In 2005, in a rather desolate block of Astoria, the doors opened to a friendly, homey beer bar that nailed down a corner of the neighborhood, and some say, paved the way for a renaissance in this part of NYC that now includes 5 Napkin Burger and a cluster of new fancy bars and restaurants. But these guys were there first.
Astoria, in the borough of Queens in NYC, is my 'hood and I've posted about it often. Last night, I set out to try a new place and discovered DiWine. I expected another in the growing list of wine cafes that have popped up in the area lately. That's what I found...and more. It features a charming antique exposed brick feel. The wine list was ample yet accessible. A few craft beers on tap are included to keep all palates engaged. The food was excellent. Brick oven pizzas were crisp, hearty, and filled with farm fresh toppings. I tried a surprisingly light gorgonzola fondue. Excellent.
The biggest pleasant surprise I found was their selection of house infused liquors. I opted for the Peanut Butter Cup martini ( well, my wife did really), made with homemade peanut infused vodka. The cocktail menu will have me coming back, and is a welcome find in a neighborhood filling up with intriguing craft beverage options. Go forth and explore!
Hey Mr McGlass-heads, Jeff here! I found myself down on Chambers, here in NYC, early yesterday evening, and I had about 30 minutes to kill. It was a perfect opportunity to check out Mudville 9, a place I'd heard about for years. It has a fun, rustic setting going on, almost rural. My kinda place. You'd never know you were in the financial district, if it wasn't for all the suits! But you can tell it's a hot spot down there because it was packed!
They said they had the Gubna, but had just tapped out. (Oh Why does that keep happening?? :) so I went with Brother Thelonious (in the great stride piano tradition) from North Coast; Missing California I guess. It was my first time having it, and wow was it great! A wonderful sipping beer! So good, it had me hummin some April in Paris...
Anyway, I didn't have time to check out their food, but a sign said they won Best Wings in New York in 2007. And you know as well as I that THAT was a good year for Wings! :)
So, if you're ever in this hood, it's definitely worth a stop by, to Raise a glass to Happy Hour Nation. That's what I'm talkin about.
Hope all's good.
Stat Guy Out!
The Guys make a swing out to Patchogue, Long Island (see episode for correct pronunciation) and enjoy a great interview with co-Founder Mark Burford. ;This is a place that not only is a great part of its community, it helped bring it back.
Hey folks! Artsy guy here reporting from a mere eight blocks from home... MexiQ on 30th Ave. in Astoria, Queens. This place has a sort of Tex-Mex fusion-ish vibe happenin' with the menu, and the results are mighty tasty.
But this craft beer fan rejoices most over some of the kegs they're getting. This trip found me with a coveted glass of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Also on the menu: Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, and much more. Their happy hour features their Mexican beers (Dos Equis and Modelo) if that's your bag.
This is a fantastic local hang. I do wish they updated their beer menu more often. (After three visits in the last month, I've observed that the number of depleted beers still on their menu is much higher than other bars with the same type of rotating selection... and better systems.) Still, it's a great destination for those with a hankerin' for tasty craft brews. And that's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers, y'all!
Hey Gs. Stat Guy here! Came out to the Mets game at Citi Field tonight... And it is hace frio!! Pretty cold out here, but luckily we have access to the Caesar's Club that is indoors, and has a full bar. So after five innings we came in to thaw out. And they have the Goose Island Honker's Ale on tap from Chicago. A little bitter for my taste, but what the hell, I'm at a Ballgame! Plus these days are quite different at the ballpark. You can even get sushi!!! Now we just need to score some runs against the damn Giants!!
The Guys stop by Brooklyn Brewing (finally!) for a taste of some of their finest brews including this flagship beer that started it all. Craft Brewing History in a glass? You better believe it. Enjoy!
