France: Lunch at Cafe Triskell via Astoria, Queens

Cafe Triskell French Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

Subway: 36th Avenue stop

Location: 33-04 36th Avenue, Astoria, New York, 11105 (718) 472-0612

Today, Short is going to Astoria, Queens to show her friend, Ms. Nagano how to make Kimchi. Before that, of course, yes, EAT, EAT, EAT!

Ms. Nagano has been telling Short for some time about a little French Crepe restaurant called ‘Cafe Triskell’ in her neighborhood and today, I’m going to check it out. Without Bald! ^^

SHORT: Bald, I’m eating without you today.

BALD: What?! Why? What did I do to you to deserve such shoddy treatment?

SHORT: No, Bald. It’s just…

BALD: Is it my stinky socks? My bad breath? My leprosy? Or because I ate all your chocolate ice-cream last night?

SHORT: You ate all my chocolate ice-cream?!?! Bald, you need to see someone….maybe a food shrink.

“Rumor” has it that the chef here is French, the food is French, the tables and chairs are French, even the kisses are French! French, French, French!

It’s cozy and cheerful inside. Also they keep the place really clean, so the owner gets bonus points for that.

Ms. Nagano ordered one of the daily specials. It’s Buffalo Mozzarella and Chicken Breast with Balsamic Vinaigrette. As you can see, it came with a half tomato and mesculin lettuce.

SHORT: Doesn’t it look beautiful! A bit like the back view of a Muppet’s head?

SHORT: The Muppet has mesculin lettuce hair, a mozzarella head with a tomato body! Very cute! I think he plays percussion with Animal in the Muppet band.

The chicken breast on the right was moist and tender and nicely seasoned. And check out those delicious flakes of parmesan cheese!

SHORT: MS. Nagano was really enjoying her dish. Can you see how fast her knife is working?

Short ordered the Ham, Egg and Swiss Cheese Crepe ($7.50). They use buckwheat flour which adds an extra layer of hearty flavor and texture to the crepes. As you can see, the crepe is served open.

SHORT: I’ve never had an open crepe before. It’s nice to see all the fresh, delicious contents displayed like this. Also, it was fun to fold it up the way I like it. In the shape of Bald’s head.

SHORT: Look at that rustic, French wholesomeness!

SHORT: Simple but sophisticated! They sure know how to turn a simple crepe into an art form.

SHORT: DESSERT!!! In a French crepe restaurant – can you say “heaven!”

Ms. Nagano ordered the Lemon and Sugar Crepe for dessert ($4.75). It was a very nice, summery dessert crepe. Sweet and tart, what a great combination. Can’t ask for more than that.

Short ordered Poached Pear, homemade chocolate sauce, toasted almonds and whipped cream crepe ($7.50).

SHORT: This truly was the best dessert crepe I’ve ever had. The pear was not over-cooked, so you could still enjoy its juicy, summery, pear-y texture. And just look at that c-r-e-a-m-m-m!

SHORT: Just close your eyes and think of this. “A warm, fresh crepe filled with summery, poached pear and topped with chilled cream, sprinkled with toasted almonds and melting chocolate.” It is almost too good to be true. OK, you can open your eyes now. And wipe the drool off your keyboard.

Our (Short’s) Overall Opinion of Cafe Triskell.

1. Cozy and clean, quiet and warm, you could almost think you’re in a small cafe somewhere in the French countryside.

2. The food, thumbs up! Simple but sophisticated! And VERY French (Especially the kisses, but don’t tell Bald.)

3. The prices are reasonable. But they don’t take credit cards, so stop by an atm before you go.

4. The waitress (she might be the chef’s partner) had a great sense of humor and she makes you feel very welcome.

5. I’ll definitely go back with BALD because it’s certainly worth the trip to Astoria!!!

Did you have fun in France? I did! ^^

Ready for the next installment?

Get your metrocard-passport, and meet us in the departure lounge.