Going Backwards

Last night Michael and I went to Ovelia in Astoria with Joe and Denise.  We asked to be seated at a table serviced by Erica, since she was so great the last time were were there, and we were seated in her section.  Open Table makes it easy to make requests.

We had:  Pikilia dips that included tarama, tzatziki and eggplant; Skordalia with grilled zucchini and squash; grilled kalamari; Titia Pikilia which was broiled feta, kefalograviera (saganaki) and halloumi cheeses (wayyyyyyy yummy) and village salad-typical Greek-except there were no olives (odd).  Dinner was:  Lamburgini-ground lamb burger topped with crimini mushrooms and feta sauce served on a house baked pretzel bun along with hand cut fries; meat free Mousaka-layers of potato, eggplant, zucchini and a mix of vegetables in a tomato sauce topped with bechamel and garides ovelia-sauteed shrimp wrapped in roasted eggplant, baked in tomato sauce and broiled with feta.  Two bottles of Greek Syrah; and then dessert: Greek yogurt with sour cherries and honey and home made apple crumb pie.  Greek coffee; decaf cappucino and decaf espresso on ice and we were DONE.  So good!!

Saturday night Michael and I went to Tortilleria Nixtamal in Corona (http://www.tortillerianixtamal.com/).  We learned about it from Steve and Lori who had seen it on Diners, Drive ins and Dives.  We had:  Mexican Nachos-fresh made nacho chips with beans and melted oaxaca cheese, topped with pico de gallo, avocado and jalapenos; Tortilla soup-spicy broth with chicken and avocado and crunchy nacho chip strips; a bean and avocado taco, a shrimp taco and the Tinga platter-specially seasoned chicken with rice and tortillas.  The tortillas are made on the premises and actually taste of corn.  The sangria was really good too.  We will go back with Steve and Lori next time :)

Friday night we went to Cronin and Phelan in Astoria with Jill and Lenny and we had:  French onion soup; blue cheese burger, shepherd's pie, turkey burger and chicken something (lol, can't remember what Michael had).  Of course a few beers and all was good.

I also need to write a review of Gloria's Pizza on Queens Boulevard next to the Midway theatre.  They are the same Gloria's of Flushing and their pizza is GREAT!  Thin crust, small slices, but great flavor.  Please try it, you will agree.  However, and here comes the but...we have had salad a few times and it is weak-small portions, hardly any grilled chicken and too pricey for what it is.  The heros are nothing to talk about either.  We had meatball parm and eggplant parm and wouldn't bother with either again.  They still do not deliver, but if and when they do, it will be pizza only.

No plans for this weekend, believe it or not :) Michael is riding in the 5 Boro Bike Tour with his sister and niece and Captain Joe.  Good luck to them all!  I am not going...surprised? Not really :)