Astorian Weekend Edition 05.28.09

Another nice weekend with plenty of sunshine and mild weather produces the perfect opportunity to relax, check out a rooftop bar or even the new beer garden in town.

The rooftop at the Ravel Hotel in LIC is now open. From the pictures, it looks swanky and the drinks are fancy too—they serve frozen blueberry mojitos. Yum! 8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City. 718.289.6101

Check out the LIC Artists Open Studios this Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. This opportunity offers a peek at hundreds of artists’ works at 11 major studio buildings that are in easy walking distance of each other. Click here for participating artists.

Although there is now a new Water Taxi Beach in Manhattan, let’s not forget who started it all—LIC baby! Water taxi rides from Midtown to LIC are now free every Friday and Saturday night from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Take advantage of it! 2-Borden Avenue, Long Island City.

Want to sample a delicious slice of pizza for just 50 cents? Visit Rizzo’s Fine Pizza this Saturday between 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. where pizza, Italian ices and soda will all cost 50 cents in honor of their big 50^th Anniversary. 30-13 Steinway Street, Astoria. 718.721.9862

Raise a glass of cold brewski (or sangria) to the new beer garden in town! Studio Square (pictured above) is not only gargantuan in size, it’s modern, comfortable and a perfect way to enjoy a Friday or Saturday night. With over 18 imported, domestic and craft beers on tap as well as their homemade sangria, you won’t go thirsty and neither will your friends. 35-33 36^th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001

Water Taxi Beach Events Up

Just saw in my feed reader that Water Taxi Beach has announced their upcoming music season! Here's some info:

Sunday, March 22, 2009

2009 Music Season

2009 is shaping up to be something special. With 3 beaches it will mean three times the music. WTB / LIC (Long Island City) will keep playing some great underground house along with some special events produced by Dance Here Now.

At WTB / LIC will have paid music events Thurs - Sunday for entire season (Memorial Day Wkd to Columbus Day Wkd).

Our WTB / LIC 2009 Grand Opening is Memorial Day Weekend

For even more info, go here.

[Photo from Streetsblog]

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.08.08

Although this weekend isn't marked by special events, there's always fun to be had in Astoria and LIC.

Check out the new Mediterranean eatery, Balu on 30th Avenue. It 's only been open for about two weeks but so far it's buzzin'. While the food isn't anything special, the atmosphere is oh so chic—very Miami-esque. Balu – 37-11 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.626.2258.

This Friday at 8:30p, bring you best artistic material (whatever that may be) to Freeze Peach Café for their "insider art live mic" night hosted by the Whiskey Dregs. A free secret will be given to all who come. Are you intrigued? Freeze Peach Cafe - 22-00 29th Street, Astoria.

This Sunday is supposed to be nice out—a perfect opportunity to stop by the Water Taxi Beach for a free performance, Jellybean—Ain't Nuttin' But a House Party. Water Taxi Beach – 2 Borden Avenue, LIC.

Also, speaking of LIC, check out the nice Gantry Plaza Park shout-out from Brooklyn Based blog. They call it "the skyline picnic sweet spot." We agree! Grab your favorite snacks, a ball and some friends and you got yourself a fun picnic in back of the famous Pepsi sign. Gantry Plaza State Park – 50-50 2nd Street, LIC. 718.786.6385

Still hungry? Try Tournesol, the French restaurant that has won over my heart—and stomach. I strongly suggest trying their garlicky French Onion Soup (pictured above) and for dessert, the bread pudding with raspberries, mint and Crème Anglaise is an absolute must. Tournesol – 50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.472.4355

Astorian Weekend Edition 01.05.08

Start your weekend with some luxurious grub—sample Ovelia's new Happy Hour menu item, the Kobe Beef slider. If you can't make happy hour, you can enjoy this decadent burger for lunch. Ovelia Psistaria 34-01 30th Avenue. 718.721.7217.

As the weather gets nicer, Astoria's sidewalk cafes open up. One that we're particularly excited about is Mundo. This intimate café, serving eclectic cuisine from around the world has recently celebrated its 3rd birthday. Take a walk over there and try their fresh sangria or their amazing carrot dip. Mundo 31-18 Broadway. 718.777.2829

Heading to Astoria Park this weekend? Check out the newly opened burger-joint/Greek snack counter, Kafene right across the street. They boast five different types of burgers, an all-day breakfast menu as well as healthy snack options like Euro toast and fresh fruit smoothies. Kafene 23-08 Hoyt Avenue South. 718.274.6525

Waste Not, Want Not!? We're talking about recycling and about a cool group exhibition at Socrates Park by the same name. Learn about the goals, realities and practices of recycling at this fun event featuring artists and various craftsmen (and women). Sunday, May 4th 2-6p at Socrates Sculpture Park. 32-01 Vernon Blvd. 718.956.1819

Hit up Harry's Water Taxi Beach this Saturday or Sunday for some good beats. Victor Franco spins on Saturday from 3p-1a, FREE. On Sunday, enjoy the music of Chus, Quentin Harris, Joi Cardwell (Live Performance), Merritt, Steve Travolta, Vinyl Life and Dean K, 1p-10p. Tickets available at the door. Water Taxi Beach 2nd Street and Borden Ave.

And finally, ring in Cinco de Mayo early! Join ARROW Community Center for a Mexican shindig with music, arts & crafts and other fun stuff. Saturday, May 3rd from noon – 4p. ARROW Community Center 35-30 35th Street. 718.349.3408

Astorian Weekend Edition 24.04.08

Green is so the new black! Well, for this weekend at least. There are so many Earth Day events going on this week, just check with the Astoria/LIC Waterfront Community group to pick one that suits your taste.

EVERYTHING MUST GO! I'm sure everything is gonna go on Saturday at the last show at the Flux Factory (38-38 43rd St). Starting at 7 p.m. and free, come dance the night away with the "Make It Go Dance Party". There are going to be cool performances and all kinds of surprises, so go say your farewells!

Rain or shine, Sunday is Kite Flight: Plastic Play at Socrates (32-01 Vernon Blvd.). 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. turn your old plastic bags into cool recycled kites; then fly them in the park!

Also on Sunday, enjoy the first party of the season at Water Taxi Beach (2nd St & Borden Ave). Beach. Here. Now. will be packed full of DJs and will cost $20 in advance, more at the door. The party goes from 1 to 10 p.m.

If you find yourself hungry and outside, stop over at Akti and eat while enjoying the hustle and bustle of 30th Ave. The seafood is delish and they have a cool inventive way of using the menu.

Astorian Weekend Edition 16.08.07

Looks like a nice, comfortable weekend coming up! Highs in the upper 70s with a little bit of clouds. This will be a great weekend for a couple of bike-related events going on. Friday, it's all about the kids: Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike! That's the name of a class being given from 10am-1pm at ARROW (35-30 35th St.), for kids and their parents (a parent of guardian MUST attend). The class will provide expert guidance on how to balance,start, stop, and steer. It's free, and the NYC Dept. of Transportation will be giving away free helmets, on top of it all. Also, there will be a raffle of donated bikes and scooters from Recycle-A-Bicycle. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 212 932 2453 x159.

On Saturday August 18, from 12-3pm, Recycle-A-Bicycle is having a bike sale at their LIC location (46th Avenue at 5th Street). Six kids through the Summer Youth Employment Program have been working at Recycle-A-Bicycle in LIC for the last 7 weeks to learn basic bike mechanic skills, and this is the final project. There will be adult bicycles and a few children's bicycles- all recycled and refurbished. Cash and credit cars will be accepted, and the sale will take place rain or shine.

There's also fun at Hellgate Social this weekend - music, djing, and movies on the back patio. Always a good time. And speaking of movies, MOMI has some interesting looking films about complex realtionships, including Drive, He Said, Charley Varrick, and Play Misty For Me.

Socrates Sculpture Park continues its pan-arts event,Float. Saturday and Sunday, from 12-7:30pm, come see different kinds of artwork, live performances, and videos by emerging artists Robert Boyd, William Lamson, Ola Vasiljeva, and Shana Moulton. Moulton's Whispering Pines video series ends with a performance on Sunday. Jan Rothuizen's Missing is a tree covered in posters for lost pets, possessions, and people. Sheila Ross and Laura Ten Eyck's installation, Yurt City, will also be on display.

Warm Up at PS1 (22-25 Jackson Ave in LIC) features DJ Spun w/Ben Cook, Eric Duncan, Woolfy Projections, Dewanatron & Ray Sweeten, and Zach Layton, going on from 3-9pm. It's a $10 admission for everyone but locals (bring proof of your Astoria/LIC address/zip to get in free). According to Flavorpill: "Rong Music hosts a lineup that's thick with dubbed-out beat makers, psychedelic incantations, and a proper dash of disco punk. Beyond the spinners, live sets include funk-fueled bass lines, temperamental synths, and all forms of robotic love." Head to Water Taxi Beach afterwards for Akalepse, and great dogs.

Food-wise, there's the aforementioned dogs at WTB. I hear that the pizza at Frankie's (31st Street between Ditmars and 23rd Ave) has changed a bit - an extra garlicky sauce, apparently. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. My fave really is Michael Angelo's on 23rd Ave (near 29th Street), which made me a fantastic Marghareta slice the other day. They have a back garden as well, which is so nice in the warmer months. But the place I'm most interested in is the new vegetarian/vegan restaurant run by the same people that run Sai Organics (30th Ave between 36th and 37th Streets), that is finally open!. This new restaurant is in the old Keystone Diner spot, 30th Ave just west of 31st Street. They are serving 100% organic food, too. This is very exciting!

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 26.07.07

It's the big one- I mean come on, 4 days of fair food!?!?!?! Thu - Sun., occupying 23rd Ave. from 35th to mid 37th Streets and 36th St from 23rd Ave. to under the Amtrak overpass is the St. Irene Chrysovalantou Annual Street Fair.

Hellgate Road Runners meet 4 days/week for group runs at the track in Astoria Park. 7:30pm Thursday nights go for a "group run" or if you want to "go the distance"- stop by the Astoria Park Field House at 9am on Saturday for a long distance run.

Not only are there burgers galore to be had on Saturday, but Grandmaster Flash will be entertaining the masses at Water Taxi Beach. Get a $13.50 ticket and enjoy 3 original burgers :) I've got my tickets already so stay tuned for picks next week!

Ever heard of the Saw Players? Maybe not, but in the past- i'm sure a few of us have ran across the Saw Lady Natalia Paruz on our way somewhere or other. On Saturday at 2pm at the Quinn Memorial Building (35-20 Broadway, 4th floor), Natalia along with a "Chorus of Saws" will be performing and discussing different types of music. It's $10 at the door, but where else can you get the inside scoop on playing hardware from veteran sawists?

The 3rd Official Astoria Pug Meetup takes place this Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 11:00am. They will be meeting at Astoria Park (23rd Ave and 19th St.) There seems to be quite a few pugs and owners in Astoria that are itching to make friends. If only I had a one of those adorable little guys!

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.07.07

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day yesterday! I know the Macy's fireworks had some rain to contend with but I hope that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. I went to the beach and skipped the light display (but caught the Grucci show in Astoria Park last Friday). This week's end should have some nice weather mixed in with some thunderstorms - a typical summer in the east. This weekend (Saturday) also brings us 07-07-07. Cool! After Saturday, check out the flickr group called 07-07-07. People will be taking lots of pictures on that day, chronicling their lives. I'll be submitting a few myself.

Also on Saturday, Last Resort is having a rooftop party at 4pm their space... and there will be grilling involved, just bring your own grill-friendly food and/or a drink to share. At 9pm that night, they're having a rock show ($4 cover), including A Fistful of Dynamite, Suburban Riot, OUCH, and Blanketstatementstein. You can find Last Resort at 8-63 Astoria Blvd.

Hellgate Social, a great spot in western Astoria (12-21 Astoria Blvd), is active this week's end - Thursday through Sunday brings all sorts of live music, DJing, and a CD release party. No sign of a movie this Sunday, though (last week's showing of Dr. Strangelove was pretty awesome).

On Saturday, Waltz-Astoria is also holding a big bash at the beautiful Grand Ballroom upstairs at the Moose Lodge (did you know we had one?). There will be music, video-art, a funny guy emcee, and beer and wine to drink. The Lodge is at 41st and Broadway (down by Steinway). Get your $15 tickets at info@waltz-astoria.com.

Also, Thursday begins adult lap swim at Astoria Pool, too. You can swim in the mornings from 7-8:30am or in the evenings, 7-8:30pm. I hope to do some of the evening swims, myself. Lap swimming goes until August 31 this summer. After you swim, you can head over to a number of places in the area: Agnanti (Ditmars and 19th) and Bistro 33 (21st and Ditmars) come to mind, or you can walk a bit further and find yourself at the Beer Garden or Sparrow (across the street from the BG). Their burger sounds like a great ending to a nice swim. Head to Oleput (Ditmars and 33rd Street) after that for a shake or a float. Yummmm!

And remember Warm Up is this weekend. It's always a lot of fun at this event at PS1. You'll get a chance to hear some DJs and live music, dance, dance, dance, then head to Water Taxi Beach for Beach Party afterwards. Warm Up starts at 3pm and goes for 6 hours, until 9pm, and Water Taxi Beach will be all geared up by 9!

More fun, here.

Fireworks Photo Credit: Lia Pelosi

Water Taxi Beach - Awesome!

I still haven't been there, but I read lots of good press about the Water Taxi Beach in LIC. Metroblogging in NYC has a nice writeup about the WTB this week. Nice pix, too! If you plan to go in the next day or so (hello July 4!), take note of this message on their homepage:

On July 4th starting at 3pm there is an all-day concert in our parking lot; NO Parking is available. Access to the beach on July 4th is by Ticket ONLY and is SOLD OUT. Access to the Patti Fund for Children w/ Cancer event in the parking lot is for a suggested donation of $10 and is first come first served.

They're also having post-WarmUp parties Saturday nights, which they call "Beach Party" this year. This night they feature In Flagranti from Brooklyn. From what I can tell they are DJs... I think.