Astorian Weekend Edition 25.09.08

Fall is officially here and with it come fun fall activities like Octoberfest and lots of eating…

Head over to Waltz Astoria today for another fun Whiskey Dregs reading. The pre-party starts at 8p, readings start at 9p and you can stick around for a post-party at 10p. One of the readers is from the U.K. and rumor has it that he hosts readings in his native London too! 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.95.MUSIC

Don't forget that Queens Restaurant Week is still going on until today. If you haven't been there yet, I'd strongly suggest trying Zenon Taverna. I haven't seen a better deal in my many years of living in Astoria—a 16 course meze tasting for $17.50 per person. The food is phenomenal (sausage, pork and cheese platter pictured above) and the atmosphere is as cozy as can be. 34-10 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.956.0133

You could also check out El Jamon and Opa! Souvlaki, which have a 2 for $25 lunch special and a 2 for $35 dinner special for Queens Restaurant Week. El Jamon - 25-51A Steinway, Astoria. 718.726.2661, Opa! Souvlaki - 28-44 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.3638

The Beer Garden is hosting an Octoberfest weekend extravaganza. Doors open at 12p sharp. There will be plenty of things to indulge in—food, beer and even live music. The show will go on, rain or shine so be prepared to party all day—and all weekend if you're up for it. General admission is $10. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, 718.274.4925

In the mood for live music? Visit LIC Bar this Sunday for their FREE outdoor music series. These will significantly drop off in the next couple of weeks due to weather so check it out while you still can. 45-58 Vernon Blvd Long Island City. 917.254.8923.

Laziza - Say it Isn't So!

Via Chowhound.... Laziza Bakery up for sale??? I can has a sad. :(

If they go out of business, then one of the best middle eastern bakeries around is gone. That will be a very sad day indeed.

If you know more about this, please post in the comments.

Photo by sstrudeau via a Creative Commons Licence.

Palmos Bar

I noticed this new place on 23rd Ave near 31st Street (yes, it's on 23rd Ave despite the wonky address) this past weekend and was very curious. I walked over and asked the workers what was up and they told me it is going to be a "Greek bar". I guess that means Greek food and drink (maybe dancing?). We'll keep an eye on it and let you know what's up as it progresses.

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.09.08

Summer is on its way out, but not before a weekend's worth of street fair activity. The Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America celebrates Thursday right on through to Sunday at 26th St between 23rd Ave and the Amtrak trestles. It's not huge, but I'm sure it can hit the spot.

Friday night at around 8 p.m., the free wheeling peeps at Astoria Music & Arts offer up free music from various artists. All you have to do is bring yourselves and your own refreshments. It's going to be held at their "Headquarters" (25-20 36th St). Hit up the myspace page and RSVP; it is, after all, a small location.

On my block there used to be a ton of homeless cats that were cared for by an elderly lady. Since she's not around anymore, poor little ones have had to fend for themselves. If this sounds familiar to you and you are an animal lover like me, then come to this meeting to discuss humane ways to help and curb the population. It's on Saturday at 2 p.m., run by the NYC Feral Cat Initiative, a program of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and Neighborhood Cats, at Steinway Reformed Church (21-65 41st St).

Before it gets too cold, make sure you get over to Astoria Park and help clean up after the summer's partying. Bright and early at 9 a.m. on Saturday, work with the folks from Green Shores NYC in partnership with Astoria Park Alliance, Astoria/LIC Catalyst Project, and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. You can find them at the War Memorial on Shore Boulevard.

Don't forget Restaurant Week is happening and some of our local spots are even participating during the weekend!

Plenty to be had!

Today starts Discover Queens: Restaurant Week!
Go out and take advantage of all the temptation from Sept 15-18 & 22-25. I went through the list and grouped some notables together here in one place. Some go straight through the weekend and some others have 2 for 1, now's the time folks!

Winegasm
31-86 37th st
Astoria NY 11103
718-932-3331
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for two for $25. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $35 per person
(*includes 2 glasses of house wine) * includes Saturday Brunch 2 for $25

Zenon Taverna
34-10 31st Avenue
Astoria NY 11106
718-956-0133
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for two for $25 per person
*includes weekends

Waters Edge Restaurant
4-01 44th Drive at The East River
Long Island City NY 11101
718-482-0033
718-937-8817
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for $25 per person. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $35 per person

Pinocchio Palace
32-02 30th Avenue
Astoria NY 11102
718-932-4976
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for $25 per person. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $25 per person

Opa ! Souvlaki
28-44 31 st
Astoria NY 11102
718-728-3638
718-956-6043
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Luch for two for $25. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for two for $35

Mundo Cafe & Restaurant
31-18 Broadway
Astoria NY 11106
718-777-2829
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $25 per person

Mezzo Mezzo Restaurant & Lounge
31-29 Ditmars Blvd.
Astoria NY 11105
718-278-0444
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for two for $25. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $25 per person
*includes a glass of wine

JJ's Fusion
37-05 31st Ave
Astoria NY 11103
718-626-8888
718-626-2425
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for two for $25 or $12.50 per person

El Jamon
25-51A Steinway
Astoria NY 11103
718-726-2661
718-726-2662
Offer Includes:
Three Course prix-fix Lunch for two at $25. Three Course prix-fix Dinner for two at $35.

Cronin & Phelan
38-14 Broadway
Astoria NY 11103
718-545-8999
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for two for $35.

Bistro Boite a Cafe
40-17 30th Avenue
Astoria NY 11103
718-204-0879
718-208-3316
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Lunch for $25 per person. Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $35 per person.

Bartolino's Italian Restaurant
34-15 Broadway
Astoria NY 11106
718-728-7522
718-728-4268
Offer Includes: Three-course prix-fixe Dinner for $25 per person
*includes weekends

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.09.08

September 11 is probably the most serious day in America's recent history. This year we will note the 7th anniversary of the attacks on that day. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a performance at Socrates Sculpture Park by The Little Opera Theatre of NY of The Bohemians. This will include the complete first act of Puccini's La Boheme (in English). The performance is part of The September Concert, which was established on the first anniversary of 9/11 in an effort to spread peace through music. Music will happen throughout the day as well, in various locations in Astoria.

The following night there will also be a candlelight ceremony in Astoria Heights. Organized by the United Community Civic Association/Port Authority of NY & NJ, this annual candlelight ceremony will take place at the memorial grove in McManus Memorial Park (81st St and Grand Central Pkwy) at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday night head to Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd) to see the Josh Irving Quartet (Josh Irving - Saxophones; George Dulin - Piano; Danny Zanker - Bass; Greg Ritchie - Drums). Music starts at 9 p.m. and there's a $10 cover

On Sunday, Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) continues their Sunday Night Cinema with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Directed by Monty Python animator Terry Gilliam; look for Robin Williams playing the Moon King and Uma Thurman as Botticelli's inspiration for Venus. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

Just a food note: I've been enjoying the house-made fresh mozzarella at Rosario's Deli, right there on 31st Street under the elevated train (22-55 31st St). It's particularly delicious in a salad with tomatoes and basil (you can get both across the street at the produce market). Each ball is around $5. I understand the sandwiches are great, too. They are closed on Sundays.

Astorian Weekend Edition 04.09.08

Even though fall is here, you can still hang on to summer for a little while longer. Check out these fun happs in Astoria and LIC.

Try Café Henri, a quaint French eatery for weekend brunch. Their crepes are fantastic, prepared in both a savory and sweet fashion. The prices are easy on the wallet and you won't be disappointed with their dessert--especially the chocolate mousse. 10-10 50th Avenue, LIC, 718.383.9315 7

This is the last weekend for PS1's Warm Up series. The final line-up of this year features, Jerome Derradji (still music) from 3p & 5p, Bing Ji Ling (live) at 4p, Lisa Shaw (live) at 6p, Neil Aline (chez music) at 7p. 22-25 Jackson Ave at the intersection of 46th Ave, LIC 718.784.2084

Mundo, Astoria's eclectic eatery is back from summer hiatus, boasting new surprises and old favorites such as Red Sonjas and Ottoman Dumplings. Reservations are suggested—they get busy. FYI: They'll also participate in Queens Restaurant Week starting on September 15th. 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria, 718.777.2829

Visit the Beer Garden this Thursday between 6-9p for jazz, featuring Emil Bizga, whose music has gypsy flare. And this Friday at 6p, you can enjoy a student choir right from the home country of the Czech Republic—they'll dance and sing in traditional folk garb. How fun! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, 718.274.4925