Totally Slacking Off

That's what I have been doing with this blog.  I admit my laziness.  It's summer. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

We've been out to eat tons:  Lobster Joint in Greenpoint, Sunswick in Astoria, Sato in Forest Hills, Agora Taverna in Forest Hills, Keuka Kafe, a wine bar, in Forest Hills, Don Peppe on Lefferts, Dirty Pierre's in Forest Hills, El Quijote in the city, Gypsy Wolf Cantina in Woodstock, Cafe Ole in Astoria. 

Especially liked Keuka Kafe, it's on Queens Boulevard past Ascan Avenue towards Union Turnpike.  Nick, the bartender/host/waiter was great.  Jill and I sat at the bar, had wine and appetizers and loved it.  Salmon carpaccio with mango salsa was totally yummy.  I must have more.  So much on the menu I want to go back and try.

Grilled octopus at Agora Taverna is still my favorite.  Went to dinner with Jesse and he loved it also. I had shrimp saganaki appetizer and he had seared scallops.  We shared octopus, salad and soup too.  Fun!

Tonight I am going with Jennie and Barbara to Barosa, then we are going to the casino at Aqueduct.  Never been and hope to strike it rich at the penny slots :) :)

Cafe Ole

Michael and I checked out a new Spanish place in Astoria, Cafe Ole (http://www.cafeolerestaurantny.com/).  We were pleasantly surprised.  It was POURING outside and it was warm and inviting inside.  Small dining room, but seated immediately.  We shared a pitcher of red sangria, and also received two extra glasses on the house at the end of our meal :).  Stuffed mushrooms with crab meat were extra yummy! Shrimp in garlic sauce was good, garlic soup needed salt and smoked paprika, arroz con pollo was delicious (if not a tad small), Manchego cheese and olives were good and tostones were fresh and hot with great garlic sauce on the side. 

The ambiance is terrific.  Alex and his team know how to treat their customers and we will definitely be back.  The strawberry cheesecake was really good and so was my piping hot cafe con leche.

We've also been back to the Station House in Forest Hills.  Paolo was once again our server and he's just a pleasure to deal with!  We had:  Hell or High Watermelon, Bruery Bois, Blue Point Toasted lager, Ommegang Abbey, Left Hand Milk Stout, Heineken, Victory Hop Devil Nitro and Ketel One with club soda.  Great Beer selection!

We ate:  Fried pickles, Mac and cheese with bacon (yummy), pickled pepper wings, buttermilk chicken with chorizo and queso fries, a decadent burger and a portobello wrap.  Great company, great night!