Sunday, January 15, 2006

Brick Cafe & Locale Make for a GREAT night


Last night was the best night ever, apart from the cold and wet of course. Tristan & Isolde was alright. I’m not going to rush and get the DVD when it comes out or anything, but I’d watch it again on HBO and it was a pleasant movie. John said it had shades of British propaganda, he’s Irish, I should have seen that coming. They screwed with part of the myth to make for a more romanticized ending, but eh, it’s a myth with multiple versions. For all I know it could be a variation of the myth.

Afterwards I had my long awaited dinner at Brick Café. All I can say is, why didn’t I go sooner?!! This is seriously the best restaurant I have eaten at in Astoria. It’s a Northern Italian/French fare. I really wish John had brought his camera. Hopefully I will go back soon and make amends for lack of pictures. My words won’t do it justice. I really need to get my own cam. Anyhoo… Although I made a reservation, we didn’t really need it when we arrived early. I have a feeling the rain kept people away, so I would still recommend them. We were seated right away. Immediately the tables reminded me of the rustic tables at Le Sans Souci. Looking around, I had that same rustic feel. The lighting was dim, and romantic(hello total date spot!). Immediately we were given baguette and a fantastic black olive paste. The wine list was cleverly posted on an empty wine bottle. John and I both enjoyed a glass of the Syrah. The menu seemed sumptuous from top to bottom, although it’s a little easier for me to pick through as I do not eat red meat or pork, and so, I gravitate to the chicken and fish dishes. Our waitress was great, always available, gladly answered questions and didn’t falter once on the litany of specials she recited off the top of her head. I started off with the Steamed Mussels in Red Sauce, and John opted for the Grilled Sardines on Seven Grain Bread with Tomatoes and Arugula. Both helpings could have been a meal in and of themselves, and as I observed from the table next to us there are no problems only ordering an appetizer and drinks. The mussels were steamed just right so that they practically fell out of the shells. I only wish I had some bread for the sauce, it was so good. John’s sardines, he says, were nice(that’s a good thing, not average). I can’t get a good description out of him. But I do know it looked lovely, the way the salad and bread were arranged with the sardines on top. He was very pleased and it made him look forward to the main course, which came along just long enough for the appetizers to have settled in our stomachs, but not long enough for us to be even slightly annoyed. When dinner came, oh my, did it look scrumptious. And once I started to cut into it, I knew I was in for a treat. I went for the Chicken Francese with Tomatoes and Basil, which came with Mashed Potatoes and Spinach. For one, I was pleasantly surprised to see the mash, as I looooove it. The chicken was so tender and the sauce flavorful but not overpowering. It went perfectly with the potatoes. And the helping was huge, without being impossible. But I would say to definitely bring your appetite with you. John had the Grilled Veal Chop with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Sun Dried Tomatoes. His words, “gorgeous.” He too had potatoes and spinach with his. He said that the sauce was lovely and that each part complimented the other. If only I had a little bit of room left for dessert; I would have loved to have known what the Brick Chocolate Bomb is all about. Readers, if you have tried it, please fill me in, it sounds all sorts of divine. We lingered a bit after we finished eating so that I could finish up my wine, and we weren’t heading over to Locale until 10:30. The bill was what you would expect for a nice dinner for two with appetizers and wine; I think it was $77 before tip. John and I are definitely going back again, there are other things we definitely want to try. I think next time I will forgo the appetizer to make room for dessert. And if you don't want to do the whole sit down dinner thing, you can still eat at the bar section, from an augmented meu, on the other side. Michael says the burger is great.
Brick Café, I apologize for my absence, but I see a long and happy friendship in the future.

Thankfully the rain had stopped when we left Brick, so that we didn’t have to race two avenues down 33rd street to get to Locale. I always have my reservations about any lounge type outfit that moves into the area. As we can see, just about every block on Broadway has some sort of lounge thing going on, Scorpio Bar, NuBar, Caos, Café Valentino etc etc etc. There is too much potential for it to become an uber euro lounge that makes anyone non Greek feel unwelcome or out of place. Locale has not yet fallen victim to that trapping. Michael, who lives just up the street, is of the opinion that it is just far enough off the Broadway track that it should be ok. I hope that remains the case. The large window paned exterior makes for an inviting atmosphere. It was lit well enough to set a nice mood, although Brian thought it could have been dimmer. What I liked was that when you walk by all you see are tables, which for a lounge doesn’t seem very comfy. But when we entered I was pleased to see that Danielle, Brian and Hannah were sitting in the slightly elevated second level which had comfy seating and was very inviting for the large group we would be growing into. There was another large group occupying the larger corner and there was enough room for us, plus a somewhat large group to occupy the other corner. The décor was kept simple, which is always good. I think that with the windows opening up to a street view, too much on the walls would be excessive. Our waiter was spot on with catching us on refills and getting the rest of the gang who was trickling in started with their drinks. Local also has a nice looking menu, although none of us ordered. The folks next to us did and it looked yummy, so I may have to come back and try some of it. Nothing huge or of the proportions we had just enjoyed at Brick, but good bar sized food to go with drinks, but definitely not pub food, like you would find at Sunswick. I definitely saw a small plate of pasta and a panini on the other table. The music was great, only a few times were we all like, what the heck is this, in bad way. There were a few songs I wished I had asked the waiter to try and identify, in case it was on a CD. It was loud enough to enjoy but not loud enough to make you yell at your friends, although being a few seats away would make for some strained hearing and requests for a repeat in convo. All in all I liked Locale. I would definitely go back for a glass of wine, and I do want to try their food. Definitely what I hoped for, an unpretentious chill spot to hang out. Keep it up!

Saturday, January 14, 2006

The Weekender

This weekend, head up to Waltz Astoria for Talk Wine w/ Kevin Rose. Tonight at 8 sample six wines from Argentina, Australia, California, Chile and Spain along with gourmet cheeses and chocolate to compliment the wines. According to the email I got, it's open door but a participation fee may apply. Check the website for a tasting menu.

If wine's not your bag, but you enjoy cheese, head over to the movie theatre to catch Tristan & Isolde. It's based on the Irish myth of a knight in love with the King of Ireland's daughter. Unfortunately he wins her hand in marriage for the King of England. Eek! Talk about putting a crimp in your relationship. Although it sounds familiar it predates Arthurian legend, and is bound to be my favorite kind of romantic movie, cheesy! John's in for a treat huh? hehehe

Afterwards John and I are heading over to Brick Cafe for dinner. I've been dying to try this place ever since I stumbled upon it over a year ago, actually at this point I think it's more like two. Jamie and Antonella have gone there dozens of times and have not been disappointed. We tried to go a few weeks ago, but it was just too crowded. I made reservations this time around. :) Will most definitely let you know how it was. And hopefully John remembers his digital camera so that I can show you how it looks.

And since I am so damned popular, I'll be heading over to Locale, the relatively new bar/lounge on 33rd street and 34th ave for drinks with the gang.

Sunday head over to AMMI. As part of NYC's Paint the Town Red promotion, through February 28th get 2 for 1 admission with promo code NYCPT. Same deal goes for the Noguchi museum, same code too.
AMMI continues it's Fist and Sword Martial Arts Film Classics Series with it's screening of Unleashed at 2:00. Jet Li, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Hoskins star in this action-packed saga written and produced by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, The Professional). Li plays a ruthless assassin who was literally raised in captivity—as a leashed dog—and tries to redeem himself.

Later in the day enjoy the museum's Foreign Affairs: New York Film Critics Circle Series with Naked Lunch at 4:00 and The Man Who Fell to Earth at 6:30. Check the website for all the details.

That's all folks!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Mulled Wine and Cider

Conveniently I found this after I tried it at Mundo.
mmmmmmm :)

MULLING MIX
Makes a 1/2 pint jar 1
5 cinnamon sticks (3" long)
15 whole star anise
30 cardamom pods
15 whole cloves

Arrange the cinnamon sticks upright around the inside walls of the jar. Fill the center with anise, cloves, and cardamom and seal.

Instructions:
Makes 1/2 gallon (or 7 servings)
1/2 gallon of wine or cider

Combine wine or cider with 3 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, 6 cardamom pods and 3 cloves from the jar of mix in a large saucepan. Heat until warm. Do not boil. Remove or strain spice before serving.

Street Fair Schedule :)

I know that not everyone in Astoria appreciates the kitchy fun of the street fairs, but well, I dig them. I think they're fun. Yeah, a lot of stuff for sale is crap, but there's a fair amount of nifty things. I've gotten some really nice jewelry, crystals, posters, t-shirts and the like. I've also found great gifts for friends. And don't even get me started on the food. I have to plan out what country I am eating from at each fair, falafal at one, puerto rican at another, crepes for a treat, its a gastronomical delight. And helpful hint...if you are there towards shut down, the chocolate covered strawberries are $1, liquidation rules! Yeah, it's loud if you live near by, and the whole street being closed can be a pain, but c'mon, it's part of the summer. Live a little, keep an open mind...you never know what you will find.
So, I checked around online and found the article in the Queens Gazettete that lists the dates, which of course are subject to change.

The following is a list of the multi-block/multi-day street festivals that were approved for 2006 by the board:
1) Central Astoria Local Development Coalition April 30 on Steinway Street between 28th and 34th Avenues (1 day, 4 blocks)
2) St. Demetrios Cathedral May 17-22 on 30th Drive between 30th and 31st Streets (May 17 for set up, May 22 for dismantle, 1 block, 4 days)
3) Broadway Astoria Merchants and Professionals Association
•May 29 on Broadway between Crescent and 47 Streets (1 day, 17 blocks)
•October 1 on Broadway between Crescent and 47 Streets (1 day, 17 blocks)
4) St. Antonio Abate Society of Castrofilippo
June 21 through 25 (June 21 set-up) on Ditmars Boulevard between 35th and 38th Streets (4 days, 3 blocks)
5) Friends of Community Board 1
July 16 on 30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets (1 day, 13 blocks)
6) 114 Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol
July 30 on Broadway between Steinway and 47th Streets (1 day, 6 blocks)
7) St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery
July 27 to 30 on 23rd Avenue from 35 to mid 37th Streets and on 36th Street from 23rd Avenue to under the Amtrak overpass (2 blocks, 4 days)
8) Dutch Kills Civic Association august 19 on 36th Avenue between 29th and 35th Streets (1 day, 6 blocks)
9) Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America (St. Markella)
August 3 to 6 on 26th Street from 23rd Avenue to the Amtrak trestles (1/2 block, 4 days)
10) Steinway Street B.I.D.
August 13 on Steinway between 28th and 34th Avenues (1 day, 5 blocks)
11) Borgetto Cultural Assn.
August 16 to 20 on Steinway Street (August 16 for set-up) between 25th and 28th Avenues (1 block, 2 days)
12) 30th Avenue Business Assn.
September 4th on 30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets (1 day, 13 blocks).

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Mundo Deliciouso!

OK OK, so the Spanish isn’t perfect, and my Puerto Rican mother would be ashamed I couldn’t do better but the point I am trying to make is that Mundo is absolutely delicious!! I went there a few weeks ago for their “Dinner with the Artist.” Every month they feature an artists work in the restaurant. This month is the photography installation “Lost Angel” by local Astoria artist Liz Dembrowsky. Liz kindly invited me to share her opening night with her. It was the perfect opportunity to support a friend and local artist as well as check out a great new restaurant in the neighborhood.
Mundo is a very very small intimate restaurant on 32nd street just off Broadway (going towards 34th Ave). It’s easy to miss it if you aren’t looking for it, since it is tucked into the street, but this restaurant should not be. It seats maybe 30 people tops, but I think it works for it. What makes the ambiance great is the revolving artwork on the walls as well as the incredibly friendly staff. It’s Turkish and Argentinean fusion, which first had me thinking, huh? But after looking over their menu (available on their website) and eating there, I was like, yuuuuummmm. It totally works. Liz did a pre fixe, and I’ve been meaning to go back for a full meal (one of the reasons for the delay on this posting, sorry Liz!) so I can only comment on a few dishes. I started off with a lovely bowl of Oaty Tomato Soup. It was divine. We followed that with a bowl of spinach dip, made from home made yogurt, garlic and naturally spinach and served with warm pita. They give you a disproportionate amount of the two, but were happy to provide more pita. Unfortunately my picky eating habits, as well as the fact that I totally scarfed down both the soup and dip, left me unable to choose from the third course. But Danielle, my occasional foodie in crime, chose the emapanada, which looked delicious (although I don’t eat meat) and gorgeous. It looked a little smaller than the ones my mom makes, but she makes everything big. It was very full and looked golden and flaky and according to Danielle, very very good. But, the best, best part was the warm spiced wine. Poured out of a teapot it smelled absolutely divine. And it tasted as much. I found a recipe for making it and will post it soon.

I can’t wait to go back to Mundo to try a full meal. And please go check it out yourself, and check out Liz’s art too. You’ll be glad you did on both counts.