2 Astorian Quirks to Brighten Your Day

Photo by Nancy A. Ruhling

There are two stories recently featured in the Gothamist and the Huffington Post about Astoria's little quirks that we love so much.  One is a feature about our "Scum River Bridge" on 33rd Street under the Hell Gate Bridge, where a make-shift bridge has been built out of recycled materials to aid pedestrians in crossing the street and avoiding ummm let's just say...scum.

And the other is about our dear beloved French Bulldog, Oskar - aka the mascot and the "face" of The Jumping Bulldog pet boutique, headed by Tanja Firrigno. 

Enjoy the articles and make sure to check both of these Astorian quirks out. One is cute and fuzzy and the other not so much, but it'll make you laugh.

Astoria Scum Bridge
Oskar: The Fabulous Frenchie King

Astoria's Famous Bulldogs

Image by nytimes.com

Reading this sweet story in the New York Times, passed along to me by the Jumping Bulldog's owner, Tanja Firrigno warmed my heart.  Featured in last weekend's NY Times, this cheery and touching feature explores a community of French Bulldogs that are the latest trend in Astoria.  The story goes into some detail about the unique nuances of this breed and even sheds light on specific doggies and their families.  This line especially made me smile: Jack (the bulldog) looked up at her and smiled like a clown. On command, he gave Mr. Herman a high-five with his petite paw, and they continued down the street.

Enjoy the article and please pass on to others with pets.

Jumping Bulldog Anniversary Party

Image by jumpingbulldog.com

It feels like only yesterday when The Jumping Bulldog, pet shop opened up in Astoria but believe it or not, it's been a full year. Tanja Firrigno, Bulldog's proud founder and owner will be celebrating the shop's first birthday next Wednesday, July 22nd. The party will take place at Bulldog's second location--how exciting--where they'll soon be offering up doggie daycare.

I personally visit the shop regularly and love the friendly vibe and warmth that emanates from its every crevice. I attribute Bulldog's success to Tanja's dedication to the animals, which she helps to feed and clothe, as well as always lending a helping hand--and ear--to their beloved owners.

Jumping Bulldog 1st Year Anniversary Party:

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
26-11 23rd Avenue (between 26th and 27th Street)
917.576.7380
RSVP by Monday, July 20th to info@jumpingbulldog.com

Food and summer drinks will be served.

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.12.08

Here we are: it's crunch time for holiday shopping! Get your last full weekend of gift prep done locally.

If you're on a budget but still want something original, try locally grown Firelight Jewelry for that sweet lady in your life.

Clash Culture (34-03 34th St) is a pretty new fresh shop on 34th St. Find some slick original tees or some cool kicks for the little bit funky friend or
relative.

Don't forget your furry friends either! The welcoming folks over at The Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Avenue) are more then happy to outfit Fido in some new gear.

For that hard to shop for style maven, try Site (35-11 34th Ave) for eclectic home goods. They are definitely good to keep in mind for random knick knacks too, my weakness!

Something a little different, you can find it at The Little Soap Shop (2207 36th St). Help that certain someone smell delicious and pamper them while your at it!

Still looking? Don't forget about some old standbys: Candy Plum , Kristees, and Loveday 31

There's a big one on Sunday! At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. One of a kinds and local arts galore! And there is, of course, food and drink :)

End it all off at one of two holiday parties! Both L.I.C.Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) and Rapture (34-27 28th Ave) are holding an evening of merriment on Sunday. L.I.C. Bar is hoppin' from 8 to 11 p.m. with free grub. The Rapture fete also starts at 8 p.m. and with a new unwrapped children's toy, you get a free holiday cocktail and an entry for the big midnight raffle.

Now go out there and help this durn economy!

A free and fun activity for you- go now and vote for the Best and the Worst of Queens. Be heard!

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Astoria Holiday Shopping Bazaar

From Kristie Foster of KrisTees:

Astoria's first Holiday Shopping Bazaar is coming!

The location of our "Starry Night" shopping event is at Cup Diner & Bar, 35-01 36th Street (across from Kaufman Astoria Studios), on Tuesday, December 2 from 6-11 p.m. There, you can view some of the lovely things offered by Astoria's boutiques - KrisTees, Candy Plum, Loveday31, Inside Astoria, Site, The Jumping Bulldog, Clash Culture, and many others.

For the evening, there will be plenty to keep you entertained while shopping for holiday goodies, including:

-free shopping totes to help you put all your fabulous items in
-complimentary hors d'oeuvres
-dj spinning all night
-roller derby girls handing out holiday treats
-a raffle including prizes from other local businesses

So mark your calendars for a very special Astoria shopping night and RSVP to receive a tote at the event to astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718-721-2299.

Astorian "Spooktacular" Weekend Edition 30.10.08

Image by www.scholastic.com

Halloween is here so check out the many fun "tricks" and "treats" that Astoria has in store.

Visit the Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Ave, 917-576-7380) this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. for its Pre-Halloween Bash. Bring your furry friends and make sure they arrive in costume. There will be a raffle, as well as free doggie portraits, smoked organic doggie sausages, and doggie Halloween cookies.

Watch the Whiskey Dregs disappear on Thursday, the night before Halloween. Performances will include music, short stories, poetry, and even magic! Whiskey Dregs, The Great Disappearing Act, pre-party starts at 8 p.m. at Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd).

Halloween Specials:

Many restaurants are hosting costume balls. Cavo's (42-18 31st Ave, 718-721-1001) annual glam party offers some glitzy prizes, like a trip to Vegas, and Indigo's (28-50 31st St, 718-728-0050) more chilled-out party offers $250 in cash for the grand prize winner.

You can also check out my listings of more Halloween restaurant specials, including Meg's mention of Mojave's (22-36 31st St, 718-545-4100) "Day of the Dead" party.

Check out LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, 917-254-8923) at 9 p.m. for a special Halloween live music show featuring Tool Tribute Band Schism.

Astorian Weekend Edition 24.07.08

From a new pet boutique to music and movie events, Astoria and LIC have it going on this weekend.

Check out restaurant week at the high-end Water's Edge restaurant. They're fussy and you need to put your credit card down for a reservation but the place guarantees and evening to remember. $35 prix-fix menu from 7.21 -7.25; 7.28 – 8.1. Water's Edge – 4-01 44th Drive, LIC. 718.482.0033

Kafene is also a fun spot on the weekends. They offer delicious appetizers and drinks for a fair price and the ambiance is fabulous. If you go for brunch, you can walk over to Astoria Park after, just a few blocks away. Kafene - 23-08 Hoyt Avenue South, Astoria. 718.274.6525.

If you have a pet or want to meet one of the cutest bulldogs named Oscar, visit The Jumping Bulldog pet boutique on 23rd Avenue. Tanja the owner is lovely and welcoming, offering a friendly atmosphere, useful pet products and even some adorable outfits for your four legged friends. The Jumping Bulldog – 28-10 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 917.576.7380.

Come on by to Astoria Park's The Great Lawn for the first annual Astoria Music Now festival. The event is free and will feature various music acts such as Little Creatures, Bliminal, Pop Mafia, I Am Darien and more. This is a full day event so come prepared to party from Noon to 9p. Astoria Park, The Great Lawn – Ditmars & 19th Street, Astoria.

Every Tuesday until August 26th, enjoy Queens' finest artists and performers at the Live at the Gantries event series. Next week features a concert from a student jazz ensemble from York College. Gantry Plaza State Park - 50-50 2nd Street, LIC. 718.786.6385

And don't forget to check out the free screening of We Need Girlfriends at LIC Bar. Watch some of the episodes and even mingle with the talent on-site. Thursday, July 24th from 8p – Midnight. LIC Bar – 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400

The Jumping Bulldog is Coming

I noticed a very unusual and interesting poster in a storefront on 23rd Avenue. The sign said "The Jumping Bulldog, Coming Soon", which will be trendy boutique, catering to our four legged friends--something that Astoria does not yet have. I'm excited for this shop to come to town but don't yet have an idea of when exactly it's coming. They do have a website url displayed on the poster, http://www.jumpingbulldog.com/ but like the poster, it doesn't reveal much information. We'll report back when we know more but thought we'd send out this alert to keep ya'll on the lookout as well.

The Jumping Bulldog - 28-10 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105

N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)

www.jumpingbulldog.com