So I've heard...

KrisTEES was recognized on stage by Mayor Bloomberg in his State of the City speech last week (video). Congrats to Kristie Foster and her lovely boutique on 23rd Ave.

The new Lebanese place on 31st Street is gaining quite a following after only being open a short time. Haddad's is serving tasty food at great prices. From one Astorian, "Apparently the place was packed, and there was a bit of a line out the door."

Rèst Âü Ránt finally has a new website: http://www.rarbarlic.com

Il Bambino is now serving brunch, with new menu items, including about 12 new panini, most containing egg. They've also put together some new cheese plates, sourced from Murray's. Come by for a taste of some rare and amazing cheeses from around the world, and some interesting new sandwiches.

After my two most recent meals at Sweet Afton, I can say without a doubt, that their burger is the best in Astoria, having surpassed my previous favorite from Sparrow. As you know, too, Sweet Afton is serving brunch, and the burger is served with an egg, which is totally yummy. More about that later.

According to their newsletter, Winegasm is putting together Wine and Chess gatherings on Saturdays from 12-4pm. Coffee and free pastries apparently are in the mix.

LIC gets screwed by the MTA. In MTAspeak:
"No 7 trains between Times Sq and Queensboro Plaza. The N, Q, S and free shuttle buses provide alternate service. Weekends, 11:30 PM Fri to 5 AM Mon, Jan 29 - Feb 1."
Actually, reports say that service will be suspended on 10 weekends, total, so that's a PITA for 7 train riders until the first weekend in April.  If you can get yourself to LIC by other ways, I salute you.  The businesses there will need our support during this strange time.

Unfamiliar and mysterious fast food is coming to Astoria:  Texas-based Wingstop and California-based Submarina California Subs (never heard of them, says this native Californian) will be here soon.

Vesta is holding a Super Bowl Sunday event! YUM. Judith posts over on The Foodista: "They're having a celebration in honor of the big game, including a special "gametime menu," raffles and opportunities to win prizes including Vesta, Sweet Afton, Locale and Hell Gate Social gift certificates, as well as a dinner with me, your Foodista."

These bunny pillows over on SITE are the cutest!!

New Year's Eve in Astoria

New Year's Eve is almost upon us.  If you're looking for a way to celebrate, there's no need to leave Astoria - there's plenty to do right here in town!  Here's what has come our way as far as tasting menus, prix fixe menus, and other celebrations.  Happy New Year, Astoria!

718, 35-01 Ditmars Blvd. 718-204-5553
"Join us for New Year's celebration - DJ Leon kicks off with Sounds of the 80's and Latin Music, starting at 11 p.m."

Bistro 33, 1933 Ditmars Blvd. 718-721-1933
A la carte menu Bistro 33 available all night (reservations suggested).
Special chef’s tasting menu beginning at 9:30 pm at Side Door. 6 course tasting menu with wine pairings, champagne toast at midnight. $95 per person. Reservation only.
New Year’s Day brunch 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Bistro Les Minots, 47-16 30th Avenue, 718-606-2535
Special 4 course menu, two seatings at 6 p.m. ($39.95 per person) and 9 p.m. ($49.95 per person).

DiWine, 41-15 31st Ave. 718-777-1355
Four course dinner, $70 per person,
Seating from 8-11 p.m. (regular dinner from 5-7)
Live DJ, complimentary champagne toast, party favors, free h'ors d'oeuves after midnight.

Gleasons Bar, 33-08 Broadway. 718-626-5393
"We're inviting everyone down New Years Eve. We have a kick ass band and its $60 at the door for an open bar (Top Shelf) and buffet dinner from 9 p.m to midnight. Doors will open to the public at Midnight! God Bless & Happy New Year!!!"

Hell Gate Social, 12-21 Astoria Blvd. 718-204-8313
"Ring in the New Year with the Times Square Ball drop live on our big screen, free champagne and some tasty hors d'oeuvres to snack on served throughout the night. DJ Blasphemey and The Two Bloody Tampons are lined up to keep us dancing through 2010! Doors open at nine. NO COVER."

Mundo, 31-18 Broadway, #E (on 32nd St.). 718-777-2829
Prix fixe dinner, $65 per person.
Seatings at 6:30-8:30 p.m. and 9-midnight.
For reservations call or place online.

Rest-au-Rant, 30-01 35th Ave. 718-729-9009
Free champagne toast at midnight, $3 shots, free platter of cold cuts or champagne bottle to groups of 5 or more, no cover charge.

Sweet Afton, 30-09 34th St. 718-777-2570
"Join Sweet Afton for an open bar from 9 p.m.-midnight with appetizers all night. Tickets will sell out, so purchase your tickets at the bar today."

Vesta, 21-02 30th Avenue. 718-545-5550
Sspecial 4 course prix fixe dinner.
Three seatings available: 6:00 p.m. $45 per person; 8:00 p.m. $55 per person; 9:30/10:00 p.m. $65 per person.
Party favors, Live broadcast of NYE in Times Square, Complimentary welcome glass and midnight toast, Black and  White attire recommended, not required.

Astorian Weekend Edition, 05.11.09

This weekend brings us Leaf Fest, right here at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance, working with the Queens Botanical Garden/Queens Compost Project, is collecting your fall leaves for composting (volunteers will turn the pile and gardeners will be able to partake in the compost come spring). Bring them with you to the Astoria Park parking lot on Sunday the 8th, between 11 a.m and 1 p.m., and volunteers will be happy to collect what you have. You'll be able to learn more about composting, too. If you can, please bring any non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries. Leaf Fest continues on Sunday the 15th and 22nd, too.

Craving pork by chance? Head over to Sac's on Broadway for their annual pig roast. Around 8 p.m. on Thursday night the pig (actually two of them) will be cooked to the point of juicy deliciousness, having roasted on a spit all day. Call 718-204-5002 for reservations on Thursday, November 5 and Thursday, November 12. Sac's is at 25-41 Broadway.

Rèst Âü Ránt, home of the diacriticals, is turning two this weekend! Saturday hails their anniversary party, complete with live music, specials, passed hors d'ouvres and more! Party starts at 9, yum. The fun lives at 30-01 35th Avenue.

Remember the crap weather on October 24th? It totally harshed the plans for It's My Park Day at Queensbridge Park, so much so that they had to postpone it! Good news: this Saturday's the day! The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes til 2 p.m. Consider registering if you're part of a group (contact greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com to register or if you have questions). Snacks and supplies will be provided for all volunteers.

Finally, Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) presents The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter Contest. Details for contestants are here, and it looks like it could be a really good time. The festivities start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Sunday finale starts at 8 p.m. Come see and support great local talent. Also try the pumpkin pie - it's totally NOM-able.

Rèst Âü Ránt's 2nd Anniversary Party

Rèst Âü Ránt is two years old this November! They are going to celebrate by inviting you to enjoy good times with them. Details:

Let us thank you once again for helping us through to our second birthday! Join us at our anniversary party on Saturday, November 7th at 9 p.m. Enjoy live music, specials, passed hors d'ouvres and more!

Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 4:00 a.m.
30-01 35th Avenue
[Facebook]

Halloween in Astoria

Halloween is almost upon us! There are a number of events going on in the neighborhood, and here's what we know so far. All events start the evening of Halloween proper, October 31.  If you know of any additional partays, please post in the comments!

Halloween at Sweet Afton

after dark and into the night...
30-09 34th Street
Astoria
Best Costume Grande Prize:  all you can eat & drink evening for two at Sweet Afton.
[website]

Halloween Masquerade at Domaine Bar A Vins

5:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
50-04 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
[Facebook]
You are spookily invited to Domaine Wine Bar Masquerade Bash on Saturday, November 31st....come drink, dance, haunt and bite with us...

Hell Gate Social Halloween Bash

7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
12-21 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria
[Facebook]
The fun starts off w/ DJ Belladonna spinning the scariest grooves this side of the Mississippi. She will then hand off the reigns to the Two Bloody Tampons who will continue the mayhem. And let's not forget the Costume Contest.... and all the fun games we have planned (scary movie clip contest, mummy wrap contest, and Mad Libs).

Why Leave Astoria?! Halloween Party at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

8:00 p.m.
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria
[RSVP]
WLA?! is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!

Halloween Extravaganza at The Creek LIC

8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City
[Facebook]
Come support Promethean Theatre Company as we celebrate Halloween with drink specials, tarot cards, live music, beer pong and lots more! Don't forget to come dressed in your favorite costume (contest!) to compete for cool prizes. $10.00 donation ($15.00 if you don't have a costume).

Halloween Party at Rèst Âü Ránt

9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
30-01 35th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Join us for our 2nd annual Halloween Party! We will have party favors, food, and drink specials, and best costume prizes!

The Zombie Stomp Social at Shillelagh Tavern

9:00 p.m.
47-22 30th Avenue
Astoria
[astorians]
Don’t miss this ferociously ghoulish party at Shillelagh in Astoria. AM&A presents games and a costume contest with a cash prize!! $10 cover.

Halloween Masquerade Ball at Ovelia Psistaria Bar

11:00 p.m. to 4:20 a.m.
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Enjoy Halloween festivities in an intimate venue with good friends, music, drinks and costumes!

Astorian Weekend Edition 19.03.09

As the weather gets warmer, I'm noticing a lot more fun weekend options. This weekend promises a rich offering of haps from a cool photo exhibit to a rockin' heavy metal night.

This Thursday--and every Thursday moving forward--wine and beer bar, Rest-au-Rant will feature their "Live Music Thursdays" with various musicians performing some of their best works. Performances are free and start at 8:30pm. 30-01 35th Avenue, Astoria. 718.729.9009

On Friday, check out Heavy Metal Night at the much-talked-about Vikingo's Dungeon. You'll enjoy 2-for-1 beers until 9pm as well as some nostalgic heavy metal tunes. It's a good way to channel the '80s and '90s. 35-55 33rd Street, Astoria. 718.383.3000

Interested in attending a photo exhibit opening? LIC's Local Project will be showcasing the photography and other works of Sol Aramendi. The show opens this Friday with a reception from 6pm - 9pm. 45-10 Davis Street, LIC. info@localproject.org.

Enjoy a historic walking tour this Sunday from 1pm - 3pm, which goes from Greenpoint all the way to LIC. The day promises a lot of historic riches and is guided by local historian, Jack Eichenbaum. Contact, jaconet@aol.com if you're interested.

There's a new French eatery in town, Bistro Les Minots (pictured above) on 47th Street and 30th Avenue. I spied their menu and it looks mighty yummy with plenty of authentic French treats such as escargot, mussels and profiteroles. They're offering an attractive $19.95 prix-fixe everyday from 5pm - 7pm. 47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.2535

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.11.08

I'm just going to start this off by telling you to go eat! It's been a little while since I've really tried new places in the nabe. Well this week, I knocked two places off of my ever-growing list! Sakura (35-15 Ditmars) and Lava Cafe (27-03 23rd Ave) are good enough to put on my "regular restaurant roster" and even bring friends. In the photos are three random, yet delish and fresh rolls of sushi from Sakura and my Lava Frittata from brunch. Both places are wonderfully affordable and remarkably fast and tasty!

Rèst Âü Ránt (30-01 35th Ave) is celebrating a year in the hood on Friday at 9 p.m. They'll have a live band, drink specials and tastings, and passed appetizers.

There's more music and flashy burlesque at Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd.) on Friday at 10 p.m. There should be fun things happening as it's also George's Birthday... and I quote "you need not know George for this to be an important point! If you do know George then you know that you must be present." There's no cover, why not?

Freeze Peach (22-09 29th St.) not only got a cool neon sign in the window, but now they are serving fresh crepes on Saturdays and Sundays!

Sunday from noon to 5p.m., update your wardrobe and have fun with friends galore at another Seeds of Love Proceeds will help families at Hour Children with basic necessities and grant winter wishes for New York City kids in need. As if we need any reason to go to the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave.)? Get your pilsner, kielbasa, AND a large selection of new, trendy, name brand clothes and accessories! Tis almost the season after all.

The Queens International Film Festival is here again. The actual event itself is being held a little off the beaten path, but the closing party is right here at Cavo Cafe Lounge (42-18 31 Ave)
on Sunday at 9p.m.

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.06.08

Tonight at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars), enjoy A Night With The Whiskey Dregs. 8 to 11 p.m. come enjoy the free event, full of music, poetry, and storytelling. There will also be some limited open mic time, so if that's your deal, get there early to sign up!

Don't forget the community meeting tonight about the Con Ed/Fed Ex sale. It will effect everyone.

If you haven't been by the Freeze Peach (22-09 29th St) lately, pay them a little visit on Friday and check out the new set-up. Some things moved around, some things changed, but same great drinks. There will also be carry over performances by the people from The Whiskey Dregs from last night. Looks like they are testing out a monthly gig.

Try the vast wine selection at Rést-âü-Ránt (corner of 35th Ave & 30th St.) and relax the Saturday away while nibbling on cheese and meats platters, too. I stopped in there a few weeks back and it was really quite charming. They open up the one wall (foto above) to let in the air and light, almost makes you feel like you're outside. Another plus, great music selection and not too loud either!

Sunday should be a blast- literally. Hit the park for the Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! Bring your own artillery, or join the Meetup group and pay $5 and they will supply you with some flying water bombs. There will also be a picnic of sorts going on as part of the Meetup group so if you are interested, inquire with them. Meet at noon between 23rd Rd and Hoyt Ave.

UPDATE: The Great Astoria Water Balloon Fight! is being moved to next weekend 07.05.08. Stay tuned to their site.

Astorian Weekend Edition 06.12.07

Dang it's cold! But I have to admit, the snow has been very pretty and I enjoyed the manageability of the first snowfall this winter. However, it will warm up a little this weekend, for which I'm grateful. There's a lot going on this weekend!

Thursday brings us lots to do. At 7 p.m., Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) is hosting an artist reception for the exhibit 2 Live & Paint in Astoria. This new exhibit features the work of Ralph Almeida & William C. Lindsay. Bar 36 (36-05 30th Ave) is again hosting their Martini Thursdays - $2 off every martini on their menu (or create your own). Can't beat the free snacks, too! I just wish their website was more useful. Island Cafe Bar (35-15 36th St) has Jazz every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to midnight.

If you're not into the bar/cafe scene on Thursday, head over to Laguardia Community College (31-10 Thomson Ave.) in LIC for the opening celebration/reception for the exhibit Edge of the City, the Waterfront Paintings of Gregory William. From 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. meet the artist and enjoy the art.

Starting on Friday, stop by the Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center (10-34 44th Drive) for some holiday shopping. They are holding their annual holiday sale and open house Friday through Sunday. They offer one-of-a-kind handmade crafts from jewelry to ceramic. Their hours are Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 2-8 p.m., and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Saturday night Hellgate Social presents a night of Japanese punk rock! Expect live music by The Yuharis, Uzuhi, and B.C.P. Conversely, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) presents a twist on karaoke - jazz! Come and sing in front of a live jazz band. Set list will be provided, sign-up is at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30.

Find some calm on Sunday at Grace Lutheran (31-20 21st Ave) for a weekly Buddhist meditation with Luis Villalon. The subject for this weekend is The Healing Power of Love. Beginners are welcome.

A friend of mine told me all about Rest-au-Rant, a new wine bar on 35th Ave and 30th Street. He told me, Essentially it's a wine bar, with about 30 wines, so far, though they're aiming to increase that number to 50. They also have tasty beer on tap, from Germany, New Zealand, Hawaii, Belgium, France, Weissbier and a slew of others. They also offer hummus, cheese and fruit platters and paninis. Definitely worth a try. And best food I've had out this week was at Sparrow (24-01 29th St) - their burger, which is excellent, was particularly good, as were the fries and olive plate. Don't forget to try the hot chocolate - warm, chocolately, and creamy, perfect on a cold evening.

Photo credit: Harris Graber on Flickr via a Creative Commons License