So I've heard...

KrisTEES was recognized on stage by Mayor Bloomberg in his State of the City speech last week (video). Congrats to Kristie Foster and her lovely boutique on 23rd Ave.

The new Lebanese place on 31st Street is gaining quite a following after only being open a short time. Haddad's is serving tasty food at great prices. From one Astorian, "Apparently the place was packed, and there was a bit of a line out the door."

Rèst Âü Ránt finally has a new website: http://www.rarbarlic.com

Il Bambino is now serving brunch, with new menu items, including about 12 new panini, most containing egg. They've also put together some new cheese plates, sourced from Murray's. Come by for a taste of some rare and amazing cheeses from around the world, and some interesting new sandwiches.

After my two most recent meals at Sweet Afton, I can say without a doubt, that their burger is the best in Astoria, having surpassed my previous favorite from Sparrow. As you know, too, Sweet Afton is serving brunch, and the burger is served with an egg, which is totally yummy. More about that later.

According to their newsletter, Winegasm is putting together Wine and Chess gatherings on Saturdays from 12-4pm. Coffee and free pastries apparently are in the mix.

LIC gets screwed by the MTA. In MTAspeak:
"No 7 trains between Times Sq and Queensboro Plaza. The N, Q, S and free shuttle buses provide alternate service. Weekends, 11:30 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Jan 29 - Feb 1."
Actually, reports say that service will be suspended on 10 weekends, total, so that's a PITA for 7 train riders until the first weekend in April.  If you can get yourself to LIC by other ways, I salute you.  The businesses there will need our support during this strange time.

Unfamiliar and mysterious fast food is coming to Astoria:  Texas-based Wingstop and California-based Submarina California Subs (never heard of them, says this native Californian) will be here soon.

Vesta is holding a Super Bowl Sunday event! YUM. Judith posts over on The Foodista: "They're having a celebration in honor of the big game, including a special "gametime menu," raffles and opportunities to win prizes including Vesta, Sweet Afton, Locale and Hell Gate Social gift certificates, as well as a dinner with me, your Foodista."

These bunny pillows over on SITE are the cutest!!

Astorian Weekend Edition, 14.01.10

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend!  I envy you lucky ducks that get Monday off.  This is a great weekend to relax and enjoy your time away from the office, and remember what this man did for our country.

On Monday, the MOMI has a bunch of great stuff going on that appeals to both kids and adults.  Be sure to check out the video games while you're there, one of the coolest parts of the place, IMO.

This weekend is a good opportunity to stop by KrisTEES (24-01 23rd Avenue) to check out their big winter sale. Save from 25-60% off on coats, dresses, blouses, handbags, and lots more. Ethereal Boutique (47-38 Vernon Boulevard, 1L) is also having a sale this weekend, with party dresses, winter merchandise, and furnishings available.

At Parrot Market on Ditmars (31-12 Ditmars Blvd), they receive a delivery of a very delicious Romanian sweet bread every Friday. It's a yeasted bread dough with a swirl of walnuts and chocolate inside. Really delicious, and at $9.99 it's a special treat. It's especially good toasted with butter. If you can stop by for a loaf, I highly recommend it. While you're there, take a peek at the cured meat products in the back refrigerator, the olive bar, and the homemade phyllo pastries.

On Saturday, the weather is supposed to be stellar, temperature-wise. I've been running in Astoria Park this week, and have loved seeing the amazing sunrises we've had. It should be nice enough for a brisk walk with a friend - and bring your dog with you if you'd like to socialize with other dog owners, as Saturday mornings are filled with dogs romping around (supervised by their humans, of course).

Brunch is coming to Sweet Afton (30-09 34th Street)! I was fortunate enough to be invited for a preview of their brunch last weekend, and it was awesome. I'll post more about it later, but for now, take a look at Judith's rundown of a wonderful new brunch menu in the neighborhood.

New Year's Eve in Astoria

New Year's Eve is almost upon us.  If you're looking for a way to celebrate, there's no need to leave Astoria - there's plenty to do right here in town!  Here's what has come our way as far as tasting menus, prix fixe menus, and other celebrations.  Happy New Year, Astoria!

718, 35-01 Ditmars Blvd. 718-204-5553
"Join us for New Year's celebration - DJ Leon kicks off with Sounds of the 80's and Latin Music, starting at 11 p.m."

Bistro 33, 1933 Ditmars Blvd. 718-721-1933
A la carte menu Bistro 33 available all night (reservations suggested).
Special chef’s tasting menu beginning at 9:30 pm at Side Door. 6 course tasting menu with wine pairings, champagne toast at midnight. $95 per person. Reservation only.
New Year’s Day brunch 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Bistro Les Minots, 47-16 30th Avenue, 718-606-2535
Special 4 course menu, two seatings at 6 p.m. ($39.95 per person) and 9 p.m. ($49.95 per person).

DiWine, 41-15 31st Ave. 718-777-1355
Four course dinner, $70 per person,
Seating from 8-11 p.m. (regular dinner from 5-7)
Live DJ, complimentary champagne toast, party favors, free h'ors d'oeuves after midnight.

Gleasons Bar, 33-08 Broadway. 718-626-5393
"We're inviting everyone down New Years Eve. We have a kick ass band and its $60 at the door for an open bar (Top Shelf) and buffet dinner from 9 p.m to midnight. Doors will open to the public at Midnight! God Bless & Happy New Year!!!"

Hell Gate Social, 12-21 Astoria Blvd. 718-204-8313
"Ring in the New Year with the Times Square Ball drop live on our big screen, free champagne and some tasty hors d'oeuvres to snack on served throughout the night. DJ Blasphemey and The Two Bloody Tampons are lined up to keep us dancing through 2010! Doors open at nine. NO COVER."

Mundo, 31-18 Broadway, #E (on 32nd St.). 718-777-2829
Prix fixe dinner, $65 per person.
Seatings at 6:30-8:30 p.m. and 9-midnight.
For reservations call or place online.

Rest-au-Rant, 30-01 35th Ave. 718-729-9009
Free champagne toast at midnight, $3 shots, free platter of cold cuts or champagne bottle to groups of 5 or more, no cover charge.

Sweet Afton, 30-09 34th St. 718-777-2570
"Join Sweet Afton for an open bar from 9 p.m.-midnight with appetizers all night. Tickets will sell out, so purchase your tickets at the bar today."

Vesta, 21-02 30th Avenue. 718-545-5550
Sspecial 4 course prix fixe dinner.
Three seatings available: 6:00 p.m. $45 per person; 8:00 p.m. $55 per person; 9:30/10:00 p.m. $65 per person.
Party favors, Live broadcast of NYE in Times Square, Complimentary welcome glass and midnight toast, Black and  White attire recommended, not required.

Astorian Weekend Edition 17.12.09

We are approaching the end of Hanukkah (did you have latkes? jelly doughnuts? mmm....) and Christmas is fast approaching.  Still looking for the perfect gift?  Definitely check out the upcoming local markets this Sunday, where you can support local artisans and craftspeople. Both locations - Waltz and Sweet Afton - serve great food, so you can nosh on something while you're there.

For more shopping, head over to LIC on Friday for their Midnight Madness shopping extravaganza.  Lots of local shops will be open late til' midnight, plus there are extras to entice you, like free hot chocolate at Manducatis Rustica and "buy one get one free antipasto" at Testaccio. I was just down there this past weekend - if you find yourself there earlier in the evening, be sure to stop by at Sweetleaf Cafe for some delicious coffee.

Those crazy cats at Why Leave Astoria?! are holding their annual holiday party at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) on Sunday night at 7 p.m. They're combining a number of things into one ball of fun: a holiday market (for last minute gift ideas), a coat drive (for NY Cares), a raffle (gift certificates to local establishments, and a luxury VA mountain weekend getaway), and a prix fixe dinner ($25 gets you 3-courses and a glass of wine). RSVP, please.

For something completely different, consider The Secret Theatre's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring the Queen's Players. Performances are this weekend (December 16-20) and later performances on January 1-3. Shows are at 8 p.m., plus December 19 and 20 matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $15, available online, or direct from the box office. Group discounts available.  718.392.0722

And finally, for a delightful dose of history, the Greater Astoria Historical Society (35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor) hosts an afternoon of American history. Along with Tony Pignataro and fellow history enthusiast Al Ronzoni, they will present dramatic and video illustrations of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware River, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Battle of the Bulge. The event starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and discussion will follow the main presentation.  Free!

Finally Fridays - Burgers

Friday is here and we couldn't be happier. This week's Finally Fridays focuses on a comfort food that's hard to beat--burgers. Here are our top 5 picks for traditional and not-so-ordinary boighahs.

Sparrow Burger - Grass fed burger with thick-cut bacon and herbed fries
24-01 29th Street, Astoria. 718.606.2260


Sweet Afton Burger - Organic beef, Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, sweet brioche bun
30-09 34th Street, Astoria. 718.777.2570


BareBurger Lamburger - Lamb patty, yogurt sauce, caramelized onions, 7 grain bun
33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718777.7011


Indigo Turkey Burger - Turkey, toasted sesame seed bun, hand cut fries, cranberry mayo
28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050


Fatty's Turkey Burger - Turkey, jalapeno mayo, peppers, onions and a side of house salad
25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.267.7071

Enjoy these fun varieties and let us know your personal burger faves.

Halloween in Astoria

Halloween is almost upon us! There are a number of events going on in the neighborhood, and here's what we know so far. All events start the evening of Halloween proper, October 31.  If you know of any additional partays, please post in the comments!

Halloween at Sweet Afton

after dark and into the night...
30-09 34th Street
Astoria
Best Costume Grande Prize:  all you can eat & drink evening for two at Sweet Afton.
[website]

Halloween Masquerade at Domaine Bar A Vins

5:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
50-04 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
[Facebook]
You are spookily invited to Domaine Wine Bar Masquerade Bash on Saturday, November 31st....come drink, dance, haunt and bite with us...

Hell Gate Social Halloween Bash

7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
12-21 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria
[Facebook]
The fun starts off w/ DJ Belladonna spinning the scariest grooves this side of the Mississippi. She will then hand off the reigns to the Two Bloody Tampons who will continue the mayhem. And let's not forget the Costume Contest.... and all the fun games we have planned (scary movie clip contest, mummy wrap contest, and Mad Libs).

Why Leave Astoria?! Halloween Party at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

8:00 p.m.
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria
[RSVP]
WLA?! is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!

Halloween Extravaganza at The Creek LIC

8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City
[Facebook]
Come support Promethean Theatre Company as we celebrate Halloween with drink specials, tarot cards, live music, beer pong and lots more! Don't forget to come dressed in your favorite costume (contest!) to compete for cool prizes. $10.00 donation ($15.00 if you don't have a costume).

Halloween Party at Rèst Âü Ránt

9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
30-01 35th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Join us for our 2nd annual Halloween Party! We will have party favors, food, and drink specials, and best costume prizes!

The Zombie Stomp Social at Shillelagh Tavern

9:00 p.m.
47-22 30th Avenue
Astoria
[astorians]
Don’t miss this ferociously ghoulish party at Shillelagh in Astoria. AM&A presents games and a costume contest with a cash prize!! $10 cover.

Halloween Masquerade Ball at Ovelia Psistaria Bar

11:00 p.m. to 4:20 a.m.
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Enjoy Halloween festivities in an intimate venue with good friends, music, drinks and costumes!

Rioja Restaurant Week in Astoria

Via a recent Tasting Table mailer, I learned of the upcoming Rioja Restaurant Week.  What is Rioja Restaurant Week?  Well, from October 18-25, restaurants around the city will highlight Rioja wines, complete with wine and food specials (prix fixe menus, or other food and wine deals).  According to their website, two Astoria restaurants will participate:  Sweet Afton and 718.  Could be a good deal - keep an eye on their website for more info and developments.

I will say that on the website, it is a bit dated to separate things by a handful of neighborhoods in Manhattan and then simply "outer boroughs".  These days, these boroughs have made great culinary steps forward, that lumping them all together is a real shame, and short-sighted.  Or, was it simply a rush job on the part of the person/group programming together the drop-down menus?  Who knows, but it looks bad.  Here's hoping they get some feedback on this so they can avoid this in the future.

Photo courtesy of Magnus_Manske via a Creative Commons license.

Sweet Afton Opens

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

I love it when Astoria gets play in Manhattan-drenched newsletters, and today's Urban Daddy revealed the official opening of new speakeasy-ish bar, Sweet Afton, which we've had our eye on.

The owners, who've also started West Village bar, Wilfie and Nell, spread their philosophy of serving "good drinks and locally sourced food" to this new Astorian addition.

It was exciting to take a peek at their no bull*&%$ menu, which includes beer battered fried pickles with smoky sauce, Irish sausage wrapped and baked in puff pastry and their signature burger. You could sneak a peek at the menu here, as well as see a slide show of their digs. Read the full UD write-up here.

We'll have some more input from Mackenzi next week, but these deets should tide your curiosity over in the meantime.

Sweet Afton - 30-09 34th Street, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.2570
N/W Train to 30th Avenue
www.sweetaftonbar.com

So I've heard...

New brick oven pizza is coming! It will be on the corner of 37th Street and 30th Ave. If it's good, this will only pump up the awesomeness that is this block. Looking forward to trying it. [foodista]

Top Tomato has closed! So sad! According to my sources, the rent was being raised, Top Tomato said no to it and said bye-bye. I don't know how sad they were to close, but I do know there were there for over 20 years, so I expect it was a huge disappointment at least. Will more greengrocers crop up as a result? Will neighboring Taverna Kyclades expand into that space? Your guess is as good as mine. We shall see. [astorians]

I walked by Sweet Afton last week and saw some beautiful new windows installed in the front. I have high hopes for this place, and really look forward to enjoying a pint and some grub there very soon. [walking around]

There's a new wine store on Broadway (near 34th/35th Streets). Good prices and 10% off right now. They are open til 11 during the week, midnight on Saturday and 8pm on Sunday (you can thank NYS laws for that). [astorians]

New tapas restaurant La Rioja on Broadway should open very soon. People have seen the doors open, revealing a nice dining area. La Rioja is in the old Arcos space. I can't wait to try it, and would so love that it might be as good as my all-time favorite tapas place, Cesar. [astorians]

A reader told us about a new gelato place on 35th Ave near 37th Street, called Berry Lover. Well, I was over there yesterday and tried it. It's very tasty with a nice smooth consistency (sort of like very thick soft-serve or frozen custard). I tried the pistachio, nutella, and almond joy; I chose the almond joy (I love coconut). I'd definitely go back to try other things, including their sorbets; they also have frozen yogurt (but please don't call it "froyo"). [walking around]

There's a new cafe in the Ditmars area: Surf Astoria. It's up the stairs by the produce market and McDo's, set next to the Giving Tree Yoga Studio. They have tea, coffee, snacks (sometimes they have Martha's cupcakes and black and whites), internet access, and a really nice staff. You can follow them on twitter, too. [walking around]

S'Agapo has changed!! Apparently they're now called Sofia. According to an 8/15/09 yelp review, "This is very recent... Several of the old staff are there, but they are in transition... The kitchen staff is for the moment the same, but the menu is not as extensive. Some of the spreads on the Pikilia appetizer plate are no longer there and there was no horta available (WHAT!). To be fair, the new owner came over toward the end of the meal to introduce himself, but this is definitely the end of an era in the neighborhood." [yelp via Chowhound]

New Bar Coming to Astoria: Sweet Afton

There's a new bar coming to town that I can't wait to check out! We heard a little bit about it, and I wanted to share it with you all.

Called Sweet Afton, its aim is to bring a great local watering hole to Astoria. Look for a warm welcoming vibe, great music, a solid selection of beers on tap, and cocktails using fresh ingredients.

In terms of food, chef PJ Calapa (of Nobu 57 fame) will use fresh local ingredients to make a simple but excellent menu. Burgers, fried pickles, and Irish sausage rolls are a sample of what's to come.

In terms of design, you'll find reclaimed wood, to timber salvaged from buildings in Southeast Asia, to olive barrels from the West Coast. Reused materials, such as light fixtures that have been salvaged and unused for decades, will also be used. Look for some exposed brick as well.

It's coming! We'll keep you updated on the opening (which should be soon) and any other news that comes our way.

Sweet Afton
30-09 34th St
Astoria


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