Astorian Weekend Edition 30.04.09

Thursday,shop at Ethereal Boutique (47-38 Vernon Blvd) in Long Island City and 10% of the proceeds will benefit Hour Children. They will be featuring styles from MINT Jodi Arnold™ and artwork by local artist, Vicky Barranguet. There will be wine and gift bags for the first 20 guests to purchase MINT Jodi Arnold styles!

Friday night Dutch Kills Bar (27-24 Jackson Ave) finally gets its unveiling! There's been plenty of buzz so now the big test, check em out and let us know if they rocked it.

This Saturday, City Year New York is having its 3rd Annual LICense to Serve Day in Long Island City. It's all going down from 9:30am to 3pm at Dutch Kills Park and Hour Children's “My Mother’s House”. There will be painting murals, playground games and gardening.
Volunteers need to register prior to the event by contacting Nick Florest at (646)-247-7735.

Sunday brings the first Spring Fling Market to Astoria. From 10:30am to 4:30pm join 40 vendors bringing us a variety of handmade, handcrafted and general cool stuff at the Cretan Omonia Association Hall building (32-33 31st St.). There will also be music and freshly made sweets and pastries.

Somewhere along the way, stop in at the Chicken Shack (35-02 30th Ave.) and get your grub on. I was pleasantly surprised not only by the quantity of food but the quality was pretty good too! Don't scoff at it, 2 people can get way overfull and still have leftovers for $20!

Dutch Kills Finally Opens Friday

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

This is what I hope to be the last work-in-progress update on LIC's Dutch Kills bar--it's finally opening this Friday according to an article that I read on Urban Daddy. The feel of this place is characterized as a "1980's neighborhood saloon, with dark, coffered mahogany walls and ceilings, white tile floors and antique cash registers." Sounds snazzy. Live music is also part of the deal and their back room piano will be put to good use. I'm certainly intrigued and will be checking it out next week. More details to come but if you're dying to go there, know that it'll finally be open this Friday.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

Two Interesting Food Events this Weekend

From the Eating in Translation blog - looks great!:

St. George Church Fundraising Fair
Saturday, April 25, noon-6:00
38-25 31st St. (38th-39th Aves.), Long Island City, Queens
"Egyptian and Middle Eastern food, desserts, and groceries" are promised; have a look at this flyer, spotted last week in Astoria, and you'll know everything about the event that I do.

Indonesian food bazaar
Sunday, April 26, 10:00ish-4:00
Outside the Al-Hikmah Mosque, 48-01 31st Ave. (at 48th St.), Astoria, Queens
"The food is authentic, the vendors mostly sell the food at their home or special order only." wrote the Eating In Translation fan who steered me to this event last year, where I enjoyed made-to-order lothek and much more. It's held several times during the summer, but just when, I usually learn only on short notice. Free admission

April Queens Green Drinks

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 22, is this month's installment of Queens Green Drinks. It will be hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance, and held at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (aka Astoria Beer Garden!) at 29-19 24th Ave. Come by and meet up with fellow green-minded folks. Here's some more info from the organizers:

What's Queens Green Drinks again?

Very simply, it's an informal social gathering/networking event for folks that are environmentally minded. Come and we'll introduce you to some of the other like minded folks in and around Queens. If we're lucky (which is likely) we'll cross pollinate make new friends, catch up with old ones, and maybe even sprout an idea or three.

About Astoria Park Alliance

The Astoria Park Alliance is a community group whose mission is to beautify, enhance, and encourage involvement at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance is comprised of butterfly garden makers, bird watchers, exercise gurus, recycling fanatics, dog owners, runners, cyclists, swimmers, waterfront revelers, event planners, bloggers, firework watchers, bridge appreciators, tennis players, picnickers, future skateboarders and regular 'ole community folks. Astoria Park is also a 64 acre beauty of a park that boasts one of the most romantic views of Manhattan. Bonus, it is a short skip from the Astoria Beer Garden!

Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m. and will go for a couple of hours. I've heard rumors of beer specials, too. See you then!

April is Grilled Cheese Month

Um, so I just learned that April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Wish I'd known it sooner! My pick for the tastiest grilled cheese in Astoria is from Sparrow, pictured above. It is truly delicious. Another good "grilled cheese", though it's not in the classic style, is the mozzarella, tomato, and pesto panino at Il Bambino.

Where is you favorite grilled cheese sandwiche in Astoria? Let us know in the comments!

Photo credit: Susan Vasconcelos

Kite Making Workshop

For a number of years Socrates Sculpture Park and the Noguchi Museum team up to present a kite making workshop and flying event. It's hands on at Socrates and is open to kids of all ages. It's especially great for families - everyone gets to make something out in the fresh air. Recycled paper is used, which is extra cool. So, get your creative juices flowing by creating, decorating, and flying your very own kite!

No need to register beforehand, but it is a popular event, so come early! The workshop will be held rain or shine in the education area at Socrates.

KITE FLIGHT: PAPER PLAY
Seventh Annual Kite Making Workshop
Sunday, April 26, 2009 / 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (rain or shine)
FREE EVENT: The workshop is free and all materials are provided.

Image courtesy of Socrates Sculpture Park.

Movie Night at Bistro Les Minots

Bistro Les Minots, the new French eatery on 30th Avenue is hosting its first French movie night this Sunday. The event sounds lovely and intimate, also allowing you to sample their simple yet delicious cuisine. I recommend munching on truffle fries (pictured above) and indulging in their classic French desserts such as profiteroles. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 19th
1st showing: 5:30pm
2nd showing: 7:30pm

Both movies are French with English subtitles.

Email or call Bistro Les Minots to reserve your spot.
bistrolesminots@gmail.com
718.606.2535

Bistro Les Minots
47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
www.bistrolesminots.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 16.4.09

This Thursday, join Jimmy van Bramer at The Creek for a fundraising party for his candidacy for the 26th City Council district. Apart from the interesting discussions that will no doubt crop up during, The Creek has some tasty food. The guac and salsa app is good, and I've enjoyed the fish tacos as well.

This is Eastern Orthodox Holy Week, so in Astoria, Greek Easter is just around the corner. But you can see an amazing procession on Friday evening, around 8 p.m. To see the Good Friday procession/epitaphios that involves congregants from three local Greek churches (St. Catherine, St. Markella and St. Irene), stand on the corner of 31st Street and 23rd Avenue. Make sure you have a delicious loaf of tsoureki on hand to celebrate this weekend, too.

Saturday is chock full of fun! Head over to Astoria Park around noon for the Astoria Park Alliance Earth Day celebration - meet up by the butterfly garden under the Hellgate Bridge. At 2:30 p.m., stop at Soleil Cafe (37-14 Astoria Blvd) and meet up with the Astoria Artists are Awesome group to discuss the future of the arts in town. At 6 p.m., the Queens is Green Fashion Show starts up at Green Space in LIC (37-24 24th Street, #301). And finally, AMandA in Wonderland (38-01 23rd Ave), with its myriad music and arts, goes on for 12 hours (starting at 4 p.m.), into the wee hours of the morning.

The next morning, er, afternoon, you can find tasty grub nearby at Sparrow for brunch.

A Wonderland in Astoria

I'm sure you've seen the big brick building on the corner of 38th St and 23rd Ave before. I knew of it as a rental space for musicians up until now. It also houses an artist collective of sorts! Here's you're big chance to check it out. Join Astoria Music & Arts on Saturday for 12 hours of AMandA in Wonderland. There will be so much more then I can even type in here and still keep your attention. but from their facebook, here's some info:

Wonderland (38-01 23rd Ave)
4pm-4am
$10 in advance $15 @ the door
Times of performances to be announced stay tuned for updates

Wonderland and Astoria Music and Arts are both dedicated to the enrichment of the artistic community in the Astoria/LIC area and beyond. Only with a network and community of artists will this come to fruition. This is for all of us and a great opportunity for all of us to build together.

This event is a fundraiser for our HUGE festival in Astoria Park on July 25th!

PRESALE/ $10 DISCOUNTED TICKETS: http://www.myspace.com/astoriamusiciansunite

So yeah, we're talking bellydancers, djays, comedy, hula hooping, poetry, theatre, art, drumming, dancing and a whole lot more! I will be there at some point with my big camera in hand to document some of this craziness so feel free if you think you see me- stop me and i'll totally snap a pic! This should really be a good time, there was a poetry event there 2 weeks ago that was incredible so I expect the same and more. Come out and show your support for the local art scene.

Bare Burger: The Details

So, I contacted the proprietor of the coming Bare Burger, and come to you with lots of info! Here is what I've learned:

Bare Burger is an organic burger company, started by some friends who were born and raised in Astoria and wanted to open up a tasty eatery in their hometown.

Their menu is going to offer a wide variety of organic burgers: grass fed meats, including Piedmontese beef, bison, elk, ostrich, lamb, turkey, chicken, and even a veggie burger. Traditional sides like fries will accompany the burgers. I expect there will be other kinds of apps and sides, too. They estimate that close to 90 percent of their menu is organic, from the meats, veggies, bread, cheeses and salad dressings.

The fries are cooked in 100 peanut oil and cut fresh daily. The burger will be offered in three different ways: on a bun, in a wrap, or wrapped in iceberg lettuce. They also have plans for a healthy smoothie and even an organic beer menu, once the liquor license is had.

Pricewise, a standard bareburger (meat, special bareburger sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese and fries), will be about $10 or so. This is for an organic meal.

It's very cool what they are doing with the inside of the space. According to the owner, "A good majority of the decor consists of salvaged materials. For example, the ceiling is stained and glazed salvaged barn siding, the table tops from storm ravaged trees, the floors are bamboo, cork bathroom tiles, the chandeliers are made from spoons and forks from New York City Hotels, circa. 1930's, booths upholstered with 100 percent biodegradable fabric." Additionally, a lot of their equipment is also energy rated efficient.

They aim to make the best burger possible, and organic suits their needs in this respect.

I, for one, am looking forward to this! We'll let you know when they open.

Upcoming Fundraiser

So, when I was at Green Drinks last month, I met a nice guy named Jimmy van Bramer. He's running for City Council's 26th District (that's where Eric Gioia is right now, but he's leaving and running for another position). He is a Democrat, passionate about green and environmental issues, and is committed to bettering his community.

He's out there raising funds for his campaign and has put together a great event this Thursday over at The Creek in LIC. If you're curious about what his positions are, are looking to support someone who feels similarly about the environment as you do, or if you just want to bend his ear about local issues, consider coming by. Any donation amount will be welcome.

Along with your donation, please consider bringing a donation of canned organic or locally produced food to the party. To help out needy families and highlight the need for better healthy food access, all of the food will be donated to a local food pantry.

Here are the details:

Earth Day fundraiser for Jimmy Van Bramer
Thursday, April 16, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
The Creek
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, Queens (map)
Just steps away from the #7 Train at Vernon-Jackson and the G Train at 21st Street/Van Alst.

Feel free to RSVP on Facebook or at jimmyvanbramer@aol.com. See you there!

BareBurger

BareBurger
Originally uploaded by mcotner

So, I've heard from two people about this place, so I had to go check it out. Looks promising and I'm certainly intrigued. This is in the old Thessaloniki Bakery spot on 31st Ave and 34th Street. It's next to the Himalayan Tea House and kitty corner from the Djerdan-Il Bambino-Zenon Taverna corner as well. We'll be keeping an eye on it.

EDIT: They have a website, but it has no info.

Easter Hungries

Trying to figure out where to have a nice meal on Easter Sunday? Check out the run down by our own Foodista of tasty eats in town!

Where to Eat on Easter Sunday [The Foodista]

We're Tweeting!

We're happy to announce that Joey in Astoria has expanded its presence in the social networking world. In addition to Facebook, we're also now on Twitter. Check us out here for the latest updates on posts and what we're up to.

Follow us here! Tweet-tweet...

Candy Plum Trunk Sale This Weekend

I had a chance to see some of Candy Plum's offerings at the Carnaval a Brick Cafe, and they were really nice! This weekend they are having a trunk sale, so come on down and check it out.

Candy Plum Trunk Sale!
2-6 p.m.
Saturday, April 11th

Featuring Lucia and her entire new collection of Lucia O Bags; there will also be a selection of Nick and Jo dresses and sweaters at 30% off; Deluex handbags, our new collection of Gestuz dress and tops & Threads for Thought t-shirts.

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Candy Plum
30-98 36th street
Astoria, NY
718-721-2299

MOMI: Spring Break Family Fun

The Museum of the Moving Image has lots of activities for families throughout next week. I wanted to pass them on to you:

SPRING BREAK FAMILY FUN
Museum open Monday–Friday, April 13–17, 2009
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Motion Workshop (for children 6-12)
Daily at 11:30 a.m.
30 mins. Children learn the basic principles behind how moving images move and make their own Thaumatrope—a 19th century optical toy—to take home. $5 materials fee / Free for Museum members. Space is limited. Register when you arrive at the Museum.

Animation Workshops (for children 8 and up)
Daily at 12:30, 2, and 3:30 p.m.
60 mins. Children make their own stop-motion animations and share them online. Click here to view a sample animation created by a workshop participant. $10 materials fee / $5 for Museum members. Space is limited. Register when you arrive at the Museum.

Screening: A Grand Day Out
Daily at 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m.
In Tut's Fever Movie Palace
1989, 23 mins. Directed by Nick Park. In this Academy Award-nominated short film by Aardman Studios, the inventor Wallace and his canine sidekick Gromit take a trip to the moon to replenish their cheese supply. Shown in Tut’s Fever Movie Palace, a large-scale artwork by Red Grooms and Lysiane Luong. Suitable for all ages.

Classic Video Arcade Games
In Behind the Screen
Fourteen classic arcade games, including Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac-Man, and Space Invaders, all playable, in the interactive exhibition, Behind the Screen. Tokens are four for $1.

$5 suggested admission (includes screening).
Free for Museum members and children under 8.

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.04.09

With Passover this week and Easter on Sunday, there are plenty of interesting happs and offerings, guaranteed to spice up the weekend.

Enjoy a delicious Italian Easter feast at Vesta. Their offer includes a mix of brunch and dinner dishes such as hangover pizza and delectable braised lamb shank (pictured above). There’s no prix-fixe, which is probably better on the wallet. 21-02 3oth Ave, Astoria. 718.545.5550.

The Beer Garden will also host an Easter celebration this Sunday from 1pm – 5pm, complete with an Easter egg hunt, egg painting and live entertainment. Feast on traditional Czech dishes for $19.95 per person. 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Are you looking to treat your family and friends to some Easter yummies? Check out Rosario’s Deli, an Italian specialty foods shop with tasty sweets such as giant hazelnut/chocolate Easter eggs. They feature weekly specials—and I just bought dark chocolate Baci truffles there for a very good price. 22-55 31^st Street, Astoria. 718.728.2920

Besides at Rosario’s, you can get your Easter dessert at the various bakeries in Astoria. Some of the better ones that feature Italian-style treats include Frank’s (36-02 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.7813), La Guli (29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.728.5612) and Rose and Joe’s (22-40 31^st Street, Astoria. 718.721.9422).

Aside from Easter festivities, you can attend LIC Bar’s Sunday Social with free live music and $4 beers. This weekly event is hosted by Irish songwriter, Niall Connolly every Sunday from 5pm – 8pm. 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400.

TONIGHT! Update meeting on the Astoria Gas Turbine Power Facility (NRG Energy) Repowering Project

Thanks to GreenShores for alerting us to this:

There will be a community update meeting on the Astoria Gas Turbine Power Facility (NRG Energy) Repowering Project:

Thursday, April 9, 2009
7 p.m.
Riccardo's Restaurant (21-01 24th Avenue, Astoria)

After hosting their initial meeting, along with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in November 2008, NRG Energy has submitted its permit applications and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in support of this project. Currently, NYSDEC personnel are reviewing these documents before submission for public comment.

The repowering project will replace all of the existing almost 40 year-old turbines at the facility with four new turbines.

Meeting attendees will hear a short overview about the recently submitted applications and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss the project informally with NRG representatives and consultants.

ALL are welcome to attend this meeting!

For more information about this project:
www.dec.ny.gov
www.nrgenergy.com

Final scoping documents are available for public review at:

Queens Library, Steinway Branch: 21-45 31st Street
Queens Library, Astoria Branch: 14-01 Astoria Blvd
NYSDEC Website: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6061.html

Queens is Green Fashion Show

I wanted to pass this on to all of you - it was a very successful event last year, and I expect it will be this year as well!

Saving the planet with savvy and style has never been easier! The Second Annual Queens is Green Fashion Show is scheduled during the week of Earth Day to highlight clothing and accessories that look good and are good for the planet. Green fashion isn't just clothing made with sustainable fabrics like hemp or bamboo silk, but also includes items that are handmade or refashioned from recycled or reusable products. All twelve fashion and jewelry designers have a local Queens connection.

WHEN: Saturday, April 18th from 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Green Space (37-24 24th St. #301) in Long Island City/Astoria
FREE WITH RSVP: Space is limited. Email Lynne Serpe at queensisgreen@gmail.com to reserve your space.

The Queens is Green Fashion Show is organized by Triple R Events (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) a project of Lynne Serpe and Robyn Sklar Nelson. Lynne & Robyn are long-time Green Party members who don't just vote green - they live green. They organize free monthly green events in LIC/Astoria that are fun and educational, not boring and preachy.

The Queens is Green Fashion Show is co-sponsored by Green Space, Valerie Green Dance Entropy, Candy Plum, Ethereal, Loveday 31, Ins&Outs Magazine and the Green Institute.

For a list of designers and our panel of judges, please visit the Triple R Events site.

Delicious Watermelon Treat at Waltz

Last night I went to Waltz Astoria to see a friend of mine play a piece written by another friend of mine (along with other selections). The performances were great and the music was really interesting. Nice to see friends there, too. Part of the admission was a $10 food/drink minimum, and I chose this watermelon icy drink. I was told it was a traditional Chinese treat. Basically watermelon, a little sugar and some ice, all ground up to a slushy consistency. It was great! I loved it and I definitely see more of this watermelon goodness in my future. I bet anyone who loves watermelon will love this.

Also, congratulations to Song, proprietrix of Waltz! She's pregnant and looks fabulous. Lots of good wishes to her and her husband Pedro.

Mooned on Ditmars

So, on my way to Waltz Astoria tonight, I came across a guy with a telescope on the sidewalk at 29th and Ditmars. He said "Hey, do you wanna see the moon?" He was asking everyone who passed by. So, I looked through the viewfinder and there it was - the moon! It was pretty cool looking.

I think this was part of the 100 Hours of Astronomy event that happened April 2-5. I wish it happened more often!

Carnaval a Brick Cafe Photos

Well, I made it over to the Carnaval a Brick Cafe in late March. It was lovely! Here's a slideshow of the wares that were available there. Click through to any picture for a link to each artist's website, too. Enjoy!

Spring Flea Market this Saturday

I almost forgot to post this! From the email from the director of D.A. Sokol, a volunteer organization that provides very low-cost gymnastics to kids in Astoria and its neighboring communities at Astoria's very own Bohemian Hall.

[Come by the] spring flea market on Saturday, April 4th, from 1 to 4 pm to help us raise money for our gymnasts to travel to Texas for a competition in June, and to help local artists and designers gain exposure. Local artists and designers will be selling their work at the indoor hall adjacent to the beer garden (with Mothers' Day coming up, there's some great gift ideas). There's no admission fee or anything, and it should be really cool!

Sounds like a great cause to support, plus it's always interesting to see what local artists and designers are up to. If you go, let us kow how you liked it!

Word on the street is that the Beer Garden takes credit cards now. So, when you're done shopping, head out to the garden for some beer and grub.

Bistro 33: Best Dish Battle

This came through my mailbox this morning. Sounds like a good challenge!

Love to cook? Family and friends beg for a dinner invitation? Dream of being a chef? Have a couple, or even just one signature dish? Then this is for you...
[All you professional cooks, sit this one out. You spend enough time in the kitchen]

How to enter:

Submit a recipe for your best dish by April 24th, 2009

The 3 winning recipes will cook off at Bistro 33 and let the crowd and a few guest judges decide whose cuisine reigns supreme.

The winner will receive culinary gifts along with local fame.

(who can argue with local fame?)

Bistro 33
1933 Ditmars Blvd
Astoria, NY 11105
718-721-1933

Astorian Weekend Edition 02.04.09

Tonight, celebrate another year of Site (35-11 34th Ave) and all their fun stuff :)

Sit in for another interesting movie at the Museum of the Moving Image (35 Ave. at 37 St.) selection on Friday.
Or you can do what I'm doing and rock out at Vikingo's (35-55 33rd St) from 6-10pm.

There's Tablao Flamenco going on at 8:30pm at Auditorium Centro Espanol (41-01 Broadway, 2nd Fl). Ticket info and reservations: (718) 392-8888 or (917) 288-7996.

Oh the yummy sugar rushes to be had at the Creek (10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC) on Saturday morning from 10am to 2pm with a bowl of your favorite cereals and some old school cartoons! There is a $5 cover but come on, you get robots and vintage cartoons WITH commercials and alcohol to boot!

Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) has Grooveskool on Saturday. Funky music and a chill space, it might even be warm enough to start using the backyard. The party starts at 10pm and lasts til 4am, no cover.