Astorian Weekend Edition 04.02.10

So, this weekend is an unofficial American holiday - Superbowl Sunday.  The Foodista has a rundown of 10 Superbowl party offerings in town, and such variety!  A lot of fun is to be had... as well as good eats!

Since it's going to be a little chilly this weekend, perhaps consider making a visit to one of our many museums in town.  From the Museum of the Moving Image, to the Noguchi Museum, to PS1, there is a lot to see out there. Then stop over at Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave) for a nutella hot chocolate to warm up.

Astoria Indies continues its Thursday film series at Bohemian Hall, with Adventures of Power, starring Adrian Grenier. "Adventures of Power is an epic rock n' roll comedy about the American Dream, love, and air-drumming. A Sundance fave, AoP walks the fine line between clever and stupid with grace and panache.‚" 8 p.m. at the beer garden (2919 24th Ave).

Friday night at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) brings you local talent in the form of The Ultimate Show - Steph Allen, Jon Christopher (both The Ultimate Singer Songwriter finalists), and Joe Jung, winner of The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter contest, will be playing from 8-11 p.m. $10 Drink minimum, no cover.

Finally, for something completely different, head to LaGuardia Community College (31-10 Thomson Avenue) to see Target Margin Theatre's production of The Really Big Once (a work-in-progress). This experimental theater piece incorporates the letters of Elia Kazan and Tennessee Williams on one of their most celebrated failures, Camino Real. This workshop will be followed by a Q-and-A with the company. The show starts at 8 p.m. on the Mainstage and it's free! For reservations, email: rsvp-lpac@lagcc.cuny.edu.

Photo:  (cc) pkeleher on flickr

Astorian Spooktacular Weekend Edition 29.10.09

Image by marthastewart.com

Halloween is here! And that means plenty of fun, silliness and of course, dressing up. In addition to the many Halloween goings-on, check out these cultural and food happs in your neck of the woods.

Still can’t decide what you’re doing for Halloween? We have some fabulous options– ranging from a masquerade ball to the “biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens.” If you’re still looking for more, check out some of my restaurant-focused recos.

Have you checked out the newest fooderies in LIC? Testaccio Ristorante, focused on contemporary Roman cuisine opened last weekend and El*Ay*Si is still in previews, holding tastings this week. I’ve tried both and think they’re worth checking out—especially the delicious stone oven pizza at Testaccio. Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.2900. El*Ay*Si – 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

We just got news that a new bar opened in Astoria in a nabe that’s starting to buzz with activity (upper 30th Avenue). The place is called Radio Bar & Grill and they boast a “killer burger” and plenty of beers on tap. They’ll host a Halloween party on Saturday, which could be a good opportunity to check them out. 49-18 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6892

Want to do something cultural this weekend? Visit P.S.1 MOMA and explore their seven (yes seven!) new art exhibits. One that particularly caught my interest spotlights a tumultuous year, 1969 and is a collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints. P.S.1 MOMA – 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084

One of my favorite vintage furniture shops both in Astoria and LIC is Nook n’ Crannie. If you haven’t been, I highly encourage it. They sell the most wonderful, gently used items such as furniture, accessories, paintings and nostalgic gifts. Proceeds benefit the Betel of America charity. Astoria - 29-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.204.8399. LIC - 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.706.6477

P.S.1 Fall Exhibitions Opening

Although Warm Up is over, PS 1 is ready for plenty of activity this fall. Sunday, October 25 hails the Fall Exhibitions Opening. Come by between noon and 6 p.m to view 1969, 100 Years (version #2, ps1, nov 2009), Between Spaces, and Robert Bergman: Selected Portraits.

Check out the Afterparty by MOS, winners of the 2009 Young Architects Program in the courtyard. It will be on view through October 26.

[Image from ps1.org]

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.08.09

It's going to be a hot one this weekend, so why not enjoy the coolness of a museum, a funky restaurant or a local artist party?

Every first Friday of the month, the Noguchi Museum is offering extended hours, until 8:30 p.m. and not to mention their enticing pay-what-you-wish admission. You can enjoy wine and beer from 5:30p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday and relax in their newly-renovated sculpture garden. If you feel like going back on Sunday, they’ll be featuring the American Contemporary Music Ensemble at 3p.m., also in the garden. 33^rd Road at Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.204.7088

In the mood for delicious, organic grub? I strongly recommend checking out Bare Burger, which boasts interesting burger options (pictured above) and a plethora of beef alternatives such as ostrich, elk, bison, turkey, veggies and more. It’s all awesome and I especially loved their huge portion of crispy onion rings. The food and the atmosphere should not be missed. 33-21 31^st Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.7011

Get your party on this Saturday at P.S.1 MOMA’s Warm Up series. This Saturday’s line up includes the Music Committee of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company: Stephan Moore, David Behrman; Eats Tapes; Lovefingers and other special guests. The celebration starts at 2p.m. and goes until 9p.m. $10 admission. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.784.2084

Check out a cool French Bistro this weekend, like Bistro Les Minots on 30^th Avenue. They just got a new chef (previously of Morimoto) who’s making some exciting changes to the menu. They’ve also adjusted their $19.95 dinner prix-fixe to include dessert, offering it now 7 days a week. 47-16 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.2535

Don't miss SITE's 2nd Saturdays Local Artists Party from 12p.m. - 5p.m., showcasing the work of Jack Maiorino. Site describes Jack's work as "perfect little moments captured in sketches and lovingly turned into bags, prints, originals and more." Sounds wonderful and snacks will also be provided. 35-11 34th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.6030

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.02.09

This weekend offers several cultural goings-on in Astoria and LIC so get out there and enrich your minds.

PS1 MOMA opened a new exhibition by Florian Slotawa who uses furniture in unexpected ways—and he’s nearly emptied his Berlin apartment to furnish the show. Go and see for yourself! $5 suggested donation. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.784.02084

Do you love candy and especially nostalgic sweets? Visit the Artisan Baking Center this weekend to see a vintage photo exhibit on 100 years of the Joyva halvah and candy company. 36-46 37^th Street, Long Island City. 718.392.0025

This Friday at 8pm, the Greek Cultural Center will be putting on a production of Prime Numbers, an adaptation of Gianni Skaragas’ novel by the same name. The cultural center will also be celebrating their 35^th anniversary so it’s bound to be a party. 27-18 Hoyt Avenue, South, Astoria. 718.726.7329

Want to treat yourself to a nice dinner without spending the big bucks? Don’t forget about Seva Indian restaurant near 30^th Avenue. They offer a three-course dinner prix-fixe for $12 and it’s BYOB. I promise that you won’t walk out hungry. 30-07 34^th Street, Astoria. 718.626.4440

One of my favorite bakeries in Astoria is Artopolis. Every weekend, I go in to pick up one of their beautiful artisanal breads. I use them to entertain on weekends, and the flat rosemary bread (pictured above) is always a hit. For only $3 you could serve your guests something really special. 23-18 31^st Street, Astoria. 718.728.8484

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.01.09

Looks like we'll warm up a bit this weekend! The best day is Friday, where a balmy 41 degrees is projected. Maybe this weekend is a good one for a walk in the park.

On Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (31-10 Thomson Ave) World Cinema Showcase presents "In Between Days" with director So Yong Kim (in person). This film won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance, and traces the joys and risks of first love for a young Korean-American immigrant. A discussion with So Yong Kim, moderated by Chief Curator David Schwartz, follows the screening. Free for MOMI members, $10 non-members, $5 CUNY students. Members RSVP to 718.777.6810. Advance tickets available online at ($2 surcharge) and on day-of-show at the LPAC box office (718.482.5151).

For something completely different, join the Queens Drinking Liberally group for some politics talk. They will meet this Friday, January from 7:30 pm onwards, inside the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Avenue) at one of the tables downstairs.

On Saturday from 10 p.m to 4 a.m., SUBKULTURE returns to Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Boulevard). DJ’s Bellladonna and Scandal spin all sorts of styles from the 70’s-90’s, plus cult music flicks! This month…Long Island City’s INS & OUTS magazine will be snapping shots of the DJs for their March issue. Free. Cabs to HGS are about $7, fyi.

Also on Saturday from 2-5 p.m., PS1 presents a performance event in the P.S.1 Café. In conjunction with the exhibition of Reductive art presented by the Brooklyn-based collective Minus Space, Bibi Calderaro will perform the work PRESENT. In the piece, the artist reads books about seemingly unrelated topics and writes her instantaneous responses in a typewriter, which are then offered to the public. The written word is the main element, the artist a medium for thought.

Restaurant week starts this week! Water's Edge in LIC (The East River at 44th Drive) is the only participating Queens restaurant, but it's a nice one. Dinner is $35 for a three course meal.

Sunday brunch is always worth mentioning. Some favorites are Grand Cafe (37-01 30th Ave), Vesta (21-02 30th Ave), Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave), Sparrow (24-01 29th St), Locale (33-02 34th Ave), and Tournesol (50-12 Vernon).

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.12.08

Holiday time is here and that means it's acceptable to eat non-stop and just enjoy oneself. Here are a couple of fun things to keep you occupied this weekend.

Take a "mystery tour" this Saturday at 2pm at P.S.1 MOMA. Led by Betsey Geffen, the tour highlights the works of Italian artist, Gino De Dominicis in his first major U.S. exhibition. Be prepared to see something new and different. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084

Visit the Noguchi Museum this Sunday at 3pm for a group discussion on Reviving Classic Designs. You'll get the inside scoop about Noguchi's furniture pieces and you can also enjoy a 20% discount on Akari items. 32-37 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City. 718.204.7088

In the mood for a filling snack that won't empty your wallet? Check out the simple yet charming Arepas Café on 36th Avenue. I've recently tried their mini empanadas and the chicken/cheddar arepa (pictured above)—just scrumptious! 33-07 36th Avenue, Astoria. 718.937.3835

Astoria's beloved Bistro 33 has reopened after a 2 week hiatus. They're offering a new winter menu, wine specials and 2 for $10 drink and food specials (those are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only). 19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.721.1933

Looking for a place to watch Sunday Night Football? I visited the much talked about Lucky Mojo's in LIC and it definitely lives up to expectations. The mashed potatoes are as smooth as butter and the ribs are finger-lickin' good. 5-14 51^st Avenue, Long Island City. 718.786.7427

And last but not least…check out our new banner, where you can finally put a face to our names!

Astorian Weekend Edition 13.11.08

Saturday looks like it's going to be a rainy Saturday, so why not check out one of Astoria an LIC's own museums? The Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Rd), the SculptureCenter (44-19 Purves), and P.S.1 (22-25 Jackson Ave) all have exhibitions running currently.

Make sure you take the opportunity to stop by Freeze Peach (22-00 29th Street), too - they've lost their space so their existence is limited (their going away party is 11/22). Hopefully they will find a new space, though - it would be a shame for them to completely disappear.

For a while now, I've been hearing about great affordable massage found in the Ditmars neighborhood. Chinese GongFu Tui-Na is the name and $50 gets you a full body massage. They also do foot rub/reflexology.

And if I haven't mentioned it before, Soho (22-11 31st St) has amazing turkey bacon. I recommend it, along with the whole wheat pancakes.

Astorian Weekend Edition 04.09.08

Even though fall is here, you can still hang on to summer for a little while longer. Check out these fun happs in Astoria and LIC.

Try Café Henri, a quaint French eatery for weekend brunch. Their crepes are fantastic, prepared in both a savory and sweet fashion. The prices are easy on the wallet and you won't be disappointed with their dessert--especially the chocolate mousse. 10-10 50th Avenue, LIC, 718.383.9315 7

This is the last weekend for PS1's Warm Up series. The final line-up of this year features, Jerome Derradji (still music) from 3p & 5p, Bing Ji Ling (live) at 4p, Lisa Shaw (live) at 6p, Neil Aline (chez music) at 7p. 22-25 Jackson Ave at the intersection of 46th Ave, LIC 718.784.2084

Mundo, Astoria's eclectic eatery is back from summer hiatus, boasting new surprises and old favorites such as Red Sonjas and Ottoman Dumplings. Reservations are suggested—they get busy. FYI: They'll also participate in Queens Restaurant Week starting on September 15th. 31-18 Broadway, Store #E, Astoria, 718.777.2829

Visit the Beer Garden this Thursday between 6-9p for jazz, featuring Emil Bizga, whose music has gypsy flare. And this Friday at 6p, you can enjoy a student choir right from the home country of the Czech Republic—they'll dance and sing in traditional folk garb. How fun! 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, 718.274.4925

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.06.08

Happy Solstice Weekend! According to my sources, the Summer Solstice officially occurs on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. EDT. One of the best solstice events I've been to is at Socrates Sculpture Park, which means it's local... and free! It's a great event for the entire family. This year's event is on Saturday, and there will be music, art, face painting, and more! Festivities start at 5 p.m.

As reported earlier this week, a great summer meal can be had at Mundo (31-18 Broadway #E). I loved the cherry soup, and my other two fave items are the carrot dip and Red Sonja. The warm semolina helva is phenomenal - I've not had anything like it.

One of the things I like to drink in the summer is fresh juice. Both Igloo (22-11 31st St) and Soho (22-26 31st St) have impressed me with their fresh juices. I'm partial to the carrot-apple-orange at Soho and the carrot-apple at Igloo. Igloo also has smoothies with Tasti-D-Lite. The juice and smoothies are particularly good after a nice workout, too.

There's stuff going on at PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave, LIC), too! That Was Then...This Is Now starts on Sunday, inspired by artistic and socio-political climate of the late 1960s. The installation "PF1 (Public Farm One)" should be ready for harvesting this Sunday as well.

A Femme Revolution at P.S.1

I had the chance to see a provocative and emotionally charged exhibit at P.S.1 MOMA this past weekend. Titled WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution, the exhibit showcases international feminist works from the mid 60's to early 80's. As is the case with most P.S.1 showings, this one involves various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, film, video and performance art. Some of the works really push the envelope to the max (think vintage pornography or Georgia O'Keefe's most prominent subject). Although WACK! is not for kids, it makes for an entertaining and educational experience for people 18+. And in addition to what's inside, check out P.S.1's courtyard artwork, Homage to Skate Culture by Ryan McGinness.

I wasn't able to take pics inside so I captured some fun shots in the P.S.1 courtyard as well as the LIC hood. Enjoy.

WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution runs until May 12th.

Next Exhibit...Take your time: Olafur Eliasson

Opening April 20th - June 30th

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center

Museum of Modern Art Affiliate

22-25 Jackson Ave at 46th Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101

718.784.2084

Astorian Weekend Edition 28.02.08

Oleput (31-13 Ditmars Blvd), the former sweet shop in the Ditmars neighborhood, just revamped their menu. They offer lots of savory small plates, panini, desserts (they're serving Ronnybrook ice cream these days), and a nice wine and beer selection. The grilled cheese is awesome.

Over in LIC the Chocolate Factory (5-49 49th Avenue) presents Moliere's Don Juan, performed by the National Theater of the United States of America. The NY Time says "It may be the way [Yehuda Duenyas plays the great seducer], hops about and gurgles with glee after a conquest. Or maybe it's his mildly crazed eyes, or the pale, flat expanse of his stomach, which seems to be entirely muscle free. Whatever the reason, he's irresistible, as is the play." 8 p.m.

Also in LIC, PS1 presents WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution, "the first comprehensive, historical exhibition to examine the international foundations and legacy of feminist art." Concurrent events on Saturday include Faith Wilding performs Wait-With (location announced on day of event) from 12-2 p.m.; Women in Experimental Film, screenings of 16mm films by Peggy Ahwesh, Abigail Child, Barbara Hammer, Marjorie Keller, Marie Menken, Barbara Rubin, Carolee Schneemann, coordinated by M.M. Serra at 2 p.m.; and Women in Experimental Film, panel with contributors to the book, Women’s Experimental Cinema, with Carolee Schneemann, Peggy Ahwesh, Ara Osterweil, Melissa Ragona, moderated by editor Robin Blaetz at 4 p.m. Concurrent events on Sunday include Telepathe, a musical performance by this Brooklyn duo at 2 p.m. and Anna Oxygen, performing electronic music at 4 p.m.

Thursday and Friday night Bar 36 (36-05 30th Ave) has their own happy hour, going on from 6-9 p.m. Buy-one-get-one free for all martinis, cocktails, mixed drinks and beer. I hear the cocktails are very tasty.

On Saturday stop by Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) from 1-4 p.m. Local Astorian artists Christiane Haber and Maria from Buyme Designs will be featuring their entire collections. There will be treats and drinks for all!

This weekend the always awesome Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) presents Rounders for their Sunday Night Cinema. It stars Ed Norton, Matt Damon and John Malkovitch, and it's all about gambling and addiction. Happy hour is from 7-9pm. I always recommend the Hellgate Lemonade, which is still fabulous as ever (I was there last Saturday and had it, yum). Movie starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you don't want to drink fun cocktails and watch a movie that night, try playing the Pub Quiz at the Irish Rover (37-18 28th Ave.). They pour a mean pint of Harp, I must say (how do they get it so creamy???). Quiz starts at 7:30 p.m. and it's $10 to enter. Winners get the pot. Get a group of four people together and rock out on the factoids!

Astorian Weekend Edition 25.10.07

Happy Halloween... early! Since Halloween falls on a weekday close to the weekend prior, lots of Halloween activities fall on this weekend. And there's something for everyone, pretty much!

Friday night at 11pm, head over to 718 (35-01 Ditmars Blvd) for their Halloween Party. Check out their Scary Martini - Captain Morgan Tattoo Rum, fresh lime juice, splash pineapple, and grenadine.

Saturday afternoon at 4pm, grab your kids and go to PS1 for the debut of Café Cinema's Matinee Movies: Mystery, Magic, and Marigolds. This Halloween-themed film program is curated by twelve- and ten-year-old Maya and Noa Street-Sachs, daughters of avant-garde filmmakers. They've chosen seven spooky and surprising short films from the Film-makers' Cooperative. Children are encouraged to come in costume! Treats will be provided.

Saturday night Freeze Peach is having a costume party at 8pm. BYOB, and BYO Techno. At 10pm that night, Central Lounge (20-30 Steinway) is holding their own Halloween Party, complete with live flame throwers, stilt walkers, belly dancing, and a tarot reader. They're giving out prizes for costumes - first prize is $2,000, second prize is $500, and third prize is a bottle of Ketel One. At 8pm Last Resort Art Space (8-63 Astoria Blvd) is having a Halloween Party/Concert, featuring M.D.i., Dared the Knot, Kentucky Vampire Clan, Astrpohel and Stella & more. $7, $5 with costume. The Creek and the Cave (10-93 Jackson Ave in LIC) is showing a video premiere as part of their Halloween party. It's the debut of Wish You Were Mine - performing with The Proceeders (Steve O’Donnell of Pop Mafia).

Apart from the spooky weekend events are a couple of peace and justice events. Thursday night at 8pm, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Blvd.) presents a Music and Poetry Cafe, a fundraising event for Astorians for Peace and Justice. Performing artists include Eli Yamin (Jazz Pianist), Stephan Said (Singer-songwriter), Christine Hamm (Poet), Betty Smith (Activist), and Russell (Bassist) & Eliot Katz (Poet). Admission is $10 and it's going to a great cause. On Saturday, you can join members of AFPJ for the peace march in Manhattan; this is an international event. They are planning to meet at Queensboro Plaza at 12:00 pm to join other Queens groups.

Saturday night at 10pm, McLoughlan's (31-06 Broadway) presents Phil Coad, who plays classic rock with a southern flair. No cover and cheap drinks.

And on Sunday, ladies, Fatty's (25-01 Ditmars Blvd) is offering you half price on all drinks from 10pm-midnight. Enjoy!

More fun, here.

Photo credit: Meg Cotner

Astorian Weekend Edition 27.09.07

Well, this is the last weekend of September - October is just around the corner and I expect the full reality of fall will hit me then. This warm/hot weather this past week has kept me in the mindset of summer. Can't put the summer clothes away just yet! And you can hang on to the last bit of summer with a trip to PS1 in LIC. Their summer line up of exhibitions is there for just a bit longer, just until October 8. Get there to see Peter Young, Jack Whitten, and many other before their works come down.

On the art-related front, this weekend the Women's Studio Center in LIC (21-24 44th Avenue) presents their annual Members Exhibition, Small Works, Big Ideas. They're having an opening reception on Friday from 5-8pm. Come by to see a variety of media, from painting, to sculpture, to bronze work, among others. I stopped by this week and saw a lot of wonderful pieces. My favorite is a little bronze horse - it's really lovely. It's definitely worth a trip.

And on Thursday, the Art-O-Mat holds a reception for 11101:The Space at Art-O-Mat, The Space's residency there. The Space "has been providing free studio, rehearsal, and performance space for the creative arts" in LIC since 1999. The reception is at 6pm with live banjo music by Johnny Coughlan and Friends. Art-O-Mat is located at 46-46 Vernon Blvd.

On Saturday, the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC, 47th Avenue at Van Dam in LIC) presents the Pasha Dance Company, Korea’s elite dance troupe, in their US debut. They will perform its signature piece, Mok-Ryeon, Ascendable the Cloud Nine, which is inspired by Dante’s Paradise and Buddhist thought. They use contrasting colors and choreography to tell the story of the Buddhist disciple Maudgalyayana. They will also present Everlasting Mass Communication, winner of the Korean Ministry of Culture’s Best Dance Production in 2006. 8pm, General Admission: $20 / $10 Students.

On Friday, see the documentary City of Water at Socrates Sculpture Park from 7-9pm. The description: "With New York City's waterways finally coming back to life, this short documentary explores the aspirations of public officials, advocates, environmentalists, recreational boaters and regular New Yorkers for their waterfront as development along its shores proceeds at a gold-rush pace. The documentary features interviews with Majora Carter, Dan Doctoroff, Cathy Drew, Joy Garland, Philip Lopate, Nydia Velazquez and others."
It's probably a good idea to rsvp for this at rsvp@mas.org

For eats, maybe stop by Cafe Soleil on Astoria Blvd or Patisserie la Brioche D'Or on Steinway Street, both new to the neighborhood. Water Taxi Beach is still going strong, with DJ Victor Franco spinning there Saturday night. Great dogs and burgers can be had there.

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 16.08.07

Looks like a nice, comfortable weekend coming up! Highs in the upper 70s with a little bit of clouds. This will be a great weekend for a couple of bike-related events going on. Friday, it's all about the kids: Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike! That's the name of a class being given from 10am-1pm at ARROW (35-30 35th St.), for kids and their parents (a parent of guardian MUST attend). The class will provide expert guidance on how to balance,start, stop, and steer. It's free, and the NYC Dept. of Transportation will be giving away free helmets, on top of it all. Also, there will be a raffle of donated bikes and scooters from Recycle-A-Bicycle. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 212 932 2453 x159.

On Saturday August 18, from 12-3pm, Recycle-A-Bicycle is having a bike sale at their LIC location (46th Avenue at 5th Street). Six kids through the Summer Youth Employment Program have been working at Recycle-A-Bicycle in LIC for the last 7 weeks to learn basic bike mechanic skills, and this is the final project. There will be adult bicycles and a few children's bicycles- all recycled and refurbished. Cash and credit cars will be accepted, and the sale will take place rain or shine.

There's also fun at Hellgate Social this weekend - music, djing, and movies on the back patio. Always a good time. And speaking of movies, MOMI has some interesting looking films about complex realtionships, including Drive, He Said, Charley Varrick, and Play Misty For Me.

Socrates Sculpture Park continues its pan-arts event,Float. Saturday and Sunday, from 12-7:30pm, come see different kinds of artwork, live performances, and videos by emerging artists Robert Boyd, William Lamson, Ola Vasiljeva, and Shana Moulton. Moulton's Whispering Pines video series ends with a performance on Sunday. Jan Rothuizen's Missing is a tree covered in posters for lost pets, possessions, and people. Sheila Ross and Laura Ten Eyck's installation, Yurt City, will also be on display.

Warm Up at PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave in LIC) features DJ Spun w/Ben Cook, Eric Duncan, Woolfy Projections, Dewanatron & Ray Sweeten, and Zach Layton, going on from 3-9pm. It's a $10 admission for everyone but locals (bring proof of your Astoria/LIC address/zip to get in free). According to Flavorpill: "Rong Music hosts a lineup that's thick with dubbed-out beat makers, psychedelic incantations, and a proper dash of disco punk. Beyond the spinners, live sets include funk-fueled bass lines, temperamental synths, and all forms of robotic love." Head to Water Taxi Beach afterwards for Akalepse, and great dogs.

Food-wise, there's the aforementioned dogs at WTB. I hear that the pizza at Frankie's (31st Street between Ditmars and 23rd Ave) has changed a bit - an extra garlicky sauce, apparently. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. My fave really is Michael Angelo's on 23rd Ave (near 29th Street), which made me a fantastic Marghareta slice the other day. They have a back garden as well, which is so nice in the warmer months. But the place I'm most interested in is the new vegetarian/vegan restaurant run by the same people that run Sai Organics (30th Ave between 36th and 37th Streets), that is finally open!. This new restaurant is in the old Keystone Diner spot, 30th Ave just west of 31st Street. They are serving 100% organic food, too. This is very exciting!

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.07.07

Even the week's end starts out rainy, we should have a beautiful weekend. On Saturday, there are a couple of Trunk Sales going on. The Trunk Sale put on by the Astoria Craft Collective will have jewelry, accessories, and clothing. It will be at the patio on the corner of 29th Street and 35th Avenue, 11am-5pm, plus there will be refreshments! It goes on rain or shine, but it looks like a dry Saturday. Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) has a lot of t-shirts to offer with a 10% discount. 1-3pm and they'll have sweets and snacks. If you can't make it to either of the Trunk Sales, you might consider the Blooming Company at another time, a cute little boutique on 31st Street between 23rd Ave and Ditmars.

There's always plenty of music happening in Astoria, and this weekend is no different. Stop by Waltz on Thursday for Samba music, performed by Anthony Lanni and friends ($2 cover and a $7 drink minimum). Check out their newly renovated digs, too. Hellgate Social that same night presents indie punk rock in the form of The Johns. HGS also has a movie planned for Sunday around 9pm.

Time Cafe (44-18 Broadway) this weekend has live jazz during brunch on Sunday. Hear the Jacob Varmus Quartet from 12-3 while you enjoy some tasty food. And if you were thinking of heading to Sparrow (across from the Beer Garden) for brunch at 10:30am, you might want to reconsider - I tried eating there last Sunday at 11am and they were still closed! Best bet - check them out at noon. I also hear Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue) makes a superb frappe.

Head to the AMMI for more horror films, including 1970s classic Carrie and 21st century Japanese film Itchi the Killer. Warm Up at PS1 is Saturday from 3pm-9pm, and particularly interesting sounding that afternoon is Eric Singer's LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots)

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.07.07

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day yesterday! I know the Macy's fireworks had some rain to contend with but I hope that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. I went to the beach and skipped the light display (but caught the Grucci show in Astoria Park last Friday). This week's end should have some nice weather mixed in with some thunderstorms - a typical summer in the east. This weekend (Saturday) also brings us 07-07-07. Cool! After Saturday, check out the flickr group called 07-07-07. People will be taking lots of pictures on that day, chronicling their lives. I'll be submitting a few myself.

Also on Saturday, Last Resort is having a rooftop party at 4pm their space... and there will be grilling involved, just bring your own grill-friendly food and/or a drink to share. At 9pm that night, they're having a rock show ($4 cover), including A Fistful of Dynamite, Suburban Riot, OUCH, and Blanketstatementstein. You can find Last Resort at 8-63 Astoria Blvd.

Hellgate Social, a great spot in western Astoria (12-21 Astoria Blvd), is active this week's end - Thursday through Sunday brings all sorts of live music, DJing, and a CD release party. No sign of a movie this Sunday, though (last week's showing of Dr. Strangelove was pretty awesome).

On Saturday, Waltz-Astoria is also holding a big bash at the beautiful Grand Ballroom upstairs at the Moose Lodge (did you know we had one?). There will be music, video-art, a funny guy emcee, and beer and wine to drink. The Lodge is at 41st and Broadway (down by Steinway). Get your $15 tickets at info@waltz-astoria.com.

Also, Thursday begins adult lap swim at Astoria Pool, too. You can swim in the mornings from 7-8:30am or in the evenings, 7-8:30pm. I hope to do some of the evening swims, myself. Lap swimming goes until August 31 this summer. After you swim, you can head over to a number of places in the area: Agnanti (Ditmars and 19th) and Bistro 33 (21st and Ditmars) come to mind, or you can walk a bit further and find yourself at the Beer Garden or Sparrow (across the street from the BG). Their burger sounds like a great ending to a nice swim. Head to Oleput (Ditmars and 33rd Street) after that for a shake or a float. Yummmm!

And remember Warm Up is this weekend. It's always a lot of fun at this event at PS1. You'll get a chance to hear some DJs and live music, dance, dance, dance, then head to Water Taxi Beach for Beach Party afterwards. Warm Up starts at 3pm and goes for 6 hours, until 9pm, and Water Taxi Beach will be all geared up by 9!

More fun, here.

Fireworks Photo Credit: Lia Pelosi