BORO MAG

Page 1

JULY 2017

VOL 7:7

BOROMAG.COM

OUTDOOR WINE &

15 OUTDOOR DINING SPOTS

SPEAKEASY OPENS IN ASTORIA

ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN IN LIC

MEXICAN FARE AT LAS CATRINAS

Page 18

Page 22

Page 48

Page 50

EETS F SW% E

25

tickets with code

OFF

“BORO”

IVAL ST

Photo courtesy of Penthouse808

EATS UNLIMITED WINE & 20+ SWEETS VENDORS licflea.com

JULY 22 & 23!

1


1 TO 3 BEDROOM CONDOS STARTING AT $725,000

NOW SELLING 21-10 44TH DRIVE, LONG ISLAND CITY

AMENITIES: GYM, LOUNGE, VIRTUAL DOORMAN, SHARED OUTDOOR SPACE WITH BBQ FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 646.290.4059 OR VISIT THEDECKERLIC.COM SALES OFFICE LOCATED AT 47-46 VERNON BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY ENTRANCE ON 48TH AVE

The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor. File No. CD160297 Sponsor: Impex Builders LLC, 1517 Voorhies Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MS_Decker_Boro0627_V8.indd 2

7/3/17 10:23 AM


0

0:23 AM


CONTENTS One of my favorite things about Astoria is that when the weather is nice, our sidewalks are filled with people enjoying a relaxing brunch with friends or sipping cocktails late into the evening. It gives our neighborhood so much energy — plus, it feels very European, non? This is our outdoor dining issue, so if you’re overwhelmed by all of the great al fresco options in western Queens, here’s where to start. We have a roundup of 15 restaurants with great outdoor spaces (page 18). Katch is introducing its outdoor speakeasy this month (page 22), and Estate Garden Grill, a beer garden and restaurant, just opened in Long KATRINA MEDOFF Island City (page 48). Sugar Freak reopened editor-in-chief at a new location, with plenty of outdoor seating (page 30). Plus, Las Catrinas, a new Mexican restaurant on Broadway, just came to the neighborhood in May — and its outdoor seating is coming this summer (page 50). If you’d like to share any news with us, email katrina@boromag.com. You can also connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook. com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG). Hoping you have a wonderful summer in the sun, Katrina Medoff

ALL IN THE DETAILS

50

6 MER-MADE YOU LOOK Street style in Astoria

10 SUMMER READING

BORO readers Instagrammed books they’re reading

18 AL FRESCO ALL SUMMER 15 outdoor dining spots

22 KATCH ME OUTSIDE

Local restaurant adds outdoor speakeasy

30 FREAK OUT

Sugar Freak reopens

31 SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS Children's movies for $1

32 SUMMER JAMS

Western Queens bands to listen to

THREE CONTINENTS, ONE APARTMENT

38 TINY TREASURES

The illustrator behind Astoria Tiny Market

44

42 PATRIOTIC PICS

Locals' fireworks photos

44 THREE CONTINENTS, ONE APARTMENT

DEPARTMENTS 12 JULY 2017 EVENTS

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of July in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

Your go-to guide for the best shops, food, art, nightlife and more in western Queens

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

Parisian and African decor fills this NY apartment

48 RAISE THE ROOF

Rooftop beer garden opens in LIC

50 ALL IN THE DETAILS

Las Catrinas comes to Broadway

54 LIC FLEA & FOOD

Wine & Sweets Fest at the Flea

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov WRITERS Sean Curry, Ruthie Darling, Marie Grillo, Erica Lowenkron, Angela Matua, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Ruthie Darling, Bridget Kenny SALES REPRESENTATIVE Graziella Zerilli // PUBLISHED BY Joshua and Victoria Schneps

All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

4

J U LY 2 0 1 7



STREET STYLE

MER-MADE YOU LOOK BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

City sommelier and Astoria resident Robin D. Wright looked very Woodstock-fabulous in her ombre skirt and crop top. Diggin’ those summer vibes.

Nelson Lugo, aka The Charming Trickster, looked vintage chic and totally dashing in his blazer and straw boater ensemble. He was on his way to work as a magician, naturally.

66

J U LY 2 0 1270 1 7 M AY

J

uly is a time when we can be assured that summer is finally here. However, a New York summer can be a harsh mistress, oscillating between blissfully warm and murderously humid. Stormy one minute and picture perfect the next. On the streets of Astoria this month, we saw fashion that reflected the ever-changing weather and mood of the city, from casual shorts and a tee, to full on mermaid-chic! Take a look at the style mavens out in force this month.

Karina was out shopping with friends in this oversized gingham shirt worn with jeans. She works in health care but has a “passion for fashion.”


Mermaids are always in style.

Zoe, a manager at H&M, let her tattoos take center stage by wearing casual shorts and a white T-shirt. A perfect summer look. Ina originally hails from Romania and reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw in the opening credits to “Sex and the City� in her tutu skirt. Love the soft pink paired with black for a touch of edge.

Milica was visiting Astoria from Serbia. She looked effortlessly cool in this striped dress, worn nonchalantly with white sneakers. I dream of being this cool!

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

7


FREE HOUSE WINE Red or White with the purchase of the family style menu Minimum 2 guests

FAMILY STYLE APPETIZER: DESSERT: Fried Calamari, Fried Zucchini, Caprese Salad *Includes Coffee, Juice, ENTREE: Soda and Tea* Chicken Parmigiana “Make Your Reservations Fried Chicken Cutlets with Marinara Now Limited Seating” and Melted Mozzarella Cheese Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Sautéed in a Garlic, Oil and White Wine Sauce Skirt Steak Sautéed with Mushroom Demi Sauce Summer Special Available 7 Days Per Week! 76-08 21st Ave. East Elmhurst, NY 11370 (718) 728-9200 www.antoniosny.com

8

J U LY 2 0 1 7


JAPANESE CUISINE

46-44 Vernon Blvd. L.I.C. NY 11101 (718) 482.7088

FREE DELIVERY MIN. $15

HAND CRAFTED COCKTAIL BAR

www.murasakinyc.com

Mon.-Thurs. 11:00AM-3:00PM & 4:30PM-10:30PM; Fri. 11:00AM-3:00PM & 4:30PM-11:00PM; Sat 12:00PM-11:00PM; Sun 4:30PM -10:00PM

The Paint Place

NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio comes to Astoria No Experience necessary! Check our website for the full calendar 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 www.thepaintplaceny.com • 929-522-0086

ALL DAY ALL WEEKEND BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Pool Is Now Open Pick Up Your Picnic Basket Here!

'Best Happy Hour In Queens' Drinks 30% Off! 19-23 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 CALL FOR RESERVATION: (718) 606-1391 Monday to Friday 8 am - 10 pm Saturday 8 am - 12 am Sunday 8 am - 8 pm

www.juuz.me

Fine Italian Cuisine Long Island City

Prix Fixe Three Course Menu $20.50 Mon - Fri 11:30am - 3:30pm

21-50 44th dr., Long Island City, NY 11101 p: (718) 707-0009 or (718) 707-0023 f: (718) 707-0031 e: info@ilfalcolic.com • www.ilfalcolic.com

Valet Parking Private Room Available For All Types Of Parties/Functions/Events We DO Catering Of All Types J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

9


I N S TA I M A G E S

@ anastasia_13

SUMMER READING By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF

D @ eblarden

@KATYA_M22

on’t you kind of miss assigned summer reading from your school days? We do — but then again, we’re nerds here at BORO. Whether you’re reading a teacher-approved classic or sunbathing in Astoria Park with a fun beach read, summer is the perfect time to cross some books off your toread list. We asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram photos of books they’re reading this summer. We learned that western Queens is full of avid readers who love curling up with all kinds of books, from mysteries to memoirs. We even received a photo submission from an enthusiastic local book club! Here are some of our favorite book ‘grams from our readers.

richymon79 @@astoria_social @ esile1

10

J U LY 2 0 1 7

@ soosiesawyer


@ bevelingbrunette

@ hollisbrownmusic

@ pensivecat

@ meganfaye

NEXT THEME: SUMMER IN WESTERN QUEENS! Tag @boromagazine in your Instagram pics of summer in Astoria, Long Island City or Sunnyside, and you might see your photo in the August issue of BORO! You can snap a picture of you and your friends eating ice cream, your dog enjoying the sun in Astoria Park, an outdoor movie, the sun setting over Hell Gate Bridge — anything to do with the month’s theme. @ sapore_di_ale_nyc @ shourjya.mookerjee

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

11


JULY EVENTS Find more events at www.BORO-mag.com/Events FRIDAY, JULY 14 Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Event Title: Broadway Babies Cost: Free Location: Broadway Library Phone: 718-721-2462 Address: 40-20 Broadway URL: queenslibrary.org/event/ broadway-babies

SUNDAY, JULY 16 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Trivia for a Cause Cost: $5 cover Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com

SATURDAY, JULY 15 Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event Title: City of Water Day Cost: Free Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. URL: socratessculpturepark.org SATURDAY, JULY 15 Time: 10 p.m. Event Title: So You Think You Can Rap? Cost: $5 Location: The Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave. URL: creeklic.com SUNDAY, JULY 16 Time: 6 p.m. Event Title: Film Screening: Lincoln Cost: $15 Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35th Ave. URL: movingimage.us

12

MONDAY, JULY 17 Time: 8 p.m. Event Title: Bingo Night Cost: Free Location: Alewife NYC Phone: 718-937-7494 Address: 5-14 51st Ave. URL: alewife.beer/bingo TUESDAY, JULY 18 Time: 2 to 3 p.m. Event Title: Gardening Club Cost: Free Location: Astoria Library Phone: 718-278-2220 Address: 14-01 Astoria Blvd. URL: queenslibrary.org/event/ gardening-club-0 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: Outdoor Cinema: Liberation Day Cost: Donation Required Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. URL: socratessculpturepark.org

J U LY 2 0 1 7

FRIDAY, JULY 21 Time: 10 p.m. Event Title: Quiet Clubbing Cost: Free admission Location: Bohemian Hall Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave. URL: bohemianhall.com SATURDAY, JULY 22 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Event Title: Summer Craft Bazaar Cost: Free admission Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com SATURDAY, JULY 22 Time: 8 p.m. Event Title: Instastacular: Short Sets Cost: $5 Location: The Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave. URL: creeklic.com SUNDAY, JULY 23 Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Event Title: Paint Night: Monet Yellow Irises Cost: $45 Location: The Paint Place Phone: 929-522-0086 Address: 31-21 31st St. URL: thepaintplaceny.com TUESDAY, JULY 25 Time: 8:30 to 10 p.m. Event Title: Brutally Honest Cost: $7 Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com

SATURDAY, JULY 29 Time: 10 a.m. to noon Event Title: Astoria Park Cleanup – Community Volunteer Day Cost: Free Location: Astoria Park Address: 19th Street between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard URL: astoriaparkalliance.org SATURDAY, JULY 29 Time: 2 p.m. Event Title: Late Late Breakfast Cost: Purchase of Brunch Location: The Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave. URL: creeklic.com SATURDAY, JULY 29 Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Event Title: Young Dancemakers Company Cost: Free Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. URL: socratessculpturepark.org TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 Time: 8 p.m. Event Title: Trivia Night Cost: Free admission Location: Alewife NYC Phone: 718-937-7494 Address: 5-14 51st Ave. URL: alewife.beer/copy-of-bingo


g

C e lebra

t i ng

YOUR COMMERCIAL TRUCK DESTINATION!

• America’s Best Truck and Commercial Van Warranty: 5 Years/100,000 Miles Bumper-To-Bumper

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON NORTHERN BLVD. IN QUEENS

Just minutes from all 5 boroughs.

• All-New Ford Facility on Northern Blvd in Queens

• Upfitting Options For All Businesses

• Your One-Stop-Shop for Commercial Vehicles, Parts and Service

• Up to $1,000 Nissan Cash Back on Select Models

• Comprehensive Fleet Management Program Perfect For Your Business

• The Exclusive NV200 Taxi with 5 Year/ 150K Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty

• Financing As Low As 0% for 48 Months on Select Models

NISSAN 74-15 Northern Blvd., Jackson Heights, NY

NYNissanTrucks.com

800-EZ-NISSAN (

8

0

0

-

3

9

6

-

4

7

7

2

)

Photos for illustration. Not responsible for errors. Prior transactions excluded. Offers cannot be combined. Based on current factory programs. NYSDMV7068638. NYSDCA0997779.

57-15 Northern Blvd., Woodside, NY

NYFordTrucks.com

877-340-0865 Photos for illustration. Not responsible for errors. Prior transactions excluded. Offers cannot be combined. Based on current factory programs. DCA#0918152, DMV#7068638.

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

13


SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES THAT BENEFIT YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS • Over 25 Years of Professional Experience • Special Offers and Promotions Available • All Services Guaranteed

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: For Individuals… For Businesses… • Income Tax • Income Tax • Tax Planning • Sales Tax • Audit Defense • Payroll Tax • Bookkeeping • Retirement • Insurance • Accounting • Financials • Investments • Estates/Trusts • Audit Defense • Net Worth Statements • Tax Planning • Budgeting • Valuations • Offer-In-Compromise • Formation/Structures

J U LY 2 0 1 7

CPA, CGMA

are here to serve clients in a variety of industries. Whether you are looking for tax preparation services, risk management advice, or assistance with a retirement plan, the team at SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors is here to help. www.LIC-CPA.com www.savignano-cpa.com bestaccountantinlic.com

47-46 Vernon Blvd., 2nd Fl.

41-18 Crescent St.

LIC, NY 11101

LIC, NY 11101

(F) 718.707.0959

(F) 718.707.0259

718.707.0955

14

JOHN SAVIGNANO

718.707.0295

PLEASE CALL OR VISIT US FOR FREE CONSULTATION



The Brewery Bar & Kitchen Family owned & operated

We Have All Your Favorite Summer Drinks & Food

• Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm • Lunch Monday thru Friday 11am to 3pm

UFC HEADQUARTERS! Major League Baseball Regular Season and Playoffs @ The Brewery Bar

Quality Care

“Your friendly neighborhood local”

And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

32-41R Steinway Street, Astoria Right by the R and M subway stop

718-728-2822

www.steinwaycourtvet.com info@ steinwaycourtvet.com

16

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Catering Available For Your Own Big Game Party. Wings, Ribs,hotdogs, Shrimp, Sliders, Burgers, Lamb Chops And More.. Call Or Email For Details....

49-18 30th Ave (btwn 49th & 50th st) • Woodside, NY 11377 Tel. 1-718-777-8007 • www.thebrewery.nyc info@thebrewery.nyc


J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

17


FOOD + DRINK

AL FRESCO ALL SUMMER

N

By ESTELLE PYPER

@ ESTIE_PYPER

15 outdoor dining spots in western Queens @ESTIEPYPER

ow that we’re in the heat of summer (literally), it’s time to take advantage of all your favorite neighborhood spots that have finally unveiled their outdoor spaces after a long, cold winter. Many have quaint front patios perfect for people-watching and enjoying the sunshine with your Instagram-worthy craft cocktail in hand. Others boast fully furnished back patios, shaded for your skin’s sake during the day, but lit up romantically at night — perfect for that sultry summer evening date. A few are situated right on the water, offering stellar views of the Manhattan skyline. Whatever your speed, there’s something for everyone right in your own neighborhood.

1. Penthouse 808 Photo via Facebook/Penthouse 808

Looking for dinner with a view? Penthouse 808 (penthouse808rooftop.com, 8-08 Queens Plaza South) is the spot for you. Situated just off the East River, this Asian fusion restaurant boasts a spacious outdoor area with a lounge-y vibe. You can sip drinks on their many cushioned loveseats and enjoy postcard-worthy views of the Queensborough Bridge. Perfect for photo ops with your best friends, or a romantic date night.

2. Il Falco

18

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Photo via Instagram/@ilfalcolic

If you’re looking for an escape from city life, check out the patio at Il Falco (ilfalcolic.com, 21-50 44th Dr.) in Long Island City. This classic Italian joint has a modest outdoor space that transports you straight to Tuscany. You’ll feel like a true European sipping rosé against a stone wall backsplash spotted with plants on a warm summer evening.


3. Leng Thai Photo via Instagram/@anablebasin

Share some classic pad thai and egg rolls under the stars at Astoria’s Leng Thai (lengthainewyork.eat24hour.com, 33-09 Broadway). Lanterns hang over their quaint back patio, decorated with towering bamboo stalks and various other plants. The perfect setting to experience the exotic flavors of their many Thai dishes.

Photo via Facebook/Leng Thai

4. Anable Basin What better place to enjoy a summer evening than a sailing bar? Anable Basin (anablebasin.com, 4-40 44th Dr.), Long Island City’s “sailing bar” and grill, is right on the East River. Enjoy traditional American and Brazilian cuisine on their outdoor deck and take in the picture-perfect view of the Manhattan skyline. Sit back, relax and watch the boats float by. Photo via Instagram/@theshadylady_astoria

5. The Shady Lady Photo via Facebook/Penthouse 808

An eclectic tapas spot in Astoria, The Shady Lady (34-19 30th Ave.) offers outdoor seating in front for the summer months, and air conditioning in their dark, brick-walled interior for those extra hot days. Enjoy a happy hour cocktail or sample their unique menu (bites like lobster tacos and chicken and waffles), after a long day’s work.

6. The Bonnie 7. Il Bambino Photo via Instagram/@ilbambinonyc

Photo via Instagram/@thebonniebar

Photo via Instagram/@ilfalcolic

The Bonnie (thebonnie.com, 29-12 23rd Ave.), an American-style eatery, has a polished interior and outdoor beer garden to match. The charming outdoor patio has long tables perfect for large groups. Plenty of greenery livens up the space, and hanging lights give off a romantic vibe in the evening. Treat yourself to delectable bar favorites like the Bonnie Burger and mac ‘n’ cheese with Applewood bacon.

Enjoy some traditional Italian dishes and tapas bites at Il Bambino (ilbambinonyc.com, 34-08 31st Ave.), a cute Italian spot in Astoria. Specializing in panini-pressed sandwiches, the venue has a shaded outdoor garden in back. A peaceful spot to enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner with friends.

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

19


Café by day, bar at night, Monika’s Café Bar (cafebarastoria.com, 3290 36th St.) is a great spot to enjoy outdoor brunch or a refreshing cocktail (check out their cocktail of the day) for those warm summer evenings. Their outdoor seating consists of smaller tables in front, but their large windows remain open in the summer to give the illusion of being outdoors even from the lounge-y interior.

Photo via mojaveny.com

FOOD + DRINK

8. Monika’s Café Bar

9. Mojave If Mexican is more your speed, check out Mojave (mojaveny. com, 22-36 31st St.). Enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes or a refreshing tequila cocktail in their spacious back patio. The space is generously decorated with desert plants and its own fully stocked outdoor bar. String lights illuminate the patio at night, transporting you to a Mexican paradise.

10. Mar's

Photo via Instagram/@sweetaftonbar

J U LY 2 0 1 7

Photo via Instagram/@life_at_mars

Photo via Instagram/@monikas_cafe_bar

20

Take a trip to Mar's (lifeatmars.com, 34-21 34th Ave.) in your own backyard to experience some specialty cocktails and oysters at this sleek seafood joint. Their outdoor front patio is the perfect spot to take advantage of their oyster happy hour with co-workers.

11. Sweet Afton For some classic American bites and craft cocktails, head over to Sweet Afton (sweetaftonbar.com, 30-09 34th St.). Boasting a front patio and modest outdoor garden in back, this is the place where you can enjoy that burger guilt-free in an ambient environment — and take in some live music Monday nights while you’re at it.


13. P ye Boat Noodle

12. MP Taverna

Photo via Instagram/@mptaverna_ny

There’s a colorful little Thai place with a hidden outdoor back patio right in your neighborhood. Pye Boat Noodle (pyeboatnoodle.com, 35-13 Broadway), specializes in — you guessed it — noodles. Come check out the wide selection for yourself and relax in their outdoor space, shaded in the heat of the day and lit by hanging lights at night, complete with a tranquil little pond.

Photo via Facebook/Pye Boat Noodle

There’s no better time of year or better place to enjoy Greek food than MP Taverna (michaelpsilakis.com, 31-29 Ditmars Blvd.). Located on the corner of 33rd and Ditmars, this sleek Greek-American spot offers fresh seafood grub and a variety of meats. Take in this fare on their outdoor patio, or sit indoors — their wide windows stay open in the summer so all guests can enjoy the fresh air.

Photo via Instagram/ @skinnyscantina

14. Skinny’s Cantina Skinny’s Cantina (skinnyscantina.com, 4705 Center Blvd.) lets you enjoy tacos and a river sunset — what could be better? This festive spot serves Mexican fare and plenty of summerinspired blended margaritas. Situated near the East River, you can catch a glimpse of the glowing Manhattan skyline from their front outdoor patio at night.

Photo via Instagram/@diamonddogsnyc

15. Diamond Dogs Sip on fine craft beers and cocktails in the backyard of Diamond Dogs (34-04 31st Ave.) after a long day. Named for the David Bowie album, not the food, this pub’s outdoor space contains benches good for groups as well as smaller tables. String lights illuminate the space at night. It’s a quirky spot to catch up with friends over a drink. J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

21


FOOD + DRINKS

KATCH ME OUTSIDE

Outdoor speakeasy opens in Astoria By ERICA LOWENKRON

T

here’s a new speakeasy in town! Katch Gastropub and Eatery in Astoria is opening its outdoor speakeasy on Thursday, July 13, at 8 p.m. It will be the perfect place to go back in time — without having to use a time machine — every Thursday night while the weather’s nice. This 1920s-themed bar will make you feel like you’re sneaking some booze during Prohibition. The speakeasy will be in Katch’s courtyard, an outdoor space with a view of the stars and a covered area to protect you from potential rainstorms. According to Katch’s new owner, Bill McSorley, visitors to the bar will “go through the inside [of Katch], and there will be curtains to hide it like a speakeasy.” The drapes will be closed at all times and there will be a doorman. McSorley even wants to set up a code word to get into the speakeasy to enhance the experience. Once inside, visitors will be greeted by a mix of live music and a playlist with music from the 1920s and ‘30s.

22

J U LY 2 0 1 7


E

a

He wanted to open the speakeasy to provide something different for the community. “Brooklyn and Manhattan have them, and we wanted to bring something new to Astoria,” McSorley said. He thinks the new outdoor space will bring more people to Astoria, and make going out to a speakeasy-themed spot more convenient for Queens residents. The themed bar will have drinks and food that will go with the times. The gastropub already has more than 40 beers on tap – they serve many specialty beers including Lagunista: Born Again Yesterday, Victory: Golden Monkey, Montauk Watermelon and Allogash White to name a few. But for the speakeasy, McSorley also wants to “change it up and have more authentic drinks to the ‘20s and ‘30s.” They will serve themed cocktails, such as old-fashioned dry martinis, gin and tonics and Canadian whiskeys. Katch is also working on a menu to go with the food fads of the time period.

Photos courtesy of Katch

The outdoor speakeasy will have seven televisions to show themed movies. McSorley plans on “sticking to movies from that time, not just set in that time period.” (He won’t be a stickler to the time period all the time, though; he said he wants to show “The Untouchables,” even though it’s from the 1980s.) All of the movies will be black and white to go with the black and white decorations. Katch will be decorated with black and white table covers. The servers will be wearing black and white, too. McSorley wants everyone to have the full experience, to make the courtyard feel like “a throwback to that time of the world when alcohol was prohibited,” when people had to “make an effort to get into a place to drink.” McSorley hopes that the speakeasy will become the neighborhood’s Thursday night spot. He wants people to have fun and enjoy the outdoor space: “We’re inside half the year anyway,” he said. And he’s confident that Katch has transformed this little corner of Astoria so well that visitors will be taken back in time to the Prohibition. “No one will be disappointed,” he promised.

KATCH GASTROPUB AND EATERY 31-19 NEWTOWN AVE., ASTORIA 718-77-2230 J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

23


QNS.com iS the New deStiNatioN for everythiNg QueeNS! BreakiNg NewS free claSSifiedS iNteractive eveNtS caleNdar coNNect with your commuNity oN NeighBorhood PageS

24

J U LY 2 0 1 7


BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through JULY 2017. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

$500 SAVINGS

SAVIGNANO FOR NEW LIC accountants & advisors

BUSINESS CLIENTS

$50 SAVINGS FOR NEW LIC INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS ACCOUNTING AND TAX SERVICES THAT BENEFIT YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS NEEDS

718-707-0955 / 718-707-0295 JOHN SAVIGNANO CPA, CGMA WWW.SAVIGNANO-CPA.COM

• Multiple LIC Office Locations • One Stop Shopping • Over 25 Years of Professional Experience • Special Offers and Promotions Available • All Services Guaranteed

HAPPY HOUR

M-F 12-7 SA/SU 3-6

A REDKEN CONCEPT SALON

$5 Select Drafts $6 Red, White, Rose Wines $7 Dirty Pickle Martini, Summer Old Fashioned, and Sangria 29-12 23RD AVE. ASTORIA, NY 11105

$25 FOR A WALK IN BLOWDRY!

DOES YOUR DOG NEED A WALK?

SIGN-UP FOR 4 WALKS & GET 1 FREE OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: For Individuals… For Businesses… • Income Tax • Income Tax • Tax Planning • Sales Tax • Audit Defense • Payroll Tax • Bookkeeping • Retirement • Insurance • Accounting • Financials • Investments • Estates/Trusts • Audit Defense • Net Worth Statements • Tax Planning • Budgeting • Valuations • Offer-In-Compromise • Formation/Structures

Our Certified Public Accountants are here to serve clients in a variety of industries. Whether you are looking for tax preparation services, risk management advice, or assistance with a retirement plan, the team at SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors is here to help.

20% OFF with this ad.

$1 BEER SUNDAY - THURSDAY www.LIC-CPA.com www.savignano-cpa.com FROM OPEN UNTIL 8PM bestaccountantinlic.com MUST PRESENT BORO 47-46 Vernon Blvd., 2nd Fl. 41-18 Crescent St. PLEASE CALL LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11101 COUPON OR VISIT US 718.707.0955 718.707.0295 FOR FREE ONLY ONE PER CUSTOMER (F) 718.707.0959 (F) 718.707.0259 CONSULTATION EXPIRES6/30/17

LOCKED - ESCAPE ROOMS NYC

WALKING ASTORIA AND SUNNYSIDE WE DO CAT SITTING TOO!

$6 BEER & SHOTS

WWW.MYDOGNEEDSAWALK.COM

EVERY THURSDAY DURING THE LIVE JAZZ BAND.

347.323.4549 NEW CLIENTS ONLY

Mention the ad get a free dessert with a purchase of a full main course (does not include pocket pita sandwich).

20 PERCENT OFF ONE ARTWORK PURCHASE

(not including any framing/shipping costs) limit one per customer. ROGALLERY.COM - fine artworks & auctions

WWW.ZENONTAVERNA.COM

VITE Bar | 25-07 Broadway, Astoria | 347.813.4702

FIRST TIME IN JUUZME BOOKING YOUR PARTY

22-56 31st Street, 2nd floor Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 274-9700 10% OFF www.escapelocked.com CODE: “Gift Cards also available for purchase BORO10 at www.escapelocked.com

Wine & Espresso Bar

HAPPY HOUR

GET 20% OFF.

Serving Light Fares, Panini’s & Salads HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday,4pm-7pm

$5 RED & WHITE PROSECCO $5 WELL DRINKS & COCKTAILS ESPRESSO MARTINI SANGRIA – BELLINI WWW.VITEBAR.COM 347-813-4702

WE HAVE SPACE FOR: GRADUATIONS, BIRTHDAYS, BACHELOR PARTIES, KIDS PARTIES, BUSINESS MEETINGS, BREAKFAST MEETINGS & MARKETING PRESENTATIONS WWW.JUUZ.ME@GMAIL.COM 917-623-7195

ASTORIA DOG WALKING 20% OFF FIRST WEEK OF SERVICE

vitebar.com

VITE BAR ITALIAN TAPAS

Authentic Italian Cuisine LUNCH & DINNER: 12pm-Midnight BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 11:30am-4:30pm Catering for all Occasions

TAKE A $100 OFF REGISTRATION FEE

WWW.NYCPETNANNY.COM

31-05 34TH ST ASTORIA NY, 11106 | 718.278.8483 | vitevinosteria.com

20% OFF EACH SEAT The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

31-21 31st St. Astoria www.thepaintplaceny.com 929-522-0086

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com

718.224.5863

www.BOROmag.com/advertise J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

25


MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

144 6 205 204

ALOBAR RESTAURANT (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com

BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com

CRESCENT GRILL (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com

11

DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com

125 220 169 170 18 191 3 133

20 45 61

BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com

176

13

124

OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com

19

NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com

150

35

112

182

NUMBER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com

5

181

VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

213

BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com

12

200

BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com

BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

159

MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com

ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com

7

8

148

22

74 183 24

DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com

194

FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com

28

IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com JUUZ.ME Handcrafted Cocktail Bar 718-606-1391 19-23 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.juuz.me

55 216

LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com

219

LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com

199

MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com MAIZAL RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Ave., Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com PENTHOUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com SHI (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd., LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd., LIC THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

THE BRASS OWL (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com

161

VITE VINOSTERIA 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St., Astoria www.vitevinosteria.com

49

INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

90

WILLIAM HALLET (C,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave., Astoria www.williamhallet.com

50

LIC: LIVING (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave., LIC www.licliving.com

198

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

52

LOCKWOOD SHOP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St., Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com

56

32

YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

51

LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave., Astoria www.loveday31.com

14

ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com

29 108

BAKERIES 115

60 BEAN COFFEE & TEA (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

33

ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

34 138 139

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com

189

IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria

190

OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com

37

SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC

FOOD SHOPS 39

FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

195

FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

211

MET FRESH AND ORGANIC SUPERMARKET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.

167

YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com

31

VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

184

VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com

MALAGUETA RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria www.malaguetany.com

WINES & SPIRITS 36

ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria

27

ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

38

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

187

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com

SHOPS

MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net

143

MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com

21

MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com

26

186

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net

PETS

224

201

CHÂTEAU LE WOOF 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com

196

54

CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com

95

121

LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com

180

218

MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com

57

40

NYC PET NANNY 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com

206

75

STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

FLORISTS 160

OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria

44 137

FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

130

PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

SERVICES 168

ADMIRAL LOCK AND KEY (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com

178

ASTORIA 35 LAUNDRY & FINE DRY CLEANING (B,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com

119

ASTORIA CENTER OF ISRAEL 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

177

ASTORIA CLEANERS (B,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.com

209

AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria

129

BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

207 114 77

JUNE 2017

223

BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES SPARKLELINK 718-812-9616 3537 36th St., Astoria CRESCENT APOTHECARY (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

174

59

122

62

175

157

64

65

45

134

66

17

147


ELINK

161 90 198 56 223 224

ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com

196

THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com

95

MATHNASIUM (C,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria

180 57 206

174

MONTESSORI KIDS OF LIC (B,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com

67

122 62

VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

175

VESPA QUEENS (B,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com

157

VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

EVENTS

SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

195

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com

188

QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org

215

Q.E.D. 347-451-3873 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com

110

72

PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC

BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

83

97

46

REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.com

BREAK (B,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St., LIC www.sculpure-center.org

84

98

192

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.com

BRICK BAR (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

197

112

212

STUDIO NOVA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com

THE BREWERY BAR & KITCHEN 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd., LIC www.ten10studios.com

85

DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com

THE ART HOUSE (C,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St., Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

217

86

DOMINIES OF ASTORIA (C,2) 718-706-6531 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.com

THE PAINT PLACE (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com

99

145

KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com

SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 718-806-1709 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com

96

THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com

FITNESS 154

ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com

222

LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

120

CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com

111

MOSAIC CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com

42

CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria

203

PASSAGE IRISH BAR AND KITCHEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com

165

CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com

88

STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

76

CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com

89

SWEET AFTON (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

PERSONALIZED PILATES (A,4) 347-563-3933

TATTOO SHOPS

149

82

156

BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com

NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria www.noguchi.org

THE FACE & BODY SHOP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com

131

TEALICIOUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com

147

94

ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com

45

Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us

146

THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria

17

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

93

BAROQUE (C,1) 718-274-2777 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com

166

RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

MOMA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org

43

71

RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com

66

HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria

199

GIGI SALON (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com

65

HOTELS

151

164

FOUNDRY (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info

FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com

YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

SPAS 81

64

134

73

CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria

RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com

BEAUTY

QNS COLLECTIVE (C,3) 718-280-5122 www.qnscollective.com

59

158

142 80 136

SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria THE YOGA ROOM 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd., LIC (A,4) www.the-yoga-room.com

REAL ESTATE 217 105 30

AMORELLI REALTY 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com DOUGLAS ELLIMAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com

101 140 141

MODERN SPACES 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave., LIC (A,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC (A,4) 29-20 23rd Ave., Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com

103

WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com

100

ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

172

128

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (C,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent St. (@30th Road), Astoria www.apacny.org

GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/

135

KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

221

214

THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

ART

92 113 127

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

BANKING

104

QUONTIC BANK (B,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com

102

SUSSEX BANK (B,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com

2727

JJAUNLY U A2R0 Y1 72 0I 1B7OIRBOOMRAOGM. C AO GM .COM


2

Heligate Field

e 26 Av

e

As

W e l li n g

Park

Rainey Park

Bl

26 Rd

94

201

65

Rd

172

23 Terrac e 24 Ave

23 Rd

d

35 Ave

35 Ave

34 Ave

33 Rd

33 Ave

37 Ave

Broadway

31 Rd

31 Ave

30 Dr

30 Rd

31

28 Ave 29 Ave

27 Ave

Astoria Blv

25 Rd

24 rd

157

38 37 Ave Ave

lvd.

Ditmars B

23 Ave

21 Ave 191

S

198

26

Astoria Parks

33 vd

ia tor

Socrates Sculpture 97 Park

27 Av

14 St

MAP IT

1 St

Blvd

8 St

Shore

1

ASTORIA PARK

14 PI

12 St

2 St 3 St 4 St

18 St 14 St 13 St 14 St

21 St

12 St

19 St

19

114

N

111

170

13

45

81

B

40

218

215

177

102

47

206

27

194 16

189

Athens Square

Playground e Dutch Kill dg Ri Playground Old

24

160

148

216

141

82

70

151

158

104

4

192

115

188

14

147

83

N

52

38

178

36

112

6

Blv

34

88

91

138

93

108

163 46

217

29 34

207

92

62

57 139

124

89

71 103

40

127

36 Ave 202 174 Washington Ave104 88 N d 36QAve v l B 202 174 Washington Ave104 ern NQ d orth

169

3

Broadway N Q 83 73

150

86

Broadway

49

53

84

31 Ave 5

30 Ave NQ

32

30 Ave 61

28 Rd

199 34

45

186

76

100

67

154

212

80

204

75

90

221

168 125

109 12

149 161

35

ASTORIA

219

28 Ave

179

190

21 Ave

Ditmars Blvd. Astoria NQ

32 St 134

166

42 164

143

60

130

187

217

77

145

23 Rd

222

20

167

Astoria Blvd NQ

Hoyt Playground

36 Ave Dutch Kill

36 Ave

142

183 130

128

135

119

Newtown Ave.

182

Hoyt Ave

Hoyt Ave

Crescent

A

23 St23 St

43

120

131

200

C

11

129

a

95

a

a 196

a

209

a 197

Steinway St a59 MR a

1

203

74

wn

Crescent rescent

to

22 St 22 St

24 St Crescent

27 St

33 St

33 St

31 St 32 St

34 St

34 St

25 St

28 St

35 St

35 St

26 St

29 St 29 St 29 St

36 St

36 St

27 St 28 St

30 St 30 St 30 St

42 St

a 37 St

37 St

29 St

31 St

42 St

43 St

38 St

38 St

y St

Steinwa

Steinway St

41 St

41 St

J U LY 2 0 1 7

44 St

28 w Ne

2

1


44 54

ve 54 A

50

e 50 Av

ve 181 49 A101

136

h As ox B

7

Paidge

Hunter Point 7

ski Pula ge Brid

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

A

e

21

72

85

30 121

51 Av

Vernon Jackson 7

39

140

G

LIRR

B

rt

Cou

urt

Co

p

LONG

N ISLA

Rev iew

Ave

AY SSW PRE D EX

208

ve er A Bord

C

e

105

a

Rev iew Ave

ve 47 A

vd

Bra dley Ave

48 Ave

99

v 43 A

146

Bl ens Que 33 St-Rawson 7

LONG ISLAND CITY

n

rso

Pea

Thom

ve son A

La Guardia Community College

113

t

212

t

7

55

223 68

205

Pea

25

180

8

rso Dav n is Cra ne

132

195

Que Dut ens ch K ills Pu110 rves

88

36 St EMR

lv nB

ell S

eyw

Hon

N

Queens Plaza EMR

27 St

d 47 R 98 ve A 48

199

Hu

nt

t

S er

Plaza 7NQ

42 Rd Queensboro

er orth

St

Gantry Plaza State Park

t 45 Rd Court House Court Sq 7 G

t

144

7

224

39 Ave NQ

N

Pl

137

John F. Murray

45

139

Queens Plaza N

23 S

St

54

11 S ve 45 A Playground d 45 R ve 46 A d 46 R 165 Ave 18 47

96

127

15

23rd St Ely Ave EM

95

134

dR

Ol

e idg

30

51

44 Dr

44 Rd

44 Ave

17

t

31

28

43 Rd

43 Ave

175

122

176

30 St 30 St

Playground e Dutch Kill dg Ri Playground Old

207

36 Ave 202 174 Washington Ave104 88 N d 36QAve v l B 202 174 Washington Ave104 ern NQ d orth

179

30

195

64

Queens Plaza S

41 Ave

40 Ave

185

39 Ave

38 Ave

38 37 Ave Ave

29 St 2

36 Ave Dutch Kill

23 St23 St 24 St

70

PPI l 3311 St 31

220

66

21 S

mS

4

R

21 St F

37 Ave

170

Va

a nD

E

Q

F

22 St 22 St

36 Ave Crescent Crescent

25 St

35 Ave

t

PI

M

N

Vernon Blvd

3

Queensbridge Park

9 St

27 St 28 St

Park

S 33

32

5 St

St

Center Blvd

St

10 St

lm

9 St 10 St 11 St 12 St 13 St 12 St

Av e 34

22 St

35

Jac

St

Av e

36

St

kso n

St 38 t S 37

39

Sk il

PI

an

39

JJ B Br yrne idg e

St

Van Dam

40

29

4

3


FOOD + DRINK

Photo: Katrina Medoff/BORO

FREAK OUT By ANGELA MATUA

@ANGELAMATUA

The beloved New Orleans-inspired Sugar Freak officially reopened in Astoria on June 26. The restaurant, previously located at 36-18 30th Ave., closed in February when owner Michele Addeo and restaurateur James Paloumbis announced it would re-

30

J U LY 2 0 1 7

open at 37-11 30th Ave. The new space previously housed the restaurant MexiBBQ. Now, Sugar Freak is open at the bigger space and retains the “authentic, homegrown feel,” including the vintage plates on the walls and the tin ceiling. “Everything is upcycled, recycled and repurposed,” a spokesperson for the restaurant said. In addition to its old menu, the restaurant now offers new seafood boils, waffle tacos and Beignet Eggs Benedict. Freshly baked

cakes and pies were added to the dessert menu along with the deep-fried banana pudding and traditional dump cake. To make the ordering process smoother, customers will now order their meals at the counter before taking a seat. Sugar Freak also offers delivery service, catering and lunch service. If you’re interesting in working at the restaurant as a bartender, cook, server or working the counter, email your resume to info@sugarfreak.com.


By ANGELA MATUA

O

ne Astoria movie theater will allow movie lovers a ride on the Summer Movie Express as they sell $1 movie tickets to children’s movies from July to August. UA Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14, located at 35-30 38th St., will screen 18 movies for $1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a portion of proceeds going to the Will Rogers Institute. The organization funds medical research of cardiopulmonary diseases and purchases neonatal ventilator equipment for medical facilities across the country. The Summer Movie Express Initiative began on July 4 and will end on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 with screenings of “Storks” and “The Lego Batman Movie.” All movies will start at 10 a.m.

@ANGELAMATUA

SCHEDULE:

(Both movies play on both days each week) Tuesday, July 18, and Wednesday, July 19: “Monster Trucks” and “Penguins of Madagascar” Tuesday, July 25, and Wednesday, July 26: “Rio 2” and “The Boxtrolls” Tuesday, Aug. 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 2: “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing” Tuesday, Aug. 8, and Wednesday, Aug. 9: “Kubo and the Two Strings” and “Ratchet and Clank” Tuesday, Aug. 15, and Wednesday, Aug. 16: “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” and “The Adventures of Tintin” Tuesday, Aug. 22, and Wednesday, Aug. 23: “Happy Feet Two” and “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30: “Storks” and “The Lego Batman Movie”

FOOD + DRINK

Summer Movie Express

Photo: Shutterstock

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

31


A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

JAMS BY MARIE GRILLO

Every few months, we’ve been introducing you to some western Queens bands and musicians that we think you should be adding to your playlists. Here are four more groups in the local music scene you should be looking out for— we think their sounds are great for listening to in your headphones as you walk around the sunny sidewalks of Queens, and fun to watch live when they perform in their home neighborhoods!

Hollis Brown With the lofty goal of keeping the spirit and sound of great American music alive, Mike Montali and Jon Bonilla of Hollis Brown created a modern American rock band based in Astoria. Montali (vocals and guitar) has been involved in the Astoria music scene since he was a kid.

32

J U LY 2 0 1 7

“I grew up in Astoria, so I have been playing with friends here since I first started playing music,” Montali explained. Montali and Bonilla (lead guitarist) of Hollis Brown met in high school and have been playing together ever since. “By 2009 we started touring and recording demos trying to figure out

Photo courtesy of Hollis Brown

SUMMER


Photo by Alan Rand

Photo by Christian Koerwer

Photo by Jini Sachse

a sound we felt best represented us as people and musicians,” Bonilla said. “Adam Bock joined us on piano and backing vocals by 2013. Shortly after, Andrew Zehnal found his place as our drummer, followed by Brian Courage from Long Island on bass, rounding out our lineup.” Their straightforward sound is reminiscent of a road movie soundtrack that spans across landscapes of Middle America. Hollis Brown’s energetic tunes get you moving — even if you are standing still — as soon as you hear them. Despite their originality, their music is reminiscent of the classics like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and The Allman Brothers. “Astoria has such a diverse musical background,” Bonilla said. “It has every race and ethnicity all in one neighborhood. There are so many different cultures from around the world that influence us as people and musicians.” Despite the success and growth of the Astoria music scene, Montali still thinks there is something missing. “It's strange because we grew up in Queens, and we live here, but I honestly think Astoria needs a real proper music venue,” Montali said. “It's missing that.” The band assures us that they are “always” playing: “We have a West Coast run coming up in July,” Montali said. “We are always popping up in New York City though."

HOLLISBROWN.COM

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

33


A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photos by Hillary Honeck

Dirty Wings Guitarist and singer Sam Rasiotis of the Astoriabased band Dirty Wings describes their sound as “rabble-rousing rock ‘n’ roll—indie rock, old-time country, punk, noise.” The band first formed in 2007 through open mics at The Quays, and 10 years later, they are still an active part of the Astoria music scene. Their influences include Bruce Springsteen, Wilco, Pixies, Sonic Youth—“and all our neighborhood bands here in Queens,” Rasiotis added. Dirty Wings’ four-piece lineup is Sam Rasiotis (vocals, guitars), Joe Pepe (lead guitar), Sean Wiggins (bass, vocals) and

34 34

JJU ULY LY 22001177

John Coakley (drums). When discussing the Astoria music scene, Rasiotis explained, “Everyone has their own sound. Astoria thrives on sincerity, not irony.” Dirty Wings’ first show was at the nowdefunct Hellgate Social with the legendary neighborhood band Bliminal. Since then, they have generated quite the following and developed a reputation for being a solid innovator in the Astoria music scene, which Rasitois describes as “an amazing family of misfits, poets and rockers.” Since the band has deep roots in this local music scene, Rasiotis would love for

western Queens to become more of a destination for music. “Ten years ago, Justin Finley [of the band Bliminal and Space Jump Live] and I talked about making the neighborhood a place where lots of music and shows would happen, rather than constantly trying to play in Manhattan or Brooklyn,” Rasiotis said. Dirty Wings’ favorite neighborhood haunts are The Quays, Shillelagh and Irish Whiskey Bar, and as you probably could have guessed, their shows create a heartfelt strong sense of community and excitement that brings the house down. Dirty Wings will be headlining the Anniversary/Closing Ceremony Party of the Between Two Bridges Music Festival on Aug. 29 at The Quays Pub.

LEDIRTYWINGS@GMAIL.COM HTTPS://DIRTYWINGS.BANDCAMP. COM/ HTTPS://M.FACEBOOK.COM/ DIRTYWINGSNYC


Photos by Mackenzie Greer

Billy Conohan With his feet firmly planted in the ground and a strong backing band, Billy Conohan creates a unique brand of roots music. He defies the usual genre categorization with an amalgamation of folk, blues, rock and hip-hop. “I love all types of music, so if it speaks to me, I'm connected,” Conohan said. “I can't disregard any genre for another.” Conohan fronts the band that got together in a very “New York” way, by attending local open mics. “Everyone I play with, I've met at a show or open mic and asked them to jam,” he said. “It's very much a revolving door of amazing musicians. The current lineup is Pete O'Neill on bass, Ryan Shapiro on keys, Jon Wert on drums. I met Pete around 2009, I'd like to say. Ryan around the same time, and Jon was the most recent addition. But there is also Ray Rubio, Berk O, Nicole Gough, Amos Ang, Amos Rose. It goes on,” explained Conohan.

Together, they create a diverse, dynamic lineup and killer live sets. Another native Astorian, Conohan has had an unusual backstory, getting his start as a stand-up comedian at 13, frequenting local haunts like the now-defunct Waltz-Astoria. “I attended almost every weekly open mic to try new things, especially when I

dove into music,” Conohan said. “The people I met there are still in my life, still my family, and the most supportive group ever, many of whom are artists of amazing talent themselves.” Watching Conohan's set feels like watching a musical prodigy with a strong hold on the spectrum of music. They play Flattopps, LIC Beer Project, LIC Bar, The Quays, and Rest-au-Rant (RAR BAR) to name a few, but you can catch them on Aug. 6 at the LIC BAR, at 4 p.m.

BILLYCONAHAN.COM IG: @BILLYCONAHAN TWITTER: @BILLYCONAHAN

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

35


A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photos by Christo Casey

The Greenstreets The Greenstreets’ straightforward sound can be described as a “three-piece power pop garage band type with indie rock sensibilities,” singer and lead guitar player John Keegan said. “We kind of mix ‘90s alternative with modern indie rock.” Their influences span the decades, from ‘50s pop to ‘60s rock, ‘70s glam and punk,

the ‘80s and ‘90s as well as the music of the modern age. “If I like it and it moves me, it becomes an influence,” Keegan explained. John Keegan began playing guitar in the band Bliminal back in the early stages of the Astoria music scene. “I got my start in the Astoria music scene back in 2005 when there wasn't much of one happening,” he said. “To be hon-

est, me and my songwriting partner from Bliminal, Justin Finley [of the band Space Jump Live] were the ones to start opening doors for original bands in this neighborhood. Sure, there were bands, but not too many shows happening in local bars or venues. Unless you were a cover band playing familiar tunes, most bars/venues didn't want original music.” Their current lineup includes John Keegan, (vocals, guitar), Benjamin Mark Olson (bass) and Keith Malonis (drums). You can find The Greenstreets frequenting local Astoria spots. “There are those three or four places that consistently continue to embrace the local scene,” Keegan said. “We play such venues as The Quays, The Shillelagh Tavern and The Irish Whiskey Bar, which are fun, comfortable places to play. And we look forward to play newer places that seem to be embracing live original music, such as LIC Beer Project and Joe's Garage.” The Greenstreets are booked to play at Joe's Garage on July 22 on a split bill with Toy Animals. On Aug. 19, they will be playing at BWAC in Red Hook in Brooklyn as part of an Astoria music showcase along with Toy Animals and Absurdo & The Coyote.

FACEBOOK: THE GREENSTREETS

36

J U LY 2 0 1 7



EXPLORE YOUR BORO

TINY TREASURES By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

Every few months, the popular Astoria bar Judy & Punch turns into something else entirely: a tiny market where local creative entrepreneurs sell their products. The market only lasts for a few hours, so blink and you miss it—but if you make it there, you’ll find some truly unique treasures made by your neighbors. The idea for Astoria Tiny Market was conceived by local illustrator and designer Widad Franco a few years ago. Franco had started her own business, Widycat Designs, in 2013. She primarily designs illustrated greeting cards, but also sells calendars, stickers and prints, as well as children’s books in small batches. “I’ve always loved storytelling, and I realized there were few things in the greeting card market that really spoke to me,” she said of her inspiration to start Widycat Designs. Her cards are sweet, colorful and “highlight the beautiful things in

38

J U LY 2 0 1 7

small moments of everyday life.” She’s also known for her cat illustrations. She’s been adding more greeting cards and other products, and little by little, her business has been growing. She even launched Spanish language greeting cards a couple months ago, which have been very popular because they tend to be harder to find, she said. “And every once in a while, I do handpainted stuff,” she added. “Those are more labors of love that I add to my collection: bird houses, lamp shades, paintings.”


She had founded Widycat Designs when she lived in Brooklyn, but she found the artist community in that borough to be “closed off and not very welcoming of new creative businesses”—perhaps because the community there has been big and established for a very long time, she said. When she moved to Astoria in 2014, she found a very different community. “When I moved to Astoria, I started meeting a lot of creative entrepreneurs, especially women, and I thought there was a lot of opportunity to help each other, because I was slightly traumatized by the experience in Brooklyn where people kept that niche very close, and I was like, ‘Well, you know, there’s no reason why we should do this; we should embrace everyone else who does things like you do,’ and I feel like we’re stronger together. “Being in that environment in Queens, in Astoria, and sharing with other creative people, has actually helped me grow my business,” she continued.

But while she already had an Etsy store and her own online shop, widycat.com—as well as some pop-up shops in local businesses like Brass Owl, Chateau le Woof and Bing’s Gifts in Sunnyside—she knew there was another way she could grow her design business while helping other entrepreneurs. “Meeting all these other creative people and being creative together, I realized that a lot of people did not have an available, cost-effective place to try out their products,” she said. She decided that she and her fellow creatives should come together to sell their goods. “Women creative entrepreneurs need to support each other.” J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

39


A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photo: Katrina Medoff/BORO Along with the other founding members of Astoria Tiny Market—Regine Mechulan of Silly Reggie, Christine Gibson of Queens Knits, Renee Heitmann of Single Girl Cookies and Megan Sipe of Chocolate Dances—Franco started Astoria Tiny Market. So during the holidays of 2015, Astoria Tiny Market had its first trial. Back then, they were hosted by Crescent Wine and Spirits. “It was a really big success, because everyone was excited about being able to sell their things with other creative entrepreneurs,” Franco said. “The neighborhood was very excited.”

40

J U LY 2 0 1 7


Photo: Katrina Medoff/BORO

UPCOMING MARKETS Q.E.D. SUMMER BAZAAR

Photos courtesy of Widad Franco

With the wide variety of products— greeting cards, wine, chocolates, knits and more—there was a non-competing element to the market, and “people could buy everything they needed for holiday parties and holiday gifts in one market,” Franco said. Since the first market went so well, the group put on another Astoria Tiny Market for Valentine’s Day, and then another for Mother’s Day. When they moved to Judy & Punch starting with the 2016 holiday market, their attendance tripled. “The guys at Judy & Punch are really open to local businesses, and it’s mutually beneficial, because we bring a different crowd [to the bar],” she said. “It was a really great combination.” Each market has about seven vendors— the founding members plus two or three guest vendors—and is a one-day event. Now, there are about five Astoria Tiny Markets each year.

“We keep growing and we keep expanding and we keep learning, so we might [someday] do a two-day market; who knows,” she said. “It’s very fluid and that’s one of the reasons why it’s important for us to still keep it tiny.” It’s important that as the market grows, it stays creative, effective, efficient and inclusive of everyone, she said. “We really like to emphasize locally made [products] because we want to serve our community,” she said. People from Manhattan and Brooklyn have asked to be part of the market, Franco said, “but we want to keep it Queens makers.” The next Astoria Tiny Market will be at Judy & Punch on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 2 to 6 p.m. Additionally, Franco produces two bazaars a year at Q.E.D., which are also “100 percent Queens makers,” Franco said. These bazaars are much bigger than the Astoria Tiny Market, with about 20 vendors. The Q.E.D. Summer Bazaar is on Saturday, July 22, from noon to 5 p.m. With Widycat Designs, the Astoria Tiny Market and the Q.E.D. bazaar, Franco certainly has her hands full, but she loves what she does. “It’s been a very special experience because I’ve gotten to push myself as an artist and try to offer people something very distinctive that you can’t really find out on the market, and that to me is very important,” she said. There is something much more personal in giving a loved one a greeting card that was lovingly made by a local artist rather than picking up a Hallmark card at a chain pharmacy, and Franco understands that her business’s power is in offering something only she can create.

SATURDAY, JULY 22 NOON TO 5 P.M. Q.E.D. ASTORIA 27-16 23RD AVE., ASTORIA

SUMMER ASTORIA TINY MARKET SATURDAY, AUG. 12 2 TO 6 P.M. JUDY & PUNCH 34-08 30TH AVE., ASTORIA

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

41


I N S TA I M A G E S

PATRIOTIC PICS BY KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

A

storians flocked to Astoria Park on Thursday, June 29, to snag a spot on the Great Lawn for the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition’s 2017 Independence Celebration. The crowd was huge, but it still felt like a tight-knit community coming together for a neighborhood event, with music from the Queens Symphony Orchestra and a gorgeous view of the Hell Gate Bridge. Then, on the Fourth of July, all of New York City seemed to converge on Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City to watch the sky fill with fireworks from the Macy’s show taking place along the East River, with the Empire State Building lit up in red, white and blue in the background. However you celebrated your Independence Day in western Queens, you were sure to Instagram your experience! Here are some photos of our local celebrations.

@ feeling.light

@ shelby_cominroundthemountain

@ the_veganjoj and @ theinvertedvegan

42

J U LY 2 0 1 7

@ lhachi


@ therealjasonhuber

@ shreyaambatti

@ jimmyriggs

@ simplydaffy

@ nyc_lhundupl

@ chrishjr

@ yohan2688 J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

43


INTERIOR DESIGN

Three Continents,

ONE APARTMENT

44

J U LY 2 0 1 7


BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

W

hat happens when a Parisian girl goes to work in West Africa and then finds herself living in Astoria? The result is her charmingly eclectic mix of subtle French accents mixed with the bold and vibrant fabrics of Africa. “I am from a suburb of Paris,” Alise Abadie told me. “I moved here last year because of my job. I work for a nonprofit, a philanthropic organization where I am a program officer. Before that, I was in Guinea, West Africa.” I asked Abadie how she found the move from Africa to Astoria. “It’s difficult to adjust to New York life,” she said. “People in Africa are really friendly, joyful, they have such a sense of humor. Relationships are very important to people there. You create bonds easily. It really matters how you behave. Music is everywhere. J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

45


INTERIOR DESIGN

People love to dance — at any opportunity. Guinea and New York have almost nothing in common; New York is a more stable place politically of course, but I suppose the hardest adjustment is speaking English all the time. Where I was working in Africa, everyone spoke French. These days I am always seeking out French people, just so I can give my brain a rest!” In Abadie’s apartment, Parisian and African styles meet in every room. In the kitchen, the table is covered in a rich, red, printed tablecloth picked up on her travels, but atop it sat a hunk of crusty bread with a slab of warm butter. A selection of French teas were displayed proudly in vintage style tins — très chic. I asked Alise if she missed the boulangeries of Paris.

46

J U LY 2 0 1 7

“I do,” she said. “I miss the croissants and the bread. I bring cheese in from France sometimes, but you have to be a little sneaky about it. I did discover a wonderful bakery that feels like home here in New York. It’s called Maison Kayser. They have a couple of locations. It’s well worth the trip!” In the living room, the table is again covered in a patterned tablecloth, this one sunshine-yellow, flanked by bright orange and red chairs. Arranged on the walls are all kinds of trinkets and sculptures that Abadie told me she had shipped from her home near Paris. “My colleagues here in New York laughed and said that I was silly to ship things as I could buy everything in the city, but I wanted my things. It isn’t a home without things that you treasure around you.” On a book shelf I noticed a set of tiny golden antelopes peering out across the room. “They were my grandmother’s,” Abadie said, placing them on the table. “My grandfather was also involved in a nongovernmental organization in Africa, so I suppose he must have picked them up for her then. I believe you use them on a dinner


Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

table to rest your knife and fork on between courses.” I asked Abadie if she had discovered any treasures here in Astoria. “Oh yes. There is this gorgeous little shop called the Broadway Silk Store on Broadway and 36th Street. They mainly sell fabrics, but also have a nice selection of homewares, too. It’s run by a family and their cat,” she said. “For dinner it has to be Gastroteca in Astoria. I go there all the time. I also have a subscription to the Museum of the Moving Image, a fantastic museum that’s right here in our neighborhood.” In Abadie’s bedroom there stands a little writing nook as one might imagine from a

Parisian girl. Opposite this is her bed, above which looms a large African wall hanging. “The wall hanging I bought in Benin,” she said. “Each square represents a different king of Benin through various symbols.” Snuggled in various spots around the room were a few cute little penguins. “Did you know that Africa has penguins, too?” Abadie asked me. (I didn’t know this.) “But only in one country, South Africa. They are called African penguins and their presence in South Africa gave name to the Penguin Islands.” Abadie came to Astoria with a plan for her interior design, but when she got here, she found that she had to wing it.

“My plan when I moved to New York was to decorate each room based on a place where I have worked, but when I arrived here I realized how small the apartments were! That plan quickly fell by the wayside,” she said. “Now I have decided that after a year I will move from my West African decorations to my North African fabrics and artifacts from Morocco — completely redo the space.” I told Abadie that it was unlikely that many people would redecorate their space after a year, but I suppose when you see as much of the world as Abadie does, you need a space that reflects all of the places that feel like home to you. From a Parisian suburb to the north and west of Africa to Astoria, New York, I have a feeling that the journey of this intrepid explorer has only just begun. J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

47


Photo courtesy of Ravel Hotel

FOOD + DRINK

BY ANGELA MATUA AMATUA@QNS.COM @ANGELAMATUA

Raise the Roof

The expansion of the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City also brings a new member to the neighborhood’s restaurant scene with the addition of Estate Garden Grill, a beer garden and restaurant. Located at 8-08 Queens Plaza South, the hotel recently opened a 10-story tower which includes amenities that hotel guests and residents can enjoy. In addition to a 17,000-square-foot ballroom, the tower will include a 24,000-squarefoot indoor/outdoor reception area and a rooftop pool. It will also double Ravel Hotel’s room count. The outdoor restaurant offers a variety

48

J U LY 2 0 1 7

of options like grilled meats and seafood, sushi, crudo and an oyster bar. Headed by executive chef Seth Levine, the menu includes ceviche, Baja fish tacos, grilled skewers and lobster rolls. The Garden Bar features cocktails, white wine, rose and 15 types of beer on tap. On the first floor, the new building will include the Estate Ballroom, a multipurpose space that can hold up to 400 guests. It

features on-site catering, an outdoor patio and retractable walls. For weddings, the hotel offers bridal and groom suites that include two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room area and two bathrooms. Estate Garden Grill is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and also includes a 10-course prix-fixe brunch menu.


J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

49


FOOD + DRINK

The

All in the

DETAILS BY SEAN CURRY

@THESANDWICHENTHUSIAST

Look up Las Catrinas online, and you may draw up a pretty standard “Mexican joint” vibe in your mind. Tacos, margaritas, beers with limes in them, the works. I can’t honestly blame you — there’s plenty of tired Mexican vibes gracing New York’s culinary scene of late. So over-exposed is the south of the border aesthetic that at a time when restaurateurs are trying to bring new and exciting cultures to the hungry masses, Mexican has largely been relegated to a secondary influence in broader fusion experiments: Mexican barbecue, Korean tacos, sushi burritos.

50

J U LY 2 0 1 7

You couldn’t be blamed for thinking that there’s no one left to defend traditional Mexican cuisine. You’d be wrong, but you couldn’t be blamed. Las Catrinas arrived on Broadway in late May, and it is here to remind our poorly under-informed palettes of what Mexican food really is. You won’t find a plate of nachos or a single burrito (technically a San Francisco invention, not a Mexican one) here, but you will find a healthy reverence for the papalo leaf, “Mexican truffles,” and a bonafide, sincere tribute to Mexico brought to life by one of its native sons. Leopoldo “Polo” Tapia hails from Tulum, Mexico, and has worked with fellow Las Catrinas co-owner Lukasz Szydlowski at various restaurants here in Astoria for the past seven years. While both men dreamed of owning a place of their own, Polo also saw his beloved Mexican heritage “destroyed” (his words) by so many other restaurants who tried to combine it with every cuisine they could. He longed


to bring the flavors and colors his mother used to bring to life in her kitchen to hungry mouths here in Queens. With Las Catrinas, the stars finally lined up for both aspiring restaurateurs to take the leap, and for Polo to bring his vision to Broadway, just one block up from the train. Polo aims to bring the spirit of tapas-style dining to Las Catrinas — come with hungry friends, because the small plates here are best when shared en masse. The team here — including restaurant manager Jennifer Szudlowski and fellow restaurateurs Dino Philippou and Taso Pavlou — wants to inject the shop with the back-to-the-roots vibe of Tulum street food. Between the tacos, excellent cocktail menu, and multitude of calaveras (skulls are everywhere — the oven from the previous pizza shop in this space is still here, painted like a great grinning Dia de los Muertes skull), the truck-style influence is more than obvious. But enough about the ambience — let’s dig in.

Our first dish, in keeping with the tapas vibe, was a damn fine ceviche with a delightfully citrusy tartness countered by a smooth, creamy avocado. The white fish, delivered fresh every other day, was light, fresh, and left plenty of room for the next course. Every single ounce on the plate was done entirely in house, and while they admit it makes it harder to do, the result on the plate refused to be ignored. A twist on classic chicharrones was next. Whereas a traditional chicharron would deep fry the pork, Las Catrinas opts to deep fry a thin bed of dough and top it with pickled pork skin (“cueritos”), cabbage, avocado, queso cotija and sour cream with a dash of hot sauce. The dough was quite crispy, but a bit lighter than the fried dough fare you might find at a street fair, and the pork was soft and tender. The hot sauce rounded it out with a lovely kick. Our next dish, a towering beef milanesa cemita with red onion, avocado, homemade sweet chipotle, quesillo and papalo, was a real treat for a sandwich lover like me. Make no mistake, this is no “work lunch” kind of sandwich, unless you get paid to nap immediately after. This sandwich could easily feed three pro wrestlers. But the beef, breaded and smashed thin (much like a schnitzel, in retrospect), was deliciously smoky, and the chipotle hinted at a nice sweetness to bring it home. If it could be J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

51


FOOD + DRINK

improved, perhaps a bit more sauce could be added next time, but I was more than able to dress it up to my heart’s content with the chipotle, chile and hot sauces provided on every table. I’d like to draw your attention to an ingredient back at the top of that last paragraph, “papalo,” a basil-like herb grown only in Mexico that Polo specifically hunted down for this restaurant. Tried though I did, I couldn’t get him to give up his supplier here in Queens, but it was a delightful leaf that kept popping up in his dishes and drinks (stay tuned till the end of this piece — Jennifer Szudlowski found a way to use it in a drink that surprised even him). If you want the real, down-home Mexican experience, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic one on Broadway this summer. The tacos were up next, both fish and beef. The pescado taco, with pineapple, cabbage, cucumber, red onion, citrus and chipotle mayo, hit my sinuses with an excellent blast of spiciness smoothed out by the mayo. But the birria taco is what really sold the place for me. This is a slow worker, but give this big juicy beef stew taco from Michoacan, Mexico, a chance — it was easily my favorite of the night, and perfect for a dinner, lunch, or quick bite to go.

52

J U LY 2 0 1 7

A quesadilla like I had never seen before landed in front of me next, the Huitlacoche. They didn’t tell me at first what protein was in it, and after guessing chicken, pork and even turkey, they finally revealed the truth: this hardy, thick quesadilla was a mushroom. The Huitlacoche mushroom, affectionately known as the “Mexican truffle,” is an enormous fungus found only in Mexico and has been served as a delicacy since the time of the Aztecs. It was remarkably good. I’m no stranger to mushrooms at all (give me a good portobello burger any day), but this truly took me by surprise. Add in the delicious, gooey cheese, and you’ve got a quesadilla pull-apart shot just waiting to be Instagrammed. Before I round out the culinary side, let me dive into the drink menu for a moment — and what a cocktail tour de force it is. Everything here, food and drink alike, is designed to be paired together. I certainly love a good standalone cocktail, but I always appreciate


papalo leaf — a hardy, savory herb not really known for its cocktail game. The result, the Papalo Pineapple Cooler, was so good he threw it on the menu. I can second that, and our photographer, Bridget Kenny, can third it. This was easily our favorite drink of the night. Get it on a hot, summery day. While I had already been sold on the food and the ambience, the last dish is where I finally saw that Polo isn’t just blowing smoke when he says he wants to bring the spirit of his home to this place. The Cochinta Pibil, a pulled pork stew with pickled red onions, chile manzano, cilantro and rice is wonderful. So to are the tortillas — delicious, soft and warm little food blankets that they are. But what finally made me see the respect for culture Polo, Jennifer, Lukasz, and their partners are bringing to Las Catrinas was the towels the tortillas came out in. Every single one the restaurant uses for serving has been hand-knit by Polo’s madre in Mexico and shipped here especially for this. And that, dear readers, is why you must try Las Catrinas. It’s one thing to bring a culture’s cuisine to life, but it is much harder to open a window into another culture. Think back, if you can, to the

artisans that have truly yanked you out of your day to day and into their world via their craft. Leaving Las Catrinas that Thursday night in early June, I couldn’t help but think Polo and his staff of passionate makers had opened a window into another culture I didn’t know I had never truly experienced. Many restaurants, Mexican and otherwise, put together a delicious, wonderful menu of what they think you think you want. In today’s hyper-competitive, high-stakes restaurant landscape, it’s almost foolish not to. Las Catrinas has gone a different route, and have put themselves out on a huge limb to do so. Instead of serving “Mexican food,” they are trying to connect you back to Mexico through food. Rather than serving you what you think you want, they want to show you something you never knew you wanted in the first place. It’s going to be tough to go back to nachos after this. Photos: Bridget Kenny/BORO

it when I can imbibe along with my meal, and each of these drinks hits its mark while allowing the food to shine. The Riviera Maya white sangria and El Mujer Dormida red sangria are going to be the brunch hits when Las Catrinas opens its outdoor seating in late July, and the dark La Calavera with muddled basil, blackberry and mescal will pleasantly drown out the end of many a long night. If you like your drinks super sweet, the Watermelon Aqua Fresca (like a Jolly Rancher in a glass) is for you, and if you like smokiness, try the Corazon Negro, a whiskey-based ginger drink with activated charcoal that instantly brought to mind a tropical thunderstorm. And of course, if you’re here for margaritas, the Dios Mio has you covered. But that sleeper herb hit from earlier, the papalo leaf, comes roaring back to the forefront in Jennifer’s original Papalo Pineapple Cooler. This wonderfully summery rum concoction sparkles with pineapple, lime and muddled papalo, and surprised both myself and Polo, when he first had it. As the Las Catrinas team was still early in the opening process, Szudlowski was looking for something to build a wholly original drink from, and Polo jokingly suggested his homeland’s

J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

53


It’s a sweet time at

LIC Flea & Food

D

reaming of a weekend spent touring wineries? Now there’s no need to plan a trip out of town! On Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, LIC Flea & Food will be hosting a Wine & Sweets Fest. This unlimited tasting event will bring you a spectacular assortment of wines curated by an industry professional. The event will also bring together some of the best sweets vendors around so that you can indulge in more ways than one! Tickets will include unlimited wine tasting and vouchers for sweet treats. As always, there will be loads of local NYC makers and artisans to shop on the Flea side. Try rosé gummy bears from Di Lena’s Dolcini while you sip rosé all day. Ruby Lu Confections will bring you limited-edition wine-

54

J U LY 2 0 1 7

inspired caramels. Want more rosé? Rare Bird Sweets bring you pink rosé cream puffs, and that’s just the beginning! Complete a taste test challenge to determine your favorite ice cream from Melt Bakery, 10Below and Too Cool Chix. Or, if you’re interested in a more savory sweet, try out jams from Trade Street Jam Company and The Local Preserve. Indulge in stuffed s’mores French toast from Stuf’d and chocolate covered waffles from Waffle Cabin. Looking for a little health consciousness with your sweets? Pick up Key lime bites from JoJo’s Clean Bites and granola brownie bars from Seven Granola. Wash it all down with Rita’s famous water ice! Grab your tickets for this special event at www. licflea.com/special-events. BORO readers can use the code “BORO” for 15 percent off the ticket cost. Upcoming special events include an International Beer & Food Festival on Aug. 12 and 13, a BBQ & Brews Fest on Oct. 14 and 15, and the 2nd Annual Queens Beer Festival on Oct. 14 and 15. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City.


J U LY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

55


NOW OPEN

The Estate Garden Grill is our Elevated Beer Garden Experience serving al fresco with 15 Draughts in addition to Summer Craft Cocktails on our cobble stone dinning area and great lawn. Cuisine by Executive Chef Seth Levine featuring a selection of grilled meats and seafood, as well as sushi, crudo and an oyster bar.

LOCATED AT

8-08 QUEENS PLAZA SOUTH • LONG ISLAND CITY, NY • 718.289.6118 • ESTATEGARDENGRILL.COM


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.