The Astoria Haps

The Weekender

2008-08-01T09:57:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the unintentional hiatus folks. It was a crazy month. Had a very busy staycation (I've been calling it that since college, how is it all of a sudden a buzz word I hear everywhere now?) and oh yeah, threw together a wedding in three days. I'm now offically a married woman. I felt married before, it's just official now.
But enough about me, let's start talking Astoria/LIC happenings!

On Repeat:
Yoga & Capoeria-Saturdays at Socrates
Pilates & Tai Chi-Sundays at Socrates
Sunday canoeing and kayaking in Hallets Cove
Sunday evening pub trivia at the Irish Rover (7pm 28th ave @ 38th st)

Tonight check out Art Is The New Black art showcase featuring four unique artists at Freeze Peach free from 8:30-11pm.

Saturday from 12-3 get creative at Socrates with the Mini Park Project with Rachael Champion. Create your own “mini park” by making a small terrarium. Participants will build a self-sustaining home for small plants out of recycled materials with soil provided by the Park’s composting station.

Also Saturday, Dutch Kills playground (37th ave/Crescent St) celebrates Family Day. A free days of crafts, games, face painting, inflatable rides, & more!

Hell Gate Social has DJ's spinning the tunes tonight and tomorrow to get your groove on.

And Sunday, HGS has their outdoor movie of the week, Red Dawn at sunset.

Make it a great one!!

The Weekender

2008-06-20T09:35:00.002-04:00

Let's just get to it today shall we folks? :-)

On Repeat:
Friday night comedy at Mezzo Comedy Club
Yoga & Capoeria-Saturdays at Socrates
Pilates & Tai Chi-Sundays at Socrates
Sunday canoeing and kayaking in Hallets Cove
Sunday evening pub trivia at the Irish Rover (7pm 28th ave @ 38th st)

At 12 Socrates has another art making workshop:
Squirt By Numbers with Free Style Arts Association Using oil pastels to create an outline, participants use squirt guns filled with watercolors to “paint” the inside of the drawings and watch as their masterpieces explode with color.

Athens Square Park will be quite melodic for the second annual Make Music New York. 6 bands will be performing starting at 2:15 for free. There will crooners and tuners all over the city in general. Check out the website to see if you many land yourself near some music.

Ahhh, Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year; welcome back! Unfortunately if you really think about it the days just get shorter from here on out. But the sun is still out long enough that we don't really notice. Socrates Sculpture Park will be having their seventh annual Summer Solstice Celebration from 5 til sunset.
- "Pagan Rights" musical performance by My Barbarian
- "Cinema On Air" interactive sound and video "drive-in" by free103point9 and Electronic Arts Intermix
- "Drum Circle" by JustinJustin and the Alé-Alé Drummers
- Soulstice Ritual by urban shaman Mama Donna
- Solstice artmaking workshops presented by Materials for the Arts, The Noguchi Museum, Queens Museum of Art, Free Style Arts Association, and Socrates Sculpture Park- Transformation! Face Painting by Agostino Arts

Sunday is the Steinway Street Fair! I'm going, rain or not. They always say it runs between 34th and 28th avenues, but it never really stretches that far.

Later that night you can check out Rest Stop at Hell Gate Social.
Brace yourself for a spine-chilling experience with this bloodcurdling gore fest. Runaway lovers Jess (Joey Mendicino) and Nicole (Jaimie Alexander) are on a road trip to Hollywood. But when they pause at an abandoned rest stop, Jess disappears. Now, Nicole is tormented by a terrifying psychopath (Nick Orefice) who has an arsenal of equipment -- including drills and staple guns -- to carry out his demented desires. Movies start at sunset in their backyard.

I think I'm forgetting something, if so I will add it later. Otherwise, make it a great one!

Stove warms the tummy and taste buds

2008-06-18T11:26:00.004-04:00

Stove is a quaint Irish run, French cuisine restaurant located off the beaten path on 28th Avenue and 46th street. The outside is unassuming and the interior is a clean classic restaurant. Friendly warm staff with the Irish brogue welcome you in for a delicious dinner treat. John and I arrived around 7 on Sunday evening to see that it wasn’t very crowded. I do know that there were people in the back garden, but I am unsure of how many people it accommodated. Judging from the amount of plates I saw heading that way I would say a fair few. There were a few other large parties which could possibly explain the one complaint we have.

We were seated promptly and immediately noticed the menu we were given has a few differences from the online version. There are a few more choices on the menu at Stove than online. They have quite an impressive wine list and John and I settled on a bottle of Cabernet (Dona [with a tilde over the n]Something or other, I didn’t write it down!) which was very sweet and smooth, quite tasty.

We started off with me having the Prince Edward Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, shallots and teardrop tomatoes. It was fantastic. I was using the wonderful warm bread they gave us to try and soak up all the goodness; in a civilized way of course. The mussels themselves were fresh and I appreciated there not being a single closed one in the bowl (which has happened to me quite often at other places, usually just one, but it is kind of annoying).

John had the baked stuffed clams with bacon bits, herbs and paprika crust. I would have loved to try it, but since it’s been nearly 15 years since I have eaten bacon I would have gotten sick. John however really liked his. The crust and the bacon along with the clam all blended together perfectly.

While waiting for our entrees we noticed something kind of annoying-another server recited a list of specials to another table that our server did not. There was a tasty sounding crab cake on the specials too. Mental note for next time and for all of you, if you don’t hear about specials don’t assume they don’t have them, ask! Your server is just spacing!

I will say that I really appreciated that our entrees did not come out immediately after our starters. I like to digest a little bit and enjoy what I’ve just had and have a little more wine before diving into dinner. About 10-15 minutes later our dinner arrived (I am fine with that wait time. John got just a touch antsy). John, of course, went for the steak. He chose the 16oz New York Shell Steak. Here’s something tricky-online it lists your choice of red wine reduction and caramelized onion or peppercorn sauce. Since we looked online first and John pretty much made up his mind before we got to Stove we aren’t sure if that option is on the menu there and it’s now just peppercorn sauce or if since he didn’t choose and she didn’t ask that’s what he got by default. Either way he still enjoyed it.

I was torn between a few things; in all honesty since I am not a big connoisseur of French foods I had to look up a lot of things on the menu before we went. Never hurts to be in the know, right? I settled on the Pan Fried Trout meuniere (which merely means it was dredged in flour) with white wine and lemon glace. It was quite peppery which I wasn’t expecting. I’m not a peppery kind of person but this wasn’t bad. I’m not going to say it was awesome because I thought the pepper kind of overpowered the lemon and wine sauce. It was pretty good though if not what I was expecting. Both of our meals came with mashed potatoes (our choice) and the veg of the day which was carrots (I’ve never been a fan of cooked carrots, you cook all the fun right out of them). Portions were just right and it was a very satisfying meal.

We decided we were going to go all out-it was our four year anniversary after all-and get dessert. Here’s the one complaint we have. It did start to get more crowded as we were finishing our meal and there were a few large parties, but our server (one of two or three) took a while to check on us after we finished to check if we wanted dessert. It was a good 10 minutes or more before she came by. She recited a lengthy list of desserts and left us to choose. John immediately knew he wanted the Crème Brule; I was torn between a chocolate mousse type dessert or an apple tart. When the server finally came back again she suggested the chocolate but because she’s a chocoholic-not because it was a standout dish, so that didn’t really sell me. I decided to try and be a little lighter and got the apple tart. After this we had a ridiculously long wait for both the coffee that John ordered and our desserts. I mean over a half an hour. I had enough wine that I didn’t really notice just how long it was but John did and that’s his major complaint. Especially since twenty minutes (or more…I wasn’t really timing everything) into the wait she came to apologize and say the kitchen was backed up. But she still hadn’t brought John his coffee, which he asked for again at that point. She did bring it right over, but dessert was ten to fifteen minutes later. It was enough time that I was contemplating ordering another glass of wine or a cocktail! When dessert arrived it was very very good. John’s Crème Brule had a great caramelized top as it should be with a light and sweet filling. My apple tart was lovely. Not too sweet, not heavy and with fresh cream. Yummy.

I would say as far as service goes it was just this one server. I’m not sure how backed up the kitchen could be for dessert, 2 simple desserts that are most likely prepared earlier and just finished off (caramelize the top for his and basically warm up mine) could have taken so long. She could have checked sooner, or told us sooner. I would definitely go back; I would just try not to have this server. I’m somewhat forgiving unless you poison me.

Stove is definitely a must try and a nice place for dinner. It’s in the upper mid to lower high price-if that makes any sense. You wouldn’t go there all the time unless you were just ordering off the bar menu. It’s a nice place to have a romantic dinner or take the parents out for a nice dinner to show off the neighborhood.

Socrates Film Schedule

2008-06-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

It's out! Here's the film schedule for Socrates' Outdoor Cinema. Ahhhh, movies under the stars overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

JULY 9
SLINGSHOT HIP HOP
PALESTINE
Introduction by the director. 2008, 80 mins.
Directed by Jackie Salloum.
A breakout hit at this year's Sundance, and New Directors/New Films Festivals, the exhilarating documentary Slingshot Hip Hop tells the dynamic stories of young Palestinians who use Hip Hop to surmount divisions imposed by occupation and poverty.

WHO'S ON FIRST
GREECE
Introduction by the director. 2006, 61 mins.
Directed by Valerie Kontakos.
What happens when Greece, a country with no history in baseball, has to field a team for the 2004 Olympics in Athens? In this engaging documentary, a charming underdog story turns into a parable of pride and capitalism.
PERFORMANCE: Live music by Mohammed Al Farra (from PR) and Abeer (from Lyd) from Slingshot Hip Hop.
FOOD: Greek cuisine by Opa! Souvlaki in Astoria

JULY 16
BAMAKO
AFRICA 2006, 115 mins.
Directed by Abderrahmane Sissako. With Aïssa Maïga, Danny Glover.
In an outdoor courtroom in Mali, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are on trial. Far from polemical, this surprisingly lyrical movie is a poetic exploration of modern-day Africa.
PERFORMANCE: African beats and rhythms by DJ Stone
FOOD: Moroccan cuisine by Mundo Café in Astoria

JULY 23
CHOP SHOP
UNITED STATES 2007, 84 mins.
Introduction by the director.
Directed by Ramin Bahrani. With Alejandro Polanco, Isamar Gonzalez.
A deeply affecting slice of urban neorealism, this Queens-made film, set in the Willets Point "Iron Triangle" near Shea Stadium, follows a 12-year-old orphan who ekes out an existence with his teenaged sister.
PERFORMANCE: A mix of folk, rock, country and jazz, The Robe Crowe Situation will perform a blend of music and poetry.
FOOD: Homestyle American cooking by Josephine's Soul Food Café in Queens

JULY 30
THE HOST
SOUTH KOREA 2006, 119 mins.
Directed by Bong Joon-ho. With Song Kang-ho, Bae Doo-na.
This satirical monster horror movie about a rampaging mutant lizard that captures a young girl, The Host is Korea's biggest box-office hit to date. It is great fun and a timely spoof of rampant militarism and environmental recklessness.
PERFORMANCE: Song Hee Lee Dance CompanyFOOD: Korean cuisine by Go Wasabi in Astoria

AUGUST 6
THE RED BALLOON
FRANCE 1956, 34 mins.
Directed by Albert Lamorisse.
A young boy and a red balloon wander through the streets of Paris in The Red Balloon, one of the most beloved children's films ever made.

PERSEPOLIS
FRANCE 2007, 95 mins.
Directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi.
Persepolis is a coming-of-age tale about an Iranian girl's struggles with love, religion, and politics, based on Marjane Satrapi's popular graphic novel memoir.
PERFORMANCE: TBAFOOD: TBA

AUGUST 13
8 1/2
ITALY 1963, 138 mins.
Directed by Federico Fellini. With Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée. Fellini's stunning, romantic autobiographical fantasy is a self-portrait of the filmmaker as a circus ringmaster. It is also one of the landmarks in contemporary world cinema.
PERFORMANCE: A five-piece band, Le Nozze di Carlo will perform a mix of Italian classic pop, folk and original music.FOOD: Italian cuisine by Manetta's in Long Island City

AUGUST 20
DUCK SEASON
MEXICO 2006, 85 mins.
Directed by Fernando Eimbcke. With Enrique Arreola, Diego Cataño, Danny Perea.
A lovely neighbor distracts two teen friends from their Bush vs. Bin Laden video game in this charming chronicle of adolescent life, a surprise indie gem.
PERFORMANCE: Bachelor Sound Machín - like the best garage of yore this quintet of Mexicans in NYC have found a way to turn their idiocy into art-channeling the traditional sounds of Veracruz through the Dada outbursts of punk.
FOOD: Mexican cuisine by Mojave in Astoria

AUGUST 27RAIN DATE

Live Music at Gantry Plaza (LIC)

2008-06-16T19:37:00.002-04:00

Recently found out about this and thought I would pass it on to all of you. Check it out!

Celebrating the rich musical and ethnic tapestries of Queens in boisterous style, “Live at the Gantries”, the borough’s newest free summer performance series will kick off in Long Island City on June 24th.The free, outdoor performances will feature some of the borough’s most celebrated entertainers, from Afro-Brazilian jazz musicians to Japanese punk rockers, with acts for audience members of all ages. Live at the Gantries’ nine nights will take place on Tuesdays at 7 o’clock at Gantry Plaza State Park, a 2.5-acre waterside oasis between 49th and 50th Avenues along the East River.
The series will run from June 24th to August 26th.
Event Schedule:
June 24 Corina Bartra, Afro-Brazilian Jazz
July 1 The F# Miners, Irish Traditional Music
July 8 Blue Pipa, Chinese Folk Music
July 15 Bliminal, Indie Rock
July 22 Calpulli Mexican Dance, Traditional Mexican Dance
July 29 York College Summer Big Band
August 5 Mahina Movement, Folk, Rock and Rhymes
August 12 No event scheduled
August 19 Zikrayat, Arabic Music and Belly Dancers
August 26 Noirceur and Uzuhi, Punk

For additional information, please visit, www.queenscouncilarts.org, http://queenscouncilarts.org/liveatthegantries/index.html or contact, chenderson@queenscouncilarts.org.

The series is sponsored by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Queens Council on the Arts, Queens Theatre in the Park, New York Water Taxi. Live at the Gantries is funded in full by Rockrose Development.

The Weekender

2008-06-13T09:06:00.006-04:00

I'm going to have kind of a schizophrenic weekend. Sunday is both my first Father's Day without my dad but it's also the 4 year anniversary of my first date with John. Methinks I should keep myself occupied this weekend. What's perfect though is I've dug up some fun stuff to do! Saturday seems to be the better day for hitting up the park activities since we're supposed to get another bout of storms that night. It may just be a little soggy on Sunday. Hopefully we'll get all dried out in time for Sunday fun. Speaking of storms, check out what happened next door to me during that wicked bout of weather we had this week:

Luckily no one was hurt, but I am unsure how that car fared. Even more luckily there was no power damage since there are powerlines overhead where it fell. I've already witnessed power lines catching fire right near one apartment I lived in; it's not something I want to see again. As of today the tree is still there. Not in the middle of the street, but the branches are all over the sidewalk on one side and the trunk is taking up a parking space on the other.

On Repeat:
Friday night comedy at Mezzo Comedy Club
Yoga & Capoeria-Saturdays at Socrates
Pilates & Tai Chi-Sundays at Socrates
Sunday canoeing and kayaking in Hallets Cove
Sunday evening pub trivia at the Irish Rover (7pm 28th ave @ 38th st)

Tonight Waltz hosts Jazz Duo Eric DiVito and Motohito Fukishima at 9pm for $10. No link on the site so I couldn't preview it.

Socrates has a few more treats up it's sleeves for us. This weekend PlaylabNYC is presenting a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest, in the park, for free! Shakespeare's fairytale will be energetically but simply told, using a wooden stepladder, two small trunks of props and costume pieces and six actors. Check out the website linked above for more information about this group. They will be performing Saturday at 3 and Sunday at 1 and at 4.

Also this weekend at Socrates is another one of their 12-3pm artmaking workshops. Rock, Paper, Scissors with McKendree Key - A Socrates classic! Using recycled and natural materials, participants learn the basics of papermaking to create beautiful handmade paper.

Sunday Hell Gate Social's outdoor movie of the week is The Creature From the Black Lagoon. Grab a drink and some grub and catch a flick in their garden as the sun sets.

Sunday make sure you treat dad! Get some pub grub from Cronin and Phelan's or Dillengers. Or take him out for steak at Christos Steakhouse or Cavo. Or just take a walk through Astoria Park and catch up with him.

Coming up: I wanted to make sure I got this bit in since it sounds pretty cool. This Tuesday Socrates (man they are busy!) presents a free outdoor concert featuring Salt and Samovar at 6:30pm followed by Nicole Atkins and the Sea at 7:30. Check out Socrates' website for all the info, but I linked their names so you can check them out. I'm sure to be there with my blankie and some picnic snacks.

Make it a GREAT weekend everyone!

The Weekender

2008-06-06T10:02:00.002-04:00

Heat wave alert! I can’t believe it’s going to be that hot in June of all months. I’m not quite ready for it. I’m still enjoying spring! Honestly, I don’t do too well in that kind of heat. I may not wind up rambling around the hood with my camera like I intended. I may just have to amuse myself some other way.

On Repeat:
Friday night comedy at Mezzo Comedy Club
Yoga & Capoeria-Saturdays at Socrates
Pilates & Tai Chi-Sundays at Socrates
Sunday canoeing and kayaking in Hallets Cove

Saturday at 12 Socrates has another great little art making workshop. This week- Waterfront City with Free Style Arts Association. Using an array of recycled and reusable materials, kids, big and small, are guided in creating and decorating a life-size architectural form that will slowly become a city with rooms, walkways and porches.

Starting this Saturday at noon, the Beer Garden will be broadcasting Eurocup soccer games for the season.

Tonight at 8pm Waltz lines up two singer/songwriters for their 8pm showcase-$10 cover.

Or try something a little different that night. The gals from Seeds of Love are at it again. This time they are participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at Astoria Park, at the track. Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, corporate sponsors, neighbors, individuals and relay teams will join together in a celebration of survivorship and hope at the 3rd annual Relay For Life at Astoria Park.
They’ve got tons of great raffles to raise money for this awesome cause as well as a DJ, games food and of course, the fun times. Here’s the schedule-Registration begins at 5 p.m. Survivor’s Lap/Opening Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Luminaria Candle Lighting Ceremony at 9:00 p.m.

Sunday is another (#10) Magic of Astoria Arts & Crafts Market from 11-6 pm at the Queensview Houses (Building #7 on 33rd RoadBuilding #14 on 34th AvenueBetween 21st Street and Crescent Street). Original Paintings, watercolor & oil, jewelry, photos, soaps, crochet, children’s clothing. Unique hand crafted items of all kinds

And, to round it off, a night of pints and useless knowledge at the Irish Rover-7pm.

Make it a great one!

Dear Napoli

2008-06-04T15:21:00.007-04:00

Dear Napoli,

What the hell happened? For years, you were my favorite neighborhood secret. That great corner pizza joint that served up consistently fast, flavorful, and generous portions of bangin' pasta at a great price. Someone virtually had to be in my inner sanctum for me to take them to you, lest it get too overcrowded and I couldn’t eat myself. I wouldn’t even write about you on this blog.

There would be an off night one out of ten times. Hey, it happens, I can forgive the occasional night off for the regular chef, or if he just wasn’t himself that day. I know it’s not the norm. You were consistently good. Note the use of the word, were. Somewhere things started to slip. But I knew you; I had faith that it was me having off nights.

There was one night when I ordered the baked ziti (one of my trifecta of Napoli perfection which also includes manicotti and the chicken francese) and Jamie had the chicken. Hers was up to par, but mine…well it just didn’t even look the same, never mind the taste. I wished I had the chicken. But still I came back, each time with hope in my tummy.

And after I moved it wasn’t as easy as it used to be. I still had that faith that it was me going on the off night, not that every night was an off night. I came to you, since I moved outside of your delivery radius. I rotated through all my favorite dishes and each time I came up disappointed. I wasn’t the only one. My partner in eating crime also felt disappointed when we would dig in, expecting the beauty of the Napoli I introduced him to on our third date. Instead bland, sometimes under sometimes overcooked food. How hard is it to boil pasta correctly? You’re Italian! I even went so far as to commit what Jamie and I consider sacrilege-ordering salad with my meal instead of the pasta. The day my chicken francese came in a brown looking liquid (I can’t call it sauce) and tasted of nothing but burnt, I couldn’t go back, and I threw my whole meal away, except for the salad which I was thankful to have ordered in lieu of pasta.

I let a few months pass. For someone who used to eat there or order in once a week that’s a long time. When John wanted pizza (I’ll cut you some slack, the pizza is still good) I succumbed and got the baked ziti-out of my faves I figured it was a safe bet to dip my toes into so to speak. I wish I had taken a photo. The top, which used to look perfectly white with melted cheese, was burnt in spots and had an orange hue. Orange? Underneath the normally ooey gooey mozz I would ordinarily find a beautiful pink ricotta rich sauce enveloping every piece of ziti. So good I would secretly wipe it clean with my finger to get every last drop (obviously when eating it at home). What I had in front of me was little bits of ricotta in places and large lumps of it in others, almost as if it had been tossed in last minute and then microwaved (that’s my only explanation for the orange rubbery cheese like substance on the top). Where was the sauce to dredge my piece of bread through to soak up every little bit?

What happened? Did you get new owners? A new chef? Rosie the waitress is still there. Last time I did the pick up I didn’t really recognize the guys at the counter. And there’s a, let’s face it-tacky-LED scrolling sign in the window with your specials now. Everything inside still looks the same, but nothing coming out of the kitchen, save the pizza (which I can’t vouch for, at Napoli I was always much more interested in the pasta) was the same.

Napoli, please come back to normal. Please teach your chef that if your customers can make better food at home, something is wrong. Please please please tell me what happened.

Sincerely,
Jenn-your loyal customer of 6 years who has been disappointed for at least one of them.

If anyone knows what’s going on over there, please tell me!

Athens Square Park

2008-06-04T14:49:00.005-04:00

Stopped by Athens Square recently, here are a couple of shots.

Waste Not Want Not

2008-06-04T12:14:00.008-04:00

Here are some photos from the current exhibit at Socrates. As well as some people getting their work out on in the park.

The Weekender

2008-05-30T09:52:00.002-04:00

Well, we couldn't publish remotely last week, so I'm sorry if you missed out on any fun haps while I was exploring Philly. Great town by the way. But on to our favorite topic what fun there is to be had in Astoria over the weekend. The weather is getting nicer, summer hours are kicking in and the town is coming out to play.

Since we have so many cool things that happen on a weekly basis, especially in the summer, I'm going to be starting off each week with a new little section I like to call On Repeat.

Tonight-as is the case every Friday, Mezzo Comedy Club-Astoria's only one-brings us the funny haha. However, this week's show doubles as a fund raiser for our councilman-Peter Vallone Jr.
Socrates has the exhibit Waste Not Want Not-photos to come shortly (probably right after I finish this post). They also have Yoga and Capoeira on Saturday mornings as well as Tai Chi and Pilates on Sundays.
Down the road a ways, the LIC boathouse will get you all set up to take a canoe or kayak ride in the river. Keep up the good karma and help tidy up the beach area while you await your turn.

Now on to more fun stuff:
Tonight Hell Gate Social has a Mod/Garage Rock Fiesta, along with an in house art exhibit from Printmaker Erin Keeley & Illustrator Kate Lavoe.

Saturday at 12, Socrates has an artists workshop: To the Rescue! with Shaun Leonardo Socrates’ resident superhero Shaun "El C" Leonardo needs your help! Using fabric, paint and recycled materials, participants construct their own superhero costume complete with a discussion on special powers and how to be a great hero.
Saturday night at 9, Waltz Astoria presents a classical series, featuring owner and pianist Song Zhang.
Also Saturday Hell Gate Social spins the tunes. I just love the way they phrased it: Dj Who takes us to the Milky Way Galaxy on a starship made of groove.
Heads Up: the Beer Garden will me charging "a small admission" on Saturday to Help support the students of our Czech and Slovak school as they raise monies for their programs. Our school children perform for us in their national costumes at our festivals and celebrations. We applaud their effort to learn and live their heritage proudly keeping the mission of Bohemian Hall alive and strong. No listing of what the cost will be.

Sunday night Hell Gate Social presents Wild Zero as part of their weekly outdoor movie night. Why's it a perfect fit for a bar? Well, because it's an action-packed Japanese Rock N' Roll zombie flick that comes with a built-in drinking game, that's why. At certain moments in the film a beer mug will pop up on screen which means the viewers have to take a shot. Anyone seen not drinking will be ejected from the premises (That's a lie. Maybe...)After the movie viewers will compete for prizes, fame, and the lamentations of the women. I've got a ton of dvds to give away and maybe a few more surprises...Come enjoy this flick in our backyard garden as soon as the sun sets.

Also Sunday, the return of pub quiz to the Rover at 7:30. $10 team buy in.

Looking ahead: Monday is the start of the newest exhibit at the Greater Astoria Historical Society- The Story of the Greek American Immigrant Experience.

Make it a great one!

The Weekender

2008-05-16T09:25:00.002-04:00

Oh glorious weekend, how I have awaited your arrival!

In the usual news this weekend Waltz brings us tunage, flipping last week's showcase to focus on the menfolk tonight along with it's Classical series tomorrow and a Sunday night showcase. And the Mezzo Comedy Club has two sets of the funny ha has.

I was going to post how next week is the start to Street Fair season when I realized there's actually one right now! The St Demetrios Cathedral Fair is taking place on 30th Drive btwn 30th and 31st streets. I know it's small, so let's call this a warm up to the one on Broadway on Memorial Day.

Socrates is having a fun workshop for the kiddies at 12 Using an array of colorful socks, children and their parents spend an afternoon turning orphaned socks into a beautiful collaborative sock garden.

Down the road a spell Rainey Park will be having a Waterfront Celebration. LEARN about the amazing programs offered in the neighborhood. MEET organizations and individuals who are doing interesting work and JOIN their efforts. CONTRIBUTE to the creation of a community vision. ENJOY fishing, kayaking, live music and more! The fun starts at 1 and goes until 5.

Starting this week, and continuing Sunday and each Sunday until October, is the return of the Hallets Cove Canoeing and Kayaking! Courtesy of our good neighbors at the Long Island City Community Boathouse. Pay it forward, since it's free, and help clean up the beachfront while you're there.

The Seeds of Love girls are at it again this Sunday, raising money for Relay for Life. They're setting up shop at the Astoria Alive Street fair, on 31st street between Ditmars and 21st Avenue. I've never heard of this fair before, but apparantly it's an annual event. Go figure. Here's what I know from the Seeds of Love gals: Come on over for our fabulous clothes and an awesome raffle.There will also be lots of food, crafts and entertainment at this street fair.Proceeds from our sales will go to Seeds of Love and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Astoria.

Also this Sunday, and the Sundays following through June 10-3pm: Join the students and teachers of Recycle-A-Bicycle for an urban cycling adventure. Learn on-the-bike riding skills and safe maneuvering in city traffic.

Whatever you do folks, as usual, MAKE it a GREAT one!

Heads up! Not sure if we're going to get published next weekend since I'll be enjoying a road trip to Philly. Maybe I'll post early, maybe from the road, maybe an abbreviated version~you never can tell with me.

The Weekender

2008-05-09T09:06:00.006-04:00

Let’s just pretend I didn’t pay any attention to the weather forecast this morning, shall we?

Tonight check out (which I hope to do, if my date doesn’t work late) the awesome line up Waltz has for their Lady Songwriters Showcase. Annie Fitzgerald, Allison Cipris and Shannon Zell hit the stage tonight starting at 8pm for a $10 cover (links to their music on Waltz's site). While there I hope to try their new sangria, which sounds lovely. I’m in the market for a tried and true sangria recipe. I have a few (untried)but well, I’m afraid that it just won’t be good and I’ll have wasted a perfectly good bottle of wine. Anyone out there have one to share?

Also tonight, the Mezzo Comedy Club has 2 sets, one at 9 and one at 11. Check their site for all the funny folks and details.

Over the course of the weekend newcomer (and hot spot on my list to visit-ps damn you for opening up the street from my previous apartment after I moved!!) Winegasm offers a few fun things to do. Now some people have a problem with the name because of the other gasm it brings to mind. There's a store called Shoegasm and I don't hear anyone complaining. Place looks cute and who wouldn't welcome a nice wine bar to the Broadway area. In terms of relaxed non pub drinking 30th avenue is having all the fun, why not Broadway? So anyhoo, according to their website Thursday through Saturday enjoy happy hour from 5-7pm (a weekend happy hour, oh lovely) with 2 for 1 drinks and $15 Sangria pitchers (yay, another batch to try). A heads up for next Thursday 7-9pm "Around the World in 7 winesall inclusive food and wine tasting. I'll have to contact them and report back on cost and reservations. Since Waltz doesn't seem to be doing theirs anymore it's nice to know there's another one in the hood. Fridays are theme nights. What tonight is, I don't know! And weekends they're doing brunch, though the menu is not on the site. The only thing about them is, right now I think they are kind of pricey. But depending on their traffic and clientel we'll see how that evolves. I still want to try them out. I'll consider it part of my stimulating the economy (which reminds me to check if that came in yet).

There’s a couple of biking events going on this Saturday. Can you believe I actually forgot how to ride a bike? In all fairness, I was never any good. But as my friend Nikki learned the hard way after pulling me out of a few ditches and then me running her over on her bike yes, it is possible to forget how to ride. So this first event seems right up my alley! Well, if I still owned my pink Huffy that is. From 9am-5pm at the Recycle-A-Bicycle training center (corner of 46 Avenue and 5th Street) check out Savvy Cyclist. A free, one-day "introduction to cycling" program for adults and mature teens who want to improve their cycling skills. This class is ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, those returning to cycling from a long hiatus, people who want to be more independent on their bike, and those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic. If you do not know how to ride a bike (that is, start, stop, balance and steer without falling down), this is not the right class for you. Participants must know how to balance and control a bicycle. More dates upcoming. Note that there is a $20 deposit for this. As long as you show up you won't be charged. Check out the site for all the deets.

For those of you who still have that skill check this out. Saturday (Rain or shine) Socrates Sculpture Park will present the first annual LIC Bike Parade (Registration 11:30 am Workshops Noon - 3 pm Parade 3 - 4 pm.). This free family and community event will invite children of all ages to explore the creative and functional potential of adaptive reuse, by using repurposed materials to repair and decorate their bikes! There will also be bike decorating, bike repair consultations, riding safety tips and helmet fitting. After all this the participants will parade their bikes around the park and down Vernon to Queensbridge Park. Pretty nifty.

Or if you're just not about the bikes just go to Socrates to gawk and to check out the new exhibit, Waste Not, Want Not.-a group exhibition themed around the interpretations and responses to the motivations, goals, realities, politics, and practices of recycling. It is an expansive exhibition encompassing many perspectives about the concepts and methodologies of adaptive re-use, and includes projects that address the creative transformation of the by-products of production and consumption. Whether celebrating the global trend toward “green” or critically examining the motives and results of a world-wide focus on sustainability, the works in this exhibition share a common practice of re-purposing wasted or cast off resources.

You know, Saturday is another big day in town for Green Events. We've got the 2 aforementioned bike events, the Socrates exhibit with a green theme and this: Astoria Stop 'N Swap 11am - 4pm at 3-17 26th Ave. (at 4th St ). Here's the deal bring: Gently used clothing, Plants, Kitchen items, Office supplies, Books and magazines, Games and toys Etc… Don't bring: Furniture/large items, Drugs/medications, Weapons/dangerous objects, Adult movies/magazines, Pets/pet hair covered items. You don't need to bring anything to take anything, but it might help if you brought a bag with you. A nice eco friendly reusable tote bag would probably work very well (sorry I've really been digging the ones I picked up at the Stop & Shop. Those suckers hold a lot, AND you can sling it over your shoulder). I may make my way up there to see what kind of books are lurking around. Even though I am running out of room on my bookcases.

Pub Quiz Sunday at the Rover-the Royal Wii will be in attendance in some form or another.

Neighborhood Scuttlebutt:
Hell Gate Social is now serving food. Well they have been for a few weeks. I just forgot to include it in the Weekender that corresponded. Oops! Here's what they have to offer:
beef: caramelized onion, shitake mushrooms, horseradish cream cheese onion stratto
turkey: applewood smoked bacon, avocado, charmoula aioli baguette
pork: pickled vegetables, cilantro, thai chili aioli baguette
vegetable: shitake mushroom, roasted tomato, caramelized onion, avocado onion stratto
salad: arugala, bacon, avocado, red onion, tomato vinegrette
Unfortunately everything seems to have something I can't have-meat (I don't eat red meat or pork and after 13 years without, it may kill me) Even the salad. Yes I see a vegetable option. I just happen to be violently allergic to mushrooms. Which is too bad since they are so good for you, and from what I have heard-tasty to boot. Between the meat and mushrooms I’m not cut out to be a food reviewer. (although I have a backlog of those to post for you).

And the Beer Garden is finally ready! Word on the street is that some Astorians took advantage of the lovely weather last weekend and got their beer on at the Garden. Sa-Weet!

Weather it's sunny or rainy this weekend, make it a great one folks (and yes I spelled whether incorrectly on purpose. Guess it's not a funny pun if I have to explain it, eh?).

The Weekender

2008-04-25T09:37:00.002-04:00

This is the stuff, everything is coming to life, and so is our hood.
As usual tonight Waltz and Mezzo bring us the tunes and the laughs respectively.

Astoria gets in on Earth Day celebrations this weekend with a bunch of activities all listed on the Astoria Waterfront Group's website. Here's a taste of what's going down:

Earth Day Celebration at Rainey Park-Saturday Noon-4pm.
1st ever Queens is Green Fashion Show-Saturday 4-6pm (Green Space, 37-24 24th St. #301)
Bike Riding Workshop for the kiddies at Rainey Park-11-3pm
Walking tour of the Astoria/LIC waterfront parks-Starts at Astoria Park (Ditmars @ Shore drive) at 10am and winds it's way to Rainey park for the Earth Day Celebration

This weekend is it for Flux Factory in thier current LIC home. They're going out with a bang though hosting the Make It Go Dance Party as the finale to Everything Must Go (they're quite literal about that-they've got a bunch of art and stuff for sale). The free party goes down Saturday at 7, with a performance at 8 of Wooden Box-a super secret play. Head over and show your support.

Although the rumor has it that the Beer Garden will be finished with their renovisions by next weekend, The Water Taxi Beach is set to open up on Sunday. Beach. Here. Now. is from 1-10pm, with a $20 in advance, more at the door cover charge. Comes with a boatload of tunage.

Sunday, from 11-2pm Soctates Sculpture Park and the Noguchi Museum team up once again to bring us Kite Flight. This year, children and their families will find an excellent new use for plastic bags by transforming this durable, and light weight material into beautiful recycled kites! Participants will have the opportunity to build and decorate their kites, then fly them in the Park. Don't forget to preregister for this limited space event.

And of course-pub trivia at the Rover Sunday at 7:30.

Check this out. John at about.com pointed something out on his blog that has been bugging me for a while-when you drive into one of the boroughs there's usually some catchy slogan-but not with Queens. We're just Welcome to Queens. So he's opened up his comments for suggestions to ammend that. What slogan would you come up with for Astoria?

That's it for this weekend kiddies. Make it a great one!

The Weekender

2008-04-18T09:36:00.001-04:00

So last night I decided that if Friday was supposed to be better than Thursday I would break out a skirt. Well, skirt season must be in full swing because I wasn't the only one bearing my long concealed legs on the ride to work this morning. You know what this means; warm weather for grilling, sidewalk cafes, trips to the park and general neighborhood exploration.

Tonight you have a choice between the music and the funny. Waltz hosts another Songwriters Showcase. This time featuring 3 dudes rockin an acoustic "indie" sound. $10 cover at 8pm.
Mezzo Mezzo bring us Dan Mintz, Matt Bergman and Nate Bargatze to tickle our funny bones. $10 gets you in-8:15 seating and 9:00 showtime.

As part of it's month long bon voyage, also known as Everything Must Go, Flux Factory is hosting a reunion of sorts tonight. If you've ever been a fluxer-and artist or gallery goer or if you just haven't yet been here you're invited. "Dress to impress" Next weekend will be the last stand for Flux Factory as emminent domain has swallowed it whole. It's not a swan song for Flux, just for Flux at it's present location. So this weekend or next stop by and get fluxed.

Saturday, Candy Plum is having a trunk sale featuring the work of Astorian designer-Stars for Sydell. From 1-4pm stop by and support local designers.

And let's not foget what else should be revving up this weekend (no not motorcycles, though that is a possibility) outdoor cafe seating. Hit up some of the Haps favorite spots Time Cafe, Grand Cafe (overdue reviews to come!) Locale and Brick.

I may just hit up the park with a little pic-i-nic (meant to sound like Yogi Bear) basket. It's already my favorite spot but now going to the Hellgate area of the park is even more lovely since John proposed to me under the bridge recently :-)

Whatever you decide to do on this lovely weekend, make it a great one!

The Weekender

2008-04-11T08:57:00.004-04:00

Oh spring has finally sprung. What a lovely walk home I had last night. Flowers were blooming in front yards, trees were blossoming...my block in the spring is just so lovely. Add in the stray kitties I keep trying to get to follow me home and it's quite the nice walk. Though I do wish I could convince kitty kitty to follow me home. Unfortunatlely with all this great weather and things springing to life this weekend is going to be a wet one.

Tonight you can stay dry in one of 2 great Ditmars spots.

Our friends at Waltz present another round of the Lady Songwriter Showcase. I checked out the websites of the 3 very talented ladies hitting the stage tonight at 8pm and I must say you will definitely get your $10 and 2 drinks worth.

If you'd rather laugh your ass off head over Astoria's only weekly comedy showcase at Mezzo Mezzo. I've never been to Mezzo Mezzo but I hear they have some pretty good grub that you can order during the funny. Matt Taylor is hosting comedians Eric Andre and Tim Young. I believe it's a $5 cover for the laughs.

Saturday night Waltz hosts their newest resident artist-Connie Brooks and Ryan Olsen. The swinging duo does new spins on classic American standards and old favorites. 9:00 showtime with a $10 cover.
Also-while on about Wlatz-their recent email tells me: Every night is happy hours at Waltz! We offer FREE CHEESE and CRACKERS with every beer/wine purchase. EAT AND DRINK UP!!
If you insist, Song!

Sunday the Seeds of Love team is at it again. This time they are hosting a sidewalk sale to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Head over to 24-37 Crescent Street from 1-5pm to score all sorts of great merch and help a worthy cause at the same time.

Finally don't forget about pub trivia at the Irish Rover on Sunday. I've missed out the past two weeks, but I'm ready to regroup my team and take the title a third time! Quizzing starts at 7:30 so get there early to register and snag a good spot.

Make it a great one!

The Weekender-St Patrick's Day Edition

2008-03-14T15:35:00.002-04:00

Erin Go Bragh All! (Ireland Forever)

This is one of my favorite times of year; probably because I am Irish and John is from County Clare. It just makes it really feel like spring, or that real spring time weather is looming ahead. Whether you are looking to get your Irish on early or you want to be Irish on Monday here's a list of local Irish bars. The * denotes I have actually attempted to drink there on Patty's only to meet a HUGE crowd (I am not a big fan of crowds, but if you are-these might be the places to go)
The Irish Rover* (28th ave @ 38th street)
Dillinger's (30th ave @ 47th street)
McCann's (Ditmars @ 35th st)
Gilbeys* (Broadway @ 32nd)
McLoughlin's (across B-way from Gilbey's)
Blackstone(Broadway @ 38th)
Cronin & Phelan's (2 doors down from Blackstone...where I will be)
Doyle's Corner (Broadway @ 42nd)

In other news Waltz Astoria continues to bring the music to us live each weekend. We've got some Lady Songwriters up tonight and tomorrow Experimental Jazzist Alex Terrier. Check the website out for all the nitty gritty.

Sunday was supposed to be the day of the Astoria Flickr group's photowalk but the weather has made that go bust.
Instead go shopping for a cause. The Seeds of Love fundraisers are at it again. This time they are raising money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Astoria. Stop by The Ultimate Beauty Care (29-10 23rd Avenue) from 3-6 pm to score yourself all sorts of New, Cute,Trendy, Name Brand Clothes(ed note: ie Urban Outfitters), Tote Bags,Bed in a Bag Sets, Pocketbooks, Housewares and More!

Later on Sunday Hellgate Social bring us the NYC premiere screening of Green Eyed Monster.
The film is a supernatural thriller based on Hispanic folklore. A group ofyoung friends are drawn to an abandoned ranch by rumors of hidden money.Their hunger for the money grows as the grisly history of the landthreatens to consume them all.
Movie starts @ 8:30pm Happy Hour 7-9pm.

Make it a great one folks!

The Weekender

2008-03-07T10:20:00.007-05:00

Daylight Saving(no s) Time starts this Sunday, so don't forget to Spring Forward and enjoy more daylight hours! I'll be wishing I didn't have to work this Sunday morning.

Saturday is going to be a weather wash out, so maybe that's the time to catch up on some Netflix or get those oft put off chores done (why it always has to rain when I want to do my laundry is beyond me).

Mezzo Mezzo up at Ditmars is joining in the comedy routine. Matt Taylor (formerly of Waltz Astoria's Tuesday Comedy Night) has moved the gig up the Boulevard. Show starts at 9pm and this is an awesome line up. I've seen some of these guys so this is quite the bargain for your comedy buck. I've never been to Mezzo Mezzo but I have passed by it and read up on it so it is on my list of things to try, and soon.
(Line up courtesy of Mr Taylor)
MOODY MCCARTY (last comic standing / late late show / comedy central)
BRYAN OLSEN (Chappelle's Show / his untitled movie is coming out next year in theatres everywhere)
ERIC KIRCHBERGER (HBO Comedy / Comedy Central)
MATT TAYLOR (your host! toured with SPEEDtv and performed on MTV)

Also tonight, is an opportunity to help out the Astoria Music Society while enjoying 2 for 1 drink specials at Island. They'd love a $20 donation but anything will help them out. Come meet musicians, the orchestra director, and help AMS bring you the best in symphony orchestra music, jazz, and chamber music.

Sunday from 11-6 the Magic of Astoria Arts & Craft Market is back at the Queensview Cmmunity room (Building #7 on 33rd RoadBuilding #14 on 34th AvenueBetween 21st Street and Crescent Street). Original Paintings, watercolor & oil, jewelry, photos, soaps, crochet, children’s clothing. Unique hand crafted items of all kinds available.

Have fun & keep dry!

The Weekender

2008-02-29T10:26:00.005-05:00

Sorry about last weekend folks. I caught whatever it is that has been goin around the office, Ugh. But we have the light at the end of the tunnel, tomorrow is March! Whoo hoo! We spring forward soon, so that means more time for Astorian adventures.

Let's get underway...

Saturday Candy Plum is having a sale 1-4pm featuring Local Astorian Artists Christiane Haber and Maria from Buyme Designs who will be showcasing their entire collections at Candy Plum. Treats and beverages for all who stop by. I haven't popped in in quite a bit. If there isn't too much white on the ground I may pop by to see how their trending (that's the jewelry designer working at a fashion company speaking, ha!).

Also Saturday Waltz Astoria has got two sets grooving, first up is a pianist followed by a jazz duo.

Pub Quiz is back at the Rover (38th st @ 28th ave) but you'll have to take down the reigning smarty pants which happens to be my team, ha! (seriously, we won last week). Fun starts at 8 but get there early to get a spot and register your team.

Sunday Night Cinema at Hell Gate Social's got Rounders:

This bleak drama follows the downward spiral of law student Mike McDermott (Matt Damon), who has a penchant for high-stakes gambling. He befriends and "befoes" the usual suspects: a fellow gambling addict named Worm (Edward Norton) and club owner Teddy KGB (John Malkovich). When Worm and Mike have only five days to come up with $15K, tensions run high. Movie starts @ 8:30pm.

Sunday is also the last day to see the Emerging Artists Fellowship Exhibit at Socrates Sculpture Park and Lost Landscapes at Art-o-Mat.

And for those of you who can't wait for St. Patrick's Day to come (17 days to go) it always comes early in Queens. Our neighbors to the South, Woodside and Sunnyside are hosts to the annual St. Pat's for All Parade. Staring at 2pm from 43rd and Skillman, the parade makes it's way down Skillman, winding over to Woodside Ave in the 50's and finally ending with a small fair at Woodside Ave and 61st. The Queens Red Cross will be handing out Hot Cocoa. If you are unfamiliar with the parade it was started in response to the denial of gay and lebians groups marching in the main 5th ave parade. It's annual theme is "cherishing all the children of the nation equally". Taken from the proclamation of Easter 1916, it is as meaningful today, 92 years after it was written. Here are some photos from when I watched last year from 48th and Skillman. I may check out the Woodside end this year.

Make it a great one!

The Non Valentine's Weekender

2008-02-14T20:31:00.001-05:00

Aahhh, the annual corporate sponsored holiday of depression, frustration and regret. Together or single I think everyone is too stressed out ever have a good day. You're either frustrated and depressed because you're single or you're in a relationship and frustrated and depressed in whatever you did or didn't do with your significant other. You can't win. I really don't like this day. You don't need one day a year to pull out all the stops for love; there are 364 (365 this year) days a year you can do it on your own. You don't need Hallmark, Godiva and FTD telling you how and what to do. But if you do find yourselves wanting to indulge in the day, our friends at Joey in Astoria have listed all the places I would recommend.

Friday Hell Gate Social brings us Valentines Day Lovefest - With a Burlesque performance, DJ, prizes for couples kissing and sexy singles contests! 9pm

The soon to be homeless Flux Factory is having a fund raising Make Out Party at 9! And it seems to be a burlesque night in the hood with there being a Burlesque performance at 10. Cover $5/ sliding scale and proceeds goes towards finding a new home.

Saturday Waltz hosts The Trapezoids at 9.

Make it a GREAT one!

The Weekender

2008-02-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

It's a quiet weekend in the neighborhood.

First up, some neighborhood scuttlebutt....
The old Blockbuster space on 34th Ave and Steinway is becoming yet another Rite Aide!! I always found then to be inferior to Eckerd, and once Rite Aide bought them out we are surrounded by them. You would think they would divest some stores, like in Sunnyside, where coincidentally there was a Rite Aide and an Eckerd operating side by side, now there are two Rite Aides side by side. Opening here would mean one on each corner of a stretch of street. Stop the maddness! Turns out, the one on Broadway and Steinway will be closing. I've always particularly hated that location. It's cramped and dirty and dark and all together not a pleasant shopping experience at all. Hopefully this new location will be the total opposite and a chance to revitalize that strech. It's quite depressing over there.

Also, the construction over on 34th ave stretching from 45th to 46th streets is plugging along. Looks like they've got space for signs up but it looks pretty tacky. It looks as if they are going to divvy they spaces up evenly into shop space. Since it's really close to where I live I'm really hoping for three things. A laundromat(strictly speaking from being lazy), a good deli type shop and most especially a Waltz-Astoria-esque bar/coffee shop/performace space that respects it's neighbors. One can dream.

Tonight at 7:30 the Museum of the Moving Image presents the Best of 'Stash" 2007.
The monthly DVD magazine Stash is a showcase of animation, visual effects, and motion graphics. This popular annual roundup will include screenings of short works and presentations by two innovative moving image production studios.
The John Ford retrospective also continues this weekend.

Saturday at 9pm Waltz Astoria hosts "the ultra smooth poetry/jazz ensemble" Anonymous 7.
Sunday, Hell Gate Social serves up showing of the independent film Ultimate Curse at 8pm.
14 characters will enter the cursed New Jersey Pine Barrens, but few will come out alive. Ultimate Curse is the story of an evil force that makes friends mutilate friends, and lovers eat the very flesh of their loved ones. Ultimate Curse is a 93 minute movie that makes a great addition to any horror fan's horror collection, thanks to its graphic nature and unique visual styling.

There are still lots of great local art exhibits I posted about a couple of weeks ago.
Or you can stay in with some Netflix and hide from the possible snowy weather.
Make it a great one!

The Weekender

2008-01-31T19:20:00.000-05:00

Oh, the Superbowl is upon us. Usually I'll care a remote bit if there's a NY team involved, but this is American football. I'm much more interested in European football. Nonetheless-Go Giants! And, as of Wednesday 16 days to pitchers and catchers reporting for Yankee spring training...rock ON!

If you want to watch the Superbowl, Astoria's got the spots. My recommendations would be McCann's, Broadway Station, Dillinger's and Sunswick. Also, The Quays, who have a sign up saying if the Giants win, beer is on the house until 4AM. All great places to hang out. Great beers on tap (Sunswick has 24!) and good time shall be had. I'm still contemplating girlie movie night, or venturing up the McLean Ave for the game (yes I know, what? Jenn leave Astoria? But John may head up to see the game with his old roomie).

Tonight through Sunday is Porkfest at the Beer Garden. Here's what they have:
*Traditional Czech Pork dishes, music and raffles.
*Friday open 5:00pm - 12:00pm.
*Saturday and Sunday open 12:00pm - 12:00am
*Live entertainment Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.

Coincidentally, I happened to stumble on this really cool collection of short stories from Akashik Books called Queens Noir, with a few stories representing Astoria, Ditmars and Long Island City. If you are interested in learning more about it the Jackson Hts branch of the Queens Library is hosting an event tomorrow with the editor and some writers who will read and discuss their finely crafted tales of crime set in the neighborhoods of Queens. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Waltz Astoria bring us the tunes once again. Tonight at 9pm, original and experimental Jazz group, Project3tet takes the stage. And tomorrow at 7pm Jazz duo Connie Brooks and Ryan Olsen will be preforming jazz standards. Both have a $10 cover and a $10 drink minimum.

Enjoy the weekend!

Mojave-Southwest comes to Ditmars

2008-01-28T11:17:00.001-05:00

John and I made it to Mojave (31st & Ditmars, under the train on the west side of the street) on Saturday night, and WOW. The place was packed when we got there around 8:30. We actually got the last table for 2. We sat all the way in the back, which wasn't bad. Even though the tables were kind of close (usually a huge pet peeve for John) we didn't feel like we could hear other diners and be heard ourselves. But that probably had more to do with the music being a little too loud for dinner. More than a few times I had to lean over the table to be heard. The seating against the wall is just a tad bit too high. I didn't feel like I towered over John but I could notice the difference. If you are tall and going with a shorter companion, let them have the seat along the wall.

Our waiter seemed a bit frazzled, but was very apologetic and came by when he could, which for frazzled was often enough to be attentive but not overbearing. It did take a little bit to get our orders placed, but I'll give them a pass since it was packed. It wasn't so long that I was annoyed, and I have a short fuse. It did give me enough time to take in the ambiance. The soft yellow walls with the soft lighting really added a tranquil, chill and even slightly romantic vibe (how could it not be romantic when I'm dining with my honey?). Any decorations were kept to a minimum, the light fixtures themselves were enough. The bar area in the back seemed to be cool, but I didn't get a good enough look (this time).

(the ceiling from my seat) (the bar/the back)

John surprised me by doing like the Romans and getting a Dos Xs, which I have never seen him drink and he did quite like it. Must be a difference when it's draft. I went for a frozen blood orange margarita, which I wasn't too happy with. The first few sips tasted like I was sucking out of a tequilla pond. It's probably more my fault for usually drinking super fruity margaritas and this was more traditional (albeit frozen) with some syrup around it for a slight flavoring. In retrospect I should have gone for the sangria, which someone a few tables over ordered and it looked yummy. The one margarita kind of went to my head quickly so I abstained from investigating drinks any further.

Our appetizers didn't take much longer to appear. John got a bowl of the chili which was so good he came dangerously close to licking the bowl clean. They also gave him a tiny spoon that got lost between the plate and bowl, he used a fork until he got to the end and found it. It also came with warm tortillas for dredging through the meatiness.

I decided on the Hand Hacked Haas Avocado Guacamole with blue corn chips. The only complaint about that one is that I was expecting a lot of guacamole, which considering is the name of the appetizer it was shockingly short on. As you can see in the picture you get a cute and tasty fried tortilla shell as the vessel for the guac, but it shares its space with both sour cream and a whole lot of diced tomatoes. It was pretty much two thirds tomatoes, one third sour cream and one third guacamole. Now, I dig that I got the tomatoes and sour cream, because I am not a huge fan of the green sauce this also comes with, but the ratio should be two thirds guac and so on. It was really really good guacamole, I just wished there was more of it. And I wished I had sampled the tasty tortilla vessel first, since it was way better than the run of the mill blue corn tortialla chips it came with. Lessons learned for next time.

Our dinners came just at the right time, not immediatly after the appetizers and not so long after that I was full from it. However I was full enough that I didn't finish my meal-not a bad thing, I had leftovers!

John, the carnivore, went for the Shortribs of Angus Beef with mole Colorado & chili-corn mashed potatoes-which earned a thumbs up from the waiter. The meat just fell off the bone as it should, and it wasn't too fatty. The mash, which was a different take on what he's used to was a nice compliment and very tasty.

I decided to take it light, and went for the Grilled Adobo Chicken Breast, Chiles & Cheese Quesadilla. I only have 2 complaints. For the price of the quesadilla ($12/13 don't recall off the top of my head), which is a pretty simple dish, it should have some rice or something accompany it, other than the sour cream, tomatoes and guac on top. Also, there were sooooo many chiles in it! I had meant to say easy on the chiles, but like I said our waiter was frazzled and I couldn't spot him after placing the order to say so. I just figured, how many could they put in? Enough that I was kind of deconstructing the poor quesadillas. That was my fault, I'm just not a spicy kind of person. Other than that, the chicken was great, the tortillas were crispy to perfection, and the cheese was gooey and melty-my favorite way. I had this with a side of the Frijoles Negro Borrachos Beans. I just like that Borracho translates to drunk. I neglected to ask if this had any meat in it (I don't eat red meat or pork and often find out too late that beans have pork added into the mix). I'm still not sure. They were spicier than I was expecting, but John helped me out (he likes spicy way more than I do).

This is where I got stumped. I just couldn't keep eating. Which bummed me out because I always look forward to dessert. I took a look at the dessert menu to see what I was missing out on, and I gotta tell ya, that molten chocolate cake will be sampled on the next visit.

All in all, we were both very happy with Mojave. It's a great addition to our neighborhood. The food is great, the athmosphere is a near perfect setting, they just need to work out the service kinks. Rumor is that managment pulled staff from Agave, the big sister restaurant in Manhattan, to fill in here so they could open faster than if they were staffing locally. Hopefully they'll get some bang up local servers and the frazzleness (did I just make up another word?) will disappear.

Happy feasting!

The Weekender

2008-01-24T21:15:00.000-05:00

I do believe this South Astoria gal is having a Ditmars advenure Saturday.

First up, I'm going to take a nice long walk (as long as it isn't freezing) up Steinway to Ditmars. I can't believe how many times I must have failed to notice the Steinway clock. I took a picture of it last weekend. I'll get that up shortly, for anyone else who is as oblivious as I am (it's been up since December 10th).

I'll be stopping in around 2pm to check out the Seeds of Love fundraising event held at Curves (Ditmars and 36th st). I miss the Curves that was on Broadway, but I'm pretty happy with ASC (you know, when I actually go).

While I am up there I think I'll check out the wares at Inside Astoria. I went shopping there over Christmas, but didn't buy myself any presents. They have lots of nifty housewares, kitschy books, cool frames and even jewelry.

Not too sure where I am going to stop by for brunch or a bite, but depending on my mood I could get brunch at Igloo, Fatty's or Sparrow, or a bite at Oleput or Waltz-Astoria. Actually, tomorrow night Waltz is holding a meet and greet. How cool is that? What a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends in the hood!

If that wasn't enough, later Saturday night, I may get to try one of the two new yummy sounding restaurants in the hood. I'm almost positive we'll be trying the new Southwestern joint Mojave. If we get lazy and stay much closer to home, perhaps we'll give Luna de Juarez a whirl.

Even though we may see a movie Friday night (I've been itching to see Juno) I don't think we'll be eating at the new Applebee's by the Kauffman. While that's some people's cup of tea, there's plenty more places left in Astoria for me to explore through my favorite sense, taste.

Speaking of movies, the Museum of the Moving Image is screening Chop Shop with both the director and star in person to field questions. In case you are unfamiliar with the movie:

2007, 84 mins. 35mm.
A deeply affecting slice of urban neorealism by Ramin Bahrani (Man Push Cart), this Queens-made film, set in the Iron Triangle near Shea Stadium, follows a 12-year-old orphan (Alejandro Polanco) who ekes out an existence with his sister (Isamar Gonzales).
A hit at the 2007 Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals.

Hopefully it's not so cold out that I decide to hibernate!
Make it a good weekend readers!

Doing Good in Astoria this Weekend

2008-01-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Helen for sending this my way!

Dear Friends of Seeds of Love,
Hello! We are very excited to announce that we are having another fundraising event! The wonderful ladies of Curves in Astoria have been gracious enough to donate their space to help us continue our mission. We can't thank you enough, Michelle and Maria!

On Saturday, January 28th, we'll be setting up our sale at Curves , located at 36-10 Ditmars Blvd. from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. (See attached flyer for more details in jpg and pdf form!) We've got lots of new clothes, (even things for your husbands, boyfriends and sons!) ladies bags, adorable air fresheners, cute accessories and even bed in a bag sets! Seeds of Love t-shirts will also be available for purchase and all proceeds go to our cause.

Curves members will get a free gift with every purchase. If you are not a member yet, and you're curious about what goes on inside Curves, come by, make a purchase and get a coupon for a free-week trial at Curves! (Just think of it as our way of helping you get started on your new year's resolution!) I've been a member for a year, and I love it there!

As always, we have an important cause to focus on for this event. As Jennifer and I sat down to decide on a cause, we contacted the lovely people at the Child Life Center at Schneider Children's Hospital. They requested portable DVD players for the children's oncology department for patients in long term care. Without a doubt, with part of the proceeds of this event, we will fulfill this wish.

And then, I received a heart breaking email from a close friend. Twin babies Zack and Kyle were born on December 1, 2007 with a rare and devisating skin disease, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). I know that we have a lot of young seedlings on our mailing list, so I will not go into the graphic details of their condition. It is truly horrific. However, it is important to know that this family in New Jersey needs our help. It's amazing how two working parents with insurance are able to accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in debt in medical bills in just six weeks. If you would like to know more about what the twins are going through, please reply to this email and I will forward more information to you. Details about their condition will be available at the sale. You can also log on to http://www.debra.org/ or google images of "Epidermolysis Bullosa" to find out more about this frightening disease.

Besides cash donations, there is a wish list of supplies needed for the care of these babies. I have spoken to Rick, a very sweet man, who is the proud grandfather of the twins. He is overwhelmed by our efforts to help his family. If you are interested, we will be collecting supplies needed for the delicate care of the babies at our event.

Supplies needed:

Aquaphor healing ointment or Vaseline sterilized ointment

Soft Cling bandages made by Johnson and Johnson,

Any type of Kerlix dressing products which are similar to Soft Cling

En Famil Lipil with Iron – infant formula

Huggies diapers – Size 1

Wet Ones – must be hypoallergenic/fragrance free

Dreft baby detergent

Please feel free to pass this email on to others who you feel may want to help. You can also print the attached flyer and invite your friends and family to come down and shop.
Remember to check out our website for updates at http://www.seedsoflovecares.com/or visit our myspace at www.myspace.com/seedsoflovecares

I recently heard this quote, and it reminded me so much of what we do.
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit" ~ Nelson Henderson.
Thank your for your time... I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at the sale!
:::::Big hugs::::::Danielle

Holy Hannah! I'm in an ad for Locale!

2008-01-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

It's no big secret that I love love love Locale. Sure I get the same entree everytime, but the Linguini Fruitti de Mar (I think I spelled that incorrectly) is so damn good, and not something I would venture to make at home, ever. The crispy artichokes are so good that I reevaluated my feelings on the veggie (and also another thing I would not make at home). The wine list is fantanstic and if I just want to chill with a glass of wine and a panini with a book or my notebook I'm in a great spot. Too bad it's not close enough to my new apartment as it's a bit of a walk, especially in this cold weather.

Anyhoo, one of the last times John and I went with his friend Ruth (early/late fall) I remember someone taking some photos. Now a)I assumed they would use them on their website and b)did not think we were in any of the shots.

I was wrong.

I was thumbing through the latest issue of Ins & Outs Magazine (a great local resource if you can find it; I've only ever found it a few times) and I was really looking at all the ads. It's not often you see full color, high quality ads for our favorite local establishments and I was really into them. I get to Locale and I'm looking at the photo and immediately I think, hey John has that striped shirt...wait a sec, that is John and that's me! I wasn't sure if the third person was Ruth or my old roommate Jamie since we've all been seated at that table multiple times and both gals have a similar shirt. John guessed correctly that it was Ruth. Anyhoo, if you look at the ad below the dude in the striped shirt with his back to you is John, I'm in black directly in front of him (mercifully it's not an action shot of me shovelling food into my face) and Ruth is next to me in the grayish sweater thing).

(end of the gratuitous "look at me!" post)

2008 Street Fair Schedule

2008-01-19T11:01:00.000-05:00

I didn't get a chance to post the schedule for the upcoming street fairs like I usually do. Here it is (I forget now which paper it was in, since it came out last month. If I have to guess I would say the Queens Chronicle).

If you are anything like me you'll have this baby printed and hanging next to your calendar in anticipation. I know it's pretty much the same old thing every year, but I kind of like that; I know I can look forward to something and it'll be there.

April 27
Central Astoria LDC
Steinway Street between 28th and 34th Avenues (1 day, 4 blocks)
May 14–19
St. Demetrios Cathedral
30th Drive between 30th and 31st Streets
(May 14 for set up, May 19 for dismantle, 1 block, 6 days)
May 26
Broadway Astoria Merchants & Professionals Association
Broadway between Crescent and 47th Streets (1 day, 17 blocks)
May 31
Dutch Kills Civic Association
36th Avenue between 29th and 35th Streets (1 day, 6 blocks)
June 25–29
St. Antonio Abate Society of Castrofilippo
Ditmars Boulevard between 35th and 38th Streets (June 25 set-up, 5 days, 3 blocks)
July 13
Friends of Community Board 1
30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets (1 day, 13 blocks)
July 24–27
St. Irene Chrysovalantou Church
23rd Avenue from 35th to 37th Streets and on 36th Street from 23rd Avenue to under the Amtrak overpass (2 1/2 blocks, 4 days)
July 27
114 Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol
Broadway between Steinway and 48th Streets (1 day, 7 blocks)
August 10
Steinway Street B.I.D.
Steinway between 28th and 34th Avenues (1 day, 4 blocks)
September 1
30th Avenue Business Association
30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets (1 day, 13 blocks)
September 18–21
Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America (St. Markella)
26th Street from 23rd Avenue to under the Amtrak trestles (1/2 block, 4 days)
Sept. 28
Broadway Astoria Merchants & Professionals Association
Broadway between Crescent and 47th Streets (1 day, 17 blocks)

The only thing that disappoints me is that they are never as long as they say they are. I guess they have to account for it being at full capacity, but they never are. I wonder if it's because they can't sell all the spots or they try to not extend it all the way on purpose.

Oh well, yet another thing I can expect. Along with chocolate covered strawberries, falafal, watches, silly tee shirts, games to win a goldfish, $2 jewelry and pink lemonade.

These should tide you over until then:

The Weekender & We're Baaaaa-aack!

2008-01-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hiya Folks!

Sorry about the hiatus; some posting issues resulting in utter frustration has kept me from my duties of being, as my friends call me "The Goddess of All Things Astoria." Well I am back and ready to enlighten you on what's happening around town.

For those of you with the 3 day weekend LUCKY! We'll be at work, bummer. Make use of the day, enjoy it as fully as possible.

For those schmucks like me, let's make the next 2 days worth it.

I've got artsy things on the brain, so let's start there.

But first, in case you haven't heard we're losing one of our great hidden art spaces, the Flux Factory. Friggin eminent domain.

The Museum of the Moving Image continues it's offering of Ford at Fox, a retrospective of director John Ford's movies for Fox Studios (where he made over 50 movies!). If you're yearing for some classic movies this weekend, they'll be screening: Pilgrimage, Born Reckless, Air Mail and Steamboat 'Round the Bend.

PS1, offers a great assortment of artists exhibits.

LIC's Art-O-Mat offers a great exhibit, Lost Landscapes: Paintings by Diana Freedman-Shea.

The artist is is a realist painter concerned with mood and the effects of light and shadow.

Here's a sample of the work taken from the website:

Can't wait to see the rest!

The Noguchi Museum, up on Vernon, in what I call the triangle of wierd (Socrates Sculpture Park, The Noguchi Museum and Costco of all things?) has a really nifty exhibit. It's a collaboration of the works of Isamu Noguchi and Isamu Kenmochi.

From the website:

One of Kenmochi’s and Noguchi’s many collaborations resulted in a strikingly original woven bamboo chair made in 1950. This actual chair is no longer extant but will be recreated for the purpose of this exhibition. It is a classical sculptural form of texture and beauty as well as representing a technical accomplishment, distilling the natural elasticity and strength of bamboo with the durability and efficiency of iron. Together these two artists and designers made a chair that created a sense of lightness in modern design with a charm of warm, seemingly traditional tactility.

And, just to give you an idea:

And, as always there's the annual Emerging Artists Fellowship exhibit at Socrates Sculpture Park.

Saturday at 1, as part of their Afternoon at the Movies series, the Greater Astoria Historical Society presents: The Great American Songbook.

From the website:

The people and events that put music in our lives are celebrated in this anthology that traces popular music from its roots in minstrel shows through the jazz age and Gershwin to more recent tunesmiths.

Tunesmiths, I like that word.

I know I was kind of art heavy this weekend, but there's not a whole lot going on this weekend.

In other news, have you seen the work that has been happening at our beloved Beer Garden? They have a link to a photo slide show (granted, with only a few photos) on their home page of the work going on. Hopefully that new Beer Garden in Brooklyn means we can actually get into this one when the warmer months get here.

(Sorry for the formatting inconsistencies...one of the many problems I have been having tied into my hiatus...it's just so frustrating when you take the time to write something out and then it either looks wonky or disapppears. The latter being the major reason for the hiatus.)

The Weekender

2007-08-17T09:24:00.000-04:00

Sigh readers, where has the summer gone? I feel like it's just slipping by. And I have been remiss in my duties to bring you all the best that Astoria has to offer. My apologies. For those of you sticking with us, let's get on with the weekend shall we? (oh if only I could get onto it right this very moment!)

Have some paddling experience? Tonight relax during the Friday Night Chill Paddle. Gather at 6:30PM sharp at the LIC Community Boathouse on Anable Cove at East River and 43rd Avenue. If you don't have much experience then the free weekly trips from Hallets Cove might be more your speed. Sundays through October from 1 til 5pm.

Saturday from 11-2 get a little dirty helping out with a community garden. Two Coves Garden (30th Avenue, 8th Street, and Astoria Blvd) would love to meet neighbors and make friends while starting and then maintaining this community garden.

This weekend Candy Plum is showing off all their newest accesories and all clothing is 30% off.

This whole weekend is the Borgetto Cultural Association Street Fair on Steinway St. between 25th & 28th Ave. I have missed far too many street fairs this season! It's so unlike me.

Art-o-Mat has a nifty exhibit until September 2nd. From the website:

Art-O-Mat is pleased to introduce cartoon artist Johnny Coughlan and present THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOHNNY COUGHLAN. Reminiscent of the underground cartoon era, his world of unique characters and perspectives is filled with humor and truth. The work reveals an artist who is continually in search of self while at the same time confident in his world view. His ability to capture the contemplative mind is thoughtful and immediate. His skill at pinpointing the essence of self, the world around us, and our basic daily experience is complemented by his skillful graphic stylings

Also this weekend and next weekend Socrates Sculpture Park presents FLOAT. Here's the description from the web:

Socrates Sculpture Park is pleased to announce the 2007 edition of Float, a biennial series of time-based and ephemeral works installed and performed throughout the Park on Saturdays and Sundays in August. Launched in 2003, Float was first organized in response to Socrates Sculpture Park's location on the East River waterfront. In 2005, locational and relational aesthetics were emphasized, and now, in 2007, the series takes up the theme of nostalgia for a future past, and focuses on a wider range of media to include a concert series, a discursive newsprint publication and blog, several performative installations, and a video program.

About.com has an interesting article about the best Markets in Astoria. I found the inclusion of the Euro Market a little odd. I've been there a few times and in all honesty I would be wary of the euro market. Many many items on their shelves are well past their expiration date. The fresh stuff may indeed be fresh, but the stuff on the shelves is decidedly not so. It's been about a year since I've gone hopefully they have shaped up in that department. I'm not above going back to check it out. I do love me some Irish food. If only the Butcher Block in Sunnyside would open up a branch in Astoria!

Are you interested in a Sci Fi/Fantasy Book Club. Well there's one in Astoria looking for a few good folk. Check this posting for all the details.

Also of note is that Queens Restaurant Week is coming up September, 17-20 and 24-27, 2007. The participating restaurants will offer a three-course dinner special or equivalent for $20.07 Thanks to About.com (love those guys!) I got the skinny on participating restaurants in our area:
Astoria
Gandhi Restaurant, 34-14 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103, 718-956-7555
Margarita Ville Restaurant, 38-01 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103, 718-777-1707
Mezzo Mezzo, Mediterranean, 31-29 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, 718-278-0444
Mundo Cafe & Restaurant, 31-18 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106, 718-777-2829
Opa Souvlaki, 28-44 31st St, Astoria, NY 11102, 718-728-3638
Ponticello Restaurant, Italian, 46-11 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103, 718-278-4514
Sanfords Restaurant, 30-13 Broadway, Astoria, NY, 718-932-9569
Zorba's Souvlaki Plus, 29-05 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105, 718-956-7266
Long Island City
Da Gianni's Ristorante, 21-50 44th Dr, Long Island City, NY 11101, 718-707-0442
Island Restaurant, 35-15 36th St, Long Island City, NY 11106, 718-433-0690
Masso, 47-25 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, 718-482-8151
Riverview, Continental, 2-01 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, 718-392-5000
Tournesol Restaurant, French, 50-12 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, 718-472-4355
Waters Edge Restaurant, Continential, The East River at 44th Dr, LIC, 718-482-0033
Sunnyside and Woodside
Free Time Diner, 61-12 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, 718-423-1245
Quaint, 46-10 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside, NY 11104, 917-779-9220
Sapori D'Ischia, Italian, 55-15 37th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, 718-446-1500
Sripraphai Thai Restaurant, 64-13 39th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, 718-899-9599
White Castle, 69-01 34th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, 718-899-8404

About.com has a great list of things happening in LIC.

Make it a great one!

The Weekender

2007-07-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

Friday, Hell Gate Social is ready to RAWK with Metal Mayhem brought to you by DJ Cerberus starting at 9.

If you’re looking for something a little more mellow that metal, check out Waltz-Astoria’s newly renovated digs. They are hosting jazz/pop/bossa nova duo, Nova Columbo’s CD release party. $5 cover and $7 drink minimum, set starts at 9pm.

This Saturday yours truly will be participating in the Astoria Craft Collective trunk show. Stop by the patio of craftiness on 29th street and 35th avenue between 11 and 5pm where local crafters will be selling jewelry (me!) clothes, baby gear, candles and whatnot. We’ll also have complimentary drinks and snacks, wheeee! Say hello and meet some new crafty neighbors.

Candy Plum is also having a sale on Saturday. Their fave T-Shirt designers will be having a trunk show where you can rock 10% off and get a free gift with purchase AND they have snackys too.

Don’t forget to shake your groove thing over at PS1’s Warm Up, the hottest party this side of the East River…nay the city! Word is there is a special line for Astoria/LIC residents. If only the beer garden would get hip to that trick.

Sunday night is an as yet undetermined movie at Hell Gate Social, and Pub Quiz night at the Irish Rover.

It's also Harry Potter mania, and our lonely in need of work bookstore-Seaburn-will indeed be carrying the book.

Although it’s not in Astoria, it is a rockin good show: The Siren Music Festival is this Saturday at Coney Island.

If you’ve got the I can’t get into the Beer Garden Blues then cross the street and head over to Sparrow. We went there for the first time a few weeks ago for a friends birthday and we were digging it. I’d probably go more often if I wasn’t hanging on the edge of south Astoria, but it is worth the trip.

The Weekender

2007-06-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

What a great way to start the weekend. Lovely cool weather and tonight is the Astoria fireworks and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Waterfront Concert series. Head over to Astoria Park tonight at 7:30 on the Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Blvd., between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool. The night will feature an evening of the American big Band Sound with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra followed by a spectacular Grucci fireworks display over the East River.
When the sparklies are over you can make your way over to Waltz to hear Audrey Silver at 9, as part of their Smokey Jazz Series.
Before all that you can get your tootsies wet in the pool since today is officially opening day!

Saturday Waltz brings us another monthly dose of Talk Wine with Kevin Rose. 7 reds and whites paired with fruits cheeses and other treats. $25 and I recommend to call ahead as this is pretty popular.

I'm still trying to figure out exactly which day they mean, but the Beer Garden is advertising a free performance by the Hellgate Harmonies performing classical Czech music in the band shell from noon to 3, this Saturday July 1st. The only problem is that Sunday is July 1st.

Sunday, Hellgate Social is showing the classic Dr. Strangelove in the outdoor garden area around 8:45/sunset. Awesome movie!

The Weekender

2007-06-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

Coming to you early this week to make up for last week's technical glitch. (I actually had work to do at work and my "reliable" Verizon service was down again at home)

Today is the official start to Summer, whoo hoo! We've got the longest day of the year and what a better way to celebrate it that by heading to Socrates Sculpture Park to partake in their Summer Solstice Celebration. The fun starts at 5 until the sun goes down which should be round abouts 8:30 or so. There will be music, face painting, artmaking workshops, a solstice ritual and food from local restaurants all with the skyline as your backdrop.

Our friends at Waltz are enjoying a much deserved vacation this week. But they'll be back next week with their usual round up of Monday Jazz Lounge, Tuesday Comedy and Wednesday Open Mic Night. And as a sneak peek next Friday as part of their Smokey Jazz Series they bring us the musical stylings of Audrey Silver and Saturday is the monthly Wine Tasting Series with Kevin Rose.

This weekend (and under way right now) Ditmars gets in on the street fair action with the multi day festivities for the St. Antonio Abate Society of Castrofilippo. Check it out on Ditmars between 35 th and 38th streets.

Tomorrow the Beer Garden opens its doors to show their appreciation to some folks who really deserve it; teachers! They also show their love 6-29 as well. BBQ is on and there's no additional cover. Take out a teacher for a pint (hey Michael…want a beer?)

Also tomorrow from 6:30 to 9pm enjoy the Friday Night Chill Paddle brought to us by the good folks at the Astoria Waterfront Group and the LIC Community Boathouse. "Join us for a very casual skyline viewing aboard sit-on-top kayaks. While all paddle trips involve exercise, danger, and cooperation, these weekly outings are maeant to minimize demands and allow participants to unwind." Meet at the LIC Community Boathouse on Anable Cove at East River and 43rd Avenue.

And don't forget, every Sunday, weather permitting, from 1-5pm they have the walk up canoeing and kayaking taking off from Hallets Cove.

Do you have some books you want to get rid of? Maybe see if there are any you can pick up or swap? Have a great book you think folks should read and want to loan it out? Then stop by Freeze Peach Sunday at 2 and look for the folks with the piles of books and join in on the Astorian's book swap. It works like this: you and other folks bring books. You give away what you don't want, take what other people are giving away or loan out a good book to a new trustworthy neighbor. Whatever is left over at the end is collectively carried over to a local thrift store for a donation.

Sunday is also the Opening Day Celebration of PS1. Go get your art on.

Spotted around town:
While I lament the loss of our lovely bona fide French restaurant Le San Souci I noticed that Soho café (don't think it is affiliated with any chain; I've heard there is a chain of sub par bakery/café places called Soho…this looks distinctive) has finished moving in. They've kept a bit of the look of Le San Souci (smart move) I believe I didn't see the distinctive rustic wooden tables but the stone walls are still there. Will have to pop in to investigate soon as I am in the process of moving to that neck of the woods.

The Weekender

2007-06-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

Saturday at 6pm bring out the blankets, hide the wine (it may be fun, but it is technically illegal to drink in a park) and to Astoria Park to see the Astoria Symphony present An Outdoor World and play classical music in the park.

Afterwards at 9pm head over to the Beer Garden where you can enjoy some free Jazz music, courtesy of Astoria Jazz Nights.

Sunday morning celebrate the 9th birthday of Gantry State Plaza Park. Join our neighbors in Queens West as they have a birthday breakfast from 10:30-12:20. On the cafe pier (#2) they say to keep an eye out for the balloons and a sniff out for the coffee.

Sunday night is the end. Of the Sopranos that is. In honor of this "momentous occasion" Hell Gate Social will be screening the last episode out in their backyard (weather permitting) complete with free Sicilian pizza and $2 Sicilian Kiss Shots.

You also have the usual weekend fun of yoga, tai chi and capioera at Socrates and walk up Kayaking at Hallets Cove on Sunday.

In other news you can check out the line up for the free movies at Socrates Sculpture Park here.

Enjoy!

The Weekender

2007-06-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

Thundershowers are hitting our way this weekend. Oh well, we’re all too pooped from Memorial Day to really want to do a lot this weekend. So this might not be the best weekend to hit up The Water Taxi Beach, the Beer Garden (although there might not be a line) kayaking from Hallets Cove or yoga at Socrates.

Waltz brings us some tunes this weekend.
AMMI is continuing their Sam Fuller retrospective.

Tonight Hell Gate Social hosts the Maximum Rock N’ Roll Inauguration Party
Bringing your favorite ear piercing Punk/Hardcore/Metal DJ Dredd & DJ Taso

Do you have an old inefficient air conditioner? Well if you think you’re saving money by not buying an new one you really aren’t doing yourself any favors. Those older models that don’t have the energy star label really guzzle power so you’re better off bringing it over to Astoria Park on Sunday where you can trade it in for a voucher towards a new energy efficient model. Watch your bill go down. From 10-3pm in the Astoria Park Parking lot @ Hoyt Ave.

Or stay in and keep dry!

The Weekender

2007-05-25T07:32:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. The unofficial start to summer kicks off this weekend with parades, barbeques, street fairs and don’t forget everyone has a Memorial Day sale (Hellloooo perfect timing for furniture shopping for the new apartment!)

This weekend the NYC beaches officially open. While the water may be too cold to take a dip you can still soak up the rays and enjoy a day at the shore at the Queens Beach at Rockaway Park. It’s really easy to get to. Yeah you can take the A train all the way (make sure to switch to the shuttle if you want Rockaway Park, which I prefer) or you can head over to Woodside and catch the Express Q53 which stops right by the Woodside station, makes stops in Jackson Heights and Rego Park before heading straight to the beach. Yeah, Beach 116 can be crowded and all, but that’s because it’s close to the train and shops. Walk up a few blocks…you’ll wonder if you are at the same beach.
Friday it all kicks off at 11 with an opening ceremony. The event will include demonstrations of the many recreation and athletic activities along the beach this summer, including fitness classes, volleyball and hoola-hooping.

Also officially opening this weekend is a beach a little closer to home: The Water Taxi Beach. Yes it has been open this month, but only serving limited items. This weekend the full menu is busted out and the fun is ON!

Friday at 8pm, after you’ve soaked up the sun at either beach, Waltz has the music for us once again, this time bringing us the talents of June Morris. $5 cover and a one drink minimum. Stick around for Brazilian Duo at 10 bringing us some Jazz and Bossa Nova.

Saturday the Beer Garden kicks off their start to summer with the 25th annual Czech and Slovak Festival. Folk dancing, brass bands and tons of food and beer. $10 gets you in the door starting at 12. And patience gets you through the line.

Later that night DJ Moses spins his last NYC gig over at Hell Gate Social.
Or for the more sophisticated Waltz hosts their monthly Talk Wine series with Kevin Rose. 7 wines, tasty treats and a little discussion all for a $25 participation fee. (call ahead, this has gotten popular)

Sunday enjoy a free and relaxing canoe or kayaking ride from 11-5. Walk up and one of our friends from the LIC Community Boathouse will take you out on to the river. (weather permitting). It’s a great way to have fun and learn about keeping our local watering holes (no, not those kinds) spiffy.

Starting at 2 the guys at Hell Gate Social have the BBQ all set and ready. Happy hour from 2-7 and the BBQ? It’s FREE!
Stick around…or sober up and come back for their weekly outdoor movie. This weekend they bring us Top Secret.

And don't forget the yoga, capoeria and tai chi at Socrates.

Then comes the big day. It may not be in our neighborhood but in Douglaston (my aunt’s neighborhood) they are home to the biggest Memorial Day Parade in the country. It’s been around honoring our fallen soldiers of various wars since 1927. Can’t make it there or to a cemetery? Thank a soldier, and be happy they are still with us. Don’t know one? You can thank my brother who made it home from Iraq almost 2 years ago. (knocking wood furiously that he doesn’t have to go back). Or you can go to a GMC dealer and drop of a card of thanks for a soldier, part of the million thanks program they are supporting. You don’t have to support the war to be grateful we have soldiers. My brother doesn’t support the war and he IS a soldier.

On a lighter note Memorial Day really gets the street fair season going. Check out Broadway from 47th to Crescent (usually a little shorter than advertised), for all the sausage and peppers, crepes, choco covered strawberries, lemonade, magnets, jewelry, sheets and kitchen gizmos you can stand. God, I LOVE street fairs.

Also on Monday from 10:30 - 1pm you can enjoy the Ravenswood Walking Tour.
And, if you are in the mood for something new and sparkly Candy Plum, our favorite local boutique, is having a 10% off sale all weekend.

Now, go on....enjoy!

LIC, NYC @ Socrates

2007-05-24T12:40:00.000-04:00

Some photos I took of the exhibit a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

Go check it out!

Happy Hump Day

2007-05-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

Weekends aren't the only time Astorians get up to shennanigans.

Tonight if you are like me and in the crafty mindset join a group of us at Tell Astorya Cafe (37-05 28th Ave) at 7:00. The cafe is kind of small so we don't plan on doing any actual crafting tonight. It's more of a sit down to decide if there's enough general interest to start an Astoria Craft Mafia. That's right Brooklyn, you're not the center of the artsy fartsy outer borough world anymore. Us Astorians are getting in on the action. Since there are certain criteria for the Craft Mafia, we just may wind up creating an Astoria crafty collective. So whatever your craft come down and meet more crafty people. Hopefully we'll start a group where we can meet up and work on our individual crafts, or learn a new one together.

Also tonight is the grand opening of Crescent and Vine, the new wine bar by our friends at Fatty's Cafe right next door. They've had a soft open the past few weeks and the buzz has been good. Pop over tonight and see what's up.

And in case you haven't noticed the sea of white around town, it's that time of year again-Fleet Week. Go on, you know you want to shout Hey Sailor when you see them.

Have fun!

The Weekender

2007-05-18T09:18:00.000-04:00

This weekend is all about doing good and gettin an education. All fun though of course. Check it out, and make it a great one.

Saturday is It's My Park Day. Tons of parks all over the place are inviting the community to pop in and do some good. Clean up, plant a tree, paint over some graffiti etc do the good karma thing. Local parks where you can participate are: Two Coves, Athens Square and Queensbridge Parks.
And don't forget about Yoga and Capoeria at Socrates.

This Sunday AMMI gives us a great behind the scenes tour and the best part-the whole thing is FREE! That’s right, Sunday from 11-5 the museum waves it’s admittance fee and in addition 36th street between 34th and 35th avenues will be closed off for a street fair of sorts. The block will be lined with movie trailers for cast members, production, hair makeup etc and the public is invited to take a peek inside. C’mon, we’ve seen them all over town, you know you’re dying to see what’s in there. Demos all day and another bonus, since they’re remodeling they have to reduce inventory at the gift shop so all those cool trinkets and books-totally on sale.

Also Sunday our friends at the LIC Community Boathouse brings us free walk up paddling on both canoes and kayaks at Hallets Cove. From 1-5, walk up and their experts will take you out and show you the ropes.

Sunday night Hell Gate Social they will be showing Street Trash- hopefully in the backyard garden if the weather permits. Starts at 8:30.

Chocolate Factory Theatre gives us the performance piece BOREDOM!!! (as amplifier). As well as an exhibit by Patrick Neal called Walls and Floors.

Art-O-Mat L.I.C. is proud to present the first presentation of sculpture in its gallery space, HOPE IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS: THE ART OF JANET NOLAN AND PAUL VILLINSKI, curated by Louise Weinberg.

The Weekender

2007-05-11T09:55:00.000-04:00

Have you got plans for your mom all ready? The neighborhood abounds with brunch options: Brick Cafe, Grand Cafe, Cafe Bar, Mary Maguire's even Mundo is getting in on the action this year offering both brunch and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom. If you're planning dinner Brick, Locale, Cavo and Mundo are all excellent choices. Stop by Candy Plum to pick her up a one of a kind present. Or museum hop with her. Whatever you decide make it special and make it all about mom.

Before being the good son or daughter you all know you are head over to Waltz and be the good beer taster you know you are. Tonight at 9 for a participation fee of $15 sample 2 warm up beers and 5 tasting beers to help Waltz decide what to carry. Snacks and tunes provided as well.
Saturday Waltz has a double music bill happening with singers Nicole Collins and Jenn Friedman. 9pm start, $5 cover and a one drink minimum. I call that a deal.

Hellgate Social has DJ Moses spinning tonight and DJ Lo-Fi spinning tomorrow. They also have an as yet not disclosed movie Sunday night.

Don't forget that the Water Taxi Beach is open these lovely weekends leading up to the unofficial start of summer-Memorial Day.

Starting this weekend, yoga and tai chi return to Socrates Sculpture Park and they are joined by Capoeira (a lively martial art that originated in Brazil over 450 years ago. Self-defense techniques are concealed by graceful dance moves and spectacular acrobatics set to music.)
Yoga is Saturdays 11-12. Capoeira is right after from 12-1:30. And Tai Chi is Sundays at 11:00.

Tickets are now available for the Chocolate Factory Theatre's benifit Taste of LIC.

Make it a good one!

The Weekender

2007-05-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

These days are not meant to be sitting in front of an office computer looking longingly out the window at another building. T minus how long until lunch...the weekend?

Tonight is the opening of APAC's newest show A New Brain. "A comical musical about a composer named Gordan who faces a dramatic health crisis. At the time when he is struck by illness, he is reluctantly composing a song for a children's television show featuring a frog (Mr. Bungee). The specter of this large green character and the unfinished work haunts him throughout his medical ordeal. Gordan learns to appreciate life's precious moments, and finds new inspiration to compose the songs he yearns to produce." Showtime is at 8. Click the link for the other performance dates and location.

As of tomorrow at noon the Water Taxi Beach is open for business (weekends only in May, and only as long as the weather is good). Stop on down for some beer and a dog and just look at the skyline.

Also, Saturday, 10 AM at Gantry State Plaza Park break out the bike and participate in the Green Queens: Estuary Wading & Cycling Adventure sponsored by our good friends at Astoria/LIC Waterfront Parks Catalyst Project of Partnerships For Parks. The 5 mile, 3 hour tour (3 hour tour...sorry it got stuck in my head) will cover local waterfront parks, visit a fantastic natural beach on the East River, and tour Build It Green! Afterwards, stick around at Hallets Cove for a water quality workshop sponsored by the New York Soil & Water Conservation District and Partnerships for Parks. The introductory workshop will explore human impacts on water quality through hands-on tests of physical and chemical water properties using scientific field instruments.

You can also check out the Magic of Astoria craft fair taking place over at the United Methodist Church (30-44 Crescent St. At 30th Rd). 40 vendors will be selling their wares such as jewelry, paintings, photography, sculpture, knitware, candles and more! I love supporting local craftiness! Check it out from 10-6pm.

I've fallen in love with having a late Sunday brunch at Mary Maguires. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday than having a nice leisurely brunch that comes with unlimited mimosas? Seriously, they give you a pitcher. Yes, a pitcher...a mini one if you are the only alcoholic at the table. I believe the brunch price is $12.95 (brain fart at the moment. I left my notebook at home). If you get there close to 4 you get either the brunch or the dinner special. Sundays (and Thursdays) they have a 2 for 1 dinner special where you and your hunny, or roomie or buddy, or some random stranger can enjoy dinner for a total of $16.95 for the both of ya.

Sunday Socrates Sculpture Park opens up it's newest exhibit LIC, NYC celebrating all the awesome art we have in the neighborhood. Our friends at Flux Factory and Isamu Noguchi will be well represented along with others.

Wind up your Sunday testing your brain power against other locals at the Irish Rover pub quiz at 7.

In Neighborhood news and gossip: It seems like Fatty's has finally gotten the liquor lisence for Cresent and Wine (both Ditmars @ Crescent) and they'll be opening next week.
Congrats guys!
Make it a great one!

The Weekender

2007-04-27T09:49:00.000-04:00

First off my apologies for last week. I could not get the blog to post in its entirety and it drove me batty to the point I gave up. Basically I gave you the usual and told you to enjoy the lovely weekend.

Despite the dreariness outside my office window (Thank god for the massive plant I have there to cheer things up) this weekend is set to be L-O-V-E-L-Y. I’m ignoring the threat of rain for tomorrow and focusing on the warm sunny weather I see for Sunday.

Now that the weather is warming up, so is the neighborhood.
And I am happy to report that John and I found a great apartment and my fear of being forced out of Astoria was unfounded. *Sigh of relief*

First up, there’s been chatter about a Green Market coming to Astoria, in Athens Square Park (30th st @ 30th ave). That would be awesome. I love walking through the one in Union Square on my lunch breaks and having one close to home means not having to worry about schlepping stuff home on a crowded rush hour train. Ah, to have fresh locally grown fruits, veg and plants would be lovely (I’m digging that word today, eh?). Sign the petition to voice your support to have this great addition to our community. Make sure to verify you're in Astoria in the comments section.

This weekend Cynthia, from Candy Plum, is celebrating her birthday all weekend, with 10% off everything pink and a free gift with purchase. Sale runs until the shop closes on Sunday. Happy Birthday Cynthia!

Tonight at 7:30 AMMI hosts a screening of “Away from Her” Presented by Director Sarah Polley. “Julie Christie’s radiant and moving performance as a woman who succumbs to memory loss lies at the heart of Sarah Polley’s impressive directorial debut.” Tickets are $18 for non members and after the screening and discussion join in for the reception in the museum galleries.

Saturday from 11-1pm join Richard Melnick from the Greater Astoria Historical Society for a Walking Tour of the neighborhood. Set at a leisurely pace, you’re sure to learn a lot about the neighborhood. RSVP and meet your walking buddies at the corner of Ditmars and Shore Blvd, and you’ll eventually make your way to Rainey Park.

Also Saturday the Steinway Reformed Church(41-01 Ditmars Blvd @ 41st st) is hosting a rummage sale. They’re promising great stuff and great bargains for everybody. Proceeds go to support the church “that supports the community.”

Waltz hosts their monthly wine tasting again Saturday at 9pm. 7 wines paired with meats and cheeses for $25 all while getting a lesson about what you're sipping. Get there early, the last 2 months have sold out.

Saturday night shake your groove thang at Hell Gate Social with Astoria’s DJ Lo-Fi spinning the beats.
It is not a good night to go to the Beer Garden even if the weather is beautiful. They’re hosting a concert and tickets are $30 in advance.
Hold the need for beer until Sunday.

Sunday brings a smile to my heart just thinking about THE FIRST STREET FAIR OF THE SEASON!!! Get your booty over to Steinway and about 28th ave to Broadway (they say it runs to 34th ave, but it never really reaches that far, much to my disappointment). Time to scope out the $2 jewelry, funny t-shirts, deep fried oreos, and all those great things that just spell summer.

Also on Sunday is the grand opening of the QP Marketplace in Queens Plaza. Antiques, crafts, collectables and a farmers market are what’s in store for visitors. I’m excited to check it out.

One more for Sunday (that I’ll miss for sure due to another commitment)-make like a kid and go fly a kite. From 11-2 join kids of all ages as Socrates Sculpture Park and The Noguchi Museum present the fifth annual kite event. “Children and their families draw inspiration from the Park's fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline to build and decorate a kite, and then fly it in the Park. KiteFlight will be held in the education area at Socrates Sculpture Park. The workshop is free and supplies will be provided.”

With all this, how can it NOT be a great weekend?
Enjoy it!

The Weekender

2007-04-13T11:42:00.000-04:00

I take back my earlier proclamation that Spring has sprung. We’re back to blustery, wet and cold days. Hopefully that will change. But the weather hasn’t stopped Astoria from heating up.

Of special note this weekend are 2 parades in Manhattan; one of which hits close to home. Saturday is the Tartan Day Parade. Its the largest Scottish celebration in Manhattan and one of the largest Scottish parades in the world. Catch the pipers and drummers strut their stuff down 6th avenue.
And in case you haven’t noticed that a lot more Greek flags have sprung up recently it’s time for the76th annual Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday. This year’s parade is dedicated to religious freedom. It will also be the first time it is broadcast on television. Catch it on FOX 5 or My9 from 1-3:30pm with hosts from channel 5 news, Rosanna Scotto, Ernie Anastos and Nick Gregory. “The parade commemorates the 186th anniversary of Greek Independence from Turkish Ottoman rule, tyranny and oppression and honors the Greek forefathers who valiantly sacrificed their lives to preserve the ideals of freedom, democracy, and independence. The celebration brings together thousands of Greek-Americans; Philhellenes, civic, religious and political organizations; members of the Greek Orthodox Church, American and Greek government officials on Fifth Avenue to honor Greek independence. All Hellenes and Philhellenes are encouraged to attend the Parade, which showcases the culture and legacy of Greece: a celebration of Greek Independence, culture, family and heritage.” (taken from Hellenic News of America).

Friday night you can stay home and begin the mourning process of the end of Stargate SG-1 (oh, say it really isn’t so! But it is ). Or you can check out Hell Gate Social’s Naughty little evening. At 9pm they host Erotic Consultant Wazina Bibi for Sex Toys, Tips, Erotic Education with Dj Qi spinning her usual unusual mix of electro, alternative rock, 80's & funk-soul Additionally you can pop into Waltz-Astoria to enjoy and acoustic set by Shelly Bhushan. Shelly blends every corner of the pop music scene funk, rock, blues, r&b and jazz, in addition to drawing from her Texas roots to develop a sound that is authentic, original, and alive, and transcends genre definition. Show’s on at 9, $5 cover and $7 drink minimum.

Saturday, after trying to see if Scotsmen really do wear anything under their kilts, rock out at Waltz. Warren Zimmel and the Zen Roses tear it up. They even say “Make sure you get here early, don't say we didn't tell you!” The usual bat time and bat cover.
Afterwards join Astoria’s DJ Lo-Fi spinning the hot beats at Hell Gate Social.
Also earlier on Saturday, Candy Plum is having a trunk show for designer Mary Ann McMahon from 1-3:30.

Sunday, test your trivia skills at the Irish Rover Pub Quiz. Or have drinks with “the family” Tony Soprano’s family that is. Hell Gate Social is airing the second episode of the final season, complete with Sicilian Pizza and $2 Sicilian Kiss shots (amaretto and so-co)

Make it a great one folks!
I’ll be apartment hunting all weekend. Hopefully we find our new home. Wish us luck!

Big Brother Comes to Astoria

2007-04-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

http://www.amny.com/news/local/transportation/subway/am-cameras0411,0,2351642.story

Anti-terror cams come to Queen
By Matthew Grant
Special to amNewYork
April 11, 2007

Big Brother will soon be watching, and Queens lawmakers say it's for your own good.Thirty-six high-tech cameras will be installed at three subway stops in Astoria as part as of an anti-terror security plan."What began as an anti-terror initiative in response to both 9/11 and the bombings in London has now proven to be a very successful tool to combat everyday crime," State Assemb. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) said Tuesday.
The cameras, paid for with $1.7 million in state and federal funds, will be installed at the Broadway, 30th Avenue and Astoria Boulevard stops along the N/W line. Each station will be outfitted with 12 cameras, most of them positioned at the entrances and exits.Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens/Brooklyn), who worked with Gianaris to secure funding for the cameras, said a 2003 al-Qaida plot to release poisonous gas in the subways shows how vulnerable the system is.
But Gene Russianoff, staff attorney for the Straphangers Campaign, said he isn't convinced adding a few dozen cameras will improve safety. But, he added, "It's like chicken soup, it can't hurt."Besides, he added, "A lot of riders find solace in seeing these cameras and it makes them feel more secure.
"There are 50 subway stations in the city that have surveillance cameras an MTA spokesman said.However, a spokeswoman for Gianaris said that these will be among the first in Queens. She said the cameras will be similar to those installed in convenience stores, and will be able to store 45 days worth of information.They should be operational by the end of the summer, she said.
A year ago Gianaris announced funding for cameras at the Ditmars Boulevard station; they have been installed and should be operational in two months.Gianaris also hopes to secure money to install cameras at the Steinway Street station along the R line.
"We are now in a period of record-breaking train usage in the city," Gianaris said. "The more we can make people feel safe in getting on those trains the better it'll be for them and for all of New York."Weiner insists, however, that the security cameras will not be used as a substitute for police vigilance, but more as a tool in deterring crime."You can't have too many eyes keeping us safe when it comes to the subways," Weiner said.

The Weekender & Happy Easter!

2007-04-06T11:39:00.000-04:00

This weekend is one of those rare religious convergences where both Easter and Greek Orthodox Easter happen the same week (not so good though if you are apartment hunting).
So dye your eggs, hide your baskets...or get creative and make someone a basket...that's what I'll be doing. It's a fun project...now to find a small Ford F150 toy truck....
Most importantly bundle up, it's going to be a cold Sunday.

There's a new addition the Astoria shopping scene - Site Design. Joining the southern Astoria ranks of funky cool shops, it's like the home furnishings version of Candy Plum (which is closed for Easter so no new baubles this weekend ladies). It's 2 doors down from Cafe Bar so you could totally stop in for a peep after having brunch, or while heading over to the Bravo for provisions.

Waltz Astoria provides the locals with more tunes this weekend.
Tonight they welcome back French guitar virtuoso Stephane Wrembel. (9:00, $5 cover, $7 drink minimum)
Saturday M.E.3, an avant- garde jazz trio that reinterpret the meaning of modern jazz and contemporary music hits the shop. (9pm, $5 Cover, $7 Drink Minimum).

Sunday night at 9, Astoria's funnyman Matt Taylor brings the free funny to Stini Yiamis (35th Street @ Ditmars). Come for the comedy and stick around for the after party with Matt playing DJ.

Make it a great one folks!

The Weekender

2007-03-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally found it's way to us!!!!!
It's time to bust out the walking shoes and start revisiting the neighborhood we've been hibernating from all winter.
Cafes on 30th already have the tables streetside and residents are taking advantage.
Ultimate Frisbee is back on Saturdays at the Park (by the bridge, at 11:00).
And it's only a matter of time before Astoria residents can't get into the beer garden. RUN before ToNY or the Times run another feature on it.

Friday Night at 9 Waltz-Astoria welcomes Wendy Colonna to their growing list of talented performers.
"Wendy blends poetically relevant lyrics with fun-inspired melodies and raw, magnetic stage presence. Her songs are as catchy as bubblegum pop, lyrics as inspired as classic folk, all delivered by a woman who combines the sensuality of eye candy with can-do strength of girl rock."
($10 cover and $7 drink minimum)

Saturday Waltz does their monthly wine tasting (why oh why do I always already have an engagement when these things come up?!) with host and wine afficionado Kevin Rose. Featuring new wines every month with specially selected meats, cheeses breads etc it's a fun night for those who love wine and are looking to broaden their horizons. 9pm start time with a $25 participation fee.

This weekend and next AMMI is staging an Edie Sedgwick Retrospective.
While there be sure to check out the Star Trek exhibit: 40 years of fandom before it closes April 15th.

This weekend is the last weekend to head over to The Chocolate Factory Theatre to see Richard Garrison's Perimiters exhibit.

Because we have such great art and art spaces you can also head over to the Flux Factory and see Grizzly Proof. It's a documentary by Peter Lynch about Troy Hurtubise, who was attacked by a grizzly bear in the Canadian Rockies. Troy survived and decided that he would one day return to the Rockies, this time fully prepared to win. It focuses on Troy and his quest to create a grizzly-proof suit. It is one man’s obsession to defeat nature.

Also this weekend the Genesis Repertory Theatre presents their modern take on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. The play will be staged at the Greek Cultural Center at 27-18 Hoyt Ave. South in Astoria, setting this great play in Jerusalem, modern day. Romeo is an American Jew visiting Israel and encounters Juliet, the daughter of a Palestinian businessman. This will be presented in English with sections in Arabic and Hebrew.

Make it a great one folks!

The Weekender

2007-03-16T13:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend is ALL about St. Patrick's Day. Have no fear if you don't have the brogue, not a fan of Guinness, or if you can't even find Ireland on the map-everyone is Irish tomorrow.
Unfortunately nature has smoted us and we have to endure cold temps again AND snow. This is just so wrong for St. Pat's. You can brave the cold and watch the parade on 5th ave or sit in a bar and drink. Although in my humble opinion it is too early in the day to start drinking-but the Irish have a natural ability to drink large quantities over extended periods of time (I'm Irish and have witnessed this firsthand). Where can you go in the neighborhood? Here's a handy dandy list:
The Irish Rover
The Quays
Mary McGuires
Cronin & Phelans
Gibney's
McLoughlins
McCanns
Even the Beer Garden is getting in on the action. In this weather you can actually get in.
Before you get your drink on (or after sobering up and then going to refuel) be civic minded and join Astorians for Peace and Justice at Athens Square Park for their candlelight vigil marking the 4th anniversary of the war in Iraq and taking a moment to remember those who have given their lives, limbs and hearts in this war. 5-7pm so if you are a late starter to drink, start here. The main anti war march is on Sunday.

Sunday, unwind and see how many brain cells you have left by going BACK to the Irish Rover for their pub quiz.

Sure there's other stuff goin on, but what can compete with green beer?

Keep warm and Sláinte!

The Weekender

2007-03-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Will I ever feel the sun, without having to wear multiple layers?
Damn! It's cold outside.
I have some photos from last week's parade in Sunnyside that I will post up for you and keep a look out for a post about Irish bars to take advantage of next weekend. I love the St. Patrick's Day season.
But that weekend isn't here yet, and we've got stuff to do this weekend

Saturday night, Astoria's own DJ Lo-Fi is spinning at Hell Gate Social again. Hittin the decks at 9:30 with no cover. Chchcheck it out.

Also on Saturday share your musical stylings at Doyle's Corner (42-02 Broadway). Starlight Karaoke is hosting a $5000 contest. Rules and regs here.

This weekend pop by Candy Plum mention myspace and get a free pair of earrings. If you all haven't heard me rave about this shop you must be deaf. If you haven't gone yet then this is the weekend to pop in. Hopefully I will be a new addition soon. More to come on that later.

Also this weekend Waltz hosts the weekly Mini Arts and Flea Market. Stop by and support local craftiness.

AMMI is blazing this weekend with back to back screenings of Flags of out Fathers and it's counterpart Letters from Iwo Jima.

Sunday night test your knowledge at the Irish Rover's Pub Quiz. I found out it actually came back last week, but found out after the fact. Unfortunately I'll be dining with my mother Sunday (mmmm Puerto Rican food mmmm) so I can't use my vast store of useless knowledge. Trust me, I'd come in handy for this type of thing.

If you're like me and need a quick fix of Spring, then head over to Fatty's Cafe for their Sunday night Social Party. Just another way to stretch out the last remnants of the weekend. This Sunday is Spring Break...flowered shirts, flowers in the hair and crazy times.

Finally: RIP Capt'n

Make it a great one folks!

The Weekender

2007-03-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

March is finally here, and boy oh boy has it made an entrance.
There are 2 very important things that happen in March. Hello spring training!
And, St. Patrick’s Day.

Get an early start on the holiday by partaking of the Woodside/Sunnyside St. Pat’s for All Parade this Sunday at 12:30. Just hop on the Q104 on Broadway and you’ll be at Skillman in no time (though I am not sure if the bus will be slightly rerouted or not). This year’s theme is "Cherishing All the Children of the Nation Equally," taken from the 1916 Easter Rebellion Proclamation. In case you don’t know the history-this parade was started as a response to the Roman Catholic Church not allowing gays and lesbians to march in the official parade on the 17th. This year’s honoree is Caroline Duggan, public school teacher and leader of the Keltic Dreams dancers, an after-school group at PS 59 in the Bronx. The festivities begin at 43rd and Skillman Ave, makes it’s way east until Woodside Avenue where it continues to 61st st and the post parade celebration. Check out my post from last year about bars in Sunnyside to check out while you’re hanging around. Although Sidetracks seems to be down for renovations.

Friday Waltz brings us more music this time from singer/songwriter Meredith Blis. $5 cover and $7 drink minimum to enjoy the show, starting at 9.

Chocolate Factory Theatre will be holding an opening reception for it’s newest installation Perimeters - installation by Richard Garrison this Saturday from 5-7pm. A brief description:
“Garrison's work involves collective processes that reflect his observations and interactions with the ordinary elements of urban and suburban spaces. He create abstractions of the familiar, such as department stores, parking lots, housing developments, institutional spaces and daily tasks. For the Chocolate Factory Gallery, Garrison is currently walking and recording the perimeters of numerous strip malls with a GPS (global positioning system) in the Albany area. The collected data will be used to create line drawings positioned on the floor made only of white chalk powder. The installation will cover the majority of the ground, while leaving ample space to navigate around the work with additional drawings on the gallery walls.”

Saturday night Waltz welcomes dutch vocalist Dutch vocalist Aafje van Summeren accompanied by pianist Steve Blanco and bassist Adam Roberts, her music “steeps in acoustic style and tradition, bringing a host of multi-layered rhythmic, harmonic and percussive elements to their music.” 9pm start, $5 cover and $7 drink minimum.

Saturday night, if you don’t want to deal with people just step outside your home and check out the lunar eclipse.
“Here in the United States, you have to be in the eastern half of the country to witness totality. At the end of the day on Saturday, go outside and face east. As the sun sets behind your back, a red Moon will rise before your eyes! Maximum eclipse is at 6:21 p.m. EST.”

Sunday night head over to Fatty’s for their Sunday Night Social from 8-close.

If you haven’t yet pick up your copy of “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” it’s out on DVD. Go, run, support a hometown boy’s super good flic.

Here’s some new info on last summer’s blackout. Start stocking up on flashlights, batteries and candles folks. This summer doesn’t look promising.

Make it a good one folks!

The Weekender

2007-02-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

I love me some rain. Especially warm spring rain. Most especially when that rain washes away all the icky nasty ice that is still all over the neighborhood. I want to take my cart out for a stroll to the Laundromat and the grocery store-but not if I’m going to get stuck in ice and muck.

Tonight head over to Waltz. If there’s an act you catch there it should be Annie Fitzgerald. She has such a great voice, wonderful melodies and awesome lyrics. Check out her myspace page to sample some tunes. I can be a music snot, and I really like what I heard today. I try not to accept myspace friend requests from bands. If it’s something I like, I’ll just bookmark the page. This here gal I’m friend requesting-I think she’s that good and she’ll be going places. There’s something great about discovering new, great and as of yet unheard of artists. Waltz is just the local spot providing us Astorians with great music. She goes on at 9 and it’s a $5 cover (reasonable) and a $7 minimum purchase (which should be easy to accomplish).

Waltz seems to like it’s the place to be on weekends (oh why aren’t you or something like you closer to Broadway?! Oh yeah-probably too pricey and/or you’re not a trashy euro lounge). This Saturday from noon-7pm head over for their weekly Mini Arts and Flea Market. Stop by to support local craftiness or contact them about selling your own craftiness.

Later that night at 9 they host their monthly Talk Wine Series. 7 reds paired with tasty treats to go with the flavors. Kevin Rose won’t be able to host and do any actual talking but you can still head over and sample all the tasty wines for a participation fee of $25.

If you’d rather get your groove thang on then put on your walking shoes and head over to Hell Gate Social since Astoria’s own DJ Lo-Fi will be spinning the groovy tunes starting at 9:30. Word on the street is he’s throwing in some extra 80’s flavor for those missing it the last time he was there. No cover for this one.

Saturday beware of Ferrari Driving School cars around 3:00 if you live near the movie theatre. I’ll be having my evaluation for driving lessons. I’ve never done anything close to driving a car before in my life. Hell, I can’t even ride a bike. Be afraid, be very afraid. They are actually making me attempt to drive. Anyone want to tell me what’s where in a car?

If your’re feeling artsy fartsy this weekend here’s a sampling of what’s happening at our local art spaces:

PS1-they have multiple new exhibits that have only been up for about 2 weeks.
Not For Sale
Sillicone Valley
Tom Sandberg
Vik Muniz: Reflex
Jonas Mekas: The Beauty of Friends Being Together Quartet
Abbas Kiarostami: Image Maker

Noguchi Museum
Shin Banraisha: A Cultural Memory

Chocolate Factory Theatre
Drifting Awake

AMMI
Screening Mondo Cane as part of the Great Documentaries series.
Also: Climates and Army of Shadows at 2, 4:30 and 6:30 respectively.

The Sculpture Center
Monica Bonvicini: Never Missing A Line

This oughtta keep you occupied. Make it a great weekend. And run if you see me in the drivers side of a car!

PS-LATE BREAKING
Lookie at what I just read about:
TONIGHT (Friday) at Last Resort...
9:30 Dami (folk)10:30 slow/dynamite (experimental)
11:30 Va Va China (jazz electro)
12:30 Highway Gimps (rock psych)
with DJ Ex Machina playing techno and industrial tunes from 1:30 on
Last Resort is a new music venue "inconveniently located in Queens". That's what the nonsensenyc list-serv has to say about us. Be that as it may, our last show was a ragingly good time, with or without the endorsement of the Williamsburg hipsterati. Come out tonight for an eclectic lineup of good music.
Cost: $4 suggested donation (money goes straight into the drywall fund so we can construct gallery space/a projection wall)
All ages
Byob
Indoor bicycle parking
Directions:Last Resort Art Space is at 8-63 Astoria Blvd between 8th St and 12th St. Don't ring the buzzer, just come to the 2nd floor.
SUBWAY from anywhere: N/W line to 31st St/Astoria Blvd. Walk west (aka the direction of decreasingly numbered cross streets) for 15 minutes.
Alternative SUBWAY from anywhere: (If you go this way it's only an 11 minute walk BUT if you can't follow directions you'll get lost and we'll have no sympathy.) N/W line to 30th Ave. Walk west (in the direction of decreasingly numbered cross streets) on 30th Ave til 21st St. Cross the street and make a right. Walk to 29th Ave and make a left. Walk to the intersection with 12th St. 12th St intersects 29th Ave at an oblique angle and looks like an alley. Make a right onto it anyway. Walk one very short block to Astoria Blvd. Cross the street and make a left. Last Resort is a few doors down on your right.

The Weekender

2007-02-16T11:15:00.000-05:00

Gun hey fa choy! Ok, I spelled that miserably wrong but if you sound that out you can say Happy New Year to those celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year and the Year of the Golden Pig.

Flushing has all sorts of things going on to celebrate.

A heads up for those training into Manhattan this weekend-7 train service is suspended so expect a whole bunch of extra passengers to join you at Queensboro Plaza. Read the letter from councilman Gioia urging residents to protest the continued disruption of the 7 line(I promise-no more quote formatting):

___________________________________________________________________
Dear Friend,

Please join me this Saturday, February 17th at 11:00 A.M. at the Vernon Jackson Subway Stop in Long Island City, to send a clear message to the MTA that the continued weekend shutdown of the 7 train is unacceptable, and to ask for more relief measures for Queens residents.

As you may already know, the MTA plans to suspend service between Times Square and 74th Street in Jackson Heights on the #7 Line, which covers the end of February and the entire month of March. Last weekend, service was also suspended between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza.

Put simply, when the #7 train is not running, the people of Queens suffer. By shutting the train down for such an extended period of time, the MTA is literally erecting a barrier for the hundreds of thousands of people who are trying to get to work, visit with friends and family, buy groceries, or visit a restaurant or museum. Having grown up here and taken the #7 train all my life, I am outraged that the MTA continues to neglect the people of Queens.

I look forward to seeing you this Saturday and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 718.383.9566.

Sincerely yours,

Eric Gioia

____________________________________________________________________

And, may I just say, Holy Crap-it’s friggin COLD out. Bundle up with your covers and stay indoors. Make it a Blockbuster weekend. Warm up with some mulled wine at home, or a warm spiked cider or hot toddy. Mmmmmm, I so wish I wasn’t at work now that I mention all those yummy warm drinks. Or you can head over to Waltz Astoria or the Beer Garden this weekend for some treats that are sure to warm you up.

Check out this Beer Garden shindig-

Here's the weekend Waltz Astoria line up:
Friday (Feb. 16)
9pm DAVE RUDBARG & FRIENDS
$10 Cover, $7 Drink Minimum

Saturday (Feb. 17)
12pm Mini Arts & Fleas Market (7pm Closing)

9pm LITTLE EMBERS
$5 Cover, $7 Drink Minimum

Enjoy the weekend! Make it a great one.

The Weekender

2007-02-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

Brrrrrrr.
Is it ever going to warm up? I feel like I’ve been hibernating. Leaving only for work And that’s no fun. Let’s see how things are heating up in Astoria.

Tonight Waltz brings us the City Beat Opera Singers, a group of seven singers all the early stages of their professional careers. City Beat Opera is devoted to performing traditional and contempory classical and operatic repertoire as well as blending in musical theatre and cabaret genres. No Cover and a $7 drink minimum. Show starts at 9.

Saturday from 12-7pm Waltz opens it’s doors for it’s Mini Arts & Fleas Market. Stop by to support local art and craftiness. I’m not sure what’s up this weekend but a sample of what they offer is jewelry, knitwear, queens inspired items, CDs and more. Sounds like when I get my jewelry cases and photography portfolio in order (finally) I’ll be swinging by to snag myself a very affordable spot. Check out the website if you are interested in becoming a vendor yourself.

Saturday night Hell Gate Social brings us the spinning of Astoria based DJ Lo-Fi. Spinning a complete mix there should be something everyone can enjoy. Free music starts at 9:30.

Another musical-but not free-option is to head to Waltz Astoria at 9:00 for a bossa nova and soul performance by Ranjit & Justin. $5 cover and $7 drink minimum.

Sunday from 12-6 is PS1’s opening day celebration. Check out eight new exhibtions featuring a range of artists, both established and emerging, throughout the building.
While there check out this interesting exhibit called Not For Sale.
"Not for Sale presents unavailable works by some of the art market’s most sought-after talents—artworks that the artists refuse to sell, reserving them for their own collections. Although the choice of medium may vary, ranging from painting, drawing and photography to installation and sculpture, all the work on view is united by the meaning it has for the artists who made it and their desire to hold on to each piece, no matter what the bidding price. Whether big, as in Mark di Suvero’s large-scale steel sculpture in the courtyard, or small, as in Christo’s smallest package, all of these works are decidedly not for sale."

Finally, you can wrap up your weekend at Hell Gate Social where they’re screening the documentary American Hardcore indoors at 8:30. Inspired by Steven Blush's book "American Hardcore: A tribal history" Paul Rachman's feature documentary debut is a chronicle of the underground hardcore punk years from 1979 to 1986. Interviews and rare live footage from artists such as Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and the Dead Kennedys.

Make it a great one! And stay warm!

Being Civic Minded

2007-02-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

There are lots of ways to give back to the community we call home. Be sure to check out any of the events below. I'm especially excited about the Astoria Park Group Meeting. I love spending time in the park. Oh, how I long for warm days to picnic by the bridge....

Astoria-LIC Waterfront Parks Alliance Meeting
What: Join us to help figure what we can do to improve our Astoria/LIC waterfront parks and our waterfront as a whole.
When: Wednesday, February 7, 6pm
Where: Greater Astoria Historical Society Quinn Building 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor Long Island City, NY 11106
Who: All Are Welcome!
Why: To join together with friends and neighbors to re-envision our waterfront and improve our neighborhood.More info: Please call 718-706-8044, 917-902-9165 or email Emily.Maxwell@parks.nyc.gov

Astoria Park Meeting
What: Formation of an Astoria Park group:
Currently, we are in the beginning phases of forming a Astoria Park group. The group hopes to bring together nearby residents and organizations to work together to ensure the overall health of the park. We are currently a collective group of Astoria Park users interested in clean ups and gardening days, advocating for physical park improvements, partnering with other program and events that take place in the park, environmental education, and creating literature/brochures. Whew, as you can see we have generated many ideas in a short period of time! Please come join us refine these thoughts and add your own ideas in one of our first meetings on February 12th at 6:30pm in the basement of the Steinway Reformed Church.
When: Monday, February 12th, 6:30pm
Where: Steinway Reformed Church, 41-01 Ditmars Blvd at 41st Street
Who: All are welcome!
More info: If you have questions please call Helen Ho at 718-520-5913 or e-mail at helen.ho@parks.nyc.gov. Helen works with Partnerships for Parks and also happens to be an Astoria resident.
(yay Helen! )

FEB 15 PADDLE PEDAL PARTY!!! Volunteers needed! 01-20-2007
Hi All,It's that time of year again, when we join with our bicycle brethren to celebrate, fundraise, and envision a new New York City where people explore and commute under their own power, by road and river. Okay, street and strait. :) Our partners on this are The Foundry, our kind hosts ( http://www.thefoundry.info ) and Recycle-a-Bicycle ( http://www.recycleabicycle.org ), who are fellow tenants in the converted waterfront district meat building that landlord Plaxall Inc. ( http://www.plaxall.com ) is helping us to convert into a community arts, ecology and recreational hub. To make this an event greater success than in previous years, LIC Community Boathouse Director of Arts and Events John McGarvey needs your help! To name just a few vital responsibilities, volunteers are needed to:Design promotional flyers right away! Print flyers at a discount Coordinators for flyering, set-up, cleanup, entertainment, food & beverages, silent auction, special guest list outreach, publicity Door greeters and shirt sales The good news is that much of this has been established and learned from last year and 2005. So please step up!Also, we need a new finance director as Norma contends with the happy craziness of preparing her wedding!If you'd have fun being part of our happy crew, please email both:john (at) licboathouse (dot) orgerik (at) licboathouse (dot) orgWarm regards,The Crew

The Weekender

2007-02-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

Don’t even get me started explaining my long absence. Let’s just jump right into the weekend shall we?

This weekend is all about the Super Bowl, well, that is if you are a fan of that kind of football. Me, on the other hand, I prefer the other kind of football. The Super Bowl really serves as my reminder that Spring Training is coming up. Bring on the baseball!
But Sunday can just become a good excuse to drink and eat wings…mmm wings. Speaking of-AM NY recently said Astoria has got some great wings over at Mary Maguires-who is sure to be airing the SB.

If the Super Bowl isn’t your bag, well we can keep you occupied the rest of the weekend and you won’t even notice people shouting either, “Go Colts!” or “Da Bears!”

Waltz Astoria serves us some more great tunes this weekend. On Friday they welcome the Stephane Wrembel Trio at 9pm. $10 cover and $7 drink minimum. Here’s what they have to say:

"French Guitar virtuoso Stephane Wrembel has canneled the very essence of
Django Reinhardt and has been praised for his ability to incorporate
French Gypsy jazz with a unique combination of music from all over the
world."

Saturday at 9 they welcome The Last Broadcast

“a five-piece band that has been taking NYC by storm with their unique
combination of hip-hop, soul and rock. Their performances often provide a
narrative (cross from rap and public annoucment) set to a rhythmic backdrop with
occational improvisation by solo instruments. Their music is funky &
contagious, street-ready yet sophisticated.”

$5 cover and $7 drink minimum to enjoy the tunes.

This is also one of your last 2 weekends to head over to Art-O-Mat L.I.C. and catch Eye See, an informal installation of neon and drawings by New York based UK light artist Clare Brew.

“Charting the formation of colours against time, Clare Brew has created a work
comprised of neon lines. The inspiration for this work derives from
contemplating the effect of one color on the eye’s perception of another
color. The installation is a visual aid to understanding the phenomenon of
light. Eye See is an opportunity to see the early stages of an evolving project
in Light.”

Continuing on in our community’s great little art world Flux Factory offers us HELLo an an

“examination of functional spaces/objects and the symbolism they are charged
with in the sphere of fine art”

The Chocolate Factory Theatre offers us both theatre and art to stimulate us. Swing by and catch Photographs by Iannis Delatolas.

“In his dreamlike scenarios, Delatolas visits the empty isolation of America's
postindustrial landscape - a gas station in Brookings, Oregon; a drive-in movie
theater; a dirt road in Vieques, Puerto Rico - hoping for a glimpse of hope in
what is both a romantic darkness and a metaphor for losing one's way.”

Or, if you’re in the mood for theatre make reservations for Force. Force is a trilogy of plays: Wanderlust, Threshold, and Convergence.

"Told on an epic scale through dreams, travel, memories and magic realism, Force
dissects the idea that man is as capable as nature of creating stupendous beauty
and awesome destruction."

Finally the big game.

Here’s what AM-NY had to say about Mary Maguire’s and their wings:

Mary McGuire's: This casual restaurant and sports bar is a sure
bet -- you can put a few dollars on a Keno game in the betting parlor while
savoring a large portion of wings (served mild or hot) with creamy blue-cheese
dressing. On Tuesdays, die-hard wings fans can get them for 20 cents apiece if
they dine at the bar. (38-04 Broadway, Astoria; 718-728-3434; 12 wings for
$7.95)

And their dinner specials are pretty darn tasty as well.

Otherwise Hell Gate Social is throwing a Super Bowl Party. Watch the game on their HUGE indoor wall and enjoy free buffalo wings (mmmmmm wings) and drink specials starting at 5.

Now, all of this ought to keep you busy.
Get out and make it a great weekend.

Oh and props to Punxsutawney Phil for seeing his shadow and bringing hopes of an early spring. Rocking good news.

sorry bout the funky formatting. i was trying something new that looks perfect on preview but no so much when published.

2007 Street Fair Schedule

2006-12-28T19:46:00.000-05:00

It's all been approved for 2007! Whether you like them or not, they're baaaa-aack.

April 29-Central Astoria LDC, Steinway St. between 28th and 34th Avenues
(1 day, 4 blocks).
May 16–21-St. Demetrios Cathedral, 30th Drive between 30th and 31st Streets
(May 16 for set up, May 21 for dismantle, 4 days, 1 block).
May 28-Broadway Astoria Merchants & Professionals Association
Broadway between Crescent and 47th Streets
(1 day, 17 blocks)
June 20–24-St. Antonio Abate Society of Castrofilippo,
Ditmars Boulevard between 35th & 38th Streets
(June 20 set up, June 24 for dismantle, 4 days, 3 blocks).
July 15-Friends of Community Board 1, 30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets
(1 day, 13 blocks)
July 26–29-St. Irene Chrysovalantou Church, 23rd Avenue from 35th to mid 37th Streets and on 36th Street from 23rd Avenue to under the Amtrak overpass
(4 days, 2 blocks)
July 29-114th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol, Broadway between Steinway and 47th Streets
(1 day, 7 blocks)
August 12-Steinway Street B.I.D., Steinway between 28th and 34th Avenues
(1 day, 4 blocks)
August 16–19-Borgetto Cultural Association, Steinway St. between 25th and 28th Streets(Aug. 15 for set up, 4 days, 1 block)
August 18-Dutch Kills Civic Association, 36th Ave. between 29th and 35th Streets
(1 day, 6 blocks).
September 3-30th Avenue Business Association, 30th Avenue between 29th and 42nd Streets
(1 day, 13 blocks)
September 20–23-Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America (St. Markella), 26th Street from 23rd Avenue to under the Amtrak trestles
(4 days, 1/2 block)
October 14-Broadway Astoria Merchants & Professionals Association, Broadway between Crescent and 47th Streets
(1 day, 17 blocks)

The Weekender-New Year's Edition

2006-12-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

Thought I died? Moved away? Just didn't care about the hood?
Pfffffffffffffft.
It's the usual, work sucking the life out of poor lil ole me, the holidaze and out of town guets. Mostly the work part. Hard to look up the haps when I, ya know, have to do real work at work.
I need more hours in the day to get everything I need to do done. I stink at time management.
But let's get to the business at hand; I'm sure no one is interested in my personal life. If you are, you're not in for anything very interesting...mostly a lot of bitching.

The weekend is all about New Year's Eve. Party like it's 007. If you don't have the muster, do what I'm doing, drinking 007s. (orange vodka, orange juice, 7-up...yum) I propose that be the official drink of 2007! Let it be heard throughout the land.
The downside of NYE is the ridiculous covers to drink before midnight at an open bar with obnoxioulsy loud music, a few trinkets and maybe some pub grub all the while either not being able to drink $80 of liquor or not being able to get to the bar to get your money's worth. I say find a friend (this year) or be the friend (last year) who will have their buds over to have a place to drink and eat and just hang out til midnight, when the cover is over and bars thin out a bit.
I only know of one really cool bar not charging a cover:
Hell Gate Social
Doors will open at 9:00pm with DJ Shimmy starting off the evening with his mix of funk, soul & rock n roll.
11:00pm - Live performance by The Intersoul Project with the first of 2 sets
11:45pm - We will watch the ball drop in Times Square and ring in the New Year with a champagne toast
12:15am - DJ Qi will take us into the New Year with a set of electro, rock & some old school hip-hop
2:00am - The Intersoul Project returns with a funktified second set with the famous New Orleans style keyboard player Jonathan Batiste
2:30am White Castle for everyone as DJ Eric takes us to the early morning hours with new wave, deep house and rock n roll
All that and no need for a lame cover charge.

If you want to ring in the new year all grown up fancy pants style I suggest the $85 prefixe 5 course dinner at Brick Cafe.

January 1st, either straight from the bar, or after a night's sleep head out for brunch. Asotira has loads to choose from: Cup, Cafe Bar, Michael's Diner, Euro Delights, Mary Maguires or Dillingers. Unfortunately my fave brunch spot is no more; Le Sans Soucci has closed. I lament the loss of a truly unique and delicious restaurant in the neighborhood.

Whatever you decide to do, be safe and if you have them leave the car keys at home.

Happy 007!

Thanksgiving fun

2006-11-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Hooray for Thanksgiving! The holiday of sheer gluttony, parades, football and FOOOOOOOOOD.
I’m excited and a little bummed at the same time. No home cooked dinner for me this year, it’s off to Woodhaven House for dinner with some fam. I will however be making some killer pies tonight. Mmmmm pie.

Before the holiday gets under way, and if you are in town tonight, do a little pre-celebrating at Hell Gate Social where they are celebrating Thanksgiving Eve with Happy hour all night long. Check it out:
$2 Hell Gate Social Lemonade Shots
$3 Bud, Bud Light and Carlsburg Beer
$4 Premium beers*Well drinks and Martinis*
Excludes Celebrator & Trappistes Rochefort

Just as exciting as the parade itself is the blow up of all the balloons which happens tonight. Grab a steaming hot cup of hot cocoa and head over to the Upper West Side between 3 and 10pm today. 77th to 81st Streets between Central Park West & Columbus Aves with entrance at 79th St. and Columbus Ave.; 3pm-10pm. Watch all your favorite characters come to life.

(super grover...my fave)

Speaking of favorite characters, Thursday is the 80th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Joining the familiar helium favorites, Super Grover, Scooby Doo and Spongebob Squarepants, are newcomers The Energizer Bunny and Flying Ace Snoopy. Charlotte’s Web and Mother Goose are joining in on the float action. The parade starts at 9AM at 77th and Central Park West. It proceeds to Columbus Circle and turns onto Broadway where it continues until it turns west on 34th street just past Herald Square. If getting to Manhattan at 6:30 is not your idea of a fun time then just watch it on NBC.

And Friday...well Friday is a food coma day. Unless you're into early bird specials, then you can enjoy Black Friday.

Happy Turkey Day everyone!

gobble gobble

The Weekender

2006-11-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

First my apologies for not having a posting the past two weeks. Verizon is the devil’s internet choice. Intermittent connection that would of course go down as I was publishing but then I would lose the whole post and just get pissed off and frustrated.
Grrrrr.
So let’s try this at work, where the connection is solid and it’s a slow morning.

Art-O-Mat starts the weekend off for us with the opening of For the Moment – Portraits and Scenarios by Realist oil painter Ann Leggett. This exhibition of paintings, sculpture, and sketchbooks are influenced by many years of travel, people watching, and a unique life. Reminiscent of Vermeer her darkly rich paintings record how life looks today. Her work glorifies what we see as mundane, capturing contemporary scenes that appear encapsulated in Old World form. Her involvement with Japanese art influences her aesthetic with Eastern color and form.

Later on, head over to Waltz-Astoria to catch a 9pm performance by Warren Kimmel & Vito Pandolfo

A few exhibits at the Sculpture Center are closing tomorrow and they invite the community to join them for Closing Conversation, with Douglas Boatwright, Melissa Dubbin and Aaron S. Davidson, Valerie Hegarty, Matthew Lusk, and Karen Yasinsky. Join Sculpture Center's In Practice artists and artist teams for a walk-through to celebrate and discuss the exhibition Denial is a River. SculptureCenter's staff will discuss the work of In Practice artists Edgar Orlaineta and Wonjoo Park. Hot apple cider (with or without whiskey) will be served.

At the Chooclate Factory Theatre Saturday night: Live Sh--* an intermittent after hours performance party situation curated by Chase Granoff & Chris Peck
November 18 @ 10PM $3 Pronounced "Live Shhhhhhh," "Live Show," or "Live Shit", Live Sh--* is an intermittent after hours performance party situation occupying the Factory's basement and elevator shaft. Highlights include cheap beer and "Old skool style" by DJ White Licorice. Featuring performances by Peter Kerlin, Dirty Pool and Isabel Lewis.

Genesis Repertory, one of News York's most respected off-off Broadway companies comes to Astoria in a big way with a gala musical event at the Advance Island City Mispah Lodge (21-14 30th Avenue 646-226-0370) Saturday night at 8:00 in the main hall. The company presents a musical celebration featuring guest artists as well as artists who work and reside in Astoria. Aside from a bevy of musical and classical works on display that night, the evening will include a grand finale entitled "Ethel Sang Here" a tribute to Ethel Merman, one of Astoria's most famous theatrical citizens – who actually did sing at the meeting hall in her early days. Refreshments will be served. $20 GenesisAstoria@gmail.com . Genesis begins a season of theatrical entertainment starting April 2007 at the Greek Cultural Center on Hoyt Avenue South.

If that’s not your bag Waltz Astoria has a Happy Hour Saturday from 7-9pm with $3 drink specials and snacky snacks for $1. Stay after 9 and get your Scrabble on, or Monopoly or Scategories, whatever board game you fancy, b/c its game night.

I just discovered that Freeze Peach the awesome coffee shop in Northern Astoria has a calendar up with all sorts of goings on. On tap on Sunday there’s a bookswap at 2pm. I’d love to participate but I can’t bear to part with my books. Maybe I can find some I wouldn’t mine ousting off the shelves…my opera librettos from that god awful class I had to take just to have enough credits to graduate? HHHmmmm now maybe I can go and pillage! Oh yeah!

Up & Coming
Christmas comes early to Astoria. The Christmas lights are already lit (for those who keep saying they put them “up” pay attention! J they’re up all year, they just light ‘em up later) Monday courtesy of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition is the tree lighting on Broadway and Steinway and a visit from Santa at 4:30pm. This also heralds the start of shops staying open later for Christmas shopping. I wonder how much longer until the crap Christmas pop music starts to get piped into the streets. Whatever happened to waiting until at least Thanksgiving for this stuff? I thought the Santa at the Macy’s parade herald’s the start of the Christmas season.
Sorry folks, I’m not a huge fan of Christmas.

By the way, it looks like I’ve been at this for a year. Congrats to me. How am I doing? Anything else you’d like to see? Let me know and leave me a comment.

Next week, hopefully over the weekend I’ll post up info on the Macy’s parade and more simple recipes for thanksgiving. I’ll be eating out with the family this year, so I’ll let you all know how Woodhaven house is.

Make it a great weekend!

The Weekender

2006-10-27T11:46:00.000-04:00

Shnikeys, where did fall go? What happened to enjoying a few weeks of nice cool, brisk weather? Why is it so damn cold? Where’s global warming when you need it (I jest folks, I jest) I know it could be colder so I must take advantage of this before, well, it snows. Ack! I used the dreaded s word. I just can’t believe the sudden turn, and right before my favorite holiday of the year, Halloween.

Just a heads up about the train this weekend, since lots of you ghouls and goblins will inevitably have something to do in Manhattan. There is NO N train service from QBP to Ditmars in BOTH directions. There will be shuttle buses provided. Also know that the 7 isn’t running past QBP to Manhattan. So that platform is likely to be mobbed by the shuttle bus flow and the 7 train riders. The R is running normal after a few weekends of zipping past local stops. But I’ve got quite a few activities that can possibly make this an All-Astoria Weekend if you’d just rather not deal with it all.

Running through November 12th, Art-O-Mat presents their new exhibit Sacred Spaces: Altars for Dia de los Muertos (in English, that’s Day of the Dead). Tradionally celebrated in Latin American countries the Dia de los Muertos is an important cultural event where families believe that the souls of the dead are all around them, they gather at the local cemeteries to visit and honor their dead. Four local artists, Luisa Gloria, Sylvia Hernandez, Zoe Morsette and Louise Weinberg offer their interpretations of the altars that some families keep in their homes to remember and honor their dead relatives or saints. From personal homages to political statements, this exhibit sounds very interesting.

Friday night the Astoria Performing Arts Center opens it’s production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin. The play is a hilarious and thoughtful take on what a fictitious meeting between Picasso & Einstein might have been like at the start of the 20th Century.
The show runs: October 27, 28 @8pm
October 29 @6pm
November 3, 4, 10, and 11 @8pm
November 5 and 12 @6pm
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Students and seniors pay only $12.

Friday night is also Fatty's 4th Annual Costume Ball Extravaganza Halloween Party. At 10pm a $15 cover gets you in to enjoy "Ghoulish Giveaways! Freaky Floating Bottles! Phantasmic Prizes! " with DJ Meatman droppin the funky beats.

Saturday Waltz brings us our monthy dose of the Talk Wine Series with Kevin Rose. But I think Kevin won’t be at this one. So this might be more of a wine and treat appreciation night than it is a learning about wine night. Although its more fun to learn while you drink, it’s still plenty fun sampling 7 wines along with fruit, cheeses, chocolates and live music to accompany them. An RSVP to Waltz is a good thing to do, since the series is becoming quite popular and there’s also a $25 participation fee.

Finally, on Sunday maybe we can go back to enjoying the Beer Garden. You know, hipsters hate the cold so maybe they’ll stay on their side of the Newtown Creek and let us enjoy the Beer Garden’s Halloween Party and the book launch of Queens: What to Do, Where to Go (and How Not to Get Lost) in New York's Undiscovered Borough by Ellen Freudenheim.
Come by between 5 and 8pm dressed as your favorite Queens neighborhood; best costume wins a copy of the book. You’ll be able to purchase the guide, have it signed by the author and enjoy a pitcher…hopefully with NO lines.

The Weekender

2006-10-20T12:41:00.000-04:00

The Mets, they were so close.
If you need to drown your sorrows over last night's game Waltz Astoria has got a happy hour tonight from 7-9pm with selected Beer & Wine for $3 and a Free Snack Bar. Free snacks are always extra yummy. After 9pm it's game night. No, not sports, board games. Get your Scrabble on.

Saturday is primed to be a nice day. Get in the sunshine and trips to the park while you can. Walk around the neighborhood and see what hidden gems you can uncover. I hope to be able to take my new camera out for a walk.

Sunday has the possibility of a little rain so take advantage of the last weekend you can see the Art-o-Mat exhibit The Long Island City Series: Paintings and Prints by Sharon Florin. You can also drop in later on Sunday for their Poetry Night series.

You can also do the community some good by participating in It’s My Park Day. Stop in to Rainey Park from 11-4pm and help improve the park. Also enjoy puppet shows and art workshops courtesy of the City Parks Foundation.

And if you’ve got a geek itch that you can’t scratch head over to AMMI to see their latest exhibition Star Trek: 40 Years of fandom. They’ll also be screening films by Donald Richie, with himself in person Saturday at 2pm. Other movies will be showing, check their site for more details.

Make it a good one folks!

The Weekender

2006-10-13T14:26:00.000-04:00

It's awfully chilly out, but things in Queens are starting to heat up. The Mets are going full steam ahead in the playoffs and they're goin all the way. Some of you are wondering why this Yankee fan is rooting for that other NY team. Well, I gotta tell yas, I may be a Yankee fan now, but I was raised a Mets fan (converted during my rebellious adolescence and never looked back). I like to think of myself as a NY fan. I won't root against the Mets, unless they're playing the Yankees. So congrats to the Mets, go kick some ASS!

Halloween, my favorite holiday of the year, is coming up and Socrates Sculpture Park is getting the ball rolling with the 6th annual Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday. Swing over from 11-3pm and listen to creepy tunes with DJ Luzmob; have your palm read and your hands painted with henna; enjoy a special artmaking workshop with Materials for the Arts; transform your face with face painting by Agostino Arts; pick a favorite in the Canine Costume Contest; and try harvest foods from a local restaurant.
Tarot and henna by the river, now that's what I'm talking about.

Prior to the festival stop by for some eco learning. Check out what I found below:
Partnerships for Parks is kicking off our support to New York City's current and aspiring waterfront stewards with a Water Quality Testing and Monitoring workshop. Interested in New York City's water quality, the health of the East River, or urban marine life? Join Partnerships for Parks, City Parks Foundation, and the New York City Soil and Water Conservation District in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn how to:*Catch, sample, and release East River wildlife—flora and fauna; *Test key water quality features including nitrates, phosphates, pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen; and *Learn about options for ongoing water quality monitoring, including where to receive resources, training and support.
Start out for the environment, stay for some spooky fun.

If you're looking for a new spot to grab a drink and a dinner, or pub grub, check out Indigo(2850 31st St). Got the chance to check it out with the astorians.com gang last night. It was really nice. I spent most of the time in the backyard, complete with outdoor firelplace and retractable roof (would've been cool to see it in action though). It was so nice in the back most of us forgot we were outdoors until leaves fell on us. They have a small but yummy looking menu. Actually they have two, unfortunately I ordered off the dinner menu w/o realizing there was a bar menu as well-which I much rather would have ordered from, I was in the mood for bad for me food. So in keeping it small and light(I didn't want dinner) I got a crabcake off the appetizer menu thinking that for $10 it would be big. Nope, the plate, though, was huge. It was tasty though, just a bit small. The inside of Indigo was very nice though I spent little time in there.
Go on check it out. This place should stick around.

This is also the last weekend to catch Best of Friends: R. Buckminster and Isamu Noguchi at the Noguchi museum.

Also, this weekend A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints opens in more screens including Kauffman! Whoo hoo, go on go see it now that it's in own backyards.

If you're looking for action tonight, Waltz Astoria brings you some rock n roll from The Limit. And newish lounge Wassi has DJRU spinning tunes from 10-4pm, both tonight and tomorrow.

Saturday I'm definitely going to check out the Halloween Festival, a nice chill early afternoon before I start to get things ready for my birthday party! Oh, yeah.
Enjoy!

The Weekender

2006-09-28T20:22:00.000-04:00

I’ll start us off with a neighborhood rumor.
Rumor: That Cup will be opening a rooftop bar with 48 beers on tap. Supposedly it will happen next year, if it gets out of the planning/thinking/discussing stages. While I do enjoy Cup and have not had any really bad experiences there, especially lately since they changed their menu, this seems odd. They can’t get the menu straight since the one I saw this weekend is at least the 4th or 5th since they opened. But I am pleased with the food there. I haven’t had a rude server although I have heard that other people have stopped going due to rude, bad or even just non existent service. They should probably work on making sure the ground level is sound before expanding. Cup has potential to be better than it is, but opening a rooftop bar won’t increase traffic or revenue, at least in my opinion. But if it does happen, I’d still love to check it out, I mean I only live like 2 blocks away. If it’s good and it works, then maybe this will be the answer to not being able to get into the Beer Garden.

Speaking of the Beer Garden, October starts on Sunday (as does the one week countdown to my birthday, I’m so shameless aren’t I?) so that means Octoberfest at the Beer Garden! Friday is the Spaten Octoberfest. Check it out for fun, prizes, giveaways, raffles and of course pitchers with friends. The website does not indicate any sort of cover for the event.
Saturday seems to be the BIG party. Come in for $10 between 1 and 10 pm to drink, eat, drink, be merry and did I mention drink? They will be featuring 2 bands, the Pilsner Brass Band and the Czech Polka Cruisers, a band from Texas.

Friday, get out to the movies! A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints opens in theatres. Unfortunately it won’t be playing at Kauffman. But you will be able to see it at AMC Empire 25, The Angelika and the AMC Loews Lincoln Square. All showtimes are on moviefone. Let’s all support a fellow Astorian and get out there and see this GREAT movie.

Waltz Astoria brings us another weekend of music to relax and imbibe to. Friday night enjoy some Bossa Nova with Rajit and Justin Smith at 9pm and on Saturday at 9 singer-songwriter Arielle Freedberg makes her debut at Waltz with her eclectic collection of pop-rock originals.

Art-o-Mat welcomes back it’s Poetry Sundays this weekend. Stop by from 2-4pm and share your words or appreciate what others have to say.

I saw something nifty on the Discover Queens website. Here’s the little image from the site, but as of this writing I can’t be more specific. I thought I’d put it out there for everyone though.

Say it ain't so, the last Astoria Street Fair of the year is this Sunday. Oh woe is me :( Catch the last trace of summer in the city at the Broadway Astoria Merchants & Professionals Fair between Cresent and 47th. That's plenty of street fair goodness. And a nice entry into October.

The Weekender

2006-09-22T13:17:00.000-04:00

Fall’s here, but a little too early in my opinion. It’s not supposed to be like this until October! I refuse to wear a jacket until my birthday. October 8th for those of you taking note and wanting to shower me with pleasantries, gifts or alcohol. All are appreciated.

But until I can play on my birthday there are some nifty things that will keep me jolly in the meantime.

There’s a cute new store setting up shop on Ditmars called Inside Astoria(37-20 Ditmars Blvd). They’re full of cute items for your home, your pet or yourself. I’ve been meaning to go up there, and somehow missed it when I took my crazy walk (up Steinway from 34th ave, to Ditmars, down Ditmars to the park and back). This weekend is the perfect time. They’re having an opening celebration today and tomorrow where you’ll get 10% off, and there are rumors of treats and wine. Wine? In the middle of the day? And take another trip up to Ditmars? Sold.

Tonight is also the opening reception of Fingerprints: LIC Pierpost Photographs by Lauren Lombardo at the Chocolate Factory Theatre. While there you can also enjoy Mile of String - Right After “An original work of physical theater combining free-form text, multi-scale physical scores, and game structures, Right After's plot is centered around the radical life and work of sculptor Eva Hesse.”

Saturday Flux Factory lends its support to the Queens Blackout Division. No I’m not talking about a gang of unruly Queens residents waging war against Con Ed. They are an art collaborative that has discovered that the various nabes of Western Queens have become a laboratory for the latest in street art. They have put out a call to artists asking them to produce art in the streets of Western Queens. Flux Factory lends its space and resources to become a video archive, headquarters, and giant map for charting all the work going on in the neighborhood.

Saturday night Waltz Astoria enlightens wine drinkers on the finer points of vino with their monthly Talk Wine series hosted by Kevin Rose.

Sunday free Canoe Rides at Hallets Cove.

A guide to Recognizing Your Saints

2006-09-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

I’m not good at movie reviews, which is why I stopped writing them. But I have to tell you about A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, especially since it hasn’t opened officially yet.
It’s good-really good. Especially for a first time director. From what I understand about the book it’s totally different, but it manages to capture a moment in time, weave his saints together and paint us a fabulous picture of his story. The way the film was cut was very non traditional. Repeated dialogue, the way the lighting changed, the way some scenes were fast paced. I just can’t adequately describe it. It was just something I haven’t seen before. It was told really well, visually and verbally. It was fun and deep at the same time. I just can’t get over it. Yes there are some anachronisms, most of which only astorians will know. Like the R train running on the el. That’s as close as they could get to a RR train, it’s not like those run anymore. Or when they’re on the steps at Ditmars and then go up to the tracks and it’s Astoria Blvd. IMDB did pick up on a flyer about 9/11 conspiracy theories taped to a lamp post. I totally missed that. Most people in Astoria will recognize something along the way, and that’s always fun when watching a movie.
Trust me, see this movie. Show your Astoria love.

Locale Revisited

2006-09-21T16:10:00.000-04:00

Something out of the ordinary happened last night. Me and all my roommates were home at the same time. So we decided to have a girls night/take Maureen out for her birthday dinner night. Locale was our destination. I’ve only been there once before with the gang for drinks, but the food looked and smelled yummy. Happy to report that it still does and they serve a lot more now.
One of the things I love about Locale is its simplicity. A large mirror hangs over the bar and there are few pieces of art adorning the walls. The tables are close to each other but not on top of each other and the lighting is nice and intimate. The mini loft level is surrounded by lovely iron work and its still nice and plush up there, perfect for sipping some wine with your sweetie.
Since we were having dinner we sat on the main level. Our waiter was great, attentive but not overbearing, honest in his opinions and a treat. Josh gets two thumbs up!
I tried to avoid an appetizer but one taste had me sharing in the Carciofini Croncante, Crispy Artichokes served with lemon sauce. The lemon sauce was awesome. I have to be in the right mood for artichokes but these put me in the mood. They weren’t ridiculously fried either which was my main concern. And it came with a little salad, I do so love my veggies. This was perfect to share, and if you are an artichoke fan this will do the trick.
We each got something totally different for dinner. Jamie, being the carnivore that she is, got the filet mignon, which was accompanied by broccoli and roasted potatoes. It was the perfect shade of red for her. I believe it was also covered in mushrooms. Maureen got the Penette Alla Vodka which came with chicken and peas. She wiped that baby clean in record time. I, could not look at another piece of chicken so I got the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare. I love me some seafood. Everything in it was so tasty and flavorful. There was so much pasta I couldn’t finish it-so I concentrated on the sea critters. Off the top of my head there were, clams(never had before, so yum), mussels, shrimp, scallops and calamari. Two sauce choices, I was going to go for the white but stuck with the usual red. There’s something on the menu for everyone, whether you want a small plate, or something more simple than dinner. The also offer a nice selection of paninis. You could easily have an appetizer and a drink and dessert and call it a night. Oh, speaking of dessert, my pseudo diet went out the window last night. We shared the hazelnut mousse and The Frutti di Bosco, which was a nice shortbread-esque pastry with cream and fresh berries. That one was my fave.
Naturally we had wine, and they have a nice selection of wines and specialty drinks.
I’m so happy that Locale is what it is. It’s nice and laid back, not pretentious or a scene, in any way that I could discern, the food is great and the service wonderful. Go out, eat drink up!

PS-this is a record review of an eatery. I have pages of notes from other places!

The Weekender

2006-09-14T16:52:00.001-04:00

This weekend is all about celebrating our neighborhood. I previously blogged about the upcoming screening at AMMI of A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, and it’s this Friday. Have you got your tickets yet? I’ve got mine set for the 9:30. In addition to Dito Montiel being there Chazz Palmenteri will be there as well! From the site it seems that if you go to the early show they will engage the audience in a discussion afterwards whereas the 9:30 they’ll be introducing…bummer. Additionally AMMI is sponsoring an Astoria party in the courtyard with food from the neighborhood being sold starting at 6. This is something I can totally miss Stargate for. That and I can get it taped, hehehe.

If you’re going to the early show then you have time to swing over to Waltz to listen to Melissa Gerstein perform “Art Songs.” Up first- Classical works, batting cleanup, well I just had to take it from their site “Fancy Bread is a frensh and tasty new group fusing classical technique with off-beat jazz and funk rhythms. Founded by operatic mezzo-soprano Melissa Gerstein and guitarist Ethan Hein, the band bakes lightly flaky originals and rich crusty reinterprestations of artists ranging from Bjork to Elliot Carter to Stevie Wonder to the Beatles. If you're a music dork who wants to chuckle, scratch your head and shake your booty all at the same time, you'll want to taste some Francy Bread.” Could not have written better copy myself.

Saturday the party in Astoria continues, but before that do the neighborhood some good and participate in Shore is Clean. Join the LIC/Astoria Waterfront Alliance in cleaning up what would otherwise be a beautiful shoreline. Think about it, the beautiful Manhattan skyline set against the foreground of nasty garbage that nasty people think is ok to pitch into the river. Do something and help clean it up! Tools, gloves, and good company provided along with free snacks for all volunteers. Cleanup held rain or shine-but a thunderstorm cancels the goodwill. Be prepared to get dirty.
Here’s where you can volunteer your time:
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

Afterwards, reward yourself with Socrates Sculpture Park’s 20th Anniversary Celebration! The party gets underway at 12pm, but you'll have time to get home and clean up if you spent your early afternoon cleaning the shoreline to make it back in time to be honored for your good deeds at 4pm.
Some highlights include:
Socrates Sculpture Park’s 20th anniversary book available
Live Music by Citigrass, Coko Sukali and Indofunk & Performances by Sunnyside Drum Corps, Brazileirando Dance Group, Circus Amok, Miss Saturn and DJ Luz Mob
Free artmaking workshops with Socrates Sculpture Park artists
FacePainting by Agostino Arts.
Food available from Five Star Punjabi Restaurant and Opa! Souvlaki and Kids' fare from Bel-Aire Diner.
Flat rate shuttle service to and from the N subway line with Manhattan Rickshaw Company.
All at the newly cleaned shoreline at the East River with the new installation the 2006 Emerging Artist Fellowship Exhibition (which opened last week and I hurt to much to blog about on Friday)

LATE BREAKING NEWS: Socrates Sculpture Park's website has updated to say that the party has been moved to Sunday.

Saturday is also the opening of the Art-o-Mat exhibit Paintings and Prints by Sharon Florin, the second in the See LIC Art Series. The exhibit includes selected paintings and prints from an extensive body of oil paintings created by Florin over a period of 30 years in which she’s documented the changing face of Long Island City’s Hunters Point neighborhood.

Sunday (and Saturday too) AMMI has a whole bunch of cool sounding demonstrations at various times, such as: Kinetoscope, interactive animation stands, video games, sound editing and film editing.

If the weather holds, kayak on the east river Sunday.
I’ll update if I can confirm Hell Gate Social will be having a movie.
Hopefully the Irish Rover starts up their Sunday trivia nights sometime soon.

Make it a good one!

Send off summer at the Water Taxi Beach

2006-09-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

quick hit

Summer's Last Splash- Thursday Night Films at the Beach!
Sunset tomorrow (Thursday) check out a free outdoor screening of 80's classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off at the Water Taxi Beach. All ages are welcome.
I hear there will be free giveaways, nice!
We have Eric Gioia and the East River Development Alliance to thank for this goody.
For info please call 718-784-0877 or email lastsplash@erdalliance.org.

Street Fairs, How I Love Thee

2006-09-11T20:53:00.000-04:00

Let me count the ways

Restaurant Week Queens Comin Up

2006-09-11T19:31:00.000-04:00

From September 18 - 21 and September 25 - 28, 2006 Queens will be hosting restaurant week. Visit Queens Restaurants for three-course prix fixe lunches and/ or dinners . In celebration of the NY Mets World Series Championship Win in 1986 Queens Restaurants will offer special menus at $19.86. Here's a quick list of some LIC/Astoria eateries that are participating.

Ubol's Kitchen
24-42 Steinway StreetAstoria
718-545-2874
Waters Edge Restaurant
The East River at 44th Dr.Long Island City
718-482-0033
Mezzo Mezzo Restaurant & Lounge
31-29 Ditmars Blvd.Astoria
718-278-0444
Smokey's 11101
5-16 51st AvenueLong Island City
718-937-1111
Bartolino's Italian Ristorante
34-15 BroadwayAstoria
718-728-0430
Pinocchio Palace
32-02 30th Ave.Astoria
718-932-4976
Cronin & Phelans
38-14 BroadwayAstoria
718-545-8999
Cup Diner
35-01 36th StreetAstoria
718-937-2322
Ginza Fusion Japanese Restaurant
31-31 Steinway StreetAstoria 728-7288
Riverview Restaurant & Lounge
2-01 50th Avenue
718-278-6656
Just Arthur's
22-08 Steinway StreetAstoria
718-392-5000
Le Sans Souci
44-09 BroadwayAstoria
718-728-2733
Ponticello Ristorante
46-11 BroadwayAstoria
718-278-4514

As usual call ahead and confirm.
This is a great chance to check out some really great places at a really great price.
Enjoy!

Part of me hates the fact that ConEd is a co-sponsor of this wonderful event. After July, if I didn't have to get my power from them one way or another I'd tell them to take a flying leap. The other part thinks that they should be doing this, much much more of this. Their response to our community that week was atrocious and they don't seem to be making much ammends for trouble. This could be a good start towards reaching out to the community that for obvious reasons depends on them. Hopefully we will see more events that cater more specifically to the afftected areas sponsored by Con(n)ed.

The Weekender-Late Edition

2006-09-08T21:48:00.000-04:00

As you can see by how late I'm posting this, I've had a doozy of a day.

I'm kind of in some pain from pulling something in my back.

A quick hit: tomorrow is the astoria waterfront bike tour. normally in addition to the link i'd provide the info but tonight i'll just provide the link.

I'll try and post some goodies tomorrow.

And i do have street fair pics to post too :)

Night all

Astoria at the movies

2006-08-31T18:40:00.000-04:00

I've been meaning to get myself a copy of Dito Montiels A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints in anticipation of the release of the movie, which by the way, picked up two Sundance Awards earlier this year. the dramatic directing award and a special jury prize for best ensemble performance. The author/director grew up on the "mean streets" of Astoria. I love watching movies shot in locations I recognize. Like A Bronx Tale which was filmed on my old street. And, as the should, AMMI will be doing a special screening. Here's the info from their site (thanks to Rosemary for the heads up) :

A Guide to Recognizing Your SaintsPreview screening with Dito Montiel in person Friday, September 15, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.2006, 104 mins., 35mm. Directed by Dito Montiel. With Robert Downey Jr., Rosario Dawson, Chazz Palminteri. Raised in Astoria, Dito Montiel makes his filmmaking debut with this acclaimed new independent film based on his autobiographical novel and filmed on location in Astoria. Montiel will introduce both screenings. Food from Astoria restaurants will be sold in the courtyard starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 public/Free for Museum members, call to RSVP.

And because everyone has them, they have a myspace page as well where you can check out a trailer.

The Weekender

2006-08-31T18:23:00.000-04:00

So there’s this dude named Ernesto and he’s heading up here to destroy the last weekend of the summer. As if we haven’t had enough dark and dreary days this past week we need this dude coming to town? Yeesh. As of now if you want to head out to Astoria Park for some picnicking with friends or to toss the ole disk around on Monday, you should be all set. Fingers crossed.

This weekend is also the last weekend you can enjoy the Astoria Park Pool and the Queens Beach in Rockaway as they close up shop on this unofficial end to the summer.

Get your groove on Saturday at PS1, it’s the last of the summer.

Hell Gate Social is kicking the Labor Day fun off early with their BBQ this Sunday. They’re specially opening up at 2pm and from then til 7pm enjoy $4 beers, well drinks and martinis all to wash down the burgers and hot dogs they’ll be grilling up for free. Nice work guys, free food…if you have turkey burgers or turkey dogs, I’m there! If you aren’t stuffed full of booze and meat, stick around til 9 (or go home, digest, take some pepto and come back) and you’ll be able to watch the Sunday night horror movie (don’t know what it is yet) on the big screen in their backyard.

On Labor Day itself head over to the United Methodist Church (30-44 30th RoadCorner of Crescent and 30th Rd) for their Magic of Astoria Arts and Crafts Show from 10-6pm. Many local Astoria artist and craftsmen(& women) will be selling their art, handmade jewelry, candles, glass work, crochet, photos and more. It’s a great way to pick up something unique, meet the person who made it and support our growing community of artists.

The fun seems to be around 30th Ave on Monday since you can also hit up the 30th Avenue BID Street Fair running from 29th street to 42nd street. This is one of your last chances this year to gorge yourself on fried treats on the street. There’s one more next month and then we must patiently wait. Oh how sad. I know I keep saying it but I’ll take pics at this one! I had a few from the last one that weren’t so good. Mental note…photos first, food after.

You can start at one and go right to the other

If you want to go out this weekend but stay dry this is a great chance to take advantage of all the museums and galleries the LIC/Astoria neighborhood has to offer. Here’s a great resource

Astoria has been Road Tasted

2006-08-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

Ok, I admit it. As much as I am addicted to Sci Fi (who is not renewing my beloved SG-1 after airing the remainder of season 10?! What's wrong with these people?) I am also heartily addicted to the Food Network. Imagine my surprise when I saw Jamie and Bobby Dean whipping up a batch of Galaktoboureko at Artopolis(Agora Plaza 28-13 31st St.) a Greek bakery that I've actually never heard of until the show!

Here's a quick snippet from the website:

Whoever said you can do New York in a day has obviously never been to New York. Jamie and Bobby Deen head back to the Big Apple to sample some other ethnic fair. First stop, Astoria Queens, home to thousands of Greek Americans. The boys drop in on Artopolis Bakery and home of the Galaktoboureko—say that three times fast! This delicious delicacy is a phyllo dough dessert where, in the process, time is of the essence due to the delicate nature of the 12 layers of phyllo.

And let me tell you it looked goooooood! And now when someone says Galaktoboureko I know what it is. I may not be able to say it, but I know what it is!

The Weekender

2006-08-25T11:15:00.000-04:00

Oh poop, rain all weekend.
That may put a damper on the groovy outdoor events happening this weekend. We all know about PS1's summer WarmUp series, but did you know about CityParks Dance? This weekend you have 2 opportunities to shake your groove thang to different tunes at Queensbridge Park (41st Ave at Vernon Blvd). Saturday starting at 3 you can watch a performance of sinuous grace and joyful energy of Puremovement's hip hop dance, followed by North America’s premier Hispanic-American dance ensemble and school, Ballet Hispanico. Starting it all off is an open dance class: Intro to Spanish Dance lead by Instructor from Ballet Hispanico. Sunday (same bat time, same bat channel) enjoy the drum rhythms and dance traditions of Senegal’s Wolof communities brought to you by Sing Sing Rhythms, followed by a dance performance by Batoto Yetu. Starting it off will be an open dance class: Intro to Senegalese Dance Lead by Sing Sing.
Wow, they certainly like the funky rythms down at Queensbridge eh? For more info check out the City Parks Foundation.

If you would rather stay dry then Waltz has you covered. Friday at 9pm enjoy a (dry) musical performance by Warren Kimmel. This singer songwriter and his band are sure to rock the house.
If you're looking for more mellow, save your trip to Waltz for Saturday to join in their monthly wine tasting series Talk Wine. Kevin Rose will guide you through the 7 selected wines paired with tasty treats and classical music to make you feel all the more refined. $25 gets you in.

AMMI is screening Godzilla at 6:30 Saturday and Sunday.

Should the rain gods not ruin the outdoors there's still the usual suspects of yoga, tai chi and canoe rides.

Astoria is stylin

2006-08-24T20:24:00.001-04:00

Remember how I told you super cute boutique Candy Plum was going to be featured in a New York Times article? Well here it is. It's a spread of the supercute boutiques that are popping up all over the hood. Most I had heard of, one I hadn't, and one that I've passed by but wrote off. Just goes to show me, I should be more adventerous. Looks like I have some browsing to do this weekend.

The Weekender

2006-08-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

I'll keep it short this week...

The usual suspects are all set for this weekend. Yoga and Tai Chi at Socrates Saturday & Sunday respectively from 11-12, the canoe & kayak rides in Hallets Cove Sunday from 1-5, Warm Up at PS1. Tonight at the cove is extra cool as it's the Friday Night Chill paddle. If you haven't yet this summer, head over to the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Museum to spend time in the Sculpture Garden, it is quite cool. Here are some pics I took:

Street Fair madness continues. Today through Sunday Steinway btwn 25th and 28th avenues will be bustling with The Borgetto Cultural Association's annual fair. Saturday head over to southern Astoria, Dutch Kills, for their street fair on 36th Aven between 35th and 29th streets.

And congrats to Candy Plum, formerly known as Vintage Plum, on their appearance in a New York Times article in this Sunday's issue. To celebrate the shop invites customers past, present and future to stop on by between 12 & 5pm for champagne and cookies. If ever I needed a reason to buy new jewelry. Oh, I wonder if they have jewelry boxes...Anyhoo, Mazel Tov!

Good news for N train riders.

Up & Coming

2006-08-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

Weekends aren't the only times the neighborhood offers us some activities. Weekdays we can still have fun.
First off, during the week is probably the best time to go to the Beer Garden. Hipsters will make the weekend miserable by lining up for entrance, but during the week they seem to stay in their respective boroughs. Skip the line and enjoy a pitcher with friends pretty much any night this week.

Waltz entertains the masses this week with comedy and open mic. Tuesday at 9 Matt Taylor hosts Tuesday Night Comedy and Wednesday at 8 Bill Everson hosts the weekly open mic.

Wednesday at Socrates they are screening Kikujiro from Japan. I have heard from Helen, that this is a great movie and the one she was most looking forward to seeing. Due to black outs and heat waves I have already missed the 2 movies I was planning on seeing. Bummer.

Though these gigs are not in Astoria LIC based artist, J Walter Hawkes, and his quartet and quintet, depending on the show, will be playing their old school jazzy tunes this Wednesday from 9-12(ish) at Detour, and later this month (8/29) they will be playing the Juniper Valley Park concert series in Middle Village at 7:30. Both shows are free...but be nice to the tip jar at Detour. Once again, Wednesday is one of those "be in two places at once" nights for me, so hopefully I'll be able to swing (pun sort of intended) down to Detour to catch a few tunes, and hopefully the ukelale.

Congrats & Support an Astorian

2006-08-14T09:53:00.000-04:00

The Haps (that would be me, basically) wants to extend an hearty congratulations to Astorian film maker Eric Trenkamp for his short film Extreme Catholicism making it as one of IFC's Media Labs top ranked shorts. You can catch it on IFC's Media Lab on the following dates this month: Thur 8/17 3:45pm & Tues 8/29 1pm and you can catch an exceprt on IFC's Best of Media Lab on: Wed 8/16 10:45am, Thu 8/17 7:30 am & Tue 8/22 5:15am.
It's a really funny short film. Catch it if you can.
And once again, hooray for Eric!

INTERSTATE @ Socrates Sculpture Park

2006-08-13T15:29:00.000-04:00

Just a few shots I took of the exhibit earlier this summer....

The Weekender

2006-08-11T12:21:00.000-04:00

Oh how beautiful this weekend will be! I can’t wait to get out and walk the neighborhood. It’s been too hot to take my camera out for a walk. This weekend shall be perfect! So, if you see a kooky chick with a big old fashioned SLR and a dinky little digi cam taking random pics of things, like strangers front yards or you even….that would be me; your somewhat dorky always lovable editor. I have a few neighborhood photos I’ve taken and I will be posting them soon. I’d have more…but it takes me a while to get the ole Tri-X over to B&H. And now I don’t work near there anymore. But I believe I saw someplace near my new location (Flatiron Bldg area).

Anyway, one of the things I actually have photos of is the Interstate Exhibit at Socrates. If you haven’t yet been, move! It ends this Sunday! I’ll post my photos in case you missed it.

Waltz-Astoria reopens tonight after their deserved summer recess with the Richard McGraw Trio. Can’t seem to figure what they’re about, other than singer songwriter. But it’s Waltz, it has to be good.
Tomorrow night join them at 9pm for a screening of Woodstock-3 days of peace and love.

This has got to be one of the best weekends to enjoy WarmUp at PS1. Saturday from 2-9pm get groovy, get down at one of the hottest outdoor parties LIC has to offer.

Sunday is yet another opportunity for you to down a Sausage & Pepper hero, a fresh fruit shake, some choco covered strawberries and gawk at kitchen gadgets, crystals, tee shirts and all sorts of fun kitschy stuff. That’s right Street Fair! This time on Steinway street btwn 28th and 34th ave...but they never really stretch that far. Sadly…I can always use an extra block of street fair. I will so be staking out the PR & DR food stand. John has discovered a love for roast pig. I just want some arroz con gandules. Then again, I could have my mom make that for me whenever I want. Methinks I should take a trip to Jackson Hts soon.

Earlier Sunday morning stroll over to Astoria Park, to my fave spot under the Hell Gate, and toss the ole Frisbee around. 10:30 is catch as you can, and 11:00 brings on the ultimate! Bring a light and dark colored shirt to meet fellow astorians tossin the disk around.

If gory scary funny Brit flics are your thing, Hell Gate Social is screening Evil Aliens this Sunday.

As usual this weekend you can center yourself with yoga and tai chi at Socrates and enjoy canoe rides on the east river at Hallets Cove.

Maybe you just want to take in brunch or dinner at a café or restaurant with outdoor seating. Try Le Sans Souci’s back garden, or Fatty’s Cafe, with it’s great view of my alma mater. For liquid refreshment head over and enjoy the outdoors at the Water Taxi Beach, LIC Bar’s outdoor garden, or the garden at Hell Gate Social. If it’s a café you’re after the gals at Alpha Astoria have you covered.

Me, well I’ve got too many b-day shindigs to attempt to make this weekend. But my threat of wandering around with my camera remains. And me, miss a street fair, never! Maybe this time I will remember to take my cruddy cam out of my bag.
Enjoy!

The Weekender

2006-08-04T12:18:00.000-04:00

Never have I been happier to see the words “Isolated Thunderstorms” in the forecast, on a Friday. It will bring some much needed relief. I have barely been outdoors all week. If I didn’t have to go to work, I wouldn’t leave the house. Even the Beer Garden wasn’t worth a trip outside. But now that the heat wave is subsiding hopefully we can all take full advantage of what’s happening around town. And if it’s too hot, it’s always nice to know that there are a few museums and galleries close by that have A/C.

First up, if you haven’t yet done so, check out Opolis at Flux Factory. It closes tomorrow! Your last chances are tonight from 4-7pm and tomorrow from noon-5pm. After that, the city comes tumbling down.

Hell Gate Social has a treat for us tonight M=BODY- a collabaration of expression, movement, music and libation. There’s no shingle hanging outside so look for the red doors.
Bonus? Sunday, outdoor garden, they’re screening Goonies at 9.
“yo, this place smells like phys ed.” I love that movie!

Another multi day street fair is upon us. From August 3rd-6th St Markella’s Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church (say it 3 times fast, I DARE you) hosts the street fair happening on 26th st from 23rd ave to the Amtrak trestles.

Enjoy some Jazz at Waltz-Astoria tonight, should you find yourself in the northern neck of the woods around 9pm.

Saturday noon-4pm the Greater Astoria Historical Society offers residents the exhibit Laughter, Lager and Leisure. More than thirty rare images trace Long Island City’s pursuit of pleasure fifty, or more, years ago.

It may be too hot to partake in the Warm Up party at PS1. Get your groove on in the museums outdoor space while DJ’s spin some hot tunes. If it gets too hot, head indoors for some art appreciation.

AMMI offers up Roman Polanski’s first English language movie, Repulsion this weekend (Sat & Sun @ 6:30) as part of their Repertory Nights series. During the days there are a few other choices. Check the website for the schedule.

Sunday enjoy a nice leisurely paddle in Hallets Cove, thanks to the LIC Community Boathouse. Up your karma points and help clean up the cove while you wait.

Or darn it all to heck and stay home with the AC on (but be reasonable we still have to conserve power) and do nothing.
That sounds tempting....

MMM MMM Goooooood!

2006-08-03T14:43:00.000-04:00

So this past weekend I managed to throw my annual Summer Fiesta (v 3.0) without the power failing me. Whoo hoo!!
It was good times. Of course, I am the hostess with the mostess (someone back me up here!)
But I’m not here to dish about the party. I want to share a little some thing.
Now, despite the fact that I made TONS of food...see below…

There was only 1 thing that was raved about and everyone asked me about. No, it wasn’t my now famous dip (see thanksgiving for the recipe) no it wasn’t my kabobs (or K-bobs as my brother learned to call them in the army...and he was in the Middle East!), although Anthony totally dug the marinade, no it wasn’t my apple coleslaw. It was something that was totally store bought, totally a last minute, saw it at Pathmark and decided what the heck kind of purchase. The tasty treat…Sabra Hummus

Now I have only recently discovered that I actually like hummus, and falafel for that matter, because of an intense dislike for chick peas. I am no hummus connoisseur, but this was the tastiest yet. Even better than my buddies at Mengal in Sunnyside(you have to visit them if you are in Sunnyside 47th and Queens Blvd-south side). It had a great smooth consistency and comes in a variety of flavors although I stuck with original.
Please note that I did not clean the container. It was wiped clean. OK, well since John was with me on clean up patrol, he wiped it clean with pita. Which, oh totally have to tell you about. It’s ASTORIA pita, made right here in our own back yards.

And Sabra is local also! The pita itself is more traditionally greek in that it is better for gyros, and has no pocket for falafel. ( and despite the bag, I won't be using it to make a taco anytime soon) But you have to dig the fact that both products go so well together and they are both Astoria/LIC based.
So if you are in the mood for some GREAT hummus and tasty pita, look no further than your own backyard folks.
(fyi I found the Astoria pita at C-Town on B-way…Pathmark had a surprising lack of pita choices…but they have the Sabra, across from the deli counter in the random little cooler dealy thingy)

Enjoy!

The Weekender

2006-07-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

It’s gonna be a hot one this weekend! Heat wave here we come. I can’t believe that I have to cross my fingers that the power will be alright this weekend. But given the situation the past almost 2 weeks, it’s a sad fact that we all have to worry about.
But at least there are some fun things happening.

We can definitely use a chill out, take advantage of the free yoga and tai chi classes Saturday and Sunday respectively, from 11-12 at Socrates Sculpture park.

Tonight from 8-12 enjoy Jazz music at new café lounge Wassi (35-05 20th Avenue) with half off your second drink.

This weekend is the St. Irene Chrysovalantou Monastery Street Festival. Located at 23rd Ave. from 35th to mid 37th St. & 36th St. from 23rd Ave. to under the Amtrak overpass. 3 days of street fair, oh my!
Sunday is the smaller 114 Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol fair on Broadway from Steinway to 47th street.
It’s street fair madness this weekend!

Sunday night is the 3rd installment of the Hell on Reels Moving Image Festival. Held in the Hell Gate Social’s back patio the films start at 8:30.

Out of the Dark

2006-07-28T14:55:00.000-04:00

Well folks the lights are back on in Western Queens. Con Ed is still out in force, with trucks all over the place. I’ve seen PSE&G trucks and ones from other states out lending a hand. The first lawsuit is already under way against Con Ed, and Queens DA Brown is launching an independent investigation, while our councilmen and assembly men are, well, as pissed as the rest of us. I give them kudos for the eyerolls and disgusted looks as the Mayor was complimenting the inept CEO for the atrocious job Con Ed has done in not only not updating the infrastructure from 40-50 year old equipment, but not properly taking care of the first failing feeder cables, and most importantly grossly misrepresenting the extent of the problem. Hopefully the residents of Western Queens will have answers we deserve. If you want more information or just want to rant about the situation, head over here. Also, if you lost out of food due to total black out then head here for a downloadable reimbursement form. Con Ed will reimburse $300 without receipts, a change from the initial $150 with no receipts and $300 with receipts of proof of loss.

I think this sums up how a lot of us feel:

The Weekender & More!

2006-06-30T10:20:00.000-04:00

Oh, my, god...SUNSHINE!!! In time for the holiday weekend. Well, there's the chance of rain, but maybe today is a good sign. What's up this holiday weekend? Need some ideas? Scheck it out...

Tonight chill at the cove with the LIC Community Boathouse's Friday Night Chill Paddle.
Meet at Hallet's Cove (just north of Socrates Sculpture Park) at 6:30 for a relaxed skyline tour of the east rivver. The Chill launches as 7 and you'll be back by 9.

If you're looking for a new swimsuit check out Plum Boutique. They've added new designers and have quite the cute swimwear collection.

For a nice treat, enjoy a french meal, brunch or dinner, in Le Sans Souci's backyard garden.

Starting Saturday party it up at PS1's warm up. 10 bucks gets you into the hotttest party in town. From 2-9pm check out the museum and then dance to the tunes spun by some of the hottest DJ's. The party happens in the couryard of the musum. Dance in the middle of the installation of the winner of the Young Architects Competition.
Hot.
Hotter? Get to the museum between 12 and 2 and the admission is gratis.

Weather not cooperating? Spend time inside some of our local museums. There's the aforementioned (like that SAT word?) PS1, and there's AMMI, where you can take in a movie. And let's not forget the Isamu Noguchi Museum. There's also Opolis at the Flux Factory.

As is every weekend, Yoga and Tai Chi at Socrates and free kayak rides at Hallets Cove.

Now, since I am heading out of town for the week (alright!) to two cities that are slightly flooded from the recent rains ('doh!) I've got to fill you in on the up and coming activites.

Obviously we've got to talk fireworks. We've got some of the best views of the Macy's fireworks show. The best spot is Gantry State Plaza in LIC. There are some nasty rumors that the City Lights (those high rise buildings) prohibits non residents from entering a state park. I highly encourage you to check out the fireworks there, and point out to anyone who may prevent you that it is a state park, not a private one. Hopefully that won't happen, but if it does we should tell our councilman.
Another great spot, the queens bound platform at the Queens Boro Plaza station. It's a little loud but you can totally see.
Or try your roof, you could get to know your neighbors that way.

After the show head over to Waltz-Astoria for Tuesday night comedy hosted by Matt Taylor.

Beginning this Wednesday are the Sunset Films at Socrates. Bring your blankie and watch Walkabout from Australia this Wednesday at sunset.

Wednesday Waltz also hosts it's open mic night.

That oughtta keep you busy until I return.

The Weekender

2006-06-23T10:42:00.000-04:00

This weekend looks like a washout what with expected thunderstorms. Bummer! After spending such a nice evening in the park this week celebrating Solstice I was looking forward to more of the same. There are some neat outdoor activities I discovered, so let’s hope no one is doing any rain dances until Monday.

One neat way to hide from the rain is at the Flux Factory’s Opolis, its third manifestation of Comix Fluxture. “These exhibits have brought cartoonists and illustrators into the gallery to create comics narratives that also function as installation art. The ongoing objective of the series is to create works of art to be read intimately—as a comic strip—but also contribute to an overall installation spectacle.” The cartoonists have been assigned “city blocks” in Flux’s main space. They then design the buildings and spaces that make up the city. It sounds really neat. The opening reception is Saturday at 7pm and admit is free. The space is open - Fri. 4-7 pm, Sat & Sun 12-5 pm.

If the weather holds out Saturday night enjoy some burgers and a movie about burgers over at the Water Taxi Beach. Gothamist and A Hamburger Today are presenting their first food event here. Tickets are priced at either $9 for 2 burgers or $16 for 4 burgers. That sound like a lot of burgers! And while you much away catch the flick Hamburger America at dusk.

If you’d rather stay indoors Saturday night at 9pm head over to Waltz for their Talk Wine series. $25 gets you in to sample the various wines and complimentary goodies. Make some new friends while bonding over a glass of vino. I have got to get myself over to one of these! I’m just a little shy around strangers, so if I have to talk about the wine I get a little antsy. Anyone want to come with me? John is of the same mindset which is why we bailed at the last minute the last time we planned on going. Anyone, anyone Bueller?

Sunday has more great outdoor fun, provided the weather holds up. First up is LIC bar’s summer long Rock N’ Roll BBQ! Awesomeness. The fun and food starts at 4, band starts at 4:30 and it goes til 8. Bonus, our fave local Chef Jonathan Forgash will be handling the food. Oh Yeah! (unfortunately the website is in need of an update)

After the BBQ Hell Gate Social presents Hell on Reels, Astoria’s own Moving Picture Festival. Check out the unique short format moving image works, including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, design and experimental films. The outdoor screening starts at 8:30 and doors open at 7:30.

Should the weather not hold up and well, outdoor movies wouldn’t prove quite as fun, head over to the Irish Rover at 7 for their weekly pub quiz. Test your knowledge and possibly make some new friends and some dough. Or at least have a pint and a laugh.

Make it a good one!

Sunset Movies at Socrates

2006-06-22T20:14:00.000-04:00

While I was at the Solstice Celebration last night, I picked up a flyer with the park's outdoor cinema selections for the summer. If you don't know what it is, every Wednesday through the summer the park, in conjunction with AMMI, screens a movie at sunset. It's an international selection of movies with events prior to, and food as well, from the country of the movie's origin. For the 8/2 American film selection, Jonathan Forgash of Film Chefs will be back with the truck to delight our palattes and make our mouths water.
So check it out and plot out an evening to grab a blankie and a buddy and pull up some grass and grub. Look for me on my Neet Sheat with waaay too many people. I'll definitely be there for Motorcycle Diaries.

July 5th-Walkabout-Australia
July 12th-Wild Strawberries-Sweden
July 19th-Motorcycle Diaries-Brazil
July 26th-Latcho Drom-Romania
August 2nd-The Straight Story-US
August 9th-Stolen Children-Italy
August 16th-Kikujiro-Japan
August 23rd-Balseros-Cuba

Here's the link.

short short film

2006-06-22T19:58:00.000-04:00

Astoria resident Eric Trenkamp dares to ask,
"Want to make the world a better place for democracy? Or just want to see something better on t.v. than anorexic rich sluts who can't tell time (that's right, Paris, Lindsay, Barbie, Pam, and Betty Rubble. Your 15 minutes is up). Or maybe you just want to help a swell guy who wants to get his short film on t.v. so he can call his poor Mama in Cleveland and say, 'see Ma, dreams do come true. On basic cable.' "
If you want to help out a fellow astorian, head over to the IFC Media Lab and check out Eric's short short film. Rate the film and if his ratings are high enough it will be shown on IFC.

Summer Solstice Celebration

2006-06-20T17:42:00.000-04:00

Oh my how summer is in full swing. And how better to ring it in than at the Summer Solstice Celebration at Socrates Sculpture Park. Spend the longest day of the year partaking in all the good fun. Set against the backdrop of the river and among the latest art installation, Interstate-The American Roadtrip it’s sure to be a great time. There is so much going on I had to make this its own post.
Music provided by DJ Jonny Fego to dance to while you check out eco friendly art making workshops sponsored by The Queens Museum, The Noguchi Museum, Materials for the Arts, Recycle A Bicycle and Socrates Sculpture Park. Special performances by BMX Stunt Rider Jeff McIntyre. Face painting for the little kiddies, and the big kiddies, by Agostino Arts. The best part? Jonathan of Film Chefs is on hand to cater and I got my hands on the menu. To drool for:
Pulled pork hero with Carolina bbq sauce (mustard based) $5
Grilled chicken hero with Buffalo wing sauce $5
Maryland tuna salad hero $5
Hot dogs $4
Buttered corn $3
Goat cheese & fresh berry mesclun salad $7
Fruit salad $3
Cupcakes & brownies $2
chips
Home made: Iced tea, Iced coffee, Lemonadebottled water
Prices and menu subject to change.
So come on down, get your face painted (I may see if I could get my hand done) grab what is sure to be a super fab sammich, check out the exhibit, pull up a piece of park and enjoy the grub the sounds and the start of summer.
Oh yeah!
Event is 6/21 from 5-9pm

Help Keep Astoria SAFE

2006-06-15T12:58:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend of June 10-11, one publicized hate crime occurred in the East Village. Two other, less publicized incidents occurred in Astoria. In one incident, a man was attacked outside the 36th Avenue subway station, both physically and with slurs, and bones in his face were broken. In a separate incident, three neighbors were attacked by about eight other men at 34th and Broadway. After a physical altercation involving slurs about race and sexuality, the men then chased them with a baseball bat. One man was refused entrance at the St. James Deli at 34th Street and 34th Avenue and later had to be hospitalized for the injuries he sustained. (NOTE: See http://astorians.com/index.php?topic=2336.0 for the discussion about the 34th Street incident.)While the police are treating these as hate crimes, we as a community need to join together to make sure that these incidents remain isolated and do not become a trend. This is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of race, gender, or orientation. We all want our neighborhood to be safe and comfortable for all.

What Can You Do?
1. Create an account on http://www.astorians.com. Under "Community Groups & Social Networking", you should see a thread (or possibly soon a board) concerning these issues and the community response. Read, discuss, get involved, stay aware as things develop.
2. Call Cesar, the community affairs officer for the 114th Precinct, at 718-626-9327. Tell him that you want this issue to be on the agenda for the precinct community council meeting on June 27.
3. Attend the precinct community council meeting on June 27 at 7 p.m. at Ricardo's By the Bridge (21st St and 24th Ave). While the police response to the incidents has been attentive (under pressure from some political groups), a more proactive response is needed from the 114th Precinct to prevent further incidents.
4. Make sure that your voting address matches your current Astoria address.
5. Call 311 when you see quality of life issues in the neighborhood. Overflowing trash, merchants ignoring problems, graffiti, fights. Mayor Bloomberg does respond to clusters of repeated 311 calls, and more calls will mean more resources. Often these issues will lead to more serious quality of life issues.
6. Stay tuned to astorians.com for an upcoming flyering campaign to raise awareness. Once it begins, print out the flyers and talk to your building management or any businesses that you frequent about posting them. We want residents to be aware, and we want businesses to advertise being part of the solution.
7. Boycott the St. James Deli at 34th St. and 34th Ave., who have been unresponsive to inquiries about the incident. Some neighbors are looking to reignite the old Safe Havens program to identify local businesses that are willing to provide shelter to neighbors in distress. As this develops, be aware of which businesses are involved and demonstrate that you support businesses that support their community. Information should be available at http://www.astorians.com.
9. Forward this email to anyone you know in Astoria.
10. ...AND THEN STAY INVOLVED! Part of the problem is the disconnect that Astoria neighbors feel. Many of us are renters, many of us spend much of our time in Manhattan, and it's easy to ignore the community around us. Get to know other people, talk on the board, come to the meetings, come to the social activities. Building a sense of community and unity in the neighborhood will go a long way towards creating the infrastructure we need to combat future problems.
Doing any one of these things will help - doing all of them will go even farther. Please feel free to distribute this to anyone you know in the neighborhood. Post on blogs, forward to friends.

Thanks to SpecialK for the time and effort putting this together

Msg from local Astoria Musician

2006-06-10T12:20:00.000-04:00

Vote for AMANDA DROSTE at Next Big Hit!
Next Big Hit is the largest Independent Music Podcast in the world with over 25,000 listeners internationally every week, and they picked my song, "I Won't Know", for the episode Vol. 121 podcast!
Please take a moment and VOTE HERE Voting ends Sunday Night, June 11th at Midnight (EST).
Every week there is a contest called "Click to Pick the Next Big Hit". If I win, I get played again next week, and I get a photo and link on their front page. Some of you may remember I competed here before and came in 2nd place to an American Idol contestant, Jasmine Trias!
PLEASE Help me get 1st place this time!!
Please take a moment and VOTE HERE Voting ends Sunday Night, June 11th at Midnight (EST).
While you're at the forum, be sure to give me a shout-out on the boards! Also, do check out the whole show. They play 12 great independent acts of all genres, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Electronic and Dance! Support the whole indie scene and take a listen. I bet you find something else you like! You can subscribe to the show at iTunes (it's Free!) or you can download the mp3 of the program HERE.
Thanks so much, I appreciate your continued support!
Amanda Droste

The Weekender

2006-06-09T12:04:00.000-04:00

Our neighborhood does not let us down for the summer! So much going on it’s hard to choose. And always such a bummer to find out all this cool stuff, and realize you can’t go, because you have to go to a wedding. Which is what I will be doing tomorrow. Open bar, open bar, open bar...it's my wedding mantra ;-)

Start your Saturday off right with free yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park from 11-12. You can also take Tai Chi on Sunday at the same time. While you are there check out their latest installation, Interstate the American Road Trip.

After that, at 3 pm, you can continue on your artistic escapades by heading over to PS1 for Iron Artist, presented in conjunction with Cabinet magazine. “Inspired by the original Japanese cooking show Iron Chef, Iron Artist is an event that invites the public to witness competitive improvised art making between contemporary artists, critique and commentary of the artwork by local art personalities, and celebrate the final works in the exhibition opening immediately following the competition.” Interactive art, now that’s what I’m talking about. Let the paint fly!
I also recommend John Lurie: Works on Paper “Like pages from a demented children's book in which dark, angry, often sexual adult preoccupations leak through the charmingly juvenile and often richly sensuous surfaces. Many are laugh-out-loud funny” —The New York Times Couldn’t have said it better myself, and so I didn’t try. It is a really neat exhibit. I felt weird laughing out loud in such a quiet space. It’s also large so it kind of echoed!

Saturday the Stanly Kubrick retrospective continues at our favorite neighborhood media museum-AMMI. This weekend’s offerings are: Killer’s Kiss, The Killing and La Ronde. Check the site for the schedule. (also airing Sunday).

Waltz Astoria rounds off the night with a Bluegrass performance by the Klezmer Mountain Duo.

Sunday is just chock full of goodness (and no wedding for me to attend-fingers crossed no hang over to attend to, ha!)

First up, from 11-4 (so you can get your Tai Chi in and not miss this) is a great great event that makes me so sad that my lease prohibits me from really taking advantage. Astoria Park hosts the Mayor’s Alliance/Maddie’s Pet Adoption Festival. Hosted by Animal Haven Shelter, dog and cats, from area shelters and rescue groups, will be up for adoption. There will be a low-cost microchipping clinic ($25 each). A veterinarian, groomer, and trainer will be on hand to answer questions. Awhhhh! I want a dog. I’m quite fond of fuzzy mutts; those, and beagles and basset hounds. I’d get a cat, but that won’t go over well with the roomies.
The event actually takes place in the parking lot at 19th and Hoyt. Go on, rescue one of our furry friends and give him or her a nice loving home. It will do both you and the critter a world of good.

That same afternoon enjoy free Canoe rides in Hallets Cove thanks to our good friends at LIC Community Boathouse. Do the beach some good and help clean up while waiting your turn. Some people don’t care enough to pick up after themselves, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t pitch in and make amends. If you’re not sure where it is, just walk north of Socrates Sculpture park (that would be the opposite direction of Costco, for my directionally challenged readers-who are just like this writer). You’ll know it when you see it. The canoes should give it away. They’ll be there from 1-5.

Ok, so far with good planning you can do Tai Chi, adopt a furbaby and take a canoe ride, and maybe even catch a Kubrick flick, all in one day!

Later Sunday evening, if you aren’t pooped from all the above activities enjoy a sunset bike tour of the proposed Queens East Rive Greenway and learn about the history of the waterfront. Meet at Gantry State Plaza (48th Ave & the river) at 5 PM for the 5 mile tour(…a 5 mile tour…)

Round the night off with a Jazz performance by Susana De and a cup or glass of something lovely at Waltz.
Or go over to the Irish Rover for their pub quiz night. For me though, it’s all about the season premiere of Deadwood.

As if all this wasn’t enough, the World Cup kicks off (pun sorta intended) this weekend-today actually. It breaks my heart that Ireland isn’t in it this time. They know how to throw a football party, that’s for sure. Lots of local joints will be airing the games. Cup and the Beer Garden will be joining in on the fun. And just because Ireland didn’t make it doesn’t mean they won’t be watching it. Try the Rover, Doyle’s Corner or Nua for matches.

Now wasn’t that just fun. Too bad Monday is just around the bend. (but I took the day off, lucky me!)

Up & Coming

2006-06-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry to have missed writing The Weekender last week. I dropped the ball. But after having gotten rejection number 2 from grad school, the only thing on my mind Friday was getting through a bottle of wine. Excuses, excuses. So I’m attempting to find all the nifty things I can for the week and let you know about them now.

This Wednesday from 6-9pm The Chocolate Factory Theatre is hosting their Taste of LIC benefit. $35 gets you: food and drink from Lounge 47, Communitea, Tournesol, Bella Via, Dorian Cafe, The Creek & The Cave, Manetta's Ristorante, LIC Bar and more! Also enjoy a wine tasting from Vine Wine, auctions and raffles, performances and exhibitions! Talk about a cheap date.

If that’s too much for your wallet, you can catch indie songstress Julia Darling doing a free show at Rockwood Music Hall at 9pm. Or you can hit the Taste of LIC first, get your fill, and pop on over to the LES to catch her show. If you’re unfamiliar with her, check out her website, I’ve been fond of her tunes since I saw her at a South Street Seaport Music Festival.

Our good friends at Waltz Astoria are keeping us entertained this week with all sorts of events. Tuesday is their Comedy night. Check out local comedians work their funny at the mic (side note: John and I were spotted on TV when Last Comic Standing aired the first round of try outs-we were in the audience). Wednesday is their open mic, and Thursday is their “Let’s Watch a Movie” night. As of now, the selection had not been posted. I’m really bummed that I didn’t get to check their calendar for this weekend and I missed another Jewelry party. Then again I would have missed it anyway since I ventured out to Brooklyn to celebrate Christina’s graduation from law school. John rediscovered the wonders of roasted pig-his first taste having been at the Puerto Rican (that’s right!) food stand at last week’s street fair on Broadway.

Also around town things are in full swing for the summer. The River to River festival has already kicked off. Check the website for full details.

Next week Bryant Park gets the big screen ready for their Monday night Movies in the Park. Always packed, but always a good time. Pull up a patch of grass and enjoy a flick. Click here for the full schedule.

This weekend will be quite the busy one for me what with the wedding I must attend on Saturday but I will get the Weekender out for you so that you aren’t sitting at home wondering what there is to do in Astoria because I didn’t get my tushie to the computer.

The Weekender

2006-05-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

Oh glorious 3-day weekend! And even better half day from work. Seems like lots of folks I know are sticking around for the unofficial kickoff to summer. While others I know are in the process of pulling up stakes to go elsewhere (you shall be sorely missed).
What to do, what to do?

Comic movie fans rejoice! X-3 opens today. And with me having a half day, John and I are going to an early early show. To top that off Spiderman 3 starts filming in NYC today, around the corner from my office! John went over and didn’t see anyone he recognized though.

Also today is the opening of the Water Taxi Beach Bar, my possible new alternative to drinking outdoors at the Beer Garden (until it too gets full of wayward Brooklynites and LESers). Check out the Harry's Bar at the man made beach located adjacent to the Hunters Point launch site of the water taxi. I want to take a random ride on one of those puppies. The weather may be iffy right now, but they still plan on kicking off at 4pm today.

Saturday starts the Beer Garden’s Annual Czech & Slovak Festival. There will be folk dancing, a brass band, other entertainment, and lots of beer and food, for an admission price of $10. The fun continues on Sunday. Good luck getting past the hipsters. They start the shindig at noon, I'd recommend arriving then.
Tomorrow night, if not at the BG, enjoy a relaxing evening at Waltz Astoria as they welcome back their Talk Wine series with wine enthusiast Kevin Rose. I’ve got to get myself over to one of these. I love wine but I’m such a novice at the intricacies. I’ll drink red wine with anything!

Sunday take a canoe trip in Hallet’s Cove, located a few blocks north of Socrates Sculpture Park, courtesy of the LIC Boathouse. While you’re there do a treat for the community and volunteer to clean up the cove so it’s kept nice and tidy for community use.

Monday take a long walk down Broadway and enjoy the sights, sounds and yummy smells of the Broadway street fair. Mmmmm, falafel, strawberry shakes….I need to be careful before I drool all over the place!

If you're feeling really adventurous Rockaway Beach officially opens this weekend! Getting there via A train is a real pain. Hop the express Q59 ( i think that's the number) in Woodside and go straight there.

Enjoy!

The Weekender

2006-05-19T11:18:00.000-04:00

I’m home sick today from work my friends. Lucky for me, my computer is at the foot of my bed and I can post this while still under the covers.
This weekend has a bunch of stuff going on that I can hopefully partake of!

Already I have unfortunately missed Art-o-Mat’s opening reception of REAL ESTATE=REAL ART. Even worse was that my buddy Walt was playing there as well. Total bummer. But the exhibit is on display until June 25th so stop by and see this artistic take on the current real estate situation.

Saturday Socrates Sculpture Park begins free weekly Yoga classes from 11 til Noon. Sundays Tai Chi is offered. The classes are offered until September 30th for Yoga and October 1st for Tai Chi. These are excellent opportunities to relax and find your center while surrounded by the current exhibitions at this waterfront park.

Later Saturday evening head over to the Flux Factory for their benefit Works on Paper. $2 gets you in the door. They sent out a call to artists for donation and they received works from 250 artists spread out over 5 continents with works ranging from paper sculptures, paper scrolls, artists zines, even several paper fashion apparels! And of course LOTS and LOTS of drawings, paintings on paper, manipulated photographs, and prints of virtually every form. Flux Factory will also feature live entertainment from four local bands: The Love Loves, Marla Hooch, The Dirty Projectors, and Fur Cups For Teeth as well as DJ brotherbeat. Snacks will also be available, donated by local area restaurants and chefs. Additionally, artist Mamie Tinkler will set up a free "fruit-stand" of fresh, locally-grown berries. All proceeds raised by this event will go to support Flux Factory's not-for-profit projects.

This Sunday from 2-6pm is the opening reception of Socrates Park’s new installation Interstate: The American Road Trip. Chef Jonathan of LIC’s Film Chefs will be on hand selling tasty treats. Stop by and check out the art, the river, the food-good times. If you go on the early side and you have some time you can walk over just a few blocks to the Isamu Noguchi Museum.

After the reception we’ve got more of a bang up weekend with Hell’s Gate Social’s Hell on Reels Festival-Astoria’s own Moving Image Festival. Movies start at 8:30 but the slightly elusive doors open at 7.

Time for me to watch some cheesey TV. There's an episode of Charles in Charge...sweet.

Plum Boutique

2006-05-14T19:23:00.000-04:00

So I was able to find my mother not one, not 2 but 3 pairs of lovely earrings at Plum Boutique on Friday. I also picked up 2 for myself. :)

My Present (a bit blurry) My Mother's Present

The store was super cute. Very small but it doesn't need a lot of space for it's wares. The clothes looked cute, but I am a difficult size. There were also some cute pillows and handbags. I also liked the art that was on the walls, but I didn't inquire to sale or price. The earrings averaged out to about $20/pair. I usually don't spend that much money on earrings, or anything really, for myself but I liked that these are made by real people and are unique. I'll definitley be coming back again since I love accessories, and this very well could be my go-to for presents. I took a few pix of the shop with my brand new digital camera. Yes, I finally broke down and got one, for a really sweet deal. Here's what they look like, well at least 3/4 of the place anyways....

Thanks Plum!

The Weekender

2006-05-12T14:04:00.000-04:00

It’s Mother’s Day Weekend kiddies. Have you gotten your mom something yet? I’m taking my mom out to Brick for dinner with my brother. Good thing she didn’t want brunch since when I called for a reservation they were pretty booked. Some other alternatives could be Le Sans Souci or Fatty’s for brunch or dinner, or maybe Mundo or Cavo for dinner. Whatever your choice book it now! I’m also now trying to figure out what to get her. I was all set to buy her some gorgeous handmade earrings from these girls in my office and now, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have to find a last minute gift. What to do? I thought of heading out to the good ole Queens Center Mall which has undergone such a huge transformation from what it was like when I was a kid (there’s light in there now!) and then I thought about some place local. I’m going to check out Plum Boutique and see if I can find something really cool and unique for her. If it’s just too hip for her, then I’ll head out to the mall.

Mom’s day isn’t the only thing happening around town.
The Chocolate Factory features the last weekend of Old Tricks. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s up next at this multi arts facility as they sound pretty darn cool. They are also finishing up the Nightfishing exhibit by local artist Patrick Neal.
The Astoria Performing Arts Center finishes it’s run of Forever Plaid. This deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was.
AMMI continues it’s Robert Altman retrospective, this weekend showcases Popeye, amongst others.
Waltz-Astoria has a weekend of live music happening to entertain us, pre Mother’s Day.
Since this weekend might be a washout, if not just plain gloomy it’s probably the best time to beat the ever increasing line to the Beer Garden. I’m all in favor of them having an express line for Astorians. Photo ID and a utility bill (for those that move so much they never get an ID with Astoria on it). It’s great that Astoria is getting recognition as a cool hip place to hang out, but not if it’s at the expense of Astorians being able to enjoy their own neighborhood.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2006-05-05T10:47:00.000-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
While most people think today is a celebration of Mexican Independence from Spain, they are quite wrong. It's actually a celebration of when the Mexicans defeated the French armies of Napoleon. You can read a quick history here.

So I was supposed to have the following recipes posted on a website that I write for, unfortunately the date of launch keeps changing and so does my column. I figured, why waste it? I'll share my tips for hosting a nice small Cinco de Mayo dinner party, complete with Sangria, yummy! Unfortunately, my lack of a digital camera means a lack of photos of these yummy dishes.
Here's the column, really edited:
There's nothing more fun than a gathering of your buddies. Yeah, you can do it anytime, but if there's an occasion, all the better. And, if you can make it into a theme, well then you've got a banging little party goin on. So, I've put together some easy to make recipes that are sure to please everyone(unless they're a vegan). You can always increase the proportions depending on your crowd.

You’ll want to start off with some Easy Quesadillas with Fresh Guacamole and Salsa (but you of course can pour out a jar and pretend). We’ll follow that up with some Quick Cheapo Chili and for our main dish Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake, served with Rice(white, brown, Rice-a-Roni, whatever you want). Serve it all up with some Simple Sangria.

Guacamole
Ingredients:
2 large avocados
2 green chillies finely chopped
2 tbs. finely chopped fresh coriander
1 tbs. finely chopped onion
1 tbs. finely diced tomato
salt
lime juice

1. Cut the avocados in half. Remove the stone and scoop out the flesh. Mash with a fork.
2. Put the avocado, chillies, onion, tomato and coriander in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Add drops of lime juice to stop the avocado turning black, and salt to taste.
Serve immediately!
Remember to keep the pit in the center to keep it from turning.

Salsa
Ingredients:
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
1 clove garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley chopped (it's ok to use dried, you just have to up the amount a little)
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar or cider vinegar
Easy:
In medium bowl, combine tomatoes, green onion, garlic, cilantro, vinegar. Mix well.

Quesadillasas
Ingedients:
10 white flour tortillas
shredded cheese-cheddar, jack, colby etc
Easy:
Sandwich as much chesse as you want in between 2 tortillas and bake at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes, until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy but have not yet browned.
Tip: Use a pizza cutter to slice into triangles.

Cheapo Chili
Ingredients:
¼ c. Olive Oil
1 large onion coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
2 pounds chicken(cut into chunks) or ground turkey or beef
or 1 pound of one kind and a pound of another
1 15 oz can of kidney, black, garbanzo, or white beans
1cup frozen corn
2 stalks celery diced
2 cups beer or wine
15 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
½ cup chili powder
¼ cup shredded cheese(cheddar, monterray jack, Colby)

1. Heat olive oil in 4 qt pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until edges of onion are slightly browned.
2. Add your choice of meat reducing heat if necessary and stirring to keep from sticking.
3. After 6-8 minutes when meat is cooked through, add tomatoes, beans, corn, celery, beer/wine and chili powder. You may add hot sauce to your taste at this point.
4. Bring mixture to a slow boil(on a medium heat setting). Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced and chili is thick(about 45 minutes).
Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheese

Baked Cheesy Salsa Chicken
Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup chunky salsa (your favorite brand)
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Place chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken breasts, and pour salsa over all.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is tender and juicy and its juices run clear.
5. Sprinkle chicken evenly with cheese, and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with sour cream and serve immediately with the rice of your choice.

Yummy!

And now, for the beverage:
Simple Sangria
Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup sugar
1 lime
1 lemon
1 orange
20 halved green grapes 2
0 halved red grapes
1 cup pitted cherries
1 bottle fruity red wine (like Shiraz)
2 cups ice

1. Bring the water, cinnamon and sugar to a boil and cookfor 5 minutes.
2. Thinly slice the lime, lemon,and orange with the peel intact.
3. Add the fruit to thesugar mixture and set aside to cool.
4. Add wine and chill overnight.
To serve, Place some ice and fruit mixture in each glass, pour wine over fruit and enjoy.

The Weekender

2006-05-04T09:45:00.000-04:00

Posting this early since I've slacked off a bit. There's plenty to keep you occupied so let's get to it!

I just stumbled on to this really cool multi arts facility in LIC-The Chocolate Factory (5-49 49th ave). They stage various Theatre, Music, Dance and Art shows, for an alright fee of $15. This weekend (May 4 – 13) they feature Old Tricks. It's part freak-show, part dance-hall, and all magic. Witness a death-defying grapple with fins, fire, fetters and other fierce forces in this new piece about old vaudeville and the inherent exploitative nature of performance.
Also in their gallery is Nightfishing, new paintings by LIC-based artist Patrick Neal. Works are self described as, “….a sort of Cubism for Dummies.”

Those crazy kids at Waltz-Astoria have 2 musical delights this weekend. First up on Friday, Mezzo-soprano Melissa Gerstein returns for an evening of classical art songs spiced with occasional jazz interludes at 9pm. Then on Saturday they welcome NYC based singer-songwriter Rachel Zylstra who stops by to entertain with songs from her debut album Most of It is True. I love the description on their website, "Calling on influences from Rufus Wainwright to Patty Griffin to Debussy, her craft bakes wit and yearning into tasty four minute pies."

AMMI continues their Robert Altman retrospective screening episodes of the miniseries, Tanner '88 as well as the movies Theives Like Us, The Long Goodbye and McCabe and Mrs Miller.

If you’re looking for a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, possibly searching for a nice mom’s day present, check out the Art Show, Magic of Astoria at the United Methodist Church (30th Rd & Crescent St) from 10-4pm. For a free admission you can purchase water and oil paintings, photos, sculpture and handmade jewelry, for reasonable prices from local artists. For more info you can call Georgie @ 718-721-4037 and if you are interested in having your own table for a fee of $35 you can email helensoto11106@yahoo.com.

If you find yourself in Manhattan Sunday at noon, and are jonesing for a bit of historical Astoria, the Village East Cinema (181 2nd Avenue @ 12th Street) is screening the documentary The Steinway Mansion, for $12. One of the last standing mansions on the East River, it’s in danger of being sold, and who knows what will happen if it falls into the wrong hands.

Art-o-Mat hosts thier regular first Sunday of the month open Poetrty Mic. Stop in to hear some, or share some of your own. I've only ever read once, and luckily for me they laughed because it was funny. One of these days I'll work up the nerve to dig up some of my old stuff and read it out loud.

Sunday nights, if you can pry yourself away from the Sopranos, the Irish Rover (38th street and 28th ave) has started hosting weekly pub trivia nights starting at 7pm. Stop by, have a pint and see how you fare against other teams of 4 for the prize. Each team contributes $10, winning team takes the pot. I’ve got to make a choice, it’s pry myself away from the Sopranos now, or pull myself away from Deadwood later. Hhhhmmm, I may have to sacrifice the Sopranos. Did I ever mention I watch a lot of TV?
Anyone want to form a team? So far, it’s me…I’ve got three open slots.

Up & Coming

2006-04-26T16:54:00.000-04:00

Just a few things on tap for this week:

Waltz Astoria hosts their weekly open mic night tonight at 8pm.

Friday is Poem in Your Pocket Day at The Bryant Park Reading Reading Room from 11-2pm. It’s the only decent activity I’ve found for National Poetry Month, and it’s almost over! Participants who show up with a poem can receive a free book while supplies last.

This Saturday Nosh Walks does Astoria (again). They seem to be hitting up Dutch Kills. Website has all the registration info.

And now, for my favorite: the first street fair is on Sunday! Whoo hoo! Finally, falafel sammiches! Chocolate covered strawberries, kitchy stands, nifty jewelry, random music. It’s great!! I can’t wait. Starts at 11 and runs down Steinway from 34th ave(so they claim but since I live 2 blocks away from that intersection I have yet to see it) to 28th. Who’s with me?

Cavo

2006-04-24T13:43:00.000-04:00

So this weekend was kind of an Earth Day activity bust, but events are rescheduled for next week when the sun reappears (hopefully). Despite the cold and wet I had a fantastic dinner on Friday night that I just had to tell you about.
Jamie was recently offered a job at Cavo (42-18 31st ave) and she wanted some company to check out the place. John and I, always eager to eat happily obliged. I wasn’t sure what to expect at Cavo. With the ridiculous amount of Greek cafés and lounges we could have been in for more of the same gaudy décor, smoke filled rooms and the usual tired Greek fare. Oh boy, was I wrong!
Luckily we were spared the velvet rope scene that I used to pass by when I lived on 30th ave. Upon entering you’re right in the bar/lounge area where you can just relax with drinks for the eve or enjoy a cocktail while waiting for a seat in the dining area.
We were all quite impressed when we saw the dining area. It was huge, and simply beautiful. The lighting definitely set a romantic mood. The music wasn’t all Greek, but what was being played wasn’t exactly my fare (eh, I’m a rock n roll gal). The music was at an acceptable level, but as the night progressed so did the volume and it made it a little hard to hear Jamie across the table. Back, to the huge space. They are able to accommodate a large number of tables with out patrons knocking into each other as they get up and move (I love Brick but it’s quite a maneuvering game around all the tables).
The fixtures added an elegant touch and the high ceilings lent to that spacious feel. I wish I had been able to see the outdoor garden, but next time I’ll be sure to eat there (provided it’s not 50 degrees). Our waiter was courteous and friendly and prompt and available too, which we liked.
The menu is chock full of unpronounceable Greek delights divided into 3 categories, Cold appetizers, Hot appetizers and Entrees. Although the names of all the dishes are in Greek, the details of each dish are in English and the waitstaff must take a course in pronunciation. So rest assured, if you can’t pronounce it, your server can.
We started off with an appetizer to share amongst the three of us (good thing too, because the portion was quite much for one). We chose the Astako Salata which was poached Maine lobster, marinated octopus, calamari, mussels & diver sea scallops with orange and ginger vinaigrette over greens and cous cous. It was so flavorful; it left our mouths watering for more.
Luckily for us we have no problems eating off each other’s plates and neither did Cavo, so we were all able to sample each other’s meals. John (big surprise here folks) had a steak. The Moscharisia Brizola, a pepper crusted bone in NY sirloin steak with red wine reduction and parmesean mashed potatoes. John said it was the best steak he had ever had. When Jamie tried it, she wished she had followed her gut and went with red meat. I tried the potatoes, which even I had to admit were better than mine. Even though Jamie wished she went the steak route that didn’t mean that she didn’t enjoy her Xteni, rosemary skewered charcoal grilled diver scallops over winter cous cous with lemon and parsley oil. She just ate it so fast she wished there was more. Luckily for her I had plenty of my Thalasomakoronada which was hand made spaghetti with fresh shrimp, diver scallops, baby octopus, calamari and tomatoes; a sea food lover’s delight. John and I both learned we quite like octopus. I thought it was incredibly flavorful, it seemed a bit spicy to me though. Jamie thought I was on crack or something because she couldn’t detect it. I did have to keep drinking water after every few bites. But I am the whitest Latina girl you will ever meet so I find spicy where others don’t. This doesn't mean I didn't like it though. I thought it was grand. I got quite full from my meal before I finished so Jamie was able to satisfy her hunger by working her way through my plate. As we finished up our bottle of wine and digested, we contemplated dessert and said to heck with it, we’re getting some. We decided to get 2 and share. The warm chocolate cake was divine! It was moist and almost mousse like in the middle and the vanilla gelato added a nice touch. The Napoleon of raspberries and strawberries with cream between layer of flakey filo dough was a nice, light compliment to the rich chocolate cake.
I had to practically roll home after this meal it was so good.
A wonderfully prepared and presented meal is always followed up by an equally prepared check. Expect a dinner for two with one appetizer and wine to go over $100. But, it is sooooo worth it. Guys, if you really want to wine and dine your gal, this is the place.
It’s not an all the time dining experience but it is quite a divine experience and should not be passed up due to any preconceptions based on other Greek establishments.
And if you happen to get a cute waitress named Jamie, say hi and tip her well…that’s rent money.