For Stellar Food, Inventive Drinks and Fun, Go to The Ditty!
By Jennifer Shanteau
When I find myself in a cool area with many interesting night time spots to explore, I do the sensible thing and bar hop. Ok, perhaps, it isn’t the most sensible action one could take, but it is an efficient way of exploring many places in a short amount of time, and we New Yorkers, are always short on time. This is how I first found myself at The Ditty in Astoria.
It’s a tiny, unpretentious, casual bar, which felt a touch young for my old ass, but welcoming none the less, and full of good energy. It’s a place where you could meet hip, young, down to earth people. Their dedication to being a fun place is shown in their generous selection of old school board games and Nintendo at your disposal, which could be a great ice breaker on a first date, or if you just want to do something different and take a trip down memory lane. As you leave, you are reminded one last time to not take life too seriously, as you grab the door handle, and are instructed to “Push it Real Good”. You can’t help but smile at The Ditty.
The Ditty doesn’t rely on smiles alone. Their cocktail menu is no joke. (Did I just write that?) That night I had the Head Hancho, a mescal based concoction, and the best drink I had my entire bar crawl. While devouring my beverage, I perused the intriguing menu. Right then, being stuffed with food from the last place I went, I vowed to return at a later date to try their offerings.
Besides Happy Hour, brunch is my favorite institution, and one I have definite opinions about, so I ventured back in, family in tow, to check it out. One thing I didn’t notice the first time I came was that they have an adorable little outside space in the back, adorned with flowers, twinkly lights and picnic tables. Had it not been almost 90 degrees, I would’ve perched myself right there.
Instead, we ate inside where our friendly waitress, Sam took very good care of us. Chef Matt even said “hello”. Like any brunch, we began with beverages…..the classics first, the Ditty Bloody Mary and Sneak Attack Sangria. The red Sangria was very good, refreshing and light, but my favorite of the two was the Bloody Mary, which shocked me, because I am such a fan of sangria in general, and so picky about Bloody Marys. This Bloody Mary reminded me more of a Clam Digger, (which substitutes clamato juice for tomato juice), less dense than a typical Bloody Mary. The light texture did not lack in flavor, and it wasn’t too vegetable forward. It was perfect. To top it off, it came garnished with an everything bagel rim and a cute striped straw.
On to the food…..let me start by saying I became ever so joyful upon reading the words “Short Rib Hash” on the menu, and “Spicy Shrimp and Polenta” didn’t upset me either. The menu has something for everyone, from Fried Chicken and Waffles and Huevos Rancheros Sandwiches, to Loaded Tator Tots, classic Pancakes and the BYOB (Build Your Own Buttermilk Biscuit). Don’t come here when you’re trying to lose a few before embarking on your yearly trip to South Beach.
The Spicy Shrimp was cooked perfectly, but my favorite of the two was the Short Rib Hash, the newest dish on their menu. In all honesty, against short ribs, no shrimp, however perfect stands a remote chance. My boyfriend, and dining companion said this was a dish he would be craving in the future. It was just decadent and scrumptious and comforting and so satisfying.
Speaking of dining companions, my daughter was quite pleased with her side of Tator Tots with Bloody Mary Ketchup that they make in house. I had forgotten how much I liked tator tots, quite honestly. This dish took me back. They even served them in a retro wooden bowl just like the one my mom used to have!
Since it’s preposterous to leave brunch after only one festive beverage, we ordered the Tropical Daiquiri and the Raddle Snake. Both of these drinks were right up my alley. Not having much of a sweet tooth, I was skeptical about Daiquiri, but it came highly recommended by our waitress, so I threw caution to the wind and gave it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by its deliciousness. It wasn’t sweet and fruity at all, but crisp and light and very lime forward, which I love. The Raddle Snake pleased me as well, possessing a unique taste I haven’t had before, coming from the combination of tequila, Campari, lime and Schofferhofer Grapefruit Beer. Yo quiero mas!
Sitting here with my family enjoying this bounty, while we listened to songs like, “I Can See Clearly Now”, and “Ain’t No Sunshine” was a great way to start a Sunday. I can’t imagine every being at The Ditty and being unhappy….great food, great drinks, great service all in a fun environment. What more could you ask for?