Astorian Weekend Edition 12.06.08

The heat wave is finally over and we're psyched to be up and about this weekend. Don't forget Father's Day this Sunday—Astoria has plenty of fun things to do with Dad.

Mundo, the intimate eclectic eatery will be offering their new summer menu so stop in and try it. We'd suggest calling now to make a reservation, as weekends get busy. Mundo – 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829

Want to volunteer at the famous P.S.1 Warm Ups this summer? You'll help run one of the most energetic and fun music events in this city. Warm Ups start in July and volunteer training starts in 2 weeks. P.S.1 MOMA - 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084.

Watch the 2008 Euro Cup with Dad at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Toast to the winning team with a nice cold Czech beer in hand, and make sure you get there as early as humanly possible to beat the crowds. Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925.

You can also catch the Euro Cup at most 30th Avenue cafes such as Athens (32-07 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.2164), Avenue (35-27 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.278.6967) and Grand Café (37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.7321). But like we suggest above, get there early to grab a seat.

Want to get a festive Father's Day cake for Dad? Visit, Dolce Italia Bakery for some tasty creations—and while you're there, check out their new spins on sweet classics such as a
giant Black and White cookie and a Nutella filled Linzer Tart. Dolce Italia Bakery – 36-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.278.4188.

Treat Dad to one of the best steak dinners he'll ever have—take him to Christos Steakhouse. There's no special menu for Father's Day but then again, they don't need to have one (see picture above). Lunch service will start 3 hours earlier than usual on Sunday (Noon vs. 3p). Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.8400

Dolce Italia Bakery in Astoria

While walking home from a fun-filled afternoon with friends, my guy and I spied the Dolce Italia Bakery storefront outfitted with a "Grand Opening" sign. We went to open the door and the owners beat us to it, opening up and showing off all their delicious treats. The store is crisp and clean and the baked goods looked fabulous. Lots of Italian cookies, little tarts, big cakes, amazing looking marzipan fruits, cheesecakes, and my favorite, cannoli. We tried a hazelnut chocolate cannoli and a tiny little strawberry-kiwi tart. Both were really delicious! I loved the hazelnut and chocolate combo in the cannoli, plus the consistency of the filling was smooth yet substantial. The little tart had a lot of fruit flavor in it for such a little thing, and the pastry cream sitting below the fruit was clean and not overly sweet, and balanced well with the fruit. So, a big thumbs up from us. I'll be back for sure.

FYI, Dolce Italia is in the place of the old Modern Italian Bakery.

Dolce Italia Bread & Pastry Shop
36-06 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria
718-278-4188