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First Class, Modest Price
ASTORIA WORLD MANOR:
25-22 Astoria Boulevard; (718) 278-7766HOURS: Tuesday-Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
CREDIT CARDS: All major
CUISINE: International
Most people walking or driving by Astoria World Manor would not think to stop in for a bite to eat, assuming that they are solely a reception hall. Wrong. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Astoria, one of their reception rooms is a makeshift dinning hall on Tuesday though Friday, serving on Tuesdays and Wednesdays an international buffet, on Thursday and Fridays a seafood buffet.
The idea cam about a year ago when executive chef Greg Rabusa came on the cene. Rabusa, who has worked previously at such esteemed eateries such as Tavern on the Green and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute, makes the mark in his field as a talented, competent Asian chef preparing European cuisine. The dining hall seats 150, and is bustling with community groups hosting their monthly meetings, young couples, and business executives. The buffet is open between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., with prices fixed at $16.95 for the European buffet, 419.95 for the seafood buffet.
One can't help but appreciate the graceful ambiance of the Astoria Manor. Despite being situated on busy Astoria Boulevard, a gentle peace will surround you once you enter the door, and thoughts of being in the city are dispensed. A swift and courteous staff escort you to one of numerous intimate tables, and remain faithful to accommodating all of your dining needs, whether for a drink refill, additional bread, all with a genuine smile and concern. If you are up for a little ballroom dancing afterwards, you can head over for an additional $5 charge with dining at the buffet, $10 for persons just interested in dancing. A full bar is available and is the only a la carte aspect of this wondrous dining experience. However, coffee and tea are complimentary with the meal.
As is tradition with a buffet, the policy is all you can eat, and for sure many a person's eye will become bigger than their stomachs. Aside form being aesthetically pleasing, the selection is vast, the taste, fresh. At the beginning of either buffet is a selection of appetizers and salads or the raw bar; oysters, calms, shrimps and Alaskan king crabs claws presented on ice served with a cocktail source; marinated artichoke hears and hearts of palm, sliced mozzarella, basil and tomato; macaroni salad with sliced tomatoes and ham; anchovies and red peppers, and customized salads, with a selection of dressings, croutons, radishes, and other garnishes.
Every buffet offers a soup of the day, 2 entrees, 2 starches, 2 vegetables, and always 2 selections at the carving board. On this night, there was medallion of chicken breast alla tuscanni (with mushrooms, artichoke hearts, prosciutto and mozzarella), sauted Boston scrod with a creamy dijon sauce, baked turkey breast and roast prime ribs of beef au jus at the carving table, as well as baked ziti, linguini alla luciano (seafood variety with clear broth over linguini); honey glazed carrots, sting beans almondine, and some excellent "turned red bliss" roasted potatoes. Again, all selections were fresh, sufficiently seasoned, and hot. For those coming for the seafood buffet, expect a range poached bass, bouillabaisse marseillaise with saffron, baked salmon en croute with bernaise sauce, new England clam chowder, amongst other tasty platters to choose from.
Save a small pocket of room, (if possible) for a bevy of tasty desserts including chocolate dipped juicy strawberries, chocolate mousse served in a chocolate crust, cheesecake, carrotcake, and more. The cappuccino is also excellent, served with a touch of cinnamon.
Make a date with friends or business partners one weekday for a memorable, pleasurable dining experience at Astoria World manor that will only be grad in quality, not in price.
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- Linda Sheridan
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