, a braised lamb shank, banana walnut bread pudding and much more.  The special will set you back $65/person.  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.1355

Ornella - It's no secret that I turn to Ornella for virtually every occassion.  While there's a $35 3-course Menu Romantico prix-fixe, you can also choose from their extensive menu of fresh pastas, meat (the pork Osso Bucco is amazing!) or their newest creation, sanguinaccio (black pudding and chiacchiere fritters).  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.9477

eXo - This delicious Greek resto is offering a 5-course menu with comforting food, boasting innovative preparation.  You can expect items such as sizzling saganaki, lobster & orzo bisque, Montauk swordfish souvlaki, grilled hanger steak with...get this, Greek feta tater tots, and more.  The dinner is $68/person with a complimentary glass of champagne and even a free bottle of wine if you bring in another couple. Now that's an incentive!  15-16 149th Street, Whitestone.  718.767.4396

Ovelia - This year, Ovelia is sticking to their traditional dinner menu for V-day but where they're spicing things up is dessert.  With every entree order, you can also get a choice of a special dessert including a house-made raspberry sorbet with fresh raspberries or a hot brownie with ice cream and spicy caramel dressing. Sounds sexy!  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217

Testaccio - This stylish Italian resto in LIC will be celebrating with a 3-course menu including a glass of champagne for $75/person.  Before you write that off as too expensive, just look at the the menu, which boasts lobster cappuccino, panko crusted crab-cakes, Osso Bucco, braised short ribs, wood oven roasted king crab legs, Nutella mousse with vinsanto soaked raisins and other delectable treats.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City.  718.937.2900

Mojave - Always ready to celebrate, Mojave will have a 3-course V-Day menu including coffee/tea and one complimentary V-Day cocktail.  They've made the menu extra special by putting on whimsy items such as Valentine's Lovers Soup, white grape truffles and more.  At $49/person, it promises good value.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100

Studio Square - Here's something different to do for people who are looking to mix and mingle on V-Day.  Studio Square will be hosting a "Single and Ready to Mingle" party, which starts at 5 p.m. and goes on all night.  Ladies drink for $1, so even if you don't catch your ideal valentine ladies, at least you'll drink for cheap.  35-33 36th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that Bohemian Hall was featuring a V-Day dinner.  Their 3-course prix-fixe offers a simple menu and two glasses of champagne for $75/couple.  Maybe you can trade the latter in for beer!  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Looking Forward to 2011...

2010 was a good year.  A very good year.  Filled with tons of eventful happenings, I was excited to share with you my eclectic, (and I hope) culinarily rich insights.  As I look forward to what the new year will bring for The Foodista (and for you!), I wanted to recap 2010 with a fun highlights reel.  Here are my 10 biggest accomplishments this year, in order of importance.

10.  Taste of Tennis - I had the pleasure of covering this amazing event on the "green" carpet and even managed to cram in a foodie interview with Alex McCord of the Real Housewives of New York.

9. Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation - Being on the planning committee of this amazing charitable food event allowed me to not only to help make it happen, but to also be a part of the action!

8.  Interviewing the Ace of Cakes - How fun it was to meet the cake man himself!  Duff Goldman was just as cool in person as on TV.  Our interview got a little controversial at the end, just take a look.

7.  New York Culinary Experience - Having the honor of covering one of the greatest hands-on culinary events in New York, I got to interact (and cook with!) amazing top chefs such as Babbo's Gina DePalma, Hearth and Terroir's, Chef Marco Canora, SHO Shaun Hergatt's Chef Hergatt and more.

6.  Interviewing Sandra Lee -  The semi-homemade queen and I went one-on-one at the Silver Star diner in NYC, where she talked about her love of tuna fish and the creative ideas that make her who she is.  See the buzz the interview caused in the NYT.

5.  Interviewing Paula Deen - Another Food Network star highlight was meeting the priestess of Southern cooking, Miss Paula Deen.  Not only was she genuine and warm, she really does love her butter more than anything in the world.

4.  Being a Guest on Martha Stewart Living - I was so excited to be a part of Martha's radio show on Sirius XM where I told readers all about the fabulousness of Astoria and about my family dessert favorite, Ceresnova Bublanina.

3.  Judging the French Culinary Institute Student Final - This was a huge honor for me, as I got to taste and critique the dishes of up-and-coming culinary talent.  My fellow judges included high profile chefs such as Carmen Gonzalez of Top Chef Masters and more.

2.  Tasting and Exploring Astoria - From new restaurants such as L'Artiste, MexiQ, 5 Napkin Burger to amazing mainstays such as Vesta, BareBurger, Ovelia, Ornella, Seva and more, Astoria never ceases to amaze in its richness and cultural culinary diversity.

1.  Connecting with You - Most of all, I love interacting and engaging with my community in Astoria, LIC and beyond.  I love the lively commentary that you take part in as a result of my posts, and I hope you find them helpful and valuable.  Your enthusiasm and candid opinions further motivate me to provide you with honest, uncut and behind-the-scenes culinary insight.

Thank you, and Happy New Year to you all.  See you in 2011!

Thanksgiving in Astoria - Happy Happy!

Thanksgiving is almost here.  Whether if you go out for a pre Thanksgiving dinner or drinks, a Thanksgiving multi-course meal or treat your family and friends to a delicious holiday pie, here's a list of 10 options that'll help you celebrate this holiday in the way of your choosing.

Vesta - Open and serving their delectable, farm-to-table food, Vesta is a great place to check out if you want a Thanksgiving a-la-carte menu.  From roasted butternut, acorn, pumpkin soup to their own version of a turkey dinner, Vesta always has something delicious in store.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

Ornella - This gem of a restaurant will remain open on Thanksgiving and they'll keep it authentic with a turkey on the menu.  However if you're in the mood for excellent, homemade pasta, you won't find a shortage of it here.  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.9477

Ovelia - Although they'll be closed on Thanksgiving, they're raising Rock n' Ribs Wednesday to the next level, featuring three big DJs who all got their break by spinning at Ovelia.  Plus they're putting buffalo fried calamari back on the menu. YUM! 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103.  718.721.7217

L'Artiste Restaurant - My new favorite French restaurant in the nabe will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving - and similarly to Vesta, it'll be a la carte.  There's no special menu that day, so you'll get to pick from classic French bistro dishes such as roast chicken cordon bleu, seared duck breast, classic profiteroles and much more.  42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  646.309.7504

Studio Square - In their life-of-the-party fashion, Studio Square will be featuring a Thanksgiving Eve party on Wednesday night starting at 3p.m..  You won't have to worry about a cover, and drinks specials will be going on all night.  35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.383.1001

Martha's Country Bakery - If you're celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family and want to bring over a great pie, try Martha's.  They have many seasonal flavors including, apple, pumpkin, pecan, cranberry-walnut and also other fruit varieties such as cherry, blueberry and more.  Costing about $12 - $14, they don't come cheap but they sure will satisfy.  36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.545.9737

La Guli Pastry Shop - Another yummy place to get a homemade pie, their flavors are plentiful including apple, sweet potato, coconut custard, pumpkin, and even a "green pie" that's made of whole-wheat dough.  Pies range between $10 - $14.50.  29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.728.5612

Mojave - This Southwestern eatery is boasting a special three-course Thanksgiving menu including complimentary drinks such as a margarita, sangrita, wine, champagne, beer or a mojito.  It'll set you back $34.95 per person and I think you'll be happy with your choice.  22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.545.4100

Locale - Featuring a Turkey Feast, which is ultimately a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu, you can check out Locale for a nice and casual dinner.  Some of the dishes you can find include squash soup, prime rib, a fall apple cobbler and more.  $39 per person.  33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.  718.729.9080

Seva - For something a bit untraditional, check out Seva for an Indian-style Thanksgiving.  They'll have their regular menu, which is always excellent - the lamb curry is especially amazing, and if you're a veggie, their samosas shouldn't be missed.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.626.4440

These establishments will unfortunately be closed on Thanksgiving.

5 Napkin Burger
718 Restaurant
Bistro 33
Malagueta
BareBurger
Cafe Bar
MexiQ
Taverna Kyclades

Have a happy and healthy - and enjoy your feast, wherever you might have it!

Ornella - The Mighty Duck Meatball Delivers

As I mentioned last week, Ornella has once again brought us something new and exciting, elevating the scale of deliciousness to the next level. And that something is their duck meatball, a dish I've never tasted before but will absolutely have again.  That I can say with certainly.   Aside from this scrumptious Ornella newbie, Dan and I had the pleasure of indulging in some new pasta options as well as a fabulous pork dish that's perfect for the fall.

Duck Meatballs - I wasn't sure what to expect from this dish.  "Would they be small bite sized rounds or larger, more substantial in size?" I wondered to myself.  Surprised at actually how large they were (maybe a tad bigger than a golf ball), I eagerly split them with a fork to reveal a creamy ricotta surprise in the middle.  I smiled to myself and thought, "this is gonna be good." And it was.  The glaze on top was sweet with hints of orange, which complemented the duck meat very well.  And speaking of the duck meat, it was divine.  Moist and bursting with flavor from all the wonderful fresh herbs in it, it had a rich meaty bite that was highly addicting.  I'm telling you...these are an absolute must.

Pasta Gone Nuts - Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner also raved about a new pasta dish he just put on the menu, which is made with pistachio sauce.  I love the earthy taste of pistachios and the fact that it was served with one of my Ornella favorites, chestnut pasta, sold me then and there.  When the plate arrived, I could smell the delicious pistachio sauce and an essence of truffle oil, which finished off this creamy indulgence.  The chestnut pasta was the perfect vehicle for transporting the sauce, as it clung to the pasta dutifully and stood up to its hearty texture.

Pappardelle with Oxtail - Another menu newbie, Dan ordered it to try a meatier dish.  I had something similar this summer, which had wild boar in it as well as the same, delicate homemade pappardelle pasta.  The oxtail was slightly richer in body than the wild boar and because this dish is on the heavier side, mixed with button mushrooms too, the thin pasta was appropriate.  Overall, a perfect fall recipe.

Stuffed Pork Chop - Just when we thought the feast was over, Giuseppe convinced us to try the stuffed pork chop with cheese, prosciutto and herbs.  It was a large, beautiful hunk of meat as you see here, surrounded by button mushrooms and handmade spaghetti alla chitarra, which I've helped make at the restaurant.  The dish was lovely and again due to its size, a perfect thing to share with someone.  The pork was flavorful and a nice sleeve for the delicious salty goodness of the prosciutto and the melted cheese inside.  Just another example of Ornella's creativity and innovation.  Molto bene!

Ornella Trattoria Italiana29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.94
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Fun (and Affordable) Specials at Ornella

Ornella, one of my favorite places to have a homemade Italian meal is running two fabulous specials on Mondays and Thursdays. They're both very affordable, presenting a great opportunity to treat yourself to great food on the weekdays. And given their generous portions, you might have some leftovers to last you into the weekend.

Mondays:

Vegetarian Night - All vegetarian dishes are $10 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Thursdays:

Pick Your Pasta Night - Any pasta on the menu is just $10 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Enjoy these specials with friends, a loved one or go solo and soak up the warm atmosphere.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105

718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella's Sweet Reinventions Never Cease to Amaze

Last weekend, Dan and I had a lovely dinner with friends, Meg and Tom at one of our all time favorite Italian spots, Ornella.  For those of you who read my blog regularly, you know how much I care for their homemade pasta dishes, which are renditions of regional delicacies straight from Italy.  I'm always impressed when co-owner Giuseppe rattles off a plethora of new items they've added to the menu and the unique story behind each one of them.  So in addition to eating like kings and queens every time we visit Ornella, we also receive an interesting history lesson on Italian culture and cuisine.  What more can you ask for?

Here are some of the new and wonderful delicacies that we're still thinking about:

Appetizers:
We ordered a couple of starters for the table, including the burrata and prosciutto special, the zuppa di pesce as well as gnocchi Gorgonzola.  We haven't had the first two yet at Ornella but the gnocchi was a repeat order.  I'm happy to say that it's gotten even better than the last time we ordered it.  The gnocchi recipe has come a long way from torpedo-shaped pieces with little ridges, to soft, smooth, pillowy bits of heaven.  They're a lot lighter now and together with the sweet-tangy cheese (they use Gorgonzola dolce instead of the sharp) they just melt in your mouth.  It has to be said that Dan and Tom who normally don't even look at Gorgonzola, devoured this.

The burrata was soft as cream and quite wonderful when paired with the smoky prosciutto.  I like that it came with a generous helping of arugula, which gave it nice pepperiness.

As for the zuppa di pesce...well just look at it.  The presentation was really lovely, with a round piece of toasty bread, nestled on top of a round bowl, topped with a baked clam.  Its contents were so fresh - luscious pieces of seafood such as mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp and more. A true mixture of seafood goodness!

Entrees:
Ornella's menu is quite diverse and that's why we each went for something completely different.  Meg had her favorite, chestnut pasta, Tom went for the short ribs and gnocchi special, Dan got the traditional chicken parm and I tried a vegetarian risotto dish.  We also indulged by receiving a fifith entree, our all time favorite Imbustata (a pasta envelope filled with mushrooms, veal, chicken, mozzarella, spinach, mascarpone cheese - simply...the works).

Out of all these dishes, I loved Tom's short ribs the most.  The tender meat was slow cooked in a 70 year aged wine from Giuseppe and Ornella's private family stash.  I thought this was super cool and we were given a little whiff of the pungent liquid, straight from the bottle.  If you happen to be there on a night they feature this dish, I'd highly recommend it.

I liked my vegetarian plate of risotto too, which was enhanced by pieces of bitter radicchio, sweet chunks of pears and salty, sharp Gorgonzola.  It was just delicious and very, very filling. I can confidently say that I didn't miss the meat at all.

Dessert:
Surprised in a good way, we received an entire dessert platter of Ornella's signature desserts and some new ones too.  I'll only talk about the latter here and they included an unusual but really delicious eggplant cake as well as a lemon custard cake.

For adventurous and curious palates, I highly recommend the eggplant cake. It has an interesting texture and tastes wonderfully refreshing.  And just so you know, it's not all eggplant--what makes it a true Italian dessert is the rich ricotta, mascarpone cheese as well as chocolate. YUM!

The lemon custard cake is perfect for the summer, sporting a sunshine yellow color.  The taste is clean and refreshing and overall it's a light way to end your meal.

Service and Cost:
The service at Ornella is always second to none. As I already explained, not only do you get welcoming, personal treatment, you also get a helpful history lesson. It's really wonderful to see the passion behind each menu item and how much owners, Giuseppe and Ornella enjoy what they do.

We paid about $60 per couple for the aforementioned meal including tax and tip.  The dessert and the extra entree were on the house.

3 Passionate Mmmms

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Where to Eat on Easter Sunday in Astoria

Easter is this Sunday and from what's been predicted, the weather will be awesome.  Warm and sunny and simply a perfect day to enjoy some time with close family and friends.  If you're not planning a home cooked meal, there are plenty of restaurant options to enjoy.  Some restaurants are planning special menus and prix-fixes while others are keeping it casual with regular menus.

Bistro Les Minots - This intimate French bistro will be having an Easter prix-fixe but I can assure you, it's affordable.  For $29.95 per person, you'll get a three-course French meal with choices such as a Provencale tarte, roasted leg of lamb, a classic strawberry chantilly and more.  47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.606.2535

718 Restaurant - Another Frenchie spot, this one isn't changing a thing for Easter, and I don't think they need to.  You can enjoy their delicious brunch, which includes a three-course prix-fixe with a cocktail for $22.  While it may seem like a lot for brunch, it's well worth it and especially for this festive holiday.  35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553

Da Franco - This traditional Italian eatery will also skip a formal prix-fixe and instead will offer a couple of daily specials which will include fish, meat and pasta. I highly recommend asking for their blistery focaccia bread, or if you like sweet things, ask them to put nutella on it - it makes the most wonderful dessert. 23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105. 718.267.0010

El Ay Si - A special Easter menu isn't in the works, so if you're in the mood for comfort food such as jalapeno corn fritters, black-eyed pea cakes, fried chicken and such, you've come to the right place. Although there's no special listed now, they often pop up on their Facebook page on the day of, so check back for updates. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.389.8781

Ornella - Masters of homemade food with soul, Ornella will be skipping the prix-fixes, concentrating on traditional Italian dishes that are popular for Easter. Whether you choose to go with a hearty lasagna or an earthy dish like lamb with rosemary, you can't go wrong. And if you want something special that you can't get anywhere else, ask about their buckwheat pasta called Pizzoccheri Della Valtellina. 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105. 718.777.9477

Ovelia - Tradition plays a big role in Ovelia's Easter offering with Magiritsa, a traditional egg lemon soup, available after midnight on Saturday. They'll remain open on Sunday and will serve Greek specialties such as Kokoretsi and roasted leg of lamb. You can get both as well as the soup for a $27 prix-fixe. Enjoy - and don't forget to ask for one of their fabulous cocktails. 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Testaccio - Long Island City's newest, modern Italian eatery delivers yummy Roman Easter classics.  The Easter menu includes delicacies such as thinly sliced roast veal, roasted leg of lamb with porcini mushrooms, roasted rabbit with black olives and much more.  Don't miss the Nutella pizza rolls for dessert - they're a must. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 718.937.2900

Trattoria L'Incontro - One of Astoria's best known Italian restaurants, they don't mess around when it comes to special occasions.  They'll feature a generous 4-course prix-fixe for $60/person with Easter dishes such as a special Easter soup, ravioli with sweet potatoes, lamb, filet mignon, a choice of fish and various desserts of the day.  21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Vesta - A dear favorite of mine and of many others, Vesta will feature a special Easter menu with a mix of brunch (till 3:00 p.m.) and dinner (till 9:00 p.m.). Their Easter menu boasts some of their signature dishes such as the Hangover Pizza, Slow Braised Meatballs, Lasagna (Sunday dinner style - pictured above) as well as new dishes such as skate and borcht soup. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.545.5550

Zenon Taverna - This wonderful Greek staple isn't wasting time when it comes to celebrating Easter.  They'll be open real late on Saturday night/Sunday morning (until 3:00 a.m.) to ensure that people can enjoy a traditional Easter dinner right after religious services.  There is a prix-fixe on Saturday and it's super affordable at $20.95/person for a 4-course meal including a special treat - flaounes, a traditional Cypriot cheese pie made especially for Easter.  They'll be closed on Sunday.   34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Ornella's New Creations

I love visiting Ornella - partly for its tasty, comforting food but also because of the passion owners, Ornella and Giuseppe have for it.  It's truly wonderful to see two good-hearted individuals who are genuine in their intentions and get excited about what they do.  A great feeling comes over you when you step into this place - traditions are deeply respected and the unconditional love of food permeates every nook and cranny.

While Ornella serves classic Italian eats such as spaghetti with meatballs, gnocchi, veal parm and more, it boasts a selection of non-traditional, inventive Italian food that gets your wheels spinning and your tummy gurgling with excitement.

Two new items that I had the pleasure of trying recently were the hommade chestnut bread and the bottarga di tonno, a cured tuna used similarly to truffles - shaved delicately over pasta or bread to bring out its flavor.

Chestnut Bread - Wow, the color on this loaf was gorgeous - it was a rich brown and the inside was fluffy and super moist.  Immediately after taking a bite, I noticed its hearty consistency and that it didn't need butter or olive oil.  This bread was excellent on its own.  If you'd like to try it, come in on the weekend, as they're starting to introduce it on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bottarga di Tonno - This really was something special and unique that I've never tasted before.  Giuseppe gave me the history behind it, explaining that the method of curing it has been around for many generations.  The trick is to use just a little bit on a pasta dish, bread or maybe even some plain greens - it livens them up immediately.  The taste is intense and smoky, and you have to really love salty things to appreciate it.  Ask for it on Ornella's signature fresh pasta or anything else that might desire it.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana - 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)www.ornellatrattoria.com

V-Day at Ornella Delivered the Goods

 

  

  

  

Valentine's Day turned out great this year - not only did I have a wonderful, relaxing day, Dan and I had an amazing dinner at one of my Astorian favorites, Ornella.  I was really looking forward to my meal and couldn't stop thinking about the imbustata, a dish that made a big impression on me last time. 

Below you'll find the highlights of our meal - including a couple of new things we tried:

Nduja Crostini - "This is something really special that you won't find anywhere else," Giuseppe, Ornella's co-owner explained.  So what is nduja?  If you think it sounds and looks like the word andouille, you're right.  The root of the word is the same, and even though this product is Italian, its influence is French.  A soft pork sausage originating from the Calabria region of Italy, it has a smoky flavor with a spicy twist.  It's absolutely delicious and mouth-warming, served on a crispy piece of bread that Dan and I devoured in seconds.  I loved its texture, which behaved very much like a spread.

Pizzoccheri Della Valtellina (Homemade Buckwheat Pasta) - Another interesting specialty that Ornella was particularly proud of was this delicate buckweat pasta.  The recipe comes from Northern Italy, very much influenced by the mountanous regions where savory cooking is common.  That's why the accompaniments for this slightly thick, noodle pasta were hearty vegetables such as cabbage and potatoes.  It might seem unusual to have these in a pasta dish, but they were delicious and certainly did a good job of warming us up.  The sauce was a light garlic/butter sauce that went down smoothly.

Baked Clams - A classic Italian appetizer, it happens to be one of Dan's favorites.  I tried it too and loved it - the clams were super fresh and the breadcrumb filling was golden brown and crispy on the outside but slightly doughy on the inside. 

Italian Wedding Soup - Since I went with the V-day prix-fixe menu, I chose this as my starter.  The broth had a comforting essence, which reminded me of chicken soup and the meatballs were nice and light.  Small bits of pastina and pretty green ribbons of escarole swam in this liquid of goodness.  The portion was more than generous and enough to take home for seconds.

Chicken Scarpariello - Dan wasn't disappointed with his entree, which is another one of his favorites.  The chicken was nicely browned around the edges and was smothered in a fragrant white wine sauce.  Although the meat was off the bone, I think they usually serve it on the bone for extra flavor.  In addition to the chicken, you also got some tasty bites of roasted Italian sausage and sweet roasted red peppers.  Dan nearly licked his plate clean and used the extra bread to mop up that gorgeous sauce.

Service and Cost:
Customer care is personal and warm, and I can honestly say that you're treated like family.  The minute you come in, you're greeted warmly and your bottle of vino that you bring along is uncorked and your glass is filled.  Dishes come out in good time and you're not rushed to leave, instead you feel comfortable to linger and chit chat to your heart's content.

Prices are reasonable and this place continues to be BYOB.  Brunch is served on weekends and a veggie menu has recently been rolled out.

3 Mmmms

Ornella Trattoria Italiana -29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella is Now Open - Here's their Menu

Ornella Trattoria, the Italian restaurant that has recently replaced Samba Grill is officially open.  They had their friends and family soft opening last week and now it's down to business - anyone can visit and enjoy.

I was able to get the menu, so here's a sneak peek.  Prices are moderate and the selection is plentiful.

Antipasti:
Calamari Alla Griglia - Grilled Atlantic calamari, field greens and cherry tomato...$10
Caprese Con Peperoni - Imported Bufala mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, roasted peppers and basil...$9
Gamberi e Fagioli - Broiled shrimp, cannellini beans, garlic, rosemary, tomato and olive oil...$10
Polipo alla Griglia - Tenderized Mediterranean octopus, tomato, capers, arugula, red onions, lemon and olive oil...$9
 
Pasta:
Gnocchi Alla Gorgonzola - Potato, ricotta, imported gorgonzola, dolce cheese sauce...$15
Imbustata - Oven baked envelope shaped pasta filled with roasted veal, chicken, wild mushrooms, homemade mozzarella, California spinach, mascarpone cheese, fresh tomato sauce...$19
Risotto del Mare - Arborio rice, shrimp, calamari, diver scallops, jumbo lump crambmeat, roasted artichokes, white wine, shallots and lobster broth...$19
Penne Integrali - Whole wheat pasta with oven roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, escarole, fresh mozzarella, garlic, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil...$15

Fish:

Gamberi al Limone - Broiled shrimp, olive oil, white wine, lemon and parsley...$21
Salmone Primavera - Broiled salmon, assorted julienned vegetables, mustard sauce...$21
Spada alla Livornese - Swordfish sauteed with olives, capers, onions and cherry tomato sauce...$23

Meat:
Costoletta ai Ferri - Milk fed grilled veal chop, roasted garlic and rosemary...$25
Vitello Pantelleria - Veal medallions, Sicilian caper berries, artichokes, white wine sauce...$21
Pollo Scarpariello - White and dark meat, roasted sausages, garlic, rosemary, white wine...$18
Agnello Grigliato - Grilled rack of lamb, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, classic garnish...$25

Ornella Trattoria Italiana

29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

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)