Astorian Weekend Edition 17.12.09

We are approaching the end of Hanukkah (did you have latkes? jelly doughnuts? mmm....) and Christmas is fast approaching.  Still looking for the perfect gift?  Definitely check out the upcoming local markets this Sunday, where you can support local artisans and craftspeople. Both locations - Waltz and Sweet Afton - serve great food, so you can nosh on something while you're there.

For more shopping, head over to LIC on Friday for their Midnight Madness shopping extravaganza.  Lots of local shops will be open late til' midnight, plus there are extras to entice you, like free hot chocolate at Manducatis Rustica and "buy one get one free antipasto" at Testaccio. I was just down there this past weekend - if you find yourself there earlier in the evening, be sure to stop by at Sweetleaf Cafe for some delicious coffee.

Those crazy cats at Why Leave Astoria?! are holding their annual holiday party at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) on Sunday night at 7 p.m. They're combining a number of things into one ball of fun: a holiday market (for last minute gift ideas), a coat drive (for NY Cares), a raffle (gift certificates to local establishments, and a luxury VA mountain weekend getaway), and a prix fixe dinner ($25 gets you 3-courses and a glass of wine). RSVP, please.

For something completely different, consider The Secret Theatre's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring the Queen's Players. Performances are this weekend (December 16-20) and later performances on January 1-3. Shows are at 8 p.m., plus December 19 and 20 matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $15, available online, or direct from the box office. Group discounts available.  718.392.0722

And finally, for a delightful dose of history, the Greater Astoria Historical Society (35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor) hosts an afternoon of American history. Along with Tony Pignataro and fellow history enthusiast Al Ronzoni, they will present dramatic and video illustrations of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware River, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Battle of the Bulge. The event starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and discussion will follow the main presentation.  Free!

Sweetleaf Cafe - Excellent Coffee in Long Island City

This weekend I was able to catch the penultimate day of Sweetleaf's Free Coffee Week event, and I am kicking myself for not visiting sooner. It is, bar none, the best coffee I've had in the borough, and some of the best coffee I've had in NYC.

They serve the much-lauded Stumptown Coffee, and it is strong and delicious, not to mention fair trade. They offer American coffee ($1.75) and espresso-based coffee drinks ($2.25-$4.00) on the menu, as well as a variety of in-house baked goods (muffins and other treats).  They also sell Nunu Chocolates, which are wonderful - the hand-dipped salted caramel is my favorite so far.

The staff is really nice and accommodating, and owner Rich answered my questions about the store and products, and even passed on some brewing tips (which were a huge help!).  You can also buy Stumptown beans from them - 12 oz bags run from about $12-14, depending on the kind of bean you get.  I bought a bag of the Columbia El Jordan, brewed it this morning, and found it to be one of the smoothest cups of coffee I've had in quite a while.  I can see myself returning again and again for good coffee and fantastic beans for home brewing.  And those chocolates... mmm...

Definitely check them out - you won't regret it!

Sweetleaf Coffee & Tea
10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC
917-832-6726

Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30am–7pm; Sat 8am–7pm; Sun 10am–6pm

Astorian Weekend Edition 08.10.09

Fall is here, which makes it a lovely time to stroll around the nabe, discover new places and appreciate the foliage. Here are some fun suggestions for this weekend:

Visit a cool art show and do some shopping this Thursday at Ethereal Boutique in LIC. Leann Marie Zafuto will showcase her fashion based art and the store is featuring an accessories trunk show. Enjoy wine and treats while perusing. Thursday, October 8^th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.482.8884

Some more awesome shopping also happening on Thursday night is at SITE. Mackenzi will be hosting a Fall Preview Party, where you can take advantage of fabulous discounts on unique designs such as Lattimo glass, metal and acrylic jewelry. You can hop around from Ethereal to SITE or the other way around – this shin dig takes place between 7p.m. – 10p.m. 35-11 34^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.6030

In the mood to express your artistic talent? Art House Astoria is kicking off their monthly Salon Series, where you could bring your best talent – whatever that may be – and perform in a casual and welcoming setting. Saturday, October 10^th at 7p.m. For more information, contact jdj83061@gmail.com. 23-35 Broadway, Astoria. 347.738.4148

Don’t forget that all this week and next, you can take advantage of Queens Restaurant Week. While most restaurants aren’t featuring this special on weekends (except for Punta Dura), you could check it out on Thursday or Friday. There are more than 75 awesome restaurants participating. Personally, I’m checking out Christos Steakhouse, which for $25 per person will be a steal.

Are you into football? Do you like wings? There are at least two great places in Astoria that deliver both at incredible prices. Gleason's is one with 25 cent wings on Sundays and Mondays and the other is Indigo with delicious burgers and a good selection of brew. Gleason's 33-08 Broadway, Astoria. 718.626.5393. Indigo - 28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050.

Astorian Weekend Edition 23.07.09

Although the weather might be iffy, you can split your indoor and outdoor activities because there’s lots going on—and much of it includes yoga and eating.

Treat yourself to a relaxing yoga class or even a massage at the Giving Tree Yoga Studio. They’re offering a “new student” special that includes 3 classes for $25 or a month of unlimited yoga for $80. Get your Zen on! 22-56 31^th Street, Astoria. 718.728.0110

After yoga, walk just a few steps down to Mojave, which features delectable Southwestern cuisine and an intriguing outdoor garden. We recommend taking advantage of their $11.95 prix-fixe lunch special, which comes with a mini margarita. Que bueno! 22-36 31^th Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100

Check out the Astoria Music Now! Festival this Saturday in Astoria Park. An all day event from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., the festival will feature 50 acts on four stages with plenty of great local musicians of all genres. The day promises to be a boisterous gathering of song, dance and entertainment.

Getting back to yoga, but this time outdoors, enjoy a FREE class this Sunday in LIC's Gantry Park. The event, sponsored by The Yoga Room starts at 9:00 a.m. sharp and will go until 10:15 a.m. Get there early to get a good spot and make sure to bring your yoga mat and wear your comfiest garb. Walk behind 47-20 Center Blvd, LIC. 718.786.7962

If you get hungry after yoga, you can check out the Waterfront Crab House, which is rustic, charming and as its name suggests, right on the water. I enjoyed their baked clams and stuffed filet of sole with crabmeat. The crabs (entree portion - pictured above) are fresh and delicious—and come served on humongous trays. 2-03 Borden Avenue, LIC. 718.729.4862

Best Kept LIC Secret (Until Now)

Last week I mentioned that an extension of LIC's Gantry State Park has opened. It's not only delightful and relaxing, it's still pretty empty. I'm assuming that not many people have heard about this unique locale, which boasts the best view of Manhattan that I've ever seen as well as cheery hammocks, wooden lounge chairs and plenty of grass. On a sunny day such as this past Saturday, there was lots of room everywhere and many quiet spots to enjoy some peace. I'm including pictures, which will help set the scene. I hope that you check this park out soon--but don't spread the word too much, let's keep this beauty our little secret.

How to get there - 7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Walk behind 47-20 Center Blvd and enjoy the view!

Dutch Kills Finally Opens Friday

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

This is what I hope to be the last work-in-progress update on LIC's Dutch Kills bar--it's finally opening this Friday according to an article that I read on Urban Daddy. The feel of this place is characterized as a "1980's neighborhood saloon, with dark, coffered mahogany walls and ceilings, white tile floors and antique cash registers." Sounds snazzy. Live music is also part of the deal and their back room piano will be put to good use. I'm certainly intrigued and will be checking it out next week. More details to come but if you're dying to go there, know that it'll finally be open this Friday.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

Miami Comes to LIC

Image by nymag.com

I read the following blurb in New York Magazine's Grub Street today. Apparently, there's a new, upscale rooftop bar/lounge opening up in Long Island City this May. It looks absolutely gorgeous and very Miami-esque. I can't wait to check it out along with the boutique hotel, the Ravel in which it'll be housed. Look out Manhattan, LIC just stepped it up another notch. Here's the article...

If there’s one thing we love, it’s new rooftop boîtes, and we’re happy to unveil our first of the season. In May, Long Island City boutique hotel (yes, there is one) the Ravel will soft-open its 6,500-square-foot roof deck. There’ll be cabanas, frozen drinks, unparalleled views of the Queensboro Bridge, and a menu of “gourmet” fish tacos, mini-burritos, and lamb sliders (which we can’t help but refer to as lamburginis, like North Square does), all under a retractable roof. The Ravel’s owner, Ravi Patel, tells us he’s going for a Miami theme, with live D.J.'s spinning till 1 a.m. Converted trolley cars will pick up partyers from nearby subway stations. As if all this weren’t enough, a smaller roof deck will serve as an outdoor movie theater. LIC, baby!

The Rooftop at the Ravel Hotel
8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City NY 11101
718.289.6101
www.ravelhotel.com

The Real Housewives of NYC visit LIC

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Images by www.bravotv.com and www.nytimes.com

The reality TV junkie in me--not a brag-worthy quality, mind you--had to keep you informed about this.

This week's episode of Bravo's the Real Housewives of NYC showed two of the characters, Kelly Bensimon and Ramona Singer outside of their usual Hamptons and Manhattan hangouts. Instead, we saw the two socialites visiting a very cool venue in our neck of the woods - Long Island City!

I couldn't believe it and paid extra attention, as the Housewives took a private tour of the Richard Meier studio in Long Island City, viewing the acclaimed architect's well known models. Some of these included a gargantuan structure of his most famous work, LA's J. Paul Getty Museum along with other projects such as his farmhouse in the Hamptons as well as structures that were never built, like "Memorial Square" at Ground Zero. Overall, pretty interesting stuff.

Richard Meier's studio can be viewed by appointment only. If you're interested in seeing it, call 212.967.6060

Re-Report: Armory Arts Night in Queens

Head on over to LIC blog LiQcity to read their nice write up on the recent Armory Arts night in Queens. Their conclusion: LIC still has a thriving art scene. Looks like some interesting stuff was going on out there last Friday.

Armory Arts night in Queens reveals Long Island City’s thriving art scene [LiQcity]

Image: (c) liqcity

Dutch Kills Bar Opens Soon

Image by www.dutchkillsbar.com

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that, Dutch Kills Bar, an off-shoot of the high-profile Manhattan and London speakeasy, Milk & Honey would open soon. Well, I think it's actually happening (in the next week or so). A sneak peek at the interior is now available here and a ball-park price range of drinks has also leaked. Although far from being cheap, their price point ($6-$12) is a lot lower than at their Manhattan counterpart - we are talking about Queens after all.

Dutch Kills will be serving yummy nosh food from the organic-friendly Sage General Store. Check 'em out and shoot us a note to let us know your opinions.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

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

Tonight! Grand Opening of Blue Streak Wines & Spirits in LIC

Via the calendar listing at Queens West:

The Grand Opening of Blue Streak Wines & Spirits will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at the store location: 47-20 Center Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11109. (Eastcoast building @ Pepsi Cola sign).

The event will feature Jan Shrem, owner of Napa Valley, Clos Pegase Winery, presenting: Bacchus the Rascal, A Bacchanalian History of Wine Seen Through 4,000 Years of Art, a vibrant & humorous multi-media presentation with over 100 wine-related images - DaVinci, Rembrandt, Dali, and Picasso, & more – plus a contemporary homage to wine. 8:00 p.m. Also at the event will be a tasting of amazing Clos Pegase wines! Terrific hors d’ oeuvres by East Coast’s own Celebrity Chef, Dave Martin! And, paintings by Long Island City-based artist Sandra Bloodworth. Her installation is a robust pairing of art and wine inspired by life with her culinary talented husband and their shared love for entertaining family and friends.

Free! Fascinating! Fun! (Reservations suggested. Seating space limited.)

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!

Opening Reception for Emerging Artists Exhibit at Subdivision in LIC

Subdivision art. in LIC is the home of an emerging artists exhibit running from July 28 to September 15. Artists exhibiting include:

• Brendan Carroll
• Leidy Churchman
• Ann Flaherty
• Rubens Ghenov
• Andrea Moreau
• René Smith
• Rachael Wren
• Mika Yokobori
• Elizabeth Zans

There's an opening reception tomorrow night from 6-9pm, too; what I've seen on the website looks pretty good. So, if you're in the mood to see some new art, this is the event for you! By the way, here is a flickr set of some of the images from the show (thanks to the artblog for that pointer).

Subdivision art.
48-18 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, NY

I Just Rated the 7!

So, my current temp job has me making the transfer between the N and the 7 at QB Plaza, so I feel fine about answering the questions on the MTA's report card, which has been handed out to 7 train riders. But bummer - I never received a copy of the card. However... after reading the post on the Gothamist, I found I could do it online! Rate the 7 here!

Briggs & Costa Opening Soon!

Almost impossible to find on the Internet, Briggs & Costa is located in LIC; I originally heard about them on the QueensWest board, and most recently there is a posting about them on LongIslandCityNYC. Initially simply an interior design company, they are branching out and opening a storefront! Located on Vernon Blvd between Purple Pumpkin and Lounge 47, they will have fun lighting, furniture (some imported), household goods, candles, art. Eric says it "feels like Dumbo". They get props on QueensWest, too, "They (meaning Briggs and Costa) are both really creative, talented, and experienced. I think their store is going to be really fun too." Yay!

I don't know exactly when they will open full time to the public, but the paper that covered the window is down. Right now they are open by appointment only.

Thanks to Eric for the tip!

Briggs & Costa
47-12 Vernon blvd
LIC 11101
718-392-1102

Water Taxi Beach - Awesome!

I still haven't been there, but I read lots of good press about the Water Taxi Beach in LIC. Metroblogging in NYC has a nice writeup about the WTB this week. Nice pix, too! If you plan to go in the next day or so (hello July 4!), take note of this message on their homepage:

On July 4th starting at 3pm there is an all-day concert in our parking lot; NO Parking is available. Access to the beach on July 4th is by Ticket ONLY and is SOLD OUT. Access to the Patti Fund for Children w/ Cancer event in the parking lot is for a suggested donation of $10 and is first come first served.

They're also having post-WarmUp parties Saturday nights, which they call "Beach Party" this year. This night they feature In Flagranti from Brooklyn. From what I can tell they are DJs... I think.