Monday, July 13, 2009

Best Kept LIC Secret (Until Now)




Last week I mentioned that an extension of LIC's Gantry State Park has opened. It's not only delightful and relaxing, it's still pretty empty. I'm assuming that not many people have heard about this unique locale, which boasts the best view of Manhattan that I've ever seen as well as cheery hammocks, wooden lounge chairs and plenty of grass. On a sunny day such as this past Saturday, there was lots of room everywhere and many quiet spots to enjoy some peace. I'm including pictures, which will help set the scene. I hope that you check this park out soon--but don't spread the word too much, let's keep this beauty our little secret.

How to get there - 7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Walk behind 47-20 Center Blvd and enjoy the view!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Greek Gods Get a Shout-Out


Logo by tastingtable.com

Today's Tasting Table e-blast, (amongst many other things) made feel feel proud to be an Astorian. Featuring the top three Greek eateries in the 'hood, the e-blast spotlighted some of our local faves such as Ovelia, Elias Corner and Lefkos Pirgos. While I don't agree that Lefkos is the most fabulous dessert place--preferring Artopolis myself--it was nice to see a variety of modern and traditional Greek establishments get a shout-out.

Read up, enjoy and visit these "Greek Gods," as Tasting Table calls them.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.07.09


We've finally hit summer! There's nothing better than chillin' at a fabulous outdoor venue in the sun, whether a cafe, a bar, a beer garden or a new park.

Join the Drinking Liberally group this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden for some good-natured fun and potent brew. They’ll meet outside where you can spot them, sporting their black t-shirts with a blue bottle logo. Cheers! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

If you’re in the mood to check out a new beer establishment, visit the Studio Square Beer Garden. They’ve made some changes in the menu, now also serving sushi and festive homemade cupcakes, which are perfect if celebrating a birthday. They even supply candles—how thoughtful! Tip – get their as early as you can, as this place gets packed after 8 p.m. 35-33 36th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001

Looking for a delicious summery brunch? I recently tried Vesta’s offering and loved it! Besides the scrumptious whole-wheat French Toast with apricot preserves and the Hangover Pizza, I enjoyed the summery white grapefruit sorbet (pictured above). It’s paired with fresh fruit and is simply to die for. 21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Another great brunch option is Ovelia, featuring tasty Greek omelets and interesting alternatives such as the Tiropita Toast. They were recently the runner up in DCA’s 4th Annual Sidewalk CafĂ© Mix Off with their signature drink, The Sikatini. Made with dried figs and Metaxa, this refreshing concoction should not be missed. 34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217

Gantry State Park in LIC is the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon. In the words of an enthusiastic resident, "it’s simply delightful. They have wooden lounge chairs, hammocks, lots of grass and even a cool concession stand, which will open soon.” Sounds like a winner to me! 474 48th Avenue, Long Island City. 718.786.6385

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Movies in Astoria Park

Finally, we have the 411 on the film series in Astoria Park! They are:

July 13th at 8:30 pm
Twilight

July 20th at 8:30 pm
Surfs Up

July 27th at 8:15 pm
Grease

August 3rd at 8:15 pm
Dark Knight

August 17th at 8:00 pm
Wall E

All films are on Monday nights, Astoria Park lawn on Shore Blvd., between Hell Gate Bridge & the pool.

Great selections. Enjoy!

Drinking Liberally this Friday

Those crazy kids from Drinking Liberally will be gathering together again this Friday, July 10:

Our next Queens Drinking Liberally will be this Friday, July 10th from 7:30 pm onwards, at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria.

We will likely be meeting outside this Friday and I will be wearing a black shirt with the blue and red Drinking Liberally logo on it.

The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is at 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY. It is closest to the N/W train stop at Astoria Blvd (1 stop before the last). The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is the only old-fashioned outdoor beer garden in the city.

Cheers,

Donald & Stephanie

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Free Bike Helmets at Queensbridge Park!

Just read on astorians.com about free bike helmets being offered in LIC this weekend:
DOT Offers Free Bike Helmets at Queensbridge Park, Long Island City - July 11

The Department of Transportation will give away free bike helmets while supplies last on Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Queensbridge Park in Long Island City in partnership with Partnerships for Parks and Bike New York.

You must be present to get a helmet, and you must learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet before you receive it. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under age 18. Adults over age 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver.

Check the events calendar on the DOT Web site for other bike helmet events. Or, you can schedule a fitting for an NYC helmet at one of the DOT's Safety City locations in the five boroughs by calling 311. Safety City locations can be found at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/safety/safecity.shtml.

For additional information, call (212) 839-2200.

Monday, July 06, 2009

7th Annual Musical Saw Festival

Did you know that Astoria hosts a musical saw festival? And that one of the world's foremost musical saw player lives here in town? That would be Natalia 'Saw Lady' Paruz, founder of the festival. I saw her playing in one of the subway stations - no doubt you've seen her, too, at one point.

Here's some info on the festival, coming up on Saturday, July 18:
Join us at the 7th annual Musical Saw Festival in Astoria, where an attempt to break the Guinness World Record of the 'Largest Musical Saw Ensemble' will be conducted. The current record, set in Poland last year, is 27 musical saw players. Will we set a new world record in Astoria on July 18th?

The art form of making music with a carpenter's handsaw has been around for 300 years, but has become almost forgotten since the 1930's. The festival set up to make sure this unique art form does not disappear.

For the past 7 years Astoria became a pilgrimage spot for musical saw players from all over the world. In past years musical saw players from China, Japan, India, Germany, Canada and all over the USA participated. This year we have about 40 sawists coming from Japan, Belgium, Germany, Canada and all over the USA.

When: Saturday, July 18th, 2pm
Where: Trinity Church, 31-18 37th Street (37th street corner of 31st Avenue), Astoria
Admission: $10
Info: www.MusicalSawFestival.org
What: A Guinness World Record attempt for the 'Largest Musical Saw Ensemble'.
Four world premiers of music written especially for the musical saw will be featured, with participation of a string quartet, handbell group and soprano singer. Solos by many musical saw players from around the world and an art exhibit round up the festival. Saw players will also be treated to a workshop.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Astoria Music Now!

Astoria Music & Arts is putting together a great event on July 25 at Astoria Park. Here's a preview of things to come:

Astoria Music Now! is Astoria Music & Arts' 2nd Annual Music & Arts festival, an environmentally friendly day of family fun & education to be held on the Great Lawn at Astoria Park on July 25th, 2009.

Building upon last year's main & side stages, Astoria Music Now! is adding a third stage dedicated to world music, dj's, dance & theater arts. There will also be vendors selling crafts, clothing, art & food at the event. We continue our tradition of live music that spans various diverse cultures from the community.

Visitors will watch visual artists create works live, enjoy the sights and sounds of our culturally vibrant neighborhood and participate in this celebration of arts & music! We are still seeking volunteers, vendors, and visual artists. Activity are set to begin at 12 noon.

We are very proud to announce the 2009 gala line-up for the first two stages of our forth coming AMN! Fest.

There is a heavy neighborhood presence with these bands so mark your calenders for the largest FREE Astoria music event of the year!

More details on Facebook.

Hell Gate Stage (main stage 45min sets)

Panonian Wave
Seize Them!
Mainline Gypsy
Hank & Cupcakes
Missing Teens
Stone Robot
The Botz (featuring Bayard Russell)

Shore Stage (Quays Stage)

Gutter & Spine
Little Creatures
Dirty Wings
Illimanjaro
Bliminal
Bob Muir & The Enemy Below
Hops
Digamy
Jesse Pagano Band
Matthew Snow & The Way It Was


3rd (Theater Arts) Triboro Stage and 4th Solo Acoustic TBA

Where and When details:
Saturday, July 25, 2009
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Astoria Park Great Lawn & surrounding park areas
Astoria Park South, 21 Street, Hoyt Avenue, Ditmars Boulevard, East River
Astoria, NY