BORO by Julian Lesser

ART/food/restaurants shops/green living health & beauty and more. DECEMBER, 2010

VOLUME 1:1

LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS 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ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING LONG ISLAND CITY / HUNTERS POINT / QUEENS WEST / COURT SQUARE / QUEENS PLAZA / SALES / RENTALS / PROJECT MARKETING

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CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

features

10 CHEF PROFILE

6 FOOD

Local food chain fosters delicious community roots

George Rallis: holiday drink from Hell

12 BODY & SOUL

16 EVENT LISTINGS

Astoria sk8 park

18 MAP IT: ASTORIA / LIC

24 GREEN LIVING

Your go-to guide for Astoria and LIC’s best

Green Holiday Gifting Guide

shops, food, art, nightlife and more

32 ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

22 FITNESS

34 ART

30 GREEN TIPS

37 INSPIRATION

New Year’s Eve 2010 in Astoria and LIC

Temptation on the rise

Astoria / LIC art excavation

Shop for the holidays - at the Beer Garden? You say you want a resolution?

ADVERTISE IN BORO: ads@boromag.com // 914.426.2939 // www.boromag.com/advertise

CONTRIBUTORS editor and publisher julian lesser phillip trinh

copy editor norm elrod

contributing designer alberto michieli

staff photographers javier ibañez, alex marshall

sales and marketing nadine auerbach

creative design direction paul connolly

art directors anh-linh trinh,

staff writers rebecca mcnamara, christopher de la tore, aaron monteabaro, mickey z /

webmaster janmichael guzman

And here’s how...

LocaL

BORO is written, researched, printed and distributed in Astoria and Long Island City. We support and showcase local writers, editors, publishers and designers, and make every effort to put money back into the local economy.

Green

BORO is a highly “green” company. Our magazines are printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper with soy ink to minimize the impact on the environment. We also print locally at On Demand Printing in Long Island City, which lowers our carbon footprint.

Community

We all have the power to change the world... for the better. Each and every day presents us with opportunities. And how we react determines what the world will be like tomorrow. It can be as simple as a well-timed smile or a kind gesture, such as giving up your seat on the subway. Or it can be a much bigger project, such as launching a new magazine and website to inform, empower and entertain the community you call home. We chose the latter. (We tend to think BIG.) Welcome to the first issue of Magazine, a free monthly lifestyle magazine for Astoria and Long Island City, Queens. BORO covers all things Astoria/LIC, from food and nightlife to health and beauty, the arts, green living and more! Our mission is to make a positive difference in the community, by connecting you to everything Astoria and Long Island City have to offer. Whether it’s unearthing hidden local gems, highlighting ways to impact the community or inspiring action through ideas and creative thought, we hope to make the community a better place.

We aim to do more than simply produce content for consumption. Our goal is to build a strong, sustainable relationship with the local community. In addition to covering local news and events, we create initiatives and partnerships that enrich the lives of local residents and businesses. BORO Magazine is one part education, one part action. We want to make you aware of the great opportunities in our area and motivate you to get involved.

Giving Back

BORO will be a visible and active participant in the community. Each month we proudly donate a portion of our revenue to local charities and initiatives, support local fundraising and create unique community events through offline and online efforts. BORO is more than a monthly magazine. It’s also a website, where we run fresh content between issues. BOROmag.com includes events, maps, shop and restaurant reviews, ways to get involved with the community and more! So also visit www.BOROmag.com to keep up with what’s happening in Astoria/LIC. wouldn’t exist without our local business partners. And we’re honored by all the love we’ve received. We send a wholehearted “thank you” to all the merchants, advertisers, distributers, advisors, sponsors and individuals who have helped get our project off the ground! Please support our partners so they can continue to support us.

Story Aaron Monteabaro Photos Anastasia Cole

Eating is taking on a new meaning in western Queens. Thanks to the efforts of a group of local entrepreneurs, eating isn’t just about food anymore; it’s about improving quality of life, supporting local businesses and protecting the environment. Lofty goals, no doubt, but important ones—and it all starts at the farm. From Farm to Table On top of one of the many industrial-style buildings that dot the Long Island City landscape sits the Brooklyn Grange Farm (located at 37-18 Northern Boulevard), giving life to an array of organic produce under the direction of owner and farmer Ben Flanner and his team of volunteers. However, it isn’t the awe-inspiring view or the wonderful New York City air that makes this vegetation so important. As with any farm, it’s the quality of the soil that determines the quality of the plants. And in the spirit of keeping things local, much of Flanner’s top-quality, organic matter-rich soil comes from the Western Queens Compost Initiative. “The more healthy produce that’s consumed, the better,” Flanner said. Not having to ship products across the 6

country also eliminates the need for environmentally unfriendly fuel or trucking. “I really think it makes sense to grow the food as close as possible to where it is consumed,” Flanner said. Brooklyn Grange is active most of the year, taking only the coldest winter months off. During that time, cover crops help protect the soil while certain greens remain alive under the frozen top, waiting patiently to bloom with the spring thaw. When the operation gets rolling again in March, volunteers help bring the Farm—as well as the Western Queens Compost Initiative—to life. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit them online at www. brooklyngrangefarm.com. Eat Local, Be Local There’s no better way to embrace a community than by supporting the local economy, and never before has doing so tasted so good. Two places in Astoria and Long Island City are dishing out top-quality food using the best ingredients possible, thanks to a conscious effort to source from nearby farms—such as the Brooklyn Grange—whenever possible. Vesta, located at 21-02 30th Avenue, is a trattoria and

Brooklyn Grange Farm

wine bar that works closely with Flanner and his farm. Owner Giuseppe Falco has incorporated a commitment to local food into his mission, and to him, the benefits are simple. “First, everything tastes better,” he said. “Every time we compare locally grown products with supermarket products, flavor-wise, the local veggies are a million times more flavorful.” Vesta also sources from other locations in the area, such as Satur Farms on Long Island. Falco said he plans to open another new restaurant soon that will also rely on local ingredients.

“We’re able to get just as good of a product while still cutting down on waste.” This same kind of environmental care is central to another new restaurant: M. Wells Diner, located at 21-17 49th Avenue in Long Island City. Owners Hugue Dufour and Sarah Obaitis have been purchasing produce from Brooklyn Grange ever since they opened their business in July 2009. For them, the idea of creating a local and sustainable network of friends & business partners is vital.

It’s a bunch of people working together to

create an entity.

“Why buy something a thousand miles away when you can get it down the block?” he asked. Keeping the environment healthy is also on the menu; Falco says Vesta even recently installed wine taps to cut down the amount of garbage produced. “The wine comes in stainless steel tanks, and there are about two cases of wine in each tank,” he explained.

“You really have contact with the farmers,” Dufour said, before explaining the concept of terroir as a form of community. “It’s a bunch of people working together to create an entity.” Though the French word doesn’t easily translate into English, terroir may be best understood as a locality supporting and managing its own resources, from people to product. As such, most of M. Wells’ employees are from the Queens area.

continued on next page 7

And if the food and staff aren’t enough, this local-first mentality applies to just about every other aspect of Dufour and Obaitis’ restaurant. Just look at the décor: much of the dining room furniture comes from Build It Green! NYC, a non-profit organization that salvages building materials and offers them at low prices to businesses. “We’re trying to do as much as we can,” said Dufour. Healthy and Happy It’s not just about healthy, organic food. Besides the nutritional value of the produce—or for that matter the meat, fish or dairy being consumed—local farming and food production also benefit the land on which it’s grown.

To be specific, certain practices promoted by industrial farms, whose goal is to supply an entire nation or population, can drain nutrients out of the land and can cause ecosystems under the topsoil to weaken. That’s why keeping things in the neighborhood can be a double win for everyone involved. Buying local products can prevent the damage to the environment done by big factory farms, not to mention support area businesses. And besides, it simply tastes better. learn more Visit www.boromag.com/food/ benefits-of-eating-green.

“Large farms have a lot of negative impact on the soil,” Flanner explained.

page 18

9 Brooklyn Grange Farm 22 vesta 16 m. wells diner

chef PROFILE

Sweeter Than Your Average Cocktail Story Paul Connolly Photos ALT

George Rallis, owner of Astoria hideaway Hell Gate Social, draws on his previous life as a chef at top NYC and Chicago restaurants when creating drinks for his bar/lounge. The bar frequently doubles as a science lab of sorts, with Rallis testing food/liquor combos for his drink infusions. For new winter drink the Butternut Squash Old Fashioned, he infuses Jim Beam with roasted butternut squash and maple syrup for two weeks before blending it with bitters and sweet and sour ingredients. He says, “It’s a dessert-inspired drink, much like the Blueberry Fusion and the Rum Toddy. But I’d serve this one with pork.” Hell Gate is home to a changing roster of local artwork, Zen-inspired outdoor space and alternative events like rockabilly burlesque, punk DJs, and screenings by local filmmakers.

Butternut Squash Old Fashioned 1-1/2 oz of infused Jim Beam infused with roasted butternut squash and maple syrup; recipe follows 1/2 tsp cane sugar 2 dashes Angostura bitters Splash of seltzer

Garnish with one Italian sour cherry Place all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice. Shake. Pour. Enjoy. Recipe: Infused Jim Beam 1/2 Butternut squash; peeled, deseeded, diced (size of diced squash needs to fit in bottle spout) Maple Syrup (enough to coat squash)

page 18

50 hells gate social

Toss diced squash lightly with maple syrup, spread on a cookie sheet and roast in a 400째F oven until caramelized or fork tender. Cool mixture completely. Insert into Jim Beam bottle. Cap and allow to infuse for 1 to 2 weeks. 11

ASTORIA

SK8 PARK Story & Photo ALT

Steve Rodriguez is the “Mayor” of NYC skateboarding. The owner of 5BORO skateboards and a passionate leader and advocate for the skateboarding community, Rodriguez regularly contributes his time and effort to guide the city in building better skateparks. His latest creation is the new Astoria Skatepark, located in Astoria Park, and it’s quickly becoming a haven for local enthusiasts.We sat down with Rodriguez to get the inside scoop on the new park BORO: What was your inspiration for the Astoria Skatepark? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: Skateboarding, the youth and all those smooth surfaces that you wish you could skate on! But most importantly, NYC. Astoria is truly one of the best parks on the East Coast and one of the top three in NYC. BORO: What do you hope this park will accomplish? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: Huge question, but there are three main things: one, [to prove] to the City and Parks Department that end users should be the ones designing parks; two, to show how well the collaboration between the parks and a non-city employee designed turned out; and three, to design a park that everyone—from beginner to pro—could enjoy.

Steve R. at Astoria Skate Park under RFK bridge

BORO: Do you skate often in the winter? Will we be seeing you at the park, even when it’s cold? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: It’s getting rough as I get older; falling in sub-40 degree weather makes you think twice. But yes! You will see me out at Astoria this winter. continued on next page

BORO: You grew up in NYC. Are there any attractions in Astoria you’ve recently discovered while visiting the skatepark? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: I actually grew up in New Jersey and in NYC (don’t want to upset the purists!). As for new attractions, [there’s a] whole strip of shops near the Belief Skateshop, a whole community there that I never really explored. And Astoria Park itself is amazing. The Triboro Bridge and Hell Gate views are beautiful, too, and that breeze in the summer is great. BORO: Do you have any other plans for the NYC skateboarding community? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: I’ve reached out to the Parks Department parks many times to offer up my services—the Astoria design was pro-bono—and I hope they allow me to be a part of the permanent future of skateboarding in NYC. With skateparks, I’m an advocate for things getting done the right way, with the end user in mind. Astoria is a dream spot for the locals; why shouldn’t every skater have a dream spot of their own?

page 18 26 Belief 41 Astoria skate park

iguez Steve Rodr store (Top left) ateboard aters atepark sk ft) Belief sk le e dl id (M Astoria Sk id Av ) ht ft/rig le m to ot (B

(Above) Belief skateboard store (Bottom) Belief owners:

BORO: Last but not least, do you have any tips for the newbies who are inspired to skateboard at the new park? STEVE RODRIGUEZ: Start slow, go early when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less crowded, and most of all, have fun! Like this photojournal? See more great pictures at www.boromag.com/category/galleries Submit photos to info@boromag.com.

december events is happy to provide a listing of the hottest events in Astoria and LIC each month. For a more comprehensive calendar visit our online guide at www.boromag.com/events

Submit your event for free to events@boromag.com 12/03 Hell Gate Social Burlesque show

12/11 @ 1 and 3pm Staged Readings of New Works:

12/1 – 12/24 Holiday Market Every Sunday

(718) 204-8213 | 12-21 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.hellgatesocial.com

The Secret Theatre The Nutcracker (718) 781-1169 | 4402 23rd Street, LIC secrettheatre.com

(718) 274-4925 | 2919 24th Ave Astoria www.astoriamarket.com

12/6 @ 7pm Greater Astoria Historical Society

12/12 MoMA PS 1 opens The Talent Show 1

Then and Now Book Signing (718) 278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Astoria astorialic.org

and 3pm (718) 784-2084 | 22-25 Jackson Ave, LIC www.ps1.org

12/7 6-10pm Holiday Daze @ Brick Café

12/15-18 @ 8pm The Chocolate Factory

(718) 204-5031 | 30-95 33rd Street, Astoria http://boromag.com/event/holiday-daze

12/9 7pm Staged Readings of New Works: The Groaning Board by Wendy Macleod 7pm (718) 781-1169 | 4402 23rd Street, LIC secrettheatre.com

Tara O’con – Underneath Where we are (718) 482-7069 | 5-49 49th Ave, LIC www.chocolatefactorytheater.org

12/18 @ 3pm LaGuardia Performing Arts Center The Nutcracker (718) 482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac

12/3, 12/10, 12/17 Astoria Wine and Spirits Friday Night Wine Tastings (718) 545-9463 | 34-12 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 12/26 Hell Gate Social Sunday Night Cocktail Party 718-294-8313 | 12-21 Astoria Blvd. www.hellgatesocial.com The most popular drinks from the 1950’s for $5 each!

12/1-4/24 2011 Noguchi Museum I On Becoming An Artist (718) 204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org

FOOD

MAP IT DIRECTORY

Astor Bake Shop (718) 606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

16 M. WELLS DINER (718) 425-6917 21-17 49th Ave, LIC www.mwellsdiner.com

Avenue Cafe NYC (718) 278-6967 35-27 30th Ave, Astoria www.avenuecafenyc.com

17 Monika’s Cafe Bar (718) 204-5273 32-90 36th St, Astoria www.cafebarastoria.com

astoria wine and spirits (718) 545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

18 Mundo (718) 777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mundoastoria.com

Brick Cafe (718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com

Blend (718) 729-2800 47-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.blendlic.com

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (718) 204-0141 35-05 Broadway, Astoria

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (718) 932-8280 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (718) 777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria www.bkbagel.com

Brooklyn Grange Farm (917) 204-5644 37-18 Northern Blvd, LIC www.brooklyngrangefarm.com

10 Cream Bakery (718) 545-3800 31-78 Steinway St, Astoria www.creambakeryny.com 11 DiWine (718) 777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com 12 Fresh Start (718) 204-7868 29-13 23rd Ave, Astoria www.fsorganic.com 13 Il Bambino (718) 626-0087 34-08 31St Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com 14 LIC MarkeT (718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC http://licmarket.com/ 15 Linn (718) 204-0060 29-13 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com

31 The Jumping Bulldog: a boutique for Cats and Dogs (718) 274-2510 28-10 23rd Ave, Astoria www.jumpingbulldog.com 32 KrisTEE’s (718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com

46 The Yoga Room (718) 274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.the-yoga-room.com 47 Yoga Agora (718) 626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.yogaagora.com

NIGHTLIFE

33 Loveday 31 (718) 728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday.com

48 Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (718) 274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

19 Parisi Bakery (718) 728-5282 30-17 Broadway, Astoria www.parisibakeryastoria.com

34 Matted LIC (718) 786-8660 46-36 Vernon Blvd, LIC

20 Pomme Cafe (718) 545-4301 37-19 Broadway, Astoria www.pommecafeny.com

35 Modern Spaces (718) 784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC www.modernspacesnyc.com

49 FOUNDRY (718) 786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info

21 Sanfords Restaurant (718) 932-9569 30-13 Broadway Astoria www.sanfordsnyc.com

36 OnDEMAND PRINTING (718) 392-0500 30-02 48th Ave, LIC www.ondemandprinting.com

22 Vesta (718) 545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

37 Ravel (718) 289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com

23 WATER’S EDGE (718) 482-0033 401 44th Dr, LIC www.watersedgenyc.com

38 Site (718) 626-6030 32-90 36th St, Astoria www.shopsiteonline.com

24 Winegasm (718) 932-3331 31-86 37th St, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com 25 Yajai (718) 956-9559 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

SHOPS 26 belief (718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com 27 Candy Plum (718) 721-2299 3098 36th St, Astoria www.candyplum.com 28 Ditmars Flowers and Gifts 24 (800) 772-6090 29-11 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.ditmarsflowershop.com 29 Floresta (917) 612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog 30 Inside Astoria (718) 956-4000 37-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

39 Super Nova Tattoos (718) 274-5712 37-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com 40 Vardiman Eyewear (718) 204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

BODY + SOUL 41 Astoria skate park In Astoria Park at Hoyt Ave N. and 19th street 42 Gigi Salon (718) 777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com 43 NEW YORK SPORTS CLUB (718) 932-1400 2856 Steinway St, Astoria www.nysc.com 44 Primp and Tease (718) 472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC 45 Rejuvenate face and body (718) 626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.rejuvenatenyc.com

50 hells Gate Social (718) 204-8313 12-21 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.hellgatesocial.com 51 Mix Cafe and Lounge (347) 642-4840 40-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.mixcafelounge.com 52 Rapture Lounge (718) 626-8044 34-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com 53 Studio Square Beer Garden (718) 383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com 54 Sweet Afton (718) 777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

THE ARTS

55 Kaufman Astoria Studios (718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com 56 MoMA PS1 (718) 784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave, LIC www.ps1.org 57 Museum of the Moving Image (718) 784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us 58 Noguchi Museum (718) 204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org 59 Socrates Sculpture Park (718) 626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org 60 UNDERPENNY (917) 517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC

MAP IT DIRECTORY

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temptation ON THE

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Trainer Brooke Taylor talks about f itness, Pilates and holiday diet. Story Mickey Z Photo Stefan Diaz

“I am the queen of embracing challenges,” declares Brooke

Taylor. Her thriving personal training and Pilates business is proof. Plying her craft at a wide range of venues, including the the old Astoria Theater turned New York Sports Club on Steinway St. and 30th Ave., the 29-year-old Astoria native embodies hard work and perseverance. Originally a professional dancer, Taylor decided to try her hand at a Pilates certification when she grew tired of the waitressing to make ends meet. “I grew up very active, dancing since I was three and playing every sport imaginable,” she explains. “[Professional] fitness was just a natural progression.” Within seven months, Brooke attained a master trainer level certification at her gym, but it was a dance-related injury that pushed her into full-time training. “I was injured while performing, and training just took over my life,” she says, adding that the injury motivated her to pursue additional certifications. “I started studying more intensely, trying to learn about my own injury and how to fix it. I was ready for a change, and it was quite amazing to see what I could do for myself and my clients.” Now, with the holiday season (read: potential overeating and under-training) upon us, we asked Brooke for her advice to survive this year’s festivities.

BORO: It’s no secret that the holiday season often sabotages even the most serious of gym rats. How do you keep yourself and clients focused during this time of year? BROOKE TAYLOR: Exercise is like brushing your teeth—you

have to do it before you start your day. It becomes a ritual that way. Although the holiday season should be no different from any other time of year, let’s face it: temptation is on the rise. As a result, I take that extra initiative to keep them focused and motivated.

BORO: What practical steps do you take to keep your clients excited about staying in shape?

BROOKE TAYLOR: I change up their workout regimen every

4-6 weeks so that their bodies don’t plateau. Especially around this time, I try to make their programs fun and interactive so that they’re laughing, smiling and enjoying themselves while I give them that extra push. Who wants to do something they don’t enjoy? BORO: What about food? You don’t have to look far during the holiday season for an excuse to indulge… BROOKE TAYLOR: I ask clients to keep dietary food logs so that they can monitor caloric intake, as well caloric expenditure. That way, it won’t be a mystery if those extra five pounds sneak up on you. If they have a holiday party that night, I tell them to hit the gym the first thing in the morning or right before the party. I also recommend eating a healthy meal before any event [with] holiday treats. This way, you won’t come back later and say, “But there were no healthy choices so I was forced to eat pumpkin pie.” BORO: Can you suggest one relatively uncommon exercise to help rev up our readers’ metabolisms? BROOKE TAYLOR: Sure, the Cable Reverse Woodchop. Start in a wide stance with your legs and feet parallel. Shift your body weight towards the cable and bend the knee closest to the cable while keeping the opposite leg straight. Make sure you’re in a nice straight line from head to tail. As you exhale, transfer your weight to the opposite leg as you simultaneously pull the cable across your body on a high diagonal (as you raise and rotate the torso). You should then end with the opposite leg bent and the starting leg straight, so that you have one long line from your leg to your hand. To repeat, transfer the weight back, rotate and hinge at the torso to the starting position. Perform 15 – 20 reps on each side.

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

IAL SP EC

GIVING GREEN

OUNTS DISC ION

NT U ME N YO E THE H W Y OF AT AN ” O ANTS R H “B O ERC M G N OWI FOLL

Story Julian Lesser Photos Phillip Trinh

RAISE YOUR HAND IF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR: Stressing out while trying to find the perfect gift. Running around like a maniac looking for that musthave item. Wrapping things in extravagant ribbons and handmade papers to cover up the blandness of your lastminute purchases. Well, worry no more! This year, we’re making the holiday season easy with our first annual BORO Green Gifting Guide. Trust us, we understand the importance of a great gift. That’s why we’ve searched high and low all throughout Astoria and Long Island City to find you the best options.

But first, what exactly is “green gifting”? At BORO, we believe it’s the ideal mixture of local, green and useful items: • Local: Gifts purchased from area merchants to support the neighborhood economy. • Green: Products that are eco-friendly with a low carbon footprint. • Useful: Something useful that can be put into action. So, let’s get started. Be sure to check out these nine shops, representing the best Astoria and LIC have to offer:

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY

All of the products at Rejuvenate—from cleansers and moisturizers to sunscreen and soy candles—contain allnatural, plant-based ingredients. That’s not by accident: this high quality and friendly spa only stocks products that are free from animal testing and are made from ethically sourced ingredients. The Trilogy Travelers Kit is one of our favorite gift items. It packs together a mighty combination of a gentle facial exfoliant, vital moisturizing cream, cream cleanser, ultra-hydrating body cream and hydrating mist toner perfect for that someone on the go! The Spa also carries Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil, a tiny, but effective, gift. Another great find is the Melange Roll-On Perfume. Infused with natural coconut and Hawaiian kukui nut oils, this captivating perfume is compact and easy to apply, thanks to its unique roll-on feature. Its sleek and angular design, complete with brushed metal cap and limited availability make it a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Gift certificates are available as well. Price: $18–$37

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS

At this little shop you’ll find a wide selection of organic and biodynamic wines—green and yummy! Wine is a perfect gift for the holiday season, and who knows, maybe the recipient will be kind enough to share a glass! But wait, we know what you’re thinking—organic and biodynamic wines? That’s right: Organic means these wines feature grapes grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides (similar to organic food), while biodynamics is a method of farming that combines the organic approach with a dedication to working with nature’s rhythms. It’s a technique that helps maintain the soil, along with the microorganisms that support it, as a living entity. Anyways, on to our recommendations! Montinore Estate Pinot Gris: Willamette Valley, Oregon: A crisp, dry Pinot Gris with pear and mineral aromas, made from biodynamically farmed fruit. Montinore’s mission is to create unique wines that are true to their varietal characteristics and reflect the land they’re grown on. Pacific Rim Riesling: Columbia Valley, Washington: Made by Riesling-obsessed winemakers, this wine is lightly sweet, with aromas of jasmine and citrus. Made from organically grown grapes. continued on next page

Yellow + Blue Malbec: San Juan, Argentina: Made in one of only two biodynamic wineries in South America, this liter of Malbec with dark berry flavors is 93% wine and 7% packaging. One percent of sales support Kiva.org, whose mission is “to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.”

LOVEDAY 31:

Price: $15-$19

LIC MARKET:

We’re all familiar with the slogan “reduce, re-use, and recycle.” But Ivona, creator and owner of the boutique Loveday 31, has taken that concept a step further, launching a business that truly brings the mantra to life. This hip and chic second-hand shop houses a beautiful array of handpicked women’s clothing and accessories, thanks to Ivona’s talent for spotting other peoples’ past treasures. Gift shoppers, take notice: you’re bound to walk away with something truly unique and special. Choose from a wide selection of dresses, blouses, jewelry and shoes. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a stunning flapper-esque hat or playful ‘80s costume jewelry. An amazing menu and delicious food? Of course! But the real gem here is the little market owner and chef Alex Schindler has created inside the quaint LIC Café. During the evening, when the cafe is closed for business, Alex and his team create tasty canned products, made with love from locally supplied produce. Stop by and pick from homemade pickles, eggplant caponata, cerignola olives, pickled baby carrots, roasted cashew butter, pickled red onions, grape tomato sauce, appledate butter and blueberry jam. They’re the perfect edible green treats, and great as individual gifts or packaged in a basket. Price: $4-$10

We also suggest taking a close look at their wide selection of printed scarves, belts (chain, leather or woven), hats, clutches and bags. After all, if diamonds aren’t in your budget, then these jewels can also become a girl’s best friend! Price: Scarves: $5-$38, Belts: $18-$45, Hats: $18-$45, Bags: $24-$79, Jewelry:$15-$55

SITE:

This shop is a feast for all of your senses. Tons of wonderful trinkets, toys and a wide array of art adorn the chic space and get you in the mood to discover that perfect gift. SITE is a designer shop focused on exclusive, quality products you won’t find anywhere else—that won’t break the bank. Many of the products are locally sourced, such as the organic cotton onesies silkscreened in Brooklyn with an image of the Queens map. It’s the perfect green gift for the folks with a new addition to their family!

How? Well, hair soaks up oil. And Gigi donates all the hair they cut to Matter of Trust, an organization that assists in the cleanup of oil spills all over the world.

We also love SITE’s line of bracelets, rings, pens and key chains made from recycled silverware. Produced by a silverware dealer named John Atkinson, these products are made from leftover one-off silverware pieces that would otherwise be discarded. Atkinson has turned these one-of-a-kind items—once destined for the trash—into beautiful pieces of art.

Price: $14-$21

So, be sure to stop by and peruse their wide selection of Aveda hair products. All Aveda products are made from organic plat materials—with no animal testing—and are manufactured with wind power. Their list of green credentials goes on and on. But bottom line is: guilt-free hair products make a great gift!

FRESH START:

Price: $8.95 – $30

GIGI SALON:

What could be more useful than food, herbs and vitamins? And what could be greener than organic food from a local health food store? We all love trying new treats and stocking our kitchens. And I’m sure you’d love it even more if someone brought you a basket of succulent teas, fruits, cookies and cheeses! Yum!!!

Who doesn’t need hair products? Everyone uses something on their scalp, whether it’s shampoo and conditioner or pomade and shine. So why not gift it? Gigi Salon and Styling Studio is an Aveda Concept store with an environmentally friendly design and a green mindset. The Salon makes every effort to recycle everything, from aluminum foil and water to actual hair! Yes, you read that correctly. Hair.

Fresh Start is a premier health food market in Astoria noted for its incredibly high level of service. So pop in and grab some tasty treats, or create a care package by combining XYZ teas, organic honey, savory cookies and fresh fruit. The crew at Fresh Start will even help you package it all up, providing you with a beautiful basket that doubles as the perfect personal gift. Price: $20 and up.

continued on next page

INSIDE ASTORIA

FLORESTA

This shop is a mecca for holiday gifts. And among the beautiful books, handmade furniture, candles and children’s toys are some wonderful green gift ideas. In particular, head buyer Andrew Purdom has stocked a collection of organic cutting boards made from red alder, a sustainable hardwood that flourishes in the lush climate of the coastal Pacific Northwest. It’s the ideal green and functional gift!

Down at the tip of Vernon Boulevard lies Floresta, a beautiful little flower shop owned and operated by Juan Carlo Bermudez. Bermudez is passionate in his desire to run a wholly green operation—working with greens, selling greens and designing greens—and the finished products are astounding.

Also, don’t miss Inside Astoria’s beautiful wall art sculptures. These unique sculptures are made from recycled steel oil drums and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. The intricately cut metal designs depict many images, including birds, flowers and trees are perfect for the art lover in your life. Price: Cutting Boards: $24 – $45; Sculptures: $50 – $290.

Take a second and imagine a room filled with flowers, their scents mixing together to create a luscious aroma. Sounds like something you wish you could bottle up and take home, right? Well, Bermudez has found a way to do just that, taking the wondrous smells of a flower shop and preserving them in candles Floresta’s candles combine natural soy wax, essential oils and premium fragrance oils with a natural cotton core wick to recreate the experience of being in his shop on any given day. Holiday shoppers can choose from seven scents, including White Tea Flower + Ginger, Mandarin + Bergamot, Pomegranate + Mango and Jasmine + Geranium. Price: $30-$40

more gift ideas! For more gift ideas, and a more comprehensive list of products from local stores, visit us online at www.boromag.com/featured/green-holiday-gifting-guide.

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ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS

14 LIC MARKET

33 LOVEDAY 31

12 FRESH START

38 SITE

30 INSIDE ASTORIA

42 GIGI SALON

29 FLORESTA

Shop from local artists and merchant Story Rebecca McNamara

It’s finally December, and the shopping bug is upon us all. But you don’t need to go out to the mall or trek through the crowded Manhattan streets—or worse, the even busier Manhattan holiday markets—for gifts. This year, there’s a Christmas market right here in our backyard. That’s right—look no further than the beloved Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Astoria mainstay has added a wealth of new traditions for visitors, including a Christmas Market, which begins at the end of November and continues until Saturday, December 25. Most of the vendors are from the Astoria and Long Island City area. Wares are displayed under heat lamps in the outdoor beer garden and range from handmade jewelry and candles to scarves, hats and baked goods. And of course, you’ll find a few specialty Czech vendors as well. “We have so many talented artists in our community, and this really creates an outlet for them, especially in this economy,” said Teri Munro, Special Events and Catering Manager. “It’s more important now than ever to stay a part of our community and make sure that new generations relate to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden.”

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48 BOHEMIUM BEER GARDEN

Visitors will enjoy the festive décor, including holiday lights, menorah, nativity scene and Christmas tree, while browsing the crafts. The beer garden’s menu has gotten into the holiday spirit too. Festive food options include: chestnuts, peanuts and walnuts roasted in honey; warm Czech cookies and warm mulled wine, eggnog and other holiday beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic). And if you haven’t already decorated your own front door, the Christmas Market has got you covered. A variety of wreaths are on sale, so be sure to pick up that festive touch for your home. Also, don’t miss the week of December 19, when the carolers will take center stage. There won’t be any grinches in the beer garden neighborhood this year! The Christmas Market is open every day through December 25. The Market opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 3 p.m. on Thursday; and 12 p.m. Friday through Sunday. And if that isn’t enough local flavor for you, be sure to also check out the year-round, indoor Sunday Arts and Crafts Market for more great Astoria arts and crafts. Directions: The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is located at 29-19 24th Avenue, off of the Astoria Boulevard NQ train stop. www.astoriamarket.com

story Rebecca McNamara

As December comes to an end, one moment is celebrated the world over: the arrival of a new year. And while New Year’s Eve means something different to everyone, most of us enjoy the celebration. The possibilities are seemingly endless. The first, and perhaps most important, step is deciding who to spend the night with. And of course, there’s that all-important question: what happens at midnight? Will it be a kiss as the ball drops? A clinking of champagne glasses? Cheering and blowing of horns? Once you’ve figured that out, the next decision involves selecting a locale. Thankfully, Astoria and Long Island City offer a plethora of options to make your New Year’s memorable, no matter who you are. For the Life of the Party For some, it isn’t New Years without the chaos of the city. But you don’t have to venture into Manhattan on the most crowded night of the year; Astoria and Long Island City boast countless bars, and make no doubt about it, they’re ready to celebrate. Rapture Lounge will have no cover or minimums (take that Manhattan!). Owner Roberto Mendoza will also 32

be providing his guests with noisemakers and a gratis glass of champagne at midnight. Be sure to check out Hell Gate Social, too. Don’t look for blinking lights and a big sign when you get there— the facade is little more than a steel door—but when you open it, you’ll see the party inside. No cover here, either. The indoor/outdoor celebration will feature champagne at midnight (as much as you can handle) along with a live shot of the fireworks on a projector screen. And stick around for a surprise; in the past, the owner has been known to make late-night White Castle runs to fulfill his guests’ drunk-munchies needs. So keep your eyes pealed for those white and blue boxes as the morning approaches. For the Couples When you’re in love, the gameplan can be obvious: spend time with your significant other over good conversation, delicious food, great wine and maybe even a dance or two. If that sounds like you, head to this year’s hot spot: Water’s Edge in Long Island City. Mood lighting and spectacular views overlooking the East River and midtown Manhattan will help set the scene for a night to remember. All-inclusive packages start at $120 and include dinner, cocktail hour, open bar and a live band and DJ.

Your party doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Wear sweats, watch old TV shows and movies, and order takeout—delivery.com has plenty of options in our area, so you don’t even have to pick up a phone book (if anyone still has one, that is). Replace the sparkling cider with champagne, and get ready for one great night! For Everyone Don’t forget: being just across the river from Manhattan, we all have a prime seat for the annual fireworks that take place in Central Park. Head to Astoria Park for the best views (be sure to take heavy clothes and lots of blankets to stay warm). You’ll get to enjoy the show while avoiding the huge crowds and chaos in the city.

If you’re looking for a romantic meal, but want to head home and watch the ball drop with your loved one from the comfort from your own home, head around the corner to Blend. The hip Latin-Fusion restaurant will be offering three prix fixe menus, ranging from $39 to $59 (including a bottle of wine). Be sure to make reservations early—seating is limited. And we all know romance doesn’t begin with an argument over why you waited until the last minute. For the Parents For those with a few kiddies at home, the best activity might just be a family night in. Let the kids stay up past their bedtime and spend the night watching movies, playing games, making crafts, and eating popcorn. Keep things simple: construction paper, childproof scissors, crayons and a glue stick can go a long way. And you’ll have plenty of change left over for a bottle of sparkling cider at midnight. For the Homebodies Of course, just because you don’t have kids doesn’t mean you have to go out. Instead, have a grown-up version of a cozy night in! Host a small party with friends. Watch the ball drop on TV, or, if you have a good enough view, look out the window!

Still can’t decide? Check out our website for a comprehensive listing of area specials and options, including creative ideas, such as spending the night at Astoria Bowl and other local venues. In the end, what you’ll remember most is what happens at midnight. So whatever you do, make it the night of your life! (And if anything goes wrong, there’s always next year.)

more options for NYE Visit www.boromag.com/nightlife/ entertainment/New-Years-Eve-2010 for comprehensive listings on all Astoria and LIC NYE events.

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52 RAPTURE LOUNGE 50 HELLs GATE SOCIAL

23 WATERS EDGE 5

BLEND

Photo by Leannestaples

ASTORIA /LIC

ART EXCAVATION Story Christoper de la Torre

There’s no doubt about it: New York City weaves one hell of an art narrative. And building bridges for burgeoning artists is one way to continue that legacy. From the Museum of the Moving Image to MoMA PS1, Astoria and Long Island City are home to some of the city’s most popular and inspiring art spaces. But it’s the hidden places that often conjure up the most memorable experiences. We went behind the canvas to dish art lovers a different side of paradise. 34

Photo by Alex Marshall

Dream Americana: UNDERPENNY PLANE & CAST IRON MUSEUM

When Undsung Park first arrived from South Korea in 1984, he didn’t expect to own two businesses in one of the hippest up-and-coming parts of town. But while the coffee shop he’s owned for 22 years had to ditch the donuts to adapt to the area’s growing gentrification, his other endeavor draws its vitality from the past, literally. Along with his wife of more than 20 years, Park opened the Underpenny Plane & Cast Iron Museum this past year. It lies just around the corner from his shop in the Vernon/Jackson section of Long Island City. Park has amassed an impressive collection of mid19th century American artifacts, on display in the renovated basement that currently houses the museum. It’s the result of 15 years of combing New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ohio for vintage coin banks, cast iron trivets and carpenters’ planes, all of which now line the museum’s walls and glass cases. Having seen firsthand L.I.C.’s transition from industrial town to the new center of New York gentrification, the self-proclaimed “Queens Man” can appreciate the value of preserving history. You could even say he’s addicted to it. page 18 60 Underpenny

34 Matted LIC

It all started when he found his stamp and coin collection too troublesome to display. Looking to expand his hobby, he began collecting other artifacts and dreamt of someday running a museum of his own. First came the smaller objects—bells, bookends, mechanical penny banks, planes and trivets. Then came the wooden ducks, radios and weathervanes. Inspired by the success of a cast iron trivet exhibit in the American wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Park set out to make his own slice of Americana a reality. And once you see his cast iron trivet collection firsthand, you’ll see what attracted him to this functional, yet elegant, piece of early American art history in the first place. Blacksmith-made, the wrought iron trivet was first used in England as far back as the 17th century as a way to safely hold pots that had been heated over a fire. The mass production of trivets came with the more contemporary cast iron process, which used a mold that had been created from a wooden pattern. Thanks to front and back impressions, this allowed trivets to be designed more precisely. By the end of the 18th century, homes and businesses began to display cast iron trivets as decorative pieces. The handles, legs and stretchers varied in construction and included animal figures, floral designs and Chippendale fretwork— the same designs hanging on Park’s museum wall. continued on next page

Park could be a millionaire if he sold each one of his cast iron treasures to the highest bidder. One collectible—we won’t tell you which one—alone is worth 20 grand. But it’s the love of the art that pushes him to collect more. When asked why he doesn’t claim his fortune, Park says he’d have no hobbies left. “Where will I go then?” he asked. “I can always enjoy them when I get older. Besides, I want to give back to the community, to give the young generation a piece of history.” And now that Park’s museum dream is a reality, he can give them a few thousand pieces of that history for free.

ALL In the family: Matted LLC Matted LIC isn’t just a store with fancy art frames. It also doubles as a gallery that’s home to exhibitions and poetry readings. And although this family business has been on Long Island City’s Vernon Boulevard for about a year and a half, the front door is still festooned with a banner that reads “Grand Opening” in bold letters. Perhaps that’s because Matted LIC still feels new. The shop does give off an air of youth; with its shiny pine floors, exposed brick and hodgepodge of novelties and knickknacks, the quaint space is as inviting as it is inspiring to an artistic sensibility. As a native New Yorker and frame shop owner, Donna Drimer is no stranger to art. It was 39 years ago that her mother purchased Frame Art Gallery (the Fresh Meadows business was 20 years old at the time). Now, her latest venue serves as both business and community center. “We’re sort of like a salon,” she said. “There’s a group of older sophisticated artists who’ve been here for years who come to talk and to share. It’s a wonderful environment.”

The shop isn’t only for the seasoned crowd, though. With the help of her daughter Allie, Drimer follows neighborhood trends like a hawk. But unlike other gallery owners who capitalize solely on “what’s hot,” she nurtures community participation by offering up-andcoming artists an opportunity to learn from the best. “You have to know how to market yourself,” Drimer said. “Selling your work doesn’t happen overnight.” The most recent show featured the architecturally inspired works of JK Sundquist, a close friend of Drimer’s she insists on calling “Jim,” even though he prefers to go by “Jack.” Of the October 7 opening, Drimer said, “the community vibe was amazing.” Currently gracing the walls of Matted LIC are the works of photographer and local artist Tony Vaccaro. His exhibit features 20 to 30 of his photographs from a weekend spent with Jackson Pollack and Lee Krasner at their Hamptons home. Vaccaro, an American photographer and war veteran, is perhaps best known for his photographs taken in Europe just after World War II. He later became a renowned fashion and celebrity photographer. Born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and raised in Italy, Vaccaro moved to New York in 1939 and is now a Long Island City resident. The octogenarian’s stunning portraits can be found in the area’s galleries. In 2007, his exhibit of famous women ran at Art-O-Mat, also in L.I.C. This latest show adds to Matted’s already impressive portfolio. In the past, the gallery has featured POP artist Michael Albert, portrait painter Jonathan Blum and children’s book illustrator Harry Kane. Hosting Vaccaro and artists like him at the shop adds a human element— something that’s too often taken for granted in the age of social media. After all, it’s face-to-face interaction the Drimers value most. As Drimer said, “Being reviewed and showing your work in galleries isn’t going away.” Photo by Alex Marshall

YOU WANT Well, we’d love to see the plan... Story Mickey Z.

Ah, the two time-honored holiday season rituals: making resolutions… and breaking them. It may be the stuff of YouTube videos and countless (un-funny) punch lines, but this tradition has a very long history. I’m talking Ancient Babylon long. Back in the day, those borrowing Babylonians would participate in the ritual of returning any farm equipment they may have scrounged up during the year. (I’ll pause while you insert your own “ hoe” joke here. Okay, moving on…) The Romans also dug the concept of resolutions because Janus (the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings, and the reason the first month of the year is called January) had two faces: to look into both the past and the future. If Janus had looked far enough into the future to see us modern humans in action, he’d definitely be frowning (twice, in fact) when he saw that, according to the oft-cited “recent research,” a whopping 52% of us are “confident of success” with our New Year’s goals. It gets better: 22% give up on resolutions within the first week of the new year, and only 12% end up actually achieving their objectives. I’m not sure how many of the respondents in that study dwelled within the cozy confines of Astoria or Long Island City, but I have a sneaking suspicion that our resolution success rate is a little higher. There’s something about living in the most ethnically diverse neighborhood on the planet—just outside the congested island of Manhattan—that inspires determination and tenacity. Astoria/LIC denizens get things done. For example, want to get in shape or lose weight? Hey, have you ever calculated the number of health food stores in Astoria? We’ve got it covered.

With that in mind, we here at BORO set out to discover some local 2011 resolutions… “Earlier this year, I started a band—‘The Bonnies’—with a few friends of mine from the bar. I’m clearly the impediment in the mix in terms of talent, but the other guys are really talented musicians. Up until now, we’ve been slacking off a little on the practice front, but next year our resolution is to take [our music] more seriously. Our goal for the band is to write and record songs. The ultimate goal is to make a video for one of them and post it on YouTube. It’s more of a group resolution... The Bonnies’ resolution!” Ruairi Curtin, owner of Sweet Afton www.sweetaftonbar.com “My non-selfish New Year’s resolution is volunteerism, which I will exercise in many forms. Whether it be spending time helping out at my local library, mentoring a child or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that I hope can use my help. The NY Cares organization makes it easy [to do so] by connecting volunteers with projects that fit practically any schedule. I also plan to spend much MORE time with my family, helping them to reach their individual goals in life. It is time for me to STOP taking and to give BACK!” Derrick Roberts (LIC resident) www.derrickrobertsproductions.com “I will not settle in 2011.” Joe Tex (Astoria resident) www.faceoffunlimited.com “Jane and I resolve to teach everyone in Astoria how to play a musical instrument, sing a poem, write a story or paint a picture.” Micah & Jane Burgess, co-founders, Astoria Art House www.arthouseastoria.org “My New Year’s resolution is to manage my money better.” Sarah Swindon (LIC resident) www.fashionsnoops.com what’s your resolution? Tell us at www.boromag.com/featured/ you-say-you-want-a-resolution. Add your comments to this article online.