Photos by Jessica Militello
A Foodie’s
Dream
IBY JESSICA MILITELLO f you’ve walked or driven past Astoria Boulevard
lately, you may have noticed a cute outdoor Italian
restaurant right in what used to be Astoria
World Manor’s driveway.
The unique space, named Cornicello, almost looks
as if it might be a pop-up event with its vintage signs
and décor, but guests who have already become
regulars don’t have to worry because the restaurant will
be here to stay, serving fresh, handmade pasta throughout
all seasons of the year.
The hybrid outdoor space, which first opened on July
29, has already been winterized to keep guests toasty
while they enjoy a hot plate of pasta, and the restaurant’s
menu has been getting great reviews from satisfied customers.
The restaurant was a collaboration of talent and ideas
among two good friends, Tony Ji and YJ Ahn, the general
manager of Astoria World Manor, located at 25-22
Astoria Blvd.
Throughout the pandemic, business waned: Weddings
and other parties couldn’t take place due to closures, and
later, the space dealt with reopening restrictions as the
city navigated through COVID. Ahn cleared the space
and was brainstorming different ideas when Ji pitched
him on the concept of turning it into a restaurant.
FOOD + DRINKS
14 DECEMBER 2 0 2 1
Photos by Jessica Militello