Last week, I spent some time at Mojave with a good group of friends, including Meg, Tom, Michelle, Nuno, Jennifer, and of course Dan. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo in this fun Southwestern setting and even though it was chilly outside, we had a warm Mexican sunset in mind.
It was fun to dine outside in their beautiful outdoor garden, which is an oasis from the busy 31st Street, right underneath the subway tracks. You'd never know it from sitting back there though, as it feels private, relatively quiet and really cheery.
During our visit, we tried a few things I personally have never had here including:
Guacamole - Even though it's super basic, I never actually ordered it here before, and appreciated the lively presentation. The multi colored chips were fun and totally appropriate for the celebration and the guac was delicious too. I mostly loved its slightly chunky yet also creamy texture simply intertwined with some red onion. Further dressed with fresh lime and cilantro, I appreciated its freshness and simplicity.
Fish Tacos - I love me some fish tacos and was curious about how they'd turn out at Mojave. I'd have to say pretty good but not great. The fish, which was a tilapia, I believe, was a bit on the fishy side in not the best way. Even though a fried alternative wouldn't have been as healthy, I often find fried fish tacos a lot moister and appetizing. The red cabbage and mango salsa that came as a topper was really lovely though as well as zesty and refreshing.
Service and Cost:
I can't speak too highly about the service, as I think it was spotty. It could've been because they were swamped or because of Cinco de Mayo, but whenever we actually needed to get our waitress's attention, she was nowhere to be found. It also happened on more than one occasion that our empty glasses weren't cleared or replenished for that matter. So overall, I think the staff could've done a better job.
Costs were very expensive, which was probably due to the large amount of drinks we got, but still, it just felt a bit exorbitant to me at $50-$60 per person. Ouch.
2 MmmmsMojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.mojaveny
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| Image by Mojave |
Just in time for this Wednesday, I wanted to let you all know that Mojave is hosting a special Margaritas evening. Not only are their margaritas absolutely delicious (and they come frozen too), you'll be able to get them for $5 each on Wednesday.
To add to the fun, they'll have a live band, Mambo Blue Trio performing for you.
What a fun opportunity to come by and enjoy the evening with a bunch of friends. They have a lovely outdoor garden, and the forecast for tomorrow looks good...so what are you waiting for?!
Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.mojaveny
I'm sure we're all excited for the upcoming long weekend - having Monday off is always a nice treat and a great way to get through the work week. While some restaurants in the nabe will be doing business as usual, others are taking it as an opportunity to offer an extended brunch offering. Being that brunch is my favorite meal, and I know many would agree, I was excited to learn about the special MLK brunch offering at Mojave.
If you have an appreciation for quality Southwestern food, I urge you to check it out. Here's a sampling of what you can expect starting from 11:00 a.m.
Energy Breakfast - scrambled egg whites served with grilled chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms & baby spinach...$7.50
Morning Quesadilla - filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, peppers, onions & black beans, served with tomatilloo cream...$8
Huevos Rancheros - with blue corn tortillas, beef & pork chili and a golden fried egg...$7.95
Mojave's Desert Omelet - filled with cheddar cheese, house salsa & crispy bacon served with a side of homefries...$6
Mojave's Benedict - with avocados, tomato and a delicate habanero hollandaise sauce...$9
Texas Gulf Blue Crab - and spinach poached egg popovers served with green chili hollandaise sauce...$10.95
Rise & Shine Chilaquiles - crispy golden tortillas served with eggs, tomate crema and onion-jalapeno house salsa...$6.95
In addition to the regular menu, they'll also have a special open bar option for $15. Happy MLK!
Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.mojaveny.com
With this awesome 3 day (or for some of you longer) weekend coming up, there's never a shortage of fun neighborhood goings on. Mojave Southwestern restaurant is always great at celebrations and at getting the word out!
I'm happy to report that for the 4th, they'll be featuring $6 "All American Margaritas" all night, as well as a special brunch and BBQ menu on Sunday and Monday. The food and drinks here really speak for themselves so I highly encourage you to check it out. Their frozen margaritas are bodacious, and I suggest the mango, which has some nice chunks of this sweet fruit in the midst of the cocktail.
Their fabulous outdoor garden will be open, so don't forget to bring some sun screen if you plan on hanging out outside and enjoying.
Happy 4th everyone!
Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars
www.mojaveny.com
Although Meg recalled having brunch here before, I was completely new to it. We both ended up choosing Southwestern brunch dishes including Meg's Huevos Rancheros and my Mojave Benedict.
Mojave Benedict - Because I love classic Eggs Benedict, I was eager to try this version with avocadoes, tomatoes and Mojave's own version of hollandaise (with avocado). When the dish arrived, I was suprised to see the ratio of homestyle potatoes to the eggs. More than half the plate constituted of the potatoes, which were yummy but the quantity was unbalanced. The eggs on the other hand were wonderful - as tender and runny as I like, and the avocado hollandaise had a nice spice to it. Enjoying the crunchy English muffins that the eggs rested on, they were the perfect vehicle to carry all that eggy, gooey goodness. Instead of the potatoes, it would be worth asking if they'd serve this with a mixed salad next time.
Huevos Rancheros - I got a bite of Meg's huevos rancheros and they were lovely. As you can see, the presentation was gorgeously colorful. I enjoyed the earthy quality of the blue corn tortillas and the spicy beef & pork chili that was found on the exterior. Also topped with fresh tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole, the whole dish emanated with personality. Meg seemed to agree, by her almost clean plate.
Service and Cost:
Our server was pretty diligent - almost to the point where we wanted him to lay off a little. He was nice though and think he was just trying his best, but generally, I prefer more laid-back service.
Costs are very affordable, and for a 2 person brunch and a coffee, we paid a total of $25 with tax and tip. Muy bien!
2.5 Mmmms
Mojave - 22-36 31st Street Astoria NY 11105
718.545.4100
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.mojaveny
