My birthday 2026 celebration takes my festivities to Forest Hills, Queens, NYC for Greek, falafel…read moreand seafood with my neighbor who is also a friend. I was exuberant for the occasion of goodness to patronize, at long last. What gives you hope. There is an outdoor seating patio that occupies the entire sidewalk and half the street. The weather was gloomy cloudy, but not raining which enable my party of two to dine outdoors. Our table was uneven wobbling and shaking minimal the entire meal which reminisce "Lisa from Temecula" sketch from "Saturday Night Live," but not as violently aggressive shaking. Customer service is average attentive. Oddly, our appetizers arrived first and my wine did not. We had to request my wine which should be distributed first without request or reminder, thus the four stars. This restaurant was not entirely busy nor crowded for a Friday early afternoon. Nick's Bistro is a small cafe with a modern aesthetic appeal. I enjoy and prefer to be well-cultured expose to all international cuisines without judgment and an open mind for appreciation and global awareness. I am not knowledgeable with Greek cuisine, but I do know that Astoria is the locale for the go-to restaurants. I enter with a empty stomach. I exited fulfilled. Business cards and candy were available for grabs. Nick's Bistro is easily accessible via MTA NYC Transit buses Q53 SBS/ Q52 SBS and then Q54. Dramatic irony: this business name is also the name of my former love - not the same Nick, certainly not the same man.
My foodie synopsis:
Lamb gyro sandwich, $12.00
The meat was soft, but fresh and Tzatziki sauce was heavy. I do not consume lamb often, but once in a blue moon I would not exclude lamb to consume. The pita bread was the highlight which was fresh, soft and cooked with a good consistency without burning or harden. The gyro contain very pauacity minimal vegetables of lettuce, half cherry tomato and red onion. I always prefer red onion. I prefer regular tomato. This sandwich ate my fill to sustain hunger pangs the entire afternoon. Gyro sandwich is always my default Greek entrée of choice. Oddly, this entrée is price higher than listed on their website for $9.00. I do not believe their website is updated for price.
Caesar salad, small $11.25
It was fresh and delightful filled with Parmesan shaved cheese. This portion is actually medium size. The croutons are thankfully not hard, but I never like croutons at all. I am always enamored with the lettuce.
Ruffino, Chianti, 2019 red wine $12.00
This wine is one of my favorite reds, but it is difficult to find at most restaurants or cafés not widely offered. It was a joyous delight. It is exactly as is dry, very medium-bodied smooth finish Italian red wine from Tuscany, Italy, crafted from indigenous Sangiovese grape. It highlight bright cherry flavors and surely tasted. I was floating in very high spirits.
Chicken rice soup, pint $6.95
Served luke warm but not piping hot with steam visibly emitted. It was also served with Oyster crackers. It was enjoyable and warm the heart.
Greek Omelet, over easy egg whites $16.50
It was served with Greek feta cheese with vegetables yellow zucchini and pita chips. I highly despise Greek feta cheese and the same for Greek yogurt because both are extremely heavy, thick and too rich. I do not see any tomatoes. This entrée did appeared well prepared and well cooked but no runny yoke. My neighbor thoroughly enjoyed this entrée. Every time I think of omelet it bring flashbacks from past long-haul international flights major airlines of standard airplane food popularity for in-flight breakfast, often served with potatoes, sausage, or roasted vegetables. Nostalgia brew. Omelet? Flight attendant, I'll take the Continental with pastries, toast and fresh fruit please. Then followed by Bedtime Care Bear make me fall asleep again.
