Guide to Queens Restaurant Week 2015
While it’s not quite on the same level (yet) as Brooklyn or Manhattan, Queens’ dining scene is moving up in the world of food. Which makes their very own Restaurant Week as apt a time as any to see what the ethnically-rich borough has cooking — from exotic Peruvian ceviche at Cevicheria El Rey to an Argentine feast at La Fusta and tasty, real deal Greek at Zenon Taverna…
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Mu Ramen Heralds the Inarguable Arrival of Queens
Ramen is so far beyond being a trend, that noteworthy noodle openings are as commonplace as the launch of new local-seasonal restaurants, or wood-burning pizza spots. But the fact that Mu Ramen — which frequently commands several hour waits for a table — is located in Queens? That’s a pretty surefire indication that the borough has finally arrived…
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Restaurant Openings to Look Forward to in 2013
For food writers, each year generally ends with a flurry of restaurant “Best Of” listicles, chronicling the highs and lows of eateries both old and new. But as soon as the calendar reads January 2nd, we hit the reset button, turning our attention towards a brand new crop of impending openings. From Michael White’s eagerly anticipated double header in Manhattan (The Butterfly and Ristorante Morini), to Andy Ricker’s continued expansion of his Pok Pok empire in Brooklyn (Whiskey Soda Lounge), it’s already shaping up to be a banner year for the New York restaurant scene. And who knows? A few of them just might make our “Best Of” lists at the close of 2013.
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Best New Find – Bear
If you’re not impressed by the Swarovski crystal chandeliers or Venetian-tiled floors at this showy Long Island City spot, you’ll still be won over by its unique menu of New European food. The offerings change every night, so sit back and put your faith in the hands of the chef. Kickstart your evening with The Vodka Special, which features three small bites like Eggplant Caviar, Ukrainian Lardo, or Red Potatoes with Sunflower and Fresh Dill, plus several shots of vodka. They’ve also featured some great entrees recently, like Veal Dumplings, Buckwheat Pilaf, and a Pork Loin Sandwich. And be sure to ask if they’re serving their Home-Made Chocolate Truffles for...
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Best After Work Drinks – Sweet Afton
From the owners of West Village favorite Wilfie and Nell, this Astoria hangout could be our favorite spot yet in our search for ideal, after work drinks. We love their selection of unfussy cocktails, like the spiked Sweet Tea with tea-infused vodka, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon, but there’s also a great lineup of local bottles and drafts to choose from. And this may be Queens, but when it comes to awesome bar bites, you can’t go wrong with the Beer-Battered Brooklyn Pickles or Sweet Afton Burger piled high with Double Smoked Brooklyn Bacon. They’ve also got a stockpile of terrific cheeses, like Irish cheddar or aged gruyere, that you can (and should) add to just about everything on the...
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Best Date Night – Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
By now, I’m sure you can tell that we’re serious when it comes to selecting ideal date night choices. And we can assure you, the best place to take your better half out for dinner in Queens is Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen. C’mon, what other restaurant can you think of in Forest Hills that’s been awarded an elusive Michelin star? With its innovative menu and charming atmosphere (not to mention thoughtful roster of terrific bottles) you can’t go wrong here. We suggest starting off the evening with a snappy white, like the Sauvignon Blanc Russian River from Sonoma, paired with the clean-tasting Spanish Mackerel Tartare with crème fraîche, capers, lemon zest & dill. Once you’re both feeling cozy, settle in with a full-bodied red wine (perhaps an Argentinian Malbec), paired with the decadent Ravioli with braised beef brisket, mascarpone,...
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Best Comfort Food – Burger Club
I know it’s called Burger Club, but honestly, I have serious trouble getting past the Braised Short Ribs at this cozy Astoria spot. Short ribs are a prime comfort food in general, right up there with mashed potatoes, spaghetti and meatballs and chicken pot pie, but Burger Club happens to serve them atop a heap of hand-cut french fries and smothered with your choice of cheese. And did we mention that its actually considered an appetizer? If you’re not ready to curl up for a nap in the corner by the time you’re done, be sure to go ahead and try the namesake patties. The Carolina Burger with slow-cooked pulled pork, pepper jack cheese and homemade coleslaw and Frenchy Burger with foie gras, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions are both solid choices, followed by a traditional, creamy Root Beer...
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Best Gastropub – The Dog and Duck
This place was the first ever gastropub in Sunnyside, and since opening last year, they’ve become a neighborhood staple. The extensive menu effortlessly combines laid-back pub grub (BBQ Babyback Ribs, Fish and Chips, Ham and Leek Pie), with more elevated, fine-dining fare. Start off your meal with the Mushroom a la Greque, topped with bacon, pine nuts, and shaved parmesan, followed by a terrific Pan-Fried Salmon Cake with ginger-sesame sauce, Pork Bangers with Scallion Mash and Red Wine Jus, or Scallops Gratines with Asparagus and Parsley Potatoes. And don’t even think about leaving without ordering the Deep Fried Brie with Port...
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