Jan. 7, 2014 By Stephanie E. Santana
Two well-known Astoria restaurant owners joined forces to open a large gastropub on 30th Avenue last month that offers contemporary American meals.
Marketa, a 3-story establishment located at 37-17 30th Avenue, was founded by two-long time friends: Matthew Katakis, the owner of Pita Pan and Butcher Bar (both on 30th Ave.), and Nick Neocleous, the owner of Central, a sushi bar on Steinway Street.
Marketa, which plans to offer a rotating menu based on the season, is now offering a winter-themed menu to warm up its customers—especially as the polar vortex comes barreling through New York. It is offering hearty meals that include mushroom pappardelle, skirt steak and roasted beef bone marrow.
As the seasons change, so will the menu. Furthermore, the seating arrangements will become more expansive when the warm weather arrives.
In spring/summer the owners said that they will be able to cater to nearly 300 diners when the sidewalk café, rooftop garden and backyard patio open.
The bar/restaurant has just opened its brunch service, offering menu items such as steak and eggs, granola to a chorizo omelette filled with manchego cheese.
“You can expect upscale food in a relaxing diner,” said Yair Lenchner, a chef, in describing the gastropub.
Lenchner has worked at Milk Flower, an Astoria pizzeria, and Jean Georges, an upmarket Manhattan French restaurant. He was hired alongside Carlos Pico, formerly of the Latin restaurant La Marina in Washington Heights, to create the unique menu.
The owners aim to create an atmosphere of a chic Manhattan-style lounge that serves contemporary American dishes, coupled with a bit of Spanish flair.
Marketa is open Monday – Friday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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