Astoria Weekend Edition 29.09.06

I think I'm still in denial that summer is over and fall is here. While I enjoy the cool temperatures, I miss the more carefree feeling of summer. I will say, though, that it's certainly easy to run in this weather. On Saturday morning, I'll be in Manhattan running the Fifth Avenue Mile, while thinking ahead to a concert I'd like to go to over at Wassi that night. The Astoria Music Society is presenting a jazz show that should be fun, featuring musicians Jacob Varmus, trumpet and cornet; Daisuke Abe, guitar; Jacob Garchik, accordion, trombone; Gil Smuskowitz, bass; and Brian Woodruff, drums. Through the grapevine, I heard the news that the owner of Wassi will be giving away free shots to add to the party atmosphere. I didn't realize Wassi had gotten their liquor license, but it's good news that they did. It's a suggested donation of $12 at the door, but that also means pay what you can. The show starts at 9pm, and Wassi is located at 37-05 28th Avenue. Come support local jazz in Astoria!

Tonight also has great NY musicians coming to Astoria from two of the other boroughs at Waltz Astoria. Ranjit and Justin present an evening of bossa nova, with Indian influences. Their combination of guitar and violin proves to be a fascinating and enjoyable mix of instruments and styles.

If music isn't for you tonight, you can catch the second evening showing of Alwill he run for President?Gore's An Inconvenient Truth at the Museum of the Moving Image. I saw it last night and was really impressed. Everyone should see this movie.


And oh yes, here it is, the Beer Garden's Octoberfest, AKA hipster invasion, Saturday the 30th. The Beer Garden says: "Mark your calenders....we'll be rolling-in the barrels to offer you some of the best beer ever made. You don't want to miss this one. Starting at 1pm till 10pm. We are featuring 2 bands, the Pilsner Brass Band and the Czech Polka Cruisers, a band from Texas. We will have plenty of imported and local beers. Food will be available from our restaurant or BBQ grill. We will have both Czech and American style food available. Admission is only $10 or $5 for BCBSA members. Children under 12 free."

And even though I'm really just (sort of) kidding about the whole hipster invasion thing, I expect people from all the boroughs to descend upon Astoria that day to enjoy the Beer Garden. I mean, who doesn't love an Octoberfest?? So locals, get there early! I'll also add that tonight the Beer Garden presents their Spaten Octoberfest. They'll be holding a raffle and giving out prizes, as well as good times.
As they say, Czech it out!

And if you've got some time to kill this weekend, take a walk on down to Astoria Park and check out the almost finished Riverview Apartments. They're now up for sale. While quite ugly (to me) architecture lives on the 21st Street side, the Park side of the building looks much better. Prices, while NYC-style-nutso, are less than I expected. And enjoy the Park while you're at it. Things still look green and summer-like, though soon the leaves will change (and they are gorgeous when it happens). Head down to Shore Boulevard and admire the work that was done during the Shoreline Cleanup a couple weeks ago (here are some pictures, no need to sign in).

Most of all, enjoy your weekend!

More fun, here.

Best French Baguette in Astoria!

A new patisserie recently opened here in lower Astoria (it used to be a sleepy Columbian bakery), and upon the urging of some friends, we stopped in to sample their fare. The Petit Prince is much more than a little pastry shop: they also serve a small selection of sandwiches and coffee too. My personal love is french bread. Real french bread. As a disclaimer, I must say that there are some truly great bakeries in Astoria (Parisi Brother's, La Guli, Rose and Joe's, and Long Island Bakery are among some of the best)... but they're all coming from an Italian background, let's face it. The "baguettes" at Parisi's are made with shortening and Rose and Joe make a better Sicilian slice than a crusty french loaf. The Petit Prince, with its charmingly authentic French-accented baker/propietor, is the first I've sampled here that is loyal to French technique. Snobby, huh? Finally, a baguette reminiscent of Paris and worthy of a big blob of St. Marcellin! Next time I'll have to try some actual pastries.

Note the blistered, crisp skin and the characteristic point on the end of the baguette. Real topography here: high, crunchy ridges crown the loaf. The color of the skin is actually golden brown, not doughy and pale. The inside is airy (the result of a proper working of the gluten) and has chewy big bubbles that yield beautifully to fresh butter, pate, confiture, Nutella, or anything at all! At about $2 for a large baguette, its just as well priced at its Parisian cousins but a lot more convenient to pick up for dinner tonight.

Who can resist a fresh croissant? I got a smaller size one (they've got two sizes) and was pleasantly surprised by how authentically buttery and delicate its innards were. No margarine here. The layers were distinct and slightly chewy. The outside was less crispy than flaky, which is okay. As long as its not one of those big bready monstrosities from the early-morning midtown bagel cart vendors
...

The Petit Prince
Broadway between 33rd and 34th Streets
It only opened fairly recently so they're still working out some final details and I suspect that we will see more menu additions as time goes on...

Astorian Weekend Edition 22.09.06

Friday night come out to dinner and celebrate Rosh Hashana at Mundo! It's a great way to try out some Jewish special occasion food with Roasted Turkey and Mundo-style spiced Rice. Call and reserve now for tonight and have a Happy Holiday!

Presenting the cutest new store to hit Ditmars, Inside Astoria (37-20 Ditmars Blvd)! All things cool and new for you, your kids, your home, your pets... you get the drift huh? There's been tons of buzz about this place and they've only been around for 2 weeks! Stop on by Friday and/or Saturday to help them celebrate their grand opening. From noon to 8pm on Friday and 11am to 8pm on Saturday go in and enjoy some wine and tasty treats as you shop (*10% off everything during the celebration no less.) Welcome to the neighborhood oh adorable shop a few blocks away from home!!!

If a Sunday in the park sounds good to you, then we'll see you out at The Variety Boys & Girls Club Run. From 10:00am to 1pm in Astoria Park, join in some fundraising at the 2nd Annual Gloria D'Amico Fun Run/Walk. Prizes, music, food and drinks will be provided. Good stuff right? More info at 718.728.0946. Can't make it? You can always volunteer to do all kinds of goodness with the kids, just check their site for the opportunity!

The loneliest bookstore

So yeah there's been alot of talk of wanting to get some decent book selections in the hood. Nothing has come out of it though. No new bookstores.... at all. The dream isn't dead yet, but i figure in the meantime-maybe we could still give our one and only store another go? If you're like me and haven't even gone in yet, this might be the excuse to check it out. Tomorrow night, Thurs. Sept 21st @ 7pm, Seaburn Books will be hosting a book signing party for Patricia Carragon’s first book, ”Journey to the Center of My Mind,” a Rogue Scholars Press release. It's free and who knows, you may just happen upon a random good read as you peruse the digs.

Seaburn Books
33 - 18 Broadway
718 - 267 - 7929

Socrates's Birthday!

We stopped by the Socrates Sculpture Park's big 20th Anniversary bash this past Sunday and there couldn't have been a more beautiful backdrop for such a righteous fete. The weather was warm, the light was golden, the air infused with the delightful aromas of souvlaki (Opa! Greek) and chana masala (bangladeshi eatery). There was a totally sweet live band, lots of arts and crafts for the kiddies (face painting!), and of course innovative art installations galore. Power to the people.

Astoria Weekend Edition 15.09.06

Looks like we'll be heading back to summer by Sunday! Sunny and highs in the low 80s. Very exciting. And summer to me means ice cream. Did you know there is a brand of ice cream that was created right here in Astoria? It's 5 Boroughs Ice Cream, the brainchild of a couple from Astoria. They currently have five flavors, each one representing a different borough in NYC. Queens is represented by the town of Astoria (yay!) and the flavor is Bakla-Wha?. It's baklava ice cream! The chunks of baklava in the ice cream are from Astoria's own Victory Sweet Shop. Astoria also shows up in their SoHo flavor, which uses hazelnut biscotti from Rose & Joe's Bakery. Sadly, the ice cream is not available in Astoria! For shame. There is a way to remedy this, though. What a better thing to do while it's raining?

Someone on astorians.com suggested that this weekend should be considered "Astoria Pride Weekend," due to all the wonderful Astoria-centric things going on this weekend. First, on Friday the AMMI is showing A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. This was filmed throughout Astoria during the summer of 2005, and is based on the autobiography of Astorian Dito Montiel, who is also the director. Montiel will be there to introduce both screenings. And if that wasn't great enough, food from Astoria restaurants will be sold in the courtyard starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, and free for Museum members. Call to RSVP (718-784-0077).

Saturday holds two awesome events: The Shoreline Cleanup and Socrates Sculpture Park's 20th Anniversary Party. Come help beautify the shoreline! For the Shoreline Cleanup, sites include Astoria Park, Hallets Cove, and Socrates Sculpture Park. Tools, gloves, and good company provided, as well as free snacks for all volunteers. The event will be held rain or shine, although a thunderstorm will cancel. The times and locations are as follows:

10am-12pm:Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Blvd
10:30am-3pm: Gantry Plaza State Park, 49th Ave at the East River
12-3pm: Socrates Sculpture Park ’s beach at Hallets Cove, 31st Ave at Vernon Blvd
12-3pm: Hallets Cove North, 31st Ave at Vernon Blvd
12-3pm: Astoria Park, War Memorial at Shore Blvd

For information on the cleanup at Gantry Plaza State Park, please call 718-340-8307. For information on all other events, please call 718-706-8044 or email Emily.Maxwell@parks.nyc.gov. For information on the day of the event, please call 917-902-9165.

Also know that from 4-6pm will be a Shoreline Cleanup Celebration at Socrates Sculpture Park, where volunteers will be honored in a ceremony at the 20th Anniversary Celebration! The full Celebration event will be from 12-6pm that day (rain date September 17th). It's a party for friends and neighbors and the entire community of artists, volunteers, patrons, elected officials and businesses that helped create and sustain the Park since 1986. Totally free.

Sunday, check out the Astoria Alive Street Festival. Should be a beautiful day to be out and about. Sponsored by the Astoria Restoration Association, it will be on 31st Street between Ditmars Boulevard and 21st Avenue. Food, games, and the requisite fun will be had that day.

Astoria.....so awesome!!

More fun, here.

Astorian Weekend Edition 8.9.06

Here we have it, a break in the rain!

Saturday join in on the Waterfront Parks Bike Tour! I've been wanting to do this since Joey did it last year, it looks like tons of fun and educational too. It will be led by local historian Richard Melnick of the Greater Astoria Historical Society so i assume questions are encouraged... Don't worry its only about 5 miles, and wont be more then 3 hours after all is said and done. Tag along but bring a helmet (kids are welcome too with a guardian, that is)
Meet up at 11AM at Gantry Plaza State Park (48th Ave & the East River)

After doing a good thing for the environment, go do a good thing for your social life! Pimps & Ho's Costume Party @ 9pm... and its not even Halloween yet! Sparrow Bar (corner of 29th St @ 24th Ave) is a pretty chill little spot i just stopped into on Weds night. This may become a semi regular place actually (they have a stash of boardgames!) Go dressed as your favorite Pimp or his "friend" and have a blast. Their beer selection is pretty cool too.

If you're in the market for chile's or peppers for your next fiesta, pop over to Original Mexican Food Deli (30-11 29th St) for pretty much the most extensive collection i've seen in the tri-state area! What's even better is that if they don't have what you need, the other Mexican market on the opposite corner probably will. It's like you can't lose!! (Pick up a tamale for a buck and you won't be disappointed either)


T&H Mini Market (28th Ave & 36th St) has the "realest" red bean ice cream ever. I've had it before in Japanese restaurants, but never like this. You could taste/feel the starchiness and upon closer inspection- you see the big ole plump beans! It was just so weird to me i had to let you all know about this random little market. Its like a bodega with odds and ends from an Asian market. Shrimp Crackers (which look like Cheetos) are hung next to a great standby of BBQ Dirty Chips, wasabi peas next to Jolly Ranchers, what an ecclectic mix huh? Check them out if you're just looking for something unexpected...

Culture more your calling? Wind down your weekend on Sunday @ 7pm with Beethoven's World. St. Joseph's Church (43-19 30th Avenue @ 43rd Street) kicks off the season opener of the Astoria Music Society, make sure you check the website for tickets or call AMS at 718.204.9036.


OH and blackout troubles weren't all my pal Ali over at Kabab Cafe had to deal with recently. He has, as of this week lost his sidekick and cook extraordinaire Luis and is on the hunt for a new person. Know of anyone? He's got a few friends coming in and helping out for now but he definitley needs someone else in the kitchen. Personally i think its an awesome opportunity to learn from this inventive foodie. Check out his ad on craigslist if you don't believe me! Or you could always stop in there yourself and grab a bite... (25-12 Steinway St. @ 25th Ave)

Open Letter to Summer 2006

Dear Summertime,

What happened? I thought we were soul mates. I feel a little vulnerable saying that, but after all the golden dusks and steamy nights, I feel like I've really bonded with you. Kind of like how your sometime 100% humidity stickiness bonded my upper thigh to the subway seat. Good times. Are you going already? Did the picnics in the park, Mister Softee visits, and bike rides to Brooklyn mean nothing to you? Your obvious exit these days is a bit disdainful to say the least. Couldn't you at least break it to me easy, instead of turning your back as soon as Labor Day hits? Well, Summertime, in the immortal words of that prolific 80's band Roxette, It must have been love, but its over now...
Maybe we'll hook up again next year? Until then, here are some of my favorite memories from our time together.

P.S. Autumn is way sexier than you anyways.

Farm-fresh ramps from our CSA!

Meat cage! The universal sign of street fair season.

Socrates Sculpture Park opening day.

Gantry Park for Fourth of July!

Classic summertime fieldtrip: Giant squid vs. Sperm whale at the American Museum of Natural History.

Nathan's original. Coney Island. Midnight in August.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park (pre US Open madness)

Stini Yiamas

Lately I've met up with friends at a new-ish place on Ditmars called Stini Yiamas. It's kind of a lounge, kind of a bar, hard to absolutely categorize. But it's been a nice place to chill out at the end of the day with friends, have a drink, and the music is low enough to have an easy time conversing with each other. I've had some really delicious cosmopolitans there, and my friends have enjoyed the small selection of imported beers (bottles, no taps). Happy hour prices are really good, $4 for the cosmopolitan and $3 for the beer. I'm actually not positive when happy hour starts (opening hours are still a little wonky right now), but it's safe to say that if you get there by 6pm, things will be open and ready for you.

The look of the bar is really appealing, and the bartenders do a great job serving and pouring drinks, and are just really nice people. Earlier in the evening it's rarely crowded, but at night things pick up. I have walked by there around 10pm or so and there have been more people in there hanging out. I'm guessing the music gets louder, too.

The atmosphere is pretty relaxed, the lights are low, which is conducive to chilling out. I noticed they have a large screen TV (couches, too), and have seen Mets games playing on it (not sure about Yankee games, this being the home borough of the Mets and all), so it's an option for those who want to watch a game but don't want a sports bar atmosphere. I think this is a terrific option to have, not that I don't like sports bars ('cause I do), but that it's great to have options! I imagine now that we're into football season, those games will be on as well.

Stini Yiamas is also right next door to 718, so Stini Yiamas could be a good place to go for a drink before dinner. I hope there develops a good relationship between the two places, and that Stini Yiamas can make it here in the Ditmars neighborhood. It's a really pleasant place and a different kind of drinking establishment in the neighborhood compared to what is around it, and it's always terrific to have variety. I believe there is room for everyone here, and Stini Yiamas is a perfect example of that. Definitely check it out!


Stini Yiamas
Ditmars Boulevard and 34th Street
Astoria
718-777-0432

Astoria Weekend Edition 01.09.06

Well, it's looking like a rainy weekend, with some cooler weather. It feels more like October than August! Cooler weather makes me want to just stay home with a book or watch a movie with someone special. But there are plenty of things to do this weekend, it being Labor Day weekend and all, so I'm here to tell you what's going on!

Friday night, stop in around 10pm at Cafe Bar to have a drink and hear their DJs. As you saw from flooz's post, it's a nice place for brunch, too, and Saturday at 1pm there's live jazz there by Andy Guthrie (piano) and Apostolos Sideris (bass).

Also on Saturday, the Beer Garden continues their Pilsner Promotion. They say: "Stop by for one of the most traditional and popular beers imported from the Czech Republic. Enjoy the give-aways and relax-in in the garden." 2pm-5pm.

Sunday night, stop over at Cafe Rendezvous (Broadway and 35th Street) and hear the Martin Urbach Quartet with local Astorian Tim Collins on vibraphone. 8pm, free.

On Monday the 4th, we greet Astoria's penultimate street fair. To me, this says summer is almost over. Boo hoo. But anyway, enjoy what the 30th Avenue Business Association has to offer in their street fair. Check it out on 30th Avenue between 29th & 42nd Streets. 11-6pm. That same day, also check out the Magic of Astoria Arts and Crafts Show from 10am-6pm at the United Methodist Church (30-44 30th Road). All items are designed and crafted by local artists: paintings, sculpture, jewelry, just to name a few things. For more information call Georgie at 718-721-4037.

The biggest Labor Day bash I've seen so far is that by the Water Taxi Beach, their "Malibu Labor Day Weekend Beach Bash." Saturday through Monday, 7:50pm to 1am each night. Free entertainment and free Carribean food. Free Water Taxi Rides, too! Definitely worth checking out. [Great pic from StreetsBlog, which has high praise for the Water Taxi Beach.]

One last note: check out the Hellgate CSA blog for all sorts of interesting info regarding Astoria's wonderful CSA, as well as related discussion on organic food and sustainable agriculture issues.


Late addition! On Saturday night at Hell Gate Social, there's M-BODY, a collabaration of expression, movement, music, and libation with Anthony Velarde, Deosil & the Rev spinning techno with laser lights. Also, Invasion of the Body Painters (Body Painting). No cover. And on Sunday they'll be hosting a Labor Day BBQ! From 2pm-7pm they'll have $4 beers, well drinks, and martinis to go with the hot dogs and burgers they'll be serving, gratis. And later at 9pm, they'll be showing another fabulously bad classic outside in the garden on their big screen.

More fun, here.

Dig your own Jackson Hole

In the midst of the city's current burger craze there lies an endearing little diner that sits on the side of the Grand Central Parkway like a shiny sentinel of roadside cuisine. Serving as a beacon of chrome-plated goodness to motorists and Rikers Island prison guards for over half a century, this mouthful of savory Americana is now home to the Queens outpost of the Jackson Hole burger franchise. Originally built as the Airline Diner in 1952, this classic streamlined car sits across the parkway from a vast cemetery. In case an Astorian hasn't boasted already, this is where Martin Scorsese famously had Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci's characters steal a truck in the movie Goodfellas. Nowadays you can get a 7 oz burger the size of your head. The food isn't phenomenal, it's just pretty reliable diner fare at a fairly reasonable price. This is no shackburger. Hell, its not even an In-N-Out burger. But the menu is comfortably meaty and what you lose in flavor you gain in pre-cooked-beef-weight. Unlike wiseguy Henry Hill, Jackson Hole doesn't like to take chances.


It gets pretty crowded on late nights but on a Monday afternoon it can become your own private burger wonderland (burgderland?) The menu is huge, so don't get distracted by the "burritos" and go straight for the almost two dozen or so choices of burgers.

What's a diner without real tabletop jukeboxes? This one plays Britney Spears alongside Bobby Darin, naturally.

Crisp golden onion rings are the perfect way to start (or accompany) your meal. These ones were by-the-book: hot, crunchy battered outside yielding to a scorching, tender onion strand on the inside. No crazy seasonings or tempura experimentation, just the same recipe that America's built upon... slathered with some ketchup.

Perilously perching atop this mallifluous mound of beef are two strips of bacon, barbecue sauce, onions, and and monterey jack cheese. It's known through out dinerland as the Western Burger. The deluxe platter invariably comes with steak fries, lettuce and tomato. The fries are passable (I'm a shoestring fry kinda kid myself) but they could have put a little more ooomph into the burger's barbecue sauce, you know what I mean? It was a bit thin and pink colored, whereas I believe proper barbecue sauce should be thick enough to stick to both ribs and burgers alike.

Solid vanilla milkshakes are a hallmark of a good diner and this one passes the test: its creamy without being sugary-sweet, which means they used real ice cream. For an extra 50 cents you can get yours extra thick.

The Baldouni Burger is the slab of meat (turkey burger in this case) topped generously with fried mushrooms, sauteed onions, and the cheese of your choice (monterey jack in this case). Although the turkey patty was well-seasoned and juicy, it wasn't the tastiest of turkey burgers; this is a rare animal, I know, since turkey can be notoriously bland and drywall-like. The detractor from this menagerie was the bun. I know most people believe the patty to be center stage but I think that supporting cast members can also make-or-break the show. In this case, the bun was just an ordinary store-bought-sesame-seeded deal. Kind of bready and not up to the challenge of supporting the monstrous patty. However, the highlight of this burger was the fresh (read: not canned) mushrooms, cut chunky and cooked to perfection.

The wonderfully preserved signage up top is all that remains of Airline Diner's classic pedigree.

Jackson Hole Diner
6935 Astoria Blvd (at 70th Street), East Elmhurst
718.204.7070

Bugs and Bombs

We all hate roaches, even if we've never had them in our apartment (the other night I saw one lumbering down the streets of Manhattan, eeeeuw!). They are common, though, and there are all sorts of ways to get rid of them, from a professional exterminator/fumigator to do it yourself bug-be-gone. That's the route one Astoria resident went, and it ended in an explosion!

Roach Bomb Explodes In Queens Apartment

Astorian Weekend Edition 25.08.06

This Friday go get your wine on!
Omega Wines and Spirits (29-15 23rd Ave) are having a wine tasting from 6-9pm of Georgian Wines. Nice people, decent selection, i ask you - how could that be a bad thing? Bag some new additions for your stock at home.

Saturday bring on a sweet tooth? Artopolis has cookies, cakes, pastries galore! They'll be open til 9pm and til 8pm on Sundays if you need another fix before the work week starts up. What these goes do to these snacks is truly a work of Artopolis!

Cafe Bar (32-90 36th St) for brunch? All the cool kids are doing it why not! Just kidding, but they do have brunch and they were one of the local businesses to get slammed with the blackout. Sunday (11am-5pm) may be a perfect time to check them out. I've been there for drinks and its such a cool little chillout zone, its the perfect setting for Mimosas and a Ham, Apple and Brie Omelette... yum

I got this flyer the other day walking up 31st St from one of those cute kids in karate uniforms for S.Y. Kim's Tae Kwon Do. I never realized how many of these guys i see around town. It is definitley a good workout thats for sure, and you never know when you might need to know a chop or two. There are coupons on the website and i think their summer discount is still on (50% off.) Hop to it!

more for everyone over at about

Sign of the Times

For better or worse, (I'm sure most feel strongly one way or the other), Astoria's been outed by the New York Times Style section.
See Slideshow.

Still More Power Outage News

While walking home from a delicious lunch at Watawa with friends, I spied a flyer announcing a Power Outage related event:

Join Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney
for a legal clinic on insurance issues related to the Blackout
with the City Bar's Justice Center's Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Law Project

When: 4-7pm Thursday 8/24
Where: Federation of Hellenic Societies, 22-51 29th Street in Astoria

This is for business owners and residents. Looks like it could be very helpful.

More Power Outage News

The New York Daily News reports that city emergency officials are still pissed about the 10-day Western Queens Blackout (duh). They "no longer trust Con Edison to tell them how many people are affected by a power outage." So, they've created A Power Outage Response Team as a result. This team is given the duty of checking neighborhoods (including door-to-door and aerial surveys, wow!), whenever Con Ed says a power outage could affect more than 1,000 customers. Super! Best quote of the article comes from Councilman Eric Gioia:

"You could have gone to a psychic on Bleecker St. and got a better estimate of how many people were out in Queens than Con Edison."

Sweet.

Another angle from the Queens Chronicle.

Spotted

Massacre
Originally uploaded by mcotner.

Posted near the entrance to the N/W on Ditmars, by an enthusiastic Yankee fan, apparently. Yanks swept Boston 5 games last weekend.

Ode to a neighborhood street fair

On Saturday we decided to take Meg's sagacious recommendation for weekend fun off this very site's invaluable Astoria Weekend Edition... and how can you go wrong? Rhetorical question. You can't. There are just too many awesome Astoria things to do every weekend. We happened to pick a convenient one; 36th Avenue and its colorful street fair was only a 5 minute walk from home. Meg tells us that this pedestrian wonderland was sponsored by the Dutch Kills Civic Association, and we say kudos, DKCA.

First stop: Italian sausage sandwich at the archetypal food cart (with zeppolis, fried calamari, cheese fries, deep-fried Oreos, bracciole...) Don't forget to pack the Pepto.

New York City's Finest. Doing what they do best: patrolling the perilous street fair beat. These guys were actually hovering hungrily around one of the kabob vendors-- you know, investigating a lead and maintaining the peace. Quick, loot the damned Mozzarepa stand!

They didn't know it, but the hungry cops were probably yearning for a piece of the majestic Meat Cage. Mmmmmmm barbecue!

Where else but Queens? Women shopping at one of the various jewelry stands...

In the same league as the Sock Vendor is the perennial Plastic Fruit Magnet table. Think of the luscious refrigerator art you could generate for $6!

What's a summer street fair without the intimidatingly aggressive games hawkers? First one to shoot the balloons gets a huge plushy beerbong-backscratcher-Barbie!

The best part about this particular street fair was that it reflected the vibrant colors and vivacious nature of the actual local community, as opposed to most of the generic street celebrations around the city. Astoria has a thriving Indian and Bangledeshi community (among the Czech, Croatian, Colombian, Brazilian, and Greek constituents, of course). This captivating performance was well-attended and seemed totally impromptu, on the western end of 36th street (between 29th and 30th streets). It was a real family affair, with children sweetly putting coins in the collection box and teenagers rockin' right along with their parents. GO America.

Is his instrument of melodical glory a stationary accordion? A xylophone with keys? I know nothing about musical instruments. Check out the gleaming knobs.

The quintessential street fair fare: grilled corn on the cob! Don't be a rube, get it with all the butter, lemon juice and cayenne pepper they have to offer (the jury is still out on slathering mayo on it).

There's no mistaking the face of real food when you're walking a street fair. No artifice, no factory-processed food-product here. Just a barbecued piggy's parts.

Naturally the best part of eats-on-the-street is that you don't have anything to clean up. Leave it to the venerable professionals of the street fair circuit (and the trusty NYC Department of Sanitation sweepers)... Which is convenient now that you're caught in the stupifying grip of some debilitating food coma.

More Free Films

Just learned in the past day or so that there is another - albeit brief - summer film festival happening in the heart of Astoria. The Astoria Center of Israel (27-35 Crescent Street) bills themselves as "an egalitarian synagogue that maintains a conservative Jewish tradition." Their film festival centers around Jewish themes and actors. I learned of the festival too late to tell you about their August 15th film, but the next two are just in time. Tonight, head over to see Paperclips (which I hear is a real tear jerker) and next Tuesday for Horse Feathers (which I know is pretty funny). Check here for the details of the films. To me, both films look good. And free! And since they start at 7:30pm you'll have time to head over to Bungalo afterwards for even more fun!

Bungalo

So, my friend Eric has let me know about some great live music and hot DJ action going on locally at Bungalo, every Tuesday night. He's actually going to be spinning himself, the fabulous DJ he is. You can also bring your instruments and join in the fun. So, check it out. Wonderful to have more live music and DJs spinning here in town! Not to mention no cover and $5 imported beer.


Tuesday 8/22 @ 9pm
Bungalo
32-03 Broadway
Astoria, NY 11106

Astoria Weekend Edition 18.08.06

Weather looks great for this weekend, which is good for regular events around town: yoga and tai chi at Socrates; canoe rides at the LIC Boathouse; and Warmup at PS1. There's ultimate frisbee happening at Astoria Park on Saturday morning at 11am, too.

Other exciting news: the N/W is getting new trains!

Friday, stop by the Beer Garden for their Stella promotion. There will be prizes, give-aways, and, of course beer. Or, make your way to Queensbridge Park (41st Avenue at Vernon Blvd. for Dancing Under the Stars. DJ Cee Roc will be spinning some funk and soul. 5-8pm and free!

On Saturday, the Albatross Bar will hold the Second Annual Date Auction to benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The Matthew Shepard Foundation's goal is to educate and replace hate with understanding, acceptance and compassion. The event will take place at the Bar (36-19 24th Avenue at 37th Street), from 10pm to close. The evening will be hosted by Candy Samples and Jermy Hovies (Sirius Out Q Radio). Apart from the auction itself, raffle prizes, other auction items, as well as drag performances and music will be featured throughout the evening. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, with all proceeds going to The Matthew Shepard Foundation.

It's street fair central this weekend, with two fairs going on simultaneously! From the 18th-20th (Friday-Sunday), the fair is sponsored by the Borgetto Cultural Association and takes place on Steinway Street between 25th & 28th Avenues. On the 19th (Saturday) the fair is sponsored by the Dutch Kills Civic Association and takes place on 36th Avenue between 29th & 35th Streets.

Live acoustic greek music is going on throughout the weekend at Mezzo Mezzo (31-29 Ditmars Blvd.), too.

More fun, here.

New Guest Blogger: Live from Supermarket

Wandering the freezer section of C-Town can be a daunting experience for the best of us. Meg, Sooz and I are therefore thrilled to tell you that fabulous, soon-to-be guest blogger, Annie, of lost in the supermarket, will be guideing us through the aisles of Astoria until the end of September.

So, Annie - do they have Cream of Mushroom soup here?

Cheers,
Joey

From Vintage to Candy!

You may remember back in the spring i paid a little visit to a cute as a button shop over on 36th St named Plum Boutique. Well, i'm here to update you on their name change. Welcome Candy Plum into existence! Same great items, just new name. This Sunday Aug 20th, they are having a partay to celebrate their article in Sunday's NY Times. From 12-5pm come shop as you nibble on some cookies and toast their up and coming-ness with some champagne!

Oh yeah, they are always looking for homegrown designers to seel their goods on consignment. Can you say neighborhood treasure???? LOVE IT!

Candy Plum

718-721-2299
30-98 36th Street
Astoria, NY 11103

Astorian Weekend Edition 11.08.06

So after last week's bad vibes at the Astoria pool (19th Street and 24th Avenue) , i thought it might be a good thing to try to show the better side of the place. Today, from 11am - 1pm there will be this summer's last installment of "Special Swim" for peeps 55 and up and also those with disabilities. There will be lessons, activites and of course keeping cool!

Saturday is calling for nice cool weather-why not get out and enjoy it! Head over to Hallets Cove for one or both sessions (10-11:30am & 2-3:30pm) of Coastal Classroom and learn about preserving our water resources and all kinds of cool nature facts. Call 212-360-2748 to register or for more information.

Fellow Astorian blogger Miss O, is trying to get her "teacher on" with a fundraiser for a local elementary school's library. I had to go on and donate - made my day! Maybe you can help too.

Speaking of books- I know Astoria has Seaburn, but for some time now locals have been complaining of the lack of good/more bookstores in the area. Well you heard it here folks, there's serious talk of something in the works! Joy of joys, we may just see some alternative book buying options pop into the neighborhood yet. Keep your eyes peeled.

Sunday brings us another installment of our famous NY street fairs! Head over to Steinway St. between 28th & 34th Avenues... try not to overdo it on the sweets!
While your in the area - EVERYONE reading this should go out for a nice Sunday night dinner and support our local restaurants that suffered and some who still continue to suffer from the ConEd fiasco! Stop in to see Ali at Kabob Cafe as he just got some new equipment and is on the road to getting back on his feet. I will probably be there myself, can't get enough of his delicious Egyptian goodness. Tons of wonderful places in our town for a bite-this is the time to show them some love.

As always, get your Queens info over at about.com

Astoria Weekend Edition 04.08.06

Well, as you know, power issues are still in the forefront of many of our minds here in Western Queens. Worry about the power possibly going out has changed our behavior: we now unplug unused appliances, find public airconditioned spaces, and wait to buy groceries. This weekend should be much cooler, and if the power doesn't go out, perhaps a good time to go stock the fridge again, as I haven't heard news of a heatwave slamming us any time soon. If it does stay hot, though, and you've lost power, consider finding a cooling center this weekend. Other ways to stay cool and relaxed this weekend:

Icy drinks! This town is full of greek cafes serving frappés. The girls at Alpha Astoria have the info.

More traditional cafes: Freeze Peach is serving iced drinks, from traditional iced teas (turkish to peppermint supreme) and coffees, to limonata and peach tree (a tea/cider combo). Wassi, a newish cafe on 28th Ave near 38th Street is a great place to have an iced drink (with free wifi!). There's also Waltz on Ditmars, and they're having music both Friday and Saturday nights. Can't forget Communitea in LIC, too.

Hellgate Social also serves up a wonderful Hellgate Lemonade, very refreshing.

Museums are also great places to spend a few air conditioned hours away. The Long Island City Cultural Alliance has a nice site with links to the local museums, including PS1, The Noguchi Museum, and the Fischer Landau Center for Art. And if you want to hang outdoors at a museum, both PS1 (Warmup is this Saturday) and Socrates Sculpture Park can deliver.

I would have suggested the Astoria Pool, but be aware...

Consider getting out that stress from the frustration of low power or no power with yoga at Socrates on Saturday morning and tai chi on Sunday. Both are free. If you want to run off your frustration, consider registering for Sunday's 5K run sponsored by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens, Inc. It will be held at FIAO Soccer Field (20th Avenue and 33rd Street). $20 to register the day of the race. Call 718-204-2444 for more information.

Or, head over to the Water Taxi Beach for some food and drink, (less harsh) sun and sand, and relaxing.

Finally, as a sign of summer normalcy, the latest in the series of summer street fairs happens this weekend, too, by the Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church (26th St. from 23rd Ave. to the Amtrak Trestles). Mmmmm...salty, sweet, and greasy street food...

As for me, I'll be in sunny Southern California for a week, visiting family and Disneyland! Hopefully it will be less hot, and certainly less humid. Have a great week, everyone!

Hello from VT

Hello Astorians!

I hope all is well - er - other than your little power situation going on over there (yikes!). Things are wonderfully cool and green here in Vermont!

Some of you may notice that I've made some small changes to the site - nothing dramatic. Just playing around. My own current blog is hopelessly out of date, but I retrieve my camara (long story) soon and will then be blogging again merrily. Feedback on these (or other potential) changes is welcome. Yes, they include a shameless ad. Don't hold it against Soozy or Meg. Speaking of whom, can you believe what great bloggers they are? Yay for them!

Cheers,
Joey

Still black...

Well i guess it comes and goes these days huh? Yesterday had me in a tizzy! We lost power from about 10am to 7pm last night-not fun. I'm sure noone is surprised by the lack of entries in here these days, unfortunatley i don't want to turn on my computer at home so i have to try to sneak in some surf time while at work. I am keeping the faith that all will be rectified sooner then later and we wont have to worry about stocking the fridge anymore. ***crosses fingers***
plus • people have been getting there reimbursement checks pretty quickly
minus • cold stone creamery on 31st and ditmars has apparently fallen from the weight of the blacouts
plus • we can go voice our anger in person, tonight @ 6:00 p.m. PS 234 (30-15 29th Street)
minus • has astoria pool gone to crap? read up here
and to end on a plus • Fresh Direct has acknowledged our little issue and decided to try to help out in their own little way! i appreciate it-but i hope they keep it going for a little while longer because i know i'm not ready to risk a full fridge just yet. Free delivery

A few posts back, Meg had put up the "I was Conned" pic from the Gothamist. One of our readers and fellow blogger Zip decided he just needed to pass that on. So he redesigned it and made it into stickers and has been passing them along throughout the city! They can be found in all sorts of random places like ConEd trucks, light posts, subway cars etc. Keep your peepers peeled, let me know if you've spotted any!

Stay cool neighbors, conserve your electricity ~ we'll be a-ok! ***fingers still crossed***

Astorian Weekend Edition 28.07.06

And here we go ladies and gents, still in the news....Astoria's Blackout. Lets all hope for the best this weekend, meaning full electricity for all!

Thursday and/or Friday nights catch some cool tunes over at Wassi Coffee Lounge (37-05 28th Avenue • 718-777-0544) Bossa Nova and Jazz and coffee and snacks... and wifi! This place is super cute and chill, and not just because its around the corner from me either!

Now we're in the thick of it! Fair time here we come. Get ready for bellyaches galore because for the next 3 days, you can eat all the greasy, sweet, sticky, fattening, delicious street food you could ever want. It started last night actually, but the St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery Fair will be running straight through til Sunday the 30th. Find it on 23rd Ave. from 35th to 37th St. and from 23rd Ave. to under the Amtrak overpass, not too shabby!

Head to the other side of town on Sunday the 30th and you'll be in on the 114th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol on Broadway between Steinway & 47th Streets.

Want another Sunday option? Join in on the book swap taking place over at the Freeze Peach @ 2:00pm (22-00 29th St @ Ditmars). Bring books to share and be prepared to take something new, maybe something you wouldn't ordinarily read - or something you've been wanting to read and just haven't gotten to yet. This could be a cool alternative to trekking into the city for books.

Look alittle further into the week and on tuesday go laugh your funny bone off at Waltz Astoria (24th St @ Ditmars). Little did we know that you can find Matt Taylor and some other funny peeps there every tuesday from 9-10:30pm. I haven't checked it out yet but i plan to since i really do like the cozy vibe at Waltz. There is no cover, but a 1 drink minimum...ok twist my arm.... (they have a growing wine selection!)shouldn't be so bad.

A big internet welcome to fellow astorians over at the new local gay outlet, OUT Astoria. It should prove to be a welcome resource for the overlooked growing LGBT community and its allies.

Josh Irving...

... and I are about the only things actually left from Astoria on This Show Again!!! No seriously, Mike became a family man and moved to spacious Pennsylvania and Tom is off in Florida becoming some sort of creature of lore (tune in later for a link to his silliness). In the midst of all the confusion, they came together this week for a podcast update though, and who did they decide to feature on the show? Thats right, Jazz man Josh! Listen in and help support those of us STILL here... blackout and all :)

The guys actually joke with the idea of me taking over the show......hmmmm, nah

Astoria Weekend Edition 21.07.06

Well, it's been quite a week...and potentially quite a weekend. No power or very little power throughout Astoria/LIC (and Woodside/Sunnyside) had made many people's lives a wreck. There's a lot of frustration and anger, but there are some things you can do to make yourself feel a little bit better. Check out about.com for a number of links and tips on dealing with the results of ConEd's nonsense. Especially notable is the link to the downloadable .pdf form to submit to ConEd regarding reimbursement of food spoilage. Residents can claim up to $350 and up to $7,000 for businesses. There's a lot of talk on astorians.com, here, here, and here. It's been a great resource for sharing observations and news about the power outage. Assemblyman Giannaris's statement in the Daily News just about summs up the general feeling out here in western Queens:

We need to get the power on. This is New York City, for God's sake. This is not a Third World country.... A lot of us feel abandoned....Two days of heat and the whole thing collapses out here? It's a real problem. It's like a disaster zone."

Word on the street is that there may be a City Council meeting to address this issue. More details to come in future days. And thanks to the Gothamist for the picture, which is right on target.

Temperatures should be in the low 80s this weekend, which is good news for those of us without power. Keep cool with these tips, and also perhaps check out Astoria Pool for some cooling down, or even just hanging out in one of the other local parks (Rainey, Socrates, Whitey Ford, Queensbridge, Gantry). You can check out the offerings at the LIC Boathouse, too - being on the water is often a place to stay cool. Friday night is the Chill Paddle and Sunday is the Hallet's Cove Paddle, the details of both can be found here.

Hoping that the power will be restored BEFORE the weekend arrives. Good luck everyone.

Astorian Weekend Edition 14.07.06

Friday from 7-9:00pm get down with some Jazz & Salsa out at Gantry Plaza State Park. A free concert in the nice outdoors is just what you need to get the weekend started.

On your way home from the salsa going on at Gantry Park, hit the El Rey Del Taco truck and sleep with a happy full belly! I will never NOT try Mexican.
I have been seeing this truck on 30th Ave. & 33rd St. at night on my way home. Like the good foodie that i am i did what had to be done... ordered up some dinner for myself and the lucky man at home! I had a torta al pastor (spicy pork) and he had a burrito de carne assada (grilled beef). The burrito was very nice but the torta because of the delicious pork rocked my world! They've got a small menu of dinners but about a dozen fillling options, so i'm going to assume that most everyone should be able to walk away with something to their liking. They are there most nights from 7 pm to 3 am and sometimes 4 am, awesome late night eats!!! get the el pastor... you heard it here...

Saturday from 11:30pm-1am, stop in at the Irish Rover (28th Ave & 38th St) to meet the lovely Miller Models and get $3 Miller Drafts. I tell ya, there is always something going on at the Rover...and never forget their 2 drinks on you, one drink on us deal!

Sunday come one come all, get your fair fix in! Join in with the Friends of Community Board 1 and shop and eat on 30th Avenue between 29th & 42nd Streets.

Pass by the Quinn Building on Saturdays from noon to 4pm, there is a fun display of images of "pleasure" over 50 years old. Laughter, Lager and Leisure

Since its summer and the kids are all home from school, they've got activities going on at Athens Square Park (30th Ave. & 29th Street) Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM. This week (July 18) the fun is all in the balloons with Allynn Gooen-Goowin's Balloowins.

Its a few days away but start your engine and get your blankets ready for movie night at Socrates Sculpture Park! This weds the 19th i'll be there to watch the Motorcycle Diaries. They have food available usually in the theme of the movie, so lets hope for some yummy South American cuisine.

And just because... buy some cool summer gear and work the "Astoria" chic, from The Greater Astoria Historical Society.

My Ironic Post Office Experience

I posted this over on my blog, but thought it was worthy for this blog as well, it being an Astoria experience:

Today I had to send a pile of documents to [un-named government department], and that involved standing in the l-o-o-o-n-g line at the Post Office ("Woolsey Station"). My mind was more on going over my documents rather than being annoyed by the line (well, I was a baby bit annoyed - it's the Post Office!). However, one cranky lady was NOT happy with the way the line was moving, and took it upon herself to let us all know, by screaming "OPEN ANOTHER WINDOW!!!" A little bit of time went on, and she repeated her screeching, "OPEN ANOTHER WINDOW!!!" Shortly after that, they opened another window! Surprise. She was the next person in line and when the bell went "ding" to notify the new open window she walked over and immediately said "This is terrible! All these people in line...!"

And then proceeded to ask, sweetly, "Do you have the LOVE stamps?"

Gave me a good chuckle.

Another try

Here we go again.....
Well this was a restaurant/cafe for about a minute in its last incarnation, 1 guess as to what it will turn out to be this time? I think it was called Dacine before or something like that, and it was actually very cute. Not too sure if this corner cuts the mustard though (30th Ave & 34th St). Guess we'll just have to wait and see....how fun... This is not helping the girls over at Alpha Astoria at all, add another one to your list girls!

Astoria Weekend Edition 07.06.06

Well, in my mind, the big event this weekend is the Final Match of FIFA World Cup Soccer! It's Italy vs. France, and I'm sure with Astoria's substantial Italian community, there will be loads of people rooting for the Italian team. One of the best, albeit super crowded, places will be the Beer Garden, what with their 3 TVs in the Garden and 2 TVs inside, not to mention the great beer and tasty food. The game itself starts Sunday at 2pm, so get there early; I'm guessing the lines will be madness trying to get in. Other places I've heard that are showing the game: Sparrow, across from the Beer Garden on 24th Ave; the Irish Rover on 28th Avenue near 38th Street; and McCanns Pub on Ditmars and 37th Street. No matter who you're rooting for, though, enjoy!

Elsewhere around town on Sunday is an Alexander Technique class at The Yoga Room. It's from 3:30-5:30pm and costs $35. Alexander Technique is wonderful bodywork that really helps you become aware of how you carry your body. Musicians often use AT as therapy for bad posture and for re-aligning parts of the body. It's wonderful stuff. While you're there, take advantage of signing up for their current special, 3 classes in 3 weeks for $25! Quite a deal, I must say.

If you want to make a difference in your community, hop on over to Queensbridge Park this Saturday from 9am-2pm. Hosted by Friends of Queensbridge Park Committee, help spruce up the park with a fresh coat of paint. The park is at 41st Street and Vernon. All are welcome!

More fun, here.

Astoria Weekend Edition 30.06.06

Well, as of today, the weekend looks warm! A little rainy on Sunday but warm (and probably humid) nonetheless. I encourage you to get out and about when the thunderstorms aren't knocking at our door. As far as being outside, what really excites me these days is the fact that the public pools are open. And that means the pool in Astoria Park is open! It's an amazing pool, super huge and able to accommodate big crowds. Pool hours are 11am-7pm normally, but you can call Astoria Pool at 718-699-4219 for more info.

When it is rainy, though, head to the Museum of the Moving Image for their always interesting and engaging offerings. Of note is the screening of The Forsaken Land by Sri Lankan director Vimukthi Jayasundara. This film was the Camera d'Or winner at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and has gotten a lot of writeup elsewhere (NYT review here). It's playing throughout the weekend. The weekend also brings us Stanley Kubrik's A Clockwork Orange, an American cinematic classic (though a bit disturbing - and some think, satirical!).

Also, this weekend there is some hot paddling action at the LIC Boathouse! Tonight, consider their Friday Night Chill Paddle, a relaxed skyline tour. Meet at 6:30pm at the Boathouse, launch at 7pm and return by 9pm. Sounds like a great way to see the night skyline and enjoy our local East River waterway. And on Sunday, join the Boathouse for the Hallets Cove Paddle! From 1-5pm, come to Hallets Cove (at the end of 31st Avenue) for free walk-up canoe and kayak trips in protected waters in exchange for some volunteer clean up work. Contact erik at licboathouse dot org if you plan on attending either events. Also, you can call 718-228-9214 for the latest LIC Community Boathouse trip status and for updates on scheduled events, especially weather cancellations.

Other miscellaneous things going on: Friday night, head over to Waltz to hear apparently erstwhile-proggy Aion (acoustic guitar, voice, bass, and percussion). No cover, $5 drink minimum. The Greater Astoria Historical Society has a current exhibit, Laughter, Lager, and Leisure: Long Island City at Play. It's a collection of more than thirty rare images that trace Long Island City’s pursuit of pleasure fifty+ years ago. It's accessible on Saturday from 1-4pm. Saturday also brings us the first "Warm Up" at PS1, the incredibly fun Saturday afternoon dance parties in the museum's courtyard. The Irish Rover (37-18 28th Street) is again having its Pub Quiz Night at 7pm Sunday night. And I'll also be at Freeze Peach Cafe on Sunday from 4-8pm preparing coffee and tea and snacks. Come by and say hi!

More fun, here.

Two words...

THE BOMB!
Thats really all i can say about this sammich, it rocked my world...
These guys never cease to amaze me, tonight we do the Italian thingie, wish me luck!
Keep up the yums boys!!!!
Sal, Chris & Charlie Deli
33-12 23rd Ave. near the overpass
(718) 278-9240)
And if you're thinking i'm overdoing the sandwich posts then you must have never had one of these bad boys, they just compel you to shout out their greatness to the world.

Fast Facts

• As of June 29th (yesterday) there will be fireworks & music @ Astoria Park. Catch the pretties for the next 5 thurs nights! (don't mistaken these for the "illegal" ones going off randomly throughout the city...hold off on the 311 calls!)

• Tues August 1, National Night Out Against Crime in Astoria Park from 5-8pm. Here's a taste of last years event.

• Every Wednesday night from 7-10:30pm (started June 21st) until Aug. 30th enjoy some live music with Italian Nights 2006 @ Athens Square Park (30th & 30th). Different performers every week, just bring a chair and enjoy! Next weds the 5th is Dino Rossi-"the Voice of Naples" a rich tenor voice singin Italian favorite classics.

• Show your support for our vets at the 5th Annual (and last) Veteran's Memorial Ceremony. On July 1st @10am at Shore Blvd. & Astoria Park, they will be selling "memorial medallions" ($10) that were made expressly for the event to raise money to maintain the monument.

Ditmars street fair this past weekend

Fried goodies
Originally uploaded by flooznyc.

You can see by the makeshift sign that Oreos are all the rage in fried food! I had to gt my zeppole on and couldn't bring myself to trying the Oreos...maybe next time?