BORO MAG AUGUST 2015

VOL 5:9 AUGUST 2015

h s e r F

Bonnie Burger

Photo by Bradley Hawks

EATS GREAT DISCOUNTS

at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside

Gossip Coffee On Tap pg. 6

Vinyl Comes To Astoria p. 10

Bite Of Burnside Biscuits p. 46

The Bonnie Burger p. 52

LIC FLEA & FOOD OPEN EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

2 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

NEWLY RENOVATED • INDOOR/OUTDOOR ROOFTOP • EXECUTIVE CHEF SETH LEVINE

S U I T E S U N D AY

FEATURING LIVE JAZZ WITH DANDY WELLINGTON & HIS BAND

8-08 QUEENS PLAZA S • L.I.C. • 11101 • PH808.COM AUGUST • 718.289.6118 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 3

CONTENTS

Dear Western Queens, Summer is in full swing, and we have a lot to be excited about. It blows my mind when I think of the endless supply of fodder for stories that always seems to miraculously materialize each issue.

This month, we took a bit of a tasting tour of the area.

We have become a neighborhood of incredible coffee shops, with favorites like Kinship and 60 Beans, as well as newcomer Gossip Coffee, which is serving some beautiful, cold-brewed teas, wacky and delicious rice puddings, and yes—some phenomenal doughnuts.

The brilliant team behind Bareburger launched their second concept with Burnside Biscuits, transforming an old, well-loved neighborhood social spot into a new culinary destination. We also got star-struck on the patio of The Bonnie, literally gazing up at the sky and the rooftop garden.

We even welcomed a hot new record store and café into the neighborhood, bit into some gourmet meatballs, and tasted several great bites from the LIC Flea.

As always, please share with us your own personal anecdotes, and send me any tips, comments, news or events to bhawks@boromag.com. We look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the months ahead. Now, go taste your neighborhood!

Gratefully yours, BRADLEY HAWKS Bradley Hawks editor-in-chief Chuta Madre

Gossip Coffee

FEATURES

6 FOOD & DRINK Gossip Coffee

6

Food Festival at the Flea

FEATURES

44 NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT Play Too Much Music Blog

10 SHOPS

46 FOOD & DRINK

16 SHOPS

52 FOOD & DRINK

Hi-Fi Records Fiza Fashion

18 NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Astoria Playwright in the Fringe Festival

22 THE ARTS

Astoria Musician goes to China

32 EXPLORE YOUR BORO Food Festival at the Flea

36 FOOD & DRINK Mighty Balls

42 THE ARTS

Handsome Dancer

32

Burnside Biscuits The Bonnie

DEPARTMENTS

12 AUGUST 2015 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS PAGE

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

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

28 MAP IT: ASTORIA, LIC & SUNNYSIDE MAP

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF bradley hawks // ART DIRECTOR jennifer decio // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS stephen reina, nirmal singh STAFF WRITERS bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, lillian shaw, hayley bridgewater, brett jones, meaghan trainor, lizabeth nieves // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, daniel pando, bradley hawks, lizabeth nieves SALES REPRESENTATIVE graziella zerilli // ONLINE EDITORIAL COORDINATOR bradley hawks // PUBLISHED BY joshua & victoria schneps All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. BORO Magazine reserves the right to publish any images without providing photo/image credit. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

4 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

LET’S GIVE THE SUN A LITTLE SOMETHING TO WORSHIP

waxcenter.com

FIRST WAX FREE* offer expires 9/27/15

LONG ISLAND CITY 718 482 9299

REGO PARK 718 592 4929

4545 Center Blvd at 46th Ave

61-35 Junction Blvd in Rego Center

© 2015 EWC *First-time guests only. Guests must reside in state where redeemed. Not valid for all services. Additional restrictions may apply.

Visit waxcenter.com for complete details.

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 5

8397_LongIslandCity_BoroMag_F.indd 1

6/19/15 1:51 PM

FOOD & DRINK

WHAT’S THE

Buz

Story & Images Something delicious has been percolating on 30th Avenue, and just a few weeks ago, a brand-new coffee shop and dessert café was unveiled.

By BRADLEY HAWKS taps is a communal table that leads to a beautiful wooden bench and flower-lined outdoor space, which will soon be the location of community yoga classes.

Located at 37-04 30th Ave., Gossip Coffee comes to the neighborhood from James Paloumbis and John Bortolis, the successful team behind MexiBBQ across the street.

Gossip Coffee offers 10 rotating blends of coffee along with 10 different cold-brewed teas served on tap. Everything is brewed in-house, and the cold brews require as much as Prosciutto Stout Yeast Doughnut 14 hours to extract their full, robust, pristine flavors— unadulterated by extreme heat.

Prices range from $3 to $5, and all drinks are served ready to travel.

The space was elegantly designed by the team at bluarc, and a retro vibe has been juxtaposed with modern design elements and custom lighting to create a uniquely fresh and inviting space that Paloumbis hopes will transition from daytime java stop to afternoon coffee break, and eventual evening dessert destination.

In the entryway, lime green and turquoise armchairs are arranged atop a houndstooth mosaic of crimson and alabaster tiles, with vintage books and knickknacks on display around the periphery. Beyond the 10 cold-brew tea

6 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Chef Scottish Francis Legge wears the baker’s cap at Gossip Coffee. Dubbed the “Donut King” on season five of Fox’s “MasterChef,” he is serving whimsical takes on the American classic, with flavors such as Orange Creamsicle and Prosciutto Stout. Donut holes, called Buzz Bites, get a roll through bits of cocoa and espresso, while the outer scraps of the yeast pastries, called Chit Chats, are fried and served in brown paper bags for dunking and noshing.

Cold Brew Teas

Buzz Bites

Rice Pudding

Cold Brew

Chit Chats

A refrigerated showcase displays a rotating selection of nine flavors of rice pudding, boasting traditional options like caramel and coconutbanana alongside more decadent creations, such as the Oreo cookie and Rocky Road. Available in sizes that range from Teaser (4 oz.) to Selfie (8 oz.), Date (16 oz.) and Entourage (32 oz.), these tasty pudding bowls are delicious new additions to the neighborhood—and the staff kindly offers tasting spoons.

Good news travels fast, and this place is already packing in the patrons. Welcome to the neighborhood, Gossip Coffee!

www.gossipcoffee.com 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

718-440-8792 AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 7

Open Houses Every Sunday Limited Homes Available For Sale

Pistilli Riverview East

19-19 24th Avenue, Astoria NY Edith Lopez 718.704.4773 Larry Greenberg 917.932.4829 www.191924ave.com

Pistilli The Grand Manor 45-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY Edith Lopez 718.704.4773 Larry Greenberg 917.932.4829 www.4502ditmars.com

Built in 1925, the former Eagle Electric Building has

The history of the Pistilli Grand Manor is what distinguishes

been completely renovated and altered. This former

it from other condominiums in Astoria. Formerly The

manufacturing plant has been transformed from 125,000 square feet of raw commercial space into approximately 350,000 square feet of modern duplex lofts, duplex mezzanines, and both traditional and penthouse

Steinway Piano Company. With the Pistilli Grand Manor completely renovated, prospective residents will be able to choose from a large selection of beautiful units. The condominium complex has been specifically designed to meet the needs of its residents who are

apartments. Many units have terraces and balconies, and

looking for affordable, yet luxury and functional housing

residents will also enjoy private amenities such as a fitness

opportunities. In addition to the selection of condominium

center, laundry facilities, private reading and relaxation

units, the Pistilli Grand Manor also features approximately

quarters, and parking.

20,000 square feet of commercial space.

Open house 2-3:30pm

Open house 12-1:30pm

Call For A Private Viewing or Email Info@pistilli.com 8 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

速

single origin

guatemala

ICED COFFEE

every Tuesday in August, $1 any size all day

brooklynbagelandcoffeecompany

www.bkbagel.com

@bkbagel

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 9

SHOPS

JUST FOR THE

RecorD Story & Images By BRADLEY HAWKS

Few things can trigger a trip down memory lane like a magenta lava lamp, vinyl wrapped in plastic, wooden crates with handwritten stickers boasting records available for a dollar, and Technicolor album artwork strewn along the walls. With the rise of the compact disc came the fall of the record store. But in an age where digital media can be downloaded from your phone in a split second, the actual classic record store of yesteryear is finding its way back.

“People gravitate to vinyl for many reasons,” Velazquez reflects. “For some of them, it’s nostalgia. But for some, they never experienced it. I think vinyl lovers will always be vinyl lovers, but now millennials who grew up in a digital world never had a relationship with a record. But we’re humans, and we like to touch and we like to interact and respond to all our senses.

When I was a kid you learned to love the whole album— because you paid for every single song.”

“When I can just afford to take a record home every day, that’s when I’ll know I have made it,” the passionate owner says. “I just opened this because it’s what I love.

In my house, we grew up with music.”

“You get the truer, fuller sound on a full album,” Velazquez continues. “Does it have its limitations?

Yeah, sure it does.

If it’s an old vinyl, it has props and ticks and noise and surface noise, but guess what? Life has surface noise.

I’d rather listen to a phenomenal band in a crowded room with people kissing or talking or glasses hitting each other than a horrible band in a isolated room with clean, pristine sound. Music isn’t made in a void. You go to a concert and you are there bumping elbows with other people, and smelling them, and whatever else is in the environment, and that’s what vinyl is. Vinyl is more like life.”

The first record he ever bought? “Led Zeppelin One. At that point I hadn’t heard anything like that, because my sisters listened to mostly folksy stuff. When I heard Led Zeppelin for the first time on the radio, it blew my mind. It was heavy, but it was bluesy… and after that, it’s just been a love affair.” It’s a love affair that he’s passionate about sharing.

Around 5,000 albums are available in the store, with thousands more stored in the basement. There’s a tiny café, as well, where patrons can sip java and sample the tunes. You can even purchase an affordable turntable, developed by U-Turn Audio. Swing by and peruse the bins, grab a coffee or just say hey. This is a store we’d like to see in business for years to come.

Thanks to Javi Velazquez, you no longer have to travel deep into Brooklyn to browse bins of vinyl or gaze at glorious album artwork. He recently opened HiFi Records, a shop tucked away on Steinway Street just a half block north of Astoria Boulevard.

23-19 Steinway St., Astoria • 718-606-1474 www.facebook.com/hifirecordsastoria 10 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

HOLDING THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME! Call Michele Today!

347-678-7662

WWW.BEAUDOINREALTY.COM

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 11

AUGUST EVENTS Wednesdays @ 7PM-11PM

Rooftop

Lobster Bake PENTHOUSE808 AT RAVEL

$

3208

per person

8-08 Queens Plaza South Reservations: 718-289-6118

p808lobsterbake.eventbrite.com/?aff=Indulge (Complimentary beer specialty cocktail with advance purchase tickets on Eventbrite)

Every Thur IN AUGUST @ 7pm-11pm

Rock Roll Karaoke

Studio Square | 35-33 36th St., LIC 8/13 @ 7:30pm-9PM

Waterfront Concert Series 2015: Spitfire

Free | Astoria Park Lawn (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet.

Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd 8/7 @ 9pm-11:30pm

Drink n’ Draw

$10 | Q.E.D. 27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.whyleaveastoria.com/ events/drink-n-draw-2 8/8 @ 4pm-3am

Growing Up Astoria Reunion Party

Free | Katch Brewery and Grill 31-19 Newtown Ave, Astoria 8/10 @ 9:30am-12pm

Track and Field for Kids

Free | Astoria Park Track (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet.

Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd 8/10, 8/24, 8/31 @ 7:30 pm weather permitting

Rooftop Yoga Series

Includes skinny cocktails and light bites immediately following the session until 9:30pm $35 | Z Hotel 11-01 43rd Avenue, LIC www.zhotelny.com/sunsetrooftop-yoga-series/ 12 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

8/10 @ 8:15 pm-10pm

Central Astoria Movies on the Waterfront: How to Train Your Dragon

Free | Astoria Park Track (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet.

Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd 8/12 @ 9pm to 10:45pm

Everythign Is Dumbn (w/ Dave Hill, David Feldman & more!)

Q.E.D. | 27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria 8/15 @ 9am

Dashing Whippets 5K Road Race

Prizes will be awarded to overall and age group winners $25 in advance $30 on race day Astoria Park | 19 St. bet. Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd www.dashingwhippets.org/ roadrace/ 8/17 @ 8:15 pm–10pm

Central Astoria Movies on the Waterfront: Ghostbusters

Free | Astoria Park Track (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet.

Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd 8/18, 8/19, 8/27, 8/28 @ 9pm

The Underpants Godot a play by Duncan Pflaster $18 | The Secret Theatre 44-02 23rd St, LIC

Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events 8/22 @ 12-5pm

LIC Block Party

SculptureCenter 44 – 19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpture-center.org/ eventsEvent.htm?id=111451 8/23 @ 10:30am

Art for Families - Color + Composition: Printmaking

For families with children ages 5-11. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

The Noguchi Museum | 9-01 33rd Rd (at Vernon Blvd), LIC noguchi.org/about/ calendar?page=1 8/24 @ 8:15pm–10pm

Central Astoria Movies on the Waterfront: The Incredibles

Free | Astoria Park Lawn (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet.

Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd 8/29 @ 9am-6pm

Astoria Music Now! Presents New World Queens Fest

Astoria Park | 19 St. bet. Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd www.astoriamusicandarts.org

8/30 @ 10:30am

Art for Tots Color, Color, Color!

Printmaking

For families with children ages 2-4.

Space is limited and advance registration is required The Noguchi Museum | 9-01 33rd Rd (at Vernon Blvd), LIC http://noguchi.org/about/ calendar?page=1 8/30 @ ALL DAY

Skribbles Classic Party

PENTHOUSE88 | 24-8 Queens Plaza South, LIC http://penthouse808rooftop. com/ai1ec_event/ravel-rooftop2/?instance_id=80 8/30 @ 5pm–6PM

Music in the Park: Motor City Revue

Free | Astoria Park Lawn (in Astoria Park) 19 St. bet. Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd

ONGOING events

MondayS @ 1pm - 2am

All Night Happy Hour with Slider Specials

$3 sliders and tacos, $4 cans, $5 house wines, $2 off all drafts & more Tue-Fri Happy Hour 1pm - 7pm Free | RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th St), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

Tuesdays @ 8:30

Trivia Tuesdays

Break Billiard | 32-04 Broadway, LIC

www.break-ny.com

WednesdayS @ 4pm - 2am

Wine Wednesdays: 20% off every bottle of wine

Free | RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th St), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

TuesdayS @ 10pm - 11pm

SundayS @ 4pm - 2am

Showtime Special: $30 bottle of wine and cheese plate Free | RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th St), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

$10 BBQ and Draft $40 2 tapas & bottle of wine $55 4 tapas and a bottle of wine Free | RaR Bar - Rest-au-Rant 718-729-9009 | 30-01 35th Avenue (corner of 30th St), LIC www.rarbarlic.com

RaR Bar Comedy Show

Sunday Tasting Menu

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 13

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888-711-9636 • www.smileDr.com Most Plans Accepted 14 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

We’re not just building a new facility.

We’re building a new future.

Introducing the NEW Mount Sinai Queens

www.mshq.org 25-10 30TH AVENUE ASTORIA, NY 11102

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 15

MSQ_May_Boro_043015.indd 1

4/30/15 11:54 AM

SHOPS

saree Say you’re

Fashion in India can be exotic and hypnotizing. With a personality every bit as luminous as the jewelry and clothing she sells, Deepti Chhatwal has been running Fiza Fashion each weekend at the LIC Flea for the past three years. One of the market’s most diverse, colorful and inviting stands, the array draws in customers from every walk of life. We sat down with Chhatwal to find out some of the inspiration behind the booth.

BORO: How old were you when you realized you had a passion for fashion?

CHHATWAL: We have a family business of women’s wear back in India, so I grew up around fashion. By the time I was 16, I joined my dad’s business and started helping him.

BORO: How did Fiza come about?

CHHATWAL: While I was completing my master’s degree in women’s and children’s rights, I used to visit women in villages and slums for my project work. That’s when I started working with them and started Fiza.

BORO: Many of the pieces you sell hold cultural significance as well. Can you tell us about a favorite item?

CHHATWAL: Each and every piece we sell is handmade.

Our silk scarves are all one-of-a-kind, made using wooden blocks and natural colors and 100 percent silk—beautiful, handcrafted fabrics that you can’t get anywhere.

BORO: What are some of the most popular items people request?

CHHATWAL: People at the LIC Flea have great taste and appreciate our handmade exclusive jewelry— especially ethnic pieces with elephant figures, colorful beads, as well as big, bold statement pieces.

BORO: From where do you source your materials?

CHHATWAL: Everything from materials to production comes mostly from India, though we do take custom 16 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

orders for bridal showers, baby showers, wedding favors and corporate gifts. We can help design a custom piece for your business as well.

BORO: You have worked with underprivileged women ... what role does clothing and fashion play in India?

CHHATWAL: Clothing and fashion is part of our heritage and culture. It’s a part of every woman’s life.

Ninety percent of the women in India are working, independent women who need to look good to feel good—not for the world, but for themselves.

BORO: Are customers curious about cultural significance when selecting items?

CHHATWAL: Yes, they always love hearing about and sharing culture. I love sharing my stories, showing my wedding pictures and even bringing some Indian food to share.

BORO: What does the name Fiza mean?

CHHATWAL: Fiza means a season of weather… and we believe our accessories and products are for every season. The scarves and shawls are great for fall and winter. Our tunics and coverups are wonderful for spring and summer. Our jewelry line is so wide that I promise we’ve got you covered for every type of weather and for all occasions. Back in the day, the only job of a woman was to look beautiful and have babies.

Now, we are farther ahead in every sphere of life. That’s what Fiza really stands for—working, independent, beautiful, successful women all over the world.

Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

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

718-728-2822

www.steinwaycourtvet.com info@ steinwaycourtvet.com Sans titre-1 1

20/04/15 12:46

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 17

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

h t i a F

at the

Fringe

Each August, small theatrical venues scattered across lower Manhattan transform to become the stages of the New York International Fringe Festival, featuring an array of plays and performances—all selected by jury. This year, one of Astoria’s very own artists— playwright and actress Dina Laura— will be premiering her play, “Elephants and Other Worldly Dilemmas,” which is described as a comedy about faith and how it impacts the decisions we make.

BORO sat down with the playwright and star of the show to find out just what it took to bring this creative idea to the New York stage.

18 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

BORO: When did you start writing this piece?

DINA LAURA: I began writing in January of 2011.

Originally it was a one-act, but I soon discovered there was a bigger story to tell. So I expanded it to a full-length play in 2012, and have been developing it through various informal readings ever since. The Fringe Festival marks the official debut of my play, and I am absolutely thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to premiere my show at a festival that is dedicated to promoting indie theater.

BORO: How much of your own life is in this play?

DL: All of it, some of it … Ha. It's so hard to say where real life ends and imagination begins. The play is certainly my real life in the sense that faith is something I wonder about on a daily basis. I think most of us do. But the story was initially inspired by two coworkers who were talking about faith and water cleanses in the same sentence. It literally felt like a light bulb went off in my head. I knew there was a story to be told.

And from there, it just went to places I never expected—from superheroes and psychics to yellow sparrows and hoarders. I would be sitting at the keyboard and sometimes it felt like I had no control over what I was typing. Wacky ideas would just end up on the page, and I had to stop myself from hitting the delete button and give myself a chance to live with what

I was writing and see if it actually was any good. Ultimately, I think on some level, the play feels like it could be anyone’s life including my own, since we all question faith and what it means to us.

BORO: Playing the roles of Martha and Crystal has to be both challenging and fun. What traits in each of them resonate the most with you?

DL: It has been quite a ride to play such completely different characters! Martha leads with her mind. She analyzes her decisions—not always in a traditional way—but she definitely weighs things out, which is totally me. Crystal leads with her heart. She loves fiercely and passionately and isn’t afraid to show it. I have certainly been accused of wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I wish I did it as gracefully as Crystal does.

She is just so comfortable in her own skin, and that’s a place I would love to get to within myself.

BORO: How has being an actor informed your process as a playwright?

DL: Well, I think it’s helped me immensely with writing dialogue that is conversational. As an actor, I want to say lines that not only make sense, but also sound natural. An actor once told me I’m the actor’s writer because I write the way people actually talk. Whether that’s always true or not, it’s what I strive to do. I think it also helps me build characters that people would actually want to play.

BORO: How has being the playwright informed you as an actor?

DL: That’s a tough one, because even though I wrote something, it doesn’t necessarily mean I know how to bring my character (or in this case characters) to life immediately.

They are two different things. I may understand the writer’s intention, because I am the writer, but taking those intentions and then embodying them in human form can be a great challenge. However, having a wonderful director like Peter Zachari and two awesome actors, John Olson and Matt Stapleton, to work off of helps a great deal in figuring out my characters’ intentions and objectives.

BORO: Who are some of the actors who have inspired you?

DL: Judy Garland for her charisma, Lucille Ball for her impeccable comedic timing and Carol Burnett for all of the above. As for male actors, Gary Oldman continues to blow me away. Sometimes I don’t even know he’s in the movie until the credits roll. He is so able to morph into the character he’s playing that I don’t even recognize him. And I can’t leave out Sandra Bullock or Meg Ryan. They are both so charming and gifted at physical comedy.

BORO: Who are some of the playwrights who most inspire you?

DL: John Patrick Shanley and Tennessee Williams. John Patrick Shanley can write dialogue that is witty, gritty and heartfelt. This is a man who wrote “Moonstruck” with Nicholas Cage and Cher, and also wrote “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” as well as “Doubt.” He is a genius. I wish he and I could have coffee so I could ask who inspires him. And Tennessee Williams was probably the first playwright I ever read. I remember taking his plays out of the library as a teenager and reading the parts out loud with a southern accent. He made me want to be an actor. His writing felt like poetry to me; I just loved saying his words and how they made me feel. There’s a musical quality to his writing combined with the characters he creates that touches me and, at times, breaks my heart.

BORO: Where in Astoria do you like to go to be creative?

DL: Astoria Bake Shop on Astoria Boulevard. They have amazing food and a wonderful ambiance. I wrote some of the play there. And they have photos of dogs hanging on the walls.

I love dogs and own a dog walking company, so I feel right at home. I also love New York City Bagel & Coffee House on 23rd Avenue.

BORO: What is your earliest memory of theater?

DL: My parents took me to see “Fiddler on the Roof ” at some dinner theater and I was just blown away. It was magical. My first memory of theater as a performer was when I was in a Christmas play in elementary school and I had one of the leads. One of the other actors had a stack of presents he was carrying and he tripped and went flying across the stage. There was something about that moment that was exciting to me, in a way. I knew that anything could happen in live theater—and I had to be a part of that excitement and unpredictability.

BORO: If your audience could walk away saying one thing, what would it be?

DL: "That play made me think!” I’d also love to hear “I had a blast!” Here’s to hoping...

TO PURCHASE TICKETS: www.fringenyc.org PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturday, Aug. 15, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22, noon Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.

PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Steve & Marie Sgouros Theater 115 MacDougal St., 3rd Floor (Between W 3rd and Bleecker streets)

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 19

㘀 䴀漀渀琀栀 䌀䐀

㈀⸀ 㔀

─

20 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

䄀倀夀⨀

PIRATE BAR

1

$

BLUE POINT

Oysters anytime

9

$ 95

Mussels white wine and garlic

10 Premium BEERS on DRAFT

38-14 30th Ave

• Astoria

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 21 OPEN 7 DAYS 4PM-2AM

THE ARTS

Dre

Chasing

Her

AROUND THE WORLD Story By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER It is beyond doubt that every musical collaboration emanating from Carnegie Hall can be described as exciting. To add to the stellar programming, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute has established an extraordinarily unique summer experience, the National Youth Orchestra of the United States.

Now in its third year, the NYO-USA is comprised of 114 musicians (ages 16 to 19) chosen through a rigorous audition process from all across the country. The musicians experience an intensive rehearsal process in preparation for various summer performances. They are truly the best of the best.

Brought together under the direction of Charles Dutoit (conductor laureate of the Philadelphia Orchestra and artistic director of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), the young musicians of the 2015 NYO-USA embarked on a historic tour of China. Beginning with send-off concerts in Purchase, New York, and New York City’s Carnegie Hall, NYO-USA’s tour featured seven performances throughout China in the concert halls of Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi’an, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

The tour was the first of its kind for the orchestra, and its schedule included opportunities for cultural exchange, sightseeing, interaction with local young musicians and informal performances. These virtuosos acted as on-the-ground U.S. music ambassadors.

Among these prodigies was Astoria’s own Jasmine Lavariega, 17, a poised and charismatic French horn player. The daughter of noted culinary professionals (her father is Jose Max Lavariega, The Burke Group executive chef), Lavariega

22 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

is currently a student of Brad Gemeinhardt, third horn player of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. This fall, she will begin her studies with Erik Ralske, principal horn player of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

I first met Lavariega at the working rehearsal prior to the Carnegie Hall send-off concert. As I watched the jubilant and energetic instrumentalists engage with one another on stage, the excitement of the impending tour was apparent— but more than that, you could sense the appreciation for one another’s talent and passion.

“My favorite part of being in this orchestra is that the brass players are all incredible,” Lavariega said. “We have been working outside orchestra rehearsals on brass ensemble music, and the way our sound blends is great.”

Many of these musicians could eventually inhabit the ranks of the world’s best orchestras, and Lavariega is certain to be in that company. She will soon be headed to college at The Julliard School as a freshman of the class of 2019.

“I definitely want to continue music as a profession,” she said. “I also enjoy teaching children music, so I can definitely see myself playing in a professional orchestra along with a teaching career.”

For many of the NYO-USA musicians, this tour was their first opportunity to travel outside of the United States. Lavariega has had the opportunity to visit relatives in Mexico and Japan, but this was her first trip to China, and she is thrilled at the prospect of touring and experiencing concert halls throughout the country.

THE PROGRAM

I was really fortunate to experience the send-off concert in Carnegie Hall on July 11. The NYO-USA performed the program that they would be sharing throughout their China tour.

Opening the program was the premiere of “Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds” by Tan Dun (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). The piece was commissioned specifically for the NYO-YSA by Carnegie Hall and was a gorgeous piece focused on man’s ongoing endeavor to understand the world we are living in. The composition made use of forms and methods from east and west, ancient and modern, and incorporating birdsong as well as sounds digitally recorded and played on smartphones.

The orchestra then performed “Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5”—also known as “Emperor”—with internationally renowned pianist Yundi as a special guest. Stunning and exhilarating, the back-and-forth play between the soloist and the orchestra kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Closing out the program was music from one of my favorite composers, Hector Berlioz. I was really energized to see “Symphonie Fantastique” included in the presentation. Technically difficult and emotional, this piece takes listeners on the roller coaster of a young musician’s descent into madness after being rejected by the woman he loves. The musicians did such a brilliant job. I would liken the end of this piece to the conclusion of a race, as the audience jumped to their feet in celebration at the final chord. It was truly an impressive evening.

To learn more about NYO-USA, visit:

Website - www.carnegiehall.org/About-theMusic/NYO-USA-Homepage Facebook - facebook.com/nyousa Twitter - @nyousa Youtube – you.tube.com/nyousa AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

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MAP IT DIRECTORY 144

163 129 130 6

4

118

105

RESTAURANTS

112

91

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

27

alobar restaurant (A,4) 347-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.alobarnyc.com

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

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

13

194

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

38

Antika Pizzeria & Restaurant (c,2) 718-545-0555 36-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.antikapizzeria .com

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

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

14

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

25

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

187

Grand Wine and Liquor (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St, Astoria www.grandwl.com

16

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

28

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

40

LGC Wine & Liquors (B,1) 718-726-1555 43-20A Ditmars Blvd, Astoria

125

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

55

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

104

Apollo Gallery (C,2) 718-786-7590 34-10 36th Ave, Astoria

21

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

45

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

186

The Brass Owl (C,1) 347-848-0905 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.thebrassowl.com

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

52

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

51

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

193

Sofia’s Consignment Shop (B,2) 718-775-8455 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria www.sofiasconsignment.com

54

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

AREPAS CAFE 718-937-3835 33-07 36th Ave (B,2) 2119 Broadway (B,1) www.arepascafe.com Astor room (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com Bareburger (b,2) 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria 718-204-7167 23-01 31 St, Astoria www.bareburger.com The Barn Restaurant, Bar & Lounge (a,2) 718-728-0305 30-09 21st Street, Astoria www.thebarnastoria.com Basil Brick Oven (B,1) 718-204-1205 28-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.basilbrickoven.com

23

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

191

Bowery Bay (A,1) 19-33 Ditmars Blvd 718-721-1933 www.bowerbaybar.com

Maizal Restaurant (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com

153

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

170

Malagueta Restaurant (B,2) 718-937-4821 25-35 36th Avenue, Astoria www.malaguetany.com

116

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

18

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

123

Testaccio (a,4) 718-937-2900 47-30 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.testacciony.com

19

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

31

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

3

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

184

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

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

124

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

169

133

7

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

5

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

148

26

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

182

8

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

150

35

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

87

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

10

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

117

Carioca Grill (B, 2) 718-606-1329 29-03 Broadway, Astoria

9

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

176

11

Crescent Grill (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent Street, LIC www.crescentgrill.com DiWine (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com

159

DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St, Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com

12

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

112 181

Fatty’s (B,1) 718-267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com Hibino LIC (A,4) 10-70 Jackson Ave, LIC 718-392-5190 www.hibino-lic.com

26 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Mojave Restaurant (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st Street, Astoria www.mojaveny.com Nosh Borough (B,1) 25-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria 347-746-5542 noshborough.com OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th Street, Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

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

2

Fish Tales Pirate Bar (C,2) 347-813-4709 38-14 30th Ave, Astoria

22

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

162

PINK NORI (c,2) 718-685-2365 36-06 30th Ave, Astoria www.pinknori.com

109

Pita pan (c,2) 718-204-1633 37-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com

69

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

29

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

108

Winegasm Bar and Eatery (c,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

32

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

SHOPS

PETS

BAKERIES 115 33 34 138 139

60 bean coffee & tea (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria Astor Bake Shop (a,2) 718-606-8439 12-23 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.astor-bakeshop.com 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) 29-14 30th Ave, Astoria 718-267-0052

190

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

37

Sweetleaf (A,4) 917-832-6726 10-93 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sweetleaflic.com

FOOD SHOPS

121

75

LIC Veterinary Center (A,4) 718-383-8387 48-18 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.licvets.com Steinway Court Vet (c,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St, Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

FLORISTS 160

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

44

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

137 47

NYC FARM CHIC Flowers www.nycfarmchicflowers.com

130

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

74

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

39

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

1

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

179

Project Earth (B,2) 35-53 32nd St, LIC 718-204-2161

168

167

Yogurt La Crepe (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com

Admiral lock and Key (C,2) 718-274-2491 37-17 Broadway, Astoria www.admirallockandkey.com

114

Ark locksmith 24/7 Service (c,2) 718-932-LOCK (5625) 30-10 37th st, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com

36

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

183

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

24

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

SERVICES

WINES & SPIRITS 178

Astoria 35 Laundry & Fine Dry Cleaning (B,2) 3505 34th St, Astoria 718-392-9692 Astoria35laundry.com

MAP IT DIRECTORY 119

Astoria Center of Israel 718-278-2680 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria www.astoriacenter.org

177

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

129

Blue Bird Child Care 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St, Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

143

D&D Podiatry 718-545-0205 23-18 Broadway, Astoria www.ddpodiatry.com

77

Dr. Panagiotis Pagonis, M.D. (b,2) 718-278-0300 30-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.drpagonismd.com

173

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

161

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

90

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

56

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

180

Montessori Kids of LIC (B,3) 5 Court Square, LIC 347-746-5542 mklic.com m

57

MPN Law Firm (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria www.mpnfirm.com

174

QNS COLLECTIVE (c,3) 718-280-5122 36-27 36th Street, 2 floor, Astoria www.qnscollective.com

59

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

122

Tuck-It-Away Storage (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent Street, Astoria www.tuckitaway.com

TATTOO SHOPS 147

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

80 136

The Yoga Room 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (C,2) 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd, LIC (A,4) www.the-yoga-room.com

158

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

60

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

67

Super Nova Tattoos (c,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com

73

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

164

151

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

195

European Wax Center LIC (A,4) 718-482-9299 4545 Center Blvd, LIC www.europeanwaxcenter.com

81

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

Gigi Salon (c,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com

188

Shade Organic Spa and Salon 36-05 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-278-7892

131

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

72

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

46

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

192

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

NIGHTLIFE/BARS 82

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

83

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

185

FITNESS

84

99

UNDERPENNY (A,4) 917-517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC

145

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

105

Beaudoin Realty Group (A,4) 718-505-9220 21-52 44th Drive, LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com

30

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

Anthea Yoga & Healing Arts center (c,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th Street, Astoria www.antheacenter.com

68

154

Astoria Complex (c,2) 34-38 38th St, LIC 718-729-7163 www.ascsports1.com

111

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

43

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

42

88

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

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

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

Crank Cycling Studio (a,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd, LIC www.cranknyc.com

89

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

76

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

79

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

78

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

79

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

66

17

Ravel (a,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com Z NYC Hotel (a,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com

ART 100

The Rock Health & Fitness Club (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st Street Astoria, NY 11105 www.therockhealthandfitness.com

128

156

Personalized Pilates (A,4) 347-563-3933 10-13 47th avenue, 2nd floor LIC

92

142

Sage Studios 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave, 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home

113

166

Socrates Sculpture Park (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org

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

120

134

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

86

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

HOTELS

110

The Secret Theatre (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com

175

Four Points Sheraton (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave, LIC, NY 11101 www.fourpoints.com

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

96

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

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

146

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

Video Express (c,2) 718-626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria

65

95

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

97

Astoria fine arts dance (c,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com Astoria Performing Arts Center @The Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (c,2) 718-706-5750 30-44 Crescent Street (@30th Road) Astoria NY 11102 www.apacny.org Kaufman Astoria Studios (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com Laguardia Performing Arts Center (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

REAL ESTATE

101 140 141 103

86

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

85

63

64

149

the art house (c,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com

58

EVENTS

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

112

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

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

94

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

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

165

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

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

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

LIC School of Ballet (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St, Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

SPAS

BEAUTY Carl Clarke AesthetIques (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria www.defineyourlook.com

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Modern Spaces 718-784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC (a,4) 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC (a,4) 29-20 23rd Ave, Astoria (a,4) www.modernspacesnyc.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (c,2) 718-310-4303 3501 30th Ave, Astoria www.wfhm.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS 172

Active Outlook Massage Therapy (B,2) 646-283-4657 32-12 Broadway, Astoria www.activeoutlookmassage.com

135

Mount Sinai Queens (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave, LIC

102

Sussex Bank (b,1) 28-21 Astoria Blvd., Astoria 347-472-1727 www.sussexbank.com

BANKING

WANT YOUR BUSINESS LISTED IN OUR DIRECTORY? 718.224.5863 ext. 206 Email: ADS@BOROmag.com

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 27

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32 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Crab Cakes from The Bay

Teppa Beef Donburi from Reso Box

Kit Kat cookies from Cookies Anonymous

Fish Balls from The Curry Station

Passionfruit Mousse from Mahalo

Mini panckaes from Poffee

Thai Ice Tea Popsicles

Takoyaki from Karl's Balls

Crab Rangoon from Khao Kitchen

Gelato Macaron from Woop!

Butcher Bar

Okonomiyaki Sliders from Osaka Grub

On any given Saturday or Sunday, there are few places that could prove to be even a fraction as delicious or beautifully diverse as the LIC Flea and Food located at the corner of 46th Avenue and Fifth Street in Long Island City. Though families and friends come from far corners the city to satiate personal cravings that run the gamut of every taste imaginable, once a year we are faced with the daunting task of choosing a few favorites. On July 27, those honors were awarded to the

Ecuadorian sandwich masters at Chuta Madre, the tres leches mastery of CakeBox NYC and the refreshing blends at Lizzmonade. A fan favorite award went to the exceptional seafood tacos at Afishonado. While we agree on the wow factor of each of our winners, there were too many tasty morsels to ignore. So browse through these images from that decadent weekend, and save some room for a visit to the LIC Flea this month. The awards may be over, but the cooking has only just begun!

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 33

vents e d n a s m ra Free prog , including adults. s f o r a ll a g e

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AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 35

FOOD & DRINK

I

Story & Images By BRADLEY HAWKS

t took awhile to get the ball rolling on one of Astoria’s newest food shops. “We were doing markets for four years,” reflects Kerri Brewer, founder of Mighty Balls. “We started just doing popups on the weekends.” After serving gourmet meatballs at nearly every market imaginable, she finally settled on Astoria for an official brick and mortar.

“The food scene in Astoria is really interesting,” Brewer explains. “There are so many really exciting concepts that I think it’s a really good launching pad. Every culture has some kind of meatball, and so that was really our launching point … and then the idea of just having fun with the sauces, which is what I think we’re best known for.”

Canned versions of those sauces are available for sale in the restaurant, ranging from African onion to tempting tomato, cranberry horseradish, and even jalapeno jelly.

“The idea was to take the really familiar format of a meatball,” continues the meatball maestro, “and use it as a launching point for some really delicious sauces.”

Balls are available solo on a slider or as a trio on a hero, or they can be served without bread. Customers choose between beef, pork, turkey, veggie balls, or vegan black bean and plaintain balls (gluten free). The menu suggests a few favorite combinations, like Great Big Balls of Fire (pork balls with jalapeno jelly and feta), Giving Thanks (turkey balls with cranberry horseradish and goat cheese) and a Sexy African (veggie balls with African onion and

36 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Parmesan). A lovingly edited selection of side dishes ranges from a pimento mac and cheese to creamy grits, and even a pickled egg.

“We don’t ask for any commitment,” Brewer says. “You can mix and match any ball with any sauce and cheese.”

She developed all of the recipes herself. “The pickled egg makes a really great bar food, and goes really good when you’re drunk, with the electrolytes and protein.” Many of the recipes have roots in Hill Country, Texas, where she was raised.

Patrons may not recognize the space as the former home of Site, the popular lifestyle store that moved to Broadway and became Lockwood. Now, the walls are covered with stunning food photographs mounted on reclaimed barn wood, all taken by Brewer herself. “I was lucky enough to work at Gourmet Magazine for two years and have clients like the Food Network and Cooking Channel.” She also made all the furniture in the restaurant, as well.

Mighty Balls looks like it has all the winning combinations. Open from lunch until late night, delivery and catering will also be available soon. But I’d recommend swinging by and savoring a gourmet creation in the beautifully crafted space. You just might actually have a ball—or three!

35-11 34th Ave., Astoria 718-326-1999 www.mightyballs.com

Spicy Italian

Kerri Brewer's photography on display Sauces to take home

Pickled Eggs

Great Big Balls of Fire

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 37

Hellenic Grill House

www.ovelia-nyc.com

34-01 30th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103 Summer Happy Hours: MONDAY - THURSDAY:

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40 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Saturday, August 22, 2015 12–5pm Purves Street at Jackson & 43rd Avenues

Art and Entertainment!

Fun for all ages!

In the heart of Long Island City!

Free! & the Purves Street Block Association Present:

Live Music and Interactive Performances!

Enjoy arts and crafts fun with your friends and family!

Artists’ Market Food Court Artist-led Activities and more!

For more info visit:

sculpture-center.org

Author signings, reading series, writing workshops, book club meetings, and lots of new arrivals on our shelves!

31-29 31st Street in Astoria,

between Broadway and 31st Avenue, a short walk from the Broadway stop on the N/Q train.

Open

Tuesday-Sunday

(718) 278-2665 11am-7pm www.astoriabookshop.com

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 41

THE ARTS

DOUBLE THE LAUGHS Story By Thomas Caramanno

42 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

E

A

n overbearing, middle-aged housewife. A soulful yet no-nonsense daycare center director. The young, fiery, neighborhood Latina. And a poodle, angrily bemoaning the fact that he does not understand French to his French-speaking owner. These are a few of the colorful characters brought to life by James Manzello and Matt Pavich, cast members of MTV 2’s “Joking Off ” and creators/ stars of the YouTube series “Handsome Dancer.”

“Handsome Dancer” encapsulates Manzello and Pavich’s tongue-in-cheek humor and comedic acting chops within 2-minute sketches, wherein they play a variety of roles. The series has recently gained traction and ample social media exposure thanks to the duo’s first music video, “Coincidance,” which was filmed throughout areas of Astoria and Brooklyn. It tells the tale of two different men from various parts of the world, who “coincidancally” bond over the same dance move.

“Coincidance” was recently featured on the blog Reddit and, as of press time, has amassed more than 17,000 views.

The duo has worked together for nearly a decade, but only began filming online skits in the past several years. At the behest of their friends and fans, the guys finally uploaded all of their content onto one YouTube channel, branding it “Handsome Dancer.” “[The name] ultimately sounded cool and made sense for us,” Manzello said. The channel currently features 14 videos, including “Coincidance.”

Manzello and Pavich’s friends aid in various elements of crafting the “Handsome Dancer” videos. The creative team includes Matt VanDaniker (video editor), Zak Ray and Ryan Albahary (directors of photography) and Jeremy Pearl-Jacobvitz, who performs a variety of duties on set.

Manzello himself writes and directs all of the skits, with the exception of one that poked fun at the film “Top Gun.” Back in 2005, Pavich and Manzello met on the set of a feature-length, independent comedy film that Manzello wrote and directed, called “How To Lose in the Game of Life.” Pavich’s sister was dating one of the film’s collaborators and suggested her brother for a small role.

“I was getting beat up by a man [in the scene],” Pavich recalled with a laugh. The film was surreptitiously shot in the basement of the CUNY Hunter College dorms, where Manzello lived, since the crew did not have a filming permit. While Pavich had only a brief cameo in the project, Manzello remembers being thoroughly impressed by his comedic skills. This marked the beginning of their friendship and artistic collaboration.

After completing college, Manzello and Pavich began working together more consistently. Pavich notably participated in Manzello’s Broadway Comedy Club show, “Love in a Tub,” and in 2010, starred in a YouTube music video, ironically titled “Hit Single,” alongside Capitale (one of Manzello’s online personas). Only five years later, their talent would land them spots on MTV 2’s “Joking Off.” Fittingly, Manzello and Pavich auditioned for and landed roles on “Joking Off ” together. The show pits comedic duos against one another in a showdown of improvisational skills based on social media posts. Both Pavich and Manzello agree that their genuine friendship enhances their performance, a rarity for a series in which comedians are randomly paired. According to Manzello, “When people ask how we rehearse, we’re like, ‘We sleep at each other’s houses.’”

In an era where many comedians seize upon politically incorrect humor for the sake of a sound bite, or with the hope of achieving viral video status, Manzello and Pavich strive to create higher quality content. Though they shy away from topical humor and eschew poking fun at politics and social issues, the duo nonetheless recognizes the importance of an artist’s right to free speech, especially in consideration of the ease with which comedians are lampooned for seemingly insensitive jokes.

“Being PC is the worst thing in the world, because racy topics need to be discussed,” Pavich said. But rather than aiming for ephemeral notoriety, the guys want the shelf life of their virtual vignettes to extend longer than a mere week and hope to entertain viewers on a long-term basis.

When they are not dancing on the streets of Astoria or filming “Joking Off,” which airs its second season this fall, Pavich and Manzello pursue other projects, including an original television pilot that Manzello wrote and directed, called “The Neighborhood.” The pilot features him and Pavich playing a plethora of characters in a small community. It won accolades for Best Editing and the Audience Award at the 2014 New York Television Festival, and the boys are currently pitching it to television networks. Additionally, Pavich is slated to release his own solo comedy album online, titled “Ups and Downs.”

In considering the totality of their work, Pavich and Manzello attribute their success and passion to creating and participating in projects that they themselves deem meaningful. After all, as Pavich surmises with sardonic humor, there is no other path for them to take: “We make this for ourselves because we’re crazy people, and if we don’t do this, we’ll die.”

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 43

M

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

usic thrives in Queens. Sure, there is music everywhere in the world, being performed every second of every day. Whether on a car radio or in Carnegie Hall, via satellite or personal headphones, by a symphony or just an elementary school recorder, on a summer stage or in a private practice room, on a harpsichord or in the rhythms and honking of the urban soundscape. But when it comes to the actual intentional creation of music, perhaps nowhere on Earth suits it more than Queens, New York. New York is a magnet for artists, and Manhattan creatives retreat to Queens after city auditions and recording sessions, main stage performances, gathering tips in the Times Square subway—thriving here, beyond the critique and demands of the city. It is in Queens where they lay down their heads, rest their bodies, polish their instruments, write their poetry and compose the music they will play tomorrow.

Though Queens is the host to numerous performance venues, there is always a need for more outlets for intimate musical interactions. So the blog Play Too Much was born.

Chris Pizzolo, Play Too Much co-founder

Launched in 2014, founders Sara Waber and Chris Pizzolo’s mission was simply to showcase great music.

Play Too Much is an indie blog for the innovative presentation of music that’s original, fresh and longlasting. Not only is it a source of reviews running the gamut of everything from new albums to live shows, Play Too Much also curates unique events, all while creating original content to match the dynamic quality of those events. In a short time, Play Too Much has created an artistic community and exposed up-and-coming artists and brands to a wide, eclectic audience.

On Aug. 21, Play Too Much will be teaming up with Hi-Fi Records in Astoria to throw an after-work party featuring local NYC artists. Play Too Much will be filming the event for their original live sessions series, which can be found at playtoomuch.com/sessions/.

The event will be from 7 to 10 p.m. It will be RSVP based and limited to the first 30 people to respond, so watch the blog for details. The event is being thrown as a celebration for music lovers in Astoria.

In the meantime, venture on over to the blog and devote a moment or two to exploring some of the neighborhood’s newest music.

WWW.PLAYTOOMUCH.COM /WEPLAYTOOMUCH /WEPLAYTOOMUCH 44 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 45

FOOD & DRINK

Crack & Cheese Fried Whole Bird

BISCUITS Story & Images By BRADLEY HAWKS

Hot Biscuit

46 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Bourbon Black Jack Carrots

Countrystyle Sausage Gravy

Bird

30th Avenue might have become the unofficial culinary South in Queens.

Within a 10-block span, you can find three restaurants that focus on good, old-fashioned Southern recipes, from the brunch phenomenon of Queens Comfort to the taste of N’Awlins at Sugar Freak, and now the wood-fired and deep-fried renderings of Burnside Biscuits.

Georgetown with no idea what he wanted to do. “So I went to Hong Kong,” he explains, “where I found myself in their markets more than anywhere else. My mom told me to follow my biggest hobby and so that’s what I did.”

He came back to the United States and enrolled in culinary school. After some time at Cookshop and a year and a half at Jean Georges, Crocker found himself traveling in a Few things scream Americana as boldly as train across the country. “An old college friend fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, mac ‘n’ Executive Chef of mind had started sort of a moving incubator cheese and moon pies. While all of those Sam Crocker for young entrepreneurs, and so I cooked for classics are rendered to a degree that could them as we traveled across the country in simply be called perfection, the team at Burnside Biscuits is targeting higher aspirations than tasty antique train cars.” When he came back to New York, he joined the team at Il Buco Alimentari as a sous chef. After stick-to-the-ribs comfort food. a break of a few months, he met Sarda at the holiday party, and the rest is history.

Created by the brains that brought us Bareburger, the restaurant takes its name from General Burnside, a Northern man who found himself in the South during the “I really think this was sort of a passion product for the guys,” explains Crocker of Sarda and Bareburger’s CEO, Civil War. When the dust settled, he took what he had Euripides Pelekanos. “They built this huge group of learned about Southern traditions and brought it back to restaurants with their own personalities, but sharing a his loved ones. And so Burnside Biscuits offers Southerncommon bottom line of properly sourced, natural, organic inspired recipes prepared in a New York City tradition. products. Combining their work ethic and principles, we wanted to do a Northern take on a Southern specialty.”

In the space formerly occupied by the old Athens Café, wood-fired ovens slowly roast nuanced flavors—not from “I do not pretend at all to be the arbiter of what Southern hand-tossed pizzas, but from twine-tied carrots glazed in food is,” Crocker continues, “and I am not going to pretend bourbon, dry-rubbed curried broccoli with sharp cheddar, to be. I just wanted to try to embody the Southern ideal of cast iron skillets of cavatappi and pimento crack and food and how it is handled and respected and used. Large cheese, or corn bread as crispy and sweet as a cake donut roasts, vegetables, rice and grains combined with the fact slathered with maple-cultured butter and emerald chives. we are in New York City. So I went back to my history degree and read the Carolina Housewife, and Virginia In fact, it was that very cornbread that sealed the deal between Executive Chef Sam Crocker and the Bareburger Housewife, and went down to Virginia for a few weeks.

Frank Lee took me to a fried chicken lunch, and he said Group's culinary director, Andrew Sarda. The two met to me, ‘What we do here is we source locally and try to at the Christmas gathering of a mutual friend. “Crocker work with the things that are around us, and we try to brought this fantastic cornbread,” Sarda recalls, “and we make an honest living out of what we have here.’ And that started talking.” really struck a chord with me.”

Burnside certainly isn’t Crocker’s first time in the kitchen. (continued on page 48) Originally from Florida, he found himself in college at

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 47

FOOD & DRINK

(continued from page 47)

Fluffy Biscuits

Crocker realized it isn’t about sourcing great products from the South. “It’s about sourcing great flour from a mill that’s here in New York—using local jams and jellies.

It kind of became a founding principal.”

The result is a wonderfully accessible, universally appealing menu marked with the skill and experience of a well-seasoned team.

Biscuit dough is blended with iced butter chips and duck fat, which puffs into delectable pastry clouds, and can be topped with creamy gravies, blackened catfish, breakfast meats or fried chicken. A “hot biscuit” arrives slathered in Maytag blue cheese, the fried chicken glistening in a fiery red Cayenne sauce, served with a bright slaw laced with thin wedges of granny smith apples.

Brined in black tea, lemon and thyme, two pieces of fried chicken are served with a fluffy biscuit and a pickle for just $11. A skin-on crispy bird is rubbed with sumac and thyme, served atop Carolina gold rice, accompanied by ovencaramelized cloves of garlic and char-kissed lemon halves.

The beverage program is also lovingly crafted—best described as classically driven, with more modern twists.

An Old Fashioned uses house-infused peanut bourbon, while mint juleps are served over crushed ice in a classic tin mug. Whiskey barrels borrowed from Van Buren distillery are used to age a Negroni and Manhattan for three months, with whiskey and bourbon flights soon to come. Sweat tea and a light homemade lemonade are perfect pairings, as well.

Skillet Cornbread with Maple Butter

For dessert, save room for one of the most wonderful treats around—moon pies available with exquisitely moist vanilla-lemon verbena cake stuffed with lemon curd and strawberry fluff, all dipped in white chocolate, or an Elvis rendition which is stuffed with bananas foster and coconut peanut butter encased in a dark chocolate shell.

From start to finish, Burnside Biscuits has been born from a talented team that brings their life into their work.

Come without expectation, ready to try new takes on old favorites. Few places are preparing food and drinks with this much skill and love. While this flatiron corner of 30th Avenue may have been the old hangout for the great characters of Astoria, this new incarnation is proving its worth as a new neighborhood cornerstone.



32-07 30th Ave. Astoria, NY 11102 917-832-7822 www.burnsidebiscuit.com

48 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned

Burnside Features an Open Kitchen

Heavenly Moon Pies

Barrel Aged Negron

Curry-rubbed Broccoli is treated like a fine steak

Pickle Plate

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 49

@SummerStage

@SummerStageNYC

50 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

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Late Bloomer

FOOD & DRINK

Watemelon Shots The Wayside

Sangria

THE

Bonnie Story & Images By BRADLEY HAWKS

Oyster Sliders at Brunch

Co-Owner Mike Krawiec

e

Striped Bass Ceviche

The Bonnie

translates to the Irish term for beautiful—boasts a private dining space, a communal bar area, intimate booths for dining and a back bar with chicken-wire glass and French oak floors. Like their sister pub, Sweet Afton, the space is free of televisions, a design element intended to promote intimacy and encourage mingling.

“The neighborhood bar is at the core of who we are,” Krawiec says. “You can come in from anywhere around the world, and the bartender will introduce you to the people sitting next to you. People come to New York and don’t know anyone, but come here and find a community.”

The neighborhood just got a new backyard patio, decked out with reclaimed New York cobbles and custom mahogany tables. With seating that accommodates close to 100 people, the garden is an extension of The Bonnie—which has rapidly become not only the source of some of the neighborhood’s most wondrously intoxicating cocktails and delectable fare, but also a hotspot of Astoria’s social scene. “The neighborhood bar is at the core of who we are,” says Mike Krawiec, one of the owners.

From under a newsboy cap, with a dragon tattoo crawling out the arm of his white T-shirt, the 33-year-old offers a tour of the impressive space—which was once the home of Greek favorite Stamatis. The Bonnie—which

While the mood is certainly inviting, the friendly staff and patrons aren’t the only aspects that are enticing. If you glance up from the backyard garden, you just might notice the rooftop herb garden. Basil, thyme, lemon balm and spearmint are regularly harvested and incorporated into the cocktail menu.

Watermelon wedges are soaked in St. Germain, light rum and white port, seasoned with basil and minty herbs, then served on a saucer as a shot. A drink called The Wayside blends tequila, Mezcal and Campari with ancho chilies, watermelon agua fresca, and a rim of chili lime salt.

Mixologist Mike Di Tota juxtaposes seasonal fruits with rooftop herbs and historical recipes to mix up some of the most fantastic spirits around for a botanically driven cocktail menu that brings the outdoors inside. (continued on page 54)

AUGUST 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 53

FOOD & DRINK

Mustard-Marinated Hanger Steak

(continued from page 53) At the head of the kitchen is Shaun Vanalphen. With a menu that offers an incredible span ranging from avocado mousse-kissed ceviche to mustard-marinated hanger steak and fries, the one universal menu item that you can order at brunch, lunch, dinner or late night is The Bonnie—one of the juiciest, most mouthwatering burgers in the city. A 6 oz. special blend of Pat LaFrieda beef is served on a slightly sweet toasted Rollo Mio bun with all the classic fixins. The result is out of this world.

With such a flexible space and friendly staff comes the option to cater special events and parties, which is why the team brought on Christine Haber. The brains behind the “I [heart] Astoria” T-shirts and spouse of the man who invented Haber’s Tonic Co., Christine is excited to bring The Bonnie into the realm of organized special events.

Whether you swing by for a bite, a burger, some booze, banter, the backyard or to book a bash, The Bonnie is one of the most welcoming watering holes around.

29-12 23rd Ave., Astoria 718-274-2105 www.thebonnie.com 54 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015

Gazpacho

Salad of Beets & Grilled Apricot with Sangria

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