April BORO MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY APRIL 20112011 VOLVOL 1:5 1:3

Y A T I I C

A R

N O L

U A T S

E R

FREE

T N

G

I U

E E U DS IS

DI GR SC E OU AT NT S

T&

ASG ISL

RESTAURANTS // SHOPPING // GREEN LIVING // NIGHTLIFE // ART // CULTURE // ENTERTAINMENT // NUTRITION //

at in the A be st st o LI ria spo C an ts d

HE

RD O T AN

NEW APRIL PROMOTIONS FROM OUR ADVERTISERS AND SUPPORTERS

Shop, eat and play locally and support our community. Enjoy the discounts below from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants.

Sign up for the BORO newsletter at BOROMAG.COM to receive additional exclusive BORO Insider promotions all month long.

Offers available through April 30, 2011. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

10% OFF all wine purchases with this coupon.

1 FREE glass of wine or dessert with meal (redeemable Mon -Thurs. Excludes Prix Fixe. Limited to select wines) with coupon.

CAFE VIA ESPRESSO 1 FREE dessert with your meal with this coupon.

1 FREE glass of wine or dessert with your meal with this coupon.

15 % off your order when dining in or taking out (excludes deliveries) with this coupon.

10% OFF your order with this coupon.

1 FREE glass of wine or dessert with your meal Sun - Thurs with this coupon.

1 FREE drink on Monday or Tuesday with this coupon.

1 FREE glass of wine with lunch entrée with this coupon.

FREE drink with purchase of entree. Offer valid on Sun - Thurs.

15% OFF lunch or dinner, Mon-Thurs with this coupon. Not applicable for takeout orders.

3 classes, 30 days, $30. Try any 3 classes in 30 days for just $30! No obligation!!!

1 FREE dessert with any entree with this coupon.

Receive 10% OFF with this coupon.

2 weeks of unlimited classes for only $30 with the coupon.

FREE Gym Pass with this coupon.

10% OFF with this coupon.

20% OFF all merchandise with this coupon.

Get $100 OFF two regions treated with Dysport ® / Botox® with this coupon. Free consultations.

Receive 15% OFF with this coupon.

15% OFF all hourly legal fees with this coupon.

Present this coupon at the time of registration and receive a 10% discount for courses that cost $400 or more.

10% OFF any daycare package deal with this coupon.

Photo: Cookie by DOUGH & BATTER. Page10.

Cover: Photos by bradley hawks. Design by emma cason-pratt.

2 FOOD

Benedicts, Bacon and Bubbly, Oh My! 7 Bodacious Brunches.

4 BODY & SOUL

9 BORO PARTY AT BREAK

BORO / City Harvest party and fundraiser. Skip lunch, fight hunger with the BORO team at BREAK April 13th.

See page 9 for more details.

12 APRIL EVENT LISTINGS

Fuel your Brain. Great foods for brain health from Dr. Angelo Ippolito from Art of Health Chiropractic in LIC.

13 MAP IT DIRECTORY

6 GREEN LIVING

8 INSPIRATION

14 MAP IT: ASTORIA & LIC MAP

Care to share? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

Skip lunch fight hunger with BORO. 10 ART

The art of DOUGH & BATTER.

ADVERTISE IN BORO:

Your Go-to Guide For Astoria and LIC’s best Shops, Food, Art, Nightlife and More.

17

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Astoria & Long Island City 2011 Restaurant Guide.

Boro Announcement: The Winner for Best Pick Up Line: Pablo Ramirez “Hello! I’m the new milk man, would you like it in the front or the back?”

Enjoy your $100 gift certificate to Sweet Afton!

-The BORO Team

ads@boromag.com // 914.426.2939 // www.boromag.com/advertise

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER julian lesser // EDITOR john lee // COPY EDITOR norm elrod // CREATIVE DIRECTOR paul connolly ART DIRECTORS alt, philippe trinh // CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS alberto michieli, emma cason-pratt, sydney auerbach STAFF WRITERS daniel crown, jared killeen, christopher de la torre, rebecca mcnamara, suzanne sitelman, mickey z, bradley hawks STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, alex marshall, daniel pando // SALES AND MARKETING nadine auerbach WEBMASTER janmichael guzman EDITORIAL COORDINATOR sadee brathwaite *This magazine is made from FSC paper, printed with soy ink and 100% recyclable. Printed in LIC, New York. Please recycle after use.

1

All materials Copyright © 2011 BORO / All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

BENEDICTS, BACON AND BUBBLY, OH MY!

7 BODACIOUS BRUNCHES

There is no meal New Yorkers love more than brunch, when it’s acceptable to ravenously devour foods of exquisite quality while wearing a backwards baseball cap. It’s a relaxed meal best enjoyed with your nearest and dearest, usually the accomplices who need to share the hair of the dog that bit during the previous evening’s debauchery. And in honor of the one meal when a danish and coffee after noon is the norm, here are seven great weekend favorites.

Story and Photos Bradley Hawks

2. 5 NAPKIN BURGER With a career in the restaurant industry, my workday ends later than the typical 9-5er. So, in my weekend slumber-fond social circle, brunch is more like supfast –breakfast at suppertime – which makes 5 Napkin Burger (5NB) the ideal spot. It’s a place that brilliantly combines the two meals, best celebrated with a benedict of 5NB sliders – juicy beef patties on a muffin with cheddar, caramelized onions, poached eggs and a decadent béarnaise sauce. 5NB also wins my vote for having the best all-you-candrink option, where $11.95 buys endless bubbles (alternate between mimosas, bellinis, mixed berries with ginger and lemon-thyme brandied cherries).

2 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

3. QUEENS COMFORT The southern-inspired menu at newcomer Queens Comfort boasts maple bacon buttermilk biscuits and cake donuts with oversized mugs of Stumptown coffee. Other droolinducing brunch items include praline bacon, bananas foster French toast and a Kentucky hot brown benedict with smoked turkey, bacon and cheesy mornay sauce on a caramelized onion biscuit. If that’s not enough, bust out your finest Saturday sweats to try the Fool’s Gold, an Elvis-inspired PB&J with bacon, all battered up and deep-fried. Currently BYOW (Bring Your Own Whatever), show up with some sparkly and they’ll provide the OJ.

4. L’ARTISTE If sophistication suits your style, try L’Artiste, a French bistro tucked into the corner of Greek mega-club Cavo. Serving brunch only on Sundays, L’Artiste whips up a knockout French toast: golden brioche with orange marmalade, fresh fruit and berry compote. The shrimp and avocado croissant is buttery and sweet, the open-faced brie sandwich with sun dried tomatoes is a lighter option and the egg casserole with spinach, potatoes, cheese and tomatoes is like a baked breakfast confetti that satiates almost every morning food craving in one bite.

1. SAGE GENERAL STORE The $25 three-course feast “for the true bacon lover” begins with a bacon trio, along with a cheddar biscuit and bacon marmalade.

Main offerings range from a grilled cheddar-gruyere and pepperedbacon sandwich to a wood-fired breakfast pizza with bacon, caramelized onions and ricotta. And for dessert? Try the double-chocolate bacon brownie with Jack Daniels whipped cream.

5. M. WELLS DINER Arrive early or late to avoid the lines at M. Wells Diner, the QuebecoisAmerican all-week brunch spot situated in a 50-year-old diner car.

Recurring favorites include the seafood cobbler – brussels sprouts piled with flaked fish, scallops and shrimp with béchamel, all topped with two biscuits and gruyere and baked to cheesy-delicious perfection. Be sure to also try the “hot chicken,” two biscuits smothered with poultry, peas, fries and brown gravy. I’ve also actually had dreams about their pudding chaumeur – cake batter poached in maple syrup. And lastly, the Bloody Caesar is a meal in itself, using fresh sea clam juice and a peppered rim.

6. WUNDERBAR When the weekend demands something sturdier than champagne and poached eggs, dust off your lederhosen and yodel all the way to the Sunday German buffet at Wunderbar, where $12 gives you all-you-can-eat access to a spread of 14 dishes, including bratwurst, knockwurst, schnitzel, goulash and spaetzle. If you’re looking for something truly memorable, go for the Meter with a Liter – a meter-long bratwurst with a liter of any bier on tap served in a glass boot.

7. CRAVE SHACK Last but certainly not least, nothing combines savory and sweet like the Donut Bacon Cheeseburger at Crave Shack. Paula Deen heads to the Middle East for this sinful creation from the halal joint nestled on the Little Egypt stretch of Steinway – it features a beef pattie with turkey bacon and cheese on a toasted glazed donut. If the buttons on your britches popped off just from reading that, then maybe opt for the fried egg-topped cheeseburger instead.

MAP IT 91 SAGE GENERAL STORE

38 L’ARTISTE

43 WUNDERBAR

25 5 NAPKIN BURGER

9

28 CRAVE SHACK

90 QUEENS COMFORT

M. WELLS DINER

BOROMAG.COM | 3

BODY + SOUL SUNFLOWER SEEDS – Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E. This fat-soluble vitamin neutralizes free radicals that can damage brain cells.

BLUEBERRIES – Nicknamed “brainberries,” blueberries are packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. They protect the brain from free radical damage and may reduce the effects of age-related dementia.

Studies have also shown that blueberries can improve learning capacity.

AVOCADO – This fruit is a good source of oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid. Omega9’s make omega-3’s work better, promoting overall brain health.

SALMON – Sockeye, chum and even coastal cutthroat trout are varieties of salmon packed with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid).

DHA is found in brain gray matter and improves communication between brain cells.

ORGAN MEATS – Also known as offal, organ meats are high in the powerful brain nutrient phosphatidyl serine. This nutrient protects brain cell membranes while increasing acetylcholine levels, which are important brain neurotransmitters.

SEA VEGETABLES – Brain fog is a symptom of a poorly functioning thyroid, often caused by iodine deficiency.

Kombu, wakame and arame are sea vegetables exceptionally high in the much-misunderstood mineral iodine.

FRESH BREWED TEA – Hot or cold, green or black teas contain a modest amount of caffeine which, when used sensibly, can improve memory and focus. Teas also contain antioxidants called catechines, which protect brain vessels to insure healthy brain blood flow.

FUEL FOR

YOUR BRAIN Here’s some food for thought: you can improve concentration, memory, focus and brain health by eating foods that contain nutrients with an affinity for the brain. And what exactly are those foods? This page can help turn on your cognition ignition.

Story Dr. Angelo Ippolito, from Art of Health Chiropractic

4 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

ROSEMARY – Students in Ancient Greece wore a wreath made from this spice during exams as they believed it would boost brainpower. Studies today show the active ingredient carnosic acid protects the brain from neurodegeneration.

SARDINES – In addition to omega-3’s and vitamin D, sardines are one of the few foods high in coenzyme Q10, which exerts a neuroprotective effect on brain cells by increasing the concentration of mitochondria (the energy powerhouses of the cell).

STRAWBERRIES – The Garden strawberry, a member of the Rose family, contains flavonoid fisetin, which stimulates signaling pathways in the brain that enhance long-term memory.

MAP IT ART OF HEALTH 138 CHIROPRACTIC

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 5

CARE TO SHARE? COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE Story Daniel Crown

Searching for a way to combine your love of fresh fruits and vegetables with your incessant desire to save the planet? Then look no further than buying a share in one of Astoria and Long Island City’s Community Supported Agricultures.

“Really it feels like we are at zero weight,” she said. “There is very little packaging; all of the vegetables arrive in big boxes that we send back to the farm. We are going to be composting this year as well, [and] people can bring their scraps back to us.”

Supporting and buying local produce is one of the easiest ways to combat global warming. But according to Long Island City CSA representative Heather Smith, CSAs also offer a unique array of other benefits, starting with a hands-on approach to what local farmers are churning out. “We essentially buy a piece in the output of a farm and then participate in what the farm produces,” Smith said.

For anyone interested in buying a stake in a CSA, May is usually the last month to sign up as June marks the arrival of the first delivery. Costs are often determined by yearly income, but generally run from $200-$300 dollars for a half share and $400-$600 for a full share. Do a little math and this comes out to between $15-$30 dollars a week for a full share – and as little as $8-$15 for a half.

When harvest time comes, farmers deliver fresh vegetables and fruits directly to a convenient neighborhood drop-off point (generally every other week). This provides members with produce so fresh that it nearly rivals something their great-grandparents might have eaten, newly-picked from the fields of an old-world family farm.

Though not necessarily facilitated by the CSAs themselves, shared packages are also allowed if a potential member wants to split costs with a friend or relative. Potential members can also check out the exact size and make-up of a typical share by visiting CSA websites.

“The vegetables are extremely fresh,” Smith said. “Members will tell you that it’s amazing how long the vegetables last in comparison to those you buy at the store. They are dug out of the ground the day before you get them, so the difference in quality is amazing.”

“What’s more,” said Smith, “is that green-conscious members can rejoice in the fact that CSAs leave behind –at worst– a nominal carbon-footprint.”

6 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

LOCAL CSA LIST:

MAP IT

104 ASTORIA CSA

108 HELLGATE CSA

107 HARVEST ASTORIA

109 LONG ISLAND CITY CSA

To learn about CSA share opportunities or to find local Astoria / LIC residents to split shares visit: BOROmag.com/classifieds

Istockphoto

GREEN LIVING

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 7

INSPIRATION

City Harvest

SKIP LUNCHFIGHT HUNGER Story Jared Killeen

This April, it’s easier than ever to make a positive difference in your neighborhood. If you think that hanging out with friends and drinking cocktails can’t help change the world, then you need to read on.

On April 13th, BORO will host a raffle party at Break in Astoria, in support of Skip Lunch Fight Hunger, a City Harvest campaign that asks people to team up and donate what they typically spend on lunch to the fight against hunger. City Harvest, formed in 1982, is a food-rescue organization dedicated to feeding the city’s hungry men, women, and children. For the first time, the BORO Magazine team is raising money to help City Harvest feed residents of Queens.

You can make your contribution just by showing up, entering our raffle, and having a great time.

Five dollars will get you a cocktail and a raffle ticket. You can win prizes from local businesses such as Astoria Wine & Spirits, Blend, and Inside Astoria, and the more raffle tickets/drinks you buy, the better your chances of taking home a prize. The party is open to everyone, there’s no cover, and food will be provided free of charge by MexiQ. Of course, all proceeds will go to City Harvest – a good cause indeed. You can even join BORO’s Skip Lunch Fight Hunger team and continue to fundraise through May 11th, when Skip Lunch Fight Hunger culminates.

8 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

WITH BORO City Harvest is the world’s first-food rescue organization of its kind. This year, they will collect 28 million pounds of excess food and deliver it to nearly 600 community food programs throughout New York City. Once a year, City Harvest runs Skip Lunch Fight Hunger, so don’t miss out!

“When BORO Magazine first approached us, we were intrigued by their mission: to make a positive difference in the Queens community,” said a representative of City Harvest, Robyn Stein. “City Harvest works day and night to put food on the table for our hungry neighbors in New York City.

We love how passionate and active BORO Magazine is in the Queens community.”

To BORO, teaming up with City Harvest seemed like an obvious choice. “It’s important to make a positive difference in the community,” said Julian Lesser, BORO’s Editor-in-Chief.

“We’re excited to help City Harvest, which does so much to feed the hungry.”

Lesser added that the magazine is especially interested in City Harvest’s Skip Lunch Fight Hunger program, as it invites all New Yorkers, no matter where they live, to actively make a contribution.

MAP IT

LEARN MORE:

148 BREAK

www.BOROmag.com/Skip-Lunch-Fight-Hunger

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 9

ART

THE ART OF

DOUGH & BATTER Story Suzanne Sitelman

Melissa Cacha is not your average baker. Combining a passion for design with a double dose of confectionery talents, Melissa is truly an artist, bringing sugar, dough and batter to life.

Melissa’s skills as a cake designer started to gain acclaim through word of mouth as news spread about her delicious and aesthetically pleasing treats.

A growing number of individuals began to contact Melissa, requesting to purchase her mouth-watering masterpieces. As a result, Melissa’s passion soon blossomed into a full-fledged career – she officially launched DOUGH & BATTER in November 2010 out of her home in Astoria and plans to soon open a shop in the neighborhood.

10 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

Working closely with each of her customers, Melissa continually strives to design confections that meet her clients’ specific creative requirements and budget constraints. The process begins with an interview, allowing Melissa to craft her desserts based on customersupplied themes, event details and color schemes. These initial conversations then turn into tireless work, with Melissa often working late into the night to ensure her goods are delivered fresh.

Ultimately, Melissa’s baked goods are as beautiful as they are delicious, her tasty treats transformed into works of art. And her work doesn’t go unnoticed; Melissa’s patrons say they purchase her baked goods as much for their beauty as for their taste.

La Vida Creations Photography

That being said, as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Melissa says the biggest compliment she receives is when customers tell her that her products “taste as good as they look.”

If you wish to place an order with DOUGH & BAT TER, please submit your request on the contact page of the company’s official website at www.doughandbatter.com.

MAP IT

124 DOUGH & BATTER

Custom cookies for BORO magazine.

Photo by Philippe Trinh.

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 11

MARCH EVENTS 4/2 @ 8PM (MUSIC)

CARNEGIE HALL NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS: Line C3 Percussion Group FREE:

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center: Little Theater RSVP at rsvp-lpac@lagcc.cuny.edu 718-482-5153 I 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

4/2 2-6PM (ART/SHOPPING)

FREE: SPRINGTIME/ART & COMMERCE TEN10 Studios RSVP at info@theqnote.com 646-271-5353 I 10-10 47th Rd, LIC

4/21 9PM-12AM (MUSIC)

FREE: TERIVER CHEUNG JAZZ TRIO Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 I 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com

4/28 @8PM (MUSIC)

4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26 9PM-12AM (NIGHTLIFE) FREE: COMEDY SHOW Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 I 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com

FREE: LOST DOG NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Waltz-Astoria Café 917-460-4289 I 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.astoriamusic.org

4/10 1:30-4:30PM (FOOD)

A TASTE OF CROATIA: Wine & Food Pairing // $65

4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 6-8PM (WORKSHOPS)

Veslo 718-728-0549 I 32-11 Broadway, Astoria www.veslonyc.com

FIGURE DRAWING WORKSHOP // $8 Creators’ Co-op RSVP: creatorscoop@gmail.com 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com

4/30 @ 8PM (PERFORMANCE)

CAUGHT IN THE ACT // $15

Circus Warehouse 212-751-2174 I 53-21 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.circuswarehouse.com

5/02-5/06 8AM TO 4PM (EDUCATION) 4/13 7-10PM (PARTY) FREE: BORO/CITY HARVEST PARTY/FUNDRAISER @ BREAK 32-04 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria RSVP: CityHarvest@BOROmag.com www.BOROmag.com/Skip-Lunch-Fight-Hunger 4/14 @ 6PM (THEATER)

FREE: ASTORIA PLAYMAKING PROGRAM Astoria Performing Arts Center 718-706-5750 I Horace Greeley Auditorium 45-11 31st Ave, LIC www.apacny.org

4/14 9PM-12AM (MUSIC)

FREE: CURTIS ELLER’S AMERICAN CIRCUS Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 I 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com

4/16 3-4:30PM (BODY & SOUL/WORKSHOP )

KETTLEBELL BASICS, LEVEL I WORKSHOP

Simply Fit Astoria General Admission: $20 347-639-0489 I 25-06 31st St, Suite 2L, Astoria www.simplyfitastoria.com

4/16 3-5PM (LITERATURE)

QUEENS IN LOVE WITH LITERATURE // $10 Novo Restaurant 347-505-3010 I 7823 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights www.queenscouncilarts.org

4/16 @ 8PM (MUSIC)

FREE: NEW VOCAL WORKS Composer Donnacha Dennehy and opera celebrity Dawn Upshaw, presented in partnership with The Bard College Conservatory of Music.

LaGuardia Performing Arts Center: Little Theater RSVP at rsvp-lpac@lagcc.cuny.edu 718-482-5153 I 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

12 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

40 HOUR SITE SAFETY MANAGER TRAINING TSC Training Academy $850 – Receive 10% discount with coupon 718-389-2103 I 36-06 43rd Avenue, LIC NY 11101 www.tscta.com

4/6, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 9-11PM (FOOD/NIGHTLIFE) FREE: LIVE MUSIC Original, Jazz, Folk and Covers Brick Café 718-267-2735 I 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com

4/7-4/10, 4/13-4/16 @ 8PM (MUSIC)

PARADE: THE MUSICAL // $18

The Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 I 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

ON GOING EVENTS...

4/1 & 4/2 @ 8PM , 4/2 @ 3PM , 4/12 & 4/13 @ 1PM (THEATER)

THE GIVER // $18

The Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 I 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 6:30-9:30PM (NIGHTLIFE) FREE: WINE TASTINGS Astoria Wine and Spirits 718-545-9463 I 34-12 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 @ 8PM (NIGHTLIFE)

FREE: HOUSE SESSIONS WITH MATTHEW BRADY El Ay Si 718-389-8781 I 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com

4/2, 4/3, 4/9, 4/10, 4/16, 4/17, 4/23, 4/24, 4/30 11AM–6PM (REAL ESTATE)

FREE: OPEN HOUSES The View 877-LIC-7778 I 4630 Center Blvd, 3rd Fl, LIC www.livingtheview.com

4/3, 4/10, 4/17 12-5PM (SHOPS)

FREE: ASTORIA MARKET Bohemian Hall 718-274-4925 I 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriamarket.com

4/15- 5/2 WEEKENDS (MUSEUM)

FASHION IN FILM FESTIVAL: Birds of Paradise Museum of the Moving Image FREE with Museum admission ($10 adults) 718-777-6888 I 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us

4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 @12:30

‘SPRING TRAINING’ SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES Museum of the Moving Image FREE with Museum admission ($10 adults) 718-777-6888 I 36-01 35 Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us

4/18-4/22 @ 3:30 PM - 10PM (EDUCATION)

30 HOUR OSHA CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OUTREACH TRAINING

TSC Training Academy $595 – Receive 10% discount with coupon 718-389-2103 I 36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.tscta.com

For a complete calendar of Astoria/LIC events visit:

BOROmag.com/events

Submit your event for FREE: Events@boromag.com

MAP IT DIRECTORY FOOD/WINE STORES

104 ASTORIA CSA (C,2)

(718) 512-5401 35-30 35th St, Astoria www.astoriacsa.com

105 ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2)

(718) 545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

106 FOOD CELLAR (A,4)

(718) 606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC

www.foodcellarandco.com 107 HARVEST ASTORIA CSA (B,2)

(347) 229-1472 30-14 Crescent St, Astoria www.harvestastoria.com

108 HELLGATE CSA (B,2)

29-13 23rd Ave, Astoria www.hellgatecsa.net

109 LONG ISLAND CITY CSA (A,3)

(212) 825-0028 ex. 201 36-49 11th St, LIC www.liccsa.wordpress.com

110 ORGANICS FOR ALL (C,2)

(718) 433-1334 30-50 Steinway St

111 VITALITY AND HEALTH ORGANIC

MARKET (C,2)

(718) 777-8477 46-03 Broadway, Astoria

SHOPPING

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

PETS

112 BELIEF (B,1)

(718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com

113 CREATORS CO-OP (B,1)

(917) 751-8177 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.creators-coop.com

114 ETHEREAL (A,4) (718) 482-8884 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.etherealnyc.com 115 INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1)

(718) 956-4000 37-20 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

116 KrisTEES (B,1)

(718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com

117 LOVEDAY 31 (B,2)

118 SITE (C,2)

(718) 728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com

119 CITY VET (A,4)

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

120 LIC DOG HOUSE (A,4)

(718) 389-3647 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.licdoghouse.com

121 JUMPING BULLDOG: A BOUTIQUE

FOR CATS AND DOGS (B,1) (718) 274-2510 28-10 23rd Ave, Astoria www.jumpingbulldog.com

FLORAL 122 FLORESTA (A,4)

(917) 612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog

SERVICES 123 DUR AMERICA (C,2)

(718) 626-0700 34-11 Broadway, Astoria www.duramerica.com

124 DOUGH & BATTER (B,1)

(917) 743 – 6096 (Crescent & 23rd Ave) www.doughandbatter.com

125 MARK ANDERSON (B,1)

Certified Public Accountant (646) 961-1866 24-58 Crescent St, Astoria www.markandersontaxes.com

126 MPN LAW FIRM (C,2)

(718) 777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com

127 ONDEMAND PRINTING (C,4)

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

128 SAFETY SUPPLIES UNLIMITED

(C,3) (866) 787-2336 36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.safetysuppliesunlimited.com

129 SHOWROOM BY C (B,3)

(917) 658-3065 4 Court Square, LIC www.showroombyc.com

Sponsored by BORO MAGAZINE

continued on next page 16

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 13

2

1

14

3

158

161

6

MAPIT MAP

A

61

4

53

107

125

69

87

124

116

154

84

142

12

62 44

113

146

B

67 92

77

29

74

31

95

23

80

103

45

33

108

112

57

34 22

121

63

82 32 60

47

30

101

8

148

70 97

117

36 81 26

149

102

68

86

156

118 5

17

104 153

140

105 130

126 123

52

42

49 131

75 136 167 46

152

88

35 17

96

25

157

17

59

41 21

1

28

18

50

19

135

110

72

99

78

141 90 151

66

2

54

139 144

39

14

79 48

134 115

C

83 73 38

93

76

89

98

13

111

10

2

1

4

3

164

16

166

A

119

120

132

106

11

15

55

168

163

145

37

162

40

94

122

137

20 56 64 138 71 114 58 51 65

43

109

165 143

24

85

159

7

160

9

155

91

27

B

129

127

128

C

4

3

MAP IT DIRECTORY SERVICES 130 VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2)

(718) 204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

131 VIDEO EXPRESS (C,2)

(718)626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria

EVENT SPACES 132 FOUNDRY (A,3)

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

HOTELS 15

139 ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX (C,2)

94 DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4)

140 HEART AND SOUL OF YOGA (C,2)

151 MIX CAFE AND LOUNGE (C,2)

(718) 729-7163 34-38 38th St, Astoria www.ascsports1.com (610) 585-8613

32-18 35th St, Basement, Astoria

www.heartandsoulofyoga.com

141 NEW YORK SPORTS CLUB (C,2)

(718) 932-1400 2856 Steinway St, Astoria www.nysc.com

142 SEEK FITNESS (B,1)

(347) 924-9004 27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com

RAVEL (A,3) (718) 289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com

143 PNT FITNESS (A,4)

TATTOO

144 THE YOGA ROOM (C,2)

(347) 396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com

(718) 274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 274-5712 www.the-yoga-room.com 37-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com 145 THE YOGA ROOM (A,4) (718) 786-7962 10-14 47 Rd, LIC TRAINING / EDUC. www.the-yoga-room.com 128 TSC TRAINING ACADEMY (C,3) (718) 389-2103 SPAS 36-06 43rd Ave, LIC www.tscta.com 146 REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) (718) 626-4434 BEAUTY 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria 135 CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (C,2) www.rejuvenatenyc.com (347) 631-0922 31-24 Steinway St, Astoria NIGHTLIFE / BARS www.carlclarkeaesthetiques.com 31 BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER 136 GIGI SALON (C,2) GARDEN (B,1) (718) 777-7755 (718) 274-4925 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com www.bohemianhall.com 134 SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1)

137 PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4)

(718) 472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC

FITNESS 138 ART OF HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC (A,4)

718-707-3500 47-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC

16 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

148 BREAK (B,2)

(718) 777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

149 BRICK BAR (B,2)

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

(718) 784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com (347) 642-4840 40-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.mixcafelounge.com

15 PENTHOUSE808 (A,3)

(718) 289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com

152 RAPTURE LOUNGE (C,2)

(718) 626-8044 34-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com

153 STUDIO SQ. BEER

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

159 REISSTUDIOS (A,3)

“An international community of established and emerging artists” (718) 570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com

160 THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3)

(718) 392-0722 4402 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

161 SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK

(A,2) (718) 626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

162 TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4)

(646) 271-5353 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com

163 UNDERPENNY (A,4)

(917) 517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC

42 SWEET AFTON (C,2)

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

154 WALTZ ASTORIA (B,1)

(718) 956-8742 23-14 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.waltz-astoria.com

THE ARTS 155 5 POINTZ (B,4)

(317) 219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com

156 KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2)

(718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

157 MUSEUM OF THE MOVING

IMAGE (C,2) (718) 784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us

158 NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2)

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

REAL ESTATE 164 EASTCOAST (A,4)

(718) 606-9440 4720 Center Blvd, LIC www.eastcoastlic.com

165 MODERN SPACES (A,4)

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

166 THE VIEW (A,4)

(877) 542-7778 4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.livingtheview.com

167 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

(C,2) (718) 310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com

168 THE YARD (A,4)

718.786.1063 2-26 51st Ave, LIC www.TheYardLIC.com

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 17

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011 AFGHAN FOOD 1

4

AFGHAN KEBAB HOUSE $$

Authentic, Halal Afghan cuisine with a focus on kebabs, stews, quormas, and vegetarian dishes.

Firni (Afghan pudding topped with crushed pistachios) 25-89 Steinway St., Astoria (C,1) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 777-7758 www.afghankebabs.com

5

MOMBAR $$$

Egyptian and North African cuisine, with offmenu rare offal that attract adventurous diners from all over the country.

Calf heart 25-22 Steinway, Astoria (C,1)

A few blocks from Astoria Park, this FrenchAsian-American date spot serves up inventive specialty sushi and french fare with a flare.

Surf & Turf Roll 19-33 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (A,1)

6

N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 726-2356

AMERICAN (NEW)

10

CAFÉ BAR $$

Colorful, contemporary café and lounge serving breakfast daily, with a Mediterranean-focused new American dinner menu.

Pizzetta with pumpkin, bacon, feta, & olives 32-90 36th St, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to Broadway or R/M to Steinway (718) 204-5273 www.cafebarastoria.com

11

HELL GATE SOCIAL $

A bit off the beaten trail, HGS has become popular for its greasy food, ample beer selection, backyard patio, and live music.

BBQ Chicken (seasonal) 12-21 Astoria Blvd, Astoria (A,2)

LIC MARKET $$

Though a bit hard to find, this cozy little café has garnered a reputation for delicious sandwiches and slow-cooked meat.

Slow-cooked Pork.

21-52 44th Dr, LIC (A,4)

ASTOR BAKE SHOP $ Fully functioning bakery also featuring a bevy of affordable burgers served on Portuguese rolls, including lentil, chicken and beef.

Slow-Baked Chicken Sandwich 12-23 Astoria Blvd Astoria (A,2) N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 606-8439 www.astor-bakeshop.com

18 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

Eclectic modern American cuisine teams up with innovative cocktails symbolic of the Astoria experience.

Faggotini (pasta purses with gorgonzola & walnuts in a red beet sauce) 33-02 34th Ave, LIC (B,2) N/Q to Broadway | (718) 729-9080 www.localeastoria.com

Diverse blend of new American dishes with several Irish favorites, as well as popular Sunday brunch famous for corned beef hash Baked stuffed clams with bacon crumbles 45-17 28th Ave, Astoria (C,1)

WATER’S EDGE $$$$

Breathtaking views of Manhattan and upscale entrees make Water’s Edge great for special occasions and romantic dates.

Duck Breast 4-01 44 Dr., LIC (A,4)

AMERICAN (TRADITIONAL) 12

39 ABOVE/39 BELOW $$

39 Below Restaurant & 39 Above lounge serves contemporary American cuisine and daily happy hour specials.

16oz. Ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes 39-05 29th St, LIC (B,3) N/Q to 39th Ave | (718) 707-3700 (ext. 7165) www.holidayinnmanhattanview.com

WHAT’S WHAT

3

LOCALE $$$

STOVE $$$

7 to Vernon-Jackson |(718) 482-0033 www.watersedgenyc.com

7 to Courthouse Sq | (718) 361-0013 www.licmarket.com 8

Quebec-influenced, inventive new American cuisine served in a 50 year old dining car.

Seafood Cobbler 21-17 49th Ave, LIC (B,4)

N/Q to 30th Ave or E to 46th St | (718) 956-0372 www.stoveastoria.com

N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 204-8313 www.hellgatesocial.com 7

M. WELLS DINER $$

7 to Hunters Point | (718) 425-6917 www.mwellsdiner.com

N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 721-1933 www.bistro33nyc.com

AFRICAN 2

9

BISTRO 33 $$$$

Open Late Family-Friendly Romantic Vegetarian Friendly Outdoor Seating BYOB $9 or less $ $$ $10-$14 $$$ $15-19 $$$$ $20 or more per entree

Beer/Wine Full Bar Breakfast/Brunch Lunch Dinner Cash Only Must-try Dish

photo by bradley hawks

ASTORIA AND LONG ISLAND CITY

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 19

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011

BAKERY/COFFEE/BAGELS

22

PARISI BAKERY $

Family-owned bakery serving homemade pastries using Italian-imported ingredients since 1969.

Sfogliatelle (lobster tail pastry stuffed with cannoli cream) 40-17 Broadway, Astoria B,2) N/Q to Broadway | (718) 728-5282 www.parisibakeryastoria.com

13

TIME CAFÉ $$ This off-the beaten path café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week in a relaxed atmosphere decorated with over 20 color combinations.

Skirt Steak 44-18 Broadway, Astoria (C,2)

23

17

R/M to 46th St. | (718) 606-0500 www.timecafeny.com

ASIAN FUSION 14

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY

$ Routinely voted into the myriad top-ten bagel lists for NYC, Brooklyn Bagel offers a host of affordable, gourmet bagels.

Everything Bagel with Lox

Wide selection of some of the freshest sashimi and sushi around, with creative fusion dishes from the Pacific Rim. Edamame pot stickers with wasabi cream sauce & basil oil 37-05 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2)

$ Italian bakery with a colorful array of cookies, as well as a pizza counter in the back serving some of Astoria’s best pizza slices.

Square Slice 22-40 31st St, Astoria (B,1) N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 721-9422

24

3614 30th Ave, 3509 Ditmars and 3505 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave, Broadway or Ditmars (718) 777-1121 www.bkbagel.com

JJ’S ASIAN FUSION $$

ROSE & JOE’S ITALIAN BAKERY

SWEATLEAF $

Well-worn wood floors, comfy sofas, and laptop-friendly tables outfit this charming café in Long Island City.

Coffee and croissant 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (917) 832-6726

BURGERS

N/Q to Broadway or 30th Ave | (718) 626-8888 www.jjsfusion.com

25

5 NAPKIN BURGER $$

Gourmet burgers built with a wide variety of proteins, including tuna, chicken, turkey and Kobe beef.

Original 5 Napkin Burger 35-01 36th St, Astoria C,2) N/Q to 36th Avenue | (718) 433-2727 www.fivenapkinburger.com 18

15

PENTHOUSE 808 $$ Fine dining pan Asian restaurant offering sweeping views of Manhattan from the rooftop of the new Ravel Hotel.

Thursday 4-course chef tasting with wine pairings just $30 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC (A,3)

CAFÉ VIA ESPRESSO $ A cozy little coffee shop serving a number of lunch wraps and sandwiches, good for a long day’s work or a quick coffee to-go.

Crispy Chicken Wrap 24-09 Steinway, Astoria (C,1)

26

N/Q to Astoria Blvd or R/M to Steinway (718) 545-3290 19

N/Q/7 to Queensboro Plaza | (718) 289-6118 www.penthouse808rooftop.com

CREAM BAKERY $

This pleasant, airy bakery offers not only cupcakes and cookies, but pies, puddings, and cakes—often inventively flavored.

Banana Pudding 31-78 Steinway, Astoria (C,2)

COMMUNITEA $

Features a host of coffees and teas, as well as light and healthy lunch-wraps, a number of them vegetarian friendly.

Tofu Hotdogs 47-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

27

21

SHI $$$

Delicious Chinese and Japanese fusion under crystal chandeliers with breathtaking views of Manhattan from across the East River.

Fried bacon-wrapped shrimp 4720 Center Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (347) 242-2450 www.eatdrinkshi.com

20 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

MARTHA’S COUNTRY BAKERY

$ The delicious cupcakes and homemade cookies (best chocolate chip cookie in Queens) mean that this brightly colored bakery is always packed on weekends.

Red Velvet Cheesecake 3621 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria C,!)

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 545-9737 www.marthascountrybakery.com

BURGER GARAGE $$

Affordable burgers served quickly from a straightforward menu, very much in the vein of an All-American burger joint.

The BG Burger 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC (B,4) 7 to 45-Road Court Square | (718) 392-0424 www.theburgergarage.com

28

7 to Vernon-Jackson Ave | (718) 729-7708 www.communitea.net

16

Gourmet burgers featuring organic, free-range, grass-fed meats/vegetables including: beef, turkey, lamb, ostrich, elk, bison and portabella mushrooms.

Bareburger Supreme 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to Broadway | (718) 777-7011 www.bareburger.com

R/M to Steinway | (718) 545-3800 www.creambakeryny.com 20

BAREBURGER $$

CRAVE SHACK $

Self-proclaimed home of NYC’s first doughnut burger, and Halal soda shop with wings, sandwiches, floats, & desserts.

Crave doughnut burger 25-47 Steinway St., Astoria (B,1) N/Q 30th Ave | (718) 278-2323 www.craveshack.com

29

PETEY’S BURGER $

A delicious, classic take on an all-American favorite, cheeseburgers with fries and shakes, and value combos.

Petey’s Melt 30-17 30th Ave, Astoria (B,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 267-6300 www.peteysburger.com

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 21

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011 CROATIAN

36 30

VESLO $$$

Offering a full menu by day, Veslo also doubles as a nightclub on weekends, featuring a DJ and other live events.

Lobster Ravioli 32-11 Broadway, Astoria (B,2)

31

37

BOHEMIAN HALL AND BEER GARDEN

$$ A 100-year-old outdoor beer garden, renowned for its wide selection of beers and its traditional Czech/Slovakian dishes.

Szegedinsky gulás 29-19 24th Ave, Astoria (B,1)

42

N/Q to Broadway or 30th Ave | (718) 267-2735 www.brickcafe.com

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 728-0549 www.veslonyc.com

CZECH/SLOVAKIAN

BRICK CAFÉ $$$ A rustic dining room with a full dinner menu, Brick Café also features an extensive afterhours menu, filled with specialty drinks.

Pan-Roasted Breast of Duck with Orange and Green Peppercorn Sauce 3095 33rd Street, Astoria (B,2)

N/Q to 30th Ave.| (718) 777-2570 www.sweetaftonbar.com

CAFÉ HENRI $$$

A charming French bistro beloved for its great brunch, live jazz music, and extensive wine list.

Eggs Benedict 1010 50th Ave, LIC (A,4)

GERMAN 43

7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 383-9315 38

N/Q to Astoria Blvd. | (718) 274-4925 www.bohemianhall.com

L’ARTISTE $$$

Exceptional fine French cuisine served in a bistro setting with café prices.

Open-faced mushroom ravioli with mascarpone 42-20 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2)

44

IGLOO CAFÉ $$

A quintessential café/diner with an emphasis on ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Breakfast Wrap 2226 31st St, Astoria (B,1)

NEPTUNE DINER $$

A well-known Greek restaurant in Astoria, Neptune also serves typical diner food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gyro Platter 3105 Astoria Blvd, Astoria (B,1)

39

40

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 932-9569 www.sanfordsnyc.com

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 204-5553 www.718restaurant.com

ATHENS CAFÉ $$

Mediterranean and Greek café with an eclectic range from sushi to thin crust pizzas, and a bustling outdoor café Skirt steak benedict with chipotle hollandaise 32-07 30th Ave, Astoria (B,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 626-2164 www.athenscafeny.com

TOURNESOL $$$

The French-speaking wait staff and lengthy wine list lend this cute brunch-spot some Parisian credibility.

Omlette Tournesol 50-12 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

41

MCCANN’S PUB $$

Classic burgers and pub fare in one of Astoria’s most popular sports bars, with free billiards in the back room.

Pizza burger during Two For Tuesday (Any burger + pint = $12) 36-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,1) N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 278-2621 www.mccannspubnyc.com

22 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

45

GASTROPUBS

718 RESTAURANT $$$$

There is much to be found in this romantic little restaurant, including candle-lit tables, and terrific seafood and desserts.

Grilled Tilapia 35-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,1)

Traditional Greek (Cypriot) dishes served alongside various Middle-Eastern staples, including a well-known house falafel.

Mezedes/ Baked Lamb 29-19 Broadway, Astoria (B,2)

7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 472-4355 www.tournesolnyc.com

FRENCH 35

POMME CAFÉ $$$ Elegant yet casual French brasserie offering deliciously executed classic entrees and exquisite desserts.

Cochon de lait (pulled pork benedict) $9-$24 ($16 avg) 37-19 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to Broadway or R/V to Steinway (718) 545-4301 www.pommecafeny.com

SANFORD’S $$

Astoria’s oldest coffee-shop recently renovated, offering 24-hour service of upscale diner fare with a bar ranging from sake to sangria.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Toasted Almond Sage Cream Sauce 30-13 Broadway, Astoria (B,2)

ALIADA $$

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 932-2240 www.aliadany.com

N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 278-4853 34

Traditional German bierhaus & grill with live music throughout the week and a $12 unlimited German buffet on Sundays.

Meter & Liter (full meter of bratwurst with a liter of beer) 37-10 11th St, LIC (A,3)

GREEK

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 726-7700 www.igloocafe.com 33

WUNDERBAR $$$

F to 21st St-Queensbridge | (718) 937-2337 www.wunderbarlic.com

R/M to Steinway | (347) 642-9282

DINERS 32

SWEET AFTON $$ Limited but delicious menu and inventive drinks served at communal tables, the main bar, or in the outdoor garden of this citywide-popular pub Beer-battered fried McClure’s Brooklyn pickles with smokey sauce 30-09 34th St, Astoria (C,2)

46

AVENUE CAFÉ $$ Greek-inspired café, sporting a large outdoor seating area perfect for brunch dates or evening hangouts.

Traditional Greek Sandwich 35-27 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 278-6967 www.avenuecafenyc.com

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011 47

OMONIA CAFÉ $$

A Greek inspired cafe, Omonia is perhaps best known for their desserts.

Ekmek Kataifi 32-20 Broadway, Astoria (C,2)

54

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 274- 6650 www.omoniacafe.com 48

JUST ARTHUR’S $$$

Owned and managed by a retired firefighter, Just Arthur’s serves traditional Italian dishes and features a full bar.

Gnocchi Piemontese 2208 Steinway, Astoria (C,1)

60

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 728-7288

TRATTORIA L’INCONTRO $$$$

Regarded as one of the best Italian eateries in New York City, this crowd-pleaser boasts homemade pastas and fresh cheeses.

Mezza Luna Ravioli 21-76 31st St, Astoria (B,1) N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 721-3532 www.trattorialincontro.com

PITA PAN $

A quasi-fast-food restaurant, Pita Pan offers an array of Mediterranean sandwiches for people on the go.

Gyro Sandwich 3715 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 204-1633 www.pitapannyc.com

INDIAN 49

SEVA $$

Traditional Indian curries to tandoori meats served in an intimate, contemporary setting Bok Choy Blossoms with chickpea batter & mango powder 30-07 34th St, Astoria (C,2)

55

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 626-4440 www.sevaindianrestaurant.com

IRISH 50

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA $$$ Owned by the Cerbone family, who also run the original Manducati on Jackson Avenue, this newer gem specializes in pizza and gelato.

Italian Sausage Pizza 46-35 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 937-1312 www.manducatisrustica.com

56

CRONIN & PHELAN’S $$

Classic Irish renditions of shepherd’s pie, fish-n-chips, bangers and mash, sandwiches, and pub food served with soda bread.

Strawberry rhubarb pie a la mode 38-14 Broadway, Astoria (C,2)

MASSO $$

Known predominately for its brunch, Masso also offers a succinct Italian dinner menu.

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna 12-15, Average dish is about $12 4725 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

ITALIAN

7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 361-7510 www.bellaviarestaurant.com 52

62

57

An intimate and quiet Italian cafe, Bugatti serves brunch on weekends and features live music on Thursday nights.

Stinco di Angello 31-05 34th St, Astoria (C,2) 58

$$$ Owned by a born and bred Sicilian, Da Franco features an array of gourmet wood-oven pizzas and Italian entrees.

Pizza Alla Modena 23-92 21st St, Astoria (A,1)

KITAKU $$

Two separate menus offer extensive selections of Japanese & Chinese cuisine with a meticulous attention to presentation.

Fire Mountain roll (crabmeat, avocado, topped with spicy crawfish) 29-21 23rd Ave, Astoria (B,1) N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 606-8508 www.kitakuny.com

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA

$$$ Regional Italian cuisine with a focus on specialty pastas made from unique flours like chickpea, with nightly themed specials.

Duck meatballs with cheese filling and orange brandy glaze 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria (B,1)

LATIN AMERICAN

TESTACCIO $$$$

Well known for its chic interior and hearty pasta dishes, this LIC restaurant serves classic Roman cuisine and brick-oven pizza.

Gnocchi 47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 937.2900 www.testacciony.com

59

TRATTORIA EL GRECO

$$$ Popular for its gourmet pizzas, Trattoria El Greco also features a number of Italian dishes as well as a full bar.

Prosciutto Pizza 36-19 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 721-7400

24 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

A chic interior and well-known Japanese sushi chef make this authentic Astoria restaurant a dependable source of Japanese cuisine.

Pork Belly Appetizer 29-13 Broadway, Astoria (B,2)

N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 777-9477 www.ornellatrattoria.com

DA FRANCO RISTORANTE ITALIANO

N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 267-0010 www.dafrancoitalianrestaurant.com

LINN $$$

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 204-0060 www.linnrestaurant.com 63

BUGATTI CAFÉ $$$

N/Q to Broadway or 30th Ave | (718) 626-1115 www.bugatticafe.com 53

JAPANESE

BELLA VIA $$$$

With views of the Manhattan skyline, this LIC eatery is known for its delicious coal-fired brick oven pizza.

Biancaneve pizza 47-46 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

VESTA $$$ This intimate Italian restaurant features an evolving menu with locally-sourced fresh ingredients, wine served on tap, and a popular brunch.

Baby Jesus cake 21-02 30th Ave, Astoria (B,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 545-5550 www.vestavino.com

7 to Vernon Jackson or G to 21st Street Van Alst (718) 482-8151 www.lucaloungenyc.com

R/M to Steinway or N/Q to Broadway (718) 545-8999 www.croninandphelans.com

51

61

64

BLEND $$ A tapas-focused menu, also features a variety of Latin surf and/or turf entrees, topped off with gourmet empanadas for dessert.

Ropa Vieja 47-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 729-2800 84 WALTZ-ASTORIA REST-AU-RANT www.blendlic.com

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 25

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011 MEDITERRANEAN 73

65

Charming interior, cozy lighting, and an inspired dinner menu - El Ay Si is a favorite among locals.

Chicken Fried Chicken 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

74

7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 389-8781 www.elaysi.com 66

FARID’S PLACE $$

Colombian steaks, seafood, homemade empanadas, and rotating daily lunch specials.

Flank steak with creole sauce and fried egg 25-98 Steinway St, Astoria (C,1)

75

FATTY’S CAFÉ $$

Don’t let the name fool you—this friendly little spot serves plenty of healthy (and delicious) Latin-themed fare.

Jalapeño Turkey Burger 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (B,1)

76

FAVELA $$$

Authentic Brazilian cuisine accented by a genuine South American atmosphere (check out the wall paintings and live music).

Picanha Grelhada 3318 28th Ave, Astoria (C,1) N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 545-8250 www.favelagrill.com

69

70

A Manhattan-style restaurant/night lounge, Cienna offers a full late-night menu as well as a lively calendar of special events, brunch and Sushi Bar. Lobster Risotto 2818 31st St, Astoria (B,2)

This tiny café serves homemade sausage, enormous homemade cheese and meat pies, with other traditional Balkan favorites.

Cheese burek (layered pastry pie with cheese) 42-08 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2)

MEXICAN 77

Pastry pockets stuffed with every combination imaginable, from sweet to savory, buffalo chicken to toasted peanut butter & jelly empanadas.

Cuban Empanada and Apple Pie Dessert 25-08 34th Ave, Astoria (B,2)

82

LA RIOJA $$$$

A Spanish Tapas restaurant abundant with a wide variety of wines and a full bar.

Paella 33-05 Broadway, Astoria (B,2)

84

Affordable, authentic Mexican street food with a walk-up window, dining room, and hidden back bar with late night dancing.

Torta al pastor (loaded spicy pork sandwich) 30-11 30th Ave, Astoria (B,2)

Besides serving the traditional pizza-house staples, Pizza Palace also offers a slew of Greek and Mediterranean sandwiches.

Stuffed Pizza (Spinach, Ricotta and Mozzarella) 2929 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (B,1)

PIAZZA PIZZA $$

Popular pizzeria serving Italian American favorites available for both dining in and delivery (also available by the slice) Taco Pizza 31-06 42nd St, Astoria (C,2)

SAC’S PLACE $$

Coal-oven pizzas and homemade stuffed pastas available by the fireplace in the dining room or the walk-up slice counter next door.

Mama’s Old-Fashioned Pizza Pie 25-41 Broadway, Astoria (B,2) N/Q to Broadway | (718) 204-5002

SANDWICHES

EL MOLINO $

85

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 204-0241

BREADBOX CAFÉ $$

This welcoming neighborhood café bakes its own bagels, prepares fresh sandwiches, and always favors local and organic ingredients.

Everything bagel 47-11-11th St, LIC (A,4) G to 21st St Van Alst | (718) 389-9700 www.breadboxcafelic.com

N/W to Broadway | (718) 932-0101 www.larioja.webs.com 71

PIZZA PALACE $$

R/M to Steinway | (718) 777-8118 www.piazzapizzanyc.com

EL ATHENS GRILL $$

Traditional Mexican street food and desserts, as well as homemade pizzas during dinner service Fried ice cream with mango & strawberry sauce 32-41 Steinway St, Astoria (C,2)

Innovative new Mexican kitchen inspired by chef’s dishes served during staff meals, fusing international flavors with south of the border preparations in a street party atmosphere.

Moo Shu Duck Tacos 33-17 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2)

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 728-1060 83

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 777-5366 78

PACHANGA PATTERSON $$

PIZZA

OVELIA $$$

UKUS $$

Southwestern comfort food with a Mexican flare, as well as Tex-Mex twists on American favorites.

Santa Fe Shepherd’s Pie with chili mac 22-36 31st St, Astoria (B,1)

N/Q to Broadway or 30th Ave, R/M to Steinway (718) 554-0525 www.pachangapatterson.com

N/Q to 30th Ave or R/M to Steinway (718) 267-8587

GOT EMPANADAS? $

N/Q to Broadway | (718) 786-0400 www.gotempanadasny.com

81

CIENNA $$$$

Specializing in contemporary Greek dishes, Ovelia also serves a fully loaded brunch menu on weekends.

3401 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2)

MOJAVE $$$$

N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 545-4100 www.mojaveny.com

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 721-7217 www.ovelia-ny.com

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 267-7071 www.fattyscafenyc.com 68

Known for its unabashed embracement of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, Cavo also hosts live belly-dancing events.

Saganaki 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2)

N Q to 30th Avenue | 718-726-0088 www.ciennany.com

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 777-1410 67

CAVO $$$$

R/M to Steinway | (718) 721-1001 www.cavoastoria.com

EL AY SI $$$

80

MADERA $$$$

Boasting beautiful décor and authentic live music, this Havana hangout serves some of the zestiest Cuban food in Queens.

Stewed Shredded Beef 47-29 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 606-1236 www.maderacubangrill.com

72

TU CASA $$$

This family owned and operated restaurant serves Latin cuisine from Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.

Papa a la Huancaina (potatoes in Peruvian cheese sauce) 30-10 Steinway, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave or R/M to Steinway (718) 806-1819 www.tucasarestaurant.com

26 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

79

MEXIQ $$ Smoked meat is the specialty at this new hotspot, featuring a menu that blends Mexican and the American South Coca-cola braised carnitas with goat cheese cornbread 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 626-0333 www.mexiqny.com

86

IL BAMBINO $$ Il Bambino is beloved for its panini and crostini sandwiches, its great wine list, and its friendly, cheerful service.

The truffle egg-salad with speck crostini 34-08 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to Broadway or 30th Ave | (718) 626-0087 www.ilbambinonyc.com

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 27

RESTAURANT GUIDE 2011 87

LA PAPA $

99

Type of Food: Sandwiches and Potatoes La Papa’s menu includes soups and sandwiches, but this peculiar Astoria spot is best known for its baked potatoes.

La Papa Creative 25-13 30th Ave, Astoria (B,2)

100

SAL, KRIS, & CHARLIE’S DELI $$

You may have to wait in line at the “Sandwich King of Astoria”, but with several counter attendants, it moves quickly.

The Bomb (hoagie with every meat and topping) 33-12 23rd Ave, Astoria (C,1)

94

N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 278-9240 89

DOMAINE $$

Known for its exotic wines and authentic Parisian ambience, Domaine offers small plates ranging from aged Manchego to tasty oysters.

Terrine of foie gras 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 784-2350 www.domainewinebar.com

SAN ANTONIO BAKERY II $$

101

102

QUEENS COMFORT $$

95

N/Q to 30th Ave | (646) 597-8687 www.queenscomfort.blogspot.com 91

SAGE GENERAL STORE $$

Much of the comfort food at this popular lunchspot is natural, organic and locally produced.

Mac & Cheese 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC (B,4) 7 to Court house Square | (718) 361-0707 www.sagegeneralstore.com

96

CRESCENT & VINE $$

In this comfy wine bar, the food accents the vino, so try a glass of merlot with the bruschetta or ham Panini.

Cheese Plate 25-01 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (B,1)

98

R/M to Steinway St | (718) 777-1355 www.diwineonline.com

28 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2011

Though primarily a delivery & takeout shop, the brightly colored dining room houses devout regulars at this neighborhood favorite.

Chili & tamarind duck with jasmine rice 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2)

TURKISH (ARGENTINE)

From high communal tables to intimate, secluded booths, the perfect spot to woo a date or laugh with friends over wine and small plates.

Roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with herbed goat cheese 31-86 37th St, Astoria (C,2)

LENG THAI $$

Features Thai and Asian Cuisine served inside an authentically atmospheric dining room, as well as a sizable outdoor patio.

Sen Mee Noodles 33-09 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) N/W to Broadway or R/M to Steinway (718) 956-7117 www.lengthainewyork.com

The charming staff, warm ambience, and delicious tapas make this wine bar a favorite among Astoria residents.

Gorgonzola Fondue 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria (C,2)

YAJAI $$

WINEGASM $$

THAI 97

DIWINE $$$

Delicious variety of Thai standards served in a cozy setting just off Ditmars, with extremely affordable lunch specials.

Street noodles with scallops 21-37 31st St, Astoria (B,1)

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 956-9559 www.yajaithaifood.com

REST-ÅÜ-RÁNT $$ International wines, specialty beers and cocktails, with fondue and tapas plates designed for sharing in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

R’Ar’Bar Blend fondue (gruyere, brie, edam, & cider) 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria (B,2)

R/M to Steinway or N/Q to Broadway (718) 932-333 www.winegasmeatery.com

N/Q to Ditmars Blvd | (718) 204-4774

93

WAVE THAI $$

N/Q to 36th Ave | (718) 729-9009 www.rarbarlic.com

TAPAS/WINE BARS 92

Classic Bangkok cuisine, fresh fish, and plenty of duck dishes served in a tasteful, fun environment.

Duckaholic 49-06 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4)

N/Q to Ditmars | (718) 777-6789 www.wavethainyc.com

SOUTHERN Regionally-inspired ultimate comfort food with biscuits, desserts, and pastries baked daily.

BLfgT (Bacon Lettuce Fried Green Tomato) 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2)

TUK TUK $$

7 to Vernon-Jackson | (718) 472-5598 www.tuktukny.com

Chilean Bakery with a menu featuring empanadas, specialty sandwiches and a hot dog that’s so loaded it’s served on a stand The Completo (beef frank with sauerkraut, tomato, guacamole, & mayo) 36-20 Astoria Blvd, Astoria (C,1) N/Q to Astoria Blvd | (718) 777-8733 www.panaderiachilena.com

90

A popular eat-in and delivery spot on 30th Avenue, Thai Pavilion is a Thai restaurant featuring a traditional and affordable menu.

Chicken Steamed Dumplings 3710 30th Avenue, Astoria (C,2) N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 777-5546 www.thaipavilionny.com

N/Q to 30th Ave | (718) 777-7879 www.lapapaonline.com 88

THAI PAVILION $$

SRIPRAPHAI $$

A light-up number board facing the sidewalk announces when your table is ready at this Thai restaurant with a novel-sized menu.

Fried Chinese Watercress Salad with chicken, shrimp, and calamari 64-13 39th Ave, Woodside (C,2) 7 to 69th St or E/M/R to 65th (718) 899-9599 $ www.sripraphairestaurant.com

103

MUNDO $$$ Always inventive, the chefs at Mundo serve terrific and tasty Turkish cuisine with an Argentinean accent.

Red Sonja 31-18 Broadway on 32nd St, Astoria (B,2) N/Q to Broadway | (718) 777-2829 www.mundoastoria.com

Guide complied by Bradley Hawks, Jared Killeen, Daniel Crown, Julian Lesser, and Daniel Pando.

WHAT’S WHAT Open Late Family-Friendly Romantic Vegetarian Friendly Outdoor Seating BYOB $9 or less $ $$ $10-$14 $$$ $15-19 $$$$ $20 or more per entree

Beer/Wine Full Bar Breakfast/Brunch Lunch Dinner Cash Only Must-try Dish

APRIL 2011 | BOROMAG.COM | 29