Astorian Weekend Edition 03.09.09

Labor Day weekend is here, and that means we get an extra day to relax and enjoy the fun that Astoria and LIC bring.

Saturday is the last day to enjoy P.S.1 MOMA’s Warm Up series so get yourself there and prepare to dance to the beats of DJ Spun, The Glenn Branch Ensemble, Lee Douglas, Justin Vandervolgen and others. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.784.2084

Speaking of more outdoor activity, you could toast to a fruitful summer at a beer garden of your choice. The original, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925) serves hearty pitchers of brew and Eastern European grub. Or…if you prefer something more modern, try Studio Square (35-33 36^th Street, Long Island City. 718.383.1001) with its extensive domestic and international beer selection—and even sangria on tap. They’ll remain open late-night on Monday, so if you have an extra day off, you can party until 4a.m.

Now on to eating...

Enjoy the all-day Brazilian buffet at Point Brazil (38-01 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.278.1934). They have a separate offering for breakfast and then a combined one for lunch and dinner. Prices are ultra low at $4.99-$5.99/lb so you could fill up here and then head to a cafe on 30th Avenue for coffee or a cocktail. Here are some suggestions: Grand Cafe (37-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.7321), Avenue Cafe (35-27 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.278.6967), Flo Cafe (37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6069), Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217)

A hidden treasure that I tried last weekend is Djerdan Serbian cuisine. They have the most amazing burek (pictured above) - which is a pastry filled with a choice of meat, cheese or spinach. Their grilled meats and traditional specialties such as goulash and stuffed peppers bring me back to my mom's kitchen. Simply amazing and very affordable. All entrees are under $15 and most are in the $10 range (34-04A 31st Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.2694).

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.02.09

While it's frosty now, the weekend is expected to be a lot warmer, so take advantage of these fun goings-on in Astoria and LIC.

Try the Sage General Store this weekend. It's a fabulous LIC food staple, serving the freshest, local dishes (see above picture) at affordable prices. They also sell Obama sugar cookies, which certainly piqued my interest. 24-20 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.361.0707

The famous musical, Ragtime is coming to Astoria. Directed by Astoria Performing Arts Center's Tom Wojtunik, this production is a three-week limited engagement so don't miss it. It premieres this Thursday at 8pm at The Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. 30-44 Crescent Street, Astoria. 718.393.7505

If you enjoy wine, why not try the Off the Vine Wine & Spirits wine tasting this Friday from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. They'll focus on locally grown, New York State wines, which are generally good. They encourage everyone to come, so bring friends. 44-21 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.728.4142

After three long months, Flo Cafe has re-opened its doors after a not-so-needed renovation. The place is open and bumpin', so check it out this weekend for brunch perhaps--they've changed their menu around a bit, so expect surprises. 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6096

In the mood for dessert after brunching at Flo Cafe? Walk into Terrizzi Pasticceria and enjoy a sweet confection. There's been a lot of talk about the new-old owners so give this place a try and weigh in with your opinion here. 35-14 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.9698