Finally Fridays - Burgers

Friday is here and we couldn't be happier. This week's Finally Fridays focuses on a comfort food that's hard to beat--burgers. Here are our top 5 picks for traditional and not-so-ordinary boighahs.

Sparrow Burger - Grass fed burger with thick-cut bacon and herbed fries
24-01 29th Street, Astoria. 718.606.2260


Sweet Afton Burger - Organic beef, Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, sweet brioche bun
30-09 34th Street, Astoria. 718.777.2570


BareBurger Lamburger - Lamb patty, yogurt sauce, caramelized onions, 7 grain bun
33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718777.7011


Indigo Turkey Burger - Turkey, toasted sesame seed bun, hand cut fries, cranberry mayo
28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050


Fatty's Turkey Burger - Turkey, jalapeno mayo, peppers, onions and a side of house salad
25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.267.7071

Enjoy these fun varieties and let us know your personal burger faves.

Psychic Burger Experience

This afternoon my guy and I had an early dinner at Sparrow, which has always provided great food and cozy atmosphere. We've written about them here many times, as we're all big fans, especially of their burger.

Today the burger exceeded any and all of my expectations. It was as if the cook had read my mind and provided me with exactly what my burger-heart desired - perfectly cooked meat, gruyere melting excellently, with the exact right amount of onion on top. The bun, baked by Pain D'Avingon, rounded it all out. Fries were delicious, too. It was a burger experience par excellence. I maintain the Sparrow makes the best burger in Astoria.

For dessert, we tried a new (to us) dessert, something called a "Chocolate Marquise", which was a lovely, rich chocolate item. Light thin slices of chocolate cake in between thicker slices or chocolate mousse, with fresh whipped cream and a balsamic maple reduction on the side. Certainly enough for two people, and perhaps even four if you just want a little bit of sweet to round out the evening.

I also tried the Old Brown Dog Ale from Smuttynose brewery (they are located in New Hampshire). Wonderful, slightly sweeter than Newcastle Brown Ale. I'd drink it again in a heartbeat. Highly recommended. Actually, everything I ate is highly recommended.

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

Happy Birthday Bistro 33

One of our favorite Astorian eateries, Bistro 33 is celebrating its 1st year in its new location near Astoria Park. Bistro is known for modern, eclectic Japanese and French fusion and seasonal specialties, which keep us coming back for more.

Join Bistro as they share some of their culinary deliciousness with the community at their...

Beer and Burger Birthday Bash

Thursday, June 5th

6-9p

Open Beer and Burger bar--as in FREE food and Beer! Go get some...

You'll definitely find me over there stuffing my face and enjoying some cold ones.

Bistro 33

19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105

718.721.1933

www.lilbistro33.com

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

Burger to Burger: Sparrow vs. Fatty's

In honor Dish du Jour's first ever "The Burger Battle of the Boroughs," I'm dedicating this post to Astoria's burgers--and shining the spotlight on two places that do them very well. Let the face-off begin...

1. The Sparrow - Astoria's beloved casual bar and eatery found directly across the street from the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. Sparrow has gotten so popular lately that I'd urge ya'll to get there early--even if you're using it as back-up when the Beer Garden gets crowded. Its loyal fan base has no doubt grown from its homey atmosphere, good music and of course its flourishing food cred. The burgers are a particular must and Reyes--Sparrow's head chef--has them down to a science.What makes the Sparrow burger a plus for me is the brioche bun--always fresh with a hint of sweetness. The burger meat itself is yet another masterpiece. It's juicy, seasoned well with various fresh and dried herbs and is generous in size--you won't get slider portions here! Pair it with your choice of cheese (gruyere, fontina, brie or cheddar), a side of their crunchy fries (herbed or spiced) and you got yourself a killer Sparrow Burger. Happiness and gluttony on a plate for $9-$12 (depends on your choice of toppings).

The Sparrow: 24-01 29th Street, Astoria, NY 11102. 718.606.2260 www.sparrowbar.com

2. Fatty's - Also a small neighborhood gruberie, which offers its own spin on American and Latin bar food--think empanadas, croquetas, burritos and of course the mighty burger. Fatty's is known as a laid-back spot on Ditmars Blvd not far from Astoria Park. It's especially a hit in the summer, offering a nice outdoor garden with a backyard feel. You'll find people hangin' out all day and night. If you want to chill with the locals, go to Fatty's.

The Fatty's burger is complex. There are five varieties including a salmon burger and a Jalapeno turkey burger (shown here). Like at Sparrow, the portions are generous and I'd say even more so. The actual burger meat is fantastic--also moist, hearty and packed with fresh ingredients. Fatty's burgers are "glitzy", illustrated by this turkey burger. They're accompanied by a lot of crap--the mayo, the veggies, the salad, the list goes on. While I enjoy these embellishments on their own, they sometimes steal the burger's thunder. But if you fancy a fancy burger, I highly recommend Fatty's. The prices are wallet friendly, ranging from $7-$11.

Fatty's: 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. 718.267.7071 http://www.fattyscafenyc.com/

Which burger wins? I'm biased and choose Sparrow (I have a soft spot for Reyes) but you be the judge. Visit these neighborhood joints and let us know what you think.