VOL 4:11 OCTOBER 2014
ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE
CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE
Inside the
GREAT DISCOUNTS
at the best spots in Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside
Astoria Art Festival pg 6
by Kaiser Kamal www.kaiserkamal.com
Creative Mind Hayrides and Pumpkins pg 18
A Journey to Nyack pg 22
Grasshopper Tacos pg 42
LIC FLEA & FOOD - EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY
2 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
COME CELEBRATE THE CHANGE OF THE SEASONS WITH AN EYEFUL OF GLORIOUS SIGHTS! DANDY WELLINGTON IS EXCITED TO PRESENT THE SKYLINE STRUT AT PENTHOUSE 808 EVERY WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER. WE'LL BE LETTING THE CLOTHES FALL WITH THE LEAVES IN AN ENTIRE MONTH DEVOTED TO CLASSIC BURLESQUE. THE HOT JAZZ SOUND OF DANDY WELLINGTON AND HIS BAND WILL SET THE MOOD WHILE A PARADE OF BURLESQUE BEAUTIES STRUT THEIR STUFF. LET US HELP YOU GET OVER THAT HUMP DAY SLUMP AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE GLOW OF MANHATTAN AND THE 59TH ST BRIDGE.
DANDY WELLINGTON
t u r t S e Skylin P R E SEN T S
OCTOBER 1ST
OCTOBER 22ND
PERLE NOIRE and GENIE ADAGIO
GAL FRIDAY and LICKITTY SPLIT
OCTOBER 8TH
OCTOBER 17TH
GIN MINSKY and IVORY FOX
CASSANDRA ROSEBEETLE and GIGI BONBON
Wednesday Nights In October!!! DINNER FROM 6PM - 11PM • LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 7PM - 10PM FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: 718-289-6118
8-08 QUEENS PLAZA SOUTH • L.I.C. • 11101 • PENTHOUSE808ROOFTOP.COM • FOLLOW US OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 3
BRADLEY HAWKS
Dear Western Queens, As the chill in the air strengthens, so does the creativity. While there is still plenty of time outdoors via the corn maze at The Queens County Farm, the addition of wine at the LIC Flea for weekend shoppers, and the final month of dining al fresco—October is the month we showcase the unique creative talents of our neighborhood. This month, we decided to dive into the mind of the entrepreneur. New York City harbors the quintessential culture for fostering new ideas and building new businesses. So we checked in with local chefs, designers, business owners, and artists to find out what truly makes them tick. This year’s Astoria Art Festival features over sixty talented artists, so be sure to check out the festivities and show your support. Julian Medina’s team also brings his cantina-style Mexican to Astoria, opening his first venture outside of Manhattan. It is my hope these stories will not only inform you, but inspire you to pursue your craziest dreams. Please share with us your own personal anecdotes, and send us any tips, comments, news, or events via Facebook. We look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the months ahead!
Gratefully yours, Bradley Hawks
editor-in-chief
Visiting Nyack
22
First Impressions of Tacuba
FEATURES
FEATURES
6 ARTS
38 FOOD
8 FOOD
42 CHARACTERS
Astoria Art Festival The Thirsty Koala
10 FOOD
What is a Pop-Up?
18 EXPLORE
Queens County Farm Museum
22 EXPLORE
Visiting Nyack
First Impressions of Tacuba DJ Select
46 BODY & SOUL
Inside The Queens Collective
52 EXPLORE Vespa
DEPARTMENTS
George Rallis of William Hallet
12 OCTOBER 2014 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS PAGE
Debut at The Knockdown Center
26 MAP IT DIRECTORY
Queens 88
28 MAP IT: ASTORIA, LIC & SUNNYSIDE MAP
24 CHARACTERS
32 BODY & SOUL 36 ARTS
38
Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of October in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.
Your go-to guide for Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and more
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 © 2014 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 | OCTOBER 2014
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OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 5
ARTS
3rd Annual
The Astoria Art Festival commences this week, and the third year of events is clearly set to surpass the previous festivals. This year features an art walk, a festival of bands, and over sixty artists showcasing their artwork at thirty-four venues throughout Astoria. BORO’s own Lizabeth Nieves is the brains behind this incredible celebration of the creative minds of our neighborhood. So of course we touched base with the talented photographer and writer to get the inside scoop. BORO: What is the Astoria Art Festival? Lizabeth Nieves: The Astoria Art Festival is a week-ish—we extended to nine days this year—Art Festival that showcases artists in Queens throughout the venues in Astoria. BORO: How many artists are participating this year? LN: sixty-three BORO: In how many venues can the art be seen? LN: thirty-four BORO: In what ways has the festival grown since its inception? LN: Since its inception, the festival has extended longer than a weekend, and has tripled in artists, venues, and volunteers. The artists are coming from a larger variety of neighborhoods, and the events have grown in size and variety. This year we are hosting our first art walk on Saturday October 18th with host Shaun Fletcher, and October 11th we are hosting an all day music festival with artists and vendors. BORO: What impact do you hope the festival is making? LN: My hope would be for the festival to reach every neighborhood in Queens as far as submissions and attendance. I would also 6 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
caitlin allen
love to see art on display year round at more venues in Astoria. BORO: Any newcomers we should keep our eyes on? LN: The art showcased this year I think has the greatest variety and talent thus far. My personal favorites are being showcased at the opening party at Front Toward Enemy on October 10th. Mario Savinon, Jardley Jean-Louis, Kaiser Kamal, Sean Hopkins and Sandra Vucicevic. BORO: What are a few venues that you could recommend for viewing art year round?
liz van buren
LN: Year round? Vesta, Pachanga Patterson, Astoria Park Wine and Spirits, Pop Bar, and Fatty’s are some of my favorites that consistently showcase local talent.
October 7: Pre Art Festival Show – Dennis Borowsky: New Print Exhibit at 6:30 p.m. Mars 34-21 34th Avenue, Astoria October 10: Opening Party at Front Toward Enemy. Starting at 9 p.m. with Live music by The Dialtones at 10:15 p.m. October 10: After party and Launch of Idlewild Magazine, Midnight at Mars 34-21 34th Ave, Astoria NY October 11: Vendors, Art and Live Music at Singlecut Brewery Starting at 2 p.m. 19-33 37th Street, Astoria NY Art By Louis Gasparro & Live Music from Ro Fino, Sean Wiggins, Side Saddle, Linda Draper, Lauren Hunt, Could Be Worse, Meghann Wright and The Wrongs, Beechers Fault, The Bone Chimes, Kayla and The Band, and The Green Gallows October 15: Brendan Carroll Exhibit at Queens Comfort at 7:00 p.m. 4009 30th Ave, Astoria NY with DJ and free donuts October 18: ART WALK – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. October 18: Photo Exhibit with live music from The Mess Arounds and The Concentrics at Olde Prague 28-48 31st Street, Astoria NY sandra vucivec
kelly franke
alacia stubbs
lori von klopp
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 7
FOOD
Three’s Company At The
Vegan Key Lime Tart
Most of Astoria knows The Thirsty Koala as a sunny restaurant serving authentic Australian dishes to delectable effect. Owners Christine Chellos, Alexandros Styponias, and Katherine Fuchs were just three close friends with a dream. One worked in finance, another as a bar manager, and the third as a fire chief—but they saw in one another the skills required to run a successful business. With a unique culinary angle and a file of family recipes, they launched The Thirsty Koala almost two years ago. As they prepare to launch their newest menu, the team took a minute to reflect on their first two years as a new business.
Jaffle
BORO: What were your careers prior to opening The Thirsty Koala? The Thirsty Koala: Technology for the financial services industry; front of the house/ restaurant management and mixology; paramedic and deputy chief in the New York City Fire Department—and the daughter and niece of restaurateurs. BORO: What inspired the idea to open a restaurant in the neighborhood? TTK: Christine and Kathy discussed and began planning an Australian food concept about ten years ago. It began with an Aussie pastry shop concept and then morphed into a restaurant concept. Alex came on board and the planning process for the restaurant began a few years ago. We opened in Astoria because we live here and love the area, and after doing a demographic study, it was one of the top areas for opening a restaurant. BORO: What traits do each of you contribute to help make TTK a success? TTK: Alex has the hospitality operational background and really knows how a restaurant runs, so his experience has been invaluable. Kathy is really good at experimenting in the kitchen and comes up with delicious, innovative, unique recipes. Christine is the Australian, and the face of the restaurant, and is always interacting with our customers. BORO: How would you describe the cuisine? TTK: Fresh, great quality, healthy, unprocessed food. This is really what Australian culture and food is all about. We use local, natural, and organic produce, breads, pastry, eggs, and dairy products. Our meats are grass-fed, free-range, hormone and antibiotic free. We make our own goat and farmer’s cheese using organic milk. Our seafood is fresh catch sourced from the New Fulton Fish Market. BORO: If you could offer a piece of advice to someone considering starting a restaurant, what would it be? TTK: Don’t rush into starting a restaurant, and do as much planning as you can. Be prepared for a lot of issues, and obstacles on a daily basis. Stay calm and flexible, and you will get to where you want to go. Most of all, know your customers and appreciate them on a daily basis, because without them you don›t have a business. We are very thankful that the Koala opens its doors on a daily basis, and we have people who come in and enjoy our food. It’s quite surreal to me personally to have seen this grow since we opened the doors. Another important lesson is making sure that you try to communicate, regardless of different opinions and ideas—and come together as a team to get to the end point. The Thirsty Koala 35-12 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 626-5430 www.thethirstykoala.com
8 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
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FOOD
Pop-Ups
as Test Markets Story By Bradley Hawks
In the restaurant industry, a pop-up is a temporary restaurant or supper club usually for a limited run, sometimes recurring. For example, a chef with a new restaurant idea might borrow the kitchen and dining room of an already existing restaurant, transforming it into a new concept for an exclusive evening. Pop-ups are highly effective means by which to give up-and-coming chefs exposure, seek investors for a new concept, or simply celebrate a holiday or festival. Examples in the neighborhood have included Wox and Lox at The Queens Kickshaw, The Sunday Night Dinner hosted by Tamara Reynolds, and the dumpling pop-up at Bear Restaurant. This month one of our favorite consulting chefs, Yair Lenchner, ran his own pop-up in the loft at Marketa— collaborating with pastry chef Cassie Rothman, formerly of Dovetail. So of course we attended, and then checked in afterwards to see how it all went. BORO: What inspired you to run a pop-up special dinner? Yair Lenchner: I come from a background of fine dining, having studied formally at the French Culinary Institute, and then working for JeanGeorges at The Mark and at his flagship at Columbus Circle for three years. This was an opportunity to flex some creative muscle and have fun making some more elevated food than Astoria is used to seeing. BORO: What were some of the unique challenges that were presented? YL: Astoria has very little formal fine dining. Credit to Michael Psilakis for making MP Taverna a new neighborhood staple and to Trattoria L’Incontro for lasting as long as they have at the level they are at. It’s a tough path to forge. The expected price points and food sophistication levels of the average Astoria diner were somewhat of a mystery to us. Our next event will be geared to that diner. More affordable, more casual, yet still elevated. BORO: How did you prepare the staff to make new dishes for just one service? YL: We had several meetings with the front and back of the house explaining the new structure. We had sample plates. I tried to relate new plates to dishes we had previously run as either menu items or as specials. A lot of the items I was planning on using I deliberately ran as specials so both the cooks and the waiters could get used to the idea of serving them. 10 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
Strawberry Semifreddo With Champagne Pearls And Ginger Bread
BORO: What would you have done the same? YL: Stretched the boundaries of what people have come to expect from the standard casual Astoria cafe. BORO: What would you do differently? YL: I think we need to identify our target audience more accurately, and cater to what they want. The waiters, line cooks, maitre D’s and other service staff who live in our neighborhood and work in Manhattan need to be properly catered to, properly marketed to, and then finally properly taken care of come the day of the event. BORO: What role did collaboration play in the dinner? YL: I worked very closely with Cassie on the dessert menu, though I will say, I haven’t a clue what I was doing. She can bake me under a table and then back over it. Frankly I just tasted and smiled. Credit her with the doughnuts and strawberry semi-freddo. I certainly couldn’t have pulled that off. As far as the rest of the menu, it was largely my own. I certainly cooked for and spoke with ownership before the plates were finalized, but by and large this was my baby. BORO: Will any of those dishes be appearing on the menu at Marketa? YL: Absolutely! You can already find the porcini and truffle pasta back on the menu after a six-month hiatus, as well as the Icelandic Cod on the Astoria Restaurant Week menu—and likely the a la carte menu for the winter as well. The others, I always keep the recipes for a later date. You know, just in case someone needs a deep fried poached egg with caviar, juniper, creme fraiche, and herb dust, I will be ready! Marketa 37-17 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 (347) 813-4437 www.marketanewyorkcity.com
Deep Fried Poached Egg With Caviar Herb Moss And Juniper
Nutella Doughnuts
Red Wine Glazed Short Rib with Goldbar Squash
HOLDING THE KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME! Call Michele Today! 347-678-7662
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OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 11
OCTOBER EVENTS Live Music - Matt Turk
ONGOING
www.rarbarlic.com www.turktunes.com
every Monday @ 4pm - 2am
10/2 @ 9pm - midnight
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave
10/5 @ 7PM-11PM
Sunday Night Jam at Olde Prague Tavern
Astoria is lucky to have Olde Prague Tavern as the site of it’s weekly Sunday Bluegrass Jam. Hosted by Dave McKeon and Mary Noecker of Moonshine Falls this friendly jam is open to all level of players. This exceptional sounding venue makes this a pleasure for all whether you come to play or to listen to the great music. FREE | Olde Prague Tavern 718-777-1690 | 28-48 31st Street, Astoria moonshinefallsbluegrass.com
Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events every Tuesday @ 9pm - 11pm RaRbar Comedy Show featuring some of the best up and coming comics FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave www.rarbarlic.com
All Night Happy Hour
every Wednesday @ 4pm - 2am
www.rarbarlic.com
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave
20% OFF every bottle of wine
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave
www.rarbarlic.com
Every Monday Night @ 9pm-11pm
Music Mondays
every Sunday @ 4pm - 2am
www.SWEETAFTONBAR.com
$10 BBQ & draft, $40=2 tapas & wine bottle, $55=4 tapas & wine bottle FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave
Sunday Tasting Menu
FREE | Sweet Afton 718-777-2570 | 30-09 34th Street
www.rarbarlic.com
10/6 @ 4pm - 2am
every Friday and Saturday @ 5PM-8PM
a special happy hour dedicated to all things beer and bacon FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave
LGC Wine & Liquors | 718-726-1555 | 43-20A Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
Beer & Bacon All Night Happy Hour
Wine/spirit tastings
www.rarbarlic.com
10/9 @ 9pm - midnight
Live Music - Ramblin’ Andy
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave www.rarbarlic.com www.ramblinandy.com
Oktoberfest @
10/13/14 @ 12:01pm
Oktoberfest Free Halloween workouts all day FREE | Tightan Fitness 718-274-1606 | 31-21 31 Street, Astoria www.tightan.com
10/16 @ 9pm - midnight
Live Music - The Ickies
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave www.rarbarlic.com www.theickies.com
Lost Dog NEW Music Ensemble
10/9 @ 8pm
October 20 – 24 @ Various TIMES
Sunnyside Restaurant Week
3 course dinner for $25 33 restaurants in Sunnyside! Please visit sunnysideshines.org for details. 718-606-1800 Take the 7 train to 46th Street/Bliss or 40th Street/Lowery
Michael Hersch
www.sunnysideshines.org
10/23 @ 9pm - midnight
Live Music - Bad Buka Acoustic
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave www.rarbarlic.com www.badbuka.com
10/30 @ 9pm - midnight
Live Music - Bliss Blood & Al Street
FREE | RaR bar - Rèst-âü-Ránt 718-729-9009 | corner of 30th St & 35th Ave www.rarbarlic.com www.blissblood.com
10/31 @ 11pm
Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball Ovelia Psistaria 718-721-7217 | 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-nyc.com
12 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
The Vanishing Pavilions (Suite)
Lost Dog presents pianist Jacob Rhodebeck in a Suite from composer Michael Hersch’s epic piano work The Vanishing Pavilions. Program will also include Abel Decaux’s late-impressionist masterpiece Clair De Lune. $20 advance/$25 at the door. $5 discount for students and seniors Trinity Lutheran Church | 917-300-8695 | 31-18 37th St, Astoria www.lostdognewmusic.org/
Justin H says “The service and food are a cut above anything else in the neighborhood” OPEN 7 DAYS — WE NOW DELIVER
Happy Hour
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from 11-4pm (Choice of) 2 hr Unlimited Select Drinks $15 with an entree or Enjoy $3 Champagne, Bellini, Mimosas and Bloody Mary. Monday 1/2 price bottle of wine under $50 Tuesday - Free Panna Cotta with Entree OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 13 35-03 Broadway | Astoria, NY 11106 | 718-545-3500 | www.portaliaNYC.com /PortaliaNYC
@gingerastoria 14 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
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Served at bar from 5pm – 7pm
718.721.1001 •
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COCKTAIL
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FREE Valet Parking
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 15
To save a life, press here. FREE CPR Training Class
Join us to learn from real EMTs how to save the life of someone needing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Speakers:
David Weissman, EMT, is a member of the New York City Fire Department who is certified by the American Heart Association. He is also a NYS certified Emergency Medical Technician with more than ten years of experience with the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Michael Koenke, EMT, is a member of the New York City Fire Department who is certified by the American Heart Association. He is also a NYS certified Emergency Medical Technician with more than ten years of experience with the FDNY Emergency Medical Service.
Next Class: December 9, 2014 6 pm Where: Church of the Redeemer 30-14 Crescent Street Astoria, 11102 Registration needed.
For more information, call 718-267-4333.
16 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
MSQ_CPR_Oct_Boro_092414.indd 1
www.mshq.org 9/24/14 4:19 PM
Crescent Grill
New American
Restaurant
Home of the Farm-to-Table Half-Price Happy Hour Half-price on ALL draft beers and select wines by the glass Half-price Happy Hour menu Seasonal drink specials And even a free ride?!
Lounge
Gallery
Fall Hours of Operation Dinner: Wed - Fri: 5p - 11p Sat - Sun: 6p - 11p Happy Hour: Weekdays from 5p - 7p Brunch: Sat - Sun: 11a - 4p
Visit Crescentgrill.com for more information
Crescentgrill.com | 38-40 Crescent Street, LIC NY 11101 | 718.729.4040 OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 17
EXPLORE
orchards in the Hudson Valley, or occasionally out to the island. That is until during a ‘nostalgic for a hay-ride’ chat, a friend looked at me sideways and said, “Girl, you live in Astoria. Why don’t you just go out to Queens County Farm?” A quick google search and tadah! Yep. A new tradition, close to home, even accessible by public transportation! Though the Queens County Farm Museum has year round programming, and is always a fun-filled visit, October starts a particularly busy and exciting time for the farm and its staff. Listed below are some of the fall highlights. I know that my friends and I will be there, lounging on a hayride, hot cider in hand. Don’t miss out! On Sunday, October 5th, the staff at Queens County Farm Museum is commemorating the beginning of autumn with their Annual Kick Off To Fall Celebration! Starting at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m., visitors to the farm will be enticed with a variety of treats for purchase—including Hudson Valley apples, fresh apple cider, fruit pies, and everyone’s favorite, donuts. On this day, there will be no gate admission. Come early to experience the festivities.
The October at the Queens County Farm Story By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER
The leaves are turning, the weather is getting brisk, and pumpkin spice everything has hit the shelves, counters, and menus of every shop in the neighborhood. It is officially autumn, my favorite season, and specifically October, which naturally evokes images of harvest time, Halloween, and cozy get-togethers with friends and family.
Growing up in the Midwest, fall traditions are strong, and as a child, my cousins, brothers and I would start the parent-pestering by mid-September. Can we build a bonfire? I want an apple cider slushie! When are we going to get pumpkins? Here’s a list of our favorite haunted houses! Will you drive
18 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
us to the corn maze? Scary movie marathon! No joke. I think that October brought more stress than backto-school preparations. Many, many years ago, when I first moved out east, my Autumn cravings were satiated by trips to the Poconos, farms in New Jersey,
Maybe you can’t imagine October without a proper Jack-o-lantern, or perhaps you are anxious to break out your recipe box? Well, October is Pumpkin month at the farm, and the Queens County Farm Pumpkin Patch is ripe with choices for your perfect gourd. Though pumpkin prices are based on size, there is no admission fee to explore the vines. The Patch is open Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October 26th. If you would like to purchase a pumpkin during the week, you can find a lovely selection at the Queens Country Farm Gift Shop. While you are at the farm, head on over to the always popular Amazing Maize Maze. Sponsored by ConEdison, this fall favorite will challenge your brain
as well as your sense of humor. This year, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem, the corn labyrinth features a beautiful star spangled design. The maze staff will start your journey with the prerequisite ‘stalk talk’ to teach you the ins and outs of finding your way though this 3-acre puzzle. The Maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for ages 4-11, and children under 3 are free. Groups of 10 or more will receive a $1 per ticket discount. Want a bit of an extra challenge? For two special Saturday evenings—October 4th and October 18th—the labyrinth will be open until 9 p.m. This unique Maze by Moonlight experience can be attempted by the light of the moon, or with a flashlight. What is October without a proper haunted attraction? Bring your little ghosts and goblins out to the farm for the Queens County
Farm Haunted House. Designed for children ages 6-12, this creepy evening of thrills and chills is fun for the whole family. Hayrides and fall favorite concessions will be available to purchase on site. This Halloween Haunted House will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 24th, 25th, and 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is just $4 per person. Interested in taking your children for a trick-or-treat adventure away from the city? The Queens
County Farm Children’s Fall Festival is a huge festival for children of all ages! This annual Halloween festival will take place on Sunday, October 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your costumed kiddos to the farm for games, bounce houses, costumed characters, food, pig races, pony rides, and more. There will be live country music, craft activities, and a Con Edison sponsored Ecology Learning Booth. Admission to the festival is $5 per person, or free with a farm
membership. For an additional fee, the Amazing Maize Maze, hayrides, animal experiences, and Haunted House will be accessible on this night. Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park, New York 11004-1129 (718) 347-3276 www.queensfarm.org
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 19
– a concept of quality and excellent food, in a space where people come together to enjoy the feel of real Italy in Astoria.
31-09 23rd Ave • Astoria • 347-612-4334 • ViaVai-NY.com
20 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
Established in 1948
Come On In and Experience Astoria’s Finest Wine and Liquor Establishment The year is 1948: “Kiss Me, Kate” the musical opens. Billy Crystal is born. Babe Ruth breathes his last breath. T.S. Eliot wins the Nobel Prize in Literature. Jack Battipaglia opens Grand Wine & Liquors. The circle of life continues.
718-728-2520 • 3005 31St St., Astoria, NY, 11102 • GrandLiquors.com
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 21
EXPLORE
Over Two
Bridges
Story & Photos By Lizabeth Nieves
What to Do
Visit the Edward Hopper House Art Center. The center was originally built by Hopper’s grandparents in 1858, and served as his primary residence until 1910. After his death, the community banded together and restored the house. There are pieces of his artwork throughout the home, and some original custom furniture. The art center rents out some of the bedrooms as artist studios throughout the year. Fans of Hopper’s work will enjoy the glimpse of history and seeing his artwork up close. 82 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960 www.edwardhopperhouse.org
What to See Over two bridges and twenty miles away sits a sleepy little town named Nyack. Their motto, Art and Soul on the Hudson, may seem a bit trite, but don’t let that deter you from the ideal day trip from Queens. Within miles of driving over the RFK Bridge with 22 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
the windows down, the air smells cleaner, the leaves have started to change, and Queens feels very far away. Recently, the town has been seen as Mapleton in the HBO series, The Leftovers, and also in the Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader film, The Skeleton Twins.
The village of Nyack takes up 1.6 miles, half of which is along the Hudson River. Stone Native American relics found along the Hudson reveal this was a favorite fishing spot back in the day. Wander through town down by the water and relax by beautiful views of mountains and the water. We stopped by the Nyack Municipal Marina,
which had enough foliage and sunbeams to fill an instagram feed. Nyack Beach State Park nysparks.com/parks/156/details.aspx
Where to Eat
Any food lover with a sugar tooth knows that dessert comes before a good meal, so on our way into town we stopped at Pie Lady and Son. Around for 18 years, they just expanded their shop to have separate baking premises. We legitimately sat on a flower-filled porch, with an iced pitcher of sun tea and ate some of the best pie slices I have ever had. Between the small town, eating peach walnut pie, and staring at the house with the giant American flag on it felt like true Americana. That is until the bee that chased us off the porch took his space back. Pie Lady 366 N. Highland www.pielady.com
All of the photo taking and fantasizing about living in the suburbs left me a bit famished for something savory, so we decided to try Turiello’s Pizza. Familyowned since 1967, they even make their
own bottled sodas. Black cherry? Yes, please. The pizza was amazing and true to its Brooklyn heritage. Turiello’s 76 Main Street www.turiellospizza.com
Nyack is a lovely day trip that is accessible by car, train or bus. Buses are available from Port Authority, and Metro north runs out of nearby Tarrytown. The drive up—depending on traffic—is pretty and quick—though a car is unnecessary, as Nyack is small, and everything is within walking distance. OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 23
CHARACTERS
The Big Picture at William Hallet Interview & Photo By Lizabeth Nieves
“True story, I became a chef because it was kind of forced on me. It was the summer of ‘84 or ‘86 and my parents sent my two older brothers to camp in Greece. I was too young to go, so they kept me in New York, and they had me work in my uncle’s restaurant to occupy my time. My uncle put me to work as a dishwasher at twelve years old. His cooks would show me how to be a prep cook. I remember vividly one guy showed me how to chop parsley using two knives. Obviously at twelve, you are quite impressed when someone can use two knives at the same time. I ended up being a host there. My uncle kept me on after I started school, helping out when it was needed. When I was in 9th grade I worked at a bagel shop serving people, three months later I was making bagels. In high school I worked at another cousin’s restaurant as a busboy. I was a product of my environment. I guess I was pushed into it. I don’t think you need college to be a chef. I never wanted to be anything else. I didn’t have any ambitions back then; I was one of those guys that were whatever. Whatever I’m put into I adapt into it and I do the best at it. Hell Gate Social came about in December 2005 when my brothers Konstantine, Greg, and I thought it would be a good idea to open something that wasn’t offered in Astoria. All you had were Irish bars and Greek cafes. We wanted to offer art and music. We chose our location because it was one of the few neighborhoods at the time that offered a backyard.
I decided to go with a restaurant and my brothers didn’t want to expand, so I went on my own. The idea behind Hallet is a place where two people who are looking for two different things can find it. You can go to Hallet and have your whole experience in one space instead of bouncing around. In the beginning of owning Hallet it was the same as owning Hell Gate—a million interpretations of how things should get done. Eventually, my vision took over at Hallet—I wasn’t questioned, and I was allowed to do what was best for the business. Some of my greatest challenges being an entrepreneur in the community have been getting people to understand that quantity doesn’t equal quality. Also expensive is relative, and when people say they charge Manhattan prices, they really don’t know what they are talking about. My advice to anyone who wanted to open a restaurant in Astoria? Opening a restaurant is not always easy, it’s not always pleasant, and for at least the first year you aren’t going to have a social life. Very rarely do you have a hit off the bat. People don’t realize you aren’t going to get rich with owning one restaurant. You’re not going to live the dream off of one restaurant.
Eventually we sold the bar in 2014. Do I miss it? Well, I have a philosophy that when you get emotionally involved in a business it fails. Instead of letting go and moving on, you stick it out and you fail. William Hallet came about three years ago because I wanted to get back into cooking.
George Rallis is the Chef and Owner of William Hallet, Founder of the neighborhood Battle of the Bars, and one time contestant on Chopped. 24 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
Was it worth it? Long term, yes. If you look at it short term, you are going to fail. You have to look at the big picture.” 36-10 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 (718) 269-3443 www.williamhallet.com
Boro deals & discounts Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through October 31, 2014. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.
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MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS 115
2
alewife (a,4) 718-937-7494 5-14 51st Ave, LIC www.alewifequeens.com Aliada (b,2) 718-932-2240 29-19 Broadway, Astoria
144
alobar restaurant 347-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.alobarnyc.com
163
Antika Pizzeria & Restaurant (c,2) 718-545-0555 36-08 30th Ave, Astoria www.antikapizzeria .com
129 130
AREPAS CAFE 718-937-3835 33-07 36th Ave (B,2) 2119 Broadway (B,1) www.arepascafe.com
6
Astor room (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.astorroom.com
4
Bareburger (b,2) 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave, Astoria 718-204-7167 23-01 31 St, Astoria www.bareburger.com
105
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
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
26
Burger Club (b,2) 718-777-7788 32-02 30th Ave, Astoria www.burger-club.com
8
Burger Garage (B,3) 718-392-0424 25-36 Jackson Ave, LIC www.theburgergarage.com
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
Fatty’s (B,1) 718-267-7071 2501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.fattyscafenyc.com
181
Hibino LIC (A,4) 10-70 Jackson Ave, LIC 718-392-5190 www.hibino-lic.com
125
Honoo Grill & Noodle 33-06 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-606-0653 www.honoo33.com
24
Rèst-âü-Ránt (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.rarbarlic.com
112
Il Bambino (C,2) 718-626-0087 34-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com
91
S Prime Steak House (c,2) 718-707-0660 35-16 36th St, Astoria www.sprimenyc.com
161
ADEGA WINE & SPIRITS (B,1) 718-545-2525 31-25 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.adegawineandspirits.com
13
leng thai (b,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com
25
Sage General Store (b,4) 718-361-0707 24-20 Jackson Ave, LIC www.sagegeneralstore.com
36
Astoria Bier & Cheese (C,2) 718-545-5588 34-14 Broadway, Astoria
28
Shi (a,4) 347-242-2450 4720 Center Blvd, LIC www.eatdrinkshi.com
27
14
LIC Market (B,4) 718-361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LIC www.licmarket.com
Astoria Park Wine and Spirits (b,1) 28-07 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com
55
Skinny’s (a,4) 718-806-1068 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC
38
16
Linn (B,2) 718-204-0060 2913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com
Astoria wine and spirits (C,2) 718-545-9463 3412 Broadway, Astoria www.astoriawines.com
Locale (b,2) 718-729-9080 33-02 34th Ave, LIC www.localeastoria.com
153
Snowdonia Pub (B,2) 34-55 32nd St, Astoria 347-730-5783 www.snowdoniapub.com
187
86
Grand Wine and Liquor (B,2) 718-728-2520 30-05 31st St, Astoria www.grandwl.com
Stove Restaurant and Bar (C, 1) 718-956-0372 45-17 28th Ave, Astoria www.stoveastoria.com
40
169
Maizal Restaurant (B,2) 718-406-9431 32-07 34th Avenue, Astoria www.maizalrestaurant.com
LGC Wine & Liquors (B,1) 718-726-1555 43-20A Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
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
104
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
Apollo Gallery (C,2) 718-786-7590 34-10 36th Ave, Astoria
21
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
babyNOIR (B,1) 646-470-4728, 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net
45
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
Belief (B,1) 718-721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoria www.beliefnyc.com
186
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
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
54
City Vet (A,4) 718-433-1334 45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.cityvetnyc.com
133
148
Mojave Restaurant (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st Street, Astoria www.mojaveny.com
182
Nosh Borough (B,1) 25-17 Astoria Blvd, Astoria 347-746-5542 noshborough.com
150
20
OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th Street, 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
61
Ovelia (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave, Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com
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
118
29
108
32
william hallet (c,2) 718-269-3443 36-10 30th Ave, Astoria www.williamhallet.com 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
33 34 138 139
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
Portalia Ristorante (b,2) 718-545-3500 35-03 Broadway, Astoria www.portalianyc.com
74
Queens Comfort (c,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave, Astoria www.queenscomfort.com
39
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
RETRO PIZZA CAFE 41-02 Broadway, Astoria 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039
167
Yogurt La Crepe (B,1) 917-832-6930 29-02 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria www.yogurtlacrepe.com
26 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
SHOPS
PETS
BAKERIES
69
183
WINES & SPIRITS
FOOD SHOPS Food Cellar (A,4) 718-606-9786 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.foodcellarandco.com
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
168
Allinones Services (B,1) 718-267-5090 25-40 27th Street, Astoria www.allinoneservices.com
SERVICES
MAP IT DIRECTORY 114
178
Astoria 35 Laundry & Fine Dry Cleaning (B,2) 3505 34th St, Astoria 718-392-9692 Astoria35laundry.com
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
56
TATTOO SHOPS
Ark locksmith 24/7 Service (c,2) 718-932-LOCK (5625) 30-10 37th st, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com
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
147
158
67
Body Language Tattoo 347-808-0497 32-02 34th Ave, Astoria www.bltnyc.com FAT CAT Tattoo (B,2) 718-267-1326 31-32 31st Street, LIC www.fatcattattoos.com
164
Carl Clarke AesthetIques (B,2) 347-631-0922 32-12 Broadway, Astoria www.defineyourlook.com
71
Gigi Salon (c,2) 718 -777-7755 34-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.gigistylingstudio.com
131
The Face & Body Shop 718-204-9390 40-21 23rd Ave, Astoria www.thefaceandbodyshop.com
46
156
Tightan Gym 718-274-1606 31-21 31st St, Astoria www.tightan.com
92
Kaufman Astoria Studios (C,2) 718-706-5300 34-12 36th St, Astoria www.kaufmanastoria.com
Yoga Agora (B,2) 718-626-0680 33-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoria www.YogaAgora.com UFC Gym (C,2) 34-05 Steinway St, Astoria1 718-729-5269 www.ufcgym.com/astoria
113
Laguardia Performing Arts Center (C,3) 718-482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org
127
LIC School of Ballet (B,3) 718-781-1169 44-02 23rd St, Studio 216, LIC www.licsb.com
93
Museum of the Moving Image (c,2) 718-784-0077 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria www.movingimage.us Noguchi Museum (A,2) 718-204-7088 9-01 33rd Rd, Astoria www.noguchi.org
SPAS 151
HAPPY DaY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St, Astoria
94
81
Rejuvenate face and body (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave, Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com
149
188
Shade Organic Spa and Salon 36-05 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria 718-278-7892
NIGHTLIFE/BARS
Primp AND Tease SALON (a,4) 718-472-2001 5-02 50th Ave, LIC
82
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com
RedkEn SALOON Salon (c,2) 718-956-3366 36-17 30th Ave, Astoria www.redkensalon.com
83
Break (B,2) 718-777-5400 3204 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185
73
Super Nova Tattoos (c,1) 718-274-5712 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.supernovatattoo.com
BEAUTY
72
60
The Cotton Bride (B,3) 718-729-9878 F: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd Street, LIC www.thecottonbride.com
FITNESS
84
Brick Bar (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St, Astoria www.brickcafe.com
85
Domaine Wine Bar (A,4) 718-784-2350 50-04 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.domainewinebar.com
145
Katch Brewery & Grill (B,2) 718-777-2230 3119 Newtown Ave, Astoria, NY www.katchastoria.com
68
Laughing Devil (a,4) 347-913-3845 4738 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.laughingdevil.com
111
Mosaic Cafe and Lounge (B,1) 718-728-0708 25-19 24th Ave, Astoria www.mosaicnyc.net
58
Anthea Yoga & Healing Arts center (c,2) 718-606-0049 34-01 45th Street, Astoria www.antheacenter.com
154
Astoria Complex (c,2) 34-38 38th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 718-729-7163 www.ascsports1.com
Vardiman Eyewear (c,2) 718-204-5037 34-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com
120
CKO Kickboxing (C, 1) 347-669-0494 40-06 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.ckoastoria.com
43
Raven Head Public House (C,2) 718-777-7565 3804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com
Video Express (c,2) 718-626-0846 3408 30th Ave, Astoria
42
Club Fitness (b,2) 718-545-0004 31-11 Broadway, Astoria www.clubfitnessny.com
88
Studio Sq. Beer Garden (C,3) 718-383-1001 35-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com
175
Vespa Queens (b,3) 718-786-7772 37-43 Crescent Street, LIC www.vespaqueens.com
165
Crank Cycling Studio (a,4) 718-606-6309 4630 Center Blvd Long Island City, NY www.cranknyc.com
89
Sweet Afton (C,2) 718-777-2570 30-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com
157
Voice Music Studio (A,1) 23-11 21st Street Astoria, NY 11105 646-309-3429
CROSSFIT Dynamix Gym (C,1) 718-606-0381 36-05 20th Ave, Astoria www.dynamixgym.com
79
76
Tantra Lounge (b,2) 718-937-4574 35-50 31st St, Astoria www.tantraloungenyc.com
79
PNT Fitness (A,4) 347-396-5809 10-68 Jackson Ave, LIC www.pntfitness.com
59
122
62
63
RCN (A,3) Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services 212-842-7981 33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC www.rcn.com/boromag Tuck-It-Away Storage (B, 3) 718-519-8282 37-19 Crescent Street, Astoria www.tuckitaway.com
EVENTS 64
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FOUNDRY (a,3) 718-786-7776 42-38 9TH St, LIC www.thefoundry.info Renaissance Event Hall (A,1) 718-274-4590 27-34 21st St, Astoria www.renaissanceeventhall.com
HOTELS 134
Four Points Sheraton (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave, LIC, NY 11101 www.fourpoints.com
66
Ravel (a,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com
17
Z NYC Hotel (a,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com
166
142
78 126
80 136
The Rock Health & Fitness Club (B,1) 718-204-1400 22-15 31st Street Astoria, NY 11105 www.therockhealthandfitness.com Sage Studios 347-927-2439 29-20 23rd Ave, 4th Floor, Astoria www.sagefit.com/astoria-home Seek Fitness (B,1) 347-924-9004 27-18 23rd Ave, Astoria www.seek-fitness.com Simply Fit 347-639-0489 37-16 Astoria Blvd, Astoria www.simplyfitastoria.com The Yoga Room 718-274-0255 38-01 35th Ave, Astoria (C,2) 718-786-7962 10-14 47th Rd, LIC (A,4) www.the-yoga-room.com
ART 90
5 Pointz (B,4) 317-219-2685 45-46 Davis St, LIC www.5ptz.com
100
Astoria fine arts dance (c,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com
128
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
107
Carnegie Hall 212-247-7800 57th St and 7th Ave, NY www.carnegiehall.org
102
Flushing Town Hall 718-463-7700 x222 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org
QUEENS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS (C,2) 347-505-3010 37-11 35th Ave, Astoria Entrance on 37th Street www.queenscouncilarts.org
95
ReisStudios (A,3) “An international community of established & emerging artists” 718-570-3663 43-01 22nd St, LIC www.ReisStudios.com
146
RoGallery.com (C,3) 800-888-1063 or 718-937-0901 47-15 36th St, LIC - by appointment www.rogallery.com
110
SCULPTURECENTER (B,3) 718-361-1750 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpure-center.org
97
Socrates Sculpture Park (A,2) 718-626-1533 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria www.socratessculpturepark.org
98
Ten10 Studios (A,4) 917-449-9539 10-10 47th Rd, LIC www.ten10studios.com
112
the art house (c,2) 516-724-1562 31-06 35th St, Astoria www.gabrieleperici.com
96
The Secret Theatre (B,3) 718-392-0722 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.secrettheatre.com
99
UNDERPENNY (A,4) 917-517-1492 10-13 50th Ave, LIC
105
Beaudoin Realty Group (A,4) 718-505-9220 21-54 45th Ave, LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com
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douglas elliman (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd www.elliman.com
REAL ESTATE
101 140 141 103
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 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
WANT YOUR BUSINESS LISTED IN OUR DIRECTORY? 718.224.5863 ext. 206 Email: ADS@BOROmag.com
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 27
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OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 31
BODY & SOUL
Debut At the The Knockdown Center
^
^
Fusing Music, Dance, Theatre, and Art This month, experimental music harmonizes with contemporary dance, theater, and art a choreographer Emily Terndrup and filmmaker Derrick Belcham unveil a collaboration that is set to blow your mind. BORO met up with the two creative forces behind the Knockdown Center project known as Debut to get the inside story.
Hayley Bridgewater: Share with our readers the evolution of the Belcham/Terndrup collaboration. Emily Terndrup: We began collaborating with a series of music videos after meeting at a social engagement and finding similarities in our tastes and approach. Both videos were experimental shoots, but we connected aesthetically during the process and began discussing the idea of developed projects. This past spring, Derrick was approached by the Knockdown Center to create a series of music events for the space. He reached out to me and together we forged the idea for a new kind of show—a merging of independent music and dance that incorporates film and art installations. We saw a unique opportunity to create an event that challenges the format of a usual concert experience, to expose several different types of audiences to new genres.
32 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
Interview By Hayley Bridgewater
HB: This sounds like a piece in a much bigger picture for your artistic partnership. Do you have future plans in the works? ET: As far as future collaborations go, we have an ongoing plan to focus on films throughout the winter and then revisit the idea of live production in the seasons to follow. We have meaningfully designed the pieces to be staged in different buildings with different artists, and have an interest in taking the performances to countries around the world. The creation of interactive media surrounding the pieces is of interest as well, and we will be prototyping solutions during the upcoming residency at the Knockdown Center. We have found the partnership extremely rewarding thus far, and will continue to collaborate on work as long as that remains the case. HB: Tell us about the creation of Debut. ET: Our new work, Debut, has arisen immediately out of our previous project, The Wilder Papers. Honestly, in the bar after the show, we already had the seed of the idea that has become Debut. After spending time working out the minutia of The Wilder Papers’ narrative—
that of the disillusioned marriage artists—one a composer, the other a dancer—and telling the tale in parts through our ensemble of dancers, we felt that we wanted each artist in our next piece to have their own story to tell. We drew on our own experiences from high school and discussed perspectives surrounding those emotion-rich years—especially that personal connection you feel to music in your late teens—the sense of being swept away by a voice, a suspicion that you understand the song more deeply than anyone else, a belief that it holds some secret message for you. We wanted to explore the validity of each perspective in full through the eyes of our next protagonists. We explored films, music and literature concerning coming-of-age, metamorphosis, epiphany, and the arrow of time. We discussed the make up of our memories, some which were vivid, some murky. We farmed the saturated ideals of our teenage selves and what we remembered of the group dynamics that occurred within our inner circles of friends. Finally, we ruminated on the idea of ‘turning points’ in the minds of our young selves—moments that, as they happened seemed minor, but in hindsight, turned out to be pivotal.
October 7 - 9, 2014 Doors at 7:15 p.m. Performance at 7:45 p.m. The Knockdown Center 52-19 Flushing Ave, Maspeth, Queens With Debut, we’re creating a rich, reactive environment—a visual feast of film, dance, lighting, and art installations—scored by some of the most exciting musicians in the independent music scene. The Knockdown Center will be transformed in a way we didn’t explore with our last piece. With Debut, our narrative surfaces in bits and pieces, scraps of seven different perspectives on a single night, told through a convergence of experimental art that fills this incredibly unique space. You get to walk through the show, to explore and view the dancers from inches away— each one portraying the nostalgia, the apprehension, the complex surges of emotions associated with the rite of passage they are in the midst of. The show transforms the Knockdown Center and the participants in kind. They can expect dance, music, and film to merge and highlight each other in surprising and constantly evolving ways. They can expect a show unlike anything they’ve seen before. Some of the films we’ve released in the lead up to the show hint at the level of detail and experimentation that we’ve already explored in the lead up to our residency. More dispatches can be expected in the lead up to the shows. HB: How did you become associated with the Knockdown Center? Do you think that the Queens community will be receptive to your projects? Derrick Belcham: In March of 2014, I directed a video for Eddi Front in the Knockdown Center. When that piece was completed, I returned to discuss the possibility of filming in their unrenovated basement, and they pitched the idea of working on a music series with me. During the next few months, I would return to the space to film videos for various musicians and dancers. Each time I returned, we revisited the idea of the series, and I finally decided to pitch an idea.
Part of our intention is to expose the existing audience for independent music to an evening of choreography, and the existing audience for contemporary dance to an evening of experimental music. We’ve expanded our integration into the Center and the community with a 2-week residency leading up and public days on the weekends so everyone can see what we’re up to. Derrick Belcham is a Canadian filmmaker based out of Brooklyn, NY whose internationally-recognized work in vérité music documentary has lead him to work with such artists as Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Thurston Moore, Wilco and hundreds of others in music, dance, theater and architecture. He has created works in concert with such reputable institutions as MoMA PS1, MoCA, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Whitney Museum Of American Art, Musee D›Art Contemporain, The Philip Johnson Glass House, Brooklyn Academy of Music and The Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati. His work has appeared in publications such as The New
York Times, Vogue, Pitchfork, MTV, NPR and Rolling Stone as well as being screened at festival and retrospective in NYC, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo and beyond. He is a key member of the La Blogotheque filmmaking collective and was a co-recipient of a 2013 Graham Foundation grant for his work at the Philip Johnson Glass House. Emily Terndrup is a native of West Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated with a B.F.A. in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. As a performer and choreographer, her work has been presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as venues throughout Utah, Iowa, and Colorado. She was the recipient of Dance Teacher Magazine’s 2010 Outstanding Student Performer Award, and has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Gregory Dolbashian, Edgar Zendejas, Susan McLain, David Dorfman, Gallim Dance and Shannon Gillen + Guests. Emily has directed several music videos and is currently creating new work for stage and film, as well as performing in Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More. OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 33
753 Metropolitan Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 551-200-1382 erik@framesonl.com Located right at the “GRAHAM AVE” stop on the L train Tues, Wed, Thurs = 12-8pm
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Come visit us with your art and we’ll have some fun selecting mats and frames for it !! -- And check out the cool window displays :) 34 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
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EXPLORE BORO: When did you initially conceive Queens 88? Christina Prudenti: There was a point in 2008 when I was experimenting with linoleum print. I was carving out pieces of linoleum and printing them on paper, canvas, wood, fabric, whatever I could get my hands on. I started experimenting with t-shirts and screen-printing. I took some of my paintings, prints, and photographs, and painted screens to look like them—then started printing shirts. BORO: You are obviously an exceptionally talented artist—do you still create art other than what you sell at Queens 88? CP: Yes. I’m primarily a painter. I still paint, but now I incorporate my prints into my paintings. I don’t get to do this often because I’m always working with fabric, but it’s nice when I can. BORO: How old were you when you realized you had a talent for visual arts? CP: I was always making something growing up. In high school I was forced to pick a major—something art-related was the only thing I could see myself wanting to do. BORO: Do you collaborate with other artists? CP: Yes. I collaborate with other artists, writers, and bands. I have a few collaborative shirts with street artist, Chris, from Robots Will Kill. He’s a college buddy of mine and I’ve always been a huge fan of his work. I have a collaborative shirt with poet and fellow Astorian, Megan Dibello. I’m also working on a design with Queens graffiti artist, Louie Gasparro, artist Michael Murphy, and the band Pushmethod. I also have another designer joining my team—an old high school friend I met in art class. She goes by Noemi88. BORO: Where were you born? CP: Born and raised in Flushing, Queens
36 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
BORO: What influences from where you grew up can now be seen in your designs? CP: My designs tend to be very urban—a direct result of my surroundings—I use urban landscapes a lot—parking garages, no parking signs, bridges, smoke
Christina Prudenti is the artist and creative force behind Queens 88, a boutique design house for urban casual wear for men and women. Besides her own graffiti-influenced designs, she collaborates with other artists for a line that is distinctly urban, comfortable, accessible, and affordable. Her shirts have been seen on celebrities such as 50 Cent, and her designs are presently available online and at the LIC Flea. BORO touched base with this creative entrepreneur to find out a little more about her journey. stacks, cars, graffiti, etc. I think it’s also the way in which I make the shirt that gives it a gritty, urban feel. I try to make them very raw by screen-printing by hand, stenciling them, spray painting them, and painting directly onto the fabric. BORO: If you could give one piece of advice for someone starting out in fashion, what would it be? CP: I always saw myself and considered myself more of an artist than a fashion designer. I believe it’s the quality of the art that has gotten me to this point to be perfectly honest. Always know your talent and ability, and be confident. BORO: What do you envision for Queens 88 in the next few years? CP: Oh Jesus, I hope something good! BORO: How is marketing different now from when you started in 2008? CP: Social Media has seriously grown. It’s key for a business like mine. Social media and repetition. But the best form of advertising and marketing are people wearing my clothing. Every so often I’ll see someone on the street with one of my shirts or dresses and it’s pretty awesome! BORO: Can you describe your work in three adjectives? CP: Urban, Raw, Colorful
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OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 37
BODY & SOUL
Making it Happen at
QNS Collective
Earlier this spring, a rather special location opened up in the neighborhood—a birthplace for creativity, collaboration, and innovation. At QNS Collective, members of the community can rent spaces to nurture new ideas, and even grow new businesses. When you need more space than perhaps your apartment can offer, this is a fantastic, affordable alternative. With sun-drenched working space, free coffee, and free internet, QNS Collective is dedicated to helping make your dreams become a reality. From $25 daily access to a personal private office, there are several options in between. So we stopped by to see just how this new space works. BORO: When did you open? QNSC: March 2014 BORO: Who are the owners/founders? QNSC: Argentina Flores and David Sanders BORO: What inspired them to create this collaborative space? QNSC: Collaboration fuels innovation. That’s the guiding principle behind our mission at QNS Collective. Argentina Flores was a freelancer Graphic Artist and Web Developer working independently for over 12 years. Confronted with the limitations of space and tools needed to work as a creative professional from home, she set out to find a place to work and collaborate with others. Finding that there was no dedicated coworking space in her native borough, in 2012 Argentina made it her goal to launch the first. In 2013 QNS Collective was founded. David joined her in the vision. Together they saw, and felt, first-hand, the need for an inviting collaborative environment. BORO: What are the demographics of your first users? QNSC: Mostly millennials, however age is not a factor. Our member demographic is anyone looking to startup. If you ask our members what they do they would probably tell you they are primarily a freelancer but are also collaborating with a friend in a new startup or looking to launch a hobby as a full-time business.
BORO: Why do you think a space like this is important? QNSC: Coworking spaces support freelancers and small businesses, which we believe is the lifeblood of a local economy—especially in Queens. Before QNS Collective, you had to either rent an expensive executive suite with little collaboration potential, or work in a coffee shop, or travel further to sit in a massive and loud coworking space. We offer a professional environment while keeping the community focus. Our members have the flexibility to 38 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
interact with the community or have privacy when needed—for conference calls or client meetings, virtual or on premise.
BORO: What services do you provide? QNSC: We offer affordable and professional workspace on a month-tomonth basis where members make connections, get creative, build with like-minded independents and most important get work done. In addition to a collaborative work environment, we believe learning whenever possible is one of the hallmarks of success and fulfillment. QNS Collective seeks to offer workshops and courses in business, design, and technology; thereby creating a platform for community engagement and learning. BORO: What amenities are provided? QNSC: Strategically located at the intersection of the flourishing LIC neighborhood and the Kaufman-Astoria Arts District—the most artistically vibrant neighborhood in Western Queens. The space offers natural light via skylights, reception service, a communal kitchen with complimentary coffee from local Queens roasters, tea, and filtered water. Secure internet access with connections via WiFi and ethernet. Professional conference room and smaller meeting rooms. Lounge & Library area. BORO: What classes/special events can the public anticipate? QNSC: We host tech and lifestyle events to enrich both our member community and non-members—or future members, as we like to call them. It is just another way in which we are active in facilitating collaboration and innovation. Upcoming events will cover everything from learning Photoshop to learning how to quit your job and remain prosperous. We have social meetups like our Distilled Nation meetup for whiskey enthusiasts. We’re introducing self-publish workshops shortly. SEO, blogging, and business development events will be ongoing as well. BORO: Is there anything else you would like to share? QNSC: Like Queens, coworking spaces are melting pots. Synergies are created from the proximity and collaboration of like-minded people. We envision a dynamic space that is constantly being defined by its member community, where diverse skill sets and ways of seeing the world lead to ever more ambitious and extraordinary goals. 36-27 36th St, Long Island City, NY 11106 (718) 280-5122 www.qnscollective.com
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 39
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OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 41
FOOD
Hops Into Town Story & Images By Bradley Hawks
The 5 Napkin Burger may have been recently wiped off the menu at 35-01 36th Street, but it looks like its replacement—Tacuba— just might be able to reverse the curse of the expansive space in the heart of the Kaufman Astoria Arts District. Previous incarnations of the location have had a difficult time filling the 3,400 square foot dining room with a steady clientele, but that’s nothing a little tequila and some killer tacos can’t fix. Chef Julian Medina and the partners behind Coppelia, Yerba Buena, and Toloache have finally ventured out of Manhattan— and their first cantina off the main island has landed in Astoria, Queens. Throw in Head Mixologist, Artemio Vasquez—formerly of East Village hotspot Please Don’t Tell—and we couldn’t be more ready for this fiesta. Beverages range from a Michelada that boasts six peel and eat shrimp alongside your choice of draft cervesa mixed with fresh lime and hot sauce, to raspberry gimlets, mojitos, a hollowed pineapple floating with Fidencio Mezcal, jalapeño, cilantro, cucumber, agave, and fresh lime—and even a watermelon filled with jalapeno-infused margarita and St. Germain, packing enough punch to serve a party of four. The food is no less of a party than the bebidas, and you simply have to start with a choice of two empanadas for $7. These fritters are out of this world, and the chopped steak picadillo empanada features a hardboiled egg encased in a buttery pastry filled with savory beef and a piquant gravy. Huitlacoche—a protein-rich fungus that grows on corn and tastes similar to a
42 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
mushroom—blends with queso for a thick fondue that erupts from the pastry pouch. Crisp jicama, earthy beets, and pistachios are tossed with queso fresco in a tangy tamarind vinaigrette, and bowls of volcanic rock arrive filled with an aguachile of lobster and shrimp, cucumberlime agua, jalapeño, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Ceviche and cilantro-spiced shellfish abound in several varieties. Huevos dominate on the weekend brunch menu, and can be served with mole enchiladas and steak, over soft corn tortillas, or with Grand Marnier french toast. Dinner entrees feature fried snapper, a blend of fajitas, as well as a delicate chile relleno stuffed with quinoa, kale, mushrooms, and cheese. Plump shrimp are sautéed with Mexican chilies and served with a sweet watermelon BBQ sauce. Quesadillas are kissed with truffles. But the real feature at this cantina are the twofer tacos. Tortillas arrive loaded with succulent clumps of lobster and spicy aioli. Zucchini, corn, and crispy hibiscus flowers are heated up with jalapenos. Suckling pig, skirt steak, octopus, and even garlicky pineapple shrimp can fill these gourmet handfuls. But the taco to try for an authentic taste of Oaxacan culture that dates back to the mid-16th century is the one filled with crispy grasshoppers, guacamole, jalapeños, tomatillo salsa, onion, and cilantro. These little guys pack a bombastic crunch that can be initially shocking to the unfamiliar palate, but after two or three bites you will soon see how men and women can snack on these by the handful—almost like a hollow, salted pistachio.
would be anything less than enjoyable being served at this winning new taqueria. The service was equally impressive. Our bilingual server knew the menu and the history of some lesser-known ingredients, made great recommendations, and shared a contagious sense of humor. Check out Tacuba soon, while you can still grab a table. Desserts are delicious takes on Mexican classics, from flan to churros. Highly recommended is the tres leches cake, which arrives like a sculpture of giant cake crumbles soaked with sweetened milk, diced mangos, and strawberry ice cream. In fact, I can’t imagine there
Tacuba 35-01 36 Street, Astoria, NY 11106 (718) 786-2727 www.tacubanyc.com
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 43
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CHARACTERS
One Very Select Sunday Brunch DJ Story By Michael Stahl
Before the masses commiserate for hours in front of Queens Comfort on 30th Avenue and Steinway Street, anxiously awaiting their turn to enjoy a BYOB Sunday brunch among HeMan toys, wrestler dolls and framed kid photos of regulars, all somehow jealously peering at patrons’ pulled pork breakfast sandwiches and artful benedict plates, DJ Rob Select unloads four milk crates stuffed with records from the back of his old, gray minivan. He’s tired. Last night he got home at 5am. His long hair is still wet from the quick shower he took after getting just a couple hours of sleep. He says goodbye to his wife Alexandra who drives the car back to their East Elmhurst home and he readies himself for six hours of spinning. Fortunately for him—and everyone else in attendance, including the wait staff that are constantly in motion delivering food, taking orders or otherwise dancing to Select’s songs— it’s what he enjoys doing most. “From the age of five I can remember an obsession with records,” the fifty-year-old Rob Select—whose real name is Robert Yenco— says. “If my parents went out somewhere, they had to come back with a 45 to make me happy. It was a bribery thing to keep me behaving myself.” Select’s uncle, who had a sizable vinyl collection, lived a couple floors above him in 46 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014
the Corona apartment building where he grew up and exposed the young Select to all the bigname artists of the ’60s. He still has an Iron Butterfly “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” record from 1968 that his uncle bought for him. In the top left-hand corner on the back of the cover is a circled number 6, indicating it was the sixth album Select ever owned, and the oldest of his collection that now totals about 30,000 records. By the time Select was fourteen years old, he was already doing gigs as a “portable alternative DJ,” pairing up with a grammar school friend of his, Paul Bellisario, who built his own mixing board and somehow got his hands on a turntable from Studio 54. Select mostly spun punk and glam rock from artists like the Ramones, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, T. Rex and others. He might have mixed in some Bob Marley, but he never played disco. For their inaugural show in 1978 the tandem rented a hall in Bayside, the neighborhood Select’s family moved into when he was about nine. “This is the age where there’s no Facebook,” Select says. To invite friends, “you call some people up.” In the hall, Bellisario mounted the turntables and connected the PA, and then handed out aerosol cans of haircoloring spray. “He would set up everything
for me,” Select says of his old partner. “And I would come in like a rock star and just play.” Bellisario and Select had only expected about thirty friends to be at the hall, but through simple word-of-mouth, news about their first gig spread throughout the area. So when Select walked up to the DJ board in a pair of spandex pants and with green-highlighted hair, he was shocked to see over a hundred people in attendance. Though Select and Bellisario implemented a cover charge and made some money from the event, the two were asked to return to the hall a day later by its manager to clean up the mess left behind by their new fans. “Little did we know the sprays [we gave out] were going to go on the walls, everywhere,” Select remembers. The post-party manual labor did nothing to dissuade them from founding their own DJ business, “Rock Inc.”—a moniker they would scrawl on flyers for their shows. Select DJ-ed birthday parties, middleschool dances, and a variety of other events throughout Queens during his teens, graduating to Manhattan lounges and bars in his early twenties. He skipped college altogether, and he and Bellisario enjoyed “a partnership that worked well for some years,”
J
as Select puts it. However, due to “personal issues [that] got in the way,” Select eventually began booking his own gigs while working odd jobs to supplement his income. He met Alexandra—a librarian, and music lover in her own rite—when he was twentyeight during a gig at the now-closed Z-Bar on 13th Street and Avenue A in the East Village. Within two years they were married and had their daughter Julia. At about the time he began courting Alexandra Select decided to cut out all other work and focus solely on his DJ career, strictly supporting himself, and eventually his family, by playing music at New York bars and clubs through the wee hours of the morning. “It’s a hard balance,” Select says of being a family man while maintaining a full-time DJ career. “A lot of people are not able to do it because of the ‘wild side’ of the business.” He’s proud he was able to sidestep the nightlife pitfalls of the job and says that, because of conflicting schedules between he and his wife, his daughter always had a parent present, with Select at home during the day and his wife there at night. He’s always done plenty of one-off shows, but for two decades Select has financially relied heavily on residencies, first at Z-Bar, where he spun three days a week, and then at Fáilte on 29th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan—a job he got on a recommendation. Fifteen years later, he’s still DJ-ing at Fáilte on Friday and Saturday nights, arriving home just a few hours before he has to be at Queens Comfort for his Sunday Brunch residency. The new regular gig began this past spring, not long after Select and his wife had dinner there and noticed the turntables that are always sitting at the end of the bar. He got owner Donnie D’Alessio’s name that day, but debated if he should approach Donnie and offer his services without provocation.
“It was gnawing at me for a couple weeks,” Select says. “But I went in and told him I could do some soul sets because I know it’s an eatery. He said, ‘No, no. Let’s do some Ramones, some New York Dolls…’ And I said, ‘Yeah! I love it. [Punk is] my roots.’” Save for a Labor Day weekend vacation day, Select has DJ-ed every Sunday Brunch since. “We think exactly alike,” he says of D’Alessio, denoting they are always on the same page regarding what music to play. As it turns out, the typical brunch playlist is not completely punk rock. Select might start off light at 10am with a Louis Armstrong 45, “Northern Boulevard Blues,” and find his way into his soul catalogue. But by about noon when the dining room is at full
capacity and at least one person from the waiting crowd on the sidewalk has crossed the street to document the scope of the mob on Instagram, the Clash’s “Rudy Can’t Fail” or the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” will likely add to the reverie that is Sunday Brunch at Queens Comfort. “I didn’t know what might work there,” Select says of the restaurant, “but I knew something would work.” After thirty-five years in the DJ business, his instincts are clearly intact.
OCTOBER 2014 | BOROMAG.COM | 47
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BORO: Do you have a great piece of advice for someone wishing to start their own business? Vespa:Be resilient and confident to face start up “surprise”. BORO: When did you first develop an affinity for Vespas? Vespa: Back as a kid for me, as I owned a Vespa when I was sixteen years old— like many others in Europe. Damian loved them when he visited Italy for a photography shoot. BORO: Are there any myths or misconceptions you›d like to debunk? Vespa: Riding a Vespa is safe and cheap. BORO: How long have you been open? Vespa: About 1 year BORO: Was this your first venture into owning a business? Vespa: No, both partners have side projects— photography & catering. BORO: What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned? Vespa: Marketing is expensive for a small company, so we focus on providing the best services and best prices to leverage the old school word of mouth.
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