BORO MAG by Julian Lesser

Delicious Italian food in Astoria Page 50

QNS.COM

DECember 2016

VOL 6:12

Bundled up: winter One local couple's Hip-hop album by local street style Page 6 interior design Page 14 producer Page 40

R U YO Y A D I L O H E D I GU

back e v i g o t s es 19 & 32 s and way

Local gif

BUY TICKETS

DECEMBER 17 & 18 LIC Flea & Food presents

Pag

+ HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Spikedmugfest.com

DECEMBER 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 3

CONTENTS If the holiday season snuck up on you, you’re not alone. There are gifts to buy, parties to plan, cookies to bake and New Year’s resolutions to make. We can’t make your social schedule any less hectic, but we can make it easier to find unique presents for everyone on your list with our gift guide on page 19. You can support local artisans and business owners without even leaving your neighborhood. It’s also a great time of year to give back to the community, and your fellow New Yorkers need your help now more than ever. See page 32 for ways to volunteer, donate and fundraise in KATRINA MEDOFF western Queens. editor-in-chief As 2016 comes to a close, we’re grateful that we are able to bring BORO and all its great content to western Queens by publishing 20,000 copies of our magazine each month and connecting with you every day on Facebook, Twitter (@BOROMAG) and Instagram (@boromagazine). We’re excited for what 2017 will bring. Be sure to take the journey with us by picking up your copy of BORO every month. Happy holidays, Katrina Medoff

HE GOT THE BEAT

FEATURES

6 COLD WEATHER CUTIES

Street style in Astoria

14 A COLORFUL COMPROMISE

One couple’s interior design solution

19 GIFT GUIDE

A COLORFUL COMPROMISE

32 HELPING HANDS

25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

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

Volunteer, donate and fundraise this winter

40 HE GOT THE BEAT

DEPARTMENTS

12 DECEMBER 2016 EVENTS

Local products, local shops

Hip-hop producer’s new album

44 ALL IN THE FAMILY 26 MAP IT DIRECTORY

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

28 MAP IT: WESTERN QUEENS

Greek eats at Ovelia

49 SPIKED MUG FEST

Hot drinks & shopping

50 VIVA VITE

Italian food at Vite Vinosteria

editoR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // art director Jonathan Rodriguez // graphic designer Nirmal Singh writers Hayley Bridgewater, Sean Curry, Ruthie Darling, Katrina Medoff, Estelle Pyper photographers Ruthie Darling, Bridget Kenny 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 | BOROMAG.COM | decEMBER 2016

PB | BOROMAG.COM | october 2016

JACKSON HEIGHTS Better Value • More Space • Private Gardens

Contact THE TRUSTED EXPERTS

78-27 37th Avenue, #5 • Jackson Heights, NY 11372

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NOVEMBER 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 5

sTREET sTYLE

Cristina is a buyer at Buffalo Exchange on Ditmars Boulevard. “I picked up the coat at work,” she told me. I also love her platform Doc Martens — comfy and cool.

I caught Amy in the midst of a game of Pokemon. “The scarf is from Lockwood!” she told me. I love this oversized mustard scarf paired with chic black — perfect for staying toasty and catching them all!

Cold Weather Kara was enjoying a Saturday in Astoria. She works in sales and advertising. “The coat is H&M!” What a great pattern. She wears it well by pairing it with skinnies and sneakers — the coat is really allowed to shine.

6 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

Cuties

BY RUTHIE DARLING @ruthiedarling

The plummeting temperatures are no excuse to stop living your best fashion lives, darlings! OK, so we have to shelve our favorite dresses and peep toes, but it’s time to embrace the snuggly warmth of coats and scarves. What could be more festive! Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we have to resign ourselves to a black ski jacket and Ugg boots. The streets are your runway, as these stylesavvy Astorians proved. Cosy yet chic was “the look” out in Queens this month. These fashion sweeties were bundled up, yet fabulous in an eclectic mix of vintage, leather and color.

Nick lives in Astoria and works in Starbucks and H&M. “The sunglasses are from the recent Kenzo collaboration with H&M,” he said. They are the perfect addition to leather and camo combo.

Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

I met Joanne as she and her family were returning from her son’s triumphant basketball game. “The jacket is from Zara — can you believe it!?” I am totally digging the punky vibe of this jacket worn with a classically elegant Chanel handbag. Style game strong, Joanne.

I spotted Ayesha’s gorgeous coat from across the street. She was a vision in blue. “It’s actually my uniform,” she said, laughing. “I’m a flight attendant for American Airlines. They did really well with this uniform. I love it!” DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 7

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Craft Cocktail Bar 31-30 ditmars blvd., astoria Open daily at 5pm

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DECEMBER EVENTS Monday, Dec. 5 and Monday, Dec. 19 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: Sacred Sound Journey Cost: $25 Location: SacredWaters Phone: 718-752-1414 Address: 5-35 51st Ave., LIC URL: https://sacredwaterslic.com/classesevents/ Saturday, Dec. 10 Time: 12:30 p.m. Event Title: Scrooge and Marley Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-482-5151 Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC URL: http://www.lpac.nyc/event/5dab88f d7b07ed734e518bfcfb755382 Saturday, Dec. 10 Time: 3 p.m. Event Title: Let it Snow Location: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Phone: 718-482-5151 Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave., LIC URL: http://www.lpac.nyc/event/ f15ef77f7dc8818df603671cbdf5f564 Saturday, Dec. 10 Time: 7 p.m. Event Title: A Sketch Show Location: The Creek and the Cave Phone: 718-706-8783

Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 URL: ClipShowSketchShow.com Sunday, Dec. 11 Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Event Title: The Comedian’s Compass: A Beginner’s Guide to the Business of Acting Cost: $15 Location: Q.E.D. - A Place to Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Queens URL: qedastoria.com Tuesday, Dec 13 Time: 9 p.m. Event Title: Stand-Ups Improvise TED Talks Cost: $7 Location: Q.E.D. Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 16 23rd Ave, New York, NY 11105 URL: StandUpsImprovise.com Wednesday, Dec. 14 Time: 7:30 to 11 p.m. Event Title: A Story of Astoria 2nd Annual Holiday Fundraiser Cost: $30 – $40 Location: Studio Square Phone: 718-784-0877 Address: 35-33 36th St., LIC URL: http://www.longislandcityqueens. com/experience-lic/events/a-story-ofastoria-2nd-annual-holiday-fundraiser/

Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events Wednesday, Dec. 14 Time: 5 to 7 p.m. Event Title: Breast Health Screening and Education Location: Mount Sinai Queens Family Health Associates Phone: By appointment only. Call 718808-7727 Address: 31-60 21st St., Astoria URL: http://events.mountsinaihealth.org Friday, Dec. 16 Time: 8 p.m. to midnight Event Title: Artists Holiday Party Cost: $15; FREE for MoMA PS1 members Location: MoMA PS1 Phone: 718-784-2084 Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave., LIC Saturday, Dec. 17 Time: 3 p.m. Event Title: Aki Sasamoto: Delicate Cycle Location: SculptureCenter Phone: 718-361-1750 Address: 44-19 Purves St., LIC URL: www.sculpture-center.org Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day Event Title: Spiked Mug Fest and Holiday Bazaar Location: The Factory Phone: 718-224-5863 ext. 264 Address: 30-30 47th Ave., LIC URL: LICflea.com or spikedmugfest. splashthat.com Sunday, Dec. 18 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Event Title: Board Game Meetup Cost: FREE Location: Q.E.D. - A Place to Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Queens URL: qedastoria.com Sunday, Dec. 18 Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Event Title: Trivia for a Cause With Trivia NYC Cost: FREE to play Location: Q.E.D. - A Place to Show & Tell Phone: 347-451-3873

ONGOING events Every Thursday 7 to 10 p.m. Live Music Alobar 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC 718-752-6000 www.AlobarNYC.com Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Queens URL: qedastoria.com Tuesday, Dec. 20 Time: 8 to 10 p.m. Event Title: Astoria Drink ‘n’ Draw Cost: $8 Location: Q.E.D. - A Place for Show and Tell Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: https://qedastoria.com/collections/ events/products/drink-n-draw-32 Thursday, Dec. 22 Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Event Title: Can Release and Holiday Party Cost: $16 Location: LIC Beer Project Phone: 917-832-6840 Address: 39-28 23rd St., LIC URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ can-release-and-holiday-party-tickets29575423889?aff=es2 Saturday, Dec. 31 Time: 10:30 p.m. Event Title: New Year’s Eve at The Standing Room! (Special Event) Cost: $20 Location: The Standing Room Phone: 347-309-7666 Address: 4738 Vernon Blvd., LIC URL: http://standingroomlic.com/event. cfm?cart&id=474210

The Paint Place

NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio comes to Astoria No Experience necessary! Check our website for the full calendar 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 www.thepaintplaceny.com • 929-522-0086 12 I BOROMAG.COM I DECember 2016

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18 DRAFT BEERS FULL KITCHEN · BILLIARDS PING PONG · AIR HOCKEY · DARTS @breakastoria

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DECEMBER 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 13

INTERIOR DESIGN

A Colorful Compromise BY RUTHIE DARLING

14 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

@ruthiedarling

“We moved into our place in July of this year. Dustin used to live right across the hall in a two-bedroom apartment with his roommate. I was leaving his place one morning and noticed the tenants across the hall were moving out. I peeked my head inside and saw this beautiful, onebedroom apartment, so we took the plunge and moved in together.” A classic New York love story — romance and real estate.

I discovered Troy Peppicelli and Dustin Bryant’s apartment while I was scrolling through Instagram one evening. Peppicelli had posted a picture of a sofa that looked almost the same as mine, but with sleek, mid-century legs. I messaged him to ask him about it and he told me that yes, it was indeed my Ikea sofa, but he had upgraded the legs using Etsy. What a great hack! “Just search ‘Ikea upgrades’ and you’ll see all sorts of ideas pop up,” Peppicelli sug-

gested. I went to see his Pinterest-worthy apartment in Astoria, where I discovered a perfectly curated mid-century modern pad. Total “Mad Men” chic! Troy Peppicelli, a house manager at the Roundabout Theatre Company, shares a home with his boyfriend Dustin Bryant, director of individual giving at The New School, along with their two adorable puppies. Moving in with your beloved

isn’t always easy; combining tastes can make or break a couple, but Peppicelli and Bryant seem to have compromise down to a fine art. “Dustin loves grays and navies and I love color,” Peppicelli explained. The couple makes this work by using Bryant’s muted tones as the base pallet and adding pops of color in blue and orange in the form of throw cushions and the dining chairs. “The color of the chairs is called Desert Sunrise, in case you’re interested.”

Colorful accents can be seen all over their bright Astoria apartment, but always within their color scheme. The lion artwork on the wall has their signature orange in it, and the even the whimsical pompom bunting contains both orange and gray.

“We can be a bit like ships in the night,” Peppicelli told me. “Dustin works in the day and I work at night. We usually have about 45 minutes of crossover time in the evening when we can catch up about the day. Sundays are the only day when we are both at home and can relax together. Because I only work evenings, I tend to be a bit of a housewife in the days. That’s when I like to decorate. I’m always tweaking things.” DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 15

INTERIOR DESIGN Photos: Ruthie Darling/BORO

Everything in this apartment has its place. Most kitchens have the cooking oils out and on hand, but Peppicelli has his displayed on a quirky tray with a sweet mason jar filled with fresh flowers next to them. Everything can be beautiful if presented the right way, it seems.

Bryant helps keep the couple’s apartment stylish on a budget. “Dustin is great with figuring out sales and special offers,” Peppicelli said. “When we knew we needed to furnish our new apartment, he went out and signed up for a West Elm card. There was a crazy sale on, so we purchased all of the bedroom furniture and dining table and chairs for under $3,000. We supplement the rest of the apartment with pieces from Target or Etsy. This lamp is actually a Target purchase.” 16 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

The apartment seems so clutter-free and spacious for a one-bedroom. “The storage is amazing,” Peppicelli told me. “We each have our own closet. That’s the wonderful thing about Astoria — you really get bang for your buck.” Separate closets — the dream!

With that in mind, take a look at the pots and pans that are hanging on the wall. Of course, they are all chic slate-gray and look just perfect out on display in the kitchen. “If I’m ever feeling depressed, I just like to make the apartment look really cute. It can have such a positive effect on your mental health,” Peppicelli mused. I can totally see what he means: the apartment felt like a tranquil oasis away from the bustle of Astoria below. I didn’t want to leave, especially when the two dogs came out to play. Mid-century modern, grays and color, lots of compromise and an Ikea sofa that looks like it came from a designer showroom — a true love story all around. DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 17

18 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2016

GUIDE Local products, local shops BY HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER @hayleyree3

December is in full swing, and our calendars are packed with parties and get-togethers. There’s hardly any time left to shop, and our gift lists are getting longer and longer. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of local artisans whose products are available in shops right here in western Queens. That way, you can save time on your shopping excursions while supporting the artisans and businesses in your own community. And it doesn’t hurt that these gift ideas — made by local fashion designers, chefs, beekeepers, artists and more — are so unique that your friends and family won’t find anything else like them under the tree. We hope this guide inspires you to hit your local shops and finish your last-minute shopping!

Location Key (AB&C) Astoria Bier & Cheese 3414 Broadway; 35-11 Ditmars Blvd. astoriabierandcheese.com

(IA) Inside Astoria 28-07 Ditmars Blvd. insideastoria.biz

(ABS) Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31st St. astoriabookshop.com

(MIQ) Made In Queens Pop-Up Shop 27-24 Queens Plaza South madeinqueens.nyc

(TBO) The Brass Owl 36-19 Ditmars Blvd. thebrassowl.com

(LS) Lockwood Shop 32-15 33rd St. lockwoodshop.com

DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 19

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GIFT

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

For The Fashion Forward

For The Dinner Party Host

ROCKAWAY GYPSEA – (TBO)

SHOP SANDRA SMITH – (MIQ)

If your loved ones enjoy displaying their personalities through accessories, the quirky bags and home goods from Sandra Smith could be your go-to gift. Queens seamstress Sandra Smith leads this female-staffed business and is passionate about providing products that are well made, beautiful and unique. hello@shopsandrasmith.com Sandra Smith Handmade @ShopSandraSmith

A self-described “crafty babe,” Randi has been making different kinds of home décor and jewelry forever. Drawing on inspiration from Rockaway Beach and the “gypsea” in all of us, her designs reflect her natural Brooklyn girl roots with a nod to her current Queens home. randi@rockawaygypsea rockawaygypsea.com @rockawaygypsea

For The Sweet Tooth BIGGIE’S CRACK TOFFEE – (MIQ)

Originally created as a treat for herself and friends, this addictive, specialty toffee is now on the 2016 list of Oprah’s Favorite Things! Using the best ingredients available, CEO Stephanie Golden is proud to provide an additive and preservative-free toffee candy handcrafted locally in a Long Island City commercial kitchen. Cracktoffee.com Biggie’s Crack Toffee biggiescracktoffee

COCKTAIL CRATE HOME COCKTAIL MIXERS – (AB&C) (LS) If you are looking for a beverage gift with a homespun story, Cocktail Crate Mixers are for you! Cocktail Crate was founded in 2012 by Alex Abbott Boyd, a young drink connoisseur looking to make and sell a product he loved. Initially started through crowdfunding, with the products made and labeled at home and delivered by NYC subway, the business has literally grown with Boyd. Cocktailcrate.com Cocktail Crate cocktailcrate

SWEETCICLE’S SOFT CHEWS – (MIQ) CECILIA BY CECILIA MOTWANI – (MIQ)

Special man in your life? Want to influence his wardrobe? Check out “Project Runway” alumna Cecilia Motwani’s stamp on the fashion map of Queens. Using detailed hand-stitching and quality tailoring, with an eye on the diversity of the borough, Cecilia by Cecilia Motwani is set to bring stylish ties, shirts and blazers to LIC. ceciliamotwani@gmail.com ceciliamotwani.com 20 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

If licorice and a gummy had a baby, it would be a Sweetcicle’s Soft Chew! Plant based, animal-free, fruity and just the right amount of sweet, you can feel good about gifting this locally made candy confection! Sweetcicles.com Sweetcicles sweetcicles

NATIVE ROASTERS – (LS)

Already available at popular neighborhood joints Flattops and Queens Comfort, this small-batch local coffee roaster is about to take the borough (and beyond!) by storm. Pick some up for your holiday host gift! Nativeroasters.com Native Coffee Roasters nativeroasters

FOOD SNOB HARISSA – (AB&C)

Want to turn up the heat with an adventurous gift? The brainchild of hard-working chef and avid traveler Ygael Tresser, this Queens-made harissa sauce is prepared in small batches using quality ingredients from around the world, devoid of additives and preservatives. It’s made with a variety of peppers: red jalapeño, fresno, cayenne, cherry bomb and finger house. Foodsnobinc.com Food Snob Inc. snobinc

For The Neighborhood Rep

‘THE CLANCYS OF QUEENS’ – (ABS)

This memoir by Tara Clancy, popular host of NPR’s Snap Judgement and The Moth Mainstage Live shows, is the first book by and about working-class New York native women to be published since “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” was published 73 years ago. It’s a compelling tale of a class-jumping city childhood spent shuttling between her Irish cop father’s run-down shack in Broad Channel and her mom’s boyfriend’s luxurious Hamptons summer estate. The stories are populated by an extensive cast of longtime New Yorkers: family members with strong Irish and Italian roots, regulars at the Queens watering hole where Clancy’s dad hangs out, scrappy public school kids and endless cousins attending First Communion parties. A must read for any Queens-loving resident. Taraclancy.com Tara Clancy

QUEENS THREAD – (MIQ) (LS)

If you love your home borough, why not display it? Queens Thread celebrates all that is fascinating and diverse about Queens, New York City’s largest borough. A hotbed for sports, food, art and music, these streets have given birth to world-class artists, performers, designers and athletes. Queens Thread pays tribute to them all by keeping their production in the neighborhood, and partnering with vendors who reflect this idea of inclusion and camaraderie. Queensthread.com Queens Thread Inc queensthread

WILK APIARY’S ZIP CODE LOCAL HONEY – (AB&C) Give a gift with a nod toward environmental consciousness. Wilk Apiary was started in 2012 to help save the honeybee in our urban Queens neighborhoods. Beekeepers first, they also sell honey and related products to help put money back into this cause. The honey in every jar of Zip Code Local was removed from the hive, hand extracted and bottled by head beekeeper Tom Wilk. Each harvest is labeled according to the ZIP code in which the particular apiary is located. Wilkapiary.com Wilk Apiary Inc. wilkapiary

‘ALL STRANGERS ARE KIN’ – (ABS)

Interested in stories with the ability to transform? Astoria author Zora O’Neill is longtime traveler, interested particularly in languages and traditional foods. Her latest literary journey is a grand tour through the Middle East. Her stories of learning language and culture while expanding her circle of friends will make you laugh, think and expand your understanding of the global experience. Zoraoneill.com zoraoneill

DUTCH KILLS KLOTHEING – (MIQ) (LS)

Looking for a throwback look with a modern feel? Inspired by the old buildings and vintage advertisements of the Dutch Kills area, Eva Weiss and staff use public domain images and personal photos to reflect an “old-world flavor” that appeals to the masses. Dutch Kills Klotheing is a true reflection of the evolution of Queens printed with the newest ink techniques on soft, high-quality fabrics! Dutchkillsklotheing.com Dutch Kills Klotheing dutchkillsklotheing DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 21

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

For The Bookworm

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

For The Art Lover

YOU ARE HERE STUDIOS - (IA)

Gift a piece of local art that will be sure to be a talking point in any home! You Are Here Studios is the work of Alex & Lisa, two Queens photographers who combine retro ideas with current popular images to create unique artistic visuals. Past meets present with a true New York feel. info@youareherestudios @youareherestudios

JAMIE CLAWSON – (MIQ)

Known by many as the designer and craftsman of beautiful premium leather phone and computer accessories, Jamie Clawson is also the artist behind a line of laser-etched skateboard decks. These unique and handmade works of art depict some of New York’s most iconic images, including Queens’ own Hellgate Bridge. Jamieclawson.com @jamieclawson

For The Music Aficionado DEAN GORDON GUITARS

Because every true gift guide must have that original and distinctive luxe option, Astoria is home to Dean Gordon Guitars. Dean Gordon makes fully customized, one-of-a-kind guitars made with the quality tonewoods and top-of-the-line parts. Gordon works on each guitar himself by hand to ensure you get the best possible guitar for your needs. Gordon also heads repairs at the legendary Chelsea Guitars in Manhattan. His goal is not just to make a guitar that looks different but one that also holds all of the tradition and feel of the classics with a modern and sculpted twist. DeanGordonGuitars@gmail.com Dean Gordon Guitars @DeanGordonGuitars

22 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

WE HAVE A PRIVATE ROOM FOR BUSINESS LUNCH AND OTHER EVENTS ENJOY ROMANTIC DINNERS AND FAMILY PARTIES FULL BAR FEATURING WINE, COCTAILS AND DELICIOUS DESSERTS

IL FACO 21-50 44th Dr., Long Island City, NY 11101 718-707-0009 â&#x20AC;¢ 718-707-0023 MONDAY THRU THURSDAY 11:30AM TO 10:00PM FRIDAY 11:30AM TO 11:00PM, SATURDAY 5PM TO 11:00PM SUNDAY 4PM TO 9:30PM

Fax: 718-707-0031 Email: info@ilfalcolic.com www.ilfalcolic.com DECEMBER 2016 | BOROMAG.COM | 23

24 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2016

Boro deals & discounts Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through DECEMBER 31, 2016. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount. Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

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A Redken Concept Salon

$5 Select Drafts $6 Red, White, Rose Wines $7 Dirty Pickle Martini, Summer Old Fashioned, and Sangria 29-12 23rd Ave. Astoria, NY 11105

20% Off each seat The Paint Place NYC Premier Paint and Sip studio

7-10 31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11103 • (917) 832-7445

www.nycpetnanny.com

Open 8AM - 8PM Mon-Thurs; 8:AM - 9PM Fri; 9:AM - 9PM Sat; 9am- 8pm Sun

Monday’s $4 Craft Beer Tues & Wed 1/2 bottles of Wine Thursday’s $25 Sangria Pitchers

10% off tickets to Spiked Mug Fest + Holiday Bazaar. Unlimited warm cocktaisl and winter beers festival attached to the largest holiday market in Queens. www.SPikedMugFest.com

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

$6 Beer & Shots

Every Thursday during the Live Jazz Band.

ADVERTISE IN BORO ads@BOROmag.com

718.224.5863

www.BOROmag.com/advertise DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 25

@newyorkdoghouse

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

144 6 205 204 7 5 8 35 9

alobar restaurant (A,4) 718-752-6000 46-42 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.alobarnyc.com Astor room (C,2) 718-255-1947 34-12 36th St., Astoria www.astorroom.com

Victory Garden Café 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

MONIKA’S CAFE BAR 718-204-5273 3290 36th St., Astoria www.monikascafebar.com

124

New York Dog House 718-274-3647 37-06 30th Ave., Astoria www.newyorkdoghouse.com

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

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

213

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

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

150

OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com

Brick Cafe (B,2) 718-267-2735 30-95 33rd St., Astoria www.brickcafe.com 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 Cavo (C,2) 718-721-1001 42-18 31st Ave., Astoria www.cavoastoria.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 www.flocafeny.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

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

125

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

220

200

182

Crescent Grill (B,3) 718-729-4040 38-40 Crescent St., LIC www.crescentgrill.com

202

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

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

176

159

148

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

169

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

170

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

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

20 45 61 22

74 183

Ornella Trattoria Italiana (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com Oro Restaurant & Lounge 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com Ovelia (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com Penthouse 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com Queens Comfort (c,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com RETRO PIZZA CAFE 347-612-4460 Fax: 347-813-4039 41-02 Broadway, Astoria

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

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

194

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

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

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

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

153

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

116

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

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

186

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

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

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

210

WARIQUE 718-726-5555 47-17 30th Ave., Astoria

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

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

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

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

108 32

BAKERIES

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

121

218

Astoria Coffee 30-04 30th St Astoria, NY, 11102 (347) 410-7399

218

34 138 139

Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company 718-777-1121 35-09 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria (C,1) 36-14 30th Ave., Astoria (C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria (C,2) www.bkbagel.com

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

189

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

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

190

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

Steinway Court Vet (c,2) 718-728-2822 32-41R Steinway St., Astoria www.steinwaycourtvet.com

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

FOOD SHOPS 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

WINES & SPIRITS

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

FLORISTS 160

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

44 137

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

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

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

SERVICES

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

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

119

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

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

177

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

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

209

Avenue Chemists Pharmacy 718-545-1010 45-01 30th Ave., Astoria

129

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

187

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

143

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

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

184

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

26 | BOROMAG.COM I DECEMber 2016

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

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

Château le Woof 718-626-WOOF 30-02 14th St., Astoria www.chateaulewoof.com

60 bean coffee & tea (C,1) 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria

199

133

PETS 201

115

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

191

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

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

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

207 114 77

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

173 161 90

e.c.g. debt settlement (B,1) 718-932-9300 29-15 Astoria Blvd., Astoria energea (C,2) 929-296-9314 34-13 38th St., LIC EnergeaNYC.com FERRARI Driving School (c,2) 718-278-6679 3232 Steinway St.

198

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

223 224

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

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

180

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

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

206

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

174

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

122 62

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

175

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

157

Voice Music Studio (A,1) 646-309-3429 23-11 21st St., Astoria

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

BEAUTY 164

195

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

188

146

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

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

110

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

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

192

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

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

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

197

212

Studio Nova 718-392-4962 37-01 36th Ave., Astoria www.studionovanyc.com

The Brewery Bar & Kitchen 718-777-8007 49-18 30th Ave., Astoria www.thebrewery.nyc

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

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

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

112

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

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

217

The Paint Place (NYC Painting Classes & Parties) 31-21 31st St Astoria, NY 11106 929-522-0086 www.thepaintplaceny.com

131

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

The Cotton Bride (B,3) 718-729-9878 Fax: 718-729-9740 39-13 23rd St., LIC www.thecottonbride.com

FITNESS 58

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

147

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

158

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

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

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

222

154

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

111

120

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

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

203

Passage Irish bar and kitchen 917-832-6680 40-11 30th Ave., Astoria www.passageastoria.com

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

165

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

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

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

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

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

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

TATTOO SHOPS

145

Locked -Escape Room NYC 718-274-9700 22-56 31st St., Astoria www.escapelocked.com

rklelink

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

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

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

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

Z NYC Hotel (a,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

215

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

149

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

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

199

NIGHTLIFE/BARS

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

134

151

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

EVENTS

HOTELS

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

214

REAL ESTATE 217 105 30

The Beast Next Door CafÃ© & Bar 718-482-7507 42-51 27th Ave., LIC www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com

AMORELLI REALTY 718-204-2828 3601 30th Ave., Astoria www.amorellirealty.com Beaudoin Realty Group (A,4) 718-505-9220 21-52 44th Dr., LIC www.beaudoinrealtor.com douglas elliman (A,4) 917-386-6164 47-37 Vernon Blvd. www.elliman.com

101 140 141

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

103

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

ART

HEALTH & WELLNESS

166

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

100

Astoria fine arts dance (c,1) 718-247-0740 38-01 23rd Ave., Astoria www.asfa-dancestudio.com

172

156

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

128

135

142

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

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/

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

80 136

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

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

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

92 113 127

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

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

DECEMber 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 27

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ASTORIA

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Hoyt Playground

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Newtown Ave.

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27 St

ASTORIA PARK

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WESTERN QUEENS GIVES BACK

Volunteer

1. Goodwill NYNJ Holiday Events and Camp Like to face-paint or craft? Put those skills to use by helping out a children’s holiday camp with Goodwill NYNJ! Put a smile on a kid’s face by running all sorts of activities as a volunteer this winter break, or help distribute food and toys at one of Goodwill NYNJ’s annual holiday events. “I want to tell New Yorkers that when they shop or donate their unwanted clothing or household goods at their local Goodwill store, they are supporting our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain independence through the power of work,” said Goodwill NYNJ President and CEO Katy Gaul-Stigge.

HELPING HANDS Giving back in your neighborhood this holiday season By Estelle Pyper @estie_pyper

Volunteers can contact Sofia Phillips at sphillips@goodwillnynj.org for more information. Locations: Beacon I.S. 10 45-11 31st Ave., LIC Holiday Event: Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Holiday Camp: Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: 718-777-9202 Beacon JHS 141 37-11 21st Ave., LIC Holiday Event: Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. Holiday Camp: Dec. 27-30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: 718-777-9200

32 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

@estiepyper

estern Queens is spinning with holiday cheer: lights hang on the trees, storefronts burst with red and green, and joy is in the air. If you’re looking to spread the joy to those in need this season, look no further than your own backyard. Charities and organizations are always in need of volunteers and donations, especially around the holidays. And you should never doubt that your small acts of kindness can make a big difference: “I recall being in my country looking forward to when the Pepsi truck would come,” said Soraya Gomez, manager of Access Self Storage, a local drop-off location for Toys for Tots this year. “They usually came around Christmas and handed out a toy to each child in certain areas. I remember the happiness these toys would bring.” From toy and food donation to environmental cleanup, we’ve compiled a list of charities and organizations located in Astoria, Sunnyside and Long Island City that need your help this month. There’s something for every type of volunteer, so pick a cause and make your mark!

3. Big Reuse Roll up your sleeves and put that green thumb to work by helping out the environment this season. Big Reuse has volunteer opportunities year-round for those passionate about our planet. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, their compost project with New York Cares, “Compost Give-Back,” is coming up on Dec. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. At the end of the event, Big Reuse will be giving away locally made compost!

2. Citymeals on Wheels Make a neighbor’s holiday a little brighter by delivering warm meals to the elderly in your area. Citymeals is always in need of volunteers to help deliver food throughout the city on weekends and holidays. Ensure that no one will go hungry this Christmas – bring the whole family to help out, and see the direct impact you’re making in your neighborhood. If crafting is more your speed, you can also sign up to make holiday cards to be delivered!

To sign up, visit bigreuse.org/volunteer. Locations: Queens Plaza S. & 10th St., LIC

4. Rescuing Leftover Cuisine With all the holiday events and parties going on this season, there’s bound to be mountains of leftover food — but don’t throw it all away! Rescuing Leftover Cuisine is dedicated to feeding the hungry by collecting and distributing leftover food. You can sign up as a volunteer to help collect food throughout the city, or if you have food left over from an office holiday party, you can contact their team to collect it. To sign up and learn more, visit rescuingleftovercuisine.org/volunteer.

Rescuing Leftover Cuisine

For more information and to sign up, visit citymeals.org/holiday-volunteering or email volunteer@citymeals.org.

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5. Housing Works Want to help fight HIV/AIDS and homelessness in just a few hours? Housing Works has volunteer opportunities right here in western Queens every day of the week! Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., come help process donations that will go to Housing Works’ 13 citywide thrift shops. Volunteers at their Processing and Distribution Center will help sort donations, tag merchandise and organize inventory. For more information, email volunteer@housingworks.org or visit housingworks.org/volunteer and click on “Group Volunteerism,” where you’ll find details about the LIC Processing and Distribution Center (you can volunteer there as an individual or as a group). Locations: 48-49 35th St., LIC DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 33

WESTERN QUEENS GIVES BACK

Toys for Tots

NYC Pet Services

FUNDRAISERS 1. A Story of Astoria and Urban Upbound You can have a fun night out and give back to your community at the same time! An Astoria Instagram account, @astoryofastoria, is hosting their second annual fundraiser for Urban Upbound (urbanupbound.org), an Astoria-based organization dedicated to breaking poverty cycles in public housing neighborhoods by providing those in need with resources to gain economic stability. The event is packed with local flavor, including donated food from six local restaurants, raffle prizes from local businesses, music by a local DJ and more! The event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Event information and links to tickets can be found on their Facebook page: facebook. com/astoryofastoria.

Donate 1. Toys for Tots When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out holiday shopping, pick up an extra toy to give to a child in need. The annual Toys for Tots program collects new toy donations from around the U.S. and distributes them to children for Christmas. Each donation location will give the toys to children in that specific community, so you can directly impact those in your own neighborhood!

For more information on how to donate, visit toysfortots.org. Drop-off Locations: Astoria: Eastern Generation/Astoria Generating Company 18-01 20th Ave., Gate 1, Astoria Astoria Generating Company is also currently hosting a clothing and food drive through Dec. 15! Long Island City: Access Self Storage 29-00 Review Ave., LIC

34 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

2. New York Cares Coat Drive As New Yorkers, you know that these winters get tough. Keep your community warm by donating an old winter coat. New York Cares runs a coat drive each winter at locations throughout the five boroughs. This year, our very own Sunnyside Library will host a coat drop-off site. Swing by today through Dec. 31 and help fellow New Yorkers stay safe this holiday season. For more information, visit newyorkcares.org/coat-drive.

Locations: Sunnyside Library 43-06 Greenpoint Ave., LIC Fundraisers

Locations: Studio Square, 35-33 36th St., LIC

2. NYC Pet Services Pets want to see Santa, too! For all the animal lovers out there: bring your pet into Pet Services on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to get their picture taken with Santa! Suggested donations per picture are $10, and all proceeds go to Bobbi and the Strays animal shelter.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

GOT

40 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

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BEAT BY KATRINA MEDOFF @KatrinaMedoff @katya_m22

or an answer, just listen to the “Queens” track on local hip-hop producer Rasmus Jensen’s new album “Control Your Own,” which was released this summer by Jensen’s own record label, Worldwyde Recordings. The “Queens” music video will be available on Jensen’s website in midDecember, so you can check it out to see if it looks and sounds like your home borough. “It’s basically my little nod to my adopted hometown,” said Jensen, 43, who moved to Astoria from Denmark in 1992, when he was 19. “And the video is all Queens street scenes, so I tried to capture what Queens sounds like to me in the music and then what Queens looks like in the video.” For people who live in Queens, he said,

the scenes will be familiar. “[It] just looks like your neighborhood, whether it’s Jamaica, whether it’s Astoria, Woodside, Corona,” said Jensen, who goes by the name Ras Beats. And for those who aren’t from New York or who may have never been to the borough, Jensen hopes that the song and video capture the feel of the area. “Hopefully the video enhances the song even more, and people will go, ‘Wow, that’s what that looks like,’” he said. “[Queens] is where my home base is and I think my music is definitely affected by it. If I never would have moved to New York and to Queens back then … I’m just pretty sure that [my music] would sound different — whether that’s in the attitude of it, whether that’s in the drums or the melody or what have you. [My music] is definitely affected by [living in Queens] in a positive way and in a creative way.” With its nickname the “World’s Borough,” Queens is a famously diverse place, which just might be perfect for an artist like Jensen, who likes taking his inspiration from any music he can get his hands on. “I’ll listen to anything. I don’t care if it’s a folk record from the Czech Republic or Korean jazz record; I’ll listen to anything. So I’m completely open to that and I’m curious about everything, and I think just having the perspective of having lived on two different continents, you’re curious about a lot of stuff. You know that there’s a lot of great German rock or British jazz, whatever it is.” Jensen said that the borough’s diversity may have been what made him feel so at home. “I just kind of ended up [in Astoria], but I think that’s probably what made me comDECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 41

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

fortable when I moved here, is that even though when I moved here I heard, ‘Oh, it’s a Greek neighborhood,’ it was different and never felt like I kind of stood out or didn’t fit in even though I moved here and everything was brand new to me,” he said. “It felt like somewhere I could fit and be comfortable, so I think that’s a big part of why I ended up staying here and made it my home and have been here for so long.” The “Control Your Own” album features different vocalists on each track, and everything that you hear other than the rapper is created by Jensen, mostly through sampling. The song “Queens” is unique in that Jensen was not working with a vocalist. “I just wanted to challenge myself to make an instrumental track where I wasn’t working with any rappers or any vocalists on it,” he said. Jensen has already released two music videos from the “Control Your Own” album: “With No Pressure” and “God Bless.” Those can be found on his website, rasbeats.com, where the “Queens” music video will be released as well. He said that his previous experience as a DJ inspired him to create his own music. “My music definitely came from being a DJ initially, playing records and learning a lot of different music,” he said. “DJing definitely played a huge part of when I began to create my own style and create my own music. That was a huge part of my inspiration in the beginning.” When he sets out to create a song, Jensen puts together the instrumental tracks, and the rappers write the lyrics to those tracks. After the rappers do their part, Jensen puts the finishing touches on the song. “My stuff is largely based off of rearranged samples, meaning that it’s sounds from different records that have been manipulated and put together in a new way,” he explained. “The majority of stuff you wouldn’t recognize where it came from, so it’s very different from some things with sampling where you take a record and you repeat it and it sounds like the original record.” In the past, Jensen had released a couple of singles and an EP with six songs. All that led up to the making of “Control Your Own” — his first album, which features 14 tracks. Even though there are different vocalists on each track, Jensen said, “It’s not really a compilation because it was created to give the album a consistency so when you listen to it, it sounds like one record, not 14 different directions. It’s hip-hop with a little bit

42 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

“I’m just pretty sure that [my music] would sound different — whether that’s in the attitude of it, whether that’s in the drums or the melody or what have you. [My music] is definitely affected by [living in Queens] in a positive way and in a creative way.” Rasmus Jensen Local hip-hop producer

more edge, you can say; it’s a little grittier than what you hear on the radio.” There’s a lot of focus on what the rappers say, whether it’s their message or their clever wordplay, Jensen said. “Also the beats, the production style is a little harder than what you hear on the radio right now,” he said. “It seems to my ears that hip-hop has turned very pleasant right now, most of the stuff that you hear on the radio. The line between hip-hop and R&B is very blurred. A lot of hip-hop and a lot of rap that you hear is very catchy. It’s very sort of accessible to everybody. “And music is different things to different people, but this one is something that it might challenge you a little bit more when you listen to it, hopefully,” he continued. “The lyrics are all written for the sake of great craftsmanship and great lyricism, and the music just has more of an edge to it. It’s funkier than a lot of stuff you hear right now on the radio. ‘Underground’ is one of the terms you might use for it.” Jensen said he kicked around the idea for this album for about five years before he started creating it, and while it required a huge investment of time and money, it was something he needed to express. “Musically, I wanted to create something that would be my version of a lot of great albums that I’ve gotten a lot out of listening to over the years, and I wanted to add on to that. I wanted to just honor the tradition of this style of music and at the same time add some new twists and turns to it so it’s fresh.” Photos courtesy of Andreas Vingaard

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FOOD + DRINKS

ood has always been significant for the Giannakas family — the folks behind the Astoria Greek eatery Ovelia, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. “For us growing up, sitting and eating together was really important, and we all took turns messing around with recipes,” Chris Giannakas said. “The kitchen was really important to the family.” But it wasn’t until a decade ago that they came together to share family recipes at a restaurant in the neighborhood they’d called home since Chris Giannakas was a baby. “After years of us doing our own thing— my brother was a scientist, I was in law and politics, my father was semi-retired—I quit what I was doing and I went to Greece to spend a few months there,” Giannakas said. “I came back and decided that I wanted to do a small plates kind of thing with a bar.” The idea was to have modern fare based in traditional Greek food. Once he found a location, Giannakas realized that the neighborhood was lacking a full sit-down eatery, so he decided to move forward with a full restaurant.

Photos courtesy of Ovelia

ALL IN THE FAMILY BY KATRINA MEDOFF

@KatrinaMedoff

The eatery quickly became a family business: his father came on board; his mother would hang out and cook, and her items made it onto the menu; and his brother Peter took the lead on creating a brunch menu. “[Peter] really started falling in love with the kitchen and started moving away from the lab and doing science, and he put his skills toward what he was doing in the kitchen,” Giannakas said. Peter Giannakas even got onto Season 3 of the popular Food Network competition reality series “Chopped.” 44 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

@katya_m22 Peter Giannakas has begun to take inspiration from his family history for Ovelia’s cuisine. “Pete recently started doing research into what my grandparents were doing with their cuisine,” Giannakas said. “They came from Asia Minor, and they ended up moving to the [Greek] islands and onto the mainland, Athens, and my parents were born there. My mom grew up eating a certain type of Greek food that was inspired by Asia Minor.” So Peter started bringing those flavors into the menu. On the brunch menu, for example, diners will find “Yiayia’s Omelet.” Yiayia is the Greek word for grandma, and the omelet was given that name because Chris and Peter’s grandmother used to make it for them.

If you visit Ovelia, make sure to taste the Kaimaki vintage ice cream made with salepi and mastiha and served with sour cherry preserves. The Ovelia team imported the ingredients and came up with the recipe, and Astoria ice cream shop Sweet Janes makes it for the restaurant. The Monastiraki Bifteki (ground lamb, beef and pork kebabs) was named after an area in Athens where Giannakas’ parents used to go on dates before they got married. Chris and Peter’s parents would bring them there when the family visited Greece. Lahmatzoun, a dish that’s really popular in Turkey and Armenia, is also one to try, Giannakas said. It’s made with flat bread, minced lamb, pork, beef, onions and parsley. “With the Greek cuisine, pretty much everything that you serve, you’re processing at the restaurant. You can’t go buy certain things; it’s not here. So you have to think about it from scratch. Where do you procure the ingredients, and what do you do with them?” Giannakas has seen the way Astoria has transformed over the years, beginning when he was a child and his father had a souvlaki stand in Astoria Park on summer

weekends. “The neighborhood’s changed a lot since we started [Ovelia], and we’ve grown and changed with the neighborhood,” he said. “It keeps us on our toes with what we’re doing and we’ve revisited what we’re doing with the restaurant. It’s been an interesting trip, and we’ve had a lot of fun with it.” Giannakas said that Ovelia has become a hangout for locals and immigrants from Greece. “It’d be a spot where they’d come and

they’d meet other people, and obviously we’d help wherever we could, whether it be work or trying to get them a place to stay, and in a way, you serve the community in that respect.” At Ovelia, Giannakas’ parents and Peter Giannakas “do the kitchen stuff,” Giannakas said, while he works with the front of the house and the bar. He also did the restaurant’s interior design, graphics, logos and marketing. “And I’m a plumber and electrician and [fix] everything else that breaks in that restaurant; that’s what happens when you’re a small business,” he added. “But it’s funny because everyone has a say in everything, so it’s never really a unilateral decision,” Giannakas said. “It’s always kind of like a family situation.”

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ooking for a way to warm up as the weather gets colder? We’ve got just the thing for you! On Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, LIC Flea & Food will be hosting a Spiked Mug Fest and Holiday Bazaar. This unlimited tasting event is all about sippin’ some boozy drinks like honey-bourbon hot toddies, hot buttered rum, mulled wine and winter beers while you eat global street food and shop from the best local makers, crafters, and curated vintage collections at the attached Holiday Bazaar. Tickets for the Spiked Mug Fest start at just $39, which gets you a three-hour window with unlimited tastings of all of the available cocktails and beers! Attendees can also enjoy live music, a photo booth and the attached Holiday Bazaar. Don’t forget, if you don’t feel like warming up with a drink, the Holiday Bazaar is free to attend! The event will be held at The Factory in LIC (30-30 47th Ave., Long Island City) on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Visit www.SpikedMugFest.com for tickets to the event. BORO readers can use the code “BORO” at checkout for 10 percent off the ticket cost. DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 49

+ DRINK FOOD 50 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

VIVA

ITE BY SEAN CURRY

As we enter the fun but stressful holiday season, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to know a few reliable places that can heavy-pour a glass of wine. I recently checked out Vite Vinosteria, a delightful, hip Italian eatery just off 31st Avenue on 34th Street, to eat, drink and forget about this crazy year for an evening.

DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 51

+ DRINK FOOD A glass of Chianti was on my table within minutes. Normally, I’m a beer guy, but never in my life has “when in Rome” been a more appropriate phrase. The Chianti was quickly followed by a red Tuscana wine, which I had to force myself to slow down on, lest I drink all the wine in the place before the actual food came out. And I’m glad I waited, because the Tuscana paired wonderfully with our first course, grilled octopus on a bed of greens. I’ve had my share of seafood before, but this was my first experience with the eight-armed delicacy. It reminded me of swordfish and Caribbean jerk chicken, and it might have been my favorite selection out of a night of amazing dishes. Or rather, it would have been my favorite dish, had the ribbon pasta not come 52 I BOROMAG.COM I DECEMBER 2016

out next. My God, this was some of the most tender beef I’ve ever had in my entire life, and I couldn’t stop myself from coming back to it throughout the meal. When profiling a restaurant like this, BORO’s intrepid photographer, Bridget, and I will split the meals evenly. This was one time where I had to make it very clear to her that she could have any other dish for herself, but this one was mine. Really amazing stuff.

Photos: Bridget kenny/BORO

Another glass of red, another dish: fagottini. Perhaps more easily thought of as a pumpkin ravioli, it was a sweet, well-balanced medley of autumn flavors, cheese and dough. Burrata, a creamy, tasty mozzarella appetizer, came out shortly after, and I can’t ever help myself when it comes to burrata. It paired beautifully with the sweet pumpkin flavor in the fagottini. This round of dishes was wrapped up with a skillet of prawns, shrimps and mussels on a bed of spaghetti with a savory sauce. The pièce de résistance, a succulent roast pig, was the last of the entrees to come out, and what a beautiful spread of pork it was. Crispy skin gave way to tender, juicy meat, and I paired it with another glass of

the Chianti. Of course, an article for BORO wouldn’t be complete without me forcing my body to fit more delicious food inside it than it can physically fit, so even after this impressive spread was cleared, there was more to eat. Leave it to the Italians. Some lovely tiramisu and biscotto came out to end the meal. The chocolate sauce was light and didn’t get in the way of the coffee flavor, which incidentally one of the best coffee-flavored desserts I’ve ever had. But the biscotto — santo cielo, this was good. Whole pear slices (no weak puree business to be found), brownies and gelato stacked like a parfait in a small mason jar was the perfect nightcap. (And, of course, a small bit of bourbon.) Vite’s offerings are as varied as they are

delicious. Come for the pig, the seafood or the pasta (or with some dishes, all three), but stay for the excellent service and cozy brick interior. The wait can be a bit long some nights, but the prompt, attentive waitstaff makes the line worth it. If you want the stripped-down Vite experience, be sure to check out Vite Bar on Broadway, as well! But whatever you do, don’t tell them you’re full. They take “full” as a challenge. DECEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 53

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