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)

Turkey Day in Astoria

Are you staying in the nabe for Thanksgiving? Although some restaurants will be closed, there are plenty that will remain open for business--and are offering impressive Thanksgiving specials. Feast your eyes on these filling Thanksgiving offers...

Seva - Give your Thanksgiving some Indian flare. Enjoy a three-course feast for just $14. The food is fantastic and you'll get way more than what you pay for. Here's a sampling of Thursday's meal - Turkey Tikka Masala, Cranberry Saffron Rice, Cashew Pumpkin Halwa. And remember, you can bring your own booze--this joint is BYOB.
30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.626.4440

Mojave - Enjoy Mojave's Mexican Thanksgiving for $29.95. You'll get a complimentary cocktail along with a three-course meal. Here's a preview - Butternut Squash Bisque, Cider-brined Hudson Valley Turkey, Pumpkin Cheesecake.
22-36 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105, 718.545.4100

Samba Grill - Celebrate Thanksgiving Brazilian-style, where meat is always the main event. Samba is offering a $25.95 prix-fixe, where you'll enjoy an oven-roasted turkey along with other cuts of meat and an all-you-can-eat buffet. A glass of sangria is included and reservations are strongly suggested.
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105. 718.777.9477

Zenon Taverna - Zenon never fails to deliver a delicious and affordable meal. For $21.95 they're offering a three-course meal including the following scrumptious-sounding options: Cream of Turkey Soup, Roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Sweet Potatoes as well as Pumpkin Pie and Coffee.
34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Cavo - Always ringing in the festivities in style, Cavo is offering a four-course Thanksgiving prix-fixe for $45. A sampling of their luxurious menu includes: Veloute of Green Split Peas Braised Short Ribs of Beef, Osso-Buco of Turkey Leg Braised With Orzo Tomatoes and Herbs, Caramel Sweet Potatoes, Fig and Honey Cheesecake.
42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001

And don't forget about Thanksgiving dessert...

Martha's Country Bakery - Bring home Martha's old-fashioned lattice fruit pie. They come in a multitude of flavors such as apple, cherry, blueberry, pumpkin, pecan, cranberry walnut and more. Pies range between $12-$14.
36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.9737

La Guli Pastry Shop - Another wonderful sweet shop with Italian flare, you can get pies as well as "Happy Thanksgiving" sugar cookies. Pie flavors vary and include: cherry, blueberry, apple, pumpkin, coconut custard, sweet potato and even mince pie! Prices range between $10-$26.50.
29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 718.728.5612

Happy Thanksgiving Astoria!

Samba Grill - Carnivores Advise

Everyone loves a good Churrascaria where you can take advantage of all the different meats that you heart desires--at least I do. While Samba Grill is more on the casual side and it offers a self-serve option, it also has traditional Rodizio style service that people love.

While walking by the other day, I grabbed a menu. Below is a taste of the kind of food that you'll find here. I have to get myself over there and when I do, I'll report about my full experience.

In the meantime, enjoy this preview of the food:

Serve yourself and pay by the pound:

From the buffet only...$5.99/lb

Buffet + BBQ meats...$5.99/lb

Only BBQ meats...$7.99/lb

Rodizio style service - All you can eat BBQ meats & buffet:

All meats are carried out from the BBQ pit directly to your table and served off skewers onto your plate. The buffet is self-serve.

Monday - Friday

Lunch...$17.95 per person

Dinner...$25.95 per person

Saturday - Sunday

Lunch and dinner...$25.95 per person

Meat Sampling:

Flank steak, prime rib, sirloin, beef ribs, chicken, sausage, turkey wrapped in bacon, pork loin, pork spare ribs and more...

Buffet Sampling:

Chicken with okra, chicken or beef stroganoff, cod fish with potato, beef stew, Brazilian potato salad, plantains, beans with pork and collard greens and more...

Desserts:

Brazilian style flan...$3.75

Passion fruit mousse...$3.75

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

Samba Grill is Opening

On my walk down 23rd Avenue today, I saw that a new Brazilian Barbecue restaurant called Samba Grill will open soon. I'm a total carnivore and was very excited to welcome this new establishment to the 'hood. The space looks like it's pretty set to go and I had the chance to ask one of their workers when it would open. His reply seemed confident when he said "Monday or Tuesday of next week." I'll make sure to come by again, pick up a menu and follow-up with a glimpse of the cuisine. Stay tuned...

Samba Grill is located on 29-17 23rd Avenue.

If anyone knows more about it, feel free to drop me a line.