eXo's Live Jazz Night

One of my favorite non-Astoria eats, eXo always has something interesting up their sleeve.  The Chef, Costa happens to be a fellow Astorian and some of the other staff as well, so you can see where their loyalties lie - with us!

Something new and interesting they're rolling out this fall is Jazz Night, which starts on Saturday, November 19th from 8 - 10 p.m. Featuring unlimited and very delicious house wine and meze, the evening will be held in their new heated patio, which is pretty extensive.  The whole evening for just $40 - sounds good to me.

If you haven't yet tried this place, I think this is your chance, since the event is on a Friday, which gives you some extra time to get to Whitestone.  The food is fresh and creative, and if you do make it out there, I can't wait to hear what you think.  Shoot me a line with your feedback.

Exo - 15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 11357
718.767.4396
www.exorestaurant.com

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

eXo - A Meal for Your Favorite Hungry Man

Image by eXo

With Father's Day coming this Sunday, I'll be doing one of my round-ups later this week, but wanted to specifically highlight this fantastic opportunity for a real manly (and not to mention delicious) meal.  eXo's Sunday Trapezi night will be in order, featuring a selection of three meats, served from their proper spit roast that you see above.  The whole experience is a true feast that Dad will love, and he'll even get some cool brewskis on the house.  Personally, I've had nothing but excellent meals here, so I'm expecting this to be awesome. 

Here's a detailed Father's Day offering:

eXo Father's Day Trapezi Menu - $35/person, including free beer for Dad

First Course (choice of 1)
Marouli Lettuce Salad - Crouton, pickled onion, red wine vinaigrette
Lamb Magiritsa Soup - Scallion, lemon, herbs, greek olive oil
Grilled Calamari & Asparagus Salad - Spring onion, lemon vinaigrette, herbs

Second Course (choice of 1)
Feta Ravioli - Brown butter, sage, sheep cheese
Crispy Halloumi - Olive oil fried cheese, lemon, tomato
Lamb Meatball Keftedes - Kefalotiri cheese stuffed meatballs

Entree (choice of 1…sliced right from the spit roast)
Whole Spring NY Lamb - Sustainable lamb from upstate ny basted with lemon, olive oil, oregano
Spit Roasted Beef - Marinated for 24 hours in garlic, rosemary, and red wine
eXo Greek BBQ Pork Shoulder - Lighly smoked and slow roasted until crackly good!

Sides
Lemon potatoes, horta, marinated garlicky beets

eXo - 15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 11357
718.767.4396
exorestaurant.com

Astoria Mother's Day Plans

One of my favorite holidays, Mother's Day is here.  Not only do you get to honor your one and only Mama, you also get to indulge in lovely food and drink.  Astoria and LIC are paying special homage to our favorite matriarchs, and there are plenty of fun things to choose from. Such as...

Ornella - Aside from the delectable menu items that you can always find at Ornella (the imbustata and the duck meatballs are favorites), they'll also feature a 3-course prix fixe for $35.  This menu will contain delectable items such as chestnut pasta, burrata with porchetta, short ribs, Ornella's homemade Italian cheesecake and much more.  29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105.  718.777.9477

Cavo - Since the weather is rumored to be quite spectacular tomorrow, treat Mom to a garden brunch at Cavo.  Sure it's a splurge at $49/person, but the setting is to die for and you can spend quite a while luxuriating in the sunshine.  The menu includes 3 courses and a glass of wine.  42-18 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103.  718.721.1001

Astor Room - The newly opened Astor Room will feature regular brunch service during the day but a special dinner prix-fixe dinner in the evening.  A special 3 course dinner will include highlights such as duck confit stuffed squash blossoms, champagne poached red snapper, rosemary brick chicken, a chocolate & peanut butter mousse cup and more for $50/person.  34-12 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106.  718.255.1947

eXo - Although not an Astoria based resto, its chef, Costa hails from A-town, so venture out and experience the authentic, homey Greek cuisine.  They're showcasing both brunch and dinner service with a special prix-fixe and you can see the menu here.  To whet your appetite, expect Greek specialties such as Eggs Benedict Spanakopita, sizzling lamb hash, swordfish souvlaki and more.  15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 1135.  718.767.4396

Bistro 33 - While usually featuring a prix-fixe, Bistro will keep things casual with their regular menu but a couple of special items as well will shake things up.  Tomorrow, you can have brunch or dinner and bask in the sunshine by sitting in their open air cafe.  19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105.  718.721.1933

Veslo - If your mama has an adventurous palate, take her out for Balkan food at the new, fabulous, Veslo.  Their special Mother's Day menu is quite rich with a 5-course offering for $65/person with featured items such as veal gnocchi, surf and turf, osso bucco, Eastern-European style crepes and more.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106.  718.728.0549

Winegasm - It's all about brunch here for Mother's Day from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. So whether mom loves a good bellini, bloody Mary, mimosa or what have you, the unlimited cocktail option for moms is free tomorrow.  The food prix-fixe is just $12.50, which is a great deal, especially given the quality of the food and drink.  31-86 37th Street, Astoria NY 11103.  718.932.3331

L'Artiste Restaurant - Treat your favorite maman to a sophisticated French dinner at the quaint, L'Artiste.  Featuring a 3-course $35/person prix-fixe, you can choose from classic French dishes such as escargot, beet salad, roasted duck, steak frites and more.  Reservations are highly recommended. 42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  646.309.7504

Locale - For a cool, funky vibe, take mom to Locale where you won't be tied down to a prix-fixe menu.  There will be a couple of specials that day in the form of soups, paninis and more, and you can enjoy a lovely brunch, eat outdoors and people watch on the tree-lined 34th Avenue.  33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106.  718.729.9080

Testaccio - Whether you're in the mood for a special treat or their regular (and equally yummy) menu, Testaccio welcomes Moms and families tomorrow.  A sampling of their specials includes wild boar meatballs with goat cheese, grilled shrimp skewers with orange glaze, braised lamb shanks with cherry tomatoes, four cheese tortellini in a pesto sauce and more.  47-30 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101.  718.937.2900

eXo - Think About Mother's Day Brunch

Image by exorestaurant.com

Mother's day is coming up in just under two weeks and restaurants are getting ready.  For those of you who enjoy the day with Mom by dining out, you'll know how busy this holiday is for the restaurant industry.  Key take-away - get there early and make your reservations now.

eXo, one of my all-time  Greek food favorites will be pulling out all the stops for mama with a special brunch and dinner menu prix-fixe.  I'm already thinking about brunch, and wanted to share the enticing options.  I hope they inspire you to treat mom to something homemade and wonderful.

Mother's Day Brunch - Sunday, May 8th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $26/person

Eggs Benedict Spanakopita - Poached eggs, feta, spinach, bechamel

Sizzling Lamb “hash” (pictured above) - Sunny side eggs, cured lamb, smoked paprika

Greek American Brunch - Eggs any style, smoked bacon, country sausage, feta tater tots

Fluffy Corn Pancakes - Seasonal fruit, warm maple syrup, powdered sugar

Double Dipped French Toast - Seasonal fruit, warm honey syrup warm dippy eggs

Soft Boiled Eggs - With warm hummus, grilled pita, arugula

eXo Egg Burger with Cheese - Double smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, hand cut french fries

Soft Shell Crab Panini ($5 supplement) - House made chips, Greek tartar sauce, pickled onion

eXo Lamb or Beef Burger - Brioche bun, french fries, spicy feta spread

Greek Feta “Caesar” Salad - With grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp

Steak n’Eggs our Way - Charcoal grilled hanger steak, olive oil baked egg, feta tater tots

Dessert (choice of 1): Chocolate cake for 2, honey doughnuts, or filo custard pie

Mother's Day Dinner - Sunday, May 8th from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., $36/person

First course (Choice of 1)

Dozen Fresh Shucked Oysters - Sheep’s milk yogurt, lemon, smoked pepper oil

Baby Arugula Salad - Marinated olives, cucumber, red wine vinaigrette

House Smoked Salmon Platter - Baby arugula, red onion, capers, grilled pita, tzatziki

Sizzling Cheese Saganaki - Olive oil fried cheese, white wine, lemon

Housemade Feta Ravioli - Toasted garlic, black pepper, mint

Crab, Spinach and Rice Balls - Tsatziki, fried dill, dehydrated feta

Grilled Lamb Sausage - Baby lettuce, pickled onion, lemon

Entree (Choice of 1)

Roasted King Salmon - Sauteed escarole, Greek style polenta

Pan Seared Lemon Chicken - Root vegetables, lemon, oregano

Swordfish Souvlaki - Hummus, kale, crispy chick peas, lemon oil

Grilled Diver Scallops - skordalia, garlicky beets

Charcoal grilled hanger steak rosemary, lemon, potato/feta croquettes

Dessert (Choice of 1)

Gooey chocolate cake for 2, honey doughnuts, or filo pie

eXo - 15-16 149th Street, Whitestone NY 1135
718.767.4396

exorestaurant.com