Bites Nearby: Exo Cafe

Over the past two weeks, the Bites Nearby column has explored local restaurants serving food associated with four European countries, India, Malaysia and corn-fed South Dakotan beef. This week the column tries something completely out of this world: Manhattan hipness within the Forest Hills zip code.

Not even three weeks ago, Exo Cafe opened up on Austin Street, offering everything "modern, trendy, hot, sexy, exotic," according to owner Peter Kambitsis.

Let's begin with the beverages. The spirits menu mentions Lavender Organic Cosmo, Pomegrante Martini, Liquid Tiramisu, Pink Mojito and Bubblegum Martini. Kambitsis also owns the Austin Street juice bar Ripe, and mixed drinks feature freshly squeezed juices.

In addition, bartender Samantha Colarusso invites patrons to stump her. "I can make anything," she says.

Exo, a shortening of the Greek phrase "Pame Exo," which can mean "Let's Go Out," also stocks a wide variety of craft beers, mostly brewed in New England and Brooklyn. Ephemere ($7) is made with Granny Smith apples, while Delerium Tremens ($8) has hints of peach and apricot. The coloration variety runs from Sly Fox O'Reily's Stout ($6) to Kelso Nut Brown Lager ($7).

And the beverages keep pouring, especially the cappuccino. Kambitsis only uses Illy brand coffee because he thinks it tastes best. He also plucked a top-notch barista, Ese A. Odiah, from a Brooklyn shop to add an artist's touch to the frothy drinks. "I scouted for him," Kambitsis says.

The result is cappuccinos like White Chocolate Hazelnut ($4.95) and Iced Carmelotto ($5.25) that sport fancy designs on top. And for an extra $2, Odiah will throw in a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream or Kahlua.

Entrees include various salads and chicken and beef dishes, which run up to $12.95. The house special is a Smoked BBQ Burger ($10.95). Another signature dish is the Exo Handwich ($8.95), which includes grilled chicken, roasted peppers and goat cheese.

Kambitsis says he got the idea for Exo from talking to customers at Ripe over the past three years. They told him that they enjoy the local high-end restaurants and sports bars, but they have to trek to Manhattan or Astoria when in the mood for a trendy, cafe-style experience.

"This is not high-end. It's not a bar. It's in the middle," he says. "It's a meeting place, casual."

Things are justing heating up at Exo, but Kambitsis is already thinking about launching a Jazz night and maybe even some dancing. He also installed a grape crusher and hopes to make Exo wine soon.

Address: 70-20 Austin Street (site of the old Mardis Gras). Phone: 718-261-6162.

Hours: Open 11 a.m. to midnight every day. Kambitsis says he loves Exo so much that he would work 10 days a week, if possible.

Prices: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Exo offers lunch specials which cost between $3.95 and $7.95. After 4 p.m., the most expensive entree is $12.95. Most main dishes hover around $11. Desserts are $6.95 and $7.95.

The bar has a Happy Hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) from Monday through Thursday, when a patron gets a free drink for every purchase of two drinks. This weekend, Exo will start offering brunch for $11.95 with $5 Margaritas, Mimosas, Sangrias and other morning-ish liquors. For the time being, patrons can get 10 percent discounts if they press the check-in function on Exo's Facebook page.