Signature Dish: New York Dog House

The Spot: New York Dog House, 37-06 30th Avenue, Astoria.

The Deal: The eight-month-old New York Dog House is the vision of a father-and-son duo. What began as a “whim,” according to the son, has turned into one of Astoria’s most niche restaurants after four years of fortuitous meetings. During dinner at a relaxed restaurant in Delaware, Vlad Stern and his father, Sam Stern, wanted to recreate the vibe at their own restaurant.

“It’s still fresh. It’s still new. And we plan to keep it fresh and new with an evolving menu. We’re just taking it day by day,” he says.

The days will likely get busier as folks are drawn to a spacious – and shaded – backyard during the long dog days of summer.

They’ve been aided by the neighborhood as they strive to find the perfect blend of gourmet dogs and drinks as well as a larger menu including salads and entrees to feed the area. Vlad says that comment cards in every check have yielded a positive response and plenty of constructive criticism. “People are digging it and we like that they’re digging it” he says.

The Dish: The Far East Dog is the brain child of chef Jeffrey White. The Asian-seasoned pork sausage is topped with a generous amount of pickled daikon, scallions, peanuts and the chef’s secret chili paste sauce. “It’s very popular and very unique” Vlad says. “The Far East Dog definitely grabs our guests’ attention and gives you a sense of the attitude and creativity we have in our establishment.”

White joined the restaurant after replying to a sign in the window two months before the restaurants opening and Vlad cites the partnership as one of the fortuitous meetings “Jeffrey is very good and has plenty of room to play with the menu.”

With a chef willing to use bold flavors and a back patio perfect to dine in, Astoria residents may have found their new summer haunt.