Astorian Weekend Edition 14.05.09

This weekend hails It's My Park Day around the city, and in Astoria the place to be is Astoria Park. The festivities take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of thunderstorms. There will be opportunities to clean up the shoreline, clear weeds and debris from the park’s War Memorial, and plant flowers in order to beautify it in time for Memorial Day. Also, there will be a tour of the Astoria Park Alliance’s Butterfly Garden, family yoga, water safety education for adults and children, drum instruction for children, tennis lessons for all ages.

Further west, join Two Coves Community Garden on Saturday from 12 - 4 p.m. for their Victory Garden themed event. They'll be holding free workshops on canning, pickling, composting and container gardens. There is also a potluck/picnic planned, so if able, please contribute (you can still share in the meal even if you don't bring a dish). Two Coves Community Garden is located at the triangle where Astoria Blvd, 30th Ave, and 8th St meet.

On Friday from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Transportation Alternatives will be handing out snacks, coffee and schwag at the entrance to the Queensboro Bridge. May is Bike month, so consider enjoying some time away from the subway and on your bike. And celebrate bike FROM work with the T.A. Queens Committee. Join them for an evening snack and some good company at the base of the Queensboro Bridge, Thursday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 20, 5 p.m. Queens side of Queensboro Bridge.

On Sunday, head over to 24, a new wine bar over on 24th Ave and 26th Street. I was over there the other day and I thought it was pretty cool. Try the white ale from Pennsylvania - it's light and creamy at the same time. You also might consider stopping in at the newly opened Manos Papaya for a hot dog and a smoothie.

Happy spring, everyone!

Mano's Papaya - Coming Back!

I think that we were all sad when Astoria's beloved Mano's Papaya--cheap hot-dog and fresh juice haven--became a Bank of America. How lame and sad! But don't fret because Mano's is coming back, just ten blocks West on 30th Avenue and 30th street. I spied its new location yesterday and it looks like they'll be opening in a couple of months--we'll make sure to keep you posted.

Although the new location isn't as high profile as before, it's still in a vibrant, busy area across the street from Trade Fair and close to 7 Eleven.

I personally cannot wait until the new Mano's reopens--their fresh fruit smoothies, which could be customized are my favorite. The dogs are not bad either and you could get them for cheap--under $2. We'll see how prices are affected by this new location but we'll make sure to keep our eyes peeled and to keep you informed.

Mano's Papaya: 30-15 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102