Astorian Weekend Edition 19.11.09

The weekend before Thanksgiving is a good time to chill before all the big holiday get-togethers. Check out a fun, casual eatery, watch football or enjoy a party at the Beer Garden.

Have you been to Stamatis yet? It’s an old Greek food staple in the heart of Astoria and their food is legit. Recommendations include the tzatziki dip and the chicken souvlaki platter. 29-09 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.4507

This Friday, check out Mezzo Mezzo for their 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. happy hour. They’ll feature a signature free buffet, $4 draft beers, house wines and $12 hookah. 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.278.0444

Toast to freedom this Saturday (5 p.m.) at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, when they’ll celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Admission is free and they’ll have $2 wine, vodka shots, Czech liquor and $10 pitchers of Czech beer. Nazdravie! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Are you ready for some football? There are plenty of great places where you could catch the game but two in particular include Gleason’s, where on Sunday they serve 25 cent wings, and also the newly-opened Yolo, which has a $10.95 weekend brunch special. Gleason’s – 33-08 Broadway, Astoria. 718.626.5393. Yolo - 22-55 31st Street, Astoria. 718.777.1177

If you’re in the mood for something low-key, visit 24 Wine Bar (pictured above) this weekend. New things happening here include press coffee, vegan brownies, muffins and free wifi. Brunch may be in the works soon so check back to find out more. 25-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 347.777.6164

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.05.09

This weekend hails It's My Park Day around the city, and in Astoria the place to be is Astoria Park. The festivities take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of thunderstorms. There will be opportunities to clean up the shoreline, clear weeds and debris from the park’s War Memorial, and plant flowers in order to beautify it in time for Memorial Day. Also, there will be a tour of the Astoria Park Alliance’s Butterfly Garden, family yoga, water safety education for adults and children, drum instruction for children, tennis lessons for all ages.

Further west, join Two Coves Community Garden on Saturday from 12 - 4 p.m. for their Victory Garden themed event. They'll be holding free workshops on canning, pickling, composting and container gardens. There is also a potluck/picnic planned, so if able, please contribute (you can still share in the meal even if you don't bring a dish). Two Coves Community Garden is located at the triangle where Astoria Blvd, 30th Ave, and 8th St meet.

On Friday from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Transportation Alternatives will be handing out snacks, coffee and schwag at the entrance to the Queensboro Bridge. May is Bike month, so consider enjoying some time away from the subway and on your bike. And celebrate bike FROM work with the T.A. Queens Committee. Join them for an evening snack and some good company at the base of the Queensboro Bridge, Thursday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 20, 5 p.m. Queens side of Queensboro Bridge.

On Sunday, head over to 24, a new wine bar over on 24th Ave and 26th Street. I was over there the other day and I thought it was pretty cool. Try the white ale from Pennsylvania - it's light and creamy at the same time. You also might consider stopping in at the newly opened Manos Papaya for a hot dog and a smoothie.

Happy spring, everyone!

Astorian Mother's Day Weekend Edition - 07.05.09

Pictured above - Lamb Biryani from Seva.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and as luck has it, it’s supposed to be warm and sunny. Take Mom out for a stroll around the ‘hood or to the park, eat delicious grub and maybe even taste some wine.

Still looking for a gift for Mom? Check out SITE Design for their unique tchotchkies. I especially like the LiLa Vintage Silver necklace, which could be a nice gift for a hip Mom. Also know that every second Saturday of each month (starting this Saturday), SITE offers a local artists showcase, a sidewalk sale and a party with cupcakes. 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria. 718.626.6030.

Treat Mom to a delicious Indian lunch—or dinner. Seva offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that’s very much a family vibe. They’ve added new scrumptious dishes to their menu such as the Eggplant Chat (fried eggplant, which is out of this world), Soy Mirch Masala (vegan friendly dish), Lamb meatballs and so much more. Prices are super reasonable. 30-07 34^th Street, Astoria. 718.626.4440

Bistro Les Minots is having an all-day Mother’s Day prix-fixe (from 11am – 10pm) for $29.95, featuring classic French dishes. They will also serve their regular brunch (priced as usual) from 11am – 4:30pm if you prefer that instead. I’ve been reminded that their sangria is supposed to be as good as their secret spiced wine. Hmm…47-16 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.2535

Toast to Mom this weekend and take her to Astoria’s new wine bar, 24. Open in the evenings, I’d suggest coming here after dinner and maybe enjoying a glass of vino and dessert. It’s located on a quiet, residential block and might be a nice way to unwind. Corner of 26^th Street and 24^th Avenue, Astoria.

Since the weather will be nice and sunny on Sunday, take a stroll around Astoria Park or even Socrates Sculpture Park. If you go to the latter, know that their "State Fair" exhibition starts this Sunday--it promises to be a fun, cultural experience. Astoria Park - 19-00 Hoyt Avenue North, Astoria. Socrates Sculpture Park - 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.956.1819