And the Winner is...

We promised you a random drawing, and random it was.

The winner of the Forking Fantastic cookbook is (drumroll...)

MissCQ who said this about her favorite dinner dish:

For an everyday, make-after-getting-home-from-work-at-8:30 dish, homemade burritos. It's so easy to add a different pepper to the sauce, switch out the meat of the cheese and experiment with different kinds of beans. Put it on a low-calorie tortilla, and it's pretty healthy too!

Congrats MissCQ! Please email us your mailing address and we'll send you the fabulous Forking Fantastic cookbook.

Finally Fridays - Pizza

Before you officially start your weekend, we wanted to leave you with one last thing to chew on--pizza!

In no particular order, here are five recos for that great pizza bite. Oh and expect other Finally Fridays in the coming weeks...

Vesta's Hangover Pizza - crispy thin dough with a fried egg on top, it's perfect for brunch
21-02 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550


Testaccio's Stone Oven Prosciutto Pizza - salty and slightly smoky with well done edges
47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.2900


Manducatis Rustica's Diavola Pizza - thin crust pizza with sausage and sweet black olives
46-35 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.1312


718's Tarte Flambee - sort of like pizza but thinner and flakier with crumbled bacon on top
35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.204.5553


Da Franco's Pizza Alla Modena - brick oven pie with fresh muzz, arugula, prosciutto, etc.
23-92 21st Street, Astoria. 718267.0010

Take a bite out of that and enjoy!

Astorian Spooktacular Weekend Edition 29.10.09

Image by marthastewart.com

Halloween is here! And that means plenty of fun, silliness and of course, dressing up. In addition to the many Halloween goings-on, check out these cultural and food happs in your neck of the woods.

Still can’t decide what you’re doing for Halloween? We have some fabulous options– ranging from a masquerade ball to the “biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens.” If you’re still looking for more, check out some of my restaurant-focused recos.

Have you checked out the newest fooderies in LIC? Testaccio Ristorante, focused on contemporary Roman cuisine opened last weekend and El*Ay*Si is still in previews, holding tastings this week. I’ve tried both and think they’re worth checking out—especially the delicious stone oven pizza at Testaccio. Testaccio - 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.2900. El*Ay*Si – 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

We just got news that a new bar opened in Astoria in a nabe that’s starting to buzz with activity (upper 30th Avenue). The place is called Radio Bar & Grill and they boast a “killer burger” and plenty of beers on tap. They’ll host a Halloween party on Saturday, which could be a good opportunity to check them out. 49-18 30th Avenue, Astoria. 718.204.6892

Want to do something cultural this weekend? Visit P.S.1 MOMA and explore their seven (yes seven!) new art exhibits. One that particularly caught my interest spotlights a tumultuous year, 1969 and is a collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints. P.S.1 MOMA – 22-25 Jackson Avenue, LIC. 718.784.2084

One of my favorite vintage furniture shops both in Astoria and LIC is Nook n’ Crannie. If you haven’t been, I highly encourage it. They sell the most wonderful, gently used items such as furniture, accessories, paintings and nostalgic gifts. Proceeds benefit the Betel of America charity. Astoria - 29-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria. 718.204.8399. LIC - 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.706.6477

Anna Fleshler at Mundo

One of the things I love about Mundo (and there are oh, so many) is their dedication to local art. In a neighborhood full of talent, it's great to see local business support artists in a tangible way. Their current show is by Anna Fleshler, whose work is full of feminine icons, pop art influence, and saturated in color. She has a great variety of her paintings available for purchase, most at really reasonable prices.

Also not to miss- Mundo's rendition of Gluhwein, a warmed spice wine, perfect for chilly Fall nights. Available seasonally only, and only $5 for a glass, or $20 for a pitcher.

Halloween in Astoria

Halloween is almost upon us! There are a number of events going on in the neighborhood, and here's what we know so far. All events start the evening of Halloween proper, October 31.  If you know of any additional partays, please post in the comments!

Halloween at Sweet Afton

after dark and into the night...
30-09 34th Street
Astoria
Best Costume Grande Prize:  all you can eat & drink evening for two at Sweet Afton.
[website]

Halloween Masquerade at Domaine Bar A Vins

5:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
50-04 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City
[Facebook]
You are spookily invited to Domaine Wine Bar Masquerade Bash on Saturday, November 31st....come drink, dance, haunt and bite with us...

Hell Gate Social Halloween Bash

7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
12-21 Astoria Boulevard
Astoria
[Facebook]
The fun starts off w/ DJ Belladonna spinning the scariest grooves this side of the Mississippi. She will then hand off the reigns to the Two Bloody Tampons who will continue the mayhem. And let's not forget the Costume Contest.... and all the fun games we have planned (scary movie clip contest, mummy wrap contest, and Mad Libs).

Why Leave Astoria?! Halloween Party at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

8:00 p.m.
29-19 24th Avenue
Astoria
[RSVP]
WLA?! is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!

Halloween Extravaganza at The Creek LIC

8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City
[Facebook]
Come support Promethean Theatre Company as we celebrate Halloween with drink specials, tarot cards, live music, beer pong and lots more! Don't forget to come dressed in your favorite costume (contest!) to compete for cool prizes. $10.00 donation ($15.00 if you don't have a costume).

Halloween Party at Rèst Âü Ránt

9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
30-01 35th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Join us for our 2nd annual Halloween Party! We will have party favors, food, and drink specials, and best costume prizes!

The Zombie Stomp Social at Shillelagh Tavern

9:00 p.m.
47-22 30th Avenue
Astoria
[astorians]
Don’t miss this ferociously ghoulish party at Shillelagh in Astoria. AM&A presents games and a costume contest with a cash prize!! $10 cover.

Halloween Masquerade Ball at Ovelia Psistaria Bar

11:00 p.m. to 4:20 a.m.
34-01 30th Avenue
Astoria
[Facebook]
Enjoy Halloween festivities in an intimate venue with good friends, music, drinks and costumes!

Welcome 2 New LIC Eateries

The already tough question of "where to eat in LIC" got even tougher with the entrance of two new promising restaurants, Testaccio and El*Ay*Si. Both places are located on Vernon Blvd--actually just steps away from each other. The competition will be fierce but hopefully both places will get a piece of the proverbial pie. Here's more information about both eateries:

Testaccio Ristorante: 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.937.2900

Cuisine: Contemporary Roman such as thin crust stone oven pizzas, charcuterie such as prosciutto, cheeses, and fresh pastries such as mascarpone filled purses with fresh raspberries. Click here for menu.
Chef: Ivan Beacco, former Chef de Cuisine at Pepolino Restaurant and former Executive Chef at Borgo Antico
Decor: Modern, warm and non-pretentious. Atmosphere can be both romantic and social.
Opening: This Saturday, October 24th
Special Features: Stone oven pizza, fun kids menu
Price Range: Appetizers: $6-$15, Pasta: $10-$17, Pizza: $10-$14, Entrees: $16-$30, Kids Menu: $6-$10

El*Ay*Si: 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC. 718.389.8781

Cuisine: Comfort food such as spicy fried chicken, dijon-crusted flank steak, caramelized apples, roasted corn on the cob, etc. Final menu not yet available.
Chef: Christopher Frakes former chef at E.U. and Butcher Bay
Decor: Modern, semi-rustic (exposed brick walls, vintage mirrors)
Opening: TBD
Special Features: Chef's tastings next week - see more details on their Facebook page

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.10.09

What a wonderful week! Such great weather to explore Astoria and more this weekend. Start this Thursday with local artist Juan Pablo Bohorquez’s art at Modern Spaces Reality. Check out some great paintings, support local art, and have a bite from the not-yet-opened El Ay Si restaurant, which’ll be catering the event. Modern Spaces Reality 47-34 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City NY 11101 6:30 - 9:30 PM

In the mood for even more art? Flux Factory, a fantastic art space and artist incubator, will be talking about the experimental Punk/New Wave Scene in Germany in the 80’s. Artist Marin Buesser will be talking about the influential punk movement, the artists involved in inspiring it, and playing music from the era. Flux Factory, 3921 29th street. Suggestion donation of $10. 7:30pm.

Though not technically in our part of the borough, my inner foodie can’t over look the Edibile Queens sponsored Jackson Heights Food & Film Festival this Saturday. Sample appetizers from Jackson Diner, Novo Restaurant and Lounge, Uncle Peter's Bar and Grill, Rajbhog, Espresso 77 and Lety's Pastry and Cafe. Tickets and more info here.

Also Saturday, don’t miss the American Songbook show at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.

The beginning of fall and winter means giving your body a little extra dry weather TLC. Why not stock up on amazing, locally made treatments, balms and soaps at Little Soap Shop? Their products are environmentally friendly, animal cruelty free, and often organic. 2207 36th Street (at Ditmars).

This Sunday, the 25th, Hell Gate Social and Bistro 33 team up to present a unique Martinis and Maki party! Chef Gary is preparing some special sushi behind the bar from 8-11pm. Sounds like a fun event, and if you’ve never been to HGS, you’re in for a treat. Hell Gate Social 12-21 Astoria Blvd, (btwn 12th & 14th St).

*Photo above by Local Artist Cristine Cluff. For more of her Astoria photography, click here.

Win the NEW Forking Fantastic Cookbook!

Forking Fantastic! Yes, it certainly is...

Not only is Forking Fantastic, the name of a cleverly titled cookbook, it also happens to be written by two Astoria cooks, foodies, enthusiasts and simply great women--Zora O'Neill and Tamara Reynolds, hosts and founders of the Sunday Night Dinner supper club.

If you know anything about this duo and their supper club, you won't be surprised to find Forking Fantastic full of Zora and Tamaraisms--irreverent, endearing commentary brought forth in a colorful, funny and informative book about food, dining and being a superb host.

We're extremely proud of our Astorian chicas and the critics haven't been too harsh either. Just check out these fabulous reviews from some pretty high-profile folks.

"I love these girls and their tasty, delicious, no-nonsense cooking."- Jamie Oliver

"This eccentrically enjoyable book by two strange and wonderful women may well be the cookbook America needs right now. Fun, deliberately unintimidating and filled with interesting-even ingenious-recipes, it inspires the non-professional to raise their game-and have a good time while doing so. Both book and authors are clearly good for the world."-Anthony Bourdain

"In Forking Fantastic, Tamara and Zora share their gift of creating easy and delicious meals with wonderful stories, tips, and recipes--reminding us all that good food is about sitting around a table and eating, drinking, talking, and laughing." -Ana Sortun, chef/owner of Oleana Restaurant and author of Spice

Here's your chance to score a FREE copy. Comment on this post and tell us about your favorite dinner dish. We'll be choosing a lucky winner at random on Friday, October 30th. Good luck!

And if you don't win, you can always buy their book on Amazon.

Reactions to the Recent Debate

As mentioned last week, there was a debate on Monday evening among the candidates for City Council: Peter Vallone Jr., Lynne Serpe, and Gerald Kahn. The Daily News published this yesterday:

Underdog Green party raise big cash in push for upset of Peter Vallone Jr.
By Nicholas Hirshon
Wednesday, October 21st 2009, 1:55 AM

Aspiring to topple Queens' most enduring political dynasty, an upstart City Council candidate in Astoria will have more than double the campaign cash of Democratic incumbent Peter Vallone Jr. in the race's final stretch.

The camp of Green Party contender Lynne Serpe plans to use her $100,000 war chest - about $80,000 from public matching funds - to inundate voters with mailings and TV commercials ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Vallone, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that he has just $40,000 left after forgoing matching funds - arguing their use by an incumbent wastes taxpayer dollars.

More here.

Eco-Friendly Event at Rejuvenate Spa

There's a very cool event from Rejuvenate Spa coming our way this Thursday! Details below:

Please join us for an Eco-Friendly product event on Thursday, October 22nd from 7 - 10 p.m!

Meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas with others passionate about change, sustainability and health.

We will be featuring all natural, botanical and organic skin care products, luxurious hand and body creams / scrubs, elegant candles, aromatic room diffusers and so much more.... All GREEN of course!

Enjoy refreshments and an assortment of healthy organic snacks compliments of Fresh Start Organic Market.

FREE GIFTS:
Receive a chic, reusable, tote bag from Rejuvenate Face and Body and take 10% off all products you can fit in your tote bag!

*RSVP to receive a complimentary tote bag and discounts at: info@rejuvenatenyc.com

Enter a raffle to win the following from Rejuvenate Face and Body:

~A salicylic peel
~30 min. Swedish massage
~Bikini wax

An added bonus for Pet Owners. Enter a raffle to win (1) one free 30 minute walk for your dog! Also any dog owner will enjoy the complimentary roll of 100% biodegradable doggy bags courtesy of My Dog Needs A Walk.

Rejuvenate Face & Body
26-17 23 Avenue
Astoria, NY 11105
718-626-4434
www.rejuvenatenyc.com

P.S.1 Fall Exhibitions Opening

Although Warm Up is over, PS 1 is ready for plenty of activity this fall. Sunday, October 25 hails the Fall Exhibitions Opening. Come by between noon and 6 p.m to view 1969, 100 Years (version #2, ps1, nov 2009), Between Spaces, and Robert Bergman: Selected Portraits.

Check out the Afterparty by MOS, winners of the 2009 Young Architects Program in the courtyard. It will be on view through October 26.

[Image from ps1.org]

American Songbook at Frank Sinatra

Some of the amazingly talented kids from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts stopped in other day to tell me about their upcoming show, American Songbook. The variety show is open to the public and features classic American standards and pop hits performed by the students. Ticket price includes the show and light food. Check out some super local talent and an amazing building- I’ve had the good fortune to be able to check it out and it really is a stunning addition to the area!

There are three shows, Oct 23rd at 7pm, Oct. 24th at 7pm, and Oct. 25th at 6pm.

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
35-12 35TH AVENUE

I Vant To Take Your Blood!

No, this isn't about vampires. It is about an upcoming blood drive! On Saturday, October 24 come on down to Club Fitness (31-11 Broadway) and give blood, an act which could potentially save the lives of others. Free, confidential HIV testing will also be available. No appointment necessary!

As a thank you, Club Fitness will offer $100 dollars off an annual membership and a free personal training membership to all those guests that donate blood! 

This important event is brought to you by Elmhurst Hospital, HAFNYC, Club Fitness NY, and the Lynne Serpe for City Council Campaign.

So, the details:
Blood Drive and HIV testing
Club Fitness NY
31-11 Broadway (map)
Astoria, NY
RSVP on Facebook!

Who can give blood?
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/qhn/html/blood_info.html

Free, no cost confidential HIV testing. No appointment needed.
http://freehivtesting.hafnyc.org/node/1

Two Upcoming Halloween Events

Halloween is coming up, of course! Notice of a couple of Astoria/LIC-based Halloween parties have crossed my desk, so here are the details for October 31st fun in the hood:

Join wine bar Rèst Âü Ránt for their Night of Mayhem.  Party favors, food and drink specials will be available, as well as prizes for best costumes.  They'll go from 9:00pm to 4:00am.  They are located 30-01 35th Avenue.  RSVP on Facebook, here.

Why Leave Astoria?! is invading Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden!  Festivities start at 8:00 p.m.: "WLA is putting together the biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens as we again invade Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. There will be live bands, drink specials, prizes for best costumes, Halloween games, a DJ, and most importantly, a beer garden!"  The (original!) Beer Garden is located at 29-19 24th Ave.  RSVP, here.

NEW LOCATION for the Gathering at the Gantries

I just got an email from the organizers behind Gather at the Gantries. Thanks to the coming crap weather this weekend, they are going move everything inside. I am not pleased with mother nature this weekend.

AM&A is sorry to report that the weather is reported to be inclement and quite chilly on Saturday so the festival has been moved to Shillelagh Tavern in Astoria. Artwork will still be displayed. The schedule of bands to perform is subject to change but the line-up is generally the same except for one or two acts and we will start an hour later.

1:00 pm Rebel Rose MAY bring the kids to Shillelagh
1:30 (tent.) Sean Wiggins
2:00 Os Clavelitos
3:00 Plasma
4:00 Stone Robot
5:00 The Jamies

We would have loved to bring the music to Gantry Plaza State Park and to share the day with the other groups that were participating. And thank you for continuing to support local talent!!
Best,
AM&A

Astorian Weekend Edition 15.10.09

Well, it's mid-October already, and it's hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner!  Halloween is almost here, changing our clocks is coming up, and it keeps feeling like fall around here.  Enjoy these cool, crisp days around neighborhood, perhaps enjoying a bowl of warm soup at Il Bambino (34-08 31st Ave), a hot potato at La Papa (25-13 30th Ave), or a pot of tea at Himalyan Teahouse (33-17 31st Ave).

Thursday night brings a fashion event to Astoria via KrisTees and Candy Plum.  Their second annual Fashion: Astoria Style show should be a lot of fun, taking place at Central Lounge (which has sushi!). Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m., and entrance comes with your RSVP (astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718.721.2299).  Central Lounge is at 20-30 Steinway.

The first game of the ALCS and NLCS (Baseball Championship Series) starts Friday, and the Yankees are in it to win it. Newcomer YOLO is a nice place to catch the game (by the way, they have a $22 happy hour special that includes a pitcher of beer and a large plain pizza), and I'm sure neighborhood favorites like the Irish Rover and McCanns will be busting with excitement to see the home team triumph. The ALCS games (Yanks vs Angels) take place on Friday and Saturday, with a game time of 7:57 p.m. for both.

Head over to Socrates on Saturday for their Halloween Harvest Festival. Fun for all for sure. That night the Astoria Symphony kicks off their season with a concert of Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Schnittke at the new Frank Sinatra School for the Arts (35-12 35th Ave).

Finally, Sunday hails the start of Rioja Restaurant Week.  Both 718 (35-01 Ditmars) and Sweet Afton (30-09 34th St) will be participating.

It's My Park Day at Queensbridge Park.

Have you ever been to Queensbridge Park? I have a few times, and it's a pretty nice space. Great river and city views, places to relax, family-friendly... and you can help it stay beautiful!

Queensbridge is participating in It's My Park Day, Saturday, October 24th. Join in the citywide celebration of making our favorite parks ready for the winter. Press release follows:

ASTORIA/LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. – Winter is right around the corner! Join with Green Shores NYC and the Friends of Queensbridge Park Committee for It’s My Park Day (IMPD) on Saturday October 24th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. IMPD will take place rain or shine.

The event will give residents of Long Island City and Astoria a chance to spruce up Queensbridge Park after an event-filled summer. Within a few hours, volunteers will take part in several projects, including painting, planting and general park cleanup. Arts and crafts activities for all ages will round out the day.

Queensbridge Park is on the waterfront and provides breathtaking views of the Queensboro Bridge (also known as the 59th Street Bridge), East River and Manhattan skyline. It’s heavily used by children, families, cyclists, runners, and amateur sports teams. Built in 1939, the park features baseball fields, a multi-use field for soccer and football, volleyball and handball courts, a marked bike path, a playground and barbeque areas. Over the past few months, Queensbridge Park has been the site of a festival celebrating the Queensboro Bridge’s Centennial, a concert by the Metropolitan Opera, puppet shows, and innovative dance and theater performances.

Everyone is welcome, but children must be supervised by an adult. This is a great opportunity for community organizations, businesses and schools to volunteer as a group in their community. Volunteers are advised to wear old clothes and shoes and to be ready to roll up their sleeves and have fun! Refreshments will be provided for all volunteers.

All volunteers are asked to enter the park at the 41st Avenue/Vernon Blvd entrance and report to the registration table on OCTOBER 24TH at 10 AM near the field house. By train, take the F to 21st Street/Queensbridge and walk west on 41st Avenue to Vernon Boulevard.

Event Details:
GREEN SHORES NYC and THE FRIENDS OF QUEENSBRIDGE PARK COMMITTEE
It’s My Park Day! in Queensbridge Park
Saturday, October 24th, 2009, 10 AM to 2:00 PM
Queensbridge Park (Vernon Boulevard and 41st Avenue)

District 22 City Council Debate 10/19

As you may know, one of the positions you'll be voting on in November is the City Council seat for Queens District 22 - that's Astoria! Peter Vallone Jr. (Democrat-Conservative) has occupied that seat for some time, but he has some competition in the form of Lynne Serpe (Green Party) and Gerald Kann (Populist Party).

If you really want the dealio on their positions, be sure to attend the debate on October 19. Sponsored by the Western Queens Gazette, it's gonna be big. Gazette publisher Tony Barsamian will moderate. It will be held at Riccardo’s By The Bridge, at 21st Street and 24th Avenue, Astoria, at 8 p.m.

Astoria Symphony: Opening Night Celebration This Weekend!

The Astoria Symphony launches their 2009/10 season this weekend! Come out to hear some great music at a brand new space - the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, down on 35th Ave. Details below:

Astoria Symphony: Opening Night Celebration
Saturday, October 17, 2009, 8:00 pm (7:30 lecture*)
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
35-12 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106 [map]

Program:
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night's Dream Excerpts
Schnittke: Quasi Una Sonata - Miranda Cuckson, violin
Beethoven: Symphony No. 1
Silas Nathaniel Huff, conductor

The Astoria Symphony launches its seventh season by celebrating Mendelssohn's 200th birthday, Alfred Schnittke's 75th birthday, and Beethoven's first symphony. This concert will feature a special guest appearance by the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts Orchestra, Ken Lieberson, director.

* Join Maestro Huff in the concert hall 30 minutes before the concert begins for an insightful glimpse into the evening's performance. These "Meet the Maestro" talks delve into the lives of the composers, the meaning of the music, and the techniques musicians use to bring music to life.

Purchase Tickets here.

Transportation Alternatives Membership Party: Queens!

A little bird told me there is going to be fabulous party at The Creek in LIC for Transportation Alternatives on Tuesday October 20.  Here are the details:

Join Transportation Alternatives for a night of fun at the Creek Bar across the street from the Pulaski Bridge.

Cost: $10 for T.A. members, $30 for non-members (join T.A. at the door and you get in for free!)

Admission gets you free food, $2 off all drinks, and 2 for 1 margaritas. Fun raffle with great prizes, including a limited edition messenger bag designed by David Byrne!

Also, Limited edition "I Bike Queens" t-shirts will be for sale, while supplies last.

Love the Creek!  I am sure there will be great company there, too.   You can RSVP on Facebook.  Location info:

The Creek Bar
10-93 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City (map)