Take a daytime stroll along Astoria’s Grand Avenue (the old moniker for 30th Avenue), and Astorians gather ‘round the clock to sip frappes and nosh on panini and salad every day of the calendar year. While Greek eateries and Euro lounges aren’t nearly as prominent along the street as they were 10 years ago, one lounge in particular has mastered the impressive transition from daylight coffee stop and creperie, to sunset sushi and steak, to weekend DJ dance floor.
A 24-hour camera on Flo Lounge would reveal a clientele of every conceivable background meeting for every occasion imaginable. So BORO sat down with manager Sounni de Fontenay to sample some of the cuisine that keeps customers returning during the day—and to learn a little about the nightlife that pulses at the heart of Flo.
“We are probably most popular for our crepes,” explained de Fontenay, “and also our sushi.” While French and Japanese may first seem an unlikely pairing, in reality the combination balances for a perfect meal.
Service begins with a basket of warm pita and whole chickpeas tossed with minced onions in olive oil. A beginning course of sushi is a great one for sharing—perhaps the baja roll, a maki of shrimp tempura and fresh tuna topped with an umami miso tomato salsa, crispy wonton flakes and a drizzle of eel sauce.
A juicy grilled hanger steak arrives nestled beneath a crown of arugula, served with plump steak fries and chimichurri sauce. The Nicoise salad is topped with exquisitely crisp-skinned salmon, and comes dressed with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. But the French burger is a spin on a classic that should not be missed. A patty of 100 percent grass-fed beef is topped with a heaping mound of shredded cheddar, dollops of tomato jam, a brushing of remoulade and finished with a haystack of shredded lettuce, all on a toasted brioche bun.
Regardless the culinary path you choose, be certain to end up at the proper destination. The dessert crepes are some of the finest around, and are prepared to order. Few things signify a grand finale like nutella, bananas and strawberries folded into an enormous, paper-thin pancake all drizzled with chocolate sauce.
Drink specials for $6 include classic mojitos, passion fruit margaritas, a glass of Malbec, Chardonnay or White Zinfandel, or even a Coors Light, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m.
DJ Disciple spins music every Friday and Saturday night.
Who doesn’t enjoy a three-day weekend, celebrated with a $17.50 prix-fixe brunch menu which includes a brunch cocktail, coffee or tea, and an entrée, available each Friday through Sunday until 4 p.m.
37-20 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103
718-204-6096
www.flocafeny.com
