Trip to Astoria

This past weekend my group and I visited Astoria, Queens. We didn’t really know what to expect driving into the neighborhood because we have heard and researched so many mixed reviews about it. However, we were definitely taken back while exploring all the different cuisines, beer gardens, and amenities that Astoria had to offer.

Before coming to Astoria we had researched that there was a scarcity of garbage disposals and trash cans in the neighborhood. While driving down 24th Ave, we noticed that between 31st and 26th street there were less than about 5 trash cans spreading across those 5 blocks. We were appalled by that how such a lively neighborhood and street can have such little waste disposal. Due to this, it contributed to the littering that took over the streets. But what struck me most wasn’t the power plant, or the littering, or the projects that we saw, but the vast variety of cuisine that was offered in the neighborhood. In just one block we saw a French and Italian bakery, a Greek restaurant, and much more. During our visit, we decided to stop by a little greek restaurant called BZ Grill. We read reviews about it which stated that this is the most authentic and delicious greek food in the whole neighborhood – and it definitely lived up to its word.

This is what BZ Grill looks like.

This is what BZ Grill looks like.

Its a very small place that has about 4 tables inside. The kitchen is right outside for all the customers to see and the meat is fresh and cooked right in front of you. image

It was crazy to see that this lamb was cooked and roasted on the skewers right in front of all the customers. My group and I decided to order gyros along with Greek fries that had feta cheese on them. To say that the meal was delicious would be an understatement. It’s safe to say that it was probably the most authentic Greek food I have ever indulged in. image image

“Best Gyro In New York City” ?

This weekend while touring Astoria, Queens, my group and were immersed by many different cultures and cuisines. Since most of the population of Astoria is predominantly Greek, we felt it was imperative to visit a Greek Restaurant. We have never been to Astoria, so we were unsure of where to stop; however since there was such an abundance of restaurants, we stopped at the closest one. One that claimed they had the “Best Gyro In New York.”

Screen Shot 2015-11-02 at 10.48.59 PMI have always been a fan of Green food so I was very excited to try it. When we walked into the BZ Grill, it was a very small place, but smelled delicious. The first thing we noticed were large pieces of meat on a stick in which the chef was shaving meat off of. When we sat down my friends and I all ordered different types of gyros: chicken, kebab, and pork. We saw a plate of french fries also pass our table so of course, we were prompted to order an order of those as well.

 

 

Greek french fries

Greek french fries

 

When I first tried my gyro I thought it was really delicious. I have not had too many gyros in my life but it was definitely comparable to ones I have eaten and enjoyed in the past. The one I had contained pork, tzatziki sauce, and vegetables. The french fries we ordered were a non traditional type: Greek french fries. These fries had feta cheese and oregano on top of them, which was very delicious.

 

 

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Gyro from BZ Grill in Astoria, Queens

Although this small restaurant claimed to have the “Best Gyro In New York,” I would definitely have to say that even after trying this, my favorite Greek restaurant is in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn called Spartan Souvlaki. I have been going to this restaurant ever since I was a child with my family and we always order the same exact thing every time we go: a gyro meat platter with extra tzatziki sauce and pita bread on the side.