Astorian Weekend Edition 08.10.09

Fall is here, which makes it a lovely time to stroll around the nabe, discover new places and appreciate the foliage. Here are some fun suggestions for this weekend:

Visit a cool art show and do some shopping this Thursday at Ethereal Boutique in LIC. Leann Marie Zafuto will showcase her fashion based art and the store is featuring an accessories trunk show. Enjoy wine and treats while perusing. Thursday, October 8^th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.482.8884

Some more awesome shopping also happening on Thursday night is at SITE. Mackenzi will be hosting a Fall Preview Party, where you can take advantage of fabulous discounts on unique designs such as Lattimo glass, metal and acrylic jewelry. You can hop around from Ethereal to SITE or the other way around – this shin dig takes place between 7p.m. – 10p.m. 35-11 34^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.6030

In the mood to express your artistic talent? Art House Astoria is kicking off their monthly Salon Series, where you could bring your best talent – whatever that may be – and perform in a casual and welcoming setting. Saturday, October 10^th at 7p.m. For more information, contact jdj83061@gmail.com. 23-35 Broadway, Astoria. 347.738.4148

Don’t forget that all this week and next, you can take advantage of Queens Restaurant Week. While most restaurants aren’t featuring this special on weekends (except for Punta Dura), you could check it out on Thursday or Friday. There are more than 75 awesome restaurants participating. Personally, I’m checking out Christos Steakhouse, which for $25 per person will be a steal.

Are you into football? Do you like wings? There are at least two great places in Astoria that deliver both at incredible prices. Gleason's is one with 25 cent wings on Sundays and Mondays and the other is Indigo with delicious burgers and a good selection of brew. Gleason's 33-08 Broadway, Astoria. 718.626.5393. Indigo - 28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050.

Punta Dura - Northern Italian Yummies

Last week, Meg and I tried Punta Dura Northern Italian restaurant, which we both loved. Although I've seen this place before, I never had the inclination to go in because I thought that they mostly catered to private parties. So not the case - you can go in on any night to enjoy their hospitable service and fresh, delicious eats.

Highlights from our dinner:

Baked Clams Oreganata - One word - awesome! The clams were super fresh and the best part was the crispy, well-done breadcrumb topping with garlic and parsley. The clams were meaty and delicious and Meg and I enjoyed three sizeable pieces each.

Grilled Branzino - When you go to Punta Dura, you simply must get the fish. Each day offers a different option and we ended up with the branzino, which was more than fine by us. Our waiter presented the rustic fish to us first, and then proceeded to debone it tableside--super impressive! Once we tasted it, we were in love--the texture was perfect and it had nice char from the grill. Simple but good seasoning was used and we enjoyed the sides of fresh vegetables and crispy potatoes.

Dessert - Meg got the tiramisu, which she liked but what stood out to me was the Torta Frutti di Bosco (pictured above). The ricotta filling was creamy and luxurious, resting on a flaky, buttery crust. The ricotta was topped with fresh berries and tons of powdered sugar, making this dessert indulgent but at the same time summery.

Service and Cost:
Our server was professional, nice and really knew his stuff. He was able to recite the history of certain dishes as well as their impressive stock of international wines.

Costs are affordable and include the following:

Appetizers: $8.75 - $12.75
Pasta: $12.75 - $21.75
Entrees: $14.75 - $29.75

Want a $20 gift certificate?
Send us your favorite Northern Italian dish - comment on this post with your feedback - and we'll send you a $20 gift certificate to Punta Dura (while supplies last).

Punta Dura - 41-15 34th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.721.2137
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.puntadura.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 30.07.09

Can you believe it's almost August? Summer is moving along, fast! LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) has a number of offerings this weekend: BBQ, trivia, and music. I took an ear-gander at Little Creatures on MySpace, and they sound pretty sweet.

If you can make it before the Friday deadline, consider getting a Thai massage at Thai New York Spa & Salon (23-92 21st Street). I must say, I'm intrigued. After your massage, consider walking up the street to Bistro33 for dinner.

If you're looking for more outdoor fun, download the Astoria/Long Island City Waterfront Parks Guide, which features a whole slew of events (recurring and special) for everyone! On the environmental front, consider attending the event for city council hopeful Lynne Serpe this weekend.

Recently, fellow Joey Judith and I had dinner at Punta Dura (41-15 34th Avenue), and it was delicious! I can't wait to go back. Judith wrote up our experience, but there is more to come on this very blog, so keep an eye out! In the meantime, consider stopping by for their grilled branzino, which was divine.

Finally, thanks to a reader tip, I'll be checking in on Sai Organics (30-21 30th Avenue) this weekend. Rumor has it they are serving delicious vegan cupcakes. Now, I'm a sucker for cupcakes, so this has gotten me very curious. If you've had them, let us know what you think!