Astorian Weekend Edition 13.11.08

Saturday looks like it's going to be a rainy Saturday, so why not check out one of Astoria an LIC's own museums? The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Rd), the SculptureCenter (44-19 Purves), and P.S.1 (22-25 Jackson Ave) all have exhibitions running currently.

Make sure you take the opportunity to stop by Freeze Peach (22-00 29th Street), too - they've lost their space so their existence is limited (their going away party is 11/22). Hopefully they will find a new space, though - it would be a shame for them to completely disappear.

For a while now, I've been hearing about great affordable massage found in the Ditmars neighborhood. Chinese GongFu Tui-Na is the name and $50 gets you a full body massage. They also do foot rub/reflexology.

And if I haven't mentioned it before, Soho (22-11 31st St) has amazing turkey bacon. I recommend it, along with the whole wheat pancakes.

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 14.08.08

Although this weekend isn't marked by special events, there's always fun to be had in Astoria and LIC.

Check out the new Mediterranean eatery, Balu on 30th Avenue. It 's only been open for about two weeks but so far it's buzzin'. While the food isn't anything special, the atmosphere is oh so chic—very Miami-esque. Balu – 37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.2258.

This Friday at 8:30p, bring you best artistic material (whatever that may be) to Freeze Peach Café for their "insider art live mic" night hosted by the Whiskey Dregs. A free secret will be given to all who come. Are you intrigued? Freeze Peach Cafe - 22-00 29th Street, Astoria.

This Sunday is supposed to be nice out—a perfect opportunity to stop by the Water Taxi Beach for a free performance, Jellybean—Ain't Nuttin' But a House Party. Water Taxi Beach – 2 Borden Avenue, LIC.

Also, speaking of LIC, check out the nice Gantry Plaza Park shout-out from Brooklyn Based blog. They call it "the skyline picnic sweet spot." We agree! Grab your favorite snacks, a ball and some friends and you got yourself a fun picnic in back of the famous Pepsi sign. Gantry Plaza State Park – 50-50 2nd Street, LIC. 718.786.6385

Still hungry? Try Tournesol, the French restaurant that has won over my heart—and stomach. I strongly suggest trying their garlicky French Onion Soup (pictured above) and for dessert, the bread pudding with raspberries, mint and Crème Anglaise is an absolute must. Tournesol – 50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.472.4355

Astorian Weekend Edition 31.07.08

I love summer! There's always so much to do. Here is selection of things for the weekend:

Comedy in Queens: The Secret Theatre and The Queens Players present a festival of original comedy one acts from emerging NYC writers. On the final night (Saturday, August 2) you have a chance to see all the plays back to back. Program 1 starts at 5.30 and then program 2 at 8.30. A double ticket is only $20 and of course the closing night party will feature their famous and FREE BBQ!! The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St. in LIC, 718-392-0304.

Family Day: A free days of crafts, games, face painting, inflatable rides, & more! Saturday August 2, 12:00–4:00 p.m., PS 112/Dutch Kills Playground, off of 37 Avenue in Astoria.

Rock at the Rover: AM Preacher plays on Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 p.m. at the Irish Rover. 37-18 28th Ave in Astoria.

Hellgate Social Happenings: DJ Lo-Fi is on the 1's and 2's with some new wave, old school hip-hop, and electro. Saturday August 2nd. Sunday Night Cinema presents Red Dawn. Patrick Swayze, communists, and World War III - watch out! Hellgate Social, 12-21 Astoria Blvd, 718-204-8313.

Art is the New Black: An art showcase featuring four unique local artists (Chris Hingel, Anne Schellhorn, Raul Morales, Stefany Mohebban). Free! August 1, 8:30-11p.m. at Freeze Peach Cafe. 22-00 29th Street.

Astorian Weekend Edition 10.07.08

This weekend provides a number of opportunities to contribute to your community! First, on Saturday is the Shoreline Cleanup at Astoria Park. From 1-4 p.m that day come join your fellow Astoria residents to help clean up the shoreline. Gloves will be provided as well as trash bags. Meet at the War Memorial on Shore Blvd. Wear comfy clothes and durable shoes - that means no sandals or flip flops (glass and crud, gross). Older kids and teens should be accompanied by a parent.

Saturday night come by Fresh Start Market (29-13 23rd Avenue) for a night of live music by Agua Trip, wine, cheese, and freelance photography to raise money for Smile Train, the world's leading cleft surgery charity. The event is in their back garden patio and goes from 7-9 p.m.

On Sunday, Seeds of Love is having their first sale of the summer. The proceeds from this sidewalk sale will go to help 9- year old cancer fighter Jessica Easle. She has Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer and has relapsed recently. The sale lasts from 2-7 p.m. at 24-37 Crescent Street. Free gift while supplies last, too!

On Friday night, the Whiskey Dregs are doing an open mic night at Freeze Peach (22-00 29th Street). Bring whatever you want. This is a free for all. Hosted by Carlos Detres, and signups start at 8 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., head down to Queensbridge Park for CityParks Dance: Eleone Dance Theatre & Silver Brown Dance Company. Free!

And remember that one way to beat the heat (it's supposed to be hot and humid) is a dip in Astoria Pool. Otherwise, grab some ice cream! There's great gelato at La Guli (29-15 Ditmars) and Martha's Bakery (36-21 Ditmars), and ice cream at Igloo (22-26 31st Street), ColdStone (34-20 Broadway) and Baskin Robbins (multiple locations). If you know other ice cream/gelato sources, please share in the comments.

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.06.08

Tonight at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars), enjoy A Night With The Whiskey Dregs. 8 to 11 p.m. come enjoy the free event, full of music, poetry, and storytelling. There will also be some limited open mic time, so if that's your deal, get there early to sign up!

Don't forget the community meeting tonight about the Con Ed/Fed Ex sale. It will effect everyone.

If you haven't been by the Freeze Peach (22-09 29th St) lately, pay them a little visit on Friday and check out the new set-up. Some things moved around, some things changed, but same great drinks. There will also be carry over performances by the people from The Whiskey Dregs from last night. Looks like they are testing out a monthly gig.

Try the vast wine selection at Rést-âü-Ránt (corner of 35th Ave & 30th St.) and relax the Saturday away while nibbling on cheese and meats platters, too. I stopped in there a few weeks back and it was really quite charming. They open up the one wall (foto above) to let in the air and light, almost makes you feel like you're outside. Another plus, great music selection and not too loud either!

Sunday should be a blast- literally. Hit the park for the Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! Bring your own artillery, or join the Meetup group and pay $5 and they will supply you with some flying water bombs. There will also be a picnic of sorts going on as part of the Meetup group so if you are interested, inquire with them. Meet at noon between 23rd Rd and Hoyt Ave.

UPDATE: The Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! is being moved to next weekend 07.05.08. Stay tuned to their site.

Astorian Weekend Edition 01.11.07

Purge your system of all that Halloween candy by enjoying some tea and company at Thursday night's crafting Freeze Peach (22-00 29th St). All crafting is welcome, even if you don't know how to do it. There should be someone there happy to share tips, tricks, and pointers. Show up around 8 p.m. and just look for the knitters! They now have a blog to show the fruits of their labor.

Friday nights are made for eating out. Of course there are tons of options in Astoria. Meg recently turned us onto Mexican and Greek and reminded us of the goodies at Sparrow. Pick one and go for it.

Saturday, the fittingly named Steinways will perform at the Shillelagh Tavern (47-22 30th Ave) I have never heard of the band or the bar, so this sounds like a new adventure! It's only five bucks and starts at 9 p.m.

If you're not out too late on Saturday, you can prolly make it to Sundays TAWQ Rockaway Bike Ride. The roughly 45 mile jaunt will be starting at 9 a.m. in Astoria (Brooklyn Bagel on Broadway between 35th and 36th Sts), ending up in the Rockaways. It's suppose to be a relaxed pace, but with miles and miles before you sleep, it is recommended for experienced cyclists. (Sponsored by: Transportation Alternatives Western Queens Committee, join the ride by emailing emiliajocrotty@hotmail.com)

Astorian Weekend Edition 25.10.07

Happy Halloween... early! Since Halloween falls on a weekday close to the weekend prior, lots of Halloween activities fall on this weekend. And there's something for everyone, pretty much!

Friday night at 11pm, head over to 718 (35-01 Ditmars Blvd) for their Halloween Party. Check out their Scary Martini - Captain Morgan Tattoo Rum, fresh lime juice, splash pineapple, and grenadine.

Saturday afternoon at 4pm, grab your kids and go to PS1 for the debut of Café Cinema's Matinee Movies: Mystery, Magic, and Marigolds. This Halloween-themed film program is curated by twelve- and ten-year-old Maya and Noa Street-Sachs, daughters of avant-garde filmmakers. They've chosen seven spooky and surprising short films from the Film-makers' Cooperative. Children are encouraged to come in costume! Treats will be provided.

Saturday night Freeze Peach is having a costume party at 8pm. BYOB, and BYO Techno. At 10pm that night, Central Lounge (20-30 Steinway) is holding their own Halloween Party, complete with live flame throwers, stilt walkers, belly dancing, and a tarot reader. They're giving out prizes for costumes - first prize is $2,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is a bottle of Ketel One. At 8pm Last Resort Art Space (8-63 Astoria Blvd) is having a Halloween Party/Concert, featuring M.D.i., Dared the Knot, Kentucky Vampire Clan, Astrpohel and Stella & more. $7, $5 with costume. The Creek and the Cave (10-93 Jackson Ave in LIC) is showing a video premiere as part of their Halloween party. It's the debut of Wish You Were Mine - performing with The Proceeders (Steve O’Donnell of Pop Mafia).

Apart from the spooky weekend events are a couple of peace and justice events. Thursday night at 8pm, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Blvd.) presents a Music and Poetry Cafe, a fundraising event for Astorians for Peace and Justice. Performing artists include Eli Yamin (Jazz Pianist), Stephan Said (Singer-songwriter), Christine Hamm (Poet), Betty Smith (Activist), and Russell (Bassist) & Eliot Katz (Poet). Admission is $10 and it's going to a great cause. On Saturday, you can join members of AFPJ for the peace march in Manhattan; this is an international event. They are planning to meet at Queensboro Plaza at 12:00 pm to join other Queens groups.

Saturday night at 10pm, McLoughlan's (31-06 Broadway) presents Phil Coad, who plays classic rock with a southern flair. No cover and cheap drinks.

And on Sunday, ladies, Fatty's (25-01 Ditmars Blvd) is offering you half price on all drinks from 10pm-midnight. Enjoy!

More fun, here.

Photo credit: Meg Cotner

Astorian Weekend Edition 23.08.07

Now Thursdays at Bungalo (32-03 Broadway) are their hot Latin night. Good to know if you're looking for some salsa with your cocktails!

Friday night, on your way home, pick up some desserts from Bakeway NYC (25-21 Broadway). It's pretty new and in the space of the old Edelweiss Cafe. The cupcakes are gorgeous ,if nothing else, go take a gander. We're talking affordable and tasty!

Saturday will finally be a bit warmer so go cool off at the Freeze Peach for an ice cream tasting! That's right, stop in and fork over $9 at the door and be amazed by the flavorful concoctions of 'Erick's Unexpected'. Salivate forward to... maple sausage, hot chocolate (spicy with ginger and thai peppers), apples and cinnamon oatmeal, strawberry basil, a magical mystery tea sorbet, and who knows what else! Along with crazy ice cream, there will be reflexology, tarot card readings, live music, and an open tea bar for your entrance fee.

At McCann's (36-15 Ditmars) you can enjoy (free of charge) the UFC 74 Respect, a PPV event live from Las Vegas. Fight starts at 10 p.m., but get there early to score a seat and dig into their full menu. It's all cooked with zero "trans fats," even the delicious buffalo wings.

Sunday is for doing good...or so say I for this week:)
A Seeds of Love Fundraising Sidewalk Sale raises money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Along with the monies going to the race, a portion will also be going to Paige. We're talking brand new, hot clothing/jewelry/handbags!!!! Oh, and teachers will be honored with free gifts for back to school (while supplies last)! Find these do-gooders at 24-37 Crescent St. between 24th Ave and Hoyt. between 1 & 5 p.m. on Sunday

Freeze Peach got dressed up

So earlier this week, our favorite local tea shop and CSA pickup spot the Freeze Peach got a new awning! Hopefully now people won't have as much of an issue finding the joint!
(They are off the corner of Ditmars and 29th St. btw)

Astorian Weekend Edition 17.05.07

Free Candy? Heck yeah! Friday at Waltz, enjoy the operatic stylings of the City Beat Opera.
Fill your ears with great standards and cabaret pieces for the low low cover of $5 and fill your belly with sweet sweet candy (and the other delicous treats they have for sale too.)

Saturday feel the love and join Marriage Equality New York for the Wedding March. They are going over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan's Foley Square. You may ask yourself so what does Astoria have to do with this? Well quite a few Astorians are involved and some will even be performing (Candy Samples and the Gender Offenders) at the rally afterwards! The festivities start at 11 a.m. in Foley Square: head out there and support our peeps!

Just the other day, Meg filled us in on all the ice creammy goodness in Astoria, but actually since then, another great option popped up. Freeze Peach is now carrying tea based ice creams! For $3.75 you get a a pretty large cup filled with your choice of butterfly sencha, espresso honey, black currant. Flavors vary but those are the inaugural batch. Just another great reason to stop in, can you tell we love the place?


Holy crepes!
We'd like to welcome Cafe Triskell to the nabe. You may recognize the place as the old Lil Bistro 33, such a cute space just had to be used again! Chef Philippe Fallait has his crepes going on, I must say :) I ordered the hearty Broceliande (chicken, grilled veggies and goat cheese) and sampled the Benodet (mushrooms, swiss and herb butter). They were both phenomal! The banana and homemade chocolate crepe was also a hit. The prices range from $4 to around $9 and there are also soups, salads and sandwiches. This really is a great little gem we've been gifted, stop in and give them a taste. Merci Chef Philippe!

my other pics from the cafe here