The Real Housewives of NYC visit LIC

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Images by www.bravotv.com and www.nytimes.com

The reality TV junkie in me--not a brag-worthy quality, mind you--had to keep you informed about this.

This week's episode of Bravo's the Real Housewives of NYC showed two of the characters, Kelly Bensimon and Ramona Singer outside of their usual Hamptons and Manhattan hangouts. Instead, we saw the two socialites visiting a very cool venue in our neck of the woods - Long Island City!

I couldn't believe it and paid extra attention, as the Housewives took a private tour of the Richard Meier studio in Long Island City, viewing the acclaimed architect's well known models. Some of these included a gargantuan structure of his most famous work, LA's J. Paul Getty Museum along with other projects such as his farmhouse in the Hamptons as well as structures that were never built, like "Memorial Square" at Ground Zero. Overall, pretty interesting stuff.

Richard Meier's studio can be viewed by appointment only. If you're interested in seeing it, call 212.967.6060

Save Two Coves Garden!!

While at the Queens Holistic Moms meeting last night (which was pretty awesome), I learned that Two Coves Garden is in danger of losing the community garden! I think this would suck pretty badly, as the garden is a very important aspect of the community. Here is the notice of this sad situation:

One of the largest and most popular community gardens in New York City is threatened by the Parks Department and Goodwill Industries' decision to impose a decade-old design for a park on 75% of the garden's space.

Over the past two years, a vibrant grassroots community organization turned a neglected lot into the urban oasis that is today Two Coves Community Garden. This diverse community of more than 200 active urban gardeners, participants in a 1,300 sq ft community plot (including local school participation), and even more visitors and supporters actively care for and maintain the site as volunteers under a city license. Now this unique and beneficial addition to Astoria could be lost forever. The waterfront neighborhood surrounding the garden is blessed with seven parks and recreational areas already. Two Coves Community Garden is the only connection to the dynamic urban agriculture movement praise by First Lady Michelle Obama, Cornell University and - ironically - the Parks Department itself!

I do love this garden, as I worked on beautifying the space early on and am happy to see how it's evolved.

One thing you can do to help is attend the Community Board 1 meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Let the Board know you support this amazing urban garden!

Details:
Community Board 1 Meeting
Tuesday, March 17th
7:00 pm
Astoria World Manor
2522 Astoria Blvd

Anyone who attends can sign up to speak for 2-minutes during the public comment segment, in support of the garden.

Hope to see you there!

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.03.09

Party into the weekend on Thursday at the LIC Community Boathouse 2009 Fundraiser Party , from 6 - 9pm at The Foundry (42-38 Ninth St, LIC)

Also on Thursday, Waltz Astoria, hosts an evening of live chamber music with artists from the Manhattan School of Music's Contemporary Performance Program. For the $10 cover, you'll get
a drink so it's kinda worth it, I think! You've got to rsvp, so email saltshuler@msmnyc.edu or call 917-493-4595.

Friday, Drink Liberally at the Beer Garden with a special guest from the Empire State Pride Agenda. Drink for the greater good is what I say.

We told you there was a new CSA in town: well, Saturday you get a chance to look a little closer. Meet the farmer that will be supporting the Harvest CSA from 11am - 2pm at Church of the Redeemer on 30th Ave and Crescent St.

Club One (25-22 34th Ave) is getting its craic on on this Saturday night and starting the St. Paddy's Day celebrating early. Go green with Louie the Leprechaun and compete for cash prizes! You'll get DJs galore and drink specials until midnight.

Sunday at the Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) there's a Seeds of Love Sale. Shop for a good cause then get your keilbasa on from 1 to 6 p.m. Bargains -- I tell you -- make your $5 go far.

Re-Report: Armory Arts Night in Queens

Head on over to LIC blog LiQcity to read their nice write up on the recent Armory Arts night in Queens. Their conclusion: LIC still has a thriving art scene. Looks like some interesting stuff was going on out there last Friday.

Armory Arts night in Queens reveals Long Island City’s thriving art scene [LiQcity]

Image: (c) liqcity

Reminder: Queens Holistic Moms Meeting Tonight!

Just reminding you about the Queens Holistic Moms meeting tonight. Here is an excerpt from our previous post:

We are holding our Kick-Off Meeting on Wednesday, March 11th from 6:30-8:00pm at ARROW Community Center in Long Island City, Queens (35th Street between 35th and 36th Aves). Will you join me for this special event? It will be a lot of fun, we'll meet other moms interested in a holistic lifestyle in our area, and there will also be a raffle and a goodie-bag with coupons and free holistic products. You can bring anyone you think would be interested in the group with you. The HMN welcomes all parents and is child-friendly, of course!

Please know that even if you are not a mom, you should feel free to attend. All parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, caretakers, and those simply interested in advocating a holistic lifestyle for themselves and their loved ones are welcome!

Flux Factory Returns to LIC

We've blogged about them before... they lost their space in LIC, had to leave, but now they're back!

After our recent eviction in October, Flux Factory is setting up house (again) in our beloved Long Island City, Queens!

We’re excited to report that we’ll be occupying an 8000 square foot, 3 story building just two blocks north of Queens Plaza at 39-31 29th street. We’re working with the wonderful HWKN design team to create a multi-purpose arts center with galleries, studios, and production facilities.

The new Flux Factory will still be devoted to producing collaborative projects and providing affordable work residencies for artists. We have wonderful projects coming up in 2009, including our famous bus tours and a grand science fair!

And, of course, we will hold an inaugural show once we’re done with our renovations. Please check our website for details on how to apply for exhibitions or residencies.

They always did interesting stuff, so I'm glad they're back.

Drinking Liberally - What's This All About?

Here and there, we've posted about Drinking Liberally. What is it? Well, here's the latest announcement:

Hello Lovely Liberals!

Please join us this Friday at Queens Drinking Liberally, March 13th from 7:45 pm onwards, at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria, with myself (Stephanie) and Donald Graff as your hosts.

We will likely be meeting at tables in the dining area in the basement, but if the weather is nice, we may be outside.

This week we will have a special guest joining us: Matthew Brunner NYC Program Organizer for the Empire State Pride Agenda, NY's largest gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender advocacy group. This organization does community organizing and outreach surrounding the Marriage Equality Bill, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, and the Dignity For All Students Act. So come meet Matthew, have a pint, get involved.

The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is at 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY. It is closest to the N/W train stop at Astoria Blvd (1 stop before the last). The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is the only old-fashioned outdoor beer garden in the city.

Don't Forget the Paddle Party

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Images by www.licboathouse.org and www.thefoundry.info

As Meg mentioned a few weeks ago, the LIC Community Boathouse will be throwing a paddle party this Thursday from 6pm - 9pm at the chic venue, The Foundry. The event will celebrate the renewal of our harbor and estuary as well as honor Dorothy Lewandowski, a key player in the preservation of parks and recreation, and the Newton Creek Alliance for their success in rescuing and reviving this waterway.

The party promises much fun - including raffles, dancing, and scrumptious food courtesy of Tuk Tuk, Manducatis Rustica and Sage American Kitchen.

Tickets are still available online and range from basic ($20) to generous ($100). But remember that all proceeds, go to the LIC Community Boathouse, an all volunteer organization that provides free access to our harbor and estuary for recreation and education.

LIC Community Boathouse 2009 Fundraiser Party
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
6pm - 9pm
The Foundry - 42-38 Ninth Street, Long Island City NY 11101
718.228.9214
www.licboathouse.org

Seeds of Love Fundraiser

While taking a leisurely walk to the park this morning, I saw a sign up at the Beer Garden announcing the next upcoming event by Seeds of Love. Seeds of Love, in case you are not familiar with them:

"Seeds of Love is a small, but growing, group of family and friends who volunteer their time to make the world a better place... Since sprouting in June 2007, Seeds of Love has not stopped planting seeds! They have been collecting donated goods and turning overstock items into cash donations. They plan on continuing to plant seeds of love and hope, wherever they can, one seed at a time."

Their upcoming sale event is on March 15. They've been collecting donated goods and overstock items, and will sell brand new, brand name clothing for $5 an item. All proceeds from these sales are turned into cash donations. Details:

Seeds of Love Sale
Sunday, March 15
1-6 pm.
Bohemian Hall Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave)

New French Bistro in Town - Les Minots

I've become aware of the presence of a new French bistro in town - Les Minots on 30th Ave and 47th Street. Perusing the website, it certainly looks promising, with prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, as well as a la carte and brunch menus. I'm particularly intrigued by brunch (it's one of my favorite meals). They also deliver. Events are in the works, including what sounds like a fun Sunday evening - a $19.95 prix fixe dinner and a movie. I hope to check it out soon and will report back when I do.

Bistro Les Minots
47-16 30th Avenue
Astoria
718 606 2535
Info.bistrolesminots@gmail.com

Upcoming TA Queens Committee Meeting

I wanted to remind you that the Transportation Alternatives Queens Committee is meeting on Monday. I've been to their meetings and it's a very enthusiastic, dedicated, and friendly group. You don't have to be a bicyclist to be part of things - fans of all kinds of alternative forms of transportation are welcome! Here's the skinny:

Transportation Alternatives Queens Committee Meeting

Help plan TA’s Queens agenda for the coming months and make a difference in how people get around the city.

Monday, March 9th
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Greater Astoria Historical Society
4th floor of the Quinn Building
35-20 Broadway, Astoria (map)

Il Bambino Scores Again

Just a quick note - tonight I had dinner at Il Bambino and it was fabulous. Their soups are always amazing and tonight was no different - tonight's was potato and spinach and it was wonderful, with complex flavors (I love how they serve it with a crostini slathered with pesto). The baby green beans with croutons, parmesan, and truffle vinaigrette was delectable and remains one of my favorite Bambino menu offerings of all time. Tonight they were offering a crostini with truffle butter and parmesan (it was truffle night for me!), which was out of this world. Also had the goat cheese with fig spread crostini. Finished off the meal with their chocolate truffle cake - this thing is a chocoholic's dream and it can be easily shared by 2-3 people. Cappucino was excellent, and nicely bitter enough to offset the richness of the truffle cake.

I tasted one of their white wines, the Sauvingnon Blanc from New Zealand, which was like a party in my mouth. So tasty. The red we had was a Spanish Grenache and Tempranillo mix and was nice and fruity.

I liked seeing the dining room almost to capacity. This place continues to produce great meals with top notch ingredients. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Still highly recommended (I consider them to be in my top five favorite restaurants in Astoria).

Il Bambino
34-08 31st Ave
Astoria
(718) 626-0087

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

Suzy Sellout - A Hip Band Worth Checking Out

On Monday night, I went to see cool band, Suzy Sellout at Blackbird's. I've heard about them from lead singer, Kathrine, who also happens to work with me at my day job. Small world. I didn't know what to expect and went out of curiosity for both the band and for Blackbird's. While I was pleasantly surprised by Suzy Sellout, Blackbird's was a disappointment. But...about the band...

They have a great energy that's vibrant and uplifting for the soul. Kathrine's presence is lovely and she holds her audience well with strong lyrics and hokey in-between-song banter. I'd compare Suzy's music to a non-miserable Tori Amos. In addition to the fast and happy tunes, they played some slower, melancholy sounds but even those were pleasant to listen to and had a good "stickiness" factor. As in, you wanted to hear them again. Overall, a worthwhile time and I'd suggest checking them out.

Here's when and where you can find them next:

Sunday, March 15th at 9:30pm - The Duplex Cabaret
61 Christopher Street, NYC

Enjoy! I think they'll be back in Astoria next month so I'll keep you in the know if you'd like to see them at Blackbird's.

Astorian Weekend Edition 05.03.09

The Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) continues its Thursday night jazz performances. Music starts at 6 p.m., most likely downstairs in the restaurant (once it warms up, it'll no doubt be outside in the garden). Come by and enjoy some music with a stein of beer and some kielbasa.

If you've got some time on Friday afternoon, Rejuvenate Spa (26–17 23rd Ave) has something for you. They offer a 30 minute lunch massage special on Fridays (and Mondays) from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. Choose Swedish massage or reflexology for only $40. Rejuvenate sets itself apart from other spas by using only organic products and a holistic approach to skin and body care. They can be contacted at 718-626-4434.

On Friday night at 8:30 p.m., the American Bolero Dance Company presents Tablao Flamenco in Astoria. They'll present a variety of Spanish dance styles, with emphasis in Andalusian Flamenco and Spanish classical dances, performed by various local and international artists. Dancing takes place at the Auditorium Centro Espanol (41-01 Broadway, 2nd Floor). Adults $20; Children under twelve $15; call (718) 392-8888 or (917) 288-7996 for tickets.

On Saturday, Hellgate Social showcases DJ Belladonna starting at 10 p.m, spinning a whole host of musical styles. Astoria-based rapper HOPS comes on at 11 p.m. Stop by for some hot beats and cool Hell Gate Lemonade. 12-21 Astoria Blvd.

Sunday brings us Time Out for Hunger, a fundraiser for the Food Bank for New York City. Three Astoria restaurants are participating: 718 (35-01 Ditmars Blvd), Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave), and Bistro 33 (19-33 Ditmars Blvd). Eat at any of these places on Sunday and they will donate 10% of the profits to the Food Bank. A worthy cause, for sure.

Lastly, head over to Rosario's (22-55 31st St) for some great fresh mozzarella (see picture above). I had some the other day and it was delicious. They make it fresh there every day (except Sunday when they're closed). Super yum!

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

March Queens Green Drinks

Last night at the Astoria Park Alliance meeting, I learned that this month's Queens Green Drinks will be hosted by the the Astoria CSA at Himalayan Tea House in Astoria! Now, I've been curious about the Tea House, and I love the Astoria CSA, not to mention that Green Drinks is cool, so it sounds like a perfect combination.

Logistical details:
March Queens Green Drinks
Wednesday, March 18
6:30pm - 9:00pm
at Himalayan Tea House in Astoria
33-17 31st Avenue @ 34th St

The Astoria CSA has been around since summer of 2007 and is a great resource for affordable, local, organic produce in the neighborhood. They offer members everything from basic vegetable and fruit shares to local wine, beer, meats, cheeses, bread, tomatoes and even cranberries. Check them out later this month.

Curious about what this whole Green Drinks thing is? Their mission:

"Queens Green Drinks is 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."

Hope to see you there!

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

Mimi's Closet Closing

Word on the street is that the charming Astoria clothing boutique Mimi's Closet is closing. Mimi is apparently moving her store back to Tokyo. I'm sorry to see her go, but with the crap economy that is our reality right now, it doesn't surprise me. I wish her lots of luck and good fortune in her new venture in Japan!

And BING-O was his name-o

BINGO. You probably thought that only people of a certain age play the game. Today, I just learned that BINGO has taken on a new kind of scene:

Blackbird's Bar.

Yes, it's the same bar that is home to burgers, grilled cheese, and beer. Every Tuesday your host, Tom, presides there over a night of BINGO! Fun starts sometime between 8 and 8:30 p.m. Winners each receive a Blackbird's T-Shirt and complimentary shots.

If you go, let us know how you liked it!

Astoria CSA 2009 Season Registration Event

Astoria is a CSA town, it seems - there are three of them in town! Astoria CSA, which serves southeastern Astoria, is having their registration event on March 12. Here are the details below:

JOIN US!

Thursday, March 12, 2009, 6:00-7:30 PM for our Member Registration Event & Farmer Q&A

This event provides:

• New Members an opportunity to ask questions to members and our farmers
• Registration opens to new members
• Find a share partner (for new and returning members)
• More information about Extended Payment and Low-Income Share Options

The event will be held at ARROW Community Center (35th Street b/w 35th & 36th Avenues).

Astoria Park Alliance Meeting This Week!

Astoria Park Alliance meeting is this week! Here's the announcement:

Just a quick reminder that the Astoria Park Alliance will meet this Tuesday at the Steinway Reform Church at 41st Street and Ditmars Boulevard at 6:30 p.m.
We'll discuss the Shore Boulevard Temporary Pedestrian Streets, Queens Drinks and Earth Day events in April, and more. Bring your announcements and ideas! Looking forward to seeing you all!

Long Island City Community Boathouse Party!

This came through in my email, so I'm passing on the details. It sounds like a very worthy cause, and lots of fun, to boot!

The Long Island City Community Boathouse requests the pleasure of your company at our winter 2009 fundraiser party. We're working hard to create an extraordinary event that will put winter behind us, herald the coming of spring and celebrate the (almost) first anniversary of the New York City Water Trail.

A wide variety of food, beverages, entertainment, prizes and surprises will complement the good company of friends and guests of honor from around our harbor. It's a "come as you are" casual event in a unique and intimate venue.

When paddling season arrives, LICCB will open our new location on Anable Basin. Suggested donations, sponsorships and proceeds from raffle and silent auction will fund the launch site improvements needed to be ready for opening day.

Please plan to be part of this enjoyable and memorable event and support the good work of the all volunteer, not for profit Long Island City Community Boathouse.

Even if you cannot attend the event, there are options to "sponsor but won't attend" on the "buy tickets" page.

Thursday, March 12
6 - 9 p.m.
The Foundry
42-38 Ninth Street (half a block south of the Queensboro Bridge in LIC.)
Tickets are available online.