Astorian Weekend Edition 02.07.09

Summer is always a great time in Astoria. You can go for a swim, do some yoga, or just sit in a cafe drinking a cold frappe in one of the Greek cafes on 30th Ave. Or grab a beer with some friends.

For something completely different, head over to Two Coves Community Garden for their open gardening session. From 11-2 every Saturday (location), people in the community are welcome to come by and get their hands dirty by sprucing up the community plot. Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) is just down the way from the garden and that same day at 2 p.m. they are hosting a 4th of July pig roast and clambake. Can I hear a YUM??!?? Oh, and Sunday they're doing BBQ, too! All you can eat, 10 bucks, 4-9 p.m.

If pork and clams aren't your style, hit Bareburger (33-21 31st Avenue) for some (albeit mildly pricey) organic meat and veggie burgers. I hear the chocolate peanut butter shake is teh yumz, and the ostrich burger is a treat.

Of course, it's Independence Day on Saturday, and we hope you have fun plans with family and friends. Show some care if you are in Astoria Park on Saturday, as a merry band of community-minded Astorians are planning on doing a cleanup of the park on Sunday morning. It's totally grody to pick up rotten food, so please dispose of properly!

And if you DO end up inside at some point this weekend, consider RSVPing for one of the Flux Factory's Going Places (Doing Stuff) Part II, "Best Summer Ever" Edition. Email rsvp@fluxfactory.org with your name, phone number, and the tour you are interested in (details, check it out). It sounds like some crazy fun!

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

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.01.09

Looks like we'll warm up a bit this weekend! The best day is Friday, where a balmy 41 degrees is projected. Maybe this weekend is a good one for a walk in the park.

On Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (31-10 Thomson Ave) World Cinema Showcase presents "In Between Days" with director So Yong Kim (in person). This film won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance, and traces the joys and risks of first love for a young Korean-American immigrant. A discussion with So Yong Kim, moderated by Chief Curator David Schwartz, follows the screening. Free for MOMI members, $10 non-members, $5 CUNY students. Members RSVP to 718.777.6810. Advance tickets available online at ($2 surcharge) and on day-of-show at the LPAC box office (718.482.5151).

For something completely different, join the Queens Drinking Liberally group for some politics talk. They will meet this Friday, January from 7:30 pm onwards, inside the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Avenue) at one of the tables downstairs.

On Saturday from 10 p.m to 4 a.m., SUBKULTURE returns to Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Boulevard). DJ’s Bellladonna and Scandal spin all sorts of styles from the 70’s-90’s, plus cult music flicks! This month…Long Island City’s INS & OUTS magazine will be snapping shots of the DJs for their March issue. Free. Cabs to HGS are about $7, fyi.

Also on Saturday from 2-5 p.m., PS1 presents a performance event in the P.S.1 Café. In conjunction with the exhibition of Reductive art presented by the Brooklyn-based collective Minus Space, Bibi Calderaro will perform the work PRESENT. In the piece, the artist reads books about seemingly unrelated topics and writes her instantaneous responses in a typewriter, which are then offered to the public. The written word is the main element, the artist a medium for thought.

Restaurant week starts this week! Water's Edge in LIC (The East River at 44th Drive) is the only participating Queens restaurant, but it's a nice one. Dinner is $35 for a three course meal.

Sunday brunch is always worth mentioning. Some favorites are Grand Cafe (37-01 30th Ave), Vesta (21-02 30th Ave), Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave), Sparrow (24-01 29th St), Locale (33-02 34th Ave), and Tournesol (50-12 Vernon).

Astorian Weekend Edition 23.10.08

On Thursday at 6:30 p.m. the Queens Public Library Steinway Branch (21-45 31st St.) presents Friend or Frenemy? A Guide to the Friends You Need and the Ones You Don't."It's time to give friends their due—and bid frenemies adieu—say Andrea Lavinthal and Jessica Rozler, bestselling authors of The Hook-Up Handbook. Join them for cupcakes as Jessica and Andrea share their tips on how to treat your BFF right, find the real friends on your social network, and drop-kick those losers and abusers who only pretend to have your best interests at heart."

On Saturday Trinity Lutheran Church (31-18 37th St.) holds their annual Halloween Party. The event lasts from 12-4 p.m. Wear your costume and enjoy games, dancing, and there will be snacks for sale. "Lots of candy" has also been advertised.

Saturday is also It's My Park Day! Head over to Two Coves Garden for a day of fun-filled activities for all to enjoy. There will be live music, a potluck, an instrument-making workshop for children, a worm bin demonstration for indoor composting, a soil workshop, recipe sharing, a children's costume parade and you'll get to plant daffodil bulbs. The event lasts from noon to 4 p.m., and is located at the triangle between Astoria Blvd, 8th Street and Main.

Later that night, Queens Green Drinks hosts their monthly event at Build It Green! NYC (3-17 26th Ave.) - the best place in the City to buy or donate low cost salvage surplus building materials. Green Drinks is an informal socializing and networking for environmentally minded folks. The soiree lasts from 4-6 p.m. For more info, contact queensisgreen@gmail.com.

Sunday night Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd.) continues their Sunday Night Cinema. This week: Made, Jon Favreau's directorial debut (he directed Iron Man). It stars Favreau, Vince Vaugh, and Peter Falk... and some gangsters. And although it's not on the weekend, it's important to note that Hellgate Social presents Recession Mondays - $3 select bottled beers, or $7 select bottled beer and sandwich all night.

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.09.08

September 11 is probably the most serious day in America's recent history. This year we will note the 7th anniversary of the attacks on that day. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a performance at Socrates Sculpture Park by The Little Opera Theatre of NY of The Bohemians. This will include the complete first act of Puccini's La Boheme (in English). The performance is part of The September Concert, which was established on the first anniversary of 9/11 in an effort to spread peace through music. Music will happen throughout the day as well, in various locations in Astoria.

The following night there will also be a candlelight ceremony in Astoria Heights. Organized by the United Community Civic Association/Port Authority of NY & NJ, this annual candlelight ceremony will take place at the memorial grove in McManus Memorial Park (81st St and Grand Central Pkwy) at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday night head to Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd) to see the Josh Irving Quartet (Josh Irving - Saxophones; George Dulin - Piano; Danny Zanker - Bass; Greg Ritchie - Drums). Music starts at 9 p.m. and there's a $10 cover

On Sunday, Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) continues their Sunday Night Cinema with The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Directed by Monty Python animator Terry Gilliam; look for Robin Williams playing the Moon King and Uma Thurman as Botticelli's inspiration for Venus. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

Just a food note: I've been enjoying the house-made fresh mozzarella at Rosario's Deli, right there on 31st Street under the elevated train (22-55 31st St). It's particularly delicious in a salad with tomatoes and basil (you can get both across the street at the produce market). Each ball is around $5. I understand the sandwiches are great, too. They are closed on Sundays.

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 28.02.08

Oleput (31-13 Ditmars Blvd), the former sweet shop in the Ditmars neighborhood, just revamped their menu. They offer lots of savory small plates, panini, desserts (they're serving Ronnybrook ice cream these days), and a nice wine and beer selection. The grilled cheese is awesome.

Over in LIC the Chocolate Factory (5-49 49th Avenue) presents Moliere's Don Juan, performed by the National Theater of the United States of America. The NY Time says "It may be the way [Yehuda Duenyas plays the great seducer], hops about and gurgles with glee after a conquest. Or maybe it's his mildly crazed eyes, or the pale, flat expanse of his stomach, which seems to be entirely muscle free. Whatever the reason, he's irresistible, as is the play." 8 p.m.

Also in LIC, PS1 presents WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution, "the first comprehensive, historical exhibition to examine the international foundations and legacy of feminist art." Concurrent events on Saturday include Faith Wilding performs Wait-With (location announced on day of event) from 12-2 p.m.; Women in Experimental Film, screenings of 16mm films by Peggy Ahwesh, Abigail Child, Barbara Hammer, Marjorie Keller, Marie Menken, Barbara Rubin, Carolee Schneemann, coordinated by M.M. Serra at 2 p.m.; and Women in Experimental Film, panel with contributors to the book, Women’s Experimental Cinema, with Carolee Schneemann, Peggy Ahwesh, Ara Osterweil, Melissa Ragona, moderated by editor Robin Blaetz at 4 p.m. Concurrent events on Sunday include Telepathe, a musical performance by this Brooklyn duo at 2 p.m. and Anna Oxygen, performing electronic music at 4 p.m.

Thursday and Friday night Bar 36 (36-05 30th Ave) has their own happy hour, going on from 6-9 p.m. Buy-one-get-one free for all martinis, cocktails, mixed drinks and beer. I hear the cocktails are very tasty.

On Saturday stop by Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) from 1-4 p.m. Local Astorian artists Christiane Haber and Maria from Buyme Designs will be featuring their entire collections. There will be treats and drinks for all!

This weekend the always awesome Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) presents Rounders for their Sunday Night Cinema. It stars Ed Norton, Matt Damon and John Malkovitch, and it's all about gambling and addiction. Happy hour is from 7-9pm. I always recommend the Hellgate Lemonade, which is still fabulous as ever (I was there last Saturday and had it, yum). Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you don't want to drink fun cocktails and watch a movie that night, try playing the Pub Quiz at the Irish Rover (37-18 28th Ave.). They pour a mean pint of Harp, I must say (how do they get it so creamy???). Quiz starts at 7:30 p.m. and it's $10 to enter. Winners get the pot. Get a group of four people together and rock out on the factoids!

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.12.07

Dang it's cold! But I have to admit, the snow has been very pretty and I enjoyed the manageability of the first snowfall this winter. However, it will warm up a little this weekend, for which I'm grateful. There's a lot going on this weekend!

Thursday brings us lots to do. At 7 p.m., Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) is hosting an artist reception for the exhibit 2 Live & Paint in Astoria. This new exhibit features the work of Ralph Almeida & William C. Lindsay. Bar 36 (36-05 30th Ave) is again hosting their Martini Thursdays - $2 off every martini on their menu (or create your own). Can't beat the free snacks, too! I just wish their website was more useful. Island Cafe Bar (35-15 36th St) has Jazz every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to midnight.

If you're not into the bar/cafe scene on Thursday, head over to Laguardia Community College (31-10 Thomson Ave.) in LIC for the opening celebration/reception for the exhibit Edge of the City, the Waterfront Paintings of Gregory William. From 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. meet the artist and enjoy the art.

Starting on Friday, stop by the Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center (10-34 44th Drive) for some holiday shopping. They are holding their annual holiday sale and open house Friday through Sunday. They offer one-of-a-kind handmade crafts from jewelry to ceramic. Their hours are Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 2-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Saturday night Hellgate Social presents a night of Japanese punk rock! Expect live music by The Yuharis, Uzuhi, and B.C.P. Conversely, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) presents a twist on karaoke - jazz! Come and sing in front of a live jazz band. Set list will be provided, sign-up is at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30.

Find some calm on Sunday at Grace Lutheran (31-20 21st Ave) for a weekly Buddhist meditation with Luis Villalon. The subject for this weekend is The Healing Power of Love. Beginners are welcome.

A friend of mine told me all about Rest-au-Rant, a new wine bar on 35th Ave and 30th Street. He told me, Essentially it's a wine bar, with about 30 wines, so far, though they're aiming to increase that number to 50. They also have tasty beer on tap, from Germany, New Zealand, Hawaii, Belgium, France, Weissbier and a slew of others. They also offer hummus, cheese and fruit platters and paninis. Definitely worth a try. And best food I've had out this week was at Sparrow (24-01 29th St) - their burger, which is excellent, was particularly good, as were the fries and olive plate. Don't forget to try the hot chocolate - warm, chocolately, and creamy, perfect on a cold evening.

Photo credit: Harris Graber on Flickr via a Creative Commons License

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.11.07

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Joey in Astoria! We hope you're having a great day with family, friends, and loved ones. If you're still looking for a place to have dinner, you can try Neptune (31-05 Astoria Blvd) and Bel Aire (31-91 21st St) as far as diners go, or Brick (30-95 33rd St) for something more upscale. Also Zenon Taverna (34-10 31st Ave) is having Thanksgiving dinner, with a few Greek items thrown in.

Friday after Thanksgiving is often referred to as Black Friday, the start of the Christmas shopping season. The term was coined in the 70s, indicating the period where retailers are in the black. Not interested in partaking in the shopping storm? Read JIA friend John Roleke's take on avoiding Black Friday in town. And Friday night at sunset, check out dj onda Skillet at AeroTropic: World Series upstairs at Mezzo Mezzo (31-29 Ditmars Blvd). That place has all sorts of things going on, it seems.

This weekend is a fantastic one for classic films at the MOMI (35 Avenue at 36 Street) Saturday they're showing Meet Me In St. Louis (2pm), The Wizard of OZ (4:30), and Singin' in the Rain (7:00). Sunday is the magnificent Gone With the Wind (2pm) and Brokeback Mountain (6:30). Every single one of these is worth seeing! Note that the Museum is closed on Thanksgiving.

For something a little different, movie-wise, head to Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) on Sunday at 8:30pm to see Jingle All the Way, starring California's own Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger as a frazzled dad. I was there for movie night last Sunday and it was awesome. Loved the relaxed vibe and the Polish beer I had was excellent. Stop by Saturday night for DJ Lo-Fi, who will undoubtedly be spinning great tunes.

Great recent eats include Guacamole (38-07 Broadway), Rizzo's Pizza (30-13 Steinway St), and I hafta say - check out the coffee at Cafe Expresso (not a typo) on Steinway (25-51 Steinway St). I had a cappucino there recently and it was really good! Oh, and by the way - Rose and Joe's Bakery (22-40 31st Street) is making little baby cream puffs that are extremely tasty.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Astorian Weekend Edition 16.08.07

Looks like a nice, comfortable weekend coming up! Highs in the upper 70s with a little bit of clouds. This will be a great weekend for a couple of bike-related events going on. Friday, it's all about the kids: Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike! That's the name of a class being given from 10am-1pm at ARROW (35-30 35th St.), for kids and their parents (a parent of guardian MUST attend). The class will provide expert guidance on how to balance,start, stop, and steer. It's free, and the NYC Dept. of Transportation will be giving away free helmets, on top of it all. Also, there will be a raffle of donated bikes and scooters from Recycle-A-Bicycle. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 212 932 2453 x159.

On Saturday August 18, from 12-3pm, Recycle-A-Bicycle is having a bike sale at their LIC location (46th Avenue at 5th Street). Six kids through the Summer Youth Employment Program have been working at Recycle-A-Bicycle in LIC for the last 7 weeks to learn basic bike mechanic skills, and this is the final project. There will be adult bicycles and a few children's bicycles- all recycled and refurbished. Cash and credit cars will be accepted, and the sale will take place rain or shine.

There's also fun at Hellgate Social this weekend - music, djing, and movies on the back patio. Always a good time. And speaking of movies, MOMI has some interesting looking films about complex realtionships, including Drive, He Said, Charley Varrick, and Play Misty For Me.

Socrates Sculpture Park continues its pan-arts event,Float. Saturday and Sunday, from 12-7:30pm, come see different kinds of artwork, live performances, and videos by emerging artists Robert Boyd, William Lamson, Ola Vasiljeva, and Shana Moulton. Moulton's Whispering Pines video series ends with a performance on Sunday. Jan Rothuizen's Missing is a tree covered in posters for lost pets, possessions, and people. Sheila Ross and Laura Ten Eyck's installation, Yurt City, will also be on display.

Warm Up at PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave in LIC) features DJ Spun w/Ben Cook, Eric Duncan, Woolfy Projections, Dewanatron & Ray Sweeten, and Zach Layton, going on from 3-9pm. It's a $10 admission for everyone but locals (bring proof of your Astoria/LIC address/zip to get in free). According to Flavorpill: "Rong Music hosts a lineup that's thick with dubbed-out beat makers, psychedelic incantations, and a proper dash of disco punk. Beyond the spinners, live sets include funk-fueled bass lines, temperamental synths, and all forms of robotic love." Head to Water Taxi Beach afterwards for Akalepse, and great dogs.

Food-wise, there's the aforementioned dogs at WTB. I hear that the pizza at Frankie's (31st Street between Ditmars and 23rd Ave) has changed a bit - an extra garlicky sauce, apparently. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. My fave really is Michael Angelo's on 23rd Ave (near 29th Street), which made me a fantastic Marghareta slice the other day. They have a back garden as well, which is so nice in the warmer months. But the place I'm most interested in is the new vegetarian/vegan restaurant run by the same people that run Sai Organics (30th Ave between 36th and 37th Streets), that is finally open!. This new restaurant is in the old Keystone Diner spot, 30th Ave just west of 31st Street. They are serving 100% organic food, too. This is very exciting!

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.07.07

Even the week's end starts out rainy, we should have a beautiful weekend. On Saturday, there are a couple of Trunk Sales going on. The Trunk Sale put on by the Astoria Craft Collective will have jewelry, accessories, and clothing. It will be at the patio on the corner of 29th Street and 35th Avenue, 11am-5pm, plus there will be refreshments! It goes on rain or shine, but it looks like a dry Saturday. Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) has a lot of t-shirts to offer with a 10% discount. 1-3pm and they'll have sweets and snacks. If you can't make it to either of the Trunk Sales, you might consider the Blooming Company at another time, a cute little boutique on 31st Street between 23rd Ave and Ditmars.

There's always plenty of music happening in Astoria, and this weekend is no different. Stop by Waltz on Thursday for Samba music, performed by Anthony Lanni and friends ($2 cover and a $7 drink minimum). Check out their newly renovated digs, too. Hellgate Social that same night presents indie punk rock in the form of The Johns. HGS also has a movie planned for Sunday around 9pm.

Time Cafe (44-18 Broadway) this weekend has live jazz during brunch on Sunday. Hear the Jacob Varmus Quartet from 12-3 while you enjoy some tasty food. And if you were thinking of heading to Sparrow (across from the Beer Garden) for brunch at 10:30am, you might want to reconsider - I tried eating there last Sunday at 11am and they were still closed! Best bet - check them out at noon. I also hear Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue) makes a superb frappe.

Head to the AMMI for more horror films, including 1970s classic Carrie and 21st century Japanese film Itchi the Killer. Warm Up at PS1 is Saturday from 3pm-9pm, and particularly interesting sounding that afternoon is Eric Singer's LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots)

More fun, here.