TRAVEL: Day 2: Astoria

After a late start in the rainy city, we checked out of Room 802 and headed to America's Greek Center, Astoria! We found free parking on the street and set off for some lunch (read: dessert and coffee) at Athen's Cafe. This place is simply gorgeous! It sits on the corner and has plenty of sunlight coming in. The bar backdrop is a huge piece of beautiful marble and the tables and chairs a dark hardwood. The menu offers brunch, desserts, coffees, and alcoholic beverages. We ordered two Freddo (Greek espressos with whipped cream), one Kok (Greek version of a personal Boston Creme Pie), and one Ek-mek Kataifi (shredded wheat soaked in honey on top of creamy custard topped with whipped cream). Everything was delicious! I mean, just look at these pictures!

Ek-mek Kataifi

Kok

Me waiting for the Freddo to kick in! 

Vasili excited for some dessert!

We had a great time. From there we went to Titan Foods (a Greek grocery store) and GMV (a Greek music store) for some shopping!

After an unsuccessful attempt to find Taverna Kyclades for an early dinner, we ended up, cold and exhausted, at Opa Souvlaki of Astoria, just down the block from Titan. It was a small carry-out that screamed souvalitzidiko (typical carry-out place in Greece), with blue and white table cloths and a jolly Greek man behind the counter. The walls were painted with a Greek Island scene and it looked as if he had newly expanded the location!

We were hungry so we got a Spanakopita for an appetizer! It was delicious, sweet with tons of sautéed onions and salty with chunks of feta! I ordered a Calamari Platter and Vasili got a Gyro platter. The Calamari was freshly prepared in large pieces and served with tartar sauce and french fries (freshly cut, as well). I enjoyed it very much! Vasili enjoyed his food as well, though I wasn't able to try it (remember, I was fasting!). I would definitely come here again if I am ever looking for a quick, satisfying, delicious meal in Astoria.

Unfortunately, that is where our adventures ended, because within the hour, we got into Petroula (my car) and headed back to Baltimore!

Until we meet again, New York! Thank you for the great memories!