When it’s too hot to stand in front of your barbecue grill much less to cook in this sweltering heat, Michael's Restaurant can solve your breakfast, lunch and dinner dilemma. Offering home-cooked food, prepared from scratch, using only the freshest vegetables, meat and fish, for 22 years, Michael's Restaurant has been serving consistently delicious, fresh, homestyle meals in a comfortable, air-conditioned dining room.

The interior is cool, yet cozy, due to wooden banquettes and exposed brick walls. Soft lighting illuminates vintage photos of old Queens, in a small-scale gallery. Owners Angelo and Pat Georgis, along with their daughter Laura, see to every detail to ensure that every dining experience will be a pleasurable one. A complete bar and notable wine list add even more to the experience.

After a cool glass of chardonnay and a Greek beer for my partner, we dined on Michael's famous charcoal-grilled, marinated octopus, served with fresh lemon wedges. It was so tender it cut with a fork. Fresh Little Neck clams are served on the half shell or baked, with an exceptionally crispy topping. (The clams are left whole, as they should be.) A big, juicy, sliced grilled portobello mushroom served with mozzarella over arugula is practically a meal in itself, but save room for a fabulous entrée. A variety of homemade soups including seafood bisque and chicken noodle is made each day .

Daily dinner specials are offered at the low price of $10.95 weekdays The feast begins with a choice of homemade soup or crunchy salad tossed with colorful radicchio and finished with a zesty, homemade dressing.

During the summer months, a host of extra special fish dishes have been added to the menu for light, healthy eating. I loved the grilled tuna with slices of grilled zucchini, and there are also swordfish, broiled red snapper, whole brook trout or striped bass cooked on the grill. Entrées come with fresh, not frozen, sautéed vegetables including green beans or broccoli, and the homemade mashed potatoes are out of this world.

The one-pound Maine lobster special with soup or salad and fresh vegetables is only $15.95. The fisherman's platter is a hearty portion of shrimp, scallops, filet of sole, lobster tail, a stuffed mushroom and a stuffed clam, all for $22.95.

Roast Long Island duck is served with orange sauce. The roast loin of pork melts in your mouth ($13.50). The grill sizzles with juicy steaks, filet mignon and lamb chops, all cooked to the diner’s liking and served with choice of potato and fresh vegetables.

For a lighter meal, or at lunch time, try one of Michael's wraps, filled with strips of grilled chicken, crisp bacon, melted Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard ($7.95). A green mesclun salad topped with black forest ham and smoked turkey makes a light and healthful lunch. Enjoy the overstuffed sandwiches such as the turkey club, or the roast beef club. The Reuben sandwich oozes with melted Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. Michael’s seven-ounce charcoal-grilled hamburgers require two hands to hold. Cooked to order, they are served with cole slaw and pickle, or deluxe with fries, as well.

A variety of homemade desserts includes light-as-a-feather cheesecake, creamy rice pudding and assorted pies and cakes. All will satisfy your sweet tooth. Cool off with an ice cream tartufo, filled with a sweet bing cherry. Enjoy delicious coffee or cappuccino hot or iced.

Breakfast offers fresh-baked muffins, bagels and rolls, eggs and omelets. Fluffy challah French toast is delicious as are the flapjacks with crisp bacon. A traditional Irish breakfast includes traditional Irish bacon and sausage, two eggs, pudding and grilled tomato. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m..

Michael's Restaurant is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with free delivery. Call in an order from your office or home or stop in any time for a great meal. The service is always fast and friendly and the food is always fresh. Gift certificates are available.

Michael's Restaurant

33-17 Broadway

Astoria

726-7474

726-1991 fax