Dynamite Halusky at The Barn

On Friday eve, a few of us headed over to The Barn to celebrate my brother Peter's 28th bday.  I've always wanted to try this place out, even when it was Club 21 but the opportunity never arose until now.  Even though this laid back bar now serves more of an American style menu of drinks and food, there's still a secret Slovak menu that's up for grabs, which is what we tapped into.

Atmosphere:
Located on the corner of 21st Street and 30th Avenue, The Barn is a chilled out place to hang out even though it happens to be a little remote.  The inside is long and spacious with a sizable bar right as you come in and an attractive outdoor garden out back that sits about 30+ people.  This is where we sat and totally dug the temperate weather, the candle lit setting and the attentive service.

Food:
As I already mentioned, we were aware of The Barn's secret Slovak menu, and I made sure to ask our waiter (in Slovak) just what was on it.  Happy to learn that my favorite halusky (aka potato spaetzle) were amongst the highlights, I ordered a portion of bryndzove halusky (spaetzle with sheep's milk cheese) with bacon on top.

Used to the thick halusky at Koliba, I was excited to see that The Barn made a lighter version that were thinner and airier.  The bryndza was excellent too, with a distinct smoky flavor that made me think of being in the Slovak countryside.  A crispy, juicy sprinkling of bacon and vibrant green onions on top completed the dish and made it an overall standout.  Sorry Koliba, but I think this one hit it out of the park!

Service and Cost:
Impressed by the attentive service at The Barn, our drinks flowed liberally and the food came out in good time.  I think there was a little bit of confusion with our first order of halusky but after all was clarified, the dish came out in just a few short minutes and all was forgotten amongst the delicious food coma.

Costs are affordable with the halusky setting us back $13 and most beers and cocktails being between $6 - $10.

3 Mmmms

The Barn - 30-09 21st Street, Astoria NY 11102
718.728.0305
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
thebarnastoria.com

Fall Eats at Koliba Slovak Restaurant

It's been a while since I've been to my favorite Slovak restaurant in the neighborhood, which you guys know to be Koliba.  Every time I go, it's an opportunity to introduce someone new to my culture, which I always love doing.  This time, the introduction was made by my friend Anne (who often  helps contribute to We Heart Astoria), as she introduced me to Jared from the Eat the World NYC blog and his friends.  

Jared's mission is to explore international cuisine, right here in our neck of the woods - whether that means Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan or any other borough that will let him and his comrades sample different things.  I love their fearlessness of trying virtually anything, and it was a lot of fun to dine with them last week, as they exemplified a passion for Slovak food.  I was flattered!

Although I'm pretty familiar with most things on Koliba's menu, there were a few newbies too which I tried.  Here are my highlights:

Dumplings with Eggs and Pickles - It's been years (yes, years) since I've had this dish with my Slovak friends, and it was just as good as I remember.  Made up of delicate little bread dumplings that are intermingled with clouds of scrambled eggs, it's like a late night twist on brunch.  Paired with a sour/sweet pickle on the side, it provides a fun contrast for the more mild dumplings and eggs. Even though it wasn't a strong enough flavor profile for some of my American friends, I continue to enjoy it.

Fried Cheese - One of my all time faves here, it yet again delivered.  My new friends loved the little surprise found in the center, which was the smoky ham. Yeah, it's a ham and cheese in a fried format, so how can you really go wrong with that?!  I continue to love their homemade tartar sauce that comes on the side and makes this dish so comforting.

Grilled Kolbasa - I'm not sure that I've ever had this here, but it's an all-time Slovak staple.  Koliba's version delivered with a smoky rendition of this pork delicacy.  It didn't need much of anything in terms of sauce, since it was as juicy as can be, boasting a blistered exterior.  Dan, who just had klobasa at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden just a few minutes before commented about how much better this one was.

Schnitzel Vihorlat - An unusual take on the pork schnitzel, this one was covered with a variety of veggies and cheese.  It was a very rustic (almost messy dish), which was tasty, but the only bummer was that they skimped out on the schnitzel meat.  We brought this to the staff's attention and they graciously fixed the mistake.  Despite this little mishap, the veggies and the cheese created a fun combo that got me inspired to make something like this at home.

Marlenka Honey Cake - Seeing this cake as part of Koliba's offering really surprised me, as they usually just a have a standard dessert offering of strudel and crepes.  Although this cake isn't baked on premises, it's made in the Czech Republic and ironically comes from an old Armenian recipe.  I liked its many beautiful layers that were bound by a creamy honey glaze.  The walnut topping was delicious, adding an earthy quality that we all appreciated.  My dining companions concurred that this was the most original of desserts.

Service and Cost:
Given that we were a pretty large group of people, the service was on-point.  I was happy to order for everyone in Slovak and the waitress was sweet and very accommodating.  Although we had a little mishap with our schnizel dish, the staff at Koliba more than made up for it, and we left feeling great and pleasantly full.

Costs continue to be affordable, and for the above-mentioned feast, including 3 more entrees, apps and a round of beers, we paid a total of $31/person with tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

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