Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Il Bambino


Chickpea Panzanella Salad

Marinated Sardine, Smoked Tomato and Roasted Garlic Butter, Chili Vincotto


Take out or sit down, this place is a gem for sure.  The food is simple, fresh, high quality and packed with flavor.  Its small, warm, place with attentive service and staff that always has a great attitude.  Best Panini and Crostini in Astoria for sure, maybe the best I've ever had outside of Italy.  The prices are good, the portions are big, this place is just excellent!

One of my favorite offerings is the prosciutto, fig spread and Gorgonzola Panino.  Large crunchy bread, perfectly toasted, great ratio of meat to cheese, perfect match of sweet, salty, and umami.  The Iced Latte was very good, but I would have liked it a bit stronger, perhaps another shot of espresso.  The peanut butter hot chocolate is divine!  Very peanut buttery, sweet, delicious.

On a recent visit I was impressed by the Chickpea Panzanella Salad.  Its not often I order salad, but this was an absolute winner.  Perfect balance of acid and salt, great textural contrast from the soft chickpeas to the crispy chunks of bread.  Huge portion, memorable and worth a visit.  The special of the day a Crab Crostini with crispy shallots and creamy avocado was absolutely perfect.  Loved every bite of this, amazingly flavorful yet simple Crostini.  

The food is simple but goes way beyond expectations.  This is a must try for lunch or for dinner.  Love this place!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

My favorite foods in Astoria (Part 2)

Part 2!

 Cobb Salad @ William Hallet
The pork belly and crispy soft boiled egg really make the dish, which could easily be an entree on its own, perhaps paired with one of their delicious beers.


   "Buco"lloni @ Piccola Venezia
Tortelloni filled with Veal Shank (Osso Buco) meat, served in osso buco sauce
Very rich delicious Tortelloni, order a 1/2 portion for an appetizer and go for the Fish for your entree.  This is one of the best pasta dishes they serve.
 



Lambs Cheeks @ Mombar 
They stir it around while its still warm and it gently cooks the egg.  A very rich dish, yet the cheek meat is tender and lean, great for scooping up with a piece of toasted pita.  Fantastic flavor.



Chickpea Panzenella @ Il Bambino
Perfect crisp salad.  The bitter arugula is balanced well by the tomatoes and the citrus/acid vinaigrette.  The salty, soft feta matched with the crunchy oily croutons.  Those fatty little chickpeas add flavor and body to this already delicious salad.  Love it.


Trenza @ La Casa Del Pan
Often sold out, my favorite item from this little 24 hours bread/dessert/chicharon store.... As the name would suggest, the bread is stuffed with three items, cheese, pineapple and guava.  Great for breakfast or dessert.  Everyone loves this one.

 Garlic Soup @ Koliba
If you love garlic and eggs, this dish is for you.  The soup arrives with the egg yolk gently placed on the bottom of the bowl seconds before, inviting you to enjoy the yolk before it fully cooks. Light very garlicky broth is excellent.


Vanilla Loaf @ Martha's Bakery
Typically vanilla is used moderately in desserts, however this extra buttery vanilla pound cake is deep with flavor.  Crisp outside, soft inside.  My favorite thing from Martha's.   


Baby Octopus @ El Boqueron
These little creatures are slightly tough in a pleasant way, in a thick garlicky sauce.  Love the tentacles the most but the heads are also good.