Great pizza, pasta, entrées, and LIVE MUSIC are waiting for you at Nonna’s 1977 on 23rd Avenue, Astoria’s buzzing “Restaurant Row.” Nonna’s has everything you are hungry for and more with a cool, music-inspired vibe. The new outdoor patio with a stage is the perfect way to spend a summer evening, eating exceptionally good pizza and Italian dishes while listening to live music amidst cool breezes.
The funky, casual dining room at Nonna’s 1977 is adorned with electric guitars and lots of music memorabilia from album covers to a statue of Kiss, and black and white photos of rock stars. Nonna’s 1977 opened that year by Mike Leandrou on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Leon, his music-loving son took over the helm with partner, Michael Hassan, and the tradition continues thanks to Nonna’s Magic that goes into each delectable pie.
The Magic is house made ingredients starting with Dough: made in house for a thin crust, infused with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. Sauce: made from three kinds of plum tomatoes slow-cooked and stirred by hand. Cheese: handmade mozzarella pulled in the kitchen below the restaurant. Square: baked in a heavy square pan for crispiness. Big Finish: hot from the oven, finished with a sprinkling of two cheeses and a drizzle of fine olive oil. The result is 15+ varieties of Magic Pies, each named for a female rock personality. The Proud Mary is topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, dressed like the flag of Italy. Eleanor Rigby adds grilled chicken, arugula, roasted peppers, and aged balsamic vinegar, while the Sweet Caroline is topped with pear, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and walnuts. Springsteen fans might like the Rosalita with prosciutto, Parmigiana, and arugula. Clapton fans go for Layla with smoked mozzarella, pancetta, and caramelized onions. My dear companion devoured a slice of Lady with chanterelle mushrooms, mozzarella, rosemary, and white truffle oil. The initial crunch gives way to a tender chew and all the fresh flavors come through like a flavor bomb in your mouth.
Playing Every Wednesday
Nonna’s 1977 has great salads, such as a classic Caesar, Caprese, or the signature Nonna’s favorite tossed with baby arugula, Granny Smith apples, crumbled gorgonzola, and walnuts with balsamic dressing. Next, Leon suggested we try spaghetti with plump shrimp which was delicious, and chicken Marsala with mushrooms that was fork-tender and served with a hunk of warm garlic bread.
The Bomb Parm is a Nonna’s 1977 favorite. Two hands and a hearty appetite are required for these massive sandwiches stuffed with chicken cutlet, meatballs, eggplant, or juicy sausage and peppers. Choose your bread and lay it on with cheese and their famous sauce.
Live music soothes the soul as you enjoy Nonna’s great food. On Wednesdays, the Larry Luger Trio plays to the delight of diners and passersby who pop in to enjoy the jazz and bossa nova and grab a slice. On weekends, various rock and folk musicians play and the outdoor patio is the ideal spot to cool off with friends and family. Wine and beer are served and desserts come from Gianpiero Bakery. Choose among cheesecake, tiramisu, rice pudding, and chocolate cake.
Nonna’s 1977 does a lot of corporate and private catering. Visit the website for the catering menu, regular menu, and dozens of tantalizing photos. Nonna’s is open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm and later on weekends. For award-winning pizza, pasta, salads, entrees, and live music, visit Nonna’s 1977 and rock on!
www.nonnas1977.com
