An Update About Flo Cafe

I walked by Flo Cafe today, which is still very much a work-in-progress. Its opening has been delayed from November to early January, and we'll see if even that materializes. But despite being unfinished, Flo is showing signs of progress. Their new sign, which showcases a new, modern logo is up (see picture above). I quite like it and even more so than the original logo, which was boxy and unoriginal. Also peeking inside, I saw that the new digs will be more spacious, again taking a modern, contemporary approach.

I hope to have more updates about a re-opening date but if anyone knows anything, please give me a shout.

Flo Cafe - 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.6096
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.flocafeny.com

Flo Cafe - Closed for Renovation

Another eatery that's also getting vamped up is Flo cafe. The sign says that it'll open back up in November (soon?) but walking by last week, it still looked very much closed. We'll see how their look changes and actually I'm a bit puzzled as to why they are renovating, as this place is quite new. Also, in the past year, they opened up another lounge space, located on 38th street, which is connected to the main restaurant. It's lovely and inviting so I'm not entirely sure what's going to change. Will keep you posted but if anyone knows, drop me a line.

Flo Cafe - 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.6096
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.flocafeny.com

The New and Improved Bangkok Tasty

I noticed what I thought was a new cafe being built on 23rd Avenue and 29th Street. But what I foolishly thought was a new establishment is actually an expansion of the Thai restaurant, Bangkok Tasty--as my fellow Astorians, Meg and Harlan pointed out. According to the message at Bangkok Tasty, the grand re-opening should be today. The new space looks very sleek and modern with interesting light fixtures and textured walls.

I'll follow up with a menu and then with a review. Let me know if anyone has been there yet and what you think.

Bangkok Tasty - 29-06 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.545.8204
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Zodiac - Facelift-in-Progress

Zodiac - 30-15 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102

718.726.3995

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

I noticed that Zodiac, one of Astoria's staple Greek cafes is out of commission for the time being. The signs in the window say "we are closed for renovation" and "we'll be back soon." Sounds promising and the community will undoubtedly welcome a new and improved Zodiac. This place is known to have good--and authentic--Greek food but it was starting to look a bit shabby with its fake palms and tacky electric blue seating.

I'm excited for a new Zodiac and will report back about its reopening. Stay tuned...

Romano's Revamped

Romano's Famous Pizza & Gyro - 32-21 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106
718.626.5292
N/W Train to Broadway

Romano's pizza and gyro spot on Broadway and 32nd Street has a new look. I could hardly recognize it with its clean white stucco-esque exterior and its loungy outdoor seating area, complete with oversized umbrellas. It looks and feels so much more than a pizza place!

An Astorian staple for more than 25 years, Romano's is well-recognized by locals. In fact, Dan was reminiscing about it the other day, saying it was one of the pizza places that he used to frequent when he first moved to Astoria almost seven years ago.

Offering a mix of Italian and Greek food, Romano's could be a quick dinner or lunch stop and even a sit-down option where you can currently catch live Euro Cup coverage.

A sampling of their menu includes:

Appetizers:

Spinach Pie...$3.65
Buffalo Wings (10)...$6.60
Souvlaki Stick...$2.40

Pita Sandwiches and Platters:

Platters are served with Greek salad and a choice of French fries, roasted potatoes or rice.

Gyro...$4.95 (sandwich)...$8.75 (platter)
Chicken Souvlaki...$5.40 (sandwich)...$9.15 (platter)
Sausage...$4.95 (sandwich)...$8.75 (platter)

Pasta:

Spaghetti Pomodoro - with garlic, onions, tomato and basil...$7.50
Spaghetti Putanesca - with garlic, tomatoes, capers, olives in a tomato sauce...$8.50
Chicken Parmigiano Greek Style - over pasta...$9.95

Rotisserie Chicken:

BBQ 1/2 chicken with salad and a choice of fries, roasted potatoes or rice...$8.15
BBQ full chicken (no sides)...$7.35

Pizza:

Cheese...$5.50 (small)...$11.50 (large)

You can also choose a variety of toppings such as extra cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, peppers, olives, fresh tomatoes, pineapple and anchovies.

Go ahead and check it out. It's especially inviting on a warm summer night.

Pinocchio is Back

A couple of weeks back, I noted the close for renovation of 30th Avenue gyro and pizza king, Pinocchio Palace. Well it's back in action and as busy as ever, judging from what I saw this past Sunday. I peeked inside to see the new digs and liked what I saw--an airy, clean space with a modern flat screen TV, which was tuned to a soccer match. The interior redesign seems contemporary but not so much so that you wouldn't recognize this place. The exterior is still the same, with the exception of a new maroon awning--I don't think it matches with the blue Pinocchio sign but oh well.

I asked about the menu and it hasn't changed much since the renovation. There are a couple of low-sellers that were dropped such as the Doners and the sandwiches but the pizza and gyros continue to be their show stoppers. When asked about the pizza specifically, a Pinocchio waitress replied "Of course we'd never change that!"

Go on and check out the new space and let me know how it suits ya.

Pinocchio Palace - 32-02 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102

718.721.9636

N/W Train to 30th Avenue