I’m writing in response to a poor review of one of my favorite restaurants in town (“Drina Daisy Traditional Bosnian home cooking with a bevy of confounding caveats,” Coast Weekend, May 14). I was very disappointed by the seemingly biased opinions of this restaurant. They must be doing something right to outlast a fire in their building, being on the very end of the street where all businesses around them are vacant and condemned buildings, and continuing strong for 10 years.

I moved to Astoria 4.5 years ago, and this was the first place I ate dinner. I like trying new things, and I’d never had Bosnian food, so I was intrigued. From the moment I walked in the door and was blasted with the most amazing Bosnian dance music, I knew this was more than just a place to eat, it was the full cultural experience.  

I immediately noticed there were only two people working, the owners, husband and wife, and that was a testimony to me that the food would be straight from the heart, a labor of love. I don’t like making assumptions, and I love learning, so I asked the server, the husband of the chef, as many questions as I could without being annoying. Also, through the years I’ve learned when you ask what dish they recommend, you should never question their answer.

So I started with the lamb dish. This isn’t just a piece of lamb on a plate, this was a full experience. They start by bringing you fresh warm bread (handmade by the chef) with the most amazing red pepper spread. Then comes the platter — not a plate — piled high with juicy roasted rosemary lamb, fresh fruit which is displayed as a work of art, and served alongside fresh greens salad with a house made vinaigrette dressing. The best way to enjoy it all is to simply dive in with your hands and a few napkins. After dinner, she served Bosnian coffee and house made Baklava smothered in honey and to die for.

I asked to thank the chef personally that day, and that was the start of a beautiful “food-ship.” She came out and greeted me, I thanked her and explained this was my first Bosnian experience, and she smiled the biggest smile and hugged me. I felt welcomed into Astoria by her.

I stayed a few minutes longer to ask her story of how she came from Bosnia. It was shocking and amazing. I learned of her strength, love, and resilience in a few short minutes. I continued to return and dine there ever since that day not only because the food was amazing, but the experience was warm, welcoming, fun, and as if I was no longer in the states, but in Europe.

So if you like to try new things, want to have a full and fun dining experience, and you have to time to listen to stories of food, love, war, and life, then you need to get yourself down to Drina Daisy today.

Sheena Blodgett

Astoria