BORO MAG

NOVEMBER 2017 VOL 7:11 Photo courtesy of The Highwater

BOROMAG.COM

HOT SPOT

Page 44

The Highwater comes to Astoria WHERE TO EAT THANKSGIVING DINNER

LOCAL FOOD BLOGGER

DRINK TEA ON STEINWAY ST.

THE FACES OF ASTORIA

Page 18

Page 32

Page 38

Page 50

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CONTENTS Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and this year, we're thankful that we don't have to cook: we've compiled a list of 10 local restaurants serving dinner on the holiday (page 18). There's nothing wrong with opting for a low-stress Thanksgiving so that you can focus on spending time with family and friends — plus, these holiday menus look pretty tempting. If you do decide to cook, let local food blog Baked Ambrosia inspire you (page 32).

And in the spirit of the holiday, we're showcasing your family-themed photos (page 10).

Some local shops are celebrating Small Business Saturday with a weekend-long retail crawl, so play KATRINA MEDOFF hooky on Black Friday this year and patronize editor-in-chief some independent stores instead (page 22).

Take a break from shopping at the new Prince Tea House (page 38) or at the recently opened bar The Highwater (page 44). While you're out and about, be sure to stop at Kinship Coffee Cooperative to see a gallery of photos of your neighbors (page 50).

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 happy Thanksgiving, Katrina Medoff

TEA TIME

38 6 YOUTHFUL INDISCRETIONS Street style in Astoria

10 FAMILY FOTOS

Readers Instagrammed family pics

18 TURKEY ON THE TOWN Eat out this Thanksgiving

22 SHOP LOCAL

Small Business Saturday retail crawl

32 COOKING UP A FOLLOWING Local food blogger

38 TEA TIME

Prince Tea House opens on Steinway St.

SNAPSHOTS OF ASTORIA

42 VEIL'D AT APAC

50

World premiere of play

44 COME HELL GATE OR HIGHWATER

Cocktails on Broadway

DEPARTMENTS 12 NOVEMBER 2017 EVENTS

26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

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

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

48 BIG BREAK

Baker competes on Food Network

50 SNAPSHOTS OF ASTORIA

Local photographer’s “Astorians” series

54 THE VOICE OF QUEENS

Astoria singer competes on reality TV show

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov WRITERS Danielle Brody, Ethan B. Van Buskirk, Sean Curry, Emily Davenport, Dewayne Goforth, Angela Matua, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper PHOTOGRAPHERS Ethan B. Van Buskirk, 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.

4

NOVEMBER 2017

WE KEEP THE TOOTHFAIRY

OUT OF BUSINESS.

ssociates

THE DENTIST OFFICE. REINVENTED.

LICDentalAssociates.com | office@licdentalassociates.com| @ LICDentalAssociates 5 0- 02 5 t h St re et , Su ite B | Lo ng Isla nd City, New York 1110 1 | 718. 5 30 . 6 5 39 NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

5

STREET STYLE

Youthful

Indiscretions

By ETHAN B. VAN BUSKIRK @THEREALMONTEREYJACK

T Blackwatch and mustard could easily raise some eyebrows, but Denisse (@d_imagin3s) mixes these autumnal staples together effortlessly. Definitely not for beginners.

extures always come back in a big way for autumn, but this season’s ever-fluctuating temperatures have yielded some creative takes on fabric mixing.

In Astoria Park, young people with acute sensibilities for contemporary streetwear are pairing warm, patterned zip-ups with lightweight shorts, cozy sweaters with flowy skirts and more to dress for all kinds of fall weather.

These young locals are sporting lots of warm tones, trickle-down-runway motifs and challenging new looks.

Their unexpected pairings and striking garments are what keeps fashion moving forward and in the hands of the people.

Suheat and Zafir are a couple of off-duty students who demonstrate that fall isn’t just about dark denim; the lighter shades that are typically associated with the warmer months have some newfound staying power.

6

This sweater speaks volumes. Liza (@creativelylibre) moves between seasons and erratic weather effortlessly by carefully balancing different fabric weights.

NOVEMBER 2017

This look draws attention because of its adventurous color palette. Johnell (@yungg_slugg) has a fresh take on the mustards we’ve been seeing the past few seasons, and he’s playing with fire with some statement pants.

Daniel has a leopardin-autumn thing going on here. He can be found wearing this Supreme jacket while biking in Astoria Park.

Stephanie (@sweetandlow91) struck gold with he r thrift store find. Th is quilted jacket feels both timeless and up-to-the-minute when paired with some contemporary jea ns.

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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I N S TA I M A G E S

FAMILY FOTOS

@ harrisonberrio

T

hanksgiving means family time, whether you prepare a feast with your huge extended family or celebrate “Friendsgiving” with friends who are just like siblings to you. However you spend your holiday, it’s a time to give thanks for the most important people in your life — and these days, there’s no better way to celebrate your loved ones than by posting your favorite family photo on Instagram.

That’s why this month, we asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram shots of family in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. Here are some of our favorite photos.

@ monica_linn

@ htikhonov

10

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

@ nianelkin

NOVEMBER 2017

@ soosiesawyer

@ jacqmarie89

@ anita9886

@ jenniferbny

@ the_curious_grey

@ xe_ironbear

@ savakeiji

NEXT THEME: HOLIDAYS

For the December issue, we’re asking you to tag @boromagazine in your best holiday-themed photos from Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. If you’re an early decorator, send us a pic of this year’s Christmas tree or a pile of wrapped presents. If you’re more last minute, dig up a photo of last year’s Hanukkah menorah or from Christmas morning of 2016. We’ll take shots of cut-out cookies, holiday parties, dreidels — anything to do with the month’s theme. @ barre3lic @ caoreilly

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NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

11

NOVEMBER EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events THURSDAY, NOV. 2 SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Event Title: "Veil'd" World Premiere Production by Astoria Performing Arts Center Time: Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.

Location: Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Phone: 718-706-5750 Address: 30-44 Crescent St. (at 30th Road), Astoria URL: http://bit.ly/APACVeild Use code QNS17 for $3 off regular price tickets!

FRIDAY, NOV. 10 Event Title: Relationsh*t!

Time: 9:30 to 11 p.m.

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 14 Event Title: LIC Reading with Alex Gilvarry, Eleanor Henderson, Rachel Khong Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Location: LIC Bar Phone: 718-786-5400 Address: 45-58 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: licreadingseries.com WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15 Event Title: Escape Room Skills Time: 4 to 5 p.m.

Location: Queens Library Broadway Phone: 718-721-2562 Address: 40 -20 Broadway, Astoria URL: queenslibrary.org/branch/ bradway

SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Event Title: Paint Night: Banksy Girl With Balloon Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

Location: The Painting Place Phone: 212-799-0112 Address: 31-21 31st St., Astoria URL: thepaintplaceny.com SUNDAY, NOV. 19 Event Title: Spittle of the Moon Time: 3 to 6 p.m.

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

SATURDAY, NOV. 11 Event Title: Paint Night: Monet Bridge Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: The Painting Place Phone: 212-799-0112 Address: 31-21 31st St., Astoria URL: thepaintplaceny.com

THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Event Title: Trivia Night Time: 8 to 10 p.m.

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

TUESDAY, NOV. 21 Event Title: Dungeons and Dragons Time: 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: The Geekery HQ Phone: 718-606-2853 Address: 42-11 Broadway, Astoria URL: thegeekeryhq.com

SUNDAY, NOV. 12 Event Title: Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert: Jason Danieley Time: 3 p.m.

Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-482-5151 Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC URL: www.lpac.nyc

FRIDAY NOV. 17 Event Title: Art School Acid Dropout Time: 10 p.m.

Location: Creek and the Cave Phone: 646-944-9255 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com

THURSDAY, NOV. 23 Event Title: Hashtag Comedy Time: 9:30 to 11 p.m.

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

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NOVEMBER 2017

SATURDAY, NOV. 25 Event Title: Pirate Pete's Parrot Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Secret Theatre Phone: 718-392-0722 Address: 4402 23rd St., LIC URL: secrettheatre.showare.com WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 Event Title: Keely Garfield Dance – Perfect Piranha Time: 8 p.m.

Location: The Chocolate Factory Phone: 718-482-7069 Address: 5-49 49th Ave, LIC URL: chocolatefactorytheater.org FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Event Title: Line Break Time: 3 to 4 p.m.

Location: Q.E.D. Astoria Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Event Title: Live Music: VIBROJETS Time: 9 to 11 p.m.

Location: The Beast Next Door Phone: 718-482-7507 Address: 42-51 27th St., LIC URL: thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

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NOVEMBER 2017

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17

FOOD + DRINK

TURKEY ON THE TOWN

10 local restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner

E

BY ESTELLE PYPER

@ESTIEPYPER

@ESTIE_PYPER

very foodie’s favorite holiday is just around the corner. Are you staying in the city this year? Does the idea of cooking for 10 people make you cringe?

No sweat — we have you covered. From classic turkey dinners to Greek-inspired traditional dishes to an after-dinner dance party, your neighborhood is stuffed with Turkey Day alternatives. So put on those stretchy pants and hit the town this Thanksgiving.

1. MP Taverna

718-777-2187 31-29 DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA INFO.ROSLYN@MPTAVERNA.COM Photo via Instagram/@bubbasbistroastoria

This contemporary Greek spot is offering a three-course, prix-fixe (for $39.95) or a la carte Greek-influenced Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 8 p.m. First course offerings include a fall butternut squash soup, bulgur salad and “grandma’s meatballs.” The second course options are classics with a twist: roasted turkey, grilled branzino and lamb chops. Dessert is a choice between a spiced walnut cake or Greek yogurt.

2. Bubba’s Bistro

Photo via Instagram/@mptaverna_ny

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NOVEMBER 2017

718-728-2227 31-13A DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA Bubba’s knows that those lines for grocery store turkeys can stretch a mile long as prep starts for the big day, so the Southern comfort eatery will be selling whole 12- to 14-pound turkeys to go on Thanksgiving Day. Or if you’d rather dine in, they’re offering a classic turkey dinner complete with American staples including sweet or mashed potatoes, apple stuffing and cranberry sauce from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

4. Zenon Taverna

718-956-0133 34-10 31 AVE., ASTORIA ZENONTAVERNA@AOL.COM Photo via Instagram/@flocafeny

Zenon Taverna usually serves classic Greek fare, but this Thanksgiving they’re offering a full spread turkey dinner with an open menu. For starters, they will be debuting a delectable cream of turkey appetizer to start the evening right. To complete the meal, you can expect dishes such as meatballs, stuffing and sweet potatoes. For dessert, they’re whipping up a flavorful pumpkin pie.

Photo via Instagram/@zenontaverna

3. Flo

718-204-4096 37-20 30TH AVE., ASTORIA INFO@FLOCAFENY.COM This unique fusion-style lounge restaurant located on 30th Avenue will be serving a traditional turkey dinner rounded out with your choice of homemade sides. You can expect homemade favorites such as stuffing and cranberry sauce. Guests are encouraged to book tables in advance, as it can fill up on this popular holiday!

5. Katch Astoria 718-777-2230 31-19 NEWTOWN AVE., ASTORIA INFO@KATCHASTORIA.COM Photo via Instagram/@katchastoria

Get ready to dance off that turkey dinner at Katch Astoria. This modern tavern is dishing up a non-traditional Thanksgiving this year. Starting at 8 p.m., there will be a variety of food and drink specials and even a DJ. So make this your stop for a late-night Thanksgiving dinner, or drop by to de-stress after a long day of cooking.

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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718-269-3443 36-10 30TH AVE., ASTORIA Have you heard of a turducken? This vintage bistro is offering this half-turkey half-duck delicacy as part of its elaborate three-course Thanksgiving meal. Starter options include mac ‘n’ cheese and butternut squash soup, and a mini pumpkin pie or roasted squash cheesecake for dessert. Not feeling the turducken?

There will be other second course options and vegan alternatives available.

Photo via Instagram/@vestavino

EXPLORE YOUR BORO

6. William Hallet

Photo via Instagram/@williamhallet

7. Vesta Vino

718-545-5550 21-02 30TH AVE., ASTORIA This cozy Italian spot wants to be your home away from home this year. They’re offering classic Italian dishes mixed with traditional American Thanksgiving staples for an expansive holiday menu. Some dishes that have our mouths watering: roasted turkey with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, focaccia stuffing and cranberry sauce, and branzino with braised kale, sweet potato puree, baby carrots and pepitas. Dessert is a “Baby Jesus Cake,” with toffee sauce and spiced crème fraîche. Make reservations now! This is their most popular day, and tables go fast.

8. Gastrotecca 718-729-9080 33-02 34TH AVE., ASTORIA

20

NOVEMBER 2017

Photo via Instagram/@gastrotecca_astoria

This relaxed gastropub is known for their Italian fare, but this Thanksgiving they’re dishing up a delectable prix-fixe menu for $49 chock-full of comfort food. There’s a pasta course; a carvery board selection of porchetta or Tuscan rosemary organic turkey; a choice of two sides including marshmallow yams and Brussels sprouts with maple bacon; and a pie dessert to finish. You also have the choice of ordering a la carte. Either way, be sure to supplement your meal with $10 unlimited house wine.

9. The Thirsty Koala

718-626-5430 25-12 DITMARS BLVD., ASTORIA THETHIRSTYKOALA@GMAIL.COM

Photo via Instagram/@thethirstykoala

Photo via Instagram/@vestavino

This neighborhood joint serves Australian-influenced fare. They will be open Thanksgiving day from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with their regular menu, but they’ll also be serving a special Thanksgiving meal with the choice of two courses for $20.95 or three courses for $24.95. The dishes include traditional options such as a starter salad, turkey breast, stuffing, gravy and maple-glazed pumpkin. A homemade apple crumb pie with warm caramel will tie a ribbon on this comforting meal.

10. Koliba

718-626-0430 3111 23RD AVE., ASTORIA

Photo via Instagram/@elise_fryml

Photo via Instagram/@gastrotecca_astoria

Explore a different culture this Thanksgiving! Known for their traditional Czech fare, this spot is delivering a Thanksgiving with a Czech twist. The three-course meal will consist of specialties such as beet soup for a starter, then a choice between roasted turkey or duck for your main meal. An intriguing side offer is a combination of cabbage and dumplings. Finish off the meal with a strong cup of coffee or tea.

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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EXPLORE YOUR BORO

SHOP LOCAL

By DEWAYNE GOFORTH @DEWAYNE.GOFORTH

Black Friday has long been a staple in the holiday shopping season, but as the public’s interest in supporting small, indie retailers grew in recent years, Small Business Saturday emerged as an incentive to support local shops.

Thanks to some western Queens business owners, the Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl has become the signature event for Astorians looking to not only save at the register, but also give back to their local community on this national shopping holiday.

22

@lovedayqueen

Nicole Panettieri, owner of The Brass Owl Boutique on Ditmars Boulevard, spearheads a group of local, independently owned shops in a group called Shop Small Astoria. She was inspired to create a retail crawl after her first year of business, when she had a great turnout on Small Business Saturday.

“I was overwhelmed with the love and support from the neighborhood,” she said.

Since the first Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl on Small Business Saturday in 2015, which was a one-day event with 11 participating shops, the event has grown.

NOVEMBER 2017

There are now 16 shops, and this year, the retail crawl will be all weekend long, from Friday, Nov. 24, till Sunday, Nov. 26.

“It's exciting to see the indie retail world of Astoria grow, so naturally we have grown as new stores have come on to the scene,” she explained.

Customers who want to join in on the fun should pick up a passport at one of the 16 participating businesses so they can record their purchases. Those who shop at any four of the stores on the crawl will be given a goodie bag: a custom Shop Small Astoria tote with gifts from each store.

Dedicated shoppers will be rewarded for patronizing even more businesses: customers who shop at eight or more of the stores will be entered in for a grand prize of gift cards from all stores, valued at $450.

For Panettieri, creating Shop Small Astoria was a way to invest in her community, and she said that shoppers will be directly helping their neighborhood.

@ lockwoodstyle

@ thebrassowl

n

@ lovedayqueen

@ petalsandroots

Photos courtesy of Nicole Panettieri

“Many of the owners and staff of independently owned retailers are Queens residents,” she said. “When you shop at these stores, you are investing money back into your community. According to a Civic Economic Study, when you spend $100 at a small business, roughly $68 stays in your community. So [we’re] putting the money back into other businesses, local charities, events that support the community, schools, etc.”

She added that the retail crawl is the shops’ way of thanking their customers: NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

23

@ lockw

FOOD + DRINK

B

H & R Block arrives in L.S

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@ hifirecordsastoria we're here to put our expertise to work for you.

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For • In • Ta •A •B • In • Fi • Es •N •B •O

Hernan Baron “As a community, Astoria supports small business all year round and all of us business owners are incredibly grateful. This day is also our way of saying thank you 47LIC for your support, which is why we do the 71 AVAILABLE AT PARTICIPATING OFFICES. Shop Small Astoria Retail Crawl.”

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Stores participating in Shop Small Astoria:

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NOVEMBER 2017

10.41-18Lockwood: Free with CRESCENT ST, LONG ISLANDgift CITY, NY 11101 $100 pur718-707-0295 chase, 20 percent of total purchase and 47-46 VERNON BLVD, SECOND FLOOR, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101 718-707-0955 extended shopping hours 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

11. Lockwood Paper: Free gift with $100 H purchase, 20 percent of total purchase and OBTP# B13696 ©2015 HRB Ta extended shopping hours 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

12. Lockwood Style: Free gift with $100 purchase, 20 percent of total purchase and extended shopping hours 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

13. Loveday 31: 20 percent off entire store 14. Petals & Roots: 15 percent off for crawl participants 15. Q.E.D.: $5 Brooklyn Lagers and $2 popcorns while you shop. Anyone who spends over $50 at the Craft Bazaar will get an admit 2 pass to Q.E.D. 16. The Stonework: 15 percent off entire store, live chainstitch embroidery, and first 15 customers get a free customized bandana. Embroidery service will be available on site from noon - 3 p.m.

15-485

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1. The Astoria Bookshop 2. Belief 3. The Brass Owl: Free gift for $10 purchase, bigger gift for $100 purchase, 15 percent off entire store/30 percent off shoes, mimosas and cookies, and extended shopping hours 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

4. Broadway Silk: 10 percent off all purchases over $25 5. Château le Woof: Free drip with any dog food purchase 6. The Geekery: Grab bag and roll a d20 dice for a discount 7. HiFi Records: 10 percent off new release vinyl, buy three new records get fourth 50 percent off, buy three used records get fourth 50 percent off, 10 percent off loudspeakers, turntables, vinyl record care, headphones and electronics 8. Inside Astoria: 20 percent off your most expensive item 9. Lavender Label

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20% OFF EACH SEAT The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

31-21 31st St. Astoria www.thepaintplaceny.com 929-522-0086

HAIR MAKE UP NAILS.

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718.786.1880 10% OFF WITH THIS AD

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ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com 718.224.5863 www.BOROmag.com/advertise NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

25 25

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

6 205 204

MOJAVE RESTAURANT (B,1) 718-545-4100 22-36 31st St., Astoria www.mojaveny.com

32

235

MURASAKI 718-482-7088 46-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.murasakinyc.com

14

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

BOTANA 718-361-6535 34-18 Steinway St., Astoria www.thebotana.com

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

11 159

12 231 12

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

181

HIBINO LIC (A,4) 718-392-5190 10-70 Jackson Ave., LIC www.hibino-lic.com

112

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

19

182

213 150

20 45 61 22 74 74 183 24

194

NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com NUMBER 5 718-361-6930 35-43 37th St., Astoria www.no5nyc.com OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

190

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

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

37

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

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

234

ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com

QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com SAC’S PLACE COAL OVEN PIZZA (B,2) 718-204-5002 2541 Broadway, Astoria www.sacsplace.com

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

125

216

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

219

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

199 229

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

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

31

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

184

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

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

200

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

124

26

51 228

39

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

195

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

211

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

167

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

PETS

54

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

121

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

27

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

38

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

187

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

SHOPS 143

ASTORIA BOOKSHOP (B,2) 718- 278-2665 31-29 31st St., Astoria www.astoriabookshop.com

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

1

5

2

2

218

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

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

2

75

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

1

1

9

1

5

FLORISTS 160

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

44 137

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

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

130

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

5

1

6

1

SERVICES

1

168

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

178

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

119

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

6

177

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

4

209

AVENUE CHEMISTS PHARMACY 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria BLUE BIRD CHILD CARE 347-832-0103 25-58 48th St., Astoria www.bluebirdchildcareastoria.com

21

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

129

186

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

207

49

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

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

50

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

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

52

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

NOVEMBER 2017

1

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

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

WINES & SPIRITS 36

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

201

PINK CANARY DESSERTS 718-729-1819 13-11 Jackson Ave., Long Island City www.pinkcanarydesserts.com

FOOD SHOPS

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

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

29

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

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

227

169

33

189

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com

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

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

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

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

13

MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com

BAKERIES 115

34 138 139

LENG THAI (B,2) 718-956-7117 33-09 Broadway, Astoria www.lengthainewyork.com

220

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2) 718-932-3331 31-86 37th Rd., Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

148

5

176

108

BIEROCRACY 718-361-9333 12-23 Jackson Ave., LIC www.bierocracy.com

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

35

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

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

7

8

133

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

114 77

236

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 GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Quinn Building, 4th Floor 35-20 Broadway, Astoria www.astorialic.org

6

1

6

1

1

161 90 198 56 223 224

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

196

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

95

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

180 57 206

174

MONTESSORI KIDS OF LIC (B,3) 347-746-5542 5 Court Square, LIC mklic.com MPN LAW FIRM (C,2) 718-777-0400 3403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoria

158 67

73

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

SPAS 151

164

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

81

195

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

188

HAPPY DAY NAIL SPA (B,2) 718-728-8886 31-35 31st St., Astoria REJUVENATE FACE AND BODY (B,1) 718-626-4434 26-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.Rejuvenatenyc.com SHADE ORGANIC SPA AND SALON 718-278-7892 36-05 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

110

226

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

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

112

85

217

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

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

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

111

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

175

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

120

203

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

157

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

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

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

TATTOO SHOPS

147

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

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

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

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

HOTELS

215

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

154

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

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

82

62

134

149

131

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

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

OTTER HOUSE STUDIOS 718-786-5900 28-39 Review Ave. LIC www.otterhousestudios.com

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

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

45

237

146

122

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

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

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

212

65

94

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

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

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

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

43

71

192

64

93

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

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

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

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

BEAUTY

www.qnscollective.com

59

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

113 127 199

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

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

JANUARY 2017 I BOROMAG.COM NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD + DRINK

ASTORIA BLOGGER

COOKS UP A FOLLOWING

BY DANIELLE BRODY

Family — and SEO skills — are the secret ingredients to the success of Angelina Papanikolaou, whose nearly two-year-old food blog, Baked Ambrosia, garners about 60,000 visitors a month.

Astoria resident Papanikolaou says she grew up around food, learning to cook by watching her Greek and Cypriot family members.

“My family was literally always in the kitchen,” Papanikolaou said. “My family revolves around food.”

The ingredients used in her family’s Greek cooking, such as olive oil, lemon and oregano, and potent spices used in Cypriot dishes — think cumin, cilantro and coriander — appear in Papanikolaou’s recipes on her blog.

The name, “Baked Ambrosia,” is a nod to Papanikolaou’s Greek heritage and her training as a baker. “Ambrosia” means food of the gods in Greek. Her tagline is “healthy recipes, nostalgic comfort food, and decadent desserts,” and Papanikolaou posts recipes inspired by her heritage.

Readers will find instructions, for example, for making Lebanese mahalepi (milk pudding) with orange blossom syrup and figs; kolokotes (Cypriot pumpkin pies); and traditional hummus five ways. Other recipes are driven by health trends, such as vegan s’mores, chia pudding parfait, fall harvest tabouli power bowls and tropical steel-cut oats with date “caramel” sauce.

This modest baker and home cook made her foray into the blogging sphere by learning how to code her WordPress site, use SEO, put ads on her website and use Photoshop and Lightroom — all of which she learned by watching videos on YouTube and reading eBooks by other bloggers. She also taught herself to photograph her creations, setting up a makeshift studio with a lighting kit, various lenses and staging accessories.

32

Papanikolaou attended Midwest Culinary Institute in Cincinnati and studied nutrition at Miami University in Ohio. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in nutrition at Hunter College.

On a Saturday afternoon, I came to her apartment, where she chatted with me while calmly placing the finishing touches on a colorfully garnished bowl of chili, a perfect-looking paleo pumpkin pie and a tray of mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies, half with a sea salt topping. I was her willing taste-tester; her usual guinea pigs are her sister, who is also her roommate, and her boyfriend.

While Papanikolaou has built her brand online, her cooking method is a little more lowtech: she develops her recipes in a simple, food-stained notebook filled with pages of ingredients and measurements. As she cooks, she’ll edit the recipe on paper.

Recipes come from foods she grew up with, trends and seasonal or holiday themes, such as her adorable Halloween Rice Krispies treats. She finds that paleo, vegan and glutenfree posts garner the most interest. Her posts about healthy, gluten-free seed and nut bread, for example, is neck and neck for most popular blog post with her paleo and gluten-free vegan blackberry oat crumb bars, according to Google Analytics.

A baker at heart, she believes in having an indulgent dessert every so often. The pumpkin pie she made for us had no sugar but was instead made with coconut oil, maple syrup, dates, pumpkin and a pecan crust.

Papanikolaou also looks to magazines, other food bloggers and Instagram for inspiration.

NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD + DRINK

Photos: Danielle Brody/BORO Some of her favorite personalities are food blogger Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats and Greek chef Akis Petretzikis. She said when Petretzikis followed her back on Instagram, she was so excited, she called her mom.

“He is only following 200 people,” she said.

Papanikolaou is a social media success in her own right. She has secured sponsorships with illy, Frank’s RedHot and SkinnyPop Popcorn, who send her food and ask that she create a recipe with the ingredient for a blog post. Recently she was invited to create recipes for a Brooklyn popup by feedfeed.

She said she doesn’t say yes to everything so she can remain authentic. “If it’s something I don’t eat, I’ll turn it down,” she said. For example, she won’t make a recipe with an ingredient that has corn syrup.

Papanikolaou said she tries to keep recipes simple, because she understands cooking can

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NOVEMBER 2017

Photos courtesy of Angelina Papanikolaou

be challenging, especially with limited space.

She also includes tips she picks up while she’s making the dish.

After meeting Papanikolaou and stalking her internet presence, I had to experiment with one of her recipes. I made her chocolate tahini bars. They were much easier to make than I expected, delicious and complex in flavor and texture. In her post, she joked that she almost ate the whole pan, and I could have done the same. My only qualm was that almond flour was very expensive, but it is the key to making the recipe gluten free.

Papanikolaou’s goal is to continue to grow the site and turn her blog into a full-time job.

A cookbook is also in the works. Plus, she developed a snack/energy bar and is collaborating with her sister, who is doing the marketing and graphic design, to bring it to the shelves.

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

35

FOOD + DRINK

Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Try this recipe by Angelina Papanikolaou of Baked Ambrosia to impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving.

Crust:

3 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1½ cups cold butter, cut into cubes (3 sticks) 1 egg, lightly beaten 5 tbsp cold water 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Filling:

1/2 cup sugar 2 tbsp brown sugar ¾ cup maple syrup 4 tbsp melted butter 3 eggs 2 tbsp bourbon 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt 1 ½ cups pecan, chopped (plus extra for topping, optional)

Directions: Crust:

Photo courtesy of Angelina Papanikolaou

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NOVEMBER 2017

1. In a food processor, add flour, salt and cold butter. Pulse a few times until lightly combined.

With the motor running, add egg, cold water and vinegar into dough. Pulse until just combined (dough might be slightly crumbly).

2. Remove dough from bowl and gather it into a ball with your hands. Divide the dough in half and slightly flatten it into a disc. Wrap the dough discs with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. D ough recipe is enough for 2 pie crusts.

4. On a floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out chilled dough into a round shape. The dough should be at least 1 inch larger than your pie dish. Carefully place the dough into your pie dish. Tuck excess dough under itself.

Crimp the edges with your fingers (optional).

Pecan Pie:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. A dd sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, vanilla and salt to a large mixing bowl. Beat until well combined.

3. Spread chopped pecans into pie crust. Pour pie filling over chopped pecans. If decorating, carefully place pecans in a pattern over filling.

4. Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour.

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FOOD + DRINK

TEA TIME

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM

@KATRINAMEDOFF @KATYA_M22

As a verified tea addict, I was excited to see Prince Tea House arrive on Steinway Street. On my afternoon visit to the new business, which had its soft opening on Sept.

21 — and plans to have its grand opening in early- to mid-November — I noticed that the rest of the neighborhood was intrigued by it, too. While I sipped on tea from a china tea set and munched on an assortment of photo-ready pastries, passersby paused as they walked down the busy sidewalk to peek inside the tea house’s windows, and sometimes take a snapshot of its bright, stylish interior.

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NOVEMBER 2017

The Astoria eatery is the third location of Prince Tea Shop: the first opened in Flushing three years ago, and the second opened in Brooklyn two years ago.

Owner Manny Lee has plans to open an Upper East Side location in the future, and perhaps franchise the business.

“I always wanted to own something like [Prince Tea House] when I was little,” Lee said. “Not fancy but simple, cozy, something so people could enjoy their time.”

The Flushing resident was encouraged to open the Astoria location by some of his regulars at the Flushing shop who were Astoria residents. Lee became friends with these customers, and they told him, “You should come to Astoria.”

Now, those Astoria residents are regulars at this location that’s closer to home.

“We have a lot of returning and loyal customers, and they give me a lot of confidence about this business,” Lee said.

Plus, Lee said that while Astoria had a lot of bars, it was “missing high-quality tea served in a nice china set. There was nothing like that here.”

The interior, like those of the other locations, has plush purple and gray booths and bright white walls, but the decorations — like the framed flowers, tiny green plants potted in mugs and cute art pieces — are unique to this tea house. It was designed by Lee’s wife, Kaiyi, an interior designer who has a flower shop on Northern Boulevard.

I settled into my tufted booth and tried two hot teas, my favorite of which was the Rose Lover milk tea. It was sweet (but not too sweet), and the creaminess of the milk was a comforting touch. Plus, its millennial pink color made the tea extra pretty in the floral china set.

The Rose Lover is Prince Tea House’s signature tea, Lee said, so if you’re looking for a sweet tea, that’s what he’d recommend to first-time customers.

“We get a lot of people who say, ‘I wish I could have it every day.’”

For those looking for a green tea, Lee would recommend thé des alizés, with flavors of white peach, kiwi, watermelon and flower petals.

I also tasted an iced rose tea served in a glass, topped with foam, Oreo crumbs and milk leaves. I’m not personally a fan of Oreos, so I was a bit apprehensive, but I found it unique and tasty. All of Prince Tea House’s teas — more than 100 selections — come from France.

The pastries are baked from scratch by one of Lee’s business partners in Williamsburg, and they did not disappoint.

First, I tried the fruit toast, which was similar to a very thick piece of French toast topped with blueberries and kiwi, mango, strawberry and banana slices and a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. I tried too many pastries to finish everything, but I definitely polished this one off.

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Next was the mille feuille, two airy pastries with a layer of cream and strawberry slices in the middle, surrounded by berries. This dessert was equally delicious, and the texture combo felt decadent.

The beautiful green tea mille crêpes cake, with too many layers of crêpes to count, is perfect for the green tea lover.

It was our photographer’s favorite dish of the afternoon. The trio combo also had a green tea treat, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a variety of bite-sized samples.

The last dessert was a mini bowl made of chocolate with a sweet filling, topped with

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NOVEMBER 2017

ice cream, blueberries, pirouette cookies and pocky biscuits. Served with berries on the side and a vibrant flower on top, it was a delectable and pretty treat.

There are also savory options like sandwiches, salads and appetizers, and wine will be offered after the grand opening.

Lee, who used to be an electrical engineer but quit to pursue his passion for business, works 12- or 13-hour days — and still visits his tea houses on his days off. He built the customer bases of his other locations primarily by word of mouth, and he foresees the same thing

Photos: Marie Torio/BORO

happening in Astoria. With some customers coming multiple times per day (after all, tea is perfect in the morning, for a midday break with coworkers, in the evening with family, after dinner or for a date night), the Astoria spot is already racking up regulars.

“Astoria is great: friendly people, friendly customers,” Lee said. “I love this area.”

And Astoria seems to love Prince Tea House, too. Those passersby I noticed stopping and taking pictures during my visit? Lee said that those curious locals tend to show up days later, ready for a real taste of the new business.

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

41

BY EMILY DAVENPORT

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is kicking off its 17th season with the world premiere of “Veil’d,” a play that explores identity and how we see and represent ourselves among diverse people.

T

he play, which is directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh, runs from Nov. 2 to 18 at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, located at 30-44 Crescent St. (at 30th Road), Astoria. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased online at www.apacny.org or in person at the box office an hour prior to each performance.

The play follows Dima, a 16-year-old girl with a rare skin condition who recently moved from Afghanistan to New York with her family.

As she spends most of her time hiding out in her room, her parents fear that she’ll never have the “normal” American teenage experience that they hoped she’d have. Little do they know that Dima is getting by with some help from her secret friends — Elliot, a poet who hangs out under her window hawking rhymes, and Speedo, a talking nurse shark who saves the day in more ways than one. But will Dima have her happy ending?

Monet Hurst-Mendoza, the playwright, originally wrote “Veil’d” while she was in college. She found that in writing this play, she is able to subvert the status quo and reveal the truth in universality, allowing the play to spark change.

“As the daughter of an immigrant, my childhood was similar to Dima’s — a combination of my father’s Yucatecan roots and my mother’s American life. That combination had a profound influence on me,” said Hurst-Mendoza. “As a result, I explore how race, culture and gender expectations influence family dynamics in my plays, particularly for young people as they ‘come of age.'”

Nikhaar Kishnani, who plays Dima, was excited to take on the role, especially since her character never feels the need to comment on her race. When asked about if she learned anything about herself or how she portrays herself to the world in her character, Kishnani responded: “I wish I could say I see myself in one way, but like most brown girls in my generation, I code-switch,” Kishnani said.

“This modified quote from Selena (the best movie ever) has the best answer I can give you: ‘We gotta be more [brown] than the [brown people] and more American than the Americans. Both at the same time. It’s exhausting!'”

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NOVEMBER 2017

Image courtesy of the Astoria Performing Arts Center

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

APAC launches 17th season with world premiere of ‘Veil’d’

Sahar Bibiyan, who plays Dima’s mother Rhami Mansour, was able to connect to the relationship that her character has with Dima.

“I connect to the unconditional love of her child, Dima,” Bibiyan said. “To being an immigrant and leaving behind your home in order to be safe. Wanting a better life for your family despite the cost of a strange new world. Sacrificing your own needs for your family. Trying to fit in and find who you are in two different cultures — as an immigrant myself, I’ve experienced being an outcast and misunderstood.”

Bibiyan also wants the audience to take away that we are all Dima, in some form or another.

“We all have things we veil, cover, bury and have to overcome,” Bibiyan said. “We also have the same desires no matter where we are from. We have more in common than we think. And being different is beautiful.”

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FOOD +DRINK

Come Hell Gate or Highwater 44

NOVEMBER 2017

BY SEAN CURRY

T

@THESANDWICHENTHUSIAST

he Highwater — the latest cocktail bar to grace Astoria’s Broadway strip — is an oasis of summer lifestyle as the weather gets chillier. Much like clothes on the hottest of summer days, any scrap of pretension is stripped away in favor of fantastic drinks, amazing food and an inviting atmosphere. Before I could even take my coat off and get my notebook out, I was offered a seat at the bar and a cocktail. That’s hospitality.

Never one to say no to a seat and a drink, I happily accepted.

That’s just smart.

With a surfer vibe interior that would be just as at home at Rockaway Beach as it is on Broadway, The Highwater drips with both familiarity and novelty, and co-owner George Spilke says that’s entirely the point. He wants to create a neighborhood hangout where people can be exposed to new things in a setting that feels right at home — a “new experience that feels familiar,” in his words.

Before I could press Spilke for what he meant by that, my first cocktail of the evening arrived: bourbon, montenegro, ginger syrup, lemon juice and strawberry in a glass smoked with hick-

NOVEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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FOOD +DRINK

ory wood aptly named the Chuck Norris. It was a smoky, sweet number with a pickled ginger garnish that went down dangerously smoothly.

It was bar manager Gabriel ColomRocha who clarified their mission. To him, creating a cocktail menu that pushes people’s boundaries is more important than serving up a new take on something you’ve had a hundred times before. After all, why have yet another bloody mary when you could discover a new brunch favorite altogether?

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And that’s how The Highwater began: a group of friends aspiring to create something accessible, but completely new, come hell or high water.

My next drink was personally recommended by self-described “OG waitress” Bianca Rodriguez: Riker’s Riot, a cocktail that came about by accident but hits your tastebuds with a purpose. Cucumberinfused rum mixes with a delightful citrusy syrup in a creamy splash of summer, and it was born when someone on staff mistakenly put rum in a drink that was supposed to have gin in it.

But hey, it works, and I wouldn’t have gotten to try it if I had come in wanting more of the same.

Happy though I was to keep drinking whatever they put in front of me, I knew I had to eat something at some point, and started asking after their dinner menu. Their winter menu should have hit tables by the printing of this article (I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for the seafood hot pot), but to get me started, they brought out two all-season dishes: chili edamame and taro fries, a french fry made from an Asian root vegetable called the taro. The edamame was lovely, but it was the taro fries that stood out to me — soft yet still possessing the crunchy exterior charac-

Photos courtesy of The Highwater

teristic of a well-fried fry. Be sure to try them with the sriracha aioli.

The taro fries are an excellent example of what The Highwater team is trying to do: something new presented in a familiar way.

While they want to maintain a boutique, specialized vibe, they want it to be accessible to eaters of all stripes at the same time: omnivores, vegans and the glutenfree alike. Keeping standards high while attempting to create a welcome atmosphere for everyone is key — even the well whiskey is good damn whiskey.

The Gen X, a cocktail with vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur and flower liqueur and garnished with a mint leaf, came out while I thought about the next dish to try. Much like the tall copper martini glass it came out in, the drink’s light citrusy feel elevated the mood and my appetite. I picked two all-season mainstays off the menu: a pork belly taco and a fish taco.

I love pork belly, and this taco didn’t disappoint. It was savory and tender with smoky notes, and the sriracha aioli reappeared here to really shine.

The fish taco, made with whitefish breaded with panko crumbs and a secret seasoning, was a new twist on fish tacos for me.

Chef Dionne’s fine dining resume mixes with

his love of comfort (previously, the chef was at Per Se and BarBacon in Manhattan) and really shines through with these tacos.

Poke was out next, a small tower of seaweed, avocado, pineapple, tuna and ginger garnished with a completely edible flower.

Sweet, tender and flavorful, this was a step above the lunchtime poke bowls dotting Midtown. Everything on the menu is designed to be shared — a tapas approach without the overtly Spanish influence — and the poke was no exception. Spilke and Colom-Rocha helped themselves to a forkful of the poke as we talked.

Eating at The Highwater is all about sharing the experience of eating together. There are no televisions or touchscreens, and everything is designed to keep you focused on the moment at hand, rather than distracting you from it. Don’t come here to watch the game over a plate of wings. However, if football Sundays are more about the wings than the games for you, The Highwater has a dish you need to try: the chicken karage (“car-ee-ahgee”), boneless, breaded chicken marinated in a secret recipe, fried and served with a side of the sriracha aioli.

Last for the night was a hanger steak with mashed taro. Basted in a citrus soy ginger marinade, glazed with balsamic and paired

with the wasabi aioli, this steak almost fell apart before it made it to my mouth. It’s shareable, all right — if it lasts long enough for someone else to grab a piece.

Beyond being shareable, though, The Highwater’s menu makes an effort to encourage you to play around. Have you ever gone out with friends and ordered a few appetizers so everyone could try a little of everything? Eating at The Highwater is like that — don’t come here to eat one good thing.

Come here to try four awesome things.

As I started to wrap up, Colom-Rocha insisted I try a new drink coming out with the winter menu, the Red Rooster. It’s like a boulevardier with a twist: Campari, bourbon and a big rind of orange. I can tell it’ll warm many a cold winter night in the coming months.

As fall turns to winter, keep an eye out for a few dishes still to come on the menu. The steak will have a new marinade and come out with sizzling onions; there’ll be special broccoli and bok choy dishes; sliders will make an appearance; and bottomless brunch is only a couple months away.

Look, too, for sidewalk seating to arrive in the warmer months. While certainly a welcome addition to any neighborhood bistro, it’ll be especially inviting in The Highwater’s corner front wraparound space.

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

Big

BREAK

BY ANGELA MATUA ANGELAMATUA @ANGMAT08

Vinny Vaccaro, the owner of Vaccaro’s Bakery in Astoria, is competing in the new Food Network show called “Guy’s Big Project.”

The six-episode show follows Guy Fieri as he walks 10 contestants through the process of hosting a culinary travel series. Each contestant picks a restaurant that best represents their show idea and films a pilot using the skills they learned throughout the show. Contestants also cook a meal that embodies their show idea in Fieri’s kitchen.

Vaccaro said he has always been interested in baking and was “born and raised in a bakery” since his father opened Vaccaro’s Bakery in Astoria more than 30 years ago.

“My dad always told me, ‘You are born a baker; you can’t become a baker,'” he said.

“At 14 I was running a bakery with five bread bakers, and bread is where all my baking passion started.”

The younger Vaccaro is in charge of making the custom cakes and bakery items in the store. He said he uses a lot of traditional family recipes but adds a modern twist. His favorite desserts to whip up are his “infamous” donolies (a hybrid doughnut and cannoli) and bacon brownies.

Vaccaro also added that being an Astoria business owner allows him to connect with people from “all walks of life.”

“I love being an Astoria business owner because of all the diversity this city

brings to my store,” he said. “I get to talk to people from all walks of life, and hear all their incredible stories. I was also born and raised in Astoria, which allows me to stay connected to all my old customers and friends. It will always feel like home.”

The Astoria native said he is a big fan of Fieri, and when he heard about a new show Fieri was casting, he decided to send out a tape even though he thought his chances of being chosen were slim.

But on Nov. 5, Vaccaro made his television debut next to one of his idols. Vaccaro was chosen among thousands of submissions.

“Working with Guy was a dream come

Photos courtesy of Food Network

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true to me,” he said. “He was super awesome to work with – very humble, inspirational and insightful. I got to see how he was able to balance his career and family life.”

Fieri seemed to be impressed with Vaccaro, too: although one contestant was kicked off at the end of episode 1, “The Project,” Vaccaro made it past the cut to continue forward in the show.

“The amount of knowledge that [another contestant] R.J. has about meats, I believe that Vinny has about bakeries,” Fieri said during the judging process in episode 1. “I believe Vinny knows it all.”

“What is it about him?” Food Network’s Alex Guarnaschelli asked Fieri. “There’s, like, a spirit animal thing with you two.”

“I think he’s got enough likeability … I really like his personality,” Fieri answered.

Viewers will go on a journey with each contestant as they learn about what it takes to run a show. From describing each bite to engaging the audience and interviewing a variety of chefs, the contestants will pick up skills that will help them create a pilot during the last episode.

Immediately after the finale, which airs on Dec. 10, viewers will see whose show was chosen for a show.

“Over a decade ago I was given a chance that I could never have dreamed of on ‘Food Network Star,’ and now I’m honored to have the opportunity to help make someone else’s dream a reality,” Fieri said. “As a producer, I know what it takes to get a show off the ground, and we will see if these prospects have the passion and skills needed, because a great idea is just the first step.”

Though Vaccaro couldn’t reveal many details about his experience on “Guy’s Big Project,” he said he really enjoyed the experience.

“The most fun I had was that I got to do my favorite things – bake, eat and entertain – next to Guy,” he said. “I love the pressure of being in front of the camera and entertaining people.”

Photos via Instagram/@vaccarosbakerynyc

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

Snapshots

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM

@KATRINAMEDOFF

@KATYA_M22

Local travel and lifestyle photographer Matt Dutile’s career takes him all over the world: Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Europe and a variety of islands. Clicking through his online portfolio is like taking a tour of the globe, with colorful shots of exotic locales, pictures of food you could almost taste and portraits that give you a glimpse into far-away people’s lives.

Matt Dutile

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But it wasn’t until recently that Dutile, who has lived in Astoria for four years, realized that while he’d captured the faces of people across many time zones, he’d never focused on portraits of his own neighbors.

“I travel to all these really interesting locales for different magazines, and while there, I’m always looking to capture interesting portraits,” he said. “I came back and I was like, ‘This would be kind of cool to do back here in Astoria because we have diverse characters and such an interesting set of people here.’

“You certainly can’t beat Queens for character, personality and diversity,” he added.

He had previously displayed photos from his travels in the Kinship Coffee Cooperative

NOVEMBER 2017

shops on Steinway Street — plus, he’s “constantly getting coffee at both of their locations” — so he reached out to the owner and proposed doing a portrait-based project there called “Astorians.”

At each of the Kinship Coffee locations, Dutile took over a corner of the shop for a day and set up a solid backdrop.

He asked “literally anyone who walked in the front door” if they’d like to be part of his photo project. He’d ask them to think of a happy moment, a sad moment or some sort of contemplation to get a variety of looks, “because I didn’t want it to be too grip-and-grin posey,” he said. He took three or four photos of each person, and the whole process took no more than 30 seconds.

of Astoria

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One of the funniest moments was when a stuntman in the area shooting an HBO show came into the shop. For his photo, he did a headstand on top of a 4-foot-high table, and “everyone in the coffee shop paused” to watch, Dutile said, laughing.

When putting the photo collection together after the shoot dates, he chose photos that fit the “overall mood of the project”: those with notes of unity or a range of expressions.

He then put together a photo display in each coffee shop, tailored to the shape of the wall he had to work with: the 32-14 Steinway St. location by the subway stop has photos arranged in the shape of the word “Astoria,” while the 30-05 Steinway St. location has photos in a block grid.

Dutile's photos of Astorians prove that you don't have to travel abroad to meet fascinating people.

“There are so many interesting characters walking about and you never really stop to appreciate people because we’re

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in New York; we’re just constantly trying to go where we’re going,” he said. “We’re always running about, so you may walk down the street, and unless someone’s wearing something extravagantly interesting, you just generally pass by people.”

He added that “Astorians” gives residents a chance to appreciate their neighbors.

“This gives you a moment to stop and look at people and appreciate them for some of the unique characteristics they have, whether that’s what they’re wearing or how they’re looking, all the diversity of character they embody.”

The portraits are able to give viewers a tiny glimpse into others’ lives: “It’s a small snapshot into 1-second window of this person’s life,” Dutile said. “Take a look at them and appreciate them in this singular moment. That’s the idea behind it: appreciate your fellow neighbors. Look at all these cool people who live here in Astoria with you.”

The photo collection isn’t meant to be a cross-section of the neighborhood, but a look at the Kinship customers on one specific day.

“The project isn't meant to be a full compendium of the diversity of the neighborhood, as it's definitely missing lots of different groups that live here, most likely a lot of lifelong natives, too,” Dutile said. “Rather, it's meant to be a cool window into characters of the neighborhood through the lens of customers of Kinship Coffee. To do a full diversity project would require a lot more research and a different approach. This is more a look at some interesting faces who volunteered.”

Dutile expects the photos to be on display for a few months, so be sure to take a look before they’re gone.

The photographer gave the photo subjects the opportunity to pick up a copy of their photos as a thank-you for being a part of the project, and he said he didn’t want to commercialize the project.

Dutile said he had a fun time meeting people in the neighborhood, and he’s bumped into people after the project while walking down the street or in the coffee shop — an opportunity he wouldn’t usually get while taking portraits around the world.

Dutile has loved having Astoria as his home base throughout his travels.

“No matter where I go and travel in the world, when I come home, I can go and find the food there. I can go and travel to Burma and then come back and go, ‘There’s probably some Burmese food within 20 blocks that I can find here.’ I love that experience of knowing that I can go to all these different places and there’s little bits of travel back here in Astoria.

“Astoria, to me, is sort of the perfect area: you get a great community sense; you get a really diverse neighborhood; you have tons of amazing food; and it’s easy enough to get into the city — and to the airport, for me.”

Photos courtesy of Matt Dutile

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The Voice

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM @KATRINAMEDOFF

@KATYA_M22

Local fans of NBC’s reality singing competition “The Voice” tuned in this season to cheer on Astoria resident Katrina Rose as she performed in the blind audition, battle rounds and knockout rounds of the television show.

Coach Miley Cyrus chose Rose for her team during Rose’s blind audition, in which she sang “Kozmic Blues” by Janis Joplin. The four celebrity coaches — Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton — face away from contestants as they sing during the blind audition so that their decisions are purely based on contestants’ voices. If they’re interested in choosing a contestant for their team, they push a red button to turn their chair around.

But not seeing the coaches’ faces didn’t make the experience any less nerve-wracking, said Rose, a kickboxing instructor and musical theater performer who played Tracy Turnblad in the national tour of "Hairspray" and acted as a standby for the same role on Broadway.

“Even though you’re just seeing the backs of their chairs when you first step out there, you’re like, ‘I know who’s in those chairs,’” she said. “And it goes by in such a flash. I feel like I kind of blacked out for a minute.”

Since the red button sound effects are added in after the fact, Rose didn’t notice right away that Cyrus had pushed her button to turn around.

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“I didn’t realize Miley Cyrus had turned around for me until I turned to walk another direction on the stage and all of a sudden I saw the light out of the corner of my eye was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God — I’m on the show,” Rose said.

It was especially cool being on Cyrus’ team, Rose said, because “she’s in a place in her career and her life where she’s just grown so much and she was really starting with her own music to connect back to her roots and strip back down to a more honest place with her music and you could totally feel that in her coaching with us.

“On top of that, to be in an all-girls team and feel the power of that especially in today’s world where women are having a resurgence of owning their own power and making their presence known and making their voices heard, it really struck a chord in me and made me feel like I was exactly where I was supposed to be a right place at the exact right time.”

Next, Rose went head-to-head with another of Cyrus’ contestants, Janice Freeman, in the battle round. All of the coaches sang Rose’s praise after she and Freeman sang “W.O.M.A.N.” by Stevie Nicks and Etta James:

NOVEMBER 2017

Photo courtesy of Hollis Brown

of Queens

Photos courtesy of NBC Universal

“That was crazy. I feel like these women came up here and just ripped the roof off of the house,” Levine said. “That wasn’t even girl power; that was something above girl power [that] I don’t even understand yet.”

Shelton chimed in, saying, “In 13 seasons of doing this show, I have never seen somebody so wrapped up in the moment as what you displayed for us right then, and because of that, I gotta see some more from Katrina.”

Cyrus named Freeman as the winner of the battle, but not before complimenting both singers: “Both of y’all have just completely blown the roof off,” she said.

Rose got a surprise when she walked down to hug the coaches goodbye: as Jennifer Hudson reached out to hug Rose, she pressed her red button, stealing Rose for her team.

“That was insane,” Rose said of being stolen

by Hudson. “I really had had a moment where I’d totally made peace with the fact that I was finishing my time on ‘The Voice.’ … That look of totally astonishment [when Hudson stole me] was 100 percent genuine. I didn’t expect it at all. I just felt so much support and love in that moment.”

During the knockout round that aired on Nov. 6 and 7, she faced off against Chris Weaver, also on Hudson’s team, who sang “I Put a Spell on You.” Rose, who has lived in Queens for 10 years — in Jackson Heights, Woodside and Sunnyside, in addition to Astoria — was able to choose her own song for this round: “Zombie” by The Cranberries.

“I wanted to show [the coaches] growth, and I wanted them to see the different layers of my voice. And so I picked a song that meant a lot to me, but I also wanted to kind of turn it on its head and give it my own Katrina spin.”

She got to work with not only the coaches, but also Billy Ray Cyrus (who told Rose to “Live your life like there is no box”) and Kelly Clarkson (whom Rose called a “cool chick”).

“Walking in and seeing Kelly Clarkson, I nearly peed myself. I’m fairly certain I said that out loud, so it will be hilarious to see if that airs,” she said, laughing.

Rose said that people from all over the world, from Chile to Armenia, have been connecting with her on social media, watching her performances on YouTube and buying her music on iTunes.

“Music is the universal connector,” she said. “It spans over cultures, over ethnicities, over economic background. All people from everywhere, no matter where they are in their life, can connect with the same exact song in a way that’s so amazing. To actually see that and to be on the other end of that is very overwhelming and extremely humbling.”

Even though Rose was knocked out of “The Voice” after the knockout round, music will always be a part of her life, and she’s grateful for the people she’s met, she said.

“This continues to be an amazing platform and certainly has connected me with people that I otherwise may have never connected with,” she said. “These people have affected me in a way that I don’t think they even understand.

“And that’s sort of the beautiful thing about life, is how unexpected connections like this can totally throw you into a new chapter in your life and, for me, rejuvenate things that I’d thought were long gone for me. I didn’t know that music was still an option as a career and now this has definitely [reignited] the flame in me.”

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