Itsqueens summer 2014 pdf

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QUEENS PLUS: TOP 5 karaoke bars, bookstores & more

THE MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2014 | Volume 6.1

STILL WAUTERS Jackson Heights Singer Goes Solo

It’s List

Top

15

Entrepreneurs

DRINKING QUEENS

Five Best Borough Brews

QUEENS ALPHABETIZED Local Author Has Borough Down to the Letter

Summer 2014

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Senior Editors Andrew Shilling Chase Collum Jess Berry Contributors Tammy Scleppi Lydia Stetson Art Direction/Graphic Design Matthew Stefani Susana Diaz Photographers Michael O’Kane Advertising Kathleen Connell

Volume 6 Number 1 – Summer 2014

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It’s Queens is published quarterly. Postmaster, send all address changes to It’s Queens – PO BOX 780376 – Maspeth, NY 11378. It’s Queens is a consumer magazine covering the people who move and shake Queens, from real estate trends to transportation, politics to entertainment, It’s Queens will bring our readers the ins and outs of the borough.

It’s Queens is wholly owned and published by the Queens Ledger/Greenpoint Star Weekly Newspaper Group. We know enough about the borough, covering it week in and week out since 1873. Bulk mail Flushing, NY Permit #652. Copyright ©2008 It’s Queens. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Any news or feature solicitation for publication in It’s Queens should be done so without expectation of use and without expectation of return to solicitor. Send correspondence to editor@itsqueens.com . Subscriptions are $7.95 per year. Inquiries for subscriptions - Mail to PO BOX 780376, Maspeth, NY 11378. (718) 639-7000. www.itsqueens.com

On the Cover: Juan Waters (Photo: Carmelle Safdie) 4 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Contents 10 Open Mic FEATURES

It’s Queens ranks the Top 5 Karaoke Bars in Queens.

24 The It’s List

These 15 Entrepreneurs have got it made in the borough of Queens.

38 Still Wauters Former Beets frontman Juan Wauters

wades into new territory with his first-ever solo album.

42 Best Brews

Chase Collum takes it upon himself to spend a week drinking to find the Top 5 Queens Beers.

Departments

7 Buzz

What’s hot and what’s not in Queens.

8 Technology

Turn your smartphone into a top-flight camera.

20 Interview Amol Sarvo has Queens down to the letter.

49 The Arts

Queens is home to a growing number of bookstores.

58 Queens Seen SUMMER Calendar p. 52

Borough shows its pride at annual parade.

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 5

Publisher’s Note WALTER SANCHEZ A great deal of the community news for the summer of 2014 in Queens will be about how to handle the Homeless. It seems that a few of our neighborhoods in western Queens are being targeted by the Mayor DiBlasio administration for large facilities to house the homeless. We call them Homeless Depot.

Even though it appears Samaritan Village is constantly under investigation for some kind of misuse of our taxpayer funds, the Department of Homeless Services is looking at Samaritan Village to put 125 families in a warehouse in Glendale. In a manufacturing zone, with chemical storage plants next door, the site was turned down as too contaminated for a community facility and a school. But it’s ok for the homeless.

The Pan Am Motor Inn on Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst is now a homeless facility for dozens of families as well. Our sources tell us the entire hotel might soon be used as a homeless Depot as well. While Elmhurst might be a bit less organized in its civic involvement, protests are planned throughout the summer.

After listening to civics and some legislators about the future of these neighborhoods after a Homeless Depot is put in, they are truly frightened. Studies on the homeless seem to point away from giving them housing in large groups. The interesting point is that it might very well cost millions less to put money into fixing up houses in some areas which had been ravaged by the mortgage crisis. Placing the homeless in private houses that are closer to public transportation, and allow for a safer way of life is preferable for everyone.

Spending upwards of 20 million dollars to restore a contaminated building site, far away from public transportation, to house 125 homeless families in a hotel-like situation borders on abuse.

Now on to some features in this issue of It’s Queens…

6 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Karaoke Bars are still quite popular and Queens is no exception to having some top-notch establishments. See our ‘Top 5.’

When you talk shopping let’s face it, many talk about going to the Mall, There are obvious advantages in going to a Mall to hit a dozen or more shops in a quick and easy time period. Buy we suggest in this issue that the business strips in Queens are some of the best in the city.We picked Jackson Heights as out #1 choice because you realize what Queens is all about after spending 10 minutes there. Queens is as diverse as it gets in this whole world, and Jackson Heights is in the middle of that world.

The idea of running a Brewery is sexy!

That’s a fact. From Long Island City to the Rockaways, there has always been demand.

Now there’s ‘local supply.’ We offer to you the top 5 local breweries in Queens. See page 41.

Who says nobody ready books anymore?

Well, who has heard anyone say, “I went to sleep with a good Nook last night?” The book industry might have changed a bit, but people continue to read books and we have some great bookstores in Queens you should visit. See page 47.

Enjoy the summer.

Walter H. Sanchez Publisher

Queens Buzz

A quick rundown of what Queens residents are talking about, as well what they no longer care about.

Brewer ies

New York is historically known for doing things big, but in Queens a string of new microbreweries are taking a different approach. Startups like Finback, Beyond Kambucha, Big Alice, Rockaway, SingleCut Beersmiths and the one-ring circus at Bridge and Tunnel are just a few that are part of Queens fast-growing brewery scene.

Queens L i br a ry

For better or worse, the controversy surrounding executive director Thomas Galante has residents and politicians focusing heavily on the public library system in the borough. Amid allegations of improper use of public and private funding, and an ongoing investigation into gaudy branch renovations and a blistering six-figure salary, the libraries board has continued to support their leader and his vision, even as other turn up the heat.

Flush i ng Me adows Corona Par k

With the anniversaries of two World’s Fairs upon us, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the focus of new attention, especially when it comes to saving the decaying New York State Pavilion. Thousands waited for hours in line earlier this year just for the chance to get to go inside this ‘64 fair relic.

J ay wa l k i n g

It’s commonly understood that only tourists wait for the light to cross the street in New York City, but new Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration is fighting hard against that stigma. While it’s customary for New Yorkers to be in a hurry, and nobody has the time to walk to the corner to cross, it’s becoming clear that people are going to have to start making time if they want to live to see the other side of the street.

The Soda Ban

With former Mayor Michael Bloomberg in office, it was hard to enjoy some of the guilty pleasures in life without actually feeling guilty about them. But now that the old sour tooth is out, it’s becoming easy to drift back into our old, 64-ounce soda-sipping ways.

And though de Blasio has stated publicly that he supports the ban, the issue itself has faded very much into the background with other issues like gun violence, traffic safety and affordable housing taking the spotlight.

Carlos Danger

Last year, you couldn’t turn around without seeing or hearing something about Anthony Weiner, the severn-term congressman before scandal brought him down. Whether it was a story about his illicit photo shares, verbal sparring matches with non-supporters in local delis, or coverage of his unsuccessful bid for mayor, Weiner knew how to bring the headlines. But towards the end of last year, the buzz stopped and the politician formerly known as Carlos Danger has faded into the annals of city politics. For now. www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 7

Every family has someone—an uncle, little brother, or grandparent—who lives behind the camera, snapping and rolling video during all the priceless moments that comprise everyday life in Queens.

grudge

With the combined rise of smartphones and social media, all the technologies your resident AV nerd needs to capture those moments with the utmost clarity and quality can be right at their fingertips. Whether an iPhone or an Android, there are now plenty of ways to take personal documentaries to the next level without having to lug along an extra camera or a cumbersome video rig. iPhone: If you’re an Apple, then you probably believe, as many do, that the iPhone is the pinnacle of smartphone technology. With its slim line look, smooth glass feel and lightning-fast operating system, the iPhone 5s is an easy crowd-pleaser that comes with all the frills and design features one would expect. What’s more, these phones are creeping into the affordable price spectrum, running at $550 for a non-contract 5s from month-to-month carriers like Virgin Mobile.

Tech Specs: Processor: A7 Chip with 64-bit architecture supplemented by the M7 motion coprocessor.

Display: Four-inch diagonal Retina display with 1136x640 pixel resolution at 326 ppi.

Operating System: iOS 7.1 is built for action with its smart multitasking and state-of-the-art features including AirDrop and CarPlay, a feature added with the 7.1 release.

Camera: iSight – 8 megapixels with an aperture of f/2.2 protected by a sapphire crystal lens cover, capable of burst-shot, HDR photo capture.

FaceTime – 1.2 megapixels.

Video: Full HD at 30 fps with the iSight camera, and 720p with the front-facing FaceTime cam.

Capabilities include slo-mo, face detection, improved video stabilization and 3x zoom. (And you can also take still photos while shooting video, giving a true all-in-one feel to the iPhone 5s).

Audio: Compatible audio formats include AAC, protected AAC (from the Apple store), HE_AAC, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV. Storage: Available in 16gb, 32gb and 64gb models.

Battery Life: Built-in, rechargeable lithium ion battery with a talk time of up to 10 hours and a standby life of up to 250 hours; video playback life is roughly 10 hours and audio playback is roughly 40 hours.

Additional Features: Thumbprint ID, iCloud storage, improved Siri intelligent assistant, threeaxis gyro, accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light display sensor.

Optrix XD5 Waterproof Housing With its all-glass, wide-angle lens kit, this waterproof housing will let you take your iPhone to places you would not have the poolside party worry-free. With the Optrix XD5 rated for dives as deep as 33 feet, you could stand to suffer a few splashes and tackles into the water without sacrificing your phone. $124.95.

iPhone/ Android -- Universal Tools iRig MIC Cast Both iPhone and Android users will find this pocket-sized recording tool a useful for recording lectures, podcasts and interviews with crystal-clear audio quality. Also key; the unidirectional pattern has been designed to reduce Olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone lens background noise for those windy sumMuch like our Android feature points out, mer afternoons. $29.99. there are several telescoping lens kits available for the iPhone. But if you’re Anker Astro E4 13,000 mAh Dual USB looking to get artsy, and don’t have Charger space for long-body glass in your bag, While smartphone manufacturers have this multifaceted kit is just what you’re made great strides in battery life capaclooking for. Offering a fish-eye, a wide ity, when you start rolling video on the angle that nearly doubles the iPhone’s regular, you’re going to need mobile field of view and two macro lenses. The charging solutions to match your Olloclip slips onto the corner of your needs. That is why chargers like the phone, making it quick and easy to slap Anker Astro E4 are smart accessories on when you’re looking for that perfect to have around. This charger is a little shot in a hurry. $99. bulkier than some available options, but it will fully charge your iPhone four times over. $46.99

8 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

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CamKix 12x With this 12x telephoto CamKix lens and hardcase/mini tripod package, smartphone users can transform their daily selfie-taking into fullfledged professional photography. Accessories for include the full gamut of fisheye, macro and wide-angle options. $57.99.

Galaxy Note 3 Welcome to the world of Android.

To date, the Galaxy Note 3 has pushed smartphone boundaries, offering up a multi-platform world with the Samsung Galaxy Gear smart-watch, S Pen and a highly functional processor.

While camera buffs may be blown away by the in house 13-megapixel rear camera and 1080p video capabilities, this phone also comes with a Waterproofing wide range of camera and digital accessories that makes this phone Sony Xperia ZR well above everyday device.

If you’ve ever left your phone $749.99. in your bathing suit pocket (or pushed into the hotel swimming pool) you are in luck with Specs: the expansive Android market’s Processor: LTE 2.3 GHz Quad-Core latest waterproof creation. The Processor/ 3G: 1.9 GHZ Octa Core Processor Sony Xperia ZR touchscreen Display: 5.7 inch (144.3 mm) Full HD HD design offers up a 13-megaSuper AMOLED (1920X1080) pixel camera with 16x digital OS: Android 4.3 zoom and full HD video (1080p) Camera: Main (rear): 13 megapixel BSI Sensor, auto focus camera with Smart recording capabilities. $499.99.

Stabilization LED Flash and Zero Shutter Lag/ Sub (front): 2 Mega-pixel BSI sensor with Smart Stabilization, Full HD recording at 30 fps.

Video: Recording and Playback: Full HD (1080p), UHD Audio: Codec: MP3,AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC, WAV Memory: 32/ 64 GB user memory + microSD slot Battery: Li-ion, 3,200mAh Additional features: Samsung Galaxy Gear: 800 MHz processor, 1.63-inch display, 1.9 megapixel camera with video and audio capabilities.

S Pen: air command, action memo tool Group Play: share music, pictures, video and documents S Voice™ Hands Free, S Health

CamKix 20x For professional phototakers only. This high quality 20x telephoto lens for the Samsung Galaxy S3 includes a mini-tripod, hard case and microfiber back with a cleaning cloth and one-year warrantee guarantee. $89.98.

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 9

Top 5 Karaoke Bars of Queens

By Lauren Milano

Karaoke is a pastime that is definitely not suited for those who easily embarrass or can’t loosen up after a couple of drinks. I can personally count on less than one hand the times I’ve had the courage to let the public hear my off-key singing voice. Most memorable was during a cross-country road trip on a stop through Minneapolis. My buddy and I shamelessly belted out “A Whole New World” from Disney’s classic Aladdin, and hopped back on the road as swiftly as we could. Though it was fun and freeing to feel anonymous in a city where no one knew my name, I find it a rare urge to do the same on my home turf in New York City. But if you’re braver than I, here are the five best places in Queens to show off your talents - or lack thereof.

5 Bliss Street Station

47-02 Greenpoint Ave, Sunnyside

Upon entrance to Bliss Street Station it is apparent that it’s a legit Irish Pub. What you wouldn’t know on a low key Tuesday night dominated by regulars is that it also churns out an eager karaoke crowd. The patrons of Bliss Street Station are as serious about their Shepherd’s Pie as they are about their ability to put a personal spin on their favorite tune. The bar hosts a trifecta of karaoke nights occurring every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On any one of these nights, the good people of Sunnyside can be found belting out classic tunes like “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Living On A Prayer.” And like any karaoke buff, they aren’t ashamed to put their performances on repeat and in response to this passion the bar has hosted their very own Bliss Idol.

Bliss also offers a diverse menu that includes my favorite meal, brunch. And on Wednesdays pairs karaoke with 50-cent Buffalo wings and $5 Jager Bombs. If you’re from out of the neighborhood it’s only steps from the 7 train and the experience will be priceless.

10 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

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4 Place At Main

36-45 Main St, Flushing

Place At Main definitely gets this right and pleases karaoke enthusiasts, not only with its decadent private rooms, but also with its dark and sexy ambiance. It celebrates the true essence of karaoke and has a public lounge where you can traditionally humiliate yourself.

And the best part is the chance to lament the shortcomings of your singing voice over a wood-burning fireplace, a full bar, and delicious yet affordable cuisine.

If you’re more apt to belt a note

out in the comforts of your own room, then Place At Main could be considered a home away from home. The private rooms are not only huge, but ooze with the swagger of a modernly decorated Manhattan condo. So much so that you will probably feel like you’ve been transported into a sultry Shakira music video. Overall this place gets two thumbs up and It’s Queens would highly recommend traversing the 7 train to make a night of it.

3 Queens Tavern

68-69 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood

While the reign of karaoke bars has been dominated by Flushing, Ridgewood is slowly stepping up to the plate. From the outside, Queens Tavern looks like your typical neighborhood bar, but once inside you realize you’ve found the gem of Ridgewood. With karaoke on the first Monday of every month, patrons get a chance monthly to express themselves. It has a barebones quality that definitely alludes to a dive bar, but like Ridgewood it is on the brink of hipsterdom.

There are fun and kitschy things like the music schoolteacher piano set atop a small stage accented with a huge American flag. You’ll even hear the occasional folk song played between karaoke sets and to subdue feelings of stage fright, a modest but satisfying craft beer selection. I had an Allegash White and my buddies both downed a couple of Queens Lagers.

Queens Tavern is definitely a karaoke spot where bartenders will not only remember your name and drink of choice, but your favorite karaoke song. Located on Fresh Pond Road it is just a hop and a skip from the M train and definitely worth your subway swipes.

12 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

2 Zebra Lounge

13611 38th Ave, Flushing

Flushing karaoke takes it to a whole new level with the likes of Zebra Lounge. Not only does Zebra Lounge deliver with its luxurious karaoke rooms, but boasts an elegant atmosphere that brings it to karaoke baller status. Upon entering you are greeted by a wall of charming kabuki masks and soon find that the entire place is adorned in light hardwood. It has a zen-like quality that you would never expect from a karaoke bar and the word kitschy is not even remotely on its radar.

But wait, there’s more! Zebra Lounge is a multifaceted experience that also extends into a restaurant that serves up super fresh pan-Asian cuisine. And most importantly there’s the matter of happy hour! Zebra Lounge hosts happy hour everyday from 5 to 8 p.m. with $3 draft beers and $5 shots. So even if you come in with no intentions of renting a room and howling to your favorite songs, after three hours of dirt-cheap alcohol you may find yourself singing a different tune.

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 13

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1 Shout Karaoke

32-46 Steinway St, Astoria

If karaoke were ever to get a spot in the Olympics, Shout Karaoke would definitely churn out the top dogs. Shout was the last stop on the karaoke tour and we most certainly saved the best for last. It’s a small but sleek venue that boasts the futuristic look often found in FroYo joints and hosts a diverse crowd. The only thing that wasn’t diverse was the quality of each performance, and to say that they were all stellar is an understatement.

My friends and I found ourselves dropping our jaws at near perfect renditions of Celine Dion’s “Love You More” and hitting the high notes in Prince’s “Kiss.” We quickly discovered that on top of a crystal clear sound system, the program scored each singer’s performance for all to see.

If your score was in the “good” zone you won a free shot, and what is better incentive for improvement than that?

Though each performer held their own,

the egos did not seem overbearing and a more mediocre singer would definitely be embraced. If anything I felt a strong sense of community that welcomed newbies and the friendly staff was the cherry on top. Located literally steps from the N and R trains, there isn’t an excuse not to check this place out and make it your new favorite karaoke haunt.

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 15

Top Five

Shopping Districts in Queens There is no doubt that location and transportation play a big part in the success of a district, as do chambers of commerce, Business Improvement Districts and other business groups that help attract tenants and shoppers. But attracting people to spend three to four hours on a shopping strip involves something that is not as apparent as it might seem.

People also choose where to shop based food options, shop diversity, and ease of getting there and getting around. People might originally visit because they wanted to go to one or two particular stores, but a good shopping strip makes them want to make a whole day of it.

Given all that, It’s Queens gives you the Top Five Shopping Districts in Queens.

5 4

Steinway Street Astoria has quite a wellestablished strip of chain stores and local retailers. It’s a wide street and the corner of Broadway and Steinway is the hub.

Myrtle Avenue

Ridgewood has a business strip that is quite diverse. Although their selection of food places is not on par with some of the other areas featured here, the shopping area is quite long and feeds into a beautiful new transit hub at Myrtle-Wyckoff.

16 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Austin Street Forest Hills has a nice selection of what we call “destination” shops. These are high-end clothing and accessory stores for men and women. That, along with a large Barnes & Nobles and a few movie theaters makes Austin Street a classic - and classy - shopping strip.

2

1

3

Main Street -Flushing Main Street–Flushing has the busiest transportation hub in Queens. All trains and busses lead here, which means that in addition to the shoppers who are drawn to the area’s ethnic grocery stores and restaurants, commuters also join the mix.

82 Street -Jackson Heights Jackson Heights is our top choice for best business strip in Queens. The Jackson Heights strip was by far the busiest and people had shopping bags filled with goodies. The influence of the strip on 82 Street between 37th and Roosevelt avenues can’t be understated, as shoppers span out over five blocks in either direction.

A unique thing about the 82nd St. strip is that stores closer to Roosevelt Avenue are quite Hispanic in nature and language, while the stores on the strip located closer to 37th Avenue tend to be Indian-owned.

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 17

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Q is for Queens

When a tech entrepreneur creates a children’s book about his favorite borough, you just know it has to be innovative.

Long Island City dad Amol Sarva’s work in progress – “Q is for Queens” – was inspired by his lovely daughters Pascale, 7, and Lila, 3. The lifelong New Yorker had an epiphany one day while riding the No. 7 train, and then solidified his idea for an A to Z hardcover book about New York City’s biggest borough during a visit to a children’s book exhibit at the New York Public Library earlier this year.

“There was this huge collection of classic children’s books, and it was surprising that not a single one was about Queens,” he recalled. It got him thinking. “There’s really a lot of highlights in Queens that maybe I didn’t even know about, the kind of things you’d want

your kids to know about.”

By Tammy Scileppe Illustrations by Renee Bentley

So he got to work.

Since January, Sarva has been busy assembling Queens icons and has teamed up with artist friend, Renee Bentley, whose beautiful illustrations bring to life world-famous local landmarks (100 will be mentioned), colorful sights and notable residents.

Ideas, ideas….“A” is for Arthur Ashe, “B” is for Bayside, ”C” is for Cyndi Lauper, who grew up in Ozone Park (Did you know her hair dye is made here)?

“Queens needs a sweet collection of iconic images, posters and memorabilia, all wrapped together in a little volume for the next generation,” says Sarva, who was born in the neighborhood of Jamaica.

His parents were immigrants, like 70 percent of people who live in Queens. “My brothers and I were halfway grown when we moved to Little Neck-

20 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Douglaston, then Bayside. I went to high school in the city, and when I went off to college, I swear I thought I’d never live in Queens again, but it was a very short time before I was back, this time, in the starting-to-be-hip part, Long Island City,” says Sarva, whose family members still live in Forest Hills, Little Neck and thereabouts.

Sarva’s Kickstarter campaign was a huge success and exceeded his initial goal of $8,000, but his stretch goal to cover additional printing costs is $35,000, so he can get his book into “every school, library, museum, and art institution in Queens. I think we’ll be able to ship by June,” he said.

“Since posting ‘Q is for Queens,’ the project caught fire,” says Sarva. “I’ve heard from a litany of influential Queens elected officials and cultural institutions with their support.”

“I am so excited to support such an imaginative and educational project,” said Assemblyman Ron Kim. “‘Q is for Queens’ is an exciting way for kids of all ages to learn a little bit more about our very special borough. We have so many stories here to tell and this is a very fun way to tell them.”

In Q is for Queens, “F” is for Flushing Town Hall. “’Q is for Queens’ is a unique way for children to learn about the cultural and historic treasures in Queens,” said Town Hall executive director Ellen Kodadek. “Parents and children can discover the borough together, visiting the letters of the alphabet – a fun way to learn!

We can’t wait to carry the book in our gift shop, so families can explore Queens from A to Z.” Continuing on down the alphabet, “R” is for the Ramones (from Forest Hills) or for Rockaway or for Run–D.M.C. (Hollis natives).

“Any borough that was home to Mae West, John Gotti, Jack Kerouac, and Dr. Jay pretty much has to have a book like this,” said Sarva. And then there’s Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice presidential candidate, who lived in Forest Hills and once taught in Astoria schools.

Remember where Spider-Man came from? High school student Peter Parker was a science-whiz orphan living with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May in Forest Hills.

“And when Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to New York City, they walk from Long Island City to Madison Square Garden,” said Sarva, who has been “part of a ton of Queens stuff.”

Oracle Club, a writer’s room in Long Island City, and said he has “assembled some friends – writers, illustrators, filmmakers – plain old, regular, awesome people” to work with him. He says he’s also expecting lots of help from designers and editors from all over Queens.

“I’ve roamed the streets of Forest Hills, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Astoria, and

Rockaway,” says Sarva. “Had lemon ice in Corona, made giant bubbles at the Hall of Science, seen the Mets lose and win, fell asleep on the 7 round trip, and bought my first computer on Northern Boulevard.”

“I am Queens Boulevard,” he says. “So, maybe you think like I do that our borough needs a little more love and respect

He started the oldest LIC blog (www.licnyc.com) and helped a bunch of Queens organizations, like the Coalition for Queens, which tries to bring more tech opportunities to Queens, and the Queens Paideia School, an experimental school in Long Island City. He even helped to build East of East, a building in LIC. The author has been working from The

Summer 2014 • 21 Amol Sarvawww.itsqueens.com with his family in Greece

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TOP 15 Entrepreneurs Sometimes in life you have to make your own breaks.That’s what these enterprising residents of Queens are doing, taking matters into their own hands and following their dreams, whether its creating a food market or opening a restaurant or making world-class guitars. This issue, The It’s List presents 15 entrepreneurs who are making their dreams a reality.

15. David Levi & Darren Shlisky

Chic-a-Pea chicapeas.com

Inspired by their love of healthy food and Mayor Bloomberg’s “War on Junk Food,” SUNY Albany graduates David Levi and Darren Shlisky realized that there was a serious shortage of healthy, readyto-eat snacks available for supermarket shoppers. Now, after closing a successful round of crowd funding last September, Chic-a-Peas are gaining recognition as a worthy product around the nation.

Dave and Darren discovered chic-a-peas by “snack-cident,” as they like to say, when they burned some chickpeas while baking up a quick snack, and they found them to be crunchy and delicious.

Their no frills, no filler recipe is simple and straightforward, so snackers can feel good about scarfing down a handful of chic-a-peas. Currently available in Sea Salt and Falafel flavors, the ingredients in both are chickpeas, safflower oil and spices. And that’s it. (Chase Collum)

14.Tim Cavaretta BitterGreen Catering eatbittergreen.com

Chef and owner of Bittergreen Local Harvest Catering Tim Cavaretta hails from central Massachusetts, however he has lived in Queens on and off for the last 10 years or so. And now, he has finally found a niche in the borough he calls home.

In the past, Cavaretta has dabbled in everything from forensic investigations, to real estate and university administration; but he has always carried a passion for entertaining and an appreciation for working with regional, small-scale farmers for his work.

Now at the helm of his very own catering company, C avaretta has carried his focus by working with local farms as well as incorporating ecological principals into everything that they do, regardless of the budget, as he explained.

“There is such a thriving improvisational entrepreneurial culture here, unlike what you find in the other boroughs,” Cavaretta said of the borough. “People around here always find a way to make things work. It doesn’t hurt that you can usually find a parking space, either.”

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TOP 15 Entrepreneurs 13. Megan Sipe

12. Nadira el Khang

Chocolate Dances chocolatedances.com

NadiraBag

Nadira el Khang started out making her custom leather bags for fun, but after they started to gain popularity among her friends and family, she thought she was on to something.

Then, when she sold her first bag three years ago, she knew for sure.

That’s when the Moroccan native took her idea for a custom bag manufacturing business to the Queens Economic Development Corporation, who then helped her get started with the basics, including an Etsy website, business cards and design of her brand logo.

Now, Khang has more than 150 uniquely hand-crafted leather items for sale through her website, including satchels, briefcases, backpacks, totes and purses, wallets and pouches, journals, bracelets, travel bags and digital accessories. She looks forward to graduating from LaGuardia Community College on June 5, and to being able to fully dedicate herself to her leather craft. (Chase Collum)

Megan Sipe had to think outside of the box to combine her two very different passions, however she assures that it is not quite as strange as you might think.

With her business Chocolate Dances in Long Island City, this chocolatier/ choreographer has infused her love for performance art and handcrafted truffles by pairing the two with a live dance, theater and music performance company.

“We love creating dance inspired by chocolate and we love creating chocolates inspired by dance,” she explained. “Most of all, we want to share it all with you.”

Sipe, a professional dancer and choreographer in NYC since 2006, explains that while the pairing does seem a little strange, that it is really no different than coupling food with wine.

Like many other young entrepreneurs on our list, Sipe also operates the chocolate making portion of her business out of the Entrepreneur Space in Long island City and coordinates with other makers to create her product.

“With each box of chocolates you purchase, you are not only getting the finest truffles in New York handmade by chocolate loving dancers, you are also supporting our performing arts dance company,” Sipe said.

(Andrew Shilling)

11. Jason Roos Steepster www.steepster.com

Jason Roos and the team at Steepster have a passion for tea like none other in the borough.

As one of the largest online tea communities around, their platform has really taken all of the possible angles, offering up a tea journal (or “tealog”) to provide members a platform for reviews and tasting notes; and the Steepster Select tea of the month club, helping new and experienced tea drinkers alike to truly embrace their beloved drink.

“There are so many people from so many different places that all share a love of tea, but relate to it in their own unique way,” he said.“This fosters an environment where people are interested to share their experience while listening and learning from the perspectives of others, which makes sharing and learning about tea a lot of fun.”

Based out of Long Island City, the former co-founder and COO of Memberly, a subscription commerce initiative; and Disrupto, a leading NYC-based digital product incubator; has now found a way to share his passion with others in his borough.

“The cultural diversity of Queens is the perfect backdrop for us to build our foundation of helping people explore and love better tea,” Roos said. (Andrew Shilling)

10. Tara McKiernan & Beth Waytowich The End of the A endofthea.com

26 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Tired of going nowhere at someone else’s company, Tara McKiernan and Beth Waytowich began making moves to open their own Rockaway-based fashion outlet about a year ago. Quickly, they realized that the cost of opening a retail storefront would be above their means, so they improvised.

Now, after months of planning, equipment acquisitions and inventory build-up, the pair is poised to launch Rockaway’s first mobile fashion boutique, which they have named End of The A in honor of their neighborhood. McKiernan and Waytowich purchased a box van about three months ago from Clear Water Pool in Howard Beach to use as their mobile flagship store. After a complete interior renovation, which will include installation of floating shelves and clothing racks, the boutique will be ready to open for business.

In anticipation of their grand opening, the pair of entrepreneurs is already receiving requests for their attendance at street fairs as far away as the Hamptons. By participating in such events and working to establish close ties to their local Rockaway community, McKiernan and Waytowich hope to build up a strong reputation, and maybe even one day, to open their own brick-and-mortar store. But for now, their focus is on putting End of the A into drive and seeing where the road will lead them.

Bill de Blasio

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 27

TOP 15 Entrepreneurs 9. Carolyn Sevos Carolyn Sevos Hamilton, the president and CEO of Long Island City-based YouCake, Inc., has been baking up her very own customized deserts in the QEDC Entrepreneur Space kitchen since 2011.

After teaming up with Bonne Fete Baking and a deep outreach with the communities of Queens, Hamilton and her team have gone above and beyond by turning family photos and corporate logos into high-quality, edible frosting sheets for a wide range of cakes and cookies.

8. Josh Springer

YouCake youcake.com

“When you are testing a new product, it is very satisfying to have the opportunity to work with people of every nationality right at your doorstep,” Hamilton explained of her company’s home base in LIC. “For the food industry you have access to an amazing number and array of suppliers.”

So next time you are planning a bridal shower, wedding, graduation or corporate party, try out this local start-up to ensure a picture perfectly focused celebration.

(Andrew Shilling) Northside Web Services northsidewebservices.com

Branding and social media has always been something that just came naturally for this Sunnyside business owner, so it was nothing new for Josh Springer when he started Northside Web Services in his hometown.

After the Rego Park native first began spending his free time helping friends and family develop their own web presence, he decided it was time to expand his efforts in helping business startups with visualizing and maintaining their own brands as well.

“There are a lot of businesses that have been around here forever, but the times have changed,” Springer said. “And I’m not just doing it for them, but I’m showing them how to do it in a way they can understand.”

When business owners contact Springer for advice on reaching out to expand their clientele, and visit his website at (www.northsidewebservices.com), they quickly see recognition for his work with web design and development, logo design, branding, search engine optimization and social media.

“I feel like more of an educator,” Springer said.“If the business owners know what they’re doing, they’ll have a better idea of what they want to do on these other platforms.” (Andrew Shilling)

7. Dennis Lee & Liz Wick Astoria Coffee astoriacoffee.com

Started by Dennis Lee and his college sweetheart Liz Wick, Astoria Coffee began as a coffee delivery service and is even now working to build out its new location at 30-04 30th St. After graduating from Ohio State University, the couple moved to NYC, where Dennis worked in guitar binding, and before that, as a piano repairman and a teacher in NYC public schools. Liz, when not working to help manage the delivery service and build out, works as a practice manager for an ophthalmologist.

The couple originally met in a mutual friend’s coffee shop near their college campus, and they have long been fans of the unique atmosphere found in local coffee and teahouses. Taking this love to the next level, they began working out the specifics of opening their own coffee shop in Astoria in the spring of 2013. Since they knew it would take time to find the right location for their shop, the couple began operating a whole bean delivery service, helping them create a client base, as well as strong ties with suppliers around the country. As soon as construction is completed on their new shop, Dennis and Liz look forward to creating an open and welcoming shop for Astorians to congregate and decompress. (Chase Collum) 28 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

TOP 15 Entrepreneurs 6. Tomika Burke TomCookery Catering www.tom-cookery.com

When chef Tomika “Tom” Burke took home top honor at Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” competition in early April 2014, the Cambria Heights native also came away with confirmation that her pursuit in the culinary arts was more than just a childhood dream.

After graduating from Columbia Law School at age 31, Burke left her job on Capital Hill and pursued her love for food by opening

TomCookery catering company.

“This is such a blessing,” Burke said of winning the competition and finding a new vision for her newly re-focused career.“Now my heart is back in it.”

Burke combines her family roots in the Barbados with her upbringing in Queens to turn out some finely tuned, southern style and Caribbean-themed dishes made for a variety of parties, corporate

events, “casual shindigs” and bar mitzvahs.

“If you’re going to go out of borough, yeah it’s trendy, but I just feel like Queens is where it’s at,” she said. “We just have the best food, the best people and we’re real.

We’re not trying to be something else. I will represent Queens to the end.” (Andrew Shlling)

5. Matt Swanston Gooey & co gooeyandco.com

When Matt Swanston moved from his home in St. Louis back in 2004, he brought with him a passion for baking and a cake recipe that would later help glaze the way for a career in Queens.

After graduating with a degree in theater at Columbia College Chicago, the young entrepreneur later realized his culinary calling after strolling through one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the borough.

“It wasn’t until I saw something in a bakery on Steinway Street — around the corner from my apartment in Astoria — years ago that it dawned on me that New Yorkers had never had a hometown treat that I had been

missing for years; the Gooey Butter Cake,” Swanston said.

Swanston started Gooey&Co back in 2011 after many trial tastes of his cake recipe.Today they are selling out 1,300 of his baked confections – made with cream cheese, farm fresh eggs and organic buttermilk -- every weekend.

“Each cake I make, each flavor, is an extension of me and my creativity and I love sharing them with everyone and seeing them enjoy something that I have enjoyed for so long,” Swanston said. “I enjoy living life a bit on the wild side and seeing where it takes me.”

(Andrew Shilling)

4. Jimmy Tu Bún-Ker 46-63 Metropolitan Avenue

After Hurricane Sandy flooded out a fish distributorship co-owned by Jimmy Tu at 4663 Metropolitan Avenue, he was devastated.

But a little hurricane wasn’t going to stop him.

Instead, he used the opportunity for renewal and launched a trendy little Vietnamese street food restaurant that is all the rave (and even has some claiming that its existence is proof that hipsters are coming to Ridgewood next).To inspire his menu, Tu took a tour of Vietnamese street food vendors, sampling dishes and taking notes on methodologies before bringing that know-how back to Queens. He chose to name his new restaurant Bún-Ker because it was born in a storm and also as a play on words alluding to the Vietnamese vermicelli noodles, called bún (pronounced boon). (Chase Collum)

www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 29

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TOP 15 Entrepreneurs

3. Katrina Schultz Richter Queens County Market

You never know when you’re going to come across something delicious, but there’s a good chance you found it at the Queens County Market, a pop-up edible marketplace that showcases bakers, chefs and other culinary entrepreneurs from the borough and beyond. It was created

by Katrina Schultz Richter, a Queens residents via the Philippines, in April of 2012. Since then, the market has made appearances across the borough, at places like SingleCut Beersmiths, Quaint in Sunnyside, Sac’s Place in Astoria, and most recently at an event in early May at the Queens County Farm.

The market’s mission is to not only connect Queens residents with local food makers, but give those same food makers a chance to get some publicity and grow their young businesses.

“The idea for the market was to create opportunities for food entrepreneurs, especially start-ups, and provide a diverse marketplace reflecting the borough that I was raised in and am still a resident of,” Richter told It’s Queens.

There have even been some early success stories. “Gustavo Frias of Gustavo’s Salsa has participated at Queens County Market since our very first event,” Richter said. “It was his first step in testing, marketing and selling his salsa. Based on customer feedback, he has since added a bottled version and the salsa is now sold in several NYC retailers.”

As for what shoppers will find at the market, each event is new and different.“Each market is unique in that we pop-up monthly, for one day only, in various communities throughout the borough,” said Richter. “The idea is to travel to different Queens neighborhoods, support a venue and Queens business that you might have not known, while sampling some of the best foods made by independent food vvpreneurs from here in Queens and greater NYC. The vendor list changes for each event so there’s always new food products to taste and new food producers to discover and meet.” (Shane Miller)

2: Laura Siciliano-Rosen & Scott Rosen Eat Your World eatyourworld.com It’s a great big culinary world out there, and navigating it on your own can be a daunting challenge. Enter Eat Your World, a website created by the husband-and-wife team of Laura Sciliano-Rosen and Scott Rosen that points you in the direction of the best examples of local cuisine across the world, literally. Learn how to eat a fried tarantula in Phnom Peng, get the skinny on eating chapulines (fried grasshoppers) in Oaxaca, or simply find the best breakfast taco in Austin. (This author and one of the site’s creators respectfully disagree on the rankings!)

The Jackson Heights couple got the idea for the site in 2011 as their work as a travel writer and photographer took them to far-flung locales and, of course, led them to new and exciting cuisines. Now with a young one to look after, they don’t get to travel quite as much and rely on contributors from around the globe to keep the content on the site fresh. “We are trying to get contributors in cities that we would like to visit but can’t get to,” Sicialano-Rosen told It’s Queens. They are also open to users of the site posting their own photos and short write-ups of their own culinary adventures from across the globe. “We really want people to own the content and feel like they are really contributing to the site and a part of it,” said Siciliano-Rosen.

But even if traveling the world isn’t exactly your bag, you don’t have to look too far outside your front door to find world cuisine. Eating your way through the diverse and multi-ethnic neighborhoods of our own borough 32 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

sometimes calls for a travel guide, and Eat Your World doesn’t overlook Queens.“In a perfect world we would have an entire second site just devoted to neighborhoods throughout New York City to let people know the best things to eat,” Sicialano-Rosen said. (Shane Miller)

1: Dean Gordon Dean Gordon Guitars deangordonguitars.com

It’s probably a fair estimate to say that about half the teenagers in Queens at some point get interested in picking up a guitar; some stick with it, others give up rather quickly. But when Dean Gordon was 15, he didn’t just get into playing guitar, he decided to make his first cheap Fender Squire sound better.

“Within a few months, I started tinkering and trying to improve the sound,” he told It’s Queens during a visit to his garage workshop behind his family’s home in Astoria. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 33

TOP 15 Entrepreneurs Soon, Gordon was ordering kits to assemble his own guitars, but wanted to take his newfound passion further. Thanks to a chance encounter between Long Island City luthier Roger Sadowsky and Gordon’s father in the hardware store he owns near Sadowsky’s workshop, Gordon soon found himself with a paid apprenticeship. Not long after he got the gig with Sadowsky, Gordon also found himself studying under Victor Baker, another Queens guitar maker with a shop in Astoria.

“I had apprenticeships with two world-renowned guitar makers at the same time,” Gordon said. “I learned every little aspect of guitars.”

At the same time, Gordon became interested in designing his own guitar, but wasn’t interested in mimicking the classics. “I thought, ‘do I want to make a Telecaster or a Strat, or do I want to come up with something cool?’” recalls Gordon.

34 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

“I came up with some off-designs, but I still thought they were boring.”

Then one day while doodling in his 10th grade English class to avoid discussing To Kill a Mockingbird, Gordon hit on the design for his signature model, the Mirus. He showed the design to both Sadowsky and Baker, and while they liked the look, the both told Gordon it would be hard to execute. Undeterred and with a little

help from his father in the way of tools and equipment, Gordon got to work.

Gordon says the first guitar left a lot to be desired, but by the second one he knew he had something special and others began to take

notice. Gordon’s boss at Chelsea Guitars got a head’s up that legendary guitarist Keith Urban would be in the shop one Saturday to buy some amps for a show at Madison Square Garden, and told Gordon to “conveniently” have one of his guitars on hand.

When Urban came in, Gordon’s boss mentioned the guitar and urged Urban to give it a try.

“I could see Keith roll his eyes, but as soon as I pulled it out of the bag I could tell he was interested and began to play it,” Gordon said. “He would walk away, but 20 minutes later he would come back and pick it up again.” Urban eventually walked out of the shop with the amps...and a Mirus.

Gordon has been building guitars now for two years, and is currently working on his eighth one. He says he wants his guitars to be appreciated for more than just a superb musical instrument. “I want my guitars to look like art.” (Shane Miller)

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Cover Story

Uncharted

Wauters

Jackson Heights singer-songwriter branches out on his own with his first solo record.

By Tammy Scileppi Photos: Carmelle Safdie

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www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 39

Cover Story In photos promoting his debut solo album, NAP: North American Poetry on Captured Tracks, Juan Wauters sits in front of the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and kneels before the shops of nearby Willets Point. His Queens pride was also evident when he was frontman for The Beets, and the group would display “We are from Jackson Heights!” banners during its performances.

Popular among the DIY music crowd, The Beets were often described as “folk,” “punk” and “garage.” But that was then. These days, Wauters has put that crazy world behind him for good and moved on, finding himself again musically, soul-searching and coming into his own after a recent break with the band.

“At the end of 2011, our group was very unstable and we weren’t getting along,” Wauters told It’s Queens during a recent interview.

“Therefore, I decided to step aside for some time to reevaluate the purpose. During this time, I recorded some stuff on my own. These recordings are what turned out to be my new

40 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

record, N.A.P. “In 2013, I played a lot with The Beets and also under my own name,” he continued. “After months of playing with both projects and comparing their positive and negative attributes, I decided that it was best to focus on my music career as a solo artist.”

And focus he did. Pushing his creative boundaries, Wauters’ characteristic sound and new attitude have been captured in the heart of his new album, which took its name from a poetry magazine that he and his collaborator, former Beets member Matthew Volz, once published.

“When we had the opportunity to release this record, we were discussing different titles and this is the one that stood out the most,” Wauters explained.

True to its name, the album is a poetic-sounding collection of recordings he made between 2010 and 2012. “The meanings and feelings behind them are meanings and feelings that I felt when writing them, and I do not try to make

them public as a way to encourage the listener to make their own assumptions about what these mean to them,” Wauters says.

Mellow, introspective tracks like “Water” and “Sanity” are filled with lyrics that make you pause and reflect, so you have to read between the words to really get the subtle nuances.

Wauter’s lyrics are somewhat reminiscent of ‘60’s folk music, but he’s truly in a category all his own; the truth is, it’s tough to nail his down to a specific genre, and that’s what makes his sound so different and fresh.

“I try to write music that talks about myself, and I try to be as sincere as possible,” he says.

“I’m a big fan of the idea of crafting songs, so I focus on that and try to make them personal to me by creating my own language.”

In “Water,” he’s seeking answers to life’s important questions. It starts off with fluid guitar strums, followed by Wauters’ warm voice: “Woke up early; felt that itch, what am I doing now with this niche? Do I belong? Who is it that I am? What is that I’m for? Who’s that in

my skin?”

Like his singing voice and musical style, the talented musician is warm and approachable; very down to earth and real. Friends and family matter a lot to him, and he has chosen his close circle carefully, being very selective down to his pets. He talks about meeting his dog near a bakery in Jackson Heights. “We have an artistic partnership,” he says jokingly.

When he was 17, Wauters left his Uruguay home in 2002 to join his father, who had come to New York earlier to find work. The creative young man turned to music and socializing to ease the boredom and loneliness he was feeling working in a factory.

“My family left Uruguay because of economic reasons, and came to New York because my father’s brother and his family had been here for over 20 years,” Wauters recalls. “When I first got here (Jackson Heights), besides working, I concentrated on learning English. Once I felt confident enough, I got a G.E.D. and then started taking classes at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City.”

And what does he like most about Queens?

Wauters says, “It has the real feeling of the working class, and there is a strong middle class. I also like how we are all able to live together, accepting each other’s qualities. I enjoy walking on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights and going into La Nueva Bakery, walking down 82nd Street, or riding the No. 7 train and going to Flushing Meadows.”

Eventually, he and a friend got together and formed The Beets, who would go on to release several albums, beginning in 2009.

The songwriter insists he’s “trying to write New York music, not rock or folk, or anything like that,” and you get the sense that at 30, a pivotal age for most, he’s also trying to figure out his place in the universe – as we all are at one time or another – living together on this spinning orb and wondering, Who am I really and what’s my purpose here?

What’s next? The eccentric singer has been performing over the past year and says he’s going to keep performing and working on the promotion for NAP over the next couple of months. As of now he’s playing mostly by himself on the guitar, while Volz “sets the stage with a light show and banners that create a very special show.”

“I will be going into the studio pretty soon to record a new record,” he says. “The project is just picking up form, so it will be molding over time, which is very exciting.”

NAP: North American Poetry is on iTunes to preview, buy, and download, and on Amazon.com. The album is available in a special gatefold edition, with artwork (and a comic) by longtime visual collaborator Matthew Volz. You can stream the whole thing via Rdio. www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 41

42 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Two years ago, this list could not have been written. That is because in that interceding timespan, all over the borough the call for craft beer was heard loud and clear by a disparate group of brewers now operating from Long Island City to the Rockaways.

Just last month, two new breweries debuted in Queens—one in Glendale and the other in LIC. And that’s why Dan Bronson of Crescent & Vine in Astoria felt it was time that Queens had its own beer week.

As it stands, there are currently six licensed breweries in Queens, including Bridge and Tunnel, Transmitter, Big Alice, Finback, Rockaway and Beyond Kombucha.

There are also craft beer lovers clubs popping up around the borough, like the guys over at Brewstoria, a monthly crafters club that meets up to taste beers every first Wednesday in (…you guessed it...) Astoria.

Now, I am no Garret Oliver, but I’ve been drinking beer (legally) for a decade now,

and I have made a point of trying out local favorites withersoever I find myself as I have made my way across various corners of three continents (and I tasted dozens of samples of new beer for the first time at Beer Week with a residual beer gut to prove it), so I guess you could say I’m a semi-pro.

by Chase Collum

5) Beyond Kambucha “Mava Roka” 5)Beyond Kambucha “Mava Roka” When Spiro Theofilatos began making his kombucha-infused beers, it really started out as just a novelty item since he had to obtain a brewer’s license in order to work with kombucha in the first place. But he is definitely on to something.

Now, this is definitely not a beer drinker’s beer, but if you’re one of those who tolerates beer drinkers and wants something to throw back while they nerd out about hoops or football, this love is for you. The Mava Roka is a gluten-free kombucha beer with a fruity, slightly sour flavor and a smooth, full mouth feel. And definitely a perfect and welcome replacement to Mike’s and Ice. www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 43

4) SingleCut “Smoke-Ed Gose” SingleCut Beersmiths opened up shop in the further northern reaches of Astoria at the tail end of 2012, making it the second full-scale brewhouse to open in Queens since the end of Prohibition (Rockaway Brewery is the first). SingleCut founder Rich Buceta left a career as an ad exec to pursue his passion for home brewing as it turned into a job at a brewery in Brooklyn, but he quickly realized he wanted to open his own brewery—one in his own borough.

Now that Buceta’s brewery is running full-steam, you can forget what you’ve heard: The Smoke-Ed Gose is the true champagne of beers. From the center as you pull, your mouth is overwhelmed with a cidery bubble of celebratory success.

The next time you’re not sure you should take the champagne toast because you’ve been on beer all night, compromise with this well-balanced option instead. That isn’t to say this is only an occasion beer, but it certainly plays the part well.

3) Big Alice While Kyle Hurst, the chief brewer at Big Alice, has been known to say that he doesn’t think his brewery will ever win any competitions because their beers don’t fit into any category, I am prone to disagree. And that is why Big Alice’s batch of rye, oat, and hot pepper stout is getting the bronze on my list. True, Big Alice only brews in micro batches, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are making some damn fine beer.

2) Transmitter Brewery “Farmhouse Ale” Transmitter debuted four of its new beers on the inaugural night of Beer Week at Crescent & Vine, and while all were swig-worthy, it is the Farmhouse Ale that rules the roost. As you draw your glass (or mug, stein, etc.) to your lips, the smell of fresh-cut wheat and fennel surrounds your nose, and a light, fluffy cloud of citrus sifts itself into the surrounds of your mouth like a tidal wave of spring and life and happiness. For all of the country-born city dwellers out there (like me) slinking around the borough, this beer can be an aid to reminisce, allowing you to remember all the reasons you loved home and none of the reasons you left.

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1) Bridge and Tunnel “Hazlenut Brown” As a testament to the impact of this unparalleled hazelnut brown, Robby Crafton, one of the brewers at Big Alice, told me that he remembered trying this beer for the first time a year earlier. It’s that memorable. And it is with that stamp of approval that I confidently place Rich Castagna’s Hazelnut Brown securely at the top of this list. Much like the Farmhouse by Transmitter, this beer catches your nose long before it reaches your lips with the thick, soft smell of hazelnut thickly wafting from the top of the glass. Part of how Castagna gets such rich flavoring is in his use of fire over steam to heat during the brewing process. The rest comes straight from the heart.

Inspired by his mother’s support in her final years, Castagna opened a microbrewery in her Maspeth garage and named one of his inaugural beers in her honor. From the start, he has been in the habit of giving his beers meaningful names.

Take his “$20 and a Switch Blade” for example, named for a time when the father of the Queens Kickshaw’s owner, who was being bullied, sent him to school with $20 in one pocket and a switchblade in the other and made him decide which one he was going to use. Heck, even the paddle that Castagna uses to stir his mash has a great story behind it. The bottom line is, while he is a pretty solid dude and about as hard working as is humanly possible, he’s pretty sentimental, and that sensitivity comes across in all of his creations.

While he is still brewing out of his late mother’s garage, Castagna hopes to expand in the near future into a space with a tap room, because for him, brewing is all about the people. And maybe that’s why people love his beers so much.

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48 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Top 5 Queens Independent Bookstores

These book shops are finding creative ways to thrive in a digital marketplace When Borders went bankrupt and started closing its stores across the country in 2007, it seemed like the beginning of the end for brick-and-mortar stores and their book-loving frequenters. For many, the battle still continues as Amazon continues to dominate online book retail and many independently owned book shops are forced to close their doors.

But for these five booksellers in Queens, the challenge has not been anything that they couldn’t overcome. From selling online to hosting numerous community events to supporting a social justice cause through its sales, these stores have found a way to successfully sell books to the readers of Queens and beyond.

There is almost nothing better than spending a quiet afternoon strolling among the stacks of books, used or new, in a store

dedicated to the art of the printed word. Whether you’re looking for a cheap find, a book that is now out-of-print, the latest sci-fi bestseller or a new book club, these Queens booksellers have got you covered.

For all of these stores, however, the challenge of making a profit selling physical books in a world that increasingly looks to find everything online is very real. Community support is essential for their success, and each of these shops makes a visit to their store or website a worthwhile excursion in their own way.

So next time you find yourself with a few quiet hours, consider stopping in to one of these five bookstores. Grab a coffee, wander among the stacks and get lost in the magic of a good book.

#5 Apollo Books 17-17 Troutman “If you want something from the 17th century, I’m

your guy.”

Jeff Brewer originally started selling books to pay for college back in the 90s. As he got better at the business, he found himself continuing his career in bookselling. Now he has been finding and selling books for almost 20 years, which explains his expertise in finding rare books for his clients.

The past decade has seen a severe drop in the number of bookstores around the country. Between that and the astronomical rent in New York, Brewer decided to run his entire bookselling business, Apollo Books, online.

While some prefer browsing a collection in person, do not be deterred by Brewer’s lack of a storefront. He considers himself a bit of a rare and outof-print expert. “That’s where I sort of found my niche. It’s very challenging intellectually,” he said.

Brewer prides himself on selling relatively inexpensive books, both from his rare and out-of-print collection and his general stock. No matter what you’re looking for, Brewer can help you find it. “I deal with a little bit of everything, so there’s nothing I haven’t handled in the past.”

So whether you want to check if your favorite bestseller is in stock, or you’re looking to settle in with some centuries-old literature, check out Apollo Books on www.abebooks.com and see how Jeff Brewer can help. www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 49

#4 Enigma Bookstore 33-17 Crescent St. Astoria

Enigma Bookstore in Astoria is admittedly not for everyone. Shop owner Hugh Brammer said he appeals to the “geekier and nerdier group, if you will.”

Specifically, if you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, watch Game of Thrones, enjoy a good comic book or have watched all of the Star Wars movies multiple times, Enigma Bookstore is the place for you.

Specializing in fantasy, sci-fi, mystery and horror, as well as comics and graphic novels, Enigma Bookstore definitely appeals to a niche market. And with low prices for used books, Enigma Bookstore is a dream destination for the geek in all of us.

The shop also hosts events — usually featuring authors of books they have in stock — every Friday and Saturday.

#3 Turn the Page Again 39-15 Bell Boulevard Bayside Turn the Page Again in Bayside allows book lovers to buy used books for remarkably low prices — nothing in the store costs over $5 — while donating to a great cause.

The shop is operated by Transitional Services, a non-profit that helps people with primary psychiatric diagnoses enter into the workforce. The non-profit hires people with mental disabilities and trains them for six to nine months before helping them find another job.

A small storefront on Bell Boulevard, it is easy to drive right past Turn the Page Again. For those who frequent the shop, that is perfectly fine.

“We definitely have our regulars,” store manager Elle Fliegel said. “It’s very funny because some of our regulars won’t share us with their friends and coworkers,” It’s no surprise why the locals want to keep the bookstore in Bayside secret.

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Pair the shop’s relatively wide selection and unbeatable prices – they even give away some of their books - with the fact you are supporting a good cause, and you’ve got a real gem of the bookstore.

All of the books are donated by the Queens Library or by customers themselves, which is what keeps price so low. And if you donate, you can receive store credit.

Customers can find bestsellers, classics or books from any number of genres ranging from science fiction to cook books. There is even a separate children’s corner. With something for everyone, you are sure to walk out of this shop with a book (or five, or ten).

During the week they have groups that host two separate game nights. To help you get even more cozy, they offer coffee and tea and will soon offer prepackaged snacks.

If all of that isn’t enough to get you in looking for the next George R. R. Martin book, the staff at Enigma Bookstore is the icing on the cake. Falling into the “geekier and nerdier group” themselves, they know the titles they are selling because they have read them.

“It’s not like a Barnes and Noble where a person has to look a book up to know what it’s about,” said Brammer. “And we can refer you to a book that we think you’ll like.”

#2 Austin Book Shop 104-29 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill

The Austin Book Shop is a rare and out-of-print bookstore that specializes particularly in American history. What makes this store so noteworthy, however, is its own rich history.

The shop opened on Austin Street in 1954 and had its own dark secret — the famous 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese happened right outside its door. In 1986, owner Bernard Titowsky moved the store to its current location on Jamaica Ave. Current owner Ray Harley took over the shop in 1993, after Titowsky passed away, because of his own personal history with the store. He had been a “Book Bum” for years — a group who would meet every Saturday at the bookstore for a drink and good company.

Now the shop is known nationally for baseball, which can also be attributed to Harley. Back in the 80s, he sold his collection of 800 hardcover baseball books to Titowsky.

The Dodgers even created their own library using many books from the Austin Book Shop.

Besides baseball, Harley has a large catalog of books on women’s studies, immigration, law, crime, performing arts, New York and African American studies. You can call or go online and place an order any day of the week, but to go and browse the extensive collection, you will need to head to the shop on a Saturday, the only day of the week the store is open to the public.

The trip is certainly worthwhile — Harley stocks books ranging from topics as specific as an anti-Eleanor Roosevelt book to as rare as a book on the Mississippi Chinese.

You never know what you’ll find in the stacks.

#1 The Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31st Street Astoria

The Astoria Bookshop is the closest on this list to a typical bookstore, in that owner Lexi Beach sells new books without any particular genre specialization. What the shop does specialize in, however, is localizing its stock and events to make it a real community hub in Astoria.

Beach opened the shop after a long history working with books, most recently in digital and audio books. “I was gradually realizing in my time at that job that I am not a digital person,” Beach said. “If I was going to be selling something to someone I wanted to do it in person. I just like physical books.”

But The Astoria Bookshop boasts more than just books.

Locals flock to the store for all sorts of events, ranging from weekly story time on Tuesday mornings to writing workshops, mindful meditations, author readings or the shop’s monthly book club.

Realizing the importance of the neighborhood around her and mixing that with her love of print books, Beach has created a store that can either be a pleasant stop for some book perusing or a weekly destination for regular patrons.

“I want to be able to have the kind of events and the kind of books on the shelves that local customers are looking for. A bookstore, maybe more than other kinds of retail, is a very local kind of business.”

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Entertainment Calendar A Roundup Of All The Cool Happenings In Queens

Thursday, May 29

MAY 2014: Friday, May 23 Helen Sung Trio – The “(Re)conception Project” Kennedy Center’s Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition winner Helen Sung performs music from her personal collection. @ 8 p.m. | Flushing Town Hall, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

Werner Live Music @ 9 p.m. | Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave., Ridgewood Saturday, May 24

World’s Fair Train Show The Long Island Garden Railway Society presents this outdoor replica of the World’s Fair Unisphere and working G scale model trains on display from May 24 to 26. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with Garden admission. | Queens Botanical Garden, 4350 Main St., Flushing.

John Yao and his 17-Piece Instrument Asian-American jazz musician John Yao performs. @ 4 to 6 p.m. Free with Garden admission. | Queens Botanical Garden, 4350 Main St., Flushing.

Karaoke at the Windjammer Karaoke night and open mic. @ 8 p.m. | The Windjammer, 552 Grandview Ave., Ridgewood.

Trans-Pecos Live Music Live music for all ages. $10. @ 8 p.m. | Trans-Pecos, 915 Wyckoff Ave., Ridgewood.

Sunday, May 25 Movie Screening

Saturday, May 31 “The Heritage” tells the love story of a Christian soldier and Jewish girl during the Spanish inquisition.

Free. @ 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park.

Greenpoint Avenue Festival Street fair. @ 11 a.m.

- 6 p.m. | Greenpoint Avenue from Queens Boulevard to 42nd Street, Woodside.

Tuesday, May 27 BINGO Night Take home the cash prize at this BINGO night for seniors. @ 7 to 10 p.m. | Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park.

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Choreography: Knockdown Center Artist Michou Szabo premieres his art installation. @ 8 p.m. | Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood.

Retrospectiva Music from classical composers with Flamenco dancing and song. $28 adults, $20 seniors, $12 children and students. @ 8 to 10 p.m. | Tony Bennett Concert Hall at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. 35-12 35th Ave., Astoria.

Picnic Day at Onderdonk House Grills and picnic tables supplied for Onderdonk House’s largest picnic event. @ 12 pm to 6 pm. | Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood.

Sunday, June 1 Noguchi Artwalk A walking conversation of a current installation, “Noguchi Archaic/Noguchi Modern,” with senior curator Dakin Hart. @ 3 to 4 p.m. | The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Rd., LIC. Monthly Jazz Clinic Kenny Brawner hits the stage with the Queens Jazz OverGround for the monthly Jazz Clinic, followed by the Monthly Jazz

Queens. | Austin Street, from 69th to 72nd Road, Forest Hills.

Spring Fling Car Show & Blood Drive Sponsored by East Coast Car Association Toys for Tots. @ 9 am to 4 p.m. | Maspeth Federal Savings Bank Parking Lot at 69th Sreet off Grand Avenue, Maspeth.

Community Volunteer Day Volunteer event to participate in garden activities. @ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

Wednesday, June 11 June 12th World Cup Screening DJs, open piano and the screening of the annual World Cup. | Queens Tavern, 6869 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood.

Jam. @ 7 p.m. | Flushing Town Hall, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

Queens Pridefest Queens Pridefest @ 11 am to 6 pm. | 37th Road from 73rd Street to 77th Street, Jackson Heights.

Grand Avenue Festival Street fair. @ 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grand Avenue between 65th St. to 72nd St., Maspeth.

Karaoke at Queens Tavern Karaoke night. @ 9 pm. | Queens Tavern, 6869 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood.

I.A.M. Open Mic Night The Immigrant Advancement Matters group invites performers and poets to express themselves to support the group’s educational programs. @ 7 p.m. | Flushing Town Hall, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

Saturday, June 7 Women’s Day Street Fair Vendors sell clothing, fragrances, cosmetics food and more at this first annual event. @ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 106-60 Union Hall, Jamaica.

Wednesday, June 4 Seasonal Farmstand Meet with local farmers and pick from over 50 varieties of vegetables every Wednesday through Sunday throughout the summer. EBT and food stamp benefits accepted. @ 12 to 5 p.m. | Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks.

Grant Writing Take a class with the business outreach center. $10 @ 6 to 8 p.m. |Queens Council on the Arts, 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria.

Thursday, June 5

Sunday, June 8

The Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th anniversary of production by holding a concert to end the 2013-14 year. Pieces by Beethoven, Schubert, Ivanovici, Mendelssohn and Waldteufel will be performed. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and students. Call 718374-1627 for tickets. | 107-23 71st Rd., Suite 240, Forest Hills.

Forest Hills Festival of the Arts From 11 am to 6 pm the annual street fair will be held on Austin Street with a variety of food, music, games and vendors.

The festival is sponsored by the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce and will showcase local businesses throughout

Saturday, June 14, 2014 Jackson Heights Art Clubs Show & Sale Outdoor art show. @ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | In front of PS 69 at 77th Street and 37th Avenue, LIC. Strawberry Festival Outdoor festival celebrating the season of summer. @ Noon to 4 pm. | Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood.

Friday, June 20 Maspeth World of Wheels Exhibition An exhibition showcasing the best “car ideas” submissions

Tourette Syndrome National Awareness 5K Run/Walk Raise funds with the Tourette Sundrome Association for this neurological condition.

Call 1-888-4_TOURET for more information. @ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 54th Avenue and 111th Street. Flushing.

Forest Hills Symphony Orchestra www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 53

coming from across New York. @ 8 pm. | The Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood.

Saturday, June 21 Kenny Brawner is Ray Charles This live pianist, vocalist and acting impersonator hits the stage with his 12-piece orchestra for a night of some of your favorites from the Ray Charles catalog. @ 7 p.m. | Flushing Town Hall, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

LGBTQ Immigrant Voices Musicians, dancers and performing artists from the Queens immigrant LGBTQ community join local Councilman Daniel Dromm for a special performance. @ 7 p.m. | Flushing Town Hall, 4350 Main St., Flushing.

Sunday, June 22 SS Reformed Church Spring Bazaar Sunnyside is saying goodbye to spring and hello to summer with a lively bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bazaar will be serving American and Indonesian food, live music and will be hosting a raffle and community yard sale. | Skillman Avenue and 48th Street, Sunnyside.

Festival de las Flores & Summer Solstice Celebration A festival celebrating Colombian tradition. @ Noon to 5 p.m. | Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing.

Ridgewood Market & Gottscheer Hall Summertime Spectacular Artisan market with gifts and brunch. @ 11 am to 5 pm. | Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave., Ridgewood.

Sunday, June 30 Groovin’ in the Park Concert. @ Noon to 6 p.m.

Admission $70/$120. | Roy Wilkins Park 177-01 Baisley Blvd. (at Merrick) in Jamaica.

JULY 2014 Sunday, July 6, 2014 30th Avenue Astoria Festival Street fair hosted by Friends of Community Board. | Along 30th Avenue from 29th Street to Steinway Street, Astoria.

Monday, July 7, 2014 Tour de Queens 2014 The 7th annual biking event in Queens. Check-in @ 7 a.m. | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing.

Sunday, July 21, 2014

Sunday, July 27

Jamaica Jerk Festival Jamaican culture festival. @ Noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $25. | Roy Wilkins Park 17701 Baisley Blvd. (at Merrick) in Jamaica.

Broadway Summerfest Street fair by the 114th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol. @ 11 am - 6 pm. | Broadway between Steinway Street and 47th Street, Astoria.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Friday, July 25 36th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Pow Wow This three day native tradition is the oldest of its kind in the city inviting over 40 Indian nations to showcase a wide variety of arts, crafts, jewelry and food. $10, adult; $15, adult weekend pass; $5, children ages 12 and under; $7, child weekend pass. Free with Farm Membership. | Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks. *Runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Saturday, July 26 Out in the Streets Music & Arts Fest 2014 Outdoors music and art festival. @ 1 pm that ends @ 8 pm on July 27. | The VanderEnde Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood.

Steinway Street Festival Street fair. @ Noon to 6 p.m. | Steinway Street between 28th Avenue and 34th Avenue, Astoria.

Junta Hispana Festival Festival celebrating Hispanic culture. @ 11 a.m. | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing.

AUGUST 2014: Friday August 1, 2014 JAMS Jamaica Avenue Festival The biggest street fair in Queens. @ 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Jamaica Avenue from Parsons Boulevard to 169th Street, Jamaica.

Sunday, August 3, 2014 Junction Boulevard Festival Street fair. @ 11 am - 6 pm. | Junction Boulevard between Roosevelt and 35th Avenue, Jackson Heights.

Saturday, August 9 Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Annual sporting and multicultural event that is also held on Sunday August 10. | Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing.

Ongoing August 25 – September 8 US Open Tennis Championships The largest tennis grand slam in the country. | Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows.

54 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

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May 19 thru June 14, 2014: Grave flags for veterans interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery will be available at the office during office hours for the first 200 families who visit.

Mount Olivet Cemetery Serving the Public of All Faiths for 164 Years

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Historical information will Historical information will be requested that will be requested that will be added Veterans addedtotoourour Veterans Archive.

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Blogs of Queens

Rockawayist rockawayist.com Audience: Resident Interested in the Rockaways One year ago, Hurricane Sandy tore through the Rockaways and disrupted Rego-Forest Preservation Council what was a bit of a resurgence for the peninsula, as new people were beginning regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com to discover the charm of this beachfront community. Visitors were pouring in, Audience: Those Interested in Rego Park & Forest Hills Pretty much what its name suggest, this is a blog focused Well, there’s still a lot to see and do, and you can keep tabs on what’s happening on the historic preservation of Rego Park and Forest here.

Hills, as well as a place to check out what is going on in the neighborhood today.

Queens Politics queens-politics.com Audience: Borough Political Junkies Queens Politics is an oft-updated blog devoted to bringing its readers analysis of politics in Queens and occasionally the tidbit of insider information, often with an anti-establishment bias.

Fall 5.3 2013 www.itsqueens.com 66 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

Project Woodhaven projectwoodhaven.com Audience: People Who Are All About Woodhaven If you want to know what is going on in Woodhaven, then you have to be tuned in to the Project Woodhaven blog. More than just a blog, it’s actually a clearinghouse for all sorts of information about Woodhaven across a variety of platforms. The site will post not only news and events going on the neighborhood, but videos and other media, as well.

Queens MaMa’s queensmamas.com Audience: Mothers (and Fathers, too)

Why Leave Astoria WhyLeaveAstoria.com Audience: Astoria Lovers If you love Astoria (whether you live there or not), chances are you’re a member of the bloggish social networking site WhyLeaveAstoria. com. Why indeed, when there’s so much to do; the popular site features upcoming events of all kinds, throws great parties, and serves as a forum for groups of like-minded individuals.

LIC Post licpost.com Audience: People With an Interest in Long Island City LIC Post is an active blog with the most up-to-date information on local happenings and news in the neighborhood of Long Island City.

wholesome activities to do with the kids can be an overwhelming and duanting task. Enter www.queensmamas.com. This website does all of the work for you, giving you thousands of ideas, activities, and events that will be fun for the whole family. (Yes, even dads, too.) The site was founded by Leni Calas, a Queens native with two daughters. Queens Mama’s receives thousands of visitors per month, and in 2010 won 1st place in the Queens Economic Development Corporation’s StartUP! Business Plan Competition.

It’s still going strong.

The Newtown Pentacle newtownpentacle.com Audience: People Interested in Issues Surrounding Newtown Creek Over the past decade, this long-overlooked (and neglected) waterway separating Brooklyn and Queens was a natural disaster.

But thanks to people like Mitch Waxman - the creator of The Newtown Pentacle - the creek is starting to get a little love, and a federally mandated cleanup is underway. Heck, even if you don’t care a lick about Newtown Creek, you should visit this blog just to check out the stunning photography, which is some of the best we’ve seen in a while. www.itsqueens.com Summer 2014 • 67 www.itsqueens.com Fall 5.3 2013 • 67

Celebrating 125 Years Reinvesting in Our Communities Queens Banking Offices 80-10 Eliot Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 • 718-651-4600 79-21 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 • 718-326-520 60-20 Fresh Pond Road, Maspeth, NY 11378 • 718-366-4700 455 Beach 129th Street, Belle Harbor, NY 11694 • 718-634-0333

Administrative Office 79-21 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, NY 11379 • 718-326-6300 Brooklyn Banking Offices 731 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211 • 718-388-4400 Bronx Banking Office 791 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 • 718-828-5600

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68 • Summer 2014 www.itsqueens.com

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