VOL 1:12
FOO F FO OOD D Delicious Winter food to warm the soul pg. 10
DANCE Astoria Dance Studio pg. 28
CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE
BODY Y + SO SOU UL Art of Spinning pg. 30 at in the A be Su stor st s nn ia, po ys LI ts id C e
NOVEMBER 2011
ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE
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FROM THE EDITOR KEEP CONNECTED “Like” us on facebook and follow us on Twitter so you’re never behind on what’s going on in Western Queens including links to new stories, tips, exclusive deals, news articles, event listings, and more.
/BOROmag
JULIAN LESSER
@BOROmag
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
editor-in-chief
Dear Western Queens, Art is a vital part of our lives. It provides inspiration and hope. And It gives our society a voice, moving us forward. Art isn’t limited to the painters and musicians of NYC. The perfection or execution of any form or trade can be considered art, and you can find it anywhere – on the walls, on your plate, on the train.
Visit our website www.BOROmag.com for more coverage on Food, Events, Body & Soul, Nightlife, Entertainment, Green Living, Art, Real Estate. You can also find all your favorite articles and back issues of BORO magazine on our website. New features include: • Classifieds • Restaurant Guide • Comprehensive event listings • Exclusive website editorials
Most importantly, we are all artists. Being inspired, executing on that inspiration, creating something new – any and all of that makes you an artist. So, tell us your story – what makes you an artist? Email info@BOROmag.com and let your story be heard.
WRITE US WHO WON THE OCTOBER CONTEST? Who won the October Newsletter Prize? The winner of the Dinner for 4 at Ovelia is...
BORO would love to hear from you. If you have any comments, questions, story ideas, photos or events send us an email at: info@BOROmag.com. Please note all letters and email become property of BORO Magazine and may be edited for clarity and space.
Eric Anderson, Astoria Resident NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 3
SUPER SOUPS
6
PARTY BORO Party + Fundraiser Astoria/Long Island City’s 11/11/11 party
10 FOOD
10
EXPRESS YOURSELF
28
16 NOVEMBER 2011 EVENTS 19 MAP IT DIRECTORY Your Go-to Guide For Astoria and LIC’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and More.
SOUPer Winter Recipes - YUM!
14 ART Ann Leggett Masterful Painter & Genuine Artist
24 FOOD Ovelia, Still Fresh After Five Years
28 DANCE Express Yourself Astoria Dance Studio Teaches Children Through Professional Dancers
20 MAP IT: ASTORIA & LIC MAP 32 BODY + SOUL New York Marathon Salvator Polizzi in Five Borough Challenge
36 NIGHTLIFE Tantra Lounge
38 FOUR EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS Jazz, Cheers to a Great Charity, Gallery Openings, and ZOMBIES!
30 BODY + SOUL Art of Spinning
40 DEALS & DISCOUNTS PAGE ADVERTISE IN BORO
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of November in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.
ads@BOROmag.com // 914.426.2939 www.BOROmag.com/advertise
COVER: design EMMA CASON-PRATT and PHILIPPE TRINH photo Universal Pictures / Photofest
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 daniel crown, jared killeen, rebecca mcnamara, suzanne sitelman, bradley hawks // 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 © 2011 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.
PARTY
R E S I A R D N U F + Y T R A P BORO OOD, ART, FASHION ,F DRINKS Y T R A P D 1 E 1 R / E V 1 1O1R/O1HAS YOU CO NE
Y IN LIC T R A P AND TWORK
B
Story
Daniel
Crown
O
n November 11th, Z NYC Hotel will play host to the Boro Art Party and Fundraiser, an open invitation event that promises to combine the neighborhood’s love for bargain-priced cocktails with its renowned appreciation for fine art.
It’s no secret that Astoria and LIC have long served as artisanal havens for aspiring artists and entertainers. Affordable rents and spacious apartments in the neighborhoods have gifted residents with unparalleled freedom to explore creative and entrepreneurial crafts. Now, Boro Magazine plans to channel these boons for a great cause, with proceeds from the evening benefiting Blissful Bedrooms, an Astoria-based non-profit. The party is open to the entire community. Snag a raffle ticket and a cocktail for $5 – the more you drink, the better your chances of winning a prize. Potential swag to be won includes: Gift certificates to some of your favorite restaurants including The Astor Room, Manducatis Rustica, and Il Bambino as well as great gifts from Primp and Tease, PNT, Break, SITE and more!
MAP IT: REFER TO MAP ON P. 20
17 Z NYC HOTEL (A,3)
Marking the first of many monthly art shows to be held at Z NYC Hotel, the event will feature paintings from Boro’s own Editor-in-Chief Julian Lesser,
6 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
as well as a fashion showcase of AELEIS’ new menswear collection by Philippe Trinh. According to Lesser, the partnership between Z NYC Hotel, the artists and Boro Magazine demonstrates what the Astoria/LIC community can accomplish when it pools together its many talents and resources. “I think that it makes for a perfect portrait of Western Queens that all of these people can come together to create an evening that is so beautiful, for almost no cost, all to benefit a local charity,” said Lesser. Featured in a previous issue of Boro magazine, Blissful Bedrooms provides bedroom makeovers for young adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Run by Astoria residents Alex Dvoryadkin and Martha GoldDvoryadkin, this non-profit has gifted numerous teenagers and young adults with redesigned bedrooms that not only make living easier, but also a lot more fun. In the end, Lesser hopes the evening will not only entertain, but inspire. The Astoria and Long Island City community has always been generous to its creative denizens, and as a new wave of artists continues to make its way into the neighborhood, the area’s reputation as a hotbed for art and entertainment will only grow. “I encourage people that move to this neighborhood to do what they want to do – to make art,” Lesser said, “and to keep striving to become whatever they want to become, because anything’s possible.” uu
AT THE PARTY ARTIST: JULIAN
LESSER
Besides being the creator and editor-inchief of Boro Magazine, Julian is also an accomplished artist. His abstract figurative and landscape paintings – created primarily using acrylic inks and paints – have been showcased all over the country. Julian begins his process by covering a canvas with what he describes as a “colorful mess.” He then organizes the muddle by using a fine pen or brush to extract recognizable images from shapes that have formed organically through the paint. www.julianlesser.com
FASHION:
BY PHILIPPE TRINH
Even though the formerly booming garment center in New York City has seen much of its business outsourced overseas, designer Philippe Trinh still ensures that his buzz-worthy AELEIS menswear line is handcrafted right here in NYC. As Trinh explains: “The process is very hand crafted and local, a pattern-maker drafts out the patterns on paper by hand, all of the fabric is hand-cut and then hand-sewn, hand-fused with soft interlinings and made one-by-one in NYC in our signature AELEIS cut.” www.Aeleis.com
FOR THE BENEFIT OF:
BLISSFUL BEDROOMS Based out of Astoria, Blissful Bedrooms provides severely disabled young adults with complete bedroom makeovers. As its website says: “The mission of Blissful Bedrooms is to transform the bedrooms of young individuals challenged with a variety of disabilities, as well as economic and family challenges, into sanctuaries so that they can feel peaceful and happy in the very place where they spend so much of their daily life due to their lack of mobility and opportunities in society.” www.blissfulbedrooms.org
model: Phillip Deyesso all in aeleis
HOSTED BY:
THE Z NYC HOTEL Known for its bustling rooftop bar, the Z NYC Hotel features a breathtaking view of the East River. The hotel also houses a restaurant lounge called Diner 24/7 which will be open 24 hours a day. www.zhotelny.com NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 7
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NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 9
FOOD Story + Photos Bradley Hawks
“Someone could call themselves a chef for 30 years, and still never really understand flavor.” So says Darren Lawless, chef-owner of Il Bambino, a paninoteca and tapas bar in Astoria – one of only three restaurants in the area to place in the “extraordinary to perfection” bracket of Zagat’s most recent rankings. “It’s all about flavor and technique,” he explains passionately, “knowing, for example, how to transform a carrot into a roasted carrot salad.” The secret? Quality ingredients and superb technique in extracting and layering flavors. Most of Il Bambino’s dishes include only a few simple ingredients, but one bite of a panini or a spoonful of the daily soup tells you everything you need to know – it doesn’t take a food critic to recognize something special is going on here. For instance, the split pea and prosciutto soup has only four main ingredients: peas, prosciutto, onions and carrots. Sounds simple, right? Well, take a closer look at the process involved in transforming simplicity into deliciousness: Chef Lawless fi rst sweats the prosciutto, drawing out the savory juices, to which the onions are then fed until rendered sweet 10 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
and translucent. Next, the peas are cooked into the base, like a risotto. “So much goes on before we even add water,” smiles Lawless, who never uses stocks. “I always want the featured ingredient to shine through.” Herbs are added at the end, allowing the heat to release the oils just in time to serve. Speaking of soups, vegetarian varieties are given just a touch of cream for heartiness, or even a pureed potato to add a velvety smoothness to the body. And while soups may hibernate throughout the summer, their resurrection each autumn is highly anticipated. On a typical day, the restaurant can easily sell over 100 16 oz. servings. The price for these gourmet ephemeral gems comes to $7.08 after tax, and each portion is accompanied by a toasted crostini slathered with homemade basil pesto – ideal for dunking. Il Bambino’s menu of seasonal delights gives patrons something different to look forward to every visit, including: smoked tomato bisque (the best seller, usually featured on Wednesdays and Saturdays); roasted pumpkin with sweet spices and fresh thyme; split pea prosciutto; potato with roasted mushrooms and garlic; potato-cauliflower with toasted almonds; and, for when it’s really cold, a sweet sausage minestrone with ditalini pasta. u
7-8 1 1 2 oz 1 pint 1 cup 1 pint 2 tablespoons
4 cup 1 cup 10
¼ cup 3 3 5 slices 2 stalks 5 sprigs 2 tablespoons 1-2 tablespoons
MAP IT: REFER TO MAP ON P. 20
14 IL BAMBINO (C,2) 53 LENG THAI (B,2) NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 11
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ART
ANN LEGGETT
MASTERFUL PAINTER & GENUINE ARTIST Story Brett Jones
W
ith a professional career spanning half a century, work all over the world and an adamantly self-sufficient lifestyle, Ann Leggett is clearly doing something right. The quality of her timeless, Renaissance-inspired paintings speak for itself, but the real magic behind her masterpieces can be found in the spirit and zeal that permeates every facet of her life. As Dan Dougherty, coexecutor of Leggett’s art and estate says, “she’s a treasure.” Born in Manhattan, Leggett moved to her current home on LIC’s Jackson Avenue in 1979. And while she may have the blood of a local, she has lived all over the globe – a truth reflected in the diverse landscape, colors and moods of her extensive collection. From living in Mexico for seven years during her formative early 20s to stints in Libya – where she sketched the infamous Yasser Arafat and Muammar Gaddafi – and Japan – where she has a green card and returns every summer – Leggett embodies the notion of a true international artist. “She considers herself a citizen of the world and identifies with the poor of the world,” says 14 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
Dougherty. “She’s big on living within your means, and you can see that in the common-person element of her work.” In addition to her unwavering authenticity and natural talent, Leggett’s obsessive practice results in an absolute mastery of her craft. “She has studied the human form and anatomy extensively, and her mother was an illustrator,” explains Dougherty. Most recently, Leggett celebrated her 70th birthday with a gallery opening at Ten10 Studios in Astoria – another milestone in her prolific career that began with her fi rst gallery opening at the age of 18. Over the past 50 years, Leggett’s work has been featured in institutional collections ranging from the Museum of the City of New York, the Princeton University Library and the Mission of Libya to the United Nations. Her work is also featured in private collections on nearly every continent. Still, these achievements are in many ways only the beginning of what is sure to be a timeless legacy. “She doesn’t have a grey hair on her head and it’s never been dyed,” laughed Dougherty. “She has longevity.”
TOP: DAN DOUGHERTY AND ANN LEGGETT RIGHT: PAINTINGS CREATED BY LEGGETT IN LONG ISLAND CITY.
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 15
NOVEMBER EVENTS 11/4 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)
11/18 6PM-8PM (ART)
LIVE MUSIC: MISSION ON MARS
BEGINNER SEWING CLASS: FLEECE HAT!
11/5 @ 3PM (ENTERTAINMENT)
11/18 @ 7PM (FILM)
$12 | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
With author Zygmunt Miloszewski in person $12 / $9 for senior citizens and students Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com
$60 incl. material | Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 | 2616 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com
PLAY TIME
ENTANGLEMENT (UWIKLANIE)
11/18 9PM-11:30PM (MUSIC) 11/12 7PM-9PM (ART)
OPENING RECEPTION: SHORT STORIES, PART 3: ALEJANDRO Cesarco and Ursula Mayer FREE | SculptureCenter 718-361-1750 | 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpture-center.org 11/13 @ HALFTIME (NIGHTLIFE)
WIN A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS @ HALF TIME OF THE PATRIOTS/JETS GAME FREE | Blackbird’s 718-943-6899 | 41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com 11/13 @ 6:30PM (ENTERTAINMENT)
11/5 @ 1PM (ART)
YOUR ART ON A T-SHIRT!
$25/pc | Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 | 2616 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com 11/6 2PM-6PM (SHOPPING)
ASTORIA MARKET
FREE |Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriamarket.com 11/6 4PM-7PM (ART)
ARTHUR HAMMER: LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS FREE | Jeffrey Leder Gallery 917-767-1734 | 2137 45th Rd, LIC www.jeffreyledergallery.com 11/8 8PM-11PM (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: TIKI TRIO
FREE | The Astor Room 718-255-1947 I 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com 11/10 9PM-MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: EVANESCENT WITH BLISS BLOOD AND AL STREET FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbar.com 11/10 @ 8PM (ENTERTAINMENT)
PERSONA PERFORMA BY MING WONG $30 public / $25 Museum Members | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us 11/11 9:30PM-MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: ARAM BAJAKIAN
FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com
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AN EVENING WITH SUPERSTAR MARIO MONTEZ
FREE with admission | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
LIVE MUSIC: THE THIRD WHEEL BAND FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com 11/18 10PM-4AM (NIGHTLIFE)
TANTRA 6 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY FREE | Tantra lounge 718-937-4574 | 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com 11/19 11AM-7PM (SHOPPING)
HOLIDAY PREVIEW DAY: 20% OFF
FREE | Inside Astoria 718-956-4000 | 3720 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 11/19 @ 1PM (EDUCATION)
HISTORY ROUNDTABLE: CALM BEFORE THE STORM Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, LIC www.astorialic.org
11/13 1PM-4PM (SHOPPING)
CHAMPAGNE & SHOPPING
FREE | SITE NYC 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com 11/13 @ 2PM (MUSIC)
CHARLIE PORTER JAZZ QUARTET
FREE | Flushing Town Hall 718-463-7700 (x222) 137-35 Northern Blvd, Queens www.carnegiehall.org/neighborhoodconcerts 11/14 @ 6:30PM (ART)
BEGINNER CROCHET CLASS: SCARF
$50 incl. material | Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 | 2616 23rd Ave, Astoria NY www.creators-coop.com 11/15 @ 7:30PM (THEATER)
ONE ARMED MAN
$10-$20 | LPAC’s Little Theater 718-482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org 11/16 @ 7:30PM (NIGHTLIFE)
CRNO VINO, WINE TASTING
FREE | Veslo 718-728-0549 I 32-11 Broadway, Astoria www.Veslonyc.com 11/17 9PM-MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: THE YES TEAM
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbar.com
11/19 12PM-10PM (ENTERTAINMENT)
QUEENS THANKSGIVING ZOMBIE WALK
FREE | Meet @ Club 21, 30-09 21st St, Astoria www.zombiescantlove.com 11/20 2PM-6PM (SHOPPING)
ASTORIA MARKET
FREE | Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriamarket.com 11/22 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: ROOSEVELT DIME
FREE | The Astor Room 718-255-1947 | 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com 11/29 @ 8:00PM (THEATER)
FLY BY NIGHT DANCE THEATER
$10-$20 | LPAC’s Main Stage Theater 718-482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org 12/1 @ 9PM (PARTY)
5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY
FREE | Ovelia Psistaria Bar 718-721-7217 I 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.Ovelia-nyc.com
Find more November events at www.BOROmag.com/Events Submit your events to: events@BOROmag.com
NOVEMBER EVENTS ON GOING EVENTS...
EVERY FRIDAY 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: SONGCIRCLE PRESENTS FREE | The Astor Room 718-255-1947 I 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com
11/10-11/20 @ 3PM & 8PM (THEATER)
REPALLIANCE PRESENTS GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL!
EVERY SATURDAY 10PM-4AM (NIGHTLIFE)
$18 | The Secret Theatre Poco Space 718-392-0722 I 4-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com
AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE NIGHT FREE | Tantra lounge 718-937-4574 | 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com
11/2-11/5 @ 8PM (THEATER)
PROJECT MAIDS
$5 | LPAC’s Main Stage Theater 718-482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.projectmaids.wordpress.com 11/3-11/19 @ 2PM & 8PM (THEATER)
A HARD WALL AT HIGH SPEED
$12-$18 | APAC 866-811-4111 | 30-44 Crescent St, Astoria www.apacny.org EVERY TUESDAY @ 10PM (MUSIC)
TEQUILA BINGO I WIN T-SHIRTS AND SHOTS
FREE | Blackbird’s 718-943-6899 | 41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com EVERY TUESDAY 9PM-11PM (NIGHTLIFE)
COMEDY NIGHT
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbar.com
EVERY SUNDAY @ 10PM (Music) EVERY WEDNESDAY 6PM-8PM (ART)
WEEKLY FIGURE DRAWING WORKSHOP $8 | Creators’ Co-Op 646-470-4728 I 26-16 23rd Ave, LIC www.creators-coop.com
LIVE JAZZ HOSTED BY BRIAN WOODRUFF FREE | Blackbird’s 718-943-6899 | 41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com
EVERY SUNDAY 5PM-7PM (NIGHTLIFE)
EVERY WEDNESDAY 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)
HAPPY HOUR BINGO FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
FREE | Brick Bar 718-267-2735 I 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.BrickCafe.com
EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY 5PM-8PM (NIGHTLIFE)
ORIGINAL, JAZZ, FOLK AND COVERS PERFORMED LIVE
EVERY THURSDAY 9PM-4AM (NIGHTLIFE)
VIVA LATIN THURSDAYS
FREE | Tantra lounge 718-937-4574 | 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com
$1 to $5 per card | El Ay Si 718-389-8781 I 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com
HAPPY HOUR
Min. $12 food purchase | Astor Bake Shop 718.606.8439 | 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com
EVERY THURSDAY @10PM (Music)
FRENCH KISS LIVE MUSIC
FREE | Pomme Café 718-545-4301 I 37-19 Broadway, Astoria www.Pommecafeny.com
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 17
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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS 2
ALIADA (B,2)
(718) 932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria
6
ASTOR ROOM (C,2)
3
AVENUE CAFE (C,2)
4
5
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36
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15
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(718) 255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com (718) 278-6967 35-27 30th Ave, Astoria www.avenuecafenyc.com
BAREBURGER (B,2)
(718) 777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria www.bareburger.com
BRICK CAFE
(B,2)
(718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
19
20
61
21
22
BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) (718) 389-9700 4711 11th St, LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com
BURGER GARAGE (B,3)
(718) 392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com
CAVO (C,2)
(718) 721-1001 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria www.cavoastoria.com
CAFÉ VIA ESPRESSO (C,1)
(718) 777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com
EL AY SI (A,4)
(718) 389-8781 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com
FATTY’S (B,1)
(718) 267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com
IL BAMBINO (C,2)
(718) 626-0087 34-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com
L’ARTISTE (C,2)
(646) 309-7504 42-20 31st Ave, Astoria www.lartisterestaurant.com
LENG THAI (B,2)
(718) 956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com
LIC MARKET (B,4) (718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com
LINN (B,2)
(718) 204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com
32
(718) 937-1932 46-3 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com (718) 626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com
1
ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) (718) 777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com
OVELIA (B,2)
33
34
(718) 721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com
25
26
28
29
(718) 777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mundoastoria.com
35
PENTHOUSE808 (A,3)
(718) 289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com
POMME CAFE (C,2)
(718) 361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com
SANFORDS RESTAURANT (B,2)
39
(718) 932-9569 30-13 Broadway Astoria www.sanfordsnyc.com
718-728-0549 32-11 Broadway, Astoria www.veslonyc.com
VESTA (A,2)
(718) 545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com
52 LIC DOG HOUSE (A,4)
(718) 389-3647 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.licdoghouse.com
(718) 729-7708 47-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.communitea.net
FLORISTS 54 FLORESTA (A,4)
(718) 729-6258 12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC www.amomandpopshop.com
(917) 612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog
(917) 832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com
INTERIOR DESIGN INC (B,2) 46 SYLC, (917) 951-5916
31-28 29th St, Astoria
ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com
ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) (718) 545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com
FOOD CELLAR (A,4)
(718) 606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
SERVICES 55 DUR AMERICA (C,2)
(718) 626-0700 34-11 Broadway, Astoria www.duramerica.com
56 HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC
Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist 347-670-4376 Aaron@HeroComputerRepairNYC.com www.HeroComputerRepairNYC.com
57 MPN LAW FIRM (C,2)
SHI (A,4)
VESLO (B,2)
(718) 433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
COMMUNITEA (A,4)
SWEETLEAF (A,4)
38
SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4)
(718) 606-0500 44-18 Broadway, Astoria www.timecafeny.com
51 CITY VET (A,4)
BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY (C,2)
37
27
(718) 729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com
TIME CAFÉ (C,2)
PETS
FOOD SHOPS
(718) 777-0913 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com
(347) 242-2450 4720 Center Blvd, LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com
32-90 36th St, Astoria www.sitenyc.com
ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2)
40
QUEENS KICKSHAW (C,2)
50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.tournesolnyc.com
31
SITE (C,2) 50 (718) 626-6030
(718) 606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com
MALU (A,4)
(718) 545-4301 37-19 Broadway, Astoria www.pommecafeny.com
TOURNESOL (A,4) 108 (718) 472 4355
30
3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com
(718) 777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria www.bkbagel.com (C,1) 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria
MUNDO (B,2)
RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 24
(718) 956-9559 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com
BAKERIES
37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com
23
LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 49 (718) 728-4057
YAJAI (B,2)
MEXIQ (C,2)
PAN (C,2) 109 PITA (718) 204-1633
(718) 545-3290 2409 Steinway St, Astoria www.cafeviaespressoastoria.com
DIWINE (C,2)
MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4)
SHOPS 44
BELIEF (B,1)
45
CREATORS CO-OP (B,1)
47
INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1)
48
(718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com (917) 751-8177 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com
(718) 956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
KRISTEES (B,1)
(718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com
(718) 777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com
59 RCN (A,3)
Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC (212) 842-7982 www.rcn.com/boromag
60 SHOWROOM BY C (B,3) (917) 658-3065 4 Court Square, LIC www.showroombyc.com
VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 62 (718) 204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
VIDEO EXPRESS (C,2) 63 (718)626-0846
3408 30th Ave, Astoria
continued on page 16
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MAP IT DIRECTORY EVENTS 64 FOUNDRY (A,3)
(718) 786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info
PLANNED EVENTS ART 41 PERFECTLY AND FASHION (B,1) (917) 558-7658 21-37 33rd St, Astoria www.pplannedevents.com
RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 65 THE (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 67 SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) (718) 274-5712 37-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
68 PAINLESS STEEL TATTOO (C,1) (718) 267-8114 23-15 Steinway, Astoria www.astoriatattoo.com
TRAINING 69 TSC TRAINING ACADEMY (C,3) (718) 389-2103 36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.tscta.com
74 BIKRAM YOGA ASTORIA STUDIO (C,2) 84 (718) 777-9642 32-03 Steinway, 4th Fl, Astoria www.BikramYogaQueensNY.com
CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 42 (718) 545-0004
85
31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com
CRANK STUDIO (A,4) 75 (718) 606-6309
4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.CrankNYC.com
DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 76 (718) 606-0381
86
78 (347) 924-9004
87
10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com
YOGA AGORA (B,2) 73 (718) 626-0680
33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com
80 THE YOGA ROOM (C,2)
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(718) 274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 786-7962 (A,4) 10-14 47th Rd, LIC www.the-yoga-room.com
SPAS
90
71 GIGI SALON (C,2)
(718) 777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com
72 PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) (718) 472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC
FITNESS
(347) 642-4840 40-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.mixcafelounge.com
106 BLACKBIRDS (C,2)
(718) 626-8044 34-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com
(718) 777-7565 3804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com
(718) 943-6899 41-19 30th Ave, Astoria www.blackbirdsbar.com
HALL & BEER GARDEN 82 BOHEMIAN (B,1) (718) 274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com
(718) 383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com
(718)687-9140 32-32 Steinway St 3rd fl, Astoria Pilatesinastoria.com
22 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
94
95
(718) 777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
5 POINTZ (B,4)
(317) 219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com
38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com
THE AURORA GALLERY (C,2) (347) 288-6870 35-18 37th St, LIC www.theauroragallery.com
(718) 784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) (718) 204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org
REISSTUDIOS (A,3)
“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
96
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TANTRA LOUNGE (B,2 )
(718) 937-4574 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.Tantraloungenyc.com
MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2)
SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 110 (718) 361-1750
SWEET AFTON (C,2 )
ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 100 (718) 247-0740
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 101 MODERN SPACES (A,4 )
(718) 784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC www.modernspacesnyc.com
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 103 (718) 310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com
THE YARD (A,4) 104 718.786.1063
2-26 51st Ave, LIC www.TheYardLIC.com
107 CARNEGIE HALL
(212) 247-7800 57th St and 7th Avenue, NY www.carnegiehall.org
102 FLUSHING TOWN HALL
(B,2) 83 BREAK (718) 777-5400
105 THE ART OF FITNESS (C,2)
93
STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3)
www.gabrieleperici.com
91
(718) 482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org
RAPTURE LOUNGE (C,2)
ART HOUSE (C,2) 112 THE (516) 724-1562 81 REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 31-06 35th St, Astoria (718) 626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com
113 LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3)
MIX CAFE AND LOUNGE (C,2)
ART
NIGHTLIFE / BARS
BEAUTY
(718) 784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com
RAVEN HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE (C,2)
27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com
PNT FITNESS (A,4) 79 (347) 396-5809
DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4)
25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net
(718) 932-2567 At 35th St. and Broadway, Astoria www.heartandsoulofyoga.com
SEEK FITNESS (B,1)
(718) 267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
MOSAIC CAFE AND LOUNGE (B,1) 111 (718) 728-0708
20-61 Steinway, Astoria
77 HEART AND SOUL OF YOGA (C,2)
BRICK BAR (B,2)
92
(718) 463-7700 x 222 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org
GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED!
KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2)
Want your business listed in our directory?
(718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com
Email: ADS@BOROmag.com
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 23
FOOD
STILL FRESH AFTER FIVE YEARS
OVELIA
24 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
MAP IT: REFER TO MAP ON P. 20
61 OVELIA (B,2)
TOP: It’s a family business for Mother and son, Evangelia and Chris Giannakas. LEFT PAGE: vibrant atmosphere is the creation of Chris Giannakas, a charming and charismatic criminal law-studentturned-restaurateur who runs house operations.
Story + Photos Bradley Hawks
T
radition blurs with the contemporary in both culinary approach and ambiance at Ovelia Psistaria, a Greek restaurant celebrating half a decade of business this December. Outside, patrons sip frappes while noshing on such classics as a decadently creamy version of an onion-studded garlicky hummus with tender pita, arguably some of the finest in the neighborhood. Inside gives way to creativity and invention. Electronic butterfl ies flap their wings amidst the planters above the banquettes. On the mezzanine, a torso-less glam rock mannequin is caught with his pants around his Technicolor ankles. And at the bar – an enormous concrete slab studded with tiny pulsing fiber optic dots overlooking a glass-paneled garage door. The vibrant atmosphere is the creation of Chris Giannakas, a charming and charismatic criminal law-student-turnedrestaurateur who runs house operations. But he’s only one-fourth of a family team: His brother and Executive Chef, Pete, was finishing his Ph.D. from NYU at Mt. Sinai when the two decided to launch a new restaurant in Astoria. “And there was no way we were going to even try this unless we had our dad in the kitchen,” says Chris. “It’s a little different cooking for 40 instead of four, but Dad has been cooking professionally for almost 40 years.” And when father and mother, Ioannis and Evangelia Giannakas, agreed to climb aboard, the sons knew they had a recipe for success. The menu at Ovelia brings together a number of favorite Giannakas family dishes – Yiayia’s omelette, an egg casserole
ABOVE: The Lamburgini, house specialty – a juicy lamb burger with sautéed crimini mushrooms and feta cream sauce, served on a bretzel (pretzel bun).
with French fries and feta, was a favorite made by Chris and Pete’s grandmother growing up. Similarly, the monastiraki bifteki (classic ground beef and lamb kebabs) is affectionately named after a store frequented by their parents on dates. And while mom and dad tackle the traditional Greek portion of the Ovelia menu, Chef Pete brings a modern flare to the kitchen. Though saganaki, a classic flame-broiled cheese, is offered as hot meze, the menu also boasts giant cubes of creamy feta that have been dipped in a sesame batter and fried, then drizzled with honey. Lamb is prepared in the psistaria “grill house” tradition (the name “Ovelia” refers to the ritual of cooking lamb on a spit over an open flame). But less conventional diners may want to tackle the exceptionally delicious “Lamburgini,” a tender lamb burger with sautéed crimini mushrooms, drizzled with a feta cream sauce, all on a house-made bretzel (a soft pretzel bun jeweled with rock salt crystals). Rock n’ Ribs Wednesdays feature an entirely different menu, with house-smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket and marshmallow candied sweet potatoes. The new raw bar receives shipments of little neck clams and blue point oysters twice a week. And the organic, locavore weekend brunch features hearty openfaced sandwiches like the chip drip (with shaved ham, sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella and hollandaise) and the shredded skirt steak with sofrito, both topped with an egg. “It can be expensive having such diverse, high quality ingredients,” admits Chris, “but when you invest that kind of commitment, people really can taste the difference.” NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 25
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DANCE
EXPRESS YOURSELF ASTORIA DANCE STUDIO Story Rebecca McNamara
D MAP IT: REFER TO MAP ON P. 20
100 ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1)
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ance is an expressive art. It combines music, movement and fitness, promotes a healthy self-image and allows one to communicate using only the body as a brush and canvas. The Astoria Fine Arts Dance (AFA Dance) actively shares this art form with the community, offering daily classes for children and adults alike. Featuring professional-quality floors and lighting, AFA Dance – which began as an after-school children’s program in 2005 before expanding last month to its present location at 38-01 23rd Avenue – is quickly becoming a neighborhood mainstay.
TOP: teachDance in es ad struc ult b tor m LEFT: allet atthe w pow astor co-foun ell i a Fine ders and sanch arts ez an direc d d Art t a emis nce, marors of ia grego riou.na
“It’s enriching for any community to have dance,” says Mariana Sanchez, AFA Dance co-founder and director. Sanchez, along with co-founder and director Artemis Gregoriou, encourage aspiring artists of all skill and ambition levels to join. Classes are available for everyone from children and those who simply want a hobby to professional adult dancers, theater actors preparing for auditions and adults wishing to stay in shape through danceinspired Zumba and Pilates. A teaching staff of nearly 20 current and former professional dancers helps students “explore the many different ways to develop a love for movement and music,” says AFA Dance instructor Melinda Usandivaras. Children’s ballet classes are taught using the National American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum. Other children’s courses include jazz, tap, modern and hiphop. “We’re very focused on the technique and high-quality type training,” explains Sanchez. “We appreciate training as an art form.”
“
DANCE IS A NATURAL HIGH
”
In addition to fitness-focused classes, adults can choose from tap, ballet, theater jazz, contemporary jazz and contemporary modern courses. “Visually, they’re all such different styles,” says Gregoriou, noting that each style requires a different method of expression, which then elicits different emotions from the viewer. Adult classes are ongoing – participants can enroll any time of the year and take as many or as few classes as desired. Children’s classes, however, are scheduled according to the school year, culminating in a June production where young dancers showcase their work. Whether for fitness, energy release, professional ambition or personal expression, dance suits many personalities. And with the ASFA just down the NQ line, there’s no excuse not to find the artist within you. It’s, as Usandivaras says, “a natural high.”
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 29
BODY + SOUL
THE ART OF SPINNING Story Daniel Crown
When Johnny Goldberg drew up a business plan for his very fi rst spinning program back in 1994, he couldn’t have envisioned the sort of long-term success his highoctane creation would ultimately enjoy. Fitness trends tend to come and go, but 17 years later, spinning – also referred to as indoor cycling – has long since staked its claim as a cardiovascular mainstay. The sport has especially boomed in the last five years, with dedicated cycling rooms springing up all across New York City, including many gyms in Western Queens. Julia Fouts, a trainer at Long Island City’s Crank NYC Studios, points to the prototypical spinner’s determination to do what works – as opposed to what’s easiest – as a reason for the sport’s staying power. Describing the blistering cycling sessions as “hardcore,” she says students truly enjoy pushing themselves to the limits of their physical capabilities. Similarly, Paul Riner, co-owner of PNT Fitness, believes the strength of spinning manifests itself through reciprocity. In short, students and instructors feed off one another. “The true art behind [spin] class comes through the instructors,” he says. “And the drive that makes these classes so inspirational and addictive comes straight from the students.” Similarly, Club Fitness NY’s Yanna Darilis believes truly great classes can be attributed to three factors: instructor motivation; clarity of instruction; and smooth transitions between intensity levels and music. All of these things, she says, “require mental and physical discipline.” While the bikes themselves are enough to elevate heart rates, spin also employs light hand weights or pulley systems to work every muscle group. The result? It’s not unusual for participants to burn 400 to 500 calories in a single session. And for those looking to shed weight or stay fit, that’s a bang for the buck that’s hard to beat. And while it may sound intimidating, spin instructors insist that newbies can learn at their own pace. MAP IT: Once they get up to speed, the REFER TO MAP ON P. 20 sky’s the limit. Or, as Riner puts it, 75 CRANK STUDIO (A,4) “students learn that their 79 PNT FITNESS (A,4) body is far more capable than [anything] they could have ever 42 CLUB FITNESS (B,2) believed.” 30 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
TOP: Satu rday BOTT morn OM: ing cran spin k st uden clas ts g s in et a full mean spee work d at out cran whil k in e ha lic. ving fun.
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BODY + SOUL
NEW YORK MARATHON SALVATOR POLIZZI IN FIVE BOROUGH CHALLENGE
Story Brett Jones
W
ith over 100,000 applicants in The NYC Marathon, you’re likely to find about 100,000 different reasons for running. For some, the experience alone is worth every minute and mile of training. Others have their eye on the prize money or the chance to be seen on TVs worldwide. But for Astoria/LIC resident Salvator Polizzi, the reason is much more personal. Polizzi was chosen to represent Queens in Foot Locker’s Five Borough Challenge – a race within the New York marathon that features one runner from each borough and a chance to win $1000 for the winner’s charity of choice. Running on behalf of Fred’s Team, an organization that raises money for pioneering research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Polizzi says he was inspired when his mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009 and his ex-girlfriend’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Knowing someone with cancer is a very helpless feeling,” said Polizzi. “Th is race allows me to make a difference by raising funds and exposure for the cause – the more exposure, the more awareness.” Be sure to support Polizzi’s efforts (and your borough!) by lining the course on race day. As Polizzi puts it, “New Yorkers inspire you to run harder and faster with their energy lining the streets.” Don’t get left in the dust – come see the action for yourself on 11/6!
32 | BORO-
Marathon route in Queens goes from The Pulaski bridge to the Queensboro Bridge. Check out www.nycmarathon.org for information about the marathon, or for more on Fred’s Team, go to www.fredsteam.org
MAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
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NIGHTLIFE
TANTRA LOUNGE Story Daniel Crown
In New York City, the search for a perfect Saturday night hotspot usually boils down to the same recurring debate: Do we want to get crazy tonight, or should we opt for a few drinks and a night of pleasant conversation? According to Astoria resident Fernando Lopez, the real art of late night lounging lies somewhere in between. In the case of his own establishment, the Tantra Lounge, this equilibrium has been built upon the merits of an ancient art form. “Hookahs are the heart of what ‘a lounge’ has really become,” he said. “The flavorful smoke and the seating arrangements combine to make the atmosphere very communal.” While the practice of smoking hookahs is generally accepted as a predominately Middle Eastern pastime, its history actually dates back to India circa 1550. Legend has it that a Persian physician invented the familiar hubble-bubble system MAP IT: shortly after European trade REFER TO MAP ON P. 20 introduced tobacco to Indian emperor Akbar I. While hookah 70 TANTRA LOUNGE (B,2) lounges began to sprout within 36 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
the United States sometime in the early 1960s, it was NYC’s 2003 indoor smoking ban that really helped fortify their popularity. According to Lopez, the Tantra Lounge uses the hookah to offer patrons a marked change of pace. While the lounge does feature a full bar and bottle service, along with a live DJ and the occasional belly dancer, none of it is so overwhelming as to hinder any chit-chat or after hours card games. The way Lopez sees it, customers should be able to choose their own adventure. Sure, loungers can certainly get crazy to multi-cultural house music, but Lopez believes hookah provides late night loungers with an option that branches beyond cheap well drinks and a jukebox controlled by persistent Journey fans. “Some people want to go out, but they don’t necessarily want to drink,” he says. “If you smoke the hookah properly, especially now with our fresh-fruit hookahs, you can still really stimulate your senses. Really that’s what hookah and Tantra are really about.” Check out nightly specials at Tantra Lounge ThursdaySaturday. Tell them BORO sent you!
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 37
EVENTS
GALLERY OPENING: ARTHUR HAMMER LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS
BORO PARTY + FUNDRAISER Date: 11/11 @ 6:30PM-9:00PM
Capturing the diverse moods of urban and rural landscapes with bold, stark colors is Arthur Hammer’s forte, and his most recent opening at Jeff rey Leder Gallery is a chance to see the established artist’s work right in your backyard. Pieces featured in the gallery span from 1989-2010 and reflect Hammer’s “vision of places and objects at various points in his life.” The exhibit will run until December 18, 2011.
Join BORO at LIC’s new Z NYC Hotel for the party of the month, featuring drinks, food, raffles and the satisfaction of helping a great cause. A $5 raffle ticket gets you a drink and a chance to win prizes from local businesses, including a weekend stay for two at Z NYC Hotel. The best part? Proceeds from the event will benefit Astoria’s own Blissful Bedrooms, a not-forprofit organization dedicated to “empowering, supporting and enhancing the quality of life of young individuals with disabilities” by transforming everyday bedrooms into chic sanctuaries.
FREE | Jeff rey Leder Gallery 2137 45th Rd., LIC www.jeff reyledergallery.com
FREE | Raffle tickets: $5 dollars each (includes 1 drink voucher). RSVP: Party@BOROMag.com
Date: 11/6, 4PM-7PM
Z NYC Hotel | 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com
4 EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS CHARLIE C CH HAR ARL RLI LIE PO POR PORTER R TER RT R JAZZ JA A ZZ Z Z QUARTET QUA ART RTET ET ET
THANKSGIVING TH HAN ANKS K GI KS GIVI GIVI VIN NG NG ZOMBIE ZO OMB BIE IE W WALK ALK AL K
Date: 11/13 @ 2PM
Date: 11/19, 12PM-10PM
Part of Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert Series, Trumpeter and composer Charlie Porter will bring his band – featuring Scott Ritchie on bass, Adam Birnbaum on piano and Jordan Young on drums – to Flushing Town Hall for an afternoon of “no-nonsense, straightto-the-point” jazz music. The quartet will play a mix of classic standards and Porter’s original songs, all of which are sure to have you bobbing your head and snapping your fingers.
Zombies Can’t Love, Zombies Worldwide (Thomas Art) and Astoria Music and Art are teaming up to host the fi rst zombie walk in Queens, featuring three parts: make-up and booze; terrorize Astoria; music and more booze. Festivities will kick off at Club 21, where professional make-up artists and drink specials will get the ball rolling. From there, head up to 30th Ave to “spread the infection” before returning to The Shillelagh Tavern on 31st Ave. for more drink specials and live music.
FREE | Flushing Town Hall 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing www.carnegiehall.org/education/ neighborhood-concerts
FREE | Meet at Club 21 3009 21st St, Astoria www.zombiescantlove.com
MAP IT: 17 Z NYC HOTEL (A,3)
REFER TO MAP ON P. 20
102 FLUSHING TOWN HALL
Keep up with local events.
Visit www.BOROmag.com/Events to learn about weekend parties, educational opportunities, art openings and more.
38 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
NOVEMBER 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 39
BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through November 30, 2011. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.
1 FREE pint with food order.
1 FREE Glass of wine or dessert with
10% OFF the entire bill.
your meal (sun-thurs).
CAFE VIA ESPRESSO 1 FREE dessert with your meal.
FREE dessert with entree (wed-sun).
15% OFF your order (excludes deliveries).
1 FREE Glass of Wine or 1/2 OFF a
ORDER ANY PIZZA and get the second same pizza for 1/2 PRICE.
20% OFF one purchase.
1 FREE Glass of Wine or Dessert with meal. Redeemable mon-thurs. Excludes prix fixe.
10% OFF 1 bottle of wine with this
Cocktail with meal with BORO.
10% OFF all wine purchases with this coupon.
coupon.
Limited to select wines.
FREE dance or fitness class for new students with ad @ Astoria Fine Arts Dance.
Complimentary Blowout for first
20% OFF entire purchase.
time color clients (tues-thurs).
unlimited classes.
3 classes, 30 days, $30 for NEW students ONLY.
Enroll into the 28 day fat blaster challenge for only $129.
15% OFF event planning services.
Bring in ad for 15% off at SITE.
$40 for 1 Month Unlimited Yoga and Pilates
10% OFF discount for courses that cost
15% OFF all hourly legal fees.
1 FREE Class for new students only.
20% OFF any training session or 1/2 o 1 boxing session.
15% OFF lunch or dinner (mon-thurs).
1 FREE mimosa at Sunday brunch.
$39 Intro Special: 1 month
$400 or more.
40 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2011
Classes. Offer ONLY available to NEW students.