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.
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.
 Peach Cosmo: Absolut APeach, Patron Citronage, Fresh Lime Juice and a splash of Cranberry. |   |
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
-Boston Scarlette
 37-01 30th Avenue Astoria, NY 11102 718.777.7321 |
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