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 14.06.07

Get involved with local issues at the Friends of Gantry Neighborhood Parks in Hunters Point. You don't have to be a member, just the desire to pitch in. Meet at Citylights (4-74 48th Ave and 5th St) in the 3rd Floor Activity Room at 7pm.- ppssst, thats kind LIC over there but eh, same hood.

Jazz away your Friday night at Go Wasabi (29-11 Ditmars Blvd) with some live piano action. 7:30pm-10pm enjoy some sushi with your tunes.

Local mainstay McCann's (36-15 Ditmars Boulevard) s having the first of its summer trips to Atlantic City on Saturday. Fun and friends await you, and for a mere $55 you get the full trip, some breakfast chow, movies on the bus, and refreshments on the way. If you still want to get your party on after getting back in, enjoy the one hour open bar back at McCann's. $20 and a phone call (718-278-2621) reserves your seat.

Astoria Waterfront folks bring health awareness to Astoria Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday with workshops, classes, walks, and clinics for all. There will be reps from the Transportation Alternatives of Western Queens Committee there, too. This event is hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Spend Sunday with dad for Father's Day and grab a Gyro Mania (28-53 36st St.) quick meal that will only put you back $10 for a platter of fries, salad and choice of protein, before heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image (35th Ave @ 36th St) to partake in their summer of gory movies with The Devil's Rejects @ 6:30 p.m. This super awesome scarefest will be preceded by Bambi Meets Godzilla for a chuckle.

pic of chicken souvlaki platter from my dinner on monday.