Happy Hour with a View at Portland City Grill

On a constant quest to find great Happy Hours around town, Dan and I, along with friends, Barry and Suzanne ventured over to the well known Portland City Grill.  Located in the downtown business district in Portland, PCG is known for their spectacular view and what do you know...the happy hour!

Atmosphere:
Set in the heart of Southwest Portland on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, Portland City Grill is designed to showcase panoramic views of Portland and its natural wonders.  On a clear day, you'll be graced with not one but three mountaintop views of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams.  

The restaurant boasts floor to ceiling windows and booth style seating that takes the best advantage of the view.  Those seats are unsurprisingly hard to score so if you'd like to snag a booth for your party, plan on showing up early or making a reservation.  Because the happy hour is such a great deal and lasts until 7 p.m., the atmosphere during this time is busy, boisterous and far from quiet.

Food:
Loving the extensive options offered for happy hour, we ordered a few appetizers between the four of us and were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions.  It's hard to characterize the cuisine, as they have a little bit of everything - from classic American comfort food to sushi and beyond.

Kung Pao Calamari - Definitely one of the more indulgent options of the evening, it consisted of large pieces of generously battered calamari. Further dressed with Asian spices and a medley of red bell peppers, onions, and peanuts, it was everything that a good seafood dish should be - fresh, satisfying and a little bit indulgent.

Curried Fish and Chips - We couldn't resist another fried sensation and this plate was executed to a T.  From the flaky pieces of fish that separated beautifully to the spicy kimchi tartar sauce and the twice fried herb parmesan fries, it was all delectable and very filling.  The fries were especially plentiful and had we known how many come in a portion, we wouldnt've ordered a side of them as well.

Crab & Avocado Roll - This classic take on a sushi roll also delivered with a few chunky pieces of cooked crab and a not-too-ripe avocado that still provided some texture.  While sushi purists won't be too impressed, those that like to play it safe as far as their sushi is concerned will have no qualms.

Fresh Asian Spring Rolls - A healthier option, this roll offered a sampling of veggies including sprouts, carrots, and other greens wrapped in delicate rice paper.  A bed of creamy peanut sauce added a jolt of spice and flavor to this otherwise plain and maybe a little bland dish.

Service and Cost:
Despite the busy happy hour time-frame, the service remained steady and on the mark.  Everything was brought out to us in good time and our waitress did a great job of informing us of the impending end of happy hour, so we can order more food and drinks.  

Costs are inexpensive and range from $4.95 - $10.95 for eats and $4.25 - $6.95 for drinks.

3 Mmmms

Portland City Grill - 111 SW 5th Avenue, Portland OR 97204
503.450.0030
portlandcitygrill.com

Loverly Rolls at Pink Nori

After a long week, I was looking forward to some R&R with good friends in a chill setting.  Strolling along 30th Avenue last Friday, my friend Andrea and I had a hankering for some sushi and chose Pink Nori as our destination. Relaxing, enjoyable and filled with good eats, we walked out happy and full, with plenty of leftovers for later.

Atmosphere:
Even though Pink Nori is in the middle of the action on 30th Avenue, it's easy to miss, since the signage is unassuming and also because it's right next to the busy Antika Pizzeria.  The interior is simple and slightly devoid of character, as it lacks charming touches and feels slightly generic with its minimalist approach.  The most welcoming factor is the bar area, set in the front of the house, decked with colorful tiles and a backlit wall, displaying sake and wooden sushi boat containers.

Food:
Slightly overwhelmed by the menu, there was an immense amount of choice in the sushi rolls, sashimi and various Japanese specialties.  In the end, both Andrea and I combined a specialty roll with a simple sushi roll as our main course and shared Pink Nori's signature sushi pizza as our starter.

Sushi Pizza - Ever since Meg and Emily tried this dish when we got Pink Nori take-out, I've had food envy.  Consisting of a homemade scallion pancake that seemed to be layered, it was topped with a thin layer of guacamole and seafood goodness such as yellowtail, salmon and tuna.  Looking like an abstract painting on a plate, I'm happy to say that it tasted as colorful as it looked.

Hamachi Lover Roll + Salmon Roll - Attracted to this specialty roll because of the spice factor, it consisted of spicy yellowtail (my favorite), scallions, panko crunchies and a little sliver of jalapeno on top.  While the heat was distinctive in this roll, it wasn't overpowering and dissipated after a few seconds.  

The salmon roll provided a great complement to the Hamachi, mainly because it was simple and clean with a little bit of crunch as well for texture.

Pink Nori Roll + Tuna Roll - Andrea went with the namesake Pink Nori Roll, which looked beautiful as well, with seared salmon, cooked shrimp, avocado and tempura flakes. There was a lot going on in one bite, and while I appreciated its complexity, I think it lacked cohesion and would've been better with fewer ingredients.

The tuna roll was standard and simple and because it was wrapped in brown rice, I thought it to be a tad dry.

Service and Cost:
Impressed by the efficiency of the service, we were always paid attention to and never felt that we had to wait too long for anything.  Despite our severs being quick, we didn't feel that we had to rush out and were comfortable to stick around and chat. 

Costs are moderate setting us back about $37 each including tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

Pink Nori - 36-06 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.685.2365
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

A Perfect Astoria-Style Picnic

It was hot the other day.  I mean really really hot, and despite this, I decided to meet Dan during his lunch break and have a picnic in Central Park.  Picking up a few Astoria provisions along the way, we had ourselves a lovely Astoria-style picnic, except in that "other" borough.

Pita Pan - I love me some Pita Pan for many reasons, one being that it's inexpensive, relatively healthy and easy to eat.  For our picnic, I order two things, including their signature marinated chicken skewers (each one is only $1.65) as well as the falafel plate, which came with 5 large falafel balls, tahini sauce and warm pita.  It was tasty and kept well in my picnic bag and made for good left overs too.  37-15 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.204.1633

Watawa - Although we probably had enough to eat with Pita Pan's order, I couldn't resist getting a few sushi rolls and went with an order of spicy tuna, eel avocado and yellowtail scallion. I didn't know this, but since I got three, it came at a special price of $11, which is part of Watawa's lunch special (even on the weekends). The whole thing also comes with a side of miso soup and a salad. Overall, a fabulous value and food that traveled relatively well.  33-10 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.545.9596

Astoria Bier & Cheese - Ending things off at this specialty beer & cheese shop, I went for only the beer and got a peach wheat ale (RJ Rockers Son of a Peach) with a floral finish as well as a traditional pilsner (Abita).  Picking them up right before the picnic was a good idea because they kept cool and the Abita was a 22 oz so we kept it going for a while.  34-14 Broadway, Astoria.  718.545.5588

5 Napkin Burger's New Menu Upgrade

Image by 5 Napkin Burger

One of my all time burger faves in Astoria, 5 Napkin Burger never ceases to impress me with how they always keep things fresh and interesting for their patrons.  Not only are they experts in juicy, succulent and creative burgers, but now they're expanding their menu to new items, which are conducive to sharing, being that they're technically small plates.  

There are several categories of the new menu items including all American snacks, sushi and additional cocktails too.  Here's a little taste of what you can expect, as of today.

Wasabi deviled eggs with siracha
Warm Bavarian pretzel sticks with cheese fondue
Pimento cheese potato skins (pictured above)
Pesto flatbread
Crispy fried calamari
5 Napkin tacos with chipotle chicken, pulled pork, chipotle tofu, carne asada, grilled mahi or tempura shrimp

Maki rolls, including spicy tuna-cucumber, California crab, vegetable - avocado and spicy yellowtail

Triple roasted pineapple margarita, with Hornitos Reposada tequila
5 Napkin classic margarita, made with El Jimador Silver and citrus
Tecate michelada, with Frank's red hot and salt
Diablo agave, with Tanteo jalapeno tequila, cucumber and citrus

5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106 
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com 

Return of Sushi at Bistro 33

Halloween is coming, and with that, so is a special sushi resurgence at Bistro 33.  For those of you who've lived in the nabe for a while, you'll remember that sushi used to be a staple at Bistro 33, but the menu has since then been taken over by other, more classical bistro fare.  I remember those sushi days well and always loved their inventive house rolls, which were prepared with a lot of thought and regard for ingredients.

If you come in during Halloween next week, you can enjoy sushi and sake all night long.  The extravaganza starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes on all night - come in costume and get your sush on!

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.1933

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bistro33nyc.com

5 Napkin Can Really Roll

After what was a very long week, Dan and I hit one of our favorite Happy Hour spots, 5 Napkin Burger to celebrate the end of a long week, as well as some personal noteworthy accomplishments.  Congrats Dan!

It's no secret that 5 Napkin features a 7 day Happy Hour from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and now also from 9 p.m. - close.  This was news to us, and we'll definitely be taking advantage of this late night special on an upcoming weekend.

What I wanted to highlight here is something new that we tried, that was simply awesome.  While most of us come to 5 Napkin for their exceptional burgers and fries, Dan and I dipped into their sushi offering during Happy Hour, which proved to be awesome.  Even though I've heard good things about their sushi, I hadn't really tried it all that often.  Dan mentioned that their hand rolls were great, so we got a few (quite a bit actually) and weren't disappointed.

Spicy Tuna Hand Roll - Although the image above is actually of their salmon hand roll, the spicy tuna looked very similar, only know that each roll was a lot bigger.  In fact, I think almost double the size of the one you see above, which is the catering/party version.  

First off, I love their shape - looking like neat little cones, the delicious contents are placed somewhat loosely inside, and they're pretty different than your traditional sushi roll, which is pretty tight and compact.  The tuna is super fresh and found in generous chunks, flavored with spicy mayo, crunchy bright red roe and fresh, zesty cucumber.  It's a filling bite, especially if you have about two or three or four!

Service and Cost:
I've never experienced anything but great service here, and that's certainly also the case during Happy Hour.  All the waitstaff is attentive and the food is brought out in good time.  Note that if you're pressed for time, you can get in and out of here in about a half hour to forty minutes, drinks and food included.

At $4 beers, $2 sliders and $2 hand rolls, you simply can't go wrong. Need I say more?!

3 Mmmms
5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106 
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com 

Feasting in our Kimonos at the Yamagishi Ryokan

Officially back from Japan, I'm about to bombard you with my experiences, and end this little content hiatus you've been seeing on the blog.  There's so much amazingness that Dan and I experienced there culturally and gastronomically that I probably won't give it justice, but I will certainly try to cover the highlights.

One such peak of our trip is the stay at a traditional Japanese Inn or a Ryokan that I briefly mentioned in my previous post.  So, what exactly is a Ryokan and how does it differ from a hotel?  To say it in just a few words, a Ryokan is a comfortable place of respite where you'll feel completely relaxed and detached from the crazy, modern world.  It's a place where you'll find yourself sleeping on tatami mats, hanging out in your yukata (traditional cotton Japanese kimono), taking hot spring baths and eating like true royalty.

Dan and I got to experience this awesomeness last week in the Lake Kawaguchiko region, just a short train ride from Tokyo.  For those of you hard core Japan buffs, you'll also know that this region is famous for being in close proximity of Mt. Fuji (or Fuji-san as the Japanese refer to it) and it's absolutely breathtaking.
But now on about the complete experience...

Atmosphere:
Upon checking in to our Ryokan, we were told to report to the dining room at a given time for breakfast and dinner, which were both included in our stay.  We knew this going in and were looking forward to seeing what we'd have, but we really didn't have a clear idea of what to expect.  Upon arriving to the dining room floor, the most amazing experience unravelled before us.

At first, we were greeted by a friendly host who addressed us by name (last name + "san" is customary) and we were escorted to a special room where the guests of the ryokan were apparently having dinner.  When we walked in, we couldn't believe our eyes - a mid-sized dining room before us full of low tables with mats and chairs that were set for couples or at most a party of four.  We scanned the room quickly and saw that almost everyone was eating in their kimonos, and everyone had a designated table, including us!  The table had our name on it, and was already set up with the most amazing spread of food that made our jaws drop.

Food:
Guys, when I say spread, I mean it - just take a look at the above, as our table included everything from fresh sashimi, to pickled veggies, miso soup, Japanese delicacies such as super salty seaweed, raw squid, snail and more.  But the piece-de-resistance during each meal (not just this dinner) was the DIY aspect - in this case being the hot plate with beef and veggies that we were tasked with barbecuing.  It had a hint of Korean essence to it (the steak dinner in particular), and we just loved having an activity throughout each meal.

Though you may think that dinner is expected to be impressive, breakfast was just as much, as we were offered a full table of food gifts yet again.  This time, the interactive portion included a metal pot of water with a poached egg, carrots and dumplings inside.  We politely asked our waitress to light the fire so we can watch the egg cook to perfection and not long after devour it with gusto.

One very interesting aspect about a Japanese breakfast is that it's not too distinct from dinner.  A lot different than in Western culture, which embraces dairy products for breakfast, a Japanese breakfast consists of raw fish, pickled veggies, rice, miso soup and occasionally some fruit.  Even though this may sound odd to you, I assure you that it was really delicious and since we were so used to eating this type of cuisine throughout our trip, we were actually craving it even for breakfast.  When in Japan...

I have to take note of the quality of the food at the ryokan, which I found really good.  All the fish tasted super fresh and the meat we ate was really tasty too.  Nothing but the ripest fruits and veggies surrounded our table and overall, everything was interesting yet also simple - far surpassing our expectations of traditional hotel food.

Service:
Customary to Japanese hospitality we've been experiencing the entire time, the staff at the ryokan dining room was wonderful and gracious.  Always on hand when we needed something like a refill on our drinks or rice, they were lovely and even explained to us what some of the more non-traditional food we were eating was.  Although they spoke primarily Japanese, we figured out what the other was saying, using hand gestures, smiling and lots of patience.

3 Mmmms

Yamagishi Ryokan - 4030-1 Fonatsu, FujiKawaguchiko-machi, Minami-Tsuru-gun, Yamanishi
Fujikyu Rail Line - 8 Minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station
81-555-722218

Kumo - Affordable Sushi Lunch Special

Another new restaurant that I noticed on Ditmars was Kumo Japanese Restaurant. It's a tiny yet quaint sushi place with affordable prices, including their lunch roll special. I haven't tried it yet but think that stopping in for lunch might be a good way to test it out.

Lunch Roll Special - 11a.m. - 4p.m.

Any two rolls - $6
Any three rolls - $8.75
Served with miso soup or salad

A sampling of the menu includes:

Appetizers:
Vegetable gyoza...$3.50
Tuna teriyaki...$6.95
Fried oyster...$6.95

Roll or Hand Roll:
Salmon roll...$3.50
Eel cucumber roll...$3.75
Spicy shrimp roll...$4.50
Chicken tempura roll...$4.50
Octopus roll...$4.75

Vegetable Maki:
Carrot maki...$2.75
Sweet potato maki...$3.50
Avocado cucumber...$3.00

Specialty Roll:
Yankee roll - Rice in the center with seaweed outside then deep fried, topped with shredded crabmeat, cucumber & spicy mayo...$8.25

Kamikaze roll - Soy paper wrapped shrimp, tobiko, tamago & avocado...$6.95

American dream - Cooked salmon, eel, avocado, seaweed, salad & crunch...$6.50

Cajun tuna roll - Cajun tuna, asparagus with spicy mayo & tobiko...$6.75

Spicy girl roll - Spicy salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado & crunch rolled with marble seaweed & tobiko on top...$9

Entrees:
Tofu teriyaki...$8.25
Chicken teriyaki...$9
Seafood teriyaki...$11.25

Curry Rice (servedvwith curry sauce over rice):
Fried shrimp curry...$6.50
Chicken cutlet curry...$6.50
Pork curry...$6.50

Kumo Japanese Restaurant - 37-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.278.8808
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Bistro 33 Has a New Tapas-Style Menu

One of my favorite neighborhood eateries, Bistro 33 has changed the format of their menu. Instead of the traditional three-course set-up, they're now serving their dishes tapas-style where everyone can taste and share a bit of everything. Personally I'm happy about this, as I love sharing my food. There's always so much on the Bistro menu that I want to try but haven't been able to in one shot. Until now...

Below is their new menu, which does not include sushi, as this part of the offering hasn't changed much.

Enjoy and check it out for yourself--the prices remain moderate and I'm assuming that the superb quality of the food hasn't changed.

Cheese Plate
3 cheeses...$6
5 cheeses...$9
7 cheeses...$13

Served with wasabi dijon mustard, cornishons, balsamic–mirin glaze & Italian black figs

Stilton Blue - England, pasteurized cow’s milk, medium soft
Gruyere - Switzerland, raw cow’s milk, semi-hard
Fontina D’Aosta - Italy, raw cow’s milk, semi-soft
Piave - Italy, Pasteurized cows milk, semi soft Asiago - Italy, pasteurized goat’s milk, semi soft Manchego - Spain, sheep’s milk, hard
Mimolette - France, pasteurized cow’s milk, hard...add $3
Chevre Goat - France, goat’s milk, soft
Brie - France, Raw cow’s milk, soft

Mixed Greens - Mesclun, carrots, tomatoes, red onion, Mustard vinaigrette...$5

Crab Salad - Lump crab meat, avocado, mango, tomato-ginger coulis...$9

Shrimp a la Plancha - House made yuzu ricotta cheese, mango and orange supremes over baby arugula tossed in an orange vinaigrette...$13

Duck Carpaccio - Dried cherries, port wine reduction...$11

Chorizo and Manila Clam - Roasted spring onions and cognac cream sauce...$9

Bouillabaisse - Monk fish, manila clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, curry tomato broth...$11

Crawfish Tempura - Louisiana Crawfish, spicy mayo, toasted sesame seeds...$9

Moules Frites - PEI mussels sautéed with garlic, thyme & white wine butter sauce topped with pomme frites...$9

Scallop Sobaccine - Seared sea scallops with soba pasta, uni butter, piave cheese...$12

Lobster Mac & Cheese - Elbow pasta, fontina, gruyere & mozzarella cheese baked with Maine lobster...$12

Black Cod - Roasted miso glazed black cod with grilled asparagus...$12

Salmon - Pan seared salmon with roasted garlic potatoes & sauce a l’americaine, tarragon oil...$12

Kakiage - Tempured seafood, carrots, scallions topped with shaved gruyere cheese...$10

Foie Gras & Tuna - Seared hudson valley foie gras & yellow fin tuna, asian pear chutney, dry sour cherries, spicy candied cashews & orange blossom hachimitsu...$14

Pork Belly - Braised in udon broth, scallion salad, chili oil...$12

Duck - Duck leg, poached apricots, and toasted almonds...$9

Petit Filet - Oven roasted with asparagus & horseradish sauce...$16

Pork Crostini - Slow cooked Berkshire pork, crispy prosciutto, gruyere cheese, shredded pickles, and dijon-soy mayo...$7

Truffled Fries...$6

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.1933

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bistro33nyc.com

Momiji - Sushi That's Up To 50% Off

Momiji Japanese Cuisine - 37-04 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.626.0588

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

I recently came across a sushi menu that caught my eye. It was for Momiji Japanese Cuisine on Ditmars, which looks small but nice--and it seems clean. While I've passed it many times on my way to Inside Astoria, I've never yet tried it. What made me stop and look at the menu were the prices--they've slashed their sushi/sashimi a la carte offering by 50%.

You can order all of the below options for just $1.00 a piece:

Tuna (maguro), white tuna, salmon (sake), smoked salmon, yellow tail (hamachi), shrimp (ebi), squid (ika), crab stick (kani), salmon roe (ikura), sweet shrimp (ama ebi), red clam (hokigai), octopus (tako), fluke (hirame), egg custard (tamago), flying fish roe (masago), sea urchin (uni), scallop (hotategai), mackarel (saba), eel (unagi), inari

Traditional and specialty rolls are also available and include some of the following:

Traditional:

Salmon roll...$3.50

Rock shrimp avocado roll...$4.50

Tuna roll...$3.50

Philadelphia roll...$4.50

Yellow tail scallion roll...$3.50

Specialty:

American dream roll - Shrimp tempura, eel, avocado & tobiko...$9

Hawaii roll - Salmon, pineapple, avocado & spicy mayo...8.50

Valentine's roll - Tuna, salmon, avocado & tobiko...$8.00

Sex and the city roll - Soft shell crab, avocado, tobiko, crunchy spicy salmon...$9.50

Chicken tempura roll - Chicken tempura, avocado, mayo & tobiko...$6

They also offer a bento box or a sushi and sashimi lunch special for just $9.

Try it and let me know what you think.

JJ's Asian Fusion - Fresh, Affordable Goodness

JJ's Asian Fusion - 37-05 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103

718.626.8888

N/W Train to Broadway

www.jjsfusion.com

My friend Crystal and I decided to hit-up JJ's Asian Fusion last night for dinner. Although it's a bit far from the subway, the walk is worth it--even in the biting cold. We loved our dishes and dinner was perfectly affordable, considering the large amount of food we got. JJ's offers wonderful value and equally wonderful food.

Atmosphere:
JJ's is such a lovely, serene place. The calm feeling that came over me as soon as I stepped inside was unmistakable--and this was no accident, as it happened the first time I went there too. The decor is natural and you'll notice a lot of rich, wood accents on the walls. The dining room is separated into three small sections by simple bamboo and wood partitions, which make the space feel even more private. The only downside to JJ's is that it's a little dark but on the upside, that can be quite nice if you're on a date. I'd definitely suggest it for 2nd or 3rd date situation.

Food:
Once again, I was impressed by JJ's food--and their reasonable prices. The menu boasted a nice variety of sushi, dumplings, soups and hot entrees. Both Crystal and I were in the mood for sushi but we also wanted to try a hot appetizer to warm ourselves up. Here's what we had:

Hot and Sour Soup - As soon as I saw that this soup had a spinach wonton in it, I just had to try it. It was wonderful and very flavorful--full of generously cut veggies such as mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and cilantro. The mushrooms were my favorite ingredient and when I finally found the spinach wonton, it was perfection in my spoon. The spinach filling was very light and used in moderation. I was happy to discover that there was not one but two of these wontons in the soup--it was a nice surprise.

Edamame Potstickers - This was Crystal's appetizer--and JJ's signature dish. While I didn't try it this time, I've had it before and liked it. Crystal seemed satisfied with them too and she finished her portion to the last bite. I think that they were a bit filling though because Crystal ended up taking a large portion of her sushi home.

The Sushi - We both ordered sushi rolls, which were fresh and nicely proportioned. I chose the spicy tuna crunchy roll and an avocado roll while Crystal went for the sweet potato tempura roll. The tuna roll was wonderful and crunchy in all the right places--it didn't feel greasy and there was no fishy aftertaste. But I thought that Crystal's choice was even better! The sweet potato had good consistency--it stayed together well--and its corners were slightly fried. Again, this didn't feel heavy or oily--it was just right. What a great option for vegetarians!

Service and Cost:
Absolutely no complaints about the service--they were quick, attentive and polite. They seemed to know their stuff and ran a tight ship. It looks like JJ's has very good management because the place keeps getting better and better.

For the meal that I just described including 2 very full glasses of Pinot Grigio, our total was $39! When we added the tip, it came out to about $24 per person. I think it's a great deal that's worth trying.

3 Mmmms

Go Wasabi - An Unusual Discount

It's true that times are rough right now but our neighborhood restaurants are responding with discounts, specials and even inventive payment options. Check out this deal that I found at Go Wasabi:

They offer a 5% discount on cash payments!

True that it might only save a couple of bucks, but when a lot of us are hurting, it's definitely appreciated. Not to say that they don't accept credit cards--you can use your VISA or MasterCard here too but you won't enjoy the above discount.

Go Wasabi - 34-02, 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.204.7354
www.gowasabi.com

Tokyo I - A Convenient Sushi Bar

Tokyo I - 31-05 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102

718.777.1880

N/W Train to Astoria Blvd

www.tokyosushibar.net

A fellow neighbor told me about Tokyo 1 Sushi and how it's the best kept secret of the 24th Avenue neighborhood. I walked by the other day and grabbed a menu that intrigued me. I'll definitely be trying it in the near future. In addition to this original location just off the Astoria Boulevard stop, there are two other ones, Tokyo 2 and Samurai Sushi both in Long Island City.

Tokyo 1 is convenient because it's just a short block from the subway and just two blocks from the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. They have limited outdoor seating that looks more like a mini astro turf/putting green rather than an outdoor patio. Nevertheless, it offers up another alternative for dining and I encourage you to check it out.

Below is a sampling of their menu.

Sake:

Hot Sake...$3.50 (small), $6.00 (large)

Cold Sake...$8.00 (300 ml)

Appetizers:

Kimchi pancake...$5.95

Oshinko - Japanese pickle...$3.00

Pork Harumaki - Japanese style spring roll...$4.95

Entrees:

Shrimp Tempura - Served with a special dipping sauce and rice...$14.95 (8 pieces)

Katsu - Breaded deep fried cutlet cooked on egg with a choice of pork, chicken and shrimp tempura...$8.95

Seafood Chahan - Japanese style fried rice...$9.50

House Specialty Rolls:

Ditmars Roll - Spicy tuna and cucumber with salmon and avocado on the outside...$7.95

Yankees Roll - Cream cheese, crab meat, avocado and black pepper tuna...$7.95

Mango Salmon Roll...$7.95

Lunch Roll Combo - Any two rolls served with miso soup and salad...$8.50 (inquire about specialty lunch rolls).

Sakura - A Free Bottle of Sake

Sakura - 35-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
718.777.2188
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

I noticed a pretty amazing happy hour special at Sakura yesterday that goes a little something like this...

Happy Hour - Every Day (including weekeds) from 4:00p - 6:30p

Includes a FREE bottle of house sake. Some of the food specials during this power hour include:

Green Roll - Asparagus, cucumber, avocado with seaweed salad on top...$8.95

Butterfly Roll - Lobster tempura, crabmeat, cucumber, avocado and caviar--wrapped in soy paper...$12.95

Astoria Roll - Tuna, salmon, yellowtail and cucumber inside--topped with avocado and caviar...$10.95

Note that the food specials might change daily but the free bottle of warm sake can be redeemed any day. Drink up Astoria!

Bistro 33 - Can't Go Wrong with Late-Nite Sushi

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105

718.721.1933

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.lilbistro33.com

Bistro happens to be one of my favorite spots in Astoria, especially for late-nite dining. Their kitchen remains open until midnight and their sushi bar is open until 1 am. So when Kimberly came to town on Friday night for an impromptu visit, we decided to catch a late sushi dinner there. The results were, as always, more than pleasing. Here's what we feasted on:

Anduille & Crawfish Gumbo - Crawfish and sausage--how could you go wrong? Dan and I are big fans of Bistro's soup--the last one we had was the corn--and were looking forward to trying a new one. The gumbo had tons of flavor and a delicious smoky taste from the sausage. It had a definite kick to it, which was nice and woke up the senses, but at the same time it was a bit strong for one sitting. Dan and I had to take turns eating it, to dull down the spices that were dancing on our taste buds.

Fire Dragon Roll - I decided to experiment with my sushi and try rolls that I've never had before. If you know me, you'll know that this is a big step for me because I'm usually traditional with sushi. This roll consisted of ingredients that I like--eel and cucumber, topped with avocado and spicy tuna. The overall combination was good but it was difficult to eat--the avocado and the tuna kept falling off and I had to eat it in two bites. It was kind of messy and annoying. I could live without it next time mainly because the tuna wasn't doing anything for me. The eel and the cucumber were however lovely and refreshing.

Sesame Crusted Shrimp Roll - To sum this roll up in 1 word--AWESOME. I was sorry that there was more Fire Dragon Roll instead of this one because I would've preferred it the other way around. It contained fried shrimp in an orange curry sauce and was topped with balsamic glaze. The shrimp was delectable--crispy and tangy from the balsamic. It was easy to eat and my dining companions each had a piece and absolutely loved it. Dan went as far as to say that he "should've gotten this roll instead."

Hitachino Nest White Ale - Kimberly ordered this fabulous Japanese wheat beer as a substitute for a Blue Moon. It came in cool-looking wavy glass with a juicy orange on the side for garnish. I have to say that I liked it better than Blue Moon--it was fruity, refreshing and definitely citrusy even without the orange. I highly recommend it.

The service was nice as always, and our waitress gave us plenty of good recommendations. In terms of the cost, it was reasonable, as most rolls ranged between $7-9, soup was $7 and the beer was $8.

Although Bistro is very small, they have sidewalk seating available, which is nice and relaxing on warm summer nights.

3 Mmmms

Kitaku - An Un-Missable Lunch Special

I spied an unbelievably inexpensive lunch special last week at Kitaku Asian Cuisine. Boasting a variety of Asian styles including sushi, hibachi and traditional entrees, Kitaku is still very new and therefore trying to attract a loyal clientele. Their current lunch special is quite enticing, I must say:

2 Sushi Rolls for $5

OR

3 Sushi Rolls for $8

The special runs every day of the week, including weekends from 11:30a - 4:00p.

Stop in and enjoy your favorite sushi options--they have all the basics and some specialty rolls to boot. This special runs for a limited time only, so get your booty over there quickly or the opportunity just might pass.

Kitaku Sushi Hibachi & Asian Cuisine - 29-21 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

718.606.8508

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd. (last stop)

Go Wasabi Ditmars is No Longer

Some sad news for the Ditmars neighborhood--Go Wasabi on 29th Street and Ditmars is now closed. There's several sad looking notes posted on the windows and the door reporting that they've been closed since April 18th. Looks like Watawa and Sakura will rule this side of the 'hood in terms of sushi.

Although Go Wasabi Ditmars is no longer, its sister restaurant on 30th Avenue is very much alive and kickin'. Check them out for some solid sushi options and enjoy the live Jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.

Go Wasabi - 29-11 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 - CLOSED

Go Wasabi - 34-02, 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103 - OPEN

718.204.7354

www.gowasabi.com

Kitaku - New Japanese Fusion Joint

Kitaku Japanese Fusion - 29-21 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

718.606.8508

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

23rd Avenue welcomes Japanese Fusion restaurant, Kitaku, open just shy of a month. Kitaku is noticeable not only because of its "Grand Opening" paraphernalia like colorful flags--it also happens to be the only Japanese restaurant in this neck of the woods.

I immediately saw the value that a place like this offers--light Asian fare at fair prices. Their Hibachi specials are unbeatable--$4.49 for veggies, $5.49 for chicken and $6.49 for beef and shrimp. Another plus is the diversity of the menu, which includes traditional and inventive sushi rolls (tuna roll, Greek, BMW roll), Bento Boxes, Noodle Dishes, more traditional American entrees such as New York Strip Steak and even new dishes that are unheard of in Japanese restaurants such as the Smoked Salmon Pizzette.

Below is a sampling of Kitaku's eclectic offering:

Appetizers

Rock Shrimp Tempura - Lightly fried crispy rock shrimp served with spicy aioli sauce...$7

Harumaki - Crispy pork spring rolls with sweet and sour chili sauce...$4

Smoked Salmon Pizzette - Tobiko and smoked salmon with crispy potatoes and rice latka with a tangy sauce on top...$8

Specialty Sushi Rolls

Greek Roll - Tuna, salmon, avocado inside; tuna, salmon, eel on top with crunchy scallion, caviar in special sauce...$12

BMW Roll - Tuna, salmon, avocado, caviar inside; white tuna, pepper tuna outside topped with Chef's special sauce...$12

Spicy Mango Lobster Roll - Lobster tempura, lobster salad, cucumber, caviar wrapped in special soybean paper with Chef's special sauce...$13.95

Bento Box (comes with rice, gyoza, California roll, soup and salad)

Chicken, salmon, beef or shrimp teriyaki...$9

Beef Negimaki...$9

Veggie or Shrimp Tempura...$9

Entrees

Grilled Lamb Chop - American style grilled lamb chop with carrots, red pepper and celery in Chef's special sauce...$26

XO Scallop - Lightly pan-fried sea scallop cooked in Chef's special wine sauce...$23

Mango Chicken/Shrimp - Sauteed chicken/shrimp with asparagus, red pepper, mango, mushroom, bamboo shoot in Chef's special sauce...$16 (chicken)...$19 (shrimp)

Email me at critic@foodistanyc.com if you'd like to see the whole menu.

Try it out and let me know what you think.