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 Weekend Edition 17.12.09

We are approaching the end of Hanukkah (did you have latkes? jelly doughnuts? mmm....) and Christmas is fast approaching.  Still looking for the perfect gift?  Definitely check out the upcoming local markets this Sunday, where you can support local artisans and craftspeople. Both locations - Waltz and Sweet Afton - serve great food, so you can nosh on something while you're there.

For more shopping, head over to LIC on Friday for their Midnight Madness shopping extravaganza.  Lots of local shops will be open late til' midnight, plus there are extras to entice you, like free hot chocolate at Manducatis Rustica and "buy one get one free antipasto" at Testaccio. I was just down there this past weekend - if you find yourself there earlier in the evening, be sure to stop by at Sweetleaf Cafe for some delicious coffee.

Those crazy cats at Why Leave Astoria?! are holding their annual holiday party at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) on Sunday night at 7 p.m. They're combining a number of things into one ball of fun: a holiday market (for last minute gift ideas), a coat drive (for NY Cares), a raffle (gift certificates to local establishments, and a luxury VA mountain weekend getaway), and a prix fixe dinner ($25 gets you 3-courses and a glass of wine). RSVP, please.

For something completely different, consider The Secret Theatre's performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, starring the Queen's Players. Performances are this weekend (December 16-20) and later performances on January 1-3. Shows are at 8 p.m., plus December 19 and 20 matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets $15, available online, or direct from the box office. Group discounts available.  718.392.0722

And finally, for a delightful dose of history, the Greater Astoria Historical Society (35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor) hosts an afternoon of American history. Along with Tony Pignataro and fellow history enthusiast Al Ronzoni, they will present dramatic and video illustrations of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware River, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Battle of the Bulge. The event starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday and discussion will follow the main presentation.  Free!

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.03.09

Thursday brings us the Carnaval a Brick Cafe, a fashion show featuring local designers. Stop by to check out the goods, have a drink, and maybe even buy something! Later that night head to Waltz for a musical benefit for Autism. $5 at the door and a $10 food/drink minimum. Festivities start at 8 p.m.

Maybe work on your Queens Sky postcard? What a cool project.

On Friday there's samba at Cavo (42-18 31st Ave)! Four amazing samba dancers start the show at 8:30 p.m. Come enjoy food and drink and dancing!

If you are curious about what's up with the Two Coves Community Garden, take a stroll down 30th Ave and check it out. They are doing a lot of planting right now, but being near a vibrant open space is always refreshing. On your way, consider stopping in Frank's Bakery (36-02 30th Ave) for some tasty apple strudel, or on your way back, drop in at Vesta (21-02 30th Ave) for a glass of wine and some food.

Astorian Weekend Edition 18.12.08

Here we are: it's crunch time for holiday shopping! Get your last full weekend of gift prep done locally.

If you're on a budget but still want something original, try locally grown Firelight Jewelry for that sweet lady in your life.

Clash Culture (34-03 34th St) is a pretty new fresh shop on 34th St. Find some slick original tees or some cool kicks for the little bit funky friend or
relative.

Don't forget your furry friends either! The welcoming folks over at The Jumping Bulldog (28-10 23rd Avenue) are more then happy to outfit Fido in some new gear.

For that hard to shop for style maven, try Site (35-11 34th Ave) for eclectic home goods. They are definitely good to keep in mind for random knick knacks too, my weakness!

Something a little different, you can find it at The Little Soap Shop (2207 36th St). Help that certain someone smell delicious and pamper them while your at it!

Still looking? Don't forget about some old standbys: Candy Plum , Kristees, and Loveday 31

There's a big one on Sunday! At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. One of a kinds and local arts galore! And there is, of course, food and drink :)

End it all off at one of two holiday parties! Both L.I.C.Bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd) and Rapture (34-27 28th Ave) are holding an evening of merriment on Sunday. L.I.C. Bar is hoppin' from 8 to 11 p.m. with free grub. The Rapture fete also starts at 8 p.m. and with a new unwrapped children's toy, you get a free holiday cocktail and an entry for the big midnight raffle.

Now go out there and help this durn economy!

A free and fun activity for you- go now and vote for the Best and the Worst of Queens. Be heard!

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Astorian Weekend Edition 04.12.08

This weekend you can buy local! Stop by the Steinway Reformed Church Holiday Sale this Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A delicious lunch will be served and there will also be a raffle table. The Astoria Park Alliance, Seeds of Love, and local artisan Karen Overton (she makes beautiful jewelry from bicycle parts) will all have tables with wares and info. The church is at 21-65 41st Street.

On Sunday, Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) presents the Second Annual Holiday Flea Market. From 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. you can shop for jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts and other unique pieces by local Astoria designers. Vintage and gently used items will also be available.

Both events are free!

This Friday marks the 75th Anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition. Two suggestions: Go to Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave), where they finally got their liquor license! They serve a great selection of wine (organic and conventional) and beer. The food is awesome, of course.

Or, join the Wine meetup on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. at Winegasm (31-86 37th St) for their winter Drink & Learn Wine event. This is a laid back and easy Astoria approach to helping you understand wine with a great group of people. You'll also explore the basic terminology and focus on different regions. The class is taught by Winegasm's house sommelier, Dean. Please note that reservations are required for the Wine meetup, and you must be a member of the group to participate. Please call ahead of time to reserve. The fee is $35 for sampling 7 whites and 7 reds. If you have any additional questions please call Winegasm at 718.932.3331.

Finally, head on over to Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Boulevard) on Saturday night for their BORN TO ROCK OUT!! evening. This is DJ Scandal & DJ Belladonna's Birthday Blowout. The event goes from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and there is no cover. Come hear some great spinning, dance a bit, and have one of their tasty sandwiches, not to mention some delicious mixed drinks. So, come chow down, drink up and rock out!


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Astorian Weekend Edition 27.11.08 ::GOBBLE::

Happy Turkey Day all! You know this edition is of course going to be food filled... we can't help it: it's Astoria! Whatever your taste, you'll be able to find a place to break bread this weekend. Staying local? Fear not.

Astoria's newest Italian joint welcomes all for traditional Thanksgiving fare. Vesta (21-02 30th Ave) has a varied menu going on this Thursday to fit all tastes.

Brick (30 - 95 33rd St), a well-established spot, is offering up a top notch seasonal menu. Make sure to call for reservations; they are known to fill up.

A little goes a long way with the folks over at Cronin & Phelan's (38-14 Broadway). For $16 you get soup or salad and roast turkey breast with homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce. When you can't get to mom's, they've got it for ya!

Also heard that my new little gem Seva (30-07 34th St) is doing a prix fixe Thanksgiving menu. There will be turkey tikka masala, cranberry saffron rice, and cashew pumpkin halwa for dessert. Talk about fusion cuisine!

Blackstone's (38-04 Broadway) is taking reservations for dinner. $18 for a full-on 3-course meal and a glass of wine.

Personally, I'd give Stove (45-17 28th Ave) a try. If I weren't going to be in NJ with family I would go there. The menu looks awesome and I've heard alot of good stuff about the place.

If you want a low key night, Mike's Diner (22-37 31st St) is advertising a Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings. There are different prices for different meal options, so bring an appetite or just nibble. You don't even have to brave the cold much; it's right under the train station!

OK, so it's not all about food. At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Blvd) on Friday, after you've had your fill of turkey, check out the talent expo. From 8 to 10:30 p.m. enjoy 3 new performances at the weekly event.

Continue the long weekend on Saturday at Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd). Starting at 8 p.m., Astoria Music & Arts Presents: A Cornucopia of Conscienceness. Billed as "A night of very distinct local music and general revelry."

Whatever your plans this weekend, enjoy yourselves and be safe out there!

Astorian Weekend Edition 27.03.08

Well, it's a pretty mellow weekend here in Astoria. But there are a few things I want to highlight:

Last week I finally made it to the wonderful Zenon Taverna (34-10 31st Avenue). We loved the relaxed vibe that night, and enjoyed the food very much. We opted for the Kypriaki Mezedes (Cyprus Meze - Meal). For $17.95 each, we were presented with am amazing amount of food. Every college kid should know about this - you can eat for a couple of days on what they feed you! My favorites were the skordalia, tzatziki, and the various meatballs. A wonderful meal can be had there - if you haven't been, definitely check it out.

Saturdays have been Smoked Tomato Bisque days at Il Bambino (34-08 31st Avenue). This has got to be one of their more popular soups, because it's fan-tastic! I had some last weekend and wanted to lick the bowl. I recommend getting the smoked garlic butter and parmesan crostini. Everything else on the menu is good, too. But get that soup!

New wine bar, Winegasm (31-86 37th Street), is having their soft opening on Saturday. Despite the controversial name, the owners are enthusiastic and excited about becoming part of the culinary community in Astoria. For the soft opening there will be a limited menu and everything will be half price.

My colleague Anne Mironchik is playing at Waltz (23-14 Ditmars Boulevard) this Friday night! She's a very talented singer songwriter and will be participating on the Songwriters Showcase series that night. I'll be there - perhaps I'll see you there, too! $10.

Finally, from Green Shores:

What: Learn how to care for young street trees and greenstreets at this popular workshop. You will receive a free set of tools and get to apply for a Parks Volunteer permit to garden and maintain young trees and greenstreets throughout the city.
When: Saturday, March 29th, 10am - noon.
Where: ARROW Community Center 35-30 35th Street (between 35th Ave.and 36th Ave.)
Sponsored by: Green Shores NYC, Partnerships for Parks, and NY Tree Trust
RSVP: Please RSVP to greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.02.08

Well, this week brings us Valentine's Day! What a great excuse to go have a fancy meal. Astoria has a lot of great restaurants, and here are our suggestions.

On Saturday, there's a show at Maric Lanes - yep, there's a bowling alley right here in Astoria. Four bands - The Ergs!, The Steinways, For Science, and the Challenged - start at 8pm. $10 and that includes buy one get one free drinks or bowling. Maric Lanes is 19-45 49th Street.

Via MySpace I was reminded that Time Cafe has their lovely $12 brunch every weekend and holiday, 10:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. And recently I had brunch at Igloo (22-26 31st St), and the fries were truly amazing. Hot and crisp, not soggy at all. Total yum.

Waltz has one of the coolest sounding bands on their calendar, at least according to this geometry fan - The Trapezoids! Looks like jazz to me. They're on at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

I've also been walking past The Blooming Company (22-75 31st Street) over the past couple of weeks and often stop to peer into the windows. They have so many cute things there! Plus a nice selection of clothes. Speaking of clothes, Kristees (24-01 23rd Avenue) has a number of things in stock particularly appropriate for Valentine's Day - lounge wear, lingerie, and some pretty silk flowers.

Recently I've heard good things about Melody (25-95 Steinway St.), a newish spot in the Little Egypt part of town. You can have some delicious Lebanese food, smoke some hookah, and chill out.

Astorian Weekend Edition 13.12.07

It's jammin at the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave.) on Thursday. Astorian band, CatGut does their holiday jam session thing at 7 p.m. Any excuse to have some dumplings is a good one- and there's no cover :)

Crafts and jewelry everywhere! At Waltz (23-14 Ditmars) there will be more goodies from the Astoria Craft Collective... in case you missed them 2 weeks ago. Stop in from 11am-5pm. Too far to walk to in the cold? Maybe the Jewelry exhibit & sale by Glykomaraki at Grand Cafe (37-01 30th Ave.) is closer! From 12:30 to 3:30pm enjoy over 85% off retail prices... and the burgers there are delish...

Tis the season all weekend at Loveday 31 (33-06 31st. Ave)! In the spirit of the holidays, all red and green items such as 60s coats, 80s boots, and many more will be 20% off this Saturday and Sunday!

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

Astorian Weekend Edition 29.11.07

Here we are, heading into the last month of 2007! And to think- there is still new stuff to do and places to discover :)

I have gone ahead and flavor tested the new Luna de Juarez (25-98 Steinway) restaurant for you all and am pleased with the results! Wrote about it yesterday! They have a little room for improvement, but are definitely worth a visit on your way home tonight.

When the sun goes down on Fridays, you should go up! Upstairs that is... and I quote "housey vibes, the chillest friends, some comfy couches, a fireplace, breakdancin', happy hour, sugar sweets!, city sunsets, food food, 'i can feeeeel it !' music ...served fresh ^.)" If that piqued your interest, then go find out what they are talking about at AeroTropic :World Series (31-29 Ditmars Blvd.)

The Seeds of Love fundraisers are back for a holiday helping! They had an outdoor event but now with the cold and all, they've gone indoors -- Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Steinway Reformed Church (41st St. at Ditmars Blvd), find a ton of clothes, shoes and bags for you to snap up. Get a little more into the holiday spirit by bringing an item or two from their wishlist and help make some child's wish come true

Sunday - over at Waltz (23-14 Ditnars Blvd.) you can find all types of goodies from the Astoria Craft Collective. IIn my opinion, this is the best way to shop for the holidays this year -- no crowds and super original (local) stuff. Meg got a sneak preview this week to share with you all. Take a gander at some of the originals before running out there!

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 17.05.07

Free Candy? Heck yeah! Friday at Waltz, enjoy the operatic stylings of the City Beat Opera.
Fill your ears with great standards and cabaret pieces for the low low cover of $5 and fill your belly with sweet sweet candy (and the other delicous treats they have for sale too.)

Saturday feel the love and join Marriage Equality New York for the Wedding March. They are going over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan's Foley Square. You may ask yourself so what does Astoria have to do with this? Well quite a few Astorians are involved and some will even be performing (Candy Samples and the Gender Offenders) at the rally afterwards! The festivities start at 11 a.m. in Foley Square: head out there and support our peeps!

Just the other day, Meg filled us in on all the ice creammy goodness in Astoria, but actually since then, another great option popped up. Freeze Peach is now carrying tea based ice creams! For $3.75 you get a a pretty large cup filled with your choice of butterfly sencha, espresso honey, black currant. Flavors vary but those are the inaugural batch. Just another great reason to stop in, can you tell we love the place?


Holy crepes!
We'd like to welcome Cafe Triskell to the nabe. You may recognize the place as the old Lil Bistro 33, such a cute space just had to be used again! Chef Philippe Fallait has his crepes going on, I must say :) I ordered the hearty Broceliande (chicken, grilled veggies and goat cheese) and sampled the Benodet (mushrooms, swiss and herb butter). They were both phenomal! The banana and homemade chocolate crepe was also a hit. The prices range from $4 to around $9 and there are also soups, salads and sandwiches. This really is a great little gem we've been gifted, stop in and give them a taste. Merci Chef Philippe!

my other pics from the cafe here