What could make this Queens foodie happier than the chance to visit not one, but three restaurants in one night? Not very much. My Wednesday began with rainy skies and a few quiet moments spent in my backyard garden pulling weeds. All the while my mind was on an invitation from Dish Crawl to come along and sample the offerings of some selected eateries right in the heart of Long Island City. I said a few prayers for some sunshine, found my most comfortable pair of Summer sandals and decided on a very light lunch, so that I would have an ample appetite for what was about to take place.
Our facilitator Greta kept it fun by adding an air of mystery to the event. We only knew when and where the meet up would happen, but none were the wiser to the actual names of the restaurants. Nevertheless, with GPS programmed and my car full of gas, I made my way from South Queens down towards the waters below the Ed Koch Bridge (59th street or Queens Bridge). My prayers were answered in fine timing as the sun kissed the sky on a warm July afternoon.
I arrived at the first meet up location, 47-42 Vernon Blvd in LIC, home of ALOBAR. This restaurant boasts a warm, rustic décor and the largest whiskey selection in Queens. We gathered at the back of the restaurants, greeted our host Greta and were given name tags to begin the night on friendlier terms. After introductions from all, my preliminary conclusion was that this night would be even more enjoyable now that I was certain that this bunch of folks were fun, foodies out to have a wonderful time.
Just before the first course arrived we were greeted by Jeff, the Owner of ALOBAR. He gave us a warm welcome and introduced his chef Greg. Now for the best part, the food... Chef Greg chose to start us off with an heirloom tomato salad, with fontina cheese, avocado, lemon croutons and the nutty flavor of olive oil. It was the perfect beginning, light and refreshing and beautifully plated.
I enjoyed a crisp, lightly sweetened white peach house-made soda while I waited for the next course which did not disappoint.
We were presented with a sangria braised octopus served with a romesco sauce. The octopus was braised to perfection. It was mellow and well balanced with the tart/sweet flavors of the wine coming through but not overpowering the dish. Even some non-seafood lovers at my table ate it all with gladness.
We chatted about careers, college, kids and of course food while we waited for course 3. My table mates making lively conversation to pass the time with ease. There was laughter and the gentle hum of carefree banter was soothing. In the short amount of time, we were becoming a group, bonding over the magic of good food.
Chef Greg returned to offer us our final treat from ALOBAR, his play on a loaded baked potato. It was the best thing my mouth tasted all day. Small bites of potato gnocchi, topped with caramelized onions and crisp crumbled bacon...I was sad when I found my bowl empty. It was bliss! Smooth and almost sensual, I wanted more immediately but alas, our time here was over. Hats off to chef Greg for that bowl of happiness. It was simply spectacular.
Greta then asked if we were all having fun, to which there was not a "no" to be heard. She then led the group on our crawl to the next location.
Located on 5-14 51st Street, Alewife NYC is a dimly lit bar/restaurant with long wooden tables and a large sleek bar. We were met with brown bags laid out on one of the tables that contained truffle popcorn. Sadly at this location there wasn't really anyone present to welcome us and introduce our meal. After the hospitality of ALOBAR, the warm feeling was immediately missing from our short time in Alewife NYC. Nonetheless, we sat at two long tables in the back with high stool-like chairs and began munching on our popcorn.
Greta and some of the ladies appeared with small plates of mac 'n cheese that they began to pass around to us. It appeared we were going to have to be independent on this taste.
The pasta was bland for the most part. Only pop of flavor coming from the earthy, slightly lemon like flavor of a few pieces of fresh thyme. So far the experience was less than ideal and I was hoping that Alewife NYC would find some redemption. Again, my tiny prayers were answered and a third offering was presented by Greta and friends. A BBQ pulled pork sandwich on challah bread was served. The pork was tender, and full of bold, sweet BBQ flavor. Alewife proved that there was yet some substance to this restaurant. There wasn't much else happening here, so we made our way via the scenic route to our last stop.
Long Island City truly represents Queens well. It's diverse, scenic, busy but with a sense of tranquility. There were folks sitting on sidewalk dining areas, enjoying brick oven pizzas, pastas and more. The aromas of the melting pot tantalized my senses, preparing me for what was to come.
We arrived at Opendoor, reggae music playing, people at the bar laughing and having a good time. We were seated in the dining area at the back of the restaurant and were greeted at once by chef Nick Guitart, who also happens to be the owner. Chef Nick seemed pleased to have us. He seemed to be a man of few words but as long as his cooking did the talking, that was alright with me.
Opendoor's menu is a compilation of small plates and the first presentation was trio of chips and salsas. There were corn, plantain and eggplant chips, served with black bean hummas, lentil puree and a sweet mango chutney. The hummas was smooth and unexpectedly light. The lentils were well seasoned and were well received. We got a kick out of the mango chutney...literally. It was a spicy lovers dream.
The group seemed comfortable again and the conversation was spirited and fun as we waited for course 2. A trio of tartars followed (fluke, tuna and salmon). The dill from the salmon was the first to invite me in, and I gave in with a greedy smile. It was delicious. Fresh fish, slightly pickled and perfect. It was not fishy at all, just full of tart, savory flavor that allowed the natural sweetness of the fish to shine. I must order this next time I visit.
Soon after we were greeted by three crisply fried croquettes (Mexican, Cuban and Italian). They were served on a tomato puree and were hot and tasty, my favorite being the rice ball. Yummy!
The chef was not done, he had a wonderful surprise for us... DESSERT! What night would be complete without the careful courting of the ever craving sweet tooth?
In keeping with the season, the dessert was a square of cake (sponge I believe), topped with fresh blueberries in sauce and whipped cream. The blueberries were sun kissed and super sweet. This dessert was just what was needed to end a wonderful night of new friends and good food. Hats off to chef Nick for his hospitality.
The banter fizzled as the night came to a slow close. We said our goodbyes like old friends, with hugs and promises to keep in contact. I made my way to my car with a smile on my face. It was a good night and I was happy I came.
Dish Crawl Queens was a wonderful experience. I would crawl again. Thanks for a wonderful evening Greta! Looking forward to the next "crawl".
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