FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com AUGUST 27, 2015 • BUZZ • The Queens Courier 75 dining out THE BONIE By Bradley Hawks The neighborhood just got a new backyard patio, decked out with reclaimed New York cobbles and custom mahogany tables. With seating that accommodates close to 100 people, the garden is an extension of The Bonnie—which has rapidly become not only the source of some of the neighborhood’s most wondrously intoxicating cocktails and delectable fare, but also a hotspot of Astoria’s social scene. “The neighborhood bar is at the core of who we are,” says Mike Krawiec, one of the owners. From under a newsboy cap, with a dragon tattoo crawling out the arm of his white T-shirt, the 33-yearold offers a tour of the impressive space—which was once the home of Greek favorite Stamatis. The Bonnie—which translates to the Irish term for beautiful—boasts a private dining space, a communal bar area, intimate booths for dining and a back bar with chicken-wire glass and French oak floors. Like their sister pub, Sweet Afton, the space is free of televisions, a design element intended to promote intimacy and encourage mingling. “The neighborhood bar is at the core of who we are,” Krawiec says. “You can come in from anywhere around the world, and the bartender will introduce you to the people sitting next to you. People come to New York and don’t know anyone, but come here and find a community.” While the mood is certainly inviting, the friendly staff and patrons aren’t the only aspects that are enticing. If you glance up from the backyard garden, you just might notice the rooftop herb garden. Basil, thyme, lemon balm and spearmint are regularly harvested and incorporated into the cocktail menu. Watermelon wedges are soaked in St. Germain, light rum and white Photo by Bradley Hawks THE BONNIE 29-12 23rd Ave., Astoria 718-274-2105 www.thebonnie.com port, seasoned with basil and minty herbs, then served on a saucer as a shot. A drink called The Wayside blends tequila, Mezcal and Campari with ancho chilies, watermelon agua fresca, and a rim of chili lime salt. Mixologist Mike Di Tota juxtaposes seasonal fruits with rooftop herbs and historical recipes to mix up some of the most fantastic spirits around for a botanically driven cocktail menu that brings the outdoors inside. At the head of the kitchen is Shaun Vanalphen. With a menu that offers an incredible span ranging from avocado mousse-kissed ceviche to mustard marinated hanger steak and fries, the one universal menu item that you can order at brunch, lunch, dinner or late night is The Bonnie—one of the juiciest, most mouthwatering burgers in the city. A 6 oz. special blend of Pat LaFrieda beef is served on a slightly sweet toasted Rollo Mio bun with all the classic fixins. The result is out of this world. With such a flexible space and friendly staff comes the option to cater special events and parties, which is why the team brought on Christine Haber. The brains behind the “I heart Astoria” T-shirts and spouse of the man who invented Haber’s Tonic Co., Christine is excited to bring The Bonnie into the realm of organized special events. Whether you swing by for a bite, a burger, some booze, banter, the backyard or to book a bash, The Bonnie is one of the most welcoming watering holes around. View Over 200 Reviews at queenscourier.com HOURS: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm Visit us at: empire-market.com
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