Just Burgers is Coming to Ditmars...When?

There's been a lot of buzz in the nabe about Just Burgers, which looks just about well done and probably in a couple of weeks, ready to open.  Occupying the space at the base of The Acropolis building on the corner of 34th Street and Ditmars, the location couldn't be better for residents and visitors alike.

Although I'm not really sure when this place will debut its burger offering (and maybe unlike its name suggests, some other goodies too), I wanted to take your pulse on this matter and see if you know any details.  Chime in with your knowledge...people want to know.

In the meantime, if you're looking for a solid burger experience in the nabe, here are a couple of great options you can hit:

Fatty's Cafe - I love their turkey burger with jalapeno mayo, peppers and onions.  25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105.  718.267.7017

Sparrow - Not only do they use grass fed beef, the thick-cut bacon and herbed fries, which you can add on are an extra bonus.  24-01 29th Street, Astoria NY 11102.  718.606.2260

BareBurger - You can't go wrong with any burger here, but my personal favorites include the Big Blue Bacon Mushroom Onion Burger and the Lamb BareBurger.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.777.7011

5 Napkin Burger - Even though there's about 10 burger options to choose from, I highly recommend going with the classic, The Original 5 Napkin Burger with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and 5 Napkin's special rosemary aioli.  35-01 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.433.2727

Happy Cinco de Mayo Astoria!

Happy Cinco de Mayo Astoria!  I hope you're all planning to go out and enjoy the festivities that go along with this cheery holiday.  Although Mexican in nature, you don't have to be Mexican to enjoy Cinco, as there are plenty of different ethnic eateries and bars that are joining in the fun.  Take a look at my top 10 options here in no particular order. 

Mojave - This modern, Southwestern eatery is going all out with a live band, the Gregorio Uribe Trio and a free margarita with your meal. Call for reservations for parties of 6 or more.  22-36 31st Street Astoria.  718.545.4100

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden  - Although their international beer selection is extensive, tomorrow night focuses on Mexican beer.  A bucket of Corona, which consists of 6 bottles is only $20.  The celebration starts at 5 p.m. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Club 21 - Another popular Eastern European watering hole, they know how to celebrate with 1/2 priced margaritas and discounted tequila shots, which go for as low as $3 a pop. 30-09 21st Street, Astoria.  718.728.0305

Sunswick - I love that Sunswick is kicking it up a notch for Cinco with an entirely different menu and specials on Mexican beers.  A big fan of their burgers, I hope these stay on tomorrow's menu! Check back for more details on their Facebook page. 35-02 35th Street, Astoria.  718.752.0620

Ovelia - It's a double hitter over at Ovelia with an extended happy hour until 10 p.m., with sangria and beer and the Rock 'n Ribs Wednesdays menu offering.  Make sure you come hungry!   34-01 30th Ave, Astoria. 718.721.7217

Testaccio - Although it's a restaurant, Testaccio has a great bar in front and drink specials will certainly be in place.  Assorted Coronitas will be served in buckets (5 for $10) and there will be specials on tequila.  And while you're there, don't miss out on a delicious stone oven pizza with a crunchy crust. 47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.937.2900

Yolo - This very subway accessible bar is featuring wallet-friendly drink specials including $5 sangria and Corona and $6 margaritas and tequila drinks.  22-55 31st street, Astoria. 718.777.1177

The Creek and Cave - Check out this LIC eatery for a Tecate + shot special for $4 as well as $5 margaritas all day.  They'll also have a comedy line-up starting at 8 p.m., so you can get your drink and your laugh on too. 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City.  718.706.8783

Sparrow - I love this laid-back speakeasy bar, which will no doubt be a good time for tomorrow night.  They'll feature margarita specials and maybe some beer specials too. Details are still sketchy so  stay tuned or give them a shout for more info.  24-01 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.606.2260

La Vuelta - Although they're not running any specials tomorrow, La Vuelta is a Latin inspired bistro so I encourage you to get your sangria, margarita or empanada fix here.  All their chicken dishes are delicious but I would skip the paella.  10-43 44th Drive, Long Island City. 718.361.1858

Celebrate St. Patty's Day in Astoria

Tomorrow is St. Patty's day and that always promises a fun time, especially in Astoria.  The weather is supposed to be warm and sunny, offering the perfect opportunity to hop around to different bars and take advantage of various food and drinks specials.  Here are my personal suggestions (in alphabetical order):

Astoria Brewhouse (fka Indigo) - Always partaking in festivities, Astoria Brewhouse will offer drinks specials as well as an Irish food menu with specialties such as a corned beef sandwich, shepherd's pie, Irish-style fish and chips and more.  These specials will run all day tomorrow.  28-50 31st Street, Astoria.  718.728.0050

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - Although their drinks special is not St. Patrick's Day related (after all, they are a Czech/Slovak establishment), they will feature a 2-for-1 ladies night special all night.  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

Irish Rover - In addition to their already cheap drinks, they'll have live music starting at 8 p.m. as well as trays of complimentary Irish grub.  37-18 28th Avenue, Astoria.  718.278.9372

McCann's Pub - This Irish pub will certainly be celebrating tomorrow's holiday with various beer specials and typical Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage.  Drinks are already inexpensive so you won't have to lay out the big bucks.  36-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.278.2621

Mojave - St. Patty's day at a Mexican restaurant? The answer is a clear YES and as a matter of fact, their specials are pretty sweet, including $4 Guinness, $9 Irish car bombs, $5 baby Guiness, $5 appetizers and more. 22-36 31st Street Astoria. 718.545.4100

Sparrow - This darkly-lit speakeasy has a simple, no messing around St. Patty's Day special - $9 Guinness + Jameson shot.  Enjoy getting nice and toasty. 24-01 29th Street, Astoria.  718.606.2260

Studio Square Beer Garden - Prepare to sing your heart out at Studio Square's Wednesday night karaoke from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. It's not necessarily St. Patty's Day related but there will be drinks specials all night. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria.  718.383.1001

Sunswick -While drinks specials will be announced tomorrow, there will be a special menu available featuring Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage.  And if you're not in the mood for that, Sunswick serves a mean turkey burger.  35-02 35th Street Astoria. 718.752.0620

Sweet Afton - An Irish bar by nature, St. Patty's Day festivities are certainly happening.  Classic drinks such as Guinness will be flowing, Irish music will be pumping and their delicious Irish breakfast rolls will be served all day long.  Prices will remain as usual. 30-09 34th Street, Astoria.  718.777.2570 

The Quays Pub - This neighborhood favorite will feature their already dirt cheap drinks such as $2 Coors Light drafts, PBRs and High Life. Cheers to that! 45-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.8435

YOLO - A big party is in store for tomorrow with $5 whiskey shots, $6 pints of stout, festive Irish music and all your favorite Irish nibbles.  The celebration starts at 11 a.m. and goes on all night. 22-55 31st street, Astoria. 718.777.1177

Celebrate the Summer Solstice--and The Taste of Astoria

Socrates Sculpture Park will host a fun celebration in honor of summer (eh hem, I think they mean rain season). Despite the rough weather this year, the event should be a lot of fun, featuring live music, art-making workshops, face painting and let's not forget food! Several Astoria restaurants will be on-hand, featuring nibbles of their signature dishes from $3 and up.

Featured Restaurants:

Vesta - Rustic Italian fare with a modern twist

Wunderbar - LIC German grill and bierhaus

Sparrow - Shabby-chic bar with fantabulous burgers

Fatty's - Latin inspired, casual cafe with killer burritos and yummy burgers

Bistro 33 - Japanese-French fusion with personality

Artopolis - Traditional Greek bakery serving beautiful--and delicious--breads and pastries

Hell Gate Social - Under-the-radar Astoria bar with an inventive nosh menu

Here are the exact deets about the event:

Summer Solstice Celebration at Socrates Sculpture Park
Sunday, June 21, 2009
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
FREE - Rain or shine

Sparrow Brunch - Different and Delightful

Sparrow - 24-01 29th Street, Astoria New York 11102
718.606.2260
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

Sparrow continues to be one of my favorite local hangouts and last week was the first time that I tried their brunch. I just loved it and couldn't believe how many options there were. Their chef, Pablo is proving to live up to Reyes' standards, which is just wonderful.

Here's what I tried last week - I'd strongly suggest it:

Leeks and Eggs - What an inventive combo! I adore leeks and eggs respectively and was immediately drawn to this option. My dining companion, Rachel ordered it too and seemed to love it. The eggs were poached nicely for the most part and still had that runny consistency. I loved biting into small pieces of tender leeks--they gave the dish an earthy taste and a hint of freshness. The sweet potato-onion hash was fantastic and again, another interesting spin on ordinary morning hash. The sweetness and caramelization of the onions was welcome, providing my favorite combination of sweet and savory. I will definitely be ordering it again.

Besides this dish, my dining companion, Harlan ordered the breakfast burger with an egg on top, served on an English muffin. He seemed to like it along with the onion fries that came with it.

Sparrow's coffee is also delicious. I got a cappuccino and was impressed by its yummy taste. I think that they use Danesi coffee, which is from Italy.

Service and Cost:
The service was decent and unobtrusive. I didn't notice our waitress much but that's not to say that she ignored us. We were well taken care of without being fussed-over, if that makes sense. I experienced that service is a lot better during the day than at night, when it gets really crowded.

Costs are mild with most brunch dishes in the $10-$12 range. There isn't a coffee/entree combo unfortunately but that was OK by me. The entire meal set up back about $17/person, which isn't too bad.

3 Mmmms

Sparrow - The Burger Still Got It

Since the departure of Chef Reyes back in May, I've been skeptical about Sparrow and have only been there a handful of times. However, more and more I've been hearing great feedback about its continued excellence, with respect to burgers especially.

Dan and I went there on Saturday night to test how everything--the burgers in particular--measured up. Overall, we were pleased but were just slightly miffed at the slow service and the steep prices.

The Burger - Both Dan and I ordered a medium burger. I got mine with gruyere cheese and salad, while Dan chose the bacon and herbed fries. Enjoying mine very much, it took me back to the days of Reyes, which made sense, as his successor is a close childhood friend and apprentice.

The burger was tender, juicy and flavored with quality herbs. I liked that it was the perfect thickness, substantial enough to fill you up but not so thick that you couldn't take a bite. The bun was a good gripping tool--fluffy, buttery and delicious but not overpowering, thus letting the meat take center stage.

Dan's only complaint was about the bacon--it wasn't crispy enough and just didn't do much for him. The fries however, were zesty, crunchy and plentiful--two thumbs up!

Service and Cost:
Our slow service was the result of one waitress tending to the entire place. She was friendly and nice but unfortunately had a hard time keeping up with the increasing crowd--and who could blame her. She was sweet and apologetic for the delay and even treated us to drinks, which was generous.

While the prices are not outwardly expensive, they add up quick. Our burgers were $9.50 each without the toppings and with everything added together, we paid about $32 for two burgers, which was a bit much. I'm of the $10 or less burger school.

Despite minor drawbacks, I'd give Sparrow's burger 3 Mmmms

Sparrow - 24-01 29th St. Astoria, 11102
718-606-2260
N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

Important Sparrow Update - Reyes Has Left the Building

Even though it's still LIC week, I had to interrupt it to bring you the latest news about Sparrow and its chef Reyes who I love very much. Reyes is the mastermind behind Sparrow's delicious eats including their phenomenal burgers, sandwiches and of course the decadent pain perdu. So it was with great dismay that I learned yesterday that not only was Reyes leaving Sparrow, last night was his last hoorah. He was gracious and wrote to me personally to break the news. I was shocked and sad but wish him all the best and much success in the future.

With that said, Dan and I went over there to pay our respects to the man, the legend, the burger genius. He was expecting me and came out of the kitchen to say hi. We conversed and I thanked him for all that he does. His future plans are still unknown but he said that he wants to "explore more, learn more and to move forward." I have no doubt that he'll succeed and can't wait for the day when he tells me where we can find him next. Mark my words, I will follow this man wherever he ends up--and Dan is right there with me.

And although we already had dinner, we saved room for a Reyes dessert. Chocolate mousse was the special treat last night and not only was it presented beautifully, with Reyes' careful touch but it tasted oh so luxurious. I kid you not when I say that we finished it in less than a minute--destroying this generous piece and licking the plate clean (see picture for proof). The best part of the mousse cake was the cinnamon-liquor embellishment on the side--it was fun to dip the cake into it and the liquor gave it an unexpected kick. You can always count on Reyes to deliver something special and make the ordinary unique.

It was a bittersweet goodbye last night but I'm glad that we saw this culinary genius off. Good luck Reyes--Astoria will miss you!

Where will he go next? I promise to let you know...