VOL 4:4 MARCH 2014
ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE
CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE
Spring Please pass the
Duck with pomegranate seeds and butternut squash from Alobar
GREAT DISCOUNTS
at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside
A Brand New Flea pg. 14
The New Alobar pg. 28
Michael Cyril Creighton's Astoria pg. 33
Working Through Injuries pg. 38
ASTORIA’S PREMIER REAL ESTATE TEAM
Steve Lelekidis
Gregory Kyroglou
Ted Kokkoris
Dina Bitis
Vincent Yee
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718.777.2232
MODERN SPACES ASTORIA 29-20 23RD AVENUE, ASTORIA
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WWW.MODERNSPACESNYC.COM Follow us on Twitter @ModernSpacesNYC
MODERN SPACES VERNON 47-42 VERNON BOULEVARD LONG ISLAND CITY 718-784-1110
2 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
MODERN SPACES BROOKLYN 135 KENT AVENUE WILLIAMSBURG 718-576-3229
Contact Us: Info@ModernSpacesNYC.com
MODERN SPACES ASTORIA 29-20 23RD AVENUE ASTORIA 718-777-2232
Like us on Facebook ModernSpacesNYC
MODERN SPACES JACKSON 10-63 JACKSON AVENUE LONG ISLAND CITY 718-784-1110
MODERN SPACES CHELSEA 220 WEST 16TH STREET MANHATTAN 212-366-4040
MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 3
Dear Western Queens,
JOSHUA SCHNEPS
publisher
As I’m writing this letter for the March issue of BORO the weather forecast predicts more snow could be on the way. But at least March is the month that light can be seen at the end of the tunnel towards warmer weather. With that comes the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. This winter has been particularly brutal with snowfall and was sure to have its impact on local restaurants and retailers. So we’re bringing you some great reviews of places to explore, eat and entertain yourself and friends to help support those businesses. In this issue we also bring you news of Astoria getting its very own Flea at Kaufman Astoria Studios on Sundays starting in May. After a year of success in Long Island City, the LIC Flea is bringing the food, shopping and fun to your backyard. I look forward to seeing you there! Best, Josh
Astoria Flea
FEATURES
6 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Astoria Village
14 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Astoria Flea
22 CHARACTERS
Painting with a Camera
24 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Sunnyside Walkabout
26 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Winter Images
28 FOOD Alobar
14
Turkish Cuisine at Sofra
FEATURES
36 THE ARTS
Rising City Arts
38 BODY & SOUL
Working through Injury
DEPARTMENTS
12 MARCH 2014 EVENTS 17 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS PAGE
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of March in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.
18 MAP IT DIRECTORY
Your go-to guide for Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and more
32 FOOD
20 MAP IT: ASTORIA, LIC & SUNNYSIDE MAP
33 NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
ADVERTISE IN BORO
Turkish Cuisine at Sofra Michael Cyril Creighton
REMEMBER TO TAG YOUR QUEENS INSTAGRAM PICS WITH #BOROMAG AND LOOK FOR YOUR PHOTOS IN ONE OF OUR FUTURE ISSUES!
ads@BOROmag.com // 718.224.5863 ext. 206 www.BOROmag.com/advertise
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF bradley hawks // ART DIRECTOR jennifer decio // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS stephen reina, nirmal singh STAFF WRITERS bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, lillian shaw, hayley bridgewater, brett jones, meaghan trainor // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, daniel pando, bradley hawks ONLINE EDITORIAL COORDINATOR bradley hawks // PUBLISHED BY joshua & victoria schneps All materials Copyright © 2014 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.
4 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
32
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EXPLORE YOUR BORO 6 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
Astoria Village Photo Essay by Emily Frances Olson
A
storia Village is centrally located on 21st St., Astoria Blvd., and Newtown Rd. Large mansions date back to the 1800s, and are sprinkled among newly developed homes and high rises that promise views of Astoria Park and Manhattan. Houses painted every color carefully run along 14th St , a small road running between 26th Ave. and Astoria Park South.
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
Astoria Village
8 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 9
Come in for a flu shot. Walk out protected and happy. There’s nothing better than knowing you’ve got a doctor right here in the neighborhood who is convenient, accessible, and associated with Mount Sinai Queens. So if you’re looking for a good doctor, come in and meet our staff while you get your flu shot. Flu shots are just $15. Call 718-267-5956 today to make your appointment.
Stay Healthy. Stay Informed. FAMILY HEALTH ASSOCIATES 31-60 21st Street, Astoria, NY 11106 www.mshq.org/Family 718-808-7300 or 718-267-5956 HOURS
Mon, Wed, Thurs, 8 am-7 pm Tues, Fri, Sat, 9 am-5 pm
Mount Sinai Queens presents year-round
FREE Health and Wellness events. Check it out! Please visit www.mshq.org/events
10 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
MSQ March 2014 Boro Magazine Final.indd 1
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MARCH EVENTS
Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events
NOW THROUGH 3/9 @4-5:30PM (THEATRE)
3/15, 3/29 @ 2PM (THEATRE)
3/29 @ 1:30PM (FILM)
$12 | The Seeing Place @ ATA’s Sargent Theater 212-848-4444 | 314 W 54th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY
$15 for adults, $10 for kids, $40 Family four pack The Little Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 | 4402 23rd Street, LIC
FREE | Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City
TWO ROOMS
www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=twoD0E
NOW THROUGH 3/9 @ 2-3:20PM (THEATRE)
PIRATE PETE’S PARROT
www.secrettheatre.com/childrenstheatreINFO.htm
DYING CITY
3/16 @ 10AM-2PM (MARTIAL ARTS)
www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=dyi822
bring in sweats to participate FREE | Tightan Fitness Astoria, NY 718-274-1606 | 31-21 31st Astoria
$12 | The Seeing Place @ ATA’s Sargent Theater 212-848-4444 | 314 W 54th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY NOW THRU 3/15 @ NOON-9 (ART)
TIGHTAN MARTIAL ARTS EXHIBITION & SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES
PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING – THE 1964 WORLD’S FAIR www.astorialic.org
3/29 @ 3PM (THEATRE)
SOH DAIKO
FREE! | Mainstage Theater 718-482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac/
www.tightan.com
3/30 @ 12-2:30PM
Photographs by Jeffrey Saldinger FREE | Astoria Wine and Spirits 34-12 Broadway, Astoria
3/16 @11AM-5PM
$20 | Queens Historical Society 718-939-0647 | 143-35 37th Ave, Flushing
3/8 @ 1-5PM (WEDDING SHOWCASE)
www.hofstra.edu/Community/Fest/
IN ASTORIA: REFLECTION AND SHADOW
jeffreysaldinger.com
THE LOVE AFFAIR SHOWCASE
Your Big Day Starts Here. Experience an Elegant Love Affair. Live Music and DJ Performance All Day. Top Wedding Professionals, Tastings, Fashion Trends, Decor Ideas. $15 | Renaissance Event Hall 718-274-4590 | 27-34 21 ST, LIC www.renaissanceeventhall.com
HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY’S 16TH ANNUAL IRISH FESTIVAL
$7 Adult; $5 senior citizen; Children under 12 admitted Free 516-463-6582 | David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549 3/16 @ 2:30PM-4:30PM
QUAKERS: AN ETHIC OF TOLERANCE AND RESPECT $8 | Queens Historical Society 718-939-0647 | 143-35 37th Ave, Flushing www.queenshistoricalsociety.org
3/16 @ 8:30PM-11PM (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: SAMIA
HOTELS ON FILM SERIES
acoustic pop-rock FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th st
www.movingimage.us/visit/calendar/2014/03/08/detail/barton-fink
3/20 @ 9PM-MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
3/8, 3/22@ 2PM (THEATRE)
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC
3/8 – 3/9 @ 2 PM / 4:30 PM / 5 PM / 7 PM (FILM) FREE with Museum admission | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria
PRINCESS PARTICULAR
$15 for adults, $10 for kids, $40 Family four pack The Little Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 | 4402 23rd Street, LIC www.secrettheatre.com/childrenstheatreINFO.html
3/9, 3/12, 3/15 (THEATRE) THURSDAY-SATURDAY @ 8PM SUNDAY 3/2 AT 7PM, SUNDAY 3/9 @ 3PM
RICHARD III
$18 | The Big Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 | Address: 4402 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com/RichardIII_info.html
3/9 @ 3-4PM (ART)
NOGUCHI’S SEARCH FOR STYLE
cafebarastoria.com
ASTORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHOIR: DICHOTOMIES
MEET THE MAESTRO! Come early (4:30 PM) Maestro Silas Nathaniel Huff will meet the audience and talk about the program, artists, and music that will move you. Adults $20, Students/Seniors $15 | St. Joseph’s Church, Astoria 917-300-8695 | 43-19 30th Avenue (between 43rd and 44th Streets) www.astoriamusic.org/
ONGOING
www.rarbarlic.com
$5-$7 | The Little Secret Theatre 718-392-0722 | 4402 23rd St, LIC
3/21-6/15 (FILM) MUSEUM HOURS: WED. – THURS. 10:30AM TO 5PM, FRI 10:30 TO 8PM, SAT – SUN 11:30 AM TO 7PM (CLOSED MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS)
JIM CAMPBELL: RHYTHMS OF PERCEPTION
FREE with Museum admission | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us/exhibitions/2014/03/21/detail/jim-campbellrhythms-of-perception/
3/22 @ 10PM-12AM (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC: NATHAN’S TRIO
3/9 @ 3-4PM (ART)
3/22 @ 1:30PM (FILM)
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION | The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City, NY 11106
FREE | Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City
www.noguchi.org/programs/public/noguchis-search-style
3/30 @ 5PM (MUSIC)
EVERY WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY (THEATRE) WED @ 7PM & 9:15PM THUR @ 7PM, FRI @ 7:30PM SAT @ 7PM, SUN @ 6PM & 8PM
acoustic country/pop-rock/indie rock/pop FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th st
NOGUCHI’S SEARCH FOR STYLE
www.queenshistoricalsociety.org
LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS - D.B. RIELLY - AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION | The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City, NY 11106 www.noguchi.org/programs/public/noguchis-search-style
QUAKER FLUSHING WALKING TOUR
cafebarastoria.com
FILM – THE WORLD OF TOMORROW – THE 1939 WORLD’S FAIR www.astorialic.org
QUEEN’S SECRET IMPROV CLUB
www.secrettheatre.com/QSIC_info.html
EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT @ 10PM-4AM (NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT)
TRENDING SATURDAYS
DJ, Bottle Service, Coat Check & Valet available NO COVER | Z Lounge 212-319-7000 | 11-01 43rd Avenue, LIC EVERY SUNDAY @ 4PM - CLOSE (FOOD + DRINK)
SUNDAY TASTING MENU
Sunday is the day to try RaR: $40 - bottle of wine & 2 tapas, $55 - bottle of wine & 4 tapas, $10 - draft & BBQ FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com
WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS IN MARCH (DRINK SPECIALS) $3 DRAFT BEERS-Founders, Stone, Bear Republic, Ballast Point, Allagash, Alesmith, 17 lines FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th St cafebarastoria.com
3/11 @ 7:30PM (FILM)
3/22 @ 2-4PM (MUSIC)
EVERY MONDAY & TUESDAY IN MARCH @ 10-2AM
$25 public/$15 Museum members/free for Silver Screen members and above | Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY, 11106
FREE | The Shops at SkyView Center 212-868-1900 | 40-24 College Point Blvd Level D, Flushing
FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th St
BAD WORDS SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING AND DISCUSSION
www.movingimage.us/visit/calendar/2014/03/11/detail/bad-words
THE SHOPS AT SKYVIEW CENTER CONCERT SERIES FEATURES ALTER VIEW A NYC BASED JAZZ BAND www.shopsatskyviewcenter.com
HALF PRICE BOTTLES OF WINE/ MONDAYS & TUESDAYS ALL DAY LONG cafebarastoria.com
3/14 @ 7PM (FILM)
3/23 @ 8:30PM-11PM (MUSIC)
EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 4PM - CLOSE (DRINK SPECIALS)
$12 public/$9 senior citizens and students/free for Museum members (includes admission to the Museum’s galleries) Museum of the Moving Image 718-777-6888 | 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria
acoustic indie rock FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th St
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC
SCREENING OF THE GRANDMASTER
www.movingimage.us/visit/calendar/2014/03/14/detail/the-grandmaster
3/14 @ 8PM (THEATRE)
A LIFE IN BOOKS
$10/ $5 Student & Senior | Little Theater 718-482-5151 | 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac
3/13 @ 9PM - MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS - JD PATCH
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com
12 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
LIVE MUSIC: JOE MARSON
cafebarastoria.com
3/27 @ 9PM-MIDNIGHT (MUSIC)
LIVE MUSIC THURSDAYS - MATT TURK & GARY SCHREINER FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com
20% OFF ALL BOTTLES OF WINE www.rarbarlic.com
EVERY MONDAY @ 4PM - CLOSE (FOOD + DRINK)
ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR WITH SLIDER SPECIALS
FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com
3/28 @ 9PM-11PM (MUSIC)
EVERY TUESDAY @ 9PM - 11PM (FOOD + DRINK + ENTERTAINMENT)
acoustic pop-rock FREE | Monika’s Cafe Bar 718-204-5273 | 32-90 36th st
showtime special $30 for a bottle of wine & cheese plate FREE | Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | Corner of 30ths St and 35th Ave, LIC
LIVE MUSIC: SAMIA
cafebarastoria.com
WHINE & CHEESE COMEDY SHOW
www.rarbarlic.com
Justin H says “The service and food are a cut above anything else in the neighborhood” OPEN 7 DAYS — WE NOW DELIVER
Happy Hour 4pm-7pm Monday thru Saturday Beer $4/Wine $5/Cocktails $6/Appetizers $8
Weekend Brunch from 11-4pm (Choice of) $18 Brunch special, 2 select alcoholic drinks, entree, coffee/tea or 2 hr Unlimited Select Drinks $15 with an entree or Enjoy $3 Champagne, Bellini, Mimosas and Bloody Mary. MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 13 35-03 Broadway | Astoria, NY 11106 | 718-545-3500 | www.portaliaNYC.com /PortaliaNYC
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
LIC Flea & Food and Kaufman Astoria Studios announced Astoria Flea & Food will be coming to Kaufman Astoria’s brand new outdoor film set in May.
Story + Photo ANGY ALTAMIRANO
‘FLEA & FOOD’ COMING TO ASTORIA
Astoria, get ready! LIC Flea & Food and Kaufman Astoria Studios have announced they will be partnering up to bring the city’s first-ever backlot market called Astoria Flea & Food at Kaufman Astoria Studios. The new market, launching Sunday, May 4, will bring the community the best in food vendors, antiques, collectibles, art, crafts, fashion and much more.
Astoria Flea will work as a great setting for business owners to grow their businesses and gain prominence, even if they might not be ready to afford a storefront. The market will be within walking distance from the M, R, N and Q train lines.
“After a phenomenal first season in Long Island City we are thrilled to expand to Astoria,” said Joshua Schneps, Astoria Flea & Food president. “Kaufman Astoria Studios offers the perfect location and we look forward to creating a fun and vibrant destination for the community.”
“Astoria Flea & Food will offer a world-class shopping and culinary experience on the grounds of what has become a world-class film and television studios,” said Borough President Melinda Katz. “Its unique setting and easily accessible location will be attractive to tourists and Queens residents alike.”
Located in the studio’s outdoor lot, the first of its kind in New York City which opened in December on 36th Street between 34th and 35th Avenues, Astoria Flea & Food will operate every Sunday for eight consecutive weekends.
In addition, Astoria Flea will allow visitors to have an experience within one of the city’s most historic film and television studios, first built in 1920, which is currently home to shows such as “Orange is the New Black,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Alpha House” and “Sesame Street.”
“The Kaufman Astoria Studios neighborhood has grown into a wonderfully vibrant center for art, food and culture,” said Hal Rosenbluth, president at Kaufman Astoria. “Astoria Flea is a terrific addition to our community. We look forward to making our new backlot home to eight great Sundays filled with food, art and fashion.”
“With this neighborhood growth comes a greater need for fostering artistic culture and strengthening our small business community,” said Councilmember Costa Constantinides. “The market will be a vibrant place for Astoria’s artists and chefs to showcase their work, and will also be a place for entrepreneurs throughout the city to gain visibility for their small businesses.”
Visitors will also be able to pass through a brand new 40-foot high steel gated entrance, designed by David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, located at 35th Avenue.
Astoria Flea has partnered with The Queens Courier to promote every vendor of the market in the newspaper and online at www.queenscourier.com. In addition, BORO Magazine and the LIC Courier will also feature a monthly vendor guide focused on painters, sculptors, photographers and food.
This market will act as an incubator to help promote and foster businesses, as well as be a fun and vibrant weekend spot for the entire family. “This is extremely exciting news and another example that the borough is a fantastic place to live and do business,” said Seth Bornstein, executive director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation. “Kaufman Astoria Studios is a nationally recognized landmark that has hosted such classic TV shows as ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘The Cosby Show.’ It will provide the perfect scene for a flea market.”
14 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
“LIC Flea is a very successful part of the Long Island City community and its expansion to Kaufman Astoria Studios is a welcome addition to our neighborhood,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “Astoria Flea & Food will bring together the great food and artistic flair that put Astoria on the map and made it a destination for people all over the world.” Vendors, from the small to the big, can apply to sell at the market at www.LICFlea.com. Updates will be available through the Facebook and Twitter accounts at Facebook.com/AstoriaFlea and @AstoriaFlea.
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MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 15
SPRING 2014
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CLASSES
FOR KIDS & ADULTS
A unique place for Actors
to explore and enjoy the craft of acting.
BEGIN MARCH 25, 2014 ENROLL NOW! CLASSES www.RisingCityArts.com * (718) 986-0967 We serve children and adults of all ages with high quality, innovative theater and acting-based classes, workshops and in-school residencies taught by some of New York’s finest Acting Teachers.
Please visit our website for more details & to register!
ALL Classes are held at Broadway Dance of Astoria (right off the N/Q!)
NEW
“Game Room”
*$25OFF DINNER
SPEND $50 OR MORE ON DINNER AND GET *$25 OFF YOUR BILL! BOROMAG EXCLUSIVE DEAL *MUST MENTION CODE #BM25450 WITH RESERVATIONS
FIND US ON
Glass Enclosed, Climate Controlled Rooftop Executive Chef Seth Levine
Enjoy fine dining with breathtaking views of the NYC Skyline from the top of Long Island City's first luxury boutique hotel, Ravel Hotel. • Open For Dinner Thursday thru Sunday, 5pm till Midnight. • Reservations 718.289.6118 • 8-08 Queens Plaza South• Long Island City, NYC 11101 • www.Penthouse808Rooftop.com
“How well do you know Long Island City?” visit dutchkillscentraal.com photo quiz starting March 15
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Birthday Parties Include: Invitations Theme Decoration Bounce House Face painting Bubble machine Dancing & Activities Pizza & Juice
Kids Classes: Ballet • Jazz • Capoeira Greek Dance • Music Together
Specialty Parties: Spa Party • Zumba Party Yoga Party • Capoeira Party Petting Zoo • Magic Show
FIRST 5 WINNERS RECEIVE $ 25 GIFT CERTIFICATES Lunch • Dinner • Brunch
38-40 29TH Street Dutch Kills LIC, NY 11101
718-606-8651
27-14 23 Ave., Astoria, NY 11105 347-455-3661 • info@gym-azing.com • www.gym-azing.com rd
16 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through April 30, 2014. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.
1 FREE DRINK
ONE FREE CLASS
and comedy show with meal on Tuesday nights 9PM - Closing
$10 OFF wIth A COmbO hAIR Cut & COLOR
for new clients only. Use Promo Code: LICFREE
$5 LuNCh
High Speed Internet OR $34.99 for High Speed Internet
for the month of March
1 mONth uNLImItED ZumbA 50% OFF
hAPPY hOuR EVERY DAY
10% OFF
half price cocktails & select appetizers from 5:30pm-7:30pm
new members only for the month of March
hAPPY hOuR
$79.99 for Digital TV + TiVo +
15% DISCOuNt
Dine in or Carry Out • 11am- 3pm Expires 3/31/14
any wine purchase
15% OFF
FLu ShOtS $15
4-7PM • Tuesday - Sunday
any purchase
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT (718) 267-5956 OFF THE HOOK
Come in for a flu shot. Walk out protected and happy.
There’s nothing than knowing you’ve got a doctor FREE DRAFt bEER w/purchase of an better entree 20% OFF FOOD right here in the neighborhood who is convenient, INDuStRY NIGht: Sunday-Thursday accessible, and associated with Mount SinaiMARCH Queens. So ONLY! WITH AD if you’re looking for a good doctor, come in and meet our staff while you get your flu shot. Flu shots are just $15.
3 CLASSES & StARtER GLOVES $19.99* First time guests only. 3 classes expire 10 days after 1st class is taken. Expires 3/31/14
Call 718-267-5956 today to make your appointment.
Stay Healthy. Stay Informed. FAMILY HEALTH ASSOCIATES 31-60 21st Street, Astoria, NY 11106
FREE GLASS OF wINE www.mshq.org/Family with Entree
718-808-7300 or 718-267-5956 HOURS
Mon, Wed, Thurs, 8 am-7 pm Tues, Fri, Sat, 9 am-5 pm
MSQ March 2014 Boro Magazine Final.indd 1
*$25 OFF DINNER
Spend $50 or more on dinner and get *$25 off your bill! BORO MAG exclusive deal *must mention code #bm25450 with reservations
Mount Sinai Queens presents year-round
wEEKEND FREEbRuNCh Health and SPECIAL Saturday & Sunday: Wellness events.11am-3pm
ADVERTISE IN BORO Check it out! Please visit www.mshq.org/events
FREE 1 DAY PASS tO uFC GYm AStORIA
OFFER ENDS MARCH 31st
2/25/14 12:54 PM
CURRENTLY SELLING PACKAGES FOR 2014!
ads@BOROmag.com 718.224.5863 www.BOROmag.com/advertise
20% OFF
any fine artwork, excluding framing
Follow Us For Great Deals Throughout The Month /BOROmag
@BOROmag MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 17
MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS 115
2 144 129 130 6
4
ALEWIFE (A,4) 718-937-7494 5-14 51st Ave, LIC www.alewifequeens.com ALIADA (B,2) 718-932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria ALOBAR RESTAURANT 347-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.alobarnyc.com AREPAS CAFE 718-937-3835 33-07 36th Ave (B,2) 2119 Broadway (B,1) www.arepascafe.com ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com BAREBURGER (B,2) 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria 718-204-7167 23-01 31 St, Astoria www.bareburger.com
13
LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com
14
LIC MARKET (B,4) 718-361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com
30
16
LINN (B,2) 718-204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com
31
LOCALE (B,2) 718-729-9080 33-02 34th Ave, LIC www.localeastoria.com
18
MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com
108
19
MEXIBBQ (C,2) 718-626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com
32
3
MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave, LIC www.michaelscafeny.com
105
23
BEAR (A,2) 917-396-4939 12-14 31st Ave, Astoria www.bearnyc.com
148
7
BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St, LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com
150
5
BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
20
BUGATTI CAFÉ 31-5 34th St, Astoria 718-626-1115 www.bugatticafe.com
ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com
61
OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com
26
8
35
BURGER CLUB (B,2) 718-777-7788 32-02 30th Ave, Astoria www.burger-club.com
159
PENTHOUSE808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com
BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.ButcherBar.com
69
PORTALIA RISTORANTE (B,2) 718-545-3500 35-03 Broadway, Astoria www.portalianyc.com
74
QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria www.queenscomfort.com
1
QUEENS KICKSHAW (C,2) 718-777-0913 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com
24
10
11
OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th Ave, Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com
PITA PAN (C,2) 718-204-1633 37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com
CAFÉ VIA ESPRESSO (C,1) 718-545-3290 2409 Steinway St, Astoria www.cafeviaespressoastoria.com
9
22
MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st Street, Astoria www.mojaveny.com
109
87
117
133
BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com
CAFÉ BAR (C,2) 718-204-5273 32-90 36th St, Astoria www.cafebarastoria.com
CARIOCA GRILL (B, 2) 718-606-1329 29-03 Broadway, Astoria CAVO (C,2) 718-721-1001 42-18 31st Ave, Astoria www.cavoastoria.com DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St, Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com
12
EL AY SI (A,4) 718-389-8781 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com
112
FATTY’S (B,1) 718-267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com
125
HONOO GRILL & NOODLE 33-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-606-0653 www.honoo33.com
112
IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com
18 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
29
86
BASIL BRICK OVEN (B,1) 718-204-1205 28-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.basilbrickoven.com
124
123
TESTACCIO (A,4) 718-937-2900 47-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.testacciony.com THYMARI (B,2) 718-204-2280 32-07 34th Ave, Astoria www.thymari.com
34 138 139
LIC VET CENTER (A,4) 718-255-6514 48-18 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City www.longislandcityvet.com
75
STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St, Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com
VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com WILLIAM HALLET (C,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave, Astoria www.williamhallet.com WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com
BAKERIES 33
121
FLORISTS 160
OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 3204 31st St Astoria, NY 11106-2643 718-728-2828 www.offbroadwayflorist.com
44
FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog
137 47
NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS www.nycfarmchicflowers.com
130
PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267- 1700 31-27 31st St, Astoria www.petalsandroots.com
114
ARK LOCKSMITH 24/7 SERVICE (C,2) 718-932-LOCK (5625) 30-10 37th st, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com
119
ASTORIA CENTER OF ISRAEL 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria www.astoriacenter.org
129
BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St, Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com
77
DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.drpagonismd.com
56
HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net
143
LOCKWOOD SHOP 718-626-6030 3215 33rd St, Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com
ASTOR BAKE SHOP (A,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com
40
MALU (A,4) 718-729-6258 12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC www.amomandpopshop.com
37
SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com
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
39
FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
FOOD SHOPS
SERVICES
57
MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com
59
RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC www.rcn.com/boromag
122
TUCK-IT-AWAY STORAGE (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent Street, Astoria www.tuckitaway.com
SHOPS 104
APOLLO GALLERY (C,2) 718-786-7590 34-10 36th Ave, Astoria
RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com
21
BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net
62
VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
91
S PRIME STEAK HOUSE (C,2) 718-707-0660 35-16 36th St, Astoria www.sprimenyc.com
45
BELIEF (B,1) 718-721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com
63
VIDEO EXPRESS (C,2) 718-626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria
SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com
49
INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
157
25
VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 23-11 21st Street Astoria, NY 11105 646-309-3429
50
28
SHI (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd, LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com
LIC: LIVING (A,4) 718- 361-5650 535 51st Ave, LIC www.licliving.com
64
55
SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC
FOUNDRY (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info
65
153
SNOWDONIA PUB (B,2) 34-55 32nd St, Astoria, NY 11106 347-730-5783 www.snowdoniapub.com
RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com
118
STOVE RESTAURANT AND BAR (C, 1) 718-956-0372 45-17 28th Ave, Astoria www.stoveastoria.com
134
FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave, LIC, NY 11101 www.fourpoints.com
66
RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com
116
SUGAR FREAK (C,2) 718-726-5850 36-18 30th Ave, Astoria www.sugarfreak.com
52
LOCKWOOD SHOP (C,2) 718-626-6030 32-15 33rd St, Astoria www.lockwoodshop.com
51
LOVEDAY 31 (B,2) 718-728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com
PETS 54
CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
EVENTS
HOTELS
ty
MAP IT DIRECTORY 17
Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com
156
TATTOO SHOPS 147
BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria www.bltnyc.com
158
PAINLESS STEEL TATTOO (C,1) 718-267-8114 21-40 41st St, Astoria www.astoriatattoo.com
67
SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
UFC GYM (C,2) 34-05 Steinway Street Astoria, NY 11101 718-729-5269 www.ufcgym.com/astoria
SPAS
127
LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St, Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com
112
THE ART HOUSE (C,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com
93
MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us
96
THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com
NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org
99
UNDERPENNY (A,4) 917-517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC
105
BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 21-54 45th Ave, LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com3
151
HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St, Astoria
94
81
REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com
149
NIGHTLIFE/BARS
QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave, Astoria Entrance on 37th Street www.queenscouncilarts.org
82
BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com
95
REISSTUDIOS (A,3) “An international community of established & emerging artists” 718-570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com
83
BREAK (B,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com
146
71
GIGI SALON (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com
ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th Street - LIC, NY www.rogallery.com
MIX STYLE HAIR SALON (C,1) 718-274 2153 22-05 35th Street, Astoria
84
BRICK BAR (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
110
131
SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org
PRIMP AND TEASE SALON (A,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC
85
DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com
97
SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org
REDKEN SALOON SALON (C,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.redkensalon.com
145
KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave, Astoria, NY www.katchastoria.com
98
TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com
68
LAUGHING DEVIL (A,4) 347-913-3845 4738 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.laughingdevil.com
111
MOSAIC CAFE AND LOUNGE (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net
43
RAVEN HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE (C,2) 718-777-7565 3804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com
88
STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
89
SWEET AFTON (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
79
TANTRA LOUNGE (B,2) 718-937-4574 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com
90
5 POINTZ (B,4) 317-219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com
100
ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com
BEAUTY
72
46
FITNESS 58
ANTHEA YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER (C,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th Street, Astoria www.antheacenter.com
154
ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 34-38 38th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 718-729-7163 www.ascsports1.com
120
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 www.clubfitnessny.com
76
CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave, Astoria www.dynamixgym.com
79
PNT FITNESS (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com
142
SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave, 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home
78
SEEK FITNESS (B,1) 347-924-9004 27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com
126
SIMPLY FIT 347-639-0489 37-16 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.simplyfitastoria.com
80 136
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
60
TIGHTAN GYM 718-274-1606 31-21 31st St, Astoria www.tightan.com
73
YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com
ART
128
ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER @THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (C,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent Street (@30th Road) Astoria NY 11102 www.apacny.org
107
CARNEGIE HALL 212-247-7800 57th St and 7th Ave, NY www.carnegiehall.org
102
FLUSHING TOWN HALL 718-463-7700 x222 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org
92
KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com
113
REAL ESTATE
101 140 141
MODERN SPACES 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC (A,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC (A,4) 29-20 23rd Ave, Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com
103
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com
135
MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave, LIC
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ADVERTISE IN
BORO CURRENTLY SELLING PACKAGES FOR 2014!
ads@BOROmag.com 718.224.5863 www.BOROmag.com/advertise
LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org
MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 19
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MAP IT
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72
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85
140
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150
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138 114
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CHARACTERS Interview + Photos LIZABETH NIEVES
Carlos Detres is a photographer, writer and founder of The Whiskey Dregs online zine. I became interested in photography in high school. My dad got me a film camera, and I used to do these really cheesy sculpture things. I was really into surrealism at the time, like every high school kid was, and I just used photography to capture that. I minored in photography in college. After college I couldn’t afford to do photography for a number of years, so I just didn’t do it. I loved being able to capture what was in my head. Just creating something and photographing it. That was it. Since then it has just developed. I love photography, it’s just great. Some of my early influences were Hans Bellmer, Man Ray, and I’d rather say painters than photographers. I was really into Magritte. I always connected to Bellmer’s work, using sexuality as protest, using eroticism as a way of expression. I think that’s very prevalent in my work, and a lot of what I do. I like sexuality being an expression. When I took the break from photography, I would write movies, I would write stories, I would write music, and I would DJ. To me photography and writing and djing were all tools to express the same thing. Photography is an important tool to me now, because I don’t need to rely on anyone. I could just go out and emote. I picked up a camera again when I saw how affordable DSLR’s were. I bought a Nikon D80, and it was awesome. I took it with me everywhere. I would incorporate it with my writing. Now I’m writing to get ideas with
22 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
my pictures. I find that literature triggers a lot of imagery. When I hear sound, I see color. When I think about an artist that I’m going to photograph, I think about colors, and then I incorporate colors into the picture somewhere. I started Whiskey Dregs as an outlet for me to show my poetry and my photography. It started as a one-page zine. It started growing and growing, and then we started doing readings and art shows in 2008 in Astoria at Waltz and Freeze Peach. There weren’t venues to do stuff like
that in Astoria back then. It was a way of getting my work out there, because I never wanted to rely on anyone. I wanted to do it myself. I started shooting professionally when the Queens Courier hired me to work for them as a freelancer. I learned a lot with them. From there, I started shooting with Urban Daddy and selling prints of my own work. I want to make artful documentary photography of nightlife in New York, and that has been a strong factor in how I make photographs now. Event photography can be something else. It can be artful.
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We are having an event in March. I wanted to have a salon, where we are creating a space where artists can read and show their artwork and be themselves in a house party setting. I want all of us to create something that is exclusive. The exclusivity is based on talent, and the fact that you aren’t going to tear up my house. My advice to photographers starting off in NYC? Work your ass off and study. Just work hard. Those are the people that are going to survive. The only ones that survive are the ones that work really hard at what they do and blindly focus. Nothing else, work.
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
THE
URBAN ADVENTURE Story + Photos LIZABETH NIEVES
impressive vinyl collection. The shop has been open since 2006, and leave it to Dan to be playing exactly the music that you want to hear. Stray sells antique records through www.discogs.com. Keep an eye out for their yearly record fair that will have a couple of DJ’s and outdoor vendors in late May and early June. Check them out online at www. facebook.com/strayvintage.queens and strayvintage.com.
According to Urban Dictionary a walkabout is defined as “A spontaneous journey through the wilderness of one’s choosing in an effort to satisfy one’s itchy feet, a need to be elsewhere, the craving for the open road, that space over the horizon”. During the weekend, once the weather hit a sunny 53 degrees, a walkabout over to Sunnyside was exactly what I needed. I had fallen in love with the neighborhood years ago, specifically with Skillman Avenue, while living in a charming house in the Sunnyside Gardens area.
Our next vintage find was the iconic Alpha Donuts located on 4516 Queens Boulevard. The tiny diner has been open since 1976 and serves a basic menu with an assortment of fresh donuts; get there early as they are usually snatched up by early afternoon. Portions are enormous, and almost everything is under ten dollars. As we wandered back to Skillman Avenue, we stumbled upon the Skillman Project’s Mardi Gras pub crawl. By 5 o’clock, two hundred fifty people had signed up at Murphy’s Lobster Grill on 48-20 Skillman Avenue. We spent the rest of the evening cavorting in and out of venues such as Claret, Flynn’s, The Dog and Duck, and the Copper Kettle. New Orleans style food could be found along the way, as well as a three piece band that weaved in and out of the bars playing “When The Saints Go Marching In”. The Skillman Project is an association comprised of local business owners that puts on about four big events a year. (https://www.facebook.com/TheSkillmanProject)
The first stop, once we crossed over Northern Boulevard was Stray Vintage located on 48-09 Skillman Avenue. Owned by Tara and Dan Glasser, Stray carries vintage jewelry, antique furniture and an
Sitting on vintage chairs outside of Stray wearing shiny beads, masks and sipping whiskey, our little walkabout made Astoria feel as far away as winter did for the day.
24 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
Painless Steel
Tattoo Studio 718-267-8114 By Appointment Only
41st street near ditmars * astoria, ny
www.astoriatattoo.com
Discount on Whole and Half Cases Discount on Whole and Half Cases
We Deliver from 2pm to 10:30pm
STORE HOURS Monday to Saturday - 11am to 12am Sunday - 12pm to 9:00pm
Wine Tasting
31-25 Ditmars Blvd • Astoria
718.545.2525 Wine Tasting www.adegawineandspirits.com
Thur, Fri & Sat 5pm to 8:30pm
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
5pm to 8:30pm
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Monday to Saturday - 11am to 12am Sunday - 12pm to 9:00pm
We Deliver
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from 2pm to 10:30pm
718.545.2525
thanks to the generosity of
31-25 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, Queens
www.adegawineandspirits.com
Go to
www.flavorus.com/girlsworldexpoQueens
to register!
Presented by
SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH • 11AM - 4PM Terrace On The Park - 111th St., Flushing, NY
SESSIONS & SEMINARS
• Parents Seminars • Looking for Love • Dear Diary: The Bullying Won’t Stop • The Choices You Make • What Boys Think of You • Healthy Eating • Fearless Females: A Panel of Women Leaders Tell It Like It Is!
GIRLS OF MERIT BBEAKFAST
Join us as we honor fifteen outstanding girls in the community. These young women have gone above and beyond what was expected of them and made a significant difference in the lives of others. For breakfast tickets go to www.flavorus.com/girlsworldexpoQueens Must present online ticket at door to get into the brunch.
Win a trip to
PERFORMANCES • WORKSHOPS • DEMOS DJ • Hip Hop Music • Dance • Self Defense Demo • Sports Demos
FASHION SHOW
Local girls strut their stuff! PLUS a gorgeous prom dress finale!
ONGOING
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*
5 days, 4 nights. *Airfare not included. Must register online for your free entrance ticket to be entered into drawing.
Marketplace • Art Show • Science Exhibits • Henna • Photo Booth College & Career Info • Cooking Demos • Pamper Me Lounge (Nails & Make-Up) Sign up for Community Service Hours • Food • Fun! Sponsored by
Media Sponsors:
CHRISTIE & Co. Salon • Spa To register please visit www.GirlsWorldExpo.com For more information email aamato@queenscourier.com or call 718.224.5863 ext 201
makes you feel good
MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 25
EXPLORE YOUR BORO
Winter's last breath
Photo Essay By BRADLEY HAWKS
Founded in 2009, Blue Bird Child Care Center, Inc. has provided families in Astoria and LIC with exceptional early childhood education and innovative programs. The Blue Bird community is a vibrant tapestry made up of children, their families and child care professionals. We are proud to embrace different cultures, languages and traditions. Our mission is to provide high quality child care in a safe and nurturing environment We welcome you with open arms!
Tel: (347) 832-0103 bluebirdchildcareastoria.com info@bluebirdchildcareastoria.com Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 6:30pm 25-58 48th Street, Astoria, NY 11103
Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting
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MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 27
FOOD
ALOBAR integrity. That requires nothing more than a welltrained parrot.
Chef Greg Profeta
Jeff Blath Story + Photos BRADLEY HAWKS
Not many small, privately owned restaurants in New York City can survive all of the changes that come along with the replacement of an Executive Chef, especially when those changes mean you will have to literally rebrand your entire restaurant concept, hoping to retain the former regulars, meanwhile acquiring new ones. In a city like New York, after all, no excellent chef would be content stepping into the role merely as a replacement, executing the same dishes as his predecessor with the same finesse, enthusiasm, and
28 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
This dilemma is precisely what faced Alobar in Long Isand City last year, when their previous chef left the space he had built as a snout-to-tail porcine sanctuary. What was left was a menu with loads of bacon, guanciale, and pig tails with no leader to cure the pork in the basement any longer. This little piggy had gone to the market, with no plans of returning. Husband and wife owners Jeff Blath and Lisa Kalik, MD were left with an exquisitely crafted rustic wooden restaurant with stained glass windows, with no executive chef to match the prior one’s abilities. The maple bacon popcorn stayed, and so did a few of the entrees, but the restaurant’s future seemed a little hazy, even if for just a brief moment.
AR into an alabaster ceramic dish, loaded with braised rabbit and bubbling gruyere over a golden pastry crust, almost like a hunter’s French onion soup. “And I really like to work around the vegetables… they are so delicate,” smiles Profeta as he places the hearts of palm over a meticulously stacked mound of beets and greens. Jeff Blath leans in and proudly whispers, “he just knows all the right techniques and takes those things and makes something fun.” Outside of the menu, Blath has been having some of his own fun, creating the largest selection of whiskey in Queens. He has collected a selection of over 100 whiskies, which can also be enjoyed in flights. There is even a whiskey made with quinoa. Fortune favors the brave, and Alobar found a new leading man just about four months ago. Astoria’s own Greg Profeta is one of the sweetest, most jovial of souls you will ever meet, and his eyes twinkle when he talks about vegetables for the spring menu. He mentions hearts of palm he has flown in from Hawaii that are the best he has ever tasted—and will be a supporting character in his beet salad. Profeta describes the menu he has been developing as ‘whimsical, fun, and cheeky,’ which are probably the three words anyone would use to describe him, as well. And everyone knows what can happen when a chef with some serious skills puts his own charisma into his dishes. It can be real magic. On the menu that will be unveiled this month, gnocchi becomes a playground for the flavors of a loaded baked potato. Potpie is stuffed
Cocktails showcase some clever mixology that has been registering high marks with the customers. The Vernon Smash features bourbon with blackberries, mint, and ginger beer. A mix called the Chauvinist Pig wuzzles scotch with chartreuse, ramazzotti, and eaux de vie. With all of the changes, one might wonder if anything stayed the same. “We kept the maple bacon popcorn,” laughs Blath. Of course. They might be rebranding, but they aren’t dumb. 46-42 Vernon Blvd, Hunters Point, Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 752-6000 alobarnyc.com MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 29
SAVE THE DATE 04.06.14
everythingkidsExpo 2014
everything for your family under one roof
April 6, 2014
11am-4pm
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32-23 Queens Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101
$5 (includes bounce house rides for the kids) Kids Under 2 FREE
A DAY OF FUN FOR ALL! • Speak with experts from top businesses • Shop for the latest at our vendor booths • Entertainment from Big Apple Circus • Demonstrations • FREE Hands-On Activities for children • FREE Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Spin Art • FREE Giveaways & Raffle Prizes • FREE Parking Enjoy all the classes & demos offered by the YMCA:
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Great for grandparents, parents and kids (from babies to tweens) PRESENTING SPONSORS:
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TO SPONSOR, EXHIBIT OR ATTEND PLEASE CALL 718.224.5863 EXT. 201 OR EMAIL AAMATO@QUEENSCOURIER.COM PRE-REGISTER AT WWW.BROOKLYNSPECTATOR.COM/QUEENS-KIDS-EXPO-2014 30 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
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FOOD
SOFRA OPENS IN SUNNYSIDE
Kaan Oralis and Yuvuz Gülü have been friends for over twenty years, bringing together experience in restaurants and hotels such as the Ritz Carlton, Plaza Hotel, and Waldorf Astoria, where Oralis is still a banquet server a couple of nights a week. So it came as no surprise that the two decided to take a stab at running their own restaurant—one that is Mediterranean in general, but specializing in superb Turkish cuisine. Bold renditions of hummus and smoked eggplant start off the menu, which is then filled with classics like cigar borek and tiny lamb-filled flatbread pizzas known as lahmacuns, then skewers of savory lamb kebabs, and homemade honeysoaked desserts and baked puddings with tea and a
strong demitasse of Turkish coffee. Eventually the two owners plan on serving tapas with abundant outdoor seating. But for now, the flatbreads, grilled meats, and baklava are far more than enough. Sofra Mediterranean 43-02 43rd Ave, Sunnyside 11104 (718) 706-0600
32 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
THIS BOY IS ON FIRE— MICHAEL CYRIL CREIGHTON Interview + Photo BRADLEY HAWKS
MCC: It was in high school, but it wasn’t until college when I realized there really is a place for an actor like me. I was always told [character actors] won’t really work until their thirties or older. And I really didn’t start working or have the confidence I needed to do the kind of work I am doing until I turned thirty. They call it ‘growing into your type.’
This month, Playwrights Horizons offers the New York Premiere of an original play, Stage Kiss, written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Rebecca Taichman. The play stars Dominic Fumusa (Kevin Peyton on Nurse Jackie),Tony-nominated Jessica Hecht, and an all around brilliant cast of actors that includes Astoria’s very own, Michael Cyril Creighton. Beyond the fact that Sarah Ruhl is arguably one of our most brilliant living playwrights—and the show itself is an awkward, realistic, touching, hilarious, and poignant portrayal of the complexity of kissing on stage, in real life, and when the two are the same—as well as a commentary on our views on love and romance and how our fantasies rarely (and maybe shouldn’t) look like our realities—
the cast is a gathering of some downright sickening talent. The New York Times recently featured a story about Michael Cyril Creighton under the heading, ‘Talent You Won’t Forget.’ Prior to Stage Kiss, he won a Writers Guild Award for his web series, Jack in a Box, and has appeared on television shows such as Orange is the New Black, Louie, 30 Rock, Person of Interest, and an upcoming episode of Nurse Jackie. We caught up with the extremely talented rising star at Il Bambino just to get to know him a little better, and find out what he likes about Astoria. BH: When did you first know this was something you really wanted to do?
BH: You were working in the box office at the theater when you were cast. Do you think that helped you get the part, or at least get seen? Or was it tough to break type in real life and be seen as an actor rather than a box office manager? MCC: (laughs) Yes. The artistic director said, ‘we didn’t even fight for you—you were their choice.’ Although my cast mates do always ask me about comp policies and how to get discount tickets. BH: How long have you lived in Astoria? MCC: Ten years… I used to live down by the beer garden. I have watched it change so much. I feel like I put so much time in, and now I feel like I can’t leave. There are so many great restaurants. BH: Where is your favorite coffee? MCC: Here [Il Bambino at 34-08 31st Ave] I really enjoy Queens Kickshaw [40-17 Broadway]. They had an amazing Christmas Eve brunch this year that was out of control. Oh wait, The Queens Kickshaw has the best coffee… but this is a close second.
BH: What do you like to do on the weekends? MCC: Have you ever been to the pork store? We will walk to Queens Comfort for brunch and then go to the pork store. It’s so good. [Sorriso Italian Pork Store at 44-16 30th Ave]. We go there and buy cheese and meat, and then make mac and cheese with all of the leftovers with fennel crackers as the bread crumbs. BH: Will you call me next time you make that!? Are there any other Astoria spots you frequent? MCC: I really just do brunch. I don’t really go out at night. I will always love Vesta. It has always been one of my favorite spots. I had my 30th birthday there. I feel like Vesta was the first restaurant that really marked the change in Astoria restaurants. I also enjoy going to P.S. 1 (momaps1.org). And my favorite thing is that a lot of things shoot here. I filmed an episode of Nurse Jackie coming out later this year, and I was home ten minutes after. BH: You did Milk Milk Lemonade at the Astoria Performing Arts Center (APACNY.ORG). How do you feel about the APAC? MCC: I love Tom. They are taking a lot of chances. They are really smart there. They mix their season with something crowd-pleasing and something that is new not just to their audience, but to any audience. It is so smart, and brave. And I loved doing a show literally around the corner from my home.
Find out more about Micheal Cyril Creighton at www.michaelcyrilcreighton.com visit www.playwrightshorizons.org to get tickets for Stage Kiss through March 23
MARCH 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 33
More Than Just Your Neighborhood Banker. Francis Papadopoulos Steinway Branch Manager, Youth Tennis Instructor
At Investors Bank, it is all about the commitment to the neighborhoods we call home. We strive to be a different Bank. Helping you grow and prosper is what we do every day. Let Francis and her team, show you the difference the right bank can make.
Call us at 718.956.2890
34 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
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THE ARTS Astoria has been called Actoria, and for a good reasons. It comes as no surprise that many aspiring actors call Astoria home, considering the affordable rent, authentic and diverse restaurant scene, and even a rapidly morphing arts scene. But what if actors had a wonderful organization in the neighborhood so they could stay on this side of the bridge?
I’m especially excited to be employing local professional actors to teach local aspiring actors,” she said. When asked why she believes the arts are such an important component of education, Comolli offers this: “You can just see in children how artistic they are and how they just want to dance, they want to perform, they want to get their hands on clay, and we lose that. I think it is so important to be able to explore, to express your spirit, to think critically. There are groups of pigeons and somebody cues them, and someone communicates with them, and they all just know where and how to fly in that group. That’s how we are as a community of artists, really. And so I thought let’s come together as artists, and just fly.”
Starting this March, professional actors with extensive teaching experience and New York stage and screen credits will lead classes designed for toddlers, adults, and everyone in between as part of Rising City Arts’ new Community Acting Class Series. This marks the first time that the Astoria-based program, known for bringing theater residencies to Queens schools and community organizations, will offer acting classes to the public. Classes will be taught at Broadway Dance Studio in Astoria and range from music and drama for the five-and-under set to a teamtaught acting technique and improvisation class for adults. Of particular note is an oncamera commercial technique class for teens, taught by RCA founder Dina Ann Comolli, who has acted in over 30 commercials. It includes “parent/child information sessions,” and promises to help teens “make commercial auditions turn into callbacks and bookings.” “It’s exhilarating to see the students from our in-school residencies get excited about theater, whether it’s acting out scenes from Shakespeare or writing and performing their own plays,” said Ms. Comolli, who said she made the decision to offer public classes based on popular demand. “So many students and parents ask about continuing classes with us,
36 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2014
or tell us about a sibling or a friend who wants to study acting,” she said. “I think when there is real love behind something you are selling,,” explain Comolli, “It comes back to you.” An Astoria resident of 13 years with strong ties to the local community, Ms. Comolli launched Rising City Arts in 2010, after the arts program she’d been working with, City Lights, closed its doors. “That left a huge gap in arts programming for students, and also for a group of super- talented teaching artists, many of whom happened to live in Astoria,” said Ms. Comolli. “I’d always wanted to increase opportunities for Astoria actors, so
About Rising City Arts Founder and Executive Director Dina Comolli Ms. Comolli received her MFA from Harvard’s American Repertory Theater Program for Advanced Actor Training and has acted in numerous off-Broadway and regional productions. TV credits include “Law and Order: SVU,” “Fringe,” “I’d Kill for You,” “School Spirits,” and over 30 commercials, including “The New York Times,” “Cablevision,” and “Google.” She has taught acting with City Lights Youth Theatre, The Academy of Dramatic Arts, The Westchester Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Arts to Grow, The Creative Arts Team, and Project Liberty, among others. dina@risingcityarts.com (718) 986-0967 www.risingcityarts.com
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BODY & SOUL
and acknowledge that you are, in fact, injured—and you have some limitations affecting your normal activity. Many people, myself included, have grown up active, and have been taught to push through a little bit of pain. We think that if we ignore the problem, it will go away. If I can do a little, I can do a little more. This often results in making the injury much, much worse. The sooner that you fully accept your situation, the quicker you will be able to take control and get the appropriate care.
2. BECOME INFORMED
ABOUT YOUR INJURY - Seek out information from your doctors, physical therapists, trainers, and coaches. Anxiety brought on by what is unknown or feels out-ofcontrol can be detrimental to your progress. Do not be afraid to ask questions. A clear understanding of your diagnosis, the proposed course of treatment, the expectations for your progress and recovery, and signs of improvement and regression, can all bring surprising calm and comfort to your rehab journey. This will help you focus and take responsibility.
WORK IT OUT Story HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER
It is during a normal night in the gym, on your morning run, or out on the ball field with your friends, when all of a sudden you feel a twinge, a pop, a snap. In a split second, you know something is wrong. Really wrong. You are injured. It happens to us all, no matter how careful or conditioned we may be. Unless physical therapy is your chosen profession or you have significant training in the field, this is not the time to be playing Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman. It could very well be a cramp or minimal damage, where the standard RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol might have you feeling good as new in a week; but in these days where bigger, faster, stronger is the name of the game, you could very well be dealing with something that could impact you for years to come, if not cared for properly.
3. FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM - Often when we are injured, it
is typical to want to pull away from those around us. We feel we canon perform, so we cannot participate. A day or two of solitude, no problem; A week of isolation, however, is something that might need to be addressed. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, trainers, teammates, and coaches while navigating your rehab process. They can be your sounding board, and a source of comfort and encouragement. Just being present at the gym, practice, or game can provide needed motivation to keep you on the right track.
4. SET NEW GOALS AND (IF POSSIBLE) TRAIN
AROUND YOUR INJURY - More likely than not, injury is going to change your programming, at least for a little while. This will affect the goals that you have set for yourself, but it shouldn’t eliminate them completely. Confer with your doctor, trainer, or coach and set realistic, attainable goals that correspond with your recovery plan. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, it may be possible for you to train around it. The experts around you can determine if one activity can be substituted for another. Perhaps your focus can shift to balance and strength work instead of speed and agility, or vice versa.
So now you have a diagnosis, and the initial shock has worn off. Think you have moved past the difficult part? Think again. Sometimes the most challenging part of working through an injury is what is happening between your ears. You are stressed out, and anxiety and fear is starting to take hold. Will this affect your work? Significantly impact your training? Will you have to put off a race/meet/contest/game? Could this change the way in which you view yourself ?
5. DO THE MENTAL WORK - Someday you may be faced with
If physical activity is central to your life, it is completely natural that your injury could affect you mentally and emotionally. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself angry, upset, or depressed. Identifying those feelings, and adopting strategies to cope with them can be essential to a quick and successful recovery. Understanding and using a few valuable techniques can improve, and sometimes even hasten your recovery.
6. STAY POSITIVE - It is in healing as it is in life. You can defeat yourself
1. UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE INJURED – I know
that this might sound silly, but it is really important to understand
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an injury that completely shuts you down. In this case, mental training can be invaluable. As someone who has worked through a significant neurological injury, I cannot stress enough that this works. I promise you. Small daily periods of time reserved for mentally practicing your sport can keep your neuromuscular connections stimulated, and will aid in your progress once you are cleared for physical activity. faster than anyone or anything. Attitude is everything. Staying positive and recognizing small victories will speed up the healing process, make the journey a pleasant one, and reinforce your confidence.
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