In my foreign travels, especially to far flung destinations it is amazing the amount of Australians that I run into. They are terrific travelers and I feel I have a good "feeling" about them. However, despite this, I have never eaten at an Australian restaurant. In New York City there are now 17,000 Australians living, and from my latest count nine Australian restaurants. My favorite is the Thirsty Koala, in Astoria (Queens). The Thirsty Koala, now opened for three years is not the most most fancy Australian in the city, but it has a wonderful casual vibe, how I visualized an Aussie place would be, and the food is good, with a couple dishes especially being outstanding. 

I usually do not lead-off with a "drink" when reporting on the various cuisines of the world, but this drink, the "Dingo" was so good, and just set such a nice mood for the Aussie meal ahead of me. The drink consists of: Bourbon, chambord, cucumber, lemon, lime and fresh cilantro. 

One of the main reasons I like The Thirsty Koala is because of the service, specifically this woman, Christine. Christine is one of the five owners of the restaurant, and a native of Sydney. She worked the front of the house making sure everyone was pleased and understood the food. She has that classic outgoing Australian warmth and charm which I have found in most Australians. The decor of the restaurant is minimal, handsome hard wood floors and tanned colored walls. I would have preferred a slightly more "atmospheric," perhaps some Aboriginal art, or a vibrant photo of Ayers Rock, etc - something that "bespeaks Australia."

I was torn between which of the "Pub Food" appetizers to eat as they all looked appealing. I expressed this to Christine and she jumped into action and created a plate of "a little of everything" so I could taste them all. Very accommodating. The plate includes; sausage role, calamari, fish&chips - all were good. However, the "Thea's Meatballs" were extraordinary in taste! 

The Thirsty Koala offers five types of tacos, which they call "Boomerang Tacos," they include: Vegan, octopus, skirt steak, grilled chirizo, and the photo above which I had, the Fish Taco. The taco consisted of a healthy portion of mahi, avo salsa, cabbage, peppers, and cilantro. I thought it was very tasty, and brought back memories (though not as good) as my favorite fish taco place in Laguna Beach, California.

Is there anything more synonymous to Australia than the Kangaroo? I felt a little pang when my dining companion ordered the Kangaroo Burger. But, hey, I had to try it, it did fascinate me. I was surprised and disappointed, as it was not as flavorful as I had hoped. It lacked the gaminess of venison, and not as juicy as bison. The burger comes with an egg and Canadian Bacon on it also if you want. There was a "sauce" on the side which when added put more zest into the dish. But overall the taste was lacking and not meeting the exotic taste sensation was hoping for.

Here is the STAR dish!! Lamb Chops. Though on the menus at the Thirsty Koala they are called "Lamb Lollies," and they are fantastic! I love Lamb Chops and am very discerning on those that are good, and those that are terrific - and here they are terrific. They are also a little different in their preparation as there is a texture of crust on the lamb. The crust I was informed consists of Australian Wattleseed, and herbs. The taste very succulent and flavorful. This is clearly my favorite dish at Thirsty Koala and highly recommend. 

Beers from "Down Under" . . .  at The Thirsty Koala you can try a sampling of four; Coopers Pale Ale, Coopers Sparkling Ale, Moa Imperial Lager and Koa Lager. I enjoyed them all, though Coopers Pale Ale was my favoirte.

Interesting fact about Australia - The Australian city of Melbourne has the most people of Greek decent of any city in the world outside of Athens, Greece.

Address - 35-12 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria (Queens)  (718) 626-5430