Weekend Edition 03.12.09

Don't forget, tonight is Shine 2009 at KrisTEES, from 5-10. This special event is a unique collaboration by various artists to celebrate the energy of the holidays and the spirit of Fashion. Inspired by the movie “Where the Wild Things Are,” this evening will be magical with plenty to see and lots of beautiful holiday items. KrisTEES, 24-01 23rd Avenue at 24th street (718.204.5031).

Love Karaoke? Then check out Thursday night Karaoke at WunderBar! Drink specials and singing, what more could you want? How about a dedicated Karaoke bar right here in Astoria. Forget singing in public, bring a few friends and sing the night away in the soon-to-open Karaoke Shout’s private rooms. The website says opening in December, fingers crossed that’s soon! WunderBar, 37-10 11th Street. Karaoke Shout, 32-46 Steinway Street.

Need a break from all the holiday hustle? Why not check out the newly re-opened Fisher Landau Center for Arts? Currently they are displaying two unique exhibitions, including one on figures and portraits. Fisher Landau Center for the Arts, 38-27 30th Street (718.937.0727). Or, take advantage of this warm December we’re having by strolling through Socrates Sculpture Park, which is open year round! Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Boulevard.

Did you see that BareBurger is now offering bunch? This organic eatery has quickly become a popular go-to spot for Astorians with their delicious and healthy burger alternatives and classics like shakes and fries. Brunch is a mix of egg dishes, yogurts, and yummy multigrain pancakes and French toast. BareBurger, 33 - 21 31st Avenue, (718.777.7011).

{Fog picture by Astoria4U on Flickr}

Astorian Weekend Edition 24.09.09

Looks like we're heading for a much cooler weekend this week - perhaps fall really is on the way.  Keep an eye out for turning leaves (probably browns at yellows at this point) while you're participating in the Shoreline Cleanup at Astoria Park on Sunday.  This annual event is part of an international effort organized by the American Littoral Society.  Meet by the War Memorial along Shore Blvd in Astoria Park - everyone is welcome, but children must be supervised by an adult.  Wear closed toed shoes, too.  Event lasts from 1-4 p.m.

Afterwards, treat yourself to a cupcake at La Guli's while simultaneously helping kids with cancer.  What a fantastic day you will have had!

Saturday is Museum Day!  Both the Noguchi Museum (9-01 33rd Road) and the Sculpture Center (44-19 Purves Street) are participating.  This means free admission!  All you have to do is complete the Admission Card, download and print it out and you'll be good to go.

Head on over to the Hunters Point Hidden Treasures Market (48th Avenue and Vernon) on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  It's adjacent to the greenmarket and offers recycled and sustainably sourced crafts, jewelry, clothing, and art made by local vendors.

And, if you missed purchasing tickets ahead of time for Le Fooding (at PS1),  you may still be in luck!  The very last tickets will be available at the doors on September 25 and 26.  Take a chance on getting access to this food extravaganza.  It looks pretty awesome.

And one of these evenings, check out the new YOLO (22-55 31st Street) right below the Ditmars subway station.  YOLO stands for "you only live once".  They offer thin crust pizzas, salad, and a few pasta dishes - and a full bar from what I can tell.  The space is new, comfy and shiny, as are the multiple TVs - if you are looking for a nice place to watch the game, give them a try.

Astorian Weekend Edition 10.09.09

Fashion week is coming, and Astoria is taking part! Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) is celebrating fashion week with their 2nd Annual Fashion Forum, featuring local jewelry, leather, and textile artists. Henna tattoos will be available, too! Festivities start at 8 p.m. on Sunday the 13th.  On the Thursday prior, KrisTees (24-01 23rd Avenue) launches more fashion fun during their Fashion's Night Out celebration.

SITE (35-11 34th Ave) hails the back-to-school season with a bunch of new products (the puppets are particularly cute). Stop by and check out what they have to offer!  Inside Astoria (37-20 Ditmars) is another place for fun home goods, too.

Elections are coming up!  I hope you've registered to vote.  On Saturday at 2 p.m., Allison Lichter (Culture Editor, WNYC/WNYC.org) will moderate a City Council District 26 (LIC, Sunnyside, Woodside) candidates' forum focused on issues related to the arts and cultural community, at the Chocolate Factory (5-49 49th Avenue). Democrats (Jimmy Van Bramer, Brent O'Leary, Deirdre Feerick) and Republican (Angelo Maragos) candidates will be present. Space is limited. Please rsvp to chris@chocolatefactorytheater.org.

The other day I stopped by the San Antonio Bakery #2 (36-20 Astoria Blvd South) to have a Chilean hot dog (AKA completa).  Let me tell you - it was even better than I remembered!  So delicious and highly recommended. Make sure you eat it with the accompanying pebre.

Astorian Weekend Edition 27.08.09

Looks like we're in for more showers this weekend, most likely due to tropical storm "Danny" moving up the Atlantic. So, head inside during the showers! Keep summer going with a visit to the Side Door (21st Street just north of Ditmars) for some ice cream and cookies, or if you want something a little more adult, you can head to Sweet Afton (30-09 34th St), who is having their soft opening right now. Mmm... burgers and deep fried pickles - not to mention tasty cocktails.

Pop on over to Astoria Wines (34-12 Broadway) and pick up an interesting bottle, and perhaps pair it with some tasty treats from Mediterranean Foods (30-12 34th Street and 23-18 31st Street).

And Mundo (31-18 Broadway Store #E) is back! One of my favorite restaurants, they always prepare delicious food. Right now they are featuring the photographic work of Julie M. Michalski.

If you want to brave the potential downpour, Socrates Sculpture Park presents FLOAT: a series of temporary artworks and live performances throughout the park. They'll be there rain or shine. Socrates is off of Vernon near the western terminus of Broadway.

From Thursday to Monday, Astoria Music & Arts is having another local music extravaganza. Music will take place at locales such as The Quays and LIC Bar. RSVP to the event on Facebook, or check their blog for more info.

If you're a member of Why Leave Astoria?!, consider attending their Charity Night at Dillingers, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Ran Craycraft, mastermind behind WLA?!, will be bartending at Dillingers. It's a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and there will be drink specials all night. Dillilngers is a 46-19 30th Ave. Sign up here.

EDIT: The fundraiser at Dillingers has now been rescheduled for September 19. Our apologies for any confusion!

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.05.08

Looking forward to Memorial Day weekend? We are! The weather is looking sunny and warm and that means plenty of fun outdoor activities in the 'hood, such as…

This Saturday, May 24th, get in touch with your creative side—build a recyclable kite at Socrates Sculpture Park, using old shopping bags. This workshop is lead by artists, Miwa Koizumi and Marco Scoffier, starting at noon.

Not into recyclable art? You can also stop at Socrates Sculpture Park for a Saturday workout session. Choose between Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts). Most classes last for one hour. Socrates Sculpture Park - 32-01 Vernon Blvd. 718.956.1819

Looking for something cultural to do after the park? Visit the Noguchi Museum, directly across the street. It's a neat little museum (as in literally, small), which focuses on Japanese modern sculpture and design. If you're interested in a free tour, make sure to arrive by 2p. The Noguchi Museum - 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard). 718. 204.7088

Brunch it up, Astoria style and finish off with something sweet. Try 718 for their spectacular prix-fix brunch. It's a bit of a splurge for $22 but the quality of the food is worth it. If you skipped dessert at brunch, walk a couple of blocks down to Ditmars and 29th Street and visit La Guli Pastry Shop—their cannoli kiss is to die for. 718 – 35-01 Ditmars Blvd. 718.204.5553. La Guli - 29-15 Ditmars Blvd. 718.728.5612

Enjoy some nice, cold "bruha" at The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden but beware of the holiday weekend crowds—they'll be enormous so the earlier you get there, the better. Interested in working at the Beer Garden? Click here. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden - 29-19 24th Avenue. 718.274.4925.

Can't get into the Beer Garden because of the crowds? Visit The Sparrow across the street, a local neighborhood bar owned by the same people who ran Tupelo and also the ice-creamery, Oleput. They have great beer on tap and a fun, laid-back atmosphere. The Sparrow – 24-01 29th Street. 718.606.2260.

Astorian Weekend Edition 08.05.08

Well, it's been so nice this week, finally warming up. Thought it will be less terrific this weekend than during the week, don't let that deter you from going out and having fun.

One way to bring some light to your weekend is a meal at Akti. Everything there shines! I ate there for the second time last weekend and it was fab. Had a lovely salad with feta, peppers, tomatoes, cukes, and onions, dressed with a light and simple mixture of oil and vinegar. The feta was some of the best I've had, I must say. Their fish croquettes are awesome too, and the whole fish is also wonderful - we had the red snapper. They serve a Cypriot beer that is light and delicious. I don't think you can go wrong with anything here. Akti Seafood Restaurant is at 34-19 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.721.3530.

New wine bar Winegasm is doing a happy hour - thisThursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-7 p.m. get 2 for 1 cocktails and a $15 pitcher of delicious summer sangria. I love sangria, so this looks particularly awesome. Winegasm is at 31-86 37th Street, Astoria, NY 11103. 718.932.3331.

There are a number of outdoor events happening this Saturday. First, the Savvy Cyclist presents their intro to cycling program for new cyclists. Saturday the 10th from 9-5 p.m. Registration and deposit required. Recycle-A-Bicycle training center is at the corner of 46 Avenue and 5th Street.

Next, Socrates Sculpture Park presents the first annual LIC Bike Parade in partnership with a whole host of great local and community organizations. It's free and perfect for the entire family. Lots and lots of stuff going on in conjunction with this event, so check out the bikenewyork.org website for additional information. It will happen rain or shine; registration is at 11:30 a.m., workshops from 12-3 p.m. and the parade is from 3-4 p.m. Socrates Sculpture Park is at Broadway and Vernon Boulevard. 718.956.1819.

Last, the Friends of Queensbridge Park are holding their annual Mother's Day Dance fund-raiser to benefit the summer program. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, 10-25 41st Avenue in Long Island City. Tickets are $15. Contact karen.overton@parks.nyc.gov to purchase a ticket.

Build It Green! along with the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education is also holding an event on Saturday from 11-4 p.m.: Stop 'N Swap! From their release:

Our block will be closed off for the whole day! 26th Ave between 3rd and 4th Street in Astoria, Queens right in front of the BIG!NYC warehouse. Bring things you want to get rid of for the free swap! You can also just bring yourself and take things for free! As always the warehouse will be open with all our great deals!

WHAT TO BRING: Items that are no longer useful to you, but can be reused by others. Clothes, dishes, books, dvds, cds, stuff your mom gave you for Xmas. You don't need to bring anything to take anything (though a tote bag might help). Bring friends and family too!

WHAT NOT TO BRING: No furniture/large items, drugs/medications, weapons/dangerous objects, adult movies/magazines or pets/pethair covered items.

Build It Green! is located at 3-17 26th Ave. in Astoria.

This Sunday is Mother's Day. Our own Foodista has some suggestions on where to take mom on her special day.

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.08.06

There's music at the park on Thursday, The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be over near Shore Blvd. and the river. Come after work and bring a blanket and some munchies- it starts at 7:30pm For more info: call (718) 728-7820 or visit www.centralastoria.org

Friday, Recycle-A-Bicycle's Summer Ride Club is in effect! Come and learn some urban cycling skills like traffic maneuvering (this should be handy for us city folk). This is an early one, 10am-3pm at their training center at the corner of 46 Ave. and 5th St. for more info: rideclub@recycleabicycle.org

Saturday is Children's Day at Queensbridge Park (41st Ave and Vernon Blvd). From noon-3pm, kids can learn to ride their bikes and just hang out and enjoy the day. There will be picnicking at 3pm to maximize the socializing! Sponsored by Queensbridge Park Committee

Summer is definitely still here by the looks of Steinway on Sunday- yet another Street Fair! We love those :) Catch it between 28th and 34th Avenues.

Saturdays and Sundays in August are filled with art at Socrates (Broadway at Vernon Blvd.) with the FLOAT installation. It's a biennial series of time-based and ephemeral works installed and performed throughout the Park- they've got it all- live music and art.

If the hunger strikes, try the new Valverde (corner of Steinway and 36th Ave) for some fresh Mediterranean flavors. I got all this delivered for $45 and 2 people were super satisfied.

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 19.07.07

Even the week's end starts out rainy, we should have a beautiful weekend. On Saturday, there are a couple of Trunk Sales going on. The Trunk Sale put on by the Astoria Craft Collective will have jewelry, accessories, and clothing. It will be at the patio on the corner of 29th Street and 35th Avenue, 11am-5pm, plus there will be refreshments! It goes on rain or shine, but it looks like a dry Saturday. Candy Plum (30-98 36th Street) has a lot of t-shirts to offer with a 10% discount. 1-3pm and they'll have sweets and snacks. If you can't make it to either of the Trunk Sales, you might consider the Blooming Company at another time, a cute little boutique on 31st Street between 23rd Ave and Ditmars.

There's always plenty of music happening in Astoria, and this weekend is no different. Stop by Waltz on Thursday for Samba music, performed by Anthony Lanni and friends ($2 cover and a $7 drink minimum). Check out their newly renovated digs, too. Hellgate Social that same night presents indie punk rock in the form of The Johns. HGS also has a movie planned for Sunday around 9pm.

Time Cafe (44-18 Broadway) this weekend has live jazz during brunch on Sunday. Hear the Jacob Varmus Quartet from 12-3 while you enjoy some tasty food. And if you were thinking of heading to Sparrow (across from the Beer Garden) for brunch at 10:30am, you might want to reconsider - I tried eating there last Sunday at 11am and they were still closed! Best bet - check them out at noon. I also hear Ovelia (34-01 30th Avenue) makes a superb frappe.

Head to the AMMI for more horror films, including 1970s classic Carrie and 21st century Japanese film Itchi the Killer. Warm Up at PS1 is Saturday from 3pm-9pm, and particularly interesting sounding that afternoon is Eric Singer's LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots)

More fun, here.

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!

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

Astorian Weekend Edition 28.06.07

PitaPan (37-15 30th Ave) is back and I'm happy. Thursday don't bother cooking, but grab a yummy Power Meal for under $10 and walk away a happy camper. Word is they are building up the neighboring two spaces for a three-story foodie haven...with rooftop dining!
~That's the happy crew in the pic.

Thursdays and Fridays enjoy live jazz at Island Cafe Bar (35-15 36th St). Haven't tried them yet? Well, here's your chance to enjoy some music while you dine.

Friday night fly solo or take a certain someone with a sweet tooth maybe for a late dessert @ Oleput. Get your fill of pies and shakes and candy! Be glad you don't have to get up for work after that sugar rush.

The AstoriaPool opens on Friday with a bang (11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m.). Swim and frolic all day then at 7:30 p.m. celebrate 25 years of Waterfront Concerts. There will be Big Band with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra then a spectacular Grucci fireworks display out on the lawn between the Hellgate bridge and the pool.

Sunday is The Astoria Race at Belmont. It's pretty close and there's a bus or two you can hop on for the sake of a day at the races!

Oh and this just in from our friend Annie - street food prices going up! The "kabob dude" on 31st Ave and Steinway in front of the Gap has a sign declaring Street Souvlaki prices are going up... just like the rent!

Weekend Edition Update!

Just a heads up to all your teachers and school administrators - the Beer Garden is having a Teacher Appreciation Party TODAY. They open at 3pm, it's free admission, and the BBQ will be open (I don't think that's free, though). Everyone is welcome, though, but if you have a teacher friend, consider bringing them over and buying them a drink.

Astorian Weekend Edition 21.06.07

This is the week of the Summer Solstice, and what better way to celebrate the longest day of the year but at Socrates Sculpture Park! Their Summer Solstice Celebration happens on Thursday (the day of the actual Solstice), June 21, 5pm to sunset (around 9pm). There will be lots of activities - artmaking workshops, live music to listen to (salsa and Andean), face painting, and great food provided by local restaurants. Be assured, there will be something for everyone. I'll be there enjoying the time with friends. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the fabulous sunset over Manhattan. What a great way to welcome in summer!

Now, I've talked about ice cream before, but there are some new contenders in the Ditmars area. Martha's Bakery, on the corner of 37th Street and Ditmars, until recently sold a scoop of gelato for a little over $3.00. However, the new nut shop just next door to them, is now offering Hershey's ice cream for $2.50 a scoop. So, Martha's has lowered their prices to $1.75 a scoop. Fabulous! Also, there's been talk about ice cream being offered at the new sweet shop - called Oleput (that's Tupelo backwards) opening up (Ditmars and 32nd Street). Plus, La Guli (Ditmars between 31st and 29th Streets) makes darn good gelato for just $2.00 a scoop. So, get your ice cream on this weekend!

This weekend also brings us the Opening Day Celebration at PS1. From noon-6pm on Sunday there will be a wide variety of exhibitions by an inter-generational selection of artists. Warm-Up is coming soon, too!

Looking for love? There's a singles meetup at the Museum of the Moving Image this Friday! Admission is free on Fridays from 4-8pm; the meetup starts at 6:45pm. The AMMI is showing more horror films this weekend, too, including The Hills Have Eyes and The Host. And on the subject of movies, the Water Taxi Beach presents the second part of their Food Film Festival. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, they are showing a selection of shorts on the subject of food. There will be hot dogs, sausages, and chicken, plus a hot dog eating contest on Thursday night. The films are free; they recommend you buy some of the food in advance, though..

And while it's not Astoria-based, I want to mention the Mermaid Parade happening this Saturday. Since Astroland got sold, people are anticipating this parade, on its 25th anniversary, to be the last one. Check it out if you can!

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.06.07

Get involved with local issues at the Friends of Gantry Neighborhood Parks in Hunters Point. You don't have to be a member, just the desire to pitch in. Meet at Citylights (4-74 48th Ave and 5th St) in the 3rd Floor Activity Room at 7pm.- ppssst, thats kind LIC over there but eh, same hood.

Jazz away your Friday night at Go Wasabi (29-11 Ditmars Blvd) with some live piano action. 7:30pm-10pm enjoy some sushi with your tunes.

Local mainstay McCann's (36-15 Ditmars Boulevard) s having the first of its summer trips to Atlantic City on Saturday. Fun and friends await you, and for a mere $55 you get the full trip, some breakfast chow, movies on the bus, and refreshments on the way. If you still want to get your party on after getting back in, enjoy the one hour open bar back at McCann's. $20 and a phone call (718-278-2621) reserves your seat.

Astoria Waterfront folks bring health awareness to Astoria Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday with workshops, classes, walks, and clinics for all. There will be reps from the Transportation Alternatives of Western Queens Committee there, too. This event is hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Spend Sunday with dad for Father's Day and grab a Gyro Mania (28-53 36st St.) quick meal that will only put you back $10 for a platter of fries, salad and choice of protein, before heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image (35th Ave @ 36th St) to partake in their summer of gory movies with The Devil's Rejects @ 6:30 p.m. This super awesome scarefest will be preceded by Bambi Meets Godzilla for a chuckle.

pic of chicken souvlaki platter from my dinner on monday.

Astorian Weekend Edition 07.06.07

Lots going on this weekend! First, Water Taxi Beach is having a Vegan Dinner event Saturday evening. Food will be locally grown and wines organic, with a cooking demonstration and lecture (the lecture is free). Be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time, here. It looks fabulous and I'm sure it will be an occasion to remember.

Tonight, head over to Hell Gate Social for Astoria's own Nuerotics. They're doing 2 sets, one at 9:30pm and one at 10:30pm, and it's totally free. Be sure to check out HGS's tasty Hellgate Lemonade, my favorite cocktail in the place. Another well-loved Astoria musician, Richard McGraw, is also performing this weekend. He'll be at Domaine's Hoek (48-17 Vernon Blvd) on Saturday at 8pm.

Saturday evening at Astoria Park the Astoria Symphony presents a free outdoor concert, featuring a lot of great popular classics. The concert starts at 6pm, and at 7pm a free jazz concert featuring the Jacob Varmus Quartet will follow at the Beer Garden (no cover, no charge)! On the other end of the musical spectrum, Sunday at 3pm the Noguchi Museum presents the Kioku Group, which performs traditional Asian folk music combined with western improvisation and sensibilities. You'll hear Japanese taiko, Korean gongs and Filipino kulintang along with saxophone and live electronics.

Sunday also brings us a variety of outdoor, community based activities. At 10:30 that morning, stop in at Gantry Park for its Ninth Anniversary Celebration (complete free breakfast!). Festivities will be out on the pier. It should be a beautiful day for it, too! Later that day you can take a waterfront bike tour from Gantry, which runs from 5-8pm (call 718.706.8044 for registration). It will also be a nice day for spending time at Socrates, which has tai chi from 11am-12pm. LIC Boathouse also sponsors free canoe and kayak paddles at Hallets Cove, every Sunday this summer from 1-5pm.

Finally, I recommend you get yourself over to the San Antonio Bakery #2 for one of their fantastic Chilean hot dogs. We've talked about them before, and not that it's summer, it's time for hot dogs! Was just over there this past weekend they are as good as ever. They have fun, new display cases, which make the baked goods look better than ever. Also, as I came back from my run on Saturday, looking passed the jacknifed big-rig on the corner of 24th Ave and 29th Street, I spied outdoor seating at Sparrow! They have great beer, great, food, and eating it outside is a fantastic addition. I also had a slice of pizza at nearby La Vita Mia, and it was pretty darn tasty. They play the Yankee games on their TV, which is a definite plus.

More fun, here.

Photo credit (Water Taxi Beach): Streetsblog
Photo credit (Gantry): about.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 31.05.07

Start the weekend early tonight with Criminoso @ Hell Gate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd). Perk up your ears with a blend of jazz, Brazilian, and electronic music. Get there by 9pm and save your money for drinks- no cover!

Need a job? Want to stay local? Love organic goodness? Well here's your big chance. Sai's Organics is opening up a newer all encompassing location and they are looking for some pretty permanent employees. This place rocks, and the new space looks to be even cooler incorporating the Health Food Store with a Wellness Center.
Email your resumes to syed@saiorganics.com or fax them to 718.777.8536. I'd say- stop in and do some shopping while you drop it off in person even!

Saturday night, support local musician Richard McGraw and I assure you, you won't be disappointed! Ok, so the show is in Brooklyn (Laila Lounge- 113 N 7th St, Williamsburg 9pm), but geesh- its not that hard to get over there :) It's free too!

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

Astorian Weekend Editon 10.05.07

This Sunday is Mother's Day!
Take the mom in your life to brunch this weekend. Some places are holding special Mother's Day brunches, including Mundo and Koliba, while places like 718, Fatty's and Brick always have nice brunch. Two other options might be the Beer Garden or its neighbor across the street, Sparrow. In any case, you'll find good eating in Astoria.

Apart from Mother's Day, there are plenty of other ways to spend time in Astoria and LIC. On Thursday, MeatSpace Gallery presents Submerged, with a reception with the artists from 6-9pm. The show contains artwork that has the power of water to engulf, embrace, support, and surround us; the gallery is located on the edge of the water.

On Friday, consider attending Waltz's beer tasting event. At 9pm you can try 5 different beers, with snacks, for $12. Should be a nice, mellow time.

After brunch with mom, find your way to the Noguchi Museum. At 3pm on Sunday, there will be a talk about the LIC cultural life: "Contemporary Long Island City sculptors will gather to discuss their experiences creating in this unique artists' community and how artists have served as the catalyst for the (re)development of LIC as a cultural destination."

And, while the weather is good, the Water Taxi Beach will be open! On the subject of fun and sun and summer joys, Martha's Bakery (Ditmars and 37th Street) has their gelato up and running. I'm glad it's back, even though they raised the prices ($3.25 for a single scoop). They have about 8 flavors, from hazelnut to mint chip to strawberry.

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 03.05.07

So in keeping with my nerd-centric post last week, I have found another gem- a fantasy/sci fi book club that so far, is all female! Unbelievable I know, but true. They meet up on Thursday nights and have kept it up for the past 2 years. Locations are always changing with the Beer Garden as a constant fall back spot.
* In all fairness, I did find another book club that is co-ed, the choice is yours!

Friday give yourself a treat by strolling down Ditmars to Forno Italia (43-19 Ditmars Blvd.) I don't know why it has taken so long for me to find this place, but hot diggity dog- the pizza ROCKS!!! Brick oven deliciousness :) One little itty bitty request though, more sauce! GO, EAT... please let me know what you think too because in my opinion this is the second (with a good shot of becoming the...) best pizza in Astoria- number one being Michael Angelo's (29-11 23rd Ave.)
~that's my quatro staggione pizza right there from Forno.

Break out your bike this Saturday for Green Queens: Estuary Wading & Cycling Adventure. From 10am to 1pm, start at Start at Gantry Plaza State Park (48th Ave. & the East River) and ride the proposed Queens East River Greenway and be one with nature. They will be touring all sorts of places, even Build It Green! Fear not, it won't run you ragged, the whole thing should clock in at around 5 miles in 3 hours.

Right after the ride, drain your water bottle, while learning about our impact on H2O resources at the Water Quality Workshop. The folks of the New York Soil & Water Conservation District and Partnerships for Parks will be doing the schooling.

Sunny Sundays are meant to be spent outside. Here's what to do this week! Socrates Sculpture Park (@ Vernon Blvd. and Broadway) is opening a new show L.I.C., NYC all about local artists, including Andrea Christens, Anne Deleprot, James Johnson, Isamu Noguchi, Rachel Stevens, and Nicole Tschampel. Catch it until August 5, 2007.