@Adam, I hear what you're saying about Vesta, and IMO it's fair to omit when you don't have enough info about a place.

I also understand what you mean about the "Brooklyn-y" nomenclature. I've called them "Portlandish", too - these places all remind me of West-coast joints (I'm a native Californian). I had a ho-hum experience at William Hallet - both food and service - but I keep hearing great things about them, so I want to give the place another chance.

Thanks for reading WHA and for the feedback, too! We have a good time writing the blog and are glad it's useful to our readers.

Thanks for the shout out to We Heart Astoria in your comment, Adam! I'll email you to find a time to get together.

Indeed, I am a fan of the Astor Bake Shop chicken sandwich. They season the chicken with Raz el Hanout, according to a post by owner George on Astorians. It's also got avocado on it, which scores big points in my book. I love avocado on pretty much anything.

I like the Sweet Afton and Sparrow burgers but I also like the smashed burger; I'll eat burgers cooked on a griddle or a grill. About the only kind I don't go for is one you can't get your mouth around, it's so huge. Oh, and those steamed burgers on the outskirts of Astoria, just not my thing. I'll have to try the ABS burger cooked medium rare next time.

I also love the maize almond cake at Astor Bake Shop. Their financiers are also good, with candied pineapple on top. I've had some panna cottas that have been excellent, too. Iced coffee is particularly yummy and that sea salt lemonade is interesting and good.

Agreed that the ABS space is really nice - I love all the light. It's also right next door to Hell Gate Social, another great place off the beaten track in Astoria. They barbecue and show movies on Sundays in the summer, among many other things (I love their whole pig roasts they do from time to time!).

I absolutely love the pizza at Adrienne's - it's my favorite pizza in Manhattan. The flavors are fantastic and the crust is tasty. Before moving to NY, I had never heard of a grandma slice, but became familiar with it while living on LI, and fell in love with it (Via Pizza in Setauket, I'm talking to you). So eating the old fashioned at Adrienne's makes me really happy. Haven't tried any of their circular pies, have you?

Best Yet has a great beer selection, too. I can get Otter Creek copper ale there, which I love. And more! They also carry soda that is kosher for Passover, in the spring.

I've only been once or twice, but had a good suburban shopping experience while there. Normally I rely on the CSA and other unconventional avenues for most of my food shopping needs, but Best Yet really is a nice alternative to the other grocery stores in the area.

Wonderful! When I spent some time up in Cambridge for an early music workshop, I'd stop by there at least twice during the week. My favorite thing is the cold chocolate, but some of the baked goods look amazing. I'll be checking this out soon.

Il Laboratorio is pretty fantastic.

FIKA on Park Ave South and 28th makes an excellent cappuccino. The baristas know how to stream milk properly, too, yum.

Adrienne's, Adrienne's, Adrienne's!! Amazing pizza, my fave in Manhattan.

1/2 cup olive oil to cook vegetables in seems like a lot. Is it really that much?

Pork has become one of my favorite meats. My favorite pork products are bacon, pulled pork bbq sandwiches, the lomito sandwich at San Antonio Bakery No. 2 in Astoria, and that super tasty pork at Momofuku.

Adam, thanks so much for checking on that. Bummer that the cheese is only available this way - shipping it costs an arm and a leg. They must ship it in a heavy cold pack or something. I guess I'll have to do without. :(

Ketchup, mustard, and mayo! However, if it's Shake Shack, just the Shack sauce.