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).

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

Astoria Loves Red Velvet

What's with the Red Velvet love? And by Red Velvet we mean cupcakes--of course.

Judging from the signs I've seen in storefronts on 30th Avenue, "We sell Red Velvet cupcakes", "Red Velvet cupcakes available here," there's certainly a demand for these spongy sensations. It struck me as interesting that this very American dessert is desired in our very ethnic neighborhood. What you usually find in bakeries in Astoria is flaky Balkava, creamy Napoleans or luxurious Cannoli--but Red Velvet? I personally love this dessert and scoped out the best places that carry it. And because it's such a rare treat in Astoria, it certainly goes for a premium. The below bakeries make Red Velvet quite well and to keep things more interesting, we even added a home baker extraordinaire into the mix.

Terrizzi Pasticceria - An authentic Italian bakery owned by pastry chef Joseph Anthony Polito. He's known for his elaborate cakes (especially wedding cakes) and has prepared his treats for public figures such as Michael Jackson and Colin Powell. Terrizzi sells Red Velvet cupcakes for $2.00 each. 35-14 30th Avenue. 718.726.9698

Frank's Bakery - Another Italian bakery (one of two Frank's in the 'hood), which offers various types of breads and pastries--my favorite is their olive bread. They sell Red Velvet cupcakes for a whopping $2.95 each. 36-02 30th Avenue. 718.726.7813

Martha's Country Bakery - By far the most designer, Manhattan-like bakery in Astoria. You can easily compare it to Billy's or Magnolia but I think Martha's is much better. The cupcake variety is enormous--Oreo to Carrot Cake to Red Velvet! You can get Red Velvet in cupcake form for $2 each or in various cake sizes: 5 inch cake $10.95, 7 inch cake $22, 8 inch cake $25. 36-21 Ditmars Blvd. 718.545.9737

Baked Goodness by Shaya Elcock - A local foodie and baker extraordinaire, Shaya Elcock is not only a talented treats-maker she's an entrepreneur in the making. Her company Baked Goodness is just the beginning to her lifelong dream of owning a bakery. Shaya makes a mean Red Velvet cupcake for a bargain price of $1.65 each. You can contact her directly to order: 219.510.3923 or bakedgoodnessnyc@gmail.com

Hope that we've satisfied your sweet tooth!