(Photo courtesy of Adriaen Block)
Aug. 10, 2018 By Tara Law
A stylish new restaurant and bar that specializes in healthy cocktails and Cannabidiol (CBD)-infused drinks opened in Astoria Wednesday.
Adriaen Block, located at 19-33 Ditmars Blvd., serves high-end cocktails, including drinks mixed with Seedlip— a non-alcoholic distilled spirit— and a THC-free cannabidiol tincture. It also offers a full brunch and dinner menu featuring a range of grilled meat and fish options.
The restaurant, which is named for the Dutch explorer who discover Hellgate, was opened by Zsolt “George” Csonka, the owner of Ziki Bar at 19-23 Ditmars Blvd. Csonka, who was born in Budapest, has operated clubs and bars across the country, including in Hawaii and Miami.
Csonka said that he is passionate about mixology, and that Adriaen Block will incorporate house-made bitters and liquors that he handpicked.
The bar has a very health-conscious ethos, Csonka said. Several of the drinks incorporate fruit and vegetables, such as the “Garden and Tonic,” a cocktail made with Seedlip, Indian tonic and fresh peas.
Other cocktails include “Mellow Berry,” which is made with dry oloroso sherry, cocchi americano (a quinine-laced aperitif wine), blackberry shrub, Peychauds and orange bitters.
The cocktails can be infused with CBD tincture. CBD is one of the compounds in a cannabis plant. It does not produce a high, but instead gives the user a calming sensation, according to Csonka.
(Photo courtesy of Adriaen Block)
“There’s no hangover, there’s no high,” said Csonka. “You feel perfectly chill, balanced.”
CBD infused sauce and whip cream is also available on the food menu.
Csonka said that non-alcoholic drinks are a great way to socialize without worrying about getting drunk.
“I used to get crazy hangovers— those hangovers that last two days,” Csonka said. “It’s a healthier option to have a social life.”
Adriaen Block is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weeknights, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
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4 Comments
I love the concept of non alcoholic drinks being infused with certain cannabis. However if the atmosphere and conditions are not up to par then thats not for me. Im going by the one comment posted here. Well guess ill have to see for myself.
Hello,
I just been at this AWFUL place yesterday. Stylish?? Where?? The place has no concept or personality Whatsoever! It’s Very Ugly with a lot of flies and Horrible music!
The drink Sucks and $15.00 for a new concept that you can’t support.
Extremely bad taste place!
Hey SD, which extremely good taste place do you work at?
what a sh*tty review SD! if you didn’t like it, you could’ve just said that. Somethings aren’t for everyone’s taste. I visited the place yesterday and I am glad I didn’t let your shady review influence my decision. The decor was great, the drinks were amazing (Both alcoholic and non alcoholic), the service was great with various people checking up on my experience. I would definitely go again soon and I am very happy to have this great establishment in Astoria.