Sunday, August 6, 2017

Local Restaurant Update

Been getting a bunch of emails about these, in case you've missed the news while going about enjoying your summers:

- McDonald's is closed for a few weeks while it undergoes renovations. The entire chain has been revamping its menu offerings, and its look, to try to better compete with all the more upscale burger chains.

- The area's best Italian restaurant, Tuscan Hills, has moved to the Ovosodo space, closer to Ascan Ave. Ovosodo was an interesting "italian dinerish" concept by the same owners as Tuscan Hills, but never quite caught on with local residents. Moving closer to central Forest Hills is probably a good move for the superb Tuscan Hills, which was a little lost a few blocks further east. But, with Queens Blvd. suddenly a hotbed of foodie excellence (Queens Bully, Keuka Kafe, I can go on and on), it won't make much of a difference. Tuscan Hills deservedly has a ton of fans. And with the new bike lanes and improvements to Queens Blvd. coming, expect the Blvd. to experience a nice little renaissance in usability for purposes other than smelly, carbon-polluting cars!

- And Moca's new sign is up as it expands into two storefronts on Restaurant Row. This place was ok. With all the great places now in the neighborhood, it's kinda funny that Moca is the one expanding. Lord knows 5 Burro could have really used that bigger space! I'm tired of the two hour waits for a table whenever I go, whether it's a Tuesday, Wednesday, etc., etc...!



12 comments:

  1. McDonalds is installing customer kiosks to place their orders. That's a very small store. It will be interesting to see the new layout. Food to see long time establishments doing renovations. It brings a "newness" to the area...

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  2. Would love to have Pret a Manger over McDonald's on Austin! Ate couple times at Ovosodo and it was bleh. Actually like the current location of Tuscan Hills, good for avoiding the crowd and dirty Austin St with smell of garbage and cars ready to run you over.

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  3. I totally second Pret a Manger- we need better options for something quick and a bit gourmet. Boulangerie makes some great sandwiches but the service is very hit or miss, and I've had to leave several times because there was just no space to eat and it can get frustrating; they should check out some of the many places for rent around the area and consider expanding. But back to original reply, yes, Pret would do great here.

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  4. I've always loved Tuscan Hills - that's why I'm not sure it's such a great idea for it to move so close to Portofino.

    Also, Pret a Manger would be great, but why should we have to sacrifice our McDonald's to get it? There's plenty of space around here!

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    Replies
    1. No, I never said to get rid of McDonalds! I agree, there's plenty of space for Pret to occupy!

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    2. Pret is ridicuously overpriced. Maybe Manhattanites will pay $10 for an ordinary egg salad sandwich, but not me.

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  5. MOCA expanding is OK. The food isn't great but isn't terrible, either. I wish Aged would close and give up that space to a quality steakhouse.

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  6. Ate at Tuscan Hills last night - they remodeled the place to look like the old location (walls, fixtures, etc.). First time I recall seeing it so busy on a weekend night. Great meal too!

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    1. Was the menu the same as the old location? Did they incorporate any of Ovo Sodo's menu?

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    2. I didn't go to Ovo Sodo much but I think they added some of their brunch items to the menu such as the Colombian breakfast or the nutella/banana crepe. When I walk by, it looks like a nice, proper Italian restaurant, they just need to change the sign still. Ovo Sodo just looked kinda 'blah' so this is a good change.

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    3. They are doing away with brunch. Most of the menu is from old Tuscan Hills, perhaps retaining the pizza selections from Ovo Sodo menu. They are in midst of getting a liquor license (for now just beer/wine). Also they are getting a new awning to properly reflect the actual restaurant name (on order).

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  7. I liked Ovo Sodo because it was quiet and relaxed. The problem was, the menu was too broad. They should have just tightened things up and focused on a few key dishes (like the pizzas).

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