Astorian Weekend Edition 29.1.09

The weather is crud. Cold and don't like to be out stuck in it? Get your hot chocolate on at some of my favorite places. Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave.) has the awesomest gluttonous treat, a peanut butter hot chocolate. They have a Nutella one, too, if you prefer; you can't really go wrong. Get a regular cup of ho-cho at Mini Star (30-02 Steinway) It's out of the machine, no frills but tasty.

Thaw off and go for the wings at McCann's (36-15 Ditmars), hey've got all flavors and hotness for you to choose. Don't forget that Koliba (31-11 23rd Ave) is perfect for this time of year. Warm
you bellies with dumplings and yummy porky goodness.

Work off all the heavy winter food and pay a visit to the newest gym in the hood. Planet Fitness (30-33 Steinway) is what I would call a no-frills deal and a half! $20 a month gets you in the place along with massage chairs and tanning beds, too!

If you venture out, why not go for a trunk sale at Candy Plum (30-98 36th St)? This Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. check out all new accessories, tees, and other original goods.

Are you ready for some football? Well it's here, Sunday for Super Bowl get over to Indigo (28-50 31st St) by 6pm and join in on the partying. WLA has scoped out the back garden with the 2 huge TVs for the night. Happy hour specials and food deals all night.

Astorian Weekend Edition 31.01.08

Are you ready for some Football?! Well, I guess if you're from here or not, as long as you are living here, it will probably be a very entertaining weekend out and about with everything Giants.

I'd say if you're going for the typical grub, get out to McCann's- EARLY! I do love their wings.

Sunswick is having an Abitas beer promo & drink specials. They have awesome nachos, if you are looking for a winner. They didn't yet have the details for game day last night, but I'm sure there is some food thing they'll be offering. Can't go wrong with their zillion beers anyway!

• Check out the new face lift at Il Bambino.
• Sit around and grab a grilled cheese at Oleput.
• Or if the weather is cruddy: Enjoy Astoria on Flickr!

Astorian Weekend Edition 23.08.07

Now Thursdays at Bungalo (32-03 Broadway) are their hot Latin night. Good to know if you're looking for some salsa with your cocktails!

Friday night, on your way home, pick up some desserts from Bakeway NYC (25-21 Broadway). It's pretty new and in the space of the old Edelweiss Cafe. The cupcakes are gorgeous ,if nothing else, go take a gander. We're talking affordable and tasty!

Saturday will finally be a bit warmer so go cool off at the Freeze Peach for an ice cream tasting! That's right, stop in and fork over $9 at the door and be amazed by the flavorful concoctions of 'Erick's Unexpected'. Salivate forward to... maple sausage, hot chocolate (spicy with ginger and thai peppers), apples and cinnamon oatmeal, strawberry basil, a magical mystery tea sorbet, and who knows what else! Along with crazy ice cream, there will be reflexology, tarot card readings, live music, and an open tea bar for your entrance fee.

At McCann's (36-15 Ditmars) you can enjoy (free of charge) the UFC 74 Respect, a PPV event live from Las Vegas. Fight starts at 10 p.m., but get there early to score a seat and dig into their full menu. It's all cooked with zero "trans fats," even the delicious buffalo wings.

Sunday is for doing good...or so say I for this week:)
A Seeds of Love Fundraising Sidewalk Sale raises money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Along with the monies going to the race, a portion will also be going to Paige. We're talking brand new, hot clothing/jewelry/handbags!!!! Oh, and teachers will be honored with free gifts for back to school (while supplies last)! Find these do-gooders at 24-37 Crescent St. between 24th Ave and Hoyt. between 1 & 5 p.m. on Sunday

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.06.07

Get involved with local issues at the Friends of Gantry Neighborhood Parks in Hunters Point. You don't have to be a member, just the desire to pitch in. Meet at Citylights (4-74 48th Ave and 5th St) in the 3rd Floor Activity Room at 7pm.- ppssst, thats kind LIC over there but eh, same hood.

Jazz away your Friday night at Go Wasabi (29-11 Ditmars Blvd) with some live piano action. 7:30pm-10pm enjoy some sushi with your tunes.

Local mainstay McCann's (36-15 Ditmars Boulevard) s having the first of its summer trips to Atlantic City on Saturday. Fun and friends await you, and for a mere $55 you get the full trip, some breakfast chow, movies on the bus, and refreshments on the way. If you still want to get your party on after getting back in, enjoy the one hour open bar back at McCann's. $20 and a phone call (718-278-2621) reserves your seat.

Astoria Waterfront folks bring health awareness to Astoria Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday with workshops, classes, walks, and clinics for all. There will be reps from the Transportation Alternatives of Western Queens Committee there, too. This event is hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Spend Sunday with dad for Father's Day and grab a Gyro Mania (28-53 36st St.) quick meal that will only put you back $10 for a platter of fries, salad and choice of protein, before heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image (35th Ave @ 36th St) to partake in their summer of gory movies with The Devil's Rejects @ 6:30 p.m. This super awesome scarefest will be preceded by Bambi Meets Godzilla for a chuckle.

pic of chicken souvlaki platter from my dinner on monday.