Best Take-Out in Astoria and LIC

Since the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating on days like these, it's best to stay indoors and hunker down. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the delicious eats offered by neighboring restaurants.  Here's a quick run-down of some of my faves - what are yours?

Seva - It was so nice to see Gramercy Tavern's Chef, Miroslav's Uskokovic's Astoria recommendations in which he mentioned Seva for best take out.  I tend to agree, as they offer an easy online delivery system, and are extremely generous with their take-away portions.  One personal dinner will easily tide you over for two nights.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria.  718.626.4440

BareBurger - Always in the mood for BareBurger, you can't go wrong with something like the Roadhouse or the spicy Habanero Express burger.  Even though fries are outstanding, I'd recommend having them in the restaurant so they're super fresh.  They've added a new burger to the menu, which is the Southern with pepperjack cheese, applewood smoked thick cut bacon, pickled green tomatoes and fried onion.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7011

Crave - Dan and our friends in the nabe often turn to Crave for a late night snack.  Their delivery is pretty consistent, and you can order comfort food such as a delicious Cuban sandwich, various chips and dips, as well as their signature Crave  Bowls, or my personal fave, the poppable falafel balls.  28-55 36th Street, Astoria.  718.726.4976

Watawa - If you love sushi, Watawa is a must and I've never been disappointed with their in-house or take-out dining.  Some of my favorite rolls are the most simplest such as the yellowtail scallion, spicy tuna or the eel avocado.  33-10 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.545.9596

PFC (aka Palace Fried Chicken) - Some of the best fried chicken and hot wings come from this micro chain located both in Astoria and LIC.  The chicken is without a doubt a must, however, steer clear of the pizza.  I unfortunately speak from experience.  44-45 21st Street, LIC.  718.433.1661.  21-02 36th Avenue, Astoria.  718.729.4811

10 New Year's Eve Options in Astoria and LIC

Image by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

With Saturday's New Year's Eve plans soon approaching, you may still be figuring out just what to do. Are you up for a fancy dinner and drinks at a hot spot or would you rather chill out at a small cozy resto and end the night with a glass of champagne at home?  It's up to you of course, but I wanted to provide you with options to make that decision.

Studio Square - If you're looking for something fun and boisterous to do with a large group of friends, Studio Square may be just right for you.  Their party will start at 8 p.m. with a live DJ, complimentary party favors, and lots of drinks options.  With only a $15 cover, it's affordable and promises to be a lively time.  35-33 36th Street, LIC.  718.383.1001

LIC Market - Extending their fabulous supper club concept to New Year's Eve, LIC Market will host two dinner seatings, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m.  The latter is the more lavish and pricier option, with a 6-course tasting and a glass of sparkling wine.  Cheers to that!  21-52 44th Drive, LIC.  718.361.0013

Seva - The deals at Seva never cease to impress me, and especially when you consider the high quality of their food.  For New Year's Eve, they're offering a 3-course dinner special for just $20.12 per person.  You can choose from all your regular favorites such as samosas, chicken, shrimp, lamb dishes, and more.  Considering that this deal is extended until New Year's Day, even if you don't end up here that night, you can still enjoy the great value the day after.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria.  718.626.4440

DiWine - It's guaranteed to be a partay at DiWine for New Year's, as they'll be offering a 4 hour open bar, a live DJ, party favors and more for $65/person.  Stay until midnight of course and receive a free glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.  I also noticed they're throwing in an incentive for dinner, as diners will receive a $10 off the open bar option.  Eat and drink up!  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.1355

Bistro 33 - Enjoy New Year's Eve in this intimate, casual venue with a special 3-course dinner that starts at 10:30 p.m. and includes a champagne toast and party favors.  You can also come by earlier and choose anything off their a la carte menu.  You can read all about the special menu items here, which include yummies such as steamed mussels, a duck duo, fluffer nutter dessert and more.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.721.1933

Cavo - Cavo's New Year's Eve event is always a big production and this year is no different. Whether you choose to come by for their Mediterranean feast between 7 and 8:45 p.m. or their after party, which starts at 9 p.m., it's guaranteed to be a night of excitement, dancing and fun.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.1001

Bear -  Although still a newcomer, Bear is certainly making a name for itself with its sophisticated menu and plentiful vodka offering.  For New Year's Eve, they'll be featuring a 3-course menu and a glass of champagne for $65/person.  The menu is tantalizing, with items such as roasted rabbit fettuccine, a three-shot vodka special, roasted duck with apples and more.  See the entire New Year's Eve menu here.  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria.  917.396.4939

Vesta - Always promising a great time, this wonderfully local restaurant is hosting a "Blast from the Past" decades party.  Guests are encouraged to come in costume from their favorite era, and enjoy a gorgeous 4-course dinner.  As usual, there will be 3 seatings, with the last one also including complimentary party favors, a session with a tarot card reader and a midnight toast.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

Veslo - Stretching out the celebration throughout the night, Veslo's New Year's Eve will start with a 5-course dinner with a top shelf open bar, and then extend to a big after party, starting at 12:30 a.m. Dinner reservations are highly encouraged and comfortable shoes are also a plus, as you'll want to dance your hiney off.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria. 718.728.0549

El Ay Si - Another great place to keep the celebration local is El Ay Si where you'll be able to enjoy their regular dinner service as well as other food and drinks specials.  A DJ will be spinning and the good news is that there is no minimum charge per person - a great choice that won't break the bank.  47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.389.8781

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

Seva's V-Day Menu is a Steal

As a lot of establishments are gearing up for their big V-Day prix-fixe, some are choosing to raise prices while others remain true to their core pricing structure.  One such place I'm referring to is my all-time favorite Indian restaurant in Astoria, Seva.  Not only do they have a scrumptious-sounding menu ready and waiting for V-Day, it's so very affordable - even with a thoughtful wine pairing to boot.

Here are the details - if you're interested, do make a reservation soon.

Seva's Valentine's Day Menu: $15/person plus $10 with wine pairing

First Course (choose one)

Trio of Samosa - Chickpea, Crab, Tuna
Toasted Almond Cream Soup
Pineapple Chicken Seekh Kabab

Mains (choose one)
Served with apple-mint raita and cranberry basmati rice

Braised Lamb with Five Lentils
Tandoori Shrimp Tikka Masala
Cilantro Basil Chicken
Zucchini - Squash Kofta Korma

Desserts (choose one)

Cardomom Gulab Jamun
Rose Rasgulla

And if you don't feel like dining at this cozy restaurant during V-Day, their special prix-fixe is also available for delivery or pick-up.  What haven't they thought of?!

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

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!

Porchetta's Chef Gives Astoria Restaurant Recos

New York’s annual cheap eats list made its way on to newsstands this week, much to the delight of budget-conscious foodies citywide. This year’s trends include fried chicken, meatballs, dan dan noodles, and tortillas.

Astor Bake Shop was the only Astoria spot to made the list for its combo burger shop and bakery set up. Luckily, Sara Jenkins (the chef-owner of Porchetta and consulting chef at Veloce Pizzeria) gave the magazine her money-saving food picks in the neighborhood.

1. Agnanti
19-06 Ditmars Blvd., nr. 19th St. 718.545.4554
My favorite Greek restaurant. The little zucchini fritters ($7) and tomato fritters ($7.50) are amazing.

2. Rosario’s Deli
22-55 31st St., nr. Ditmars Blvd. 718.728.2920
Amazing cheese, sandwiches, pizza, and bread. He has only one kind of slice (Neapolitan), and it’s really good ($2).

3. Mediterranean Foods
23-18 31st St., nr. 23rd Ave. 718.721.0221
This shop has all the great prepared foods like taramosalata, a classic Greek dip with salted cod roe ($3.85/lb).

4. Naseem Meat Market & Grocery
25-65 Steinway St., nr. 28th Ave. 718.777.7032
They make the best merguez ($3.99/lb). Also: really good Moroccan preserved lemons ($3.99/lb).

5. Seva
30-07 34th St., nr. 30th Ave. 718.626.4440
I particularly like the fried-bok-choy appetizer ($3) at this Indian restaurant. Also, the apricot-lamb curry ($12).

6. Petey’s Burger
30-17 30th Ave., nr. 31st St. 718.267.6300
It’s kind of In-N-Out inspired. I do delivery and get the double cheese with sauce and extra-crispy fries ($9.01).

7. Cedars Meat House
41-08 30th Ave., nr. 41st St. 718.606.1244
Their shish tawook sandwich ($3.50) is the closest thing to the grilled-chicken sandwich in Beirut.

8. Laziza
25-78 Steinway St., nr. 28th Ave. 718.777.7676
A pastry shop that makes classic Middle Eastern sweets: phyllo-and-nut pastries, baklava ($1.50, or $12/lb).

So Foodista fans, what do you think of Chef Jenkins’ list? What are your favorite Astoria cheap eats?

Excerpted from New York Magazine.

By Nicole K.

Seva Springrolls - A Great Way to Start Any Indian Feast

Seva Indian restaurant continues to be my go-to place for delicious and inexpensive Indian food.  I like it so much because it caters to almost anyone, whether you're a spice-seeker or a mild mannered eater. 
 
Here I'd like to highlight an appetizer, the lamb spring rolls that I recently tried and really loved.  I highly recommend it to meat eaters and especially during this time of year--it's a very hearty and comforting dish.

Lamb Springrolls - I couldn't imagine what these would look like, and I pictured them to be smaller and not as rich in meat.  As you could see, their shell resembles an egg roll, and the interior is just wonderful, stuffed with ground lamb, green peas, coriander and a side of mint raita.  I loved the seasoning, as each bite had a definite kick to it, but the cooling raita helped soothe the senses back for yet another bite.  This is an excellent appetizer for splitting with 1 or two other people--as you can see, the portion is generous.

Cost: $5 

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

Happy Thanksgiving Astoria!

The famous Turkey day is here this week.  How are you spending it? Whether in the mood for a classic American feast or a meal with an ethnic twist, here are 11 delicious venues that could help you celebrate Thanksgiving Day. 

Vesta -They're featuring a special Thanksgiving themed menu, but no prix-fixe, which is a good thing.  The butternut squash soup and braised pork shank sound particularly enticing.  See entire menu here. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

DiWine - A four-course Thanksgiving menu with a traditional Turkey roast, orange cranberry and walnut relish and a classic pumpkin pie with cinammon whipped cream will put you over the edge.  $55 per person.  41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.777.1355

Bistro Les Minots - Curious about a French Thanksgiving? Try Bistro Les Minots' offering from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. for just $24.95 per person.  Their feast includes three courses, and it guanrantees a couple of French infusions such as goat cheese and homemade chocolate mousse.  47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.606.2535

Cara Bella - Just steps away from Bistro Les Minots is Cara Bella and they have a special Thanksgiving menu too.  $35 per person will get you three hefty courses and a complimentary glass of prosecco.  They're kid friendly and offer a $14 kids menu.  47-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.956.1101

Da Franco - More on the Italian front, Da Franco's Thanksgiving menu boasts a 4-course $40 prix-fixe, which includes an appetizer, pasta (ravioli with toasted pumpkin), turkey and a signature dessert. They'll also have the regular menu if you're in the mood for pizza and homemade gelato.  23-92 21st Street, Astoria NY 11105.  718.267.0010

Christos Steakhouse - Does turkey bisque, an apple stuffed roast, chestnut stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie sound good to you? If so, check out these items and more on the Christos Steakhouse Thanksgiving menu for $35 per person.  41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.8400

Zenon Taverna - This homey Greek eatery knows how to do things right with a $23 per person Thanksgiving menu with a mix of traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey and pumpkin pie--but also classic Greek dishes such as Cyprus meatballs.  The regular menu is available as well.  34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.956.0133

Ovelia - Another fun Greek eatery that's celebrating Thanksgiving is Ovelia with a $19.95 3-course prix fixe with a cream of turkey soup, a turkey platter with stuffing and a choice of two sides, as well as candied sweet potatoes for dessert.  Plan for an early meal, as Ovelia will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.721.7217   

Seva - Want to veer away from tradition? Have an Indian-style Thanksgiving at Seva, where they boast a $13 3-course prix-fixe dinner.  Seva's cuisine is a wonderful option for carnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike.  30-07 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.626.4440

Studio Square - Although they're not serving dinner on Thanksgiving, Studio Square will host a big Thanksgiving Eve bash on Wednesday night.  A live DJ, $15 pitchers and $5 shots should get people off their couch.  35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.383.1001

Othello Deli - My favorite deli in Astoria is offering a $9.95 take-home Thanksgiving dinner plate with soup, turkey, stuffing, yams and mashed potatoes.  Call ahead and place your order.  26-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.956.1337

Establishments that are closed on Thanksgiving:
Mundo
Petey's Burger
Ornella Trattoria
Fatty's

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving everyone!

Seva Wows Again

Seva is one of my favorite restaurants in Astoria for many reasons--the food is delicious, the service is hospitable, the atmosphere is chill, it's super affordable and it's BYOB. I could go on all day. Instead, I'll tell you about some of the new dishes I tried to further entice you:

Butternut Squash Soup - A great way to start any meal, the butternut squash soup provided a hearty, comforting touch to our dinner. It was a seasonal soup for the fall, and I loved that it was spiced with nutmeg and plenty of cracked black pepper. Another plus is that it's vegan, making it a good option for those with special dietary needs.

Bok Choy Crispy Curls - I've never had bok choy fried before, but I could tell you that I'll have it again. Frying the bok choy in gram flour and mango powder made it crunchy and slightly sweet. Coupled with a cooling lemon, mint raita, it was a tasty and indulgent appetizer. I think it would be a great dish to get if you're new to Indian food, as it's mild and appeals to American tastes.

Apricot Lamb Curry - Yum! This was my entree and I highly recommend it. A touch on the spicy side with a sweet finish, it was flavored with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and dried apricots. I loved how the meat fell apart and the thick curry sauce on top made it feel like stew. Mopping up this meaty sauce with the fruit and nut naan was absolutely delightful.

Chicken Korma - Edgar ordered this and it was sweet and interesting, made with almond and cashew nut sauce, yogurt and coconut. It was the mildest of the dishes, dressed with slivered almonds--and it used one of my favorite culinary techniques, mixing sweet with savory.

Suji Halwa - Another vegan-friendly option, it was a dessert consisting of semolina, toasted almonds, and raisins. What I loved about it is that it was light on the stomach after a hearty meal, and the toasted almonds provided flavor continuity, tying it together with the rest of the dishes.

Service and Cost:
The service at Seva never disappoints. From the first warm greeting to the friendly conversation during the meal, it continues to be a place that I look forward to visiting. Dishes are brought out in good time and you never feel rushed with the check.

Costs remain incredibly low and we love taking advantage of the 3-course $12 dinner prix-fixe. Still a BYOB establishment, you could bring your own bottle or two and have a pleasant, inexpensive evening.

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

Mother's Day in Astoria

Mother's Day is this Sunday and there's never a lack of activity in Astoria. Below you'll find interesting restaurant specials and suggestions for a Mother's Day lunch, dinner or brunch.

Prix-Fixe Specials:

Seva - Although this isn't a Mother's Day prix-fixe per se, I'd recommend a visit here for either lunch or dinner. They offer a $12 three-course dinner and a $7 two-course brunch. The portions are generous, the food is delicious and it's a BYOB so you could bring your own wine. 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.626.4440

Bistro Les Minots - Their $29.95/person all-day Mother's Day special will feature classic French dishes such as escargots, braised short ribs, an apple tart and the like. Brunch will be offered between 11am - 4:30pm, showcasing their regular menu. 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.606.2535

Ovelia - Promising a modern Greek experience, Ovelia's $28/person three-course prix-fixe is packed with flavorful dishes such as homemade Greek sausage, fresh seafood, a leg of lamb among others. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.7217

Zenon Taverna - Both a prix-fixe (price is still being decided) and the regular menu will be available. I prefer their keftedes or Cypriot meatballs that are full of flavor and spice. The hospitality is wonderful--it's very much a family oriented place. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.956.0133

Cavo - An upscale Mother's Day at this Greek eatery includes a $54/per person four-course meal, complete with a tuna roll sampling, salad, a variety of entrees and dessert. Click here for the Mother's Day menu. Valet parking is complimentary and seating starts at 1pm. 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.1001

Trattoria L'Incontro - Although this place is all booked up for Mother's Day, if you want it bad enough, you can call to see if they get cancellations between now and Sunday. The offering is a $60 four-course prix-fixe. Another splurge but the food is fantastic! 21-76 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.721.3532

Specials but no Prix-Fixe:

Vesta - A great place to bring Mom, Vesta has a cozy, unpretentious vibe. Brunch will be available from 11am - 4pm and dinner will start at 5pm and go until 10pm. Special dishes added to the menu include charred calamari, orecchiette with asparagus ragu and double lump-blue crab cakes. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Mundo - They'll have a couple of daily specials, one of which includes grilled shrimp but aside from that, their menu will remain unchanged. Good thing too because they already offer so many goodies such as empanadas, red sonjas and Ottoman dumplings. 31-18 Broadway #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829

718 - Serving dinner dishes all day long, the daily specials encompass a variety of grilled plates such as calamari, a rack of lamb, sea scallops--and the only non-grilled specials offering is the chocolate tartlet. Personally, I love their tarte flambees--try those! 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.204.5553

Il Bambino - Want to bring Mom to an Astoria gem? Try Il Bambino where they'll have a couple of panini, crostini and salad specials for Mother's Day. Besides that, their fabulous menu of crunchy paninis and small plates remains the same. 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.0087

Business as Usual but Still Noteworthy:

Akti - The fresh seafood here is always impressive and they have a delectable meze selection. It's been open for about a year and has gotten very popular. They're almost booked up for Mother's Day but have a couple of open reservations (7:30pm, 8:00pm) so call soon if you're interested. 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530

Agnanti - If you're looking for traditional Greek food, this is it. Halloumi, biftekia, keftedes, Agnanti has it all. They might end up with some daily specials but that hasn't been decided yet. Reservations are suggested, as Agnanti gets crowded. 19-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.833.7033

Piccola Venezia - An upscale Italian joint, it's on the traditional side and their fresh pasta is supposed to be superb. The signature menu will stay the same for Mother's Day and there will be three main seatings -- 1:00pm, 3:30pm and 6:30pm. 42-01 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 718.721.8470

Happy Mother's Day Astoria!

Seva - New Menu Items, So Delish

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.4440
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

One of my favorite restaurants in Astoria is Seva, not only because the food is made with love but also because of how affordable it is. If you haven't yet tried their $12 three-course dinner prix-fixe, I urge you to do so. No gimmicks, no tricks, just good food--and an added bonus is that it's still BYOB so you could bring your own bottle of vino.

I had the pleasure of dining there last week and tried some new--as well as staple--menu items:

Eggplant Chat - Immediately liking this appetizer, it was fried with a light, fluffy batter, dressed with refreshing mint and tamarind chutneys. I think that this dish appeals to an American palate, as the texture very much resembles fried foods that are so deeply loved by our culture. The sauces are what made this dish stand out for me because they refreshed the senses and cleaned the palate after each bite. Just wonderful!

Lamb Biryani - Although this item isn't new to Seva, it was new to me. I adore slow-cooked dishes and knew that my tastebuds would agree with the tender lamb and deeply flavored rice that made up this entree. Liking how hearty it was, the portion was especially generous and I shared it with my dining companion, with plenty to spare for the next day. I'd recommend getting it cooked medium spicy, as you definitely taste the flavorful spice mix without overwhelming your palate. Once again, a cooling sauce called raita was served alongside it, restoring your mouth to serenity.

Fruit and Nut Nan - You really can't go wrong with Seva's nans, which are baked in-house in their Tandoor oven. I've tried the rosemary, garlic and onion nan before but never the fruit and nut, so it was time. I just loved it--mixing sweet and savory is always up my alley and I enjoyed biting into the sweet bread after having a hearty forkful of lamb.

Mango Lassi - Although a typical Indian drink, it was new and unfamiliar to me. There was nothing not to like, as it's basically a yogurt smoothie flavored with mango. While it's thick and filling, it's not quite as heavy as some mainstream fruit smoothies. The simplicity and clean flavors don't go unnoticed and I'd recommend getting it as a light dessert.

Service and Cost:
Our servers were cordial, warm and attentive. That's just another thing that makes Seva special--their hospitality and nurturing atmosphere. There's never a time that I don't get asked how I liked everything and if there's anything else they could do for me. I always feel well taken care of and comfortable.

The prices are as gentle as can be and make Seva an excellent dine-in or take-out option. Appetizers range between $3-$6, main courses are $8-$11, and as mentioned above, their three-course dinner prix-fixe is only $12.

3 Mmmms

Seva - Stretching the Dollar to the Max

Seva - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.626.4440

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

I've been hearing such wonderful things about Seva that I invited a group of friends to join me there for Saturday dinner. My brother Peter, his girlfriend Fiana and friends, Gina and Grant joined Dan and me on a fun Indian food adventure. We had a blast and our wallets didn't suffer. Ahh..what a good feeling! We'll be coming back for sure--and you should try it too!

Atmosphere:
There's not much to report about the atmosphere because Seva is as simple as can be. I knew this going into it and that was just fine with me. The dining room is small yet cozy and I'd say that Seva is more suitable for smaller parties than our larger six person group. But they gladly accommodated us--and we all pitched in to build our six person table out of three small ones.

The only embellishment that I noticed at Seva was their artwork. It was nice to see that they support local artists, as we admired a cool tree-of-life mural as well as a couple of abstract paintings.

Food:
Seva really shined with its food preparation, as we all loved our dishes and unanimously agreed on the "awesomeness" of everything. We all went for the $12 three-course dinner prix-fixe because it was truly a deal that couldn't be passed up. Surprised and happy at how much food we got, we rolled out of Seva with full tummies and even fuller smiles.

Chicken Samosa - I love samosas--because let's be honest, what's not to love about something wrapped in a fried pastry crust? Seva's version was wonderful and had great spice to it. The crust was my favorite part because it was buttery and flaky but not greasy. The mint and tamarind chutneys that floated on the bottom were delicious to dip into and I polished off my portion in about two minutes. My dining companions also agreed that this dish rocked. Everyone except Peter ordered it--he got the Mulligatawny soup.

Chicken Tikka Masala - A standard Indian dish, it was by no means boring. The sauce was thick and mildly spicy and the chicken was as soft as can be. While there were about 4 medium-ish chicken cubes in the adorable silver bowl, there was plenty of sauce. I was glad that we ordered a side of Nan to soak up all the sauce, and I nearly licked my bowl clean. This dish is great if you're an Indian-food beginner, as many of us were.

Onion Nan - As you can see from the picture above, this was absolutely scrumptious. The nan was soft and so fragrant from the caramelized onions. And since it bakes in a traditional Tandoor oven, it's artfully decorated with beautiful char marks and its consistency is oh so airy. In addition to the onion, we also got a rosemary nan, which I didn't try because it was out of reach--but my friends said that it was lovely.

Kheer (or rice pudding) - Yum! What a great and simple dessert. It's a vanilla rice pudding with sweet nuts--nothing fancy but uncompromisingly tasty. The portion seemed small but was actually just right, as rice has a way of expanding in my tummy. Everyone agreed that this was gooood!

Other Dishes - There were other dishes that went around the table. Gina got the Lamb Korma with almond and cashew nut sauce - she liked it but couldn't finish it because she was so full. Dan went for the Chicken Rogan Josh, not because of what was in it but because his brother's name is Josh--go figure! He loved the delicious ginger paste in it and like me, he licked the bowl clean.

A couple of people also ordered Gulab Jamun or honeyed dumplings for dessert. I tried one and thought it was good but a little soggy. It reminded me of Ovelia's loukoumades but they weren't as good. I liked my rice pudding better.

Service and Cost:
While the waitstaff was courteous and nice, they were a bit slow. It seemed like they weren't prepared to serve a larger party or to serve a full dining room on a Saturday night for that matter. It took about a half hour to order but once we did, all the dishes came out in good time. Overall, the positives outweighed the negatives so I won't complain too much.

The incredible prices made up for the mediocre service. For 6 complete three-course meals and two orders of nan, the bill came out to $85 and with tip to about $100. That's $17 per person. Is that a steal or what? You do the math!

3 loud Mmmms

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!

Seva - Opens Tomorrow!

Seva Indian Cuisine - 30-07 34th street, Astoria, NY 11103

718.626.4440

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Finding good Indian food is no easy task in Astoria and that's why I wanted to let you know about a new Indian restaurant, Seva that will open tomorrow. Its opening will be a soft launch so they might not have all menu items available yet. But rest assured Veggies, Seva boasts a lot of vegetarian and vegan options for you to enjoy.

I was able to get a special sneak preview of the menu from the proud owner, Charu Rajput. A sampling is below and as you often do, please email me at critic@foodistanyc.com to see the whole thing.

Appetizers:

Bok Choy Crispy Curls - Gram flour batter, mango powder, lemon, mint raita...$3

Chicken Samosa - Minced meat turnover, coriander, mint and tamarind chutneys...$3

Pakora - Cauliflower, onion, potato fritters...$3

Entrees:

Tandoori - Tandoor is an earthen oven that is heated by charcoal. Meats, seafood and vegetables are marinated and rubbed with our spice blend, skewered and cooked slowly in the Tandoor resulting in juicy foods with smoky flavor.

Tandoori Veggies - Cauliflower, broccoli, bell pepper, mushroom, mango powder rub...$8

Tandoori Shrimp - Ginger-garlic rub, sour cream, lemon juice...$11

Mix Grill - Chicken Tikka, Chicken Malai Kabab, Lamb Seekh Kabab, Tandoori Shrimp...$11

Biryani - Biryani is a complete meal in itself. Meats or vegetables are cooked with long grain Basmati rice in a Dum method. A closed thick-bottomed utensil is used in which the main ingredient is slow cooked with rice, saffron, bay leaf and cardamom. It is served with cucumber raita.

Mixed Vegetables....$8, Chicken...$9, Lamb...$10, Shrimp...$11

Vegetarian and Vegan:

Malai Kofta - Vegetable croquets, cardamom, tomato, fresh cream...$8

Saag Paneer - Chopped spinach, homemade cheese, ginger, garlic...$8

Kadai Paneer - Homemade cheese, bell peppers, onion, cumin, tomato...$8

Try it out and let me know what you think. Review to come soon...