Culinary Centerfold met up with Restaurateur/Actor Johnny Solo at Grand Cafe, to find out what all the excitement is about in the Astoria food scene. And as co-owner of three restaurants in the heart of Astoria, Johnny should know. What we learned, is that there is so much flavor and heritage in Astoria New York.  Walking down the 30th Avenue, Culinary Centerfold passed so many indigenous food markets and purveyors....our taste buds were turned on by the endless food porn even before we reached Grand Cafe.

Once we arrived, we sat down overlooking the main strip. Here the scene was set for a relaxing meal: with beautiful model servers, hipsters walking by, and a breeze filled with the scent of restaurants... we knew this would be a night to relive. But that is why the roving "Food Connosieurs" have embraced Astoria. A short subway ride to the Astoria Blvd stop... and a Peach Cosmo at Grand Cafe will be waiting for you.  

Grand Cafe's Peach Cosmo is so well balanced, that you might be tempted to drink enough to make you lose your balance. But no need to worry, there is plenty of good Greek eats to absorb all that alcohol. With the hospitality of Johnny Solo, Girls On Grub was served the Watermelon Salad.  It was so refreshing with watermelon and halloumi (authentic Greek cheese usually made with Goat's milk) served on top of arugula...drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette that brought Greece alive on my plate. 

A couple more Peach Cosmos and I was tempted to stay all night and enjoy the live DJ. But after a few more authentic Greek dishes and a full stomach... I was subway bound back to the Upper East Side. It took about 15 minutes and I was back in the concrete jungle, absent the beautiful sky of Astoria. We highly recommend the short subway ride to this latest culinary scene. Grand Cafe definitely gave Girls On Grub something to chew on... and that was great food, drink and a nightlife exclusive to the hippest minds and those willing to take the subway to Astoria. Thanks Grand Cafe and Johnny Solo... we will be back.

-Boston Scarlette

Chalk Point Kitchen is the latest place to make it a point to be in the heart of  SoHo, for market to table food and market to tablet networking. As Chalk Point staff served up a private invite only buffet style brunch last week: social personalities got to know each other and what makes New Yorkers love the latest from Restaurateur Matt Levine and Executive Chef Joe Isidori.

Girls On Grub got to rub elbows with fashion industry leaders, music and talent scouts and even Lori Cheek of Cheek’d…  as we dined on Roasted Heirloom Carrots drizzled with Black Truffle Vinaigrette, Banana Croissant French Toast, Freddy’s Avocado Hash with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Cilantro, Griddled Eggs and more!

DJ Duo AndrewAndrew made an appearance in matching shirts, glasses and shoulder tied blue sweaters. And as they kept the soulful oldies flowing… Handy Liquor Bar put a spin on your morning cup of Joe with Stolen Rum in a drink called The Perky Pirate.

Chalk Point Kitchen became a late morning hot spot for Blogger Babes and Bo’s as they tagged photos of their marvelous market plated dishes with #HashbrownsAndHashtags. Girls On Grub definitely enjoyed the Freddy’s Avocado Hash and connecting at Chalk Point Kitchen. I even went back for a second plate…both times grabbing the Avocado Hash. It was absolutely the star of Chalk Point Kitchen with the Banana Croissant French Toast next in line….LITERALLY! We all stood in the buffet line waiting to get more, and it was well worth it. On our way out we were gifted a fabulous swag bag!

For more on Chalk Point Kitchen, make sure to visit them soon and tweet me @BostonScarlette your favorite brunch bite with the hashtag  #GirlOnGrub and #HashtagsAndHashbrowns!

-Boston Scarlette

Girls On Grub at down with Chef Carlos Barroz of La Pulperia in NYC and Quahog's Seafood Shack in Stone Harbor: and as we talked about the addition of a new Pulperia on the Upper East Side (86th and Second Ave)... we were served in a private tasting, some sweet and savory cocktails!