Run, don't walk to Astoria's newest hot spot for fine dining, cocktails, live entertainment and dancing. Remi Supper Club and Café is like a cool breeze on a hot day, promising singles, couples and families with children something thoroughly enjoyable. Located in the LaGuardia Center Mall on Ditmars Boulevard, Remi features décor, which combines elements of Miami chic, Tribeca and Soho. Leave the stress of the day behind you as you surround yourself in Remi's swank interior with its cool white and coral walls and real palm trees. This multi-level restaurant is so visually stunning you'll want to spend many pleasant evenings here with friends and family.

Remi was opened about a month ago by Costa and Lina Lolis and Steve Kouromichelakis who have years of experience in restaurants and night clubs. The result of their efforts features two sleek, modern bars softly lit below in cool blue lighting. A long table in the center of the room accommodates communal dining and cocktails during the dinner hour, and smaller tables are placed around the perimeter of the dance floor. Intimate booths surround the upper level and provide a bird's eye view for diners as the crowd below mingles and dances. Live music performs every Friday and Saturday evening, with a fabulous DJ playing during the breaks.

On a recent sweltering evening, I cooled down with one of Remi's famous coconut cocktails. There are also specialty drinks such as the sour apple martini, the kinky martini and the signature Remitini, all of which go down nicely after a long day. Next, you'll definitely want to sample some of Chef Peter Spyroropoulou’s famous creations. The menu features fresh Mediterranean and continental cuisine with a modern twist thanks to Chef Peter. "Little Plates," as they are called, can be ordered at the bar, or at your table as appetizers. I suggest sharing a few such as the pikilia, a sampling of creamy Mediterranean spreads served with triangles of toasted pita. Charcoal grilled octopus is cut into tender, bite-sized morsels that melt in your mouth. Prince Edward steamed mussels are sautéed with brandy and feta for a unique broth that begs to be soaked up with warm Italian bread. A popular appetizer is the eggplant and zucchini chips, sliced paper thin and fried until crisp and golden. Greek potato chips are a similarly delicious treat, perfect for sharing. Even a traditional spinach pie starter gets a fresh new look and taste at Remi. Refreshing salads include horiatiki, which combines juicy red and yellow tomatoes with peppers, onions and thick slices of buttery feta cheese.

The staff at Remi is very courteous and efficient, speedily clearing plates and refilling wine glasses. After a glass of Remi's most popular white wine, Evolution, I was ready to try some of the mouth watering entreés. Chef Peter prepared a rack of baby lamb, cooked to perfection and served with oven-roasted lemon potatoes ($19). Remi serves only the freshest fish, so we just had to try the tsipoura, a flavorful Mediterranean fish, grilled and served with fresh lemon and capers ($18). A wonderful Atlantic salmon is marinated and wrapped in grape leaves to seal in the natural juices and flavor, served with orzo pasta. I will have to come back for that dish, as well as the Chilean sea bass, grilled and served with orzo and spinach with dill and fennel broth.

For those who prefer meat, Remi offers 16 ounces of grilled Black Angus dry-aged sirloin, cooked to order and accompanied by steak fries for just $22. Their filet mignon almost cuts with a fork and goes well with a bottle of Sangiovese red wine. Lighter fare includes Pennsylvania Dutch free range chicken, marinated and grilled with fresh string beans and house potatoes ($12).

While Remi Supper Club and Café is beautiful and elegant in its design, please don't be intimidated by it. The gracious hosts want you to feel welcome, so come as you are and bring the kids. Mini shish kebabs and cheeseburger babies are perfect for kids, and adults like them too. There's also a spinach dip and homemade crunchy chicken fingers to snack on if you don't feel like a full meal.

Remi has an extensive wine selection featuring whites and reds from California, France, Italy Australia and Argentina. The vintages featured in the restaurant plus many more are available just next door in the adjoining Ocean One wine and liquor boutique. Stop in any time to satisfy your wine and liquor needs.

After a wonderful meal, with fabulous wine, you'll want to finish up with a refreshing fruit plate and a homemade Greek pastry, fruit tart or warm brownie. I loved the chef's walnut sponge cake, rich with nuts and spices. Coffee, cappuccino and espresso are offered, as well as after-dinner cordials and port. No need to feel guilty about all you've eaten. You can dance the night away every Friday and Saturday nights, to live music and the DJ.

Remi is an ideal venue for a private affair or business function. It offers chic elegance, superior food, wine and service delivered by a very attractive staff, and state of the art audio sound capabilities. It's not too early to start thinking about end of the year festivities and your guests will surely be impressed by Remi's unique atmosphere and menu.

Remi is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and cocktails until 4 a.m. Feel free to stop in and visit for a drink after work, a light snack or a full meal. Remi promises a uniquely relaxing and comfortable setting with fine food, beverages and service. I can't say enough good things about Remi and its staff and I'm looking forward to many more memorable evenings there. Remi is the perfect place to beat the summer heat and get away from it all without leaving the neighborhood!

Remi

43-36 Ditmars Blvd.

LaGuardia Center Mall

Astoria

204-9700