Astorian Weekend Edition 10.12.09

Man oh man will it be cold this weekend! But don’t let a little chill stop you from enjoying these fun (indoor) “social sports.”

Ornella is a great new Italian restaurant worth trying, and all dishes are derived from deeply cherished family recipes. Order the imbustata (pictured above), a specialty pasta “envelope” with roasted veal, chicken, wild mushrooms homemade mozzarella, spinach, mascarpone cheese and tomato sauce. As you can see, it’s an all-inclusive type of dish that's absolutely scrumptious. 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria. 718.777.9477

Take a farm to table cooking class this Thursday (or next Thursday) at the Sage General Store. This week’s theme is “Trade Secrets from the Professionals” and covers topics from handling poultry to making the perfect pie crust. $80 per person – includes dinner and you get to take home a pie. 24-20 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.361.0707

In the mood for casual tapas or just good and inexpensive Latin food? Blend in LIC is a yummy option, and I had a wonderful dinner there last week. Top picks include the arroz con pollo, which is generous in portion and features the most aromatic seasoning, as well as the ropa vieja, served in a crunchy plantain cup. 47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.729.2800

Indulge in a holiday specialty drink at Mezzo Mezzo--some of the creative concoctions they’ve devised especially for the holidays include martinis such as the chocolate peppermint, nuts-n-berries, an oatmeal-cookie latte and others. You can sample a drink for free with a purchase of an entrée. The special promo code is “holiday cheer” and it can be used on all days except for Saturday. 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.278.0444

If you like to play pool or ping pong and appreciate a relaxing, low-key setting, check out Break Bar on Broadway between 32nd and 33rd street. It’s pleasantly full but never too crowded on weekends, and the bartenders make you feel like part of the family. Pool is free until 9p.m. and they feature happy hour from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the weekends with $3 beers and $5 spirits. 32-04B Broadway, Astoria. 718.777.5400

Finally Fridays - Brunch

Wow I thought the weekend would never come...but finally it's here.  In this edition of Finally Fridays, we reveal five great picks for brunch.  As always, chime in with your two cents.

Sparrow - Leeks and fried eggs with sweet potato hash and crusty bread

24-01 29th Street, Astoria NY. 718.606.2260

Cafe Henri - Mushroom and goat cheese crepe with mixed greens

10-10 50th Avenue, LIC.  718.383.9315

Bistro 33 - Cajun fritatta with andouille sausage and crawfish

19-33 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.721.1933

Sage General Store - Ranchero Burrito with organic scrambled eggs, onions, smoky ham, tomato & cheese

24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC.  718.361.0707

Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company - Fluffy, humongous cinnamon raisin and plain bagel

35-05 Broadway, Astoria.  718.204.0141

35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria.  718.932.8280

36-14 30th Avenue, Astoria.  718.777.1121

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.02.09

While it's frosty now, the weekend is expected to be a lot warmer, so take advantage of these fun goings-on in Astoria and LIC.

Try the Sage General Store this weekend. It's a fabulous LIC food staple, serving the freshest, local dishes (see above picture) at affordable prices. They also sell Obama sugar cookies, which certainly piqued my interest. 24-20 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City. 718.361.0707

The famous musical, Ragtime is coming to Astoria. Directed by Astoria Performing Arts Center's Tom Wojtunik, this production is a three-week limited engagement so don't miss it. It premieres this Thursday at 8pm at The Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. 30-44 Crescent Street, Astoria. 718.393.7505

If you enjoy wine, why not try the Off the Vine Wine & Spirits wine tasting this Friday from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. They'll focus on locally grown, New York State wines, which are generally good. They encourage everyone to come, so bring friends. 44-21 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.728.4142

After three long months, Flo Cafe has re-opened its doors after a not-so-needed renovation. The place is open and bumpin', so check it out this weekend for brunch perhaps--they've changed their menu around a bit, so expect surprises. 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6096

In the mood for dessert after brunching at Flo Cafe? Walk into Terrizzi Pasticceria and enjoy a sweet confection. There's been a lot of talk about the new-old owners so give this place a try and weigh in with your opinion here. 35-14 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.726.9698

Astorian Weekend Edition 15.01.09

Although the weather outside is nippy, there are still plenty of fun happs in Astoria and LIC--especially in LIC this weekend.

Visit LIC Bar this Sunday from 5pm - 8pm for an eclectic music showcase hosted by award-winning Irish songwriter, Niall Connolly. The evening promises a plethora of new music talent from NYC and beyond. And if you can't make it on Sunday, go on Monday for another music showcase from 8pm - 11pm, featuring Egyptian, Brazilian and other "rowdy jazzsters." 45-58 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.786.5400

The Sage General Store in LIC is now offering weekend brunch from 11am - 4pm so check them out. Their brunch dishes peaked my interest, as I spied handmade pizzas, drunken baked French toast and Artisanal grilled cheese on the menu. 24-20 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.361.0707

Take this long weekend to scope out, LIC's covert and sought-after bar, Dutch Kills. Owned by the same company that runs Milk & Honey--an exclusive appointment or referral only Manhattan and London bar--this spot is sure to give you a unique experience (if it's open that is--it's all a big mystery). 27-24 Jackson Avenue, LIC.

A loyal reader suggested trying Just Arthur's, the old-school Italian joint on Steinway. He mentions that their specials are always good and that the "Pasta a la John" shouldn't be missed. 22-08 Steinway Street, Astoria. 718.728.7288

And don't forget to take advantage of Ovelia's Recession special (pictured above), as they'll be serving lunch all day and even extend happy hour until 10pm. Enjoy their scrumptious mezes and stiff cocktails at reasonable prices. 34-01 30th Avenue. 718.721.7217