Happy Father's Day Astoria - Father's Day Resto Roundup

Happy Father's day to all the great dads out there, including my very special Oci.  That's what we call Dad in Slovak and my American friends find the word intriguing and endearing.  Just like the man himself, pictured above.  In honor of Father's Day, I bring you this resto round-up, and while you'll see that most places are doing business as usual, they still provide a wonderful atmosphere for Dad and the whole fam.

Mojave - Fun times are sure to be had at this Southwestern eatery.  In honor of Father's Day, they'll have a BBQ and an open bar on their patio and even free shots of tequila for Dad. Salud!  22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105.  718.545.4100

Cavo - This upscale Greek resto will feature their regular menu for Father's Day but Dads gets pampered with 1/2 priced entrees, so order something expensive.  You can also enjoy $20 pitchers of sangria, which is customary for Sundays.  42-18 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.721.1001

eXo - You won't want to miss eXo's Trapezi night, which features a whole lamb on a spit, roasted beef, Greek pork shoulder and plenty of sides and meze to go with it.  The whole feast will only set you back $35/person and Dad gets some cold ones on the house!  15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 11357.  718.767.4396

Christos Steakhouse - If Christos isn't the epitome of manly cuisine then I don't know what is.  Take Dad to this staple Greek steakhouse for a gorgeous steak, lobster and classic steakhouse sides with a Greek spin.  They'll have a couple of daily specials for Dad but the menu is staying as is.  41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.777.8400

Bistro 33 - Check out this neighborhood favorite for Father's Day, and especially now as it's fresh from being renovated.  As many of you may know, the previously known Side Door ice cream parlor has now been renamed Side Door Sushi and is serving just that.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105.  718.721.1933

BareBurger - Who wouldn't want to sink their teeth into a juicy, organic burger that comes in 14 different varieties?!  Dad can mix and match his protein with the various fixins and can choose from traditional beef to a more exotic ostrich or bison patty.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.777.7011

Zenon Taverna - If your Dad loves homemade, delectable Greek food, you can't miss Zenon.  My favorite thing to get here is the 16 course meze tasting menu for just $19.95.  Yes...it's true, and yes...it's very delicious and filling.  34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.  718.956.0133

Vesta - With their menu always being fresh and seasonal, there's nothing not to love here.  From pizza, pasta, steak, fish, pork and lots of great veggie options, Dad will surely love breaking bread at this local eatery.  They have plenty of wonderfully chosen wines on the menu too so don't forget to order a glass or a bottle.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

Ornella - Here's an idea for you...celebrate with Dad on Monday and take advantage of Ornella's steak night where all steak dishes (6 varieties in total!) are only $14.99.  This is a great opportunity to treat Dad, while not breaking the wallet either.  And while you're there, don't miss my absolute favorite dish - the duck meatballs! 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.9477

BareBurger Always Hits the Spot

On our way back home from a lovely weekend in DC, we made a pit stop at BareBurger, before coming back to home base.  Tired and hungry after a long car ride, we had a feeling BareBurger would do the trick to satiate us.  It so did.

It was a lovely, warm night outside and the place was buzzing.  Outside tables had a wait, but given that we were starving and also because the floor to ceiling windows were wide open, we were happy to sit inside.  Although we've already tried many burger options here, I picked a variety that was new to me and that I'd love to tell you about, the Pesto Red Pepper Burger.

Pesto Red Pepper Burger - After a weekend of gorging on a lot of not-so-healthy foods, I was in the mood for something earthier and healthier than your traditional beef burger.  I chose this fresh tasting pesto burger with turkey meat. 

BareBurger's brioche bun is always a plus in my book, so sinking my teeth into this baby was a pleasure - once you got a full bite of the moist burger meat with the melted smoked mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, baby spinach and creamy pesto mayo, your tastebuds went to town.  I loved that overall, the burger didn't feel heavy but still left you very satisfied.

Service and Cost:
BareBurger's service is always consistent and this time around was no different.  Our order was taken just a few minutes after we sat, our water was always refreshed and the burgers came out in good time, as did the check.

For two burgers and a side salad, we paid $33 with tax and tip.

3 Mmmms

BareBurger - 33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.777.7011
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bareburger.com