Boro July'19

Photo: Revel Transit Inc.

JULY 2019 VOL 9:7

BOROMAG.COM

SCOOT OVER, MTA Revel mopeds are taking over the ‘hood Page 26 LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS AT LIC SITE

SEE HOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD USED TO LOOK

TAPAS & COCKTAILS ON 30TH AVE.

Page 14

Page 32

Page 36

• Over the past 10 years 7 out of 10 people that moved to LIC were introduced to the neighborhood by a Modern Spaces agent.

• Over the next 3 years at least 8 out of 10 people will be buying or investing in a home in LIC through a Modern Spaces agent.

Let the MODERN SPACES Team

Help You LOVE YOUR PLACE! 5-19 Borden Avenue, 2A | $1,330,000 | 2 BD / 2 BA / 1234 SF

11-25 45th Avenue, 6I | $665,000 | Studio / 1 BA / 525 SF

• At least 5 out of 10 people will be renting their apartment in LIC through a Modern Spaces agent.

5-27 51st Avenue, 4H | $675,000 | Studio / 1 BA / 490 SF

31-53 14th Street, Houses | $3,250,000 | 12 BD / 6 BA

Carlos Simoes

Sharon Weinstein

Mary Beth McGill

Gregory Kyroglou

Jeremy Ruiz

646-246-4975 Carlos@modernspacesnyc.com

917-215-3054 Sharon@modernspacesnyc.com

415-225-0463 Marybeth@modernspacesnyc.com

917-916-6776

347-326-3305

Greg@modernspacesnyc.com

Jeremy@modernspacesnyc.com

10 Halletts Point, 507 | $3,738 | 2 BD / 2 BA

85-11 34th Avenue, 6J | $450,000 | 1 BD / 1 BA / 706 SF

2500 Johnson Avenue, 6R | $389,000 | 1 BD / 1 BA / 1000 SF

21-32 45th Avenue | $2,058,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA

Roderick Angle

Alexis Yoo

Mary Torres

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917-501-4852 Roderick@modernspacesnyc.com

917-364-8383 Alexis@modernspacesnyc.com

347-302-2100 Maryt@modernspacesnyc.com

347-432-7886 Britt@modernspacesnyc.com

LIC HQ 10-27 46th Avenue Long Island City

Astoria Ditmars 29-20 23rd Avenue Astoria

Astoria 30th Avenue 34-16 30th Avenue Astoria

LIC Vernon 47-42 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City

718-784-1110 | ModernSpacesNYC.com | info@modernspacesnyc.com

INDOOR/OUTDOOR CLIMATE CONTROLLED ROOFTOP & MULTI-LEVEL EVENT SPACE • EXECUTIVE CHEF SETH LEVINE

Weddings at The Ravel Hotel set a new standard in romantic elegance. We offer the finest and most comprehensive wedding services.

Our wedding staff orchestrates the entire event, striving to create a unique personal affair that reflects your style and vision.

Currently offering an indoor/outdoor rooftop, two large outdoor seasonal rooftops, as well as our new Grand Estate Ballroom.

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E V E N T S

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No vacation plans? No problem! There’s a plethora of ways to relax, eat well and have fun right here in western Queens, and BORO’s here to help you act like a tourist in your own neighborhood.

First step: transportation. No one feels like they’re on vacation while sweating on the subway, so why not rent a moped with Revel, an app that recently expanded to western Queens (page 26)?

Amp up your social life by trying international tapas and cocktails at new 30th Avenue eatery The Social (page 36).

See how other locals are spending their summer (page 10), then take a peek at an Astoria Coffee photography display to see how Astorians used to live (page 32).

We live in the “World’s Borough,” and your neighbors come from myriad cultures. Some local entrepreneurs KATRINA MEDOFF are bringing a taste of their heritage to their customers editor-in-chief (page 14).

To share news with us, email katrina@boromag.com. You can also connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook.com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG).

Wishing you a great “staycation,” Katrina Medoff

CONTENTS

ANCIENT ASTORIA

32

6 FLORALS & NEUTRALS Street style in Astoria

10 STAYCATION MODE Readers Instagrammed their summer fun photos

14 ENTREPRENEURIAL EATS LIC incubator helps local food businesses grow

26 SCOOT OVER, MTA Rent a moped with Revel app

SOCIAL LIFE

32 ANCIENT ASTORIA

38

Local photographer shares old-time shots

36 SOCIAL LIFE Tapas and cocktail bar on 30th Ave.

DEPARTMENTS 12 JULY 2019 EVENTS

22 MAP IT DIRECTORY

21 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of July in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

40 CREATIVE CLUTTER

Your go-to guide for the best shops, food, art, nightlife and more in western Queens

Maximalism at Astoria apartment

24 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov WRITERS Danielle Brody, Allison Kridle, Felipe Luque, Jessica Militello, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Felipe Luque SALES REPRESENTATIVE Alan Gottlieb, Jill Aronson-Dickstein // PUBLISHED BY Joshua and Victoria Schneps All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.

BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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WE KEEP THE TOOTHFAIRY

OUT OF BUSINESS.

THE DENTIST OFFICE. REINVENTED. LICDentalAssociates.com | office@licdentalassociates.com| @ LICDentalAssociates 5 0 - 02 5 t h S t re e t , Su i te B | Lo ng Isla nd C i ty, Ne w Yo r k 1 1 1 0 1 | 7 1 8 . 5 3 0 . 6 5 3 9

STREET STYLE

Astoria resident Matthew Ortiz (@AmazingSpidrMatt) defines his style as “running to grab a bagel.” Mixing hues of lilac with subtle details really works on your way to to get g (perhaps) a cinnamon raisin bagel.

orsley) finds a lia Forsley (@juliaf Astoria resident Ju essories. ture with playful acc great way to mix tex

Florals & Neutrals

BY FELIPE LUQUE @SIGHTONSIGHT

B

right florals or monotone neuutrals? Take your pick.

Floral prints were everywhere this is month, from flower embroidery on n ripped, faded jeans to a pastel floral tie. One Astorian even opted for a fun rosses-and-skulls print on a colorful pin-up dress. s.

But we also noticed some locals channeling g true minimalist styling, layering up in neutral,l, monotone looks. Queens never disappoints ts when it comes to diversity, and the style on the e streets is a testimony of that.

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Astoria resident Aima Li (@aima_babe) defines hher look as LA casual. She pproves that neutrals don’t need to be boring with this monochrome look.

Astoria resident Kevin Parker (@labelsoncommand) describes his look as fashion forward and trendy with a polished air.

Astoria resident Cynthia Granja (@secretluv92) is a graphic designer who likes patterns and fun fabrics.

Florals are in, and she mixes them wisely.

Astoria resident David Belusic (@david_belusic) is a photographer who describes his look as sporty and casual. What more is there to say? True effortless style never goes out of fashion.

Astoria resident Wanda Oliver (@wandaoliver) rocks a pin-up style, while fellow Astoria resident Natassa Contini (@chateaulewoof) goes for a casual Hawaiian look.

JJersey Cit City resident id t TTravis i K Kane (@travisedwardyo) deďŹ nes his style as quirky. He likes mixing patterns and grabbing attention; the more color, the better. Extra points for the paper clip.

J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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PLEASE CALL OR VISIT US FOR FREE CONSULTATION

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Astoria, NY 11106 Tel.: 7182 150 228 J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

9

I N S TA I M A G E S

STAYCATION

MODE @wtfcreative

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

E @ gildospado

ven if you’re not hopping on a plane to escape the city this summer, there are plenty of ways to kick back here in western Queens. Locals are spending their weekends and long summer nights at street fairs, parks and the Astoria Pool. We asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagrams of summer fun and relaxation in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. You sent us photos of eating al fresco at local eateries, catching the Astoria fireworks display, hanging on a rooftop with friends, treating yourself to an ice cream cone and more. Here are some of our favorite submissions. @ hair.ica

@ agoodastoriagirl

10

JULY 2019

@deejsy_snaps

@ nyc_lhunduptp

@ mariyamova

@ mehtagoesfoto

@ jet_set_brunettes

NEXT THEME: SUMMER READING Summer’s the perfect time to catch up on some reading. Tag us (@boromagazine) in your Instagrams of your beach read at Gantry Plaza State Park, your neatly arranged bookshelf, a trip to Astoria Bookshop — anything to do with the month’s theme. @ danisgoodside

@ mariaanelkin J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B OR OM AG. C OM

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JULY EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events MONDAY, JULY 15 Event Title: Permission to Fail Time: 8 p.m.

Location: The Creek & The Cave Cost: Free Phone: 917-806-6692 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com TUESDAY, JULY 16, 23 AND 30 Event Title: Tuesday Trivia Time: 8:30 p.m.

Location: Break Bar & Billiards Cost: Free Phone: 718-777-5400 Address: 32-04 Broadway, Astoria URL: break-ny.com THURSDAY, JULY 18 Event Title: Trivia Night Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Location: Bohemian Beer Hall Cost: Free Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria URL: bohemianhall.com TUESDAY, JULY 18 Event Title: CinemaLIC Presents: “Dirty Dancing” Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Location: LIC Landing Cost: Free Phone: 212-639-9675 Address: 52-10 Center Blvd., LIC URL: hunterspointparks.org SATURDAY, JULY 20 Event Title: Whatever Floats Your Boat Time: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Socrates Sculpture Park

12

Cost: Free Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: socratessculpturepark.org

Phone: 212-360-3300 Address: 19th Street & Hoyt Avenue N, Astoria URL: nycgovparks.org

SUNDAY, JULY 21 Event Title: Sunday Thai Chi Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Cost: Free Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: socratessculpturepark.org

TUESDAY, JULY 25 Event Title: Live at the Landing: Pam Reyes Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: LIC Landing Cost: Free Phone: 212-639-9675 Address: 52-10 Center Blvd., LIC URL: hunterspointparks.org

SUNDAY, JULY 21 Event Title: Screening of "The Untamed" Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Museum of the Moving Image Cost: $15/$11 seniors and students/$9 youth ages 3-17/ free for children under 3 and members Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: movingimage.us MONDAY, JULY 22 Event Title: Adult Spelling Bee Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Cost: $5 to $10 Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com MONDAY, JULY 22 Event Title: Movies on the Waterfront: "Singin' in the Rain" Time: 8:15 to 10:15 p.m.

Location: Astoria Park Lawn Cost: Free

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FRIDAY, JULY 26 Event Title: Sunset Silent Disco Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: LIC Landing Cost: Free Phone: 212-639-9675 Address: 52-10 Center Blvd., LIC URL: hunterspointparks.org SUNDAY, JULY 28 Event Title: Ballet Folkórico Mexicano de Nueva York’s Guelaguetza Festival Time: 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Cost: Free Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: socratessculpturepark.org SUNDAY, JULY 28 Event Title: The Church of Jokes Time: 6 p.m.

Location: The Creek & The Cave Cost: Free Phone: 917-806-6692 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com

SUNDAY, JULY 28 Event Title: True Crime Trivia Time: 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Cost $8 Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com MONDAY, JULY 29 Event Title: Movies on the Waterfront: “Clueless” Time: 8:15 to 10:15 p.m.

Location: Astoria Park Lawn Cost: Free Phone: 212-360-3300 Address: 19th Street & Hoyt Avenue N, Astoria URL: nycgovparks.org TUESDAY, JULY 30 Event Title: Democratic Debate Watch Party Time: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Cost $10 Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 Event Title: Paint the Monet Bridge Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: The Paint Place Cost: $45 Phone: 929-522-0086 Address: 31-21 31st St., Astoria URL: thepaintplaceny.com

Featured Listings The Murano, LIC 5-19 Borden Avenue, #6F 1 bed | 1 bath | 689 Sqft

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Entrepreneurial Eats LIC incubator helps local food businesses grow

BY DANIELLE BRODY

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T

Photo courtesy of Entrepreneur Space

In Long Island City, the Entrepreneur Space takes local small food businesses to professional producers.

he incubator, which celebrated its eighth year in May, rents clients licensed commercial kitchen space, office space, cold rooms, conference rooms and more. The space is administered by the Queens Economic Development Corporation and funded by the New York City Economic Development Corporation and is part of their network of incubators. The staff provide clients resources like business counseling, workshops and events.

“We want to get them to the next level,” said Patricia Richter, client services manager. “We don’t expect you here for more than three to five years.”

Meet four businesses Richter introduced to BORO that are on the rise. These entrepreneurs are all sharing parts of their heritage or their passions with consumers.

They say the diverse Queens community nourishes their businesses, while the Entrepreneur Space helps them grow.

Entrepreneur Space ENTREPRENEURSPACE-QEDC.COM 36-46 37TH ST., LONG ISLAND CITY @ENTREPRENEURSPACE

Hungry Bars Astoria resident Vladmir Harkovski got the idea to sell his homemade granola bites after he went on a mountain biking trip in Arizona and shared the snack with fellow bikers.

“Each and every one of them asked me where I bought them,” Harkovski said.

He and his wife started the business by using space in a friend’s bakery to make the organic, gluten-free granola. The product line began with the bites, then came granola (which started from broken bites and leftovers), then single-serving bars once Harkovski figured out production and packaging. There are several flavors of granola that feature fruit, nuts, spices and other mix-ins like “G’morning Sunshine Mix,” “Awesome Apricot” and a hemp variation.

The couple’s kids have helped out with the business, and even inspired a flavor.

Harkovski does not like chocolate himself, but his daughters’ request inspired the “Chocolate Noir” granola.

Harkovski, who worked on Wall Street for 15 years, said he had no background in food, so he experiences a learning curve in the business. He said joining the Entrepreneur Space has been helpful as it not only provides manufacturing space, but also marketing, networking, sales leads and support. The goal for the future is to scale the business with a co-packer so Harkovski can focus on distribution, marketing and sales.

Hungry Bars are available online (look out for a redesign coming soon) and at specialty shops around the city. Locally, you can find them in Green Bay Organic, Vitality and Health and Natural Frontier Market in Astoria and Foodcellar Market in Long Island City.

Hungry Bars HUNGRYBARS.COM

Photos by Jodi Boatman

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Lion City Coffee The brother duo behind Lion City Coffee, which serves authentic Singaporean street food, took inspiration from their late father’s passion for cooking and their constant search for good Singaporean food.

After moving from Singapore to New York City in the late 1980s, when the Lion City founders visited home, they’d stop at kopitiams — coffee shops that offer breakfast foods and beverages — and hawker centers — large, open air complexes with food stalls offering a variety of different foods and beverages. They would try to replicate their favorites back in the city.

Their version of a Singaporean coffee shop includes “mee pok,” egg noodles with fishball and minced meat; “chai tow kueh,” stir-fried radish cake; “kaya toast,” toast with coconut jam; and “kopi,” coffee served black, with milk or sweetened with condensed milk. They also sell jars of their signature kaya (jams), packaged kopi and other baked goods on their online store.

The brothers, who live in Forest Hills and Long Island City, serve the food at local markets. Recently they sold their authentic fare at Taste of Sunnyside in May. They will be at the Queens Night Market at the New York Hall of Science most Saturdays this year.

Lion City Coffee LIONCITYCOFFEE.COM @LIONCITYCOFFEE

Photos courtesy of Lion City Coffee

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Photos via Instagram/@spicetreeorganics

Spice Tree Organics

nutmeg, ginger, cloves, anise, cardamom, mace, white pepper, orange zest, coriander, allspice); and Beiruti Zaatar (organic thyme, organic sesame seeds, other organic spices and herbs). The women also include recipes on their website to teach customers how to use their purchases.

The two founders sell the spices at farmers markets, which is where they do most of their sales. That allows them to create relationships with their customers and make a lasting impression.

“It’s not often you see Muslim women on the forefront, so it’s memorable,” Elkady said.

They plan to launch a new website to sell more online, redesign the labels and start selling the top sellers in bigger jars for retail.

“We’re very fortunate to be living in Queens; people know ethnic cuisine,” said Elkady. “So our spices resonate with them.”

Photo courtesy of Spice Tree Organics

Doaa Elkady, who has a Middle Eastern background, has always cooked healthy, flavorful, homemade meals for her family.

When she realized that traditional storebought spices have radiation, pesticides and toxins, she sought out organic spices to maintain her nutritious dishes.

She either couldn’t find them or the ones she did find tasted “horrible.” In spring 2016, Elkady and her sister-in-law Freda Nokaly, both moms of young children, started their own business mixing spice blends. To join Entrepreneur Space, the staff had to review their business plan.

“They’re big on making sure the business is profitable,” Elkady said of the incubator. “They helped us with pricing and packaging.” The staff also helped them navigate FDA regulations and paired them with a business counselor, a marketing consultant and a marketing class. She said the space was flexible, as they could rent a production room just for mixing and bottling, rather than a kitchen. They also have invested in more storage space as the business has grown.

“Every year we find ourselves booking more time,” she said.

Elkady said because she and her partner are cooks, they know how to create tasty spice blends that immediately elevate a recipe, and save people from using 13 different spices. Some of the offerings include Damascus Kafta (coriander and cumin); baking blend Zest Speculaas (cinnamon,

Spice Tree Organics SPICETREEORGANICS.COM @SPICETREEORGANICS

J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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E X PFLOOORD E + Y ODURRI NBKO R O

Photo by Tristan Chin-Fatt

Destination Dumplings Tristan Chin-Fatt and Deon Whiskey, friends who grew up together in Queens, started a modern handmade dumpling businesses out of the Entrepreneur Space. The venture combines their dual experience in the restaurant industry with their heritage and love of New York City.

He said the dumplings are a platform to showcase the city’s cultural diversity, as well as their own. Chin-Fatt is Chinese-Jamaican, so customers will find both a classic pork and chive dumplings and a Jamaican jerk chicken version on the menu.

Chin-Fatt said joining the incubator helped keep costs down and grow during the first years of business. They take a traditional approach to flavor and production.

They don’t use any machines; they make the fillings by hand — hundreds of pounds a week — and produce 15,000 hand-folded dumplings a week.

“All the dumplings are made by hand and with love and care,” Chin-Fatt said.

The duo sell their dumplings at Citi Field.

Next, with help from the Entrepreneur Space staff, they are looking for a brickand-mortar location in the area so “our customers can find us throughout the entire year,” said Chin-Fatt.

Destination Dumplings DESTINATIONDUMPLINGS.COM @DESTINATIONDUMPLINGS

Photo by Paulo Salud

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BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants.

Offers available through JULY 2019. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount.

Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply. $500 SAVINGS

$500 SAVINGS

BUSINESS CLIENTS

FOR NEW LIC BUSINESS CLIENTS $50 SAVINGS

SAVIGNANO FOR NEW LIC accountants & advisors

$50 SAVINGS FOR NEW LIC INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS 718-707-0955 / 718-707-0295 WWW.SAVIGNANO-CPA.COM

31-13 23 RD AVE. ASTORIA, NY 11105 718.844.7874 BOOK ONLINE AT: WWW.CLUBDOLLFACE.COM 10% OFF

Fresco's Cantina 12-14 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 SPECIAL JULY SALE ON NOW!

347-808-7338 10% OFF ENTREE WITH THIS COUPON 20% OFF EACH SEAT The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

Megaformer Fitness Studio 10% OFF a class package with this ad 27-11 23rd Ave. Astoria, NY 11105 info@lagreeny.com www.lagreeny.com

31-21 31st St. Astoria www.thepaintplaceny.com 929-522-0086

FOR NEW LIC INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS 718-707-0955 / 718-707-0295 WWW.HRBLOCK.COM JOIN US DURING HAPPY HOUR FOR A FREE BEER WITH YOUR PURCHASE Monday-Thursday: 3pm-8pm Friday: 3pm-8pm GASTROPUB KATCH ASTORIA * NEW YORK EATERY 31-19 Newtown Avenue * Astoria, Queens 11102

RIGHT OFF OF THE 30TH AVENUE SUBWAY STOP!

20 PERCENT OFF ONE ARTWORK PURCHASE (not including any framing/shipping costs) limit one per customer.

ROGALLERY.COM - fine artworks & auctions

Piatto Lunch Specials NEAPOLITAN PIZZA $9.00 10” PIE / $11.00 16” PIE 718-361-2751 www.piattolic.com

25-11 Astoria Blvd.

Astoria, NY 11102

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$1 off any draft beverage

Specialty Cocktails with Compliments On Us 33-19 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 amylos.com

(718) 215-0228

Bring this coupon.

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com 718-260-2564 www.BOROmag.com/advertise

J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

282 241 242

243 82

8 35

238

271 176 11 159

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AMYLOS TAVERNA 718-215-0228 33-19 Broadway, Astoria www.amylos.com BAREBURGER 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave. Astoria www.bareburger.com BAREBURGER 718-204-7167 23-01 31st St., Astoria www.bareburger.com BAREBURGER 718-937-2273 49-19 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.bareburger.com BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com BZ GRILL 718-932-7858 27-02 Astoria Blvd.

Astoria, NY 11102 www.bzgrill.com CENTRO PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 718-361-1965 47-23 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.centropizzabar.com CRESCENT GRILL (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com

148 235 150

20 45 61

22

245 74 239

194 183 24

FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria

194 231

6 181 249

112 248 13 125 220

18

191 133

FRESCO'S CANTINA 12-14 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 347-808-7338 www.frescoscantina.com

28

GEORGE’S 718-255-1947 35-11 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106 www.georges.nyc

55

HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com HIGHWATER 917-745-0407 34-20 Broadway, Astoria www.thehighwaternyc.com IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com IIL Falco 718-707-0009 21-50 44th Drive, LIC www.ilfalcolic.com LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

MURASAKI 718-482-7088 46-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.murasakinyc.com OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com PENTHOUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com Piatto Wood Fire Pizza 718-361-2751 1-50 50th Ave., LIC www.piattolic.com QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com QUEENS ROOM 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria queensroomnyc.com RAVEN’S HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE 718-777-7565 38-04 Broadway, Astoria Www.ravensheadpublichouse.com

294

199

247

229 31

14

280

Central Park Pet Spa 718-204-2777 38-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.centralparkpetspa.nyc

YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com

34 138 139 182 189 283 190 37

Boulis Cafe 718-806-1014 30-15 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106 www.cafeboulis.com BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com HIGHER GROUNDS ASTORIA 25-11 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, NY 11102 www.highergroundsastoria.com IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria NéoBakery 33-14 30th Avenue Astoria, NY 11103 917-396-1059 OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC

234

PINK CANARY DESSERTS 718-729-1819 13-11 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.pinkcanarydesserts.com

SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com SHI (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd., LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com

39 195

SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd., LIC

THE GRAND 718-806-1504 37-01 30th Ave, Astoria Info@thegrandastoria.com The Inkan 718-433-4171 45-02 23rd Street, LIC www.theinkanrestaurant.com THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

167

The Thirsty Koala 718-626-5430 35-12 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria Australian dishes at this relaxed eatery features many gluten-free & veggie options. www.thethirstykoala.com POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

J U LY 2 0 1 9

121 218

40

230

233

75

47

178

27

ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

177

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

209

SHOPS 143

186

49 50

52

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com THE BRASS OWL (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria LIC: LIVING (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave., LIC www.licliving.com LOCKWOOD SHOP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St., Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave., Astoria www.loveday31.com

POOCHES SPORT & SPA 718-391-0800 47-31 Center Blvd.

Long Island City, NY www.poochesspa.com STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

SERVICES 168

WINES & SPIRITS

187

NYC PET SERVICES 31-21 31St. Astoria, NY 11106 718-350-1635 www.nycpetservices.org

FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC

130

GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com

NYC PET NANNY 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com

44 137

ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria

38

MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com

160

FOOD SHOPS

YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com

FLORISTS

FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com

OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria

36

TRATTORIA ORA 18-01 Astoria Blvd., Astoria 718-422-9680 www.trattoriaora.com TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com

54

BAKERIES 272

51

22

VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

CHÂTEAU LE WOOF 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com

RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

216

219

32

201

SUGAR AND WATER 716-466-2030 29-14 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY

THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com

250

200

PETS

VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com

234

T-SWIRL CREPE 917-832-6815 36-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.t-swirlcrepe.com

281

184

RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria

227

MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com

MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com

119

129

207 114

77

236

ADMIRAL LOCK AND KEY (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com ASTORIA 35 LAUNDRY & FINE DRY CLEANING (B,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com ASTORIA CENTER OF ISRAEL 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria www.astoriacenter.org ASTORIA CLEANERS (B,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.com AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES SPARKLELINK 718-812-9616 3537 36th St., Astoria CRESCENT APOTHECARY (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Quinn Building, 4th Floor 35-20 Broadway, Astoria www.astorialic.org

161 90 198

56 281

223 224 196 95

57 206

59

282 122

62

175

157

ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net KENSINGTON TRAVELER SERVICES 917-805-9859 10-87 Jackson Ave, LIC www.travelkensington@aol.com SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com MATHNASIUM (C,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria

65 45

MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag TAXTERMINAL.COM 718-606-0404 10-11 46th Ave, 2nd Fl, LIC www.taxterminal.com TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com VESPA QUEENS (B,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

FOUNDRY (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com TEALICIOUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com

HOTELS 134 66 17

FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

TATTOO SHOPS

147 158 67

164 251 195

71 131 72 46 192 212

MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria

EVENTS 64

BEAUTY

BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

185

CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria DOLLFACE 718-844-7874 31-13 23rd Ave, 2nd flr., Astoria www.clubdollface.com EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com GIGI SALON (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com THE FACE & BODY SHOP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.com SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.com STUDIO NOVA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com

CHILDREN'S 276 275

GYM-AZING 347-455-3661 27-14 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Gym-azing.com PLAYDAY 844-PLAYDAY 5-37 51st Ave., LIC Www.playdaynyc.com

FERRY SERVICES 278

ASTORIA 3-10 Astoria Blvd Astoria, NY 11102

279

LONG ISLAND CITY 46th Ave and Center Blvd Long Island City, NY 10044

FITNESS 154 120 42 165 76 283 250

166

ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com

81 188

SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria Salsa In Queens 347-669-3589 34-27 Steinway St., Astoria salsainqueens.com THE YOGA ROOM 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd., LIC (A,4) www.the-yoga-room.com WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 47th Ave. LIC

237 149 215

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

146

NIGHTLIFE/ 33

ARCADIA BAR & KITCHEN 347-730-6181 12-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.arcadiabarlic.com

83

BREAK (B,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com BRICK BAR (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com THE BREWERY BAR & KITCHEN 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com

84 197 85

86 145 222

111 203

88 89

284

CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com IRON LION PERFORMANCE 631-835-5094 22-77 38th St., Astoria www.ironlionperformance.com lagree ny Megaformer Fitness Studio 917-396-4771 27-11 23rd Ave., Astoria www.lagreeny.com THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria

94

PILATESWORKS 10-91A Jackson Ave., LIC UNLIMITED BODY NY 27-18 23RD Avenue Astoria, NY 917-650-4369 YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

SPAS

CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com

142

225

73

214

156

80

232

CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria

PERSONALIZED PILATES (A,4) 347-563-3933

240

79

110 273 97

98 112

217

DOMINIES OF ASTORIA (C,2) 718-706-6531 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.com

99

KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

96

128

92

113

127

199 93

217

PASSAGE IRISH BAR AND KITCHEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com

105

STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

30

SWEET AFTON (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

101 140 136 141 103

THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com WOLFHOUND 718-204-2111 38-14 30th Ave., Astoria www.wolfhoundnyc.com

284

ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

Q.E.D. 347-451-3873 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St., LIC www.sculpure-center.org SELF-TAUGHT GENIUS GALLERY 212-595-9533 47-29 32nd Pl., LIC www.folkartmuseum.org SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd., LIC www.ten10studios.com THE ART HOUSE (C,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St., Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com THE PAINT PLACE (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 718-806-1709 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com

AMORELLI REALTY 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com DOUGLAS ELLIMAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com MODERN SPACES 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave., LIC (A,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC (A,4) 29-20 23rd Ave., Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com THE REAL MARKET TEAM AT COMPASS 27-01 Queens Plaza North, 13th floor Long Island City, Queens, NY, 11101

HEALTH & WELLNESS 246

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (C,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent St. (@30th Road), Astoria www.apacny.org KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

135

274

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

221

LIC Dental Associates 718-530-6539 50-02 5th St., LIC www.licdentalassociates.com MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC NEWTOWN PHARMACY 718-728-9100 2804 31st St., Astoria STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

BANKING

MOMA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us

OTTER HOUSE STUDIOS 718-786-5900 28-39 Review Ave. LIC www.otterhousestudios.com QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org

REAL ESTATE

MOSAIC CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com

ART 100

NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria www.noguchi.org

104

102

QUONTIC BANK (B,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com SUSSEX BANK (B,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com

JULY 2019 I BOROMAG.COM

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

SCOOT OVER, MTA Revel mopeds are taking over the ‘hood

BY ALLISON KRIDLE

IIss the there anything more frustrating than sitting fru ust on o n a crowded, delayed ttrain ra ain that you pay $127 for monthly, making you for m arrive late to work or another important function im because of unreliable beca service?

Ass m more ore and more New Yorkers (especially ones one es in the outer boroughs) become agitated with with h tthe he subway, ride sharing and bike rental rental businesses re bus are growing increasingly popular. pop opullar. Around A the beginning of June, a Brooklyn-based Brookklyn-b moped rental application called called d Rev Revel popped up in Astoria in hopes to to ease easse tra transportation qualms.

Photos: Revel Transit Inc.

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO Revel launched a 10-month pilot in July 2018 with 68 electric and emissionsfree mopeds in Bushwick, Williamsburg and Greenpoint to test their market in New York. The app listened to and learned from their users' feedback — and many people were requesting that the company expand to Queens.

“I think the app is easy enough to use and explains the how to’s very well. It was informative on how to use, how to park, where you can go — all in a relatively simple manner. [My husband and I] have been using it to zip around to restaurants in the area, and I once used it to go home from Brooklyn,” Astoria resident Kim Petrone said.

The new app is simple. After you create an account, the app verifies your driver’s license for a small fee. Once you are approved, you are free to find a moped and ride. Revel users can see on a detailed map what mopeds are available to them in their area (and beyond), and they can either reserve a specific moped up to 15 minutes in advance or start their

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ride as soon as they come across an available one. If the process is still a little unclear to you, the app contains thorough and easily accessible instructions and graphics. It’s as if someone is with you, walking you through it.

“Revel offers residents a fun and easy way to get around. But more important, Revel fills a critical transportation gap for western Queens residents,” said Lauren Vriens, Revel’s NYC general manager. “For example, there is no subway link between Astoria and Long Island City, leaving residents to walk, take a taxi or rely on the bus. Revel aims to offer these residents access to a convenient and affordable one-seat ride for this sort of trip, while also serving to complement existing transit links.”

Coincidentally, I owned a moped in college and did not bring it to Astoria three years ago when I moved here. As soon as I heard about Revel coming to western Queens, I signed up almost instantly. I couldn’t wait to be back on a scooter. As much as I loved my Bintelli Sprint moped, the Revel scooters feel more reliable and safe. They ride smooth,

have large wheels and a roomy seat that can fit two people comfortably and include helmets. I reserved a moped around Astoria Park, went on a luxurious 20-minute ride around the park and said goodbye to it near 30th Avenue.

Some locals even took to the Astoria Reddit to share their thoughts after a weekend of N/W trains not running. “[I] finally did it. With no trains to Queensboro Plaza this bad boy got me to the N train in 14 minutes for $4.57 from Ditmars. I dig it. Not gonna lie,” Reddit user Beardbar said.

Compared to the MTA fare hikes and ride sharing app expenses, Revel is affordable and dependable. It costs $19 to get your driver’s license background check, and each ride has a one-time fee of $1 per person.

While riding, prices are calculated per minute: it's 25 cents per minute while you're in motion and 10 cents per minute to park or pause — perhaps if you need to run into a store or pull over for any reason. The first minute of the ride is free so riders have time to do a safety check and inspection of the

easier knowing they have a back-up option or preferred mode of transportation if the trains are down or delayed. Not to mention, the views of Queens look even better from a moped.

Screenshots via Revel app

moped. There is no monthly fee once you sign up.

However, there are a few reasonable restrictions that come with Revel. Aside from following driving and parking laws, riders have to stay within Revel “zones.”

So far, the zones are some of western Queens and parts of Brooklyn, which are made clear on the map included in the app. By all means, find a moped and ride to your friend’s party in Bushwick and park it, but steer clear of Midtown.

“We are looking to give western Queens residents more ways to get from A to B and boost inter-borough connectivity. Rather than take the subway into Manhattan and back out again to get to Brooklyn, riders can move freely throughout Astoria and its surrounding neighborhoods, including those in Brooklyn,” Vriens said.

For many drivers, riding a moped is not as easy as riding a bike or driving a car.

Revel offers free, in-person lessons at their Gowanus headquarters to ensure the safety and comfort of new riders. If users are familiar with driving mopeds, lessons are not required.

No matter if you are a skilled moped driver or a beginner, there is no denying the convenience and fun of having a sustainable way to get around. Many western Queens residents can rest a little

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Ancient Astoria Astoria photographer keeps local history alive

L

By ALLISON KRIDLE

iving in a hip neighborhood, you can’t help but wonder what’s next and what’s new. Most Astorians are always on the lookout for the newest, coolest establishment, but don’t necessarily consider what stood in the trendy coffee shop or bar before its time.

Astoria native and professional photographer Anthoula Lelekidis started the photography project “Ancient Astoria” to help Queens residents get a glimpse of Astoria’s past or jog old memories. If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite bagel

place looked like in the ‘80s, Lelekidis might be able to help you out.

The photographer’s family history in the neighborhood allowed her to start the “Ancient Astoria” photo collection, which features old or “vintage” scenes in Astoria and old pictures of Queens residents.

Lelekidis grew up on 37th Street and Ditmars. Her mother and father met in a small town in Greece called Giannitsa while living off the same block, and the two lived in Astoria together in the early ‘80s. Lelekidis’ mom spent some of her

childhood living off 19th Street right in front of Astoria Park.

“Ancient Astoria” first bloomed when Lelekidis’ go-to bodega was closing down, and she felt the need to document the drastic change.

“On the corner there was this bodega I would go to when I was little, and I grew up with them getting soda [and] ice cream,” Lelekidis said. “I got to know the guy that owned the store, and we became familiar. I noticed one day that the shop was closing, and I was shocked because I never thought

Betty Melidis-Lelekidis, 1974

Broadway Liquors

Hallet’s Cove

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Photos courtesy of Anthoula Lelekidis

it would. I started photographing the awning and the process of it closing, and he remembered me from when I was little and he told me stories about myself. That woke up something inside me.”

“Ancient Astoria” came into fruition in March 2015 when Lelekidis posted aged photos on Instagram for herself. The hashtag #AncientAstoria picked up traction, and she caught more and more people’s attention in 2016. In addition to Lelekidis’ personal photos, she also started taking submissions and pulling some from the public library. Her followers sent her pictures of old Astoria with informational captions, which were added to the collection.

“As a photographer, I knew I had to do something,” Lelekidis said. “[I tracked down pictures of] old architecture or anything I could find that is ‘ancient’ or a relic. Just the idea that soon it will be ancient, it just hit home to me. I started posting family photos of my own of my mom in the park,

and people started sending me photos.

I thought it was interesting to show other people’s photos. It [became] an archive.”

Fortunately, Astoria residents can catch a peek of some of the photos from the “Ancient Astoria” collection in person at Astoria Coffee off 30th Street. The coffee shop serves as a home to art installations for a few months at a time, and until October, “Ancient Astoria” pictures will be on display.

“All of the walls are laid out in a theme.

One wall is of storefronts; one is a Hell Gate Bridge theme; one is graffiti and decay; and one is transportation and old cars. I displayed them in salon style, anti-grid, the more natural way. This is how people would put them up in their homes,” Lelekidis said.

Lelekidis also put up photos from a different project that branches off “Ancient Astoria” about mom-and-pop shops in the neighborhood. The photos are more detailed and portrait style.

Lelekidis’ mom’s bench in Astoria Park

Sunset by the Hell Gate Bridge

39th Avenue and 31st Street

Betty Melidis-Lelekidis after her high school graduation at Newtown Road and 31st Avenue, 1978

14-28 Astoria Park South, built in 1890

Newtown Avenue Park J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Manuel, third in a succession of owners, works at Hong’s Shoe Repair, which first opened its doors about 90 years ago. A talented shoe cobbler, he is pictured here in his tiny shop amidst assorted footwear, taking pride in work that inherently touches on the spirit of mending.

The collection not only sparks conversation among community members, but it also keeps the history and memories of the neighborhood alive. It allows all residents to learn or remember how the neighborhood used to be and the contributions made by locals and immigrants.

“I really hope [it inspires] people to support the shops and buildings. If you have to buy something, go to the shops instead of going online. Keep local businesses open. If we could keep the history going, it would keep the character of Astoria going. Support local shops. Support local renters that are in older buildings. People in gentrified areas would say the same,” Lelekidis said.

One of the main reasons Lelekidis works to keep “Ancient Astoria" going is her mother, who passed away five years ago.

You can see several photos of Lelekidis’ mother, who spent much of her time in Astoria Park, particularly on a bench that Lelekidis dedicated to her after her passing.

“I kept going with this project because I knew how much she loved the neighborhood.

She was almost like the mayor. We would walk a block and talk to someone and walk another and talk to someone else. [The photo of my] mom standing under the bridge with graffiti in the background is very meaningful to me,” Lelekidis said.

Because of Lelekidis’ roots in Astoria, she finds comfort in photos sent in by followers that she can relate to or recognize in her own memories.

“Those photos have to be my favorite.

People send me photos that I can relate to. It’s not just my story. Whenever I get submission I think of the full circle. I get photos of people hanging out by the Hell Gate Bridge and by their cars and it still remains that way,” Lelekidis said.

If you are interested in keeping the history going, please submit any old photos with a detailed caption to Lelekidis’ email, ancientastoria@gmail.com. You can also find her on Instagram at @ancientastoria.

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Summers at North Shore Towers and Country Club Are Just Like Being at Camp North Shore Towers and Country Club offers its residents and members fun activities all year round, but summer there is just like being at camp. ,W RIIHUV DQ KROH JROI FRXUVH ÀYH +DU 7UX WHQQLV FRXUWV LQGRRU DQG outdoor pools, a sauna, steam rooms, a hot tub, a state-of-the-art gym offering classes including Pilates, and many other activities, according to Linda Rappaport, an onsite broker at North Shore Towers and Country Club.

Pool activities include outdoor water classes, volleyball and several outdoor pool parties, including movies outside under the stars.

There are basketball courts, boxing and billiards rooms, ping-pong and VKXIĂ HERDUG DOVR 5DSSDSRUW DGGV In addition, there are barbecues, a garden club, and many concerts, she notes, pointing as an example to a recent performance by That Motown Band.

The club puts on a lot of parties and offers classes that include boxing and Pilates Reformer, a special exercise machine that’s “good for stretching your body,â€? says Mary Anne Langone, country club general manager. “A lot of our golfers take the Reformer class because it helps with their Ă H[LELOLW\ Âľ VKH DGGV One new and increasingly popular activity being offered on a brand new court at North Shore Towers is pickleball. A combination of badminton, table tennis and tennis, pickleball is typically played by two RU IRXU SOD\HUV ZKR XVH SDGGOHV WR KLW D :LIĂ H OLNH EDOO RYHU D QHW ,W¡V fast-paced, low-impact and anyone who’s played a racket sport before FDQ TXLFNO\ JHW WKH KDQJ RI LW $QG EHFDXVH WKH FRXUW LV VPDOO LW FDQ Ă€W into half or even a third of a typical tennis court) and doubles games are standard, players hardly ever have to run like they would while playing tennis. The smaller court also means less wear and tear on one’s knees, hips and ankles. For folks who have problems with these joints but still want to play a racket sport to be active, pickleball is clearly a great choice. “It’s a perfect sport for our demographic age level,â€? says Terry Feit, who’s been a resident of North Shore Towers for six years and is a member of its Men’s Club. “It’s probably the fastest-growing sport in the country.â€? )HLW SOD\HG SLFNOHEDOO IRU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH LQ )ORULGD KH VDLG ´, ORYHG LW ZKHQ I played it and I thought it would be great for here,â€? he noted, adding: “We want as many players as we can get – both men and women.â€?

The North Shore Towers Men’s Club, meanwhile, is “constantly looking to do new things,� he said, noting that its many activities include trips to ORFDO SODFHV RI LQWHUHVW VXFK DV WKH +RORFDXVW 0HPRULDO DQG 7ROHUDQFH Center in Glen Cove. The Men’s Club, which costs $65 a year to join, now has 165 members and is always looking for more North Shore Towers residents to join, according to Arnold Rabinowitz, its president.

The North Shore Towers Women’s Club, meanwhile, has grown to about PHPEHUV WKLV \HDU IURP MXVW SHRSOH ZKHQ LW ZDV Ă€UVW VWDUWHG DERXW Ă€YH \HDUV DJR E\ 5REHUWD *RXOG LWV SUHVLGHQW ZKR VD\V VKH¡V EHHQ D resident of North Shore Towers about 24 years. “It’s one of the most wonderful places to live,â€? she says. “The people are very friendly. There’s so many events and so many things going on.â€?

One of the things that Gloria Beck, a vice president of the Women’s Club, likes most at North Shore is its Cinema Club, she says, noting SDUWLFLSDQWV VHH ÀOPV SOD\LQJ DW WKH 1RUWK 6KRUH 7RZHU¡V RQ SUHPLVH PRYLH theater and then, once a month, meet up to analyze and discuss them.

The Cinema Club was started about a year ago and usually attracts about 50 people to analyze movies, although there have been as many DV ZKR¡YH WXUQHG RXW GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH Ă€OP DFFRUGLQJ WR 9LFNL 0D]HO D 1RUWK 6KRUH 7RZHUV UHVLGHQW IRU DERXW Ă€YH \HDUV ZKR OHDGV WKH JURXS ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH SRVLWLYHV RI VHHLQJ WKH Ă€OPV DQG WDONLQJ DERXW them, “We’re really trying to generate interest in our theater – we don’t want to lose it,â€? she says.

The Women’s Club is always looking for more members, Beck says, noting there’s a $25 annual fee to join. That fee’s well worth it when you consider the many activities and events that it holds each year.

When it comes to tennis, golf, and luxury living, North Shore Towers and Country Club has long been offering what Langone calls “the best deal in town.â€? And, during the summer, that deal just gets even better. “The highest quality of service and amenities will be part of your daily routineâ€? at North Shore Towers and Country Club, according to Debra Markell Kleinert, its board member and marketing chairperson. She adds: ´(QMR\ DQ HIIRUWOHVV OLIHVW\OH )URP OHLVXUH DQG HQWHUWDLQPHQW WR Ă€WQHVV DQG mindful living, the property provides an extraordinary lifestyle.â€?

For more Country Club details and to book a tour, call Mary Anne Langone at 718-428-5030 ext. 0.

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FM OIO ND D + + D BR OID NYK

Social Life Tapas & cocktail bar opens to ‘likes’ on and off the ‘Gram

BY JESSICA MILITELLO

Photos by Jessica Militello/BORO

The Social is the latest spot to open on 30th Avenue in Astoria, a street bustling with restaurants and coffee shops. The international tapas and cocktail bar has a pretty aesthetic, with its name displayed in delicate pink cursive letters against a backdrop of eye-catching greenery. Sleek black tables and chairs surround the storefront while the interior lures curious passersby in, if not for the edgy artwork on the walls, then certainly for a perfectly Instagrammable neon cursive sign that reads, “I’m not flirting, I’m just being social.” Once guests enter, they’ll discover an enchanting backyard with tables and pink lights strewn along a canopy, perfect for summer nights.

The Social officially opened its doors at the end of May and features a menu of tapas from five regions of the world and delicious cocktails. The restaurant is definitely a spot for everyone in the neighborhood, especially young families in the area. Their menu reflects the diversity of the Astoria community and will be periodically changed to keep things fresh for customers.

Owner Eman Khamcy explained the inspiration for the new restaurant and the special meaning behind their diverse menu.

“I thought it was missing in the area as far as our tapas idea,” Khamcy said. “[The menu] is international because Astoria is a melting pot and I thought that everyone comes together. We also incorporated other things. We have SingleCut because it’s an Astoria beer and we wanted a little bit of an Astoria feel also.”

Khamcy, who has lived in Astoria for over seven years, spent much of his career in marketing and promotions for restaurants. He built many relationships from working side by side with restaurant owners and managers before making the decision to open his own restaurant for the first time. One individual in particular with whom he built a rapport through his work J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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FOOD + DRINK

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i Janel Gardiner, the general manager of is The Social and a lifelong Astorian. Khamcy T kknew Gardiner would be perfect for the job, aand her great attitude alone makes it clear why he made that decision. w “We want everybody who comes here tto feel loved,” Gardiner said. “Our door iis open to everybody. I want you to come [[here] and feel like it was great. If you’re haviing a bad day, we got it.”

While the friendly faces of the staff may get patrons to come in, the food and drink will p ccertainly make them keep coming back. The menu features Italian, Asian, Latin, American m aand Mediterranean tapas, and some selecttions have already become go-to items, like the Asian-style spicy rock shrimp and the J U LY 2 0 1 9

Mediterranean-style zucchini chips. Everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients, and it is obvious from the moment it hits your taste buds. The spicy rock shrimp is lightly tossed in panko and a house-made chili sauce that offers a zesty kick. The flavor and texture of the shrimp may make them hard to share. The zucchini chips, made from lightly fried, fresh-sliced zucchini and paired with tzatziki sauce, serve as a tasty and light snack — and they're addictive.

The tapas bar will be updating their menu seasonally.

“Once in a while we’re going to change our food menu and the cocktail menu as well,” Khamcy said. “In the wintertime we want to go for some warmer drinks and food and heartier dishes. We are also going to be incorporating a brunch menu and a lunch menu.”

Even some of their décor will be updated periodically, like the quote on their neon sign, “I’m not flirting, I’m just being social,” which has been the subject of many Instagram posts. Gardiner said, “Everybody stops for that whether they’re 13 or 60 [years old]; they always ask to take a picture.”

But Khamcy explained the idea behind changing the quote from time to time.

“We want to be able to switch it up,” Khamcy said. “I feel like a lot of places get stale and just go off the ride, but people want something new. They want a surprise once in a while.”

Khamcy said that locals, many of whom are young families, have already been supportive of the new eatery. He explained that

Photos by Michael Poselski

they want the tapas bar to be a place for these families to come to.

“Astoria has a lot of young families,” Khamcy said. “And that’s what we cater to right now. We have kids in the backyard. We have coloring books. We entertain the kids so the parents can have a good time.”

The Social already has a reputation for being fresh, not only in terms of their ingredients but also by welcoming change in their menu, their art and their views on how to best serve their community. While Manhattan may often be considered the go-to spot on the weekend, Khamcy wants Astorians to see that an amazing experience can be right in their own backyard — especially under the pink lights of The Social’s backyard.

“I want to bring something new and [bring] some new people to Astoria as the go-to spot,” Khamcy said. “Instead of going to the city, I want them to come to Astoria.”

J U LY 2 0 1 9 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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INTERIOR DESIGN

CREATIVE CLUTTER

BY ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIEPYPER @ESTIE_PYPER

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W

hile some people swear by Marie Kondo’s popular Kon Mari method of decluttering and minimal living, Sarah Usher practices the opposite. Usher surrounds herself with mementos from her travels and trinkets from her childhood, but everything she’s kept — in the words of Kondo — brings her joy.

Usher, a publicist, has lived in her building on 30th Road for five years, but she’s been in Astoria for 15. Previously in an apartment on Crescent Street for 10 years, she had to relocate when the building was sold. Lucky for her, she only had to move four blocks. Usher started out in the lower apartment of the two-family duplex, but has since swapped with her neighbor to the upper level.

“I love it. It's neighborhood-y,” she said of Astoria. “I feel very much like I’m coming home. I used to work in the city — now I work in Williamsburg — but I do think it's nice to not be exactly where you're working, to have somewhere to come home.”

Usher’s achieved this by filling her apartment with tributes to family and her childhood in Maryland. Throughout the space, collections of turtles, bananas, seashells and rocks decorate every inch of surface area.

“I like to collect stuff, as you can see,” Usher said as we walked through her apartment. “I think I started collecting a lot of stuff when I was young and I've just added to it over the years.”

One of Usher’s first collections was turtles. There are ceramic turtles, glass turtles, plush turtles, a turtle stool and even a real turtle, Abby (she roams around the apartment along with Usher’s black cat, Max).

The bananas started as an inside joke with her sister. Usher’s sister has always called her “Sarah Banana,” so throughout the years they’ve gifted each other items with bananas — paintings, figurines, pillow cases and a teapot, to name a few. Moving through her apartment was like an “Eye Spy” game, searching for all the turtles and bananas.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

“I read an article about ‘maximalism’ and that is me to a T,” Usher said. “I feel so comfortable having all this stuff around me. I get some people would feel frantic with the perceived clutter, but it just makes me more comfortable and happy.”

It’s also hard to miss her affinity for shells and rocks, gathered from all over. They are grouped by geographic location and displayed thoughtfully, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

“My dad always collected shells and rocks and things my entire life,” Usher said. “I never realized that habit was something that

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I completely adopted, but I pick up stuff everywhere.”

The rocks on display are mainly from the Adirondacks — she and her family go every summer. There are many other tributes to the Adirondacks in the apartment, mainly pieces of art, but the most impressive pieces are framed chunks of birch tree bark hanging in the living room. Usher and her sister created them together, attaching the bark to foamcore with glue and wire and repurposing old frames to complete the work.

The seven frames in total flank a beautiful blue cherry blossom print, serving as the

focal point of the living room. The wall they hang on is completely black, but it used to be a wall-to-wall mirror.

“When I was downstairs, there was a dark wood panel wall which I loved because I felt like everything kind of popped off it,” said Usher. “I didn't want to spend a ton of money, so I Googled around to see how I could replace that and I found these panels — it’s literally just foam, and I put them up with command strips!”

The rest of the room complements the art with blues and greens as the primary colors.

Pops of brighter hues are seen in smaller

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INTERIOR DESIGN

furniture pieces and, most notably, the bright red Chinese lantern hanging from the ceiling in the far corner of the room — a gift from her brother and sister-in-law who got married in China.

This section of her apartment is railroad style: the living room connects to a middle room, which connects to her bedroom. The next room over has a warmer tone to it and functions almost like a cozy den. A futon at the center is covered in patterned pillows from around the world, and a collage of framed artwork hangs above it. Amidst the photograph of the Flatiron building, the Queens map and the Shepard Fairey portrait of Debbie

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Harry is a framed piece of metallic green butterfly wallpaper.

“My great uncle passed away a few years ago. We used to go to his house a lot in the Adirondacks, and this is the wall paper in his bathroom,” explained Usher. “I used to love it as a kid. His kids sold the house, so we went in one last time and they had a roll of the wallpaper, so I took it.”

On the opposite wall is the majority of the seashell collection, and it’s striking.

They mainly come from Sanibel Island, Florida. There are three cases full of shells and one large frame in which Usher has arranged the shells in a kaleidoscope pattern.

“It looks like art to me,” said Usher. “I've had a dream to do this for so long and it just took me a little while to figure out how to display it.”

Like the rooms before it, Usher’s bedroom is also full of art and trinkets from her travels.

“I like to buy things that remind me — like momentos,” Usher said. “I love stuff obviously, but it's fun. It reminds me of where I've been."

But everything, down to Usher’s collection of fridge magnets, is impeccably organized.

“My mom's even said you feel like your apartment would be really cluttered because you have so much stuff,” Usher said, “but actually, everything feels like it has a purpose and a place.”

Photos: Estelle Pyper/BORO

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