Check out my first tomato!
(It's the little thing that looks like a pea in the middle of the picture.)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Splash into The Foundry
OMG, what is that big yellow thing in the sky? The sun? Could it be?
Hello. Have you been to Astoria Beach yet? Well, maybe you're holding out for it to get swanked up a little more (although it is looking its finest in 20 years, so how high are your standards, dude?). Okay, then have you been to The Foundry? No. You haven't. 'Cause its only open for exclusive events. It's a "meticulously restored", industrial uber-hip venue in LIC. Well, you are in luck. We can get a 2fer this Thursday.
The Long Island City Community Boathouse invites you to Splash - its annual par-tay! Splash will help the Boathouse raise money to clean up our beach and waterways and create public access to both.
They'll have lots of snacky-treats, wine, music and other fun times. There's a suggested donation of $20 (it *is* a fundraiser, but a pretty cheap one at that). If you think you'll go, drop my pal Erik Baard at the Boathouse an email, just so he's got a heads up.
See you there!
- Joey
Hello. Have you been to Astoria Beach yet? Well, maybe you're holding out for it to get swanked up a little more (although it is looking its finest in 20 years, so how high are your standards, dude?). Okay, then have you been to The Foundry? No. You haven't. 'Cause its only open for exclusive events. It's a "meticulously restored", industrial uber-hip venue in LIC. Well, you are in luck. We can get a 2fer this Thursday.
The Long Island City Community Boathouse invites you to Splash - its annual par-tay! Splash will help the Boathouse raise money to clean up our beach and waterways and create public access to both.
They'll have lots of snacky-treats, wine, music and other fun times. There's a suggested donation of $20 (it *is* a fundraiser, but a pretty cheap one at that). If you think you'll go, drop my pal Erik Baard at the Boathouse an email, just so he's got a heads up.
See you there!
- Joey
Monday, May 30, 2005
Omonia does the Street Fair
Yeah - I'm not in love with the street fairs. But it was good to see Omonia and Broadway Station get in on the action today on Broadway.
Memorial Day
I bet you can guess that I'm not a big fan of the war in Iraq. Hello. But we all know that a lot of the kids (and moms and dads) fighting it wanted to do something good - for us, their families and themselves. And now it sucks for them.
This Memorial Day help them and their families get through it by keeping in touch. You can donate phone cards to the troops at any US Post Office or online. You don't need to agree with the war to be compassionate towards some of those getting screwed by it.
While you're at it, call your Congressman and tell him/her Bush is stupid.
And you definitely deserve one of those fruit tarts from Martha's if you do.
- Joey
This Memorial Day help them and their families get through it by keeping in touch. You can donate phone cards to the troops at any US Post Office or online. You don't need to agree with the war to be compassionate towards some of those getting screwed by it.
While you're at it, call your Congressman and tell him/her Bush is stupid.
And you definitely deserve one of those fruit tarts from Martha's if you do.
- Joey
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Nasty Nicknames
I have to tell you, I'm probably not going to use the newest nickname for the Astoria - Long Island City: As-lic.
Garden Update
Looks like things are starting to move here in my garden. However, if you happen to be about .5" and nibbling on my red chard, could you knock it off?
Friday, May 27, 2005
About Weekend Edition - 05.05.27
Friends, pals, buddies, readers, and people who I knew in High School who are stalking me without my knowledge,
Hey there, what's up?
Here's the skinny. My Weekend Edition bit has moved to About.com. I'll probably continue to post it here as well, but some of this weekend's edition is *so* five weeks ago. I've got to catch up the About folks. They're a little slow. But soon, all us Astorians will rise up and show Brooklyn that mullets *shouldn't* be back in style. Huh? Who wrote that? I've got *lots* of cool bloggies in the queue, so stay tuned!
And thanks for reading. Both of you!
- Joey
Hey there, what's up?
Here's the skinny. My Weekend Edition bit has moved to About.com. I'll probably continue to post it here as well, but some of this weekend's edition is *so* five weeks ago. I've got to catch up the About folks. They're a little slow. But soon, all us Astorians will rise up and show Brooklyn that mullets *shouldn't* be back in style. Huh? Who wrote that? I've got *lots* of cool bloggies in the queue, so stay tuned!
And thanks for reading. Both of you!
- Joey
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Czech-Slovak Festival
Show your love for the Beer Garden this weekend by taking pride in their heritage. And of course eating their food and drinking their beer. Check out the Czech-Slovak Festival Saturday and Sunday.
Homemade Toys
Dude, I'm not talking about cutting out models from the J.Crew catalog and switching their outfits with the Sears catalog - though that can be hours of fun, trust me. Na-uh Hon, make your own *tinker toys* this weekend at Socrates Sculpture Center! Genius.
May 28 Custom-Made Tinker Toys with Mitch Miller
Use recycled materials to learn the basics of cubism and make customized Tinker Toys to build figures, monsters or castles.
May 28 Custom-Made Tinker Toys with Mitch Miller
Use recycled materials to learn the basics of cubism and make customized Tinker Toys to build figures, monsters or castles.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Blues for Bill At LaGuardia
"I know. You're like "Poetry? Eeow." But how can you not like a guy who said "life is fun when you're good at something good."? Catch Astorian poet Stephen Cramer, and other former students and colleagues of Bill Matthews's reading tonight at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, right in Long Island City. They'll be toasting to Bill.
Here's some more Cramer (& Bill):
Before You
by Stephen Cramer
(For William Matthews, 1942-1997)
How like you, Bill, in the end.
Always the first to explore
whatever hip news chanced
our way-—the Sanskrit root
of chutney, that backup
bassist with all the right
runs. I bet you were always
quick to stake out
a dive, order a drink.
If you were here,
you'’d probably hint
what I'’m trying to say
is a bit too much like wine
made from pictures of grapes.
But that last season
I took before you a project
I'’d started then stalled on
& you said this:
take all your doubts,
draw a circle around them
& give them the finger.
Then you flicked your own finger
from your fist & aimed it
at an imaginary heap
of doubts. So I'’m just going
to say it. We miss you.
We miss the sheer velocity
of your presence.
Bill, you beat us out again.
I just thought for once
you'’d let someone else
get there before you.
See you there!
- Joey
Here's some more Cramer (& Bill):
Before You
by Stephen Cramer
(For William Matthews, 1942-1997)
How like you, Bill, in the end.
Always the first to explore
whatever hip news chanced
our way-—the Sanskrit root
of chutney, that backup
bassist with all the right
runs. I bet you were always
quick to stake out
a dive, order a drink.
If you were here,
you'’d probably hint
what I'’m trying to say
is a bit too much like wine
made from pictures of grapes.
But that last season
I took before you a project
I'’d started then stalled on
& you said this:
take all your doubts,
draw a circle around them
& give them the finger.
Then you flicked your own finger
from your fist & aimed it
at an imaginary heap
of doubts. So I'’m just going
to say it. We miss you.
We miss the sheer velocity
of your presence.
Bill, you beat us out again.
I just thought for once
you'’d let someone else
get there before you.
See you there!
- Joey
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
All-Astorian Birthday Party
I know, I've written about Brick 450,000,003 times, but what can I say? I live in a storage container in their basement. They only let me out to write praiseful copy.
Last night, me and some buddies rocked it out for a birthday party Brick style. With 14 guests, the food was still great, and the wine still tasty + affordable.
During dessert, some interesting and affable gentlemen next door sent the birthday boy a glass of port. Then the house bought the entire party a round! (No, they do not know I do this site).
The waitress was the real pro. I'd kill to have a picture of her wearing one of our party hats!
- Joey
PS. Dude, did you see I'm on About.com? Holy Schmolies!
Last night, me and some buddies rocked it out for a birthday party Brick style. With 14 guests, the food was still great, and the wine still tasty + affordable.
During dessert, some interesting and affable gentlemen next door sent the birthday boy a glass of port. Then the house bought the entire party a round! (No, they do not know I do this site).
The waitress was the real pro. I'd kill to have a picture of her wearing one of our party hats!
- Joey
PS. Dude, did you see I'm on About.com? Holy Schmolies!
Joey's Famous
Joey's trying not to be overly narcissistic here, but Joey in
Monday, May 23, 2005
The Real Astorian Catch
I guess that when a flashy, painfully overpriced, pretentious, and overall crappy restaurant opens up in the neighb, you have to wonder, what is happening to Astoria?
Well, I'm happy to inform you that real Astorian food is still kicking, or in this case, flapping, in full force.
I'd heard rumblings about Elia's Fish Corner now and then, but nobody is *talking* about this place. Not in English anyway. But On Friday night Steve and I had a hankering for some serious seafood.
Elia's Fish Corner has a modest blue awning under the "el" on 24th Avenue. The queue was right up to the door and it was a bit chilly out, but when we came in, people scooted up for us. Wait staff were shuttling between the impressive fish case in front of us and the busy dining rooms ahead. The kitchen is right behind the case for all to bear witness to the expertly simple treatment of the fish. This room is decorated with Wally the talking Walleye and various greco-maritime paraphernalia. The others in line seemed to have little spatial awareness. The host knew everyone there and was busy shaking their hands and asking about their families. He gave us a reassuring nod all the same.
When seated, a lovely young waiter who was busy yet patient, greeted us and asked in perfect English "do you know the menu?". We didn't. He listed off for us exactly what the restaurant had to offer. It was essentially a list of seafoods and some Greek specialties.
We shared the carafe of the house's white wine, which was *very* good given the price. I have little experience with Greek wine and this white tasted almost red in body, yet had a firm white balance and a refreshing quality. It was about four glasses worth for $8. An unbelievable bargain.
The raw clams were perfect raw clams. Not much to be said there. The Greek salad was the best I've ever had. How can a Greek salad be unique you ask? The oil and vinegar were flavorful, the feta cheese, creamy, the vegetables were abundant, and not too much lettuce.
While we enjoyed our food, a couple men sat next to us, joking with each other in Greek. They ordered tons of small plates each looking more fabulous than the next. We were jealous that we'd skipped the sausage and octopus.
The whole black bass ($16) that the waiter recommended we share was as long as the table. We ate if off the bone. It was moist and fresh. The "side" of potatoes was huge - essentially homemade potato chips, but not greasy - a perfect compliment.
Our in-the-know neighbors left behind a few glistening, untouched sausages that couldn't be missed and within a few moments, Yoink! The next table snatched up the plate for themselves. They were hysterical with laughter, the dominant mood of the room.
Fortunately Elia's doesn't serve dessert, because we didn't have room for it.
Don't forget, there is no menu so we had no idea what kind of damage we had done. The bill was $48 - for wine, starters, entree and side for two.
Cheap eats. Classic Queens. Perfect for groups. Worth the wait.
Well, I'm happy to inform you that real Astorian food is still kicking, or in this case, flapping, in full force.
I'd heard rumblings about Elia's Fish Corner now and then, but nobody is *talking* about this place. Not in English anyway. But On Friday night Steve and I had a hankering for some serious seafood.
Elia's Fish Corner has a modest blue awning under the "el" on 24th Avenue. The queue was right up to the door and it was a bit chilly out, but when we came in, people scooted up for us. Wait staff were shuttling between the impressive fish case in front of us and the busy dining rooms ahead. The kitchen is right behind the case for all to bear witness to the expertly simple treatment of the fish. This room is decorated with Wally the talking Walleye and various greco-maritime paraphernalia. The others in line seemed to have little spatial awareness. The host knew everyone there and was busy shaking their hands and asking about their families. He gave us a reassuring nod all the same.
When seated, a lovely young waiter who was busy yet patient, greeted us and asked in perfect English "do you know the menu?". We didn't. He listed off for us exactly what the restaurant had to offer. It was essentially a list of seafoods and some Greek specialties.
We shared the carafe of the house's white wine, which was *very* good given the price. I have little experience with Greek wine and this white tasted almost red in body, yet had a firm white balance and a refreshing quality. It was about four glasses worth for $8. An unbelievable bargain.
The raw clams were perfect raw clams. Not much to be said there. The Greek salad was the best I've ever had. How can a Greek salad be unique you ask? The oil and vinegar were flavorful, the feta cheese, creamy, the vegetables were abundant, and not too much lettuce.
While we enjoyed our food, a couple men sat next to us, joking with each other in Greek. They ordered tons of small plates each looking more fabulous than the next. We were jealous that we'd skipped the sausage and octopus.
The whole black bass ($16) that the waiter recommended we share was as long as the table. We ate if off the bone. It was moist and fresh. The "side" of potatoes was huge - essentially homemade potato chips, but not greasy - a perfect compliment.
Our in-the-know neighbors left behind a few glistening, untouched sausages that couldn't be missed and within a few moments, Yoink! The next table snatched up the plate for themselves. They were hysterical with laughter, the dominant mood of the room.
Fortunately Elia's doesn't serve dessert, because we didn't have room for it.
Don't forget, there is no menu so we had no idea what kind of damage we had done. The bill was $48 - for wine, starters, entree and side for two.
Cheap eats. Classic Queens. Perfect for groups. Worth the wait.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Weekend Edition - 5/20
Oookay. This weekend, the weather might be nice. That means you - who I know didn't bike to work today - need to get off your bum and do some fun stuff.
Tonight, be the first on the block to check out The Sparrow. Tomorrow, get to this crazy puppet show. I have to miss it, so let me know if it's as awesome as it sounds. Tomorrow night eat dinner anywhere in the neighb that's not Baru. Elia's Fish Corner (TBB - To Be Blogged) would be choice. Sunday, go for a walk. Check out my flowers or plant some of your own. Or go for a bike ride (but *not* to work this time). And while you're at it, call your mom. Tell you love her.
Happy Weekend!
- Joey
Tonight, be the first on the block to check out The Sparrow. Tomorrow, get to this crazy puppet show. I have to miss it, so let me know if it's as awesome as it sounds. Tomorrow night eat dinner anywhere in the neighb that's not Baru. Elia's Fish Corner (TBB - To Be Blogged) would be choice. Sunday, go for a walk. Check out my flowers or plant some of your own. Or go for a bike ride (but *not* to work this time). And while you're at it, call your mom. Tell you love her.
Happy Weekend!
- Joey
Puppets: Not Just For Kids Anymore
Check out this swanked up puppet show. This weekend at the La Guardia Performing Arts Center.
News & Notes
No wonder Newtown Creek is so nasty... Read Article
The eleven millionth lux high rise comes to LIC... Read Article
The eleven millionth lux high rise comes to LIC... Read Article
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Bike to Work Day
Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. How's this for water-cooler conversation:
"Hi Mr.Haffenfeffer"
"How's your day going?"
"It's awesome. I biked in today"
"Wow. I just sat on my ass like I do every day."
The New Tupelo
OMG, it's finally happening.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Free Phone Calls?
In case you used all your quarters on laundry...
I'd heard that the phone in front Food World on 36th Av is free, paid for by the ad in front of it. Apparently there's another free phone on
Monday, May 16, 2005
Screw Baru
The reviewer from the Queens Gazette wasn't named in the May 12th review of Baru. I wouldn't want my name to be associated with a decent, let alone glowing, review of this place either.
A sad replacement for the reliable Rainbow Diner, who's menu was famous for "mushron omelets with a side of home
fires", Baru is in Rainbow's old storefront on 30th Avenue.
Hungry for dinner on Sunday night, with a bunch of friends, I walked past Baru and thought we might try it out. There's no menu in the window (unlike every other restaurant in New York City) but we said, "what the heck".
Baru opens up on two sides and is very airy, though smoke from outside patrons tends to waft in. The customers are largely Eurostyle hipsters. It's dark and has unusual light fixtures that would be very attractive if they were not made cheesy by the accompanying, enormous lighting panel behind the bar that changes colors every few seconds - green, purple, red - okay we get it! Most of the tables are low with leather lounge chairs. Comfy, but not for eating - you'll have back spasms after an hour of it. The bathrooms have ridiculous iridescent tiles and floating candles. The silverware was sterling and brought out on very silly silver trays.
We were seated in the most comfortable table in the neighborhood. Nice leather chairs at the perfect height for our big round table, we felt cushy...for the two minutes until we got the menu. Don’t forget, it wasn'€™t posted, so we didn’t know what was coming.
Baru may be the most expensive restaurant in Astoria. Entrees start at $19 and the wine selection is so expensive that we all had soda. I wrote my Master's thesis on wine. This is not a common choice for me.
My discomfort with the menu was softened when bread finally arrived. Two varieties of soft, warm bread with lovely dipping oil. We scarfed it down. It was the best thing we ate all evening. The stuffed clams were tasty yet unimaginative. The salmon and bouillabaisse couldn't be faulted. The chicken would be passable at half the price. The halibut was dryer than the bread. Had it been sitting under a heat lamp? It was accompanied by two lumps of a gooey concoction I assume was supposed to be tarter sauce. The fish was placed on a bed of spinach that was quite good. The side of asparagus was good, too, helped along by generous seasoning.
We would have considered getting dessert if a) we had wanted to eat anything else from this kitchen or b) it wasn't displayed on a tacky dessert cart. I always wonder how those desserts look fresh. Are they giving the display model to you and making a fresh one for the cart?
The bill came to $115 for four without wine or dessert. Our money was clearly going to pay off the decorator's taste in furnishing, not the food. The owners should be ashamed of themselves.
We went home and ate some of our friend'™s birthday tiramisu. Thank God for that. My faith in food was restored, but if you want to have a splurgey meal in Astoria, hit Brick, Sa'€™gapo or Amici Amore. Don'€™t waste your money on Baru.
Thanks (and Happy Birthday!) to MV for ideas and assistance on this posting.
A sad replacement for the reliable Rainbow Diner, who's menu was famous for "mushron omelets with a side of home
fires", Baru is in Rainbow's old storefront on 30th Avenue.
Hungry for dinner on Sunday night, with a bunch of friends, I walked past Baru and thought we might try it out. There's no menu in the window (unlike every other restaurant in New York City) but we said, "what the heck".
Baru opens up on two sides and is very airy, though smoke from outside patrons tends to waft in. The customers are largely Eurostyle hipsters. It's dark and has unusual light fixtures that would be very attractive if they were not made cheesy by the accompanying, enormous lighting panel behind the bar that changes colors every few seconds - green, purple, red - okay we get it! Most of the tables are low with leather lounge chairs. Comfy, but not for eating - you'll have back spasms after an hour of it. The bathrooms have ridiculous iridescent tiles and floating candles. The silverware was sterling and brought out on very silly silver trays.
We were seated in the most comfortable table in the neighborhood. Nice leather chairs at the perfect height for our big round table, we felt cushy...for the two minutes until we got the menu. Don’t forget, it wasn'€™t posted, so we didn’t know what was coming.
Baru may be the most expensive restaurant in Astoria. Entrees start at $19 and the wine selection is so expensive that we all had soda. I wrote my Master's thesis on wine. This is not a common choice for me.
My discomfort with the menu was softened when bread finally arrived. Two varieties of soft, warm bread with lovely dipping oil. We scarfed it down. It was the best thing we ate all evening. The stuffed clams were tasty yet unimaginative. The salmon and bouillabaisse couldn't be faulted. The chicken would be passable at half the price. The halibut was dryer than the bread. Had it been sitting under a heat lamp? It was accompanied by two lumps of a gooey concoction I assume was supposed to be tarter sauce. The fish was placed on a bed of spinach that was quite good. The side of asparagus was good, too, helped along by generous seasoning.
We would have considered getting dessert if a) we had wanted to eat anything else from this kitchen or b) it wasn't displayed on a tacky dessert cart. I always wonder how those desserts look fresh. Are they giving the display model to you and making a fresh one for the cart?
The bill came to $115 for four without wine or dessert. Our money was clearly going to pay off the decorator's taste in furnishing, not the food. The owners should be ashamed of themselves.
We went home and ate some of our friend'™s birthday tiramisu. Thank God for that. My faith in food was restored, but if you want to have a splurgey meal in Astoria, hit Brick, Sa'€™gapo or Amici Amore. Don'€™t waste your money on Baru.
Thanks (and Happy Birthday!) to MV for ideas and assistance on this posting.
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