Bowery Bay Restaurant is Open

Last month we told you that Bistro 33 was closing, to transition into a new restaurant, Bowery Bay. Well, they had their official opening this past weekend and the folks behind the place were pretty excited to start anew with a refreshed space and a new menu. And for those wondering, they’ll be carrying on the tradition of showing Game of Thrones each Sunday evening at 9.

The food has strong French Canadian influences and you’ll also find some Asian and Greek styles, among others. They’ve brought on executive chef Evan Orlic and Bistro 33’s Gary Anza is also part of the scene, so some familiar flavors will remain. Along with the amazing food, the bar is also open to all, not just diners waiting for their dinner or brunch meal. They even built a new bar out of old bowling alley wood!

The menu consists of plates of varying sizes—small, medium, and large, and they have their eye on vegetarian and vegan options. Brunch starts this weekend, too. And while no doubt they’ll be changing up the menu in the not so distant future, here is a selection of what you can find on it right now.

Small plates ($7-13): maple glaze popcorn with lardons; coconut shrimp with sweet chili garlic dip; frisee salad made with roasted pork cheek, duck lardon, crispy duck egg, and cherry mustard vinaigrette.

Medium plates ($12-18): Portuguese octopus with chimichuri, red onions, spanish olive oil, and fresh herbs; lobster poutine made with baby chives, halloumi cheese, bacon brown gravy; and a Reuben fondue made with corn beef, dark rye bread, mustard oil and wilted cabbage, gruyere cheese.

Large plates ($12-25): Baked whole fish of the day served with tuscan kale salad, goat cheese, beet puree, and grapefruit vinaigrette; a Vegan Bowl made with brown rice, stone mountain lentils, toasted cashew, and orange nectar poached figs; and the Bowery Burger, served with pickle, carrot, onion, mixed greens, tomato and fries (cheese and/or bacon extra)

They also offer “spaghetti in meatball for two,” ($27) and I’m particularly intrigued by the salcha papas made with sweet potato fries and merguez sausage ($8).

They also make cocktails, which look nice from the photos. I’m looking forward to heading over soon and trying some myself.

Overall, the menu looks pretty good! Really excited to stop by and try some things.

Bowery Bay, 19-33 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, New York 11105, bowerybaybar.com, Facebook