First Look at The Thirsty Koala Menu

Indigenous Australian artifacts like boomerangs and didgeridoo (a long woodwind instrument) adorn the dining room.

The Thirsty Koala (35-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria)

As I mentioned earlier this week on Grub Street, the highly-anticipated new Aussie restaurant, The Thirsty Koala, is poised and ready to bring some Queensland to Queens, following their final hearing with the liquor authority this week—which could potentially mean an opening as soon as next week (fingers crossed).  Adorned with boomerangs and didgeridoo amongst vibrantly lit blonde onyx and pinewood-planked walls, the new eatery is the collaboration of three Astoria mates, Katherine Fuchs (former FDNY Chief turned Executive Chef), Alex Styponias (Astoria-born mixologist, raised in Greece), and Christine Chellos (Aussie native, and financial advisor).

According to Fuchs, the opening menu will feature “dishes that are familiar, but with an Australian flare” which she describes as “international… often British… with some Asian influences” including lamb lollies over caramelized pumpkin (meats will be sourced from Australia), ginger beer-battered fish ‘n chips, boomerang tacos with grilled prawns (fish and seafood arrive via the Fulton Fish Market at Hunts Point), “crostis” (crostini) with house-made chevre, jaffles (Australian pressed sandwiches), a beet-and-pineapple-topped Aussie burger,  a few vegan and gluten-free options including a black bean and edamame “Earth Chili,” and Aussie desserts like pavlova, lamingtons, and a Tim-Tam tiramisu.  Here is the very first look at some of the dishes planned for the opening menu.

Herb-crusted lamb lollies (chops) with caramelized pumpkin and pomegranate citrus salad... delicious and gluten-free.

Coopers and Fosters will be served on tap, headlining a beverage program of Australian and New Zealand wines and craft beer.  Aussie-inspired cocktails created by Styponias will include a Hooly Dooly caipirinha and the Gabba—a gin and honey blend named after the Brisbane Cricket Ground.  All in all, this sounds like a bloody welcome newcomer to Ditmars Boulevard.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for official updates on their opening.  To whet your appetite in the meantime, here's a preview of a few more dishes guests can look forward to trying.

The vegan 'Earth Chili' is loaded with edamame and black beans in a thick, piquant tomato stew with the perfect amount of spice to warm you but not set you running to the fire hydrant.  It's genuinely one of the most delicious bowls of chili I have enjoyed recently...

The tangy cream sauce is a house secret, but it perfectly draws together the sweet and succulent jumbo prawns, shredded cabbage, and avo (Aussie for avocado) salsa on a giant grilled tortilla in these open-faced, California-style 'Boomerang Tacos'.

Not only are Tim-Tams fantastic for dipping in their 'flat whites' (Australian-style coffee with microfoam), but these popular Aussie cookies are also the base for the Triple T dessert--the Tim-Tam tiramisu--which adds a playful crunch and extra chocolate beneath velvety smooth cocoa-dusted creme.

Executive Chef & Co-Owner Katherine Fuchs

Stay tuned for even more sneak peeks at the exciting new menu coming your way.  I thinks it's fair to say you will be hearing a lot more about this soon-to-be neighborhood favorite in the upcoming months.