JUNE 2017
VOL 7:6
BOROMAG.COM
BARBECUE AT SALT & BONE
ASTORIA RESIDENT’S INDOOR GARDEN
ACROYOGA AND MORE AT COSMIC FIT CLUB
Page 18
Page 38
Page 44
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EETS SWcoming FE to LIC Flea
IVAL ST
NEW BARS COME TO WESTERN QUEENS
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CONTENTS Welcome to the drinks issue of BORO! Western Queens is filled with so many fun, thriving bars and restaurants, so this month, we’re highlighting some newcomers to the neighborhood — as well as some old favorites. No matter what your drink of choice is, there’s a new bar for you: Vintage wine bar, Off The Hook’s rum bar and the ICONYC brewery tap room have all opened recently (page 18). Astoria’s new barbecue restaurant Salt & Bone has a wonderful selection of cocktails in addition to their delicious food offerings (page 38). And East Coast Foodies has stocked their shelves with sodas and juices in flavors you won’t KATRINA MEDOFF normally find — all from local businesses up and editor-in-chief down the East Coast (page 34). If you’re a sports bar fan, you might already be familiar with The Brewery Bar and Kitchen, which has made community their priority (page 32). And you can spot lots of other local favorites in your fellow readers’ Instagram posts from bars, beer gardens, speakeasies, restaurants and more (page 10). If you’d like to share any news with us, email katrina@boromag.com. You can also connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook.com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG). Cheers to a fun-filled beginning of summer, Katrina Medoff
BACK TO THE BARE BONE BASICS
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6 CH-CH-CH-CHANGES
Street style in Astoria
10 CHEERS, ASTORIA!
BORO readers Instagrammed pics of drinks
18 CHOOSE YOUR BOOZE
Drink wine, beer and rum at these new bars
32 A SPORTS BAR FOR THE COMMUNITY
Look inside The Brewery Bar and Kitchen
34 EAST COAST EATS
East Coast culinary staples in Astoria
A TREE GROWS IN ASTORIA
38 BACK TO THE BARE BONE BASICS Barbecue at new Salt & Bone eatery
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42 MODERN MURALS
Astoria becomes a canvas for artists
DEPARTMENTS 12 JUNE 2017 EVENTS
44 A TREE GROWS IN ASTORIA 26 MAP IT DIRECTORY
25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of June 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
Resident decorates apartment with green thumb
50 FITNESS OF THE FUTURE
Cosmic Fit Club comes to LIC
54 LIC FLEA & FOOD
Festival season kicks off in June
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov // GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nirmal Singh WRITERS Hayley Bridgewater, Gina Conteh, Sean Curry, Ruthie Darling, Angela Matua, 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
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES Turn and face the spring
Amber was on her way to Chinatown to take photos. She is an artist, musician and photographer living in Astoria. I loved her flirty floral spring dress, dressed down with white sneakers.
New mom Mina was pushing her baby in a stroller, somehow looking effortlessly cool. The proportions of the crop top worn over the oversized shirt make this outfit simple yet modern.
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BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING
pring in New York is a funny old time. One day the AC is on full blast, and the next day you're huddled under the awning of a bodega in the pouring rain, berating yourself for not bringing your umbrella. This month, the streets of Astoria boasted an eclectic mix of styles, partially due to the ever-changing weather. Spring appears to have awoken the artists within us all, and I found myself absolutely delighted by the sheer mix of styles, patterns and colors on display. Take a look at the fashion kids out and about and living their best fashion lives this month. Maria was at work at Lockwood where she is the manager and buyer. She looked sexy-cool in her pink mini dress and denim jacket.
The layered necklace is a great alternative to a big statement piece. Maria wore six together, very on trend without being too in your face.
Douglas Goodhart does indeed have a good heart (I asked him and he assured me that that was the case). I was struck by his jade-colored chinos worn with a white shirt. Douglas is a musician and has his own band called Douglas and the Goodharts.
I dream of being as cool as this 3-year-old, Qiralynn. Her mom, Kelly, used to work in fashion, but is now and full-time mom. I'm thinking she may have her hands full with that little star!
Lury is an investment broker, but you would hardly know it in this ensemble. Another denim jacket worn over a vintage slip. Denim jackets are here to stay, you heard it here first!
How adorable is this backpack. Bought at Lockwood, a local favorite!
Megan is a DJ and shop assistant. She was wearing a spring dress and sandals, layered with a denim jacket. Ideal for the warm days and chilly nights. Melissa was visiting from Miami, but used to live in Astoria. She looked just darling in her floral dress and matching bag and boots.
Spotted at the Astoria Boulevard stop. Where can I find these pants? This is a public plea! I must own them.
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I N S TA I M A G E S
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CHEERS, ASTORIA! By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF
T @ alisunnnn
@KATYA_M22
he beginning of summer is the perfect time to kick back, relax, and sip on a refreshing drink. We asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram photos of drinks — everything from pretty cocktails to energizing iced coffees — in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. Their pics are from local spots such as The Last Word speakeasy, Sweet Afton, Break Bar and Billiards, The Bonnie, Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, and more. Here are some of our favorites.
@ richymon79
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JUNE 2017
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NEXT THEME: SUMMER READING!
Tag @boromagazine in your pictures of books you’re reading this summer, and you might see your photo in the July issue of BORO! You can snap a pic of the book’s cover, your child doing his or her summer reading in Astoria Park, a subway-reading selfie, or a stack of books on your to-read list — anything to do with the month’s theme! @ shourjya.mookerjee
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JUNE EVENTS Find more events at www.BORO-mag.com/Events SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Event Title: LIC Bike Parade Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Vernon Boulevard Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: Vernon Boulevard between Socrates Sculpture Park and Queensbridge Park URL: http://newyorkcity.eventful. com/events/annual-lic-bikeparade-/E0-001-084073621-2 SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Event Title: “Princess Particular” Time: 2:30 p.m. Location: The Secret Theatre Phone: 718-392-0722 Address: 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City URL: https://web.ovationtix.com/ trs/pe.c/10127616 SUNDAY, JUNE 11 Event Title: Historic New York: The General Slocum Disaster Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: Astoria Park Phone: 718-352-1769 Address: 19 19th St., Astoria URL: https://www.nycgovparks. org/events/2017/06/11/historicnew-york-the-general-slocumdisaster SUNDAY, JUNE 11 Event Title: Queens Hip Hop Festival’s Park Jam Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City URL: queenshiphopfestival.com
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 Event Title: Charles Taylor and Cinema Under the Influence: OPENING WEDNESDAY AT A THEATER OR DRIVE-IN NEAR YOU Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Location: The Astoria Bookshop Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria URL: http://www.astoriabookshop. com/event/charles-taylor-and-cinemaunder-influence-opening-wednesdaytheater-or-drive-near-you SATURDAY, JUNE 17 Event Title: Road to Freedom Paper Quilting with Queens Historical Society Time: Noon to 3 p.m. Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City URL: http://socratessculpturepark. org/educationprograms/paperquilting/ SATURDAY, JUNE 17 Event Title: “Pirate Pete’s Parrot” Time: 2:30 p.m. Location: The Secret Theatre Phone: 718-392-0722 Address: 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City URL: https://web.ovationtix.com/ trs/pe.c/10127616 SUNDAY, JUNE 18 Event Title: Virtual Reality Bike Ride with E.T. Time: 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.movingimage.us/ visit/calendar/2017/06/18/detail/ virtual-reality-bike-ride-with-e-t-2
JUNE 2017
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21 Event Title: Summer Solstice Celebration Time: 5 p.m. to dusk Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City URL: http://socratessculpturepark. org/program/solstice/ THURSDAY, JUNE 22 Event Title: Experimenting with Fiction: Eugene Lim, Donald Breckenridge, and John Yau Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Location: The Astoria Bookshop Phone: 718-278-2665 Address: 31-29 31st St., Astoria URL: http://www.astoriabookshop. com/event/experimenting-fictioneugene-lim-donald-breckenridgeand-john-yau SATURDAY, JUNE 24 Event Title: Senior Stars 2017 Time: 3 and 6 p.m. Location: Astoria Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-706-5750 Address: 30-44 Crescent St., Astoria URL: http://www.apacny.org/ shows-events/current-season2016-2017/2016-upcoming/ senior-stars-2017/ SATURDAY, JUNE 24 Event Title: Metropolitan Opera Recital Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City URL: http://socratessculpturepark.org/ program/met-opera/
SUNDAY, JUNE 25 Event Title: Women at the Wheel: Author Becky Aikman on OFF THE CLIFF & Screening of Thelma & Louise Time: 3 to 5 p.m. Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6888 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: http://www.astoriabookshop. com/event/women-wheel-authorbecky-aikman-cliff-screeningthelma-louise MONDAY, JUNE 26 Event Title: Away With Words Time: 8:30 to 10 p.m. Location: QED Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/ products/away-with-words FRIDAY, JULY 1 Event Title: Subjective Trivia Time: 12 a.m. Location: The Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., Long Island City URL: http://creeklic.com/events/ subjective-trivia-2017-07-01/ FRIDAY, JULY 1 Event Title: Warm Up 2017 Time: 3 to 9 p.m. Location: Museum of Modern Art PS1 Phone: 718-784-2084 Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City URL: https://www.moma.org/ calendar/programs/106?locale=en
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JUNE 2017
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JUNE 2017
2017 Independence Celebration
THURSDAY, JUNE 29th at 7:30pm Featuring a special performance by
Astoria Park Lawn Astoria Park Lawn on Shore Blvd. between the Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool
Followed by the spectacular Grucci fireworks Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Astoria’s Landmark Funeral Home
The Central Astoria LDC is happy to be able to provide this event free to the public once again this year. Made possible through
funding provided by Council Member Costa Constantinides, support from Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer,
and in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the generosity of our Corporate Sponsors: NRG, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home, Astoria Bank, Alma Bank, Atlantic Bank, Dunkin Donuts, Mount Sinai Queens, Greiner-Maltz Investment Properties
For More Info. visit www.centralastoria.nyc, call 718.728.7820 or email: info@centralastoria.nyc
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FOOD + DRINK
CHOOSE YOUR
BOOZE BY ESTELLE PYPER @ESTIEPYPER @ESTIE_PYPER
A taproom, wine bar and rum bar have all opened in our neighborhood recently, so you won’t have to travel far to try something new on your next night out. Read on to learn more about these three spots—there’s something for everyone right here in western Queens! Off the Hook
Off the Hook, an eclectic sea-themed raw bar and grill in Astoria on 28-08 34th St., just expanded its venue to include a rum bar on May 18. This “Rum Vault,” as co-owner Bes Levonja calls it, contains more than 70 different types of rum from all over the world. “The rum vault was so big that it needed a home of its own,” joked Levonja, who co-owns the space with friends Dritan and Glen. All three hail from Albania, but have lived in Astoria for a long time. The new space, which used to be a garage, is a modest size and complements
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the older restaurant well. It adds more seating in addition to the bar, and better access to their outdoor patio. The decorations are nautical-themed, with nets and lobster traps hanging from the ceiling. Artwork for sale by local artists hangs on the walls, and there are two giant swings hanging from the ceiling separating the main restaurant from the rum bar area. There is an overall laid-back vibe, which is exactly what they’re going for. “The initial idea was to have a place you could go to after the beach,” Levonja said. “We were envisioning this place to be really comfy, really down-to-Earth. Basically,
Photos courtesy of Off the Hook
we designed the place with that in mind. The community finds it really exciting.” Now with the inclusion of the rum bar, the vision is complete. While it also functions as a regular full bar, the main attraction is the variety of rum. The menu seems endless, but every rum is laid out in detail, from the country of origin to the type of flavor you can expect. Most are from the Caribbean and Latin America, but some originate from unexpected places like Wisconsin and Austria. You can even order rum flights to sample three or five different kinds of rum. They’ve just started a rum punch for the summer: a juice blend of pineapple, blackberry and lime juice, shaken with a quality rum. They’re dangerously delicious. Looking toward the future, Levonja said simply that they’re always on the lookout for new rums to add to the collection. For now, they’re looking forward to the summer when their customers can fully enjoy the laid-back island vibe with a rum punch in hand, complete with live music on Sundays. “Now we feel like we can breathe easier,” Levonja said. JUNE 2017 I BOROMAG.COM
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FOOD + DRINK
Vintage
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Photo: Shutterstock
Photos courtesy of Vintage
FOOD + DRINK
This new café by day and wine bar by night is perfectly named. When you walk into the modest space on 23-14 Ditmars Blvd. – formally home to Waltz Astoria – you are greeted with a nice outdoor patio with strings of lights overhead. Indoors is mostly furnished with wood, with old books and plants decorating the walls, giving the space a well-worn feel. The wine bar sits toward the back, and there are plenty of seating options. The space is used by locals who want to work from home and enjoy a quiet atmosphere with a cup of coffee and locally made pastries. Then in the evening, wine lovers gather to sample from the wide selection of reds, whites and rosés. “I love this area, so when the space became available, we jumped on it,” said owner Paul Serelis. Co-founder and head chef Matthew Olley also loves the location: “I know Paul really wanted to keep it in Astoria, and this is the perfect street for it. There aren’t many opportunities to go out in this neighborhood, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.” When they first opened the spot on Feb. 13, it was solely a wine bar, but they’ve since expanded to serving food and coffee, and most recently, brunch on weekends. Since the beginning, they’ve featured two wines, always a pinot grigio, and a Tempranillo, as their “Wine of the Month” or “Charity Wines.” Thirty-three percent of the proceeds from these wines go to a local charity that changes monthly. In February, they benefited the local Public School 122, and for June, they’re hoping to partner with a charity for breast cancer awareness. In addition to the wines, there are a few local beers on tap, and they’re soon coming out with some soju-based cocktails. “I kind of want this to just be an everything spot,” Olley said. “You can get a cup of coffee, have lunch, you can bring your friends or business partner. We want this to be a hub where people can meet and grow the community more.”
JUNE 2017
ICONYC Brewing Co. Long Island City’s local ICONYC Brewing Company opened a new taproom on May 5 at 35-14 34th St., not too far from their main brewing facility. Their popular original beers, “High Ryse” and “Vexed,” and some newer craft brews like the berry-flavored “Proper Burial” are on tap. Fully owned and operated by ICONYC’s three founders and childhood friends, Sam Bosrok, Bruno Daddi and Laszlo Fodor, the new space is the perfect place to grab a beer and relax at the end of a long day. The founders opened their brewery four years ago, fulfilling a longtime dream. Fodor remembers Bosrok, the head brewer, brewing beer in his basement in Long Island City as a kid.
“It kind of became all our passions,” Fodor recalled. “We were always talking about running a brewery someday and then once he came back from the West Coast [after attending Oregon State University], we were like, ‘Let’s do it.’ We all saved up our life savings and went into it.” And ICONYC – a name selected to encompass the whole city – was formed. They started out selling their brews to craft beer bars and stores throughout the boroughs. Then, last fall, they bought a small real estate office, gutted the inside to make it more open and functional, and opened the taproom. The space is simple and clean, with an industrial feel. The bar is made of wood from Westchester, cut down by Daddi’s uncle, and the metal tiles that line the back of the bar are originally from the Bronx botanical gardens. Not long after the opening, ICONYC enjoyed a successful run with Queens Beer Week. “All the breweries in Queens are super cool, everybody’s super welcoming,” Fodor said. “The craft beer community is known to be a very welcoming community. We all share information.” They hope to one day open more taprooms throughout the city, but for now, they’re focused on growing their small business in Queens.
Photos courtesy of ICONYC
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HAND CRAFTED COCKTAIL BAR
ALL DAY EVERY DAY SERVING BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH! CALL FOR RESERVATION
(718) 606 1391 19-23 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 Fax: (718) 606 1451 Monday to Friday 8 am - 10 pm Saturday 8 am - 12 amSunday 8 am - 8 pm
www.juuz.me
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JUNE 2017
SITE-SPECIFIC DANCE PERFORMANCES
come to western Queens waterfront
K
INEMATIK Dance Theater presents LIC’s first two-day outdoor site dance festival extravaganza, taking place at four LIC and Astoria waterfront parks and featuring a diverse program of new site-specific dance works by New York’s most soughtafter contemporary choreographers. LIC Flea and Food is sponsoring the festival, and there will even be a pre-festival performance at the market on June 24 and 25. In partnership with NYC Parks, NYS Parks and Socrates Sculpture Park, INSITU transforms the western Queens waterfront into one big stage, offering audiences, residents and dance lovers a fresh and exciting way to experience dance in the public spaces of their communities. In one weekend, July 8 and 9 from noon to 7 p.m., 24 distinguished and emerging NYC-based dance companies activate the western Queens waterfront with world premieres of unique, site-specific dances inspired by the natural and urban landscape. The performances take place at Hunters Point South Park, Gantry Plaza State Park, Queensbridge Park and Socrates Sculpture Park. Audiences are led through immersive dance performances several times throughout the day, setting up a chain of physical dance interventions at the waterfront. LIC community members are invited to move and create together in the threemonth community dance workshop
(Thursdays and Saturdays, April through July), co-hosted by Jacob A. Riis Settlement at Queensbridge Housing Community. An integral element of INSITU, their performance will be featured as part of the festival on July 8 and 9. INSITU Site-Specific Dance Festival is curated and organized by Svea Schneider and her dance company KINEMATIK Dance Theater. All of the performances and workshops are free and open to the public. The mission of INSITU is to activate public spaces through dance and create community through the arts. It is an
initiative to strengthen, bridge and celebrate the diverse communities living along the LIC and Astoria waterfront by using dance as a tool for deeper community engagement. INSITU aspires to make dance accessible, connect with new audiences and raise awareness of the power of movement by bringing it into public spaces. At the same time, INSITU highlights the artistic excellence coming from Queens while creating and cultivating a supportive platform for artists to develop new work. INSITU strives to increase the cultural awareness and visibility of the vibrant communities in Queens.
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The Brewery Bar & Kitchen Family owned & operated
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JUNE 2017
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25
MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS
144 6 205 204
ALOBAR RESTAURANT (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com
BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com
CRESCENT GRILL (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com
11
DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com
125 220 169 170 18 191 3 133
20 45 61
BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com
176
13
124
OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com
BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com
19
NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com
150
35
112
182
NUMBER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com
5
181
VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com
213
BRICK CAFE (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com
12
200
BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com
BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com
159
MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com
ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com
7
8
148
22
74 183 24
DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com
194
FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com
28
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
55 216
LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com
219
LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com
199
MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com MAIZAL RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Ave., Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com
ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.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 QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com 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 SHI (A,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd., LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com SKINNY’S (A,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd., LIC THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com
THE BRASS OWL (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.thebrassowl.com
161
VITE VINOSTERIA 718-278-8483 31-05 34th St., Astoria www.vitevinosteria.com
49
INSIDE ASTORIA (C,1) 718-956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
90
WILLIAM HALLET (C,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave., Astoria www.williamhallet.com
50
LIC: LIVING (A,4) 718-361-5650 535 51st Ave., LIC www.licliving.com
198
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
56
32
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
14
ZENON TAVERNA 718-956-0133 34-10 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 www.zenontaverna.com
29 108
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
34 138 139
BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com
189
IL FORNAIO BAKERY (B,2) 718-267-0052 29-14 30th Ave., Astoria
190
OK CAFÉ (B,1) 718-440-8789 22-04 33rd St., Astoria www.okcafeastoria.com
37
SWEETLEAF (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC
FOOD SHOPS 39
FOOD CELLAR (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
195
FOOD CELLAR 718-606-1888 43-18 Crescent St., LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
211
MET FRESH AND ORGANIC SUPERMARKET Located in the heart of Astoria on 34-14 Steinway St.
167
YOGURT LA CREPE (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com
TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com
31
VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com
184
VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com
MALAGUETA RESTAURANT (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Ave., Astoria www.malaguetany.com
WINES & SPIRITS 36
ASTORIA BIER & CHEESE (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria
27
ASTORIA PARK WINE AND SPIRITS (B,1) 28-07 24th Ave., Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com
38
ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com
187
MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4) 718-937-1312 46-3 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.manducatisrustica.com
GRAND WINE AND LIQUOR (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St., Astoria www.grandwl.com
SHOPS
MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net
143
MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com
21
MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com
26
186
ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net
PETS
224
201
CHÂTEAU LE WOOF 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com
196
54
CITY VET (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
95
121
LIC VETERINARY CENTER (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.licvets.com
180
218
MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www. mydogneedsawalk.com
57
40
NYC PET NANNY 25-74 36 St. Astoria NY 646-298-5301 www.nycpetnanny.com
206
75
STEINWAY COURT VET (C,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com
FLORISTS 160
OFF BROADWAY FLORIST (B,2) 718-728-2828 3204 31st St., Astoria
44 137
FLORESTA (A,4) 917-612-4446 51-02 Vernon Blvd., LIC 4-85 47th Rd., LIC
47
NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS
130
PETALS AND ROOTS (B,2) 718-267-1700 31-27 31st St., Astoria www.petalsandroots.com
SERVICES 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
177
ASTORIA CLEANERS (B,1) 718-545-0680 28-19 Astoria Blvd., Astoria astoriacleaners.com
209
AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria
129
BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com
207 114 77
JUNE 2017
223
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
174
59
122
62
175
157
64
65
45
134
66
17
147
ELINK
161 90 198 56 223 224
ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com
196
THE LEARNING STATION MONTESSORI INC. (C,2) 347-523-0906 31-32 47th St., Astoria www.thelearningstationmontessorischool.com
95
MATHNASIUM (C,1) 718-726-6284 43-32 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.mathnasium.com/astoria
180 57 206
174
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 MY DOG NEEDS A WALK 347-323-4549 23-12 29th St., Astoria www.mydogneedsawalk.com
67
122 62
VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
175
VESPA QUEENS (B,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent St., LIC www.vespaqueens.com
157
VOICE MUSIC STUDIO (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria
EVENTS
SUPER NOVA TATTOOS (C,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
195
EUROPEAN WAX CENTER LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd., LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com
188
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
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
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
145
KATCH BREWERY & GRILL (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria www.katchastoria.com
SCULPTURE SPACE NYC (C,3) 718-806-1709 47-21 35th St., LIC www.sculpturespacenyc.com
96
THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St., LIC www.secrettheatre.com
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185
THE COTTON BRIDE (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com
FITNESS 154
ASTORIA COMPLEX (C,2) 718-729-7163 34-38 38th St., LIC www.ascsports1.com
222
LOCKED -ESCAPE ROOM NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com
120
CKO KICKBOXING (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.ckoastoria.com
111
MOSAIC CRAFT BEER & WINE BAR (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave., Astoria www.mosaicastoria.com
42
CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria
203
PASSAGE IRISH BAR AND KITCHEN 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com
165
CRANK CYCLING STUDIO (A,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd., LIC www.cranknyc.com
88
STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St., Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
76
CROSSFIT DYNAMIX GYM (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave., Astoria www.dynamixgym.com
89
SWEET AFTON (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St., Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
PERSONALIZED PILATES (A,4) 347-563-3933
TATTOO SHOPS
149
82
156
BODY LANGUAGE TATTOO 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave., Astoria www.bltnyc.com
NOGUCHI MUSEUM (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd., Astoria www.noguchi.org
THE FACE & BODY SHOP 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave., Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com
131
TEALICIOUS 718-278-8579 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.tealiciouscatering.com
147
94
ROGALLERY.COM (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St., LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com
45
Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com
NIGHTLIFE/BARS
MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE (C,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.movingimage.us
146
THE ROCK HEALTH & FITNESS CLUB (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st St., Astoria
17
SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
93
BAROQUE (C,1) 718-274-2777 19-44 Steinway St., Astoria www.baroquenyc.com
166
RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com
REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com
MOMA PS 1 718-784-2084 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.momaps1.org
43
71
RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St., Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com
66
HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria
199
GIGI SALON (C,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave., Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com
65
HOTELS
151
164
FOUNDRY (A,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 Ninth St., LIC www.thefoundry.info
FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com
YOGA AGORA (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Astoria www.YogaAgora.com
SPAS 81
64
134
73
CARL CLARKE AESTHETIQUES (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria
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 St., Astoria www.tuckitaway.com
FAT CAT TATTOO (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st St., LIC www.fatcattattoos.com
BEAUTY
QNS COLLECTIVE (C,3) 718-280-5122 www.qnscollective.com
59
158
142 80 136
SAGE STUDIOS 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave., 4th Floor, Astoria 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
REAL ESTATE 217 105 30
AMORELLI REALTY 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com DOUGLAS ELLIMAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com
101 140 141
MODERN SPACES 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave., LIC (A,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC (A,4) 29-20 23rd Ave., Astoria (A,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com
103
WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave., Astoria www.wfhm.com
100
ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com
172
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
GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/
135
KAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com
MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC
221
214
THE BEAST NEXT DOOR CAFÉ & BAR 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.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
HEALTH & WELLNESS
STEINWAY FAMILY DENTAL CENTER 718-728-3314 32-50 Steinway St.,Astoria www.alldentalneeds.com
BANKING
104
QUONTIC BANK (B,2) 718-215-4000 31-05 Broadway, Astoria www.quonticbank.com
102
SUSSEX BANK (B,1) 347-472-1727 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria www.sussexbank.com
2727
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FOOD + DRINK
A SPORTS BAR FOR THE C
A
By GINA CONTEH
ustralian native Padraic “Patrick” Sheridan offers Irish hospitality and traditional American-style eats at his sports bar in Woodside. Sheridan said his dreams were fulfilled in September of 2014 when opening The Brewery Bar and Kitchen — located at 49-18 30th Ave. in Woodside — after being in the restaurant business his entire life. After owning a restaurant in Greenwich Village for seven years, Sheridan said he was more than glad to find a space in his neighborhood of Woodside due to rising rent costs in Manhattan. To Sheridan, 30th Avenue was the perfect location for him to bring a quality sports bar to the area. “This is my neighborhood,” Sheridan said. “When we found this spot, we knew
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there was a market here for a good restaurant that serves the community.” Sheridan hosts viewings for sporting events throughout the year on the bar’s HD televisions. The Brewery is the official sports bar in the neighborhood for the New York City Football Club. Sheridan says that he hosts viewing parties for every away game, and he rents out buses to transport patrons to Yankee Stadium for home games. According to their Twitter account, The Brewery Bar and Kitchen was recently named one of the top two game day spots in all of New York State by Yelp. “It’s rewarding to see it,” Sheridan said. “We are not a corporation, we are not a multi-location operation, so we want people to feel comfortable and come back.” Aside from the brand-name beers offered at The Brewery, Sheridan introduced
E COMMUNITY “We enjoy hosting people and the community using our space,” Sheridan said. “That’s what we’re here for: to serve the community.” You can view The Brewery Bar and Kitchen menu, order online, or inquire about hosting an event by visiting www.thebrewery.nyc.
Photos courtesy of Padraic Sheridan
their exclusively brewed house beers a few months ago. The Brewery offers a House Ale and House IPA brewed by the Red Hook Brewery, and a House Lager brewed by the Lions Head Brewery. Sheridan said that the customer feedback has been overwhelming. “The breweries are having a hard time keeping up supplies. I’ll leave it at that,” Sheridan said. These beers are offered all week, including during their happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. The Brewery Bar and Kitchen also caters and hosts private parties and events. Sheridan said he is especially busy during the spring and summer months for communions, christenings and graduation parties. He also plans to host viewing parties for St John’s University students during the next basketball season.
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One Queens family is bringing East Coast culinary staples to Astoria.
EATS Photos by Angela Matua
FOOD + DRINK
East Coast
E
By ANGELA MATUA @ANGELAMATUA
ast Coast Foodies, a restaurant run by the Pappas family that opened on March 31 at 35-11 34th Ave., sources all of its food from small shops in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Maine. You’ll find soft drinks in unique flavors like cranberry lime made by East Coast
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small businesses; Maple cotton candy from Parker’s Real Maple in New York; and a variety of preserves that the owners are experimenting with in their recipes. Even the potato chips come from small, local companies: the Vintage Main Kitchen chips are made in Maine by a “couple [that] cuts the potatoes at their dinner table,”
Photos by Angela Matua
said Dean Pappas, who runs the place with his mother, Mary. But the eatery’s real strength is in their list of four carefully curated main sandwiches — made with East Coast ingredients, of course — that are all named after East Coast locales. East Coast Foodies nailed their version of a lobster roll, The Maine, which is served with lemon, a drizzle of melted butter, a spice blend and chives. The butter will drip down your hands as you enjoy this decadent Northeastern sandwich right here in your own backyard. The Burlington, a grilled cheese sandwich, includes cheddar, swiss cheese, and applewood smoked maple bacon on sourdough bread with caramelized onions. It’s paired with a side shot of maple syrup to dunk or drizzle, which makes this delicious sandwich the perfect combination of savory and sweet. There’s also The Philly, their version of the Philadelphia cheese steak, which filled the restaurant with an irresistible aroma, and The Vermont, a grilled cheese sandwich that may be tweaked thanks to suggestions from returning customers. The Pappas family, originally from Greece, has been trickling over to Astoria over the past several decades. Dean Pappas moved to Astoria from Athens 10 years ago and works in technology, along with this new business venture. Neither he nor his mother had ever worked in the restaurant business, but they were inspired to create East Coast Foodies when they realized what was missing from the local food scene. “This all started from our desire to be able to find certain things,” he said. “There is nowhere really in Astoria to get a lobster roll or to get a hot dog.” He brainstormed a list of “wacky things you didn’t even know existed” that were created on the East Coast and went from there. The menu also includes hot dogs, which are named after neighborhoods or boroughs in New York. The Astoria includes an all-natural beef hot dog grilled with bacon and topped with onion and jalapenos. Pappas said it’s the customer favorite so far. Though the hot dogs range from $2.50 to $4.50, The Hamptons dog, which includes bacon, avocado and
lobster, is offered “at a Hamptons price point” because of the shellfish. Desserts include cheesecake and whoopie pies, which are made from scratch in house. Other offerings include Buffalo wings with Sean’s BooYah sauce, pickles from Pickle Guy’s Pickles, and an orange walnut salad. You won’t find Coke or Pepsi at East Coast Foodies but you will find Moxie, a Maine-based company that sells one of the first mass-produced soft drinks in the United States. Brooklyn-based Bruce Cost Ginger Ale can also be purchased there. The cooks also do not use microwaves or fryers; the chicken wings are baked and the hot dogs are grilled. “When you go with a theme, I really want to go with it wholeheartedly to support these smaller craft places,” Pappas said. “It’s actually made our decision making easier ever since we chose a theme.” He hopes to expand the menu in the future. First, East Coast Foodies will serve a number of specials like mac ‘n’ cheese and then venture down the East Coast to offer things like Maryland crab cakes, South Carolina pulled pork or Florida Key lime pie. Pappas said the reception from customers has been great so far, and he looks forward to playing with the menu. Though his day job is in the technology industry, he is hoping the restaurant could become a full-time job in the future. “We’re listening to as much feedback from our customers [as we can],” he said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’ve not been in a retail customer facing business. I’m a tech guy, but this is so much fun.” East Coast Foodies is currently open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
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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 2016 J U N OF E 2MEDICINE-FALL 017 I BORO MAG.COM
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BACK TO THE
FOOD + DRINK
BARE BONE BASICS
BY SEAN CURRY
@THESANDWICHENTHUSIAST
I first became introduced to proper barbecue when I visited family in San Antonio in the summer of 1998. I don’t remember much about that trip, save the go kart track in their front yard, my first encounter with Texas’ infamously oppressive dry heat, and the ribs at the barbecue spot they took us to. At this point in my Jersey-raised life, I wasn’t aware that ribs were supposed to “fall off the bone,” all I knew is that I didn’t need a fork or a knife to hew these deliciously tender morsels from their marrow carriages. That fact alone blew my young mind.
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ing Bareburger to intercontinental heights from its humble Astoria beginnings, Pelekanos is going back to his roots and starting fresh with Salt & Bone. His approach here is laser-focused, first and foremost. The menu is one page, consisting of seven meats and seven sides. Everything is oak-smoked and rotisserie, and centered on doing one thing and one thing well: In the time since, I’ve tried a number of styles of barbecues from across our great nation and beyond. But, being a New Yorker, the vast majority of the barbecue I’ve had in my life has been within the five boroughs, and usually right here in Astoria. It tends to be one discipline or another — Kansas City, the Carolinas, Korea — but by and large, it’s been eaten here. New York has a surprisingly active barbecue scene influenced by a myriad of cultures, immigrants, tourists and connoisseurs. Which begets a new question, however blasphemous some may find it: at what point will we see the rise of New Yorkstyle barbecue? Euripides “EP” Pelekanos may not be trying to start the New York barbecue style, but he’s certainly adding nutrients to its primordial soup. Nearly a decade after launch-
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Barbecue. The rest of the restaurant speaks to his laid-back, stripped-down approach: a personally curated playlist, vintage beer cans behind the bar, smoked pine lining the walls. To Pelekanos, Bareburger is his business, but Salt & Bone is his. He works the order window himself, something he hasn’t had the time or opportunity to do in his more well-known franchise in almost five years. He’s personally involved with the menu, and, in his words, “We do barbecue. That’s what we do.” With a segue like that, I figured it was time to try the barbecue. Now I have to be very frank with you, dear reader: I’m starting to worry about the objectivity of my reviews, because by my count, the first dish that has come out at the last three restaurants I’ve covered for BORO has been my favorite offering of the night. Whether that’s because I try to not eat anything substantial the day of a review or that the primary fare offered
up for critique is just consistently good, the opening act on Salt & Bone’s bill was no different. The beef rib quite literally looked like they managed to rip it out of a “Flintstones” cartoon, and it tasted like it had been perfectly slow-roasted for as long as it would have taken for the Flintstones to catch up to the modern day. Beautifully tender with a wonderfully seasoned crust and just the perfect amount of saltiness, this beef rib is worth the trip on its own. Their brisket was next, a tender selection that made no apologies for the delectable fat still running along the grain of the meat. There was a BIG blast of black pepper in the follow through, a grainy, fiery heat that lit my tongue up like a Vegas jackpot. But don’t let that turn you off, as it only served to set up the burnt ends served alongside the brisket — a handful of delectable, smoky nubs of barbecue heaven that soothed me into sauce-induced bliss. Before we moved onto the cocktails, the kitchen made sure to send out a few slices off their house-roasted turkey. This was a good, succulent bird, with a crusted, savory outside; familiar enough to call back your childhood Thanksgiving memories, but with enough attitude to earn a spot at a modern barbecue joint. As my steadfast photographer continued to capture the interior and remainder of the food, I, in my unrelenting professionalism, soldiered on to a selection of original cocktails created specifically for Salt & Bone. First up was the Roadie, a sweet, citrusy cordial balancing tequila, honey and lemon in a light blend perfect for sipping on Salt & Bone’s sidewalk some Sunday afternoon this summer. The Runner — my favorite — came next, an aperitif intended to stimulate the appetite before dinner, but one that would also work well as a casual, midday drink with a nice bitter aftertaste.
Finally, they served their Old Fashioned, a lighter take on the old standby built for summer weekends. Salt & Bone, while not the first Southerninspired joint to come out of Astoria (or even this location; the Salt & Bone owners made a go of it here with Burnside Biscuits last year), is still contributing to what could be the beginning of something. At what point will New York feel confident enough to make its own claim to barbecue glory? All of the greats had to start somewhere — even Texas. If the barbecue continues to be this good, and this focused, then that starting point may be closer and greater than we think. Salt & Bone opened on Memorial Day, with outdoor sidewalk seating following shortly after. Stop in for brunch, weeknight dinners, or even a quick drink from their impressive bourbon list.
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EXPLORE YOUR BORO
MODERN
MURALS By ANGELA MATUA @ANGELAMATUA
For the eighth year in a row, the Welling Court Mural Project will expose Queens residents to murals by artists from all over the world. More than 150 murals are on display in Astoria starting on June 10, and art lovers can wander through the makeshift exhibit. The project spans several blocks, but many of the murals can be found near 11-98 Welling Ct., between 30th Avenue and 12th Street. The project dates back to 2009, when Welling Court resident Jonathan Ellis teamed up with Ad Hoc Art, a Bushwick-based think tank dedicated to creative solutions for urban problems. The nonprofit invited artists from around to world to use Astoria as its canvas. The first unveiling took place in May 2010 with more than 44 murals, and the number of murals continues to grow every year. Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring their favorite snacks and drinks to the event and are asking for donations, which are tax deductible, supplies like spray paint, primer and brushes, and volunteers interested in social media, press outreach and video documentation. This year's artists include Abe Lincoln, Jr., Lady Pink, Cekis, Kimyon Huggins, Magda Love, Icy & Sot, Kid Lew and dozens more. On these pages are photos from last year’s mural project; you’ll have to explore the streets of Astoria this month to see the new art!
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Photos: Ruthie Darling/QNS
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INTERIOR DESIGN
A Tree Grows IN ASTORIA
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s
BY RUTHIE DARLING
C
@RUTHIEDARLING
anadian plant enthusiast Olesia Plokhii moved to Astoria two and a half years ago with her husband and has turned her apartment into a living, breathing secret garden in a concrete jungle. After an exciting career as a journalist, taking her to far-flung places such as a Cambodia, Plokhii came to New York to start working in public relations, and she settled down in Astoria. Walking into her serene pad, I asked Plokhii what she loved so much about sharing her home with so many plants. “Growing, cultivating, learning about the plants and having something alive in your apartment is an amazing thing,” she told me. “When you see a new leaf, it’s the best feeling, especially when you see a new orchid spike. If you’re interested in growing your own plants, now is a great time to start because it’s getting sunny; the plants will really thrive.”
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INTERIOR DESIGN
The majority of Plokhii’s plants are situated in her sun-lit bedroom. On the window sill sits her orchid collection. “Orchids are tricky,” she mused. “One of the things I learned is that they need a cold spell to bloom. I do have one guy who’s blooming over here though.” On the other side of the room, an antique dresser is host to an enormous array of tropical and non-tropical plants. “I have a Chinese money plant, Cuban oregano, a cactus, an African violet, a peace lily, a fiddle leaf fern, a monstera plant, hoya, a string of pearls,” she said, and above all of this, an air plant looks on. She also has a few succulents dotted about. “Succulents are great as a starter plant,” Plokhii suggested. “You only need to water them once a month and provide them with plenty of sunlight.” As well as the plant life, the apartment is furnished with vintage furniture and art picked up locally in Astoria and from Plokhii’s travels to Africa and Mexico.
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“The coffee table is a Craigslist find; I think it cost $60,” she said. “It weighs over 100 pounds! We filled it with various trinkets, like seashells from Cape Cod, roses that my husband bought for me, some religious iconography and old keys.” Plokhii loves to indulge in some do-ityourself home projects like a stool she made out of an Ikea table covered in fabric bought at a local shop, Lockwood. On the wall hangs a piece of pressed flower art. This piece was bought locally, but Plokhii told me that she is inspired to create a piece of her own as her next project. I asked Plokhii for some tips for starting your own indoor garden and she told me, “I
water all of my plants on Sundays; that’s what most people do in the flower community. Sunday is water day. It makes sense to water plants on the same day each week — that way you can always remember when you’ve done it and don’t over-water. You can grow plants anywhere as long as you have light. It’s trial and error. My suggestion is go to Home Depot, buy 10 small plants and start there.” And if you’re serious about cultivating your own green space, you can definitely find support from others who are doing the same. “There’s a real community of plant hobbists out there,” she said. “I now belong to something called Keiki Club. A keiki is essen-
If you’re feeling inspired, check out local store Petals and Roots or take a walk through the beautiful Astoria Park this week. Remember, the park is also host to NYC’s oldest and largest outdoor pool! As the poet Gary Snyder once said, “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” For Olesia Plokhii, that certainly seems to be the case!
Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO
tially a new baby plant that grows off of the stem of another plant. It’s a perfect genetic replica of the mother. It’s quite rare. You can take that keiki, cut it and gift it as a new plant. In Keiki Club, plant lovers in the city gather twice a year and bring their cuttings to share. It can be from any plant as long as it can root and you can replant it and grow it. You exchange them. My monstera plant was grown from a cutting from Keiki Club.” In the kitchen, plants line the window sill — and not all in pots. “I got this from Keiki Club,” she said of one of her plants. “I put it in this champagne glass with water and in a few days, when it has some more roots, I will plant it. This process is called propagation.” She doesn’t just meet other plant lovers in the Keiki Club; there’s also a thriving online community.
“I also belong to a Facebook group that exchanges cuttings in the mail,” she said. “I just did an exchange with a guy in Philadelphia. There are 50,000 people in my Orchoholics Anonymous Facebook group!” Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it’s likely that not everyone wants to be stuck indoors, and not every apartment is equipped for such horticultural expression. Green-fingered Plokhii has a solution for that. “I am also a member of a community garden called Two Cloves, here in Astoria,” she explained. “I have a plot there where I grow vegetables. It’s on 30th Avenue. There is a wait list right now, but we are currently experimenting with a new way to give away plots, so you may be in luck!” And if you can join a community garden, Plokhii recommends it. “What’s lovely about a community garden is that you get to indulge in your growing passion,” she said. “I’m not an expert by any means, but you can find peace, quiet and meditation. The other benefit, of course, is that you also can grow produce. This year I’m growing lots of herbs, but also tomatoes, eggplants, green peppers and beans. It really is a community. You meet new friends. You really cultivate a sense of self.”
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MIND + BODY
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e h t f o s s FitneFUTURE By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @HAYLEYREE3
Located just around the corner from the Court Square transit hub, LIC’s newest addition to the fitness scene, Cosmic Fit Club, opened in early May and is hoping to make a lasting impression on the neighborhood — such an impression that owner/performer/yogi/acrobat Joy Chen is intending on “changing the face of fitness as we know it.” With a background in dance, yoga and acrobatics, Chen grew up taking traditional Chinese dance lessons at a young age in Manhattan’s Chinatown, where she was raised. During college, she pursued yoga as a complement to her dance training and was quickly hooked. After getting certified to teach yoga around six years ago, she was hired by Brooklyn Boulders, the biggest indoor rockclimbing gym in NYC. There, she honed her teaching skills, developed very popular core conditioning classes and brought acroyoga classes to rock-climbers and other fitness enthusiasts. At this time, she started moving into acrobatics and circus training as an expansion of her social life. “Soon I was dreaming of opening my own fitness studio which would have a more ‘playful’ approach to body weight strength training and offer a multiplicity of different class types and formats, including ‘open workouts’ or jam sessions where practitioners in all different sports — gymnastics, dance, acrobatics, yoga, calisthenics, weight lifting, etc. — could get together, share the same open floor space and share their skills while socializing and hanging out,” she said. “Cosmic Fit Club has just been open for less than one month, but it’s evolving into that very nontraditional gym.” Cosmic Fit Club’s mission is to cultivate the feel of a small studio within an expansive space. Their building is outfitted with 20-foot ceilings, skylights, mirrors and special lighting effects. Chen and her staff of 13 are committed to bringing together athletes and artists from
all different sports and mediums to share skills and build a community. “Our creative class programming centers around a variety of movement disciplines that require no special machines and can't be found anywhere else,” Chen said. “Our philosophy is that your body is your best machine, and to this end, we've built a cool space where adults can ‘play’ as they ‘train’ and where we can teach members and guests how to explore the universe of their own bodies through playful, functional movement, to experience new worlds through special workshops and events, and become stronger, more balanced and fit!” Cosmic Fit Club is in its initial stages of being officially open, and so far, its primary client base consists of many of Chen’s former yoga, acrobatics and core conditioning students, as well as local members of
the community who are a bit turned-off by traditional gym machines and gym culture. Chen describes her members as typically having an artistic and creative bent — hardworking New Yorkers looking for an escape from the stressful pressures of work and seeking an opportunity to make meaningful connections with other people. “Acrobatics, for instance, is a very close contact sport,” Chen said. “You work in groups and sometimes carry, lift and balance people you’ve only just met. Trust and communication are some of the things we promote through the physical practice of partner acrobatics, and it’s one of the social benefits our clients get for joining our studio and taking classes with me and our other instructors.”
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For those who crave variety in their workouts, Cosmic Fit Club might just suit their needs. “Our members may get easily bored or find it hard committing or focusing to just one sport or one discipline,” Chen said. “We cater to people who might just be at the very beginning of their fitness journey but who like to dabble and try different things, as well as serious recreational acrobats and other fit people who want to get to the next level in their training.” Cosmic Fit Club offers 30 small group fitness classes a week in a range of disciplines including core conditioning, calisthenics, yoga, blacklight yoga, acroyoga, acroJUNE 2017
batics, handstands, kettle bell training, strength training, personal training, gymnastics, dance and more. Classes are taught by some of the most experienced yogis, dancers and acrobats in the industry. On staff are former star performers for Cirque de Soleil and the Big Apple Circus. One-on-one personal training sessions are available through individual scheduling and additionally, Cosmic Fit Club is host to special fitness events and workshops on the weekends taught by professional circus performers, internationally renowned yoga teachers, and influential names in fitness and health. Consider yourself a part of this world and looking for someplace to connect with others in your field? Joy and her staff offer Friday, Saturday and Sunday night open workout "jam times" where practitioners from different disciplines including dance, yoga and acrobatics can mix and mingle, share their skills and have fun together in an atmosphere lit up by club lights and special projection effects. As longtime residents of Kew Gardens and Rego Park respectively, Joy Chen and her business partner, Phil, were interested in locating their first studio in Long Island City because they felt the vibe of the neighborhood fit their forward-thinking studio. “So far the local community has been great,” Chen said. “We had a table at the LIC Springs block party on Vernon Boulevard a few weeks ago and we had tons of people visiting our table, smiling and getting a taste of the acroyoga classes we offer.” The business partners saw LIC as being the area where great new things are brewing in terms of industry, real estate development, arts and culture—perfect for their “futuristic” and “cosmic” themed studio. “Our studio is located in a building that also houses artists and musicians and a recording studio,” Chen said. “Everyone [in the community] is excited we fixed up a former warehouse space and re-activated and re-purposed the space into something that promotes health and wellness and positivity.” They also chose Queens because they both consider this community home, and they saw an opportunity to create something special and unique in the most ethnically diverse borough in the city. While there are numerous fitness options in western Queens, the staff at Cosmic Fit Club say this business is like no other, with multi-disciplinary sports, arts and programing all under one roof.
“This is where Cosmic Fit Club comes in,” Chen said. “We hope to bring the community together and help define ‘the future of fitness’ together in LIC, NYC and the region.” BORO readers can bring in their copy of the magazine when they visit the studio for a free class between now and July 1. All pricing for monthly unlimited and annual memberships, class packages and personal training sessions are included on the website, cosmicfitclub.com, and can be purchased online or in person at the studio.
COSMICFITCLUB.COM FB: COSMICFITCLUB IG: @COSMICFITCLUB
SOMETHING MORE PERSONAL?
CONTACT DONUT! YES, COSMIC FIT CLUB’S STUDIO SECRETARY IS JOY’S 2-YEAR-OLD RAGDOLL CAT, DONUT. YOU CAN WRITE TO HER AT DONUT@COSMICFITCLUB.COM. SHE IS KNOWN TO BE A PROMPT RESPONDER!
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LIC FLEA & FOOD
LIC Flea & Food
Festival Season Kicks off in June
L
IC Flea, open every Saturday and Sunday with the best of handcrafted, vintage, global food and curated vendors in Queens, kicks off its Special Festival Season on June 10 and 11 with the Beer & Taco Get Down! Ticket holders enjoy unlimited tastings of Central and South American style craft brews along with an array of global taco vendors to purchase, enjoy and then vote for their favorites. All festival-goers receive a souvenir mug! Next up is the NY Wine & Sweets Festival on July 22 and 23 with unlimited tastings of local wines. LIC Flea brings wine tasting to you! Support local vintners and shop from the best sweets in NYC. Sweets include cookies, cupcakes, iced goodies and much, much more! In August, the LIC Flea launches the first International Beer Festival with unlimited tastings of the best brews from around the globe. September is Brews & BBQ, and October features the Second Annual Queens Beer Festival with unlimited beer tastings of NY Metro breweries. BORO readers can receive 15 percent off all LIC Flea 2017 Festivals with the code BORO.
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JUNE 2017
Join LIC Flea for the Third Annual July 4th party on Wednesday, July 4, from 2 p.m. to midnight. Come before and after the fireworks to enjoy food, brews and shopping with a backdrop of the greatest fireworks display on the planet. Check out our special events at www. licflea.com. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the market offers free admission. LIC Flea is located at 5-25 46th Ave. in Long Island City.