Last week was my Birthday Week, as I call it and I celebrated in many ways. One of those ways involved getting together with my closest friends and family at Bear Restaurant and having a smashing meal. I love to come by and sample their delectable local and seasonal dishes, and now with the official launch of the chef-driven menu that changes daily, I couldn't wait to see what was in store.
And as Chef Natasha hinted to me during our interview, she handed us a handwritten menu, full of daily specials, which we first devoured with our eyes. Here are some of the awesome new things we tried that night, which you can probably find again this week or later in the summer:
Roasted Beet Salad - This was my appetizer, and it was really delightful - the beets looking beautifully crimson and tasting super fresh. Dressed with the perfect accompaniments such as crunchy pickles, greens, cucumber and a little bit of fresh dill, the whole plate was earthy and left a clean taste on your palate. Overall, it was a perfect way to tee up dinner.
Cheese Plate - One side of the table got the colossal cheese plate, which featured local cheeses from Hudson Valley, including Camembert, Brebis rousse d'Argental, Selles Sur Cher and Fourme D'Ambert along with creative fixins such as strawberry and blackberry purees and buckwheat honey. The whole thing looked like a work of art, and was a delight to try, juxtaposing the savory cheeses with the sweet purees, bringing your tastebuds to attention through all that complexity. I'd recommend this for hard-core, adventurous cheese lovers, and it can be something to get in the beginning or at the very end of your meal.
Pulled Pork Ribs - I love me some ribs and was expecting this to be tender and luxurious. I think I'd call it more rustic instead, but as far as taste is concerned, it was spot on. Loving the spices that were incorporated into it, such as mustard seed and cumin, the dish was comforting and really primal. While it had some nice, fresh sauteed veggies on the side, it didn't need much, as the protein itself was pleasantly filling.
Dessert - We chose to try both desserts of the day, including the homemade chocolate mousse and the yogurt parfait, both dressed with fresh berries. Both were lovely, but I preferred the chocolate mousse, which was soft and velvety and as light as a cloud. The fresh berries were simple, but really did the trick of making the overall flavors in each dessert pop.
Service and Cost:
I'm happy to report that the service continues to be a home run, full of personalization and special touches from Chef Natasha, her brother Alex and the rest of the Bear staff. They really do make you feel like at home, and my guests were pleasantly impressed.
Costs are moderate and include:
Appetizers: $6-$11
Entrees: $18-$42
3 Mmmms
Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Long Island City NY 11106
917.396.4939
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bearnyc.com
One of my favorite family holidays is here – Mother’s Day! I love spending the entire day with my mama and we typically do a fun activity either in the nabe or in the city, however not this year, as I’m heading overseas to Japan. But I’ll be thinking of her no doubt.
For those of you lucky to spend the day with mom, here are a few fun things to do:
LIC Market – Treat mom to brunch at this awesome, seasonal restaurant/general store. Mom will love the relaxed vibe, and you’ll be able to sample some of their new spring items, which feature local and seasonal fruits and veggies. Brunch goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. LIC Market - 21-52 44th Drive, LIC. 718.361.0013
Vesta – Not only do they have their typical brunch favorites on the menu such as the warm bankie and hangover pizza, but you can also come by for dinner and treat mom to a nostalgic baked lasagna dish, oozing with cheese, homemade tomato sauce and fresh herbs. The wine here is thoughtfully chosen and provides a delicious pairing with all the dishes. Vesta – 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550
Astor Bake Shop - If you'd like to keep things casual yet still very special, consider taking mom to this awesome sweet shop that will not only impress you with its pastries and decadent treats, but also a special Mother's Day prix-fixe brunch menu. On it, you'll find nostalgic finds such as Eggs Benedict, Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, a Flank Steak and Egg sandwich and more. The menu consists of 3 courses for just $22.95/person. Astor Bake Shop - 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria. 718.606.8439
Bear-Also featuring a special brunch for Mom, you won't be disappointed by their inventive options such as a gorgeous lox & croissant/cucumber sandwich, lobster omelette, strawberry fried cheesecake and more. My personal fave is their scallops and eggs dish, with large, perfectly seared scallops embedded in fluffy eggs. Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria. 917.396.4939
Mojave - For some Southwestern flair, Mojave is a great choice. Mom will get special treatment with a complimentary Viva La Mama cocktail with fresh strawberries. She can also bite into unique dishes such as the signature Carne ala Tampiquena that actually originates from an old Mexican Mother's recipe. Pretty neat! Mojave - 22-36 31st Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100
Image by Bear Restaurant
Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Long Island City NY 11106
917.396.4939
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bearnyc.com
It’s always a pleasure to discover the wonderful, new changes happening around the nabe when food is concerned. And since Astoria/LIC is such a hoppin’ place, there’s never a shortage of it. One area in particular, which I’ve been noticing is at the forefront of action is 31st Avenue. While it’s mostly the upper part of that Avenue that’s budding, the lower part is slowly but surely waking up too.
That’s why I was so excited to hear about Bear, a new European-style restaurant that’s opening up this fall on 12th Street and 31st Avenue, very close to the Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park and The Piano Factory.
Even though I haven’t yet been there, I must confess that I had a sneak peek at the menu and it sounds fantastic. Constructed by Chef Natasha Pogrebinsky, you can expect some familiar European-style eats with a new twist. Here’s a sampling of the menu to whet your appetite:
Appetizers:
Three Shot Vodka with Three Zakusky – Caviar on bliny, house-pickled vegetables, house-made sausage
Charcuterie and Cheese Plate – Butter, bread, cornichons, and mustard with cured meats, house lardo, chicken liver pate and pork jam
Herring – Marinated in white wine sauce, served with steaming potatoes, poached in dill butter
Mackerel Sashimi – Served with lemon ginger pate
Entrees:
Roasted Duck – Slow roasted duck with apples pulled off the bone and served with pan-seared potatoes
Chicken Rissole – Breaded and fried, served with yams and mushrooms
Pork Sausage – House-made sausage, braised in white wine, garlic and ginger, served with parsnip puree
Ricotta Dumplings – Fresh ricotta filled into house-made pasta with red watercress and candy cane beets
Sides and Bar Snacks:
House Pickle Plate – Cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant
Roasted Croquette – Potato and roasted onion croquette with white wine sour cream
Eggs in a Nest – Eggs mimosa with smoked sprats and mushrooms in a nest of carrot straws
It should also be noted that both vegetarian and vegan options are available. YUM – I can’t wait to try it!
