{"id":1081,"date":"2009-02-02T01:00:42","date_gmt":"2009-02-02T05:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=1081"},"modified":"2021-09-23T11:30:49","modified_gmt":"2021-09-23T15:30:49","slug":"greek-tour-astoria-queens-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/1081\/greek-tour-astoria-queens-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"My Big Fat Greek Tour of Astoria"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an effort to recreate my two week trip to Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens, Greece, this Brooklynite headed to Astoria, Queens<\/strong><\/a> to indulge in her romantic fantasies of all things Greek. And while there may be no endless white sandy beaches in Astoria, there are some delicious treasures to be found just five stops from Manhattan on the N train.<\/p>\n

\"Souvlaki\"

\"Tony's

Needing a (short) break from food, we walked up the bustling street, passing the Olympiakos soccer fan club, est. 1987 and then the Hermes Travel Agency, which conjured up thoughts of a dorky Toula Portokalos from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” But sorry ladies, there was no handsome Aidan in sight.<\/p>\n

While not open on a Saturday afternoon, a Sunday jaunt to one of Astoria\u2019s most popular Greek Orthodox churches is certainly in order. Pray on your own, take in a service, or simply have a look around at the high-ceilings and intricate stained glass at the St. Demetrios Cathedral, Greek Hellenic Orthodox<\/strong> (3011 30th Dr, 718.728.718).<\/p>\n

\"greek

For serving pieces and all sorts of hard-to-find goodies, Euro Market<\/strong><\/a> (3042 31st St, 718.545.5569) next to the St. Demetroios Cathedral, is your one-stop shop. For my party, guests will drink all beverages from blue and white striped espresso mugs and saucers that say \u201cYasou!\u201d (\u201cGod Saves\u201d for when you toast) on the sides. European country flags fly from the ceilings, but the Greek\u2019s blue and white cross dominate the d\u00e9cor. Traditional Greek music will prompt dancing down the isles on your hunt for Greek beer (Mythos is the way to go), while you pass jars of unidentified fruits and boxes upon boxes of frozen phylo dough.<\/p>\n

My party is planned, the imaginary table is set, and the festivities will commence on March 25th, The Greek National Anniversary, if I can wait that long amidst my dreams of Greece.<\/p>\n

Farishto<\/em>, Astoria!<\/p>\n

How to get to Astoria:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Take the N train from Lexington Av station heading Uptown \/ to Astoria; just five stops (mostly above ground) and get off at 30 Avenue (Grand Av). Exit near intersection of 31st St and 30th Ave. Total travel time approximately 20 minutes. Print out and bring the map below with you to help guide you to the hotspots.<\/em><\/p>\n

KPICASA_GALLERY(MyBigFatGreekTourOfAstoria)<\/p>\n

Map of Featured Locations<\/strong><\/p>\n