Restaurants That Gave Back

Image by Queens Kickshaw

With Hurricane Sandy now behind us, but still very close to our hearts, it's been refreshing to see the outpouring of support to needy citizens from our entire neighborhood - and in particular from restaurants.  While everyone may give back in their own way, I'd like to give a special shout-out to these five eateries and bars who've really put themselves out for those in need.  I hope you get to visit them soon and in turn give them some love.

Queens Kickshaw - Last week's Hurricane Sandy fundraiser, during which patron's purchases directly contributed to victim's relief efforts raised a whopping $4,043.  Other partners who contributed to this effort included Beyond Kombucha, Kelso Beer Company, Paumanok Vinyeards and Rockway Brewing Company.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Waltz Astoria - Collecting all sorts of donations for the Rockaways relief effort, including food, toiletries, batteries, etc., the gracious staff dropped everything off last weekend and helped with distribution.  23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.956.8742

LIC Market - Also taking part in a Sandy collection drive, LIC Market focused on donations in Clinton Hill with items such as baby food, flashlights, lanterns, phone chargers, demolition tools, blankets, water and more.  The first drop off was last weekend, and I'm sure very appreciated.  21-52 44th Drive, LIC.  718.361.0013

Sweet Afton - Although held in one of their sister bars, The Wren, Sweet Afton was a worthy contributor to Hurricane relief by holding a special event last night where all proceeds went to this cause.  The night brought many fun things, such as a special menu contributed by food geniuses from Ai Fiori, The Brooklyn Star and Maialino.  30-09 34th Street, Astoria.  718.777.2570

Astoria Park Wine & Spirits - As part of the Astoria Art Festival last weekend, this fabulous neighborhood wine shop donated the proceeds from their NY state wine to The Red Cross.  28-07 28th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.1142

Hurricane Sandy Recipe Guide

Image, courtesy of Kimberly Conon

Ok...so you're stuck inside in this crazy hurricane we're having.  What to do? No...there's no way that I'm encouraging you to go out in this monstrosity, but if you are fully stocked (like my friend Kimberly - see her pantry in the above pic), you can certainly do some cooking.

Without further ado, I've put together a short list of Hurricane friendly foods that will last you for days and comfort you through this storm.  Hope you enjoy them with your loved ones, and if you have any recipes you'd like to share with me, I'm all ears.

Cozy Lamb Apricot Stew - If you have lamb, chicken, beef or any other protein, this is the perfect thing to enjoy and just let cook for a couple of hours.  It keeps well in the freezer and you can enjoy it on its own, with rice, potatoes or any other starch.

Dan's Turkey Meatloaf - Have ground turkey, chicken or beef on hand? This is a great way to use it, and make sure you incorporate tons of fresh veggies such as onions, peppers, garlic and whatever else you like.  A smokey BBQ sauce is a nice accompaniment.  

My Italian Gnocchi Bake - This dish is really easy and quick to make if you have some pre-made or frozen gnocchi in the house, a few different cheeses including ricotta and mozzarella and some marinara too.  If you have pesto already made, that'll do as well.

Chilaquiles - Do you love brunch the Mexican way?  An easy thing to put together is a mixture of fried tortillas, eggs, spicy salsa and your favorite veggies.  There's two ways to do it - to keep the tortillas slightly crispy, like my fried Jess does, or to make 'em all the way soft; the choice is yours.

Minty Pea Soup - Even though this is technically a summer recipe, I think a nice warm soup would be great right about now.  It keeps well in the freezer, and you can make it heartier by tearing big, chunky pieces of pumpernickel bread inside.  Watch them soak up into the broth and just devour.