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!!

Astorian Weekend Edition 25.11.09

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Thus starts the official holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with friends and family, expressing gratitude, and of course, eating! Judith has a great rundown on places to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in town, so if you are not preparing the meal yourself, here's some excellent options where you can get some local deliciousness in your belly.

Friday hails Black Friday, and boy do retailers need your business. One local Astoria business that I particularly love is The Little Soap Shop. Vivian is holding a sale, natch, so you'll find 20% off everything in her store that day, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. One thing she makes that I especially love is a citrus lavender reed diffuser, which users wooden reeds sipped in scented oil to spread a wonderful fresh aroma throughout the room.  And how about SITE's cupcake ornaments! How cute are they?!? They look good enough to eat!

On Sunday, stop by Immaculate Conception School (21-63 29th Street) for their Annual Flea Market. The event lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Vine Wine in LIC (12-09 Jackson Ave) will be open tonight until 11:00 p.m. - score! if you're still in need of happy libations. And on Thanksgiving Day, they are open from 10:00 am to 4:00pm! Tonight's wine tasting (5:30-8:30 p.m.) will involve three of their six Thanksgiving-themed wines. They've even boxed up these wines in a cute carrying case for your convenience. There is a $50 box and a $75 box, both saving you approximately $15 each.

Mix (40-17 30th Ave) is a new cafe/lounge in Astoria, and they hold a stich n' bitch each Saturday starting at noon. If you knit, crochet or partake in any other fiber craft, come on by to enjoy fellow needle nerds, and perhaps you'll even come away with something new for your stash. What a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Since the kids are home (including kids at heart) this weekend, The Museum of the Moving Image (35th Avenue at 37th Street) will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Thanksgiving weekend with hourly screenings of short animated films from Pixar. Screenings will take place in Tut's Fever Movie Palace, and will include Luxo, Jr. (1986, 2 mins); For the Birds (2000, 3 mins); Jack-Jack Attack (2005, 5 mins); and Presto (2008, 5 mins).

Astorian Weekend Edition 08.10.09

Fall is here, which makes it a lovely time to stroll around the nabe, discover new places and appreciate the foliage. Here are some fun suggestions for this weekend:

Visit a cool art show and do some shopping this Thursday at Ethereal Boutique in LIC. Leann Marie Zafuto will showcase her fashion based art and the store is featuring an accessories trunk show. Enjoy wine and treats while perusing. Thursday, October 8^th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.482.8884

Some more awesome shopping also happening on Thursday night is at SITE. Mackenzi will be hosting a Fall Preview Party, where you can take advantage of fabulous discounts on unique designs such as Lattimo glass, metal and acrylic jewelry. You can hop around from Ethereal to SITE or the other way around – this shin dig takes place between 7p.m. – 10p.m. 35-11 34^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.6030

In the mood to express your artistic talent? Art House Astoria is kicking off their monthly Salon Series, where you could bring your best talent – whatever that may be – and perform in a casual and welcoming setting. Saturday, October 10^th at 7p.m. For more information, contact jdj83061@gmail.com. 23-35 Broadway, Astoria. 347.738.4148

Don’t forget that all this week and next, you can take advantage of Queens Restaurant Week. While most restaurants aren’t featuring this special on weekends (except for Punta Dura), you could check it out on Thursday or Friday. There are more than 75 awesome restaurants participating. Personally, I’m checking out Christos Steakhouse, which for $25 per person will be a steal.

Are you into football? Do you like wings? There are at least two great places in Astoria that deliver both at incredible prices. Gleason's is one with 25 cent wings on Sundays and Mondays and the other is Indigo with delicious burgers and a good selection of brew. Gleason's 33-08 Broadway, Astoria. 718.626.5393. Indigo - 28-50 31st Street, Astoria. 718.728.0050.

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, 16.07.09

Looks like another nice weekend in Astoria. Thursday evening brings plenty of fun things to do in town, from a free wine tasting, to a celebration of pampering, to Green Drinks in LIC, to an evening of style shopping. It's my birthday that day, so I'll be celebrating as well.

This weekend head over to the Sculpture Center (44-19 Purves Street) on Saturday to get your fill of social, cultural, and artistic discussion. Remember that nearby you'll find Dutch Kills Bar (27-24 Jackson Avenue), so head over there to continue the discussion over a cocktail.

And don't forget Astoria's own Musical Saw Festival on the 18th at Trinity Church (31-18 37th Street)

Summer weekends are all about relaxing, so LIC's newly expanded Gantry State Park (behind 47-20 Center Blvd) could be perfect on Sunday for a relaxing afternoon of lazing around. A swim could be fun, too. Or spend the time over on 30th Ave at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) sitting outside with a frappe and friends. Il Bambino's new outdoor patio (34-08 31st Ave) is newly open, too.

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you do!

SITE this Thursday

SITE *hearts* you! :)

Join them for a special night of shopping to thank you, their customers. Take 10% off anything in stock, 20% off purchases of $75 or more.

There will be wine and snacks, too. Maybe cupcakes?

Thursday, July 16, 6-9 p.m.
35-11 34th Avenue
Astoria

Astorian Mother's Day Weekend Edition - 07.05.09

Pictured above - Lamb Biryani from Seva.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and as luck has it, it’s supposed to be warm and sunny. Take Mom out for a stroll around the ‘hood or to the park, eat delicious grub and maybe even taste some wine.

Still looking for a gift for Mom? Check out SITE Design for their unique tchotchkies. I especially like the LiLa Vintage Silver necklace, which could be a nice gift for a hip Mom. Also know that every second Saturday of each month (starting this Saturday), SITE offers a local artists showcase, a sidewalk sale and a party with cupcakes. 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria. 718.626.6030.

Treat Mom to a delicious Indian lunch—or dinner. Seva offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere that’s very much a family vibe. They’ve added new scrumptious dishes to their menu such as the Eggplant Chat (fried eggplant, which is out of this world), Soy Mirch Masala (vegan friendly dish), Lamb meatballs and so much more. Prices are super reasonable. 30-07 34^th Street, Astoria. 718.626.4440

Bistro Les Minots is having an all-day Mother’s Day prix-fixe (from 11am – 10pm) for $29.95, featuring classic French dishes. They will also serve their regular brunch (priced as usual) from 11am – 4:30pm if you prefer that instead. I’ve been reminded that their sangria is supposed to be as good as their secret spiced wine. Hmm…47-16 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.606.2535

Toast to Mom this weekend and take her to Astoria’s new wine bar, 24. Open in the evenings, I’d suggest coming here after dinner and maybe enjoying a glass of vino and dessert. It’s located on a quiet, residential block and might be a nice way to unwind. Corner of 26^th Street and 24^th Avenue, Astoria.

Since the weather will be nice and sunny on Sunday, take a stroll around Astoria Park or even Socrates Sculpture Park. If you go to the latter, know that their "State Fair" exhibition starts this Sunday--it promises to be a fun, cultural experience. Astoria Park - 19-00 Hoyt Avenue North, Astoria. Socrates Sculpture Park - 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. 718.956.1819

Astorian Weekend Edition 02.04.09

Tonight, celebrate another year of Site (35-11 34th Ave) and all their fun stuff :)

Sit in for another interesting movie at the Museum of the Moving Image (35 Ave. at 37 St.) selection on Friday.
Or you can do what I'm doing and rock out at Vikingo's (35-55 33rd St) from 6-10pm.

There's Tablao Flamenco going on at 8:30pm at Auditorium Centro Espanol (41-01 Broadway, 2nd Fl). Ticket info and reservations: (718) 392-8888 or (917) 288-7996.

Oh the yummy sugar rushes to be had at the Creek (10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC) on Saturday morning from 10am to 2pm with a bowl of your favorite cereals and some old school cartoons! There is a $5 cover but come on, you get robots and vintage cartoons WITH commercials and alcohol to boot!

Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) has Grooveskool on Saturday. Funky music and a chill space, it might even be warm enough to start using the backyard. The party starts at 10pm and lasts til 4am, no cover.

SITE Turns Two!

SITE, the cute design store on 34th Ave, turns 2 years old today! They're going to celebrate, too - check it out. From their website:

SITE is...2!!! Come join is as we celebrate two amazing years! Wine boxes, cupcakes, totally amazing trunk shows, music, party specials, and general merrymaking!!

Thursday, April 2nd 7-10 p.m.

R.S.V.P and get more info here. (Facebook)

SITE
35-11 34th Ave
Astoria
718-626-6030

SITE Holiday Preview Party

This is tonight! From their mailer:

DON'T MISS THE SITE ...
Holiday preview party!!
Thursday, November 20th
7-10pm

Great holiday gift items, decorations, ornaments, greetings cards + all your regular SITE favorites on sale for one night only!

Take 15% off all purchases under $100. Spend $100 or more and take 20% off!!

Plus all the SITE party treats...cupcakes + those tasty wine boxes + fab music + good company.

Funky Gifts for Mom (and More) a la Astoria

Image by: www.sitedesignnyc.com

Still don't know what to get Mom for Mother's Day? Go local! Support Astoria's businesses while treating Mom to something that she won't find anywhere else.

SITE Design - Funky design store with a mix of vintage and modern goodies. The prices are reasonable and you'll find lots of creative gifts for Mom. Suggestions include:

Bangle Jewelry or Ring Box - This is some cool jewelry storing device--it's made out of recycled bangle bracelets, giving it a vintagey, high-end look ($45).

Botanical Totes - Trendy eco bags that are sure to make a fashion statement. Use them for groceries, shopping or just your everyday needs ($16.95 each)

Retro Oven Mitts - Want Mom to bake in style? Get her these funky oven mitts, which come in four quirky designs: pear, owl, poppy peacocks or a flock of birds ($15 each).

Message Plants and Herb Kits (shown above) - These adorable little bean or herb plants have a message written right on the leaves--what a concept?! The herb kits come in basil, thyme or rosemary ($14.95 each).

Site Design: 35-11 34th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106. 718.626.6030

Activities with Mom:

1. Take her to Astoria Park. Although it might not be sunny, it will be warm so you can have a picnic with Mom. Bring delicious homemade sandwiches too and enjoy some one-on-one time with mama.
   
2. Take her to brunch. It's true that a lot of restaurants are having expensive prix-fix specials, but these cafes are offering their yummy brunch menu as usual: Ovelia Psistaria ($10 - $13 brunch) - 34-01 30th Ave. 718.721.7217. Grand Cafe ($11 brunch): 37-01 30th Avenue. 718.777.7321. Brick Cafe (brunch and dinner menu): 30-95 33rd Street. 718.267.2735
   
3. Take her to a spa. Astoria has some fabulous up-and-coming spas that are serious competition for Manhattan relaxeries. My favorite is Spa Hydra, which gives amazing massages and their amenities are state of the art (especially the showers)! 35-11 36th Street. 718.267.7991. SPAce Salon is also a cool option in the Ditmars area. They give 8 different types of massages and various facials at a fair price. 29-09 Ditmars Blvd. 718.726.4477.

Happy Mother's Day Astoria!

Lucky Magazine Loves Kristees, Site, and Loveday31

Kristie from Kristees passed on the notice that the September edition of Lucky Magazine has rated Kristees as One of the Top 100 Stores to Shop in New York! Congratulations to her! On page 348 you'll see that along with Kristees, Site and Loveday31 both are part of On Our Radar: Astoria, and also in the Top 100. Congratulations to all!

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.07.07

After work Thursday night unwind at Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars) with some Brazilian jazz. Anthony Lanni will be there to entertain you. It's also a good excuse to see the remodeling they've done.

PeeWee's get to play tennis! On Thursday take your 5-7 year-olds (9:30-10:15 a.m.) or your 8-15 year-olds (10:30-noon) to Astoria Park for free time on the court, now through August 14th. They've also got track and field options too -- check City Parks Foundation.

Site (35-11 34th Ave) is having a "Friday the 13th" sale all day long...all pillows, dishes, and all ART is 13% off on the "unlucky" day!

There's a new community garden getting off the ground that needs our help! The Two Coves Garden at the Goodwill Triangle (30th Ave & Astoria Blvd) is open every Saturday. This Saturday, though, expect there to be planting, weeding, building raised garden beds, and more! Stop over with your dirty-able clothes (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and get your green thumb going. For more info email twocovesgarden@yahoo.com or call 718-706-8044.

Saturday enjoy the not-so-muggy weather and take a walk and explore the places you haven't gotten to! Go hit up our old stand by Kabab Cafe and enjoy the air conditioning! Ali is back in full force.

Take a cruise up Newton Creek and check out the digs from another angle. Sunday morning enjoy the cruise while you learn about bridges, neighborhoods, and industry from Greenpoint to Maspeth. Sponsored by the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. Call right away to book ahead and pre-pay the $50/40 fee - 718-788-8500.

Remember: give your extra beer money to these guys over at Team MTA so they can have a mighty fine summer racing around the world in the name of Astorians everywhere!