Bm082013

VOL 3:9 AUGUST 2013

ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE

GREAT DISCOUNTS

at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside

A Diverse Workout pg. 28

The Wedding Singer in LIC pg. 32

CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE

Shore Fest in Astoria Park pg. 36

Great Meal Under $10 pg. 38

2 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

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

Offers available through August 31, 2013. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount.

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ADVERTISE IN BORO CURRENTLY SELLING PACKAGES FOR 2013!

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Follow Us For Great Deals Throughout The Month /BOROmag

@BOROmag AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 3

Dear Western Queens, One thing everyone has in common is the love of great food. Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse destinations in the world and it is definitely evident in the cuisine found right here in our own backyard. In this issue you will discover everything from great drinks to desserts to ethic offerings to great deals on meals.

We couldn’t bring you food offerings without including a feature on staying fit to help you burn off those calories! Don’t miss out on upcoming events to enjoy for the remaining summer season as well.

See you in the fall…

Josh josh@boromag.com

JOSHUA SCHNEPS

publisher

International Beverages of LIC Flea & Food

FEATURES

6

Shore Fest at Astoria Park

FEATURES

6 DRINKS

36 THE ARTS

8 FOOD

38 FOOD

International Beverages of LIC Flea & Food Family-Inspired Mexican at Casa Enrique

10 REAL ESTATE The Bindery

14 FOOD

Savory Cupcakes at Sweets First

16 FOOD

New Jackson Heights Ambassador Program

24 FOOD

Evolution of Spanakopita at Thymari

25 FOOD

Filipino Fast Food Frenzy

28 BODY & SOUL

Simply Fit Offers Diverse Workout

32 THE ARTS

Actor Spotlight: Barry DeBois of The Wedding Singer

Shore Fest at Astoria Park A Great International Meal Under $10

DEPARTMENTS

3 DISCOUNTS & PROMO PAGE

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

12 AUGUST 2013 EVENTS 18 MAP IT DIRECTORY

Your Go-to Guide For Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and more

20 MAP IT: ASTORIA, LIC & SUNNYSIDE MAP

REMEMBER TO TAG YOUR QUEENS INSTAGRAM PICS WITH #BOROMAG AND LOOK FOR YOUR PHOTOS IN ONE OF OUR FUTURE ISSUES!

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com // 718.866.8089 www.BOROmag.com/advertise

/ BOROmag

@BOROmag

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF bradley hawks // ART DIRECTOR jennifer decio // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS stephen, reina, gary zero, nirmal singh STAFF WRITERS bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, lillian shaw, brett jones, meaghan trainor // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, daniel pando, bradley hawks ONLINE EDITORIAL COORDINATOR bradley hawks // PUBLISHED BY Joshua & Victoria Schneps All materials Copyright © 2013 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

4 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

36

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 5

DRINK

Queens:

Culinary Crossroads of the World Unless you just moved to Queens without ever reading anything about it, watching any food television, or browsing Wikipedia—then you already know the borough as one of the most culturally diverse on the planet. This month, we are spotlighting the international food and drink from sixteen restaurants/vendors representing twelve different countries and five continents.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

sipping from the international water fountain

Most visitors to LIC Flea & Food probably don’t set out for the day contemplating, "I wonder which beverage I will enjoy today.’" Exotic sandwiches and baked treats, artisan soaps and vintage clothing most likely top the to-do list. But when the heat can be so sweltering that each step takes twice the energy and it feels like you are walking through Jell-O, the secondary characters that come with a straw and frosty floating cubes of ice can suddenly take the spotlight, chugging an otherwise steamy afternoon into a refreshing stroll through the summer market.

While the edibles and collectibles are the primary draw, the LIC Flea has gathered a surprising array of somewhat uncommon potables, sourced from distant corners of the globe. Here’s a roundup of just some of the most delicious and intriguing sips available throughout the summer at the market, along with some tried and true classics.

6 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

Oconomi—the Japanese food stand—is grilling up vegetable and pork pancakes with Japanese cabbage slaw and a myriad of sauces, but guests can wash it all down with a glass of Yuzunade, a lemonade made with the Japanese citrus yuzu.

If you lean toward a classic lemonade, LIC Burger Garage is serving up their fresh-squeezed rendition as well as cran-raspberry iced tea, and even an Arnold Palmer. By the way, the burgers are seriously some of the best in the city—and they even offer gluten-free buns.

For a farmers market spin on lemonade, lines have been forming at Lizzmonade, where the staff mixes fresh fruit (berries, mango, pineapple, and more) with sliced lemons and you can even add mint, basil, ginger, rosemary, jalapeno or habanero into the mix. Sugar-wary sippers can opt for agave, Stevia, or even order it up naked (sugarless).

Sweetleaf is one of the hottest coffee shops in the neighborhood, but they are cooling things down with a chilled selection of iced java like their signature "Rocket Fuel’"with chicory and maple. Another favorite is an iced black tea with strawberry puree and simple syrup.

The empanadas at Jessy’s Pastries are best accompanied by a cup of mango and passion fruit juice, with refills available at half price.

The tent for the Melting Pot boasts one of the largest varieties of beverages. They come from the Caribbean and include the effervescent Jamaican grapefruit soda, Ting. They also offer a champagne kola, reggae juice medley, and island mango, among others.

The team at Paella Valencia stirs up a gigantic saffron pan of paella with chorizo and chicken, but the real eye catchers are the coolers of sangria floating with citrus wedges and giant ice clusters, available in white or red (no alcohol, though— sorry).

Sothian Ice Teas generously serve samples of their brews alongside porcelain bowls of fragrant dried fruits and leaves. You will quickly fall in love with their "Summer Breeze,’"a caffeine-free blend of rose hips, hibiscus flower, red rose petals, lemon peel and apple pieces.

The South African/Chinese team at Woza is pouring homemade lychee ginger ale, along with their own minty, anti-oxidant rich rooibos iced tea.

Last but never least, when it comes to dessert drinks what could be better than an old-fashioned root beer float from the folks at Malu?

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 7

FOOD

Family-Inspired Mexican at

Casa Enrique Story + photos bradley hawks

“My brother is serving the food we cooked at home growing up,” Luis Aguilar says of his brother Cosme, who began handstuffing chorizo and butchering meat at the age of seven. Luis and Cosme, who worked for over a decade at Café Henri— with locations in Manhattan and Long Island City—are now the General Manager and Executive Chef, respectively, at Casa Enrique, which opened last year in Long Island City under the same ownership. While the chef (and younger brother) serves many dishes from Chiapas where he was born, the menu reads as less of a regional tribute and more of a family history, as they moved several times throughout Mexico.

The space, formerly a satellite kitchen for Café Henri—the restaurant’s French older sister just down the street—is now whitewashed like a blank canvas, with a communal table up front, and cozier, intimate seating at smaller tables in the back room. Servers are attentive, and eloquently describe the menu and cooking procedures in multiple languages. Unique cocktails and homemade soft drinks form a beverage menu to be enjoyed while dining, or simply snacking chips and guacamole at the bar. A mojito with muddled cucumber adds subtle sweetness, and the horchata—rich with vanilla and cinnamon—tastes like Christmas in a glass.

The menu boasts a single salad, and for good reason. The Ensalada de Betabel con Jicama is unlike any I have enjoyed.

Like Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, slender sticks of golden and crimson beets and white jicama zigzag in a climbing haystack, with two triangles of salty queso fresco, all doused with a fresh mint-speckled lemon vinaigrette. Crunchy, tangy, creamy, cold and refreshing, it is one of the most simple and all around enjoyable summertime salads.

Though ceviche presents itself in several forms, the Tostadas de Jaiba remain one dish I have had to order every single time I visit—they are that good. A long platter arrives with three seafood sombreros. Crispy tostadas are capped with mounds of lump crabmeat jeweled with citrus-kissed avocado, chiles, tomato and cilantro.

Hand-stuffed chorizo is then crumbled onto mini tortillas with a surprising complexity of tenderness and sweetness and gentle blend of spices requiring nothing more than the light sprinkling of cilantro. A lamb shank draped in a huaxamole of dried peppers, apazote, and huajes falls from the bone at a mere prodding—a most exquisite presentation of mutton.

Weekday service is dinner only, and weekend brunch adds several egg-centric menu items. And you absolutely must save room for dessert. The pot de crème is like chocolate-almond velvet, but the tres leches cake puts to profound shame every other rendition I have ever tried.

8 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

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by NRT LLC. AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 9

REAL ESTATE

classic meets contemporary

at the bindery Story ANGY ALTAMIRANO

photos JENNIFER DORFMAN/MODERN SPACES

want to reach in and grab a read.

Once residents walk into the apartments, they are welcomed with exposed brick walls, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and a walk-through layout that allows them to get around the apartment easily.

The Bindery is keeping it classic, but with a modern twist.

The new condos, located at 47-34 11th Street in Long Island City, welcome residents with both elements of classic design, like exposed brick walls, and the newest residential features, such as stainless steel appliances.

“We went back to classic things that were passé and now are back,” said Jennifer Dorfman, director of sales at Modern Spaces, the real estate firm managing the development. “That’s what people are craving.”

The building has seven floors with a total of 20 units ranging from one- to twobedroom apartments.

When residents walk into the lobby of the building, they encounter furniture built by Withers and Grain, a design group from Brooklyn, who blended industrial metal with local wood to create items unique to the building.

The walls of the lobby and hallways of The Bindery feature reclaimed wood wallpaper, which resembles real wood, as well as bookshelf wallpaper that makes residents

The Bindery even brings back part of the 1940s and 1950s to the bathrooms in some of the apartments.

“They’re not cookie cutter,” said Dorfman.

“They do not feel generic like in other properties.”

Other amenities include a fitness center, roof deck, 24-hour virtual doorman, balconies and outdoor space.

For information on The Bindery, you can visit www.thebinderylic.com or call Modern Spaces at 718-786-1063.

DON’T LIVE LIKE THIS… MAKE SOME SPACE. GET A STORAGE ROOM!

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

1 MONTH FREE! 718.519.8282 718 519 8282

www.tuckitaway.com 37-19 Crescent Street • Astoria 10 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

For a limited time, we are offering our new neighbors 1 MONTH FREE! We have the space for your stuff so that you can live bigger and dream bigger. Why you need storage is your business. We’re not in the business of asking questions.

We are in the business of simple storage.

Call for details.

LIVE BIGGER.

LIC

Luxury Condos for Sale

EAST OF EAST LIC

13-14 Jackson Ave. Long Island city, NY

13-14 Jackson Ave. #3E

1,322 square foot luxury condo in prime LIC location

$947,250 Common Charges: $947 I Monthly taxes: $220

For more information about these listings and many others in LIC, Manhattan & Brooklyn, please call Shoshana Shapiro: 646.400.1171

TODD HOVANEC • LUMINOUS REALTY LLC EQUAL HOUSING

212.203.2016 • 41 MADISON AVE. 31ST FL NY, NY 10010 • WWW.LMNSREALTY.COM

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 11

AUGUST EVENTS

Find more August events at www.BOROmag.com/Events

8/2 @ 5pm - 8pm (ART)

8/22 @ 9pm - midnight (NIGHTLIFE + MUSIC)

every Tuesday @ 9pm - 11pm NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

FREE | The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City, NY 11106

FREE I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC

FREE I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC

August First Friday

www.noguchi.org/programs

Live Music Thursdays - MarcDaine’ Mini Van www.rarbarlic.com

www.rarbarlic.com

8/4 @ 11am to 1pm (ART)

8/31 @ 11am to 8pm (BEAUTY + CHARITY)

$10/ family, up to four people | The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City, NY 11106

$35 haircut includes Wash ‘n’ Style | Redken Saloon Salon All funds go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Call for appt: 718-956-3366 | 36-17 30th Avenue

Family Program: Open Studio www.noguchi.org/programs

St Jude’s Haircut A thon

ONGOING

8/4, 8/11, 8/18 @ 1pm to 6pm (FOOD + ENTERTAINMENT)

5th Annual Astoria Park Shore Fest 2013

8/4 We Heart Astoria Food Fest Bring your own lunch for a Pop Up Picnic on the shore and sample tasty treats from around town!

8/11 Build It Green! NYC Day Fun-filled, family-friendly and reuse-savvy activities!

8/18 Big River Jam A musical celebration - Two music tents, twice as much fun!

FREE | Shore Boulevard along Astoria Park in Astoria, Queens Public Events on Car-free Pedestrian Street! Rain or Shine!

The Z NYC Hotel is partnering up withTotal Wellness 365.

We will be doing sunrise workouts on the rooftop all summer long.

Z Fitness Sat @ 7:15am (FITNESS) Sunrise Workouts: Mon, WeD, FrI 6:30-7:15am, Sat 7:15-8am Yoga: SaT @ 8:15-9am, Sundays @ 9-9:45am $15 | Z NYC Hotel ROOFTOP 212-319-7000 |11-01 43rd Avenue, LIC www.zhotelny.com

astoriaparkshorefest.yolasite.com

Sundays @ 6pm-2AM (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

8/8 @ 9pm - midnight (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Happy Hour: 6pm-9pm I Z NYC Hotel ROOFTOP (rain in Lounge) 718-289-6101 | 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC, NY 11101

Live Music Thursdays D.B. Rielly - American Roots Music

FREE I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC www.rarbarlic.com

Music in the Garden Featuring Vicky Chow

FREE with museum admission | The Noguchi Museum 718-204-7088 | 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City, NY 11106

Every Thursday @ 7-11pm (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Live in the Sky Concert Series with Walter Finley and Hand Rolled Live Cigar Bar

(Live Cigar Roller only weather permitting.)

Happy Hour: 6pm-9pm I Z NYC Hotel ROOFTOP (rain in Lounge) 718-289-6101 | 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC, NY 11101 www.ravelhotel.com

EVERY WEEK mon-fri @ 4pm-7PM ((NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Happy Hour

$4 drafts and house wine | Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 I 30-01 35th Ave (corner of 30th Street), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

Weekends @ 11Am-4Pm (FOOD)

Bareburger Breakfast

Bareburger Ditmars | 718-204-7167 | 23-01 31St St www.bareburger.com

skyline saturdays

every Monday @ 4pm - midnight (FOOD + DRINK)

www.ravelhotel.com

half priced drinks & slider specials FREE I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC

Sundays @ 6pm (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Ravel Rooftop Sundays

Table Reservations Recommended 718-289-6101 | 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC, NY 11101

8/11 @ 3PM (ART + MUSIC)

Whine and Cheese Comedy Show

www.facebook.com/pages/RAVEL-Sundays Email: sundays@ravelhotel.com

Every Sunday @ 8:30pm (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Slider Monday All Night Happy Hour

www.rarbarlic.com

Every Monday Night @ 9pm-11pm (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

Music Mondays

FREE | Sweet Afton 718-777-2570 | 30-09 34th Street, Astoria, NY 11103 www.sweetaftonbar.com

www.noguchi.org/programs

COMEDY NIGHT

Every Friday @ 6-8:30PM (DRINK)

8/15 @ 9pm - midnight (MUSIC)

http://rapturelounge.com

FREE | Astoria Park Wine and Spirits 718-606-1142 | 28-07 24th Ave.

Live Music Thursdays Aaron LaVigne

FREE I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC www.rarbarlic.com

8/16 @ 6:30PM (FITNESS + DRINK)

WORKOUT & WINE

FREE | Rapture Lounge 718-626-8044 | 34-27 28th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103 every Sunday @ 4pm - midnight (FOOD + DRINK)

BBQ Sundays

$10 for BBQ entree and one draft I Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Ave, (corner of 30th street) LIC www.rarbarlic.com

Tuesdays @ 8:30PM (NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT)

$22 | PNT FITNESS 10-68 Jackson Ave. LIC

Trivia Night

FREE I Break Bar & Billiards 718-777-5400 I 32-04 Broadway, Astoria

www.PNTFITNESS.com

Friday Night Wine Tasting

www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com

Kiddie Cruise (FAMILY+ ENTERTAINMENT) NYC Family Adventure-Spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty!

Puppet show-Jugglers-Arts & Crafts-Magic Show-2 hour NYC CruiseFace Paintings-Lunch $5 off per ticket with code BORO 212-987-9200 kiddie cruise.com

www.break-ny.com

LIC

FLEA E&a &

INTERNATIONAL

FOOD BAZAAR

5-25 46th Ave•LIC

Corner of 5th St & 46th Ave

LICFlea.com 12 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

COME VISIT US Easy Access to Transportation Take the Ferry to the LIC Terminal and take the FREE Shuttle Bus from the Ferry to the Flea every Saturday & Sunday or walk a short distance.

Convienent Parking garage across the street.

7 Vernon Blvd. Stop.

E G Court Square Stop.

Holiday Inn Express Maspeth

Centrally located from JFK & LaGuardia Airport Within 5 Miles to Manhattan & Midtown Tunnel

Guest Room Amenities • FREE local phones calls • FREE High-Speed Wired & Wireless Internet in each Guest Room • FREE Cable channels including HBO & ESPN • Giant 42” Flat Screen TV’s • FREE USA Today • Whirlpools in Suites • FREE Shuttle to and from LaGuardia Airport • Holiday Inn Express Stay Smart

• Conference Room • Fitness Center • Business Center with Computer, Printer & Email • Guest Laundry Room • Complimentary Breakfast • Non-Smoking Hotel • Recently Choosen as one of America’s Greatest Brands

Located just a few minutes from all the major New York attractions via the Long Island Expressway and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. We’re 6.5 miles from LaGuardia Airport, and only 5 miles to the Midtown Tunnel and manhattan’s endless attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.

Some other attractions and major corporations in our area include: JFK Airport (13 miles), Citi Field Stadium (NY Mets), USTA (US Open), Queens Center Mall, Silvercup Studios, Kaufman Studios, Aqueduct Racetrack, Jet Blue Airplanes, Bulova, Glaceau, Citicorp.

59-40 55th Road • Maspeth, NY 11378 t. 718.416.2500 • f.718.416.2501

www.hiexpress.com/maspethny • email: hiex@eehhotels.com AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 13

FOOD

is that a vegetable in my cupcake?

They also serve several versions of bubble tea, a favorite drink from their birthplace. They cook the tapioca pearls at least twice, then soak them in simple syrup, ensuring they are plenty tender and sweet.

Delicious flavors include taro root, honeydew melon and even flan.

But the cupcake that somehow keeps bringing people back again and again is a rather unlikely suspect. The ‘Seinfeld’ is a vanilla cupcake blended with actual bits of broccoli and cheddar, with a cream cheese frosting.

Astoria almost missed out on one of the most delicious new cupcake shops in town. Cousins Christine Mendoza and Charisse Balines had initially considered the Barclay Center in Brooklyn for their first bakery outpost. Thanks in part to their fiancé and husband regularly playing basketball near the corner of 35th Ave and 35th Street, the two cousins (along with Mendoza’s sister, Sandy Nuguid) fell head-overfeet for Astoria, and the rest is history.

Embracing the neighborhood, Sweets First Bakeshoppe’s menu is scribed on a chalkboard as a nod to nearby Frank Sinatra High School, and the rather quirky cupcake varieties are each named after popular T.V. shows and movies, in homage to nearby Kaufman Astoria Studios and the Museum of the Moving Image.

Popular flavors include ‘The Breakfast Club’ (a French toast cupcake with maple-infused buttercream frosting and candied bacon), ‘The Family Guy’ (PB&J cupcake), ‘Twilight’ (an Oreo cupcake drizzled with red chocolate), and the ‘Terminator’ (vanilla and chocolate batter topped with hazelnut butter cream and crushed bits of Ferrero Rocher).

As much as the menu reads as a tribute to the neighborhood, it also tells a family history. The three women were born in the Philippines, which inspired a dulce de leche cupcake, as well as Brazo de Mercedes cupcake filled with creamy custard and drizzled with sweet milk.

14 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

“I was pregnant and craving anything broccoli and cheese,” explains Balines, “and I am always with Christine… and she had a dream about broccoli and cheese cupcakes…”

“Because she had been requesting something sweet,” interjects Mendoza (the two regularly finish each other’s sentences before giggling in unison). “So the next morning I whipped up a batter with broccoli and cheese and the cream cheese frosting, and…”

“It’s the exact recipe we use today,” finishes Balines. “It’s actually why we finally decided to open up a store.”

‘The Seinfeld’ is surprisingly delicious, a unique harmony of sweet and savory. All of their cupcakes seem expertly balanced, and this is just the beginning. Another Filipino-inspired version is presently being tested—the Lilo & Stitch will have both pineapple and Spam. “We don’t know if everyone is ready for it. It’s almost like a dare,” explains Balines, “ but once you have it, it’s not intimidating at all.” Part of the reason they chose Astoria, after all, is because of its population of curious diners with open-minded palates.

Cupcakes go for $2.75 a piece, and they even occasionally take requests.

Sweets First | 35-04 35th Ave, Astoria (347) 701-4488 | www.sweetsfirstnyc.com

Mount Sinai QueenS

Free Health & Wellness Events What’s New in Breast, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery thursday – 5:30 pm

Nima Patel, MD | Breast reconstruction can seem like an overwhelming procedure. But, with the newest advances in reconstructive surgery used at Mount Sinai Queens, you will experience satisfying results. Join one of our leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons for a medical and surgical update on breast, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery.

Steinway Library, 21-45 31st Street, Long Island City, 11105

Breast Health Screening & Education Wednesday - 5 – 7 pm

George Tsioulias, MD | This program provides comprehensive clinical breast exams and mammograms to women age 40 and older. There is no charge to eligible patients. Presented with support from The Louis and Rachel Rudin Foundation, Inc. With educational support

by SHAREing and CAREING. By appointment only.

Call 718-808-7727 to make an appointment.

Mount Sinai Queens Family Health Associates, 31-60 21st Street, Astoria, 11106

National Night Out Against Crime tuesday - 5 – 8 pm

Practicing crime prevention is one means of keeping our neighborhoods safe. Mount Sinai Queens is proud to be a host of National Night Out Against Crime. Unite with our community, various organizations, and local police against crime, and receive safety and health tips, so we can stand together to protect our community. Free blood pressure screenings available courtesy Mount Sinai Queens.

War Memorial, Astoria Park South, Shore Boulevard, Astoria, 11102

On the Way to a Healthier You tuesday – 10:30 am

James M. Melis, MD | Managing common health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes can be overwhelming. But don’t worry; our board-certified family practitioner will share some easy tips on how you can achieve your optimum health. Keeping these common health concerns in check will help you feel and look your best.

HANAC JVL-Dimotsis-Vallone Senior Center, 27-40 Hoyt Avenue South, Astoria, 11102

Call 718-267-4333 to register for events and screenings.

WALK-INS WELCOME! Some restrictions apply. Please see individual events.

For a physician referral, call 800-YOUR-MDS or visit www.mshq.org

CoMe to a LeCtuRe – We’re saving your seat!

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 15 MSQ August Cal_Boro 7x9Mech.indd 1

7/26/13 2:13 PM

FOOD

Women making roti in back of Dhauligiri Kitchen

Your new passport to

Jackson Heights “Can we stay just a little while longer?,” begs the silver-haired woman at the table next to us. Her friend—who has just slipped a copy of their receipt and change into her purse—lowers her oversized ruby-red-framed glasses just to clarify she is scowling.

Reducing her voice to a not-so-quiet whisper, the silver-haired woman hush-shouts over the now noticeable lack of background music, “I just really want to see what they are getting. He seems to know what he is doing.”

It becomes awkwardly apparent the woman is talking about my two friends and me—the only other occupied table in GangJong, the tiny key lime green Tibetan-Indian-Chinese restaurant at the triangular intersection of Broadway, Roosevelt and 74th Street where Colombian and Peruvian restaurants collide with South and East Asian mom-and-pop joints, creating the sensory overload that is so uniquely Jackson Heights.

Deciding it less uncomfortable to engage than ignore the hushed chirping of the two fifty-something-year-old ladies, I lean over to address the intrigued whisperer. “For what it’s worth, I actually have no clue what I am doing, which is why I am here.”

“But you ordered the ‘ambassador plate’ without even glancing at the menu,” she disappointedly retorts.

She and her friend had stumbled upon GangJong by accident, having deemed their intended restaurant around the corner too busy for speedy service.

16 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

I gesture to a grapefruit-sized sticker on the glass case at the front counter, which reads, “Ambassador $10: Don’t know what to try?

Let the chef decide.”

“See,” reprimands the wilted friend. “Now can we please leave?”

Rather than discouraging the silver-haired lady’s curiosity, however, it appears to only fuel it. “Now I really want to see what comes to their table.” Surrendering, the lady with glasses plops her purse to her side, sinking down into her seat in defeat.

Moments later, a steaming stream of colors and scents pour from the kitchen.

My friends, less eager to chance it on a chef ’s choice surprise platter, have ordered dishes with names they recognize—though even their platters appear exotic. Chow mein is a large plate of fried noodles, loaded with a mound of glistening peppers, prawns, beef, chicken, and a wobbly-yolked fried egg sprinkled with chives. Fried rice consists of a heaping mound of long grains studded with giant medallions of meat and seafood, whole slivers of red and green peppers and another egg. And then the Ambassador Plate arrives.

The plate before me is arranged with three pairs of homemade dumplings in different colors and shapes—actually called momos in Tibet—along with a dome of white rice, whole wheat roti and a steaming cup of goat curry. I have already been sipping a creamy, sweet mango lassi.

Veggie Thali plate at Dhauligiri Kitchen

Even the woman with ruby glasses is now engaged, and the two ask a few more questions before finally departing so we can eat. Everything is fresh. The rice is not oily at all, the noodles playfully crisp and chewy, the vegetables warm but crunchy, and the dumplings each addictive in their unique combination of fillings and textures.

The Ambassador Program “is essentially like ordering ‘omakase’ at a random restaurant,” Orlick says. “I do not make the menus. I anticipate that what they serve each person will change by the day, and also evolve with a person’s familiarity with the place—just like omakase should.”

The Ambassador Plate was introduced last month as a program intended to act as a sort of "Complete Dummies Guide to Eating in Jackson Heights", where language, culture, and ingredients can easily become intimidating barriers. The program was developed by Jeffrey Orlick, a Jackson Heights resident who is known for his unique food tours and crawls. It was birthed from the intimate personal relationships he has developed with chefs, owners and street cart vendors over the past several years.

So far, about a dozen restaurants are participating, indicated by an ambassador sticker on the door, though Orlick plans to gradually invite more kitchens to join in—and possibly even more neighborhoods eventually. A list of participating restaurants is available on his website (iwantmorefood.com/ambassador/).

Each restaurant is about 20 minutes from Grand Central on the 7 train.

“What this does is create a universal language where anyone can walk into any restaurant and order what the locals eat,” explains Orlick.

“What this does is eliminate playing darts with a foreign menu.”

GangJong fried rice

The passport works several ways, as one participant is a bagel shop, in the hopes of making the American pastry and accoutrements less intimidating to a Tibetan.

Orlick believes that unlike restaurant week, eaters exploring the diverse landscape in Queens need a guide more than a deal. While the Ambassador Plates are affordable at either $10 or $20, the intention is for the chef to choose a combination that best represents her\ his restaurant, culture and menu. Unlike a set prix fixe, the selection could change daily, or from customer to customer, keeping the chef excited to share dishes with new customers.

Dumpling from Tibetan Mobile

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 17

MAP IT DIRECTORY Restaurants 115

alewife (a,4) (718) 937-7494 5-14 51st Ave, LIC www.alewifequeens.com

2

Aliada (b,2) (718) 932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria

6

Astor room (C,2) (718) 255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com

4

Bareburger (b,2) (718) 777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria (718) 204-7167 23-01 31 St, Astoria www.bareburger.com

Brick Oven (B,1) 105 Basil (718) 204-1205

28-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.basilbrickoven.com

23

5 7

19

MexiBBQ (c,2) (718) 626-0333 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria www.mexiqny.com

3

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

20

Ornella Trattoria Italiana (B,1) (718) 777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com

61

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

22

Penthouse808 (A,3) (718) 289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com

40

Portalia Ristorante (b,2) (718) 545-3500 35-03 Broadway, Astoria www.portalianyc.com

37

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

74

Queens Comfort (c,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria www.queenscomfort.com

1

Queens Kickshaw (c,2) (718) 777-0913 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

24

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

8

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

91

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

35

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

25

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

9

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

28

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

87

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

55

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

118

Stove Restaurant and Bar (C, 1) (718) 956-0372 45-17 28th Ave, Astoria www.stoveastoria.com

10

Grill (B, 2) 117 Carioca (718) 606-1329

Sugar Freak (C,2)

116 (718) 726-5850

36-18 30th Ave, Astoria www.sugarfreak.com

29-03 Broadway, Astoria

11

12

13

14

53

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

123 (718) 937-2900

El Ay Si (A,4) (718) 389-8781 47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.elaysi.com

30

THYMARI (b,2) (718) 204-2280 32-07 34th Ave, Astoria www.thymari.com

Fatty’s (B,1) (718) 267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com

31

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

Testaccio (a,4)

47-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.testacciony.com

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

29

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

108 (718) 932-3331

william hallet (c,2) (718) 269-3443 36-10 30th Ave, Astoria www.williamhallet.com

16

Linn (B,2) (718) 204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com

124

Bugatti Café 31-5 34th St., Astoria, NY 11106 (718) 626-1115

86

Locale (b,2) (718) 729-9080 33-02 34th Ave, LIC www.localeastoria.com

125

Honoo Grill & Noodle 33-06 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 606-0653 www.honoo33.com

18

18 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

Michael’s Cafe (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) (347) 536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC NY 11101 www.michaelscafeny.com

FARM CHIC Flowers 47 NYC www.nycfarmchicflowers.com

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (718) 777-1121 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria www.bkbagel.com (C,1) 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave, Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria Malu (A,4) (718) 729-6258 12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC www.amomandpopshop.com Sweetleaf (A,4) (917) 832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com

Services

Ark locksmith 24/7 Service (c,2)

114 (718) 932-LOCK (5625) 30-10 37th st, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com

Astoria Center of Israel

119 (718) 278-2680

27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria www.astoriacenter.org Dr. Panagiotis Pagonis, M.D. (b,2)

77 (718) 278-0300

30-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.drpagonismd.com Hero computer repair nyc Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist

56 347-670-4376

hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net MPN Law Firm (C,2)

777-0400 57 (718) 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, 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

122 (718) 519-8282

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

62

39

Shops

www.mpnfirm.com

RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed

Services 59 Internet 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC (212) 842-7981 www.rcn.com/boromag

Tuck-It-Away Storage (B, 3) 37-19 Crescent Street, Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

(718) 786-7590 34-10 36th Ave, Astoria

45

Belief (B,1) (718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com

21

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

49

Inside Astoria (C,1) (718) 956-4000 28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

50

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

51

52

Video Express (c,2) 3408 30th Ave, Astoria Blue Bird Child Care 25-58 48th St

129 Astoria, NY 11103

(347) 832-0103 www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

events FOUNDRY (a,3)

64 (718) 786-7776

42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info The Renaissance Event Hall (A,1)

65 (718) 274-4590

27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceofastoria.com

Loveday 31 (B,2) (718) 728-4057 3306 31st Ave, Astoria www.loveday31.com Site (C,2) (718) 626-6030 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com

Pets 54

75

Steinway Court Vet (c,2) (718) 728-2822 32-14R Steinway, Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

VET CENTER (A,4) 121 LIC (718) 255-6514

48-18 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City www.longislandcityvet.com

Florists

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

63 (718)626-0846

104 Apollo Gallery (C,2)

32

AREPAS CAFE (B,2) (B,1) (718) 937-3835 33-07 36th Ave & 2119 Broadway http://www.arepascafe.com

31-27 31st St, Astoria www.petalsandroots.com

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

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

130

Petals and Roots (B,2)

130 (718) 267- 1700

Astor Bake Shop (a,2) (718) 606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com

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

129

4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.florestanyc.com/blog

36

31-86 37th Rd, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

15

612-4446 44 (917) 51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC

Food shops

Winegasm Bar and Eatery (c,2)

LIC Market (B,4) (718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com

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

34

37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com

69

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

33

Floresta (A,4)

www.sagegeneralstore.com

Bakeries

Pita pan (c,2)

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

26

133

109 (718) 204-1633

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

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

Sage General Store (B,3) (718) 361-0707

132 24-20 Jackson Ave., LIC NY 11101

Hotels 66

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

NYC Hotel (a,3) 17 Z(212) 319-7000

11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com Four Points Sheraton (B,3)

134 (718) 786-8500

27-05 39th Ave., LIC, NY 11101 www.fourpoints.com

Tattoo shops Super Nova Tattoos (c,1)

67 (718) 274-5712

38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

Beauty

st

MAP IT DIRECTORY Gigi Salon (c,2)

777-7755 71 (718) 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria

43 Raven Head Public House (C,2) (718) 777-7565 3804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com

www.gigistylingstudio.com

Primp AND Tease SALON (a,4)

72 (718) 472-2001

5-02 50th Ave, LIC

(718) 383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

36-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.redkensaloon.com

131

MIX STYLE Hair Salon (c,1) (718) 274 2153 22-05 35th Street, Astoria

89 Sweet Afton (C,2)

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

79 Tantra Lounge (b,2)

(718) 937-4574 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.Tantraloungenyc.com

Fitness Anthea Yoga & Healing Arts center (c,2)

Art

606-0049 58 (718) 34-01 45th Street, Astoria www.antheacenter.com

120

CKO Kickboxing (C, 1) (347) 669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.ckoastoria.com

42

Club Fitness (b,2) (718) 545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com

76

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

78

Seek Fitness (B,1) (347) 924-9004 27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com

79

PNT Fitness (A,4) (347) 396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com

60

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

73

80

126

Yoga Agora (B,2) (718) 626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com The Yoga Room (C,2) (718) 274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 786-7962 (A,4) 10-14 47th Rd, LIC www.the-yoga-room.com Simply Fit 37-16 Astoria Blvd Astoria, NY 11103 (347) 639-0489 www.simplyfitastoria.com

Spas 81

Rejuvenate face and body (B,1) (718) 626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

Nightlife / bars

5 Pointz (B,4)

90 (317) 219-2685

45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com

art house (c,2) 112 the (516) 724-1562

www.bohemianhall.com

3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

84 85

&

Mount Sinai Queens (B,2) 25-10 30th Ave., LIC, NY 11102

135 718-932-1000

INTERNATIONAL

24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED! Want your business listed in our directory?

Call: 718-866-8089 Email: ADS@BOROmag.com

FOOD BAZAAR

5-25 46th Ave•LIC

Corner of 5th St & 46th Ave

LICFlea.com

38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com Carnegie Hall

107 (212) 247-7800

57th St and 7th Ave, NY www.carnegiehall.org Flushing Town Hall

102 (718) 463-7700 x 222

137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org

Astoria Studios (C,2) 92 Kaufman (718) 706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com

Laguardia Performing Arts Center (C,3)

110 (718) 482-5151

31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org Museum of the Moving Image (c,2)

96 (718) 784-0077

36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us Noguchi Museum (A,2)

110 (718) 204-7088

9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org

(A,3) 96 ReisStudios “An international community of established & emerging artists” (718) 570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com

SCULPTURECENTER (B,3)

110 (718) 361-1750

44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org The Secret Theatre (B,3)

96 (718) 392-0722

44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com Socrates Sculpture Park (A,2)

110 (718) 626-1533

32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

96

Ten10 Studios (A,4) (917) 449-9539 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com

98

(A,4) 99 UNDERPENNY (917) 517-1492

10-13 50th Ave, LIC

School of Ballet (B,3) 110 LIC 44-02 23rd St. Studio 216, LIC, NY, 11101

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

96 @ Kaufman Astoria Studios (c,2)

www.licsb.com

Astoria Performing Arts Center 34 12 36th Street, Ste. 1/232, MB 40 Astoria, NY 11106 Phone: 718-706-5750 www.apacny.org

Laughing Devil (a,4)

68 (347) 913-3845

Real estate

4738 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.laughingdevil.com

111

LIC

FLEA E&a

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Astoria fine arts dance (c,1)

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

Mosaic Cafe and Lounge (B,1) (718) 728-0708 25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net

VISIT US

100 (718) 247-0740

Break (B,2)

83 (718) 777-5400

101

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (c,2) (718) 310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com

31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (B,1)

274-4925 82 (718) 2919 24th Ave, Astoria

COME

47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC 29-20 23rd Ave, Astoria www.modernspacesnyc.com

88 Studio Sq. Beer Garden (C,3)

Redken Saloon (c,2)

46 (718) 956-3366

Modern Spaces (a,4) (718) 784-1110

101 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC

105

Beaudoin Realty Group (A,4) (718) 505-9220 21-54 45th Ave, LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 19

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LIC

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130

12 68 101

123

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98 80

31

101

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38 36 62

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61 71 103

B

19 109

91 88

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114

29 34 116 35

46

127

ASTORIA

125

76

LONG ISLAND CITY

134 133

45

81

130 117 16

105

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10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC 11101 | www.PNTfitness.com | 347-396-5809

Indoor Cycling, Body Sculpt, Kickbox, Outdoor Bootcamp, Cycle Virgin, Butts ‘N Guts, Spin & Sculpt, and more!

Find us on Facebook

New Clients 1 FREE Class

Use PROMO CODE “LICFREE” at Check Out!

th 2013 5 Astoria Park Annual 25-58 48th Street, Astoria, NY 11103

Providing exceptional Early Childhood Education and innovative programs to help parents and teachers work together and become united.

MON – FRI: 7:30 AM TO 6:30 PM

SHORE FEST SPonSoREd By thE AStoRiA PARk AlliAncE

Join us for a car-free celebration on Shore Boulevard along Astoria Park. All events are FREE! Rain or shine. astoriaparkshorefest.yolasite.com

AUGUST

SUNDAYS from 1pm - 6:30pm 8/4 We Heart Astoria Food Fest Bring your own lunch for a Pop Up Picnic on the shore and sample tasty treats from around town!

8/11 Build It Green! NYC Day Fun-filled, family-friendly and reuse-savvy activities!

For more information please contact us:

347-832-0103

Email: info@bluebirdchildcareastoria.com 22 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

8/18 Big River Jam A musical celebration Two music tents, twice as much fun!

A NYC Dept. of Transportation Sponsored Temporary Pedestrian Street

INTRO SPECIAL

$

39

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AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

FOOD

evolution of the greek pie Gianni Tobas

Thymari Restaurant When Thymari Restaurant opened its doors a year and half ago, it certainly had its work cut out for it. Serving Greek cuisine in a historically Greco-centric neighborhood can be a daunting task. Serving classic Greek flavors in a modern presentation, the restaurant has quickly become one of the most unique Mediterranean spots in the neighborhood, with a diverse menu, spacious yet intimate brick walled dining room and carefully edited wine list.

A recent change at the helm of the kitchen brings newcomer Chef Gianni Tobas, who comes to Astoria from Astakos, which lies on the Southwestern coast of Greece. Though several Thymari favorites remain on the menu, a few notable exceptions have become delicious additions stamped with Tobas’s expertise. While patrons will swoon over the ‘madi’—Greek lamb and beef tortellini with saffron in a warm whipped yogurt cream sauce like snow-capped dumplings, or the Arahova beef—braised and slowly cooked in lemon, garlic, and thyme, and served with a bulgur and graviera terrine, the real stars of the menu are the extensive variety of Greek pies.

A boat-shaped Aegean pie arrives stuffed with yogurt, feta, spinach, leeks, dill, and spring onion. Another boat-shaped concoction brims

24 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

with minced ground beef, graviera cheese, and strained yogurt. A classic spinach pie ssits in a flour shell filled with eggs, spinach, dill, and mint. But the most curious pie—the eptanisiaki—is a crustless one, almost like a Greek quiche with dill, feta, zucchini, spring onions, egg and thyme. It predates even the popular phylo-layered spanakopita. Thymari owner Konstantinos Batalamas explains: "In the olden days, it was very hard to transfer flour produced in the villages up to the mountains where the shepherds were spending most of their time during the spring and summer months. They needed the flour to make bread. So to minimize transfer of food supplies during the summer they brought corn seeds with them, which they planted early in spring along with other vegetables. That way they were able to produce faster corn flour—bobota—that needed very little kneading.

It produced a yellowish dough that they used to make bread. Over the years, this easy shepherd’s bread recipe passed around the small villages in the mountains of central Greece. Now shepherd’s wives produce all sorts of things like Greek pies with spinach or other greens that are made with dough that mixes this corn flour with whole wheat flour.

The dough in the pies we use in our restaurant is similar to this."

Five pies presently appear on the menu, and several others rotate as specials.

Thymari | 32-07 34th Ave, Long Island City (718) 204-2880 | www.thymari.com

Filipino

Fast Food Frenzy Strolling under the 7 train along Roosevelt Avenue, a long line of anxious customers queue up along 63rd Street the same way giddy teenagers might for Justin Bieber if he were to appear on MTV’s TRL in Times Square. Fortunately, the Bieber-TRL scenario will never unfold—but the hoards of hungry customers in Woodside was—and occasionally still is—a reality. The draw is not a pop star, but rather a pop restaurant from the Philippines known as Jollibee Foods Corporation ( JFC).

enjoyable than it might sound. The “Palabok Fiesta” is one of the most interesting and unique dishes—a serving of bihon “glass noodles’”with a garlicky shrimp palabok sauce, pork cracklings, tinapa (smoked fish flakes), ground pork, shrimp, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Jollibee has been a popular fast food chain since its inception in Quezon City, Philippines in 1978. It now has a total of over 2,500 stores worldwide, including 27 in the United States. American Jollibees can be found in California, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington D.C., as well as one location in Jersey City and one NYC location in Woodside, Queens.

Burgers are served in four size variations from ‘Yum’ to ‘Amazing Aloha’, which is topped with grilled pineapple. Meats are also available served bunless with rice, including several breakfast items—like milkfish belly with rice and sliced egg.

Now four years old and marked by a cartoon statue of a jolly bee just outside the entrance, the lines have somewhat simmered down, but the dining room is almost always packed. The most popular dish is the ‘Chickenjoy’ fried chicken, although they serve several Filipino-inspired dishes.

A $1 spam sandwich looks like a little old man sticking its tongue out at you, but goes down like a perfectly tasty ham and mayo slider.

Two kinds of pasta are also popular, especially with kids. The ‘Jollibee Spaghetti’ is served in a sweet tomato sauce filled with bits of ground beef, sliced hot dogs, and topped with cheddar. It is admittedly far more

One of the tastiest snacks on the menu are the lumpia—crispy Shanghai spring rolls filled with spiced pork sausage. For $3 you get six, served with a sweet and sour sauce for dipping.

Desserts include bubble teas and tropical fruit filled ‘pies’, but the ‘HaloHalo’ is the one not to miss. A plastic cup is filled with crushed ice and sweetened milk, coconut shavings, red beans, chickpeas, and Jell-O cubes, all capped with violet taro ice cream and a slice of flan.

Stare as you might at the tie-dye-slushee-custard dessert, you will be the only customer seemingly baffled by the oddly beautiful ice treat.

Everyone around you in the dining room at Jollibee knows and loves it well as plain, old-fashioned comfort food.

Jollibee | 62-29 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside (718) 426-4445 | Open 7AM-11PM daily AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 25

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AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 27

BODY & SOUL

Simply Fit is Simply Diverse Story hayley bridgewater

28 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

When asked to describe something, or simply to give my opinion, I will admit, I tend to be a ‘Chatty Cathy’.

As many of my friends will confirm, I can go on and on about things that excite and energize me, be it something as simple as a new favorite strength exercise,= or my extreme love for my neighborhood. It is because of this personality quirk that friends love to watch me struggle with the “choose one word” game.

Lisa Eskenazi

Fortunately, I always have a quick response when it comes to describing Astoria: Diverse.

The diversity in Astoria applies to the people, cultures, activities, religions, cuisine (especially cuisine), music, art, and as I am quickly discovering, opportunities to stay fit!

Simply Fit, a boutique fitness studio located at 37-16 Astoria Blvd South, certainly is a reflection of this quality. Owner and personal trainer Lisa Eskenazi opened her studio in March of 2011, and has seen steady growth in the past two years. Lisa attributes this growth to the broad variety of class offerings. “I wanted to find a way to appeal to all in a new way,” explains Eskenazi, “putting the fun back into fitness. If one can find a physical activity they like, they are more likely to stick with a program.

This is why we have variety on our schedule…

10 different class formats in total. There is something out there for everyone.”

Yes, I did stay for the next class, Piloxing, as did many of my classmates. Piloxing? Could this be what it sounds like? Absolutley.

This fitness format, created by Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen, is a hybrid of boxing and Pilates. The class is designed to maximize calorie burn with high intensity, explosive cardio boxing moves, while lengthening and sculpting muscles with focused Pilates intervals.

And while these disciplines seem a bit contradictory in theory, anyone with experience in either will tell you that the connecting thread is your core - total ab engagement.

Piloxing is not new to me, having first been introduced to the format at a fitness seminar many years ago, however, Piloxing at Simply Fit did hold a couple of surprises.

As Lisa handed me weighted gloves and the warm-up music pumped up in the studio, the lights went out. I was clearly the only one in the room taken off guard for a moment. In the next few seconds, chaser lights lit up the ceiling and the room was filled with spinning, colored disco lights. What followed was a high intensity cardio party, followed by a mat session to burn out that hard working core. This class seems to have a loyal following of high-energy ladies who like to mix it up amongst the lights.

Simply Fit is well known for their popular Zumba classes, offering Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba In The Circuit, and Zumba Sentao. Although I am quite familiar with most of these formats, I jumped at the chance to have my first Sentao experience during Lisa’s popular Saturday morning class.

Completely unique to Simply Fit is a class called Simply Move It. This is Lisa’s own brainchild, and evolves as she continues to develop its format. In her own words, “Simply Move It is a combination of three growing fitness trends: dance cardio, fusion classes and interval training. The format came about as my clients expressed a need for a one-stop workout.

They wanted to get the most done in a short time. Through the use of dance rhythms, cardio interval bursts, body sculpting weight training and isometric holds, you are truly getting a complete workout for the mind, body and soul.” If you enjoy high intensity cardio and want to test your endurance, this is the class for you.

This format is a mash-up of traditional Zumba dance steps with powerful chair-based choreography to strengthen and stabilize your core. It is a great introduction for anyone new to a combined cardio/toning class, as Sentao incorporates easily identifiable exercises such as pushups, lunges, tricep dips (my favorite), and crunches. For me personally, this is an ideal morning class—the cardio wakes everything up, and the strength intervals will have you feeling stronger, standing taller, ready to take on… the next class?

Simply Fit offers a line up of group fitness classes including Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba Sentao, Zumba In The Circuit, Piloxing, Bokwa, Ab Fusion, HIIT, Cardio Kickboxing, and Simply Move It. They host special themed fitness nights, children›s programming, and birthday parties.

Boot Camp programs and personal training are also available. More information can be found at www.simplyfitastoria.com.

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30 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

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THE ARTS

Actor Spotlight: The Wedding Singer’s

Barry DeBois

For a three-week limited engagement, Long Island City’s Secret Theatre will be featuring the first professional production of the musical, "The Wedding Singer", in New York City since its initial Broadway run in 2006.

Based on the 1998 romantic comedy film starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, it tells the hilariously poignant story of a wedding singer in the 1980s and the waitress who captures his heart. This month, BORO checks in with Astoria’s own Barry DeBois, who plays the title role, Robbie Hart.

How many years have you been performing?

My grandma had me singing duets with my brother for our church when I was five. My first role that I can remember playing was Sheep #2 at the nativity. You may remember Sheep #2’s classic line from the Bible "Shh, there they are!" I've been involved in 32 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

plays, musicals, improv, and bands ever since. So, over 20 years.

Your character, Robbie, has some disastrous mishaps before 'coming out of the dumpster.' What is your most outrageous performance mishap?

When I was playing Captain Hook in “Peter Pan”, I wore huge boots that would sometimes slip down and reveal my bare leg. So, somebody backstage had the idea to ‘safety’ pin my boots to my knickers with something like a four-inch pin. Well, somewhere at the beginning of a long scene I realized that the pin had opened and was digging into my skin. It wasn’t until I sang, danced, climbed over huge set pieces, and had an elaborate sword fight with a flying girl in drag that I got to leave the stage and pull the pin out of my bleeding leg.

The Wedding Singer runs August 9 – 24th at the Secret Theatre (44-02 23rd St, Long Island City).

Visit www.secrettheatre.com for tickets and more information.

with the Director (Taryn Turney) and Musical Director (Eugenio Vargas) has been incredible. A clear vision is set like a playpen for the actors to experiment within, and the result has been characters that are far more multi-dimensional than you’d expect from a musical comedy.

How long have you lived in Astoria?

I’ve lived in Astoria as long as I’ve lived in New York, three and a half years.

Where did you live before that?

I spent Act I of my life in Canton, Ohio. I went to school for Mechanical Engineering Design, and did well in that industry for six years while singing and acting at night. Eventually I had to face the fact that I’m a performer and a New Yorker at heart, so I packed up my life and moved here. I’ve never regretted it.

Mechanical Engineering? Have you ever invented anything?

I actually have a patent in China and a pending patent in the U.S. for a Contoured Flat Stud Casting used in power plant boilers. But it’s nothing that a normal human would be the least bit interested in.

Tell us about some of your Astoria/Long Island City favorites…

Date spot?

Picnicking on that big open hill in Astoria Park. It’s like Sheep Meadow, but with a waterfront and an ice cream truck.

But for every performance disaster story, there is a triumph story. In my last performance of "West Side Story", my Maria had pretty much lost her voice. I played Tony, and when we sang ‘Tonight’ together, she would sing what she could and then tap my arm and I'd sing the rest of the lyric.

We worked through the entire song together like that, and she was such an incredible actress, hardly anybody noticed the change. It remains one of my absolute favorite theater memories, because we were truly living in the moment in a symbiotic performance. Moments like that are why I absolutely love being involved in live theatre.

In what ways do you identify with Robbie?

At the beginning of the story, Robbie is an absolute romantic, and I’d like to think that I have a healthy romantic streak as well. He’s soon devastated by his love and goes to a pretty dark place before finding joy in performing, and finally a new love. I’ve certainly been through all of that, too.

Do you have a favorite moment in the show?

Performing "Grow Old With You", with Allison Wilkes (who plays Julia) is probably my favorite musical moment. Who knew that Adam Sandler would write one of the most beautiful and memorable love songs in movie history? But I also love all the comedic moments that this cast brings. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a cast that makes me laugh so hard so often.

What should fans of the movie know about the musical?

All of the important elements and characters from the film are there, with a ton of new jokes and some hilarious new characters. The original Adam Sandler songs that you love from the movie are in it as well. The 80’s references are also lovingly shoe-horned to the brim, as they are in the film.

What is your favorite thing about The Secret Theatre?

Collaboration. It’s so important, especially in comedy, to feel like you are in a safe place to take chances and try different things. My experience

Restaurant for a casual meal?

Monika’s Cafe Bar on 34th Ave and 36th St. The food is great, and they’ve got awesome fresh fruit juices and smoothies.

Place to relax after a performance?

I don’t know if I’m supposed to give away our watering hole or not, but after most rehearsals and performances you can find our cast down the road at The Shannon Pot. The Irish bartender Eimear is fantastic. She remembers all of our names and even keeps a close eye on refilling my water (at the end of a particularly long night).

Place to grab a drink?

The Strand Smokehouse is great for a brew, some fun live music, a big table for a lot of friends, a hunk of meat, and their macaroni and cheese is out of control.

Place to walk/bike?

I’ve actually recently become a bicycling junky. I love biking down the waterfront to the 59th Street Bridge, and all the way to The Secret Theatre!

Place to enjoy the arts?

I’ve seen some incredible shows at the Astoria Performing Arts Center.

I’ve also seen some really cool small bands at Dominies on 30th Ave. Brunch spot?

Mmmmmm. MexiQ. Subway station?

It’s a tie between 30th Ave and all that it has to offer (Athens Square, Brewhouse, Sweet Afton) and Ditmars (because let’s be honest, if you fall asleep on the train, you wake up at home).

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 33

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Astoria Park Shore Fest: A Car-Free Celebration Story MEG COTNER

On three successive Sundays in August, the Astoria Park Shore Fest takes place on Shore Boulevard along Astoria Park’s western edge. The street is closed to vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians, bikes, skateboards, scooters and others to freely and safely enjoy this popular stretch of road. The main organizer behind this effort is the Astoria Park Alliance, “a volunteer community group whose mission is to beautify, enhance, and encourage involvement in Astoria Park.”

On these Sundays from 1 to 6:30 p.m., a variety of family-friendly activities are planned, and each day holds a theme for the afternoon. The first Sunday, August 4, is the We Heart Astoria Food Fest, featuring a food tasting by local restaurants, including Ovelia, Bareburger, and The Thirsty Koala. Beloved LIC ice cream shop Malu is also back this summer with delicious and refreshing ice cream and sorbet. And be sure to bring a lunch to the Pop-up Picnic! There will be live

36 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

music by CatGut, Hinchey’s HitMen, One Level Down, and this Sunday starts the first day of the Ukelele Social.

The second Sunday, August 11, is Build it Green!NYC Day, focusing on concepts and practices of sustainability and reuse. There will be worm bin building, a sod giveaway and a solar workshop. Representatives from local institutions Socrates Sculpture Park and Recycle-A-Bicycle will also be present. Live music includes Tletlpatltzin, a traditional Aztec drumming group and the Ukelele Social is back for their second day of the festival.

The final day, August 18, is the Big River Jam which means live music galore! Local bands will perform in two tents: The Meadow and The Monument. Look for Bear Hunt Controversy, Saving Grace, and Sol Gipsys at The Meadow, and BombaYo, The Sloeguns, and Bandsaw at The Monument. The Ukelele

Social also makes its final appearance at the Shore Fest.

During Shore Fest there will be café tables and chairs scattered along Shore Boulevard, making it easy to come by, hang out, and relax by the waterfront. You’ll be able to play pingpong on all three days, too!

The Shore Fest—originally called the Astoria Water Walk—is now in its fifth year. It is a NYC Department of Transportation sponsored Temporary Pedestrian Street.

Additional partners include BORO Magazine, Department of Parks & Recreation, Partnerships for Parks, We Heart Astoria, Build It Green!NYC,and Green Shores NYC. If you would like to volunteer during Shore Fest, please contact the Astoria Park Alliance at www. astoriaparkalliance.blogspot.com.

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AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 37

food

Featured Meal Under $10:

Turkish Grill

It is a storefront you would walk past hundreds of times without noticing. The clean white table-clothed interior is equally unassuming.

But the lunchtime crowds at Turkish Grill on Queens Boulevard are not simply there because of the $8.95 lunch special that includes a starter, entrée and soft drink. The Mediterranean cuisine here is straightforward, fresh, and some of the most delicious in the neighborhood.

But yes, there is the incredible lunch special, which is difficult to pass up.

For starters, choose from a shepherd’s salad of cubed tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, and parsley tossed in a light vinaigrette, or perhaps lentil soup, smoky babaganush or patlican salatasi (eggplant puree or salad), creamy hummus, lebni (dill yogurt with walnuts and garlic), or a generous portion of piyaz (white bean salad). The tabouleh salad is crisp and cool, with specks of bulgur and shredded scallions and parsley in olive oil. The dishes here are loaded with bright flavors that are refreshingly light on the stomach.

Entrée options include classic Turkish kebabs, from paprika-rich lamb adana, to herbed chicken, lamb doner shaved from the spit, cubed lamb shish kebabs, to ground lamb kofte—each accompanied with rice, grilled peppers, and pickled cabbage and onions. Sandwich versions of each (without the appetizer and drink) are also available at lunch for just $5.

38 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013

Recommended add-ons include a Lahmacun for $3.75—a Turkish “pizza’”with ground lamb and chopped vegetables, ideal for sharing. The pide are also delicious, like pastry boats filled with Turkish kashar cheese and your choice of filling (go for the sucuklu with sliced Turkish sausage and mozzarella).

An entrée worthy of deviating from the lunch special is the Karides Guvec, a shrimp casserole loaded with mushrooms and vegetables, baked with a bubbling brown crust of cheese, and served with rice.

For dessert, the baklava is superb, and certain to satiate your sweet tooth.

Kunefe is also exceptional, a disc of molten cheese sandwiched between layers of shredded phyllo, drizzled with sweet warm syrup, and dusted with walnuts. Custard-lovers will enjoy a slice of kazan dibi, which is like Turkish flan with a caramelized top.

Come initially for the great deal and a fine introduction to Turkish tidbits at a reasonable price. Return to explore the menu and venture into some of the neighborhood’s tastiest Turkish cuisine.

Turkish Grill | 42-03 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside (718) 392-3838

AUGUST 2013 | BOROMAG.COM | 39

food voted voted rated

25

#1 #2

BBQ in Queens

BBQ in all of NYC

MICHELIN GUIDE 2013 RECOMMENDED

ARTISANAL BUTCHERS

of

QUALITY MEATS

Local grass-fed, organic & natural selections Carvery / Smokehouse / BBQ

Our Backyard is Now Open!

Sun-Thur: 11:30am 11:30am to 11pm 11pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am 11:30am to 12am 12am

Catering Available for all events!

Make sure to visit us at the LIC Flea every Sat & Sun this Summer, and try our award winning slow smoked brisket and pulled pork!

Follow us on facebook for specials and events Read our reviews on Yelp Order online at seamless.com

37-08 30th Ave, Astoria 11103 | Tel: 718.606.8140 | www.ButcherBar.com

40 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2013