Astorian Weekend Edition 07.01.10

Happy New Year everyone! Now that the crazy partying is wrapped up, here are some low-key happs to enjoy this weekend.

Attend the Visioneers premiere at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden this Thursday at 8 p.m.  The event is hosted by the Astoria Indies, a new indie film group in Queens that will bring you a different movie screening each Thursday at this venue.  If you don’t catch this week’s, you can always come back another time. 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

Still holding on to your Christmas tree? You can put it to good use by recycling it at this year’s Mulchfest, Saturday and Sunday in Astoria Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m..  Just take all ornaments off and you’ll be all set – they’ll even let you indulge in some free mulch! Have fun, meet new people and benefit the environment.  19^th Street and Hoyt Avenue, Astoria.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably indulged a lot this holiday season, and are looking to hit the gym.  A lot of them are holding introductory specials with $0 down.  My personal favorite, New York Sports Clubs is free to join until February 1^st and The Rock is also offering $0 initiation, 2 free personal training sessions and the entire month of January free.  NYSC - 38-11 30^th Avenue, Astoria.  718.932.1400. The Rock – 22-15 31^st Street, Astoria.  718.204.1400

On another healthy note, check out Mackenzi’s 7 great recommendations for veggie eats in Astoria.  From Mundo (carrot dip pictured above) to Vesta to Bare Burger, you’ll find nifty tips on how to eat healthy and meat free. 

The Noguchi Museum is holding an interesting-sounding discussion this Sunday at 3 p.m. about Sculpture in the Landscape.  The talk will focus on land art, specific works and the various issues that come up when exhibiting sculpture in the open air. Sounds like a useful event for an inspiring artist or an aficionado.  9-01 33^rd Road, Long Island City.  718.204.7088

Veggie Friendly Eating in Astoria

It is that time for resolutions and changes and perhaps for some eating less meat or trying a vegetarian lifestyle is high on your list. I’ve spent the last 20 years eating veggie, and I love all the fantastic veg friendly eating establishments Long Island City and Astoria have to offer. Here are my top choices for a great veggie meal that doesn’t consist of an assortment of unsatisfying side dishes!


The Veggie Wrap with Pesto at Mundo, from Little Girl, Big Appetite


Mundo
The jewel of healthy eating in Astoria! Choose from a wide variety of options including their perfect Red Sonjas, soups, dips and that hearty Veggie Wrap. Mundo has something in mind for every veggie, and their tapas style presentation means more to try, and less damage to the wallet. Plenty of vegan fare too, if that is more your thing. (31-18 Broadway)

Vesta
As a rather strict vegetarian, I appreciate clear menu marking of which dishes are ok for me to consume, and Vesta does a brilliant job at this task. Their locally grown, seasonally appropriate ingredients are also a huge plus in my book. Check out their deliciously layered salads, those Crispy Parm Brussel Sprouts, and the great assortment of pizzas (with whole wheat crust, too!). (2102 30th Avenue)

Café Bar
Home of Mediterranean Café style cooking, Café Bar has lots to offer people looking to cut down on their meat consumption. A wide variety of soups, sandwiches and salads are prepared with organic and healthy eating in mind. The Lebanese Salad is a hearty, protein packed salad that won’t disappoint. Their Homemade Veggie Burgers are also a knock out and a welcome change from the ‘Garden Burgers’ that are ubiquitous at most restaurants. Looking for something a bit lighter? Café Bar also has a great selection of juice and smoothies. (32-90 36th Street)

Aliada
Greek food and vegetarian eating don’t always go hand in hand, but this local favorite is actually quite veg friendly. The smoky Charcoaled Eggplant, Hummus, and Grilled Haloumi Cheese make quite the veggie feast, but the real stand out is their Horiatiki salad, a delicious Greek chopped salad with cabbage, cilantro, feta, olives, arugula, and a light lemon vinaigrette. (29-19 Broadway)

Bare Burger
Not surprisingly this organic burger joint has lots to offer non meat eaters. Their veggie patties are quite good and can be included on any of their fantastic combinations. Those looking for a change of pace should try their Portabella Burger option, bursting with flavor. Veggies will find lots of great salad and side options here too. (33 - 21 31st Avenue)

Fatty’s Café
A long time Astoria staple, Fatty’s has a great selection of non-meat options. Their ‘Make Your Own Salad’ offering is a great way to go- try the House Dressing, a smoky thick stunner. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their Grilled Veg with Hummus plate or Veggie Burrito with Mole sauce is always a winner. (25-01 Ditmars Blvd.)

Rest-Au-Rant
An unusual choice, Rest-Au-Rant is the king of the cheese plate, that yummy veggie staple. This cozy Astoria bar/eatery has lots of cheese plates to choose from, often in differing sizes. Enjoy a pressed sandwich or salad with your glass of wine if that is more your speed. (30-01 35th Avenue)

Finally Fridays - Burgers

Friday is here and we couldn't be happier. This week's Finally Fridays focuses on a comfort food that's hard to beat--burgers. Here are our top 5 picks for traditional and not-so-ordinary boighahs.

Sparrow Burger - Grass fed burger with thick-cut bacon and herbed fries
24-01 29th Street, Astoria. 718.606.2260


Sweet Afton Burger - Organic beef, Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, sweet brioche bun
30-09 34th Street, Astoria. 718.777.2570


BareBurger Lamburger - Lamb patty, yogurt sauce, caramelized onions, 7 grain bun
33-21 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718777.7011


Indigo Turkey Burger - Turkey, toasted sesame seed bun, hand cut fries, cranberry mayo
28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050


Fatty's Turkey Burger - Turkey, jalapeno mayo, peppers, onions and a side of house salad
25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.267.7071

Enjoy these fun varieties and let us know your personal burger faves.

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.08.09

It's going to be a hot one this weekend, so why not enjoy the coolness of a museum, a funky restaurant or a local artist party?

Every first Friday of the month, the Noguchi Museum is offering extended hours, until 8:30 p.m. and not to mention their enticing pay-what-you-wish admission. You can enjoy wine and beer from 5:30p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and relax in their newly-renovated sculpture garden. If you feel like going back on Sunday, they’ll be featuring the American Contemporary Music Ensemble at 3p.m., also in the garden. 33^rd Road at Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.204.7088

In the mood for delicious, organic grub? I strongly recommend checking out Bare Burger, which boasts interesting burger options (pictured above) and a plethora of beef alternatives such as ostrich, elk, bison, turkey, veggies and more. It’s all awesome and I especially loved their huge portion of crispy onion rings. The food and the atmosphere should not be missed. 33-21 31^st Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.7011

Get your party on this Saturday at P.S.1 MOMA’s Warm Up series. This Saturday’s line up includes the Music Committee of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company: Stephan Moore, David Behrman; Eats Tapes; Lovefingers and other special guests. The celebration starts at 2p.m. and goes until 9p.m. $10 admission. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.784.2084

Check out a cool French Bistro this weekend, like Bistro Les Minots on 30^th Avenue. They just got a new chef (previously of Morimoto) who’s making some exciting changes to the menu. They’ve also adjusted their $19.95 dinner prix-fixe to include dessert, offering it now 7 days a week. 47-16 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.2535

Don't miss SITE's 2nd Saturdays Local Artists Party from 12p.m. - 5p.m., showcasing the work of Jack Maiorino. Site describes Jack's work as "perfect little moments captured in sketches and lovingly turned into bags, prints, originals and more." Sounds wonderful and snacks will also be provided. 35-11 34th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.6030

Bare Burger: The Details

So, I contacted the proprietor of the coming Bare Burger, and come to you with lots of info! Here is what I've learned:

Bare Burger is an organic burger company, started by some friends who were born and raised in Astoria and wanted to open up a tasty eatery in their hometown.

Their menu is going to offer a wide variety of organic burgers: grass fed meats, including Piedmontese beef, bison, elk, ostrich, lamb, turkey, chicken, and even a veggie burger. Traditional sides like fries will accompany the burgers. I expect there will be other kinds of apps and sides, too. They estimate that close to 90 percent of their menu is organic, from the meats, veggies, bread, cheeses and salad dressings.

The fries are cooked in 100 peanut oil and cut fresh daily. The burger will be offered in three different ways: on a bun, in a wrap, or wrapped in iceberg lettuce. They also have plans for a healthy smoothie and even an organic beer menu, once the liquor license is had.

Pricewise, a standard bareburger (meat, special bareburger sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese and fries), will be about $10 or so. This is for an organic meal.

It's very cool what they are doing with the inside of the space. According to the owner, "A good majority of the decor consists of salvaged materials. For example, the ceiling is stained and glazed salvaged barn siding, the table tops from storm ravaged trees, the floors are bamboo, cork bathroom tiles, the chandeliers are made from spoons and forks from New York City Hotels, circa. 1930's, booths upholstered with 100 percent biodegradable fabric." Additionally, a lot of their equipment is also energy rated efficient.

They aim to make the best burger possible, and organic suits their needs in this respect.

I, for one, am looking forward to this! We'll let you know when they open.