Vesta - new Astoria Italian at 30th Av and 21st St

Dear friends took us to Vesta for our birthday brunch. I was truly impressed and it takes a lot to impress me. I ordered the "bankie" which consisted of eggs over creamy polenta with mushrooms and asparagus...truly a winner. The highlight of the brunch was dessert. It was recommended to try the Gesu Bambino Gesu Christo...something like that. With a name as such I had to give it a try. It was one of the very best desserts I have ever had. Delicioso!

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Cuy...Guinea Pig...Ecuadorian Delicacy

Would you recommend Hornado Ecuatoriano in general for Ecuadorian food since most of us will not be partaking in the cuy adventure!

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Cuy...Guinea Pig...Ecuadorian Delicacy

Does anyone know of an Ecuadorian restaurant that prepares this delicacy? I'd love to surprise my Ecuadorian brother-in-law for his birthday to a trip to a restaurant that serves this dish. He loves cuy and it reminds him of home.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Guatemalan Food

I agree. A few years I traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, and dined at a Pollo Campero. How surprised I was to see this chain appear in Corona! I just had to make a visit.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Restaurants along Broadway in Astoria

Tierras Colombianas--all roads seem to lead to this nicely decorated kid, family and group friendly restaurant. We have been going here for several years now. I highly recommend #14--the grilled chicken cutlet that comes with salad, rice and beans, platanos fritos or maduros, and can easily feed two. The daily soup specials are also good. I must make mention of the warm and friendly wait staff who make you feel like family, and not just patrons.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Barese Italian Restaurant

Thanks, Boccalupo, for your advice. When I try one of your 3 recs, I'll post my findings.

MellieGal in Manhattan

ISO Traditional Sicilian Restaurant

Thanks, "Bobjbklyn" and "Razeup" for your advice. I will try Ferdinando's first and let you know.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Traditional Sicilian Restaurant

Thanks to you all. It looks like I will try Ferdinando's Foccaceria first and let you know when I do.

MellieGal in Manhattan

Rincon Criollo -- Havana in Queens

I just came back from an early dinner at Rincon Criollo. I had the Caldo Gallego, which was the highlight of my meal. The soup was hearty and filled with beans and chorizo. For my entree, I ordered the Friday special, (thanks for the tip, Brian), the bacalao, a sautéed codfish dish that was good, though a bit salty, and came with a choice of black or red beans and rice. We shared an order of tostones, perfectly prepared, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and NOT greasy. For dessert, we all ordered their wonderful cafe con leche and shared an order of flan con coco. The service was friendly.

I love this unpretentious old school Cuban restaurant. I love it all the more after reading Brian's piece on its history. Victor's it is not...which I mean in a good way...not that there is anything wrong with Victor's.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

TOP 5 RESTAURANTS WITHIN TEN BLOCKS

What about Tanoreen?

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

NYT article on Bay Ridge, including Grand Sichuan

I was unable to link to the article??? I hope Tanoreen was mentioned!

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Traditional Sicilian Restaurant

Thanks for the info. Which is the nicest of the two for a sit down dinner with guests, and which is the more relaxed? Is one more pricey than the other?

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Barese Italian Restaurant

I am in search of an Italian restaurant specializing in traditional Barese home cooking and ideas on what to order. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

MellieGal in Manhattan

ISO Barese Italian Restaurant

I am in search of an Italian restaurant specializing in traditional Barese home cooking and ideas on what to order. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Traditional Sicilian Restaurant

I am in search of a fabulous Sicilian restaurant specializing in traditional Sicilian cuisine. I am also in need of suggestions on traditional dishes and desserts, particulary those which highlight Arab influence.

Thanks!

MellieGal in Manhattan

ISO Traditional Sicilian Restaurant

I am in search of a fabulous Sicilian restaurant specializing in traditional Sicilian cuisine. I am also in need of suggestions on traditional dishes and desserts, particulary those which highlight Arab influence.

Thanks!

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

ISO Italian Fig Cookies...

I am a huge fig cookie fan also. If I cannot find the southern Italian kind I have purchased the Middle Eastern varieties which seem easier to find and just as delicious. In terms of the southern Italian variety, I just sampled two from Terrizi's in Astoria that were quite good. It's on 30th Ave near 36th Street.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Tanoreen in Bayridge

Last night, as part of my Christmas present, my partner treated me to Tanoreen, supposedly the best Middle Eastern restaurant in New York City...And I must say that Tanoreen certainly lives up to its reputation! It was well worth the LONG R train ride from Astoria to Bayridge! The atmosphere is relaxed and the service professional and hospitable. The chef-owner, Rawia Bishara, took the time to visit each table and greet each patron.

For starters, I ordered the delicious, creamy and smooth hummus, which was accompanied by a basket of pita and amazing pieces of zatar. My partner ordered the chicken soup, which was prepared with lots of fresh parsley. Both were excellent. For my main course, I ordered the perfectly prepared lamb kabobs, which came with pasta-like rice, and cucumber and tomato salad. My partner ordered kibbe, the sautéed spinach, and homemade lemonade. The kibbe was served in a square and scored into little boxes making it resemble a piece of just baked brownie. We are used to kibbe served in an oval. I must say that although it looked a bit different it was the best tasting kibbe I have ever eaten and the star food of the evening! According to our waiter, all food is infused with Tanoreen's mix of secret spices, including the ancient spice sumac. How cool!

For dessert, we ordered the mint tea and the house special melt in your mouth fig-filled cookies.

I am a lover of Middle Eastern cooking and I must say that Tanoreen WOWED me. It was certainly worth the ride out to Bayridge

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Quito, Ecuador suggestions .. also Guayaquil

Hi, I hope you had a good trip and that you bring back recs for us Chowhounds! I would have resoonded prior to your trip if I had come across this posting. On a recent trip to Quito I tried various Ecuadorian restaurants, all good, and definately not stingy on the lime as many places here in NYC. One of my favorites restaurants which happended not to be Ecuadorian, but rather Greek, was Cafe Mosaico. It was so weird eating Greek in Quito, especially since I live in Astoria, a neighborhood filled with Greek cafes and restaurants. The view from Mosaico is amazing as it overlooks Quito. The food was authentic and the service could not have been more warm and professional.

I will be going back to Quito in the near future since we loved it so much. Any suggestions?

Mellie

MellieGal in South & Central America & the Caribbean

Recession Eats!

I highly recommend the daily soup specials at the cozy and warmly decorated Colombian restaurant Pollos A La Brasa Marion on Roosevelt Ave and 69th Street in Woodside. Splurge and order the large soup of the day, all are great, and costing no more than $7.95 which includes rice, salad and a meat sampling. I actually always take home half my meal! The coffee is to die for. On one recent visit I was treated to a sampling of delicious doughnut-like bunuelos, on the house. The warm and friendly service cannot be beat! The restaurant was recommended to me by my Ecuadorian born brother-in-law who finds the food authentic and reminds him of his dining experiences back home.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Tamales

I have to agree with Paulomet, I highly recommend the tamale cart at 61st and Roosevelt, under the LIRR and 7 train. They sell some of the best tamales I've ever eaten. I also recommend trying their hot chocolate-like beverage--- great for days like today.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs

Woodside tamal vendor

Yes, I have to agree that the tamales are amazing, as well as the hot champurrado--- great on a cold day like today. I highly recommend a stopping by and making a purchase.

MellieGal in Outer Boroughs