Astorian Weekend Edition 30.07.09

Can you believe it's almost August? Summer is moving along, fast! LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) has a number of offerings this weekend: BBQ, trivia, and music. I took an ear-gander at Little Creatures on MySpace, and they sound pretty sweet.

If you can make it before the Friday deadline, consider getting a Thai massage at Thai New York Spa & Salon (23-92 21st Street). I must say, I'm intrigued. After your massage, consider walking up the street to Bistro33 for dinner.

If you're looking for more outdoor fun, download the Astoria/Long Island City Waterfront Parks Guide, which features a whole slew of events (recurring and special) for everyone! On the environmental front, consider attending the event for city council hopeful Lynne Serpe this weekend.

Recently, fellow Joey Judith and I had dinner at Punta Dura (41-15 34th Avenue), and it was delicious! I can't wait to go back. Judith wrote up our experience, but there is more to come on this very blog, so keep an eye out! In the meantime, consider stopping by for their grilled branzino, which was divine.

Finally, thanks to a reader tip, I'll be checking in on Sai Organics (30-21 30th Avenue) this weekend. Rumor has it they are serving delicious vegan cupcakes. Now, I'm a sucker for cupcakes, so this has gotten me very curious. If you've had them, let us know what you think!

Trivia at LIC Bar

While perusing the LIC Bar site, I learned that they are doing trivia night on Thursday nights! It's actually "Triv-ariety", which means there's trivia, music, and a variety show, all rolled into one. Triv-ariety lasts from 9-11p.m. and "fun and prizes" are advertised.

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.

Astorian Weekend Edition 15.01.09

Although the weather outside is nippy, there are still plenty of fun happs in Astoria and LIC--especially in LIC this weekend.

Visit LIC Bar this Sunday from 5pm - 8pm for an eclectic music showcase hosted by award-winning Irish songwriter, Niall Connolly. The evening promises a plethora of new music talent from NYC and beyond. And if you can't make it on Sunday, go on Monday for another music showcase from 8pm - 11pm, featuring Egyptian, Brazilian and other "rowdy jazzsters." 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400

The Sage General Store in LIC is now offering weekend brunch from 11am - 4pm so check them out. Their brunch dishes peaked my interest, as I spied handmade pizzas, drunken baked French toast and Artisanal grilled cheese on the menu. 24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.361.0707

Take this long weekend to scope out, LIC's covert and sought-after bar, Dutch Kills. Owned by the same company that runs Milk & Honey--an exclusive appointment or referral only Manhattan and London bar--this spot is sure to give you a unique experience (if it's open that is--it's all a big mystery). 27-24 Jackson Avenue, LIC.

A loyal reader suggested trying Just Arthur's, the old-school Italian joint on Steinway. He mentions that their specials are always good and that the "Pasta a la John" shouldn't be missed. 22-08 Steinway Street, Astoria. 718.728.7288

And don't forget to take advantage of Ovelia's Recession special (pictured above), as they'll be serving lunch all day and even extend happy hour until 10pm. Enjoy their scrumptious mezes and stiff cocktails at reasonable prices. 34-01 30th Avenue. 718.721.7217

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.12.08

Here we are: it's crunch time for holiday shopping! Get your last full weekend of gift prep done locally.

If you're on a budget but still want something original, try locally grown Firelight Jewelry for that sweet lady in your life.

Clash Culture (34-03 34th St) is a pretty new fresh shop on 34th St. Find some slick original tees or some cool kicks for the little bit funky friend or
relative.

Don't forget your furry friends either! The welcoming folks over at The Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Avenue) are more then happy to outfit Fido in some new gear.

For that hard to shop for style maven, try Site (35-11 34th Ave) for eclectic home goods. They are definitely good to keep in mind for random knick knacks too, my weakness!

Something a little different, you can find it at The Little Soap Shop (2207 36th St). Help that certain someone smell delicious and pamper them while your at it!

Still looking? Don't forget about some old standbys: Candy Plum , Kristees, and Loveday 31

There's a big one on Sunday! At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. One of a kinds and local arts galore! And there is, of course, food and drink :)

End it all off at one of two holiday parties! Both L.I.C.Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) and Rapture (34-27 28th Ave) are holding an evening of merriment on Sunday. L.I.C. Bar is hoppin' from 8 to 11 p.m. with free grub. The Rapture fete also starts at 8 p.m. and with a new unwrapped children's toy, you get a free holiday cocktail and an entry for the big midnight raffle.

Now go out there and help this durn economy!

A free and fun activity for you- go now and vote for the Best and the Worst of Queens. Be heard!

View Larger Map

Free Dinner at LIC Bar - All In Honor of Lennon

There's an interesting event going on tonight at LIC Bar and it's all in honor of John Lennon and the 28th Anniversary of his passing. The evening will present some colorful, live performances with unique spins on Lennon's classics.

Here's what you can expect:

Live performances by: Little Embers, Andy Stack, Joel Moore, Tom Curtain, Daniel Shay, Jeneen Terrana, Chrissi Poland and many more!

And the other attraction of the night?

A full--and FREE--catered dinner for everyone!

Enjoy yourselves Astoria and LIC--this just might be worth getting out of the house for.

Monday, December 8th
8pm - 11pm
LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, NY 11101
www.longislandcitybar.com

Astorian "Spooktacular" Weekend Edition 30.10.08

Image by www.scholastic.com

Halloween is here so check out the many fun "tricks" and "treats" that Astoria has in store.

Visit the Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Ave, 917-576-7380) this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. for its Pre-Halloween Bash. Bring your furry friends and make sure they arrive in costume. There will be a raffle, as well as free doggie portraits, smoked organic doggie sausages, and doggie Halloween cookies.

Watch the Whiskey Dregs disappear on Thursday, the night before Halloween. Performances will include music, short stories, poetry, and even magic! Whiskey Dregs, The Great Disappearing Act, pre-party starts at 8 p.m. at Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd).

Halloween Specials:

Many restaurants are hosting costume balls. Cavo's (42-18 31st Ave, 718-721-1001) annual glam party offers some glitzy prizes, like a trip to Vegas, and Indigo's (28-50 31st St, 718-728-0050) more chilled-out party offers $250 in cash for the grand prize winner.

You can also check out my listings of more Halloween restaurant specials, including Meg's mention of Mojave's (22-36 31st St, 718-545-4100) "Day of the Dead" party.

Check out LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, 917-254-8923) at 9 p.m. for a special Halloween live music show featuring Tool Tribute Band Schism.

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 21.08.08

The Astoria Park Concert Series continues with Gary US Bonds. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Blvd between Hellgate Bridge and the pool.

On Friday, join Recycle-A-Bicycle’s Summer Ride Club. Learn on-the-bike riding skills and safe maneuvering in city traffic in this family-friendly event. The session lasts from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at RAB's training center (46th Ave and 5th St). Contact rideclub@recycleabicycle.org for more information.

More music on the weekend! LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) continues their outdoor music series. On Saturday come listen to Dave Barckow (folk, powerpop) from 5-7 p.m. From 7-8 p.m. Charlotte Cornfield (folk) performs. No cover and BBQ to boot!

Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) is putting on what they hope to be a yearly event, the Hell Gate Social Music Festival. The event is on Sunday. They have assembled 8 bands from different music genres; hip hop, electronic, and rock for a full day of music enjoyment.

The doors will be opening at 3 p.m., and there will be a $3 cover. Out back on their outdoor patio they will be BBQ'ing hamburgers and hot dogs for $2 each. Happy Hour will also be extended from 3pm-9pm, along with drink specials with every new band.The schedule is (more or less): Lead the Resistance 4p.m.; Luneur 4:45; Speak Onion 5:30; Puppet Show 6:15; Buddy Hollycost 7:00; Dead by Choice 8:30; D Music Productions 9:15; Sweet Magma 10:00
.

Astorian Weekend Edition 24.07.08

From a new pet boutique to music and movie events, Astoria and LIC have it going on this weekend.

Check out restaurant week at the high-end Water's Edge restaurant. They're fussy and you need to put your credit card down for a reservation but the place guarantees and evening to remember. $35 prix-fix menu from 7.21 -7.25; 7.28 – 8.1. Water's Edge – 4-01 44th Drive, LIC. 718.482.0033

Kafene is also a fun spot on the weekends. They offer delicious appetizers and drinks for a fair price and the ambiance is fabulous. If you go for brunch, you can walk over to Astoria Park after, just a few blocks away. Kafene - 23-08 Hoyt Avenue South, Astoria. 718.274.6525.

If you have a pet or want to meet one of the cutest bulldogs named Oscar, visit The Jumping Bulldog pet boutique on 23rd Avenue. Tanja the owner is lovely and welcoming, offering a friendly atmosphere, useful pet products and even some adorable outfits for your four legged friends. The Jumping Bulldog – 28-10 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 917.576.7380.

Come on by to Astoria Park's The Great Lawn for the first annual Astoria Music Now festival. The event is free and will feature various music acts such as Little Creatures, Bliminal, Pop Mafia, I Am Darien and more. This is a full day event so come prepared to party from Noon to 9p. Astoria Park, The Great Lawn – Ditmars & 19th Street, Astoria.

Every Tuesday until August 26th, enjoy Queens' finest artists and performers at the Live at the Gantries event series. Next week features a concert from a student jazz ensemble from York College. Gantry Plaza State Park - 50-50 2nd Street, LIC. 718.786.6385

And don't forget to check out the free screening of We Need Girlfriends at LIC Bar. Watch some of the episodes and even mingle with the talent on-site. Thursday, July 24th from 8p – Midnight. LIC Bar – 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400

More Fame in the hood

Tomorrow night, Thurs the 24th there's going to be a free screening of the Astorian made "We Need Girlfriends" at the LIC Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd (cnr of 46th Ave)between 8pm and Midnight. You'll be able to peep some of their best episodes which were produced right here in our sweet ole town. This isn't just a flash in the pan either, the series has just been picked up by CBS and is being written up left and right!

There will be some of the actors and creators on hand at the event if you were looking to network or pick someone's brain. The event is free but you must RSVP with number of guests at licfilmnight@gmail.com.

Have fun keeping an eye out for some of your favorite local haunts!

Oh and if you get there right at 8 you get to enjoy a free hour of Radeberger... just sayin... might help to coax you out ;)

LIC Bar Back on the Web

For a while now, I've been trying to find the LIC Bar's website but always got a 404 or some such thing when clicking on their old site at licbar.com. Good news is that they are back with a new domain, longislandcitybar.com. LIC Bar is a great watering hole with good beer, scotch, and mixed drinks. They offer sandwiches, and I recently heard a rumor that they serve burgers now - I'm always on the lookout for a good burger in the area.

In the summer they offer live music on Sundays, and throughout the year they do trivia on Thursday nights. Their backyard garden space is really nice, too. According to the website, they have a separate party room for large groups.

Glad to see LIC Bar's site back up! LIC Bar is at 45-58 Vernon Blvd in Long Island City.

Photo credit: maura on Flickr via a Creative Commons license.

HipNoHop This Weekend

Just got this in my email box - it sounds promising!

HipNoHop

What: Let the local musicians entertain you with free music that blends all sorts of rhythms together. BBQ (veggie burgers or hot dogs/hamburgers) will be available for purchase in the patio area.

When: Sunday, August 19, 4PM-7:30 PM

Where: LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Boulevard.

Who: No cover charge; Dogs and children are welcome!