PINOCCHIO PALACE

The owners of Pinocchio Palace on 30th Avenue in Astoria are happy to announce their grand re-opening, now that extensive renovations are complete. After ten years at the current location, Pinocchio Palace has gotten a face lift which includes a brighter, more spacious dining room with soothing whitewashed walls adorned with colorful paintings and international photographs. On a balmy summer evening, it was delightful to enjoy a generous slice of the Mediterranean way of life, right here in Astoria. A gentle breeze blew over the contented crowd of diners who sat at outdoor tables, while they feasted on Pinocchio Palace's wide array of freshly prepared, homemade Greek, Cypriot and Italian dishes. Pinocchio is still famous for its outrageously crispy brick oven pizza and family size portions of delicious food. No wonder large groups of families and friends gather here, as well as couples seeking a pleasant meal.

Order a glass of the house wine or an icy cold beer while you decide among the tempting appetizers. You can dip warm triangles of pita bread into fresh eggplant salad or hummus or order the tender, grilled octopus or calamari marinated in olive oil and vinegar, which are some of the best I've ever had. Other tempting appetizers include a savory treat called saganaki, which is a slab of tangy haloumi cheese sauteed in sweet brandy that offers a unique and delicious flavor ($8.50). The spinach pie is made on the premises and has a light and flaky crust with just the right amount of feta cheese inside. The cheese pie will melt in your mouth. We also ordered a small brick oven pizza to sample and were impressed with the Italian style thin, crispy crust, flavorful sauce and fresh basil leaves on top. The kids will love the pizza or the chicken tenders, made from scratch, or mozzarella sticks. An impressive Cypriot salad tosses lots of baby greens with chunks of creamy feta cheese, olives, red onion and a zesty dressing. The arugula salad was also delicious, tossed with endive, radicchio, sun-dried tomatoes and honey vinaigrette dressing.

Pinocchio's has always been famous for its charcoal grill, which cooks juicy souvlaki to be piled into sandwiches on pita bread, or complete platters that include Greek salad, rice, French fries and tzatziki sauce. Choose among chicken, lamb, pork or beef souvlaki or gyro with sandwiches from $5.95 and platters from $11.95, making Pinocchio a great value. Juicy lamb chops and skirt steak are available every day, as well as sheftalia, a handmade burger made from ground lamb, herbs and spices.

Pinocchio's pasta dishes are a big hit with families. Try one of their inventive dishes like rigatoni contadina, with broccoli, mushrooms and sausage for $11.95 for an individual serving, or $24.00 for a family serving, which is a real money-saver for families and large parties. Linguine Romana is topped with sautéed, tender chicken, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. Classic linguine with white or red clam sauce is another house favorite, along with penne alla vodka.

Pinocchio Palace is proud of their fresh fish and shrimp dishes, brought in each day. A number of seafood specials are available, like fried shrimp, scallops or flounder fillet. Grilled shrimp or broiled salmon make for light summer meals, served with seasoned rice and salad.

At lunch time, try one of their fresh wrap sandwiches, stuffed with grilled chicken and Caesar salad, grilled steak or shrimp and greens. Quesadillas are popular for lunch or as an appetizer. Two tortillas are filled with cheese, tomatoes and chicken, shrimp or steak, all of which are ideal for sharing.

Finish your meal with some steaming hot coffee, cappuccino or Greek coffee and a slice of lavani, a semolina cake soaked with honey. Creamy cheesecake, plain or with strawberries or chocolate, créme caramel and apple strudel are all hard to resist. Pinocchio welcomes you to come just for coffee and dessert, with a good selection of hot and cold coffee drinks.

Pinocchio Palace is open seven days a week from 11:00am to 1:00 am. They will deliver up until midnight for your convenience. The airy dining room can accommodate large groups and private parties up to 50 people, and Nico will be happy to cater any party, anywhere. A special catering menu will suit all your needs. Bring your friends and family to the newly renovated Pinocchio Palace. The outdoor area is open for your enjoyment and Pinocchio Palace has great food, friendly service and great prices.