Chef Jonathan Forgash - 5 Questions

It's that time again where another lucky Astorian gets to answer the big 5. This month we get a friend and fellow foodie.

Who: Jonathan Forgash
Owner & Chef of Star Struck Catering, Astoria NY.
Starstruckcatering.com

Question #1 Were you born here? If not, where were you born, and what brought you to Astoria?
Born: Brooklyn, NY. Grew up on Long Island. Moved from Greenwich Village 15yrs ago because it was too expensive. Astoria was cheap, close to work and interesting.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?
The many cultures represented here. The people and their foods, Fantastic! The many friends we have here, Astoria is a family neighborhood and we love it. My work is also here. What a great place for a chef to live, work and shop. Every restaurant, market, shop and neighbor is an inspiration for the dishes I create.

Question #3 What is your number one go to restaurant in Astoria?
That's not fair and you know it. I will give three.
-Bistro 33 for perfection, inspiration and watching a great chef in action.
-Il Bambino for a chef showcasing his skills through simple high quality products and superb flavors.
-And of course Kebab Café where a Master, Ali, shows you what cooking from the heart and home is all about.

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
There are some crazy foodies in Astoria. We make all sorts of homemade foods. Cured meats, pickled items, spice mixes, pate' and fresh sausage. I think Astoria may become the great foodie Mecca of NYC.

Question #5 What would you like see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
A honky tonk American joint for Burgers, bbq, Southern foods, milk shakes and some good bourbon at the bar. A juke box with Johnny Cash and the Violent Femmes.

The Joeys - 5 Questions

This month to welcome our newest co-blogger Judith, we decided why not let the world know how we would answer our own 5 Questions?! Here it is, from the horse's mouth:

WHO:
a) Joanna Grossman, Creator/Boss-chick of Joey In Astoria. Joey is not a boy!!!

b) Meg Cotner. I was a starving harpsichordist. Now I manage online communities for an Internet company in the wilds of Manhattan and love it!
c) Susan Vasconcelos, yet another blogger. To pay the bills though I am a graphic designer and wannabe hobbyist photog.
d) Judith Klein AKA The Foodista. I'm the founder and contributor of the Foodista Blog. I'm also the latest proud addition to this blog--Joey in Astoria.

Question #1 Were you born here? If not, where were you born, and what brought you to Astoria?

a) My parents are from NYC. I was born in Syracuse, NY. I moved to Astoria because NYC seemed to be my destiny for as far back as I can remember. Astoria itself, was cheap and close to the City. At the time it was pretty cruddy, but seemed worth the sacrifice.
b) I was born in a small town in Southern California, but have also lived in the SF Bay Area, Michigan, and on Long Island. I came here originally right after graduating from SUNY Stony Brook with my DMA, looking for a more cosmopolitan place than suburban Long Island. I originally wanted to live in Brooklyn, but was deterred by the exorbitant rents. Friends from school raved about Astoria, so my then-housemate and I took a chance on Astoria and found a terrific apartment here. It was best thing I could have done! I love it here.
c) Originally from NJ, I worked in midtown for years. Fell in love with an Astorian and found my way over here! It's been about 7 years now and i'm still loving it... and him.
d) I was born in a small Eastern Europen city of Kosice, Slovakia. And although I come from a city, it's nothing like NYC. The pace is slower, everything is older but the food (just like in Astoria) is incredible! I moved to Astoria two years after college. It was the perfect place for me to begin my independence and I immediately fell in love with its diverse feel. The mixing of cultures (including Eastern European) made me feel so at home. One of my first memories of Astoria is having lunch at Zlata Praha (Czech restaurant on 31st street near 30th Avenue) and completely stuffing my face with fried cheese, tartar sauce and a palacinka (crepe-like dessert). And that was just day 1.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?

a) The diversity and proximity. And the intangible 'neighborhoodiness'. And the park. And Loveday 31.
b) I love the mix of cultures here - Greek, Eastern European, Brazilian, Arab, and more. The languages, the food, the culture - it's all wonderful. I also adore Astoria Park and being near the water.
c) FOOOOOOD! I am first generation born in the U.S. and was brought up with very European eating habits, the fact that I feel like my mom could be cooking at any of these restaurants is a very comforting and yummy feeling.
d) My favorite thing about Astoria by far is the amazing food scene. Upon moving here, I couldn't believe how very European everything felt. I'm proud to say that I've ventured beyond my comfort zone and have tried various types of cuisines--from Brazilian to Moroccan, I love it all. I'm never bored when it comes to food and am constantly getting others (especially Manhattanites) to try it! If there's ever an advocate for Astoria, it's moi!

Question #3 What is your number one go to restaurant in Astoria?
a) Mundo. I think Wingasm's a major contender, tho. Except for the stupid name.

b) This is a hard one! There are actually two that would break my heart if they ever closed - Wave Thai (21-37 31st Street) and Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave). Both produce excellent, delicious food that is well worth eating over and over again.
c) I adore Kabab Cafe and Ali. I always recommend it to everyone I know. Rivaling Kabab would be Il Bambino. Darren has made me a lover of everything pork!
d) I'm pretty loyal to my roots and have to say Koliba, which is a Slovak restaurant on 23rd Avenue and 32nd Street. The food reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen. The dumplings (called Knedle) are to die for and they have the best bacon I've ever tasted--it's super thick with an incredible smoky taste. Their fried cheese is also superb and a nice goblet of beer is a MUST with every meal.

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
a) The fresh marinated artichokes at D&F Deli on Broadway. The focaccia slice at Grand Av Pizza. The white chocolate mousse cake at Brick Cafe. Also, I ate meat once at Mundo at it was totally worth it.
b) I am always happy to point people in the direction of Family Market (29-15 Broadway), a little Japanese market/convenience store. They have a nice selection of Japanese foodstuffs, from curries, to rice, to frozen dumplings. It's the only place I know of in town where I can get daifuku, one of my favorite sweets. Daifuku is a confection that's basically mochi stuffed with sweetened red bean paste. They have a number of flavors there, all of which are delicious. Oh, they also sell onigiri, which is a tasty snack - I like the ones with umeboshi (pickled ume plumb) especially.
c) The miriad of goodies at the Sandwich Kings! Yes the sandwiches rock, but also get the macaroni salad and a pickle! You won't be dissapointed. If you love the peppers as much as I do, order a little tub of the sweet peppers and add them to EVERYTHING!
d) Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant (31st Street near 23rd Avenue) is a local secret even though you've all probably passed by it. Although it looks like nothing much from the outside, it has one of the best Mexican kitchens in Astoria. And the prices are unbeatable!

Question #5 What would you like see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
a) Bookstore!!!! Also a nice cafe bakery that's not cheesy around Broadway. Like the French one that closed. That made me sad.
b) I would love to see a good vegetarian/vegan restaurant open up in Astoria. I think it's one thing that's really lacking in this town, food-wise. Also, I'd like to see that damn scaffolding taken down from the Amtrak overpass near the Ditmars station!
c) Updating the durn wiring. The crapola Con Ed infrastructure REALLY gets my goat! Fingers crossed that we have a "cool" summer.
d) I'd like to see a cool live music venue open up. The food part is already taken care of, now we need some good entertainment to keep the night going!

Darren Lawless - 5 Questions

WHO: Darren Lawless
Chef/Owner, Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave.)
- Surprise huh? As much as we write up these guys, you figured we just had to get Darren in on the 5 questions. Well here you have it:

Question #1 Were you born here? If not, where were you born, and what brought you to Astoria?
I was born in Dublin, Ireland. After 2 years in Manhattan, I moved to Astoria for it's "then" much cheaper rents, large apartments and proximity to the city.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?
Its diversity and feel of living in a city but with the strong sense of community. It also has the broadest range of ethnic restaurants of any other area I know, ensuring you'll never get bored.

Question #3 What is your number one go to restaurant in Astoria?
I work so much and I very rarely get to go out, but my favorite take out has to be the tacos at La Cabana (33-18 30th Ave)

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
SEE ABOVE- ed note: having a brand new business and keeping it going this past year has paid a toll on our friend Darren! It's up to you guys to go frequent his little gem and get it to the point where the guy can take a day off or something!

Question #5 What would you like see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
I'd love to see the opening of some "Americana" style eateries. We need a great bar/burger joint, a bakery with artisinal breads and traditional pastries and a B.B.Q spot. Makes your mouth water just thinking about them...

Go • Eat • Love
Il Bambino
34-08 31st Ave.
Astoria, NY
718-626-0087

The Neurotics- 5 Questions

WHO: The Neurotics
Local rockstars!!!! Not many places in the nabe for a "wired" set up for these guys so many of you may not have gotten a chance to see them perform yet. I was lucky enough to be entertained by the them last year at Hellgate Social where they found many a new fan.

Here's what the guys had to say:

C: I am Charles and I play the guitar and sing. I am responsible for my mental health and mine alone.
M: Michael – play bass and sing background vocals in Nuerotics
J: I'm Jim and I play drums for the Nuerotics.

Question #1 Were you born here? If not, where were you born, and what brought you to Astoria?
C: I was born in Flushing. I moved here in November of 1999 after a telephone call from my drummer Jim, who I've known for many years. We started out by playing in a group with my sister. I was living in the burbs of LI, and he told me about an apartment available in his building in Astoria, so I jumped on it. I thought it would be great to live in NYC and be close to a good friend. I've been living here ever since.
M: Nope. Born in Syosset, NY – grew up in Dix Hills – live in Forest Hills. Playing in Nuerotics brought me.
J: I was born in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. I moved to Astoria in 1992 when I got a job as a NYC high school biology teacher. I live in the building that my grandparents bought in 1940, which my mom's family still owns.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?
C: The ethnic diversity of Astoria intrigues me. I enjoy hearing the various foreign languages and talking to locals. Of course I love food and drink and there always seem to be a new place to experience.
M: n/a
J: I like being able to walk or bike to everything. I like the feeling of being part of a community when I walk down the block greeting my neighbors. Some of them remember my aunts and uncles as little kids. I like the old folks who look out the window or sit on the stoop in nice weather. They look out for the block. They won't stop anyone's apartment from being robbed, but they'll tell you what the guy was carrying on the way out, and marvel at the fact that someone could run with a television down the street so fast.

Question #3 What is your number one go to restaurant in Astoria?
C: I really enjoy eating at Wave Thai. The staff is really friendly. I am still waiting for a great place here to really enjoy Japanese food, as it is in my top two favorite types of cuisine. I must also mention L'Incontro (Italian) and a shout out to Euros (Spanish).
M: Fatty's – love their burritos
J: My go to restaurant would have to be the souvlaki lady on the corner of 33rd and Ditmars. I stop off on my bike coming back from work and get a tasty stick of meat for $2.25. After rehearsal I like to go to Sparrow for a beer, and get the grilled cheese with speck. For a special treat, I really like Bistro 33. Chef Gary is a culinary alchemist and does wonderful things with tuna, lobster and foie gras. I recently had his take on macaroni and cheese, which had lobster and truffles. Yum.

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
C: Support Mimi's Closet! It's great little clothing boutique on 31st street near the corner of 21st Avenue. The clothes and accessories are custom designed and very stylish. I purchased a tie there with various colored stripes and I've worn it to gigs. It screamed 'Nueroticize me!' - I had to buy it.
M: The Nuerotics are the best kept local secret :)
J: The Steinway Piano company factory tour. I don't know how many people know that Steinway pianos are made in right here in Astoria. There's a rich heritage of Steinway in Astoria and it's cool that the factory is just a few blocks from where I live. I've been on the tour twice. I love how this instrument is still handmade by many craftsmen working on the many different steps. I can't think of anything manufactured today that is as complex and handcrafted with such attention to detail. There's also the landmarked Steinway Mansion, which is a few blocks away and is for sale. I was just speaking to my Uncle's friend who remembers Henry Steinway driving around the neighborhood in his pickup truck. He wasn't pretentious, very personable, and was into old cars.

Question #5 What would you like see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
C: More great places like Oleput and Fatty's would be nice but even more importantly, some places for bands like us with amps, drums and electric twangers to play! Please, let's put Astoria on the rock 'n' roll map!
M: I wouldn't mind seeing a bookstore in Astoria – independently owned or even a Barnes and Noble. Or possibly … a record shoppe.
J: I'd like to see a queens greenway built along the waterfront for pedestrians and bikes, people drive more slowly, smaller cars replace SUV's, and the Steinway Mansion turned into a museum with a recording studio and spa.


Get your Neurotic time in at the Trash Bar on Sunday March 16th, 9pm
. Yeah it's in Williamsburg- but go and support the guys so we can get them to come play over here more! There's a $6 cover, I'll call it an investment in the Astoria music revolution...

Trash Bar

256 Grand St.
(between Driggs & Roebling)

Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY 11211
718.599.1000


photo by Masako Kondo

Ali El Sayed - 5 Questions

NEW FEATURE!!!

At the end of every month, we are going to be spotlighting a different Astorian. We will be asking the same 5 questions, with I'm sure- greatly varying answers! This should be a fun and interesting addition to our regular posts and I for one, am looking forward to meeting all the interesting people. For our first installment, I thought who better to kick this off then one of my personal favorite local character's, Ali El Sayed. Here we go:

WHO: Ali El Sayed
Chef/Owner, Kabab Cafe (25-12 Steinway St. at 25th Ave)

Question #1 Were you born here? How has it changed? If not, where were you born and what brought you to Astoria?
Well, I was born in Alexandria, Egypt. I came here in 1978 and have been in Astoria almost 20 years and 18 years in this location.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?
(He looked at me with a look of wide eyed wonder, like DUH what a stupid question!)
Astoria itself, my favorite part is that the people make Astoria. Very interesting, don't you think?

Question #3 What is your number one go-to restaurant in Astoria? (other then his own)
Malagueta! The Brazilian guy, I love it. But the new Crepe guy is great too, you know- the French guy (he means Cafe Triskell)

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
He answered with a chuckle- Mombar! (favoritism? maybe maybe not. I 100% agree on his brother's place being a gem) He's a great guy- he does good stuff and it's still a secret! But if you are hungry at 3 in the morning- and only at 3 in the morning then you have to go to Roti Boti.

Question #5 What would you like to see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
What I really wish is that the restaurants in Astoria would not be segregated. This would help the community more. On one block you would have French, Brazilian, Egyptian all together. In 10 years? Oh yeah, it's gonna happen. I want Astoria to be the food capital of New York. What makes Astoria is flavor- you, me- no big fancy restaurants.

There you have it, our first 5 questions answered. Do you know a special Astorian who you think would be a good fit would want to sit for some questions? An interesting shop owner, a wise landlord, a great boss, an up and coming entrepreneur? Send over a quick note and maybe they can be one of the next 11!