BORO MAG

MARCH 2016

VOL 5:16

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Dear western Queens,

CONTENTS

In the month of St. Patrick’s Day, I couldn’t feel more proud to call this neighborhood my home.

While luck may have played a small part in bringing me here, a neighborhood like ours is born from so much more.

Celebrating the new and the old, I was truly blessed to spend an afternoon with the Sacramone family behind Sac’s Place pizzeria. Sitting down and sharing galaktoboureko with Julie Pantazis of Lefkos Pyrgos left an impression on my heart that will stay with me. Chef Miyawaki of Shuya Cafe de Ramen generously shared with me his life story, and the personal philosophy behind his exciting new restaurant. I enjoyed a latte with one of the most gifted violinists and singers I know, and listened to his story. Daily, I am reminded what a gift and an honor it is to meet such beautiful spirits for the purpose of sharing their stories with each of you.

BRADLEY HAWKS

As always, please share with us your own personal anecdotes, and send me any tips, comments, news or events to bhawks@boromag.com. Here’s to luck. Better yet, here’s to blessings.

Gratefully yours, Bradley Hawks

editor-in-chief

T-Swirl Crêpe

FEATURES 6 FOOD + DRINK

Kinship Coffee

10 THE ARTS

Seasoned Art

18 FOOD + DRINK

T-Swirl Creperie

20 SHOPS

Giant Knitting Lady

32 FOOD + DRINK

Mussels and Sausages

18

34 FOOD + DRINK

Shuya Cafe de Ramen

38 THE ARTS

Well-Strung

43 FOOD + DRINK

Sac’s Place

45 FOOD + DRINK

Lefkos Pyrgos

50 BODY + SOUL

Healthy Me

52 the arts

Well-Strung

38

DEPARTMENT 12 MARCH 2016 EVENTS Dating is Hard In NYC

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS PAGE

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

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

Your go-to guide for Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and more

28 MAP IT: ASTORIA, LIC & SUN NYSIDE MAP

Sunnyside filmmakers

editoR-IN-CHIEF bradley hawks // art director jonathan rodriguez // graphic designerS stephen reina, nirmal singh staff writers bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, lillian shaw, hayley bridgewater, brett jones, meaghan trainor, lizabeth nieves // staff photographers javier ibañez, daniel pando, bradley hawks, lizabeth nieves SALES REPRESENTATIVE graziella zerilli // online editorial coordinator bradley hawks // Published by joshua & 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.

4 | BOROMAG.COM | mARCH 2016

TrusTed experTs Jackson HeigHTs office

Long isLand ciTy office

78-27 37th Avenue, #5 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718-505-9220

21-52 44th Drive, 2nd Floor Long Island City, NY 11101 917-832-6308

www.beaudoinrealty.com

FOOD + DRINK

Something’s Brewing S imply peer in the window as you stroll by Kinship Coffee near the corner of 30th Avenue and Steinway Street, and you will see a pristine, intimate coffee shop seated to capacity at practically every hour it’s open. Some patrons relax over glowing computer screens and electronic tablets, while others chat with comrades over plump doughnuts and glazed pastries. But the real energy behind this java joint is the founders’

6 I BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

love of latte that has demanded years of meticulous brewing. In fact, the winning formula has been percolating for quite a while.

Owners Jason Pierson and Stanley Rivera met eight years ago while serving as baristas in an independent café on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, but their passion for coffee began a long time before that.

Rivera’s father had been working for several years in the transportation industry in Peru. When his company finally shuttered, he jumped at the opportunity to move his family to Iowa. Shortly after, young Stanley and his mother were sent to Seattle, Washington, to learn more about the coffee industry.

“I fell in love with the ‘art’ of coffee first,” Rivera says.

After learning the intricacies of the coffee-making process, he moved to New York City with his wife. Always working with coffee in some capacity, he developed an affinity for coffee and became interested in what it takes to operate a successful business. That is when fate introduced him to his present business partner.

A painting by Stanley Rivera

That Upper East Side café closed only six months after opening, but Pierson and Rivera created Kinship shortly after.

Now two years old, Kinship has eased into a rhythm and established its place at the community table in Astoria. “We are launching our website in May,” explains Rivera, “along with a coffee subscription service for home brewers—we will be mailing coffee nationwide.” The hope is that the website can be a platform where coffee lovers, coffee professionals and coffee growers can connect and talk about the coffee subscriptions.

“We also started offering a weekly coffee class for home brewers,” Rivera adds. “Classes will be every Thursday from 8 to 9 p.m.”

As a preview of some new cold beverages Rivera plans to reveal later this month, we were offered a sample of the refreshingly delicious honey almond latte dusted with cinnamon powder. Kinship will also be introducing a cold brew sweetened with Vermont maple syrup, as well as a lavender agave matcha shaker.

In honor of the artistry of the community and much of the staff, Kinship will regularly curate art showings on the front wall. Rivera himself is an artist. “I think I am the least talented one who works here,” he says. If his coffee is any indication, it seems humility might factor in quite a bit. “It’s really all just math and science,” Rivera says of making coffee. But a sip of one of his mugs of mocha reveals an altogether different truth. Kinship truly is an art form.

30-05 Steinway St., Astoria 646-468-7149 www.kinshipcoffee.com MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 7

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THE ARTS

T

iH tting the Streets

he apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In the case of the Boes family, one parent is an artist, the other a writer, both children studied at the Frank Sinatra School for the Arts, and each member collaborates on the family business—Seasoned Art. Though the family of four recently opened and subsequently closed a gallery in Astoria designed to feature their work, it hasn’t left them discouraged. Ever determined, Patricia, James, Jeanne and Devin have decided to maintain an online presence for the business.

“We’re so excited to have this opportunity to sell our

art in our hometown,” explains the daughter, Jeanne. “We regularly have outdoor pop-up shops in Astoria that have become well known in the neighborhood.”

The family began selling art near the corner of Steinway and 30th Av-

www. seasonedart.com 10 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

enue, and the business has remained in a perpetual state of change—everything except for the collective passion for creativity. Whether watercolor or oils, pop culture icons or landscapes, the Boes express themselves uniquely through art.

MARCH EVENTS 3/10 @ 9pm - midnight Live Music: Joe Jung and Friends FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com www.joejung.com 3/10, 15, and 24th Live Jazz Alobar 46-42 Vernon, LIC NY 11101 www.alobarnyc.com 3/17 @ 9pm - midnight Mickey Zetts St. Patrick’s Day Special FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com 3/27 @ 8pm - 11pm Live Music: The Salt Cracker Crazies FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com March 31st Class on West Coast Whiskey 5 tastings for $50 Alobar 46-42 Vernon, LIC NY 11101 www.alobarnyc.com

12 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

3/31 @ 9PM Stand-Ups Improvise TED Talks Hosted by Ryan Stanisz It’s ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’ meets that TED Talk on ‘Leadership.’ Watch as comics explore such questions as: ‘If McDonalds can serve breakfast all day, then shouldn’t I be able to own a gun in this city?’; ‘Do iPhones fool the elderly into thinking they’re living in the future?’ $5 tickets Q.E.D. 27-16 23rd Avenue Astoria, NY 11105 347.451.3873 www.QEDAstoria.com 3/31 @ 9pm - midnight Live Music: Mama Buick FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

READING AND WRITING 3/2 @ 7:00pm Local Author Reading on Queens History Book, Corona: The Early Years Jason D. Antos and Dean Theodosiou The Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31st Street 3/6 @ 12:30pm-1:15pm Young Writers Workshop The Astoria Bookshop, 3129 31st Street *Suggested contribution of $5

Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events

3/8 @ 7:00pm LIC Reading Series John Leguizamo, Mira Jacob and Tracy O’Neill LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City *Pre-purchase one or more of author’s books to reserve a seat 3/8 @ 7:00pm-8:00pm Storytelling Show The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street 3/10 @ 7:00pm-8:30pm Boundless Tales Reading Series George Held, Leona Godin, Andres Castro and Steven T. Licardi The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street 3/16 @ 7:00pm-8:00pm Author Reading: The Singing Bone Author Beth Hahn in conversation with Cara Hoffman The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street 3/19 @ 7:00pm-8:00pm Oh, Bernice! Reading Series The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street 3/20 @ 5:00pm-6:30pm Creative Writing Workshop The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street *$10 suggested contribution 3/23 @ 7:00pm-8:00pm Heightening Stories Reading The Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st Street

ONGOING events every Monday @ 1pm - 2am All Night Happy Hour FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com $5 wines, fries and artichoke hearts, $4 beer cans, $3 sliders and tacos, $2 off all drafts all night every Monday (1pm-7pm Tue-Fri) every Tuesday @ 10pm - 11 pm RaR Bar comedy Show FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com Astoria’s longest running comedy show - come see for yourself why every Wednesday @ 4pm Wine Wednesdays 20%off every bottle of wine FREE RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

MARCH 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 13

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+ DRINK FOOD

T-Swirl

18 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

l Crêpe We are offering savory and sweet Japanese-style crêpes combined with coffee,” explains Aaron Liu, who co-owns T-Swirl Crêpe, which opened just after Valentine’s Day. “Ours is different than most, because we use gluten-free rice crêpes—everything is gluten-free.”

While that also means you won’t find any Nutella at T-Swirl, they offer a decadent alternative—and after sampling these options, we don’t think anyone will mind.

The rice flour lends these paper-thin pancakes a crispy toasted edge, with a playfully chewy center that results in a wonderful variety of textures. Add the exotic array of fresh ingredients, and you’ll find a crêpe unlike the typical sugar and lemon wafers ordinarily served.

The shrimp avocado crêpe is meticulously filled with leaves of baby spinach, julienned carrots, red peppers, and shelled edamame beans, then layered with savory shrimp and fresh avocado—all drizzled with a zigzag of Thai chili sauce and wasabi tofu cream.

Other varieties include a BLT with smoked bacon and boiled eggs, Okinawa hot dogs with cheddar cheese and baAaron Liu and CJ Lin

nana ketchup, and angus short ribs with string beans and sesame seeds.

The sweet end of the spectrum ranges from a lychee and raspberry crêpe filled with rose custard cream and crushed pistachios to a technicolor fruit cocktail pancake dotted with chocolate pearls.

Offering 11 savory and 11 sweet options, customers are also

invited to create their own whimsical variations. And while they suggest a cup of coffee to accompany your crêpe, we recommend trying a black sesame shake for a tasty twist.

36-16 30th Ave., Astoria 917-832-6815 www.t-swirlcrepe.com MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 19

sHOPS

t a h W aStitch

Story by Hayley Bridgewater images by Stephanie Crousillat Photography

Meet Happy Camper Lee. Stage manager, distillery tour guide, Peekskill born hiker with a crafty heart and an adventurous soul, and a true modern-day Renaissance woman.

More formally known as LeeAnn Lisella, she has rightfully woven herself a moniker as Astoria’s “giant knitting lady.”

Giant knitting?

Yes, giant knitting.

Most mornings you will find her nestled in her apartment, surrounded by 30-pound boxes of unspun wool roving, ferociously knitting her cozy creations to the smell of coffee and the strains of NPR. Knitting has always been a part of her life, and now she is sharing it with others. Originally taught by her grandmother, LeeAnn’s knitting started out as a small hobby. Recently, it has taken on 20 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

a life—and a business—of its own.

“This business has been in the making since I was a kid,” Lisella says.

“When I was about 8 years old, my favorite game was ‘art show’ where I showcased my work in my parents’ hall and made them purchase my finger-painted and clay creations. Once I moved to New York, knitting was a project that I could do in my small space, and became my primary craft at home. I learned about this amazing artist in Australia called Jacqui Fink. She creates huge installation pieces and blankets with Tops from

Australian merino sheep. For some reason, I was totally transfixed. I had to give it a try.

“Chris, my partner, and I were brainstorming about how big I could actually knit, and he created 4-foot wooden needles for me,” she continues. “It seemed completely laughable at the time, but I accepted the challenge and went for it. It was an absolute nightmare at first. I knocked over so many things. My downstairs neighbors banged on the ceiling on several occasions when I dropped them. It

must have sounded like a tree falling.”

“It took me forever to figure out how I could actually use something that was about five times bigger than anything I’d ever seen before,” says the artist, laughing. “Lo and behold, I got the right leverage and was cranking out blankets like crazy. Eventually I found that I was living in a cave of woolen creations and figured I should probably try and sell some of it. Granted, the cave is still very much a part of my life, much to Chris’ chagrin.”

“I find knitting to be very therapeu-

tic,” Lisella says. “I have a hard time just sitting at home relaxing. Knitting allows me to be busy, but also meditate, watch a movie, or spend time with my roommates. I put so much importance on creation as a hobby. It allows you to set goals without stress or judgment.”

“It gives me something to look forward to at night and a way to unwind,” she says. “Growing up, I went to a lot of dance class—that type of full-body meditative practice was really helpful to clear my mind. Oddly enough, this physical craft has promARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 21

SHOPS

vided me with the same outlet. Additionally, it has put me in contact with so many interesting artists all over the world. This crazy giant knitting has been so fulfilling that I had to share my passion as a business. I get so much joy from this work that I just had to make it available to others.”

When they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, it is certainly true in this case. LeeAnn’s business, Happy Camper, is the perfect blend of her city and country roots—best described as urban chic, yet as comforting as a loved one’s hug. One look, and it is understandable why she is often stopped by commuters asking where she acquired her scarf. And who wouldn’t want to be wrapped in

one of her wooly blankets?

“I love that Happy Camper is based in Queens,” Lisella says. “I try to incorporate Queens into my photography and identity as much as possible. The experience of my knits is that they’re a part of this cozy urban dichotomy. Many times when we go out to shoot photos for the shop, I learn more about my neighborhood and its beauty. I couldn’t think of shooting anywhere else. I love being a part of the growing art community in Astoria, and would really love to help it continue even more. I think that 22 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

every community could use a giant knitting lady, so here I am. But I also think that there could be so many more craft artisans in Astoria, or that we could all create a community together. I dream of having a business where Queens craftsmen—and crafts ladies—are able showcase and sell their work, teach classes and have a space to create. Both Chris and I are

working toward creating a community space where artists can showcase, work and gather together.”

Interested in seeing more?

Check out her beautiful work.

HappyCamperStuff.etsy.com Instagram: @happycamperlee

MARCH 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

24 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

SE O

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(T

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS 144 163 129

130 6 4

118 105 23 7 5 26 8 35 87 10 117 9 176 11 159 112 12 181 112 13

alobar restaurant (A,4) 347-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.alobarnyc.com Antika Pizzeria & Restaurant (c,2) 718-545-0555 36-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.antikapizzeria .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

14 16 125

169 170 18

The Barn Restaurant, Bar & Lounge (a,2) 718-728-0305 30-09 21st Street, Astoria www.thebarnastoria.com

191

Basil Brick Oven (B,1) 718-204-1205 28-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.basilbrickoven.com

19

Bear (a,2) 917-396-4939 12-14 31st Ave, Astoria www.bearnyc.com

3

Bread Box Cafe (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St, LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

133

Brick Cafe (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com

148

Burger Club (b,2) 718-777-7788 32-02 30th Ave, Astoria www.burger-club.com

182

Burger Garage (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com

150

Butcher Bar (c,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.ButcherBar.com

20

Café Bar (C,2) 718-204-5273 32-90 36th St, Astoria www.cafebarastoria.com

61

Café via espresso (C,1) 718-545-3290 2409 Steinway St, Astoria www.cafeviaespressoastoria.com

22

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 Crescent Grill (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent Street, LIC www.crescentgrill.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 Fatty’s (B,1) 718-267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com Flo Lounge Restaurant (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave, Astoria www.flocafeny.com

162 109 69 74 1 183 24

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

91

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

194

leng thai (b,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com

25

26 | BOROMAG.COM I march 2016

LIC Market (B,4) 718-361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com Linn (B,2) 718-204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com LAS MARGARITAS Restaurant Lounge (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com Maizal Restaurant (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com Malagueta Restaurant (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Avenue, Astoria www.malaguetany.com Manducatis Rustica (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st Street Astoria, NY 11105 917.832.7984 www.meetthemeat.net MexiBBQ (c,2) 718-626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com 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 Mojave Restaurant (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st Street, Astoria www.mojaveny.com Nosh Borough (B,1) 25-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria 347-746-5542 noshborough.com OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th Street, 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 Ovelia (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com Penthouse 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com PINK NORI (c,2) 718-685-2365 36-06 30th Ave, Astoria www.pinknori.com Pita pan (c,2) 718-204-1633 37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com Portalia Ristorante (b,2) 718-545-3500 35-03 Broadway, Astoria www.portalianyc.com

28 55 153 116 123 199

31 184 200

124 29 108 32

115 33

Sugar Freak (C,2) 718-726-5850 36-18 30th Ave, Astoria www.sugarfreak.com Testaccio (a,4) 718-937-2900 47-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.testacciony.com Tru Astoria 35-19 Ditmars Blvd.

Astoria NY 11105 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com

Rèst-âü-Ránt (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

179 167

Sac’s Place Coal Oven Pizza (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

40

Vinte Vinosteria 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St, Astoria www.vitevinosteria.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

60 bean coffee & tea (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria Astor Bake Shop (a,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

21

49 50 52 51 193

Food Cellar (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.foodcellarandco.com Food Cellar 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent Street, LIC www.foodcellarandco.com Project Earth (B,2) 35-53 32nd St, LIC 718-204-2161 Yogurt La Crepe (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

Astoria Bier & Cheese (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria

Grand Wine and Liquor (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St, Astoria www.grandwl.com LGC Wine & Liquors (B,1) 718-726-1555 43-20A Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (b,2) 31-29 31st Street, Astoria 718- 278-2665 www.astoriabookshop.com babyNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net Belief (B,1) 718-721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com The Brass Owl (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.thebrassowl.com Inside Astoria (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria LIC: living (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave, LIC www.licliving.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 Sofia’s Consignment Shop (B,2) 718-775-8455 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria www.sofiasconsignment.com

Château le Woof 30-02 14th Street Astoria NY 11102 718-626- woof www.chateaulewoof.com

54

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

121

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

75

Steinway Court Vet (c,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St, Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

FLORISTS 160

Off Broadway Florist (B,2) 3204 31st St, Astoria 718-728-2828 www.offbroadwayflorist.com

44 137

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

47

NYC FARM CHIC Flowers www.nycfarmchicflowers.com

130

Petals and Roots (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St, Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

SERVICES 168 178

WINES & SPIRITS 36

Astoria wine and spirits (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com

PETS 201

Ok café (B,1) 22-04 33rd St, Astoria 718-440-8789 www.okcafeastoria.com Sweetleaf (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com

Astoria Park Wine and Spirits (b,1) 28-07 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

SHOPS 143

186

Victory Garden Café 2169 Steinway St. Astoria NY 11105 718-274-2087 www.victorysweetshop.com

FOOD SHOPS 39

187

Via Vai (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com

IL Fornaio Bakery (B,2) 29-14 30th Ave, Astoria 718-267-0052

37

38

45

189 190

27

Vesta (a,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.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

195

Sage General Store (b,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com

Snowdonia Pub (B,2) 34-55 32nd St, Astoria 347-730-5783 www.snowdoniapub.com

34 138 139

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

S Prime Steak House (c,2) 718-707-0660 35-16 36th St, Astoria www.sprimenyc.com

Skinny’s (a,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC

BAKERIES

Queens Comfort (c,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria www.queenscomfort.com Queens Kickshaw (c,2) 718-777-0913 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

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

119

Admiral lock and Key (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com Astoria 35 Laundry & Fine Dry Cleaning (B,2) 3505 34th St, Astoria 718-392-9692 Astoria35laundry.com Astoria Center of Israel 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

MAP IT DIRECTORY

s (b,1) s.com

a

177 129 114 77

Blue Bird Child Care 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St, Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com Crescent Apothecary (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com Dr. Panagiotis Pagonis, M.D. (b,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

173

e.c.g. debt settlement (B,1) 718-932-9300 29-15 Astoria Blvd, Astoria

161

energea (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th Street, LIC EnergeaNYC.com

90

FERRARI Driving School (c,2) 3232 Steinway Street 718-278-6679

198 56

196

95 180

2)

57 174 59

122 62 175 157

64 65

TATTOO SHOPS 147 158 67

164 195 71

Hero computer repair nyc 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net

131

The Learning Station Montessori Inc. (c,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th Street, Astoria www. thelearningstationmontessorischool. com Mathnasium (c,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria Montessori Kids of LIC (B,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com MPN Law Firm (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com QNS COLLECTIVE (c,3) 718-280-5122 36-27 36th Street, 2 floor, Astoria www.qnscollective.com RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC www.rcn.com/boromag Tuck-It-Away Storage (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent Street, Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

72 46 192

185

154 120

Vespa Queens (b,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent Street, LIC www.vespaqueens.com

165

Voice Music Studio (A,1) 23-11 21st Street Astoria, NY 11105 646-309-3429

76 78 79 166

HOTELS 134

66 17

Four Points Sheraton (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave, LIC, NY 11101 www.fourpoints.com Ravel (a,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com Z NYC Hotel (a,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com

73

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 www.defineyourlook.com

151 81 188

European Wax Center LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd, LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com Gigi Salon (c,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com

43 82

Primp AND Tease SALON (a,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC

83

RedkEn SALOON Salon (c,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.redkensalon.com

84

shade organic spa and salon (C,1) 36-05 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-278-7892 shadebarspa.com

197

156 142 80 136

Anthea Yoga & Healing Arts center (c,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th Street, Astoria www.antheacenter.com Astoria Complex (c,2) 34-38 38th St, LIC 718-729-7163 www.ascsports1.com CKO Kickboxing (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.ckoastoria.com Club Fitness (b,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com Crank Cycling Studio (a,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.cranknyc.com CROSSFIT Dynamix Gym (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave, Astoria www.dynamixgym.com NEXUS NYC (C,3) 718-204-2091 36-58 37th St, LIC www.nexusnyc.com PNT Fitness (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com The Rock Health & Fitness Club (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st Street Astoria, NY 11105 www.therockhealthandfitness.com Personalized Pilates (A,4) 347-563-3933 10-13 47th Avenue, 2nd floor LIC Sage Studios 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave, 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home 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

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

HAPPY DaY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St, Astoria Rejuvenate face and body (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com Shade Organic Spa and Salon 36-05 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-278-7892

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

The Face & Body Shop 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave, Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com

The Cotton Bride (B,3) 718-729-9878 F: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd Street, LIC www.thecottonbride.com

Tightan Gym 718-274-1606 31-21 31st St, Astoria www.tightan.com

SPAS

85 86

FITNESS 58

42

Renaissance Event Hall (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com

60

FAT CAT Tattoo (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st Street, LIC www.fatcattattoos.com

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Vardiman Eyewear (c,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

FOUNDRY (a,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info

Body Language Tattoo 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria www.bltnyc.com

BEAUTY

Gotham lasik 718-440-3131 30-80 21st street, Astoria www.gothamlasik.com

EVENTS

m

ia

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

145 68 111 88 89 79

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

199

93 94 149

146 110 97

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

98

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

112

Brick Bar (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com

99

The Brewery Bar & Kitchen 718-777-8007 49-18 30th ave, Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

96

Domaine Wine Bar (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com

105

Katch Brewery & Grill (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave, Astoria, NY www.katchastoria.com

30

Mosaic Craft Beer & Wine Bar (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com

101 140 141 103

Studio Sq. Beer Garden (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

172

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

135

128

92 113

127

Astoria fine arts dance (c,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com 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 Kaufman Astoria Studios (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com Laguardia Performing Arts Center (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org LIC School of Ballet (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St, Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

Noguchi Museum (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave, Astoria Entrance on 37th Street www.queenscouncilarts.org RoGallery.com (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St, LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org Socrates Sculpture Park (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org Ten10 Studios (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com the art house (c,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (c,3) 47-21 35th Street, LIC 718-806-1709 /www.sculpturespacenyc.com/contact The Secret Theatre (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

Beaudoin Realty Group (A,4) 718-505-9220 21-52 44th Drive, LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com douglas elliman (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd www.elliman.com 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 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (c,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

ART 100

Museum of the Moving Image (c,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us

REAL ESTATE

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

THE STANDING ROOM (a,4) 718-433-4970 4738 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.standingroomlic.com

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

Gotham Lasik 30-80 21st St, Astoria, NY 11102 (718) 440-3131 http://www.gothamlasik.com/ Mount Sinai Queens (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave, LIC

BANKING 104 102

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

WANT YOUR BUSINESS LISTED IN OUR DIRECTORY?

718.224.5863 ext. 206 Email: ADS@BOROmag.com

march 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 27

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Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

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

718-728-2822

www.steinwaycourtvet.com info@ steinwaycourtvet.com

30 | BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

Sans titre-1 1

20/04/15 12:46

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THE OVAL OFFICE, 1992 Screenprint (42 x 51 in.)

47-15 36th Street Long Island City, NY 11101 - Gallery by Appointment -

The Brewery Bar & Kitchen Family owned & operated

• Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm • Lunch Monday thru Friday 11am to 3pm

Gift Certificates Available Since 1982, our family-owned-and-operated funeral home has helped countless families throughout New York and beyond

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Allow Elmont Funeral Home in Elmont, New York, to assist your family in your time of grieving with funeral planning services, direct burials, funeral service arrangements, and cremation services.

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Happy Hour Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here!

Mon-Fri 3 pm-7 pm NBA & NHL Excluding Holidays Regular Season and Playoffs Check our website for @ The Brewery Bar daily specials 49-18 30th Ave (btwn 49th & 50th st) • Woodside, NY 11377 Tel. 1-718-777-8007 • www.thebrewery.nyc • info@thebrewery.nyc

ADVERTISE IN

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www.BOROmag.com/advertise MARCH 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 31

+ DRINK FOOD

St

32 I BOROMAG.COM I March 2016

Mussels ‘N Sausages Story & Images By Bradley Hawks

D

on’t read into the name, look for some deeper meaning, or try to find a hidden double entendre. The name—Mussels ‘N Sausages—simply delivers precisely what it implies. Excellently steamed bivalves paired with brilliantly seasoned bangers.

“We use mussels and sausages gourmet vehicles for showcasing flavors from around the world,” explains Tarcisio Costa, the restaurant’s general manager. A Portuguese chorizo is doused in grappa then ignited with a flame for tableside roasting. Indian mussels are accented with tandoori spices, garlic, shallots and cream.

The sausages are plump and delicious, almost whole meals unto themselves, each prepared in a Staub Cocotte. The owner of the restaurant is Francis Staub himself, the founder of the Alsatian company devoted to the renowned enameled cast-iron cookware. If that heritage alone doesn’t entice you, consider the menu and craft cocktails.

A delicious introduction to the

mussels would be the Burgundian presentation, which actually employs red wine with shallots, mushrooms, bacon, onions, cream and olive oil. The mussels are wonderfully tender sponges for absorbing the crimson range of flavors, creating a pot of mussels you won’t typically find elsewhere. For a rich Crock-Pot full of mussels, try the Roquefort, which is studded with clusters of the strong cheese swimming in a broth of white wine and bacon.

Acknowledging that the menu caters to very specific palates, the restaurant also offers an organic sausage burger topped with aioli and Spanish onion, a grilled organic chicken breast sandwich with pesto aioli, sriracha maple-glazed wings, and several brunch offerings, along with a risotto of the day and a catch of the day.

A carefully crafted cocktail menu ranges from classics like a Sazerac to some lovingly inventive originals, like the Smoky—a blend of Mezcal, white Vermouth, yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit bitters and a grapefruit twist.

So wash your brain of any childlike suppositions. If you truly enjoy mussels and deliciously crafted sausages, you would be sorely missing out not to give this place a genuine shot.

35-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria 718-606-6532 www.musselsandsausages.com march 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 33

+ DRINK FOOD

S

huya is not a common name in Japan. Its etymology can be broken down into the prefix shu—which translates to “learning”—and ya—a suffix meaning “until the end.” Shuya Miyawaki has undeniably embraced his name, devoting his life to learning and practicing the balance of health, delicious food and the arts.

Shuya Cafe de Ramen, his eponymous restaurant, opened its doors in Astoria on Feb. 3. Merely another starting point in his life, Miyawaki’s journey actually began several years ago.

Born in Yokohama, the aspiring chef

moved to Tokyo at the age of 20, where he worked at a restaurant specializing in Western cuisine. On a two-month trip to the United States, the young cook visited many of the country’s major cities, including New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Francisco. And a seed was planted.

Back in Tokyo, young Miyawaki was hired at Gonpachi—the famous Japanese restaurant featured in the hit film, Kill Bill. Four days after his first day of work, President Bush dined at the restaurant alongside Prime Minister Koizumi. The end result was a success that eventually

launched the business to open a second restaurant in Los Angeles—and Miyawaki soon found himself with a plane ticket and a working visa for the U.S.A. Miyawaki spent seven years in LA, mastering sushi, yakitori and even udon.

Eventually, he moved to the famous ramen spot, Jinya, where he was promoted to Executive Chef. Success showed favor once more, and the aspiring chef found himself transplanted yet again—this time to New York City.

Though the NYC outpost of Jinya was ill-fated, Miyawaki had found his new home, along with a new mentor—Kazuo Yoshida of 1 or 8 in Williamsburg. Under Yoshida’s tutelage, Miyawaki learned some pivotal lessons that would forever alter his path. First, quality is always a priority over quantity.

Secondly, if you can provide a service no one else can, people will be happy to pay for it.

fe d

y u h S a Ca

e

The Signature Ramen 34 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

R

Pork Bun

Vegetable Ramen

With his mentor’s blessing and an arsenal of experience from a variety of world-class kitchens under his belt, Miyawaki was ready to place his own fingerprint on the culinary landscape. “He is still my mentor,” Miyawaki says of Yoshida. “His wife designs all our flowers. They are really supportive.”

Miyawaki visited between 20 and 30 potential locations for his new restaurant. “They were all either overpriced, or in areas where not much was happening,”

he recalls. “And then I found this space on Craigslist.” His initial impression inspired him to place an offer right away.

“Other buyers offered higher sums of money,” he explains. “But the owner really liked us, so we got it.”

With fate on his side, Miyawaki also found two partners to help bring his dream to fruition—one of whom is the only other person he has met who actually shares his name, as well as his philosophy on life.

Shuya Iida designs one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture that exemplify the notion of quality over quantity, so the design of the new restaurant allows it to double as a showroom for Iida’s work, which is constructed in Red Hook. “Our wives really get along, too,” says Miyawaki, confirming the serendipitous friendship.

Miyawaki and his wife have made much of the restaurant’s earthenware by hand, from the ceramic tea mugs to the giant ramen bowls—all of which

Ramen

bear an etching of the restaurant’s logo on the underside. “The swirling lines symbolize the connections between everything in life, but they also look a lot like noodles,” says the chef. “So we call it Shuya Life Design Lab.” Resonating the notion of providing a service others do not offer, Miyawaki recognized a need to develop a new kind of ramen broth. He uses noodles made by the popular Sun Ramen company in New Jersey, but has focused his creativity on developing a soup base with as much umami as the current trend of tonkatsu (pork broth), yet one that demands no MSG to balance out the soup’s richness.

Having worked for several years mastering tonkatsu, Miyawaki had also noticed the toll it had taken on his body. “I feel guilty serving something to others I don’t even want to finish myself,” he explains. “It’s too fatty and uses MSG to boost the other flavors, which is okay once in a while—but it should never be part of a daily diet.”

Miyawaki’s broth uses chicken, bonito, anchovies, mackerel, kelp, shitake mushrooms and a myriad of vegetables, all of which simmer on low heat for about 7 hours. “Tonkatsu demands a lot of reducing,” he says, “but mine requires a lot of simmering to bring out the umami.”

awks S t o r y & I m a g e s B y Br ad l ey H Chef Shuya Miyawaki MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 35

+ DRINK FOOD

To balance out the dining experience, Miyawaki has also created an impressive selection of cold and hot tapas. A “forest salad” arrives as a haystack of kale, peppery mizuna, crisp wheels of lotus root and a quartet of mushrooms—enoki, shitake, eryngii and shimeji—all sprinkled with quinoa and tossed in sesame dressing. Four bucks will buy you a cone filled with Kurobuta popcorn dogs, like miniature tempura corndog buttons made with black pork sausage.

Also four dollars, the pork bun is practically a steal. “I like [the versions] at Momofuku and Ippudo,” Miyawaki says, “but everywhere else is like second best.” His recipe focuses on capturing the smokiness of the chashu with a hot sear, then serving it on a light-as-air steamed bun layered with a curly leaf of kale and a dollop of house “egg tartar sauce” made with egg, aioli and whole-grain mustard.

His most popular bowl of ramen features the signature broth, which is exponentially more translucent than tonkatsu—but only in appearance.

The layered flavors deliciously glide down, leaving my stomach satisfied and content—but never overwhelmed.

Miyawaki has even mastered a vegetarian ramen, which tastes almost like a delicious Japanese minestrone. Avoiding the use of vegetables high in starch to achieve a thicker consistency, the broth uses a hint of soymilk to lend some creaminess.

Devout fans of the almost sacred art form of ramen should approach this restaurant with an open mind. Miyawaki’s years of experience, the courage of his journey, and the devotion of his path have truly allowed him to develop a uniquely exceptional taste that is flavorful and 36 I BOROMAG.COM I JANUARY 2016

Popcorn Dogs

Forest Salad

clean. Be sure to order a few small plates to fully witness the expertise of his ability.

After all, Shuya Cafe is the sum of one man’s entire lifetime of learning.

42-13 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-0430 www.facebook.com/ shuyacafederamen/

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WellStrung Story by Bradley Hawks

W

hat do you get when you throw together four shockingly handsome men who are exceedingly gifted instrumentalists, equally talented vocalists,

committed to social issues, and who love Ke$ha, Britney Spears and Katy Perry almost as much as they revere Beethoven, Bach and Brahms? You get a refreshingly vibrant and relevant singing string quartet known as Well-Strung, who mesh timetested classical tunes with current Top 40 hits.

While you may have seen them performing on “TODAY” for Kathy Lee and Hoda, caught one of their concerts at 54 Below, seen them during their summer residency in Provincetown, watched them on tour, or caught them on Bravo or online promoting Hillary Clinton, chances are you didn’t know this talented group of men live together in Astoria—a neighborhood they proudly call their home.

The group was conceived by violinist Chris Marchant and producer Mark Cortale. The two met in 2010 38 I BOROMAG.COM | MARCH 2016

while Marchant was performing in a Provincetown production of “Naked Boys Singing.” Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) joined Marchant, and the four now spend their time making new music arrangements, producing videos and touring internationally.

BORO recently sat down with founder Chris Marchant at the Starbucks on Steinway Street to chat a little more about the group and get a more personal story.

Photo by Bill Lagaret

Photo by Scott Henrichsen

CM: We played in Vegas for the first time in October, and we got to play our “Toxic” cover at Planet Hollywood, and she tweeted out a clip of it.

I’m sure it was her team… but then we got to see her show that night, and it was awesome. She’s kind of killing it right now.

BORO: So how did you start touring?

CM: In the beginning, we really had no idea what we were doing. We met Trevor, the fourth member of our group, twelve days before our first show. It was insane. Then we spent our first summer in Provincetown, and people who saw us there would invite us to come perform where they live, and that’s how we started touring.

BORO: How has it been living together?

CM: It’s crazy how often none of us are in our apartment. We have our own very distinct separate circles, but we all really get along as brothers.

BORO: How did you decide to make a classical pop crossover quartet?

CM: I was playing [violin] on the

street, and I would pull up to play in my usual spot and I would be listening to Britney on my iPod, and people would be like, “Oh my gosh, what are you listening to?” They thought it would be something classical, and I would be like, “It’s Britney…” The two styles of music have both impacted me.

BORO: Does Britney know about Well-Strung?

BORO: What was the beginning of your personal journey as a musician?

CM: When I was 9, I told my mom I didn’t want to play tee-ball anymore because I was really bad at it.

She said, “Fine, but you have to do something.” So, I picked the violin.

I was also really jealous that my sister played clarinet, and she was two grades ahead of me.

BORO: When did you realize you have a gift for it?

CM: Oh god, I will let you know if I ever feel like I do!

BORO: It genuinely blows my mind how modest you are. When did you start getting positive feedback then?

MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 39

+ SOUL BODY

Photo by Marco Ovando

Photo by Scott Henrichsen

CM: Right away, I guess. But the problem was that I only worked as hard as I needed to in order to be better than everyone else in my class.

I didn’t really have anyone pushing me who cared. It wasn’t until college when I really learned how serious of an instrument it is and saw the ways I was lacking.

BORO: Did you study violin in college?

CM: No, I studied music ministry, and violin was my major instrument.

Then I started to get into musical theater, and would sometimes be an onstage violinist. When I got 40 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

mind-blowing. Interestingly, our first violinist now had actually played the role I played, Tobias, in the first national tour, and then I played it.

BORO: What an incredible experience. Did you pursue musical theater after the tour?

CM: From the age of 23 to 25, I toured, doing regional productions.

And then I moved to New York.

the tour with “Sweeney Todd,” that was the first time I had to really sing and play at the same time, and it was

www.well-strung.com www.facebook.com/ wellstrungnyc @Wellstrungnyc

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}

I am a really lucky man,” Domenico Sacramone says.

“I get to do what I love to do.”

Domenico has owned Sac’s Place Pizza with his brother, Anthony, since 1989. Although two and a half decades have taught him more lessons than he can count, he still maintains a coolness that can calm guests and staff, born from a humility passed down from his mother.

“We saw the changing times,” recalls Sacramone. “Pizza was going from the traditional pie to everybody buying bulk pizza sauce and bulk mozzarella—and suddenly pizza was starting to taste really generic to us. We decided to open a small pizza place that would eventually sell Italian food. This place was right on the corner of where we grew up.”

Generations of family cooking had provided Domenico Sacramone the recipes, and his childhood neighborhood had provided the location. But now, the family would have to make everything come together in an actual business.

“Suddenly, we were faced with the challenges of moving from cooking small time to mass production,” explains Sacramone, “but we wanted to keep that same taste. We met so many people before we opened up. We met Tony Aiello, who was making fresh mozzarella, and so we went with his product. And it was a long process finding all the right components.”

Domenico’s mom comes from a family of 11, and his father from a family of 12. “When we used to have parties,” recalls Domenico, “mom would have to cook for 50 people—so we had actually grown up learning. When we finally opened the restaurant, she couldn’t wait

43 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

Dining with the Family at Sac’s Place Story + Images by Bradley Hawks

Every kitchen is different, and to retire from Eagle Electric it can only come to life by so she could help us with working in it.” everything.”

Domenico’s revIn the beginning, erence for time, Sac’s Place was tradition, and simply a pizzeria. family are always “We expanded apparent. “We because I also took everything wanted a reswe had believed taurant where at home,” he rewe could be more flects, “all of our creative. I still make Homemade Shrimp and Crab Ravioli family meals and celmy own wine at ebrations, and brought it home—and we wanted into the restaurant.” to be able to carry on more of At the table next to us, his 91-yearour traditions.” Downstairs, they make all of their own pastas and stuffed ravi- old mother is being oli based on the original recipes from served a his mother, Maddalena Sacramone.

“When we were renovating, we built the brick oven so we could truly prepare pizza the old-fashioned way.

It didn’t really start to put out the best pizza until it was about 5 years old, because it takes time and only gets better as it ages.

Mama's Old Fashioned

plate of ravioli across the table from her 101-year-old brother, Antonio Tenaglia. In the orange glow of the fireplace, they tenderly listen to our conversation, always smiling, and gently nodding in agreement. “Antonio was a prisoner of war in Germany for three years during World War II,” explains Domenico. I am overwhelmed at the history and the stories that have brought this restaurant into existence and helped it thrive over the years.

“We know in today’s world,” says Domenico, “everything is up, young people are sharing apartments, and we want to be reasonably priced without compromising the quality of the food.

Everything is made to order, from the ravioli to the broccoli di rabe. We are just mixing and matching our pasta and sauces to what we like, but if

someone wants something not listed and we can do, then we will say ‘Yes.’” The pizza remains the star of the show, and it is truly one of the most exceptional pies in the city. Mama’s Old-Fashioned Pie is built upside down, with fresh mozzarella layered over the sauce and topped with basil.

On the Sicilian pizza, savory pepperoni curls in the heat, resting beside crumbled meatballs made with his mother’s recipe—which came from her mother, and her mother’s mother. “We can date most of her recipes back nearly 200 years,” Domenico says, as Maddalena nods in agreement.

A plate arrives full of ravioli stuffed with shrimp and crab beneath a blanket of brandy cream sauce. Another version reveals the welcomed heat of roasted peppers and mozzarella beneath a velvety pepper cream sauce.

We dig into the chicken Napoletana, which layers a pounded out chicken breast with thin ribbons of prosciutto and breaded eggplant, all resting on a plate of lemony Francese beneath golden-brown, fresh mozzarella.

The food is just as tremendous as it was the first time Chicken Napoletana

I tried it 12 years ago. I admit there is an added warmth dining with the Sacramone family beside the fireplace, listening to stories of the past.

“It’s all about the way were raised,” continues Domenico. “Friends would always say my mother made the best espresso, and ask me how she made it. I would respond that she used fresh cinnamon sticks, and the kids would say, ‘No, it’s something else.’ So one day when five of my friends were coming over, our house was filled with smoke.

They asked if there was a fire, and I said, ‘No, we were just making the coffee.’ We would buy green coffee beans and roast them, taking turns stirring the beans whenever our arms would get tired. My friends were floored, and said, ‘You roast your own coffee?!’ I didn’t know there was any other way.”

Most of the staff has been around almost as long as the restaurant, so the feeling of dining with family is an experience everyone enjoys. Domenico and Anthony rotate shifts during the week and work together on weekends. Specials reflect the varying tastes of the brothers, and every other weekend they create a singularly phenomenal rendition of meat lasagna, which should be paired with a pizza and shared. Later this month, they will even be introducing a brunch menu.

Sac’s provides a caliber of cuisine and warm atmosphere that is often imitated but rarely equaled. Sac’s Place is a collection of recipes that can be traced back centuries to the Abruzzo region of Italy, from a loving matriarch who still offers her nurturing guidance, run by brothers who respect that heritage passed down to them, who proudly share it with the neighborhood where they grew up. Now, that’s a kind of meal I would be honored to try.

2541 Broadway, Astoria 718-204-5002 www.sacsplace.com MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 44

+ DRINK FOOD 45 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

The White Tower

F

or 40 years, the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 31st Street was one of the most recognizable street corners in Astoria.

The remarkable white storefront with Aegean blue Greek lettering denoted the location of one of Astoria’s most popular old-world social spots and one of the neighborhood’s oldest, most respected bakeries. Lefkos Pyrgos—which means White Tower of Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia in Northern Greece—served homemade pastries, Greek frappes and coffees, and arguably the city’s most delicious galaktoboureko for more than four decades. When owner Julie Pantazis was forced to close the bakery’s doors at the end of 2015 to make way for a new Time Warner Cable Center, many thought a substantial pillar of Astoria’s Greek history had died.

“We opened in 1970,” explains Pantazis. Initially, she has a cashier translate Greek to me. Then she pauses to ask if I would like to try something. I express my gratitude for anything she would like to share, and soon a waitress returns with a cappuccino and a freshly sliced piece of galaktoboureko.

I momentarily pause to savor the napoleon of crisp Greek phyllo, vanilla custard and sweet honey, all brightened with miniature shavings of orange zest.

Instantly, I understand how the neigh-

of Astoria borhood men could sit for hours at the sidewalk tables indulging in such treats, sipping cup after cup of coffee.

Pantazis smiles with the warmth of a longtime friend. Her eyes are kind and beautiful—almost twinkling—and I sense a whole soul full of stories. So I lean in to listen to my new friend. She

smiles at the cashier as if to say she is okay, then continues speaking to me slowly in English.

“My husband was a professional soccer player, and he was moved to New York—and so we came here in 1969.

We were working very hard while he played soccer. Somebody sold their store across the street from us, and the building owner was a good friend of my husband, and so we created this place. I worked seven days a week all day long because I wanted it to be just like this.

After four years, I opened another restaurant, and five years later I opened

another store in Bayside. Some years later, we opened a pasta restaurant. In 2001, I got very sick, and the doctor said I couldn’t work anymore. So, we sold everything except Lefkos Pyrgos.”

“When our lease was up,” she continues, “I said I do not want to pack everything up and start somewhere else—I am too old.” She sighs, and then smiles. “After we closed, I stayed in my home for three months, and then I decided to open this space. People had been asking me to.The same customers come here, and it is very good.”

Cakes, cookies and pastries are all made downstairs in the basement bakery. Many of the bakers and staff members have been with Pantazis for years. Besides loyal local regulars, her patrons include Greek celebrities, athletes and politicians who stop by when visiting New York.

The new bakery feels very similar to the former space, and reflects the same character and tradition. While I had always loved the old bakery for the authentic cookies and cakes, sitting with Pantazis is a treat I will cherish for a very long time. “Anytime you want, please come by and say hi,” she says. I most definitely will.

33-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 718-932-4423 MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 46

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Healthy Me Organic Juice Lab 50 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

A

rmin Mrkanovic is a fighter. He is a Bosnian-American light heavyweight kickboxer, a cruiserweight boxer, and a middleweight mixed martial arts fighter—all depending on his mood or the season—and he seemingly excels at everything he attempts.

He first started fighting when he was 3 years old, when his grandfather enrolled him in lessons to help focus his hyperactivity. By 12, the young fighter had earned his black belt in karate and began expressing a desire to start fighting competitively. Despite his mother’s resistance, his grandfather encouraged him to compete one time. “He told my mom that if she’d let me fight just once,” Mrkanovic recalls, “I would get my ass kicked, and I would never want to do it again.” He laughs. Guess how that plan turned out.

Though Mrkanovic trains at Gleason’s Gym in Dumbo with Hector Rocco alongside the likes of Hilary Swank and

Usher, he and his wife call Long Island City their home. His mother still lives in Astoria, around the corner from a new business that Mrkanovic opened, Healthy Me .

“People in the neighborhood who know me always stop me and ask what I eat to stay in shape,” Mrkanovic explains, “so I decided to open Healthy Me.” Healthy Me is the organic juice lab on 37th Street near 30th Avenue created by Mrkanovic a year ago. The very first juicer he owned still sits on the front counter. “I was drinking so many cups of coffee,” recalls the fighter. “My wife turned my focus to juicing, and it has changed my life.”

Healthy Me serves smoothies, fresh squeezed juice, healthy wraps and breakfast bowls, along with health remedies and freshly squeezed shots. They even serve coffee by the Brooklyn Roasting Company. “It’s my breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Mrkanovic says. He named

the Mona Lisa smoothie after his wife, which features berries, bananas, vanilla almond milk, vanilla whey protein and flax seeds. His personal smoothie of choice, however, is the Superman. The chocolate, banana, peanut butter blend could easily serve as a satisfying meal.

Because of the pediatrician in the building next door, Healthy Me even offers a special children’s menu, with cleverly named smoothies like the Bugs Bunny and Mini Me, as well as a Spi-

derman Sandwich.

The space is beautifully designed, with carts of fresh fruit, stainless steel appliances, and vibrant murals painted

by Linda Rufo. With a menu of all organic products, Healthy Me offers something certain to appeal to men and women of all ages and energy levels.

30-08 37th St., Astoria 718-274-8500 www.healthymeny.com

MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 51

THE ARTS

Sunnyside filmmakers use Queens as backdrop

for a short film about comedian

E

milie McDonald and Bruce Smolanoff have called Sunnyside home for 14 years and are now using the borough as the setting for “Muck,” a short film about a Queens comedian.

The fictional narrative, which clocks in at 15 minutes, follows Mel, a 20-yearold aspiring comedian who lives with her loving but pessimistic mother after being abandoned by her father. Mel begins to seek out validation from a group of misogynistic male comics as she tries to navigate the comedy scene.

Though the film never directly makes mention of which part of Queens Mel hails from, the backdrop features Sunnyside, Long Island City and Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Smolanoff, who grew up in Flushing, said he always pictured Mel living in one of the “furthest fringes of Queens” and used snapshots of residential areas, forgotten industrial spaces and a be52 I BOROMAG.COM I MARCH 2016

Photo courtesy of Andreea Drogeanu

Story by Angela Matua

loved local venue to tell her story.

“I’ve lived in Queens my whole life so it’s a very, very Queens story,” Smolanoff said. “Our main character lives in Queens, she comes from Queens and what can I say, she’s deeply, inherently Queens-ish.”

The husband-and-wife duo began collaborating on the script after Smolanoff had an initial idea four years ago. McDonald, an award-winning filmmaker, would give Smolanoff notes and eventually became a co-writer on the film.

Filming began in March 2014 and the crew used The Creek and the Cave,

a comedy club in Long Island City to shoot Mel’s stand-up scenes. Portions of the film were also shot on 48th Street in Sunnyside near the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, the intersection of Greenpoint Avenue and 45th Street and the 7 train station at 40th Street.

Though Mel, portrayed by Tallie Medel, is a fictional character, both Smolanoff and McDonald noted that the struggling comic is a combination of people they know. Smolanoff spent a lot of his time at Surf Reality, a comedy club on the Lower East Side, where he observed talented but lesser-known comedians trying to establish themselves.

The film explores the obstacles that keep people from achieving their goals, a problem that the duo encountered while trying to make the short.

“The story is called ‘Muck’ and it’s about rising above the things that get in our way,” McDonald said. “And the character has a lot of things to overcome

Photos courtesy of Sean Price Williams Emilie McDonald and Bruce Smolanoff's short film was shot in Sunnyside and Long Island City.

and that’s something we needed to get through as well.”

Smolanoff credits McDonald for encouraging him to complete the short film. The duo tried several times to start production but could not find the right cast. The story, which took two to three years to write, captures Mel while she is deciding whether to keep pursing comedy. In many ways, the story mirrors the struggle McDonald and Smolanoff experienced.

“I need to give credit to Emilie here because I was almost ready to give up on it after the first two times and say this is not going to work,” Smolanoff said.

“Emilie just kept pushing through say-

ing ‘no, lets get back to it.’ That’s really why it actually got made, because the first two or three rounds were just too difficult.”

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the short film was completed and screened at festivals across the country and in Europe. It was the runner-up at the Hammer to Nail Short Film Contest in 2015 and won best narrative short at the Indie Memphis Film Festival.

On March 17, the film will screen as part of the Queens World Film Festival.

The screening will begin at 6 p.m. at The Secret Theatre in Long Island City.

Since the short film was well received,

the writing partners are now working on a full-length version. The film was a “labor of love,” according to Smolanoff and the cast and crew worked for little compensation – another aspect they share with the lead character.

“Mel doesn’t have a lot of resources and her opportunities are limited and we wanted to show that somebody who’s kind of coming from very humble, minimal resources is able to persevere,” Smolanoff said. “It’s about perseverance over her family, her environment, her surroundings and that spirit to try to advance ones self in life. I thought, ‘she’s perfect, shes like a lot of people. We can identify with her.'”

MARCH 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 53

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