Koliba's Thanksgiving is Coming

Koliba, one of my favorite Astoria restaurants needs your support! Keeping up with their Facebook feed, I noticed that they've been a bit challenged with their technology as a result of the storm and haven't been able to promote their upcoming specials and events, which is a bummer.  

Being that Koliba is a fantastic institution with a lot of heart and not to mention delectable eats, I (and they of course) wanted to encourage you to pop in and show them some love.  They'll be featuring a Thanksgiving meal on the day of with your classic turkey feast, but also with lots of Slovak and Czech specialties such as their sheep's milk cheese spaetzle (pictured above), goulash with knedlik (typical Slovak bread dumplings), stuffed pork schnitzel and more.  

The folks here are super friendly and if you haven't yet heard, they were recently featured on Cooking Channel's Hidden Eats program.

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.626.0430
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.kolibarestaurant.com 

Koliba Turns Up the Heat with their Fall Dishes

Image by Koliba

As the weather gets chillier this week, there's nothing like indulging in some comforting, warm, and rich food. One of my favorite places to find this in Astoria is of course at my beloved Koliba Slovak Restaurant, which has been a staple in the community for years.  

Recently noticing some of their weekend specials on Facebook such as this roasted pork with sauerkraut (note - it's slightly sweet) with luscious gravy on top, or this beautiful stuffed chicken with an also sweet red cabbage, it's the perfect way to ring in fall.  You'll also notice foods such as a warm cabbage soup, all sorts of stews made of beef, pork and chicken, as well as their homemade desserts such as a traditional honey cake and apple strudel.  

These are the kinds of foods that say fall to me.  What do you think?

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.626.0430
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.kolibarestaurant.com

Koliba on Summer Vacation

Since it's the summertime, you'll see some of our local faves shut down for a little while, taking their much deserved time off.  Even though I'm sad to see that Koliba is one of these places, I appreciate that they need a break too so they can recharge their batteries for the fall and continue bringing us more greatness.

So...please note that they'll be closed from this week until August 27th.  They'll reopen on Tuesday, August 28th for more Slovak goodness.  So save your calories until then...

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.626.0430
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.kolibarestaurant.com

Watch Koliba on the Cooking Channel

Well...ladies and gents, the time has finally come for Koliba to have its time in the spotlight.  You may recall that a few months ago, my parents and I visited our favorite Slovak restaurant for the taping of a Cooking Channel show, hosted by Aarti Sequeira.  Well...I'm happy to announce that the program is finally going to air tomorrow on the Cooking Channel and it's called Hidden Eats.  

Aside from Koliba, the program will also feature an Uzbekian-Korean restaurant in Brighton Beach and a gourmet sandwich shop in Charleston, SC, which both sound really promising.  If you remember correctly, my parents and I were interviewed by Aarti herself, so we expect a little cameo.  While I won't hold my breath, I remain hopeful.  Please tune in if you have time, and let me know what you thought.

Hidden Eats, hosted by Aarti Sequeira
6/24 at 8 p.m. EST
The Cooking Channel

Koliba on the Food Network!

I wanted to share a really exciting opportunity that's happening at my all-time favorite restaurant in Astoria, Koliba.  Many of you have no doubt heard me rave about it on many occasions, as this unassuming gem boasts some of the best homemade Slovak and Czech specialties that are so near and dear to my heart.

Well I was floored when I read that a Food Network special is being filmed there this coming Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. I may just have to come by when Food Network's staff will be on hand with Koliba's head chef, Jano, as they explore the inner workings of authentic Eastern European specialties such as spaetzle, goulash, bread dumplings, schnitzel and more.  Everyone is welcome to join and hang around when the Food Network folks come by - you may just end up on camera with your favorite dish.  I hope I do!

Food Network Taping: Friday, March 23rd from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

718.626.0430

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.kolibarestaurant.com

Happy 10th Birthday Koliba

It's not every day that one of your favorite restaurants celebrates a milestone.  Koliba, the intimate, comfort food eatery that completely channels my Slovak roots is turning 10 today.  Besides being very excited for them, I'm also happy to find out that they're running a fun beer and wine special in honor of this double digit birthday.  Here are the deets, and please make sure to chase that big stein of beer with a crispy langos with cheese on top, a goulash soup or their famous spaetzle with sheep's milk cheese.

Koliba's 10th Anniversary Beer/Wine Special

Buy 2 beers or wine and get the third on the house

This special is good for the rest of today, so get yourself over there and drink up!

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

718.626.0430

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.kolibarestaurant.com

Koliba - Food with Flava at Great Value

It's no secret that Koliba Slovak restaurant remains near and dear to my heart. Although I'm partial to it because of my Slovak upbringing, even my American friends (and husband!) absolutely love this unassuming culinary gem.

I know, I know...I've mentioned their food before but here are some new, excellent dishes that I tried just last week--and that you shouldn't miss. And while food like this is probably a bit heavy during hot summer months, it's absolutely perfect for the cooler weather we're now experiencing.

Sauerkraut Soup with Kielbasa - I could probably guess what you're thinking..."sauerkraut in soup?" But please trust me when I tell you that it's excellent. The flavor of the sauerkraut is really gentle and it's mixed in with a hearty meat broth, interlaced with much pork goodness in the form of smoky kielbasa. The kielbasa chunks are small but their flavor is distinct. A spoonful of this soup will make you think of being in the mountains on a crisp winter day.

NOTE - If you want this soup, it probably won't be listed on the menu, so call ahead and ask if they have it as a special.

Pork Schnitzel with Potato Salad - Usually opting for chicken schnitzel, I changed things up by choosing pork. Hey, I already started with great kielbasa so why not ride out the wave?

I was absolutely amazed by the sheer size of the portion, which included two giant pork pieces that easily could've fed two or three people. The meat was tender and breaded perfectly on the outside--the coating was thin, crispy and not oily. It came with a side of creamy European-style potato salad with peas, carrots, onions and a mayonnaise sauce. Everything tasted fresh and delicious--my only suggestion would be to go lighter on the mayo.

Service and Cost:
I've never experienced a big crowd at Koliba and therefore, service is always good. Our waitress was friendly and gave us her personal recommendations. The thing that I love about Koliba, which I think they've gotten better at, is accepting new customers that are not Slovak or Czech natives. They're understanding and welcoming to new visitors, which is more than I could say for some other ethnic eateries in the nabe.

Prices remain affordable, especially given the big portions. The above two dishes set me back $22 including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Koliba - 31-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
718.626.0430
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.kolibarestaurant.com