TAVERN VRAKA RESTAURANT:
23-15 31st St., Astoria; 721-3007

CUISINE: Greek with a delicate touch from Cyprus

HOURS: Closed Monday & Tuesday. Open 5 days a week for dinner from 5 until 12 p.m.

PARKING: Metered until 7 p.m. Valet on weekends.

CATERING: Yes, especially Sunday afternoons.

MUSIC: On weekends from bandstand with bousouki orchestra and piano music on Thursdays.

CREDIT CARDS: All major cards

Taverna Vraka is celebrating its 20th anniversary of serving fine food in Astoria. The restaurant is large, tranquil, tastefully decorated and has an expert wait staff.

From the bar, we had Ouzo on the rocks, the popular licorice flavored drink. This is a recommended aperitif, but the bar also has a nice selection of liquors and imported wines (by the glass or bottle).

The evening we visited, one of the interesting appetizers was lightly spiced, fried zucchini patties. We also enjoyed the lightest Taramosalata ($7.75) we have ever tasted – a real palate treat on warm pita bread. This was followed by one of our favorite Greek specialties, Halloumi Scharas- broiled Cyprus goat cheese ($9.75).

For the multi-course diner, the next course could well be one of the nicely presented salads from the menu; including, of course, the classic Greek Salad.

Chris, our attentive server, listed the evening’s specials including Sautéed Shrimp in Vodka Sauce ($19.95). We chose the Lamb Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Cheese ($18.75), an interesting layered combination of textures. It was accompanied by steamed carrots and lemon-flavored boiled potato wedges.

From the lengthy dinner menu we chose the chef’s grilled pride, Paidakia Arnissia ($21.50), three perfect lamb chops grilled with the chef’s special spicing. These were also accompanied by the fresh vegetables. Other interesting offerings on the menu include Sautéed Chicken with Mushrooms and finished with Ouzo, Rack of Lamb for Two and Garides Akamas (grilled shrimp in olive oil, lemon, garlic and parsley ($21.25).

Fish on the menu includes Swordfish as well as Fish Platter a la Vraka with mussels, clams, shrimps and kalamari sautéed in a light red sauce ($24.95).

The homemade Greek pastries are rich and satisfying. Enjoy the Loukoumades, a Cyprus specialty of delicious, fluffy pastry puffs dripping in honey, and the custody Ghalaktobursko along with your choice of coffees.