I had dinner with Meg and Charlene today, and we talked about our upcoming QueensSwap project (more on that soon). Breaking bread with these ladies is always enjoyable and fruitful since they're well connected to our nabe - Charlene, a more recent Astorian.
Through our conversation, Meg tipped off an interesting piece of news that I thought you might find useful. She mentioned that the still infantile, Cream Bakery on Steinway Street has closed. Some of you may be surprised and some may have downright expected it, but this little cupcakery is reported to be no longer functioning. I'll try to investigate about its possible future and the full story, but in the meantime, if you're in the mood for cupcakes you can still get some pretty damn great ones here:
Martha's Country Bakery - With any and every flavor you can imagine from your classic vanilla to red velvet, oreo and more, you can satisfy virtually any type of serious cupcake fiend. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.545.9737 Astor Bake Shop - It's no secret that this relative newbie has been producing solid, gourmet sweets, and I think it's safe to say they'll stay a while. Their cupcakes come in a big and mini size and flavors vary between double chocolate, coconut and red velvet. 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria NY 11102. 718.606.8439
Terrizzi Pasticceria - Terrizzi veers on the side of traditional, and you know what they say..."if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I agree and think they have a great thing going. Their cupcakes are moist, the size is just perfect (not too large but not a mini) and flavors vary between pistachio, peanut butter, double chocolate, oreo, vanilla and more. 35-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.726.9698
Thanksgiving is almost here. Whether if you go out for a pre Thanksgiving dinner or drinks, a Thanksgiving multi-course meal or treat your family and friends to a delicious holiday pie, here's a list of 10 options that'll help you celebrate this holiday in the way of your choosing.
Vesta - Open and serving their delectable, farm-to-table food, Vesta is a great place to check out if you want a Thanksgiving a-la-carte menu. From roasted butternut, acorn, pumpkin soup to their own version of a turkey dinner, Vesta always has something delicious in store. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102. 718.545.5550
Ornella - This gem of a restaurant will remain open on Thanksgiving and they'll keep it authentic with a turkey on the menu. However if you're in the mood for excellent, homemade pasta, you won't find a shortage of it here. 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105. 718.777.9477Ovelia - Although they'll be closed on Thanksgiving, they're raising Rock n' Ribs Wednesday to the next level, featuring three big DJs who all got their break by spinning at Ovelia. Plus they're putting buffalo fried calamari back on the menu. YUM! 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.7217L'Artiste Restaurant - My new favorite French restaurant in the nabe will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving - and similarly to Vesta, it'll be a la carte. There's no special menu that day, so you'll get to pick from classic French bistro dishes such as roast chicken cordon bleu, seared duck breast, classic profiteroles and much more. 42-20 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103. 646.309.7504
Studio Square - In their life-of-the-party fashion, Studio Square will be featuring a Thanksgiving Eve party on Wednesday night starting at 3p.m.. You won't have to worry about a cover, and drinks specials will be going on all night. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria NY 11106. 718.383.1001
Martha's Country Bakery - If you're celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family and want to bring over a great pie, try Martha's. They have many seasonal flavors including, apple, pumpkin, pecan, cranberry-walnut and also other fruit varieties such as cherry, blueberry and more. Costing about $12 - $14, they don't come cheap but they sure will satisfy. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.9737
La Guli Pastry Shop - Another yummy place to get a homemade pie, their flavors are plentiful including apple, sweet potato, coconut custard, pumpkin, and even a "green pie" that's made of whole-wheat dough. Pies range between $10 - $14.50. 29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.728.5612
Mojave - This Southwestern eatery is boasting a special three-course Thanksgiving menu including complimentary drinks such as a margarita, sangrita, wine, champagne, beer or a mojito. It'll set you back $34.95 per person and I think you'll be happy with your choice. 22-36 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.545.4100
Locale - Featuring a Turkey Feast, which is ultimately a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu, you can check out Locale for a nice and casual dinner. Some of the dishes you can find include squash soup, prime rib, a fall apple cobbler and more. $39 per person. 33-02 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.729.9080
Seva - For something a bit untraditional, check out Seva for an Indian-style Thanksgiving. They'll have their regular menu, which is always excellent - the lamb curry is especially amazing, and if you're a veggie, their samosas shouldn't be missed. 30-07 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.4440
These establishments will unfortunately be closed on Thanksgiving.
5 Napkin Burger718 RestaurantBistro 33MalaguetaBareBurgerCafe BarMexiQ
Taverna Kyclades
Have a happy and healthy - and enjoy your feast, wherever you might have it!
