Monday Brunch at the Queens Kickshaw

I recently wrote a post on We Heart Astoria about Everyday Brunch, which got me inspired to explore the topic more closely.  Loving brunch food in general, I love having the excuse to eat it on weekdays, especially at establishments who do them well.  That's why I was psyched to see that the Queens Kickshaw is extending their weekend brunch to Monday as well.  This special promotion goes on each Monday during the entire month of June, so I hope you get to take advantage of these savory and some sweet delicacies.  Here are a few of my personal highlights:

French Toast - Brioche, hard cider pear compote, chili cheese crisp...$12
Biscuit & Grits - Buttermilk biscuit, creamy grits, roasted vegetables, sunny egg...$12
Layered Potato Cake (pictured above) - with sunny egg, gruyere cheese with toast...$11
Bread Pudding - Custard brioche, orange caramel...$6
Egg & Cheese - Ricotta, cheese crisp, thyme, maple hot sauce on brioche...$6
Gouda Grilled Cheese - Black bean hummus, guava jam, pickled jalapenos, green salad with jalapeno vinaigrette...$10

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.0913
M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.thequeenskickshaw.com 

Beer Week is Here - Cheers to that!

For those of you who appreciate great beer,  you're in luck, as this week officially crowns NYC Beer Week.  Bars, breweries and all sorts of watering holes in and around this city and the boroughs are hosting beeriffic specials that'll get any beer advocate off their couch!  Here's a few ways that Astoria is celebrating, so get out there and enjoy a great brewski.

The Queens Kickshaw - Their Queens Tap Takeover event honors the best of the best in Queens from breweries such as SingleCut Beersmiths, Rockaway Brewing, Finway Brewery and even Beyond Kombucha.  You'll find this beer flowing all this week til Sunday evening.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

SingleCut Beersmiths - Astoria's famous micro-brewery helps put a grand finale on Beer Week on Saturday with live music, brewery tours and special release beers.  Did you hear they're featuring the John Michael Rum Barrel Aged brew just for this occasion? 19-33 37th Street, Astoria.  718.606.0788

Sweet Afton - Even though they're not having a special Beer Week event per se, Sweet Afton has a great beer library with plenty of craft selections such as Founders Pale Ale, Peekskill Eastern Standard IPA, Smuttynose Brown Dog and of course our very own, SingleCut January Olympic Gold Lager.  30-09 34th Street, Astoria.  718.777.2570

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden - It's cool to see that even a big institution such as the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is celebrating craft beers this week with $4 mugs during happy hour and $18 pitchers on select beers (and appetizers). Nazdravie!  29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

The Sparrow - Keeping things low-key during Beer Week makes this a perfect place to visit and beat the crowds.  Boasting an extensive list of well priced beers, including SingleCut, Bronx Brewery Pale Ale, Chimay Blue Trappist ale, and even some gluten free options such as New Planet Pale, you can't go wrong with this classic neighborhood haunt.  24-01 24th Avenue, Astoria.  718.606.2260

Fooditka Loves Citymaps!

I've been really getting into Citymaps, a new iPhone app I downloaded not long ago that helps me enhance my posts with custom maps and commentary.  The process of setting up a new map is fun and easy, and it also allows you to share your recommendations with others, at the same time letting them add to your roadmap with their own suggestions.  It's communal, fun and really engaging!

As I was doing some perusing for maps created by others, I noticed a few I wanted to share with you.  I like that the first two have a connection to Queens, while the third is a good reminder of last week's Miami vacation.  Ahhh the hot sun...how I miss thee!

Astoria & LIC Hot Cocoa Time

With 2014 really feeling like winter, I love having any kind of excuse to indulge in something warm, sweet and comforting.  That's why I wanted to put together this short but sweet hot cocoa round-up for your viewing and tasting pleasure.  What's your favorite place in the nabe to enjoy a hot chocolate?

Martha's Country Bakery is always a treat when you're looking for fancy hot chocolate.  I love that they boast some inventive flavors such as peanut butter (pictured above), red velvet, and even a spicy Mexican hot chocolate.  36-21 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.545.9737

Speaking of fancy hot cocoa, Leli's Bakery also comes to mind, as they feature four fun flavors such as French, Raspberry, Caramel and Vanilla Hot Chocolate.  35-14 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.626.8090

Image by Time Out NY

Il Bambino isn't just one of my favorite places to get a panini, they feature pretty decadent hot chocolate options such as peanut butter and nutella - my We Heart Astoria comrades and Time Out New York agree, too!  34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria.  718.626.0087

Image via Yelp by Amy S.

When I think of quality, The Queens Kickshaw naturally comes to mind, which is why I was happy to see they've got a Mast Brothers Hot Chocolate drink.  For those of you familiar with this Brooklyn-based chocolate purveyor, you'll know that you're getting something really top notch.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria. 718.777.0913

Sweetleaf, one of my favorite LIC haunts is another place you can hang with a warm cup of joe or a hot cocoa.  I love that they showcase Jacques Torres' hot chocolate and add their own special touch with homemade marshmallows.  10-93 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  917.832.6726.  46-15 Center Blvd, LIC.  347.527.1038

New Year's Day Brunch in Astoria

As we're all getting excited for New Year's Eve tonight, with lots of amazing options to celebrate, I'm already thinking about tomorrow's meal. Naturally.  Here are a few options to whet your appetite.  Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve, and all the best in 2014.

Sugarfreak's Cajun brunch will be starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow, so get your fix of shrimp and grits and bananas foster French Toast.  36-18 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.726.5850

The Queens Kickshaw is really brunchin' out with a double header brunch, both today from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.  There's no reason to wake up early!  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

The Astor Bake Shop will be ringin' in New Year's with a festive brunch prix-fixe anytime between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. which comes with a complimentary mimosa.  12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria.  718.606.8439

Ovelia is hosting a hangover brunch tomorrow as well.  They'll have their signature Greek dishes such as Yia-Yia's Omelette and stuffed French Toast, but also tasties like these. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.721.7217

Grand Cafe's classic brunch $13 prix-fixe will be available tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Including all the basics such as omelettes, burgers, salads and other comforting dishes, your meal will also come with a complimentary cocktail and a coffee or tea.  37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.7321  

Astoria Mac N' Cheese Delight Round-Up

Thinking about how much I love a good mac 'n cheese, I was inspired to put together a quick round-up of Astoria and LIC eateries that are doing it a little bit differently.  So here you go, a non-traditional take on our beloved nostalgic treat:

Image by Queens Comfort

Queens Comfort - When I spotted this enticing picture, I immediately thought "why haven't I thought of this before?!" - a chicken parm in mac 'n cheese format?!  Don't walk.  Run.  40-09 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.728.2350

Sweet Afton - This tangy, well-done mac 'n cheese comes piping hot in a cast iron skillet.  Once you dig in, you'll enjoy the medley of sharp cheeses including Irish cheddar, gruyere and muenster.  30-09 34th Street, Astoria.  718.777.2570

Queens Kickshaw - Known for their expertise in grilled cheese sandwiches, the Queens Kickshaw's mac 'n cheese is a big standout as well.  Loaded with a hefty combination of gruyere, cheddar and smoked muzz, it's then topped with French beans and caramelized onions.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Sage General Store - My We Heart Astoria colleagues and I loved sampling the legendary mac 'n cheese at this LIC staple.  The well-done, crunchy crust is impeccable, featuring cayenne breadcrumbs that give this 5-cheese mac a nice punch.   24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  718.361.0707

Image by Meg Cotner

The Shady Lady - I have to give a nod to Meg's awesome write-up of The Shady Lady, and especially as it relates to mac 'n cheese.  There are three different types to choose from including the classic, carbonara and truffles and shrooms.  Sign me up!  34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.440.9081

Labor Day Brunch in Astoria

I can't believe it's already September, and Labor Day is here.  While I'm sad that the summer is unofficially over, I'm excited for the fall as well, as it brings with it delicious, hearty eats, and I can't wait to indulge.  But back to Labor Day...

If you're in the nabe and looking to enjoy a leisurely brunch, here's a quick round-up to help you out.

Sugarfreak - For a comforting brunch, stop in to Sugarfreak for some yummy Cajun food.  On the menu, you'll find Southern staples such as Shrimp and Grits, a breakfast po boy, my personal favorite, bananas foster French toast and more!  Brunch starts tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.  36-18 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.726.5850

LIC Market - If you'd like to jump start your day early, LIC Market will serve brunch from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  The menu is diverse, which is great for folks with all sorts of cravings and special diets.  My favorite brunch item is the Bullseye Eggs with two eggs fried inside an earthy piece of 7-grain bread.  21-52 44th Drive, LIC.  718.361.0013

Queens Kickshaw - In the mood to sleep in tomorrow? You totally can and still be able to catch brunch at the Queens Kickshaw from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  There's plenty of interesting indulgences here, including a unique version of Scotch Eggs, cold poached eggs in miso butter, biscuits and grits and other incredible eggibles.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Quick 4th of July Astorian Round-Up

Image by La Guli Pastry Shop

Happy 4th of July Astoria!  Hope everyone has a fun day planned, either at home or if you're spending it away.  In case you're hanging around the nabe, I wanted to provide you with a quick, little food game-plan.

Singlecut Beersmiths - Fun times! Singlecut will be hosting a special 4th of July trivia night tomorrow starting at 8 p.m.  There's plenty of communal tables that are great for hanging out - so bring your family, bring your buddies and brush up on your fun fact knowledge with a cold one.  19-33 37th Street, Astoria.  718.606.0788

Brunch - There are lots of restaurants in the nabe featuring a special 4th of July brunch including the Queens Kickshaw, Ovelia, El Ay Si and others.  The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden will have special Karaoke night tomorrow starting at 7 p.m.

Dessert - While you may find some bakeries observing the holiday, others such as the Astor Bake Shop and La Guli are open and serving up some patriotic treats.  Just have a look at La Guli's pretty red, white and blue cookies and cakes.  

Something homemade - If you're spending the 4th at home or at a friend's house, consider making something homemade and special.  A few recommendations that have gone over well for me are this chocolate peanut butter ice box cake, these chocolate chunk with a hint of sea salt cookies, and perhaps some messy (but still very delicious) brownie ice cream sandwiches.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!

Memorial Day Mini Round-Up

With Memorial Day almost upon us, lots of folks will surely be out of town, but some will also enjoy this holiday locally.  If you fall into the latter category, you may want some quick suggestions about the goings-on around town.  Here are three recommendations to help get you started:

Queens Kickshaw - These guys will be open all day, and starting things off with brunch from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and continuing with dinner service from 5:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  I highly recommend stopping by, especially since Ben & Jen have recently updated their dinner menu.  Mmmmm spaetzle...40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Astor Bake Shop - Whether you're looking to start your day here on Monday or to stop in for a hearty lunch, they'll be serving delicious specialties such as homemade BBQ ribs and fresh strawberry lemonade.  Their burger is pretty stellar too, in case you haven't yet tried it.  12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria.  718.606.8439

Beer Subway Series - Even though this beer battle doesn't take place in Queens, it's great to come and show support for Queens beer, including SingleCut of course.  Stop in at the Bronx Ale House from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Monday to enjoy beers specials, and to watch baseball as well.  216 West 238th Street, Bronx.  718.601.0204

Last Minute Astorian Mother's Day Round-Up

Time to celebrate Mama, which is an awesome time of year.  I always look forward to hanging out with my mom and honoring all that she's done for my brother and me.  This year, we're starting the celebration at my brother's and ending things off at City Field by watching Cirque du Soleil's Totem. What are your plans? In case you're looking for something lovely to do in the nabe, here are 5 suggestions.

MP Taverna - Newcomer MP is rolling out the big guns with their special Mother's Day brunch and dinner service for a $29.95/person prix-fixe.  Menu highlights include lobster risotto, Greek pork sausage, slow cooked lamb shank and a chocolate halva brownie.  31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.777.2187

Queens Kickshaw - I love the affordable dinner option over at The Queens Kickshaw for just $25/person.  Expect yummy treats from their brand new dinner menu such as hard cider arancini, Kickshaw bibimbap, beet pasta alfredo, a deconstructed apple cobbler and more.  Check out our We Heart Astoria write-up of all of these menu items and more.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Vesta - If you'd like to take mom for a real down home comforting meal, I highly recommend Vesta. The trick is to make reservations or to get there early.  They'll be featuring some brunch favorites til 3 p.m. such as the warm bankie and their hangover pizza.  Dinner will be served too, with yummie faves such as homestyle lasagna, pork sausage spiedini, soft shell crab and more.  21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.545.5550

La Guli Pastry Shop - I adore all the special sweet goodies that La Guli is making just for mom.  These include chocolate Mother's Day lollipops, beautifully decorated sugar cookies and special Mother's Day Cakes.  29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.728.5612

Teaspoon Bake Shop - Even though it's not in Astoria, I wanted to pay special attention to this Bayside bakery that has tons of beautiful baked goods just for Mom. Think festive cake balls, intricately decorated MOM cookies, cupcakes, French macarons and a lot more.  36-41 Bell Blvd, Bayside.  718.224.4626

3 Delicious Spring Treats

Image by Brooklyn Bagel

Now that it officially feels like spring, and boy did we need it, everyone is up and about, roaming the nabe.  I love seeing everyone looking all chipper and happy, and it goes without saying that we're now in the mood for refreshing, cold treats.  In honor of spring, I wanted to give you just that - three delicious, cool treats you can enjoy on a warm sunny day.

Cold brewed iced coffee - With so many places to get a flavorful cup of iced coffee, there are a few that stand out to me, including Brooklyn Bagel, Avenue Cafe and The Queens Kickshaw of course.  Take one to go while walking to the subway or enjoy one while sitting down at a sidewalk cafe (Avenue Cafe would be great for that!).  

Gelato or ice cream - If you're looking for a cool, delicious little something, there's nothing like homemade gelato in the nabe.  My personal favorite is the pistachio from La Guli, followed by the hazelnut from Martha's or my new personal favorite, the We Heart Astoria Baklava ice cream from Malu in LIC.  

Healthy smoothie - There's nothing like a refreshing, healthy juice or smoothie to get your day started right, and there are a few places in Astoria you can get one.  Your Healthy Kitchen on 30th Avenue and 44th street will make virtually any juice you like.  Meg, Mackenzi and I tried an amazing concoction with beets, spinach, ginger, carrots and other delicious ingredients, which made this drink really satisfying.  Other good smoothie options include Pita Pan and Create Astoria.

Valentine's Day Plans in Astoria

Another instrumental day in the food world that's coming up is Valentine's Day.  As we get closer, I'm seeing more and more eateries reveal their V-Day menus and I wanted to share a few of them with you here.

The Queens Kickshaw - For a casual V-day, grab your hunny or your friends and head on over to this grilled cheese haven, where they'll be featuring a special 5-course prix fixe on the 14th and an anti V-day celebration on the 15th.  I was excited to learn that on V-day evening they'll be featuring a special Beet Pasta Alfredo.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Tournesol - If you love French food, you're going to really enjoy dinner at this quaint LIC bistro.  They've got a special menu for V-day, which includes dishes such as foie gras, coq au vin, a braised lamb shank, scallops risotto, crepe suzette and more.  The dinner will set you back $49/person and it'll be mighty romantic.  50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC.  718.472.4355

Veslo - I love the looks of Veslo's V-day menu, which is a 3-courser for $50/person, featuring yummies such as clams casino, stuffed mushrooms, a crown rack of lamb, Croatian style crepes and more.  They'll also have some nice live music to get everyone in a loverly mood.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria.  718.728.0549

La Guli Pastry Shop - Preparing V-day dinner at home and don't feel like baking dessert? La Guli always delivers with lovely looking (and tasting) V-Day treats such as cookies, cakes, cannolis and other goodies.  One of my favorite things to get here even though it's not Valentine's Day related are the chocolate mousse mice - they're adorable.  29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.728.5612

Chocolate Girl - Do you guys know about Gnosis Chocolate? Its founder, Vanessa is from Astoria and has been making delicious raw chocolate since 2008.  For V-Day, you can enjoy special seasonal goodies such as the "Passion Truffle Collection," featuring flavors such as Wild White Rose, Madagascar Mylk, Passionfruit Cupuacu and more.  You can also find their chocolates in the neighborhood at places such as Sai Organics, Astoria Wines & Spirits, Vitality & Health, Fresh Start Market, and Broadway Natural.  

Queens Kickshaw Honors the Incredible Edible Egg

After hearing a lot of buzz about Queens Kickshaw's upcoming brunch, Mackenzi, Dan and I headed over there yesterday for a sneak preview and were really impressed.  While we didn't try everything on the menu, the items we did have delivered (and then some), whetting our appetite for the other dishes we'll try in the future as well.

Their brunch officially started today and goes through the weekend from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., which is quite the treat.  I love that the menu pays homage to the ever-so-versatile egg, which is much harder to do right than it sounds. So without further ado...here goes brunch:

French Toast - Wowness! I love a great French Toast, and usually am not such a harsh critic when it comes to this classic dish, but Kickshaw's version really blew me away.  The brioche bread was tender and buttery and just so moist!  Dressed with a chunky pear compote, which added a beautiful earthy element, I didn't even think about maple syrup or any kind of dressing at all.  The most interesting part also was the cheese crisp stuck to the top, which had a surprising kick to it, as it was seasoned with chili powder.  Pretty fantastic!

Layered Potato Cake - Although I called this potato gratin, because that's what I thought it originally was, its flavors were amazingly nostalgic and comforting.  The creaminess of the potato cake, juxtaposed with the runny fried eggs was just like reliving a fun family get together during Hanukkah.  It reminded me of the starchy foods we'd eat then and I can't wait for this time to come around again - very soon.

Scotch Eggs - I've heard about Scotch Eggs before but never yet had them, so this was a real treat.  Quite different from your traditional version, which is typically wrapped in sausage, this one was enveloped in a creamy blanket of sweet potato and tofu.  Leave it to the Kickshaw to always innovate and give something special to our veggie friends as well.  Nicely done!

Egg Salad - Quite a different take on what you may think of with egg salad, this plate had both a sweet beet/potato salad helping along with a more traditional heap of egg salad too.  Both were fabulous, but I had a strong preference for the beets, as they were so different, sporting a gorgeous crimson color.  But, if you're a lover of both things, I suggest you stack them on top of each other for a truly novel combination.

Egg Custard (aka Pillowy Eggs) - Arriving in a wide ramekin filled to the top, the egg custard just oozed with indulgence and luxury.  Its middle was silky and unapologetically rich, with some teeny pieces of red pepper on top to cut all that richness.  While my dining companions had to leave a bit early, I tried to finish this one on my own, but only got through about half of it, since I already devoured all of the above too.

Service and Cost:
As customary here, our service was super welcoming and friendly - and you just can't help but feel as if you're hanging out in your friend's kitchen.  Ben and Jen, Kickshaw's co-owners were only too happy to stop in and chat and most modestly present to us their latest creations.  It was inspiring to see the passion behind their creative ideas.

Costs are really wallet friendly and include $8-$12 for brunch entrees.

3 incredible-edible eggy Mmmms

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.0913
M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.thequeenskickshaw.com

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

Awesome New Eats at the Queens Kickshaw

Even though it's been a couple of months since The Queens Kickshaw expanded their menu to include more than just their specialty grilled cheeses and mac 'n cheese, I just had the opportunity to try it.  Bringing along my new friends Thea and Emily from Eatdrinkjobs, I was able to accomplish two important tasks, including showing off a fabulous Queens venue to my newcomer friends, and at the same time get my hands on some pretty stellar food.  Here are the newbies we tried:

Basket of Knishes - Being a sucker for all things potato, including knishes of course, I couldn't resist this.  Another deciding factor was that these included a blue cheese blend, that I knew would add an interesting element, and it definitely did.  Their size was quite nice too, as they were small and bite sized, which was just perfect for knishes since they tend to be on the heavier side.  Spreading the beer mustard on top of each one added a nice little spicy-sharp tinge of flavor.  

Wild Mushroom Shepherds Pie - Since I really wasn't in the mood for meat that night, I went with the veggie shepherds pie with cauliflower mash on top.  That was actually what really swayed me to get it, as I adore cauliflower and was excited to devour the well done, slightly browned top.  The inside of it was delicious too, and contained a lot of other veggies such as carrots, potatoes, zucchini and of course mushrooms in a red wine reduction.  While I appreciated the veggie medley, I wished that they went heavier on the mushrooms, maybe mixing up different varieties.

Fontina Cheesecake - As soon as we saw this on the menu, we just had to get it, as it screamed of something unique and different.  First off, it looked like ice cream, and we had to prove to ourselves that it was actually made of a cheese custard.  Indeed it was true...it was certainly a cheesecake, with the most unbelievable mousse-like texture, and a hint of that fontina bite at the end.  The deep indigo blackberry sauce added a nice, zingy contrast to each bite, and the cereal crumble made me think of my favorite granola topping.  It felt like a familiar dish, but was far from any kind of cheesecake I've ever had before.

Calamansi and Pistachio Ice-Cream Sandwich - Ben, Kickshaw's co-owner surprised us with this awesome ice cream sandwich, using innovative ingredients such as calamansi (a citrus fruit originating in Southeast Asia) and pistachios.  As the cookie was nicely chilled, it hugged the citrusy ice cream like a glove and each bite brought out elements of sophistication and refreshment.  While it was ice cream in its full force, it didn't feel heavy and we each polished off our portion pretty quickly.

Service and Cost:
As we chose to dine in, we got great service and I loved that our food came out quite quickly. Even though we received our check, we didn't feel pressured to leave and would've hung around even longer if we could have.

Costs are reasonable and include the following for some of the new menu items I just mentioned:

Knishes - $7
Wild Mushroom Shepherds Pie - $12
Dessert - $6

3 Mmmms

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.0913
M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.thequeenskickshaw.com

Happy and Sweet Saint Patty's Day!

Happy Saint Patty's Day everyone! Hope you're all having a great time and enjoying this gorgeous day we're having.  As you've probably noticed, everyone's in the spirit of celebrating St. Patty's and in its honor, I wanted to highlight a few fun things you can do to ring it in, Astoria style!

La Guli - Get a delicious St. Patty's Day cupcake or a green linzer tart, made special just for today.  Personally, I indulged in a deliciously crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside Irish soda bread (pictured above).  The cupcakes are only $1.75 and the Irish soda bread will set you back a mere $1.25.  29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.728.5612

Veslo - Even though they're far from Irish, who's to say they don't have the spirit.  In honor of this holiday, they're featuring green palacinke (crepes) $6, corned beef on rye sandwich $8, corned beef & cabbage $12 and plenty of drinks to get you in the mood, such as Guinness $4, Jameson $3, Irish Car Bomb $5.  32-11 Broadway, Astoria.  718.728.0549

Queens Kickshaw - Always coming up with something a little different, Queens Kickshaw will have a special beer on tap from Flying Dog Brewery called the Lucky S.O.B.  I can't believe this, but it's actually brewed with hand-picked four-leaf clovers. Far out!  40-17 Broadway, Astoria.  718.777.0913

Bear - These guys are doing it right with their cocktail menu tonight from 6 - 10:30 p.m. when they'll be serving $4 shots of Jameson and $5 Guinness.  In addition to these staples, they're awesome at specialty drinks, which I highly urge you to try such as the American Pickleback, My Cherry Tomato Sweetheart (with citrus vodka, tequila, iced pickle cherry tomato), and much more.  12-14 31st Avenue, Astoria.  917.396.4939

Studio Square - Or if you're an all night partier, don't miss Studio Square's St. Patty's Day celebration with a live DJ, and "lucky charms" specials such as a pitcher of Killians Irish Red and 3 shots of Jameson for $18.  And don't forget about $2 shots of Jamo as well!  35-33 36th Street, Astoria.  718.383.1001 

Queens Kickshaw Morning Glory

Although yesterday was technically a non-work day for me in the traditional sense, my We Heart Astoria colleagues and I had a super productive day, meeting at The Queens Kickshaw.  Choosing this venue for its casual, laid-back vibe and superb coffee, we settled into the large square table upfront and spent most of the morning and the early part of the afternoon discussing "business."

In the midst of all this, we of course took breaks to drink delicious Kickshaw coffee, and indulged in their signature comfort food.  I've never not liked what I've had here, and this time even further upped the ante.  Some new things I tried...

Egg & Cheese Sandwich - When Dan ordered this before, I hungrily watched him eat it, but this time I was ready to devour it solo.  Just like each Kickshaw sandwich, it used really high quality bread, a buttery brioche in fact, which held deliciously savory elements such as perfectly scrambled eggs, soft ricotta cheese, tangy gruyere and some hot sauce to boot.  Because I usually pair egg dishes with ketchup, the hot sauce was a great substitute that made the sandwich incredibly moist, with a healthy kick in the butt from the spice.

White Bean and Beer Stew - Listening to Jen, Kickshaw's co-owner, describe this soup excited me.  It sounded incredibly hearty, mixing two types of beans, white gigantes and garbanzos, along with roasted peppers and braised greens.  The whole thing would then be submerged into a pungent beer broth and further topped with crunchy rye bread with basil aioli.  While I loved the bread with that earthy, garlicky pesto, I thought the soup needed more broth.  I enjoyed its chunky contents, and it did a great job of filling me up, but I would've appreciated more liquid to soak up the bread.

Dessert - Surprised with a sweet treat at the end of our meal, we received two on-the-house desserts, including a brownie affogato and and the bread pudding.  It so happens they combined two of my favorite things of all time - bread and chocolate - so needless to say, I was very happy.  Out of the two, I had a strong preference for the brownie affogato, as it paired together a rich, dark chocolate Godmother Rozzie's brownie with chunky walnuts, with a cool coffee cream.  Dipping the brownie in the cream was just fantastic and made it even moister than it already was.  I appreciated the tie-in with coffee, as it related back to Kickshaw's foundation.

The bread pudding was also lovely, made with a beautifully rich custard brioche, hints of orange and ribbons of caramel.  Even though it was by no means a low cal dish, it didn't leave you with a heavy feeling and we polished it off rather quickly.  My favorite aspect were the slightly crunchy edges of the brioche - yum!

Service and Cost:
Always treated with much hospitality and a friendly but unobtrusive manner, I continue to love the service here.  I appreciate the professional way they conduct business and the high quality they deliver.  It was interesting to see that there's table service too, which I haven't much seen at other coffee houses.  It has to be said that the entire place was busy on a Monday, which is testament to its continuous excellence.

Costs are fair and I paid about $17 for a cappuccino, an egg and cheese sandwich, and the bean soup.

3 Mmmms

The Queens Kickshaw - 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.0913
M/R Train to Steinway Street
www.thequeenskickshaw.com 

Goodbye 2011...You've Been Good!

As this year comes to a close, I gratefully remember the wonderful things it has brought.  Lots and lots of changes, and some transitions that went along with it, but all in all a really prosperous and rich year that I would never take back.  I look forward to what this new year will bring, and can already feel the food adventures bubbling up, but before we go on, let me remind you of the big 2011 milestones that affected Fooditka.

1.  My Big Name Change - Of course the most significant thing this year for me was my big name change from the Foodista to Fooditka.  As you may remember, my new name ties in closely to my heritage and allows me to stand out more.  I happily unveiled this new site name and re-launch at a big party, graciously hosted by my good friends at 5 Napkin Burger.  

2.  My Big Travels - I've been fortunate to travel the world this year, living the dream of participating in a cooking program in Tuscany, where I learned about the wonders of clean, simple and delicious Italian cuisine.  But the fun didn't end there, as the year also brought exciting food adventures in Paris, London, Munich, Slovakia and Mexico.  I couldn't be happier to explore the cultures of these beautiful countries, and hope to take it to the next level in 2012.  Fooditka goes international again!

3.  My Big Love of Astoria/LIC - No matter where I go, what I see, and the fantastic things I eat, my passion continues to rest close to home.  And although this year has been fantastic when it comes to international food adventures, what keeps me going are the fabulous food-things percolating at home.  I love that this year has brought on exciting changes to the nabe such as new restaurants, cafes and more.  Some of the most notable ones that come to mind are The Queens Kickshaw, Sugarfreak, Bear, Veslo, Alobar, Astor Room, among others.  

It's been an absolute pleasure Astoria...thanks as always for your support, and I can't wait to do it all over again in 2012.  Hope you had a happy, healthy and delicious one as well!

Last Minute Christmas Eve Plans

Image by Queens Comfort

While most of you already have Christmas Eve plans, changes always happen and some of us are last minute folks.  And in that case, I wanted to bring you this quick list of 5 things to do tonight on Christmas Eve - whether you're spending the holidays with good friends or with a significant other, any of these suggestions will be fun to do tonight.

Rest-Au-Rant - This quaint little wine bar will be open both on Christmas Eve and day, with a complete feast waiting for you.  A celebratory menu of boullabaisse with Rouille, whole cornish hens with roasted winter veggies, pumpkin mousse with a walnut-caramel crunch as well as a glass of red or white wine will greet you.  All of this for just $35/person.  30-01 35th Avenue, LIC NY 11106.  718.729.9009

Vesta - Vesta always has something to look forward to each year on Christmas Eve with their famous Feast of the 7 Fishes dinner.  Reservations are highly recommended and space is probably already limited but it's absolutely worth it to give a call and find out if you can still attend.  If so, you'll enjoy a special 4-course traditional Christmas menu with various fish and shellfish specialties and Vesta's amazing Baby Jesus cake for dessert.  Mmmmm... 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11102.  718.545.5550

The Queens Kickshaw - This almost a year old amazing coffee house and grilled cheese haven will be holding a very special event this evening in honor of Christmas Eve.  Woks and Lox, the very first Asian and Jewish Christmas dinner is the mastermind of Veronica Chan (Director of Content at Gojee.com) and Jeff Orlick (Founder of Jeffrey Tastes and 5-Boro New York Pizza Tour), as they unite both cultures with a very special Jewish-Asian dinner and a Nosh Party, complete with food, drinks, games, contests, music and more.  While the dinner portion is already sold out, you can still attend the Nosh party from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Get your tickets here.  40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103.  718.777.0913

Zenon Taverna - It's nice to see that one of my favorite traditional Greek restaurants is open for business today and tomorrow.  Reservations are highly recommended and they'll be serving their usual specialties all day and evening.  Some of my favorites include the keftedes (Greek meatballs), loukaniko (homemade Cypriot sausage), grilled halloumi cheese and their sweet semolina cake, flavored with rosewater.  34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106.  718.956.0133

Queens Comfort - For something a little different on Christmas Eve, try the brunch at Queens Comfort.  Specialties include thick-cut brioche French toast with cinnamon sugar butter and maple syrup (pictured above), BBQ shrimp and grits, a fried green tomato sandwich and more.  They're open from 10 a.m. till the evening so come on in.  40-09 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103.  718.728.2350