Volo Gastronomia Has Gourmet Food To Go

Finally, gourmet dishes, pasta and desserts from the New York institution, Piccola Venezia, are accessible to all at Volo Gastronomia on Ditmars Boulevard and 28th Street in Astoria. Volo Gastronomia is the brainchild of Christopher Vlacich, whose father opened Piccola Venezia 30 years ago, and Franco Raicovich, the executive chef at the restaurant. Their concept was to make the world-class food served in the restaurant accessible to all in a quick and convenient venue.

The interior of this newly opened shop features rough ceramic tile floors, textured walls and exposed brick. High-tech, European lighting and wood bistro tables and chairs make Volo Gastronomia a pleasant bistro as well. Sparkling clean glass showcases boast the offerings, which will vary each day. One thing that remains the same—all this wonderful food is prepared just blocks away at Piccola Venezia, including the desserts and gelati.

Volo Gastronomia opens at 7 am to help start the day European style, with a steaming cup of cappuccino, coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a flaky croissant, brioche or pastry. Lunch time ensues with a wide variety of choices including freshly tossed salads, homemade soups and pressed pannini sandwiches. Chicken noodle minestrone, potato vegetable, and escarole and white bean are just some of the soups in the repertoire. Choose a freshly tossed salad with toppings such as grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella or roasted chicken and your favorite dressing. Volo Gastronomia offers enough panini to try a different one each day of the week. Each sandwich is made on housemade focaccia then pressed on a grill to make it golden and crisp. Try the Tivoli, filled with grilled Portobello mushrooms, spinach and cacio di Roma cheese ($5.50). Arezzo, named for one of my favorite Tuscan cities, is stuffed with roast beef, melted onions and sun-dried tomatoes. The Genova is grilled vegetables and a smear of pesto for a light, healthy lunch or snack ($4.95).

Each day, the chefs at Piccola Venezia send over some of their finest pasta, meat and fish entrees to enjoy at a fraction of the cost in the comfort of home, or at the stylish bistro tables inside Volo Gastronomia. Gnocchi all mamma in tasty rosemary veal sauce is a signature dish that is not to be missed. The gnocchi are lighter than air, and just $6.50 for a generous order, roasted vegetable lasagna, another house favorite, is layered with housemade lasagna, ricotta and fresh vegetables. Chicken valdostana is layered with prosciutto and fontina cheese in white wine sauce. There’s also herb-grilled fresh salmon with lemon and parsley sauce or braised veal stew with rosemary, carrots and potatoes. Daily specials may also include flaky monkfish with lemon-caper sauce ($7.50) or chicken campagnola with peppers, mushrooms and white wine. Main courses come with choice of rice, potato or vegetables, including steamed escarole or spinach.

The interior of this newly opened shop features rough ceramic tile floors, textured walls and exposed brick. High-tech, European lighting and wood bistro tables and chairs make Volo Gastronomia a pleasant bistro as well. Sparkling clean glass showcases boast the offerings, which will vary each day. One thing that remains the same—all this wonderful food is prepared just blocks away at Piccola Venezia, including the desserts and gelati.

You can also take home fresh, housemade pasta with a quart of Piccola Venezia’s famous marinara, rosemary–veal or vodka sauce. At about $4.99 a quart, this is an economical way to feed a family or host an elegant dinner party.

Bring home a selection of antipasti too, such as grilled Portobello mushroom, filled with mozzarella and roasted peppers. The calamari and new potato salad is out of this world, as is the plum tomato bruschetta. Desserts are all homemade too, so treat yourself and your guests to pianoli-pecan tart, a delicate pastry crust filled with rich pecans and fragrant pianoli nuts. The flaky apple strudel is light and delicate and the chocolate mousse tart is divine. I love the red wine-poached pears with gorgonzola, also available at Volo Gastronomia.

Volo Gastronomia is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays for now) from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 11 p.m. on weekends. Stop in any time for a cup of espresso and a dessert, lunch, dinner, snack or a scoop of hazelnut gelato. Remember to stop in to bring home a gourmet dinner without getting dressed up or spending a lot of money. Volo Gastronomia will gladly cater any party, so keep them in mind for all the springtime events coming up.

Volo Gastronomia brings the famous dishes of Piccola Venezia to your home for a fraction of the price and lots of convenience. Pick up a romantic meal and some eye-dazzling chocolates and desserts for Valentine’s Day.

Volo Gastronomia

28-09 Ditmars Blvd.

Astoria

(718) 278-8878

fax: (718) 278-8876