Bistro 33

Shortly after the New Year began, John and I enjoyed our first meal at Bistro 33, a small neighborhood restaurant featuring a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Given the location in Queens, we were pleasantly surprised with both the quality of food and the buzzing atmosphere. (Both times we’ve gone, the restaurant has been fully occupied with a line out the door.) On our first visit, we were wowed by seared foie gras ($9) and innovative sushi rolls ($8-18), and determined to return again soon.

Last week, we finally made it back. Instead of sushi (which I couldn’t turn down before), I branched out and started with something seemingly appropriate for this time of year: crispy crawfish!

Think spicy calamari, only better. These were like little pockets of heat that were moist, luscious, and – best of all – required no peeling whatsoever. I’ll drink to that!

**As crawfish season rolls in, we’re anxiously awaiting the return of “Jen-N-Outlaws” fried fish truck and crawfish boil – yum.

John couldn’t turn down house made duck sausage, but unfortunately the dish was lacking.

I’m not sure exactly what was off with this dish (I generally don’t like sausage very much, so perhaps I’m just being biased), but we wouldn’t order this again.

For my main, I ordered a “surf and turf” combo of seared foie gras (stick with what you know!) and big eye tuna.

Served with dried sour cherries and spicy candied cashews, the presentation was beautiful, and the combination of flavors worked well together, but this dish paled in comparison to John’s.

Another southern dish that screams Louisiana: shrimp and grits with andouille sausage.

Grits and I don’t always get along. I adore polenta, but find that grits rarely meet my expectations for creaminess. They nailed this dish, though. I found myself reaching across the table multiple times just to get one more spoonful.

This has definitely made my list of dishes I hope to recreate (and soon). Who’s coming for dinner?!

Bistro 33
1933 Ditmars Boulevard
Astoria, NY 11105
718.721.1933