VOL 7:8 AUGUST 2017
BOROMAG.COM
Photo: Bridget Kenny/BORO
SWEET TREATS
PAGE-TURNER SET IN ASTORIA
ASTORIA BAKER’S VEGAN TREATS
WHERE TO GET S’MORES
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Page 32
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CONTENTS Summer is the perfect time to indulge in sweets: a popsicle from the ice cream truck melting over your fingers; a classic ice cream cone on the beach; and s’mores roasted over a campfire. It’s hard to roast a marshmallow as a city dweller, though, so we found you some great alternatives — s’more-inspired treats at four local spots (page 38). We also have two local actresses here in western Queens who use baking as another creative outlet. Ashley Mortensen of She Bakes, You Eat makes delicious custom recipes (page 18), while Kim Corbett makes KATRINA MEDOFF vegan treats that you wouldn’t even know editor-in-chief were vegan (page 32). We dare you not to place an order with them after looking at pics of their mouth-watering desserts. See how your neighbors are spending their summers with their local Instagram photos (page 10), and see what they’re wearing in this heat in our street style section (page 6). 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). Wishing you a sweet summer, Katrina Medoff
aS’MOREIA
SHE BAKES, YOU EAT
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6 SUMMER BLUES
Street style in Astoria
10 SUMMER SIGHTS
BORO readers Instagrammed summer in Queens
18 SHE BAKES, YOU EAT
Custom desserts by Broadway actress
22 BIG LOCAL LIES
Memoir about marriage and betrayal
32 IT’S ALL HOT SUGAR
Astoria resident’s vegan baked goods
38 aS’MOREia
38
Four places to get s’more treats
42 MINUTES TO MIDTOWN
7 train exhibit highlights history
44 DRIFTWOOD DESIGN
DEPARTMENTS 12 AUGUST 2017 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of August in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside
26 MAP IT DIRECTORY
Your go-to guide for the best shops, food, art, nightlife and more in western Queens
28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS
Natural elements and DIY in local apartment
50 MANGIAMO
Astoria native opens Italian restaurant
54 LIC FLEA & FOOD
Summer at the Flea
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov // GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nirmal Singh WRITERS Sean Curry, Ruthie Darling, Nahirovy Figueroa, 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.
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AUGUST 2017
STREET STYLE
Blue silk and red leather never go out of style.
Vasso is an orthodontist living in Astoria. She looked very glamorous in her blue bandage dress and pumps ensemble.
Summer
Blues BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING
he hot weather of a New York summer can be a trying time for fashionistas. Outfits must be cool and functional as you race around the city, desperately seeking that sweet blast of AC. Style can often take a back seat to comfort. This month, the streets of Astoria were awash with blues, blacks and purples as overheated fashionistas sought solace in the cooler shades of the fashion palette. Check out what the most stylish Astorians are wearing this month.
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Shannon looked relaxed and cool in her gingham and jeans combination. Perfectly accessorized with a juice. Hydration, people — it’s important!
Adam works in TV and film, and I loved his nonchalant mixing of prints and stripes. Cute gold high-tops, too.
Jeanette is a preschool teacher and looked HocusPocusfabulous in her witchy ensemble.
Tina Quash is a filmmaker who recently showed her latest film “Rule of Threes” in the Asian-American International Film Festival. She looked adorable in her skater dress and straw boater.
New York Times art director Richard Aloisio was out and about in a purple floral shirt and a blue-grey denim pant. Effortlessly stylish.
Ayaka is a contemporary dancer living in Astoria. I liked how she threw an oversized shirt over her denim cutoffs to add some print to an otherwise black outfit. Chic.
AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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I N S TA I M A G E S
SUMMER SIGHTS
@ abreyegene
By NAHIROVY FIGUEROA
S
ummer in Queens can be rough sometimes, with faulty ACs and endless subway delays. But the “World’s Borough” is also a beautiful place in August, and western Queens residents were sure to share this beauty on Instagram. With iconic pink-palette sunsets and rustic hangout spots, Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside provide the perfect setting for awesome photos. Take a look at some of our readers’ best pics to see what we Queens residents do when the sun is at its full potential.
@ abreyegene
@ enan.pics
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@NAHIROV
AUGUST 2017
@ esile1 @ soosiesawyer
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NEXT THEME: FITNESS Tag @boromagazine in your Instagram pics of fitness in Astoria, Long Island City or Sunnyside, and you might see your photo in the September issue of BORO! You can snap a picture of you and your friends at hot yoga, your dog running around the block with you, your new gym gear, the aqua color of Astoria Pool — anything to do with the month’s theme.
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AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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AUGUST EVENTS Find more events at www. BOROmag.com/Events FRIDAY, AUG. 11 Time: 6 p.m. Event Title: Scatterbrain (Open Mic) Cost: Free Location: Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave. URL: http://creeklic.com/events/ scatterbrain-open-mic-2017-08-11/ SATURDAY, AUG. 12 Time: 10:30 p.m. Event Title: Last Stop Laughs Cost: Free Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: https://qedastoria.com/
THURSDAY, AUG. 17 Time: 7:30 p.m. Event Title: Waterfront Concert Series: A Decade of Soul Cost: Free Location: Astoria Park Lawn Phone: 718-728-7820 URL: http://www.centralastoria. nyc/news/2017-waterfront-concertseries-4
SUNDAY, AUG. 13 Time: 8 p.m. Event Title: A Kreutzer Sonata Cost: $18 Location: The Secret Theater Phone: 718-392-0722 Address: 44-02 23rd St. URL: http://www.secrettheatre. com/Unfringed2017 MONDAY, AUG. 14 Time: 8:15 to 10:15 p.m. Event Title: Movies on the Waterfront Series: “Toy Story 3” Cost: Free Location: Astoria Park Lawn Phone: 718-728-7820 URL: http://www.centralastoria. nyc/news/2017-movies-on-thewaterfront-2 TUESDAY, AUG. 15 Time: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Event Title: Drink & Draw Cost: $8 in advance, $10 day of event Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com
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WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: Film Screening: “Romance & Cigarettes” Cost: Free (Donation Suggested) Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd. URL: http://socratessculpturepark.org/program/romancecigarettes/
FRIDAY, AUG. 18 Time: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Event Title: Quiet Clubbing Cost: Free Location: Bohemian Beer Hall Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave. URL: http://bohemianhall. com/event/quiet-clubbing-5/2017-08-18/ SATURDAY, AUG. 19 Time: Noon to 3 p.m. Event Title: Kids Item Swap Meet Cost: Free Location: Queens Library at Woodhaven Phone: 212-788-7964 Address: 85-41 Forest Pkwy. URL: GrowNYC.org/swap
AUGUST 2017
SATURDAY, AUG. 19 Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Event Title: Baby & Me Comedy Show Cost: $8 Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com SUNDAY, AUG. 20 Time: 4 p.m. to midnight Event Title: Tequila Fest Cost: $30 Location: Studio Square Phone: 718-383-1001 Address: 35-33 36th St. URL: http://www.studiosquarebeergarden.com/ SATURDAY, AUG. 26 Time: 2 to 5 p.m. Event Title: Live Music: Poppa Funk Band Cost: Free Location: Bohemian Beer Hall Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave. URL: http://bohemianhall.com/ event/live-music-poppa-funk-band-5/ SATURDAY, AUG. 26 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: Summer Stars 2017 Cost: Adults $15; students/ seniors $12; under 5 years old $5 Location: Astoria Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-706-5750 Address: 34-12 36th St. URL: http://www.apacny.org/ shows-events/current-season-2017-2018/
SUNDAY, AUG. 27 Time: 4 to 6 p.m. Event Title: Tribute to Bob Ross Waterfall ng ebrati e l$45 C Cost: Location: The Paint Place Phone: 929-522-0086 Address: 31-21 31st St. URL: http://www.thepaintplaceny.com/
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TUESDAY, AUG. 29 Time: 8 p.m. Event Title: Trivia Night Cost: Free Location: Alewife Phone: 718-937-7494 Address: 5-14 51st Ave. URL: http://www.alewife.beer/ copy-of-bingo WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Alternative Fax Cost: $7 Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 17-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com FRIDAY, SEPT. 1 Time: 7:30 p.m. Event Title: Afterlife Cost: $18 Location: The Secret Theatre Phone: 718-392-0722 Address: 44-02 23rd St. URL: http://www.secrettheatre. com/Unfringed2017
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AUGUST 2017
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 AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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S W E E T T R E AT S
SHE BAKES, YOU EAT By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22
What’s your favorite dessert? Your favorite snack? Cereal? What about your go-to coffee order? Which flavor do you prefer: chocolate or vanilla? Who’s your celebrity crush?
F
ill out a questionnaire with these and other questions from local Broadway actress and baker Ashley Mortensen, and prepare to have a dessert experience you’ll never forget. I discovered Mortensen’s treats on Instagram (@shebakesyoueat). The close-up shots of gorgeous cakes — literally the definition of “food porn” — caught my eye, but the descriptions of the unique desserts really got me intrigued: “Rose water and vanilla bean poached plums top this olive oil cake with lemon ricotta buttercream and candied pistachios.” “Paleo chocolate cake filled with blackberry elderflower compote frosted with dairy-free lemon Swiss meringue and honeyed sugar candies.” “Chocolate-red wine cupcake filled with rose-blueberry compote and topped with champagne buttercream and sherry chocolate ganache.” Mortensen has no formal culinary train-
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ing, but she’s an accomplished baker with a knack for creating custom recipes, and the results are not only delicious, but also unexpected. You, the customer, fill out her detailed questionnaire about your specific tastes (or those of the person you’re buying the treat for), and Mortensen’s creative process begins. I arrived at Mortensen’s apartment on the Sunnyside/Woodside border for my tasting, not knowing what to expect. I knew that she was concocting something inspired by my responses to her questionnaire, but I had no idea what it would be. I arrived to find three personal-sized, mouth-watering treats, made just for me. Mortensen was really excited about the first dessert, a tart inspired by my favorite childhood dessert, homemade black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone from a local farm and creamery. What she created was inspired: a tart with a dark chocolate and pistachio crust, filled with rose water-scented mascar-
Vanilla coconut cake
pone and honey, swirled with black raspberry jam, all topped with raspberries, blackberries and candied purple basil. By the way, that black raspberry jam in the filling? It was handmade by Mortensen herself from berries she bought at Sunnyside’s outdoor market. She also bought the purple basil there, and she candied it herself, too. My second treat was a sweet coconut and vanilla cake with vanilla bean buttercream. It was filled with a horchata caramel and toasted candied coconut. It was the most sugary of all of three desserts, but since Mortensen uses a lot less sugar in her icings than most bakers do, “You’re not going to get a cavity from eating most of my stuff,” she explained. The third dessert, though, was my absolute favorite. In my questionnaire, I’d said that Honey Bunches of Oats was my favorite cereal, and Mortensen made a “cereal milk cake” with cereal milk buttercream: she literally steeped Honey Bunches of Oats in milk for 20 minutes so
that the milk would taste like the cereal, and then she used that to make the buttercream. The cake was filled with homemade cherry, raspberry, strawberry and elderflower jam, which tasted heavenly. Topping off the cake: a sprinkle of freezedried strawberries and honey nut cereal “crack” on top. It was the most “me” dessert I’d ever had, which makes sense, because Mortensen literally invented this recipe just for me. It was the dessert I never knew I wanted until I tasted it. Mortensen, who has performed in “Les Miserables” on Broadway and in the first national tour of “Wicked” as the Elphaba understudy/ensemble, only recently got into the baking business. She used to “sleep bake” when she was stressed out in high school, waking up in the morning with a clean kitchen, three dozen cookies on the counter, and no recollection of having made them. But it wasn’t until she was on tour with “Wicked” that she began to bake frequently in her free time. After she fin-
Cereal milk cake ished her stint on tour, one of her best friends on the tour, Queens resident Sarah Schenkkan, asked her to make her a birthday cake. Mortensen had never made a cake for an event before, but she asked Schenkkan a couple questions about what flavors she liked (a precursor to the current more extensive questionnaire) and got to work. “I asked her to make my cake because she was always inventing all these incredible desserts — and, since we toured together and then lived close to each other AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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in Queens, I was eating them,” Schenkkan said. “I knew that whatever she made would be amazing, and that more of my friends should know about and be able to appreciate her talents.” Mortensen made her friend a brown butter-bourbon cake with champagne buttercream and tequila berry filling. Mortensen said that visually, the cake looked “like a 6-year-old made it” — although I don’t quite believe that — but that the cake was a hit. “What struck me about that cake was — honestly — how insanely delicious it was,” Schenkkan said. “So simple, but everything from flavor to texture was spot on; I couldn't stop eating it! To this day it's one of the best cakes I've ever had, and everyone at the party raved about it.” After Mortensen had been baking for friends and fellow actors for a time, her friends encouraged to share her talents with the world. So she started an Instagram account (she’s also a talented photographer, so the pictures of her treats
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really stand out). That’s when she came up with her name: She Bakes, You Eat. Now, people find her on Instagram and contact her about buying one of her desserts. Mortensen imagines that one day, if she leaves the acting business, she might open a coffee shop/bakery filled with books where people can relax on a comfy couch, read, and have coffee and dessert. For now, though, baking is a “wonderful side hobby” and a creative outlet, especially when she is not performing in a show and is thus spending most of her time waitressing and auditioning.
Black raspberry tart
Photos courtesy of Ashley Mortensen
Right now, she has time to make about two full-sized cakes a week (they each take her at least three days to complete because there are so many different components — and many of them are intricately decorated). She’s sometimes in the kitchen “from 10 o’clock in the morning till 10 o’clock at night,” she said. “I follow recipes very loosely, and then I kind of just like to experiment, and most of the time it turns out.” On the rare occasions that she messes up, the mistakes often spark ideas for new flavor combinations and recipes in the future. Her one rule is that she will not make the same cake twice, because “no one person is the same,” she said, and she really likes to tailor her treats to the recipients’ tastes. “I like to find out about people, find out where they’re from, find out what they miss eating that they don’t get to eat anymore, and be a little indulgent and a little fun and whimsical with it, because honestly my favorite part is bringing joy to people,” Mortensen said. “I just want people to feel loved.” AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T Photo by Katrina Medoff
BIG LOCAL LIES What if you were living a seemingly perfect life in Astoria, with an amazing husband and a 3-week-old baby, when you found out that your husband was living a double life? What if, as betrayal after betrayal came to light, you discovered the unthinkable: your husband fit the textbook definition of a psychopath?
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By KATRINA MEDOFF katrina@boromag.com @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22
Former Astoria resident Jen Waite lived this story, and now, she’s sharing it with others: her memoir, “A Beautiful, Terrible Thing,” was released by an imprint of Penguin Random House on July 11. It’s been compared to fictional thrillers “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty — in Waite’s memoir, much like in these popular novels, lies and secrets hide behind fairy tale lives. “A Beautiful, Terrible Thing” is structured like a thriller novel, too, alternating between “before” sections that read like a love story and “after” sections that are more of a nightmare. And much of it takes place right here in Astoria. Waite moved to New York City right after college and spent a couple years moving from neighborhood to neighborhood before landing in Astoria in 2009.
“Astoria just felt like home,” Waite said. “Everywhere else I had lived [in NYC], I felt like I was living with a bunch of other transplants, but it’s just really nice to have that sense of community [in Astoria]. Half of my neighbors were older people who had lived there their whole lives and were raising families there. I felt more at home in Astoria than anywhere else in the city.” While working as an actress and model, she got a job near her apartment as a waitress at a burger place by Kaufman Astoria Studios (in this article, as in Waite’s memoir, names have been changed, and the names of businesses are not mentioned). There, she met a great group of friends — and her future husband, Marco, her coworker from Argentina. Waite spent “every second thinking about Marco” after they started seeing each other, and she remembers thinking, “Yes! Yes, this is what real, sing-it-from-the-rooftops, heartmelting love feels like.” She met Marco’s precocious 7-yearold son, Seb; Marco won the approval of Waite’s family; and the couple got engaged, then married, eventually earning Marco his green card. Soon, Waite and her parents invested significant amounts of money in a small gastropub Waite and Marco were opening up in Astoria, in a business partnership with another couple. Later, in their Astoria apartment, the couple found out that Waite was pregnant. Her “before” life ended three weeks after her daughter’s birth when she found an email indicating that Marco had a girlfriend. In the “after” section, the lies snowball. As Waite’s marriage unraveled, she tried to hang on to her life in Astoria but eventually moved to her hometown in Maine. (As for the lies, infidelity and betrayals Waite discovered, we’ll leave you to read the memoir and find out for yourself.) She recently bought a house in Maine and is working in insurance. Her daughter is now 2 ½ years old. Waite came back to Astoria for the book’s launch party, which was held at Astoria Bookshop, with a crowd full of Waite’s friends and colleagues, and lots of local bookworms. “Astoria Bookshop was a really obvious choice from the beginning because half of the memoir takes place in Astoria,” Waite said. “There are a lot of Astoria landmarks in the book, [though] the names are changed. That’s where I lived for the majority of time in New York and
Jen Waite at the Astoria Bookshop it’s still where I think of as ‘home’ when I go back to New York.” Being in Astoria “felt bitter” back when everything was falling apart, she said, “but now that it’s been two years and I feel more resolved about everything, it still feels like home.” Plus, since the book’s editor, Kate Napolitano, and Waite’s literary agent, Myrsini Stephanides, both live in the neighborhood, Astoria Bookshelf was the perfect choice for the launch. Waite is no longer pursuing acting and modeling — “that wasn’t the right path for me,” she explained — so writing the memoir was a creative outlet for her. More than that, though, it was therapeutic: “Writing helped me to process it and understand what was happening,” she said. While the writing process helped her heal, she said that sharing the memoir AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T
ized that I figured out how to set up the structure of a psychological thriller, so if I could get the right story in my head, I would love to try a novel next time.” For now, though, Waite said she is enjoying a “lull” after her book finally came out. “I’m just back to my day-to-day life now, so it’s funny because we just got reviewed in The New York Times, which is amazing, but at the same time I’m just at an insurance company, taking care of my daughter on a day-to-day basis,” Waite said. “For now, it’s a little bit of down time, which is really, really nice. I’m enjoying that right now.”
Photos courtesy of Jen Waite
with the world has been “very, very difficult … a really humbling, exciting but scary process.” But it’s all worth it because women and men in similar situations have been able to connect with her story. “I’ve received hundreds of incredible messages from a lot of people, mostly women, who have been through similar experiences,” she said. “They’ve actually said in these messages, ‘This book saved my life.’ Getting a message like that is very powerful, and the fact that people are connecting with it so deeply and it’s resonating with them and helping them is so amazing.” Waite has considered pursuing a graduate degree to become a licensed therapist, and she hasn’t ruled out penning another book. “I’d really love to write a thriller novel,” she said. “From writing the memoir I real-
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JEN WAITE’S FAVORITE READS WAITE SHARED SOME OF HER FAVORITE NOVELS AND MEMOIRS WITH BORO:
NOVELS
“ I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE” Wally LAMB “ON BEAUTY” - Zadie SMITH “FINGERSMITH” - Sarah Waters “ THE FIRST BAD MAN” Miranda JULY “The Vegetarian” - Han Kang
MEMOIRS
“ OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS” Anne LAMOTT “ BRAIN ON FIRE” Susannah CAHALAN “ DRESS YOUR FAMILY IN CORDUROY AND DENIM” - David SEDARIS
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• Multiple LIC Office Locations • One Stop Shopping • Over 25 Years of Professional Experience • Special Offers and Promotions Available • All Services Guaranteed
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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
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47-46 Vernon Blvd., 2nd Fl. LIC, NY 11101
718.707.0955 (F) 718.707.0959
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347.323.4549
Mention the ad get a free dessert with a purchase of a full main course (does not include pocket pita sandwich).
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VITE Bar | 25-07 Broadway, Astoria | 347.813.4702
HAIR MAKE UP NAILS.
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HAPPY HOUR Serving Light Fares, Panini’s & Salads HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday,4pm-7pm
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10-17 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
718.786.1880 10% OFF WITH THIS AD ASTORIA DOG WALKING 20% OFF FIRST WEEK OF SERVICE
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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 AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
25
MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS
6 205 204 7 5 8 35
ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com
BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com
18 191 3 133
45
BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com
61
BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com
22
74 183
DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com
24
FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria
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
170
20
BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com
112
169
124
OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com
HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com
220
NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com
150
181
125
182
NUMBER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com
DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com
13
VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com
213
11
19
200
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
12
MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com
BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com
176
159
148
194
28
LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com 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 MALAGUETA RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria www.malaguetany.com MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net
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
55
SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd., LIC
227
T-SWIRlL CREPE 917-832-6815 36-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.t-swirlcrepe.com
216
219 199 229
31 184
THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com
29 108 32 14
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
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
ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com
228
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
180
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
39
FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
160
OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria
195
FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
44 137
FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC
211
MET FRESH AND ORGANIC SUPERMARKET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.
47
NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS
167
YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com
LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com
57
218
MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com
206
40
NYC PET NANNY 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com
174
75
STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com
121
FOOD SHOPS
FLORISTS
130
168
ADMIRAL LOCK AND KEY (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com
178
ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com
ASTORIA 35 LAUNDRY & FINE DRY CLEANING (B,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com
119
GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com
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
VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com
187
SHOPS 143 21
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
207 114
26
77
AUGUST 2017
PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com
SERVICES
WINES & SPIRITS
38
MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com
CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
190
VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com
MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com
54
IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria
27
196
95
189
ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com
224
CHÂTEAU LE WOOF 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com
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
ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria
223
201
34 138 139
36
POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria
NOMAD CYCLE LLC 718-786-5600 36-58 37th St. Astoria www.nomadcycle.com
PETS
BAKERIES
THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com
186
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
59
122
62
175
157
64
65
45
134
66
17
147
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
MONTESSORI KIDS OF LIC (B,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com
57
MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria
206
MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com
174
QNS COLLECTIVE (C,3) 718-280-5122
158 67
59
122
SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
BEAUTY
195
EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com
188
17
RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com
TATTOO SHOPS
ELINK
147
BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com
215
Q.E.D. 347-451-3873 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com
110
226
LUXY LADY 718-786-1880 10-17 Jackson Ave., LIC www.luxyladysalon.com
BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com
83
97
72
PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC
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
46
REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.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
SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.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
112
85
217
STUDIO NOVA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com
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
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
222
LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com
THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com
111
MOSAIC CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com
203
PASSAGE IRISH BAR AND KITCHEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com
192 212
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185
THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com
FITNESS
42
CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria
88
STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
165
CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com
89
SWEET AFTON (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
76
CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com
214
THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com
EVENTS
66
QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org
82
VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria
HOTELS
149
THE FACE & BODY SHOP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com
157
FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com
NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria www.noguchi.org
131
CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com
134
94
ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com
120
TEALICIOUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com
NIGHTLIFE/BARS
MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us
146
175
45
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
154
RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.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
VESPA QUEENS (B,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com
65
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
ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com
FOUNDRY (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info
151
164
TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com
64
YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com
SPAS 81
VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
62
73
CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria
www.qnscollective.com RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag
FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com
166
THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria
156
PERSONALIZED PILATES (A,4) 347-563-3933
142
SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria
80
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
225
WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 47th Ave. LIC
79
PILATESWORKS 10-91A Jackson Ave., LIC
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
101 140 136 141 103
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
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
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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
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com
BANKING
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QUONTIC BANK (B,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com
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SUSSEX BANK (B,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com
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AUGUST 2017
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S W E E T T R E AT S
It 's All Hot Sugar By ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIE_PYPER @ESTIEPYPER
Kim Corbett rushed into our designated meeting spot – a Gregory’s Coffee near Bond Street – with a plastic tray of a dozen mini cupcakes in tow. “I never go anywhere without a cupcake,” she said with a smirk, only half-kidding. Corbett, 25, is a petite woman with a permanent smile and an energy that commands your attention – no coffee needed. She is a baker – a vegan baker, although she won’t tell you that right away – distancing herself from the stereotype of the self-righteous, in-your-face-aboutyour-diet vegan, just as her vegan treats are far from bland. Corbett fell into her brand, Hot Sugar Baker, somewhat by accident. At Penn State, where she studied musical theater, Corbett started a vegan blog and Instagram account for vegan recipes. She slowly found herself drawn more and more to vegan baking. “I was spending hours watching cake decorating videos just like consumed by this obsession,” Corbett recalled. “I changed my name to Hot Sugar Baker, and I just started baking all the time.” The name is only about six months old,
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and Corbett credits her boyfriend, also a vegan, for the inspiration. “Every time I would have him try something, I’d be like, ‘Do you think this is good?’” said the baker, who admitted she often doubts her own abilities. “And he’d say, ‘Kim, it’s hot sugar; it’s fine. People are going to eat it. It’s hot sugar.’ And then…” She threw her hands in the air to reenact the epiphany. “Hot Sugar! That’s my name.” Corbett steers clear of the label “vegan baker.” “I love being a vegan baker,” she emphasized, “but with that, they think it’s going to taste like crap and dirt and… no way. I use sugar.” To her, nothing’s more rewarding than watching a vegan realize they can eat her food. “I want them to have this excited moment of, ‘I can eat this!’ I want to make
Photo by Kevin Thomas Garcia good food that happens to be vegan,” she said. Her secret? A ratio of apple cider vinegar and baking soda. “Her cupcakes don't taste like stereotypical vegan cupcakes,” said Andrew Boza, who teaches cooking classes at Fresh Made NYC with Corbett. “She proves that you don't need eggs and dairy to make decedent desserts.” Last April, a friend asked Corbett to make a cake for her vegan roommate. “I hadn’t even put it out there that I was going to take orders,” she remembered thinking, but agreed on a whim. She taught herself how to bake the strawberry cake – a flavor she had never touched – later announcing on Instagram, “I guess I’m taking orders now!”
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Photos courtesy of Kim Corbett
S W E E T T R E AT S
Corbett has since fulfilled countless cupcake and cake orders and experimented with scores of flavors; she’s made batches of expertly decorated sugar cookies for friends to send as opening night gifts for Broadway shows such as “Anastasia” and “Hello Dolly”; and few weekends ago, she finished her first vegan wedding cake. “Her cupcakes are unbelievable,” said performer and friend Erika Creelman. “They taste like you should feel guilty. She’s so driven.” Corbett calls Hot Sugar Baker her “second life” – second to acting and performing. “When you’re doing the acting thing, you have to find something else that brings you joy,” she explained. “It’s almost been hard switching into people ordering stuff instead of me just bringing it, because I just want to give it to people.” That’s been the challenge: asking friends for money and networking. “I’ve had to gut up and be like, ‘This is how much it is,’” she said. “It’s also hard being young in the professional world – just getting the confidence to say, I have the credit, I can do this.” And although Hot Sugar Baker is an established name, Corbett still hesitates to call it a “business,” using air-quotes every time she mentions the word. “I don’t like to call myself a ‘business.’ I’m not trying to skip steps here; I’m trying to go at the pace that’s right for me.” As a boutique operation, Corbett asks for more than grocery store prices, but along with the price tag comes a product catered to your taste. “You can call me and tell me what flavor you want,” she said, “and that’s the difference: you’re talking to me. My stuff is better than what you can get in the grocery store. And it’s going to be exactly what you want.”
Business is conducted online and through friends, but the treats are mainly produced in her little Astoria kitchen, where she’s lived for three years. “I love Queens,” the baker said. “For me, it’s really important to say I’m from Queens. It’s important on my Instagram to say, ‘Astoria, Queens.’” She finds this distinction crucial, pointing out the severe lack of vegan options in Queens as compared to Manhattan or Brooklyn. “Sometimes you just want to go out to eat and there are like two restaurants. It’s so frustrating to have this underrepresented community, because we have the market for it,” lamented Corbett, who’s on a mission to change that narrative. “I hope that this will inspire people in Queens to take a look at one or two things on their menu, and just switch it up.” As for the future of Hot Sugar Baker? “I would love for it to be this thriving business. Right now, it’s growing, but once it picks up, Queens all the way,” she said with a smile. AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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JAPANESE CUISINE
46-44 Vernon Blvd. L.I.C. NY 11101 (718) 482.7088
FREE DELIVERY MIN. $15
WHERE TO FIND LOCAL SWEETS Chip NYC
3006 34th St., Astoria • 917-745-0101
Hot Sugar Baker
hotsugarbaker.com • hotsugarbaker@gmail.com
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
Queens Comfort
40-09 30th Ave., Astoria • 718-728-2350
RaR Bar
30-01 35th Ave., Long Island City • 718-729-9009
QNS.com iS the New deStiNatioN for everythiNg QueeNS!
Sanford’s
30-13 Broadway, Astoria • 718-932-9569
She Bakes, You Eat shebakesyoueat@gmail.com
BreakiNg NewS free claSSifiedS iNteractive eveNtS caleNdar coNNect with your commuNity oN NeighBorhood PageS
T-Swirl Crêpe
36-16 30th Ave., Astoria 917-832-6815 • t-swirlcrepe.com
Astoria Dental Group Serving Queens and All of New York City
Cosmetic Dentist Team
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AUGUST 2017
Join us for a Memorial Service REMEMBER the First Responders of 9/11 and Those who Died Working on the Pileto St. Michael’s will commemorate the attacks of 9/11 this year on Saturday, September 9th at 2PM. For the first time St.Michael’s will introducean essay competition open to all school children. The essay will be “What it means to be an American.” Winners will be announced on Sept. 9th. The Grand Prize is $1500 generously presented by NEW YORK COMMUNITYBANK. Prizes to be used for educational purposes only for high school or college bound students.
St. Michael’s is dedicated to the celebration of life. St. Michael’scontinues to be an active participant in the lives of the citizensof New York as it has been since 1852.For further information contact Ed Horn, Director at 718.278.3240
72-02 Astoria Boulevard East Elmhurst, Queens NY(off the B.Q.E.) 718.278.3240
Refreshments provided
www.stmichaelscemetery.com
Christopher Santora Scholarship Fund AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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S W E E T T R E AT S
aS’MOREia BY SEAN CURRY
@thesandwichenthusiast
Ah, summer in NYC: carpools to the Rockaways, picnics in the parks, and the eternal ice cream truck rivalry between Mr. Softee and whatever your neighborhood’s Mr. Softee rip-off is. With August finally upon us, our opportunities to partake in these summer traditions and others are running out more rapidly than we might like. One may have to make cuts to beloved pastimes to make room for more feasible ones, and roasting marshmallows around a campfire is usually first on the cutting block for cityfolk. But even if you can’t melt chocolate onto a graham cracker over a crackling flame in your studio apartment, you can still enjoy that most succulent of summer treats right here in western Queens before Labor Day comes. That’s right, dear readers: it’s time for an end-of-summer s’mores roundup.
Sanford’s: S’more Pancake 30-13 BROADWAY, ASTORIA 718-932-9569
W
hen it comes to a day of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers, there’s only one place to start: breakfast. The S’more Pancakes at Sandford’s on Broadway are more than just a chocolatey delight; they’re a damn fine pancake, too. Chocolate glaze and nutella are spread across a traditional pancake, while some torched marshmallows sit atop this mountain of decadent brunchiness, topped off with graham cracker dust. This sugarbomb might seem imposing, but don’t let that stop you from the coup de grace that brings it all home: authentic Vermont maple syrup. Pancakes — however indulgent — simply aren’t complete without it.
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Come to Sanford’s for the S’more Pancake, and come a second time for their other takes on flapjacks, like banana walnut or peanut butter. In the words of owner Christ Karalekas, “Pace yourself.”
Queens Comfort: S’more Blondie Brownie 40-09 30TH AVE., ASTORIA 718-728-2350 The mad geniuses at Queens Comfort are certainly no stranger to weird Astoria food, and their s’mores entry is proof. Leave your preconceived notions about brownies at the door — their S’more Blondie Brownie is different right from the jump with Oreos and graham crackers crushed right into the brownie batter itself. Marshmallows melted into what could almost be called a roux are poured over completed brownies, topped with ice-cold vanilla bean ice cream, and drizzled with caramel. I’d say the resulting experience brought me back to childhood, but Queens Comfort’s decor, a vibrant shrine to toy cars, monsters, action figures and all things fun, did that the moment I walked in the place. If nothing else, the blondie fits right into the nostalgia-bomb. Queens Comfort’s resident baker, Montana Barbieri — better known as Donut Diva — handmakes each and every blondie herself, so be sure to call ahead to make sure she’s whipping up a batch the day you go. AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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RaR Bar: Classic S’more with a Twist 30-01 35TH AVE., LONG ISLAND CITY 718-729-9009 Quiet, unassuming and tucked around the corner a block off of 31st Street, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t know local wine bar Rèst-âüRánt has a delicious s’more hidden on their menu. Luckily, there’s still plenty of summer (or fall, or winter — it’s on the menu year-round!) left to rectify that. RaR’s s’more is slightly more than meets the eye. Where Sanford’s gets savory and Queens Comfort gets weird, RaR gets sneaky. The chocolate ganache is hiding some infused Guinness stout in its prep, and the graham cracker crust has bits of pretzel mixed in, while the thick, melted marshmallow blanket enveloping the whole thing tucks it all away under its pillowy, torch-fired crust. It isn’t visually striking — but dang if it isn’t a sensory experience to take your breath away.
Photos: Bridget Kenny/BORO
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Photo via Instagram/@taleitalei
Chip NYC: S’more Cookie 3006 34TH ST., ASTORIA 917-745-0101 New to Astoria’s food scene is cookies and cappuccino spot Chip NYC, and it’s already making an impression with cookie offerings like funfetti, oatmeal apple pie, and (of course) s’more. While this late-night treat spot certainly gets creative with offerings like blueberry cheesecake and chocolate chip walnut, it’s the gooey, creamy s’more that we’re here to rave about. Chip keeps their s’more simple: beyond transmogrifying the classic campfire snack to cookie form, there’s little else changed about the holy union of graham, cocoa and mallow. The price point might sound steep at $3.50, but once you have one of these monsters in your hands and realize they’re more akin to a small cake than a cookie, you’ll call it money well spent. Chip is still cash only and only open Thursday through Sunday, so call ahead to make sure you’re ready for your trip to cookie heaven.
Photos: Bridget Kenny/BORO AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
Minutes to Midtown By ANGELA MATUA AMATUA@QNS.COM / @ANGELAMATUA
A new exhibit at the New York Transit Museum will explore Queens’ first subway line and how it transformed the borough socially and economically.
Between Queensboro Plaza and 33rd St GÇô Rawson Station_ View from Packard Building, Queens, 1916
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“7 Train: Minutes to Midnight” will open on Aug. 3, and museumgoers will be able to view photographs and objects from the line’s beginnings in 1915 and beyond. The 7 line is different from other early lines in that it was built to attract more residents to the underpopulated borough. Other subways, like the IRT Ninth Avenue line, were constructed in densely populated areas in lower Manhattan. The first 7 train ran on June 22, 1915.
Photo by John Sanderson
Main Street Flushing, 2016
IRT Steinway Car #4751, 1916
Queens Boulevard Viaduct, 1916
Jackson Avenue and Bridge Plaza, 1920
Willets Point Boulevard Station, 1963
Queensboro Plaza at Dusk, 2013
Queens’ population exploded as a result of the new line, which provided a short commute to Manhattan. Between 1910 and 1930, the borough’s population jumped 300 percent from 284,000 to 1,079,000. The exhibit features images of the line from as far back as 1916 and as recent as 2016 by photographer John Sanderson. The museum will also display a New York and Long Island City ferry ticket from the late 1800s, station wayfinding signs dating from between 1928 and 1949. In addition, the exhibit will include a Queensboro Bridge Railway token from 1945 and archival transit maps will highlight the expansion of the subway and elevated lines in Queens. “We are incredibly proud to share this story of Queens and how it was transformed from bucolic farmland to the world’s cafeteria in the span of a century,” said museum director Concetta Bencivenga. “At its inception, the New York City subway was a means to decongest lower Manhattan and draw the population of the city northward. The story of Queens, and by extension the 7 train, was and continues to be, one of vision; whether a hundred years ago with the Steinway Tunnel, or right now with Hudson Yards, the 7 train established
communities, a neighborhood, and an entire borough, by providing people with access to transportation.” In recent years the line has caused headaches for many Queens residents, especially with the explosive growth of Long Island City. Residents aren’t the only people frustrated with the service and overcrowding. In 1999, then Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker ranted about the subway and how much he disliked the city and Mets fans.
Mets fans on the other hand have adopted the subway’s name and created The 7 Line Army, a fan club and clothing company. Additionally, a 2000 documentary called “The #7 Train: An Immigrant Journey” highlights the diversity of 7 train riders. “7 Train: Minutes to Midnight” will run until Oct. 29 at New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store at Grand Central Terminal. The gallery will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo by John Sanderson
Photo by John Sanderson
Reconstruction of Steinway Tunnel, 1915
Photo by John Sanderson
Between Queensboro Plaza and 33rd Street, 2016 AUGUST 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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INTERIOR DESIGN
DRIFTWOOD
DESIGN BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING
I
n New York City, the very concept of work is changing rapidly with the gig economy taking over the job market. It seems like everyone you talk to these days has a “side hustle” and considers themselves a multi-hyphenate, meaning that they have several job titles. Being self-employed can provide fantastic
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flexibility, but you also need to add an office space into your already tight quarters at home. Thor-Harris Partridge is a music producer and DJ, and he also works in real estate. He lives and works out of his beautiful one-bedroom apartment in Astoria. He also grew up here — a native Astorian!
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INTERIOR DESIGN
Finding the balance between creating living and working spaces can be a challenge, but Partridge adapts his apartment for whatever mode he is in. In the living room, large speakers loom on either side of a large desk, the only real indication that music is recorded and created here. “I just released my first album on a Brooklyn label called Wonderwheel Productions,” he said. “When I’m in full-on producer mode, this whole room becomes my studio, but now that the album is done, I’m clearing space.” Partridge’s girlfriend, Tiffany Porter, helped him design elements of his apartment, drawing on her background as a designer. Above the sofa, mounted on the wall, is an enormous piece of driftwood, which serves as an artistic accent as well as nature. “We found the wood in Long Island,” Porter told me. “We were canoeing and spotted it on the beach. When we brought it home, I wrapped embroidery thread around it as decoration.” The coffee table in the living room also has a natural beachy vibe, but this piece was picked up at CB2, a favorite store of Partridge’s. Another store he recommended in Astoria is called Hour Children’s Shop, he said. “It’s a weird name, but I encourage you to check it out; it’s kind of a home goods thrift store.”
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Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO
In the kitchen, a similar, but larger table is nestled into a breakfast nook and above it on the wall hangs a collection of Maasai ceremonial wedding necklaces. Partridge picked them up on his travels through Kenya and South Africa. The benches either side of the table were reupholstered by Porter. “Tiffany is so creative,” Partridge explained. “She did the stenciling on the wall above the bedroom. She sews and is very crafty.” I asked Partridge if working from home was really the dream that people often suggest it is. He told me that yes, the flexibility was great, but “after working for eight hours on my album, I stop and realize I’m already home. It’s too much sometimes; I never get out of the apartment! I would love to eventually have a studio to go to, but financially it’s tough. I need my work space to inspire my work, a place with windows and light. I could rent a small studio, but I haven't found anywhere better than my place right now.” In every room in the apartment, the color palette is muted and natural. Plants cascade from shelves, wood is strongly featured and everything seems soft and cozy. It seems to reflect the couple’s lifestyle perfectly. They both work for themselves. “We would hate to have full-time desk jobs,” Partridge mused. “There are so many things we want to do, together and separately.” This Astoria apartment certainly seems to be providing them the space to work on all their projects and the inspiration to create even more.
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THROUGH AUGUST 31st. BESTOF.QNS.COM 48
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FOOD + DRINK
MANGIAMO By ANGELA MATUA
A
@ANGELAMATUA
storia resident Tom Vicari has spent decades opening restaurants in up-and-coming neighborhoods across Manhattan but has decided to return to his hometown for his latest project. Vicari, 62, began his career in the restaurant industry by working at Riccardo’s Restaurant — now called Riccardo’s By The Sea in Astoria — when he was 15 years old. Later, he found a job as a waiter at Tavern on the Green and was promoted to manager. Vicari became fascinated with the restaurant scene and got jobs at major French
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like grilled Norwegian salmon, farmer’s omelet and vanilla French toast, there will be something for everyone. Additionally, the restaurant’s bar has extensive wine and liquor options. Vicari takes the design of his restaurants very seriously. Piccolino is decked out in
Photos: Angela Matua/BORO
restaurants, where he learned everything about what it takes to run a successful business. “I started working for the top French restaurants in the city where you had to know everything: the kitchen, how to carve a duck, fillet of sole, the service, and you had to be impeccable,” Vicari said. “That’s where I had my good training.” In his late 20s, he decided to open his own restaurant in Chelsea, a neighborhood that still had a reputation for being unsafe. “They said, 'Why Chelsea? There’s drug addicts, drug dealers, prostitutes, the meat market. There's nothing down there,'” he added. He opened an expensive French restaurant, where he “made a fortune,” and decided to open an Italian restaurant and Cuban restaurant called Cuba Libre in the same area in rapid succession. The neighborhood began to change, attracting more diners to Vicari’s restaurants. At one point, he owned six restaurants within two blocks of each other. The restaurateur repeated this formula in Gramercy, Hell’s Kitchen and the Upper West Side. He has fond memories of those days when actors like John Leguizamo and Rubén Blades, also a singer, would visit his haunts. His Cuban sandwich was also named the best in New York by The New York Times and New York Magazine. Rent started to get expensive, and Vicari decided to retire. He sold his restaurants and stepped away, but not for long. “I sold a lot of my restaurants,” he said. “[I thought], let me retire. I don't need this headache. But then I got bored.” He passed by an empty space at 30-86 51st St. at the border of Astoria and Woodside and discovered that the rent was extremely cheap. So on June 29, Italian restaurant Piccolino was officially opened. Piccolino offers classic Italian dishes by Chef Alfonso, who has worked for Vicari since he was 18 years old. Linguine di mare, a pasta dish that includes shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams and mussels in a light marinara sauce; veal tre amici, a meat dish that includes eggplant, tomatoes and mozzarella in a sherry wine sauce; and chicken Piccolino, which features pieces of boneless chicken with sausage, a generous portion of mushrooms, olives and garlic in a white wine sauce are just some of the offerings. Vicari said he decided to keep the menu simple but is also adding a prix-fixe brunch menu in the coming weeks that Queens residents are sure to enjoy. With options
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photos and paintings Vicari has collected over the years, and two paintings depicting ingredients found in Italian kitchens were hand-painted by a friend who has provided many of his restaurants with art. He even has artwork made by Astoria native and musician Tony Bennett. “I collect a lot of stuff,” he said. “I could decorate at least four Cuban restaurants.” The reception from customers has been good so far, and Vicari hopes to entice more diners to frequent the restaurant since food options in the area are scarce. Situated near the Boulevard Gardens apartment complex, which includes 960 units, the only eateries nearby consist of mostly delis and a bagel shop. “Just like Chelsea, just like Hell’s Kitchen, this is gonna be the spot,” he said. “I’m gonna put this place on the map.” Piccolino is open from Tuesdays through Sundays from 5 to 11 p.m. Dishes are available to order from Uber Eats, Grub Hub and Seamless. Visit piccolino.nyc for more information. AUGUST 2017
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Summertime at
LIC Flea & Food
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ummer is in full swing and so is the LIC Flea & Food. Every Saturday and Sunday, a carefully curated mix of artisan, vintage, global food and drink options presents itself to a curious audience. And every season, the options to chose from grow. Take Empanada Papa. Deemed to have the best empanadas in the borough by their loyal following, Empanada Papa has been a staple at this season’s flea with their freshly fried empanada del pastor or de esquites with a special chipotle mayo sauce. Açaí Brazil offers a super healthy and refreshing option. The açaí berry’s antioxidant capacity has earned the berry its name as super food, and therefore is a staple in Brazil. Açaí Brazil offers a variety of combinations with other fruits for a great summer snack. Another new face to the LIC Flea is the Astoria Warrior clothing line. As the name states, this brand is all about representing Astoria. Whether you’re looking for original designed caps or fresh T-shirts with Star Wars lettering, Astoria Warrior will hook you up. Seeking artisan goods? Then you must check out Proveartes. A family company that sells “handcrafted Colombian handicrafts,” Proveartes offers a host of products from skillfully designed necklaces to colorful bags. All items are made of natural fibers.
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As if that isn’t enough, LIC Flea also offers a beer garden along the waterfront with local craft beer and incredible events. Aug. 13 and 14 brings an international tap takeover with beer and wine across the globe and an array of global cuisine. On Sept. 16 and 17, there is the first Queens BBQ Smokedown & Brew Fest. A ticket will get you unlimited beer tasting and a barbecue plate. Yum! BORO readers can enjoy 25 percent off all LIC Flea 2017 events with the special code BORO. You can get all info about LIC Flea & Food and its upcoming special events at licflea.com. The LIC Flea & Food is located at 5-25 46th Ave., just a block from the famous Pepsi-Cola sign at the corner of 46th Avenue and Fifth Street. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
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#STAYCOOL
LOCATED AT
8-08 QUEENS PLAZA SOUTH • LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 • 718.289.6118