ASTORIA — A new restaurant set to open soon on Astoria Boulevard is planning to offer "gyro shots" — mini-versions of the classic Greek sandwiches, served in a shot glass.
SVL Bar will open its doors at 31st Street and Astoria Boulevard in the next month or two, according to owner Peter Katsiaris.
"What we're going to be offering is a traditional Greek gyro and souvlaki with a modern twist," he said.
That twist includes "gyro shots," the Greek equivalent of hamburger sliders, which will come served in 4 inches of pita bread and be placed in a shot glass.
"It's going to be something like a sampler," he explained, saying customers will be able to order several of the little gyros at a time and mix-and-match different fillings.
Choices will include beef and lamb, chicken, pork and a vegetarian option made with portobello mushrooms.
Diners will also be able to order regular-sized versions of the gyros, in addition to souvlaki, salads, burgers and a kabob made with ground beef. The eatery also plans to serve beer and wine.
Katsiaris said they will source their meats, like antibiotic-free chicken, from local purveyors, and want to use use as many organic ingredients as they can.
"We're trying to take a natural route," he said.
The owner said the decor will be "modern, crisp," and that the eatery will offer take-out as well as seating, with customers ordering at the counter.
More recent news on the local food scene includes:
►Popular Hunters Point cafe Communitea, which closed its doors on Vernon Boulevard in October, may be poised for a comeback in the neighborhood.
"This is NOT an April Fools joke! Communitea is coming back to LIC this Summer," the former tea house wrote on its Facebook page Wednesday. "Looking forward to seeing all our friends again as well as making new ones."
The restaurant did not immediately respond to a message seeking more details.
The old Communitea space at 47-02 Vernon Blvd. is poised to become a new gastropub called The Gantry LIC, from the same owners as the nearby LIC Bar.
►The brick-and-mortar location for flea market vendor Tea and Milk is now open at 32-02 34th Ave. near 32nd Street, with a celebration planned for Sunday.
The company got its start selling bubble teas and other drinks at the LIC Flea and Food before branching out to open its own space, which now serves up its signature beverages, along with desserts and other treats.
Sunday's opening party will run from noon to 3 p.m., and feature free food and drink samples, plus 50 percent off other items, according to the owners.
