VOL 2:02
CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE
NEW FOOD
Five New Eats in Town
NEW NIGHTLIFE
Two New Neighborhood Bars
NEW REAL ESTATE Living Feng Shui in LIC
at in the A b s e Su tor st s nn ia, po ys LI ts id C e ,
JANUARY 2012
ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE
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Dear Western Queens, Happy New Year! Because it’s a new year, we’re covering new things in this month’s issue. Our neighborhood is a continuously developing hot spot for restaurants, nightlife, art and inspiration. There’s plenty happening. We have cool new things for you to try and interesting new people for you to meet. Hopefully you’ll find new ways to keep your life fun, healthy and full along the way. So, join the BORO team. Be brave. Be adventurous. Claim 2012 as a year of exploration.
JULIAN LESSER editor-in-chief
PS. Keep sending us your ideas and opinions! EMAIL: info@BOROmag.com
FEATURES 6 FOOD
New Kids on the Block
DEPARTMENTS
20 BODY+SOUL
New Neighborhood Haunts
26 OCCUPY WALL STREET
Your Go-to Guide For Astoria and LIC’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and More.
16 MAP IT: ASTORIA & LIC MAP
New Year’s Resolutions Can be a Real Stretch
22 NIGHTLIFE
15 MAP IT DIRECTORY
32 DISCOUNTS & PROMO PAGE
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of January in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.
Is Occupy Here to Stay?
28 NEW LIFE FROM AN OLD DIVE
Neglected Astoria Park Pool Being Converted into Amphitheater
30 REAL ESTATE
Living Feng Shui in LIC
COVER: design EMMA CASON-PRATT and PHILIPPE TRINH
advertise in boro ads@BOROmag.com // 914.426.2939 www.BOROmag.com/advertise BORO HOURS: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM
editor-in-chief and publisher julian lesser creative director phililppe trinh // editor john lee // copy editor norm elrod art directors paul connolly, alt // graphic designerS alberto michieli, emma cason-pratt, sydney auerbach staff writers bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, jared killeen, lillian shaw, rebecca mcnamara, matthew taylor // staff photographers javier ibañez, daniel pando sales and marketing nadine auerbach // webmaster janmichael guzman Editorial Coordinator sadee brathwaite marketing Coordinator brett jones
*This magazine is made from FSC paper, printed with soy ink and 100% recyclable. Please recycle after use. BORO Magazine published by JKL Projects. All materials Copyright © 2012 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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FOOD
Burgers come in over ten varieties, topped with everything from a fried eggs to pulled pork or foie gras. LOWER RIGHT The North Atlantic salmon patty is crowned with a haystack of sweet potato matchsticks.
Story + Photos Bradley Hawks
M
aintaining its reputation as a hotbed of some of the city’s most exciting new restaurants, Western Queens kicks off 2012 with a lineup of surefire heavy hitters.
Burger Club
32-02 30th Ave, Astoria (718)777-7788 www.burger-club.com
There are burgers that require loads of napkins, others that are organic, some that are the cost of a ticket on the Titanic, and still others that are adorned with artisanal toppings, seasonal blends, quirky trends and then doublestacked and patty blackened. Considering all of the potential variations, the creative team at Burger Club decided to focus simply on quality. The result? A no-mess, straightforward and delicious patty that stands on its own without any toppings.
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The standout is the Burger Club Classic, a 7-oz. Pat LaFrieda blend of ground chuck and hanger steak. Several other mouthwatering variations round out the menu, and it’s also complemented by several salads, panini, and an atypical burger joint array of starters and sides. “For me, a burger is not fast food,” explained Zenon Zeniou, Operation Manager, “if you maintain high quality and execute it simply and elegantly.” Burger Club also hopes to be a neighborhood mainstay. As Zeniou noted, it’s located at “one of the best spots in the neighborhood” – just a block from the subway on 30th Avenue. And with both private and communal tables, retractable garage doors along the street-side walls and exposed brick for added character and warmth, the spot sports a beautiful industrial vibe sure to please.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Denaro, Frank Montaruli, and Mark Zabala
Bear 12-14 31st Ave, Astoria (917)396-4939 www.bearnyc.com
Chef Natasha Pogrebinsky received successful reviews while Executive Chef for The Castello Plan in Ditmas Park. Now, with apprenticeships under such renowned chefs as Jacques Pepin and Cesare Casella at Salumeria Rosi under her belt, and a resume that includes catering for celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Pogrebinsky is opening her first independent restaurant, Bear, in Long Island City. Co-owned by her brother, mother and father – acclaimed Ukrainian painter Alexander Pogrebinsky – Bear may sit rather isolated on 31st Avenue just a few blocks from Socrates Sculpture Park, but it’s a special destination worth traveling for. Bear’s long, narrow dining room is studded with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Venetian-tiled floors and a handcrafted mosaic bar with granite countertop. Full bar service is available, complete with obscure craft beers – including two from the Great Lakes Brewery in Cleveland, where the chef and her brother were born – along with carefully edited wines chosen specifically to augment the menu. Open from 6 p.m. -10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Bear serves a late night menu until closing. Weekend brunch features 2-for-1 Bloody Marys and mimosas alongside unique plates such as jumbo Kobe beef sausage with eggs, a diver sea scallop omelet and baked salmon with a six-minute egg. Produce is sourced from two nearby farmers’ markets, including one at the Sculpture Park by GrowNYC. u The Lunch Box
ABOVE Plump diver sea scallops with a duet of hearty mushroom barley risotto. BELOW A 3-shot vodka appetizer features seasonally rotating small bites with a mini-carafe of vodka.
The scallop ceviche is kissed with salmon roe and tiny ribbons of citrus zest.
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FOOD
the signature dish, the 64 oz. porterhouse for two is dry-aged for 28 days.
Lucas 34-55 32nd St, Astoria (718)786-5200 www.lucassteakhouse.com
Sister to Long Island City’s romantic date spot, Locale, Lucas Steakhouse first opened its doors in 2009. After a significant restructuring of the intimate, street-lit space on 35th Avenue, Lucas reopened its doors to loyal patrons this past summer, bringing back several of its most beloved dishes, but this time with an even more elegant finesse. Here, diners can enjoy some of the city’s finest cuts of beef, but without the pretense and exclusiveness so often associated with porterhouse culture. While the steak is reason enough to come, the steamed spears of asparagus are equally enticing, served au gratin beneath a blanket of bubbling golden parmesan. The twice-baked potatoes rival any other and are loaded with a cloak of golden cheddar. And a sinful, yet somehow appropriate, cap to the evening is a towering slice of chocolate skyscraper cake, a behemoth stack of five layers of chocolate cake married with chocolate fudge frosting in a pool of espresso cream sauce. It‘s an extraordinary feast fit for Kings, served exclusively in Queens. u 8 | BOROMAG.COM | JANUARY 2012
ABOVE Bubbling with browned parmesan, the asparagus gratin is just one of ten accompaniments offered on the menu.
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food
IN A PICKLE OVER WHAT TO DRINK? the Dirty Sanchez margarita uses Nickle’s pickle juice to spice things up.
Skinny’s 47-05 Center Blvd, Long Island City (718)806-1068
The same brothers that brought elegant Asian fusion to the Long Island City waterfront with Shi have now collaborated to introduce casual Mexican dining to the ever-changing riverside community. For as much as the chandelier-dazzled dining room at Shi offers a refined respite from the city in a romantic candlelit setting, Skinny’s Cantina offers a swing-from-the-wooden-rafters saloon vibe where locals can gather over classic Mexican dishes and playful, rowdy cocktails. Recipes are lovingly crafted by executive chef Gabino Ortiz, who originally hails from Geurrero, Mexico. Liquid diners will also enjoy sampling the restaurant’s inventive concoctions, like the Mexican Milkshake, a dessert martini of anejo tequila with Bailey’s and Kahlua. On the rowdy end of the spectrum come drinks with names such as the Brazilian Wax (cachaca with thyme and mango) and the Dirty Sanchez, similar to a Mexican pickle back margarita (using local Nickle’s pickles to dirty it up). Classic margaritas come in two sizes for just $5 or $10 all night on Mondays.
GOOD DEAL! During Taco Tuesdays, the entire selection is just $2 a piece, all night long.
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“Talking to patrons at Shi, a cantina was exactly what was needed in this area,” said the charismatic Skinny, one of the co-owners. “And since I’m Chinese, I leave it all up to our talented chef.” It’s all part of the faith and whimsy that fills up this relaxed new corner saloon. u
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FOOD
Butcher Bar
BEEF BRISKET The exceptionally tender beef brisket is slowsmoked for 12 hours, topped here with caramelized onions and a blend of jack, cheddar, and Muenster cheeses.
37-08 30th Ave, Astoria (718)606-8140 www.ButcherBar.com
Butcher Bar was such an overwhelming hit the first week it opened that lunch service had to be suspended simply to accommodate the massive catering orders that poured in. Just one visit to the pristine smokehouse confirms the hype: something extraordinary is going on here. “There are so many important issues sourcing meats, so we decided that doing it ourselves is the best way to ensure the highest quality,” explained co-owner Katherina Korkis. A tour of the entire facility reveals not a single freezer. “I won’t even get a freezer for ice cream for the apple pie,” laughed Korkis. Everything sold both at the counter and in the dining room is aimed to be local, fresh and organic. The alwaysfresh rotating boutique selection of meats changes daily, and unused portions are cooked off and donated to City Harvest. Products are all free of any growth hormones or prophylactic antibiotics and strictly avoid all contained animal feedlot operations. Then there’s the décor: part museum, part general store, part library. The space pays homage to other great butchers who served as inspiration, but it probably won’t be long before patrons start heralding Butcher Bar as one of those greats. 12 | BOROMAG.COM | JANUARY 2012
NOT YOUR EVERYDAY GREEN BEAN These crisp green string beans are sauteed with applewood smoked bacon for an extra savory touch.
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MAP IT DIRECTORY restaurants 2
Aliada (b,2) (718) 932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria
6
Astor room (C,2) (718) 255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com
3
Avenue Cafe (c,2) (718) 278-6967 35-27 30th Ave, Astoria www.avenuecafenyc.com
4
Bareburger (b,2) (718) 777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria www.bareburger.com
23
Bear (a,2) (917) 396-4939 12-14 31st Ave, Astoria www.bearnyc.com
5
Brick Cafe (B,2) (718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
7
Bread Box Cafe (A,4) (718) 389-9700 4711 11th St, LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com
26
Burger Club (b,2) (718) 777-7788 32-02 30th Ave, Astoria www.burger-club.com
8
Burger Garage (B,3) (718) 392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com
35
Butcher Bar (c,2) (718) 606-8140 37-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.ButcherBar.com
9
Cavo (C,2) (718) 721-1001 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria www.cavoastoria.com
10
Café via espresso (C,1) (718) 545-3290 2409 Steinway St, Astoria www.cafeviaespressoastoria.com
17
Diner 24/7 @ Z Hotel (a,3) (212) 319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com
11
DiWine (C,2) (718) 777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com
12
El Ay Si (A,4) (718) 389-8781 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com
13
Fatty’s (B,1) (718) 267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com
14
Il Bambino (C,2) (718) 626-0087 34-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com
36
L’artiste (c,2) (646) 309-7504 42-20 31st Ave, Astoria www.lartisterestaurant.com
pets
53
leng thai (b,2) (718) 956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com
31
Vesta (a,2) (718) 545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com
15
LIC Market (B,4) (718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com
32
Yajai (b,2) (718) 956-9559 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com
16
Linn (B,2) (718) 204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com
18
Manducatis Rustica (A,4) (718) 937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com
33
19
MexiQ (c,2) (718) 626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com
34
20
Ornella Trattoria Italiana (B,1) (718) 777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com
Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (C,2) (718) 777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria www.bkbagel.com (C,1) 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria
40
Malu (A,4) (718) 729-6258 12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC www.amomandpopshop.com
37
Sweetleaf (A,4) (917) 832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com
61
21
Mundo (b,2) (718) 777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mundoastoria.com
22
Penthouse808 (A,3) (718) 289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com
pan (c,2) 109 Pita (718) 204-1633
37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com
1
Queens Kickshaw (c,2) (718) 777-0913 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com
24
Rèst-âü-Ránt (B,2) (718) 729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com Sage General Store (b,4) (718) 361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com
28
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
29
Time Café (C,2) (718) 606-0500 44-18 Broadway, Astoria www.timecafeny.com
(a,4) 108 Tournesol (718) 472 4355
50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.tournesolnyc.com
30
Veslo (b,2) 718-728-0549 32-11 Broadway, Astoria www.veslonyc.com
45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
Dog House (a,4) 52 LIC (718) 389-3647
45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.licdoghouse.com
bakeries
Ovelia (B,2) (718) 721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com
25
Vet (A,4) 51 City (718) 433-1334
florists
Astor Bake Shop (a,2) (718) 606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com
food shops 27
Astoria Park Wine and Spirits (b,1) 28-07 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com
38
Astoria wine and spirits (C,2) (718) 545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com
39
Food Cellar (A,4) (718) 606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
shops
54
Floresta (A,4) (917) 612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog
interior design INC (b,2) 46 SYLC, (917) 951-5916
31-28 29th St, Astoria
services
locksmith 24/7 Service (c,2) 114 Ark (718) 932-LOCK (5625) 30-10 37th street, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com
computer repair nyc 56 Hero Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist 347-670-4376 Aaron@HeroComputerRepairNYC.com www.HeroComputerRepairNYC.com
Law Firm (C,2) 57 MPN (718) 777-0400
3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com
(A,3) 59 RCN Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC (212) 842-7981 www.rcn.com/boromag
44
Belief (B,1) (718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com
by C (b,3) 60 Showroom (917) 658-3065
45
Creators Co-Op (B,1) (917) 751-8177 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com
Lutheran Church (c,2) 115 Trinity 718) 278-0036
47
Inside Astoria (C,1) (718) 956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
62 Vardiman Eyewear (c,2)
48
KrisTEES (B,1) (718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com
49
Loveday 31 (B,2) (718) 728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com
50
Site (C,2) (718) 626-6030 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com
continued on next page 16
4 Court Square, LIC www.showroombyc.com
31-18 37th Street, Astoria www.trinitylic.org (718) 204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
63 Video Express (c,2)
(718)626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria
JANUARY 2012 | BOROMAG.COM | 15
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long island city
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MAP IT DIRECTORY evenTS FOUNDRY (a,3) 64 (718) 786-7776
42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info
Perfectly Planned Events Art 41 and Fashion (b,1) (917) 558-7658 21-37 33rd St, Astoria www.pplannedevents.com
The Renaissance Event Hall (A,1) 65 (718) 274-4590 27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceofastoria.com
hotels Holiday Inn (b,3) 58 (718) 707-3700
39-05 29th St, LIC www.holidayinnmanhattanview.com
Ravel (a,3)
66 (718) 289-6101
8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com
Z NYC Hotel (a,3)
17 (212) 319-7000
11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com
tatoo shops
Yoga Astoria Studio (c,2) 85 74 Bikram (718) 777-9642
Domaine Wine Bar (A,4)
94
Noguchi MuseuM (A,2)
Fitness (b,2) 42 Club (718) 545-0004
86
Mix Cafe and Lounge (C,2)
95
ReisStudios (A,3)
Studio (A,4) 75 Crank (718) 606-6309
Cafe and Lounge (B,1) 111 Mosaic (718) 728-0708
Gym (C,1) 76 Dynamix (718) 606-0381
87
32-03 Steinway, 4th Fl, Astoria www.BikramYogaQueensNY.com
31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com
4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.CrankNYC.com
Fitness (A,4) 79 PNT (347) 396-5809
Agora (B,2) 73 Yoga (718) 626-0680
Yoga Room (C,2) 80 The (718) 274-0255
38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 786-7962 (A,4) 10-14 47th Rd, LIC www.the-yoga-room.com
spas face and body (B,1) 81 Rejuvenate (718) 626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com
training
nightlife / bars
TSC Training Academy (c,3) 69 (718) 389-2103
beauty Gigi Salon (c,2) 71 (718) 777-7755
34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com
Primp AND Tease SALON (a,4) 72 (718) 472-2001
(a,4) 116 alewife (718) 937-7494
5-14 51st Ave, LIC www.alewifequeens.com
(C,2) 106 BLACKBIRDS (718) 943-6899
41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com
(718) 274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com
The Art of Fitness (C,2) 105 (718)687-9140
(B,2) 83 Break (718) 777-5400
3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com
90
18 | BOROMAG.COM | JANUARY 2012
30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
(718) 777-7565 3804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com
(718) 777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
Tantra Lounge (b,2 ) (718) 937-4574 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.Tantraloungenyc.com
5 Pointz (B,4)
(317) 219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com
fine arts dance (c,1) 100 astoria (718) 247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com (347) 288-6870 35-18 37th St, LIC www.theauroragallery.com
57th St and 7th Avenue, NY www.carnegiehall.org
Town Hall 102 Flushing (718) 463-7700 x 222
137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org
Kaufman Astoria Studios (C,2) (718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com
Performing Arts 113 Laguardia Center (C,3) (718) 482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org
93
98
99
The Secret Theatre (B,3) (718) 392-0722 4402 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com
Socrates Sculpture Park (A,2)
(718) 626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org
Ten10 Studios (A,4) (646) 271-5353 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com
UNDERPENNY (A,4)
(917) 517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC
real estate Spaces (a,4 ) 101 Modern (718) 784-1110
10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.modernspacesnyc.com
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (c,2) 103 (718) 310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com
Yard (a,4) 104 The 718.786.1063
2-26 51st Ave, LIC www.TheYardLIC.com
The Aurora Gallery (C,2)
Hall 107 Carnegie (212) 247-7800
92
97
Sweet Afton (C,2 )
31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com
91
96
Studio Sq. Beer Garden (C,3) (718) 383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
“An international community of established and emerging artists” (718) 570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com
44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org
Raven Head Public House (C,2)
art house (c,2) 112 the (516) 724-1562
Bar (B,2) 84 Brick (718) 267-2735
32-32 Steinway St 3rd fl, Astoria Pilatesinastoria.com
(718) 626-8044 34-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com
(718) 204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org
(B,3) 110 SCULPTURECENTER (718) 361-1750
Rapture Lounge (C,2)
art
Hall & Beer Garden 82 Bohemian (B,1)
5-02 50th Ave, LIC
fitness
70
33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com
Painless Steel Tattoo (c,1)
36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.tscta.com
89
10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com
37-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
23-15 Steinway, Astoria www.astoriatattoo.com
88
27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com
Super Nova Tattoos (c,1) 67 (718) 274-5712
68 (718) 267-8114
43
At 35th St. and Broadway, Astoria www.heartandsoulofyoga.com
Fitness (B,1) 78 Seek (347) 924-9004
(347) 642-4840 40-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.mixcafelounge.com
25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net
20-61 Steinway, Astoria www.dynamixgym.com
and Soul of yoga (c,2) 77 Heart (718) 932-2567
(718) 784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com
Museum of the Moving Image (C,2) (718) 784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED! Want your business listed in our directory? Email: ADS@BOROmag.com
JANUARY 2012 | BOROMAG.COM | 19
BODY + SOUL
Story Bradley Hawks Photo phililppe trinh
F
RESOLUTIONS Bradley pledges to keep a balance of food and fitness in 2012.
or everything in life, there must be a balance – although when it comes to eating, I have avoided this concept ever since I was encouraged to join the “Clean Plate Club” before I could enjoy dessert.
Then there’s my kitchen. My refrigerator is erupting with take-home boxes of some of the city’s most delicious cuisine. But my family tree is also blossoming with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.
Working as a food writer, I now refer to my belly as my ever-growing resume. But 2012 has to be the year I balance health into the equation. And what better way to achieve balance than through yoga? Although I am a definitive beginner, I have the support of my editor and team at BORO, along with guidance of some outstanding facilities in Astoria and Long Island City, including The Yoga Room, Heart and Soul of Yoga, Bikram Yoga and Yoga Agora.
Therefore, I am pledging in 2012 to embark on a path that, while aware I must still consume great food in moderation, I must incorporate daily fitness. I also pledge to be honest in my experiences, successes and failures. My journey will undoubtedly be a humorous one, and hopefully an entertaining read, so please join me online at BoroMag. com, where I will regularly be reporting my experiences. There I hope to document my journey, share the strengths of local businesses in the health and wellness industry and perhaps even inspire some of you to join me in leading a healthier lifestyle. Here’s to enjoying this wonderful borough even more in the new year!
Far more than just a resolution, this pledge has to become a lifestyle overhaul. For work alone, I eat out at least seven meals a week. For example, for a recent article I consumed a $120 lunch consisting of a peasant salad, a loaf of bread, a skillet of fried cheese, crabmeat stuffed clams, grilled octopus, two skewers of swordfish over Spanish rice, a whole red snapper drizzled with lemon oil, steamed dandelion greens and a slab of galaktoboureko. By myself. 20 | BOROMAG.COM | JANUARY 2012
Follow Bradley’s yoga journey on BOROmag.com. For information about the yoga studios go to www.BOROmag.com/Yoga-2012
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NIGHTLIFE
Happy hour at Alewife
Story Ben Mims photos philippe trinh
With winter weather settling in for the long haul, two new bars have quietly crept onto the scene in LIC and Astoria, giving residents their own place to ward off the cold outside.
Alewife
5-14 51st Ave, Long Island City, (718)937-7494 www.alewifequeens.com
T
ucked away on the virtually deserted strip of 51st Avenue between Vernon Boulevard and 5th Street in Long Island City, newcomer Alewife never feels too crowded – 15-foot ceilings and a warm, cavernous space instead create the perfect antidote to the overpacked New York City bar. And with a steel-topped bar housing 28 beers on tap from all
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over the world, owners Michael Bewley and Daniel Lanigan have simultaneously created something that feels very local but also serves as a destination for serious beer geeks like themselves.
“We searched for smaller markets that weren’t saturated with pubs,” said Bewley. “We wanted to create a place that could use a great bar with great food and had young residents that would really enjoy the beer selection we have on tap.” But it’s not just about beer. A fantastic food menu surpasses typical deep-fried bar fare and features everything from giant burgers served on a pretzel bun to jalapeño macand-cheese topped with crisp cubes of fried pork. You can even sit down to a
rosemary-crusted lamb steak and top it off with an “adult” root beer float made with a homemade licorice rootsarsaparilla soda. “People aren’t used to going to a beer pub and having great food,” said Bewley. “We create very fashion-forward food to give people the opportunity to come in and have a nice dinner along with their Cantillon Rosé de Gambrinus [a collector’s beer available in limited quantities to Alewife].” A night at Alewife is also a chance to tap into your adventurous side. “We really wanted our main goal with this bar to be education,” he adds. “Not everyone has had all of our beers, but we want an environment where you can try beers you’d never expect to like and drink them with food you thought you’d never find at a neighborhood beer bar.”
RAVEN’S HEAD Beer flight sampler. taste any 4 of 24 beers on tap for $7.
raven’s head 3804 Broadway Ave, Astoria (718) 777-7565 www.ravensheadpublichouse.com
Equally concerned with setting a great mood in the neighborhood is John Gargan, owner of Raven’s Head Public House (RHPH), a new joint inhabiting the old Black Stone’s space on Broadway between 38th Street and Steinway in Astoria. Gargan’s fourth bar venture in NYC, RHPH sets out to create a comforting, communal spot that pairs an impressive beer list with an equally exciting gastro pub menu. Along with a front bar with high tables and flat screens for catching the game, RPPH also houses a back room with dining tables and carpet for quieter dining. Upstairs, in the “attic,” a second bar serves patrons in a room decorated with exposed beams, pendent lighting and large wooden
communal tables for a slightly more upscale vibe. “The bar really appeals to three different types of customers,” says Gargan. “And that’s what I wanted, a place where everyone can feel at home and we can bring back that old-New York pub feel that’s cozy and quaint – very mom-and-pop.” Along with 24 beers on tap – many of which are microbrews handselected by Gargan – RHPH’s menu reflects the varied demographics of its neighborhood. Meaty filet mignon rib tips, drizzled with guacamole and topped with pico de gallo, exist perfectly alongside Kobe-beef hotdogs, crisp calamari topped with strips of pickled cherry peppers and a satisfying bleu cheese and bacon burger.
“We also have a shepherd’s pie and chicken pot pie – original pub staples – that we take great pride in,” says Gargan. “Our brunches have become very popular too. It’s a great time and venue to watch the game on the weekends.” Nightly specials and trivia and open mic nights planned for the upstairs bar further make RHPH a place where everyone can feel welcome. “People have been so amazing in their response,” says Gargan. “What we hear from everyone is, ‘Thank you for taking an eye sore off the block and making it somewhere nice to come into again.’” Find local nightlife spots at BOROMAG.com/nightlife. JANUARY 2012 | BOROMAG.COM | 23
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OCCUPY WALL STREET
protesters gather in zuccotti park
Story Lillian Shaw
Photos Erika Morillo
I
t has been quite a phenomenon,” said New York City Council member Jimmy Van Bramer, referring to the Occupy Wall Street movement. And he’s right. OWS, which started in September as an overnight protest in Zuccotti Park in Manhattan’s financial district, has since spread its influence to thousands of cities, schools and parks across the nation, including Western Queens. What do the protesters want? Put simply, they want a new direction for America, away from economic dependency on big banks and corporations. The movement focuses on unjust corporate influence in government and the growing economic disparity between the super wealthy and everybody else. But it’s not just about Wall Street. Rising costs of college education, unemployment, student debt – all these issues have also become part of the conversation. For some, though, the movement’s growing list of grievances is too long. “Obviously people are dissatisfied about a lot of different issues,” said Astoria resident Carol Walsh. “[But] without a clear objective, your message isn’t heard.” Lifelong Astorian Pete Pepis thinks camping in parks is far from the answer: “If you go out and work, you’ll succeed. This is the American Dream, right?” “
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Though OWS is a leaderless movement, protester and Astoria resident Jesse LaGreca has emerged as one of the movement’s loudest public voices. He’s spoken to Christiane Amanpour, Ed Schultz, Rosie O’Donnell and others about the movement’s biggest issues. But LaGreca stresses that even big issues can be approached on a local level. “We need to take our money out of these big banks that harm us because they put our futures at risk, and we need to transfer that money into our local communities,” he said. With police crackdowns, evictions and setbacks, the OWS movement faces an uncertain future. Does this new movement stand a chance at changing how America has operated for decades? “Not unless the protesters decide to become politicians,” said Astorian Tia Huston. Despite these doubts, protesters around the country continue to work hard and remain hopeful for the future of the movement and the country. LaGreca would even like to bring the conversation to Astoria Park for an Occupy Astoria Day. And what began in Zuccotti Park may continue to be an ongoing topic throughout the region. “There should always be room within the political dialogue to protest peacefully,” said Van Bramer.
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local progress
new life
new site for astoria park Amphitheater
from an old dive Story Matthew Taylor
W
estern Queens’ identity has long been shaped by the community’s artists and performers. But while the region boasts a variety of galleries and exhibition spaces for visual artists to display their work and host events, there are very few prominent venues for live performance. As a result, many artists who live in Queens have to travel to Manhattan to perform. But this will soon change. In early December, Council Member Peter F. Vallone, Jr. and Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski announced their plans to build an outdoor amphitheater in Astoria Park, giving new life to what is currently a neglected, visually unappealing dive pool (not to be confused with the park’s Olympic-size swimming pool). The pool was built in 1936, when the U.S. Olympic Trials for swimming and diving were held in Astoria. It has now been out of use for decades, degrading into, as Vallone put it, “an eyesore.” Beginning in early 2012, the pool will be filled with concrete and converted into a performance space, with only the three-level diving board remaining.
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The stage will be open to a variety of performers, according to Lewandowski. Local groups such as the Astoria Performing Arts Center and the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition will finally have an outdoor venue for concerts, children’s theater and other live performances. Though there is no specific date set for the amphitheater’s completion in 2013, Vallone’s enthusiasm seems to ensure that construction will be as swift as possible. This project is literally close to home for him. “I’ve spent my entire life half a block from the park,” he said. “This is going to be a magnificent outdoor theater. It will continue to improve on what is already an awesome place to live.” The venue also promises to be picturesque. “All of New York City [will have] the chance to see performances in Astoria Park with the Hell Gate and Triborough Bridges, the East River and the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop,” said Vallone
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REAL ESTATE
Story Daniel Crown
REC ROOM at Vista Court
KITCHEN + BAR Vista Court kitchens will be designed with top line materials and feng shui principles
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I
eaming up with developer Vantage Partners, Long Island City’s Modern Spaces hopes its latest residential venture will provide the neighborhood with a new sense of ethereal balance. The recently donned Vista Court, located at 4415 Purves Street, is being built according to the strict customs of China’s traditional feng shui principles. To the typical New Yorker, such an effort might seem to be a bit of an esoteric indulgence, but according to Modern Spaces’ Eric Benaim, feng shui has become increasingly important to would-be residents in recent years. “A lot of our clients over the last year-anda-half have been taking feng shui into account when looking for a place to live,” he said. “Whether it’s that they want a south-facing unit, or they don’t like the way a door opens to another door, we’ve learned a lot about this stuff over the last 18 months.” Feng shui, which translates roughly to “windwater,” is a system of Chinese geomancy intended to help individuals achieve positive “qi,” also known as “life-force” or “energy.” The system takes into account both an individual’s physical location and a set of polarity rules intended to keep the traditional Yin and Yang model in proper balance. In order to iron out any potential kinks, Vantage Partners has hired a feng shui consultant to oversee the erection of the building from the ground up. Among other features, the building will include a 2nd floor yoga studio, an all-glass facade and a full-featured roof deck. While feng shui itself is thousands of years old, Benaim points out that Vista Court will provide LIC residents, be they yoga enthusiasts or typical NYC busybodies, with a peaceful alternative to homogenous Manhattan luxury buildings – a perfect confluence of old and new. “It’s a rather novel idea,” he said, “and a very serene way to live.” Vista Court is scheduled to open in roughly 18 months. Unit pricing is still to be determined.
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boro deals & discounts Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through January 31, 2012. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.
10% OFF 1 bottle of wine with
1 FREE glass of wine or dessert with your meal (sun-thurs).
Fresh natural chicken or beef skewers
this coupon.
1 FREE dessert with your meal.
20%OFF your entire purchase.
15% OFF all hourly legal fees.
10% OFF the entire bill .
15% OFF lunch or dinner (mon-thurs). 15% OFF event planning services.
1 FREE Class for New Students with BORO Mag.
1 FREE Glass of Wine or Dessert
$1.50 each or 3 for $3.50
FREE dance or fitness class for with meal (mon-thurs) Excludes new students with ad @ Astoria prix fixe. Limited to select wines. Fine Arts Dance.
1 FREE Glass of Wine or 1/2 OFF a Complimentary Blowout for first
Cocktail with meal with BORO.
time color clients (tues-thurs)
Enroll into the 28 day fat blaster challenge for only $129.
$39 Intro Special: 1 month unlimited classes.
1 FREE class or 10% off all
1 FREE Mimosa at Sunday brunch.
minute packages.