MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 29 ALOBAR Fortune favors the brave, and Alobar found a new leading man just about four months ago. Astoria’s own Greg Profeta is one of the sweetest, most jovial of souls you will ever meet, and his eyes twinkle when he talks about vegetables for the spring menu. He mentions hearts of palm he has own in from Hawaii that are the best he has ever tasted—and will be a supporting character in his beet salad. Profeta describes the menu he has been developing as ‘whimsical, fun, and cheeky,’ which are probably the three words anyone would use to describe him, as well. And everyone knows what can happen when a chef with some serious skills puts his own charisma into his dishes. It can be real magic. On the menu that will be unveiled this month, gnocchi becomes a playground for the avors of a loaded baked potato. Potpie is stu ed into an alabaster ceramic dish, loaded with braised rabbit and bubbling gruyere over a golden pastry crust, almost like a hunter’s French onion soup. “And I really like to work around the vegetables… they are so delicate,” smiles Profeta as he places the hearts of palm over a meticulously stacked mound of beets and greens. Je Blath leans in and proudly whispers, “he just knows all the right techniques and takes those things and makes something fun.” Outside of the menu, Blath has been having some of his own fun, creating the largest selection of whiskey in Queens. He has collected a selection of over 100 whiskies, which can also be enjoyed in ights. ‰ere is even a whiskey made with quinoa. Cocktails showcase some clever mixology that has been registering high marks with the customers. ‰e Vernon Smash features bourbon with blackberries, mint, and ginger beer. A mix called the Chauvinist Pig wuzzles scotch with chartreuse, ramazzotti, and eaux de vie. With all of the changes, one might wonder if anything stayed the same. “We kept the maple bacon popcorn,” laughs Blath. Of course. ‰ey might be rebranding, but they aren’t dumb. 46-42 Vernon Blvd, Hunters Point, Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 752-6000 alobarnyc.com
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