3E Thai is now Hero Thai Izakaya

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A couple months ago, BOAST favorite 3E Thai (34-16 Broadway) closed, and now under new management is called Hero Thai Izakaya. The chef is the same, and the menu is similar, but the interior is different and it’s a new restaurant, so 3E has been taken off BOAST’s EAT page, and has been replaced by new third place winners Enthaice Thai Kitchen (33-20 31st Ave) and Red Basil Thai Kitchen (32-47 Steinway St). Hero Thai Izakaya will certainly be in the running for a 2018 BOAST: Best of Astoria winner. We are curious to check it out, and compare to 3E. Have you gone? Let us know what you think!


Kurry Qulture will pay for customer’s Uber/Lyft

[From Kurry Qulture]

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Due to the 30th Ave subway station overhaul, which will last for the next several months, starting today Kurry Qulture will pay a customer’s Uber or Lyft ride when they dine there. All they have to do is show proof of their ride and the restaurant will credit their check up to $10. Some conditions apply: one credit of up to $10 can be applied per table, offer cannot be applied to separate guest checks, customer must show proof of ride in the smartphone app, not applicable for bar-only, delivery or takeout customers, Uber or Lyft driver’s tip will not be reimbursed.

WINTER 2018 MENU
Kurry Qulture, Michelin Guide reviewed, top-rated and highly recommended restaurant and cocktail bar, is setting the culinary bar even higher with its cutting-edge, modern Indian cuisine with its Winter 2018 menu. “This winter, Kurry Qulture invites you to indulge in classic, soul-nurturing Indian dishes with a modern fusion and flair,” said owner Sonny Solomon.

New on the Winter 2018 menu is a festive celebration of homestyle recipes of fresh ingredients conceptualized by Chef Binder, Executive Chef at Kurry Qulture. “Kurry Qulture’s Winter 2018 menu features 12 appetizers, 25 entrées and several variations of naan, chutneys and rice side dishes. There is something for everyone, even if you’ve never tried Indian food before,” said Chef Binder.

Some new dishes include AMRITSARI FISH (tilapia fillets, carom seeds, chickpea flour), Teekhn Murgh (jamaican peppers, black and red pepper), MURGH METHI MALAI (fenugreek, onion, tomatoes) and SALMON KALVAAN (tandoor grilled, coconut tamarind sauce). For vegetarian and vegans, the new menu features ALOO GOBI (cauliflower, potatoes, turmeric), PHOOL MAKHANE KI SUBZI (lotus puffs, ricotta cheese, green peas, DAL MAKHANI (black lentils, red kidney beans).

“EAT INDIAN NOW” MOBILE APP IS AVAILABLE
Kurry Qulture is proud to provide its mobile app for Apple iPhone and Android smartphone users, making it super easy to get delivery from Seamless, Caviar and Uber Eats, and well as receive exclusive promotional offers as special thank you for using the app. To download the app, go to kurryqulture.com/app.

HOURS AND RESERVATIONS
Kurry Qulture is open for dinner seven days a week from 5pm and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3pm. Reservations are accepted through OpenTable.com, by calling Kurry Qulture at 718.674.1212 or via email at [email protected]

ABOUT KURRY QULTURE
Kurry Qulture is New York City’s first Indian restaurant to feature a seasonal menu. Located on the bustling 30th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, Kurry Qulture elevates the Indian dining experience with surprising-creative cuisine and attentive service in a chic yet casual ambience. Owner, Sonny Solomon, brings over 17 years of experience at some of New York City’s most notable fine dining establishments.

Most proudly, Kurry Qulture has received these highly sought after accolades: OpenTable’s Diner’s Choice Award, “Best of the Boro” Award in the Queens County Indian Food category and featured in the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Michelin Guide. Five star online reviews on Yelp, OpenTable, Google and more rave about the cuisine, cocktails and exemplary style of service.

Kurry Qulture
36-05 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103
718.674.1212
[email protected]
www.kurryqulture.com

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Ben Rosenfeld’s New Comedy Album Release

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COMEDY DYNAMICS TO RELEASE THE UNITED STATES OF RUSSIA, BEN ROSENFELD’S NEW COMEDY ALBUM ON JANUARY 19, 2018 

“A year after the inauguration, The United States of Russia is hysterical!”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Comedy Dynamics announced today it will release Ben Rosenfeld’s third comedy album The United States of Russia on all digital audio retailers on January 19, 2018.

Almost banned on Russian iTunes, Ben Rosenfeld’s album The United States of Russia is a hysterical look at life from a Russian born, American raised comedian. In his sarcastic and original style, Ben discusses his immigrant parents and outsider childhood, millennials, terrorism, the current political climate, and adjusting to life as a newlywed. 

Comedy Dynamics, a Nacelle company, is one of the largest independent comedy production and distribution companies, producing Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History, Animal Planet’s Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson, the new scripted comedy on Hulu, There’s… Johnny!, History’s Join Or Die with Craig Ferguson, MTV2’s Wild ’N On Tour, and Hulu’s Coming To The Stage. The company has worked with a wide range of established and emerging comedic talent including Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, Jim Gaffigan, Katt Williams and many more. In total, nine of Comedy Dynamics’ albums have been Grammy-nominated, with one win.

Buy Links for iTunes | Amazon

4 Soundcloud tracks:
1. The United States of Russia
2. Teen Runaways
3. My Engagement Mixup
4. Third World Happiness

IOK7egZAbout Ben: Ben Rosenfeld creates smarter comedy for smarter people. Ben’s comedy blends his family’s experience as Russian Jewish immigrants in America with his philosophical beliefs, political observations and unique characters. Ben has appeared on FOX’s Laughs, CBS This Morning, National Geographic’s Brain Games, Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum, NPR and been featured as TimeOut New York’s Joke of the Week. He has twice headlined at Caroline’s on Broadway, hosted at the Lincoln Center and performs nightly in New York City.  Ben’s three comedy albums, Neuro ComedyThe Russian Optimist and The United States of Russia are available on iTunes and all other digital retailers. Ben also created the illustrated coffee table book, Russian Optimism: Dark Nursery Rhymes To Cheer You Right Up, an Amazon Top 5 Best Seller in Humor.

Ben’s Social Media Links: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Official Website 


BOAST: Best of Astoria Winter Party 2018

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The BOAST: Best of Astoria 2017 winners have been announced and posted to the site, and now we celebrate! We would like to invite you to the BOAST: Best of Astoria Winter Party 2018, on Sunday, Jan. 21, 5–8pm at Queen’s Room (36-02 Ditmars Blvd). We’re excited to be at Queen’s Room, which is a multiple BOAST winner (Best Cafe, Best Hot Chocolate, and Best Place to Use Wi-Fi) and an excellent space in general. We’ll provide some snacks and punch, and other beverages will be available at Happy Hour prices throughout the party. You can also purchase entrées (menu here). Tickets are $15, and if you reserve by Wednesday, Jan. 17, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card to The Thirsty Koala! You can purchase tickets with this link, and you can RSVP on the Facebook event with this link.

We hope to see you there!

 



Write-ups from the 2017 Survey That Did Not Make the Cut

Not everything that people entered on the survey was a BOAST winner. But we did want to share the write-ups of those places.

Best American Restaurant
Blackbird’s: “Best wings in Astoria! Great selection on tap and super friendly staff.”

Flattopps: “Cool people, great food, fun music.”

The Pomeroy: “The Pomeroy is a cozy, modern American joint with delicious fried chicken, mac and cheese, and all the other amazing food you could want with great drinks.”

Best Bakery
Rose and Joe’s Italian Bakery: “I love their chocolate cigars and their small cakes are moist and delicious no matter the flavor! Pizza is very tasty and if you’re lucky enough you’ll experience the aroma of bread baking from the subway platform.”

Best Brunch
Bowery Bay: “Terrific unlimited drinks option & cheesy grits.”

The Bonnie: “The Bonnie for brunch is a must. Its outdoor area for seating is spectacular. The food and drinks are extremely tasty and mouth-watering offerings. The place is filled with charm.”

Best Budget
BZ Grill: “Very good Greek ‘fast’ food.”

Best Burger
Sunswick 35/35: “This bar has amazing food and an amazing burger. Just the simple bar you always wanted.”

Best Dessert
Bonjour Crepe: “They have wine & sangria in addition to sweet & savory crepes. Laid-back atmosphere too.”

Moonier Cafe: “Have you seen all of their desserts? Whether it’s a milkshake or their cake, cookies…I could go on forever. It’s all tasty!”

Thirsty Koala: “Don’t see it on their menu anymore but enjoyed an amazing dessert involving molten chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and probably some hot fudge. It was to die for!”

Best Diner
Court Square Diner: “Conveniently located near the Court Sq station & very good diner!”

Best Italian Restaurant
Sac’s Place: “The foccacia alone will make your mouth water. The food is fresh and delicious.”

Best Japanese Restaurant
Oishii: “Best sushi! And everyone is so nice!”

Best Mexican Restaurant
Athens Grill Astoria: “Best burritos for tex mex snobs.”

Little Mexico: “AUTHENTIC Mexican Food! Run by the best people.”

Best Pizza
Rose and Joe’s Italian Bakery: “Great when you need a quick bite. Very flavorful.”

Best Cocktails
Butcher Bar: “Decent variety of cocktails at good prices.”

The Ditty: “I want to have every drink on the menu.”

Best Cafe
Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company: “Unbelievably fantastic bagels and good coffee.”

Best Happy Hour
Arepas Cafe: “Addictive sangria.”

Best Date Spot
Jujube Tree: “Meet without meat!”

Best Haircut
Niko and Tasoula: “It’s a little mom and pop place. Nikos is a Greek musician with bazoukis and other instruments on the wall. I’m always happy with the haircut I get there, and the price is very reasonable.”


BOAST Winners 2017: By the Numbers

Total Categories: 43 (19 in EAT, 11 in DRINK, 13 in DO & SEE)

Total Write-in Winners: 13 (5 in EAT, 4 in DRINK, 4 in DO & SEE)

Total Winners: 142 (64 in EAT, 38 in DRINK, 40 in DO & SEE)

Total Unique Winners: 113

Winners in Multiple Categories: 21
5 – Sek’end Sun (1st place – 2, 2nd place – 2, 3rd place – 1)
3 – Martha’s Country Bakery (1st – 2, 2nd – 1)
3 – Museum of the Moving Image (1st – 1, 2nd – 1, 3rd – 1)
3 – Queen’s Room (1st – 1, 2nd – 1, 3rd – 1)
3 – The Letlove Inn (2nd – 2, 3rd – 1)
3 – Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar (2nd – 2, 3rd – 1)
2 – Jujube Tree: (1st – 2)
2 – Q.E.D. (1st – 2)
2 – Gossip Coffee (1st – 1, 2nd – 1)
2 – Pye Boat Noodle (1st – 1, 2nd – 1)
2 – Queens Comfort (1st – 1, 2nd – 1)
2 – Sunswick 35/35 (1st – 1, 2nd – 1)
2 – Leli’s Bakery & Pastry Shop (1st – 1, 3rd – 1)
2 – Sweet Afton (1st – 1, 3rd – 1)
2 – Oliver’s Astoria (3rd – 2)
2 – The Bonnie (3rd – 2)
2 – Blend Astoria (3rd – 2)
2 – Break Bar and Billards (1st – 1, write-in – 1)
2 – District Saigon (2nd – 1, write-in – 1)
2 – The Ditty (2nd – 1, write-in – 1)
2 – New York City Bagel and Coffee House (3rd – 1, write-in – 1)

Winners by Location
30th Ave (N/W): 32
Broadway (N/W): 24
Astoria-Ditmars Blvd (N/W): 23
Steinway St (M/R): 15
31st Ave: 8
36th Ave (N/W): 7
Astoria Blvd (N/W): 6
Long Island City: 5

Winners with multiple Astoria locations
Astoria Bier & Cheese (2)
Bareburger (2)
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (2)
Create (2)
Key Food (3)
New York City Bagel & Coffee House (2)


BOAST: Best of Astoria 2017 Winners

EAT
Best American
1. Sanfords Restaurant
2. Queens Comfort
3. Sugar Freak

Best Bakery
1. Martha’s Country Bakery
2. Parisi Bakery
3. Leli’s Bakery & Pastry Shop

Best Brazilian
1. Pao De Queijo
2. Point Brazil
3. Copacabana

Best Brunch
1. Queens Comfort
2. Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
3. Mom’s Kitchen & Bar

Best Budget
1. King of Falafel & Shawarma
2. Pye Boat Noodle
3. Arepas Cafe

Best Burger
1. Bareburger
2. Burger Club
3. Sweet Afton

Best Chinese
1. Jujube Tree
2. Dragon & Phoenix
3. Nuevo Jardín de China

Best Dessert
1. Martha’s Country Bakery
2. Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
3. Chip

Best Diner
1. Neptune Diner
2. Bel Aire Diner
3. Mini Star

Best Greek
1. Taverna Kyclades
2. Stamatis
3. Elias Corner

Best Indian
1. Seva
2. Namaste
3. (tie) Kurry Qulture
3. (tie) Saffron

Best Italian
1. Ornella Trattoria Italiana
2. Trattoria L’Incontro
3. Antika

Best Japanese
1. Pink Nori
2. Watawa Sushi
3. Matsu Sushi

Best Mexican
1. De Mole Astoria
2. Mojave
3. Chela & Garnacha

Best New Restaurant
1. PokéWave
2. La Vecina Astoria
3. (tie) Astoria Provisions
3. (tie) Blend Astoria

Best Pizza
1. Milkflower
2. Grand Avenue Pizza
3. Rizzo’s Fine Pizza (more…)


Ha’s Chinese Has Opened

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Ha’s Chinese opened last week in the same location as The Queens Kickshaw, and is run by the same people. We really liked The Queens Kickshaw, and guess what, we really liked Ha’s—a vegetarian Chinese restaurant that serves unique dishes.

The front of the restaurant has been moved in about three feet, so don’t expect any live music. The owners wanted a different vibe than the cafe/bar experience from before, and there are a number of changes. In the back area, where there were stools and high tables before, now there are more comfortable booths. And the long communal table on the other side has been replaced by smaller tables. The decor has also changed, and there is a nice row of hanging plants interspersed with the light fixtures.

We didn’t order any drinks, but there is a long list of beer, wine, cider and cocktails. Some are available by the glass, and there is also the option for bottles.

We did, however, get lots of food. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful, and had excellent recommendations. The dishes arrived at our table staggered, as opposed to everything coming at once, so when we finished one, the next one was on its way over. This was a nice way to enjoy the meal.

The first item was the Mung Bean Noodles ($5). This had a nice flavor, and a consistency similar to hard jello. It was unlike anything we ever had before. The Steamed Milk Buns with red fermented tofu butter ($7) came next, and was excellent. Our waitress told us this was the equivalent of bread and butter, but it was a lot more fun, and very tasty. Then we had the Cauliflower ($10), which was phenomenal, and bursting with flavor. Three main dishes came at the end: Flat Noodle ($13), Rice Cake ($13), and ‘Duck’ Fried Rice ($13). We really liked all three, especially the ‘Duck’ Fried Rice, which had a sweet taste, and we enjoyed the imitation duck. We liked the texture of the Flat Noodle, and the sauce, and if you like spicy, you’ll probably enjoy the Rice Cake dish, which includes chilies. The menu gives one plus sign for Spicy, and three plus signs for Extra Spicy, and we thought this dish with the one plus sign could have been two or even three (although we did not try any dishes with three plus signs, so we don’t know how it compares to those). For dessert, we tried the Peanut Mousse ($7), but we were thrown off that it was frozen mousse, and weren’t ready for the spicy peppers in the chocolate pieces.

There are some things we would get again in a heartbeat (like the Cauliflower, the Steamed Milk Buns and the ‘Duck’ Fried Rice) and there are a number of other items that we’re looking forward to trying. Right now Ha’s Chinese is open for dinner, with dim sum, lunch and delivery service coming soon.

40-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11103
[email protected]
(718) 777-0913
haschinese.com


A Trip to the Newly-Opened Astoria Provisions

IMG_9076-wAstoria Provisions is closer to the newly-opened neighborhood ferry stop than it is to any subway station, so that makes it a great excuse to take the ferry either to or from a meal. (It is where Astor Bake Shop used to be.) Once in the neighborhood, people are sure to be drawn into the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere on more than an occasional basis — and bring their friends. Astoria Provisions, which serves the crowd-pleasing American fare diners have come to expect from restaurants like these, opened its doors at the end of July and comes from the same team that brought us Gastroteca Astoria, including chef John Parlatore.

A recent Friday night at the restaurant that seats three dozen or so started off quietly, with customers in their 20s and 30s trickling in as the evening passed. Your most difficult choice will come at the top of the evening when selecting a cocktail; the bar’s impressive handcrafted drink selection is worth studying, with drinks like Cranberry in the Park (Titos Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, White Cranberry, Champagne) and The High Fashion (Brooklyn Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Marischino, Orange Bitters) making excellent picks. There is also a nice (and inexpensive) beer list.

Starters are hearty, such as salads that could substitute as full meals (Big Steak Salad, $16), soups like the enticing-sounding Roasted Duck Matzo Ball ($9), and Deviled Eggs with a choice of Salmon or Fried Oysters ($10). Friday night’s dinner included a chopped salad that had an enthusiastic amount of cheese underneath a dairy-based dressing, though the Artichoke Kale Dip & Hot Chips hit a more welcome cheesy note.

And speaking of cheese, expect your cup or bowl of mac and cheese to resemble more of a rich, smooth cheese soup with floating doughy noodles. Entrées include dishes such as Honey Fried Chicken ($18), Grilled Shrimp Ranchero ($17), and a burger with onion rings in the middle that has a thick, juicy and flavorful patty. Dessert comes down to how you like your ice cream: in a dish or in a milkshake.

Looking to stop by soon? You’ve got plenty of chances, as Astoria Provisions also serves brunch — and it’s the meal to which the restaurant devotes the most of its Instagram feed.

–Laura

Astoria Provisions
12-23 Astoria Blvd
Long Island City, NY 11102
(917) 396-4002
Open daily 8am–10pm