BORO MAG

VOL 7:9

WORKOUT FACTORY REOPENS

ASTORIAN RUNS FOR CHARITY

SHOW COMBINES DANCE AND CHOCOLATE

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Page 16

Page 22

Page 38

QUEE N

READERS’ FITNESS PHOTOS

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CONTENTS When we were kids, September was the time to return to school, with freshly sharpened pencils, new clothes, different classes and, most important, goals we set for the next year of our lives. While we might not be going back to school this autumn, the approach of fall still gives us the opportunity to figure out what we want to see, do and achieve in the next season.

That’s why this month, we’re focusing on fitness. Check out exercise-themed photos from your fellow western Queens residents, who get fit with a wide array of sports (page 10). The Workout Factory has reopened with KATRINA MEDOFF some new offerings (page 16). Not much of a editor-in-chief runner? Neither was Astoria resident Bernardo Cano—until he started running marathons and triathlons for charity (page 22). Maybe you enjoy dance? Snag tickets to a Chocolate Dances performance, complete with a chocolate tasting, and you’ll be dancing in no time (page 38).

If you’d like to share any news with us, email katrina@boromag.com.

You can also connect with us on Instagram (@boromagazine), Facebook (facebook.com/boromag) and Twitter (@BOROMAG).

Wishing you a fit and productive “back-to-school” season, Katrina Medoff

A NEW SPIN ON THE WORKOUT FACTORY

WELCOME, NEIGHBOR

50

6 BLACK, WHITE AND DENIM ALL OVER Street style in Astoria

10 FITNESS FOTOS

BORO readers’ fitness photos

16 A NEW SPIN ON WORKOUT FACTORY Gym reopens with new offerings

22 GOING THE DISTANCE

Astorian runs for charity

32 SCHOOL OF ROCK

Listen to these local bands

38 SWEET SHOW

Chocolate Dances combines performance and chocolate tasting

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44 JURASSIC ART

Dino décor in local apartment

DEPARTMENTS 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of September

in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

50 WELCOME, NEIGHBOR 26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

Arepas eatery opens on Steinway

54 LIC FLEA & FOOD Beer at the Flea

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

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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STREET STYLE

Black, White

and Denim All Over

BY RUTHIE DARLING

Mamusu is a writer of teen fiction who is hoping for her first book deal! She looked casual and cute in her dungaree shorts and was off to enjoy one of the many Astoria beer gardens.

A

@RUTHIEDARLING

s the summer winds down in New York, sometimes fashion needs to scale back, too.

An abundance of summer prints and florals can get overwhelming, and heading back to basics is a great way to reset before the fall trends roll in. Incidentally, Power Red, Victorian-style collars and glitter boots are all forecast to be big next season (you have been warned)!

This month, the fashion mavens of Astoria were keeping things simple in a chic mix of black, white and denim. Monochromatic dressing will always be in style, and these Astorians looked sleek, fun, cool and edgy. It’s all about how you wear it.

Lawson (@lawsontaylor) is an interior designer who was out for brunch. He picked up the pants at Ditmars Thrift Shop in Astoria.

“I’m kind of obsessed with them,” he told me.

I dream of being this cool.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Dania is a student living in Astoria.

I loved her mesh black shirt paired with crisp, white jeans and sneakers.

Perfect for Sunday shopping.

Hector looked casual and cool in his denim dungarees and white tank. He had just gone to brunch and was checking out his next look at Buffalo Exchange.

Gabrielle is a dancer who starts work with Ballet Hispanico this month. Elegance personified, she looks perfect in this black maxi dress with a simple accent belt.

Alli works in fashion wholesale and lives in Astoria. Her sexy, off-the-shoulder gingham dress looked flirty and fun, perfect for late summer in the city.

SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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I N S TA I M A G E S

FITNESS FOTOS

@ marfonvil

T

here are so many fun ways to stay fit in western Queens, from rock climbing at The Cliffs in Long Island City to swimming laps in Astoria Pool. We asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram pics of working out, and we got an overwhelming response — it turns out that Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside are full of yogis, runners, cyclists, tennis players, pilates fanatics, dancers and more.

Take a look at some of our favorite photos.

@ bripchin

@ lilysaito

10

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM @KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

@ mynameisvictory

SEPTEMBER 2017

@ soosiesawyer

@ jlc_omie_

@ alifeinstretchpants

@ agoppert

@ randiceriniyoga

@ missjaime

NEXT THEME: MUSIC

Tag @boromagazine in your Instagram photos of music in Astoria, Long Island City or Sunnyside, and you might see your photo in the October issue of BORO! Snap a photo of your roomie playing the guitar, an awesome local mic night, a live band at a neighborhood bar or a busker on the N train — anything to do with the month’s theme.

@ codymccarthy

@ mido.khalil1 @ barre3lic @ shourjya.mookerjee

SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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SEPTEMBER EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19 Event Title: Drawing Session: Thinking like Frank Lloyd Wright Time: 2 p.m.

Location: MoMA PS1 Phone: 718-784-2084 Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave. URL: momaps1.org

Event Title: Quiet Clubbing Time: 10 p.m.

Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave. URL: bohemianhall.com SATURDAY, SEPT. 16 Event Title: So You Think You Can Rap? Time: 10 p.m.

Location: Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave. URL: creeklic.com SUNDAY, SEPT. 17 Event Title: Festival del Huapango Time: 3 to 7 p.m.

Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd.

URL: socratessculpturepark.org MONDAY, SEPT. 18 Event Title: America's Sweethearts Time: 8:30 to 10 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave. URL: qedastoria.com

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22 Event Title: Film Friday Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Queens Library Broadway Phone: 718-721-2462 Address: 40-20 Broadway URL: http://www. queenslibrary.org/branch/ broadway SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 Event Title: End of Summer Jam with Devin Garcia Time: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Socrates Sculpture Park Phone: 718-956-1819 Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd.

URL: http:// socratessculpturepark.org SATURDAY, SEPT. 23 Event Title: Live Music: Luxe Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden Phone: 718-274-4925 Address: 29-19 24th Ave. URL: bohemianhall.com

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SEPTEMBER 2017

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

Event Title: The Astoria Music

Event Title: Last Stop

Project Presents:

Laughs

FANTASY NIGHT

Time: 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Astoria

Location: Q.E.D. Astoria

Phone: 347-451-3873

Phone: 347-451-3873

Address: 27-16 23rd Ave.

Address: 27-16 23rd Ave.

URL: qedastoria.com

URL: qedastoria.com SUNDAY, OCT. 1 MONDAY, SEPT. 25

Event Title: Socrates

Event Title: Bingo Night

Annual Opening

Time: 8 p.m.

Time: 1 to 6 p.m.

Location: Alewife

Location: Socrates

Phone: 718-937-7494

Sculpture Park

Address: 5-14 51st Ave.

Phone: 718-956-1819

URL: www.alewife.beer

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd.

URL: socratessculpturepark.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27 Event Title: Paint Night: Starry

MONDAY, OCT. 2

Night Over the Rhone

Event Title: Permission

Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

to Fail

Location: The Painting Place

Time: 10 p.m.

Phone: 212-799-0112

Location: Creek

Address: 31-21 31st St.

and the Cave

URL: thepaintplaceny.com

Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

URL: creeklic.com

Event Title: Organic Architecture Today: Mushroom

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

Bricks Workshop

Event Title: Trivia Night

Time: 1 p.m.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: MoMA PS1

Location: Alewife

Phone: 718-784-2084

Phone: 718-937-7494

Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave.

Address: 5-14 51st Ave.

URL: momaps1.org

URL: www.alewife.beer

JESSICA LANG DANCE

Free Open Rehearsal September 30

Walk in anytime between 10:30am – 3:00pm Frank Sinatra School of the Arts 35-12 35th Avenue, Astoria

“great ingenuity�

Photo: Christopher Jones

New York Times

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The New York Community Trust

JLD welcomes the Queens community into the studio for a behind-the-scenes look into a professional dance company. ,/Čƒ*,/"Čƒ&+#,/* 1&,+`Čƒ'"00& ) +$! + "a ,*ČƒtČƒ %,+"`ČƒÇ?Ç—ÇžaǙǜǗaǘÇ?ǜǞ

Quality Care And Compassion In a Neighborhood Setting

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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MIND + BODY

AonNEW SPIN Workout

Factory

BY HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @HAYLEYREE3

After some exciting changes and reconfiguring of space, Workout Factory reopened in a new location just steps from the LIC waterfront.

Owned by Martin Kerestes and Zhana Galijasevic, the husband and wife team behind Yoga Room LIC, Yoga Room Astoria and Pilates Works, Workout Factory opened the doors of its new expanded location to a full schedule of classes in July. The new move allowed the Pilates business to expand to its own facility, Pilates Works, at 1091 Jackson Ave. in LIC, and add a full lineup of spin classes to the WF location.

WF is introducing the Stages Indoor Cycling Bike and the accompanying stateof-the-art fitness technology to the western Queens fitness scene, and it produces a one-of-a-kind spinning experience.

Galijasevic gave me a thorough tutorial on the bike, and having been on many other spin bikes, I would easily pick this one every time. The bike itself is much sturdier than other indoor bikes: solid base, seat and handlebars with a very smooth rotation (no clicking!) and resis-

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SEPTEMBER 2017

tance adjustment. When set up properly, I felt like it was a part of me, which is fantastic for an instructor-led ride. Stages is a pioneer in cycling metrics in outdoor training and they have brought that expertise to the indoor cycling world. Instead of an estimated analysis of power output, Stages puts the meter directly on the pedal for a more exact reading.

Recognizing that not every spin aficionado is drawn to the same experience, Workout Factory offers two differing models of spin classes: Spin Flight and Spin Rhythm.

Spin Flight makes use of the Stages onscreen technology. The rider is able to maximize heart rate and intensity by riding through different color zones based on individualized power output. Members can track these metrics with their own accounts to watch their fitness progression.

SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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MIND + BODY

FOOD + DRINK

Spin Rhythm is a music-led class, creating a party atmosphere among the studio blacklights. Both classes are instructor led and are continually changed up for variety.

Though the introduction of spin is new to Workout Factory, visitors will find their trademark bootcamp-style studio workouts still at the center of their programming. A mix of resistance training and cardio make up the varied class offerings. Classes such as Row HIIT, WF Bootcamp, TRX Barre, TRX Strength and WF Jumpsweat incorporate hand weights, rebounders, rowers, bodyweight, step and TRX suspension.

I was blessed to experience one of WF’s strength/HIIT classes called TRX Strength.

Led by the lovely Lisa Williams, the class mixed bodyweight training, TRX suspension exercises and dumbbell accompanied circuits, keeping the members moving, challenged and happy.

The layout of the studio feeds into the organization of the classes quite well.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

And with Williams’ energetic and clarity of instruction, there was a natural flow from station to station without any lags in time or confusion among the participants.

It was a packed class and the attendees were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

I have always been a big fan of Galijasevic’s design aesthetic. Those who are familiar with her and her businesses know that she takes a super hands-on role in this area. The new location doesn’t disappoint. Sleek, open and functional, the space has her touch on every detail.

And the location could not be more suited. What was once a skeleton of a warehouse is now another resource for a western Queens neighborhood that is growing by leaps and bounds.

Stop by and give it a try! The Workout Factory is currently running a grand reopening sale with several packages detailed on their website at wfnyc.com.

Photos: Marie Torio/BORO

WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 46TH AVE. LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 718-392-2797 WFNYC.COM SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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MIND + BODY

GOING THE DISTANCE Lifelong Astorian runs for charity

BY HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @HAYLEYREE3

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SEPTEMBER 2017

B

orn and raised in Astoria, Bernardo Cano is a true reflection of our close-knit neighborhood.

Schooled at Most Precious Blood, I.S. 10, LIC High School and LaGuardia Community College, western Queens is in his heart and soul. Strong and athletic, he got into boxing, jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai to channel his energy and keep him out of trouble at a young age.

At around 20 years old, his training became something that he started taking seriously, the frequency of the workouts increased, and MMA became his career.

“I always enjoyed the sport, but when I found out I was going to be a father, I retired and decided to move into the family business,” Cano said. “As a construction worker, I have more structure, a steady income and a chance to provide a better life for my daughter.”

Cano soon found that he missed the tough training of his previous career and began to search for an alternate outlet. A cousin’s husband had completed the NYC Marathon, and Cano had long had the marathon on his list of personal goals.

When he had the opportunity to run for the charity enCourage Kids, which aims to ease the stress of childhood health issues and medical treatment by creating easy going and entertaining in-hospital, offsite and at-home events/experiences, he jumped at the chance.

“Last year I was presented with the opportunity to participate with the charity enCourage Kids,” he said. “I thought to myself, not only will I be able to cross something off my bucket list, but I will also be able to help kids while doing so.”

In July 2016, Cano reached out for assistance with long distance running. As an MMA fighter, quick-paced, shorter distance training is common to simulate cardio demands of a fight. However, you're not going to sprint a marathon. He didn't know how to maintain a steady pace to run a mile.

“Running is a sport I never respected until last year,” Cano said. “My body didn't know how to react after 8 miles, and I was really sore, yet I was eager to learn. I’m very persistent in accomplishing a goal, especially if it challenges me. I threw myself into marathon training.”

After months of training, on Nov. 6, 2016, he completed the New York City Marathon and caught the running bug.

“I didn’t want to wait until next November, so I went marathon hunting and in January

2017, I did my second marathon in Miami,” he explained. “That wasn't enough, so I set my sights on three full marathons in six months.”

Cano accomplished that goal when he completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon marathon in April. Not one to back down when another opportunity presents itself, he completed the New York City Triathlon and, two weeks later, the Atlantic City Triathlon.

What started as a singular goal has now led him to sign up for the Ironman in October 2017 in Miami. It consists of a 1.2mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile half marathon.

Cano considers his connection with enCourage Kids Foundation a driving force behind his journey as a distance athlete. It is a very hands-on charity experience.

“Running on behalf of enCourage Kids has its perks,” Cano said. “As a runner, we not only raise funds for the charity, but we get the chance to volunteer time to spend with the children. The organization hosts events and programs for the kids, and we have a chance to interact with the children and their families, play with them, and enjoy the day.”

Meeting these children face-to-face has made an impact on Cano.

“Even though these children have certain obstacles in front them, they're

SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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MIND + BODY Photos courtesy of Bernardo Cano

Be

24

still children and they deserve a life like any other child,” he said.

“As adults, we have to do everything in our power to protect our children’s innocence.

Whether it be a battle with cancer or a mental challenge, enCourage Kids is there to help them get through it. I incorporate their strength and courage as part of my life and everyday living.”

Ever been curious about the training schedule involved in marathon/triathlon prep?

Cano gave me a peek into his training world.

“Most days, I wake up at 4 a.m. to be at work at 7 a.m. I work construction, which is physically demanding, so in some way they're basically paying me to work out,” he said. “Believe it or not, my job helps me with my training.”

Cano does the 3, 5, 7 method, which he explains below: “Monday, I run 3 miles.

“Tuesday, I bike 15 to 25 miles and swim 1,000 meters.

“Wednesday, I run 5 miles.

“Thursday, I bike 15 to 25 bike miles and swim 1,000 meters.

“Friday, I run 7 miles.

“Saturday, I would do my long run.

Depending on how my body feels, it ends up being 10 miles and higher. One Saturday I would do 13, 18 another Saturday but never exceeding 20 miles.”

As one can assume, all that training does require fuel. Cano considers himself quite the foodie and is fond of quite a few local haunts.

“I love how Astoria has grown into a destination neighborhood,” he said. “It’s so diverse and has changed so much over the last 30 years. We are definitely a huge food town.”

SEPTEMBER 2017

Some of his favorite local spots are Trestle on Broadway, Las Catrinas on Broadway and Blend Astoria on 30th Avenue.

And because you can never truly take the fight out of the fighter, Cano confessed that though his cage days are behind him, you can find him keeping those MMA skills sharp at Pure Heart Training on Steinway, Sitan Gym on Steinway, and CrossFit Dynamix on 20th Avenue.

To donate to enCourage Kids, search “bernardocano1” on crowdrise.com, and you can find Cano’s fundraising page.

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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

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ASTOR ROOM (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com

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BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.com

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

8 35

176 11 159

12 231 12

181 112 19

13 125 220

BURGER GARAGE (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave., LIC www.theburgergarage.com BUTCHER BAR (C,2) 718-606-8140 37-08 30th Ave., Astoria www.ButcherBar.com CRESCENT GRILL (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com DIWINE (C,2) 718-777-1355 41-15 31st Ave., Astoria www.diwineonline.com DUTCH KILLS CENTRAAL (B,3) 718-606-8651 38-40 29th St., Long Island City www.dutchkillscentraal.com FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria FRESCO'S CANTINA 12-14 31st Avenue Astoria, NY 11106 347-808-7338 www.frescoscantina.com HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com IL BAMBINO (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave., Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com JUUZ.ME Handcrafted Cocktail Bar 718-606-1391 19-23 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.juuz.me LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT LOUNGE (C,2) 38-01 Broadway, Astoria 718-777-1707 www.lasmargaritasny.com MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com

169

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

170

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

18

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

191 3

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

133

148

MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com

182

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

213

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

150

20 45 61 22

74 183 24

194

OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com PENTHOUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

28

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

55

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

227

T-SWIRlL CREPE 917-832-6815 36-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.t-swirlcrepe.com

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

124

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

29

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

108 32 14

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

BAKERIES 115

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

33

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

34 138 139

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com

189

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

223

54

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

224

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

196

218

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

95

40

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

230

NYC PET SERVICES 31-21 31St. Astoria, NY 11106 718-350-1635 www.nycpetservices.org

233

POOCHES SPORT & SPA 718-391-0800 47-31 Center Blvd.

Long Island City, NY www.poochesspa.com

75

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

121

180 57 206

160

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

195

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

44 137

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

62

211

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

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

175

167

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

168

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

64

178

65

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

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

119

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

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

177

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

209

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

129

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

38

SHOPS

21

122

130

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

143

59

FLORISTS

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com BABYNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728 26-16 23rd Ave., Astoria www.babynoir.net

157

SERVICES

WINES & SPIRITS

187

174

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

27

SEPTEMBER 2017

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

FOOD SHOPS

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

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

56

201

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

36

184

198

39

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

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

PETS

90

37

THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com

31

228

NOMAD CYCLE LLC 718-786-5600 36-58 37th St. Astoria www.nomadcycle.com

161

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

219

POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria

51

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

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

THE BONNIE 718-274-2105 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria www.thebonnie.com

229

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

190

216

199

52

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com YAJAI (B,2) 718-956-9559 33-16 30th Ave., Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

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

26

200

207

186

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

114

49

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

77

50

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

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

45

134 66 17

147

NK

161 90 198 56 223 224

ENERGEA (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI DRIVING SCHOOL (C,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St. GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria www.gothamlasik.com HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYC 347-670-4376 Apple/Mac Computer Repair Specialist hero@iamhero.net | www.iamhero.net SAVIGNANO accountants & advisors 718-707-0955 47-46 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com 718-707-0295 41-18 Crescent St., LIC www.savignano-cpa.com

196

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

95

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

180

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

57

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

206

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

174

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

158 67

59

122

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

BEAUTY

195

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

188

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

TATTOO SHOPS

147

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

215

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

110

226

LUXY LADY 718-786-1880 10-17 Jackson Ave., LIC www.luxyladysalon.com

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

83

97

72

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

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

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

84

98

46

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

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

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

197

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

112

192

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

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

85

217

212

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

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

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

86

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

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

99

145

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

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

96

222

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

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

111

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

203

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

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

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

FITNESS

42

CLUB FITNESS (B,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria

88

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

165

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

214

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

100 128

EVENTS

66

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

82

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

HOTELS

149

131

157

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

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

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

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

134

94

146

120

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

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

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

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

175

45

SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

93

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

154

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

REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com

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

43

71

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

65

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

199

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

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

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

151

164

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

64

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

SPAS 81

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

62

73

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

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

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

166

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

156

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

142

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

80

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

225

WORKOUT FACTORY 5-25 47th Ave. LIC

79

PILATESWORKS 10-91A Jackson Ave., LIC

232

UNLIMITED BODY NY 27-18 23RD Avenue Astoria, NY 917-650-4369

REAL ESTATE 217 105 30

113 127

BEAUDOIN REALTY GROUP (A,4) 718-505-9220 78-27 37th Ave. #5, Jackson Heights www.beaudoinrealtor.com DOUGLAS ELLIMAN (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com

101 140 136 141 103

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

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

172

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

GOTHAM LASIK 718-440-3131 30-80 21st St., Astoria http://www.gothamlasik.com/

135

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

MOUNT SINAI QUEENS (B,2) 24 Emergency Care Primary Care & Specialty Physician 718-932-1000 25-10 30th Ave., LIC

221

ART

92

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

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org LIC SCHOOL OF BALLET (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St., Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

BANKING

104

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

102

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

27 27

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Photo credit Heather Cadarette

SCHOOL

OF ROCK

BY MARIE GRILLO

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SEPTEMBER 2017

YOURSANDMINEBAND.BANDCAMP.COM/ YOURSANDMINEBAND@GMAIL.COM

Photo credit Heather Cadarette

Yours & Mine Yours & Mine has a rock-driven, highenergy sound that is reminiscent of Oasis, if they were a “rockabilly” band. Frontman Gregory Baldwin got a chance to learn about the local music scene through its popular open mic nights.

“I started going to shows at LIC Bar, The Quays, Sek’end Sun, Irish Whiskey Bar and got a chance to know the local musicians around town,” Baldwin said. “It is by far the best music community I’ve ever been a part of.”

Proud of their influences, Yours & Mine creates an urgent sound that derives from the sum of their parts.

“We’re heavily influenced by college radio from the ‘80s and the ‘90s Brit-pop era. Bands like The Smiths, REM, The Replacements, Oasis,” Baldwin added.

The band members originally met in college at SUNY Purchase, but they only officially formed a few years ago.

“We started as a four-piece with me on guitar and vocals, Kris Hayes on bass, Wil Farr on guitar and Dan Wintersteen on drums,” Baldwin said. “Wil was an integral part in the recording of our EP, though he has since moved to Minneapolis. Now we play as a trio, which seems to translate just fine.”

After being asked what he has learned from the local music scene, Baldwin explained, “The first thing that comes to mind is to check your ego at the door. No one here is concerned about how cool you look holding a guitar. We want to play amazing music with and for our friends.”

Yours & Mine stands out by delivering the familiarity of the good old days and the anticipation of good times to come.

Photo credit Laura LaCara

September is a month where new things begin, school starts up again and we take the time to look at what we have learned over the summer months.

I continue to learn about and listen to great bands around the western Queens music scene, and each band I uncover leads me to more great music. Here are a few bands to start off your season of rock:

Photo by Lee Rayment Photography

Norwood Photo by Nonlinear Knitting

The “acoustic rock” of Norwood is an infectious “modern folk” take on the typical folk music sound.

With relatable, nuanced lyrics, and a strong violin element, eponymous frontman Chris Norwood explained their sound: “It’s got the rough-around-theedges quality of folk music with the intensity and focus of rock music. If the band’s sound is a Hostess cupcake, the folk and rock parts are the actual cake. Then I liken adding the violin as the graceful ribbon of cream running up the center.”

Norwood is the band’s lyricist, singer and lead guitar player, and his pretty and poetic songs come with strong, positive messages.

Photo by Miguel Hernandez

“This band is all about encouraging folks to not be afraid or ashamed of who they are,” he explained. “I write songs as gifts for people. So I try not to muddy the words up at live shows, and the music that the rest of the band makes to accompany those words is always written to serve the message. We play really well together, which is more uncommon than you might think.”

Norwood began playing music in the Astoria music scene the old-fashioned way, through open mic nights at the usual suspects, beginning at The Quays in 2015.

“No matter what you’re making, the people here [in Astoria] will come see you do it and cheer you on the whole way,” he said. “And I’m sure we inspire each other in ways we don’t even notice. Having an artistic community like that makes everybody a little more ballsy, which is always a good thing.”

The band’s lineup consists of old friends and new ones.

“I’ve known Keith Michael Pinault (bass) and Hannah Fairchild (singer) through day jobs in NYC, and I met Max Maples (drums) and Hajnal Pivnick (violin) through mutual friends when I put a Facebook message out saying I was looking for collaborators,” he said. “What brought us all together are the songs. I’m pretty lucky in that way.”

Norwood said that he has learned to be fearless from being part of the Astoria music scene: “Don’t be afraid. Of anything,” he said.

“Fear is a completely useless thing. Be aware. Be prepared. But don’t be afraid.”

HTTP://WWW.CDBABY.COM/CD/ NORWOODNYC INSTAGRAM: @NORWOODBAND FACEBOOK PAGE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NORWOODTUNES

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Photo byTriantis Family

Photo by Wendi Gueorguie

Zoe Over Zero Zoe Over Zero is one of the most polished, “alternative rock” bands I have come across in the western Queens music scene. The band’s distinctive sound generates an experience that transcends the venues where they perform.

Andreas Karantzikos, songwriter and frontman of Zoe Over Zero, describes his band’s intentions as “expressing ourselves, by nakedly showing who we are

[and] what we feel,” and said that in Astoria, the band is embraced “for daring to show who we are.”

Combining a rock ‘n’ roll presence with intense vocals and absorbing rhythms, Zoe Over Zero is a puzzle that came together piece by piece.

“The lineup of Zoe Over Zero originally began with me and my cousin Panagiotis ‘Peter’ Sotiropoulos and closely thereafter, Luis ‘Louie’ Arichavala, who would fill our sound by accentuating the Photo by Manhattan Shade _ Glass

rhythm with his unique percussion and drums,” Karantzikos explained. “Two years later, I saw Phil DiFranco playing his left-handed bass. I asked him if he was interested in sitting in and playing bass with Zoe [and it was] one of the best decisions I made.” He fit in with the band, so “we had a drink and toasted to the future.”

Zoe Over Zero’s connection to Astoria is profound: “From the early years, growing up, we have been deeply rooted in the heart of Astoria,” explained drummer Arichavala. “Through our brotherhood, our passion in music has grown collectively throughout bittersweet times.”

The band has enjoyed playing at The Irish Whiskey Bar, Doyle’s Corner in “the early days,” The Quays, McCaffreys, Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden and on top of the hill in Astoria Park.

The band has recently suffered a small setback: their bass player, Astoria veteran Philip “Snake” DiFranco, fractured his leg.

But the band should be performanceready again soon, so look for their gigs at your favorite Astoria venues.

Karantzikos considers the entire Astoria music scene one big family: “Every musician in this town is an integral and eclectic being that manifests into this union, and, therefore, becomes eternal, becomes, without knowing, a family,” he said.

ZOEOVERZERO@GMAIL.COM AKARANTZIKOS@AOL.COM

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Space Jump Live

“We are looking to forward to playing at the LIC Beer Project, Joe’s Garage and newer venues that pop up around the neighborhood,” Finley said.

Finley’s approach to music mirrors his approach to life.

“I try to make everything unique and different every time to keep things interesting.”

Space Jump Live lives up to that goal, playing music that reaches your body and intellect.

HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ SPACEJUMPLIVE/ JUSTINPFINLEY@YAHOO.COM

Photo: Christo Casey

If you are looking for a progressive rock band with a punk edge you should look no further than Astoria’s own Space Jump Live.

With influences ranging from Joy Division and Pink Floyd to The Kinks, Space Jump Live creates textured and angst-fueled songs.

The band’s frontman and lyricist Justin Finley describes their sound as “psychedelic power pop” and to hear them, one would think the British Invasion happened in Queens.

The lineup ranges from five to seven members depending on the show’s instrumentation. John Keegan (lead guitarist) provides daring riffs that help create the psychedelic-infused rock.

“I had enjoyed writing songs for quite some time and I was out to find a songwriting partner and I saw John play and started working with him,” Finley explained. “We have been through many incarnations. Right now it is Keith Malonis on drums, Ali Derie on bass, John Keegan on guitar, [and] myself as the lyricist and singer.”

Although the band has a strong, cohesive sound, it varies a great deal from song to song.

“We want to be authentic and innate,” Finley said. “When we have an idea, we go with our gut. No one song really sounds the same in our cabinet. We are just trying to write a better song and continue to evolve musically.”

Finley was part of the Astoria music scene from the very beginning.

“I’m from the neighborhood,” he said.

“When I started the (now-defunct) band Bliminal in 2005, I was disappointed by the lack of venues in my neighborhood.”

In 2008, Finley and collaborators founded Astoria Music & Arts, which organized seven local music festivals in Astoria Park. Bliminal was one of the bands that performed there. His first band also started playing at local venues: “I went to the Shillelagh [Tavern] when they were having a punk night and I knew that the neighborhood should have this and I started booking at the Shillelagh then.

The Shillelagh Tavern are pioneers of the Astoria music scene.”

Although Space Jump Live loves to play at classic venues around Queens, they are also interested in trying newer venues.

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Sweet Magma

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Photo by Scryer Photography

HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ SWEETMAGMA/

Photo by Craig Gordon

Sweet Magma’s forceful, mood-inducing hard rock sound keeps alive the “metal head” days of “yore.” With their intricate guitar riffs, relentless rhythms and a vocal style reminiscent of Lemmy of Motörhead, Sweet Magma ignites the impassioned “head banger” in all of us.

Sweet Magma, which is often compared to Black Sabbath, plays "hard 'n' heavy rock 'n' roll," explained singer/bassist Nick Massios. “Each member brings in different influences, resulting in an overall hard rock metal sound with bluesy guitars and some jazz coming from the drumkit.”

Beginning as friends, each with long musical backgrounds, the members of Sweet Magma decided to join forces, creating a cohesive, locked in, powerful experience.

Joining Massios in the lineup are Matt O’Neill on guitars and vocals and Vasili Stertsios on the drums.

Sweet Magma’s primitive, complex trio is a permanent feature in the western Queens music scene.

“Our history goes back to the Legendary Tupelo bar but the current Magma lineup solidified in 2012, and we have been seen and heard regularly in places like Gussy’s Bar and The Shillelagh Tavern ever since,” explained Massios.

Sweet Magma has an jam-packed autumn schedule: the band will be playing in the Astoria Park skatepark (Saturday, Sept. 16), and it will debut its “Blackhead” project (a Black Sabbath and Motörhead tribute show) at The Letlove Inn (Thursday, Sept. 28). You can also find them at Desmond’s Tavern in Manhattan (Saturday, Oct. 7) and Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn (Friday, Oct. 27).

I will be sure to break out my old shredded “metal” T-shirt and Doc Martens and be ready for the “mosh” pit when I check out Sweet Magma.

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By KATRINA MEDOFF @KATRINAMEDOFF

W

@KATYA_M22

hen I first met Megan Sipe, she was selling her uniquely flavored chocolate truffles at Astoria Tiny Market, with a red hat sitting at a jaunty angle atop her head and wearing an apron, as if she were ready to whip up another batch of chocolates at any moment.

Like any self-respecting chocolate lover, I was drawn in by the free samples.

There's The Lady Grey, dark chocolate ganache infused with Earl Grey tea, rose, rosemary and lavender and enrobed in dark and milk chocolate; Jasmine, dark chocolate ganache infused with jasmine green tea enrobed in milk and dark chocolate; and many more.

The distinctive flavor combos of Sipe’s offerings would be enough to merit a write-up on their own, but her business, Chocolate Dances, does much more than just make and sell chocolate.

It’s also a dance company that creates interactive performances that include chocolate tastings.

Seriously — what pairing could be better than that?

Sipe has always been a dancer and choreographer, but chocolate-making started as a hobby.

“I wanted to make a show that incorporated food, and chocolate seemed like the perfect thing to do,” she said. “So I started bringing chocolate to rehearsals, and we would give it

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SEPTEMBER 2017

W

to the dancers and we would talk about what does this chocolate taste like, what kind of flavors do we imagine, and how can we create movement from that?”

Chocolate may have started as inspiration for the dancers, but luckily for audience members, Sipe decided to create a performance series in which chocolate tastings for the audience were incorporated into the shows.

“That seemed to make a natural connection between the audience and the performance,” Sipe said. “As I started to do that, the chocolate [business] started to grow, and people wanted to know where they could buy it. So the business model is to provide a revenue stream for making dance and supporting the arts.”

The chocolate is a sweet bonus.

Chocolate Dances is a sponsored project through Fractured Atlas, a nonprofit that provides business tools for artists, so it functions as a nonprofit. “It’s not about making

money; it’s about creating a sustainable dance community,” Sipe explained.

Between the chocolate sales, grants and private donations, Chocolate Dances is able to create not only performance opportunities for dancers, but also classes and workshops.

Sipe makes her chocolates locally, at the Entrepreneur Space (a program through the Queens Economic Development Corporation) in Long Island City. She’s been there since 2013, right around the time she formed Chocolate Dances and held her first show with chocolate tastings.

Entrepreneur Space is one of the few kitchen incubators with a temperaturecontrolled space, Sipe said, and keeping a consistent temperature is very important when making chocolate. She rents out kitchen space by the eight-hour shift, and she’s always surrounded by other local makers.

“Sometimes when I go in there, there’s a bakery room so there will be people making bread, barbecue sauce, tempeh,” she said. “There’s a woman who presses her own oils from different seeds.”

Although Sipe lives in Washington Heights, she’s happy to have found the Queens community.

“The Entrepreneur Space has been really great and really supportive. Pretty much everyone is based in Queens and close by,” she said. “Entrepreneur space, since it’s connected to QEDC, provides a lot of SEPTEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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

business coaching for free. As an artist/ creative person, I had a big learning curve about how to run a business, so that’s been a really great resource.”

She’s also made a lot of connections with Queens artists and entrepreneurs through working in Long Island City.

The other women behind Astoria Tiny Market found Sipe through Entrepreneur Space when they were looking for a chocolatier, so Sipe became one of the founding members of the market, and she said that these “strong women entrepreneurs and artists” really support one another.

You can also find Sipe’s confections at Rockaway Brewing Company in Long Island City, which hosts food vendors on weekends, she said.

Chocolate Dances’ next performance, “The Chocolate Dances Costume Party Tasting Performance,” will be held at Triskelion Arts in the Muriel Schulman Theater (106 Calyer St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn), so you’ll have to brave the G train to get there, but the unique experience (and the sugar rush) will make the commute worth your while. The contemporary dance theater piece features actors, dancers, performance artists and live musicians — and, of course, chocolate.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

It begins with a “chocoholics anonymous” meeting, during which the characters are trying to remove chocolate from their lives.

You can imagine how that works out.

The whole performance is a chocolate tasting, so you’ll be able to taste chocolate in different forms from cocoa beans to discs of chocolate to the aforementioned truffles. Yes, it is a costume party, so come in costume or borrow one once you get there. The show will be held on two nights only, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 14, so snap up your tickets ASAP. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchased at chocolatedances.com.

Photos courtesy of Megan Sipe

Be prepared for an experience you’ve never had before: “What I’ve found is that [chocolate tasting] creates a very natural form of interaction between the performers and the audience. Chocolate has a tendency to make people feel silly and happy, and when you give people chocolate, they will do anything,” Sipe said, laughing.

If you don’t normally like audience participation, don’t worry; Sipe isn’t usually a fan of it, either.

“Chocolate makes people engage in a very natural way,” she promised. “I hate going to shows where it’s like, ‘It’s time for the audience participation.’ Chocolate gets them engaged in a way that feels very natural and fun.”

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INTERIOR DESIGN

JURASSIC ART

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SEPTEMBER 2017

BY RUTHIE DARLING @RUTHIEDARLING

W

hen you are living in a spacious studio apartment in Astoria, who better to share it with that a 5-foot dinosaur?

Eric Fensterheim, a designer at Etsy, demonstrated his artistic promise at 5 years old when he painted the flame-breathing beast that now adorns almost all of his kitchen wall.

“It was a science fair project when I was in kindergarten,” Fensterheim explained.

“I painted it in my driveway in New Jersey.

When I created this, I did actually think that dinosaurs breathed fire. When I finished the project and found out that they in fact did not breathe fire, I was very disappointed, as you can imagine.”

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Fensterheim, 30, has lived in his Astoria studio for a little over two years and has furnished his apartment with an eclectic mix of dinosaurs and art. Not a traditional combination, but one that seems to work. Fensterheim went to school at Northeastern University in Boston and then came to New York.

After briefly working at The New York Times (“I was the bad guy, designing web-

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SEPTEMBER 2017

site pop-ups,” he said), he began work for the online store Etsy, helping to design their website. The Etsy offices are located in Dumbo, a long commute for Fensterheim, but one that only increases his love for Astoria as he returns home to it each evening.

“I love living in Astoria," Fensterheim told me. “I have lots of great friends in the area, two of whom I’ve known since childhood; we just

Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

all ended up here. Astoria has everything: all ages, all races, all kinds of food, and it feels safe. I plan on staying here for as long as I can.”

The main room in Fensterheim’s apartment is the living room, which also serves as his bedroom. Above the bed is a Russian Orthodox-style painting which was left to him by one of his grandmothers.

“I think it was painted in Lebanon, though it could be Russian,” he mused.

Below it is the bed, creating a cosy nook in the room. The sofa is decorated with colorful Aztec-printed cushions, and opposite that is an entertainment center that Fensterheim has pieced together over his time spent living in the apartment. Two copper-accented speakers frame the television and turntable.

“My neighbor Alex masters records for

a living, and he came over and helped me pick out the speakers,” Fensterheim said.

I asked Fensterheim if he frequently blasts his music and throws parties.

“Thats the thing,” he replied, “I don’t. I literally do not ever enjoy listening to music, because I get so anxious. I had a vision that I would sit on my couch and light candles and listen to music, but it just doesn’t happen. They’re too loud!”

Fensterheim could certainly not be accused of being an inconsiderate neighbor!

Above the sofa on the wall hangs three prints.

“They are by the artist Andrew DeGraff, a Maine-based illustrator,” Fensterheim said.

“Each piece is based on the journey a character takes in Star Wars.”

Another piece that caught my eye was a painting sitting on Fensterheim’s desk.

“My grandma painted it,” he told me.

It seems clear where the artist streak comes from.

As we were concluding the interview, we sat down and Fensterheim lit two aromatic candles.

“Oh hey, these I bought from Etsy,” he said. “Actually, the woman who makes them lives here in Astoria.”

Apparently there is nothing you can’t find here in Astoria: candles, the best paninis in New York (“You have to try Il Bambino,” Fensterheim said) and, of course, a 5-foot, fire-breathing dinosaur, lovingly preserved in the kitchen. Best place for her, I'd say...clever girl.

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“W

hen I travel, I don’t book a hotel. I book a car.”

Henry Mendez is sitting across the table from me at Steinway Street’s newest offering, La Vecina, and explaining his explorer’s approach to seeing the world. He’s a lifelong entrepreneur, a born traveler and an insatiably curious person.

“There was one woman I met in Colombia who stayed with me,” he said. “She invited me into her house and just cooked for us. I’ll never forget it.”

He’s referring to the namesake of La Vecina, or “the neighbor,” a woman he met while traveling through South America who insisted he come to her home and eat at her table with her family. Until that moment, Mendez brought profits to other people. From then on, he had to bring the

neighborly spirit of La Vecina to his home borough of Queens (being raised in Jackson Heights himself), and when this real estate opened up, he jumped on it within the day.

Mendez, a former business banker turned purveyor of arepas (fried corn or flour pancakes with ingredients in or on top of them), has poured everything he has into this place. This first foray into the vecina spirit definitely feels South American, from the upholstery to the art to the enormous colorful splash of the continent splayed across the wall at the front of the restaurant.

But it’s most apparent in his menu, a personally curated trip through Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela and more that he spent weeks perfecting in conjunction with his chef. As Mendez said, “We’re in Astoria.

We’ve got to come with flavor.”

First out of the kitchen was Mendez’s yucca croquettes, a light, punchy, tangy yucca root fried and served with a lemon garlic dipping sauce. The panko crust was delightfully crunchy and gave way to a meaty, almost potato-like interior that soaked in the sauce.

Next was a sweet plantain served with queso fresco and Parmesan cheese, and while it was certainly sweet, baking the plantain brought out a certain depth that I’ve only ever experienced when baking sweet things. The cheese was incredible — so much so that my sole complaint is that there wasn’t more of it. I had never considered pairing cheese and plantains, but damn if it didn’t work.

To round out the appetizers, Mendez brought out salchipapas, garlic fries with sliced hot dogs, cilantro and Parmesan cheese. While I’m certainly no stranger

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FOOD + DRINK to hot dogs and fries, this came together beautifully. Along with its creamy, spicy sauce, this would make for excellent latenight fare.

I had a passion fruit juice that felt more like a milkshake than a juice to cleanse my palette, but the heat and my walk out to the shop earned me a little extra calories, so I wasn’t too upset about it. Besides, it was time to make room for the main courses.

Mendez’s chicarron special was out next, avocado and chicken on sweet, spongy arepas. The chicken, soft on the inside with a thick skin, paired nicely with the tangy slaw, and the green sauce helped pull it all together.

Portobello mushroom on a white arepa was out next, and I have to say, I was truly

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surprised by it. Not just the robustness of the mushroom, though portobellos will never cease to amaze me, but by the unexpected sweetness of the thing. Elements of General Tso’s chicken came off this ‘shroom along with savory notes of mustard. I didn’t see it coming, but I didn’t say no to it when

it arrived, either. It paired great with the white arepa.

Next was the ropa vieja, a pulled beef arepa that was easily my favorite of the night. Savory beef marinated for hours mixed with sweet plantains over garlic spinach topped with pico de gallo, and the green sauce from the chicarron really stood out here.

Finally, we rounded out our night with sweet potato croquettes, lovely little fried potato balls that were soft and filling, a refreshingly different take on fried potatoes.

Thought La Vecina has been open since July 15, Mendez is only getting started.

He’s spent weeks getting every single one of his recipes right and claims to have recipes for 15 more arepas ready to go. When I asked him what’s next, he said he envisions a La Vecina in every borough in the city.

When I asked why, he just shrugged.

“She’s the neighbor. She moves in wherever she can.”

Photos: Bridget Kenny/BORO

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LIC Flea kicks off its fall season

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ave you ever wanted to tour local breweries but never have the time? Well now you can do just that at LIC Flea!

On Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15, LIC Flea & Food will be hosting its second annual Queens Beer Festival.

The unlimited beer tasting event will offer you an amazing assortment of beer curated by an industry expert. You will be able to grab a taste from every Queens-based brewery along with a curated selection of brews from Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island.

Rockaway Brewing Company is just one of the brews that will be on tap for your tasting pleasure. They handcraft every batch at their Long Island City brewery with the same fresh ingredients. Local favorite Queens Beer crafts great brews for the “World's Borough.” Included in their selection is Queens Lager, an American lager, dry-hopped with Summit, Chinook and UK Pilgrim.

Once you've had your fill of Queens beer, skip on over to Brooklyn where Coney Island Brewing Company brews craft SEPTEMBER 2017

beer that captures the spirit, flavor and romance that is Coney Island. If your taste buds are in the mood for a fresh pale ale, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company has just what you need. Their Harbor Ale is a blended pale ale with a healthy base of barley and wheat malt for a subtle sweetness.

In addition, LIC Flea is also kicking off its fall season with an array of new vendors for you to shop! For global eats, try Japanese/ American fusion cuisine from Tojo Kitchen. Once you’ve had your fill, head on over to get something sweet from The Unique Foodie Witchery. They have delicious pies, cupcakes and cookies that are baked with a little bit of magic.

As always, the LIC Flea has plenty of unique vendors selling all kinds of vintage goods you won’t find anywhere else. Retropolitan NYC is inspired by the energy of the city, incorporating elements and styles from the past and recognizing the importance of the modern.

This lifestyle brand encourages others to bring out their dainty yet mighty sides.

Grab your tickets for this special event at www.licflea.com/special-events. BORO readers can use the code "BORO" for 20 percent off of the ticket cost. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City.