Freeze Peach Lives on in Literature

Missing Freeze Peach? Astoria's own community tea joint closed in 2008, but it may live on in fiction. See profile of former owner and now writer Meesh in the Huffington Post...

The Cafe Novelist

Help Raise Cash for Astoria Tunes

Astoria's Goliard Concerts is holding a series of outdoor concerts in Queens' parks this spring and summer. And we like outdoor concerts. They are hosting a cocktail fundraiser on Sunday, February 28th at Cronin & Phelan's (38-14 Broadway in Astoria on Broadway between Steinway & 38th Street) to raise the cash.

Support local Arts? Put your money where your mouth is. "Come chase away the winter blues with warm friends and hot toddies." says Golliard. Event will feature soprano Carol Kaszar, "The Diva" and, Irish folk-music with Stanley Rygor. "Get ready to clap your hands!"

Goliard Concerts Fundraiser
Sunday, February 28th, 3-5pm
Cronin & Phelan's Bar and Restaurant, 38-14 Broadway (Astoria)

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RSVP: 718-728-8927
info at goliardconcerts.com

In Astoria, Old Time Residents Rule

So, how about that giant monolith they built next to your building that blocks out the sun and looks like your block grew a giant goiter? (Or are you living in it?)

Well, last week our Community Board voted to slow down the monoliths - though the economy has been helpful on that note, too, let's face it.

CB1 Approves Zoning Plan

Veggies: Mock Duck Returns to Astoria!

Check out new review of Sumran Thai in the Voice...
Delights of NYC: Mock Duck at Sumran Thai in Astoria, Queens

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Who Loves Their Trees More Than Astorians?

Ever wonder what those hermetically sealed trees are all about?

Winter Coats No Longer the Fashion for Fig Tree...

Love is in the Air!

Love is in the air, Astorians! Love it or hate it Valentine’s Day is here and there are lots of great things to do around town.

Tonight head over to Waltz-Astoria for their silent auction benefiting the World Wildlife Fund, featuring art by Bridy Designs. Have a glass of wine and enjoy some art as a start to the big romantic weekend. Starts at 8, goes ‘till 10. (23-14 Ditmars Blvd)

Make reservations at one of many fantastic local spots offering Valentine’s Prix Fix menus. Many of them are by reservation only, so don’t forget to book your spot ahead of time! Some great choices:

• Mundo has an amazing veggie friendly line-up for $40 that includes both dessert and a cup of their warm spiced wine!

• Vesta has a decadent Prix Fix with some local day boat seafood options and of course that to-die-for Baby Jesus Cake to finish, at just $50 per person.

• Enjoy a small French feast at Bistro Les Minots, just $34.95 per person

• DiWine has an interesting four course menu, it comes with one glass of wine and is priced at $55.

• One of my favorite Astoria spots, Rest-Au-Rant is also having a five course tasting menu for $40 per person.

• Or, check out our very own Foodista’s suggestions here. She has rounded up lots of great eating options not to miss.

Maybe you’re looking for something non-food related for your sweetie. Check out Natura Spa’s great mini spa package. Priced at just $130 each package includes a mani/pedi, a 30 min massage, and one of their fantastic mini facials. Call (718) 956-5530‎ to reserve. Art more your thing? Enjoy a Valentine’s Day talk at the Noguchi Museum by renowned art historian, Dore Ashton. Her talk will focus on the man and the art of Isamu Noguchi. As a close personal friend of the artist, she’ll share personal insights from her years with the artist. The talk starts at 3pm. (9-01 33rd Road off Vernon Boulevard)

(*Picture above from the great new-ish photo blog http://countdown33.blogspot.com/ by a great local author. Check it out!)

Finally Fridays - Best Bar Food

Feliz Friday readers!  Hope you're enjoying the last couple of hours before the snow. 

We wanted to headline this Finally Fridays with the best bar food in honor of the Superbowl this Sunday.  We hope you have plans to do something fun, and if you're still unsure about what that something is, maybe these five suggestions will sway you. 

Gleason's - Honey mustard chicken wings, smothered in thick, slightly sweet sauce that hits the spot.
33-08 Broadway, Astoria.  718.626.5393

Astoria Brewhouse (previously Indigo) - Sliders with delicious, juicy beef (and pulled pork) topped with cheese and sauteed onions.
28-50 31st Street, Astoria.  718.728.0050

 

Sparrow -  "A burger that exceeds expectations - perfectly cooked meat, gruyere melting excellently, with the exact right amount of onion on top," says Meg.  

24-01 29th Street, Astoria NY. 718.606.2260

Dillinger's - Wings, wings, wings - fresh, piping-hot and really meaty.  You won't get any puny poultry here.

46-19 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.956.5601

Studio Square - Pardon the phallic shot but this Schaller & Weber Kolbase is just delectable. 
35-33 36th Street, Long Island City.  718.383.1001

Random Access Music at Waltz Astoria

Waltz is hosting another classical music night, with guests the Random Access Music composers' collective. This will be their first concert of 2010.

Violinist Jessica Mathaes, concertmaster of the Austin Symphony, will be accompanied by pianist Colette Valentine, and they will perform new music by Allen Schulz, Andrew McKenna Lee, David Fetherolf, Erin Rogers, Jonathan Pieslak, and Stefan Weisman; six pieces in all.

Jessica is the youngest-ever concertmaster of the Austin Symphony! This is quite and achievement.

Info for the concert:
Friday, February 12, 2010
8:00pm
Waltz-Astoria
23-14 Ditmars Blvd.
Tickets: $15 table charge (drinks, desserts, and light snacks)

Hope to see you there!

Astorian Weekend Edition 04.02.10

So, this weekend is an unofficial American holiday - Superbowl Sunday.  The Foodista has a rundown of 10 Superbowl party offerings in town, and such variety!  A lot of fun is to be had... as well as good eats!

Since it's going to be a little chilly this weekend, perhaps consider making a visit to one of our many museums in town.  From the Museum of the Moving Image, to the Noguchi Museum, to PS1, there is a lot to see out there. Then stop over at Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave) for a nutella hot chocolate to warm up.

Astoria Indies continues its Thursday film series at Bohemian Hall, with Adventures of Power, starring Adrian Grenier. "Adventures of Power is an epic rock n' roll comedy about the American Dream, love, and air-drumming. A Sundance fave, AoP walks the fine line between clever and stupid with grace and panache.‚" 8 p.m. at the beer garden (2919 24th Ave).

Friday night at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) brings you local talent in the form of The Ultimate Show - Steph Allen, Jon Christopher (both The Ultimate Singer Songwriter finalists), and Joe Jung, winner of The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter contest, will be playing from 8-11 p.m. $10 Drink minimum, no cover.

Finally, for something completely different, head to LaGuardia Community College (31-10 Thomson Avenue) to see Target Margin Theatre's production of The Really Big Once (a work-in-progress). This experimental theater piece incorporates the letters of Elia Kazan and Tennessee Williams on one of their most celebrated failures, Camino Real. This workshop will be followed by a Q-and-A with the company. The show starts at 8 p.m. on the Mainstage and it's free! For reservations, email: rsvp-lpac@lagcc.cuny.edu.

Photo:  (cc) pkeleher on flickr

Attention Veggies - Ornella's Got What You Need!

 

Eating vegetarian is becoming more and more common, and it's nice to see that restaurants are adapting.  The most recent place that has added a hefty vegetarian menu is Ornella.  Not only does the menu sound incredibly delicious, it also looks to be diverse and filling.  They've added a brunch menu last week, which also includes plenty of veggie options at a good price. 

Ornella continues to be a BYOB joint for the time being, so take advantage of it and bring a bottle of vino to enhance your experience.

Ornella's Vegetarian Menu:

Pasta di Castagna - Homemade chestnut flour pasta with arugula, cherry tomato in garlic & oil sauce...$18
Linguine al Pesto...$15
Pasta di Ceci - Homemade chickpea flour pasta with artichoke hearts, black olives in a garlic & oil sauce..$15
Pasta Riso - Rice flour pasta with baby spinach, fresh mozzarella in garlic & oil sauce...$16
Spaghetti Carbonara Vegan - Seitan wheat, organic eggs, pecorino romano cheese, cracked black pepper & parsley...$18
Orecchiette con Rape - Ear-shaped pasta with broccolli rabe & sundried tomato...$16
Pizzoccheri alla Fontina - Buck wheat pasta with cabbage, potato and fontina cheese...$18
Rigatoni Amatriciana Vegan - Tomato sauce, onions, seitan wheat and fresh peas...$18
Melanzana alla Parmigiana - Eggplant, tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese...$16
Penne Integrali - Whole wheat pasta with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, escarole, fresh mozzarella, garlic, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil...$15
Malfatti con Carclofi - Homemade uneven-shaped pasta with capers, artichokes & black olives...$15
Paccheri con Ceci - Super large rigatoni pasta with creamy chickpea sauce...$15
Lumache con Broccoli - Big snail-shaped pasta in creamy broccoli sauce...$15
Risotto con Spinachi - Italian arborio rice with baby spinach, raisins and pignoli nuts...$18
Risotto al Radicchio e Pere - Italian arborio rice with radicchio, pears & gorgonzola cheese...$18
Risotto al Funghi - Italian arborio rice with mixed mushrooms & goat cheese...$18

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

LOST in Astoria

Why Leave Astoria?! is holding a LOST viewing party at Studio Square (35-33 36th St.) tomorrow night. Looks like it's going to be a lot of fun! It's always a good time watching such things surrounded by other fans. Great drink specials, and more! Details:

Join fellow Lost fans this Tuesday for the borough's best (and only) official Lost viewing party. Watch the final season premiere of Lost like you've never seen it before--on a 60" plasma screen and five mounted 42"...all in surround sound!

We'll have Lost trivia at each commercial break and give away free beer and gift certificates throughout the night.

We'll have $12 pitchers of Dharma beer on tap and $5 Dharma sangrias...in addition to a full island cocktail drink list. We'll have lots of surprises in store, so stop by and see what everyone will be talking about next week.

The series catch-up airs at 8p, then the new episode at 9p.