FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com JUNE 19, 2014 • THE COURIER SUN 23 Endless summer - and drinks - at Mojave BY BRADLEY HAWKS Bottomless and outdoors are two words that, when combined, always cause a stir. Keep your pants on — we aren’t suggesting dropping your trousers. We are talking about the new bottomless brunch at Mojave on 31st Street near Ditmars. The recently renovated space features a fantastic new bar stretching a majestic span up by the front windows, which is the source of mimosas, Bloody Marys, sangrias and margaritas that can fl ow endlessly for an hour and a half of your choosing on the weekends between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Step beyond the bar and the expansive candlelit dining room, wave at the chef as you pass the kitchen, and get ready for one of the most beautiful and spacious gated patios in the neighborhood. Seating is available in the thatched hut shade, or gulp up your Vitamin D direct from the source. On a sunny day alongside the water fountain, the drinks and the decor will transport you to a south-of-the-border getaway, but the real gems are the plates that come from the kitchen. Guacamole is prepared en molcajete, but you can add lumps of crabmeat or even tiny bits of diced mango, pineapple and habanero. Or choose your egg-zact favorite preparation of uovo, with the crab benedict, huevos rancheros, or the hash brown benedict — which arrives swimming in sweet tomatillo and crowned with a dash of avocado and mango relish. Service is exceptional, and drinks are refi lled often without request. You can order a single cocktail for $16.95, or endless drinks for $27.95, both of which include coffee or tea. The dining experience beyond brunch is certainly no less of a fi esta, beginning with an order of tequila-infused queso fundido. Sizzling skillets of bubbling cheese are laced with crabmeat, chorizo, Mojave Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar or spinach and mushrooms. Homemade empanadas are available in everything but the typical combinations, like the roasted plantain with a trio of cheeses and black beans. Tacos teeter on the unique end of the spectrum as well, with blue-corn-crusted fried oysters stealing the spotlight, brightened with a pina salsa and chipotle crema. The pasilla chili-braised short rib taco with queso Oaxaca and pico de gallo is a close second. The dinner entrees are where Mojave shines the brightest, from the molekissed duck enchiladas topped with cactus and tequila cream to the ridiculously tender beer-braised short ribs and the yellow mole-blanketed salmon served with roasted corn mash. My go-to favorite, which has endured several menu changes, is the playfully delicious shepherd’s pie. Corkscrew spirals of cavatapi are tossed in a spicy blend of tender pork and medallions of beef that have been braised in wine, and layered with golden crusted jack cheese. But do not forget the Serranito Burger. Ten ounces of grilled sirloin is stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese, serrano peppers, cilantro and chihuahua cheese, all garnished with lettuce, tomato and a rich Gorgonzola cream. Now that is the kind of fi esta that is usually followed by a sweet siesta. dining out 22-36 31st Street Astoria, NY 11105 718-545-4100 www.mojaveny.com Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm Friday-Saturday 11am-12am View Over 200 Reviews at queenscourier.com st of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com Place CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES LAMP SHADE SALE 12 years from now, this LED bulb will still be saving you money. 10% OFF OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 YELLOW TAG SALE GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 Excludes Repairs, Refinishing, Rewiring. Exp. 7/15/2014 Up to 50% OFF on Select Models CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING
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