Harissa - Middle Eastern - $ (Astoria)

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Wow, another treasure in Astoria. Harissa is such an underrated gem and I can't believe that I had to find out about it from my Jersey City-residing friend! Harissa cafe is an Algerian restaurant with a small menu that has a big impact. North African food is one of my favorite foods, simply because they mix spices that we as Americans consider to be reserved for sweet dishes, in their savory dishes. It's such a contradiction of flavors that we are typically not accustomed to, and for some it's hit or miss. But you can't help but identify the difference with every bite.

I read the reviews on yelp before we went there and everyone on there gushed about the restaurant. It's a very small space with few tables, but they do deliver. They serve bread and pastries from Balthazar and their own dishes are so perfectly spiced.

- Burek
This appetizer is finger-sized cigars of filo-dough stuffed with cinnamon-spiced beef, and then deep fried.

- Lamb Tajine
A whole lamb shank served with peas and artichoke hearts. The meat is perfectly falling off the bone, and in fact, the joint just dissolved itself and the bones completely separated from each other. It's soooo good!!



- Chicken Couscous
You can choose 3 different kinds of couscous, with the meat or veggies served on top of the bowl of couscous. Another delicious dish and a very generous portion.




We spent $18 each. Insanity. And there were leftovers.

Othello's Deli - (Astoria) - $

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Everyone needs a good, local deli. I found this one on yelp and decided that I'd stop over on one of my weekend bike rides. When I got there, I found it crowded with customers placing orders inside as well as seated outside. Good sign.

It's your typical deli with grocery items, fresh fruit, hot prepared foods and deli meats. I went ahead and ordered what's now become my all-time favorite sandwich: smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion and kefalotiri cheese on a hero. The kefalotiri cheese is obviously a Greek cheese, and when in Astoria... it perfectly compliments the smoked turkey and is just A----mazing.





The fact that it's always packed and everything is fresh is a good sign. Othello's has since become my go-to deli. This makes a great pit stop before biking over the tri-boro for a randall's island picnic.

Sandwich and bottled water, $8.

Parisi - Italian Bakery - $

Parisi Yelp-ed
(Broadway and 31st St, Astoria)

I have mixed reviews about Parisi, but some people love and swear by it. There are some things that I think are great, and some things that I think I've had better elsewhere. They're just your typical Italian bakery, selling cheesecake, cannolis, and rainbow cookies. They have a great breakfast special: coffee and a roll for $1.50, and are conveniently located in my direct path to the N/Q train. They also have a really great cinnamon raisin biscotti that I bring into the office on occasion.

I wouldn't say that Parisi is my go-to place. In fact, I would go all the way in to Veniero's in the East Village if I really wanted some great Italian pastries. But Parisi is convenient and good...

Bakeway - Cafe/Bakery - $

http://www.yelp.com/biz/bakeway-nyc-astoria

(Broadway and Crescent, Astoria)

I cannot love or rave about Bakeway enough. Bakeway was one of the first cafes I discovered in Astoria, and I have never needed to go elsewhere. It's the kind of place that makes me wish that I had opened it instead. It literally has everything you need in a neighborhood cafe. The decor is really cool, clean and modern with an organic feel. I really like how the bakery, located in the back, is completely open and visible to patrons. Almost everything they sell is organic, from chocolate to tea to salads/sandwiches and juices. And almost every baked good they sell is made there, from scratch. They have displays of huge cupcakes, Greek pastries, croissants, you name it. And there's also a display of ready-made cakes and cookies. The coffee is good, although sometimes I think it's a bit too strong.

-Almond brioche
(It's sticky, buttery and overflowing with goodness. It is out of control.)

This is my go-to spot and I try to me a frequent and regular customer here.

Cherry Cafe - Hookah, Egyptian - $

http://cherrycafenyc.com/ (Astoria)

I really love hookah, sheesha, nargile, whatever you want to call it. It's a relaxing, social past time and it always comes with great Middle Eastern mezze. It's pretty well known that Manhattan hookah can cost around $25 per hookah, but if you venture out to Queens or Brooklyn, you can find some hookah for as little as $7! Cherry Cafe is not on Steinway, which is also known as Little Cairo. The restaurants and cafes over there can be a little intimidating, as they're filled with mostly male Arab immigrants who stare at young women who pass by. It's a cultural thing that I find best left avoided. Cherry has a younger, more diverse crowd in its welcoming space. The hookah is good and cheap, and the food was surprisingly incredible, which I wasn't even expecting!

- Melon Hookah
- Mezze Combo

- Kofta Sandwich/Platter
(This kofta was some of the juiciest, most delicious kofta I've had in a while)
- Kosheri
(It's not listed on their menu, but I remember asking for it once and they had it. It's an Ancient Egyptian recipe of lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. A carbohydrate nightmare, but total Egyptian comfort food.)
- Mint Tea
- Karkaday
(A tea made with dried hibiscus. It's tart and very sweet, blood red, and considered great for circulation.)

Taverna Kyclades - Greek - $$$

http://www.tavernakyclades.com/ (Astoria)

What comes to mind when I heard the word "Astoria" is Greek. Home to the largest Greek population outside of Greece, Astoria is a playground for Mediterranean pleasure. With tons of outdoor cafes and restaurants, you can never really tire of all the great places and foods. One of the best and most popular Greek restaurants is Taverna Kyclades. Its specialty is seafood but everything here is so good. When I have friends visiting from out of town, or when it's a gorgeous day and I feel like eating outdoors, I choose this place for its ample portions, colorful mezze, fresh seafood entrees, and the best part-- the complimentary dessert at the end. This place is definitely better with a group-- the portions are too large for a couple, you'll end up taking home more than half of what you order. But sharing will also allow you to order and try more. I haven't had anything here that didn't make my eyes bulge and my mouth super happy.

- Greek Salad
- Taramosalata
- Grilled Octopus
- Kyclades Special
- Sardines
- Scallops
- Whatever their special of the day is



Expect to pay around $40pp

Agnadi - Greek - $$$

http://www.agnantimeze.com/ (Astoria)

While I went there with two boys, neither of whom I am dating, this is a great place for couples and friends. It has a very cozy feel. Fortunately for my meal, I let our Greek friend order in Greek. Unfortunately for my blog, I have no idea what dishes were what. All I know is that we shared several dishes and they were all incredible. Not one was less than amazing, and as I browse through this menu now, they all sound amazing.

I especially love that they serve wine in these authentic Greek carafes. The decor is simple, you almost feel like you're having a meal in someone's home. And the walls are covered with black and white photos of old Greek celebrities. It's quiet and comfortable, and the meal is very satisfying.



With wine, we spent about $40pp.

Pomme Cafe - French Bistro - $$

http://www.pommecafeny.com/ (Astoria, NY)

Took my French mom here for Sunday brunch. They have a $14 brunch special which includes your meal, coffee/tea, and a cocktail. In Manhattan, $14 gets you your cocktail. So needless to say, I'm a big fan of Pomme's brunch. They also seat you with a basket of crossants and nutella. My mom was a fan.

-smoked salmon eggs benedict
(Instead of an English muffin, they serve it on a flaky biscuit. So yum.)

-waffles
(She loved them so much, she didn't even put syrup on them.)