Food Bazaar Alert!

.:UPDATE:.

I hope you guys were able to make it! Great weather, great food, and the lines weren't all that bad. There's still an hour left!! GO!!

.::.

I've been routinely attending the Masjid al-Hikmah food bazaar since Dave Cook over at Eating in Translation put me on to it over five years ago. I'm not sure if they're "catching on," or if I'm just becoming more aware of their presence, but these transient taste treats are certainly occurring with more frequency. Masjid al-Hikmah hosts a sizable outdoor event on the 1st Sunday of each month between May and September.  Smaller events pop up at other community centers throughout Queens, but those are more difficult to forecast.

Indonesian Food Bazaar
Sunday, May 3, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Masjid al-Hikmah Mosque
48-01 31st Ave. (at 48th St.), Astoria, Queens

If you didn't have anything to do this Sunday afternoon, now you do!! -- you're welcome!

© 2015 -- mission: insatiable -- http://www.missioninsatiable.com/

Sweet Tooth

Leli's Bakery is a relatively new addition to the 30th avenue strip and is fast becoming my go-to sweets spot in the neighborhood.  From what I gather, Leli's is an Maltese owner & operated bakery w/ ties to JMJ bakery in the Bronx.  They are still working through some service issues, but I see the manager around a lot more often and things are getting better each time I visit.  On that note, I visit more frequently then I'd like to admit, often going out of my way to cop a cupcake after work.

Leli's Bakery
35-14 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103
718.626.8090

The colorful cookies and cupcakes are staple sweets, but you should also try their breads and other savory snacks.  Pastizzi and qassatat are tempting puff pastry treats stuffed w/ ricotta, meat or vegetables.  I've even had one of their chicken pot pies and it was amazing.  When was the last time you had a real chicken pot pie?

                                            

© 2013 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Marsupial Madness

The Thirsty Koala
35-12 Ditmars Blvd
Astoria, NY 11105
718.626.5430

The Thirsty Koala opened late last year, but I haven't had a chance to visit until recently.  You can tell they're still working through some of the new restaurant jitters, but this place is a keeper.  The service is great, the vibe is chill, and the food is unique -- to say the least.  Better yet, they have a BOYB policy until their liquor license is approved, no corkage fees.

Grilled kangaroo strip steak and TimTam Tiramisu are more than just novelties to get you in the door, they're a testament to how delicious thinking outside of the box can taste.

© 2013 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Year of the Snake

The Chinese New Year starts today, and that can only mean one thing -- this bok gwai is getting some roast duck!

Shun Wang (aka Shun Won) is your typical Cantonese restaurant, serving soup, congee, BBQ meats, and other things of the like. The roast duck -- $6.50 an order -- is on par w/ most places in Chinatown.

Shun Wang Restaurant
81-25 Broadway
Elmhurst, NY 11373
718.779.3330

The decor is that of a dungeon, but the take-out is fast and tasty.  The commute is about 20 minutes from Astoria, which is much more palatable than the hour commutes to the Manhattan and Flushing Chinatowns.  This place should be on your radar.

Gong Hei Fard Choy!!

© 2013 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Closer To You Korean

Astoria is renowned for its culinary diversity but is seriously lacking on the Asian front.  We have some serviceable Japanese and Thai restaurants but that's about it when it comes to edibles from the far east.  All of the Chinese take-out are garden variety and Korean was non-existent, until recently.

Seoul Fusion Eatery
2406 34th Ave
Astoria, NY 11106

Seoul Fusion Eatery is located down 34th avenue, a stones throw from the projects.  As such, the "fusion" element consists mostly of pizza, fried chicken and burgers -- they know their audience. Their Korean menu is pretty extensive, featuring all of the usual suspects: kimchi, ddukbokki, jigae, bulgogi, and a various kimbap.

I've only tried the cheese kimbap and it was OK.  K-Town, Elmhurst or Flushing are still your best bet for the good stuff, but I'm very pleased to have a more convenient option in the neighborhood.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Giving Breakfast the Cold Shoulder

Maybe I'm four months too late, but I just discovered "Summer Porridge" -- a no-cook cold oatmeal preparation that really packs a punch.  The oatmeal-yogurt concoction is left in the refrigerator overnight to coalesce into a sumptuous gruel.  Zazz things up w/ some berries, crushed cookies or even peanut butter.

I haven't tried making it myself, but you can check The Yummy Life for a recipe if interested. However, if you’re looking for a grab & go in the Astoria area, you can score a delicious peanut butter variety at “That's A Wrap”, located in the base of the 30th Ave NYSC.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Astoria's Ecuadorian Pork-a-palooza

Every August a handful of Ecuadorian food carts pop up in the vicinity of Athens Square Park to celebrate some sort of pride or independence festival.  I wasn't able to get too many details, as the vendor's English was none too good. "Pork, pork, all pork", was the most I could get out of them when trying to figure out the various offerings.

A plate costs $10 and includes heaps of corn, pork and potatoes.  The pork options are: deep fried, slow-roasted or braised.  The corn is unlike anything I've ever experienced -- giant starchy white kernels the size of a quarter are the majority, with deep-fried yellow kernels studded throughout.

Aim for the vendors closest to the park, the ones across the street are extremely heavy handed w/ the salt.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Tapioca Tales

While a welcome addition to the neighborhood, I suspect this Tapioca Story will have a sad ending sooner than later.  It's hard for any business to thrive west of the N/Q, let alone a niche beverage product.  That being said, I wish them all the best and will enjoy their presence while it lasts.

Tapioca Story
27-22 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY

They have a variety of buns, ice creams and of course -- bubble teas.  Quality wise, their bubble tea is much better than the Chinese take-out options in the area and comparably priced.  If you're in their neck of the woods, give them a shot.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

What's in a Name, Anyway?

Officially, it goes by the name Jerusalem Pita House, however, the awning of this Algerian-run Middle Eastern restaurant simply boasts -- PITA HOT.

I can't speak for their meat dishes, but I've been frequenting once a week for the last five years to get a fix of their Mediterranean platter.  Tabouli, fava beans, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, hummus and babaganoush served with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, peppers and tahini w/ a pita on the side.  

The owner lives upstairs and sometimes works the counter, but more often than not, there's a tired young man working all stations.  Service is always prompt and friendly, but these guys work 15 hour days and sometimes it shows.  

They say everything is homemade, but I saw a large store-bought can of stuffed grape leaves the last time I was there.  I don't hold it against them though, the food's always on point regardless, and while there are a lot of great places to get Middle Eastern food in Astoria, I keep coming back to Pita Hot for more.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Delectable Dago Delights

The team at Gian Piero has perfected the old school Italian bakery in a way you have to experience to understand.  Their techniques far surpass even the finest Manhattan has to offer (I'm looking at you, Veniero's), and at half the price!

Gian Piero Bakery

44-17 30th Ave

Astoria, NY 11103
718.274.8959

They carry the same assortment as any other Italian bake-shop -- from cannolis & cookies to cheesecake & lobster tails -- but they just do it better.  In fact, they've honed their craft so well that they make the competition look like amateurs.  You have one bite of their triple layer cookies and think, "Oh, so THAT'S what they're supposed to taste like!"

Gian Piero is located a bit off the beaten path at the far end of Astoria.  Odds are, if you don't live in the area, you aren't going to visit, but that's a shame.  I've been eating Italian pastries since before I could walk, and I have the chins to prove it -- this place is the best, bar none.  I should also add that my girlfriend, Sandy, swears they make the best latte ever and she fancies herself a connoisseur.

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Rib-eye for the Straight Guy

Butcher Bar is not so much a restaurant as it is a butcher shop w/ room to dine-in.  They focus on fresh, locally sourced meats, and frequently boast that they don't even have a freezer on premises.  As a result, the good stuff sells out fast, so you have to get there while the getting is good.

Butcher Bar
37-08 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103
Neighborhood: Astoria
718.606.8140

I tried their BBQ sampler when they first opened, what a delight.  The brisket and pulled pork were good, but the ribs surely sealed the deal.  It's so hard to secure good BBQ in NYC, and these guys hit it right on the mark.

More recently, I splurged on their 28oz "Tomahawk" rib-eye -- medium rare.  The steak came w/ two sides and some grilled cherry tomatoes.  With the addition of a third side (mac & cheese), this was enough to fully satisfy two hungry individuals.

The quality of the meat is exceptional, the service is friendly and the ambiance is relaxed.  Add to this some truly delicious BBQ squirting sauces and you have destination that is not to be missed.  They recently received a nod from the NY Times, so they are officially "on the map".  My only gripe about the Butcher Bar experience is the sides are too small!  I don't suggest they super-size the menu, but they should offer both small and large sizes to better accommodate the wants and needs of even the most obese customer.  

© 2012 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com/

al-Astoria

Astoria has its fair share of street food -- Mexican taco trucks, souvlaki slingers, kebab carts, and even a Vendy Award winner all grace these fine streets. With so many options, how can you tell if a vendor is the real deal, or just a jive turkey?  You could check yelp, Chowhound, or Grub Street, but sometimes those unscrupulous foodies keep the real finds to themselves.  This would explain why I couldn't find much info on the al-Shamy kebab car located down Steinway Street.  

al-Shamy Kebab Cart

Steinway Street b/w 28th & 25th Avenues

Astoria, NY 11103

This guy is good, almost too good to share -- but I'm going to throw you a bone.  That's the way I am.

All kebabs are grilled to order, and served w/ a side of rice, salad and stewed vegetables.  The half-chicken plate can easily feed two people, and for only $9 you'd be a fool to pass.  The clientele consists of mostly Middle Eastern men, but the vendor goes out of his way to make outsiders feel welcome.  I discovered al-Shamy about five weeks ago and have been back every week since.  All it takes is one fix and you'll be hooked.

© 2011 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Astor Place

The Astor Room is a new addition to the Kaufman Studios sector of Astoria, bordering Long Island City.  The subterranean dining room is throw-back chic, as is the menu.  The speakeasy vibe is reminiscent of the roaring twenties, or if you're a gamer -- the underwater city, Rapture, from Bioshock.

***

Astor Room

718.255.1947
34-12 36th Street
Astoria, NY

Oysters Rockefeller, baked Alaska, and chicken pot pie are among a few of the revamped classics that make an appearance on the Art Deco menu.  From what I've sampled, the execution is spot on, and the extensive raw bar is a refreshing treat given the restaurant's location.  The staff is friendly and efficient, but they struggled to maintain the level of service as multiple large parties arrived.

Overall, the food was inventive and well prepared; however, the menu is a bit limited.  There are a few dishes that I would come back to try, but beyond that I'd like to see a more seasonally relevant menu.

© 2011 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Fil'er Up

You should never judge a convenience store by its appearance -- no matter how cheap the awning, dim the lighting or close in proximity to the Ravenswood housing projects.

***

Fil-Site Food Mart
23-25 30th Avenue

Astoria, NY 11102

From the outside, the Fil-Site Food Mart looks like your garden variety bodega, but you won't find malt liquor & loose cigarettes here. This sleepy Pacific Rim importer specializes in foods and products from the Philippines. They stock a sizable variety of dried noodles, fish sauces, house-prepared meals, and exotic sweets.

This order of sapin-sapin was $2.50.  Sapin-sapin is a layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert. It's made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and water. It is often enhanced with coloring and toasted coconut flakes.

The overall experience is sweet, but mild and has a flavor and texture similar to Japanese mochi. The different colors are pretty to look at, but otherwise all taste the same.

© 2011 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable - http://www.missioninsatiable.com

Muzzie Munchies

Plans for a “Ground Zero Mosque” have opened a fizzy can of Islamophobia all over NYC's lap. Time and time again, Muslims find themselves the ire of our entire nation.  Why? Because people fear what they don't understand, this is understandable.  My suggestion for all the ill-informed protesters out there -- replace your fear with curiosity and your hate with hunger. Exploring a culture's food is a quick and delicious way to get familiarized w/ its people -- at least enough to squelch most unsubstantiated xenophobic anxieties.

A man who clearly misses the point.

***

I recently spent the afternoon at an Indonesian food bazaar hosted by a local mosque.  There I was, surrounded by Muslims and would you believe that NO ONE was burning American flags, beheading reporters or crash-landing planes into financial centers?!?  Crazy, I know!  I'm pretty sure I was charged a dollar more for the shrimp toast and chicken satay than the locals, but that's pretty standard in-group/out-group shit.

Indonesian Food Bazaar
Masjid Al-Hikmah Mosque
48-01 31st Ave., Astoria, Queens
Random Sundays throughout the summer

The various nibbles were all very palatable, but the Gado-Gado was the star of the show.  Gado-Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad of shredded cabbage, string beans, carrots, fried tofu and rice cakes. The aforementioned ingredients are tossed with an explosive mortar & pestle ground peanut sauce and topped w/ crunchy shrimp chips to finish. Each batch is made to order by a skilled team of hijab-clad women.

--permissibly delicious!

 © 2010 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.com

the brunch club? - fatty's cafe

an inventive menu riddled with latin flair... ostentatious 80's new wave on the stereo... b&w photos and abstract paintings hanging on the walls - priced to sell... wait, what stop off the L is this? --ah, even the most ironic of williamsburg hipsters would feel right at home at this funky astorian brunch hotspot. so put on your tightest t-shirt, oversized sunglasses and skip the shower, 'cause we are going over to fatty's cafe to indulge in the best brunch in astoria.

http://www.fattyscafenyc.com/

25-01 ditmars blvd astoria, ny 11105
718.267.7071

brunch will run you about $12, this includes your meal and one alcoholic libation; bloody mary, mimosa or limeade - your choice. all of the usual suspects you'd expect to find on a brunch menu are there; the eggs, omelets, pancakes, ect., but the hispanic influenced specialties are the stars of the show.

-- mofongo stuffed w/ queso blanco



mofongo is a dish of puerto rican descent and is very popular throughout the caribbean. a peculiar item to find on a brunch menu, but who am i to argue? fatty's mofongo was well seasoned and sufficiently moist; i've had mofongo as dry as british comedy, and it's not especially appetizing. mofongo is traditionally laced with chicharrón (deep fried pork fat), however, fatty's studs theirs with generous amounts of pancetta crunch, an acceptable substitution. chicken, ground beef, shrimp or queso blacno are the stuffing options. i was very please with my choice of queso blanco; melted by the heat, it oozed from the mofongo's open wounds as i attacked repeatedly with my knife and fork. pico de gallo and a fresh mesclun mix accompanied my meal. the dressing was light and delicious, however, i am unable to discern exactly what it consisted of. i would order this again in a second.

-- pancakes w/ fruit and berries



sandy, ever the adventurous eater, ordered the pancakes; she was very pleased with her order. they were griddle-crisped on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. the fruit mixture consisted mostly of blueberries with a few chunks of peach. the flavors were fresh and bright and definitely did not taste canned, i'd say it was made in house, but who knows?

the drinks were decent enough. sandy isn't much of a drinker to really care one way or the other, she had a pineapple mimosa. my bloody mary was more vodka than mary, that's never a bad thing.

there's much to try on fatty's menu. next time i come for brunch i am going to try to polenta cakes with provolone and ham. if that wins me over, i'll be back for dinner.

© 2008 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.blogspot.com/

street meat fit for a K I N G

there are few things in life that please me more than purchasing an entire meal in one plate, especially when the plate looks like this:

and for $6, how can you go wrong?

-- behold "THE PLATE"

a heaping portion of marinated chicken thighs served over a bed of rice with a fresh salad, green pickles, falafel and pickled turnips. tite.

the chicken is marinated overnight in secret blend of 7 spices, steam-grilled on a flat top and
hacked to pieces by your host, chef freddy jr.


freddy is a character, to say the least; his presence creates a convivial atmosphere that spans the entire block and beyond. you can tell her really loves what he does and you can taste it in his food. lame, i know - but true nonetheless.

freddy has a pretty extensive menu for a street vendor; shwarma, falafel, kefta, and kebabs to name a few. i've tried it all - and it's all good. the shwarma can be a bit dry if you go too late so don't drag your ass!


the cart is located @ 30th and broadway in front of the c-town. their hours vary - try tocatch them before 8.

http://www.thekingfalafel.com/

© 2008 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.blogspot.com/