Astorian Weekend Edition, 05.11.09

This weekend brings us Leaf Fest, right here at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance, working with the Queens Botanical Garden/Queens Compost Project, is collecting your fall leaves for composting (volunteers will turn the pile and gardeners will be able to partake in the compost come spring). Bring them with you to the Astoria Park parking lot on Sunday the 8th, between 11 a.m and 1 p.m., and volunteers will be happy to collect what you have. You'll be able to learn more about composting, too. If you can, please bring any non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries. Leaf Fest continues on Sunday the 15th and 22nd, too.

Craving pork by chance? Head over to Sac's on Broadway for their annual pig roast. Around 8 p.m. on Thursday night the pig (actually two of them) will be cooked to the point of juicy deliciousness, having roasted on a spit all day. Call 718-204-5002 for reservations on Thursday, November 5 and Thursday, November 12. Sac's is at 25-41 Broadway.

Rèst Âü Ránt, home of the diacriticals, is turning two this weekend! Saturday hails their anniversary party, complete with live music, specials, passed hors d'ouvres and more! Party starts at 9, yum. The fun lives at 30-01 35th Avenue.

Remember the crap weather on October 24th? It totally harshed the plans for It's My Park Day at Queensbridge Park, so much so that they had to postpone it! Good news: this Saturday's the day! The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes til 2 p.m. Consider registering if you're part of a group (contact greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com to register or if you have questions). Snacks and supplies will be provided for all volunteers.

Finally, Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) presents The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter Contest. Details for contestants are here, and it looks like it could be a really good time. The festivities start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Sunday finale starts at 8 p.m. Come see and support great local talent. Also try the pumpkin pie - it's totally NOM-able.

Astorian Weekend Edition 20.08.09

With only half of a rainy weekend ahead, enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities--from shopping, an outdoor movie and lots and lots of eating.

What could be better on a hot day than a cold, creamy gelato or a cup of ices? I recently tried some delicious hazelnut gelato and chocolate ices from Terrizzi Pasticceria. Both were awesome and super refreshing. They have a variety of flavors and the place doesn’t get busy, so you’ll get quick service. 35-14 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.9698

Not far from Terrizzi is Thai Pavilion, which is known for good, consistent Thai food. You can visit the original location on 30^th Avenue (37-10 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718777.5546) or you can check out the brand, spankin’ new one on 21^st Street and 24^th Avenue (23-92 21^st Street, Astoria). If you’re in the nabe and feel like having Italian food instead, you can pop into DaFranco’s next door (23-92 21^st Street, Astoria. 718.267.0010)—they also serve homemade gelato (pictured above). 22-36 31^th Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100

One last call for eating...Sac’s Place is celebrating their 20^th Anniversary by scaling back their prices to year 1989. This enticing offer is going on between now and Sunday and you must dine in the restaurant to get the discount. Buon compleanno Sac’s! 25-41 Broadway, Astoria. 718.204.5002

Our newest guest blogger, Mackenzi shone a spotlight on a fabulous Astoria boutique, Inside Astoria. Take a walk over there this weekend and check out their cool collection of furniture, books, kid’s items, jewelry and so much more. You can even enjoy a complimentary glass of vino while shopping. 37-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.956.4000

Extend your weekend activities through Monday by attending a fun and informative movie premiere about the history of Astoria. The Human Family Tree, brought to you by National Geographic and narrated by Kevin Bacon “demonstrates how we all share common ancestors who embarked on very different journeys.” Monday, August 24^th at 8p.m. in Astoria Park, no RSVP required (Shore Blvd between Hell Gate Bridge and the pool).