BORO MAG FEBRUARY 2017 by Julian Lesser

VOL 7:2 Photo by Elle Wildhagen

FEBRUARY 2017

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MADE

IN ASTORIA

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DATE IDEAS FOR EVERY COUPLE

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Page 32

Page 38

Page 45

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Happy Valentine’s Day, BORO readers!

This issue is all about the heart. Swoon over stories of local couples who met in Astoria (page 18). Plan a date with your significant other or a fun Galentine’s Day with your friends using our list of date ideas for western Queens. No matter what your interests are, we have an idea for you (page 32)! Dance on over to a new salsa studio and get your heart beating faster for American Heart Month (page 38). Read all about “April Flowers,” KATRINA MEDOFF a romantic comedy by a local filmmaker editor-in-chief that includes scenes shot right here in our neighborhood (page 45). How are you spending your Valentine’s Day? Share your photos with us on Instagram (@boromagazine) or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@BOROMAG). If you have any news or stories you’d like to share with us, send them to katrina@boromag.com. We’re always looking for inspiring apartments to spotlight in our interior design stories (page 50), new businesses to feature (page 10) and notable residents to highlight (page 15). Wishing you lots of love, Katrina Medoff

CONTENTS

PINK PARADISE

FEATURES 6 THIS IS US

Street style in Astoria

10 TROPICAL TREND

Poke restaurant in LIC

15 WOMEN IN ART

Four female visual artists

18 MADE IN ASTORIA

LOST AND FOUND

These local couples met in western Queens

32 LOCAL LOVE

Date ideas for every couple

38 STRONGER THROUGH SALSA

DEPARTMENTS 12 FEBRUARY 2017 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of February in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

Dance for fun and heart health

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

45 LOST AND FOUND

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

50 PINK PARADISE

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

Astoria filmmaker shoots rom-com locally

Fashion blogger’s chic Astoria apartment

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov // GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nirmal Singh WRITERS Hayley Bridgewater, Ruthie Darling, Lora Grillo, Angela Matua, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Ruthie Darling, Marie Torio SALES REPRESENTATIVE Graziella Zerilli // 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.

FEBRUARY 2017

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STREET STYLE

THIS IS US BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

t was the afternoon of the Women’s March in NYC on Jan. 21, and Astoria was buzzing with energy and optimism. The look on the street was that of individual expression and personality. Purple hair, a swan handbag and a floral leather jacket were just some of the statement pieces on display. Unique looks in one of the most diverse places on Earth — this is what America looks like, and as signs said that day, “This is what democracy looks like!”

Mara is a jewelry designer at Stellino Jewels. I enjoyed the tension in her outfit between the sharp, businesslike, camel coat and the playful gold sneakers. An excellent play on a single color palette.

Benedict works as a concierge and lives in Astoria. Look at this fabulous floral leather biker jacket, perfectly accessorized with a neon beanie and work boots. Hitting the sweet spot between masculine and feminine.

Jackson New City Kid is a stylist who has worked for Vogue Japan, among others. People were stopping and staring as she strutted down Ditmars Avenue like a queen with her huge purple hair being her crowning glory. Check her out on Instagram! @jacksonnewcitykid

FEBRUARY 2017

Alice lives in Queens and I was struck by her cute Kate Spade handbag that had an adorable swan on it. She paired the bag with a soft pink coat, and she was cute personified!

Paroma was visiting Astoria from upstate New York and was really rocking the activist look. I loved her bright blue blazer, embellished with an eclectic mix of pin badges.

I ran into sisters Lin and Chelsey on the subway platform and loved their post-modern military outfits. Artsy, fashionable and utilitarian â&#x20AC;&#x201D; killer.

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FOOD + DRINKS

Photos: Angela Matua

TROPICAL TREND BY ANGELA MATUA

@ANGELAMATUA

fter operating out of a small space in Long Island City’s Bricktown Bagel, the owners of Korean Style Fried Chicken (KSFC) have ventured out on their own to open a poke and Korean fried chicken hybrid restaurant. Katie Kim, 29, and Sam Kim, 30, opened PokeLICious at 5-37 51st Ave. on Dec. 16. The duo, who are not related, have lived in Long Island City for five years and wanted to introduce their take on poke and Korean food to the area. “We like to help grow our neighborhood and we also like to serve our Korean food and food that we can serve to our neighbors,” Sam Kim said. “There are not [many] restaurants [in the area]. There are a lot of bars [but] not [many] restaurants where you can serve food.” Though they both enjoyed running KSFC, which as primarily a take-out spot, Katie Kim’s love of poke spurred her to open a place where both dishes could be served. In the mornings and for lunch, customers can purchase a variety of poke bowls. For dinner, Korean fried chicken and rice bowls will be served along with beer. The Beer Closet,

FEBRUARY 2017

which operated in the same space, will continue to offer its selection of beers at PokeLICious, and the duo hopes to have KSFC up and running at the location by the end of February.

Customers can choose between five poke bowls, from a small bowl, which costs $10.95 and comes with three scoops of protein, to a large bowl for $12.95, which comes with five scoops of protein.

Photos: Angela Matua

Poke is a raw fish salad that originated in Hawaii. It has become popular nationwide, partly because of the recent pivot by Americans to eat healthier food, Katie Kim said. PokeLICious’ menu is strongly inspired by the duo’s love of traveling. Each bowl is named after a city they have visited and includes ingredients that are popular in each country’s dishes. For example, the Tokyo poke bowl includes ginger and eel sauce while the Mexico City poke

bowl includes pico de gallo, mango and pineapple. “Other poke places, they offer spicy tuna, [which is] classic poke but we're different from the other places [in that] our signature bowl is based off of the countries [that have] famous seasoning and food,” Katie Kim said. Patrons will also be able to create their own bowls and choose from different bases like green tea white rice and from a plethora of seasonings, toppings, sauces

and garnishes. In the spring, PokeLICious will also offer fresh juices. Sam Kim will still keep his day job as a real estate broker and Katie Kim will work on PokeLICious full time. She said that she has always wanted to work in the food industry and encourages others who are interested to pursue it. “We’ve been always wanting to go into the food industry,” Katie Kim said. “We’re really young and we don’t have a lot of money, but that’s how we started with Bricktown Bagels. If you’re really interested in the food industry, there’s always an option even if you don’t have that much money. People think that if you want to operate a restaurants it costs a lot of money but there’s always a way.” PokeLICious is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., but that will change when KSFC begins to operate.

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

FEBRUARY EVENTSFind more events at SATURDAY, FEB. 11 Time: 9:30 to 11 p.m. Event Title: End of the Line Comedy Cost: $6 Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/shows/products/endof-the-line-comedy-25 SUNDAY, FEB. 12 Time: Noon to 6 p.m. Event Title: Pre-Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Market Cost: FREE Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in the Main Hall Address: 19-19 24th Ave., Astoria URL: http://astoriamarket.com SUNDAY, FEB. 12 Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event Title: LIC Kids Gymnastics Brunch of Champions Cost: Adult ticket: $30/children's tickets: $15 Location: Riverview Restaurant and Lounge Phone: 718-392-5437 Address: 2-01 50th Ave., Queens URL: http://www.lickids.com/ brunch-of-champions SUNDAY, FEB. 12 Time: 1 p.m. Event Title: Lincoln's Birthday Screening & Live Event - Lincoln Cost: $15 Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.movingimage.us/ visit/calendar/2017/02/12/detail/ lincoln

www.BOROmag.com/Events

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Time: 1 p.m.

Event Title: Breast Health

Event Title: I Am Jim Henson

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featuring The Muppets Celebrate

Location: Mount Sinai Queens

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Cost: $15

Phone: By appointment only. Call 718-808-7727 Address: 31-60 21st St., Astoria URL: http://events. mountsinaihealth.org/event/ breast_health_screening_and_ education_148 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Invitation to Love Live

Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.movingimage. us/visit/calendar/2017/02/18/ detail/i-am-jim-henson-featuringthe-muppets-celebrate-jimhenson

Cost: $5

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Location: Q.E.D. Astoria

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Phone: 347-451-3873

Event Title: Quizzing with Trivia

Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria

NYC - LEGO Batman

URL: https://qedastoria.com/

Location: Astoria Bookshop

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Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

URL: http://www.astoriabookshop.

Time: 9:30 to 11 p.m.

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Cost: $8 Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/shows/products/youdeserve-it-24 SATURDAY, FEB. 18 Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Event Title: Quizzing with Trivia

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22 Time: 6:30 p.m. Event Title: Eat Heartily with Chef Rocco Sacramone Location: Central Sushi Bar and Lounge Phone: For more information or to register, call 800-Your-MDS. Address: 20-30 Steinway St.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 23 Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. Event Title: Hands-On Oyster Tasting & Shucking Class Cost: $45 Location: Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. Phone: 718-472-2040 Address: 5-43 48th Ave., LIC URL: www.greenpointfish.com FRIDAY, FEB. 24 Time: 7:30 p.m. Event Title: Trailer Party! Cost: FREE Location: The Local NY Phone: 718-429-2579 Address: 13-02 44th Ave., LIC URL: https://www. queensworldfilmfestival.com/ events/2017/trailer_party/ MONDAY, FEB. 27, TO TUESDAY, FEB. 28 Time: 7:30 p.m. Event Title: Emerging Choreographer Series 2017 Cost: $10 Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-482-5151 Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC URL: http://www.lpac.nyc/event/1ad 07a0fe39de8217f85b090eec72330 TUESDAY, FEB. 28 Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Event Title: Launch Party! CHASING THE KING OF HEARTS with translator Philip Boehm and Professor Bella Brodzki Location: Astoria Bookshop Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria URL: http://www.astoriabookshop. com/event/launch-party-chasingking-hearts-translator-philip-boehmand-professor-bella-brodzki

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A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

WOMEN IN ART E By LORA GRILLO

veryone knows that western Queens is home to many different cultures and delicious, diverse foods. But some people are unaware of its flourishing artistic community, so this month, we decided to change that by giving a little love to a few of the artists who make our neighborhood more beautiful. We hope that reading about them adds some color to the dreary, gray days of winter and gives you some creative inspiration.

Alice Lipping

Photos courtesy of Alice Lipping

I first came across Alice Lipping’s colorful glass ornaments at the Holiday Market held in Astoria’s Bohemian Hall. I had to pick up one for myself. Lipping is a longtime Astoria resident, and her art is not limited to the canvas. “I use my photography as a means to inform the painting’s aesthetic of deterioration of spaces and surfaces,” she explained. “The ornaments were started after I discovered Alcohol Ink. The ornaments and tiles are smaller representations of my larger paintings, which can be made accessible to people in my community interested in art.” Lipping’s textural paintings, tiles, magnets and glass ornaments are all

multilayered works of art that take a distressed outermost layer and add a sense of depth and wonder as to what might lie beneath. “I have always been attracted to the surfaces of things and that its appearance is because of what is underneath, much like people,” Lipping said. “It is through this experimentation with different materials and layering techniques that texture has become my signature style.” Lipping’s work takes inspiration from Franz Kline’s use of depth as well as Hans Hoffman's use of color. Lipping has shown her work throughout Astoria and LIC, including the Astoria Arts Festival, Vesta Restaurant and Crescent Grill. As a member of Long Island City Artists (LICA), Lipping has been involved in exhibitions at Atlantic Gallery in Chelsea, and group shows at the Citibank Building, the Falchi Building and Matted in LIC. Her work was recently part of a group exhibition in the Plaxall Building in LIC through LICA (licartists.org), and she will be participating in the LIC Arts Open festival in May. Lipping’s goal for 2017 is to help put her studio space, STUDIO 34, on the map and make the public more aware of the talented artists who work there. alicelipping.com FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Photos courtesy of Sandra Vucicevic

Sandra Vucicevic Sandra Vucicevic is a multidisciplinary artist and painter, and her work spans from two-dimensional paintings and drawings to conceptual, audience-participatory performances, to her very own jewelry line. With a focus on nature and reality, Vucicevic’s art blurs the line between the real and the imagined. Her abstract paintings require the participation of the viewer’s eye to create a sense of landscape or cityscape within the canvas. Vucicevic is inspired by impressionists such as Monet and Matisse, but her work straddles the abstract-surrealist line, sort of like Dali kissing Kandinsky on the mouth. Vucicevic started creating jewelry as a way of promoting her art. “The jewelry I make is based on my original art. It includes pendant necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, which feature images of my original paintings, drawings

Ellen Day A New Year message of “May you turn your can’ts into canisters and your plans into planters” greeted me as I entered the Brick-

FEBRUARY 2017

and mixed media. However, I also create tiny paintings and collages directly inside the pendant blanks,” she explained. Her unique pieces can be found on Etsy (www.etsy.com/shop/ARTBYSANDRAV). Each of these miniature masterpieces are one-of-a-kind originals and are created with acrylic paint, resin, found objects (fish-net, crushed glass), etc. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, she came to New York in 2005, soon after graduating from law school. Given the opportunity, she went back to school and received her art degree from Hunter College in 2011. Her studio is part of the STUDIO 34 Art Community and is located in Long Island City. Wanting to be in the center of an artistic atmosphere and close to Manhattan, Vucicevic found LIC the perfect choice for her studio and work. She believes the art community in Queens is on its way to becoming “real.”

House Ceramic Art Center in Long Island City. Ellen Day’s ceramic sanctuary, which she founded in 2007, is an integral part of the LIC arts community. She works out of this studio, and BrickHouse also offers classes. “Many artists from the community take classes or rent space here,” Day said. “BrickHouse supports collaborative programs and is well established in the New York City ceramic art community.” On a tour of the fully equipped facilities, I got to see a potter wheel in action along with a wide array of glazes, kilns and recycled clay slabs all at the ready. I lingered at the gift shop, which includes one-of-a-kind pieces made by Day and other ceramic artists from the studio. Day first learned ceramics at Springfield Gardens High School in Queens. There, her

“Compared to other neighborhoods in NYC, it has been mostly unrecognized and underrepresented until recently,” she said. “However, there are many art movements and organizations now who are trying to bring big changes. Their aim is to unite Queens’ artists through festivals, lectures and events and help them recognize themselves as a part of one distinctive art community.” A few such organizations are the Queens Art Council, Queens Museum, Long Island City Arts Open, JCAL, Astoria Festival and Kew Gardens Art Council, she said. Vucicevic is currently working on a new series of paintings that are created on found materials and on a group of round paintings. An independent filmmaker, Jessica Fejos, is shooting a documentary about Vucicevic’s work, which will be aired on Queens Public Television at a later date. sandravucicevic.com

Lori Klopp

March 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 46-33 Vernon Blvd. In exchange for a $25 donation, all are invited to share a simple meal (donated by the restaurant) and take home a beautiful handmade bowl created by local artists from BrickHouse. A national organization raising awareness for hunger, Empty Bowls, working in conjunction with Here’s Life Inner City’s March event, will raise money toward supporting 25 innercity, church-based soup kitchens and food pantries with food, toiletries and household products for those in need. The empty bowl you leave with is intended to serve as a reminder of all the hunger and empty bowls in the world. brickhouseny.com

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Photos courtesy of Ellen Day

work was shown in a citywide student show at Lever House. “That was my first exhibit, and I was hooked,” she said. Day’s own work combines the more functional with special sculptural angular pieces that explore her own self-discovery as an African-American woman. Day is a member of Long Island City Artists and participates in LIC Arts Open. A wellestablished artist, Day has shown both in the United States and internationally. After a successful holiday sale, Day and BrickHouse’s next big event is a hunger relief event called LIC Empty Bowls. The Manducatis Rustica restaurant will host the LIC Empty Bowls event on Wednesday,

and I voted for her. And I think she would have made a good president. But my purpose in doing the portrait was to capture her attitude. By the way, I painted that in early 2013, way before she announced she was running.” The current political climate has affected Klopp’s work and left her with new goals. “So far, I have done a small portrait of Myron Ebell, a climate change denier who led Trump’s EPA transition. Now I’ll have to do Scott Pruitt if he’s confirmed by Congress. If this election has had any positive effect, it is that people like me who have been going along la-de-da these past eight years will get our asses in gear and start raising hell. Nothing like a repressive dictator to motivate us lazy artists! For me, I see an emerging mission to educate. Not sure how to accomplish that, but it’s a goal.” Klopp is an Astoria-based artist who uses Astoria Park to keep her sane. “I walk and jog there several times each week,” she said. “I love the view across the river of Manhattan at sunset. It’s got to be one of the best people-watching places in the world, especially on Sunday afternoons when entire families go down there. Old men and their show cars, young guys on their tricked-out bikes, grandparents and babies, teenagers perched on the railing. I also love that I have neighbors and friends from other countries and cultures. There’s definitely an odd, contradictory combination of things here: bleakly utilitarian and garishly ornate, international yet naive and provincial. Queens is like the South in that respect, loaded with nonsensical contradictions. Perhaps that’s why I feel comfortable here.” loriklopp.com

Photos courtesy of Lori Klopp

Graphic designer, illustrator and painter Lori Klopp describes her work as “narrative, editorial, often irreverent and satirical.” Her bold and colorful style also connotes a thinking person’s approach to the ridiculousness of the world, in the way a New Yorker cover or old issue of Mad Magazine might. When pressed about any influence the creators of Alfred E. Neuman might have had in her work, Klopp responded, “I have to confess that I did read Mad Magazine as a kid. So yes, it probably wormed its way into my head to do permanent damage. Whenever I do a portrait, I just try to capture the personality of the subject.” For examples of this, one just has to explore Klopp’s Pinup Parody Series, which takes the absurdity of the depiction of women in American illustration throughout the years and turns it on its head. “After studying the images of women made by men over the decades, I became fascinated by the absurdity of many of them — particularly the pinups from the mid-20th century. I kept wondering what would happen if someone did the same thing with men. How would people react? We are used to seeing women portrayed as stupid sex kittens, but what about men? So I decided I had to do it. It started with one painting, inspired by the calendar illustrator Gil Elvgren. I have been surprised by the range of reactions to the series. To me, it’s obviously satire — a feminist statement. But every once in a while, someone will interpret them literally, and that kind of freaks me out.”

Her larger-than-life portraits of Monica Lewinsky and Hillary Clinton are wonderfully bizarre in the lightness and celebration that they portray. “With Hillary, I was celebrating her big personality, her ambition and drive, things we usually admire in men, but, as we have recently seen, not so much in women,” Klopp said. “Some people think that since it’s not flattering and pretty (whatever that is), that means I don’t like Hillary. I actually do like her,

VA L E N T I N E ' S D AY

LOVE, ASTORIA Thanks to romantic comedies, we all know a good meet-cute when we see one: Jonathan and Sara reaching for the same pair of gloves in "Serendipity"; the title characters sharing a ride to New York City in "When Harry Met Sally"; book owner Will spilling orange juice on movie star Anna Scott in "Notting Hill." If you think that meet-cutes are a thing of the past thanks to dating apps, think again — we have no shortage of how-they-met stories, even right here in our neighborhood. We reached out to readers so that we could share their stories of how they met their significant others in Astoria. Read on for seven swoon-worthy stories from western Queens.

By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATYA_M22 @KATRINAMEDOFF

Courtney & Munim

FEBRUARY 2017

Photo courtesy of Courtney Steers

It was a rainy night in February 2013, and neither Courtney Steers, 30, nor Munim Jalil, 28, wanted to go out. Luckily, their friends dragged them to Break Bar and Billiards on Broadway, because that’s where this couple met. “I credit a lot to one of my best friends,” said Jalil, who works at American Express. “It was one of those nights where you wouldn’t go out unless you got a really good push from somebody. I was content to just stay home.” Break wasn’t too far out of the way for Jalil, a lifelong Astoria resident — but Steers, who was living in Manhattan at the time, wanted to go out in Meatpacking or the Lower East Side. “My friends in Astoria said, ‘You have to come out here. It’s fun. You’ll have a good time,’” she said. Steers remembers walking around the bar to see what was going on, and she was talking with a group of guys until she went up to the bar by herself to order a drink. “He [Jalil] came over and stole me away from them,” said Steers, an education technologist at NYU. Jalil remembers seeing a girl in a blue dress and thinking, “I have to talk to this girl somehow,” he said. “I approached

Courtney at the bar and started talking — the rest is history now,” he said. The couple will celebrate four years together later in February. They’ve lived together in Astoria since April 2016. “We have a great apartment and we have friends over all the time, and I really enjoy living here,” Steers said. The couple loves how Astoria provides the “perfect balance” of being able to chill out, order in and have a board game night with friends, but still having a lot to do and being close to the city. “I tell all of my Manhattan friends when they’re complaining about boy stuff and

not meeting people and all the horrible guys in the city, I’m like, ‘You need to come out to Queens. We have a lot of good guys here,’” Steers said.

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS: Bagelberry Queens Comfort 16 Handles Mayflower Pizza Burger Club

It was Labor Day Weekend of 2015, and Elizabeth Patterson, 24, was out with her roommate at the Irish Rover, just a couple blocks away from her Astoria apartment. Steve Ettannani, 30, was at the Rover with his best friend. He had just moved back to New York from D.C. and was planning on moving to Astoria soon. Patterson and Ettannani started talking and realized that they both went to Wake Forest University in North Carolina and “hit it off,” Patterson said. “It’s not very often that you meet someone from Wake Forest in Astoria, so we had a lot to talk about,” Ettannani said. “I got the courage to ask for her number and asked her out essentially the next day.” Ettannani and his friend met up with Patterson and her roommate at the Bohemian Hall and Biergarten.

After that, Ettannani said, “I decided I wanted to get to know her a bit better, and that’s how things kicked off.” Ettannani, a senior adviser for the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, and Patterson, a production consultant for an event marketing agency, made their relationship official in January 2016 and just celebrated their one-year anniversary on Jan. 16.

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS: Sweet Afton Museum of the Moving Image Astoria Park Kaufman Astoria Cinemas Mosaic Bar Irish Rover

Photo courtesy of Ashley Steele

Photo courtesy of Courtney Steers

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS: Butcher Bar 16 Handles Antika Oliver’s Astoria

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Patterson

Elizabeth & Steve

Makana & Ashley

Makana Shimaoka, 27, and Ashley Steele, 24, met on the set of “Orange is the New Black” in Kaufman Astoria Studios in August 2015. “We met through a mutual friend who was working with us one day at Kaufman, and we were just talking,” Steele said. “I sat down with her and I said that I liked her bird tattoos,” Shimaoka remembered. “We flirted on Instagram and then a day or two later I get this text from an 808 number, and I knew that it was her immediately,” Steele said. “I didn’t even have to know the area code but I knew it was her, and we texted for six and a half hours nonstop and then went back to work on ‘Orange’ the next day, and that’s where it all started.” That week, they worked on set for four or five days up in Rockland County, where the show films exterior shots, and spent their 12-hour days together in prison uniform. “It’s my favorite outfit that she’s ever worn,” Steele joked. Shimaoka said they had their “first fight” that week over a misunderstanding: Steele told her “stop flirting with me” over text as a joke, but Shimaoka took it literally, and the next day, Steele wondered why Shimaoka was ignoring her on set. Luckily, they got placed next to each other for a scene and were able to talk it out. They went on their first date the next day in Astoria, where they held hands under the table at Sugar Freak, and Steele walked Shimaoka home to her Astoria apartment. Steele was living in Manhattan at the time, but now the two share an apartment in Astoria. Shimaoka works as a photo double and stand-in for film and television projects, and Steele now works as a fifth-grade teaching assistant and middle school basketball coach. FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

VA L E N T I N E ' S D AY

Photo courtesy of Jenn Hall

Jenn & Steve Steve and Jenn Hall met in 2012 in the Astoria Choir. Jenn, 39, remembers meeting Steve, 30, during a wine mixer after her first choir rehearsal. “At the wine mixer, he was one of the first people to come up to me, and I thought, ‘Well! Here’s a very friendly, adorable fellow,’” said Jenn, who works as a supervisor of risk pool and data analytics. “And I didn’t really think anything else of it; we were actually both just out of very long-term relationships, so I was not looking for love just yet, just looking for a good, fun organization and looking for opportunities to sing.” Steve, a structural engineer, remembers meeting Jenn “in the blur of trying to meet as many new [choir members] as possible because having already been in

FEBRUARY 2017

the choir for a year, we try to make it as inviting as possible for everyone else.” The first time Jenn and Steve really talked was a couple weeks later when a group of singers went out to Bareburger on 31st Avenue after rehearsal. Monday night football was on the TV, and Jenn and Steve are both football fans. Steve is a Bears fan from Illinois, and the Bears were playing against Dallas that night. “I just made the comment, not realizing that I was scoring points, saying that I’d always thought that the Bears were such a fun team … and how cool it would be to be a Bears fan,” she said. “I ended up finding out over the course of the night that he’s actually a big Bears fan.” The Halls, who live in the Ditmars area, got married on Nov. 8, 2015. The man who married them, Adam Eggleston, is

the conductor of the Astoria Choir where they first met. Steve and Jenn are still both members of the choir. “I didn’t realize how close-knit this [choir] group was going to be and how many new best friends I would get just in one organization,” Jenn said. “It really changed my life.” They are now expecting their first child.

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS:

Former Brick Café location (now Halsey’s Tavern/Mom’s Kitchen) Burger Club HinoMaru Ramen

Katie & Owen

Photo courtesy of Jenn Hall

Photo courtesy of Katie Stearns

Katie Stearns, 28, moved to Astoria four years ago with two close friends. They were all new to the city and didn’t know anyone in the neighborhood. “As we began to settle into our new apartment, we took notice of the apartment next to ours,” Stearns said. Her kitchen window was directly across from the kitchen window of a neighboring apartment, and the two windows were only about 8 feet apart. “There were some awkward encounters of noticing each other but not really greeting one another.” Since their neighbors seemed to be around their age, Stearns and her roommates joked about how they should meet, and one night, “after a bottle of wine, it seemed like a really good idea,” said Stearns, who works as a development program coordinator at Columbia University. “I wrote on a piece of cardboard, ‘Hey! We’re new to the neighborhood and are looking for some friends. Raise your blinds some.’ As I was making the sign, one of my roommates joked that I would end up marrying one of these guys.” They put the sign to the window, thinking nothing would come of it, but the next day, they were greeted with a sign from the guys next door that read “Welcome to the neighborhood” with a bottle of wine with a bow on it sitting below it. Owen Tyrrell, 28, an energy services manager, said that he had the idea of offering the bottle of wine as an icebreaker. When Stearns put up a sign with a wine opener and her phone number, Tyrrell remembers being surprised that someone with a Wyoming area code was next door. He texted her and they made plans to share the wine at her apartment. “I dragged my roommate with me to meet the new neighbors to help with some nerves,” Tyrrell said. “Katie’s beaming smile when she greeted us at the door put me at ease.” The couple’s meet-cute sounds like it comes right out of a television script: “We joke that it sounds like it’s on a sitcom,” Stearns said. The two sets of roommates hung out as a group a couple times before Tyrrell asked Stearns out for dinner by text. Stearns remembers that it was the week of Valentine’s Day, and the days he suggested for their date were everything but the 14th.

For their first date, they went to Pachanga Patterson, followed by the bar William Hallet. The couple got engaged in May 2016 and plan to marry at the end of August this year. “She was (and still is!) sharp, witty and beautiful — everything I could’ve hoped for, just two panes of glass away,” Tyrrell said. “My only regret is never setting up a tin-can phone line.”

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS: Q.E.D. Oliver’s Astoria Pachanga Patterson

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

VA L E N T I N E ' S D AY

Romel & Evelyn Photo courtesy of Romel Ragasa

When Romel Ragasa was 16, a new family moved into his Astoria neighborhood, and he was curious to see who they were. Evelyn Ong’s brother was taking out the trash one day and Ragasa approached him and asked if he played handball. Ong’s brother said yes and asked if he could bring his sister along. The next day, the three of them played handball at Ravenswood Park in Long Island City. Ragasa and Ong, both 26, bonded over handball. They went to different high schools (he to Long Island City High School and she to Townsend Harris) and played on separate handball teams, but Ong would stop by to see Ragasa practice. Later she confessed to him that she walked 15 minutes out of her way just to see him; it wasn’t on her way home. A couple months later, Ragasa asked her to be his girlfriend. Ong says that since they were so young, they kept the relationship from her family for a while and said that Ragasa was just her brother’s friend. They would spend time together in Astoria Park and Long Island City Piers. Ong loves Socrates Sculpture Park, and Ragasa knows that when they fight, he can find her on one bench in the corner of the park.

They went to different colleges, but that didn’t hinder their relationship: “She was always helpful and supportive and has always been there,” Ragasa said. “She’s really been a big part of my life,” he continued. “We both developed together. We’re high school sweethearts … and saw each other grow.” After nine years, Ragasa decided to propose. He rented out The Foundry in Long Island City for two hours and had all of Ong’s friends and family come and hide on the mezzanine. He had a flash mob on the bottom floor to propose to

her, and if she said yes, her friends and family would pop up and surprise her. She said yes, and the couple will get married on June 24, 2018. They will move in together in Astoria this summer.

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS: Sanfords Restaurant Tamashii Ramen Blend on the Water Astoria Park Long Island City Piers

Lydia & Neil

FAVORITE DATE SPOTS:

Q.E.D. The Pomeroy The Bonnie Astoria Bier and Cheese on Broadway

FEBRUARY 2017

Lydia Billings, 25, and Neil Ruiz, 31, didn’t technically meet in Astoria; they met in a communication course that Billings was taking in Manhattan in October 2014. “Neil was actually the coach in my course, and after the course ended, I asked him out,” Billings said. The two Astoria residents went out on their first date at Astoria Bier and Cheese on Broadway—but Ruiz didn’t know it was a date. “For me it was going really well,” Billings said. “It seemed kind of flirty. We were having a great time.” They went over to Sweet Afton and continued their conversation, and Ruiz said something about never having been asked out by a woman before. “He said it in this way that was like he still didn’t think he had ever been asked out by a woman, and I

was like, ‘Neil, how do you think we got here?’” Billings said. “She said, ‘You know we’re on a date, right?’ and I was like, ‘Ohhhh, OK,’” Ruiz said. After that, the couple said the mood of the date shifted and became more romantic, and they had their first kiss. They remember taking “Pickle Back” shots and drinking the Dirty Pickle Martini at Sweet Afton— drinks they still enjoy there to this day. Billings, a photographer and photography teacher, and Neil, a leadership development professional, just got engaged on New Year's Eve and are talking about getting married in September. They’re even looking at locations in western Queens as a potential wedding location.

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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

144 6 205 204 7 5 8

AlobAR RESTAURANT (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com ASToR Room (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com

bREAd box CAfE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

150

off ThE hook (b,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

bRiCk CAfE (b,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com bURgER gARAgE (b,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com

diWiNE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com

220 169 170 18

NEW yoRk dog hoUSE 718-274-3647 37-06 30th Ave., Astoria www.newyorkdoghouse.com

NUmbER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com

CRESCENT gRill (b,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com

125

124

213

176

moNikA’S CAfE bAR 718-204-5273 3290 36th St., Astoria www.monikascafebar.com

boTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com

CAvo (C,2) 718-721-1001 42-18 31st Ave., Astoria www.cavoastoria.com

112

viCToRy gARdEN CAfé 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

NoSh boRoUgh (b,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com

181

200

182

bUTChER bAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com

202

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

biERoCRACy 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com

159

148

dUTCh killS CENTRAAl (b,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com flo loUNgE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria www.flocafeny.com hibiNo liC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com il bAmbiNo (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.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

20 45 61 22

74 183

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

iNSidE ASToRiA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

210

WARiQUE 718-726-5555 47-17 30th Ave., Astoria

liC: liviNg (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave., LIC www.licliving.com

WilliAm hAllET (C,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave., Astoria www.williamhallet.com

loCkWood ShoP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St., Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com

198

WiNEgASm bAR ANd EATERy (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

lovEdAy 31 (b,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave., Astoria www.loveday31.com

108 32

bAkERiES

218

my dog NEEdS A WAlk 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com

NyC PET NANNy 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com

206

STEiNWAy CoURT vET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

174

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 www.sweetleaflic.com

food CEllAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

195

food CEllAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

211

mET fRESh ANd oRgANiC SUPERmARkET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.

167

yogURT lA CREPE (b,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

SAC’S PlACE CoAl ovEN PizzA (b,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

SAgE gENERAl SToRE (b,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave., LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com

Shi (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd., LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com

55 153

mAizAl RESTAURANT (b,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Ave., Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com

SNoWdoNiA PUb (b,2) 347-730-5783 34-55 32nd St., Astoria www.snowdoniapub.com

116

SUgAR fREAk (C,2) 718-726-5850 36-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.sugarfreak.com

216

ThE boNNiE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com

219

ThE lAST WoRd 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

food ShoPS

WiNES & SPiRiTS

off bRoAdWAy floRiST (b,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria www.offbroadwayflorist.com

44 137

floRESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog

47 130

NyC fARm ChiC floWERS www.nycfarmchicflowers.com PETAlS ANd RooTS (b,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

SERviCES 168

AdmiRAl loCk ANd kEy (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com

178

ASToRiA 35 lAUNdRy & fiNE dRy ClEANiNg (b,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com

ASToRiA PARk WiNE ANd SPiRiTS (b,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

119

ASToRiA CENTER of iSRAEl 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

ASToRiA WiNE ANd SPiRiTS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

177

ASToRiA ClEANERS (b,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.com

gRANd WiNE ANd liQUoR (b,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com

209

AvENUE ChEmiSTS PhARmACy 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria

129

blUE biRd Child CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

mExibbQ (C,2) 718-626-0333 37-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.mexiqny.com

143

mEzzE PlACE (b,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com

vESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

184

viA vAi (b1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com

TRU ASToRiA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 I B O RFO MRAUGA. R CYO 2M0 1 7 EB

160

187

ShoPS ASToRiA bookShoP (b,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com bAbyNoiR (b,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net

180

floRiSTS

199

26 26

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

ASToRiA biER & ChEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria

191

miChAEl’S CAfE (b,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com

196

ASToRiA CoffEE 30-04 30th St Astoria, NY, 11102 (347) 410-7399

190

S PRimE STEAk hoUSE (C,2) 718-707-0660 35-16 36th St., Astoria www.sprimenyc.com

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

224

121

il foRNAio bAkERy (b,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria

223

ASToR bAkE ShoP (A,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

189

RèST-âü-RáNT (b,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

ChâTEAU lE Woof 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.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

RETRo PizzA CAfE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria

201

161

60 bEAN CoffEE & TEA (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

34 138 139

QUEENS ComfoRT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com

PETS

173

115

mEET ThE mEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net

133

yAjAi (b,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

PENThoUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.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

viTE viNoSTERiA 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St., Astoria www.vitevinosteria.com

218

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

mAlAgUETA RESTAURANT (b,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria www.malaguetany.com

ThE bRASS oWl (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com

ovEliA (b,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com

194

186

207 114 77

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

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E.C.g. dEbT SETTlEmENT (b,1) 718-932-9300 29-15 Astoria Blvd., Astoria ENERgEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com

198 56

hERo ComPUTER REPAiR NyC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net

224

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

196

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

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moNTESSoRi kidS of liC (b,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com

mPN lAW fiRm (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com

206

my dog NEEdS A WAlk 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com

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QNS CollECTivE (C,3) 718-280-5122 36-27 36th St., 2nd floor, Astoria www.qnscollective.com

122 62

fERRARi dRiviNg SChool (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. goThAm lASik 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com

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RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag

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

bEAUTy 164 195

EURoPEAN WAx CENTER liC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com

188

REdkEN SAlooN SAloN (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.com

bREAk (b,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

SCUlPTURECENTER (b,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St., LIC www.sculpure-center.org

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ShAdE oRgANiC SPA ANd SAloN (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.com

bRiCk bAR (b,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com

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

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STUdio NovA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com

ThE bREWERy bAR & kiTChEN 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

TEN10 STUdioS (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd., LIC www.ten10studios.com

domAiNE WiNE bAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com

ThE ART hoUSE (C,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St., Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

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domiNiES of ASToRiA (C,2) 718-706-6531 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.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

bRidAl boUTiQUE 185

ThE CoTToN bRidE (b,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com

145

ANThEA yogA & hEAliNg ARTS CENTER (C,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th St., Astoria www.antheacenter.com

kATCh bREWERy & gRill (b,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com

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loCkEd -ESCAPE Room NyC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

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moSAiC CRAfT bEER & WiNE bAR (b,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com

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PASSAgE iRiSh bAR ANd kiTChEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com

fiTNESS 58

ClUb fiTNESS (b,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com

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CRANk CyCliNg STUdio (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com

STUdio SQ. bEER gARdEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

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

TANTRA loUNgE (b,2) 718-937-4574 35-50 31st St., Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com

RENAiSSANCE EvENT hAll (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com

NExUS NyC (C,3) 718-204-2091 36-58 37th St., LIC www.nexusnyc.com

TEAliCioUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com

PNT fiTNESS (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave., LIC www.pntfitness.com

TATToo ShoPS

147

body lANgUAgE TATToo 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com

Q.E.d. 347-451-3873 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com

110

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PRimP ANd TEASE SAloN (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC

CRoSSfiT dyNAmix gym (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com

z NyC hoTEl (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

QUEENS CoUNCil oN ThE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org

bohEmiAN hAll & bEER gARdEN (b,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

EliNk

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foUNdRy (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info

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

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

ThE fACE & body ShoP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com

131

RogAllERy.Com (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com

EvENTS

134

NighTlifE/bARS

mUSEUm of ThE moviNg imAgE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us

146

Cko kiCkboxiNg (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com

foUR PoiNTS ShERAToN (b,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com

ShAdE oRgANiC SPA ANd SAloN 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

bARoQUE (C,1) 718-274-2777 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com

120

hoTElS

REjUvENATE fACE ANd body (b,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

momA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org

vARdimAN EyEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

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hAPPy dAy NAil SPA (b,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria

199

gigi SAloN (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com

154

voiCE mUSiC STUdio (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

151 81

ASToRiA ComPlEx (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com

vESPA QUEENS (b,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com

yogA AgoRA (b,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

SPAS

CARl ClARkE AESThETiQUES (b,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria www.defineyourlook.com

TUCk-iT-AWAy SToRAgE (b, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

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ThE RoCk hEAlTh & fiTNESS ClUb (b,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria www.therockhealthandfitness.com

100

ASToRiA fiNE ARTS dANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

156

PERSoNAlizEd PilATES (A,4) 347-563-3933 10-13 47th Ave., 2nd floor, LIC

128

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SAgE STUdioS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home

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

80 136 60

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 TighTAN gym 718-274-1606 31-21 31st St., Astoria www.tightan.com

105 30

kAUfmAN ASToRiA STUdioS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

113

lAgUARdiA PERfoRmiNg ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

127

liC SChool of bAllET (b,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.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

101 140 141

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

103

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

172

goThAm lASik 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/

135

moUNT SiNAi QUEENS (b,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

ThE bEAST NExT dooR CAfÃ© & bAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

ART

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STEiNWAy fAmily dENTAl CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

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QUoNTiC bANk (b,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com

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SUSSEx bANk (b,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com

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LOVE

Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

32-41R Steinway Street, Astoria Right by the R and M subway stop

718-728-2822

www.steinwaycourtvet.com info@ steinwaycourtvet.com

NOW HIRING

Digital Sales Representative

• Do you love your neighborhood? • Do you have an outgoing personality? • Do you love being online and using social media? • Do you want to help local businesses grow?

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Email josh@boromag.com

FEBRUARY 2017

The Paint Place

NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio comes to Astoria No Experience necessary! Check our website for the full calendar 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 www.thepaintplaceny.com • 929-522-0086

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718-255-1780

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OFF 10% First Purchase With this Coupon FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

EXPLORE YOUR BORO

LOCAL LOVE By ESTELLE PYPER

@ ESTIE_PYPER

Date ideas for every couple @ESTIEPYPER

ove it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Still looking for the perfect date spot on this international day of love? We’ve got you covered. Forgo your usual dinner place for something creative and fun that both of you can enjoy right in your own backyard. So grab your significant other or your BFFs and make this Valentine’s Day one for the books.

1. FOR THE ADVENTUROUS COUPLE

Photo via Instagram/@movingimagenyc

Check out the thrills of a mindbending escape room. Locked (www.escapelocked.com, 22-56 31st St.) houses themed “Escape the Room” games in which you and your friends must escape a locked room in 60 minutes, using only your intelligence to unravel clues. Book online for you and your date, or get a group together and reserve a whole room!

2. FOR THE FILM BUFFS

FEBRUARY 2017

3. FOR THE MINDFUL COUPLE

Enjoy a peaceful morning or afternoon together by taking a yoga class at the local Yoga Agora studio (www.yogaagora. com, 33-02 Broadway, Astoria). Connect with yourself and each other with an activity that clears your busy mind and gets you moving together.

Photo by Katrina Medoff

Photo via Instagram/@locked_escaperoomsnyc

Wow your date with your extensive knowledge on 1940s film noir at the Museum of the Moving Image (www.movingimage.us, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria). Stroll through the special exhibitions, or attend one of their daily screenings.

5. FOR THE WINOS

Wine makes everyone more creative. The Paint Place (www.thepaintplaceny. com, 31-21 31st St.) offers “sip and paint” classes in which you and your date can sip on wine and create a painted masterpiece with guidance by pros. Check out their online schedule to see what famous work is featured next, and sign up! Photo via Instagram/@creekcavelic Photo via Instagram/@thepaintplaceny

4. FOR THE FUNNY COUPLE

Need a laugh this Valentine’s Day? The Creek & The Cave (www. creeklic.com, 10-93 Jackson Ave.) in Long Island City is home to many stand-up comedians and improv troupes with affordable events happening every night of the week. Grab your date and take the edge off with a good laugh.

7. FOR THE BOOKWORMS

Photo via Instagram/@licreadingseries

Photo via Instagram/@breakastoria

Enjoy a nice evening among literary minds at the LIC Reading Series (www.licreadingseries.com) hosted by LIC bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd.). Free readings are held every second Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. — this means Valentine’s Day! So grab your favorite reading buddy and check out February’s lineup, including writers Jason Diamond, Kelly Luce and Sara Majka.

6. FOR THE COMPETITIVE COUPLE

Hop on over to Astoria’s Break Bar and Billiards (www.break-ny.com, 32-04 Broadway), a bar filled with classic games everyone can play and enjoy. Challenge your date to a round of ping-pong, hold a foosball tournament, or even take a shot at pool. Be sure to relax with a beer at halftime! FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Want to show off those trivia skills you have hiding in your back pocket? The Alewife (www. alewife.beer, 5-14 51st Ave.) hosts a trivia night every Tuesday at 8 p.m. So Valentine’s evening, grab your partner-in-crime or get a group together, and face off in a war of knowledge over a cold beer.

8. FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO MOVE AND GROOVE

Swing by Q.E.D. (www.qedastoria.com 27-16 23rd Ave.) on Mondays for a swing dance class taught by Swing Dance Astoria (www. swingdanceastoria.com). The next series of classes starts the day before Valentine’s Day, so show off your moves by dropping by for one session, or commit to five classes to continue the fun. Also check out other events hosted at Q.E.D. like comedy shows and knitting classes!

Photo via Instagram/@vestavino

Photo via Instagram/@YeahFoodBeer

10. FOR GALENTINE’S DAY

Grab your ladies and celebrate sisterhood by heading out for brunch on Feb. 13, the official Galentine’s Day, as dubbed by Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation.” Hit Mom’s Kitchen and Bar (www.momsastoria. com, 30-95 33rd St.) for all-day brunch including traditional eggbased meals and creative favorites like “mac ‘n’ cheese pancakes.”

FEBRUARY 2017

Photo via Instagram/@alewifenyc

Photo courtesy of Swing Dance Astoria

D AT E I D E A S

9. FOR THE BRAINIACS

11. FOR THE HOPELESS ROMANTICS

For a classic, romantic night out, check out Vesta Trattoria and Wine Bar (www.vestavino.com, 21-02 30th Ave.), an intimate venue with delicious Italian fare complete with wine on tap. This rom-com-worthy venue is the perfect spot to celebrate your love with a candlelight hue.

13. FOR THE MUSIC FANS

Photo via Instagram/@thebeastnextdoorcafeandbar

Photo via Instagram/@alewifenyc

Photo via Instagram/@astoriacraftbar

Want dinner and a show? The Beast Next Door Café and Bar (www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com, 42-51 27th St.) offers live shows Saturday nights: musicians, cover bands and even stand-up comedians. Listen and enjoy as you nibble on a selection of meats and cheeses while sipping craft cocktails.

12. FOR THE PIZZA-LOVING COUPLE

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pizza? If the romantic vibe isn’t your thing, head over to Astoria Craft Bar & Kitchen (www.astoriacraft.com, 18-01 26th Rd.) for a more laid-back Valentine’s. Enjoy pub food from pizza to burgers, accompanied by a tall pitcher of beer.

Photo via Instagram/@thegeekeryhq

Photo via Instagram/@brickhouseceramicartcenter

Photo via Instagram/@vestavino

14. FOR THE ARTSY COUPLE

If you prefer a creative activity on this Valentine’s Day, bring your date to Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center (www. brickhouseny.com, 10-34 44th Dr.) for a pottery class no matter your skill level. Classes offered are beginner wheel, beginner hand building, wheel throwing and glaze classes to name a few. Leave with the perfect handmade gift for Valentine’s.

15. FOR THE GAMING COUPLE

Are board games more your speed? Get out of the house and join a crew of like-minded gamers at The Geekery (www.thegeekeryhq. com, 42-11 Broadway). They offer “open play” during the week: you can bring your own games, or rent theirs, or maybe even enter one of their gaming competitions to up the stakes. FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP can help you navigate a transforming Jackson Heights BY EMILY DAVENPORT

ackson Heights has always been a beautiful, historic neighborhood in Queens. If you’re looking to buy something in Jackson Heights, you’re going to need someone who can help you navigate the town with ease, like Michele Beaudoin of Beaudoin Realty Group Inc. Born and raised in Jackson Heights, Beaudoin remembers riding her bike around as a kid, getting to know the neighborhood. She graduated from the Pratt Institute in 1983 and worked as an interior designer. She started to sell real estate in 1985, and after spending time living in Manhattan, Stamford, CT, and Puerto Rico, she found her way back to Jackson Heights in 1996 and eventually founded the Beaudoin Realty Group. Having spent a lot of time in Jackson Heights, Beaudoin has seen how Jackson Heights has changed over the years. “Jackson Heights was a planned community and it began to get developed in 1916 with the arrival of the Flushing line,” Beaudoin said. “The community was originally planned for upper- and middle-class income.” However, Beaudoin noted that during the 1960s, due to Nixon’s Urban Planning, the country saw a change in immigration laws, which resulted in Jackson Heights becoming more diverse. Mixed- and low-income housing residents began to live side by side with those in the upper and middle classes.

“It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world, or at the least in America,” Beaudoin said. “It’s the original co-op community, mostly made up of historic property. However, it is seeing more development on the outskirts of the historic district.” There are more than 2,200 historic buildings in Jackson Heights, with 200+ original apartment buildings still in existence. These days, larger apartments in the historic district (two bedrooms, two bathrooms and up) can cost you $500 to $600 per square foot. Smaller apartments will cost a buyer $400 per square foot, due to the lower ceilings and smaller room sizes. However, the growth in co-op conversions is causing buyers to pay more for an upgraded living space. “The conversions, such as the one happening at Washington Plaza, are having people pay up for a co-op in Jackson Heights because of the quality,” Beaudoin said. “These new co-ops have that attention to detail and high ceilings, which is very appealing to buyers.” So, what does the future have in store for Jackson Heights? We can expect more developments in the area, she said. “A large development is coming south of the historic district at 40-31 82nd St.,” said Beaudoin. “It’s a 160,000-squarefoot project that is being developed by Hefkel Group and Sun Equity Partners. Elias Hefkel is a Queens developer who developed most of Austin Street in Jackson Heights.”

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MIND + BODY

STRONGER THROUGH SALSA By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER

@HAYLEYREE3

appy February, all! Though this time of year may have us thinking of colored hearts and candy, it is also American Heart Month! The temperatures are still dropping, so we all must keep moving, and what better way to keep your body warm than through dance! A challenge for your body and mind, dance classes can provide a heart-healthy aerobic workout while allowing you to expand your social network. I was recently invited to come meet (and take a class!) with the owner and staff of Astoria’s newest dance studio, Salsa In Queens. The studio, which is located at 34-27 Steinway St., had its grand opening party on Jan. 13. Once in the door, the moving music, happy laughter and welcoming voices led me right to the man himself, Jean Franco Vergaray. Vergaray, the studio’s owner, immigrated to the United States from Peru at age 13. He took his first salsa class as a teen, and he not only fell in love with the music and steps, but also became connected to the culture and community-building that surrounds Latin rhythms and dance styles. Through salsa, he found a social outlet and a second family. After teaching and performing for a number of years, Vergaray realized that he wanted to create a sense of home for others by opening his own studio, Salsa In Queens. Family means a great deal to this business. In fact, those close to Vergaray did all the work that went into the space. “A lot of work went into the space that we now have: the demo, floors, mirrors, furniture,” he said. “I was able to pull this together with the help of my father, friends and family. It

FEBRUARY 2017

makes the whole endeavor really rewarding and makes it feel like a home.” Now, customers can take salsa, bachata, and even a few Zumba classes at the studio, and I was thrilled to take a salsa class with Vergaray. A natural teacher, he very quickly had the entire class moving as one and enjoying the driving beats of the music. The energy and camaraderie in the room was amazing, and it was lovely to look around the room and see a diverse group of ages, levels and backgrounds working together. Many of the clients who have come into the studio are people who had not been exposed to salsa previously in their lives. The diversity of Astoria’s melting pot combined with a neighborhood vibe establishes the perfect area for what Vergaray and his staff are trying to do: bring people of all walks of life together to bond, have fun and celebrate a love for dance music and salsa. “When I first started teaching, many would think that the primary clients would be Latin,” Vergaray said. “Surprisingly, that is not the case, and we actually see many cultures that have not been raised exposed to Latin sounds, culture or rhythms: Caribbean, Haitian, Asian and Middle Eastern. Because many Latin people grow up with this music, sometimes they feel there is no need to take a class because they are so familiar with the music and dance already.” Vergaray, an Astoria resident himself, is hopeful that his neighbors will flock to his burgeoning business. “I know that the local community will embrace our business,” he said. “I am already seeing it. When we had our grand opening, we had 90-plus people in here eager to

Photos: Marie Torio/BORO

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

M I N D + B O DY

dance. There are many salsa places in NYC but not really as many in Queens. They are frustrated because they want something of quality in Queens and in Astoria. They want the salsa home for them that belongs to Queens, that belongs to Astoria. That drives me; I want to keep them fulfilled and happy.” A self-professed “Renaissance man,” Vergaray feels that the studio formation was a very well orchestrated extension of his life. Every job he held in the past prepared him for this business; whether it was working as a cook, busboy, intern, video engineer, teacher or editor, all of it came together for this journey in the best possible way. “I am happy for every past decision because it has led me to this moment,” he said. “It has given me a well-rounded ability to think about the small details and know how to handle every angle.” And the small studio has “big picture” goals as well. Salsa In Queens aims through dance to help students feel confident, connected and empowered in their bodies and movements. Vergaray hopes that this empowerment and connection will forge an even stronger community. “Given the nature of where we live and what we are living through, any form of artistic social interaction is needed and can help bring us together,” he said. Salsa In Queens is constantly starting new salsa and bachata beginner classes. For the month of February they are offering a special 20 percent discount on any six-week beginner dance program. So swing by and check them out!"

SALSA IN QUEENS DANCE STUDIO 34-27 STEINWAY ST., ASTORIA 347-669-3589 SALSAINQUEENS.COM FB: SALSAINQUEENS IG: SALSAINQUEENS

FEBRUARY 2017

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A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Lost

AND Found

By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATYA_M22 @KATRINAMEDOFF

n local filmmaker Christopher Tedrick’s indie film “April Flowers,” April (Celina Jade) finds an anonymous journal on the subway, sparking a search across New York City for the author. \Queens residents watching this pivotal scene might notice that April is on the R train, and they’d be right — writer/director Tedrick and his team jumped on the R train at Steinway Street and rode it back and forth to Forest HIlls until they got the shots they needed.

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Tedrick came up with the concept of a woman finding an anonymous journal on the subway while riding the train himself. “It occurred to me that this could be a great vehicle to address modern dating and the search for perfection, which I think plagues the ‘dating app generation,’” Tedrick said. “I wanted to play with the idea of choice, and the difficulties that arise with an excess of opportunity, which the journal represents.” The romantic movie, which will be released in Europe before being available here in the United States, is filled with such glimpses of western

Queens. There’s a nightmare scene filmed at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City; a “Drink and Draw” class shot at Studios LIC; and Irish pub scenes at Kelly’s Bar & Grill on Crescent Street and 31st Avenue. Not only was much of the film shot in Astoria, but it was also largely set in Astoria. April decides to go to Astoria Park as part of her search for the journal's owner. One of the film’s producers found the perfect location for this scene in Ralph Demarco Park, a green space along the East River just north of Astoria Park, with Hell Gate Bridge in the background of the shot. “It’s quieter [than Astoria Park],” said Tedrick, a longtime Astoria resident. “It’s much better for a shoot, and you still get these great views.” But even the most devoted Astorians might not believe their eyes while watching a diner scene. Yes, it was filmed at our beloved Queens Comfort, which has been totally transformed for the shoot. Queens Comfort allowed them to shoot on a Monday, when the restaurant was closed, as long as they put everything back when they were finished. “Our set design people had their work cut out for them that day,”

Tedrick said. “We took down all of the comic book stuff and all the aliens and figures and tried to transform it into more of an American Southern diner look-wise.” While April is looking for the journal's author, she meets another man: Jared (Jon Fletcher). Her relationship with him gets complicated because she feels so connected to the unknown writer of the journal that it interferes with her actual love life. The interior scenes at Jared’s apartment were shot in Woodside, Tedrick said, while the exterior of his apartment was in Astoria. Toward the end of the movie, April is going into Jared’s apartment building, and she holds the door open for

Images courtesy of Christopher Tedrick

FEBRUARY 2017

an older lady who comes out. In real life, that woman was the landlord of the building — who let them film the outside of the building but asked if she could have a cameo in the movie. “She brought all of her grandkids who came to watch, and it was so awesome,” Tedrick said.

A lot of western Queens residents were on the production team as well: Astorians Patrick Schaefer (second assistant camera), Phil Newsom (producer), Neal Todnem (key grip), Joyce Santiago (accountant), Alexander Bencomo (teaser editor), Jill Seymour (grant writer) and Nicole Lana (trailer

editor), and LIC resident Sandy Yaklin (production design). Tedrick spent a decade working in advertising before leaving that career to pursue filmmaking. “April Flowers” marks his directorial debut. For more information, visit aprilflowersthefilm.com.

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

DREAMING OF CARNEGIE HALL Nisan Ak

Queens College Master of Music Performance in Orchestral Conducting, 2016

HER STORY Born in Turkey, Nisan Ak came to Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music for a conducting workshop in 2014 and stayed for a master’s degree. “I want to combine traditional and modern music in a way that the audience, the players and I, as the conductor, will love it.”

GOAL To be a role model for women conductors in this maledominated field.

cuny.edu/welcome

CUNY★AMERICANDREAMMACHINE

CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK-1847 HUNTER COLLEGE-1870 BROOKLYN COLLEGE-1930 QUEENS COLLEGE-1937 NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY-1946 COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND-1956 BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1957 QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1959 CUNY GRADUATE CENTER-1961 BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1963 JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE-1964 YORK COLLEGE-1966 BARUCH COLLEGE-1968 LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1968 LEHMAN COLLEGE-1968 HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE-1970 MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE-1970 CUNY SCHOOL OF LAW-1983 MACAULAY HONORS COLLEGE AT CUNY-2001 CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES-2003 CUNY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM-2006 GUTTMAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE-2011 CUNY SCHOOL F EGRADUATE BRUARY 2 0 1 7OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH POLICY-2016 CUNY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE-FALL 2016

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INTERIOR DESIGN

FEBRUARY 2017

PINK PARADISE

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BY RUTHIE DARLING

@RUTHIEDARLING

ntering Megan Zietz’s uber-chic apartment, one could be forgiven for thinking that this full-time blogger is living her best single girl life in a very Carrie Bradshaw pad. Zietz, however, is married with two sons and one more on the way, all by the age of 30! “I was working as a costume designer, but stopped when my first son was born. I really needed a creative outlet, so my husband suggested that I start a blog. That was seven years ago and now my website, TF Diaries, has become my full-time job. My husband is a producer, so he helps me with photo shoots and videos after we drop the kids off at school.” Now that is some work-life balance! Zietz and her husband moved to Astoria from Florida three years ago with two small children in tow, which was no easy task. They found this charming railroad apartment in Queens. “I love this part of town,” Zietz said. “It’s great for getting around, and the school is really close. We wanted our children to grow up here.” Zietz’s life is all about style. On her blog she features fashion, recipes and, of course, her fabulous home, which looks like it just fell off the pages of Pinterest

FEBRUARY 2017

(and was giving me serious apartment envy). The living room is painted a dramatic magenta color with prints in mismatched frames lining the wall. “A lot of the prints are from Minted, a brand I work with, and some of the others are actually Fashion Week invitations that I thought were pretty,” she said. “A couple are by my grandmother, who used to be a wire-walker in the circus!”

Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

“I won it by participating in an Instagram giveaway,” she explained. Zietz has really made great use of the limited space in the kitchen by installing a breakfast bar, styled up with bright yellow stools. “We did have a kitchen table, but we just kept bumping into it, so this was the solution,” she said. The black wall behind it is painted with chalkboard paint, allowing the children to be creative without wrecking the joint! No space is overlooked in the kitchen; check out the backsplash behind the sink. The abstract paint motif is actually a sticker, or decal as it’s sometimes called. The pink vibe is continued in the beautiful vintage-style rug. “I picked that up on Rugs USA; they are always having crazy sales,” Zietz said. “I think this one was 80 percent off!” Zietz’s desk nestles in the corner of the living room and is artfully decorated with candles, books and plants. She made the painting herself. What an inspiring little nook! Above the sofa is a dramatic feathered hat that Megan has turned into an art piece.

“We originally had it on our closet doors, but it fits perfectly here,” Zietz said. “It adds a splash of color to an unexpected area.” This is such a great way to personalize your space, especially if you live in a rental. When it’s time to move out, you simply peel it off the wall. The master bedroom is a light and bright space at the front of the apartment. “We finally installed closets after using Ikea rails for years,” she said. With the sunshine streaming in the windows, Megan used a palette of mainly white to create the feeling of space and added a bright blue throw for a splash of color, resulting a grown-up sanctuary in this family home. I love how she has displayed her hats on the walls — a practical solution to hat storage that also looks super cute. Hanging out in Zietz’s Astoria apartment is like scrolling through your favorite Instagram interior design accounts. Gallery walls, blog-worthy DIY solutions and clashing prints and patterns that somehow worked perfectly together. All this and two children running around, soon to be three! I don’t quite know how she does it all, but she does it — and with serious style! FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2017

NEST SEEKERS INTERNATIONAL PROUDLY INTRODUCES LISA LEE AND TIFFANY HUANG TO THE LONG ISLAND CITY COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS.

CALL US!

LISA LEE

TIFFANY HUANG

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Licensed Associate Broker

415 Madison Avenue Mobile: 646.240.0560 LisaLee@NestSeekers.com

100 Riverside Boulevard Mobile: 917.518.8006 TiffanyHuang@NestSeekers.com

Lisa and Tiffany are experienced real estate professionals, both living and working in Manhattan and LIC Lisa has been living in various parts of LIC during this time and speaks both Korean and English. She was born and raised in Korea, but has been living in NYC for the past 20 years. During her time in NYC, she even published a book in Korea about New York City. This experience coupled with her knowledge and expertise of New York City allows her to help clients find their ideal residences. Tiffany grew up in Queens and has more than a decade of real estate experience in construction development and property management. Fully bilingual in Chinese and English, Tiffany understands the cultural differences and needs each individual client may require. Her focus on details and strong organizational skills provides her clients with the confidence that they are in good hands. We hope that you will take advantage of their knowledge and experience should you want to buy, sell or rent apartments in either Manhattan or Long Island City.

Lisa와 Tiffany의 풍부한 경험과 지식은 아파트를 사고 팔고나 랜트 하려는 분들에게 최고의 만족을 드릴것입니다. 최고의 기회를 놓치지 마세요! 我们希望你能从他们的知识和经验中获得帮助，并用到这块你想要买卖或租赁的地区

FEBRUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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