FOOD: Astoria Bier & Cheese

[caption id="attachment_61118" align="aligncenter" width="660"] stacks on stacks of beer![/caption]

I’ve lived in Astoria since I moved to New York. It was always a bustling neighborhood with all the convenience of the city but a little more low key. (and way more affordable) Over the years, the neighborhood has become more and more glittery with a new shop or restaurant popping up every week. The rents are popping way the hell up too—but luckily my studio is rent stabilized so I WIN!

I’ve enjoy watching the change. Change brings great things along with it. New energy, new faces , new things to do! And craft beers and cheeses! Change is good!

Astoria Wine and Liquor has been a reliable source for quality bottles, friendly, knowledgable staff and a small gallery in front fearturing pieces from local artists. It really is a great place. So when they purchased the adjacent storefront, I was excited to see what they would do with it. A beer and cheese shop was a natural progression.

Astroria Bier and Cheese boasts an extensive selection of beer at great prices. They have managed to combine all the convenience of a specialty shop with the fun atmosphere of a neighborhood hang out. Many of the selections on the beer menu are available as growlers for take away. You can put together a cheese plate to enjoy while you’re there or restock your favorites for home.

When you stop in, you will definitely want to stay a while. It’s cozy here. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab one of the tables scattered in front. Chat with anyone that works here and get a mini cheese and pairing course. They are genuinely excited to share the knowledge. You can ask lots of questions (and sample even more) and not once feel the pressure of a sales pitch.

Cheese plates are two sizes: small (3 cheeses for $6) and large (5 for $11) and are a la carte. This is a great way to get a mix of your favorites as well as try something new. Humboldt Fog, a soft California goat cheese with a thin layer of ash, Spanish goat Monte Enebro and the dry, sharp Clothbound Cheddar made a great pairing with a pint of Alagash White. There are also several house designed plates like the Cheese and Honey plate (with manchego, Canade Vega and Bayley Hazen) The Salmon plate, and The Nordic—a traditional snack plate which includes caviar. Fancy! I’ll be sure to try one of these next time.

[caption id="attachment_61121" align="aligncenter" width="660"] beer comes out of this wall like magic![/caption]

I picked up a few items to stock my own pantry. The market area is small but the choices are varied. I grabbed marcona almonds, crostini, salami and a small wedge of one of my favorite cheeses—Midnight Moon. A 32oz growler of Thomas Hooker Chocolate Truffle Stout (for $6.50!) rounded out my take treats. Not ashamed to say I had these snacks as dinner for the next two nights.

Astoria Bier and Cheese is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and they have been welcomed with open arms. I’m glad to find yet another option in the neighborhood I love. Now, if the wine shop next door would consider becoming a bar like it’s sister, life would be perfect!

Astoria Bier&Cheese
3414 Broadway, Astoria NY 11106
718-545-5588