BORO MAG

Photo: Bridget Kenny/BORO

MAY 2017

VOL 7:5

BOROMAG.COM

Delicious

Designs

GORDON RAMSAY PROTÉGÉ AT LOCAL EATERY

PRACTICE MARTIAL ARTS AT OMNI

LOCAL OPEN MIC NIGHTS

STEEL SCULPTOR’S LIC STUDIO

Page 18

Page 22

Page 32

Page 50

Page 38 GREAT DISCOUNTS

at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside

M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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Every spring, western Queens really starts to feel like a neighborhood again. During the winter, everyone stays shut up in their apartments or hurries down the street, wrapped in coats and scarves. But when the weather gets warm, our streets become filled with residents walking their dogs, parents pushing children in strollers and shoppers exploring Steinway Street. The restaurants and cafes open their outdoor seating areas, and Astoria Park becomes packed with frisbee-throwers and track runners.

Here at BORO, we love introducing you to your neighbors, and this month is no different. On page 6, you can see some of your fellow western Queens residents rocking their most fashionable KATRINA MEDOFF spring looks. We asked readers to share their best editor-in-chief spring photos with us on Instagram (page 10). If you want to see one of YOUR pictures in print next month, we’re going to be looking for pics of drinks, bars, beer gardens and more!

You may not know it, but a protégé of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay works right here in Astoria at mussels ‘N sausages (page 18); we have our very own chocolatier (page 30); and an artist is making seriously amazing steel sculptures in an LIC studio (page 50). You can try out some martial arts with your neighbors (page 22), listen to them perform (page 32) and, as always, get inspired by their interior design ideas (page 44).

Wishing you and your neighbors a great May, Katrina Medoff

CONTENTS

OPEN MICS

32 FEATURES 6 SPRING FEVER

Street style in Astoria

10 SPRING SNAPS

BORO readers Instagrammed spring in western Queens

LIC Dental 18 CREATIVE COOK Associates Gordon Ramsay protégé helms mussels ‘N sausages

22 A LOOK INSIDE OMNI MARTIAL ARTS

Martial arts in Astoria for kids and adults

32 OPEN MIC NIGHT

STEEL STATUE

Listen to local, up-and-coming musicians

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38 DELICIOUS DESIGNS

Astorian makes chocolate fashionistas

44 ECLECTIC ENERGY

DEPARTMENTS 12 MAY 2017 EVENTS

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

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

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

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

Peek inside this Astoria apartment

50 STEEL STATUE

An artist’s LIC studio

54 LIC FLEA & FOOD

Check out new and returning vendors

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov // GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nirmal Singh WRITERS Hayley Bridgewater, Ruthie Darling, Karen Goldfarb, Marie Grillo, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Ruthie Darling, Bridget Kenny SALES REPRESENTATIVE Graziella Zerilli // PUBLISHED BY Joshua and Victoria Schneps All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.

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

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STREET STYLE

Hattitude.

How darling are Olivia and Ben? They were off to swing dance, and their complementary looks felt straight out of the 1940s.

Retro glamor at its finest!

Spring

Fever

BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING pring fever has gripped Astoria. The trees are blooming and so is the street style. Color, patterns, floral and vintage were only some of the looks being showcased by the fashionistas on the streets this month. The style butterflies have emerged from their down-coat chrysalises and they are ready to fly! Take a look at some of the best looks from the Astoria runways.

Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

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The silver leather on Diana’s handbag really popped.

That’s how you accessorize!

Jess, who works in IT, was out having a lazy brunch with her boyfriend. I loved how the hem of her dress dipped at the back, not to mention the delicate pattern.

Diana is in talent acquisitions at Coach and was rocking this casual boho ensemble.

The applique on the gray tank really elevated this outfit from a casual weekend outfit to a statement look.

Shanna is currently at school studying business. She looked very vintage elegant in her soft pink dress and nude sandals.

Easter-chic.

Priya is an entrepreneur and looked fresh and stylish in her matching skirt and crop top set.

The pops of color in the waistband and necklace lifted this look from sweet to cool.

A wrist surgery was not going to stop Laura from looking fabulous.

Appropriately enough, Laura is a medical student and was out for a walk in this floral maxi dress.

The color combination of seafoam green and hot red adds a modern touch to a floral dress.

Israel is a student and nanny living in Astoria. Her floral-meetsneon look just screamed spring. I love how she kept it edgy by adding the heavy black booties.

A perfect transitional look.

M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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I N S TA I M A G E S

SPRING SNAPS

@ hihairy

By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF

W

estern Queens was bursting with color this month, with trees in bloom along our streets, vivid tulips beautifying our sidewalks and sunny skies brightening up our days. We asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram photos of spring in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. Here are some of their floral photos and other pretty pics.

@ rikkigunton

@ oscar_dela_fe

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@KATYA_M22

@ afterloving M AY 2 0 1 7

@ lo

@ christina.avramidis

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@ codymccarthy @ mclmaronil M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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MAY EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events THURSDAY, MAY 4, THROUGH SATURDAY, MAY 27

Time: Event Title: “Raisin” Cost: Tickets: $18 general/ $12 students Location: Astoria Performing Arts at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Phone: 718-706-5750 Address: 30-44 Crescent St. (at 30th Road), Astoria URL: www.apacny.org SATURDAY, MAY 6

Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Event Title: 2017 LIC Springs!

Cost: FREE Location: Vernon Boulevard, between 50th Avenue and 46th Avenue, Long Island City URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens.com/experience-lic/events/ lic-springs-17/ SATURDAY, MAY 6

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Event Title: Kentucky Derby Party Location: The Bonnie Phone: 718-274-2015 Address: 29-12 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.whyleaveastoria. com/events/kentucky-derby-party-atthe-bonnie SATURDAY, MAY 6

Time: 9:30 to 11 p.m.

Event Title: The Dirty Show Ben Conrad & Lucas Connolly Cost: $10 Location: Q.E.D. Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ collections/ben-conrad-lucasconnolly/products/the-dirty-show-24

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SUNDAY, MAY 7

Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

Event Title: Metrix Jewelry Pop-Up Shop Cost: FREE Location: The Brass Owl Phone: 347-848-0905 Address: 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria URL: https://www.facebook.com/ events/991969474237336/?active_ tab=about TUESDAY, MAY 9

Time: 7 to 8 p.m.

Event Title: Camille Perri with Lyndsay Faye on The Assistants Cost: FREE Location: The Astoria Bookshop Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria URL: www.astoriabookshop.com WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Time: 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Event Title: A Full Moon Affair Location: SacredWaters Phone: 718-752-1414 Address: 5-35 51st Ave., Queens URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens.com/experience-lic/events/afull-moon-affair-2/ FRIDAY, MAY 12, FRIDAY, MAY 19, AND FRIDAY, MAY 26

Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Event Title: Featuring Singer/ Guitarist Ithalia Johnson Location: Juuz.Me Hand Crafted Cocktail Bar Phone: 718-606-1391 Address: 1923 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria URL: www.juuz.me SATURDAY, MAY 13

Time: All day Event Title: Coronation Day Location: LIC Beer Project Phone: 917-832-6840 Address: 39-28 23rd St., Long Island City URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens.com/experience-lic/events/ coronation-day/

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, THROUGH SATURDAY, MAY 27

Time: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Event Title: Michelle Boulé – The Monomyth Cost: $20 Location: Chocolate Factory Theater Phone: 718-482-7069 Address: 5-49 49th Ave., LIC URL: http://www.chocolatefactorytheater.org/redesign/event/ michelle-boule-the-monomyth/ THURSDAY, MAY 18

Time: 4 p.m. to close Event Title: Rum Bar Launch & 4th Year Anniversary Location: Off The Hook's Phone: 718-721-2112 Address: 28-08 34th St., Astoria URL: http://www.offthehookastoria. com/home-old.html SATURDAY, MAY 20

Time: Noon to 2 p.m.

Event Title: Astoria Park Community Volunteer Day and Shoreline Cleanup Cost: FREE Location: Astoria Park Field House Email: getinvolved@ astoriaparkalliance.org URL: http://www.astoriaparkalliance. org/upcoming-events/2017/5/20/ astoria-park-community-volunteer-dayand-shoreline-cleanup SATURDAY, MAY 20

Time: Noon to 3 p.m.

Event Title: Wildfest Cost: FREE Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: http://socratessculpturepark.org/ program/wildfest/

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Event Title: Queens Book Festival Children & YA Day - Pure Imagination Cost: Minimal donation of $10 Location: LIC Landing Phone: 347-706-4696 Address: 52-10 Center Blvd., LIC URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens.com/experience-lic/ events/queens-book-festivalchildren-ya-day-pure-imagination/ MONDAY, MAY 29

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Event Title: Memorial Day Paddle Kayaking and Canoeing Cost: FREE Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Beach at Hallets Cove Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: http://socratessculpturepark. org/programevent/free-kayakingcanoeing-8/ WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

Time: 4 p.m. to close Event Title: OysterFest Spring 2017 Location: Off The Hook's Phone: 718-721-2112 Address: 28-08 34th St., Astoria URL: http://www.offthehookastoria. com/home-old.html FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Time: 8 p.m. to midnight Event Title: Carnival of Love "Sixth Sense" Fundraiser for Autism + Special Needs Cost: $75 - $125 Location: Melrose Ballroom Phone: 347-927-6444 Address: 36-08 33rd St., LIC URL: http://www.carnivaloflove.org

Summer Camp Physical Exams $35 for campers • $40 for counselors Most insurance accepted, including Medicaid Campers without insurance welcome!

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PLEASE COME AND JOIN US FOR THE UPCOMING EVENTS! Featuring Singer/Guitarist Ithalia Johnson Dates: May 6th 8-10pm May 12th 8-10pm May 19th 8-10pm May 26th 8-10pm Reservations are suggested.

Juuz.Me Hand Crafted Cocktail Bar 1923 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 606-1391 | www.juuz.me

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Free House Wine Red or White with the purchase of the family style menu Minimum 2 guests

FAMILY STYLE APPETIZER: Fried Calamari, Fried Zucchini, Caprese Salad ENTREE: Chicken Parmigiana Fried Chicken Cutlets with Marinara and Melted Mozzarella Cheese Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Sautéed in a Garlic, Oil and White Wine Sauce Skirt Steak Sautéed with Mushroom Demi Sauce DESSERT: *Includes Coffee, Juice, Soda and Tea* “Make Your Reservations Now Limited Seating”

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Japanese knives and Japanese chinaware

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M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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FOOD + DRINK

CREATIVE Gordon Ramsay protégé finds happiness cooking in Astoria

COOK

By KAREN GOLDFARB LUCKYPRODU

Gordon Ramsay is known to strike terror into the hearts of the young and hopeful chefs who come onto his show “Hell’s Kitchen,” and his abrasive style has reduced many a contestant to a quivering mass of tears. But chef Georgia Nicole Elizabeth Para Charalambous, a protégé of Ramsay’s who now helms the kitchen at mussels ‘N sausages on Ditmars Boulevard, said that the man — while not a loveable pussycat — is a gentleman, scholar and true craftsman of cooking.

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K Charalambous with Nelson Rafael Giron, an investor in the restaurant

“I learned not to be afraid, to go with the flow and not be shy,” she said during a recent interview at the charming Astoria bistro that has drawn rave reviews from critics. “He is nothing like the character you see on TV. He is a great craftsman.

He is classically trained. You have to respect a person of his caliber. He didn’t just come out of the sky.” And she added: “He’s very sexy.”

Charalambous, who was born in Cyprus and grew up in Melbourne, Australia, spent three years under Ramsay’s tutelage after winning first prize in a reality TV show Ramsay was filming there called “Gordon Ramsay’s Personal Nightmare” about opening up a restaurant in a casino. She failed the first time she tried to get on the show.

“I think I spelled my name wrong because I was so nervous,” said Charalambous, now an Astoria resident and the executive chef at mussels ‘N sausages. “I think 300,000 people showed up the first time in this big auditorium. I went home and I was devastated.”

Eat this Plate

Ramsay didn’t find anyone on the first go round, so Charalambous tried again.

And this time, not only did she spell her name right, she blew Ramsay away with her talent.

“It wasn’t scripted at all,” she said.

“We were free to do anything. It was like four or five stages. I was always praying I wasn’t in the first group so I could go home and do my homework.”

She made it all the way to the finale and it was just her and four others — all men.

The idea was to make food so good that he’d want to “eat the plate,” she said.

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Portuguese Sausages

Photos by Karen Goldfarb

“He gave me a box of Hokken noodles, a piece of chicken, and salt and pepper and told me to come up with a spectacular dish,” she said. “I came up with a fried dish. When you fry the Hokken noodles, they turn into a nest. And my whole thing was that my food was so good, you can eat the plate. So I served him the plate” — by giving him an edible plate of fried noodles.

Ramsay told her that her palate was amazing. And she won the contest. The prize was to work at his restaurant for a year, but she ended up staying for three.

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Falling in Love

She brings an old-world sensibility to her creations that she got from her mother and grandmother, but transmutes it into more modern cuisine.

“Growing up in a Cypriot family, my mother and my grandmother — they carried on their views. So even though they were in a foreign country, they thought they were still in Cyprus,” she recalled. “A traditional Cypriot woman needs to teach her daughter how to cook. So by the time I was 11, I knew how to cook — I just didn’t like it. I didn’t want to play the traditional female role: the housewife and all of that.”

But that all changed when she went traveling around the world, armed only with $900 and a pack on her back. She went to a great many places, including Southeast Asia and Europe. She especially loved Vietnam.

She traveled for about a year, working various jobs along the way.

“I needed to see the world,” she said.

And something else momentous was happening. She was falling in love — with cooking and with what she could do with her imagination and her instincts.

“It wasn’t just the cooking,” Charalambous, now 34, recalled. “It was the creating using my palate. People used to say to me, ‘How do you eat this raw, and this cooked?’ I didn’t know what I was doing.

It was instinct — a gut feeling.”

After her travels, she worked for a variety of eateries in Australia. But while she loved her life and career Down Under, New York beckoned.

“Everybody told me you have to come and work in New York at least once in your life,” Charalambous said.

She came to Astoria by way of Brooklyn.

“A Jamaican woman was opening up a great concept in Brooklyn, right on Malcolm X Boulevard,” she said. “It was supposed to be called The Khemistry Bar where people could meet and they create chemistry.”

But unfortunately it didn’t last long, and Charalambous wondered if it was time to go home. But she told herself, “I came here for a reason. New York is considered one of the food capitals of the world. I’m here anyways — let me do it for a year.”

She came across an ad for a job at mussels ‘N sausages, which is owned by Francis Staub, who also owns Le Coq Rico in Manhattan. It was for a role as a sous chef. But she walked out with an even better job: executive chef.

And she has invented every dish on the menu.

Charalambous said she loves being part of the Astoria food scene: “It’s defi-

nitely growing,” she said. “I see all kinds of fusions and flavors happening. It’s not just traditional Greek food anymore.”

‘An Explosion of Beautifulness’

Charalambous is always trying to dream up new dishes at mussels ‘N sausages.

The ingredients, she said, speak to her.

Often she will come into the Astoria restaurant early, way before her shift begins.

“I don’t open up. I don’t cook anything,” she said. “I just look at them and think of the flavors that I like now. And then I go home and I do my thing. But it’s all cooking in the back of my mind. By the morning I wake up — and voila! I just wake up with the recipe and write it all down.”

Most recently, she invented a dish called Portugese Sausages.

What she really hopes is that when you

walk out after eating her food and having had a completely unique experience.

“I want there to be an explosion of beautifulness in your mouth,” she said.

M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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MIND + BODY

A Look Inside Omni M

BY HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @HAYLEYREE3

A

longtime resident of Astoria, and specifically the Ditmars neighborhood, I have walked past Omni Martial Arts on my daily commute nearly every day for the past seven years. On many occasions, I have found myself pausing to peek into the open storefront, watching GI-clad kids and adults alike in action on the dojo’s colorful mats.

On a recent afternoon, seeing the owner and several fighters sitting just inside the door, I decided to stop in, introduce myself, and see if I could find out more about this business that has been a fixture on my block for so many years.

As I expected, the owner, Julio Rivera, and hisPhotos colleagues couldn’t have been

by Meredith Begl

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kinder and more forthcoming. Martial arts schools and training facilities are known for creating tight-knit environments, and this idea is surely at the forefront of this business.

Rivera, a Brazilian jiujitsu, judo and Japanese jiujitsu black belt and IBJJF World Senior Jiu-Jitsu Champion, has been involved in the health and fitness industry for 20 years as a competitor, trainer and journalist.

He has trained agents and officers from the NYPD, Customs and Border Patrol, Secret Service and private security agencies.

He has also helped train MMA fighters.

After many years of teaching and managing for other school owners, and with encouragement from his wife, Rivera opened up his own shop.

“I took the leap during the recession because the people around me were so supportive,” he said. “It’s what I try to in-

still in my students. Help each other, support each other, because there’s enough good for everyone.”

Omni Martial Arts serves a large client base, including both kids and adults.

Children start at age 3, and there are students into their late 60s. Omni is home to amateur and professional fighters, weekend warriors, parents and a stellar children’s competition team.

“The diversity of Astoria is at the heart of my business,” Rivera said. “We have people of all shapes, colors and walks of life. We all come together as a family on the mat and provide different perspectives about everything.”

On a typical day at Omni, the mornings begin with jiujitsu class at 9:30 a.m.

Following the workout, cleaning, maintenance and equipment prep is done while office correspondence and paperwork is handled. On many days, private and

Photos courtesy of Omni Martial Arts and Instagram/@omnimartialarts

i Martial Arts semi-private coaching sessions may also take place throughout the afternoon.

At 4:15, the children’s programming begins. Early evening schedules normally consist of two to three children’s classes followed by two adult classes. All classes focus on a tough workout with proper technique and practical application.

“Our adult program is all about camaraderie and hard work,” Rivera said. “Omni students train and often socialize together, their relationships forged through challenging workouts. We are proud to provide adults the kind of atmosphere where they can make friends and grow as people.”

Those who want to see what Omni is all about can try their one-week trial for $19.99, their six-week spring special (including a free kid’s uniform) for $78.99, or Omni Summer Sessions for kids ages 6 and up.

Omni Martial Arts fills a need in western Queens for legitimate, practical martial arts training in a friendly, family atmosphere.

“The community has embraced us from the beginning and we have been successful right out of the gate,” Rivera said.

THE OMNI TEAM:

Owner Julio Rivera is a Brazilian jiujitsu, judo and Japanese jiujitsu black belt and IBJJF World Senior Jiu-Jitsu Champion.

Mario Hernandez is an amateur MMA champion who will be making his pro debut this month.

Alvaro Tautiva is a brown belt and is National and Pan Jiu-Jitsu Champion.

Rafael Santana is a brown belt that has won the Boston Open among other tournaments. He is also an adjunct at BMCC.

CLASSES OFFERED:

Brazilian jiujitsu (submissions and ground fighting) Judo (throws) Kickboxing (Muay Thai and Western Boxing) Free self-defense workshops that cover practical street protection are offered a few times a year

OMNINYC.COM INFO@OMNINYC.COM INSTAGRAM: OMNIMARTIALARTS FACEBOOK: OMNIMARTIALARTS M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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The Brewery Bar & Kitchen

SUNNYSIDE SHINES PRESENTS

TASTE OF SUNNYSIDE

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Serving Serving aa Pre-Fix Pre-Fix course menu menu 33 course

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

for mother’s day $30 pp UFC HEADQUARTERS! Reservations Accepted

“Your friendly neighborhood local”

NBA & NHL Regular Season and Playoffs @ The Brewery Bar

YOUR SPRINGTIME NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD FESTIVAL

May 23, Tuesday 5:30−8:30 pm Queens Blvd. and 46th St., under the elevated 7 train

$70 VIP ADMISSION  5:30PM

$40 GENERAL ADMISSION  6:30PM

Catering Available For Your Own Big Game Party.

Wings, Ribs,hotdogs, Shrimp, Sliders, Burgers, Lamb Chops And More.. Call Or Email For Details....

49-18 30th Ave (btwn 49th & 50th st) • Woodside, NY 11377 Tel. 1-718-777-8007 • www.thebrewery.nyc info@thebrewery.nyc

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Advance Ticketing Only

Get your tickets at: tasteofsunnyside.com

Participating Businesses

43 Bar and Grill

Jack’s Fire Department

Arriba Arriba

Los Verdes

Bliss 46 Bistro

Lowery Wines and Liquors

Bliss Street Creamery

Mangal Kebab

Boon by Moldova Bronx Brewery

Manhattan Beer Distributors

Coffee Tossy

Palm Bay International

Dazies

Queens Brewery

Dayboat

Sidetracks

De Mole

Soleluna

Green Valley Marketplace of Sunnyside

Tibetan Dumpling Café Tito Rad’s Grill

I Love Paraguay

The Lowery Bar and Kitchen

Ida’s Nearabout

Voss Water

BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants.

Offers available through MAY 2017. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount.

Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

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www.BOROmag.com/advertise M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

25

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

144 6 205 204 7 5 8

ALOBAR RESTAURANT (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com

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

200

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

NEW YORK DOG HOUSE 718-274-3647 37-06 30th Ave., Astoria www.newyorkdoghouse.com

124

182

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

29

213

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

150

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

148

68

20 45 61

35

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

9

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

176

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

74

11

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

183

159 12 181 112 19

13 125 220 169

DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria

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

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

52

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

198

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

51

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

56

32 14

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

108

BAKERIES 115

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

33

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

PETS 201

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

189

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

190

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

37

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

160

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

FOOD SHOPS

44 137

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

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave., LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com

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

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

39

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

195

FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com

211

MET FRESH AND ORGANIC SUPERMARKET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.

167

THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

WINES & SPIRITS

174

130

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

168

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

178

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

119

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

SERVICES

31

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

184

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

187

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

209

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

129

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

JANUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM M AY 2 0 1 7

SHOPS

BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net

180

57

FLORISTS

177

21

95

206

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

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

196

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

38

143

224

75

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

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

223

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

27

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

90

40

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

199

161

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

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

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

173

218

36

219

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

26 26

50

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

116

18

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

34 138 139

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

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

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

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

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

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

49

ASTORIA COFFEE 30-04 30th St Astoria, NY, 11102 (347) 410-7399

55

216

VITE VINOSTERIA 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St., Astoria www.vitevinosteria.com

218

28

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

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

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

IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com JUUZ.ME Handcrafted Cocktail Bar 718-606-1391 19-23 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.juuz.me

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

133

194

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

25

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

3

24

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

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

170

191

22

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

186

207 114 77

BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICES SPARKLELINK 718-812-9616 3537 36th St., Astoria CRESCENT APOTHECARY (B,1) 718-777-1110 25-01 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.crescentapothecary.com DR. PANAGIOTIS PAGONIS, M.D. (B,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

59

122

62

175

157

64

65

45

134

66

17

147

173 161 90

E.C.G. DEBT SETTLEMENT (B,1) 718-932-9300 29-15 Astoria Blvd., Astoria ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com

198 56

HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net

224

SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com

196

THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com

95

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

180

67

FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com

223

158

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

57

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

206

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

174

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

122 62

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

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

BEAUTY

195

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

188

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

93

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

94

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

149

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

215

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

146

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

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

82

110

72

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

BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

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

83

97

46

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

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

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

84

98

192

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

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

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

197

112

212

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

THE BREWERY BAR & KITCHEN 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

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

85

DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.domainewinebar.com

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

217

86

DOMINIES OF ASTORIA (C,2) 718-706-6531 34-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.dominiesnyc.com

THE PAINT PLACE (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com

99

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

96

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

131

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

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

145

ANTHEA YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER (C,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th St., Astoria www.antheacenter.com

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

222

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

111

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

203

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

FITNESS 58

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

165

EVENTS

88

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

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

89

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

214

REAL ESTATE 217 105 30

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

172

GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/ MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

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

65

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

78

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

45

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

79

PNT FITNESS (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave., LIC

100

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

166

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

128

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

135

156

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

221

142

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

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

134 66

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

17

Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

ELINK

TATTOO SHOPS

147

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

ART

92 113 127

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

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com

103

76

FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com

BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.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

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

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

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

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HOTELS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.qnscollective.com

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

BANKING

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QUONTIC BANK (B,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com

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SUSSEX BANK (B,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com

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DREAMING OF CARNEGIE HALL Nisan Ak

Queens College Master of Music Performance in Orchestral Conducting, 2016

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

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

cuny.edu/welcome

CUNY★AMERICANDREAMMACHINE

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

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M AY 2 0 1 7

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M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

OPEN MIC NIGHT

By MARIE GRILLO

Western Queens and live music are increasingly going hand in hand as more musicians migrate to the area. If you find yourself wondering where you can catch some tunes, or if you are a closet musician who wants to dust off that keyboard or snare drum, there are several local open mic nights that could be perfect for you.

(And if you’re looking for comedians, spoken word performers, musicians or hiphop artists, those are sprinkled in some of these events as well.)

Here are some of the best places to watch fresh solo artists practicing their craft, hear bands in their very first gigs, or get involved in the music scene yourself:

The Quays 4502 30TH AVE., ASTORIA CONTACT: KAYLA.K.OKEEFE@GMAIL.COM

Photo by Patrick Merino

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Energetic and talented singer/songwriter Kayla O’Keefe has been a recurring fixture of The Quays’ open mic night for the past five years and has now graduated to host of the weekly open mic night.

O’Keefe’s infectious excitement will ensure a fun experience. This open mic night has a history of making musical connections that have led to the creation of many local bands.

The Quays showcases incredible artists of all ages. You will walk in as a stranger and leave with a strong sense of community and friendship.

If you want to give the night a try, sign-up is at 8:30 p.m.

O’Keefe explained that since the open mic starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m. — or sometimes 3 a.m. — performers are able to play three or four songs.

Despite the ample hours, the time seems to fly, so get there early and sign up, or just watch the musicians play their hearts out. The Quays provides a house guitar, microphones, mic stands and a sound board with sound duties provided by the host O’Keefe herself.

“I know that it’s personally where I got my start as a musician and also where I go to get constant inspiration,” O’Keefe said. “This can be a crazy world and it’s nice to have a place to go that feels like home,” O’Keefe explained.

Photos courtesy of The Globe Tavern

The Globe Tavern 49-10 SKILLMAN AVE., WOODSIDE FACEBOOK: THE GLOBE TAVERN Located 49-10 Skillman Ave. in Woodside, The Globe Tavern is a great place to find the locals. With an inviting and classic Irish Bar feel, The Globe has been home to

a popular open mic night which began shortly after its change in ownership a little more than three years ago.

When describing the night, co-owner Rena Hershberger explained, “There is a good mix of bar regulars and performers that all work together in a comfortable, local environment.” The regulars help to add a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere to the already low-key bar.

Every other Thursday since its inception, Trever Bowen has hosted regular open mic nights for singers/songwriters, comedians, spoken word artists and even your occasional magician.

Hershberger brought in her 30-yearold family piano shortly after the night began. The bar also has a house guitar and offers some percussion instruments for performers lacking gear; however, most participants bring their own.

Sign-up begins a half hour before the usual 8:30 p.m. start time, and once it begins, it takes over the space.

“Our open mic is for the entire bar and not in a separate space, so it ends up bringing a lot of people together that wouldn’t otherwise be at an open mic,” Hershberger said. “We have a pool table and carry an assortment of board games that people play (respectfully) during the night.”

The Globe Tavern also offers a strictly comedy open mic night on the last Monday of every month hosted by Navin Das. “Comedy open mic is focused more on stand-up comedy, but we have had some of our regulars get up and perform music on comedy night as well,” Hershberger explained.

The Globe Tavern has exactly what you are looking for in a neighborhood bar and delivers on what an open mic night should be — full of talent, fun and familiar faces.

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Photo by John Keegan

The Irish Whiskey Bar 28-48 31ST ST., QUEENS IRISHWHISKEYBARNYC.COM John Keegan has been the official host of The Irish Whiskey Bar’s open mic night for a little over a year now. We asked Keegan what made his night different than the others. One of the things that differentiates The Irish Whiskey bar’s open mic from similar events is its singer/ songwriter theme. Keegan also said that the open mic’s vibe is the opposite of intimidating: “We have a very open and friendly environment at our open mic,” he said. “The performers range from beginners that are getting used to playing in a live forum to seasoned songwriters/performers who are confident in their abilities, and anything in between. At The Irish Whiskey, you will find a nurturing and supportive environment for all that come through, where each performer gets three songs.”

Open mic night takes place every Tuesday evening. After an 8 p.m. sign-up, the players begin at around 9 p.m. and often end after 1 a.m.

The setup is two to three microphones, a house guitar and a PA system, as well as an occasional keyboard. The Irish Whiskey Bar shows its appreciation by giving each performer two free drinks.

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What can you expect as an audience member at this open mic? There’s a great mix of new and familiar tunes.

“Some performers stick to all original music,” Keegan explained, “whereas some just like to play cover songs and have fun singing some familiar, recognizable songs. Some do a little bit of both.

Sometimes you might get some instrumentalists. It’s a great environment for people to share and showcase their talent, whether they are aspiring artists or just hobbyists.”

Keegan is a huge proponent of the open mic concept: “As well as offering a forum for musicians to try out new music [and] networking opportunities, it can be

used as a promotional platform for artists and bands to keep the community updated and in the know about what is currently happening,” he said, “such as where and when the next performance might be or when their next CD or online release may be available, and on which social media outlets they can be found.

It also gives a place for local patrons to sit back in a comfortable atmosphere and enjoy some of what the Astoria musical community has to offer.”

After visiting, this is definitely the kind of night that encouraged me to want to sign up and get back behind the kit, sing, and feel supported.

LIC Beer Project 39-28 23rd St., LIC licbeerproject.com

Photo by Gustavo Mirabile

Photo by John Keegan

LIC Beer project is the newest of the open mic nights started by Miguel Hernandez, who runs Astoria Music Collective, which books bands and holds events in Astoria.

The expansive, sexy layout of the brewery makes it a great place to spend a spring or summer night.

Hernandez has been hosting since November and describes the night as “eclectic: we have spoken word artists, instrumentalists, hip-hop artists, singer-songwriters,” he said. “I think our location has a lot to do with it as Astoria has a long history of open mic nights [whereas] LIC is a new territory and brings a whole different community of performers and becomes a musical convergence of local music scenes.”

Open mic night is every other Wednesday night with a 6:30 p.m. sign-up. Performances begin at 7 p.m., which will bring the early birds like myself. Another distinguishing detail is that it is located at a brewery, which is great for those of us who are craft beer connoisseurs.

Hernandez has a natural ability to bring all different types of musicians together and build a community.

“Musicians look forward to the chance to spend time together in that kind en-

vironment,” he said. “People really enjoy supporting their local artists, and it is a really beautiful thing.”

LIC Beer Project also provides a mic, a house guitar and a sound board.

Photo by Patrick Merino

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M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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

By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

Moran Etstein’s Astoria apartment might be one of the sweetest places in our neighborhood. That’s because it’s filled with “chocolate fashionistas” and other intricate chocolate creations she designs and makes for her business, Drizzle Inc.

T

he chocolate fashionistas — 7to 9-inch-tall edible fashion designs on chocolate mannequin molds — are her pride and joy. Most of the outfits are her original designs; she is particularly interested in Victorian and Steampunk-influenced designs, as well as ‘60s pin-up looks. Others, though, are made to look like real-life clothing.

She makes miniature chocolate versions of brides’ real wedding dresses, and she even made mini recreations of four “Project Runway: Junior” contestants’ designs.

“Some people say, ‘You’re not in the right industry; you need to be a fashion designer,’” Etstein said. “No: so many people are fashion designers. I want to

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design chocolate fashion. It combines two of my biggest passions: fashion and chocolate.”

Besides, she said, she’s not always drawn to the fashion you see on television; what she’s passionate about are patterns, details, prints and accessories.

That’s why the Israeli-born artist loves designing Victorian and Steampunk looks — the richness of details and fabrics.

“For me, it’s all about the details. I really, really love details,” she said. “I try to give my interpretation of all of the beautiful details in fashion, like ruffles and prints and feathers and beads, in my chocolate fashionista, so you can see they’re very, very stylish and colorful.”

She uses white, milk and dark choco-

late, and if she wants to add color, she dyes white chocolate.

“It’s beyond fashion: it’s details, it’s fabric, it’s prints, and I try to convert everything to my little fashionistas,” she said.

“It’s fun. And it’s something that I’m always challenged by.”

Her journey with chocolate began four years ago when she began making confections like chocolate bars and truffles.

Etstein has taken some classes at the Culinary Institute of Education, where she was able to gain some tools, but she is mostly self-taught.

“I really love aesthetic food that’s also yummy,” said Etstein, who came to New York from Israel nine years ago and has been an Astoria resident for more than six years. “I discovered the world of chocolate art and fell in love with it.”

She bought mannequin molds, “and then the ideas just kept coming,” she said. “When I was exposed to modeling chocolate and the mannequin, it was

very simple for me to combine it into [the chocolate fashionistas].” She created her first four or five fashionistas at a chocolate party in her home and put them on display. From there, the fashionistas have become more and more intricate.

When coming up with a new fashionista, Etstein doesn’t have a design in mind; she makes the first layer of molding chocolate, and “then ideas keep coming,” she said.

Making a new chocolate fashionista design takes about three to four hours. When she’s copying an old design, each fashionista takes about an hour or hour and a half.

Etstein gives every fashionista design a name that matches what they look like.

For example, fashionistas with Victorian designs will have Victorian names.

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

She also makes life-size busts decorated with modeling chocolate; it takes Etstein two days to make a bridal bust.

And while it’s not easy running a small business full time; it’s worth it, Etstein said.

“Fall in love with the process, and all the rest will come,” she said. “I’m so in love with what I’m doing.”

To get the word out about her products, Etstein participates in chocolate shows, bridal expos, fashion events (she sometimes makes chocolate versions of designers’ work), and more. Last year, at The Big Chocolate Show in NYC — New York’s largest chocolate expo, according to the event’s website — Drizzle took home second place for its chocolate fashionistas in the expo’s Innovative/ New/Noteworthy category. Etstein said that about 40 to 50 chocolatiers were competing at this show.

“Oh, wow — I was finally getting exposure and recognition for my chocolate art,” Etstein said of taking home the silver award. “It was unbelievable. I enjoyed every moment, and it gave me this

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crazy drive. I challenged myself; I wanted to do more crazy stuff with chocolate.”

In addition to making her own creations, Etstein helps others exercise their creativity by leading group workshops during which participants decorate chocolate masks, chocolate shoes and more. The workshops are great for kids as well as adults — sometimes, a group of women will drink wine and decorate chocolate for a bachelorette party, or Etstein will be invited to teach a workshop at a baby shower. Etstein brings her workshop to people’s parties and has taught about 30 to 40 workshops so far. She’s hoping that someday soon, she’ll find a space in western Queens to hold her workshops for the local community.

“In other chocolate workshops in New York City, you make chocolate; in mine, you decorate with chocolate, play with chocolate, bring all your imagination and creativity to the event,” she said.

Etstein will teach a Mother’s Day chocolate demo at Chelsea Market Baskets

Photos: Bridget Kenny/BORO

during the second weekend in May and participate in the Bridal Brunch & Trunk Show at The TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South on May 21. Next month, she will be demonstrating how to make her chocolate fashionistas at the New York Cake Show on Pier 36 on June 11 at 5 p.m. While she has led workshops on decorating other types of chocolate, this will be the first time she shares her secrets on how to make a fashionista. But while her fashionistas gain recognition all over the city and beyond, Etstein’s home base of Astoria is the best place for her to develop her art: “I’m in love with Astoria,” Etstein said.

“I love, love, love everything about this neighborhood. We have a great community here, great friends. A lot of the community here is very supportive. There are artistic people, intelligent people, a young vibe, and it’s fun. A lot of people here have come to visit me at the events I participate in, and it’s amazing to be among people who are very supportive of art.”

M AY 2 0 1 7 I B O R O M A G . C O M

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INTERIOR DESIGN

ECLECTIC Energy

BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

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M

I went inside her eclectic Astoria apartment to see what she had acquired.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Werwinski came to the city for graduate school.

“I studied interior design and started working in the field and then I decided I hated it!” she told me.

The job she now holds in furniture sales fell into her lap, but she was apprehensive at first.

“I wasn’t sure about going into sales, but I love furniture, so I tried it and I fell in love with it.”

The furniture company Werwinski works for sells mid-century and contemporary designs, with one of the perks of the job being that employees receive great discounts, and the company runs competitions so its staff can win stock that’s being discontinued.

“This is how I have acquired a lot of my pieces,” Werwinski explained, “but because they are a mix of periods and styles, it has created a really eclectic vibe in my space. I never sat down and planned my style; it’s just developed slowly. The apartment has built itself, rather than me building it.”

The dining room chairs were gifted to her as a result of winning a company competition. The mid-century, almost Jetsonsstyle design of the backs, mixed with the muted shades they are colored in, make them somehow retro and modern at the same time.

“Every piece has a story,” Werwinski said as we wandered about her apartment. “I never want to buy art just to hang on the wall; I want everything in my space to have meaning. I want to walk in every day after work and feel that this space is mine.”

oving into a new apartment can be an exciting time. Once the lease is signed and you have those keys in your hand, the fun can really start. A blank canvas awaits, ready for your expression of personal style and comfort.

For most of us, though, a limited budget and the transitory nature of New York City dwelling can mean that the first thing you do it take a long, relationship-straining trip to Ikea.

Luckily for Andrea Werwinski, a career in the furniture industry meant that an aggravating Sunday trip to Red Hook was not in her future. Instead, she told me, “the furniture finds me.”

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FOOD + DRINK

INTERIOR DESIGN

I noticed a painting hanging in her entrance way, and Werwinski told me it had been painted by a friend specifically for that wall.

“I have a lot of friends who are artists,” Werwinski continued, “so I commission them to create work for me. I try not to be materialistic, but the truth is I do like to have ‘stuff,’ so if the stuff can have meaning, I feel a little better about owning it.”

I asked Werwinski what had drawn her to live in Astoria as a neighborhood, especially

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Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

since she works in Manhattan. Werwinski explained that when she left graduate school, she decided she would sublet in every borough to really get a flavor for different neighborhoods. But when she found her current apartment on Craigslist (originally listed as a sublet), something just clicked.

“I walked out of the subway stop and I was captivated by the charming walk to the apartment, the cute fruit and vegetable market on the corner and the little shops. I thought, ‘Oh, I can totally see myself living here.’”

Werwinski ended up subletting the room, but soon after she had moved in, the original tenant left for Washington, D.C., and Werwinski took over the lease.

“That was six years ago and I’ve been here ever since!”

Werwinski’s bedroom is sun-drenched and bright. There is a gallery wall above her bed and a desk that faces the window where she can look out on the rooftops of Astoria.

“I can’t ever see myself moving from this neighborhood,” Werwinski told me wistfully. “It’s a little city out of the city. It’s bus-

tling and there is always a new restaurant to try. That’s important to me because I love to be out doing things, but to go into Manhattan to do that every day would be overwhelming for me. Besides, Astoria is a cheaper and more fun version of the city.

We don’t need Manhattan; we’re better than Manhattan!”

You heard it here first, dear readers.

Now let’s keep it to ourselves, shall we, because the moment Anna Winter finds out, we’re finished!

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Steel STATUE

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By ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIEPYPER @ESTIE_PYPER

T

he studio of Jack Howard-Potter feels like the tiniest museum in the world. The 700-squarefoot space in Long Island City is packed to the ceiling — literally — with sculptures ranging from a 3-foot-tall warrior to a female torso the height of the room, whose giant arms suspend from the ceiling nearby. The space serves as both a workshop and storage unit for the sculptor’s creations.

Howard-Potter’s primary medium is steel sculpture, bending and welding steel rods into intricate figures of the human body in motion. His pieces can be found mainly in

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INTERIOR DESIGN

outdoor venues nationwide, but some live in galleries or collectors’ homes. Selections of his work will appear in this month’s seventh annual Long Island City Arts Open (LICAO), running May 17 to 21.

“Watch out for that,” Howard-Potter says, laughing, as I almost collide with the elongated hand of a giant dancer in the middle of the room, too distracted by the kaleidoscope of sculptures I’ve entered. “That happens a lot,” the artist admits, brushing his dark hair away from his forehead as he inspects his work. Howard-Potter has a kind face and artist hands, worn from years of manipulating steel.

He sports a T-shirt with a bike on it — a hobby of his, and primary mode of transportation commuting daily from his home in Manhattan to the western Queens studio.

This piece is “Dancer 11.” For more than 20 years, Howard-Potter has been creating and recreating this dancer theme with his larger sculptures — all of them balancing on one leg in slightly varied poses, titled “Dancer 1, 2, 3,” and so on. “Dancer 11” stands about 11 feet tall with her right leg bent in the air in front of her and arms stretched out in an “L” shape. The repeated sequences of steel rod running up her legs and around her torso resemble

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muscle and athletic movement in an effortless way.

“I like playing with the idea of this heavy, hard, immovable material, but making it light and airy and motion-filled,” says Howard-Potter on working with steel. “That eventually came around to dancers, because dancers have this amazing constant motion that very rarely gets frozen. They’re incredibly graceful and then also really athletic, and I really liked that mix of grace, power, movement, and then this beautiful stillness.”

When completed, “Dancer 11” is going to live on the campus of Union College, the artist’s alma matter, where he first fell in love with steel. “I did my first weld in college and I instantly knew that this was the medium I wanted to peruse and refine,” says Howard-Potter. “If I were a painter and made paintings on canvas, they wouldn’t last forever. But if I work in steel, it’s going to hang around a heck of a lot longer. There was this primordial everlasting quality to it that I was totally drawn to.”

However, he recalls feeling that “something was missing” from his early steel pieces. Some of this work hangs in the back of his studio, and it’s clear what he

Photos courtesy of Jack Howard-Potter

means. These statues seem more abstract —they possess the metal frame of what resembles a human figure, but they’re less detailed than his current work. Now, he starts with a steel frame, but then fills in details with rods to create a clearer human form. Like a diligent scientist, Howard-Potter constantly challenges his work and seeks ways to improve his artistry with every installment.

“People always ask me what’s my favorite statue I’ve made, and I always say, ‘Whatever I made last,’” says the artist, “because there’s all kinds of little things that I pay attention to and work on as I go along with each work. No matter how

perfect I think I’ve made it, when I step back and look at it, I think, ‘Oh, well, I could do this.’ It’s my favorite because all those little nuances are changed from the most recent ones, but it’s an opportunity to get even better.”

About 11 years ago, Howard-Potter left his former Williamsburg studio and was immediately drawn to the arts community of Long Island City.

“That’s the thing that really struck me when I chose this studio in Long Island City — that there was this amazing concentration of people that were not only really invested in the arts and in their own work, but in the community of the arts and collaborating together,” he recalls. “There was this incredible energy of an arts community that I was really drawn to.”

That’s what was missing from the Williamsburg community: a lack of support among the resident artists. Too many were getting priced out of their studios, and there was lingering tension in the air.

In Long Island City, there’s hope. HowardPotter admits there is still a tangible fear of being priced out as the metropolis of New York City expands East, but the community is fighting it.

“There’s something about being able to walk down the street in the neighborhood and know who is here every single day trying to do this. I really have felt a strong con-

nection to the people,” reflects the artist. “There’s something about that rhythm and repetition that keeps me here. This whole community’s changing so drastically and I know a lot of people are getting priced out of here now, but there seems like there’s this core group of people that’s committed to digging in and preserving this thing that we’ve built over 10 years.”

Howard-Potter credits Long Island City Arts Open as a driving force behind this sentiment. Richard Mazda, founder of LICAO, reached out to Howard-Potter to participate in the festival’s inaugural year, and the sculptor jumped at the chance.

“I was immediately drawn to it, not only this guy, but this concept and this idea of furthering not only the artist but the arts and the community — it was exactly what I was looking for,” he says.

“We’ve been really pleased to partner with Jack through the Long Island City Arts Open throughout the years,” Mazda says. “I think Jack is one of the more significant sculptors working in the Long Island City area.”

Howard-Potter’s work has been displayed in every Arts Open since. This year, he’s switching it up: he plans on showing a maquette of a rendition of Lady Justice, and some drawings — featuring not dancers, but robots.

The artist speaks optimistically of the future and one day hopes to acquire a larger space to satisfy the demands of his everexpanding steel empire.

Gazing at his life’s work packed in front of him, the artist smiles and says, “I guess what I’m saying is… I could make my work anywhere. I’d rather make it here.”

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LIC FLEA & FOOD

New vendors and returning favorites set up shop at this season’s

LIC Flea & Food

L

IC Flea & Food is back in action for its fifth season along the Anable Basin in Long Island City.

This season offers lots of new vendors like STUF’d, which makes stuffed French toast sandwiches. This is not your mother’s French toast. They are serving savory sandwiches like Buffalo Chicken and Meatball along with sweet selections like S’mores. Yum! Let your tastebuds travel the world with vendors like Anita’s Catering, cooking up Indian specialties; Miamel’s French crepes and waffles; and Sufra's Afghan-Brazilian

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Tapioca. There will be lots of new shopping, too, like Ramble Mondes’ eclectic finds from across the globe, Eljaiek’s wearable artwork and Bike NY’s refurbished bicycles.

Miss your favorites from years past?

Have no fear, because the best are back, like Bulldog Burgery’s handcut fries and dips, Oconomi’s Japanese cuisine, Coney Shack’s dogs and your favorite pickle guy, Pickle Me Pete.

Your best-kept secrets for looking great are back, too, like Lady V’s Second Time Around designer vintage duds; Dutch Kills Klotheing’s cool Queens tees, tanks and hoodies; and, of course, Vivian Jewelry, with handcrafted necklaces and bracelets.

After all that, relax with a local brew in the LIC Flea Beer & Wine Garden and jump online to pick up your tickets to unlimited beer and wine tasting events, which kick off in June. Visit www.licflea.com for more details.

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 5-25 46th Ave. We’ll see you at the Flea!

NOW OPEN EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

FLEA FOOD Global Food • Vintage • Art • Fashion • Handcrafted ALL-QUEENS BEER GARDEN Now Accepting Vendor Applications Build Your Business With Us!

To Apply Call 718.224.5863 or Submit Application Online 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

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