BORO MAG

FEBRUARY 2020 VOL 10:2

BOROMAG.COM

LOCAL LOVE Photo by Eryc Perez de Tagle @erycpretzeltaco

Page 14

DANCE CLASSES AT RIOULT

VEGAN EATERY IN ASTORIA

MAKE YOUR OWN TERRARIUM

Page 22

Page 32

Page 38

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Love is in the air in western Queens. Every year, we share stories of how local couples met in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. This year, we expanded our search for local love stories to include couples who got engaged or married in western Queens — and we got an overwhelming response. If our inbox full of submissions is any indication, our neighborhood is the perfect place to find love or tie the knot (page 14). Plus, we’re featuring even more Valentine’s Day photos in our Instagram spread (page 10).

But February isn’t just about romance; it’s also a time to show yourself some love. Have fun with fitness at RIOULT Dance Center (page 14), and fuel up with vegan eats nearby at Savage Sicko Bistro (page 32).

Make your apartment a haven by bringing in some KATRINA MEDOFF plant life — we’d recommend starting by building editor-in-chief your own terrarium at a local class (page 38).

To share news with us, email katrina@boromag.com.

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

CONTENTS

TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

22

6 FEBRUARY FEVER Street style in Astoria

10 BE MINE? Readers Instagrammed their Valentines

14 F ROM FIRST GLANCES TO THE ALTAR Couples’ stories of local meet-cutes, engagements and weddings

Wishing you a lovely Valentine’s Day, Katrina Medoff

PLANT WORLD

22 TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

38

Dance classes at RIOULT

32 H EALTHY EARTH, HEALTHY BODY Vegan eats at Savage Sicko

38 PLANT WORLD

DEPARTMENTS 12 FEBRUARY 2020 EVENTS 23 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

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

Make your own terrarium at this local class

24 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

46 BUILDING A HOME

26 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

Interior design at Astoria woman’s apartment

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

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

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FEBRUARY 2020

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STREET STYLE

FEBRUARY FEVER

BY FELIPE LUQUE @SIGHTONSIGHT

T

he fluctuating temperatures at the start of the new year gave Astorians some leeway to play with colors, shapes and accessories. Textures and volume are king for our locals’ outerwear.

Plus, warm palettes seem to be gaining some relevance among black-and-white pieces and the ever-trendy neon accents.

Astoria resident Taylor Burkhardt (@taylorhardt) brings home this effortless look. She aptly described her style as “comfy, classic and based on the ‘90s.” Nice sleeves!

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FEBRUARY 2020

Astoria resident Jennifer Burich (@jennlp77) knows how to wear a hat. She personalized her vintage style with an earthy color palette. Great confidence meets a great hat.

Brooklyn resident Lindsey (@lani_lang) wisely accessorized her oversize look with a great mix between practical and personal accessories.

Astoria resident Amal Bouam (@amalbijoux) wisely described her style as “Europe meets America.”

Comfortable and trendy, this look will certainly take you far. Amal had a very interesting way to pair color blocks and accessories. I love that phone wallet — very cute indeed.

Brooklyn resident Kyle Reyes (@chez.reyes) combined his favorite pieces with an easy urban flare. He said that his Stussy puffer, Goodfight pants and Slam Jam blazer are among his go-to garments.

Extra points for that crafty ring and the cool attitude.

Manhattan resident Nina defined her style as a “mix between casual and trendy.”

She loves her Ugg coat that keeps her warm through the cold Astoria days.

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I N S TA I M A G E S

BE MINE? @ @bienabye astoriamylife

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM @KATRINAMEDOFF

H @ruthpferd

KATRINAMEDOFF

appy Valentine’s Day, western Queens! This month, we asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagrams celebrating love in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. One couple shared a photo of a romantic wedding day kiss on the LIC waterfront with the Manhattan skyline serving as the backdrop. Another shared a pic of their family, with everyone wearing pink. From photo booth shots to selfies, here are some of our favorite submissions.

@ kim_corbett

@ruthpferd @ millennialpupper

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FEBRUARY 2020

@@jlswader ruthpferd

? @mxkatpac

@Krisha603

@ bwy5

@xNYHCx, photo by @MeadowlarkStills

@ presentlaughterruns1000

NEXT THEME: COLORFUL QUEENS

By March, we’re ready for winter to be over — but there are still dreary days ahead. We want to brighten up the pages of BORO with your most colorful shots of Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. Tag us (@boromagazine) in your Instagrams of neon outfits, an apartment full of houseplants, bright eyeshadow, colorful cocktails — anything to do with the month’s theme.

@isabel_J22 and @PC251, Vinny D. Photography

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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FEBRUARY EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events FRIDAY, FEB. 14 Event Title: Disco Love: V-Day Dinner and After Party Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Location: The Penthouse LIC Cost: $10 to $58 Phone: 718-289-6118 Address: 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC URL: gametightny.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 20 Event Title: Go Far, Go Together: Trivia Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Queens Public Library at Hunters Point Cost: Free Phone: 718-990-4150 Address: 47-40 Center Blvd., LIC URL: queenslibrary.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 15 Event Title: Kids’ Valentine’s Day Silent Disco and Parents’ Boozy Brunch Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Katch Astoria Cost: $10 to $25 Phone: 800-833-9281 Address: 31-19 Newtown Ave., Astoria URL: quietevents.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 20 Event Title: An Evening of Poetry with Stacie Seidl Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Book Culture LIC Cost: Free Phone: 718-440-3120 Address: 26-09 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: bookculture.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 15 Event Title: Screening of “Persepolis” Time: Noon Location: Museum of Moving Image Cost: $15 ($11 seniors and students; $9 youth; free or discounted for museum members) Phone: 718-777-6800 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: movingimage.us SUNDAY, FEB. 16 Event Title: NYC Talent Show Time: 9 p.m.

Location: The Creek and The Cave Cost: Free, suggested $5 donation Phone: 718-706-8783 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com

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THURSDAY, FEB. 20 Event Title: Pig Pile: A Monthly Variety Show Time: 8 p.m.

Location: The Creek and The Cave Cost: From $10 Phone: 718-706-8783 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Event Title: Art for Tots | Set the Stage: Dance, Dance, Dance Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Location: The Noguchi Museum Cost: $10 per family, up to 4 people Phone: 718-204-7088 Address: 9-01 33rd Rd. (at Vernon Boulevard), LIC URL: noguchi.org

FEBRUARY 2020

SATURDAY, FEB. 22 Event Title: Porkfest 2020 Time: Noon to 10 p.m.

Location: Bohemian Beer Hall Cost: Free Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria URL: bohemianhall.com TUESDAY, FEB. 25 Event Title: GAYmer Night for All Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Queens LGBT Center Cost: Free Phone: 718-514-2155 Address: 37-18 Northern Blvd. #107, LIC URL: lgbtnetwork.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Event Title: Vinyl Revolution Record Show Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Bohemian Beer Hall Cost: Early admission: $7; general admission: $4 Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave., Astoria URL: bohemianhall.com SUNDAY, MARCH 1 Event Title: Rage Blooms Within Me: An Anger Open Mic Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Cost: $5 Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 Event Title: Communitea Chamber Music: Violas of Love Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Communitea LIC Cost: Free Phone: 718-729-7708 Address: 11-18 46th Rd., LIC URL: communiteachambermusic.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Event Title: Glacial Forest Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 Event Title: Screening of “Alien” Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Museum of Moving Image Cost: $15 ($11 seniors and students; $9 youth; free or discounted for museum members) Phone: 718-777-6800 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: movingimage.us

MONDAY, MARCH 9 Event Title: Patrice Caldwell, Charlotte Nicole Davis, and J. Marcelle Corrie in Conversation for “A Phoenix First Must Burn” Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Location: Astoria Bookshop Cost: Free Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria URL: astoriabookshop.com

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

LOCAL LOVE

From First Glances to the Altar 12 local couples share their love stories

BY ALLISON KRIDLE

No matter your relationship status, Valentine’s Day is meant to be celebrated.

Who doesn’t like a little love, right? We talked to 12 local couples who either met, got engaged or got married in western Queens. Here, we’re sharing their Nora Ephron-approved love stories.

Dawn Christy and Chris Burgis

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN JACK’S FIRE DEPARTMENT GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK ARRIBA ARRIBA

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FEBRUARY 2020

Photos courtesy of Dawn Christy

Sunnyside resident Dawn Christy met her now-husband Chris Burgis in December 2012 at Sunnyside’s first Santathon. Burgis was dressed in a Santa suit at the bar Molly Bloom’s (now Ida’s) that night, and Christy yelled, “Hey Santa!” at him.

“In walks Santa and bellies up to the bar next to me. We start talking, finding out we have a lot in common and where we have been in life. I started thinking, ‘This guy is great. He is going to be the father of my children.’ My sister can vouch for that because at one point, I turned to her and said it,” Christy said.

Christy hit the nail on the head. Nine months after meeting, the Sunnyside couple eloped in Vegas, celebrated their marriage at Sidetracks in November 2013 and learned they were expecting. They brought their first child home from a hospital in western Queens in July 2014.

“Having grown up in Sunnyside, I know how special this neighborhood is. And home is where the heart is,” Christy said.

Diana Flynn Madkekar and Ajay Madkekar They got married at Studio Square in July 2013. They wanted their wedding ceremony to represent their relationship as well as their cultures — plus, they wanted to throw a great party.

“Ajay’s family is Indian and we were excited to incorporate Hindu traditions into our event. Guests arrived to Ajay’s baraat, the groom’s wedding procession that includes live music and dancing. That was followed by our Hindu wedding ceremony, a wardrobe change and our reception (which we really planned as a dance party). The day started and ended with dancing so, to us, it was a huge success,” Diana said.

Diana and Ajay are expecting their first child in April.

Photos by Photo Pink (photopink.com)

Long Island City residents Diana Madkekar and Ajay Madkekar roomed right next to each other at the University of Connecticut and were good friends for four years before they even went on a date.

“He always says it took him four years to wear me down, but in the back of my mind, there was always something special about our connection,” Diana said.

After college, the couple decided to move to Queens, where they got engaged in May 2012. Ajay proposed to Diana after a trip to Mumabai while they were still getting over jet lag. “[The night we got engaged], Diana was getting ready for a Friday night out with friends. I asked her if she wanted to wear any of the new jewelry she bought in India. She said ‘No,’ so I asked if she wanted to wear ‘this’ instead. She came out of the bedroom to find me down on one knee with her engagement ring. Diana’s reaction was priceless. And, needless to say, she loved her new jewelry,” Ajay said.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

ANABLE BASIN BEL-AIRE DINER CAFE HENRI THE NYC FERRY

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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Photo courtesy of Diana Sirbu

Photos by Simion Sebastian Photography

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

Diana and Radu Sirbu

they were there with me that day. My brother sarcastically put a note on his phone, quoting me. To this day he sends it to us on our anniversary,” Diana said.

Radu proposed to Diana on Christmas in 2016 when she was pregnant with their daughter Lorelai. In March of 2017, they got married at City Hall, but they celebrated in Diana’s hometown in Cluj, Romania. And as it turns out, Radu is also from Romania.

In 2015, Astoria resident Radu Sirbu was at the Bohemian Beer Hall when he spotted Diana, who was a few tables away sitting with her family. Radu approached her and it was love at first sight.

“After exchanging a few minutes of chit-chat with Radu at Bohemian Beer Garden, I just knew he was the one. I even told my brother and mother since

“We’ve made a tradition of celebrating our anniversary at Bohemian Beer Garden, where we met. In 2017 and 2018 we were also joined by our daughter, Lorelei, and in 2019 by our son, Luca. We do it every year, and we take pictures, we tell our kids when and how we met. That’s probably the best moment of the year,” Radu said.

Speaking of celebrating, Diana plans to surprise Radu with their feature for Valentine’s Day. He was told the interview was for a survey. Surprise and Happy Valentine’s Day, Radu!

Dimitri Vassilakopoulos and Julie Sosa

Photos by Zsaknor Powe and Cristal Jefferson

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FEBRUARY 2020

No moment went forgotten during the September 2019 engagement of Astoria couple Dimitri Vassilakopoulos and Julie Sosa, as Vassilakopoulos planned a surprise videotaping and editing of the whole experience.

“I still can’t believe he put such an elaborate plan together for me. When I first watched it, I did tear up a bit. It was such a happy moment,” Sosa said.

One of the first shots of the video is of the St. Catherine Greek Church, which is especially symbolic for Vassilakopoulos because his parents were married there. The video also shows the couple walking around the neighborhood holding hands and talking about each other’s lovable qualities. Vassilakopoulos then sat Sosa in a chair in front of a wall of pastel flowers, pulled out a ring and popped the question.

The duo matched on Bumble in the summer of 2016, and got to know each other in Astoria — mostly through coffee and strolling through the neighborhood.

“Some of my fondest memories with him are our long walks on Sundays. We would walk most of the neighborhood with coffee in hand and just chat,” Sosa said.

“Yeah, we established a routine where we’d take a walk around the neighborhood, hit the local small shops like Astoria Bookshop and talk about life,” Vassilakopoulos added.

The couple hopes to get married in the spring of 2021.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

STAMATIS IL BAMBINO NINO’S AQ GOSSIP TO LAIKO

“Moving in together, and creating a home, then getting a puppy in this amazing neighborhood where we’re surrounded by friends has been a dream come true. No matter where in the world our careers or life take us, Astoria will always be where we fell in love and started our family,” Whitcomb said.

Photo by Meg Cameron @meg.nyc

Close to fed up with dating, Ricky Whitcomb mustered up the courage to meet his now partner, Matt Naplitano, at Diamond Dogs in August of 2017, where they instantly clicked.

“Once I realized it was him, I was very relieved that his profile picture was current and was surprised by how easy he was to talk to,” Whitcomb said.

Whitcomb, coming into the date a little tipsy from trivia, was expecting to just get one drink and leave. They ended up chatting and hitting it off for hours in the cozy bar.

“My favorite moment to this day was when I told him I was a Jets fan, he said he was a Bills fan. We then concurred that we can at least both hate the Patriots,” Napolitano said.

The couple now finds themselves settled in an apartment off 30th Avenue in Astoria, where they feel rooted physically and emotionally.

Photos courtesy of Ricky Whitcomb

Ricky Whitcomb and Matt Napolitano

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

HALSEY’S JUDY & PUNCH TRESTLE THE SOCIAL MILKFLOWER MOM’S

On New Year’s Day in 2016, Astoria couple Nikki Pelazza and Mike D’Amico matched on Bumble. Both of their resolutions were to make their dating life a priority. A few days later, they spent their first date at The Sparrow and started their romance.

“At the end of our date, Mike insisted on walking me home. This would be a kind gesture under any circumstance, but when we first met, Mike and I lived really far apart [and] he walked me the entire way and made his way back home after I got inside. That really stuck out to me and made me think, ‘Wow, this guy is a genuinely good person,’ which is hard to find dating in the city,” Pelazza said Nearly two and a half years later, D’Amico was back in The Sparrow, down on one knee.

“Mike allegedly headed out early for a golf game with his buddies at 8 a.m., but what I didn't know was that Mike actually spent the morning wandering around Astoria with a change of clothes and a very important box in his pocket. I thought I was meeting my girlfriends at The Sparrow for brunch,” Pelazza said.

After the proposal, the couple and their friends headed across the street to the Beer Garden to meet with family and celebrate their wonderful news. The smitten couple will be getting married this November in Long Island.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

PINK NORI TELLY’S TAVERNA SANFORD’S SWEET SPOT THE BONNIE THE SPARROW NEPTUNE’S DINER

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Photos by Traverse the Tides @traversethetides

Nikki Pelazza and Mike D’Amico

Photo by Allison Wolfe Photo courtesy of Yamil Wolfe

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

BAREBURGER THE THIRSTY KOALA SUNNYSIDE DOG PARK SUSHI X MOM’S MOKJA

They got engaged in 2018 in Bryant Park during a picnic, then said “I do” at Queen of Angels this past June.

“The most memorable part for me was when I was waiting at the altar,” Christian said. “Everyone was in standing in their place and I’m anxiously waiting for the church doors to open and Erika to enter.

When the doors opened, and all I saw was Erika in her beautiful white dress, was the moment I knew this was for real and the 12 months of planning was all worth [it].”

The duo continues to live in Sunnyside, where they will always feel at home.

“I love the convenience and the community. We have access to small businesses and good ol’ mom-and-pop shops. I like

Photo by Jerry Khemraj

FEBRUARY 2020

(racial, sexual identity, socioeconomic, etc.),” Daniel said. “Also, my job at I.S. 10, a ‘salad bowl’ of different cultures and camaraderie that would be pretty difficult to match anywhere else.”

Photo by Reel Life Cinematography

Photos courtesy of Kim Petrone Couple Erika Romero and Jude Christian always knew they would end up together, even as kids. They attended the same church, Queen of Angels on Skillman Avenue, and graduated from high school together in 2010 in Sunnyside.

“I always had a crush on Erika in high school.

We were friends and hung out with the same friend group,” Christian said. “It wasn't until the end of the school year where I made my feelings known and asked her out to prom and later asked her to be my girlfriend. I always knew we'd end up together.”

Astoria resident Yamil Wolfe and her 3-yearold son moved to Astoria in the summer of 2012 when Yamil became the manager at Ricky’s on Steinway Street. Little did she know this is where she would meet her future husband, Daniel Wolfe.

“He walked in looking for a costume after the gym, even spilled his protein shake right at my feet. Regardless of all the Halloween madness, I spent almost two hours of my shift speaking to Daniel. He didn’t buy a costume and left,” Yamil said. “About 20 minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder and it was Daniel, hoping to get my number. I gave it to the green-eyed leggy man.”

The Astoria lovebirds went to Bareburger for their first date and got engaged under the Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria Park two years after. They are now expecting their first child together.

“I believe every day that I owe this to the magic of Astoria and all the awesomeness it has to offer,” Yamil said.

According to Daniel, there’s no other place that would beat raising their family in Astoria, considering the diversity in Queens.

“We wanted our son to experience success and potential for all different demographics

that I can still visit restaurants and the local meat market and be greeted by the folks that saw me grow up,” Romero said.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

SOTTO LE STELLE BLEND ON THE WATER ARRIBA ARRIBA

Photo by Emily Long

Yamil and Daniel Wolfe

Erika Romero and Jude Christian

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Photo by Alix of A Perfect Match Photography

VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

Photo by Emily Long Photo courtesy of Kristine Paulino

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

THE

SOLELUNA ALCOVE COTE SOLEIL ZIO LUIGI COURTYARD ALE HOUSE

Kristine and Frank Paulino Who knew Woodside resident Kristine Paulino would instantly fall for the stranger who approached her at the LIC YMCA, and would later be her husband and the father of her two boys.

“My immediate thought when I saw him was he is exactly what I am looking for: tall, tanned and toned; and then I found out he was super confident aka cocky when he approached me at the gym. He basically called me out for being loud [and] talking too much with a friend of mine … that definitely caught my attention,” Kristine said.

Kristine and her husband, Frank Paulino, wedded in 2012 in the Dominican Republic and were living in Sunnyside until their first son turned 1 in 2015. Frank lived in Sunnyside for just over 21 years.

“The diversity of culture and cuisine, the accessibility to pretty much everything within walking distance and the neighborhood (especially Sunnyside Gardens and Skillman Avenue) is an oasis to live in, especially when working in the city,” Kristine said.

Photo by Roberto Conception @robertoconception

Photo by Jerry Khemraj

Photo by Frank Paulino @wowgreatphoto

Photos courtesy of Maryanne Fraser & Kevin Dalton

Sunnyside resident Maryanne Fraser got the best present ever when she met her boyfriend, Kevin Dalton, while celebrating her birthday at the Courtyard Ale House in April 2018.

“When I first met Mary, I was a little thrown off,” Dalton said. “I never expected to meet someone so interesting at my local bar where I usually just watched sports.”

Photo by Lissett Izquierdo

Photo by Alix of A Perfect Match Photography

Maryanne Fraser and Kevin Dalton

Fraser moved from College Point to Sunnyside in 2011, and Dalton was raised in the neighborhood. Their first date was spent eating panna cotta and enjoying some red wine at Zio Luigi.

“We were both very nervous, hoping that we said the right things and didn’t mess up the date,” Fraser said.

“As the date went on, we became comfortable with each other, laughing and exchanging stories over a bottle of red wine. The date went amazing and sharing the experience together made a favorite restaurant even better and created a love for panna cotta.”

Some of the couple’s fondest memories come from strolling through Astoria and LIC on warm summer nights.

The couple and their family attend Church of Angels in Sunnyside, where both of their sons were baptized, and Frank donates his time as a photographer for Sunnyside Gardens Park’s events.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

CLARET WINE BAR ALCOVE

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Photo courtesy of Brian Chin

Photos by Natura Collective @naturacollective

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

Jeanna and Brian Chin Astoria residents Jeanna and Brian Chin can’t remember the very first time they met; they worked together, so they’re “pretty sure it was some time in the beginning of 2012 in a conference room,” Jenna said.

“The first time I really remember interacting with Brian was trying to walk home together from Manhattan over the Queensboro Bridge after Hurricane Sandy and even though we wound up not being able to find each other, I remember thinking it was nice to have a cute

boy that wanted to walk with me,” she continued.

The first time the couple hung outside of work was at The Rapture, a bar that has since closed. On Feb. 1, 2018 — exactly five years after their first outing — Brian proposed to Jeanna on that street corner.

“The proposal was perfect,” Jenna said.

“I was completely shocked and had no idea it was coming. We had dinner at Sugar Freak and then Brian led me home on a roundabout path that went past the Rapture corner … not the most direct route home, so I thought he was going crazy

until I realized where we were.”

The Astorians were engaged for just a little under two years and tied the knot this past December.

“When we started dating [in 2015] and I first told her that I liked her, we were on a friend’s rooftop in Long Island City and I remember it like it was yesterday,” Brian said.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

QUEENS COMFORT FATTY’S CAFE SUGAR FREAK

Lisa Lee and Stephen Trostle

Photos by Eryc Perez de Tagle @erycpretzeltaco

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FEBRUARY 2020

Long Island City couple Lisa Lee and Stephen Trostle found each other in a dorm room at Colgate University in 2009 when Lee became his R.A. “[When I first saw him I thought], ‘Well, that will be nice to look at throughout the year,’” Lee said.

The lovebirds said “I do” this past June at Sands Point Preserve in Long Island, where they also got engaged. They took their engagement photos on the Long Island City waterfront.

“A special moment at the wedding was when we took the time to partake in Pyebaek, a traditional Korean custom/wedding ceremony, in front of all our guests.

This involved both Steve and I bowing to our parents while dressed in traditional hanbok attire, along with a handful of other activities.

Since I am Korean-American, this was special to us since we were able to add a cultural element to our wedding festivities,” Lee said.

Lee grew up in Sunnyside and prides herself on being a Queens native. In fact, some of her favorite moments with her life partner include walking to the 7 train and commuting into the city together.

“The walk we do together to the VernonJackson 7 train stop from our apartment is always enjoyable. Whether it’s the joyous screams of toddlers at the parks or the church bells that go off every now and then on Vernon, we love taking it all in and appreciating the history and diversity LIC holds,” Lee said.

FAVORITE LOCAL DATE SPOTS:

GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK SLICE CENTRO’S THE GUTTER

Photos by Natura Collective @naturacollective

BY JESSICA MILITELLO

Look up at the sprawling second-story windows of RIOULT Dance Center by Steinway Street and 34th Avenue, and you’re sure to see dancers at work. It’s an open invitation for dancers of all ages and experience levels to step inside. The center, which opened in August 2018, offers classes including tap, belly dancing, BollyJazz, ballet, yoga, contemporary, capoeira, Zumba, musical theater and more. Whether you’re a lifelong dancer or just looking for a fun way to break a sweat, the center offers something for everyone.

Photos by Jillian Jacobson

FEBRUARY 2020

choreographing contemporary dance performances, the duo decided to come to Astoria to open their very own center. They wanted to to give their company a permanent place to rehearse and to offer the community the chance to tap into their creativity.

“Astoria is a very vibrant, up-andcoming community, and we thought it was really on the cusp of having a larger number of artists because of the Kaufman Arts District which was encouraging arts organizations to move here to keep the community alive and growing,” Herring said. “[I]t’s a place where people not only live but have access to art as well.”

RIOULT offers classes for children and teens, and even has a parenttoddler class for 18-month-olds.

Photos by Jillian Jacobson

Photo by Tiffany Schleigh

22

Founders Pascal Rioult and Joyce Herring first opened the school to give their dance company a place to call home and to offer Astoria’s melting pot a creative outlet.

“We really wanted to have a place where we could expand our classes and have a community center as well,” Herring said. “We wanted to have classes for children, adults, nonprofessionals, really for everyone.”

The RIOULT Dance NY company was originally founded in 1994 by Rioult and Herring, who both danced professionally with the Martha Graham Dance Company. RIOULT NY has traveled and performed throughout the country, as well as internationally in Europe and Asia.

After two decades of directing and

Photos by Jillian Jacobson

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

TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY

Photo by Alex Pepper

“The BollyJazz class was wonderful,” Symister said. “I tried it because it sounded interesting and I wanted to see how the instructor would combine two very different genres of dance. She made me so comfortable and the routine was easy to follow; I will definitely take this class again.”

Instructor Pooja Uberoi said that all levels are welcome and that anyone can get the hang of BollyJazz.

“Bollywood uses a lot of footwork, hip and chest movements along with getting a full body workout,” Uberoi said. “Everyone must try this class once to experience the essence of Bollywood dancing.”

Borrow a mat for RIOULT’s weekly Pilates class, which focuses on stretching and core work. While the class may be a bit challenging for those with limited flexibility, it’s certainly worth breaking a sweat for; plus,

Photos by Jillian Jacobson

Meanwhile, adults who would like to continue their training — or just try something different in their fitness routine — can choose from classes in a wide variety of styles, depending on how adventurous they'd like to be. Adults can sign up for single classes or purchase a class card with five, 10 or 20 credits, and walkins are welcome.

Step into a belly dancing class, and you’ll find newbies in workout gear alongside regulars donning hip scarves. Many students who drop into the tap class enjoy the opportunity to dust off their tap shoes from their childhood and teen years.

Another unique offering is the center’s BollyJazz class, which is a mix of Bollywood and jazz dance moves. One student, Nneka Symister, loves to dance but is not a professional dancer, so she decided to step out of her comfort zone.

Photo by Luke Antony Neville

Photos by Jillian Jacobson

it’s probably the best place to start in order to build your flexibility, so that when you try other genres, all you have to worry about is having a wonderful time.

Herring said that when co-founder Rioult worked with the architects to create the “nice, open space,” it was “designed to make people feel welcome and at home.”

She’s satisfied with the result: “I think it worked because when I see all these kids running around and dancing in the hallways, it really is like a community in itself and that was our goal.”

To learn more about RIOULT and check out their schedule of classes, visit RIOULT.org.

RIOULT DANCE CENTER RIOULT.ORG 34-01 STEINWAY ST., ASTORIA 212-398-5901 @ @RIOULTDANCENY

FE B R U ARY 2 0 2 0 I B OR OM AG. C OM

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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

282 241 242 243 82 8 35

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

238

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

Astoria, NY 11102 www.bzgrill.com

271

CENTRO PIZZA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT 718-361-1965 47-23 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.centropizzabar.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

148

235 150

292 20

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

184

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

200

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

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

45 61

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

22

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

74 239

Piatto Wood Fire Pizza 718-361-2751 1-50 50th Ave., LIC www.piattolic.com QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com QUEENS ROOM 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria queensroomnyc.com

159

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

194

RAVEN’S HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE 718-777-7565 38-04 Broadway, Astoria Www.ravensheadpublichouse.com

12

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

183

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

231

6 181 249 112 248 13 125 304 220

310 191 133

FRESCO'S CANTINA 12-14 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 347-808-7338 www.frescoscantina.com GEORGE’S 718-255-1947 35-11 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106 www.georges.nyc HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com HIGHWATER 917-745-0407 34-20 Broadway, Astoria www.thehighwaternyc.com

24

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

194

SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.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

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

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

216

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

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

281

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

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 MACOLETTA BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA 718-77-PIZZA (74992) 28-15 24th Ave., Astoria www.macoletta.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

250 219 294 199 247

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

26

229 31

14

Oli. Vine 917-832-7008 36-03 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.oli-vine.com

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

245

32

THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com TRATTORIA ORA 18-01 Astoria Blvd., Astoria 718-422-9680 www.trattoriaora.com TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com The Thirsty Koala 718-626-5430 35-12 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria Australian dishes at this relaxed eatery features many gluten-free & veggie options. www.thethirstykoala.com POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com

FEBRUARY 2020

VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com

BAKERIES

301 272 34 138 139 182 189 283 190 37 234 234

Biskoti 844-247-5684 37-20 30th Avenue, Astoria www.biskoti.com Boulis Cafe 718-806-1014 30-15 31st Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106 www.cafeboulis.com BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com COFFEE PLUS CAKE 718-433-9394 25-11 Astoria Blvd/, Astoria IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria NéoBakery 33-14 30th Avenue Astoria, NY 11103 917-396-1059 OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC SUGAR AND WATER 716-466-2030 29-14 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY PINK CANARY DESSERTS 718-729-1819 13-11 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.pinkcanarydesserts.com

FOOD SHOPS

39 195 167

FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

WINES & SPIRITS 36 27 38 187

ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com

PETS 201

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

280

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

54 290

121

CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com COURT SQUARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 718-577-4701 42-34 Crescent Street, LIC www.courtsquareanimalhospital.com LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com

230

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

206 206

303

ViVi PET CARE 718-440-9902 31-05 21st Ave., Astoria www.vivipetcare.com

59 174

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

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

119

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

SERVICES

186

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

209

AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria

291

INCASA (C, 2) 646-464-4669 31-88 37th St., Astoria www.incasadecor.com INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

129

BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

51

223

223 224

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

177

52

281

281

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

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com

LOCKWOOD SHOP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St., Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave., Astoria www.loveday31.com

56 56

40

143

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

198

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

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

50

90

90 198

218

SHOPS

49

161

161

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

224 196

196 95

95 180 57 57

282 59

122 282

62 122 175 62

175 157

157 64 64 65 65 45 45 134

134 66 66 17 17 147

DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

147 158

GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Quinn Building, 4th Floor 35-20 Broadway, Astoria www.astorialic.org

158 67 67 164

NK

161 161 90 90 198 198 56 56 281 281 223 223 224 224 196 196 95 95 180 57 57 206 206 59 174 282 59 122 282 62 122 175 62 175 157 157 64 64 65 65 45 45 134 134 66 66 17 17 147 147 158 158 67 67 164

ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC ENERGEA (C,2) EnergeaNYC.com 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) EnergeaNYC.com 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway FERRARI DRIVING St. SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 GOTHAM LASIK St. 3232 Steinway 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria GOTHAM LASIK www.gothamlasik.com 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC www.gothamlasik.com 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Repair Specialist KENSINGTON Computer TRAVELER SERVICES hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net 917-805-9859 10-87 Jackson Ave, LIC KENSINGTON TRAVELER SERVICES www.travelkensington@aol.com 917-805-9859 10-87 Jackson Ave, LIC SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors www.travelkensington@aol.com 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0955 718-707-0295 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) www.savignano-cpa.com 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria MATHNASIUM (C,1) www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria MATHNASIUM (C,1) www.mathnasium.com/astoria 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria MONTESSORI KIDS OF LIC (B,3) www.mathnasium.com/astoria 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) mklic.com 718-777-0400 MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 MY DOG29th NEEDS WALK 23-12 St.,A Astoria 347-323-4549 www.mydogneedsawalk.com 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services QNS COLLECTIVE (C,3) 212-842-7981 718-280-5122 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag www.qnscollective.com TAXTERMINAL.COM RCN (A,3) 718-606-0404 Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 10-11 46th Ave, 2nd Fl, LIC 212-842-7981 www.taxterminal.com 33-16 Woodside Ave., LIC www.rcn.com/boromag TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 TAXTERMINAL.COM 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria 718-672-7829 www.tuckitaway.com 10-11 46th Ave, 2nd Fl, LIC www.taxterminal.com VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) TUCK-IT-AWAY 718-204-5037STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 34-18 Broadway, Astoria 37-19 Crescent St., Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com www.tuckitaway.com VESPA QUEENS (B,3) VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-786-7772 718-204-5037 37-43 Crescent St., LIC 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vespaqueens.com www.vardimaneyewear.com VOICE STUDIO VESPAMUSIC QUEENS (B,3) (A,1) 646-309-3429 718-786-7772 23-11 St., Astoria 37-43 21st Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 FOUNDRY (A,3) 23-11 21st St., Astoria 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info FOUNDRY (A,3) RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-786-7776 718-274-4590 42-38 Ninth St., LIC 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.thefoundry.info www.renaissanceeventhall.com RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) TEALICIOUS 718-274-4590 718-278-8579 27-34 21st St., Astoria 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com www.tealiciouscatering.com TEALICIOUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 RAVEL (A,3) 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, 718-289-6101 www.fourpoints.com 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com RAVEL (A,3) Z718-289-6101 NYC HOTEL (A,3) 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC 212-319-7000 www.ravelhotel.com 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria 718-267-1326 www.bltnyc.com 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 718-267-1326 SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 31-32 31st St., LIC 718-274-5712 www.fatcattattoos.com 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria

EVENTS

EVENTS

HOTELS

HOTELS

BEAUTY 164 251 195 251 195 71

EUROPEAN GIGI SALON WAX (C,2)CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 718 -777-7755 4545 Center Blvd., LIC 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.europeanwaxcenter.com www.gigistylingstudio.com

131 71

THE & BODY GIGI FACE SALON (C,2) SHOP 718-204-9390 718 -777-7755 40-21 34-17 23rd 30th Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com www.gigistylingstudio.com PRIMP AND& TEASE SALON (A,4) THE FACE BODY SHOP 718-472-2001 718-204-9390 5-02 40-2150th 23rdAve., Ave.,LIC Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 LUXY LADY 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria 718-786-1880 www.redkensalon.com 10-17 Jackson Ave., LIC www.luxyladysalon.com SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria 718-472-2001 shadebarspa.com 5-02 50th Ave., LIC STUDIO NOVA REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-392-4962 718-956-3366 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria 36-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com www.redkensalon.com

131 72 46 226 192 72 212 46 192 185 212 276 185 275 302 276 275 278 279 278 279 154 120 154 42 120 165 42 76 165 283 76 250 166 156 166

TATTOO SHOPS

142 156

TATTOO SHOPS

240 142

BEAUTY

CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) DOLLFACE 347-631-0922 718-844-7874 32-12 23rd Broadway, Astoria 31-13 Ave, 2nd flr., Astoria www.clubdollface.com EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) DOLLFACE 718-482-9299 718-844-7874 4545 Center Blvd., 31-13 23rd Ave, 2ndLIC flr., Astoria www.europeanwaxcenter.com www.clubdollface.com

80 240 80 225 79 225

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON (C,1) 718-278-7892 THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 shadebarspa.com 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com STUDIO NOVA 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com GYM-AZING 347-455-3661 27-14 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Gym-azing.com THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 PLAYDAY 39-13 23rd St., LIC 844-PLAYDAY www.thecottonbride.com 5-37 51st Ave., LIC Www.playdaynyc.com

CHILDREN'S

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

CHILDREN'S SKY VILLAGE NYC

917-608-1658 GYM-AZING 23-05 29th Street, Astoria 347-455-3661 www.skyvillagenyc.com 27-14 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Gym-azing.com PLAYDAY 844-PLAYDAY 5-37 51st Ave., LIC ASTORIA Www.playdaynyc.com 3-10 Astoria Blvd Astoria, NY 11102

FERRY SERVICES FERRY SERVICES

LONG ISLAND CITY 46th Ave and Center Blvd ASTORIA LongAstoria Island City, 3-10 Blvd NY 10044 Astoria, NY 11102

FITNESS

LONG ISLAND CITY 46th AveCOMPLEX and Center ASTORIA (C,2) Blvd Long Island City, NY 10044 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 347-669-0494 718-729-7163 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ckoastoria.com www.ascsports1.com CLUB FITNESS (B,2) CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) 718-545-0004 347-669-0494 31-11 Broadway, Astoria 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-606-6309 718-545-0004 4630 Center Blvd., LIC 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.cranknyc.com

FITNESS

CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) 718-606-0381 718-606-6309 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.dynamixgym.com www.cranknyc.com IRON LION PERFORMANCE CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 631-835-5094 718-606-0381 22-77 38th St., Astoria 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.ironlionperformance.com www.dynamixgym.com lagree ny Megaformer Fitness&Studio THE ROCK HEALTH FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 917-396-4771 22-15 23rd 31st Ave., St., Astoria 27-11 Astoria www.lagreeny.com PERSONALIZED PILATES (A,4) CLUB (B,1) THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS 347-563-3933 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439PILATES (A,4) PERSONALIZED 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria 347-563-3933 Salsa In Queens SAGE STUDIOS 347-669-3589 347-927-2439 34-27 29-20 Steinway 23rd Ave.,St., 4thAstoria Floor, Astoria salsainqueens.com THE YOGA ROOM Salsa In Queens 718-274-0255 347-669-3589 38-01 Steinway 35th Ave.,St., Astoria (C,2) 34-27 Astoria salsainqueens.com 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd., LIC (A,4) THE YOGA ROOM www.the-yoga-room.com 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave., Astoria (C,2) WORKOUT FACTORY 718-786-7962 5-25 47th Ave. LIC 10-14 47th Rd., LIC (A,4) PILATESWORKS www.the-yoga-room.com 10-91A Jackson Ave., LIC WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 47th Ave. LIC

232 79 73 232 73 151 81 81 188 188 33 33 43 83 83 84 84 197 197 85 85 86 86 145 145 222 222 111 111 203 203 88 88 89 89 214 214 284

100 100 128 128 92 92 113 113 127 127 199 199 93 93

UNLIMITED BODY NY 27-18 23RD Avenue Astoria, NY 917-650-4369 PILATESWORKS 10-91A Jackson YOGA AGORA (B,2) Ave., LIC 718-626-0680 UNLIMITED BODY NY 33-02 2nd Fl., Astoria 27-18 Broadway, 23RD Avenue www.YogaAgora.com Astoria, NY 917-650-4369 YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria 718-728-8886 www.YogaAgora.com 31-35 31st St., Astoria REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) www.Rejuvenatenyc.com 718-626-4434 SHADE 23rd ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 26-17 Ave., Astoria 718-278-7892 www.Rejuvenatenyc.com 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria ARCADIA BAR & KITCHEN 347-730-6181 12-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.arcadiabarlic.com ARCADIA BAR & KITCHEN 347-730-6181 BAROQUE (C,1) Blvd., Astoria 12-21 Astoria 718-274-2777 www.arcadiabarlic.com 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com BREAK (B,2) 718-777-5400 BREAK (B,2) 3204 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-5400 www.break-ny.com 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com BRICK BAR (B,2) 718-267-2735 BRICK BAR (B,2) 30-95 33rd St., Astoria 718-267-2735 www.brickcafe.com 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com THE BREWERY BAR & KITCHEN 718-777-8007 THE BREWERY BAR & KITCHEN 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria 718-777-8007 www.thebrewery.nyc 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC 718-784-2350 www.domainewinebar.com 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com DOMINIES OF ASTORIA (C,2) 718-706-6531 DOMINIES OF ASTORIA (C,2) 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria 718-706-6531 www.dominiesnyc.com 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.com KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria 718-777-2230 www.katchastoria.com 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC www.katchastoria.com 718-274-9700 22-56 St., Astoria LOCKED31st -ESCAPE ROOM NYC www.escapelocked.com 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria MOSAIC CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) www.escapelocked.com 718-728-0708 25-19 Ave., Astoria MOSAIC24th CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) www.mosaicastoria.com 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria PASSAGE IRISH BAR AND KITCHEN www.mosaicastoria.com 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., PASSAGE IRISH BARAstoria AND KITCHEN www.passageastoria.com 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) www.passageastoria.com 718-383-1001 35-33 St., Astoria STUDIO36th SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) www.studiosquarenyc.com 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria SWEET AFTON (C,2) www.studiosquarenyc.com 718-777-2570 30-09 Astoria SWEET 34th AFTONSt., (C,2) www.sweetaftonbar.com 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR www.sweetaftonbar.com 718-482-7507 42-51 27thNEXT Ave.,DOOR LIC CAFÉ & BAR THE BEAST www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC WOLFHOUND www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com 718-204-2111 38-14 30th Ave., Astoria www.wolfhoundnyc.com

SPAS

SPAS

NIGHTLIFE/

NIGHTLIFE/

ART ART FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) ASTORIA

718-247-0740 38-01 23rd ASTORIA FINEAve., ARTS Astoria DANCE (C,1) www.asfa-dancestudio.com 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD www.asfa-dancestudio.com SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (C,2) 718-706-5750 ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD 30-44 Crescent St. (@30thCHURCH Road),(C,2) Astoria SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST www.apacny.org 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent St. (@30th Road), Astoria KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) www.apacny.org 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) www.kaufmanastoria.com 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) www.kaufmanastoria.com 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) www.laguardiaperformingarts.org 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) www.laguardiaperformingarts.org 718-781-1169 44-02 23rdOF St., Studio 216, LIC LIC SCHOOL BALLET (B,3) www.licsb.com 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC MOMA PS 1 www.licsb.com 718-784-2084 22-25 PS Jackson Ave., Long Island City MOMA 1 718-784-2084 www.momaps1.org 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City MUSEUM OF THE MOVING www.momaps1.org IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) www.movingimage.us 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us FEBRUARY

94 94 237 237 149 149 215 215 300 146 146 110 110 273 273 97 97 98 98 98 112 112 217 217 99 99 96 96

NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) www.noguchi.org 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria OTTER HOUSE STUDIOS www.noguchi.org 718-786-5900 OTTER STUDIOS 28-39 HOUSE Review Ave. LIC 718-786-5900 www.otterhousestudios.com 28-39 Review Ave. LIC QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) www.otterhousestudios.com 347-505-3010 QUEENS COUNCIL THE ARTS (C,2) 37-11 35th Ave.,ONAstoria 347-505-3010 www.queenscouncilarts.org 37-11 35th Ave., Astoria www.queenscouncilarts.org Q.E.D. 347-451-3873 Q.E.D. 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria 347-451-3873 www.Qedastoria.com 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Qedastoria.com Rioult Dance Center (C,2) ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 212-398-5903 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 34-01 St.,-Astoria 47-15 Steinway 36th St., LIC by appointment www.rioult.org www.rogallery.com ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 718-361-1750 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment 44-19 Purves St., LIC www.rogallery.com www.sculpure-center.org SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 SELF-TAUGHT GENIUS GALLERY 44-19 Purves St., LIC 212-595-9533 www.sculpure-center.org 47-29 32nd Pl., LIC www.folkartmuseum.org SELF-TAUGHT GENIUS GALLERY 212-595-9533 SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) 47-29 32nd Pl., LIC 718-626-1533 www.folkartmuseum.org 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Astoria SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) www.socratessculpturepark.org 718-626-1533 TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4) Astoria 32-01 Vernon Blvd., 917-449-9539 www.socratessculpturepark.org 10-10 STUDIOS 47th Rd., LIC TEN10 (A,4) www.ten10studios.com 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd., LIC THE ART HOUSE (C,2) www.ten10studios.com 516-724-1562 31-06 St.,(C,2) Astoria THE ART35th HOUSE www.gabrieleperici.com 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St., Astoria THE PAINT PLACE www.gabrieleperici.com (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) THE PAINT PLACE 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 929-522-0086 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 www.thepaintplaceny.com 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 718-806-1709 SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 47-21 35th St., LIC 718-806-1709 www.sculpturespacenyc.com 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com www.secrettheatre.com

REAL ESTATE ESTATE REAL

217 217 105 105 30 101 101 140 140 136 136 141 141 103 103 284 250 246 246 300 135 135 274 274 221 221 104 104 102 102

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

BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com DOUGLAS DOUGLAS ELLIMAN ELLIMAN (A,4) (A,4) 917-386-6164 917-386-6164 47-37 47-37 Vernon Vernon Blvd.

Blvd. www.elliman.com www.elliman.com MODERN SPACES 718-784-1110 MODERN SPACES 10-63 Jackson Ave., LIC (A,4) 718-784-1110 47-42 10-63 Vernon JacksonBlvd., Ave.,LIC LIC(A,4) (A,4) 29-20 Ave., Astoria 47-42 23rd Vernon Blvd., LIC (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com 29-20 23rd Ave., Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 3501 30th Ave., Astoria 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com www.wfhm.com THE REAL MARKET TEAM AT COMPASS 27-01 Queens Plaza North, 13th floor Long Island City, Queens, NY, 11101 lagree ny Megaformer Fitness Studio 27-11 23rd Ave., Astoria www.lagreeny.com LIC DENTAL ASSOCIATES 718-530-6539 LIC Dental 50-02 5thAssociates St., LIC 718-530-6539 www.licdentalassociates.com 50-02 5th St., LIC CITY CHEMIST www.licdentalassociates.com 718-736-2200 25-29 44th MOUNT SINAIDrive, QUEENSLong (B,2)Island City Www.city-chemist.com 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) Physician 718-932-1000 24 Emergency Care 25-10 30th Ave., LIC Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 NEWTOWN PHARMACY 25-10 30th Ave., LIC 718-728-9100 2804 31stPHARMACY St., Astoria NEWTOWN 718-728-9100 STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 2804 31st St., Astoria 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway STEINWAY FAMILY St.,Astoria DENTAL CENTER www.alldentalneeds.com 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BANKING BANKING

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

2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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“THE BIGGEST SURPRISE FOR ME OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS “THE BIGGEST SURPRISE FOR ME HASN’T BEEN THAT I’VE GOTTEN “THE BIGGEST SURPRISE FOR ME OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS IN GREAT SHAPE (TONED)—WHICH OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS HASN’T BEEN THAT I’VE GOTTEN I HAVE—BUT THAT I’M STILL HASN’T BEEN THAT I’VE GOTTEN IN GREAT SHAPE (TONED)—WHICH AND THAT I LOOK IN GREAT SHAPE (TONED)—WHICH ICOMING HAVE—BUT THAT I’M STILL FORWARD TOTHAT EACHI’M MY ICOMING HAVE—BUT STILL AND THAT IWORKOUT. LOOK COACHES HAVE ALLIWORKOUT. BEEN COMING AND LOOK GREAT FORWARD TOTHAT EACH MY AND I’VE EVEN NOTICED THE FORWARD TO EACH MY COACHES HAVE ALL WORKOUT. BEEN GREAT PEOPLE COME ARE A COACHES HAVE ALLHERE BEEN GREAT AND I’VEWHO EVEN NOTICED THE DIFFERENT CALIBER AS WELL. IT’S AND I’VEWHO EVEN NOTICED THE PEOPLE COME HERE ARE A A GREATWHO ENVIRONMENT TO BEA A PEOPLE COME HERE ARE DIFFERENT CALIBER AS WELL. IT’S PART OF AND THAT’SAS MADE DIFFERENT CALIBER WELL. A GREAT ENVIRONMENT TO ALL BEIT’S A THE DIFFERENCE.” A GREAT ENVIRONMENT TO ALL BE A PART OF AND THAT’S MADE PART OF AND THAT’S MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.” THE DIFFERENCE.”

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FOOD + DRINK

Healthy Earth, Healthy Body Environmentally conscious Savage Sicko Bistro brings tasty vegan dishes to Astoria

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I

BY JESSICA MILITELLO

t’s hard to miss the recently opened Savage Sicko eatery on 31st Avenue: On its door is large pink lettering advertising it as a new “urban Latin vegan taste bistro,” accompanied by an open-mouthed shark next to the store’s motto, “express your obsession.” It’s a lot to take in. But upon entering the bistro, its interior is filled with vintage furniture and décor under soft lighting and inviting aromas of food. The restaurant is on a mission not only to give Astoria delicious and healthy vegan options, but also to protect the environment.

The restaurant has been open since Dec. 31, 2019, and has a menu filled with fresh juices, tasty vegan dishes with a Latin influence, mocktails, and even vegan desserts that locals can indulge in.

Savage Sicko is owned by Alex Ayala, Stephanie Centurion and Marcio Braga, all of whom have Latin roots, which is what inspired their menu’s theme. Plus, all of them are passionate about healthy lifestyles and protecting the environment. Braga was the owner Tea Plus Café, which occupied the space for six years before Braga decided to change it up. That’s when Ayala and Centurion came into the picture.

Centurion has been in the restaurant business for most of her career, owning restaurants with her husband, but Savage Sicko is the first restaurant that she’s ventured into on her own. Ayala was behind the bistro’s FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD + DRINK

Photos by Alex Ayala

unique branding, including its name and the partners’ motto, “express your obsession.”

“Savage Sicko is someone who wants to be the best and wants to leave a legacy behind,” Ayala said. “If you’re not obsessed with what you’re doing, then you’re not going to be the best at it.”

Everything on Savage Sicko’s menu is vegan and gluten-free. So far, some of the bistro’s popular dishes are their “shark nachos,” made with “soyrizo,” organic tortillas, black beans, cheese sauce, guacamole and radish-pickled jalapeños.

Another go-to item has been their “great savage burger.” The meatless burger, made with wheat and potato protein, is topped with lettuce, tomato and vegan mayonnaise

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FEBRUARY 2020

Photos by Alex Ayala

on a potato bun and comes with sweet potato fries. This dish is delicious down to every bite and the sweet potato fries that accompany it are hot and fresh.

The bistro’s menu also includes pressed juices like their “savage skin glow,” made with orange, pineapple, celery, red apple, beets and lemon, as well as shakes, coffee and tea.

The owners are also experimenting with mocktails — like their passion fruit martini, made with fresh fruits and a mix of nonalcoholic spirits — in an attempt to keep the meal healthy and fresh from start to finish.

“We prefer to start with the mocktails to see how people react to see if they really need alcohol [with their meal] or not,” Centurion said.

“It’s a little bit of an experiment because alcohol is not really healthy for you, but if it doesn’t work then we’ll have alcohol.”

In addition to a health-conscious menu, Savage Sicko’s interior is filled with vintage furniture and décor. But aside from the aesthetic appeal, this was also done with an awareness to the environment.

“Vintage is reusable,” Ayala said. “I think we’re like 70 percent [finished with the décor].

I just want to bring a few more things in, but

we want the place to have a vintage lab look.”

Throughout the restaurant there are trinkets like a rotary phone, as well as a pink grandfather clock.

The restaurant’s effort to reduce waste and be environment friendly expands to its mission to reduce plastic.

“We have been into the concept of plastic pollution awareness,” Centurion said, “so we don’t want to use plastic anymore. Our bottles are reusable, so if you come back with your bottles, we’ll give you 50 cents off on whatever juice or drink that you buy.”

The restaurant’s effort to reduce plastic is also the reason why their logo has a shark image, in order to raise awareness of the fact that sharks are deeply in danger of extinction because of plastic pollution.

Since Savage Sicko has opened, the reception from the community has been very warm and welcoming. For the owners, the choice to settle down in the neighborhood was without question.

“I love the Astoria community,” Centurion said. “The neighborhood is amazing and the people around here want to try something different.”

Photos: Jessica Militello/BORO

SAVAGE SICKO 37-10 31ST AVE., ASTORIA SAVAGESICKO.COM @SAVAGESICKOASTORIA FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

35

First Course (GF) (choose one) • grilled balsamic onion polenta toast, barrel aged feta, toasted pignoli, thyme • arugula, mandarin, parmesan frico, ginger miso dressing Entrée Course (GF) (choose one) • wattle seed crusted strip loin, cippolini, asparagus, twice baked potato, bordelaise • day boat scallops, butternut, saffron risotto, romesco • three mushroom risotto, chanterelle, oyster, shitake, charred lemon kale, shaved parmesan (vegetarian) Dessert Course (GF) (choose one) • fresh fig, lemon curd, lemon sage cake, lavender icing • flourless chocolate cake, strawberries, basil coulis

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A NEW PODCAST FROM A NEW PODCAST A NEW PODCAST FROM FROM

Hover your smart Hover phone your over smart the Hover your phone over the QR code to smart phone over QR code totothe subscribe QR code subscribe toQNS! SEE YOU to IN subscribe toQNS! SEE YOU IN SEE YOU IN QNS!

Welcome to See you in QNS - a podcast produced by Modern Spaces, Welcome to Seein you in Island QNS - City, a podcast produced

by Eric Modern Spaces, headquartered Long Queens.

Our host, Benaim, will headquartered in you Long Queens.

Our host, Benaim, will Welcome to See in Island QNS - City, a of podcast produced

by Eric Modern Spaces, interview the movers and shakers the world's borough, and together we interview theQueens movers andall shakers of the world's borough, and together will we headquartered in Long Island Queens.

Our host,and Eric Benaim, will explore and of it'sCity, challenges, wonders, attractions. will explore of it's challenges, wonders, and attractions. interview theQueens moversand andallshakers of the world's borough, and together we will explore Queens and all of it's challenges, wonders, and attractions.

Listen on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever Listen on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you listen to podcasts. you listen to podcasts.

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

PLANT WORLD

BY DANIELLE BRODY

I walked into a terrarium class at Luludi Living Art in Astoria thinking I’d make a glass vase with dirt and a succulent, and walked out with a mini mystical world featuring a fairy.

Luludi Living Art is a retail plant shop that provides design services for events and businesses. It also offers classes that give people the opportunity to create a variety of terrariums and put their own spin on them. These traditionally include plants in a glass globe, but when you make your own, it becomes something personal.

“Terrariums are like looking at your own piece of artwork in a mini living world,” said owner and Astoria resident Liza Fiorentinos.

She added that plants are proven to boost your mood — and there’s an extra benefit when you’re involved in building their home. “It’s a wonderful feeling, especially in New York.”

I was one of 10 women participating in the workshop. Most participants seemed to come with a friend or family. We all sat around a table and passed colored moss, pebbles, rocks, plants, tools and, the biggest conversation starter — buckets of toys — back and forth. Fiorentinos and another instructor circulated, offering tips and answering questions.

“People are usually nervous about working with plants, so when you add a creative

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FEBRUARY 2020

aspect to it ... I think people feel like they can make it their own and they’re not so intimidated,” she said.

Queens resident Kenya Salley, who has watched YouTube videos about how to make terrariums, came with two friends for a belated birthday celebration. She thought, “Let me see if I can do it.”

Participants can choose to build a home for succulents, which require dirt, or air plants, which don’t need to be rooted and can live on top of pebbles or moss.

Given my low success rate with succulents, I chose to go with two air plants. I laid down a couple of inches of pebbles. The instructors reminded me to add enough height so the display would be visible. When making these, Fiorentinos asked us to envision where it would be situated in our homes: What would the vantage point be? Would you be looking at it eye level, from above or from below?

She said participants build camaraderie during the process, and she was right. We passed moss and pebbles back and forth and walked around, checking out each others’ creations.

“There’s laughter and shared excitement,” she said. “People just naturally want to support each other.”

I didn’t have a vision in mind, but I didn’t expect to incorporate toys. Then I saw a plastic tree that matched the colors of my pebbles and moss, and once I placed it inside the glass, I realized I needed some creatures to sit underneath. I found a toy fairy with a very lifelike face who was stretched out and leaning on her forearms, and chose her as the focal point.

Things moved quickly after that — she needed sidekicks. I announced I needed to add a dog, and multiple people passed them to me as they sifted through the toys and found them. I found an orange puppy to place inside. It was cute, but didn’t stand out. The woman next to me agreed when I said I needed a lighter dog to pop. I ended up with a small white puppy and a thin white goat flanking my fairy. It looked just right.

Other creations included a Caribbeanthemed terrarium, an underwater world and a mossy succulent home for a toy horse.

About halfway through, Fiorentinos encouraged people who were overthinking or doubting their creations to do what she calls a “walkaway” — get up, walk around and come back.

“When I do [classes] with kids, they finish in 15 minutes,” Fiorentinos said. “They know exactly what they want to do. Adults get stuck being creative.”

Photos courtesy of Luludi Living Art FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

She has vision boards around the studio to inspire her students when they walk around.

Often when they come back, they have a new perspective and can finish building their terrarium, Fiorentinos said.

Brooklynite Michelle Quinones said she liked the idea of leaving her creation and coming back. It ended up helping her finish her piece.

“I added a few more rocks,” she said. “I’m pretty satisfied.”

Quinones got the class for her mom as a Christmas gift and brought her sister so they could experience something together.

“I loved it. [Liza] explained everything to make things easier,” Quinones said.

Salley, who made a terrarium with a succulent and colorful pebbles, said she found the process fun and easy, too.

Fiorentinos reminded people the terrarium isn’t permanent; it’s a living space, so you can change parts out. If you go on a vacation and bring a shell home, you can put it in there, she said during the class.

For those who want to bring more plants into their lives, she suggests ZZ plants or any kind of violet because they bloom on an ongoing basis if the space has good light. In

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lower light, try a peace lily, ivy, vine or spider plant. She also loves the crispy wave plant.

Don’t be afraid to get a fake plant, either.

Fiorentinos said studies show they can boost moods as well as a real plant. As part of her business working with corporate clients, she often installs faux plant scapes in buildings.

Luludi offers sand art terrarium classes, crystal terrarium classes, herb classes, kids’ classes, holiday classes and more. They range from $40 to $75. She attracts all types of people, such as women in bachelorette parties — a group walked in as I was on my way out — dates, men, women, families, Wall Street workers who want to be creative and unemployed people who need a mood boost. She has taught terrarium classes for companies for groups as large as 500.

Fiorentinos started Luludi in 2012 as a cart in Roosevelt Field Mall, but after Hur-

ricane Sandy Hit, mall traffic plummeted.

She opened her store in Astoria seven years ago. She got into the business because, after working in the corporate media world, she wanted to do something creative.

“I love people; I love plants,” she said. “I love the combination of the two — to see how their world starts and what it ends up with.”

When we all left, we had a living plant world wrapped up in a box with care instructions — and for me, the confidence to bring plants into my home and the motivation to keep them alive.

LULUDI LIVING ART 2307 24TH AVE., ASTORIA LULUDICORP.NET 888-958-5834 @LULUDILIVINGART

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Photos: Danielle Brody/BORO

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

Open House March 14th 1-3pm.

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FEBRUARY 2020

St. Michael’s is proud to feature two upcoming talented artists who have been recognized for their accomplishments: Olga Tourkina, violin and Philipp Petkov, piano, accompanied by four musical counterparts to complete a Fab 4 and more.

For further information contact Ed Horn.

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

43

North Shore Towers Keeps Residents Busy All Year Round When you live at North Shore Towers and Country Club, you don’t have to go very far to find something to do all year round thanks to the wide variety of amenities and social activities made available to residents.

one, that Oprah Winfrey liked, is called ‘The Sharper Mind’ – it’s how older people can do exercises that will improve their memory,” he pointed out, adding: “Because of this book, I’ve been invited” to lecture “on cruise ships around the world.” Published by Prentice Hall, it’s available for sale on Amazon.com.

Chernow also writes for the North Shore Towers Courier newspaper.

Just ask Fred Chernow, who’s been a resident there for 10 years and has served on the North Shore Towers Board of Directors for eight of those years. In that time, he has coordinated many events for residents.

After serving as a New York City school principal for 37 years, he retired, but continued to teach at St. John’s University, he told us.

“I’ve been elected four times to four two-year terms,” he said, noting he’s “involved in many things and the residents see me all the time.”

Chernow lived in Westbury 19 years before moving to North Shore Towers, and he’s been really happy to make the move, he said. “I love it. It’s just a perfect place for me,” he said, pointing to the arcade/mall that connects all three residential buildings and includes a bank, a movie theater, two restaurants, a supermarket, a dry cleaner, a beauty parlor, a hearing aid center and other stores.

For one thing, Chernow pointed out he originated a program with Manhattan’s 92nd Street Y in which, after public figures speak at the Y, North Shore Towers is able to stream the presentations a few weeks later to residents without any admission fee.

For example, United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was interviewed at the Y in the fall by David Rubenstein, a founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group.

The stream of that event was “so popular that I had to do it twice – once at 4:30 for a packed house and then again at 7:30,” Chernow recalled.

North Shore Towers has also presented “lighter things from the Y,” including presentations with actor Alan Alda and others with authors, Chernow noted.

Each year, there are also special programs that he’s involved with. For example, each November, North Shore Towers holds a salute to veterans, in which local members of the military are invited and there are patriotic songs in their honor, he noted, pointing out there are several veterans who live there who fought in World War II, the Korean War and other wars.

“It’s really a lovely evening,” he said.

Pointing out that each North Shore Towers board member has a responsibility, he said: “I’m in charge of screening” people who want to move to North Shore Towers, “to see if they fit in” to the co-op’s lifestyle.

As chairman of the board’s screening committee for the past six years, each month he selects a different board member to help

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FEBRUARY 2020

him interview the 10-12 applicants there typically are, he said. Then, at the next board meeting, he gives his recommendations to the full board, which votes on the applicants.

“You really don’t have to leave the building if you don’t want to [because the mall] connects all three buildings,” he said, explaining: “I live in building one. I have a lady friend in building three. If it’s snowing outside, I could visit her in shirt sleeves. I just take the elevator down to the arcade in my building. I walk to the other end, which is building three. I get in her elevator and I’m up there in maybe five minutes altogether.”

“Since I’ve been in charge of screening, we have admitted a more diverse group of applicants” than in years past, he said, many who “shop in our stores and they’re very active members [who] participate in many things” at North Shore Towers.

Plus, “when it’s very hot, the arcade is airconditioned,” he pointed out, noting he regularly gets exercise by walking around the arcade and using the club’s gym, as well as using the indoor pool and two outdoor pools in the summer.

“Fred Chernow moving here was a tremendous addition to the North Shore Towers and Country Club community,” said North Shore Towers General Manager Glen Kotowski, adding: “He hosts many professional programs for our residents and has been provided continuity to our Board of Directors with his many years of service.

We are fortunate to someone of his stature choosing to live and serve here.”

“There are wonderful facilities here and you really don’t have to leave,” he said, adding: “It’s just a great place to live. And there are many clubs. I’m part of the men’s club. We meet monthly. We have speakers. We go on trips. We go to ballgames.” There are also a women’s club, card clubs, Mahjong and much more, he noted.

Fred Chernow, 10 year North Shore Towers resident and Board of Directors member

Chernow, meanwhile, is also an author who has written several books. “The most popular

For more details about the Towers Country Club or to book a tour, call Mary Anne Langone, country club manager, at 718428-5030 ext. 0.

HAVE WE MET ?

MEET DAREN DEBEL Sales Manager Astoria/Long Island City Office Daren brings over 10 years of experience in operational and sales team management. As a top producing agent in Manhattan, Daren knows how to get things done. Daren’s sales and rental experience, and coaching background, make him an obvious choice to lead Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty into 2020 in Queens and beyond.

STOP IN TO MEET DAREN: 35-37 36th Street 2nd Floor Astoria, NY | 718.650.5855 | DanielGale.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

45

INTERIOR DESIGN

Building a HOME 46

FEBRUARY 2020

BY YELENA DZHANOVA

She didn’t know it then, but nine years ago, Samantha Bond moved into a half-finished apartment.

I

t took years for her to turn it into something she loves.

Over the years, Bond brought in several key pieces from her family’s history and reworked bland furniture into functional items that better reflect her personality. She repurposed each room after her roommates moved out, transforming the place into a space she finds entirely comfortable and to her liking.

The main door of her Astoria apartment leads into the kitchen and what has now

become the dining room. The dining room used to be the living room back when Bond, who works in entertainment but also does interior design on the side, lived with roommates.

On the opposite side of the apartment are her bedroom and what is now a cozy walk-in closet, lined floor-to-ceiling with decorative gold pipes on which hang all her clothes. The pipes, one of Bond’s several DIY projects, replaced large dressers that occupied massive chunks of the room.

FEBRUARY 2020 I BOROMAG.COM

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II N NT TE ER R II O OR R D DE ES S II G GN N

“I hated how much space they took up in such a small room,” Bond said. “So I went looking on Pinterest and I saw this idea of using water pipes as part of shelving and for clothing racks. I've had them for like five years now and they're really sturdy.”

She installed the lights in her house with instruction from YouTube videos, replacing the standard "boob lights" found in most Queens apartments. A boob light usually comes in the form of a plastic sphere that envelopes one or more lightbulbs.

“Once I did the dining room one, which was the hardest, then it felt so easy to do all the rest of them,” Bond said. “The wiring in this building is still a hundred years old so it's terrifying, but I watched the YouTube video ... and I did it by myself.”

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In the kitchen is an inoperative dumbwaiter that no longer moves from floor to floor, Bond said; a single family had lived in the apartment building for decades until they started renovating and renting out floors of it 10 years ago. Now, Bond uses it as a tool shed.

But even though Bond refurbished signature pieces in the apartment, she’s no stranger to keeping to tradition.

There are artifacts in her home that belonged to her father and grandparents. A defunct rotary phone that belonged to her grandfather hangs on a living room wall.

“He mailed it to me with a note that I have framed above it where he wrote his little poem about it,” she said.

The living room beams with vintage relics: a typewriter stationed on a coffee table along with books whose spines face the wall, an old radio and cameras from nearly 90 years ago (both her grandfather’s), a replica of the iconic French print Monica Geller from “Friends” had in her apartment.

Her grandparents live in West Virginia, and Bond visits them regularly, often taking with her items that she needs to put in F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 I B OR OM AG. C OM

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Also scattered are terrariums of varying sizes, each one assembled by Bond. Plus, there are vinyl records of Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand, which Bond played over the course of my visit.

“I've been a Barbra Streisand fan since like middle school or high school,” Bond said.

“In storage somewhere at my uncle's house I have every single album she's ever made.”

Streisand also makes an appearance in the walk-in closet. Near the ceiling on the opposite side of the pipes are images of what Bond called “badass women.”

“We’ve got Meryl Streep, Miranda Lambert, and this sexy model girl,” she said. “I just love having [these images] in this boudoir hyper-feminine space. I wanted some chicks that inspired me and are kind of badass. Barbra Streisand is also up there.”

Photos: Yelena Dzhanova/BORO

storage and bringing back items she wants to adorn her house with.

“There are only two closets in this whole apartment, so there's not enough space,” she said, adding that she brings stuff to her uncle’s house to store in his garage as well.

Scattered throughout the house are porcelain Buddhas that are meant to pay tribute to Bond’s father, an Eastern culture enthusiast.

A globe on the dining table reminds Bond of her dad, who gave her one when she was younger. Bond isn’t sure where that globe went, but the one on the dining table was gifted to her by her best friend and former roommate.

“He knows how much I like globes,” she said. “I also love to travel so it's kind of like a tiny reminder of that.”

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