24-Hour Pirogi People

Veselka
144 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003
212-228-9682
www.veselka.com

FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH is a great day for Ukrainian food, that's what I always say. And if you don't like being out and about on such a day, you're in luck--Veselka is open 24 hours, so if you're craving pirogies stop by as late as you like, as close to Saturday the Fourteenth as you can get.

Since Mint was cat-sitting in the East Village after work, we decided to meet up late and satisfy our own pirogi cravings. The selection at Veleska is always amazing: potato, cheese, sauerkraut, sweet potato, spinach, and mushroom--in some combination or the other--are always available; for summer, blueberry and arugula with goat cheese are also options. Mint ordered sweet potato; I couldn't resist a combination of the summer specials.

Pirogies are the perfect late night snack. The sweet potato filling practically tastes like pie, best with applesauce. The goat cheese is tangy and warm, complimented by cool sour cream. Don't dip the blueberry ones in anything--the pockets of warm, whole berries are subtly sweet.

Veselka's baked chocolate custard, however, is anything but subtle. Firm on top, soft and creamy as you dig into the bottom, the cool chocolate is powerfully rich. Mint's warmed brownie was softer, but just as rich. Both paired with huge 22 oz. glasses of Brooklyn Lager on draught (on special for $5) really couldn't have been more perfect for a summer night, at any hour. Cue the pics:

The Beer Garden: Reason No. 1 to Visit Astoria, Queens

The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 274-4925
www.bohemianhall.com

THE BEER GARDEN is one of the only reasons I visit Queens. No offense to Ms. Cha and fiance Mr. Blakeman, or to Chef Giacchino, but while the G-train to 7-train to N-train sequence is not the worst of all possible triple-transfers, it's not one I seek out often. Unless, of course, the Beer Garden beckons.

Do not be fooled by other NYC bars that promise such green pastures for pouring pitcher after pitcher. The only authentic beer garden in the five boroughs, built in 1910 and surviving near on a century later, is the Bohemian Hall. It not only remains a mecca for Czech culture but has become a destination point for those who desire to gather in the great outdoors. And get smashed.

Ms. Jeanie Cha, responsible for arranging this particular gathering of former work friends and assorted other individuals, provided the games; the Bohemian Hall provided the eats: huge piles of potato pirogies heaped on sauerkraut, enormous potato pancakes with both applesauce and sour cream provided, and lengths of kielbasas sliced and grilled to delicious. All of this is washed down with glass after glass of the draught beer of your choosing, all them a mere $14 per pitcher at the bar. Drink up!

It was such a good time that Mint and I passed up the chance to go watch Real Madrid stage a 'heart-stopping' comeback against Mallorca to win the team's first Spanish league title in four years. But when Brian and Sophie are attempting to figure out the best way to drink a triple shot of Jager, why would anyone leave?

MIKE EATS NEXT TIME: Yes, and perhaps drink a little less? Nah.