Astorian Weekend Edition 20.11.08

We're in for another cold one this weekend and what better way to spend it than to eat some yummy food. A lot of restaurants are staying conscious of prices, offering enticing specials...

Try Astoria's lovely little paninoteca, Il Bambino. They serve fantastic soups and paninis--and they now have their liquor license too so you could enjoy a nice glass of vino. I recently tried their baked potato soup and it was dee-licious! - 34-08 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.0087

On another Italian note, take a short train ride to Long Island City and try a quaint little café called Manducatis Rustica. You'll feel at home with comfy couches, a cozy fireplace and the freshest pizza in town. I also recommend the "bacio" gelato (gelato sampling pictured above)—you'll be in for a sweet surprise. 46-35 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101. 718.937.1312

Mezzo Mezzo has a full weekend schedule with Comedy Night on Thursday at 8 p.m., Happy Hour on Friday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (including a free buffet) and Belly dancing on Saturday, starting at 9 p.m. - 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria NY 11105. 718.278.0444

Support local artists and especially talented jewelry makers. I recently discovered a local jewelry site called Esculon and I can't wait to receive my first purchase! Founded by two entrepreneurial spirits, Alexandra and Londy, the site features funky jewelry at affordable prices. Orders can be placed online.

And don't forget to visit Seva, Sooz's top pick for Indian food in Astoria! I must admit that I'm hungry to try it (pun intended). They offer a $12 dinner special, which consists of three hefty courses. Don't miss this incredible recession deal. - 30-07 34th St (corner of 30th Ave), Astoria NY 11103. 718.626.4440

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.10.08

While we've got cooler weather these days, it means that the Beer Garden is less crowded. My favorite time to be there is a Sunday afternoon, when it's pretty mellow. According to their website, the grill is still operating, so head on over, grab a glass of Pilsner Urquell and a kielbasa, and chill out on a fall afternoon.

The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Road) continues it's Second Sundays program this weekend. Sunday's presentation will be a panel discussion called (re)Generation: Three Artists, Three Cities. The museum lost its Ailanthus tree recently, and are planning to repurpose and reuse it, a practice that is consistent with Noguchi's futurist thinking regarding the natural world. Independent curator and critic Lilly Wei will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Mitch Cope and Ingo Vetter of the Tree of Heaven Woodshop, which milled the Ailanthus, alongside Paul Villinski and Annie Murdock, artists from Waste Not, Want Not, an exhibition at Socrates Sculpture Park focused on the re-purposing of cast off resources.

This Saturday from 12-5 Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) is having a trunk sale. New dresses, accessories will be available, along with brownies! Help support our local garment industry.

I've noticed that the leaves on the trees are changing - yellows are peeking out, and more are on the ground. One of the best places in town to watch the changing leaves is Astoria Park. If you've got some time, head on over and chill out in our lovely gem of a park.

Last weekend I checked out the new Manducatis Rustica (46-31 Vernon Blvd) in Long Island City. What a great addition to the neighborhood! Probably my favorite thing was an amazing tomato, mozz, and basil sandwich. Everything was incredibly fresh. Pizza was good, too, as well as the gelato. The coconut was particularly good, as was the vanilla. They make it all in store, and it's wonderful. Definitely check it out.

Lastly, warm congratulations to our newest Joey, Judith! She's getting married this weekend and we wish her lots of happiness!