NYC Tastes

One of with my absolute favorite place for Greek food is out in Bayside at the incredible Avli.  I've mentioned this place once before showcasing their incredible  Tzatziki Sauce  and heart stopping Greek fries but let me introduce you to the gyro. This thing is freaking huge stuffed with gorgeous slivers of lamb, fresh lettuce, tomato and that incredible tzatziki sauce.  Even the pita bread is leagues above other pita I've had...somehow maintaining that soft fluffy exterior without falling apart or becoming to difficult to hold.  It comes with classic lemon potatoes, french fries or a traditional Greek salad.  The prices can't be beat and it's literally a 3 minute walk to the LIRR so no car is even needed!  Avli 38-31 Bell Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361

As I looked back on the past year I was seriously humbled by the amount of amazing places I've had the opportunity to enjoy.  I am so lucky to live in this wonderful city and don't take a moment for granted.  Hopefully this will serve as a guide for those of you trying to pick out some tasty meals in 2013.  It's not all new for 2012 but it was all new to me! Enjoy! Best Chocolatier- Chocolat Moderne This little shop on the 9th floor of an office building may be challenging to find but impossible to forget. Joan and her husband are creating incredible combinations such as Dark Chocolate Lime Toffee, Salted Espresso Milk Chocolate Caramel and Kalamto Olive with Sea Salt.  The patterns are almost to beautiful to eat but don't let the look fool you...they're way to delicious to leave for eyes only. Best Brunch (High End)-  Locanda Verde From the warm seasonal doughnuts (think apple cider in fall and fresh blueberry in ...

I’m so glad I have to travel around the city for work. Living in Manhattan it’s easy to get stuck in this borough for everything but there’s so much good food in all of them! Case in point- Avli in Bayside Queens. I met up with friends after work and we decided to share a ton of food starting with some pita and that ridiculously delicious tzatziki sauce. Wow this has it all- rich and thick with a little bit of tang and seasoning. I dare you to find better in the city. I put it on everything we ordered- the Lamb Meatballs… …my Chicken Souvlaki Okay I stopped short of putting it on the Greek Fries but I seriously could have. These guys were delicious all on their own with crumbly warm feta cheese and tomatoes drizzled over the top. Avli is Greek food done right. So order a carafe of the house wine and get ready for some serious delicious sauce.