the buzz

“Opening Time for Thymari”

Astoria may as well be a town in Greece — at least to those of us who’ve never been and always hear about the authentic Greek cuisine offered in this Queens neighborhood. Thymari is the latest restaurant to feed Astoria’s reputation. 

Yes, you can get your fix of spanakopita, tzatziki, saganaki, moussaka and baklava at Thymari. But even classic Greek fare is done with a touch of tradition. The dense, sweet dolmades are filled with dried apricots and pine nuts instead of just a rice mixture.

Owner Konstantinos Batalamas looks to his roots in northern Greece for inspiration for dishes like a savory wild boar stew and a roasted marrowbone topped with white anchovies, sun dried tomatoes, scallions and lemon juice. Or there’s the juicy ortikia, a pan-seared quail nestled in mushrooms and fennel stuffing with a chestnut-potato puree and a sweet ouzo-orange sauce. Of course there are small plates, called mezedes, in the Greek tradition with selections like marinated octopus, a lamb offal dish and various dips with homemade pita.

Native wines and beers are also available to pair with your food, which is served in space designed by Greek architect Maria Mousouri that’s filled with earthy olive and brown tones and fireplace. Dinner is served 5 to 11 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursay and Sunday and 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Enjoy! 

Thymari is located at 32-07 34th Avenue in Astoria, Queens; 718-204-2880.
 
— Bao Ong
 

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