Controversy Erupts Over Forest Hills Restaurant Owner's Tweet

I don't think I've ever been contacted by so many readers about a story before. Thanks to all who have written. This is a really sad story. I know this person has been a local business owner for quite a few years (I used to go to the Greek restaurant, by the way, but didn't love the food and moved on years ago...) Anyway, I hate to see a local business owner self-destruct. And I especially hate to post negative things about local businesses. This is one of the only times I think I have ever done so, as any long-time reader will affirm. As I've said before, if I don't like a local business, I just don't give them any coverage on the blog. Usually....

From Gothamist: Queens Restaurant Owner Outrages Neighbors With Call To Grope Women Trump-Style

Aspiotis seems to have touched the third rail of public opinion with a Facebook post on Election Day.

Corfu Grill Wins Chance to Play in the Big Leagues

 

The Greek eatery from Austin Street gained the most votes in the Citi Small Business Call Ups program. Owner Georgios Aspiotis says he will start this Saturday serving chicken kebobs, gyros and hummus. 

 

 

Corfu Grill in Forest Hills wins a chance to serve its gyros and kebobs at Citi Field

Forest Hills Restaurant Has Chance for the Big Leagues

Citi announced today the launch of the Citi Small Business Call Ups program, which will present a local New York City restaurant with the opportunity to showcase its cuisine during the second half of the New York Mets’ 2014 season at Citi Field.  For the first time ever, Citi has nominated three independently-owned New York City neighborhood restaurants, each a Citi client, to be the winning small business selected by fans to be featured alongside some of New York’s premier culinary all-stars at Citi Field.

In an effort to bring New York's favorite flavors to Citi Field, Citi has nominated the following restaurants to be added to its award-winning menu:

• Ceetay, a Thai and Asian fusion restaurant in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx;
• Corfu Grill, a Greek restaurant in the heart of Forest Hills, Queens; and
• Lady M Confections, a Manhattan-based specialty purveyor of cakes and confectionary delights 

Beginning today and continuing through Friday, June 6, fans are encouraged to vote for a restaurant online at www.mets.com/citicallups. Fans attending a game at Citi Field from May 23 to May 28 also have the opportunity to vote for a winner at the Citi Call Ups booth. Then, on Saturday, July 5, the winning restaurant will “take over” a Citi Field concession stand, where it will enjoy a highly visible presence and the opportunity to introduce its cuisine to hundreds of thousands of fans through the Mets’ last home game of the regular season (September 28).

“Citi serves more than 260,000 small and medium businesses across the country, and we are always looking for new opportunities to help advance our clients’ business objectives,” said Robert Kleiber, Head of Small Business at Citi.  “Citi Small Business Call Ups is a unique opportunity to leverage our valued relationship with the New York Mets, create a one-of-a-kind platform for one of our small business clients to market their business, and bring the rich flavors and culture of New York into Citi Field.”

Citi will drive voters to the online voting site with the support of a full marketing effort, including in-stadium and out-of-home promotion as well a digital and social media campaign.  Additionally, Citi cardholders will be eligible for a 10% dine-in discount at each of the nominated restaurants for the duration of the voting period.

For more information about Citi Small Business Call Ups, visit www.mets.com/citicallups.

Still Open, and Closed

I found myself recently visiting the Austin Street "Mall" after quite a while away and it was interesting to note a couple of things:

Common Space is long gone, having been closed back in March for some reason by the Health Department. I never got a chance to eat or drink there, despite a quick visit one evening. I especially liked their nice outdoor space in the back. This would make a good space for another restaurant, or maybe that indie coffe place so many of us have been dreaming about. It even has the space outback which would be perfect! And, given its slot upstairs in the "Mall," I'm thinking it just might be a bit more affordable for some entrepreneur to make happen than a space right on ground level on Austin St.

And, despite some predictions to the contrary, it looks like Corfu Grill, the smaller Greek restaurant, is holding its own even though Agora Taverna opened just a few feet away. When Agora first opened, I had my doubts Corfu would survive very long. But I think part of the reason it may have is that Agora is so much pricier. And, I also wonder if a big part of the reason is that, sadly, Agora just isn't the amazing Greek restaurant so many of us had hoped for. Sure, some of its dishes are really good, especially when it comes to fish and seafood. But I have been super-disappointed by other entrees, such as chicken dishes. A bland, easily forgettable chicken kabob in a Greek restaurant? What?? How does that happen? When you're paying the prices Agora is charging, the food really should be worth it. Yes, it sure is a beautiful restaurant they built, no doubt about that. But if the food just isn't worth the price, I don't care how pretty the place is.