By Nathan Duke
Bayside residents can sample another taste of Astoria with the opening of Pita Pan earlier this month, making it the second eatery based in the western Queens neighborhood to open a location on Bell Boulevard.
Pita Pan, which opened its Astoria store at 37-15 30th Ave. in 2003, introduced its second borough site at 39-35 Bell Blvd. in Bayside Aug. 1. The restaurant’s opening follows the Bell Boulevard premiere of Astoria’s Martha’s Country Bakery earlier this year.
George Giannoutsos, one of the store’s two owners, said the restaurant gives borough residents a variety of savory items from which to choose.
“We attract all kinds of customers,” Giannoutsos said. “You can get hamburgers, chicken and buffalo wings, but if you are more health-conscious, you can have a wrap with vegetables or chicken gyros. Our concept is ‘fresh, fast and tasty.’ We’re authentic.”
The eatery, open 10 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, has an extensive menu, specializing in Greek taverna cuisine, such as gyros, souvlaki skewers, falafel and loukaniko sausage.
But Pita Pan, which is eyeing sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey for future locations, also offers a variety of organic salads, panini, wraps, zucchini fritters and several types of pizzas, including Gyro Lovers, Greek, Hawaiian, ricotta and shredded mozzarella and vegetable.
“We make everything fresh,” Giannoutsos said. “It may take a little longer, but we want everything to be of the best quality.”
The Bayside locale has already attracted large crowds during lunchtime, drawing community residents in with its colorful decor. Giannoutsos said the restaurant also gives some variety to Bell Boulevard, which is heavy on pizzerias and cafes.
In addition, Pita Pan’s menu includes pork gyros, while many other Greek dining establishments only serve chicken, beef and lamb gyros, he said.
“We are unique,” he said. “You can’t compare us to other gyro places because we give customers a choice. We make smaller gyros and [visitors] don’t have to spend a lot of money.”
The restaurant also has some breakfast items, such as bacon, egg and cheese wraps, and desserts, including rice pudding, milk shakes, keso yogurt with honey and Reese’s Pieces peanut butter cup pie. Pita Pan caters for all occasions and provides free delivery.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
