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