Astoria Queens: March 2011

A sweet adventure

Omonia. Doesn’t it sound like ammonia, the chemical in cleaning product? Actually that is how your supposed to pronounce in Greek Αθλητικός. Keep this name in mind. You might need it once your sister’s birthday party is in two hours and you can’t order from anywhere else. I confess that I landed at Amonia Cafe by virtue of just that kind of conundrum. I must say that it was a great forced choice. The chocolate straweberry cake I got for my sister was delicious --- leaving me licking my fingers after few slices.

OMONIA classy decor

Omonia might not be news to Astoriamites after the movie BIG FAT GREEK WEDING featured its cake on it, but it is to me. The Greeks arrived in Astoria in the 60s, reducing its immigration in the 80s. According to the Fact finder 2000 census, the Greeks account for 5% of Astoria demographics. Still up until now, with such a strong Greek foundation, Astoria remains a land of many Greek clubs, tavernas, restaurants as the Cavo club, Titan supermarket, Opa Souvlaki restaurant and so on.

Mr. John Artvantis, OMONIA Cafe

owner since 1977

Just when I thought it was time to leave Omonia, a smiley middle-aged Greek looking man walked in checking out the display. I suspected he was the John Artvantis, Omonia’s owner of the 35 years. As soon as I could, I abruptly asked the charismatic business man whether Omonia was his wife or a platonic lover. He didn’t find it surprising that I assumed he was the owner. Within 5 minutes of conversation he impressed me as such a smart, business-oriented foodie person that surely deserves the success he has it now. Impressively, Mr Avratnis started his business with his two brothers as partners and now owns four other establishments as well. For the sake of harmony and union among his siblings, he named his restaurant Omonia, which in Greek denotes togetherness and friendship. His success is bright up on his happy being and its other GRAND OPENNING. Today,his inaugurating just next door to OMONIA café bakery, the OMONIA NEXT DOOR. Yep, that is the name.

           Omonia is a promised land for the sweet tooth. It is impossible to let anyone down as it offers a big variety of American, Albanian, Turquish, Greek and a few Spanish flavored baked goods. With a menu appealing to all tastes, Omonia has been getting great reviews. Having tasted the baklava in Rhodes, Greece last summer I conceitedly consider myself a strong judge, and fell in love with Omonia’s baklava, Greece’s famous honey-layered pastry. It is just amazing!!!

Baklava display

If you have one of those midnight sweet cravings, you are luck to live in Astoria: you can just walk to Broadway and 33th ST and buy any sweet you might imagine. Omonia is open until 3 am. Try it, maybe the sweet aura Mr. Artvantis has will be passed onto you via his sweet creations.

OMONIA NEXT DOOR grand opening: February 9^th

32-20 Broadway- Astoria

718-274-6650