BORO MAG

Astoria Love Stories

Photo by Oh, Karina Photography, ohkarina.com

FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 8:2

BOROMAG.COM

WESTERN QUEENS COUPLES SHARE THEIR PHOTOS

LOCAL HOW-WE-MET STORIES

WHAT TO DO ON VALENTINE’S DAY

NEW ART SPACE FOR KIDS

Page 10

Page 31

Pages 38

Page 44

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CONTENTS Happy Valentine’s Day, western Queens!

BORO is here to help you celebrate. Whether you’re spending the day with a significant other or a group of friends, or just taking some well-deserved me time, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you (page 38). Swoon over the stories of how several local couples met right here in the neighborhood (page 31). And take a look at some of the sweet shots other local love birds sent to us via Instagram (page 10).

This month, we’re also taking a look at several new businesses: QWNS Cafe (page 16), Madam Marie’s bar (page 20), children’s art space Playday (page 44) and The Astorian KATRINA MEDOFF restaurant (page 50). editor-in-chief If you’d like to share any news with us, email katrina@boromag.com. You can also connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook. com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG).

Wishing you a love-filled Valentine’s Day, Katrina Medoff

QUEENS COUPLES

31

6 MAKING STATEMENTS Street style in Astoria

10 LOVE IN QUEENS Readers Instagrammed pics of couples

16 LAST STOP: QWNS New coffee spot in Astoria

20 BOARDWALK ON BROADWAY Peek inside Madam Marie’s bar

31 QUEENS COUPLES

LITTLE ARTISTS, BIG CREATIVITY

Read about local couples’ meet-cutes

44

38 VALENTINE’S FOR ALL Fun ideas for couples, friends and singles

DEPARTMENTS 12 FEBRUARY 2018 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of February

in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

44 LITTLE ARTISTS, BIG CREATIVITY New art space for kids in LIC

50 ASTORIAN AMBIANCE New restaurant on 31st Street

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov WRITERS Danielle Brody, Colin Holmes, Vesna Jaksic Lowe, Allison Kridle, Katrina Medoff, Rebecca Patton, Estelle Pyper, Marie Torio PHOTOGRAPHERS 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.

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STREET STYLE

Jess (@jessscarcella) works for a tech startup.

She was taking advantage of a sunny day to catch up with friends, and her look was far from basic with her leather jacket with quilted sleeves and riding boots!

Making

Statements

Astoria resident Max (@6dust) works in IT. I spotted him enjoying a cup of coffee while waiting for a friend.

If you grew up in this area, you’ll understand why he caught my eye: it was a flashback to when these Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweaters were a hit back in the ‘90s.

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M I DECEMBER 2016

BY MARIE TORIO @PHOTOSBYMARIETORIO n a sunny day after one of our snowstorms, there were pieces that caught my attention such as plush coats, leather jackets, satchels, oversized sunnies, fedoras and a bright red vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Bear sweater. I got a sense of the different personalities with each look.

FEBRUARY 2018

O

I just had to stop Astoria resident Jessica (@jegles), who was enjoying a nice day with her boyfriend, to admire her outfit.

She had the coziest blushcolored coat and defines her style as “eclectic.”

Daniela (@danielagrandson), a student at Empire Beauty School, was rocking a butter soft green coat with cute sunglasses and topknot that gave her laid-back look a pop of edge.

Kaylee (@kaylee_den), on her way to brunch at Sek'end Sun with her friends, works for Estee Lauder's social media team. She was wearing trendy, blue-tinted, oversized frames with a pretty crossbody accented with colorful pom poms!

Astoria musician Elliot (@littleracerband) describes his style as “urban cowboy.” You are all right in my book when you pull off an allblack look with a winter fedora with such ease.

Madison (@madison. acosta), a student who grew up in Astoria, modeled this classic black and white satchel effortlessly while wearing a cute pair of duck wellies.

Olivia (@ oliviacmiller) works for Ann Taylor sourcing. She was enjoying a Saturday morning with her friends when she wowed me with her python print bucket crossbody bag.

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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I N S TA I M A G E S

LOVE IN QUEENS

@ ajtheawful

I

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

n honor of Valentine’s Day, we asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their photos of couples. When we scrolled through all of the submissions, from date night shots to proposal pics to professional wedding photographs, we certainly felt the love! Here are some of our favorite couple photos from Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside residents.

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FEBRUARY 2018

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NEXT THEME: GREEN

For the March issue, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re asking you to tag @boromagazine in your green-colored photos in Astoria, Long Island City or Sunnyside. It doesn’t have to be related to St. Patty’s Day in particular; we just want to flood the magazine with all shades of green, from lime to emerald! @ barre3lic @ mitca142 @ shourjya.mookerjee

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD +DRINK

Last Stop:

QWNS

BY DANIELLE BRODY

Although QWNS Cafe’s motto is “Start your day at the end of the line,” the new spot’s offerings can feed and fuel residents all day.

Two Astoria-raised hospitality veterans and friends, Dino Philippou and Tim Pappas, partnered to develop this fast-casual organic cafe at the base of the AstoriaDitmars stop. The name, a play off the train line, which changed when the W was added in 2016, touches on the cafe’s communitydriven mission.

Philippou said he and Pappas created this cafe to give back to the neighborhood and offer something new.

“We just believed that we need something like this because of the demographic,” Philippou said. “This concept is right for the community."

The cafe serves health-conscious breakfast, entrees, baked goods, coffee and togo items.

It had its soft opening Monday, Jan. 15, but the two owners started developing the cafe about two years ago. The friends each have more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality. Philippou owned Cavo, a nightclub on 31st Avenue, which closed about a year ago, and Pappas held leadership roles at upscale eateries in Manhattan like Avra Estiatorio and Estiatorio Milos.

Last March, chef Michael Romano, who owns a restaurant consulting group, joined the team to develop a wholesome and re-

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FEBRUARY 2018

fined menu. His pastry and fine dining background are evident in descriptions of each item on the chalk wall behind the cafe’s counter.

Many of the carefully crafted components have unusual but tasty twists.

"Every tiny little flavor and texture has to be there for a reason and developed properly,” Romano said.

He said he wants to give people food they feel good about, and that he cooks from the heart.

Some of the dishes incorporate housemade ingredients, like almond butter, Greek yogurt, croissants (vegan and regular) and multigrain bread. Some options are influenced by Astoria’s Greek presence, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free offerings.

Romano said he is very careful about cross-contamination to keep customers safe. He also tries to use local ingredients as much as possible.

The coffee provider, Joe Coffee, is one of the cafe’s local partners. QWNS is the first restaurant in the borough to serve the Red Hookbased brew, and has the exclusive license in Queens, Romano said.

He added that the cafe’s team includes some of the best baristas in New York, who will make pour-overs, iced coffee and cold brew in addition to other classics. He said they ensure the coffee is balanced and brewed properly.

“There’s so much that goes into it,” Romano said. “You can taste the difference.”

For those who expect only coffee, a step inside QWNS makes it clear the cafe has more to offer. The dining setup itself seems to bring neighbors together, with close seating at a few small, distressed metal tables, a communal table and seating alongside the window looking out onto 31st. A custom-painted map of the N/W line covers one wall, and the others are blank — for now. Romano said the team wants to fill them with local artists’ work in the future.

I came in with a friend for lunch on the first Saturday the cafe was open to find groups of friends, couples, families and individuals filling the seats.

I ordered the vyro, Romano’s vegan version of a gyro, and tried the chicken sandwich, which Romano said are two of the most popular items.

My Greek inspired meal, one of the four sandwiches offered, wasn’t quite like a gyro, but it hit the spot with crunchy, chia-crusted eggplant and a spicy tahini kick rolled inside soft, housemade scallion naan. To Romano, the point is that it is different, since customers can get a gyro anywhere.

The chicken sandwich tasted incredibly fresh and was complemented by kale pesto and fluffy focaccia bread.

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FOOD + DRINK

Photos: Danielle Brody/BORO

The two other sandwiches were a bison burger, chosen because the meat is leaner than typical beef, and a organic turkey burger with goat cheese. Romano said it’s hard to find a nice, juicy turkey burger, so he created one.

If you eat in, food is presented on a wooden board, bringing an element of the kitchen to the table.

Other items on the menu include acai bowls featuring Greek yogurt and almond butter made in-house; grain bowls; avocado toast; sides like a head of cauliflower, roasted sweet potatoes and lemon-herb garlic potatoes; and breakfast sandwiches.

Romano said customers are already calling ahead for the breakfast sandwiches made on housemade croissants with frittata, turkey bacon, aged Swiss and tomato and onion jam.

“Our egg sandwiches are serious,” he said.

The cafe also has an alluring selection of treats, like savory pastries called gougères and brightly colored desserts. Romano said while he has always loved cooking, his background is in pastries. He started his first job in a bakery at 14, won the show “Sweet Genius” on the Food Network at 21 and ran the dessert program for Long Island’s largest restaurant group.

I tried two healthy but addicting cookies: the blackberry corn cookie, which had a pie-like, chewy fruit interior, and the flavorful whole wheat chocolate chip flax and sea salt cookie.

More decadent desserts were a take on an Oreo — two light, crunchy chocolate cookies

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FEBRUARY 2018

Photos: Danielle Brody/BORO

sandwiching airy, whipped almond butter filling — and a perfectly rich honey custard on pistachio base. Romano avoids processed ingredients, and I could tell; I didn’t feel a sugar overload after my indulgence.

Be prepared to see different options in the bakery section every time, since Romano said he rotates the dessert offerings.

He calls the cafe’s dessert selection his playground.

Plans for QWNS Cafe’s future include a 2,000-square-foot backyard slated to be ready by summer; beer and wine once

the license comes through; cold-pressed juices; brunch; and chef pairings and popups hosted by the team’s network of food industry mavens.

Romano said he wants to take suggestions, and even name items for customers and cook up dishes or desserts upon request. A new regular chatted with Romano at the dessert case, and the chef offered to bake something for him, to be ready later that day.

“I want people to feel at home,” Romano said.

Photos by Athena Angel

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD + DRINK

Boardwalk on B

BY REBECCA PATTON

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FEBRUARY 2018

The first thing you’ll notice about Madam Marie’s is a glowing, neon Tillie Face in the window that, to the uninitiated, could easily be mistaken for a clown. And for good reason: The Tillie Face is Asbury Park’s unofficial logo and features a grinning carnival worker (likely George C. Tilyou, who founded both Coney Island and Asbury Park), his hair parted down the middle and curling up at the ends. Madam Marie’s, a new bar on Broadway, is a dizzying homage to Asbury Park, although owner Mike Higgins says the theme was inspired by the Bruce Springsteen song, “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).” The lyrics describe the characters who frequented the boardwalk, including the famous fortune teller Madam Marie, whose booth was an Asbury Park staple.

n Broadway “I'm a Jersey boy myself,” Higgins said.

“Grew up on the boardwalk, worked on the boardwalk, was under the boardwalk a few times.” He wanted to bring that feel and energy to Astoria.

Higgins and his business partner, Barry Spellman, also run the similarly quirky Judy & Punch bar on 30th Avenue, which they opened about four years ago. They saw that there was room to expand in Astoria and began renovating the space — previously a Croatian soccer bar — for Madam Marie’s last year. Paul Rafferty, a bartender at Judy & Punch, is also a coowner of Marie’s, and they have another partner named Ted Gaylor, who also owns a sports bar in Brooklyn.

Higgins and Spellman did all of the renovating themselves, with help from Spellman’s brother, Mark.

“We probably made a thousand trips to Home Depot,” Higgins said. Their soft opening was on Dec. 15, 2017, and they’ve been spreading the good word of Marie’s through social media and wordof-mouth. Although he said finding the bar’s decorations was “a nightmare,” their work paid off: Eclectic, slightly deranged objects line the walls, like a mounted stag head draped in Mardi Gras beads. And FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD + DRINK then there’s the vintage arcade game, Tic Tac Strike, which Higgins and Spellman found on eBay. Ironically, the only one they found was located in Asbury Park.

The bar’s main attractions, however, are three spray-painted murals, which were done by Brooklyn muralist Danielle Mastrion. Higgins met her through a mutual friend, who knew that Higgins was looking for a muralist and that Mastrion excelled at carnival-themed artwork. Mastrion lives in Sheepshead Bay and grew up in Coney

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FEBRUARY 2018

Island, so she was perfect for the gig. The biggest of her three murals is located along the bar’s back wall and depicts a Madam Marie-like figure holding a crystal ball up to her eye, which is magnified through the glass.

For inspiration, Mastrion was given a folder of reference images — “a mood folder!” she laughed — filled with photographs like Springsteen playing at the Stone Pony, vintage carnival signs and people on the boardwalk. She described

herself as a kid in a candy shop looking through the lookbook.

“I never had a client do my homework for me,” Mastrion said. “I really feel like we all really collaborated and worked together to make the vision they had come to life.”

Higgins is happy with the results, too.

“I'm glad we got her because she did a fantastic job,” he said of Mastrion.

In addition to painting the walls, Mastrion also helped Higgins and Spellman find the soon-to-be-famous Tillie Face light, which

bon and Guinness. The bartenders at Marie’s are very personable and attentive, which is very intentional.

“One of our biggest things is making sure that you get a smile,” Higgins said.

“You get a hello, goodbye — maybe a dirty joke in between.”

His hope is that Madam Marie’s will become a neighborhood fixture, and already, the atmosphere is lively, irreverent and boozy. They have big plans to open up the back deck this summer and put some arcade games outdoors. They also host trivia — Immortan Joe’s Trivia Thunderdome, more specifically — every Wednesday at 8 p.m., which is punctuated by the “Mad Max” soundtrack.

They also just started playing bingo every

Tuesday at 8 p.m., hosted by the charismatic drag queen Glace Chace.

“She’s hysterical,” Higgins said. “She just had me and my partner laughing the minute we met her.”

Higgins described Madam Marie’s as off-beat — like a platypus. “Just a little different, but it works.”

Photos: Marie Torio/BORO

hangs in the front window. When she found out they were looking for some vintage signage as decoration, she recommended her friend Tommy Holiday, Coney Island’s sign painter. Holiday had previously made the neon light and was trying to find the right home for it.

“That kind of sign either would go to a collector or museum or something very, very specific, like this kind of a place,” Mastrion said of Madam Marie’s. “[The sign] found us,” Higgins said. “We didn’t find it, so that’s even better.”

Madam Marie’s debuted their cocktail list in early January, which the bartenders curated “through many nights of drinking,” according to Higgins. The results are both fun and flavorful, and their names have classic rock references. The Southside Johnny, for instance, has muddled mint and cucumber, lime juice, simple syrup and gin. It’s Higgins' favorite, and he hopes it takes off once the weather gets warmer. Spirit in the Night is a mix of bourbon, maple syrup and bitters, while Bad Medicine contains vodka, pickle juice and lime juice — “Not that I’m a Bon Jovi fan,” said Higgins of the latter, “but I thought it was a great name for a drink. Because either you’re a Bruce Springsteen fan or a Bon Jovi fan. You can’t be both, in my book.”

He’s a Springsteen fan, but that should be obvious by the name of the bar. “When you get pulled over in Jersey,” he added, “the cop asked you for, like, license, registration and favorite Bruce Springsteen album.”

In addition to their signature drinks, they have a rotating draft list, with craft beers like Allagash, Lagunitas and Dancing Gnome, along with the more classic Pabst Blue Rib-

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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$5 Select Drafts $6 Red, White, Rose Wines HRBLOCK.COM FOR NEW LIC INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS $7 Dirty Pickle Martini, Summer Old 718-707-0955 / 718-707-0295 Fashioned, and Sangria OBTP# B13696 ©2015 HRB Tax Group, Inc. WWW.HRBLOCK.COM 29-12 23RD AVE. ASTORIA, NY 11105

DOES YOUR DOG NEED A WALK? Drea Montali Professional Organizer and Closet Stylist SIGN-UP FOR 4 WALKS & GET 1 FREE WALKING ASTORIA AND SUNNYSIDE Complimentary hour with 4 hours of WE DO CAT SITTING TOO! organizing.

WWW.MYDOGNEEDSAWALK.COM WWW.DREAMONTALI.COM

(646) 339-8346

20% OFF EACH SEAT The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

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

HAPPY HOUR 3PM-7PM $5 COCKTAILS, WINE, SANGRIA, MARGARITA, AND $3 APPETIZERS 29-21 23 ave ASTORIA NY 11105 718 606-8508 WWW.RICEKNY.COM

347.323.4549 NEW CLIENTS ONLY

20 PERCENT OFF ONE ARTWORK PURCHASE

(not including any framing/shipping costs) limit one per customer.

ROGALLERY.COM - fine artworks & auctions

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

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com 718.224.5863 www.BOROmag.com/ advertise

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

25

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

6

ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com

241

BAREBURGER 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave. Astoria www.bareburger.com

242

BAREBURGER 718-204-7167 23-01 31st St., Astoria www.bareburger.com

243

82

7

8 35

BAREBURGER 718-937-2273 49-19 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.bareburger.com BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com

238

BZ GRILL 718-932-7858 27-02 Astoria Blvd.

Astoria, NY 11102 www.bzgrill.com

176

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

11

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

159

DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com

12

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

231 12

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

181

HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com

249

HIGHWATER 917-745-0407 34-20 Broadway, Astoria www.thehighwaternyc.com

112

IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com

248

IIL Falco 718-707-0009 21-50 44th Drive, LIC www.ilfalcolic.com

13

LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com

125

LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com

220

MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com

133

148

MURASAKI 718-482-7088 46-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.murasakinyc.com

182

NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com

150

OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

20 45 61 22 245 74 74

194 194

Piatto Wood Fire Pizza 718-361-2751 1-50 50th Ave., LIC www.piattolic.com QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com

RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

244

SALT & BONE 917-832-7822 32-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.saltandbone.com

28

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

55

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

227

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

216

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

250

The Inkan 718-433-4171 45-02 23rd Street, LIC www.theinkanrestaurant.com

18

199

26

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

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

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com

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

183

170

3

ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com

QUEENS ROOM 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria queensroomnyc.com

24

247

229

31

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

200

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

THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com The Thirsty Koala 718-626-5430 35-12 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria Australian dishes at this relaxed eatery features many gluten-free & veggie options. www.thethirstykoala.com POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria

FEBRUARY 2018

52

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

161

51

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

90

228

NOMAD CYCLE LLC 718-786-5600 36-58 37th St. Astoria www.nomadcycle.com

PETS

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

201

32

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

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

54

14

ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com

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

29

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com

239

219

MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net

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

235

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

191

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

ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

34 138 139

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

189

IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria

190

OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com

37

SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC

234

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

FOOD SHOPS 39

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

WINES & SPIRITS 36

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

27

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

38

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

187

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

SHOPS 143 21

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

186

THE BRASS OWL (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com

49

INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

50

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

56

223

224

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

196

218

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

95

40

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

230

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

233

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

Long Island City, NY www.poochesspa.com

75

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

121

BAKERIES 33

198

FLORISTS 160

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

44 137

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

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

130

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

SERVICES

180 57

206

174 59

122 62

175

157

168

ADMIRAL LOCK AND KEY (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com

64

178

ASTORIA 35 LAUNDRY & FINE DRY CLEANING (B,2) 718-392-9692 3505 34th St., Astoria Astoria35laundry.com

65

119

ASTORIA CENTER OF ISRAEL 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent St., Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

177

ASTORIA CLEANERS (B,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.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

207 114 77

236

BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES SPARKLELINK 718-812-9616 3537 36th St., Astoria CRESCENT APOTHECARY (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Quinn Building, 4th Floor 35-20 Broadway, Astoria www.astorialic.org

45

134 66 17

147

K

161 90 198 56 223 224

ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net 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

95

MATHNASIUM (C,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria

180

MONTESSORI KIDS OF LIC (B,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com

57

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

206

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

174

QNS COLLECTIVE (C,3) 718-280-5122

158 67

59

122

232

UNLIMITED BODY NY 27-18 23RD Avenue Astoria, NY 917-650-4369

93

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

SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

73

YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com

94

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

237

OTTER HOUSE STUDIOS 718-786-5900 28-39 Review Ave. LIC www.otterhousestudios.com

149

QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org

215

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

146

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

110

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

BEAUTY 164

151

195

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com

81

71

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

226

LUXY LADY 718-786-1880 10-17 Jackson Ave., LIC www.luxyladysalon.com

83

97

72

PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave., LIC

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

84

98

46

REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.redkensalon.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

197

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria shadebarspa.com

112

192

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

85

217

212

STUDIO NOVA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.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

86

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

99

145

KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com

SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 718-806-1709 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com

96

222

LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com

111

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

203

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

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

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

FITNESS 154

175

120

157

VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

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

42

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

88

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

165

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

89

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

76

CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com

214

THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

100 128

EVENTS RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com

45

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

HOTELS 134 66 17

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

166

BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com

THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria

156

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

142

SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria

240

Salsa In Queens 347-669-3589 34-27 Steinway St., Astoria salsainqueens.com

80

TATTOO SHOPS

147

NIGHTLIFE/BARS BAROQUE (C,1) 718-274-2777 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com

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

65

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

43

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

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

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

131

TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

64

188

HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria

THE FACE & BODY SHOP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com

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

62

SPAS

CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria

www.qnscollective.com 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

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

225

WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 47th Ave. LIC

79

PILATESWORKS 10-91A Jackson Ave., LIC

REAL ESTATE 217 105 30

113 127 199

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

101 140 136 141 103

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

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

246

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (C,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent St. (@30th Road), Astoria www.apacny.org

LIC Dental Associates 718-530-6539 50-02 5th St., LIC www.licdentalassociates.com

135

KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

221

ART

92

AMORELLI REALTY 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com MOMA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

BANKING

104

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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VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

QUEENS COUPLES

BY ALLISON KRIDLE

Valentine’s Day may be approaching, but love is always in the air in western Queens. We have romantic date spots, breathtaking sites and head-over-heels couples who not only live here, but also met right here in the neighborhood.

Seven local couples shared with us their love stories that blossomed and grew in our beloved borough. Trust me, this isn’t some “500 Days of Summer” movie tease; these are, in fact, love stories. So grab a glass of red wine and milk chocolate and get ready to hardcore swoon over these western Queens love birds and their serendipitous how-we-met stories.

Photos courtesy of Blythe Irish and Kevin Tully

Blythe Irish and Kevin Tully Blythe Irish and Kevin Tully were fortunate to match on OkCupid, but they really hit the lottery once they found out they both reside in Astoria. The couple went on their first date at The Sparrow Tavern off 29th Street and 24th Avenue the first week in June in 2011 and have been together ever since. “[Kevin] suggested Sparrows after noticing we both lived in Astoria and wanted to keep it local,” Irish said. “He told me it was one of his favorite local [places]. I still remember standing on the corner outside and thinking how much cuter he was in person as he walked up. We wound up staying at Sparrows from around 8 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. just talking and went and swung on swings at the Astoria Boulevard

“We both love the strong community in Astoria and love to attend public events, such as movies and music in Astoria Park, art in Socrates Park, and events at Museum of the Moving Image.

The local food scene and shops also keep us in the neighborhood. [We] also love exploring all the restaurants and bars that open in the area. We recently discovered karaoke night at McLoughlins, which was a lot of fun,” Irish said.

playground afterwards just because we didn't want the evening to end.”

While Irish bounced around neighborhoods and boroughs for a few years before she decided to make Astoria her home, Tully had only lived in Long Island City and Astoria. After their four-year mark, the couple chose to move in together in Astoria, their favorite neighborhood.

Favorite Date Spots: Butcher Bar Sparrow Tavern HiFi Records Loveday31 Snowdonia

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How could someone say “I was born and raised in Astoria,” and not win someone over right from the start?

Turns out, it worked quite well for Astoria resident Gildo during his first exchange with his now-wife Yukari, who moved to Astoria from Kobe, Japan, in 2000. Gildo and Yukari met at the pastry shop off Ditmars called LaGuli’s in October 2001.

Photos courtesy of Gildo and Yukari

Gildo and Yukari

“We were waiting on line to buy coffee up Ditmars and I introduced myself to her. I am originally from Astoria born and raised and welcomed her to the neighborhood,” Gildo said.

Gildo and Yukari got married in June 2004 with a simple wedding at City Hall. After, they celebrated with a large shindig at the Greek restaurant Stamatis off 23rd Avenue in Astoria.

The longtime love birds don’t have any plans to move away from Astoria. According to Gildo, everything they need is here — most importantly, each other.

Favorite Date Spots:

Astoria Park Noguchi Museum Museum of the Moving Image

Erica Romero and JB Reefer

FEBRUARY 2018

Photos courtesy of Erica Romero and JB Reefer

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When most of us wait for the subway, we don’t normally think how perfect it would be to propose or be proposed to directly in front of the “Broadway” sign on the platform. But for Erica Romero and JB Reefer, whose relationship was born in Astoria and continues to thrive here, then it is the most romantic and ideal spot to decide to tie the knot.

The couple initially spotted (or swiped) each other on Tinder in 2015 and started their first date off at Sek’end Sun off Broadway. “[Erica] was wearing these jeans with rips and totally blew me away. We romped around Astoria for eight hours — probably the longest first date I've ever been on — [and] I was immediately obsessed,” Reefer said. “I spent way too much that night at La Sala. She's fun to hang out with and I didn't want her to leave, so swanky drinks and deep couches did the trick. Erica's amazing. I was hooked.”

The couple is getting married this summer at the Museum of the Moving Image, and Romero and Reefer still frequent Sek’end Sun after big moments in their relationship. After Reefer proposed to Romero at the Broadway station, they met up with friends at the Astoria hot spot and popped a bottle of bubbly.

“We commute to work together every morning and always stand right by that sign. That public spot is so much more to us. Every day, we get to stand together right where we got engaged and relive it all over again,” Romero said.

Favorite Date Spots: DiWine Taverna Kyclades Il Bambino Sweet Afton Astoria Park MoMA PS1

Mary Dannegger and Warren Sheinwald Photos courtesy of Mary Dannegger and Warren Sheinwald

We can all agree that volunteerism in our borough is important — it benefits the community, makes volunteers feel like they’re making a difference and is a terrific opportunity to connect with neighbors. But one local couple proves that volunteering can lead you to a new relationship, too.

Two years ago, the goodwill of Mary Dannegger and Warren Sheinwald led to the couple meeting at a dart game sign-up at a Thanksgiving canned food drive organized by Astoria Social at The Irish Rover bar.

“The following summer we started dating. Our first date was at Blackbirds, and as of November, Warren is my fiancé,” Dannegger said.

Both Dannegger and Sheinwald feel rooted and right at home in Astoria. The two bonded over their love of recreational activities and now play together on a dart and softball league (shoutout to their teams, Sissy McGinty’s and JTFT).

“We love Astoria because there’s always something to do, a new restaurant or bar in the area, and have met so many great friends from being involved in Astoria Social. [Sheinwald] was drawn to Astoria because some of his friends from Long Island that he grew up with moved here, and I was looking for a change after living in Midtown Manhattan for a few years,” Dannegger said.

The couples Valentine’s Day will be spent cooking dinner together and then having a nightcap at Vintage off Ditmars.

Favorite Date Spots: The Last Word Enthaice Thirsty Koala

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Lisa Mayer and John Benevides

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Photos courtesy of Lisa Mayer and John Benevides

Usually those nights when a friend pushes you to go out and mingle turn out to be the most noteworthy and historical. Without a mutual friend and a bit of crafty planning, Lisa Mayer and John Benevides may not have met in August of 2016.

“A friend of mine at work, who also lived in Astoria, said we should meet up for drinks one night in Queens. After a few weeks of trying to coordinate, we both brought our friends out one night [to Oliver’s off Broadway] and his roommate happened to be [Benevides]. [We] had such a fun night the two of us talking and really hit it off,” Mayer said.

The night came into fruition a little bit differently for Benevides, who decided to take matters into his own hands.

“My roommate told me one of his coworkers lived in Astoria, and I kept nagging him to call her and finally I just texted her from his phone to meet up,” Benevides said.

Who would’ve thought that the girl he texted from his friend’s phone would be his girlfriend two months later? The couple now has their own apartment in Astoria, where they enjoy a cup of coffee on their balcony overlooking the Triborough Bridge and entertain their friends for game nights.

Favorite Date Spots: Singlecut Brewery Neptune Diner BZ Grill Oliver’s Astoria Craft

Photos courtesy of Andriana and Vladimir Stojnic

Andriana and Vladimir Stojnic

Photos courtesy of Lisa Mayer and John Benevides

Remember that person at the bar who randomly started talking to you and your friends? What if I told you they could have been the love of your life? You may not believe me, but I’m sure Vladimir and Andriana Stojnic could change your mind.

The husband and wife originally met in the fall of 2009 at Time Cafe when Vladimir Stojnic started a conversation with Andriana and her friend.

“The moment I walked in, I see a gorgeous girl with beautiful curly hair let down, properly dressed up in suit, talking to her friend. Her friend was much nicer and started talking to me, while this muse was ignoring me fully. Night went by,” Vladimir Stojnic said.

Fast forward to a couple months later, May of 2010, when Andriana and Vladimir crossed paths again at the same place.

“I was heading to meet my bestie at Time Cafe for a nice night out,” Andriana Stojnic said. Before they went in, her friend met her outside, saying that “there is this extremely good looking guy in a hat that I must see.

“Shortly after, I notice the guy looking my way and asking the bartender who I was. I am great at reading lips clearly,” Andriana Stojnic continued.

“After some time of passing glances, we went our separate ways only to eventually turn around and seeing him in front of me up close. Full of smiles, talking and laughs, we truly made it a night to remember.

We have been inseparable since that night.”

The Stojnics remain in Astoria — now with their two kids — and love the diversity and tight-knit feel of the neighborhood.

“Everything we use, do, have, breathe comes from places or people in Astoria and LIC,” Andriana Stojnic said.

Favorite Date Spots: DiWine Taverna Kyclades Il Bambino Sweet Afton Astoria Park MoMA PS1

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Photos courtesy of Andrea Werwinski and Justin Liberti

Andrea Werwinski and Justin Liberti Sometimes the best meet-cutes are the ones you don’t expect at all. After rushing to fly home from a trip to Nashville in August 2016, throwing on a souvenir tank top (her only clean shirt) and racing to get to her friend Ross Liberti’s birthday party at Bohemian Beer Garden, Andrea Werwinski did not expect to meet her current boyfriend Justin Liberti that night.

“My afternoon flight was overbooked and they were offering a large amount of money to switch to a later flight. I almost did it, but I really didn’t want to miss Ross’ party. [On] my way [into the Bohemian Beer Garden] I ran into my friend Ross, who was leaving to go get his brother who was driving in from Boston. Once I sat down with our friends, I ordered my favorite beef goulash for dinner. A little while later, Ross walked back in with his brother, who I had never met. My very first thought [was], ‘Whoa, Ross’s brother is hot!’ Justin sat right across from me,” Werwinski said.

The couple were drawn to each other instantly. Werwinski made the first (and clever) move of offering Liberti the rest of her goulash, which he ate all of.

“We talked and laughed and played games all night. My eyes and my attention were totally drawn to him, and his to me.

Late that night he walked me home, and kissed me goodnight (like a gentleman).

From then on, we were together,” Werwinski said.

For Valentine’s Day, the love birds plan to keep things pretty low-key. According

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to Werwinski, Liberti doesn’t need to special day to show her how much he loves her; he shows her every day. However, Werwinski plans to surprise him with this feature about their love story. Happy Valentine’s Day, Justin and Andrea!

Favorite Date Spots:

Bohemian Beer Garden Museum of the Moving Image Anywhere that televises sports games

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VALENTINE’S

BY ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIE_PYPER @ESTIEPYPER

FOR ALL

As the first Hallmark holiday of the year brings red hearts and chocolates to pharmacies and restaurants citywide, you might find yourself asking, “What should I do for Valentine’s Day?” That’s right — it’s time to emerge from our January hibernation and hit the town.

Whether you have a special someone in your life, a dear group of friends, or you just really need some quality me-time, we have a plan for you. From X-rated storytime to aerial yoga, make this Valentine’s one to remember.

You and Your S.O.

1. The LetLove Inn

27-20 23RD AVE., ASTORIA LETLOVEINN.COM

Photo via Instagram/@theletloveinn

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Photo via Instagram/@abcditmars

A cozy jazz bar with a vintage feel, the LetLove Inn offers an extensive collection of craft cocktails and local beers on tap. The day before Valentine’s (Tuesday, Feb. 13), swing by to hear cover band Tired Hookers belt out ‘90s heartbreak songs, starting at 9 p.m. Cuddle up with your person, enjoy a drink or two, and feel free to sing along.

2. Astoria Bier and Cheese

34-14 BROADWAY AND 35-11 DITMARS, ASTORIA MILKANDHOPS.COM This neighborhood watering hole boasts plenty of … you guessed it, beer and cheese. Nothing’s better than chowing down on these staple comfort foods on the day of love. Grab your sweetheart and sample ABC’s impressive array of cheese plates and grilled cheese sandwiches, and don’t forget to pair your meal with a pint of quality craft beer (many of them locally brewed!).

L

3. The Ditty

35-03 DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA THEDITTYBAR.COM

Photo via Instagram/@thedittybar

This quaint local pub offers happy hours every week night until 7 p.m. but keeps its doors open until the wee hours of the morning (4 a.m.) for you night owls.

Sip a cocktail, nibble their modern comfort fare, and play a game or two (they have childhood favorites like Guess Who? and Uno). But be sure to check out their free movie nights every Tuesday in their year-round heated backyard, held rain or shine. On Feb. 13, there will be a Double Romance Night Starring Meg Ryan, with “Sleepless in Seattle” at 7:30 p.m. and “When Harry Met Sally” at 9:30 p.m.

4. Q.E.D.

27-16 23RD AVE., ASTORIA QEDASTORIA.COM

Photo via Instagram/@diwinebar

An event space known for its standup comedy and quirky class offerings is hosting a fun-filled night on Valentine’s Day. First, “The Perfect Couple: A Game Show” starts the evening at 7 p.m.

Two sets of longtime couples will compete through various challenges and quizzes for the title of “Perfect Couple.” Immediately following at 9 p.m. will be a very special V-day standup set featuring a stellar lineup of veteran and up-and-comer comedians.

Photo via Instagram/@qedastoria

5. DiWine

41-15 31ST AVE., ASTORIA DIWINEONLINE.COM Opt for a more traditional romantic night out at DiWine restaurant and wine bar for you and your other half. From red to white and everything in between, their wine list goes on and on, but they also have plenty of craft cocktail and beer options. Pair your drink of choice with one (or more) of their 11 cheese boards or make a meal out of the many small plate options.

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1. Astoria Bowl

19-45 49TH ST., ASTORIA ASTORIABOWL.COM Get your team ready for a night to remember! This 28-lane bowling alley houses a sports bar and video game arcade in addition to traditional bowling lanes available to rent. Cosmic bowling (or black light bowling) happens every weekend, complete with a light show and “today’s most popular hits from the Bowling Music Network.”

4. Steamy Storytime at Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31ST ST., ASTORIA ASTORIABOOKSHOP.COM

The night before Valentine’s Day, be sure to stop by Astoria Bookshop’s very special Xrated event. The evening (for adults only), will consist of selections from the shop’s favorite erotica read aloud. Audience members are encouraged to take a turn or even share some work of their own, so don’t be shy!

Photo via Instagram/@astoriabookshop

Photo by Katrina Medoff/BORO

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You & Your Crew

2. SingleCut Beersmiths Photo via Instagram/@singlecutbeer

19-33 37TH ST., ASTORIA SINGLECUT.COM

This microbrewery and tasting room is reminiscent of old German bierhalls with long, communal tables and large pretzels just waiting to be devoured. All beers are brewed onsite, and live music can often be enjoyed on weekends. Take a tour while you’re there and sample their original brews (there are upwards of 10, and the selection is updated weekly). But the fun doesn’t have to stop there — you can even take a growler to go.

Photo via Instagram/@karaokeshout

FEBRUARY 2018

Photo via Instagram/@sugarfreaknyc

32-46 STEINWAY ST., ASTORIA KARAOKESHOUT.COM

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37-11 30TH AVE., ASTORIA SUGARFREAK.COM No Galentine’s Day is complete without a delicious brunch (guys, you’re welcome, too). We recommend checking out Sugar Freak. Known for their Creole cuisine, this hot spot’s brunch menu is a cut above, featuring items like chicken and waffles, jambayala and mac ’n' cheese four ways. Dig in!

3. Karaoke Shout

Valentine’s Day is the day for love ballads. What’s better than belting “Total Eclipse of the Heart” at the top of your lungs with your besties cheering you on? At Karaoke Shout, you can sing along to your favorites without abandon. There’s a full bar onsite to shake those first-time jitters, or if you want a more intimate setting, you can rent out a private room for your crew.

5. Brunch at Sugar Freak

Ridin’ Solo

Treat yourself to some solo music therapy.

This cozy vinyl store and café boasts a record collection that spans the decades. No matter what your jam is, there’s something for everyone at Hifi. Peruse the vast collection at your leisure and pause to sample new and used vinyl at the many turntables set up around the space.

Photo via Instagram/@hifirecordsastoria

1. Hifi Records

23-19 STEINWAY ST., ASTORIA HIFI-RECORDS.COM

Opt for self-love this Valentine’s Day with a trip to Astoria Lily’s Nail salon. This zen spot offers a range of services among the classic manicure and pedicure treatments. Clients frequently rave about their detailed nail art, so requesting a tiny heart design in honor of the holiday is highly recommended.

Photo via Instagram/@astoria_lilys_nail

Photo via Instagram/@salsainqueens

Photo via Instagram/@astoriabookshop

38-01 35TH AVE., ASTORIA THE-YOGA-ROOM.COM

2. Salsa in Queens

Take yourself to new heights (literally) and try something new. The Yoga Room, in addition to traditional and hot yoga classes, offers aerial yoga for everyone — no matter your level of yogi training. They promise you will leave “taller, stronger and totally loosened up!” but if anything, you’ll have a new skill to add to your resume.

Move your hips and shake off those winter blues! Ditch your regular gym routine and sign yourself up for a salsa dancing class without leaving the borough. Salsa in Queens offers 90-minute classes Monday through Saturday in salsa or bachata starting at the beginner level.

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

Photo via Instagram/@yogaroomnyc

Photo via astoriamarket.com

Photo via Instagram/@sugarfreaknyc

3. Astoria Market

Astoria Market’s annual Pre-Valentine’s Day market will be held the Sunday before Valentine’s Day (Feb. 11) from noon to 6 p.m. in the Main Hall of Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Come scope out the local vendors selling homemade crafts and vintage items, and be sure to end the evening with a brew from the bar downstairs.

32-01 31ST AVE., ASTORIA WWW.YELP.COM/BIZ/ASTORIALILYS-NAIL-ASTORIA

5. Aerial Yoga at The Yoga Room

34-27 STEINWAY ST. SUITE 117, ASTORIA SALSAINQUEENS.COM

29-19 24TH AVE., ASTORIA ASTORIAMARKET.COM

4. Astoria Lily’s Nail

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

Little Artists, BIG CREATIVITY

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FEBRUARY 2018

BY VESNA JAKSIC LOWE

A

@VESNAJAKSIC

s he outlined a Sonic character on a piece of paper, Sophocles Plokamakis instructed children to view its body parts in terms of different shapes before sketching it out.

“The head is tricky, right?” Plokamakis, a cartoonist and animator, said during the Friday afternoon class. “But all you’ve got to do is break it down into shapes. This is an arm, but I see a circle and an oval. And just think — every time you make a mistake, you get better. The more mistakes you make, the better you get.”

The hour-long cartooning class took place at Playday, Long Island City’s newest art space for children. Located on 51st Avenue, Playday offers drop-in classes such as origami, textile arts, sticker craze, rock ‘n’ roll posters and finger knitting. Sessions are offered seven days a week and include “Grown Up & Me” options for toddlers as well as drop-off classes for older children.

Playday was founded by Gregory Okshteyn, a father of two who has lived in Long Island City for 16 years. His children attend the local public school, where he said they are thriving but receive very little art education.

“They are teaching creativity through math and writing, which is great, but the kids are not working with their hands. They are not problem-solving and socializing the way we did when we grew up,” said Okshteyn, a Ukraine-born architect who grew up in a family of artists. “So that’s what Playday is about — connecting our little ones with art.

My daughter recently hand-knitted a 3-foot scarf in class and said, ‘This is the first thing I made I can actually use,’ and I said, ‘Oh my God, this is exactly what the instinct behind this [business] was.’”

Okshteyn lives across the street from Playday; he can see it from his apartment and home office. When he saw the space empty FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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

after the previous tenant moved out, he starting thinking about starting a children’s play space. On Jan. 2, Playday opened its doors, and Okshteyn said it has been well received by the community. Some classes got quickly booked; Playday’s Instagram feed drew more than 1,800 followers in the first 10 days; and by the middle of January, parents had already reserved 18 birthday parties for their little ones.

“I’m having so much fun,” he said. “This is a win-win-win situation. The instructors are happy. The children are happy. The parents are happy. We’re just getting really positive feedback.”

Long Island City resident Julz Donald said her 5-year-old daughter enjoyed several art classes and open play sessions during Playday’s opening weeks.

“My daughter loves Playday — super creative classes and great for her age given she has ‘aged out’ [of] a lot of the other classes in LIC now,” Donald said. “I also love that this is owned and run by a local artist who is super talented.”

Okshteyn said he is already exploring the possibility of opening other locations in New York, and would love to team up with local schools and daycares to ensure more children have access to art.

Okshteyn, whose firm’s clients include Jay-Z, the Kardashians and Rihanna, designed Playday himself. The 1,200-square-foot space includes a painted mural that reads, “Have fun, Be

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Awesome,” and a whiteboard wall where instructors and children can draw. The handicapped-accessible bathroom includes a wallpaper with birds and flowers and, with a press of a button, music.

Playday also has a gallery wall, where artists’ works are displayed and can be purchased.

Okshteyn said it does not matter to him if he sells the $1,200 piece of art recently on display there; instead, he wants children to know there are many careers in the arts.

“There is nobody telling them there is value in creativity,” he said, and he wants to change that.

A number of his “Playday friends” — friends and colleagues from the art community — will use FaceTime for 5-minute “bragging sessions,” giving them an opportunity to speak remotely with children about their work. Playday also has 1,000 square feet of outdoor space, where Okshteyn hopes to have classes involving everything from bubbles and sand to archery and ping-pong. There is a multicultural component as well; for example, students taking textile classes watch a brief video about techniques used around the world.

Zoe Yates, who teaches finger knitting and embroidery, said she tries to get her students to consider which materials regularly come in contact with their bodies.

“I try to get them to think about what fabrics they are wearing,” she said. “It’s fun because it’s not like we’re in school; we’re just making art.”

Instructors helped create the class offerings, and a six-member advisory board that includes a child psychiatrist approved the curriculum. Okshteyn said there is no limit to the topics Playday can offer: the art space already has a “clouds” class, where children make clouds using cotton balls and paint; an “epic Star Wars scene” stencils class; a “monster masks” class; a “little architect” class; jewelry design; and manga Japanese drawing, to name a few. When it comes to children and the arts, the opportunities are endless.

Photos courtesy of Playday

Playday

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FOOD + DRINK

ASTORIAN AMBIANCE Photos courtesy of The Astorian

BY COLIN HOLMES

@HOLMESSLICE88

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FEBRUARY 2018

in his excitement about his new endeavor.

And rightfully so.

“Everyone cares,” he explained. “When we hire, we don't hire based on a resume.

We hire intelligent, altruistic people. You’ll see it in the food. You’ll see it in the drinks.”

This philosophy has paid off for the budding business as it looks to the bartenders for recipes and ideas, allowing the staff themselves to create the varied, extensive cocktail list.

I started off my evening with the Call Your Mom, a frothy gin drink with the fruity taste of elderberry and the floral notes of rose.

Topped with bubbles for lightness, the cocktail features Aquafaba, a vegan alternative to egg whites, which provides the drink with a smooth, deep texture. An easy sipper to take in while touring the eclectic, open space.

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

T

ucked away under the metro rails of 31st Street is a new restaurant, aptly named The Astorian, staffed by a team of food and drink aficionados ready to share their expertise with a curious crowd. That is the goal behind The Astorian: to teach the town a few new things about the dining out experience.

Brought to the 30th Avenue area by the creators of the popular, stylish Queens staple, Forest Hills Station House, this new hotspot is quite the achievement. The diverse menu caters to those looking for something unique and interesting by reinventing the classics we love.

“We’re forcing people to be more adventurous,” said General Manager Bobby Burns, whose love for the industry is clear

Previously the home of the Astoria Brewhouse, the two-story restaurant has been revamped from its pub-style roots to house a vintage, industrial design. Repurposed piping holds shelf upon shelf of spirits and antiques, as well as mounted televisions for those who will miss their old football season hangout. Tables line the stencilpatterned stone walls and exposed brick

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

animated colors has historical significance.

“Speakeasies were loud,” Bobby explained. “People were dancing. It was completely different from how we portray it [now].”

This lively ambiance leads in to a carefully curated menu, pulling flavors and inspirations from around the world and putting them into the approachable, Americanstyle dishes we all know and love.

As a first course, the Cottage Pie Empanadas were a perfect portion, bringing the savory meat pies of Scottish roots to the style of Mexican street food. Stuffed with ground lamb and beef, peas and carrots, the empanadas were simple, crispy and delicious. A demi-glace served on the side added the perfect hint of sweetness to

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

opposite the L-shaped bar, leading back into the dining room.

The outdoor area of its predecessor has been brought back with a retractable dome glass ceiling, making it accessible for all seasons. A colorful, graffiti-esque border stripes the stone wall of the garden, acting as a teaser to the full mural that graces the stairs leading to the Gatsbyinspired second-floor lounge.

Hand-painted by A Visual Bliss, whose work can be seen on garage doors and buildings all around town, the mural adds vibrancy to the leather-bound look while paying tribute to the history and cultures of Queens.

While it may seem in contrast to the rich 1920s, Prohibition era-inspired decor of the lounge, the idea for the use of lively,

FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

FOOD + DRINK

FEBRUARY 2018

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

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Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

complement the spices, leading to double-, triple- and quadruple-dipping.

Feeding off of the Mexican theme, I paired the dish with one of my favorite imports: tequila. Herradura Silver and the Chihuahua-derived spirit Sotol Por Siempre make up the base of the Sierra Madre, an incredible concoction featuring the vegetal spice of green peppers, evened out with the sweetness of Meletti and caramelized pineapple. Finished with lime, celery salt and a black pepper rim, this cocktail brings complex, exotic flavors to the libation list.

Torn between options like the Koreaninspired Bibimbap Burger and the Banh Mi Ripper footlong, I chose a Southern-style classic for my main course: the Buttermilk Chicken and Biscuit. This fork-and-knife sandwich features whiskey sour pickles, house slaw and spicy honey-butter, sandwiched by a blue cheese biscuit. The buttermilk coating made for a sweet compo-

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

ness, matching the intensity of the ginger with the smooth smoke and peat of bourbon. A perfect nightcap for this incredible dining endeavor.

“People are beginning to eat and drink differently,” said Burns of the shifting trends around a night out. “The envelope is being pushed.”

The Astorian’s desire to create an adventurous learning experience for each guest who walks in is executed by its fun, eclectic food and diverse, delicious cocktails. Expect this new restaurant to continue to push that envelope with new and exciting ideas to share for years to come.

The Astorian is open at 5 p.m. during the week and noon on weekends. Check them out on Instagram at @astoriannyc for updates.

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

Photo via Instagram/@avisualbliss

Photos via Instagram/@astoriannyc

nent to the dish, which was perfectly paired with the salty richness of the soft, savory blue cheese pastry.

Tempted by The Astorian’s list of vegetarian options, I went for the Eggplant ‘Meat’-balls, served with a house pomodoro sauce, shaved Parmesan and toasted crostini. These hand-rolled bites, along with the many other vegetarian options, effectively create a rich dining experience for those with a plant-based lifestyle.

I rounded out the evening with one of the numerous Old Fashioned options on the menu. Dauntingly coined the Intense Old Fashioned, this variation of the cocktail takes the citrus out of the classic and adds in spice with the Brooklyn-based Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur. Molasses bitters finish it off with a subtle sweet-

Photos courtesy of The Astorian

Photo via Instagram/@oliva.vito FEBRUARY 2018 I BOROMAG.COM

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