Alobar's New Cocktail Menu

Always impressed by the seasonally relevant offering at Alobar, I recently found out they've rolled out a new summer cocktail menu.  Featuring a selective but thoughtful offering of refreshing cocktails with both brown and clear liquor, you'll want to come back several times and try each one.  Take a look at the below menu and see what strikes your fancy.

The Neighbor...$13
Four Roses bourbon, Dolin Dry, Averna, maraschino liqueur

Rye Not? (pictured above)...$12
Rye, Fernet Branca, mint, lemon

The Wright Stuff...$13
Greenhook Gin, creme de violette, maraschino liqueur, lemon

Drink with No Name...$13
Del Maguey mezcal, Sorel, Velvet Falarnum, lime 

The Bitter Truth...$13
Greenhook Beach Plum, Campari, Dolin Dry, Cocchi Americano

Chauvinist Pig...$12
Pig's Nose scotch, chartreuse, Romazzatti, douglas fir

Gin & Juice...$12
Greenhook Gin, orange, sage, Cocchi Americano, Cointreau

Alobar - 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC NY 11101
718.752.6000
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.alobarnyc.com 

Front Toward Enemy – Getting Funky in Queens

Last week, I finally had the chance to visit Front Toward Enemy, which is the sultry cocktail bar/restaurant that opened a few months ago in place of the old Canz bar. I’ve been meaning to go for a while, but the opportunity never exactly materialized, and I’m happy that last week’s blogger meet-up changed that.

Instituted by my friend and fellow blogger Erin from GlutenFree Fun, I met up with a few talented and awesome Astoria and Western Queens blogging women such as the Heart of Queens, Southern Astorian, Tracy Infield and Connie. 

The evening was a casual one during, which we just grabbed a few cocktails and chatted – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Atmosphere:
Even on the torrential downpour of an evening that we got together, Front Toward Enemy was comfortably filled with patrons, many of them seeming to be regulars.  I love how the sexy, dark vibe transported to you to another world right away, and it didn’t take me long to forget about all that rainy mess outside.

Something I noticed right away were the beautifully decorated walls that boasted an elegant black velvety wallpaper that further helped set the mood.  Although a long wooden bar is definitely the focal point of the place, there are also these large horseshoe leather banquettes that were perfect for medium sized groups like ours.  I loved them especially because they made the atmosphere more communal and made it easy for us to get to know each other.

Drinks:
Since we only ordered cocktails this time around, I’m going to have to come back for the food, but from what I tried last week, that’ll definitely be in the stars.

Get Funky Cocktail – First off, I just loved the name of this cocktail and secondly, I was attracted to it because it contained gin, lemon, orgeat syrup, honey, ginger and blackberries.  All in all good things!  Not only was it refreshing, a little tart and beautifully complex, its presentation was stunning.  Most of my companions remarked at how amazing it looked and I’m pretty sure they had order envy.  I’d definitely recommend getting this cocktail in the summer to beat the heat.  It’s also a great option because it gives you good bank for you buck – just check out its size!

Service and Cost:
While I’d love to give every aspect of our experience high marks, the service was just OK.  I appreciated that our server let us chill, however, at times I think she could’ve been more attentive – especially on a slower night when the staff wasn't challenged.

Costs are high at $12 per cocktail, but like I said, I’d definitely come back to try more of those, and certainly the food as well.

3 Mmmms

Front Toward Enemy – 40-11 30^th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.
718.545.2269

N/Q Train to 30^th Avenue

fronttowardenemynyc.com

Sweetleaf's Tasty Cocktails Delight

Spending part of this weekend at the LIC Flea, helping to ring in its inaugural day, a few of us including Dan, Emily, Daniel and I headed over to Sweetleaf afterwards for a few early evening cocktails.  Hearing about Sweetleaf's cocktail menu, I had high hopes, judging by the standard of their other drinks and food.

Boasting 10 signature cocktails on the menu, we each tried something different with high marks all around.  Note that their cocktail service starts at 6 p.m., which makes this a perfect pitstop for a post LIC Flea activity.

Tarzan cocktail - Choosing something spicy and tequila based is usually my go-to, and this is exactly what the Tarzan offered.  Made up of slightly bitter pink grapefruit juice, tart lime juice, agave, and a spritz of seltzer, it was a perfectly refreshing, fruity drink.  Even though it wasn't overly warm outside, the back couch room in which we sat was sunny, therefore creating lots of warmth, so this drink was the right antidote.  I'd definitely get this again, especially in the midst of spring or summer.

My friends each got different cocktails, including the Whizz-Bang and the Mure Mule, also receiving high marks.

Service and Cost:
I can't say we were overly impressed with the service, as the staff seemed very blaze and too slow.  We were astounded that our drinks took about 15 minutes to make, especially since we were the only ones buying cocktails at the time.

Each cocktail will set you back about $10, which is standard for a high quality libation.

2.5 Mmmms

Sweetleaf - 46-15 Center Blvd, LIC NY 11101
347.527.1038
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.sweetleaflic.com 

Warm Up in Astoria - Part Deux

Surprise...the chill is back in our neck of the woods!  Just another good opportunity to highlight the warming foods and drinks you can get around town to deal with yet another round of the polar vortex.

Image by Bradley Hawks

Wine is always a good idea, especially at Bear where they're featuring $20 bottles, each day. Check it out also for their warming Russian-style cuisine such as hot Ukranian borscht, cabbage and beef casserole, hunter's stew (with lamb) and more. 12-14 31st Avenue, LIC. 917.396.4939

For more vino goodness, Rest-au-Rant is a great option, especially on Wednesdays when all their wine is 20% off.  Pair it with something luxurious such as their savory fondue or a gooey gorgonzola, fig and green apple panini.  30-01 35th Ave, LIC.  718.729.9009 

I'm loving Alewife's new craft beer collection, including thick malty options such as Peak Organic Oak Aged Mocha Stout, which can be enjoyed with a signature, Sigmund's Pretzel Shop pretzel.  If you haven't tried one yet, they're absolutely fantastic!  5-14 51st Avenue, LIC. 718.937.7494

There's nothing like a warm, delicious, melty mac 'n cheese and the one at the Sage General Store is hard to beat.  Featuring a five cheese concoction with spicy cayenne breadcrumbs on top, it's the ultimate comfort food.  24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  718.361.0707

Warming up with a tasty burger is easy to do in the nabe, and these days I'm pretty excited about BareBurger's new bar offering, which goes beautifully with one of their signature burgers such as the Roadhouse or the Big Blue Bacon.  The 31st Avenue locale now has a full on bar with signature cocktails such as the Johnny Appleseed (bourbon, green apple, hot honey, ginger brew), Rachel Carson (rosemary infused vodka, blackberries, homemade lemonade), Old Macdonald (bourbon, white peach, agave punch) and more.   Check out the awesome $50 gift card giveaway we're doing with BareBurger on We Heart Astoria.  33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7011

New Cocktails at Sweetleaf and Whiskey at Alobar

It's the holiday season, officially and everyone loves to treat themselves to a festive drink.  I'm excited to see that a few nearby restaurants have upped the ante on their cocktail offering, giving us a lot more options.  Sweetleaf on Center Blvd, which is so much more than a coffee shop, and Alobar (also in LIC) are good examples of this.  Check out their new spirits offerings below, and enjoy toasting to the new year!

Sweetleaf's New Cocktail Menu:
Jersey Tenor - American apple brandy, cognac, maple syrup, angostura (served over a rock)
20th Century - Gin, lemon, cacao, Lillet (served up)
Mure Mule - Vodka, fresh muddled blackberries, house-made ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, seltzer (served long)
Paloma Picante - Tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave, house-made habanero bitters seltzer (served long)
Whizz Bang - Scotch whiskey, dry vermouth, house-made grenadine, absinthe, orange bitters (served up)
A La Louisiane - Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, Peychaud's Bitters, absinthe rinse (served up)
The Doctor - Jamaican rum, Swedish punsch, fresh lime juice (served up)
Bartender's Choice - Choose from citrusy, sweet, sour, spicy, refreshing, aromatic, shaken, on a rock, long
Hot Butterscotch Rum - Spiced rum, homemade butterscotch, hot water
Xocolatl - Tequila reposado, spiced Mexican hot chocolate, habanero bitters, cinnamon stick

Sweetleaf - 46-15 Center Blvd, LIC NY 11101
347.527.1038
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.sweetleaflic.com 

Alobar's New Whiskey Menu:

Bourbon & Blends: 
Alibi
Basil Hayden
Black Dirt
Blanton’s
Buffalo Trace
Bulliet
Bulliet 10
Eagle Rare
Few
Four Roses
Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses Single Barrel
G. Dickel Select
High West American Prairie
High West Campfire
Hirsch
Jefferson’s
Makers Mark
Moonshine
Old Pogue
OYO
Pappy Van Winkle 12yr.
Pappy Van Winkle 15yr.
Peach Street Prichards Double Barrell
Rock Hill
Rough Rider
Widow Jane
Russel’s Reserve 10yr
Redemption
Smugglers Notch
Town Branch
Wathen’s
Whipper Snapper

Rye: 
1512
Bulliet
Charred Oak
Dickel
Jefferson
Mckenzie
Redemption
Rittenhouse
Russell’s reserve
Templeton
Widow Jane
Few
J.P. Wiser’s
Whistle Pig

Scotch:
Abelour 12yr
Ardbeg 10 yr
Bowmore 12yr
Bunnahabhain 12
Dalwhinnie 15yr
Dewars Glenkinchie
Glenmorangie 10yr
Johnny Walker Blk
Quinta Ruban 12yr
Laphroiag
Macallan 12yr
McCarthy’s (Oregon)
Oban 14yr
Pigs Nose Rosebank 21yr
Oban Distillers 1997

Irish & Canadian:
Jameson
Red Breast 12yr
Bushmills 10 yr
Bushmills 16yr
Crown Royal

Alobar - 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC NY 11101
718.752.6000
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.alobarnyc.com 

Playing Bartender at 5 Napkin Burger

It’s no secret that I’m passionate about food and do my fair share of dabbling in cooking and baking. But as far as cocktails are concerned, I’m a downright novice when it comes to creation. Sure, I know what I like and can figure out which flavors work well together – I’m just not a particularly talented mixologist.

That’s where 5 Napkin Burger came in recently, as they invited a select group of bloggers to join them for a night of cocktail mixing. Having a resident mixologist came handy, as we learned to make some basic yet classic cocktails you can never go wrong with.

Even though the whole process required a lot of patience (and sometimes a few different steps), the result was always a delicious and carefully crafted beverage that tasted so much better than something straight out of the bottle. I strongly urge you to try some of these at home, or pop into 5 Napkin Burger and they’ll hook you up.

Favorite Drink:
Even though it was the most basic of the three cocktails we made that night, the margarita was an absolute standout, and made me appreciate the art that goes into making it. The key was using fresh ingredients such as fresh lemon and lime juice, a little bit of simple syrup and a scoop of ice to ensure the drink tasted smooth and chill. You do need a few pieces of basic mixology tools such as a shaker, strainer, a mixing glass and a little jigger to measure everything out. The best part is shaking it up, and getting a little fancy with it. It was fun to watch everyone creating this cocktail, incorporating into it their own personal swagger.

Here’s the classic margarita recipe, courtesy of 5 Napkin Burger:

Ingredients:
1.5 oz El Jimador Silver Tequila          
2 scoops of ice
1 oz Bols Triple Sec                               
Lime Wedge
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice                       
Kosher Salt
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice      
1 oz Simple Syrup

Equipment:
Metal shaker
Mixing glass
Strainer
Jigger
Ice scoop
Double Old Fashion Glass

Building Procedure:
1. In a mixing glass, add El Jimador Silver Tequila, Bols triple sec, fresh lemon juice, fresh  lime juice and simple syrup 
2. Add ice
3. Shake
4. Pour over fresh ice in the double old fashioned glass with salted rim
5. Garnish with a lime wedge on rim of glass
6. 2 small black straws

5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106 
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
www.5napkinburger.com 

Bistro 33 Unveils the Lobster Roll and New Cocktail Options

It’s been a while since I’ve heard from Bistro 33, so I was eager to see that they had some new food and cocktail news.  They do seafood particularly well, so I was happy to see they’re offering a lobster roll option, along with some yummy sounding cocktails.  It’s meant to be a pairing, and the options sound lovely – just perfect for spring and summer.

Spicy Lemonade – Corp organic meyer lemon vodka, fresh lemon juice, hellfire bitters and siracha salt

Ginger Bash – Muddled ginger root, fresh pineapple, Flor de Cana Rum, cherry rum, apple liqueur and lime juice

Monkey Iced Tea – Monkey Shoulder Scotch, fresh mint and lemon juice

33’s Old Fashioned – Chopin Rye Vodka, orange peel, cherry liqueur, peychauds bitters

Bistro 33 - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.1933

N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.bistro33nyc.com

A Meh Experience at Astor Room

It's been quite a while since I dined at Astor Room, and unfortunately it was once again a lackluster experience.  I really hoped that would change last week when Meg, Mackenzi, our fabulous designer Nuno and I went there for dinner, but mediocrity continues to be the norm.

Even the very beginning of our experience was a let down when we were told we had to wait about 15 minutes for our reserved table.  Luckily, time went by really quickly and we were seated shortly, but it was still an odd way to begin.

Food:
We started with a shared salad, after which everyone got their own entrees.  While I don't think we were overly full, we just didn't really care for dessert, especially since Meg Mackenzi and I started with a sweet preview back at SITE, courtesy of the very talented, Sweet Amanda Leigh.

Warm Spinach & Asparagus - Generally enjoying this salad, it was pretty simple but tasty, including generous amounts of fresh spinach and grilled asparagus.  The component that really attracted me to it though was the maple bacon vinaigrette and unfortunately I can't say I tasted it at all.  There was some warm, tangy goat cheese in this concoction, and it was lovely, but somehow the dish didn't live up to its interesting menu description.

Short Rib Stroganoff - Labeled as an Astor Room classic, I looked forward to trying it, especially since it ties back to my Eastern European roots.  Overall, the dish was pretty solid, and the short rib was especially yummy.  I liked how it fell apart upon contact with your fork and the egg noodles soaked up its meaty sauce quite nicely.  There was supposed to be truffle creme in the sauce as well but once again, I couldn't detect it.  But all that aside, it was a tasty plate of food that I'd gladly get again.

Other Dishes - My friends seemed to enjoy their dishes, although they didn't rave about them.  My suspicion is that they were the same as mine - perfectly acceptable but generally unexciting.  I tried the fries, which Meg got as a side and once again I couldn't taste the truffle salt.  They were just meh.

The Studio Cocktail - Ordering this drink and absolutely loving it convinced me that Astor Room still does one thing right - the cocktail.  Incorporating my favorite, Tito's vodka with apricot liqueur, demarara syrup and fresh lime, it tasted slightly sour and a little sweet too.  The whole thing went down so smooth and reminded me of something I'd have on vacation - but still maintaining a certain sophistication.

Service and Cost:
The service too was really odd.  We had two servers who didn't seem to communicate, as they took our drink order twice.  However, after a few awkward interactions, the rest of  service went off without a hitch.

Costs are pricey for the quality of food you're getting and we paid about $45/person with tax and tip.  This doesn't sound too bad, but consider that two of my dining companions got appetizers for their main course.

1.5 Mmmms

The Astor Room - 34-12 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.255.1947
N/Q Train to Broadway or M/F Train to Steinway Street
www.astorroom.com

5 Napkin Burger Daily Drinks Specials

I was intrigued to see the latest and greatest at 5 Napkin Burger in terms of their drinks offering, as they rolled out their daily drinks specials this week.  It's nice to see that the offering is pretty varied and includes everything from craft beer, wine and cocktails.  Check out these fun specials and let me know which ones you like best.

Sunday - Craft Beer Night
Select bottled craft beers $5 each or 5 for $20

Monday - Martini Madness
$6 specialty martinis (i.e. Great Escape Martini, Cucumber Gin Martini, Luau Martini)

Tuesday - Flight Night
$12 flights of any 4 draft beers

Wednesday - Wine & Well Night
$5 glasses of wine, $20 bottles of wine, $5 well drinks
Includes Pinot Grigio, Mandra Rossa, Sicily, Italy 2010 $5 / $20
Riesling, Relax, Mosel, Germany 2011 $5 / $20
Sauvignon Blanc, The Infamous Goose, Marlborough, New Zealand 2011 $5 / $20
Chardonnay, Penfolds, Rawson’s Retreat, South Australia 2010 $5 / $20
Super Tuscan, Frescobaldi Remole, Toscana, Italy 2010 $5/ $20
Shiraz, Bergkelder Fleur du Cap, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2010 $5/ $20
Malbec, Don Miquel Gascon, Mendoza, Argentina 2010 $5/ $20
Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, California 2010 $5/ $20
Well gin, vodka, tequila, rum

Thursday - Pint night

5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106
 718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com

Casa Enrique Rolls Out New Cocktail Offering

Image by Casa Enrique

Casa Enrique, LIC's new modern Latin eatery has garnered nice attention, and some of my fellow foodie friends have certainly sang its praises.  While I still have yet to get myself over there, it's definitely on my list - and now even more so with this delicious-sounding cocktail menu.  Check out their new drinks (and eats) below:

Margarita - classic, mango, strawberry or tamarind
Aguachile - tequila, Cointreau, orange juice, agave, jalapeño, cucumber, lime juice
Chimbombo Margarita - a classic margarita with a kick of spicy sauce
Sangria - red wine, brandy, cachaça, orange juice, lime juice
Mojito - Bacardi light rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar
Michelada - Modelo Especial, Valentina sauce
Selection of Mexican beers, tequilas, and sparkling, rosé, white and red wines

Sopes de Chorizo - homemade thick corn tortilla, chorizo, black beans, avocado, cream
Pastor Taqueria - pork taco marinated in chilies and pineapple
Mole de Piaxtla - mole sauce made of more than 30 ingredients over braised chicken
Chamorro de Borrego - lamb shank braised in chili pulla, huajes & epazote
Pastel Tres Leches - sponge cake made of three kinds of milk, goat milk caramel

Casa Enrique - 5-48 49th Avenue, LIC, NY 11101
347.448.8180
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue

5 Napkin Burger's New Menu Upgrade

Image by 5 Napkin Burger

One of my all time burger faves in Astoria, 5 Napkin Burger never ceases to impress me with how they always keep things fresh and interesting for their patrons.  Not only are they experts in juicy, succulent and creative burgers, but now they're expanding their menu to new items, which are conducive to sharing, being that they're technically small plates.  

There are several categories of the new menu items including all American snacks, sushi and additional cocktails too.  Here's a little taste of what you can expect, as of today.

Wasabi deviled eggs with siracha
Warm Bavarian pretzel sticks with cheese fondue
Pimento cheese potato skins (pictured above)
Pesto flatbread
Crispy fried calamari
5 Napkin tacos with chipotle chicken, pulled pork, chipotle tofu, carne asada, grilled mahi or tempura shrimp

Maki rolls, including spicy tuna-cucumber, California crab, vegetable - avocado and spicy yellowtail

Triple roasted pineapple margarita, with Hornitos Reposada tequila
5 Napkin classic margarita, made with El Jimador Silver and citrus
Tecate michelada, with Frank's red hot and salt
Diablo agave, with Tanteo jalapeno tequila, cucumber and citrus

5 Napkin Burger - 35-01 36th Street, Astoria, NY 11106 
718.433.2727
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
5napkinburger.com 

Sweetleaf & Dutch Kills Collaborate

Just a little something to get you excited for next weekend, since this weekend is pretty much shot.  Thanks Irene!  

This deal comes from LIC friends and one of my favorite coffee shops in Queens, Sweetleaf.  Admiring their recent collaborations with LIC neighbors such as Malu Ice Cream and now Dutch Kills, Sweetleaf does a great job of sharing the wealth with other businesses.  In this special collaboration with Dutch Kills, they're putting together a free tasting party in honor of the PS1 MOMA warm-up send-off of the season.  Here are more details and I hope you can attend - it sounds super fun.

Sweetleaf & Dutch Kills Free Tasting Party
Saturday, September 3rd from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Get a free caffeinaited alcoholic drink
Check out their Facebook page for more information

Sweetleaf - 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
917.832.6726
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Ave
www.sweetleaflic.com 

DiWine's Art + Champagne - Plus 3 New Summer Cocktails

Image by DiWine

I love hearing about the fun new things DiWine constantly has in the cooker.  Their latest and greatest mixes art with champagne in their Art + Champagne event, happening this Thursday. 

The concept of this event is pretty cool, as it allows you to admire and ask questions about local works of art, and to top it off, enjoy some free champagne.  I love the way DiWine always ties things back to the community, and I'd be curious to see what you think of this event.  Here are the vitals:

Art + Champagne at DiWine:
Thursday, July 28th at 8 p.m.
Featuring the works of Mike Harrison
Free champagne until it lasts
The drinks special of the night will be the Kina Gin for $6

And speaking of drinks, if you'd like to try a few of their newest summer cocktails, here's their latest and greatest:

Mango Colada Martini - Mango-infused rum, cream of coconut, and mango puree

Rickiety Cucumber - Muddled cucumber and strawberry, lime juice, Irish whiskey, and simple syrup

Herbal Lemonade - Lemon-thyme infused vodka, lemon juice, cointreau, and vanilla simple syrup

All three have been added to DiWine's drinks specials, which means they are $6 each.  Good stuff!

DiWine - 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/M Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com

Summer Cocktails at The Astor Room

Although you know I'm not yet too fond of Astor Room's food, I do adore their drinks and fabulous atmosphere. That's why when I noticed their new summer drinks menu, I was intrigued and excited to share it with you.

What I love most about Astor Room's cocktails in general is the careful way in which they're prepared and the fresh ingredients such as seasonal fruit and fresh herbs that go into them. Each drink is prepared with great precision and involves an element of drama, executed by talented mixologists. I urge you to experience it for yourself.

Here are their seasonal creations - I hope they pique your interest:

Fedora Punch - Jamaican rum, brandy, bourbon, curaçao, simple syrup...$10

Cayo Hueso - Silver rum, fresh mint, demarara...$10

Blood & Sand - Astor Room style. bourbon, cherry heering liquor, sweet vermouth, fresh-squeezed orange juice...$11

‘Side Car’ Named Desire - Bourbon, cointreau, egg white, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup...$9

The Gatsby - Gin, dolin de chambéry blanc vermouth, egg white, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup...$10

Mexican Firing Squad - Silver tequila, home-made grenadine, lime juice, angostura bittters...$10

The Tiajuana - Mezcal, fresh ginger, grenadine, lime juice...$10

Grand Marnier Smash - Grand marnier liquor, muddled mint & lemon juice...$10

The Astor Room - 34-12 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106
718.255.1947
N/Q Train to 36th Avenue
www.astorroom.com