Loveday 31 - Summer Fun Sale

Image by www.loveday31.com

Checking out Il Bambino's outdoor patio this weekend? A fun activity before--or after--your scrumptious panino could include visiting Loveday 31 for their newly-discounted vintage goodies. What's the occasion? To celebrate summer of course! Below are the details for this weekend's Loveday 31 "Summer Fun" sale. Enjoy!

Loveday 31 Summer Fun Sale:
Saturday, July 18th and Sunday, July 19th
Entire inventory is 20% off - vintage dresses, handbags (including vintage Coach), jewelry made my local designers and more.
Sidewalk sale - $5 - $20 items

Loveday 31 - 33-06 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.728.4057
N/W Train to 31st Avenue
www.loveday31.com

Jumping Bulldog Anniversary Party

Image by jumpingbulldog.com

It feels like only yesterday when The Jumping Bulldog, pet shop opened up in Astoria but believe it or not, it's been a full year. Tanja Firrigno, Bulldog's proud founder and owner will be celebrating the shop's first birthday next Wednesday, July 22nd. The party will take place at Bulldog's second location--how exciting--where they'll soon be offering up doggie daycare.

I personally visit the shop regularly and love the friendly vibe and warmth that emanates from its every crevice. I attribute Bulldog's success to Tanja's dedication to the animals, which she helps to feed and clothe, as well as always lending a helping hand--and ear--to their beloved owners.

Jumping Bulldog 1st Year Anniversary Party:

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
26-11 23rd Avenue (between 26th and 27th Street)
917.576.7380
RSVP by Monday, July 20th to info@jumpingbulldog.com

Food and summer drinks will be served.

Astorian Weekend Edition, 16.07.09

Looks like another nice weekend in Astoria. Thursday evening brings plenty of fun things to do in town, from a free wine tasting, to a celebration of pampering, to Green Drinks in LIC, to an evening of style shopping. It's my birthday that day, so I'll be celebrating as well.

This weekend head over to the Sculpture Center (44-19 Purves Street) on Saturday to get your fill of social, cultural, and artistic discussion. Remember that nearby you'll find Dutch Kills Bar (27-24 Jackson Avenue), so head over there to continue the discussion over a cocktail.

And don't forget Astoria's own Musical Saw Festival on the 18th at Trinity Church (31-18 37th Street)

Summer weekends are all about relaxing, so LIC's newly expanded Gantry State Park (behind 47-20 Center Blvd) could be perfect on Sunday for a relaxing afternoon of lazing around. A swim could be fun, too. Or spend the time over on 30th Ave at Ovelia (34-01 30th Ave) sitting outside with a frappe and friends. Il Bambino's new outdoor patio (34-08 31st Ave) is newly open, too.

Enjoy your weekend, whatever you do!

Queens Green Drinks on Thursday

Queens Green Drinks comes to LIC this Thursday! Green Shores will be co-hosting this month’s get together with the Long Island City Community Boathouse. Find the fun outside the Deitch Gallery, (4-40 44th Drive at the East River, across from the Water’s Edge Restaurant.) 6:30-9:00 p.m.

For more information, queensgreendrinks@gmail.com. They're also on Facebook!

Rejuvenate's Birthday Party on Thursday

Local spa Rejuvenate is celebrating their 5th anniversary! Details:

Rejuvenate Face & Body is turning FIVE! Come join us for our FIVE year anniversary and the launch of our brand new website.

Thursday July 16, 2009
7-10 p.m.

The first 30 people to RSVP will receive a goodie bag loaded with products including:

• Trial size Marinanella soap
• Pocket-sized Bluewick soy candle
• Sample-sized Pangea mask or moisturizer

We will have a raffle for a free facial, a free massage and a free waxing.

This will be a night of information, food, drink and fun! Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer all of your skin and body care questions.

Rejuvenate Face & Body
26-17 23rd Avenue
Astoria
718-626-4434
info@rejuvenatenyc.com

Big Bambino News

Just heard from Darren at Il Bambino, and he tells us that their outdoor patio will be open as of Thursday, July 16! They've also got a bunch of new items on the menu, too, and you better believe they'll be fabulous. I'll be checking it out very soon. You should, too.

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

Photo credit: (cc) Meg Cotner

SITE this Thursday

SITE *hearts* you! :)

Join them for a special night of shopping to thank you, their customers. Take 10% off anything in stock, 20% off purchases of $75 or more.

There will be wine and snacks, too. Maybe cupcakes?

Thursday, July 16, 6-9 p.m.
35-11 34th Avenue
Astoria

AAaA (Astoria Artists are Awesome) this Wednesday

Esther Palmer from AAaA sent me this note:

Astorians,

The days are sunny and the evenings ripe for chillin' with friends. Join in the conversation and cheer at Sunswick this Wednesday starting at 8pm. The fabulous trivia game starts at 9pm, so join us by them to contribute to the team! Or come whenever to just share your stories of works in progress, shows, gigs, and whatnot.

Sunswick
Wednesday, July 15 @ or after 8pm
on the corner of 35th Ave and 35th St
22 rotating taps --I think there's a yummy selection of wheat beers up right now...

Looking forward to seeing you all!
Esther + AAaA

Free Wine Tasting This Thursday at DiWine

Last night Meg, Martha and I went to check out DiWine, which was pretty fun. The atmosphere is chic yet not pretentious and I'd definitely go back for a refreshing glass of vino. I'd say that their drinks are the thing to come for, but don't hesitate to try a yummy brick-oven pizza such as the one we had last night (pictured above). The Gigi, DiWine's most popular pizza offering consisted of smoky flavors from the cured beef, capers, mushrooms and fresh buffalo mozzarella. It was simply "divine" and we loved the brick-oven essence that emanated from the crust.

In terms of the wine, this Thursday presents a perfect opportunity to try it. Below are the details about DiWine's tasting--feel free to check it out and let us know your thoughts.

Free Wine Tasting at DiWine
Thursday, July 16th at 8:00 p.m.
Taste four wines and various pairings of cheeses

DiWine- 41-15 31st Avenue, Astoria NY 11103
718.777.1355
R/V/G Train to Steinway Street
www.diwineonline.com

This Weekend at the Sculpture Center

A heady and fascinating presentation. From the website:

Saturday, July 18, 2009, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The University of Trash presents:
Architectures of Crisis/ Architectures of Resistance

Architectures of Crisis/ Architectures of Resistance highlights the role of built space past and present in organizing radical movements and documenting shifting economic, social, and political climates.

Schedule:

2:00 PM
MLAB as Social, Cultural, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Marion Wilson devised an interdisciplinary curriculum at Syracuse University called "Social Sculpture" for artists to offer spatial solutions to social and cultural concerns. Wilson started MLAB, a non-hierarchical collaborative design team, as a result of her belief in the revitalization of urban spaces through the arts. Original team members will present a powerpoint of their first project, mobile literacy arts bus -a 1984 RV renovated into a traveling classroom, gallery and library to address the crisis of space and resources in the Syracuse City School District.

MLAB (the vehicle) will be on-site at SculptureCenter and open to the public with activities and demonstrations from 11-6pm.

3:30 PM
The Center for Urban Pedagogy will present Nehemiah! A Case Study of Radical Pragmatism, a slideshow and discussion about a visionary project made real.

Nehemiah! A Case Study in Radical Pragmatism is the story of how religious leaders, Alinskyites, and architects worked with the City bureaucracy to build 3,000 single-family homes for low to moderate-income buyers -- and build community in Brooklyn's poorest neighborhoods.

Center for Urban Pedagogy is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization that uses the power of art and visual culture to increase the quality of public participation in urban planning and community design. CUP specializes in creating interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together designers, educators, advocates, and community residents to improve urban life in New York City and beyond.

5:00 PM
Teddy Cruz and CUP's founder Damon Rich will discuss the economic crisis in relation to Rich's current exhibition Red Lines Housing Crisis Learning Center at the Queens Museum, and Cruz's ongoing work with the trans-border urbanisms at the US and Mexico border region.

6:00 PM
Open Discussion

The Sculpture Center
44-19 Purves Street
LIC

Best Kept LIC Secret (Until Now)

Last week I mentioned that an extension of LIC's Gantry State Park has opened. It's not only delightful and relaxing, it's still pretty empty. I'm assuming that not many people have heard about this unique locale, which boasts the best view of Manhattan that I've ever seen as well as cheery hammocks, wooden lounge chairs and plenty of grass. On a sunny day such as this past Saturday, there was lots of room everywhere and many quiet spots to enjoy some peace. I'm including pictures, which will help set the scene. I hope that you check this park out soon--but don't spread the word too much, let's keep this beauty our little secret.

How to get there - 7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
Walk behind 47-20 Center Blvd and enjoy the view!

Greek Gods Get a Shout-Out

Logo by tastingtable.com

Today's Tasting Table e-blast, (amongst many other things) made feel feel proud to be an Astorian. Featuring the top three Greek eateries in the 'hood, the e-blast spotlighted some of our local faves such as Ovelia, Elias Corner and Lefkos Pirgos. While I don't agree that Lefkos is the most fabulous dessert place--preferring Artopolis myself--it was nice to see a variety of modern and traditional Greek establishments get a shout-out.

Read up, enjoy and visit these "Greek Gods," as Tasting Table calls them.

Astorian Weekend Edition 09.07.09

We've finally hit summer! There's nothing better than chillin' at a fabulous outdoor venue in the sun, whether a cafe, a bar, a beer garden or a new park.

Join the Drinking Liberally group this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden for some good-natured fun and potent brew. They’ll meet outside where you can spot them, sporting their black t-shirts with a blue bottle logo. Cheers! 29-19 24^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.274.4925

If you’re in the mood to check out a new beer establishment, visit the Studio Square Beer Garden. They’ve made some changes in the menu, now also serving sushi and festive homemade cupcakes, which are perfect if celebrating a birthday. They even supply candles—how thoughtful! Tip – get their as early as you can, as this place gets packed after 8 p.m. 35-33 36^th Street, Astoria. 718.383.1001

Looking for a delicious summery brunch? I recently tried Vesta’s offering and loved it! Besides the scrumptious whole-wheat French Toast with apricot preserves and the Hangover Pizza, I enjoyed the summery white grapefruit sorbet (pictured above). It’s paired with fresh fruit and is simply to die for. 21-02 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.545.5550

Another great brunch option is Ovelia, featuring tasty Greek omelets and interesting alternatives such as the Tiropita Toast. They were recently the runner up in DCA’s 4^th Annual Sidewalk Café Mix Off with their signature drink, The Sikatini. Made with dried figs and Metaxa, this refreshing concoction should not be missed. 34-01 30^th Avenue, Astoria. 718.721.7217

Gantry State Park in LIC is the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon. In the words of an enthusiastic resident, "it’s simply delightful. They have wooden lounge chairs, hammocks, lots of grass and even a cool concession stand, which will open soon.” Sounds like a winner to me! 474 48^th Avenue, Long Island City. 718.786.6385

Movies in Astoria Park

Finally, we have the 411 on the film series in Astoria Park! They are:

July 13th at 8:30 pm
Twilight

July 20th at 8:30 pm
Surfs Up

July 27th at 8:15 pm
Grease

August 3rd at 8:15 pm
Dark Knight

August 17th at 8:00 pm
Wall E

All films are on Monday nights, Astoria Park lawn on Shore Blvd., between Hell Gate Bridge & the pool.

Great selections. Enjoy!

Drinking Liberally this Friday

Those crazy kids from Drinking Liberally will be gathering together again this Friday, July 10:

Our next Queens Drinking Liberally will be this Friday, July 10th from 7:30 pm onwards, at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria.

We will likely be meeting outside this Friday and I will be wearing a black shirt with the blue and red Drinking Liberally logo on it.

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.

Cheers,

Donald & Stephanie

Free Bike Helmets at Queensbridge Park!

Just read on astorians.com about free bike helmets being offered in LIC this weekend:

DOT Offers Free Bike Helmets at Queensbridge Park, Long Island City - July 11

The Department of Transportation will give away free bike helmets while supplies last on Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Queensbridge Park in Long Island City in partnership with Partnerships for Parks and Bike New York.

You must be present to get a helmet, and you must learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet before you receive it. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under age 18. Adults over age 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver.

Check the events calendar on the DOT Web site for other bike helmet events. Or, you can schedule a fitting for an NYC helmet at one of the DOT's Safety City locations in the five boroughs by calling 311. Safety City locations can be found at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/safety/safecity.shtml.

For additional information, call (212) 839-2200.

7th Annual Musical Saw Festival

Did you know that Astoria hosts a musical saw festival? And that one of the world's foremost musical saw player lives here in town? That would be Natalia 'Saw Lady' Paruz, founder of the festival. I saw her playing in one of the subway stations - no doubt you've seen her, too, at one point.

Here's some info on the festival, coming up on Saturday, July 18:

Join us at the 7th annual Musical Saw Festival in Astoria, where an attempt to break the Guinness World Record of the 'Largest Musical Saw Ensemble' will be conducted. The current record, set in Poland last year, is 27 musical saw players. Will we set a new world record in Astoria on July 18th?

The art form of making music with a carpenter's handsaw has been around for 300 years, but has become almost forgotten since the 1930's. The festival set up to make sure this unique art form does not disappear.

For the past 7 years Astoria became a pilgrimage spot for musical saw players from all over the world. In past years musical saw players from China, Japan, India, Germany, Canada and all over the USA participated. This year we have about 40 sawists coming from Japan, Belgium, Germany, Canada and all over the USA.

When: Saturday, July 18th, 2pm
Where: Trinity Church, 31-18 37th Street (37th street corner of 31st Avenue), Astoria
Admission: $10
Info: www.MusicalSawFestival.org
What: A Guinness World Record attempt for the 'Largest Musical Saw Ensemble'.
Four world premiers of music written especially for the musical saw will be featured, with participation of a string quartet, handbell group and soprano singer. Solos by many musical saw players from around the world and an art exhibit round up the festival. Saw players will also be treated to a workshop.

Astoria Music Now!

Astoria Music & Arts is putting together a great event on July 25 at Astoria Park. Here's a preview of things to come:

Astoria Music Now! is Astoria Music & Arts' 2nd Annual Music & Arts festival, an environmentally friendly day of family fun & education to be held on the Great Lawn at Astoria Park on July 25th, 2009.

Building upon last year's main & side stages, Astoria Music Now! is adding a third stage dedicated to world music, dj's, dance & theater arts. There will also be vendors selling crafts, clothing, art & food at the event. We continue our tradition of live music that spans various diverse cultures from the community.

Visitors will watch visual artists create works live, enjoy the sights and sounds of our culturally vibrant neighborhood and participate in this celebration of arts & music! We are still seeking volunteers, vendors, and visual artists. Activity are set to begin at 12 noon.

We are very proud to announce the 2009 gala line-up for the first two stages of our forth coming AMN! Fest.

There is a heavy neighborhood presence with these bands so mark your calenders for the largest FREE Astoria music event of the year!

More details on Facebook.

Hell Gate Stage (main stage 45min sets)

Panonian Wave
Seize Them!
Mainline Gypsy
Hank & Cupcakes
Missing Teens
Stone Robot
The Botz (featuring Bayard Russell)

Shore Stage (Quays Stage)

Gutter & Spine
Little Creatures
Dirty Wings
Illimanjaro
Bliminal
Bob Muir & The Enemy Below
Hops
Digamy
Jesse Pagano Band
Matthew Snow & The Way It Was


3rd (Theater Arts) Triboro Stage and 4th Solo Acoustic TBA

Where and When details:
Saturday, July 25, 2009
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Astoria Park Great Lawn & surrounding park areas
Astoria Park South, 21 Street, Hoyt Avenue, Ditmars Boulevard, East River
Astoria, NY

Post 4th of July Cleanup of Astoria Park

Please join members of the Astoria Park Alliance for a post 4th of July cleanup of Astoria Park!

Cleanup begins at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday the 5th. Meet at the top of the big lawn. Wear good shoes, work gloves and bring strong trash bags with you if possible. There will be some bags and gloves provided, but they could be in short supply.

See you there!

Astorian Weekend Edition 02.07.09

Summer is always a great time in Astoria. You can go for a swim, do some yoga, or just sit in a cafe drinking a cold frappe in one of the Greek cafes on 30th Ave. Or grab a beer with some friends.

For something completely different, head over to Two Coves Community Garden for their open gardening session. From 11-2 every Saturday (location), people in the community are welcome to come by and get their hands dirty by sprucing up the community plot. Hellgate Social (12-21 Astoria Blvd) is just down the way from the garden and that same day at 2 p.m. they are hosting a 4th of July pig roast and clambake. Can I hear a YUM??!?? Oh, and Sunday they're doing BBQ, too! All you can eat, 10 bucks, 4-9 p.m.

If pork and clams aren't your style, hit Bareburger (33-21 31st Avenue) for some (albeit mildly pricey) organic meat and veggie burgers. I hear the chocolate peanut butter shake is teh yumz, and the ostrich burger is a treat.

Of course, it's Independence Day on Saturday, and we hope you have fun plans with family and friends. Show some care if you are in Astoria Park on Saturday, as a merry band of community-minded Astorians are planning on doing a cleanup of the park on Sunday morning. It's totally grody to pick up rotten food, so please dispose of properly!

And if you DO end up inside at some point this weekend, consider RSVPing for one of the Flux Factory's Going Places (Doing Stuff) Part II, "Best Summer Ever" Edition. Email rsvp@fluxfactory.org with your name, phone number, and the tour you are interested in (details, check it out). It sounds like some crazy fun!