What felt like nearly two years and one apartment later, Michael Psilakis' MP Taverna is finally open. I've watched the construction on this restaurant since it was just a small sign noting the establishment to come. Chef Psilakis' reputation proceeds him, and so I religiously checked the building status for months. Open just in time for spring, the third location of MP Taverna, an updated Greek eatery with a chic twist on the classics, is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. 

We were seated on the second level by the windows, providing a perfect view of Ditmars at twilight. I made a reservation just to be safe, but stopping in on a weekday without one would have been perfectly fine. The space is perfect for both large families and small intimate two-person dinners. I thoroughly enjoyed the modern decor and cast iron-inset plating. 

A co-worker recommended the Octopus appetizer, and it was definitely spot-on. I've eaten lots of char-grilled octopus in my lifetime, but none compares to this dish. The tendrils were each  perfectly charred, added a touch of smoke to this meaty dish. It melted in my mouth, while still maintaing its texture. I also enjoyed the Mediterranean salad served underneath with chickpeas, olive oil and fresh herbs. The dressing was so good we couldn't help but lap up the extra with the free bread brought to the table at the beginning of the meal. 

For my entree, I went with the Grilled Swordfish. The sides are entirely up to you, so I chose a serving of garlicky spinach (pictured above). Again, the seafood was meaty without being chewy or off-putting. I think the roasted tomatoes on top were a nice touch, adding just the right amount of acidity. I was just as excited to eat my leftovers the next day as I was to enjoy this meal the first time around. 

Jake's Hanger Steak & Greek Sausage with a side of smashed fries (pictured at top) was equally as good. The steak was juicy and oh-so-tender, but I think the smashed fries were my favorite part. Super crunchy without being overly greasy, I found myself reaching across the table for multiple servings of these spuds more often than I'd like to admit. 

The entire menu is fairly priced and the service was incredibly attentive . We're always looking for new date night spots in our neighborhood, and I think MP Taverna definitely fits the bill. We'll be back without question. 

Well, a full year later and I'm back! Let's just pretend I never left, shall we? 

For months, I've been craving fried green tomatoes. I don't know if it's the longer-than-ever winter in NYC or just my Southern roots showing, but I was beyond stoked to get my comfort food fix last weekend at Queens Comfort in Astoria.

The restaurant's long wooden tables are perfect for communal sharing and ibibing. As anyone who knows me can attest, I love me a boozy brunch. So, when I found out Queens Comfort was BYOB, I literally skipped my ass over to the nearest liquor store. (OK, OK, so I sent my boyfriend.) The staff was more than accomodating, providing a carafe of orange juice for us to pour with our bottles of champange. I also think it's important to note we got a table for six with NO RESERVATION ON MOTHER'S DAY. Kind of awesome, right? 

The friends we were eating with were Queens Comfort pros, so we left the appetizers up to them: three strawberry donuts and an order of disco tots. Now, I'm not a huge doughnut fan, but these straight-out-of-the-oven beauties tasted like real strawberries and none of that processed junk. They rotate flavors (currently it's a riff on a PB&J—I might have to go get a donut.) so make sure to check the menu before you go. 

My real love affair with Queens Comfort started with those disco tots. Tater tots make me nostalgic for my youth, when those toasty potato bites were their own food group. But I digress. Topped with gravy and cheddar, these tots were the opitimy of awesomeness. Gooey, crunchy, and easy to dip in even more gravy—can I have these every Saturday?

The best part about having a large group is that you get to try multiple entrees since (hopefully) everyone orders something different. Thankfully, that was the case. Two people in our party ordered the Chicken and Waffles (pictured at the top), and both of them practically licked their plates clean.  With a tobasco glaze and maple syrup, plus a dollop of butter and some powdered sugar, the sweet-savory combination worked extremely well together.

I opted for the Mushroom Sardou: Poached eggs over sautéed spinach and english muffins topped with a mushroom cream sauce. The dish was earthy yet rich with perfectly cooked eggs. If I'm being honest here, I too practically licked my plate clean. Needless to say, after this meal I went home and took a nice long disco nap.