My week started with celebration, which was a great way to kick things off, as we went out for our friend Jamil's birthday. We started with casual drinks in the city and ended things off at Locale, just a few blocks away from his apartment. I haven't been in quite a while and was really excited to see what they've been up to. To my great satisfaction, it sure looks like they've been perfecting things over time, as each dish we had was better than the next. I surely won't wait this long to go again. Here's what made me feel this way:
Braised Meatballs - Who doesn't love a meat ball?! We couldn't resist of course, especially when we saw that these were braised, which automatically meant tons of rich, deep flavor. I'm happy to say that they absolutely delivered and then some, with a beautifully tender and moist interior that just made your tastebuds automatically happy. The vibrant tomato sauce was not only incredibly hearty but also a little spicy, elevating this a step above a traditional meatball. Our only complaint was that one meatball for each of us just wasn't enough.
Fagottini - This dish is truly special and a signature for Locale. For those of you who aren't familiar with fagottini, they're little purse shaped pasta with a surprise inside. Locale's version includes creamy gorgonzola cheese that's incredibly tangy, which is then further dressed in a creamy magenta beat sauce that just totally rocked my world. Not only does it contain little bite sized pieces of beets, the sauce takes on a cheesy quality when mixed with the gorgonzola. A sprinkling of crunchy walnuts help tie this delicious change purse even further together.
Beef Short Rib Risotto - Dan ordered this as his entree and loved it a lot. Cooked in a hearty cabernet sauce, it had a lovely color and an even better flavor, tasting just like fall should. The risotto was perfectly creamy and so was the meat, which was almost stew-like. The crunchy onions on top were a really nice touch too. Dan's only complaint was that it was a little too rich for such a large portion. It worked out for me, as I got to nibble on it quite a bit.
Organic Chicken - Jamil went for the elegant roasted organic chicken you see above, with toasted polenta and asparagus. It looked impressive and from his empty plate at the end of the meal, I took that as proof.
Service and Cost:
Our server was attentive and helpful, and it was great that our dishes didn't take long to bring out. And even when we whipped out a coupon at the end of our meal, the staff was gracious and accommodating, happy and willing to accept it.
Costs are moderate and for the dinner I just described, along with a $10 coupon set us back about $88 in total with tax and tip, so about $29 each.
3 Mmmms
Locale - 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
718.729.9080
N/Q Train to Broadway
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
