The Spot: Rèst-âü-Ránt, 30-01 35^th Avenue, Astoria

The Deal: By this point, most Astoria residents have probably visited Rèst-âü-Ránt. It has been an Astoria institution for the last seven years. The cleverly named establishment could be called a wine bar, a craft beer hall or a small plates restaurant and each description would be accurate. The menus focus on carefully curated wines and beers and dishes of easily sharable nibbles in equal measure, creating a friendly, social atmosphere that has keep locals returning and first-timers venturing out for the busy schedule of happy hours, comedy shows and live music.

Owner Tina Stipanovic began in the restaurant industry (or in this case, it’s the Rèst-âü-Ránt industry) to support her artistic pursuits. Eventually she combined her two passions into the successful endeavor. Stipanovic built much of the interior woodwork by hand – including the convivial U-shaped bar – and manages the menu with as much care. She ensures that everything is made in house and, as often as possible, ingredients are sourced locally.

More after the jump

The Dish: With a menu of high-end comfort foods, it could be difficult to pick a favorite, but there is a popular favorite with guests: the RaR Bar Sliders. Almost impossibly, Stipanovic fits organic beef patties, crisped slow-cooked pork belly, rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes and panko-coated fried Brie on mini brioche buns. The two sliders are served with a garden salad.

“It’s all my favorite things in one bite,” Stipanovic says. “When you press down on it, the Brie just melts all over the meats and still has that crunch from panko.”