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

Astoria Indies - Visioneers at the Beer Garden

Thanks to the weekly email I got today from The Q Note, I learned about Astoria Indies, "the new home of indie film in Queens" (FB)  Sounds promising!  They've declared January to be "funny month", so that must mean comedies are on deck.

The physical home of Astoria Indies is the Bohemian Beer Garden (29-19 24th Avenue), and their first film this month is the 2008 dark comedy Visioneers, starring Zach Galifinakis (The Hangover) and Judy Greer (Arrested Development), directed by Jared Drake.

Tickets at $5 and you can buy them ahead here.  Following the screening, stick around for a performance by singer-songwriter Zach Hurd.

The film will show at 8 p.m. 

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 09.07.09

We've finally hit summer! There's nothing better than chillin' at a fabulous outdoor venue in the sun, whether a cafe, a bar, a beer garden or a new park.

Join the Drinking Liberally group this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden for some good-natured fun and potent brew. They’ll meet outside where you can spot them, sporting their black t-shirts with a blue bottle logo. Cheers! 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

If you’re in the mood to check out a new beer establishment, visit the Studio Square Beer Garden. They’ve made some changes in the menu, now also serving sushi and festive homemade cupcakes, which are perfect if celebrating a birthday. They even supply candles—how thoughtful! Tip – get their as early as you can, as this place gets packed after 8 p.m. 35-33 36^th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001

Looking for a delicious summery brunch? I recently tried Vesta’s offering and loved it! Besides the scrumptious whole-wheat French Toast with apricot preserves and the Hangover Pizza, I enjoyed the summery white grapefruit sorbet (pictured above). It’s paired with fresh fruit and is simply to die for. 21-02 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Another great brunch option is Ovelia, featuring tasty Greek omelets and interesting alternatives such as the Tiropita Toast. They were recently the runner up in DCA’s 4^th Annual Sidewalk Café Mix Off with their signature drink, The Sikatini. Made with dried figs and Metaxa, this refreshing concoction should not be missed. 34-01 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217

Gantry State Park in LIC is the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon. In the words of an enthusiastic resident, "it’s simply delightful. They have wooden lounge chairs, hammocks, lots of grass and even a cool concession stand, which will open soon.” Sounds like a winner to me! 474 48^th Avenue, Long Island City. 718.786.6385

April Queens Green Drinks

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 22, is this month's installment of Queens Green Drinks. It will be hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance, and held at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (aka Astoria Beer Garden!) at 29-19 24th Ave. Come by and meet up with fellow green-minded folks. Here's some more info from the organizers:

What's Queens Green Drinks again?

Very simply, it's an informal social gathering/networking event for folks that are environmentally minded. Come and we'll introduce you to some of the other like minded folks in and around Queens. If we're lucky (which is likely) we'll cross pollinate make new friends, catch up with old ones, and maybe even sprout an idea or three.

About Astoria Park Alliance

The Astoria Park Alliance is a community group whose mission is to beautify, enhance, and encourage involvement at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance is comprised of butterfly garden makers, bird watchers, exercise gurus, recycling fanatics, dog owners, runners, cyclists, swimmers, waterfront revelers, event planners, bloggers, firework watchers, bridge appreciators, tennis players, picnickers, future skateboarders and regular 'ole community folks. Astoria Park is also a 64 acre beauty of a park that boasts one of the most romantic views of Manhattan. Bonus, it is a short skip from the Astoria Beer Garden!

Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m. and will go for a couple of hours. I've heard rumors of beer specials, too. See you then!

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.04.09

With Passover this week and Easter on Sunday, there are plenty of interesting happs and offerings, guaranteed to spice up the weekend.

Enjoy a delicious Italian Easter feast at Vesta. Their offer includes a mix of brunch and dinner dishes such as hangover pizza and delectable braised lamb shank (pictured above). There’s no prix-fixe, which is probably better on the wallet. 21-02 3oth Ave, Astoria. 718.545.5550.

The Beer Garden will also host an Easter celebration this Sunday from 1pm – 5pm, complete with an Easter egg hunt, egg painting and live entertainment. Feast on traditional Czech dishes for $19.95 per person. 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Are you looking to treat your family and friends to some Easter yummies? Check out Rosario’s Deli, an Italian specialty foods shop with tasty sweets such as giant hazelnut/chocolate Easter eggs. They feature weekly specials—and I just bought dark chocolate Baci truffles there for a very good price. 22-55 31^st Street, Astoria. 718.728.2920

Besides at Rosario’s, you can get your Easter dessert at the various bakeries in Astoria. Some of the better ones that feature Italian-style treats include Frank’s (36-02 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.7813), La Guli (29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.728.5612) and Rose and Joe’s (22-40 31^st Street, Astoria. 718.721.9422).

Aside from Easter festivities, you can attend LIC Bar’s Sunday Social with free live music and $4 beers. This weekly event is hosted by Irish songwriter, Niall Connolly every Sunday from 5pm – 8pm. 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400.

Spring Flea Market this Saturday

I almost forgot to post this! From the email from the director of D.A. Sokol, a volunteer organization that provides very low-cost gymnastics to kids in Astoria and its neighboring communities at Astoria's very own Bohemian Hall.

[Come by the] spring flea market on Saturday, April 4th, from 1 to 4 pm to help us raise money for our gymnasts to travel to Texas for a competition in June, and to help local artists and designers gain exposure. Local artists and designers will be selling their work at the indoor hall adjacent to the beer garden (with Mothers' Day coming up, there's some great gift ideas). There's no admission fee or anything, and it should be really cool!

Sounds like a great cause to support, plus it's always interesting to see what local artists and designers are up to. If you go, let us kow how you liked it!

Word on the street is that the Beer Garden takes credit cards now. So, when you're done shopping, head out to the garden for some beer and grub.

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.03.09

Party into the weekend on Thursday at the LIC Community Boathouse 2009 Fundraiser Party , from 6 - 9pm at The Foundry (42-38 Ninth St, LIC)

Also on Thursday, Waltz Astoria, hosts an evening of live chamber music with artists from the Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. For the $10 cover, you'll get
a drink so it's kinda worth it, I think! You've got to rsvp, so email saltshuler@msmnyc.edu or call 917-493-4595.

Friday, Drink Liberally at the Beer Garden with a special guest from the Empire State Pride Agenda. Drink for the greater good is what I say.

We told you there was a new CSA in town: well, Saturday you get a chance to look a little closer. Meet the farmer that will be supporting the Harvest CSA from 11am - 2pm at Church of the Redeemer on 30th Ave and Crescent St.

Club One (25-22 34th Ave) is getting its craic on on this Saturday night and starting the St. Paddy's Day celebrating early. Go green with Louie the Leprechaun and compete for cash prizes! You'll get DJs galore and drink specials until midnight.

Sunday at the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) there's a Seeds of Love Sale. Shop for a good cause then get your keilbasa on from 1 to 6 p.m. Bargains -- I tell you -- make your $5 go far.

Drinking Liberally - What's This All About?

Here and there, we've posted about Drinking Liberally. What is it? Well, here's the latest announcement:

Hello Lovely Liberals!

Please join us this Friday at Queens Drinking Liberally, March 13th from 7:45 pm onwards, at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria, with myself (Stephanie) and Donald Graff as your hosts.

We will likely be meeting at tables in the dining area in the basement, but if the weather is nice, we may be outside.

This week we will have a special guest joining us: Matthew Brunner NYC Program Organizer for the Empire State Pride Agenda, NY's largest gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender advocacy group. This organization does community organizing and outreach surrounding the Marriage Equality Bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, and the Dignity For All Students Act. So come meet Matthew, have a pint, get involved.

The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is at 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY. It is closest to the N/W train stop at Astoria Blvd (1 stop before the last). The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is the only old-fashioned outdoor beer garden in the city.

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.03.09

The Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) continues its Thursday night jazz performances. Music starts at 6 p.m., most likely downstairs in the restaurant (once it warms up, it'll no doubt be outside in the garden). Come by and enjoy some music with a stein of beer and some kielbasa.

If you've got some time on Friday afternoon, Rejuvenate Spa (26–17 23rd Ave) has something for you. They offer a 30 minute lunch massage special on Fridays (and Mondays) from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. Choose Swedish massage or reflexology for only $40. Rejuvenate sets itself apart from other spas by using only organic products and a holistic approach to skin and body care. They can be contacted at 718-626-4434.

On Friday night at 8:30 p.m., the American Bolero Dance Company presents Tablao Flamenco in Astoria. They'll present a variety of Spanish dance styles, with emphasis in Andalusian Flamenco and Spanish classical dances, performed by various local and international artists. Dancing takes place at the Auditorium Centro Espanol (41-01 Broadway, 2nd Floor). Adults $20; Children under twelve $15; call (718) 392-8888 or (917) 288-7996 for tickets.

On Saturday, Hellgate Social showcases DJ Belladonna starting at 10 p.m, spinning a whole host of musical styles. Astoria-based rapper HOPS comes on at 11 p.m. Stop by for some hot beats and cool Hell Gate Lemonade. 12-21 Astoria Blvd.

Sunday brings us Time Out for Hunger, a fundraiser for the Food Bank for New York City. Three Astoria restaurants are participating: 718 (35-01 Ditmars Blvd), Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave), and Bistro 33 (19-33 Ditmars Blvd). Eat at any of these places on Sunday and they will donate 10% of the profits to the Food Bank. A worthy cause, for sure.

Lastly, head over to Rosario's (22-55 31st St) for some great fresh mozzarella (see picture above). I had some the other day and it was delicious. They make it fresh there every day (except Sunday when they're closed). Super yum!

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

Laugh a little on a dreary day!

Tonight get your last comedy fix from the kids over at Comedyland before the holidays. Got this from their Myspace page:

Colin and Stacia are leaving on jet planes to visit the fams for the holidays. We'll be back on January 6th with a line up designed to blow your mind.
Enjoy your holidays! But before you light the yule log and/or Menorah, celebrate Comedyland one last 2008 time!

Here's what we have in store:
Stacia & Colin (Your holiday hosts)
Sharon "Mama" Spell (She sings, she dances, she's a holiday wonderland!)DJ Hazard (This comedy legend is bound to have a few hilarious holiday stories)
Cory Jarvis (speaking of holidays, he's travelled to Japan.
Will we get stories?)
Dan Curry (2008 was the year of Dan: he got married and got on the TV)
Peter Moses(In 2008, he became like family to Comedyland)

COMEDYLAND'S 2008 FISCAL YEAR END SHOW
Tuesday, December 16th @ 9pm
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in the Beer Cellar Restaurant
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria, NY
www. bohemianhall. com

The most magical part: IT'S FREE!! Totally FREE!!

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.11.08

I'm just going to start this off by telling you to go eat! It's been a little while since I've really tried new places in the nabe. Well this week, I knocked two places off of my ever-growing list! Sakura (35-15 Ditmars) and Lava Cafe (27-03 23rd Ave) are good enough to put on my "regular restaurant roster" and even bring friends. In the photos are three random, yet delish and fresh rolls of sushi from Sakura and my Lava Frittata from brunch. Both places are wonderfully affordable and remarkably fast and tasty!

Rèst Âü Ránt (30-01 35th Ave) is celebrating a year in the hood on Friday at 9 p.m. They'll have a live band, drink specials and tastings, and passed appetizers.

There's more music and flashy burlesque at Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd.) on Friday at 10 p.m. There should be fun things happening as it's also George's Birthday... and I quote "you need not know George for this to be an important point! If you do know George then you know that you must be present." There's no cover, why not?

Freeze Peach (22-09 29th St.) not only got a cool neon sign in the window, but now they are serving fresh crepes on Saturdays and Sundays!

Sunday from noon to 5p.m., update your wardrobe and have fun with friends galore at another Seeds of Love Proceeds will help families at Hour Children with basic necessities and grant winter wishes for New York City kids in need. As if we need any reason to go to the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave.)? Get your pilsner, kielbasa, AND a large selection of new, trendy, name brand clothes and accessories! Tis almost the season after all.

The Queens International Film Festival is here again. The actual event itself is being held a little off the beaten path, but the closing party is right here at Cavo Cafe Lounge (42-18 31 Ave)
on Sunday at 9p.m.

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.10.08

While we've got cooler weather these days, it means that the Beer Garden is less crowded. My favorite time to be there is a Sunday afternoon, when it's pretty mellow. According to their website, the grill is still operating, so head on over, grab a glass of Pilsner Urquell and a kielbasa, and chill out on a fall afternoon.

The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Road) continues it's Second Sundays program this weekend. Sunday's presentation will be a panel discussion called (re)Generation: Three Artists, Three Cities. The museum lost its Ailanthus tree recently, and are planning to repurpose and reuse it, a practice that is consistent with Noguchi's futurist thinking regarding the natural world. Independent curator and critic Lilly Wei will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Mitch Cope and Ingo Vetter of the Tree of Heaven Woodshop, which milled the Ailanthus, alongside Paul Villinski and Annie Murdock, artists from Waste Not, Want Not, an exhibition at Socrates Sculpture Park focused on the re-purposing of cast off resources.

This Saturday from 12-5 Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) is having a trunk sale. New dresses, accessories will be available, along with brownies! Help support our local garment industry.

I've noticed that the leaves on the trees are changing - yellows are peeking out, and more are on the ground. One of the best places in town to watch the changing leaves is Astoria Park. If you've got some time, head on over and chill out in our lovely gem of a park.

Last weekend I checked out the new Manducatis Rustica (46-31 Vernon Blvd) in Long Island City. What a great addition to the neighborhood! Probably my favorite thing was an amazing tomato, mozz, and basil sandwich. Everything was incredibly fresh. Pizza was good, too, as well as the gelato. The coconut was particularly good, as was the vanilla. They make it all in store, and it's wonderful. Definitely check it out.

Lastly, warm congratulations to our newest Joey, Judith! She's getting married this weekend and we wish her lots of happiness!

Astorian Weekend Edition 02.10.08

Pictured above - Bacon wrapped shrimp from SHI

Since last weekend wasn't conducive to being outside, the Beer Garden is taking another stab at Octoberfest. This Saturday from 3p and all day Sunday, enjoy great music, hearty food and imported lager. Admission is FREE. 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Try some new restaurants this weekend:

SHI, the stylish, new Asian fusion eatery in LIC has amazing city views at a fraction of the price of its neighbors, such as Water's Edge. The must-eat dishes in my book are the popcorn beef and bacon wrapped shrimp--just wonderful! 47- 20 Center Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101. 347-242-2450

I had the pleasure to try the new and improved Bangkok Tasty. Wow! The interior is modern with a hint of Zen--I enjoyed my dinner because I got the chance to unwind. While their curry puffs look non-traditional, they're tasty. My friend and I loved our entrees and the wallet friendly prices. 29-06 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105 718.545.8203

And don't forget...Queens Restaurant Week is still going on until this Thursday. Check out these Astoria and LIC locations that are still offering Restaurant Week specials.

Bon Appetit!

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.

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

Astorian Weekend Edition 03.07.08

Not sure about your plans for the 4th? Although this weekend may be quiet in the city, there are plenty of fun happs in Astoria.

Visit the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden for their 4th of July Festival. They'll serve over 40 types of beers and have a live band on-site. Drink, party and celebrate Independence day at this outdoor haven--but get there early because seating is hard to come by. $5 admission. 19-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

Enjoy a nice brunch at our favorite neighborhood hangout, Bistro 33. I recently tried their blueberry pancakes (picture above) and they're out of this world. The cranberry mimosa is also a nice complement to brunch. 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.721.1933

This Saturday, check out the 6th Annual NYC Musical Saw Festival. You'll enjoy the music of about 20 saw players from around the world as well as an exhibition featuring musical saw paintings and a video installation. The music starts at 2p at Trinity Church - 31-18 37th Street, Astoria. $10 at the door.

Also on Saturday, keep Astoria Park sparkling and join the Post Independence Day Clean-Up. You can meet your fellow cleaner uppers at the bottom of the green lawn on Shore Blvd from 7a - 9a. For more information contact, astoria_park_alliance@googlegroups.com

Final reminder: The Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight and Picnic has been moved to this Saturday. Meet at Noon sharp at 19th Street between Hoyt Avenue North & 24th Road and water balloon fight till you drop!

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.06.08

The heat wave is finally over and we're psyched to be up and about this weekend. Don't forget Father's Day this Sunday—Astoria has plenty of fun things to do with Dad.

Mundo, the intimate eclectic eatery will be offering their new summer menu so stop in and try it. We'd suggest calling now to make a reservation, as weekends get busy. Mundo – 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria. 718.777.2829

Want to volunteer at the famous P.S.1 Warm Ups this summer? You'll help run one of the most energetic and fun music events in this city. Warm Ups start in July and volunteer training starts in 2 weeks. P.S.1 MOMA - 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084.

Watch the 2008 Euro Cup with Dad at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Toast to the winning team with a nice cold Czech beer in hand, and make sure you get there as early as humanly possible to beat the crowds. Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925.

You can also catch the Euro Cup at most 30th Avenue cafes such as Athens (32-07 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.2164), Avenue (35-27 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.278.6967) and Grand Café (37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.7321). But like we suggest above, get there early to grab a seat.

Want to get a festive Father's Day cake for Dad? Visit, Dolce Italia Bakery for some tasty creations—and while you're there, check out their new spins on sweet classics such as a
giant Black and White cookie and a Nutella filled Linzer Tart. Dolce Italia Bakery – 36-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.278.4188.

Treat Dad to one of the best steak dinners he'll ever have—take him to Christos Steakhouse. There's no special menu for Father's Day but then again, they don't need to have one (see picture above). Lunch service will start 3 hours earlier than usual on Sunday (Noon vs. 3p). Christos Steakhouse - 41-08 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.8400

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.05.08

Looking forward to Memorial Day weekend? We are! The weather is looking sunny and warm and that means plenty of fun outdoor activities in the 'hood, such as…

This Saturday, May 24th, get in touch with your creative side—build a recyclable kite at Socrates Sculpture Park, using old shopping bags. This workshop is lead by artists, Miwa Koizumi and Marco Scoffier, starting at noon.

Not into recyclable art? You can also stop at Socrates Sculpture Park for a Saturday workout session. Choose between Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts). Most classes last for one hour. Socrates Sculpture Park - 32-01 Vernon Blvd. 718.956.1819

Looking for something cultural to do after the park? Visit the Noguchi Museum, directly across the street. It's a neat little museum (as in literally, small), which focuses on Japanese modern sculpture and design. If you're interested in a free tour, make sure to arrive by 2p. The Noguchi Museum - 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard). 718. 204.7088

Brunch it up, Astoria style and finish off with something sweet. Try 718 for their spectacular prix-fix brunch. It's a bit of a splurge for $22 but the quality of the food is worth it. If you skipped dessert at brunch, walk a couple of blocks down to Ditmars and 29th Street and visit La Guli Pastry Shop—their cannoli kiss is to die for. 718 – 35-01 Ditmars Blvd. 718.204.5553. La Guli - 29-15 Ditmars Blvd. 718.728.5612

Enjoy some nice, cold "bruha" at The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden but beware of the holiday weekend crowds—they'll be enormous so the earlier you get there, the better. Interested in working at the Beer Garden? Click here. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden - 29-19 24th Avenue. 718.274.4925.

Can't get into the Beer Garden because of the crowds? Visit The Sparrow across the street, a local neighborhood bar owned by the same people who ran Tupelo and also the ice-creamery, Oleput. They have great beer on tap and a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The Sparrow – 24-01 29th Street. 718.606.2260.

ohh the fun to be had!

The jokesters in the nabe are growing! A new comedy night for Astoria is underway. Every Weds at 9pm, enjoy the "FREE" comedy at the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) brought to you by crazy kids Stacia Jensen and Colin Dempsey. So stop over, get your kielbasa on, sit back and laugh your tooshies off :)

I'll be heading over on the 19th when Will Franken will be headlining. Maybe I'll see you there...