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!

Vesta's Thanksgiving Menu is Here

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought I'd start rolling out some helpful info about restaurants that will be running specials.  One such neighborhood darling, which is extending a celebratory menu for this holiday is Vesta.  In addition to being a big fan of this restaurant myself, I've never heard any complaints from friends or readers. 

I hope you enjoy their special Thanksgiving menu and give them a try, whether if that's with close family, friends or with your special someone.

Vesta's Thanskgiving Menu:

Appetizers:

Caramelized Onion Soup - Grana Padano croutons, parsley...$7

Roasted Butternut, Acorn & Pumpkin Soup - Vincotto & pumpkin seeds...$8

Charred Apple Salad frisee - Radicchio, arugula, & endive lettuce, candied pecans...$8

Prince Edward Island Mussels roasted fennel, potato & tomato...$9
Fudge Farms Short Ribs - Sweet potato puree, roasted shallots and prunes...$10

Pizze:

(Vesta's thin crust pizza can also be prepared with whole wheat dough for $ 2.00 extra)

Margherita...$12

Potato, pancetta, caramelized onions, apple & goat cheese...$13

Yukon potato, provolone, Grana Padano, truffle oil & parsley...$15

Blue cheese, caramelized red onion, & tomato...$13

Entrees:

Ravioli (open faced) - Sausage, potato, pumpkin puree & sage bechamel...$15

Roasted Turkey Breast - Mashed potato, cranberry sauce & cornbread stuffing...$19

Gnocchetti Sardi - Toasted garlic, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, tomato & seasoned bread crumbs...$13

Roasted Cod - Lemon butter, roasted potato, cipollini, pearl onions & leeks...$24

Grass Fed Rib Eye - Braised greens & roasted tomato garlic sauce...$25

Dessert:

Pumpkin Pie - With pecan shortbread, cranberry caramel & spiced whipped cream...$6.50

Chocolate Ganache Tart - With salted caramel peanuts and whipped cream...$6.50

La torta del piccolo bambino Gesu christo (aka Baby Jesus Cake)...$6.50

Vesta - 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102
718.545.5550
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.vestavino.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!