Astorian Weekend Edition 07.01.10

Happy New Year everyone! Now that the crazy partying is wrapped up, here are some low-key happs to enjoy this weekend.

Attend the Visioneers premiere at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden this Thursday at 8 p.m.  The event is hosted by the Astoria Indies, a new indie film group in Queens that will bring you a different movie screening each Thursday at this venue.  If you don’t catch this week’s, you can always come back another time. 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria.  718.274.4925

Still holding on to your Christmas tree? You can put it to good use by recycling it at this year’s Mulchfest, Saturday and Sunday in Astoria Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m..  Just take all ornaments off and you’ll be all set – they’ll even let you indulge in some free mulch! Have fun, meet new people and benefit the environment.  19^th Street and Hoyt Avenue, Astoria.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably indulged a lot this holiday season, and are looking to hit the gym.  A lot of them are holding introductory specials with $0 down.  My personal favorite, New York Sports Clubs is free to join until February 1^st and The Rock is also offering $0 initiation, 2 free personal training sessions and the entire month of January free.  NYSC - 38-11 30^th Avenue, Astoria.  718.932.1400. The Rock – 22-15 31^st Street, Astoria.  718.204.1400

On another healthy note, check out Mackenzi’s 7 great recommendations for veggie eats in Astoria.  From Mundo (carrot dip pictured above) to Vesta to Bare Burger, you’ll find nifty tips on how to eat healthy and meat free. 

The Noguchi Museum is holding an interesting-sounding discussion this Sunday at 3 p.m. about Sculpture in the Landscape.  The talk will focus on land art, specific works and the various issues that come up when exhibiting sculpture in the open air. Sounds like a useful event for an inspiring artist or an aficionado.  9-01 33^rd Road, Long Island City.  718.204.7088

Reminder: Tonight's Movie Premiere in Astoria Park

Image by www.nationalgeographic.com

Last week we mentioned that Nat Geo will be hosting a movie premiere tonight in Astoria Park, called The Human Family Tree. The movie, narrated by Kevin Bacon sounds incredibly interesting and will highlight the Astorian community specifically, talking about retracing our ancestral footsteps.

Monday, August 24th at 8:00p.m.
Astoria Park lawn on Shore Blvd. between Hell Gate Bridge and the pool
No RSVP required - see trailer here

If you'd like to grab a bite to eat before or after the movie, check out this recommendation list of eclectic restaurants close to Astoria Park, which will send your palate on a trip across the world.

Agnanti (Traditional Greek) - 19-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.545.4554
Bistro 33 (French-Japanese fusion) - 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.721.1933
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (Czech and Slovak) - 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925
Corner 26 Taverna (Traditional Greek) - 26-02 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.5511
Da Franco's (Italian) - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria. 718.267.0010
Fatty's Cafe (Mexican) - 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.267.7071
Thai Pavilion (Thai) - 23-92 21st Street, Astoria.

Enjoy the movie!

Astorian Weekend Edition 20.08.09

With only half of a rainy weekend ahead, enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities--from shopping, an outdoor movie and lots and lots of eating.

What could be better on a hot day than a cold, creamy gelato or a cup of ices? I recently tried some delicious hazelnut gelato and chocolate ices from Terrizzi Pasticceria. Both were awesome and super refreshing. They have a variety of flavors and the place doesn’t get busy, so you’ll get quick service. 35-14 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.9698

Not far from Terrizzi is Thai Pavilion, which is known for good, consistent Thai food. You can visit the original location on 30^th Avenue (37-10 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718777.5546) or you can check out the brand, spankin’ new one on 21^st Street and 24^th Avenue (23-92 21^st Street, Astoria). If you’re in the nabe and feel like having Italian food instead, you can pop into DaFranco’s next door (23-92 21^st Street, Astoria. 718.267.0010)—they also serve homemade gelato (pictured above). 22-36 31^th Street, Astoria. 718.545.4100

One last call for eating...Sac’s Place is celebrating their 20^th Anniversary by scaling back their prices to year 1989. This enticing offer is going on between now and Sunday and you must dine in the restaurant to get the discount. Buon compleanno Sac’s! 25-41 Broadway, Astoria. 718.204.5002

Our newest guest blogger, Mackenzi shone a spotlight on a fabulous Astoria boutique, Inside Astoria. Take a walk over there this weekend and check out their cool collection of furniture, books, kid’s items, jewelry and so much more. You can even enjoy a complimentary glass of vino while shopping. 37-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.956.4000

Extend your weekend activities through Monday by attending a fun and informative movie premiere about the history of Astoria. The Human Family Tree, brought to you by National Geographic and narrated by Kevin Bacon “demonstrates how we all share common ancestors who embarked on very different journeys.” Monday, August 24^th at 8p.m. in Astoria Park, no RSVP required (Shore Blvd between Hell Gate Bridge and the pool).