Students: Green Your School Contest

This came through my email box and thought I'd put it out there to any Astoria/LIC students who might be interested!

High School Students Invited to Submit Entries for Green Your School Contest

The Student Conservation Association's Green Your School Contest is a national competition to stimulate and/or identify conservation service projects designed by high school students that improve, restore, beautify, or conserve their high school environment.

To be eligible, projects must have been begun after August 1, 2008. Entries must be completed by a student and will be judged according to the following criteria: the project has or will improve the environmental health of the school; the project is sustainable; the project is initiated by students and engages other students, teachers, and school administrators; the submission itself is of high quality; and the project engaged the community.

There will be one Grand Prize of $5,000, and two runner-up prizes of $2,500 each. Prizes will be awarded directly to high schools and not to individuals.

Deadline: October 9, 2009

Visit the SCA Web site for complete program information.

Contact:

Link to Complete RFP

New Yoga Studio in Astoria

So, I've been for the past few weeks taking a yoga class at my gym, The Rock. There, I worked with a teacher, Ann-Margaret, who is wonderful! Turns out, though, that she's leaving The Rock (*cries*) and moving on... to her own studio (*cheers*)

Awesome - I'm so happy for her! Sad for me that she's leaving the gym, but her dream is being fulfilled so I'm really pleased. Anyway, her new studio is opening this weekend with a two day open house. This includes $5 classes each day and $5 20 minute massages, yum. She hopes for the studio to become more than a place to practice yoga, but a community center, which sounds good to me.

Definitely check it out - she's wonderful and deserves lots of success. Click on the image below for more info.

The Giving Tree Yoga Studio
22-56 31st Street
Astoria

(psst... also check out Surf Astoria next door... continuing the legacy of Freeze Peach... more on that later, too.)

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

Studio Square Beer Garden Pics

So, Judith and I took a look at the new Studio Square Beer Garden. Nice place! Really liked it.

Here are some pictures, for those of you that haven't yet made it over there:



I'm sure I'll be spending some time there this summer!

Studio Square, New Beer Garden in Town, Opens Today!

There's been a lot of talk about Studio Square, the new beer garden in Astoria/LIC, and today is their official opening! I plan to check it out tonight, hopefully take some snaps to share with you all. Here's some of their official PR, check it out:

THE MENU
S2’s menu reinvents the traditional flavors of a German beer garden. The beer garden’s self serve cash only menu features German and American grill favorites. Served with sauerkraut and rustic country white bread, the menu offers high-quality German Bratwurst and Weisswurst and Polish Kielbasa from Schaller & Weber, Queen’s own legendary meat purveyor. S2’s grill menu also features Certified Black Angus Hamburgers; Chicken and Pork Souvlaki; and Pulled Pork Sandwiches made with S2’s signature BBQ sauce. Oversized soft pretzels are also offered, served with two different dipping mustards.

THE BEER
Boasting several indoor and outdoor bars, S2 offers over 18 imported, domestic and craft beers on draft, including German favorites such as Spaten Oktoberfest, Franziskaner Hefe Weiss, regional U.S. standouts such as Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA from Delaware and Stone Levitation Ale from San Diego and local brews such as Captain Lawrence Freshchester Pale Ale from Westchester, NY. To ensure the perfect pour, all beers are served from a temperature-controlled tap system designed specifically for S2 and served in traditional glassware in liter and half-liter sizes. Other beverage highlights include wines by the glass and an impressive list of spirits as well as S2’s housemade Sangria served on tap.

THE SET UP
Devoid of coo coo clocks and lederhosen, S2 complements the creative culture that is Long Island City. Neighboring the acclaimed Kaufman Astoria Studios, the contemporary art center P.S.1, and the internationally renowned Museum of the Moving Image, S2 brings a parallel level of energy and excitement to the neighborhood.

S2’s indoor bar features vibrant urban murals by the acclaimed artist Louie "KR One" Gasparro, industrial fixtures, exposed brick walls, rare African Wenge Wood bar tops and large communal tables hand carved from pine, maple and cottonwood trees. The open-air square of the beer garden beckons festive gatherings with large handcrafted communal picnic tables made from pine and an expansive stone fire pit. A cobblestone courtyard constructed from over two hundred tons of authentic Belgium stone blocks is surrounded by ivy, lush vines and unique River Birch trees, recalling S2’s German beer garden influence. A covered patio hugs the edge of the courtyard, featuring an 80-foot long bar behind a series of glass garage doors.

If you go, let us know what you think!

Studio Square
35-33 36th Street (between 35th & 36th Avenues)
Long Island City
Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays, 12 p.m. - 4 a.m.
718-383-1001

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.05.09

This weekend hails It's My Park Day around the city, and in Astoria the place to be is Astoria Park. The festivities take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine, but will be canceled in the event of thunderstorms. There will be opportunities to clean up the shoreline, clear weeds and debris from the park’s War Memorial, and plant flowers in order to beautify it in time for Memorial Day. Also, there will be a tour of the Astoria Park Alliance’s Butterfly Garden, family yoga, water safety education for adults and children, drum instruction for children, tennis lessons for all ages.

Further west, join Two Coves Community Garden on Saturday from 12 - 4 p.m. for their Victory Garden themed event. They'll be holding free workshops on canning, pickling, composting and container gardens. There is also a potluck/picnic planned, so if able, please contribute (you can still share in the meal even if you don't bring a dish). Two Coves Community Garden is located at the triangle where Astoria Blvd, 30th Ave, and 8th St meet.

On Friday from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Transportation Alternatives will be handing out snacks, coffee and schwag at the entrance to the Queensboro Bridge. May is Bike month, so consider enjoying some time away from the subway and on your bike. And celebrate bike FROM work with the T.A. Queens Committee. Join them for an evening snack and some good company at the base of the Queensboro Bridge, Thursday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 20, 5 p.m. Queens side of Queensboro Bridge.

On Sunday, head over to 24, a new wine bar over on 24th Ave and 26th Street. I was over there the other day and I thought it was pretty cool. Try the white ale from Pennsylvania - it's light and creamy at the same time. You also might consider stopping in at the newly opened Manos Papaya for a hot dog and a smoothie.

Happy spring, everyone!

Dutch Kills - An Interesting and Acquired Taste

After a long lead-up to the highly-anticipated Dutch Kills bar in LIC, I finally paid them a visit last week and liked what I experienced.

Atmosphere:
The bar is located in a semi-shady area on Jackson Avenue and there's absolutely nothing worthy of mentioning around it--however, as soon as you step in, you feel transported into another world.

Dark brown wooden furnishings deck the place from wall to wall and table to table. It's a bit dark and narrow as you step in and walk towards the bar, but once you get there, a charming, nostalgic vibe prevails. There's an old fashioned cash register and a grand piano in the back with saw-dust on the floor. And the best part is that all the barmen are dressed in vintage uniforms of high-waisted pants, suspenders and in some cases bowties. They're super nice and accommodating to your every need. I asked my barman to custom make my drink, and he happily obliged, fixing up the best classic daiquiri (pictured above) that I've had in a long time.

Drinks:
Dutch Kills features themed cocktails named after Queens neighborhoods such as "The Steinway" "Flushing" and even "Astoria." Beers and traditional spirits are served as well, embellished with unique little touches. For example, a scotch on the rocks was served with a huge chunk of solid ice. It made for good presentation and was fun for swooshing around the glass.

Costs:
Prices are on the expensive side for Queens and range between $7-$9 (beers are $7, signature cocktails and custom drinks are $9).

Overall, I do think it's worth a visit, as it is so different from the rest. Plus, did I mention that the barmen are skillful and cute?

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

Build it Green! is Having a Block Party this Weekend

Sounds like a great event. From BIG!

BLOCK PARTY MAY 9!!!

Build It Green! NYC, in conjunction with the Council on the Environment of NYC's (CENYC) Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE), is proud to host its Second Annual Recyclefest Block Party. On May 9, the gentle men at Build It Green are shutting down the block for an afternoon of live music, food, crafts, and a CENYC Stop 'N Swap. Feel free to bring fly clothing, sporting goods, books, housewares, and toys to the free swap. Or just bring yourself and enjoy the festivities!

Attending
Materials for the Arts
Transportation Alternatives Queens Committee bike valet
Mare Liberum boatbuilding
Community Energy
Nightwood furniture and textiiles
Trees Not Trash Planter box construction
Compost Project worm workshop
Recycle-a-Bike
Two Coves Community Garden plant sale
And much much much much more!

Musicians
Up Died Sound
Raya Brass Band
Marques Toliver
Kaneng Lolang

All items left behind will be donated to the nice folks at Hour Children. Be there and/or be square!

Where: 3-17 26th Ave (btwn. 3rd & 4th Streets)
Astoria, NY 11102

When: Saturday, May 9th – 11am – 4'ish pm

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 30.04.09

Thursday,shop at Ethereal Boutique (47-38 Vernon Blvd) in Long Island City and 10% of the proceeds will benefit Hour Children. They will be featuring styles from MINT Jodi Arnold™ and artwork by local artist, Vicky Barranguet. There will be wine and gift bags for the first 20 guests to purchase MINT Jodi Arnold styles!

Friday night Dutch Kills Bar (27-24 Jackson Ave) finally gets its unveiling! There's been plenty of buzz so now the big test, check em out and let us know if they rocked it.

This Saturday, City Year New York is having its 3rd Annual LICense to Serve Day in Long Island City. It's all going down from 9:30am to 3pm at Dutch Kills Park and Hour Children's “My Mother’s House”. There will be painting murals, playground games and gardening.
Volunteers need to register prior to the event by contacting Nick Florest at (646)-247-7735.

Sunday brings the first Spring Fling Market to Astoria. From 10:30am to 4:30pm join 40 vendors bringing us a variety of handmade, handcrafted and general cool stuff at the Cretan Omonia Association Hall building (32-33 31st St.). There will also be music and freshly made sweets and pastries.

Somewhere along the way, stop in at the Chicken Shack (35-02 30th Ave.) and get your grub on. I was pleasantly surprised not only by the quantity of food but the quality was pretty good too! Don't scoff at it, 2 people can get way overfull and still have leftovers for $20!

Dutch Kills Finally Opens Friday

Image by www.urbandaddy.com

This is what I hope to be the last work-in-progress update on LIC's Dutch Kills bar--it's finally opening this Friday according to an article that I read on Urban Daddy. The feel of this place is characterized as a "1980's neighborhood saloon, with dark, coffered mahogany walls and ceilings, white tile floors and antique cash registers." Sounds snazzy. Live music is also part of the deal and their back room piano will be put to good use. I'm certainly intrigued and will be checking it out next week. More details to come but if you're dying to go there, know that it'll finally be open this Friday.

Dutch Kills Bar - 27-24 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.383.2724
E/V/G/R Train to Queens Plaza
www.dutchkillsbar.com

Two Interesting Food Events this Weekend

From the Eating in Translation blog - looks great!:

St. George Church Fundraising Fair
Saturday, April 25, noon-6:00
38-25 31st St. (38th-39th Aves.), Long Island City, Queens
"Egyptian and Middle Eastern food, desserts, and groceries" are promised; have a look at this flyer, spotted last week in Astoria, and you'll know everything about the event that I do.

Indonesian food bazaar
Sunday, April 26, 10:00ish-4:00
Outside the Al-Hikmah Mosque, 48-01 31st Ave. (at 48th St.), Astoria, Queens
"The food is authentic, the vendors mostly sell the food at their home or special order only." wrote the Eating In Translation fan who steered me to this event last year, where I enjoyed made-to-order lothek and much more. It's held several times during the summer, but just when, I usually learn only on short notice. Free admission

April Queens Green Drinks

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 22, is this month's installment of Queens Green Drinks. It will be hosted by the Astoria Park Alliance, and held at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (aka Astoria Beer Garden!) at 29-19 24th Ave. Come by and meet up with fellow green-minded folks. Here's some more info from the organizers:

What's Queens Green Drinks again?

Very simply, it's an informal social gathering/networking event for folks that are environmentally minded. Come and we'll introduce you to some of the other like minded folks in and around Queens. If we're lucky (which is likely) we'll cross pollinate make new friends, catch up with old ones, and maybe even sprout an idea or three.

About Astoria Park Alliance

The Astoria Park Alliance is a community group whose mission is to beautify, enhance, and encourage involvement at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance is comprised of butterfly garden makers, bird watchers, exercise gurus, recycling fanatics, dog owners, runners, cyclists, swimmers, waterfront revelers, event planners, bloggers, firework watchers, bridge appreciators, tennis players, picnickers, future skateboarders and regular 'ole community folks. Astoria Park is also a 64 acre beauty of a park that boasts one of the most romantic views of Manhattan. Bonus, it is a short skip from the Astoria Beer Garden!

Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m. and will go for a couple of hours. I've heard rumors of beer specials, too. See you then!

April is Grilled Cheese Month

Um, so I just learned that April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Wish I'd known it sooner! My pick for the tastiest grilled cheese in Astoria is from Sparrow, pictured above. It is truly delicious. Another good "grilled cheese", though it's not in the classic style, is the mozzarella, tomato, and pesto panino at Il Bambino.

Where is you favorite grilled cheese sandwiche in Astoria? Let us know in the comments!

Photo credit: Susan Vasconcelos

Kite Making Workshop

For a number of years Socrates Sculpture Park and the Noguchi Museum team up to present a kite making workshop and flying event. It's hands on at Socrates and is open to kids of all ages. It's especially great for families - everyone gets to make something out in the fresh air. Recycled paper is used, which is extra cool. So, get your creative juices flowing by creating, decorating, and flying your very own kite!

No need to register beforehand, but it is a popular event, so come early! The workshop will be held rain or shine in the education area at Socrates.

KITE FLIGHT: PAPER PLAY
Seventh Annual Kite Making Workshop
Sunday, April 26, 2009 / 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (rain or shine)
FREE EVENT: The workshop is free and all materials are provided.

Image courtesy of Socrates Sculpture Park.

Movie Night at Bistro Les Minots

Bistro Les Minots, the new French eatery on 30th Avenue is hosting its first French movie night this Sunday. The event sounds lovely and intimate, also allowing you to sample their simple yet delicious cuisine. I recommend munching on truffle fries (pictured above) and indulging in their classic French desserts such as profiteroles. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 19th
1st showing: 5:30pm
2nd showing: 7:30pm

Both movies are French with English subtitles.

Email or call Bistro Les Minots to reserve your spot.
bistrolesminots@gmail.com
718.606.2535

Bistro Les Minots
47-16 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
www.bistrolesminots.com

Astorian Weekend Edition 16.4.09

This Thursday, join Jimmy van Bramer at The Creek for a fundraising party for his candidacy for the 26th City Council district. Apart from the interesting discussions that will no doubt crop up during, The Creek has some tasty food. The guac and salsa app is good, and I've enjoyed the fish tacos as well.

This is Eastern Orthodox Holy Week, so in Astoria, Greek Easter is just around the corner. But you can see an amazing procession on Friday evening, around 8 p.m. To see the Good Friday procession/epitaphios that involves congregants from three local Greek churches (St. Catherine, St. Markella and St. Irene), stand on the corner of 31st Street and 23rd Avenue. Make sure you have a delicious loaf of tsoureki on hand to celebrate this weekend, too.

Saturday is chock full of fun! Head over to Astoria Park around noon for the Astoria Park Alliance Earth Day celebration - meet up by the butterfly garden under the Hellgate Bridge. At 2:30 p.m., stop at Soleil Cafe (37-14 Astoria Blvd) and meet up with the Astoria Artists are Awesome group to discuss the future of the arts in town. At 6 p.m., the Queens is Green Fashion Show starts up at Green Space in LIC (37-24 24th Street, #301). And finally, AMandA in Wonderland (38-01 23rd Ave), with its myriad music and arts, goes on for 12 hours (starting at 4 p.m.), into the wee hours of the morning.

The next morning, er, afternoon, you can find tasty grub nearby at Sparrow for brunch.

A Wonderland in Astoria

I'm sure you've seen the big brick building on the corner of 38th St and 23rd Ave before. I knew of it as a rental space for musicians up until now. It also houses an artist collective of sorts! Here's you're big chance to check it out. Join Astoria Music & Arts on Saturday for 12 hours of AMandA in Wonderland. There will be so much more then I can even type in here and still keep your attention. but from their facebook, here's some info:

Wonderland (38-01 23rd Ave)
4pm-4am
$10 in advance $15 @ the door
Times of performances to be announced stay tuned for updates

Wonderland and Astoria Music and Arts are both dedicated to the enrichment of the artistic community in the Astoria/LIC area and beyond. Only with a network and community of artists will this come to fruition. This is for all of us and a great opportunity for all of us to build together.

This event is a fundraiser for our HUGE festival in Astoria Park on July 25th!

PRESALE/ $10 DISCOUNTED TICKETS: http://www.myspace.com/astoriamusiciansunite

So yeah, we're talking bellydancers, djays, comedy, hula hooping, poetry, theatre, art, drumming, dancing and a whole lot more! I will be there at some point with my big camera in hand to document some of this craziness so feel free if you think you see me- stop me and i'll totally snap a pic! This should really be a good time, there was a poetry event there 2 weeks ago that was incredible so I expect the same and more. Come out and show your support for the local art scene.

Bare Burger: The Details

So, I contacted the proprietor of the coming Bare Burger, and come to you with lots of info! Here is what I've learned:

Bare Burger is an organic burger company, started by some friends who were born and raised in Astoria and wanted to open up a tasty eatery in their hometown.

Their menu is going to offer a wide variety of organic burgers: grass fed meats, including Piedmontese beef, bison, elk, ostrich, lamb, turkey, chicken, and even a veggie burger. Traditional sides like fries will accompany the burgers. I expect there will be other kinds of apps and sides, too. They estimate that close to 90 percent of their menu is organic, from the meats, veggies, bread, cheeses and salad dressings.

The fries are cooked in 100 peanut oil and cut fresh daily. The burger will be offered in three different ways: on a bun, in a wrap, or wrapped in iceberg lettuce. They also have plans for a healthy smoothie and even an organic beer menu, once the liquor license is had.

Pricewise, a standard bareburger (meat, special bareburger sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese and fries), will be about $10 or so. This is for an organic meal.

It's very cool what they are doing with the inside of the space. According to the owner, "A good majority of the decor consists of salvaged materials. For example, the ceiling is stained and glazed salvaged barn siding, the table tops from storm ravaged trees, the floors are bamboo, cork bathroom tiles, the chandeliers are made from spoons and forks from New York City Hotels, circa. 1930's, booths upholstered with 100 percent biodegradable fabric." Additionally, a lot of their equipment is also energy rated efficient.

They aim to make the best burger possible, and organic suits their needs in this respect.

I, for one, am looking forward to this! We'll let you know when they open.

Upcoming Fundraiser

So, when I was at Green Drinks last month, I met a nice guy named Jimmy van Bramer. He's running for City Council's 26th District (that's where Eric Gioia is right now, but he's leaving and running for another position). He is a Democrat, passionate about green and environmental issues, and is committed to bettering his community.

He's out there raising funds for his campaign and has put together a great event this Thursday over at The Creek in LIC. If you're curious about what his positions are, are looking to support someone who feels similarly about the environment as you do, or if you just want to bend his ear about local issues, consider coming by. Any donation amount will be welcome.

Along with your donation, please consider bringing a donation of canned organic or locally produced food to the party. To help out needy families and highlight the need for better healthy food access, all of the food will be donated to a local food pantry.

Here are the details:

Earth Day fundraiser for Jimmy Van Bramer
Thursday, April 16, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
The Creek
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, Queens (map)
Just steps away from the #7 Train at Vernon-Jackson and the G Train at 21st Street/Van Alst.

Feel free to RSVP on Facebook or at jimmyvanbramer@aol.com. See you there!