Trattoria El Greco is now Via Trenta

I was surprised the other day when I saw a new sign pop up at the not-yet-a-year-old Trattoria El Greco.  Given that this pizzeria opened up so recently and already has a different name and management is quite the bummer.  The new name, which literally means "30th Avenue" in Italian may not be all too different.  I'm still digging into the backstory of this place, and it looks like it may be a little while before they open, but if anyone knows what's up, feel free to give a shout on this page.

The trend of these generic "30th" names seems to be spreading, as the previous, Akti is now going to be called "Bar 30 Lounge," which hasn't yet open.  I'll keep a close eye on both places and report back. 

Via Trenta - 36-19 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
Opening Soon!

Junko Sushi Replaces Moonstruck Diner

Not even a year into their opening, the very short lived Moonstruck Diner is being replaced.  I noticed its successor the other day when hanging out in the nabe with Meg and Tom.  All three of us noticed the big sign on the facade that said "Junko Sushi coming soon."

I like the sign - it's cheerful and funky and indicates that this new sushi place may be promising.  A good sushi option in the Broadway neck of the woods is needed, with other Asian alternatives in sight such as Thai, but not really a stand-out sushi resto.  Some of you may know Bai Sushi, closer to Steinway, which is generally good but not an absolute must.  We'll see what this newcomer brings, and in the meantime, if you know of its specific plans to open, feel free to holler. 

Junko Sushi -33-02 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
OPENING SOON
N/Q Train to Broadway 

A Little Kitchen That Could Opens

The other day while hanging with Meg, she tipped me off about a little place with a clever name called A Little Kitchen that Could.  Replacing the short-lived, Munch that occupied the space before, this place has been open just shy of a month. 

The food offering is simple, local and extends beyond the breakfast and lunch service of its predecessor.  Instead, dinner is offered as well, and when I walked by around 8 p.m., I saw a few people in there enjoying their food, immersed in conversation or a good book, so it seemed. 

I like that the hours are a lot more flexible, being open all week round, pretty much around the clock:

Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., 4:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 7 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday -  8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Check it out and do chime in with your opinions.  I'm eager to get a hold of the menu and will share it soon.

A Little Kitchen That Could -24-01 29th Street, Astoria NY 11102
347.242.3954
N/Q Train to Astoria Blvd 

Antika Pizza & Pasta is Coming to 30th Avenue

Yet another 30th Avenue newbie I noticed recently is an Italian restaurant called Antika.  Located in the old Oneiro space on 30th Avenue between 35th and 36th street, it has some close competition right across the street with El Greco, which also boasts brick oven pizza. 

Not yet sure how I feel about yet another pizza joint, but only time will tell what Antika will bring.  One thing's for sure, 30th Avenue's recent fire, which left Flo Cafe in shambles isn't stopping the rest of the neighborhood from developing.  Not only do I hope that Flo recovers, but I can't wait to see what other developments come next to this vibrant Avenue.  More to come on Antika as I find out.  In the meantime, feel free to chime in with any updates you may have.

Antika Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta - 36-08 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

Revelry Lounge Leaves, Introducing us to Alegria

The old Bar 36 and Revelry Lounge space seems to keep running into tough luck, as it's changed hands yet again, and is now called Alegria. Unlike its predecessors, this new rendition promises a spicier experience, offering modern Latin food, tapas and your classic bar offerings.  I peeked inside and saw that the interior hasn't changed much, which isn't necessarily a bad thing (the space is gorgeous!)  If this place is to do well, they're going to have to really kick it up a notch with an amazing menu and a fair prices.  I'll share a menu when I get my hands on it.  In the meantime, they are taking reservations, so go on and give it a shot if you're curious.

Alegria - 36-05 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.715.4420
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue

Veslo Rows into Town!

Image by veslonyc.com

Melissa, an avid Foodista reader sent me a very helpful heads-up today about a new restaurant opening this Friday.  Veslo or "oar" in Croatian, is the name of this new establishment that will represent Dalmatian culture, also known as the region on the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea.  It's therefore no surprise that Veslo's menu will feature lots of fresh seafood, prepared in a simple, fisherman-style technique that appears to be light yet still satisfying for the cold winter season.

Veslo will double up as a restaurant and sports bar, bringing patriotic Croats and other avid soccer fans with with hard-to-catch international matches.  American sports will be on too, so you can watch a plethora of games under one roof.

Here's a sampling of their menu to pique your curiosity:

Appetizers:
Boris Special - Hot seafood platter with steamed clams & mussels in a white wine sauce, grilled calamari and eggplant rollatini...$15
Steamed Shellfish Combo - Steamed clams & mussels, served in a white sauce...$11
Dalmatian Platter - Thinly sliced prosciutto & cheese, served with olives & peppers...$9

Pasta:
Brodetto a la Adriatic - A cornucopia of shrimp, mussels, scallops, clams & sea bass served in a tomato, white wine broth and infused with garlic parsley & basil over pasta...$26
Krapanj Style Orzotto - Sauteed octopus & calamari with barley...$22
Brodarica Style Bolognese - Veal & beef sauteed with prosciutto & tomatoes over spaghetti...$16

Fish:
Grilled Halibut - Served in a light lemon sauce...$20
Shrimp na Buzaru - Croatian-style shrimp sauteed with fresh tomato, green onion and garlic in a white wine sauce, topped with breadcrumbs...$21
Mixed Seafood Platter - A mixed platter of grilled lobster tail, filet of sole, shrimp and calamari along with steamed clams & mussels in a white wine sauce...$30

Meat:
Veal Sniceli - Pan seared veal with olive oil & a touch of garlic...$18-$20
Goulash - Cubed beef stew with olive oil, onion, garlic, red wine & fresh herbs...$16-$18
Veslo Mixed Grill Platter - Various grilled meats including cevapcici, raznjici & lamb chops...$28

Veslo - 32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718.728.0549
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.veslonyc.com

Astoria's Finest Bagels Are Here. Or Are They?

Back in the summertime, I impatiently waited for Astoria's Finest Bagels, a new bagel shop on Ditmars Blvd to open.  Well it sure took them a while but they're finally up and running.  I walked by the other day, went in, grabbed a menu and called it a day.  Not to say that I won't go back and try something, I just wasn't in the mood for a bagel right then and there.  Although the reviews have been a bit off-putting, I'm willing to set 'em aside and experience it for myself.  I suggest you do the same.

Here's a brief sampling of their menu to give you a taste of what you can expect:

Hand-rolled bagels - plain, poppy, cinnamon raisin, sesame, onion, garlic, salt, whole wheat, pumpernickel, pumpernickel-raisin, everything, 9-grain honey, olive, low carb whole wheat oat - $12 for a dozen or $10 for a mini dozen

Cream cheeses - raisin walnut, sun-dried tomato, lox spread, scallion, olive, veggie, low-fat, seasonal fruit, herb...$1.10 - $3.75

Tofu spreads - lox, herb, veggie, olive, walnut raisin, scallion, sun-dried tomato...$2.75 - $3.75

Smoked fish sandwiches - Nova Scotia with cream cheese, baked salmon, white fish, belly lox & cream cheese, smoked tuna, pickled lox...$3.25 - $9.25

Salad sandwiches - white fish, tuna fish, chicken, eggplant, seafood, shrimp, egg, hummus, Mediterranean tuna salad...$2.50 - $6.25

Knishes - mushroom, spinach, potato...$2.75

Astoria's Finest Bagels - 33-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105
718.606.2600
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd