BORO MAG

DECEMBER 2017 VOL 7:12 Photo via Pixabay

BOROMAG.COM

HOMEMADE, COCKTAILINSPIRED SOAPS

SNAG TIX TO MUSICAL SET IN ASTORIA

MUSIC FROM LOCAL BANDS YOU CAN BUY

UNIQUE GIFTS FROM LOCAL ETSY SHOPS

Page 16

Page 32

Page 36

Page 44

We Would like to thank the Community and Wish everyone

From all oF us at

For modernspaCes General inquiries: inFo@modernspaCesnyC.Com and 718-784-1110

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DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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CONTENTS Finding the perfect gift for each of your family members and friends is never easy, but this holiday season, BORO is here to help.

You won’t need to hit up Bed Bath & Beyond, because one Astoria bartender makes irresistible cocktail-themed soaps you can gift (page 16). You don’t need to buy a generic iTunes gift card for the music lover in your life, because we found local bands of a variety of genres whose songs are available for purchase (page 36). And you can shop on Etsy.com to your heart’s content, knowing that you’re supporting your neighbors: We’ve rounded up 11 local crafters who will KATRINA MEDOFF make the most unique gifts under your tree editor-in-chief (page 44).

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 holiday season, Katrina Medoff

BAR SOAPS

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6 IN BETWEEN

Street style in Astoria

10 FESTIVE FOTOS Readers Instagrammed holiday pics

16 BAR SOAPS Local bartender’s cocktail-scented soaps

22 THE ACTING BUG Web series about exterminators in Astoria

32 MUSICAL MARRIAGE New folk-punk production set in Astoria

MUSICAL MARRIAGE

32

36 THE GIFT OF MUSIC Local songs for the music lover in your life

41 QUEENS COMEBACK

DEPARTMENTS 12 DECEMBER 2017 EVENTS 25 BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of December

in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside

Ha’s Chinese restaurant by Queens Kickshaw owners

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

44 CRAFTY QUEENS Etsy shops by western Queens artists

52 VINTAGE VOICE

The Astoria voice in Postmodern Jukebox

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katrina Medoff // ART DIRECTOR Mickhail Kurov WRITERS Danielle Brody, Sean Curry, Lora Grillo, Marie Grillo, Colin Holmes, Allison Kridle, Angela Matua, Katrina Medoff, Marie Torio PHOTOGRAPHERS Marie Torio SALES REPRESENTATIVE Graziella Zerilli // PUBLISHED BY Joshua and Victoria Schneps

All materials Copyright © 2015 BORO / All rights reserved. Opinions and claims made by advertisers are advertisers’ claims only. BORO Magazine accepts no responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.

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

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DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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STREET STYLE

IN BETWEEN A

BY MARIE TORIO @PHOTOSBYMARIETORIO

I loved how Tiffany (@tamaro.o), a 21-yearold student visiting the neighborhood, brought together patterns and textures nicely.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate her rings and embroidered booties? She nailed it!

s I stood on the sunny but chilly streets of Astoria, I observed how the lovely locals and visitors embraced winter layers while hanging onto some fall styles as one season transitions into another.

This month was all about neutrals, but instead of just sticking to black coats, Astorians were wearing shades of tan, brown, Army green and heather gray. Local fashionistas were incorporating a variety of plaid prints and stepping up their classic looks with fun additions like floral print shoes, a bright orange hat, an assortment of fun rings or sunny sneakers, and might I add, the accessories were on point.

Julia of Petals and Roots (@petalsandroots) said her style is bohemian and quirky.

Loved the mix of plaid and stripes along with a chunky statement necklace!

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DECEMBER 2017

CJ (@cjyturralde), who’s been an Astoria resident for 12 years, describes his style as “spontaneous.”

The patchwork on this student’s bomber jacket, along with his black hoodie and Converse, is the epitome of comfort and style.

Kate (@kik0chan), 27, grew up in Astoria and is an admin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital. I appreciated Kate’s simple style. The selection of her motorcycle jacket and metal buckled booties shows that she’s knows what she’s doing.

Astoria resident and professional dancer Sara (@sara_bex) pulled together a nice ensemble with her beanie, overcoat and scarf while running errands. Her laid-back style really caught my eye.

Astoria resident Michelle (@vu.gram), is an associate producer for MTV. The contrast of dark and light colors in her look works so well with her soft, heather grey coat.

Christian (@deathbeforedesign), 25, is an architect who was visiting Astoria on his day off. He describes his style as “urban gentleman.”

His leather sleeves gave his look edginess without compromising comfort, and the plaid scarf pulled the look together.

Astoria resident Fatena (@fatouna80) likes to keep her style up to date, but she also loves retro pieces. The coat, fedora, shades and pose ... need I say more?

Omonikey (@instalessnike) was visiting Astoria, and I found her style to be bright and fun. She brings it all together nicely with her smile.

Brandon (@bdagr8) is a draftsman for a construction company.

The pop of his pink sweater with a printed shirt peeking out underneath, pulled together with his tan coat, created such a cool, effortless look.

Wanita (@wanita), who was visiting from Seattle, would describe her style as “comfy chic.” She kept her look clean, casual yet sporty, but the pop of orange from her beanie and the way she chose to rock her fanny pack says she’s got her style covered. Definitely a trendsetter!

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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I N S TA I M A G E S

FESTIVE FOTOS

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he holidays are a magical time in western Queens, with festive lights arching over the streets, storefronts decked out for the season and wreaths adorning our neighbors’ doors. We wanted the pages of BORO to be just as festive as the streets of our neighborhood, so we asked our readers to tag us (@boromagazine) in their Instagram shots of the holidays in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside. You sent us shots of homemade Christmas cards, matching turtlenecks, pets in holiday hats and ornamented trees. Here are some of our favorite photos.

@ sorayagoesoutside

@ reggieandthepets DECEMBER 2017

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

@ trac1lynn

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@ sheilawatko

@ stephsklanks

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NEXT THEME: WINTER

For the January issue, we’re asking you to tag @boromagazine in photos depicting winter in Astoria, Long Island City or Sunnyside. Snap a photo of you and your friends bundled up in coats and scarves or a chilly scene on the elevated NW platform. We’ll take shots of hot cocoa by the fire, your child playing in the snow, your dog in winter booties — anything to do with the month’s theme. @ ilanasilver @ barre3lic DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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DECEMBER EVENTS Find more events at www.BOROmag.com/Events FRIDAY, DEC.15 Event Title: Art School Acid Dropout Time: 10 p.m.

Location: The Creek and The Cave Phone: 718-706-8783 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com FRIDAY, DEC. 15 Event Title: Night at the Museum Time: 8 to 11:55 p.m.

Location: MoMA PS1 Phone: 718-784-2084 Address: 22-25 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: momaps1.org FRIDAY, DEC. 15 Event Title: $5 Ugly Sweater Party!

Time: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Location: The Garden at Studio Square Phone: 718-383-1001 Address: 35-33 36th St., Astoria URL: studiosquarebeergarden.com SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Event Title: 30th Anniversary Screening: “The Princess Bride” Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6800 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: movingimage.us SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Event Title: Two Seconds To Midnight - Record Release for Sonder

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Time: 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Location: The LetLove Inn Phone: 718-777-5683 Address: 27-20 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: letloveinn.com SUNDAY, DEC. 17 Event Title: Holiday Mini-Market Time: Noon Location: Sweet Afton Phone: 718-777-2570 Address: 30-09 34th Ave., Astoria URL: sweetaftonbar.com SUNDAY, DEC. 17 Event Title: Holiday MarketAstoria Market Time: Noon to 6 p.m.

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Location: Irish Whiskey Bar Phone: 718-777-2570 Address: 28-48 31st St., Astoria URL: irishwhiskeybarnyc.com TUESDAY, DEC. 19 Event Title: Drink & Draw Time: 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20 Event Title: My First Time: A Standup & Storytelling Show Time: 9 to 10:30 p.m.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 28 Event Title: Jake and Amy's Golden Monkey Open Mic Time: 10:30 p.m. to midnight Location: Q.E.D. Phone: 347-451-3873 Address: 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria URL: qedastoria.com

THURSDAY, DEC. 21 Event Title: Bingo Night Time: 8:30 p.m.

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SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Event Title: NYRR Open Run Time: 9 to 10 a.m.

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FRIDAY, DEC. 22 Event Title: Redux LIVE Time: 9:30 p.m. to midnight Location: The Quays Pup Phone: 718-204-8435 Address: 45-02 30th Ave., Astoria URL: facebook.com/ thequayspubastoria SUNDAY, DEC. 24 Event Title: Old Borrowed Blue (Improv) Time: 7 p.m.

Location: The Creek and The Cave Phone: 718-706-8783 Address: 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC URL: creeklic.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Event Title: Bear in the Big Blue House: "A Berry Bear Christmas" (Screening and Live Event) Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Museum of the Moving Image Phone: 718-777-6800 Address: 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria URL: movingimage.us TUESDAY, JAN. 1 Event Title: Open Mic Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Irish Whiskey Bar Phone: 718-777-2570 Address: 28-48 31st St., Astoria URL: irishwhiskeybarnyc.com

HAPPY HOLIDAZE YA FILTHY ANIMALS!

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

BY COLIN HOLMES @HOLMESSLICE88

Meaghan Sands is a familiar face around town. Opera fans will recognize her from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, while other BORO readers might recognize her from behind the bar at one of their favorite watering holes in Astoria.

Now, Sands is adding yet another skill to her roster of talents: soapmaking. Infusing aspects from each of her life’s passions, the singer and bartender is putting her creative brain and unbridled drive to use making unique soap concoctions that make perfect gifts this holiday season.

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DECEMBER 2017

BAR SOAPS

The daughter of two productive and creative minds, Sands said she was brought up to believe in the power of imagination and the importance of applying it to your life’s work. Her parents’ encouragement, she added, gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams.

In college, she majored in both the conventional and the creative: mathematics and dance. College was also where she discovered a love for opera and its musical complexity.

“I love the crazy chord structure [of opera], how you have to transform the voice into an instrument and how you have to focus on multiple things at once,” she said. “Artists are great multitaskers. That’s why they make great bartenders. Cocktails are very much like cooking, or making a personal potion for someone. It’s very fun for me.”

Now, you can take Sands’ personal potions home with you in the form of scintillating soaps.

“Cocktails can be playful,” she continued.

“It’s a flavor experience in the way that food is. With the soaps, that’s what I’m going for — the experience.”

Her interest in soap-making began when her fiancé, Jon Ungar, gave her a soapmaking set for the holidays.

“I just went crazy,” she said, jokingly. “We both did. For [Jon’s] sister’s boyfriend, who’s British, I made him a soap out of milk, honey, earl grey tea and lemon.”

From there, the number of soap gifts she made began to increase, with Sands personalizing scents and ingredients for her friends and family based on their likes and traits.

Then came the creation of Suit Cat Soaps — the couple’s fun-filled business whose name pays tribute to their perpetually well-dressed cat, Maestro.

Fusing their knack for beloved and innovative cocktails with their newfound passion for soaps, Sands and Ungar, who also tends bar, went to work.

Taking the words quite literally, they created “Bar Soaps” using ingredients from cocktails to create the cleansing product.

“It’s a cocktail that’s in a bar of soap,” Sands said excitedly. “You can literally wash yourself with a Sazerac.”

The recently engaged couple plan to modify their soaps to match with the changing of the seasons, taking customers from the margaritas and mojitos of the summer, to the old fashioneds and mulled ciders of the winter — just as many cocktail bars rotate their menus throughout the year.

It’s not only cocktails that inspire Sands’ soaps.

She also has created a morning cleanser that combines essential oils and coffee.

“You can wash your face with anything,” she said, “but it’s fun to wash your face with a sugar scrub that smells like a fresh pot of coffee. It’s just very alluring to me.”

And to aid you in living out your autumn dreams year-round, these DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E caffeine-boosted soaps also come in Pumpkin Spice.

Their line of soaps dubbed Sweet Treats are meticulously sculpted to look just like your favorite calorie-laden treats, ranging from a doughnut to a slice of

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DECEMBER 2017

chocolate cake, but since you’re not consuming them, there are no calories — and no guilt — involved.

“I like the idea of your bathroom being filled with fun stuff,” Sands explained. “It doesn’t have to be so serious. Beauty

care lines can be fun. We become adults and suddenly you have to be so serious about everything and life is hard and you have bills to pay. Why not make a thing that you have to do every day as fun as you can?”

Suit Cat Soaps has been discovered by Shoperatic, a shopping site run by “divas” working with “divas” to bring their creative prowess to a larger clientele. It's through Shoperatic that Sands’ adventure comes full circle, teaming her in a sisterhood of like-minded women who have found a productive and enriching outlet for their imaginatively brilliant minds.

“I think a lot of people like to put others in boxes and say, ‘Well, this is what you are.

You’re a chorus girl. You’re a bartender.’

But I don’t believe that. I think that with hard work and dedication, people really can move up from their current position in life, especially in New York. It’s the epitome of what the American Dream is.”

As for Suit Cat Soaps, business is booming without losing touch with the original plan: to create fun and enjoyable experiences for anyone and everyone to partake in.

Photos courtesy of Meaghan Sands

“Our plan is to just keep growing and keep making whimsical treats of delight that people can wash their bods with. Why not?” she said. And in her best “Godfather” impression: “It’s a real chill operation we’re running over here.”

Suit Cat Soaps are currently available at www.shoperatic.com, and the company’s newly launched website, www. suitcatsoaps.com. Be sure to follow them on Instagram at @suitcatsoaps for the latest updates on their new creations.

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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

The Acting Bug

By KATRINA MEDOFF katrina@boromag.com @KATRINAMEDOFF

A

@KATYA_M22

storia filmmaker Taylor Coriell was having brunch at The Strand Smokehouse on Broadway one day with local writer and actor Jasmine Romero when they met a table of fellow brunchers, one of whom was an exterminator. “Do you know of any girl exterminators?” Coriell and Romero asked him. He said no.

And that’s when the idea for the web series “You’re the Pest” was born.

That’s why it was “only fitting to set the whole thing in Astoria,” Coriell said of the comedic web series about two former friends who took over their parents’ extermination company in Queens.

The “You’re the Pest” team shot the pilot episode of the web series in December 2015 and released it online in September 2016. Now, they’re preparing to shoot the rest of season 1, which will be six episodes in total. Their goal is to release the rest of the episodes starting in April 2018.

On Nov. 15, they surpassed their $5,000 goal in their crowdfunding campaign on Seed&Spark to make the rest of season 1, giving their project the green light.

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DECEMBER 2017

g

… weirdly trying to figure out why there’s a beauty queen in front of the grocery store and why she’s opening it like it’s not been open for years and years and years,” Coriell said. “We have a lot of funny outtakes of people walking confused through this shot.”

They shot the exterior of the extermination office at Joy’s General Auto Repair on Broadway.

“He very generously let us use his beautifully graffitied door to shoot in front of,” Coriell said.

In the pilot, you can also see a scene shot in Astoria gym Synergy. Other Astoria businesses pitched in, too: food was provided by Bel Aire Diner and Brooklyn Bagel. The rest of season 1 will feature plenty of other local businesses, but Coriell can’t reveal which ones quite yet.

“I think the community has been really welcoming and supportive,” Romero said.

“One of the things we love most about living in Astoria is that it feels like a small town.

In shooting the show, we wanted to keep that feeling of community and have Astoria almost be its own character in the show.”

The two writers are passionate about bringing stories to the screen that we don’t normally see and writing multifaceted roles for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community, Coriell said. “You’re the Pest” centers around two very different women who become both exterminators and business owners. Coriell said that she hopes young girls like her nieces, ages 3 and 6, will see “female characters with agency” in media like her web series and know from a young age that they, too, could be business owners.

“We wanted to write characters that were like our friends; women who struggle, who don’t have it all together, who rely on each other, and who don’t have a security net to fall into,” Romero said. “Astoria is where most of our friends in that situation live.”

To stay updated on “You’re the Pest,” follow the show on Seed&Spark (it’s free to become a follower) at seedandspark. com/fund/yourethepestseries. You can also get a peek into the characters’ fictional lives by following their Twitter and Instagram accounts (@omalleycat06 and @forevermiss2012 on both platforms).

Images courtesy of Taylor Coriell

The 5-minute pilot shows NYPD wannabe Alex O’Malley (played by Coriell) and former Miss New York Marissa Morales (played by actor and co-producer Adriana DeGirolami) learning that they have inherited an extermination business after their fathers’ untimely (and comedic) deaths in a skydiving accident.

The response to the pilot was “pretty overwhelming,” said Coriell, the lead actor, executive producer and co-writer of “You’re the Pest.”

“We got a lot of views on [the pilot] right away, and then over the last year, people just keep asking about it: ‘Where’s the rest of it? We want to see the rest of it. It was such a fun idea and so well executed, and you guys were so funny,’” Coriell said. “It just seemed like all of the elements spoke to a lot of people, and that’s ultimately what made me buckle down and decide, ‘OK, there are actually people who want to see the rest of season 1 and see what happens to these two characters.’”

Coriell, who has lived in Astoria for more than four years, knew that “You’re the Pest” had to be filmed in her neighborhood since it’s so distinctive looking.

While a lot of filming certainly takes place in Astoria, especially with its film studios, “Nothing is ever set in Astoria,” Coriell said. “Plus with our whole mission of diversity and accurate portrayal of stuff and Queens being one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, I was like, ‘We have to do this here.’”

One scene from the pilot was shot by City Fresh Market on 21st Street and Broadway, where former Miss New York Marissa Morales was conducting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“She had on a sash and a tiara and there’s this whole film crew sitting outside in front of this City Fresh, and people are walking by

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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25

MAP IT DIRECTORY RESTAURANTS

6

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

241

BAREBURGER 718-777-7011 33-21 31st Ave. Astoria www.bareburger.com

242

BAREBURGER 718-204-7167 23-01 31st St., Astoria www.bareburger.com

243

82

7

8 35

238

176 11

BAREBURGER 718-937-2273 49-19 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.bareburger.com BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) 718-274-4925 2919 24th Ave., Astoria www.bohemianhall.com BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4) 718-389-9700 4711 11th St., LIC www.breadboxcafelic.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 BZ GRILL 718-932-7858 27-02 Astoria Blvd.

Astoria, NY 11102 www.bzgrill.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

159

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

12

FLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT (C,2) 718-204-6096 37-20 30th Ave., Astoria

231 12

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

13

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

220 170 18 191

3 133

MAIELLA 4610 Center Blvd., Long Island City 718-606-1770 www.maiellalic.com 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 MEET THE MEAT 23-92 21st St., Astoria 917-832-7984 www.meetthemeat.net MEZZE PLACE (B,2) 718-777-2829 31-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mezzeplace.com MICHAEL’S CAFE (B,3) (located inside Four Points Sheraton) 347-536-3633 27-05 39th Ave., LIC www.michaelscafeny.com

26

148

235

182

150

20 45 61 22 245 74 74

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

MURASAKI 718-482-7088 46-44 Vernon Blvd., LIC www.murasakinyc.com NOSH BOROUGH (B,1) 347-746-5542 25-17 Astoria Blvd., Astoria noshborough.com OFF THE HOOK (B,1) 718-721-2112 28-08 34th St., Astoria (one block from 30th A) www.offthehookastoria.com ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1) 718-777-9477 29-17 23rd Ave., Astoria www.ornellatrattoria.com ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 718-729-1801 41-17 Crescent Street, LIC www.orolicrestaurant.com OVELIA (B,2) 718-721-7217 34-01 30th Ave., Astoria www.ovelia-ny.com PENTHOUSE 808 (A,3) 718-289-6118 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.penthouse808rooftop.com Piatto Wood Fire Pizza 718-361-2751 1-50 50th Ave., LIC www.piattolic.com

29

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

32

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

14

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

BAKERIES 33

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

34 138 139

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

189

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

190

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

37

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

234

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

QUEENS COMFORT (C,2) 718-728-2350 40-09 30th Ave., Astoria www.queenscomfort.com

FOOD SHOPS

239

QUEENS ROOM 347-987-3994 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria queensroomnyc.com

183

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

195

RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2) 718-729-9009 30-01 35th Ave., Astoria www.rarbarlic.com

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

24

194

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

194

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

244

SALT & BONE 917-832-7822 32-07 30th Ave., Astoria www.saltandbone.com

28

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

55

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

227

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

216

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

219 199 229

31 184 200

THE LAST WORD 31-30 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria www.tlwastoria.com TRU ASTORIA 35-19 Ditmars Blvd. Astoria 646-878-6000 www.truastoria.com POKE WAVE 917-868-1084 35-07 Broadway, Astoria VESTA (A,2) 718-545-5550 2102 30th Ave, Astoria www.vestavino.com VIA VAI (B1) 31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria 347-612-4334 viavai-ny.com VICTORY GARDEN CAFÉ 718-274-2087 2169 Steinway St., Astoria www.victorysweetshop.com

DECEMER 2017

39

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

WINES & SPIRITS 36

51 228

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

161

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

90

PETS

198

201

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

56

54

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

223

121

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

224

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

206

75

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

174

196 95

180 57

FLORISTS 59

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

122

47

NYC FARM CHIC FLOWERS

62

130

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

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

175

SERVICES

27

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

168

38

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

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

65

177

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

45

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

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

21

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

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

114

50

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

52

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

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

157

64

134 66 17

147

K

161 90 198 56 223 224

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

196

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

95

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

180

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

57

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

206

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

174

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

158 67

59

122

232

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

93

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

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

73

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

94

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

237

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

149

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

215

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

146

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

110

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

BEAUTY 164

151

195

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

81

71

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

226

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

83

97

72

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

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

84

98

46

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

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

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

197

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

112

192

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

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

85

217

212

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

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

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

86

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

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

99

145

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

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

96

222

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

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

111

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

203

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

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 185

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

FITNESS 154

175

120

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

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

45

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

HOTELS 134 66 17

FOUR POINTS SHERATON (B,3) 718-786-8500 27-05 39th Ave., LIC, www.fourpoints.com RAVEL (A,3) 718-289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC www.ravelhotel.com Z NYC HOTEL (A,3) 212-319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave., LIC www.zhotelny.com

166

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

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

240

Salsa In Queens 347-669-3589 34-27 Steinway St., Astoria salsainqueens.com

80

TATTOO SHOPS

147

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

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

65

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

43

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

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

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

131

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

64

188

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

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

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

62

SPAS

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

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

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

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

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

246

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

LIC Dental Associates 718-530-6539 50-02 5th St., LIC www.licdentalassociates.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

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ART

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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

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

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

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

Musical Marriage

By KATRINA MEDOFF KATRINA@BOROMAG.COM

@KATRINAMEDOFF

@KATYA_M22

Abigail Bengson had experienced a prophetic dream involving the love of her life and a diner booth during a tumultuous time at age 15. So, years later, when she first got to know fellow musician (and her future husband) Shaun Bengson over a meal at an Astoria diner, she knew something was right. That night, she broke up with her fiancé.

For the Bengsons’ second date, Abigail moved into Shaun’s tiny Astoria apartment.

And now, a decade later, the married couple (who double as a band called The Bengsons) are telling their love story on stage in Manhattan in a piece called "Hundred Days."

It’s not so much a play or musical as a “theatrical concert,” as director Anne Kauffman describes it. Abigail and Shaun Bengson perform as themselves on stage, taking the audience through their first few months together using original folk-punk songs (and their gorgeous, versatile voices). The cast is filled out with a few other performers, all of whom play instruments and sing backup, and sometimes ask questions or make comments about the Bengsons’ story as they tell it.

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DECEMBER 2017

“The entire cast is truly our band. It’s a show told deeply with music and concert tools,” Abigail Bengson said. “We’ve really focused on using the tools that are naturally onstage when you play in a band.”

Lest you think the Bengsons’ love story will be all sunshine and roses, there was a second part to Abigail’s prophetic dream. We won’t reveal any spoilers here, but soon after meeting, the couple was spurred to live their entire lives together in just 100 days before a tragedy that Abigail had foreseen.

Their real-life story may seem fantastical — a sense that is enhanced by the enchanting music and some ethereal additions to the simple stage setup — but the sense of fate is enough to give the audience goosebumps.

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

Photos by Joan Marcus

“I truly did have a very specific dream at a difficult time in my life that told me among other things that I’d find the love of my life in a diner booth. I did!” Abigail Bengson said.

The Bengsons now live in another Queens neighborhood: Ridgewood, which many of their artist friends and collaborators also call home. They even live across the hall from Sarah Gancher, who wrote the book of “Hundred Days” with the couple.

Since the Bengsons describe in the show how they first came to start a band together, the audience feels that they have not only learned about the couple’s romantic journey but also gone on a musical journey with them.

“Our first gig was at this really crappy venue in Chinatown, but it got better from there,” Shaun Bengson said.

It certainly did get better, with “Hundred Days” playing at New York Theatre Workshop, which has produced more than 100 new, fully staged works including “Once,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Rent.”

“We feel really proud and lucky to be at NYTW,” Abigail Bengson said. “They really push their artists to innovate and tell their truth.”

Shows run through Dec. 31, and you can find more information at hundreddays.org.

33

ADVERTORIAL

Take it Easy at BZ

T

BY SEAN CURRY @THESANDWICHENTHUSIAST

he first thing you notice about BZ Grill owner Serafim Ferdeklis is how quickly he talks. By the time you’ve processed the island in Greece his family is from (Rhodes), he’s already moved onto the style of kitchen he wants his restaurant to have. As you consider the benefits of having an open kitchen at the very front of your shop, so that any passersby can see the delicious tower of gyro meat rotating in the window, he’s talking about the next city he wants to open a shop in.

34

The next thing you notice about Ferdeklis is that he’s the kind of guy that likes to think out loud. He starts thoughts and ideas before he knows where they’ll end. It makes for fascinating conversation, but more importantly, it’s the reason BZ Grill has been able to last at its Astoria Boulevard location through over a decade of changes.

I recently got to sit down with Ferdeklis, his wife, Eugenia, and their daughter, Celine, for a lovely dinner in the back of BZ Grill. Over gyros, hummus, and a more than a couple of Mythos lagers, we talked about family, childhood and neighborhoods.

First out was the spreads platter, a mainstay at any Greek restaurant that takes itself seriously. BZ’s featured a spicy feta spread, eggplant salad, tzatziki and homemade hummus. The hummus was exemplary (and trust me, this Irish boy loves him some hummus), but the eggplant

DECEMBER 2017

salad was the standout item. It was sweet and obviously fresh, but there was a spicy, welcome tartness I wasn’t expecting.

Fried halloumi came out right after, which was hearty, cheesy and dipped beautifully in the tzatziki. Vegetarians looking for something on the meatier side will love it. Ferdeklis said he’s willing to try anything on his menu, as to him, “The menu is the spine of the restaurant.” He wants to have something on his table that everyone can enjoy, so while traditional Greek food may not always be the most vegetarian-friendly, BZ Grill is actively trying to change that.

We moved onto the gyros after that, both chicken and pork. My favorite was the pork, but in fairness to the chicken, my favorite is usually the pork. Both were tender, fresh and wonderfully juicy. No wonder why: all of their pork is bought local and fresh, and prepared, marinated and grilled on site the day it’s served.

Z

Photos courtesy of BZ Grill

They even sell their pork to other NYC restaurants.

BZ Grill has great pork, folks. Go eat their pork.

The meal rounded out with a few small plates: Greek fries covered in melted feta, pita bread with the eggplant salad, sundried tomatoes and feta spread, and a bacon-wrapped chicken skewer that I just had to order seconds of.

But like I said earlier, Ferdeklis is the kind of guy that likes to try out a new idea before he knows where it’ll lead, and that philosophy extends to his menu.

While he’s certainly nailed traditional Greek fare, he’s pushing himself to discover new house-made items to add to his repertoire. Recently, that’s included desserts and homemade ice cream sorbets. I got to sample four: a thick yogurt panna cotta that will be a huge hit around the holidays, a chocolatey profiterole and house-made mango sorbet and strawberry ice cream.

Y’ALL. This ice cream. This was really, really, really good ice cream. When I brought up the idea of opening a Greek ice cream parlor with this recipe, a knowing grin spread across Ferdeklis’ face. While he wouldn’t confirm or deny anything, it was obvious the idea was already in his head. I can’t say whether or not we’ll see a BZ Chill anytime soon, but in the meantime, grab a scoop of this stuff.

With our plates cleared and our bellies full, I had to bid Ferdeklis family a fond farewell. Before I left, I asked Ferdeklis what he wanted BZ Grill to be (besides delicious). He told me that to him, BZ Grill is a callback to his childhood in Rhodes, when his mother would give him a pocketful of cash so he and his friends could run down to the neighborhood spot for gyros and ice cream. His shop is supposed to be that: a place the neighborhood trusts, a place that feels like home. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Greek immigrant, a Midwest transplant or a Midtown commuter, you can still find something here to pick up and bring home to your family.

With a busy holiday season full of friends and family coming up, perhaps that’s the kind of thing our neighborhoods need right now.

BZ GRILL 27-02 ASTORIA BLVD., ASTORIA 718-932-7858 BZGRILL.COM

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

Image by Nikki Gomez, www.thenikkigomez.com

THE GIFT OF MUSIC

BY MARIE GRILLO AND LORA GRILLO

36

DECEMBER 2017

Golda

Photo by Samoa Jodha. Instagram: @plasticarmygirl

Perhaps you’re planning on buying an iTunes gift card for the music lover in your life this holiday season, but we have some ideas for you that are a little more unique.

We found six diverse and inspiring local bands and musicians that have songs or records available for purchase.

Whether you’re looking for singer-songwriter music, pop or punk, we’ve got you covered. Each of these artists have a unique and enjoyable sound that will turn the holiday volume up to 11. So give the gift of local music this year — or find something you like and buy it for yourself!

Golda Shein is a singer-songwriter based in Astoria. Her traditional folk style music tells relatable stories of lost loves, devastating crushes and the universal struggle to be good to oneself.

You’ll find her beautiful, pitch-perfect voice and harmonies on her debut EP, “A Little Luck.” Her track “Secret Girl” will become an instant favorite and features her warm alto voice alongside rootsy Americana rock and folk.

If you are a fan of Lucinda Williams or Joan Osborne, you should give Golda a listen. Go to www.thatgolda.com to check her out! If you are in, or near, the neighborhood, Golda plays gigs around town at LIC Beer Project and many others, along with her husband/sideman Jeff on guitar, backup vocals and harmonica.

Brandon Glasgow

Photos by Amy Zaslavsky Glasgow

Image by Brandon Glasgow

Brandon Glasgow is a singersongwriter originally from Littleton, Colorado, but he has hung his hat in Astoria, making it home for the past seven years.

Writing and performing all over the U.S., Glasgow creates a soul-infused cocktail of rock, pop, blues and funk.

His songs have a polished poignancy that reminds the listener that gentlemen still exist.

Glasgow loves connecting with an audience during live performances around town, which he does solo or with his band, Grey Scale. You can buy his most recent release "The White Whale" at www.bglasgowmusic.com.

There, you can also find a host of original music and more information about upcoming performances and releases. He has an enveloping style that is a perfect accompaniment to the holiday season.

Hopeless Otis Do you have a friend who plays Jawbreaker’s Biouvac on repeat and is in the market for current local punk rock to add to their collection? Consisting of Joe Dorane (vocals/guitar), Larry Spahn (bass/vocals), and Mike Paladino (drums), Hopeless Otis is a three-piece punk band. Its tight, four-minute songs tackle fears and aim to bring the positive back into punk rock.

The band members love their local Astoria home.

“You find anything and everything in Astoria; from beer gardens to the best Indian restaurant in the country, it’s all there,” Spahn said.

Find their 2016 release "Dangerfield" or older releases on their Bandcamp page at hopelessotis.bandcamp.com. Each energetic track on the record will turn any bad, sluggish day around. You can also search for Hopeless Otis on Facebook (HopelessOtisNYC) or Instagram (@hopelessotis).

Cover art by Eddie Kalinowski

Photo by Keith Baillargeon DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

37

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

Photo by Andrew Lasky

Photo courtesy of Sabrina Asch

Photo by Wendi Gueorguie

Virginia Marcs

DECEMBER 2017

Image by Sage Cotignola

Pic Daryl Graham

38

Photo by Andrew Lasky

Local singer-songwriter Virginia Marcs’ recent (and first) record release, “Climbing the Wall,” is a collection of alternative art rock songs that will break your heart.

With the help of producer Katie Buchanan, the seven tracks touch on heartbreak, misogyny and political commentary.

Her music features a layering of organic acoustic and electric guitars, subtle driving bass and percussion, within an ethereal, spacious web of synthetic effects. Her voice, much like Ani DiFranco and Janis Joplin, is a contradiction of soft and snarling, taking you on an emotional journey with each raw song.

This record was crowdfunded on Kickstarter in May 2017 and was immediately recorded over the summer at Buchanan’s home studio. You can find her record on all streaming services and in all digital media stores like iTunes.

For more information, visit virginiamarcs.com/climbing-the-wall or search for Marcs’ Facebook page (VirginiaMarcs).

Lesley Barth Sunnyside singer-songwriter and frequent western Queens performer Lesley Barth released her debut crowdfunded album "Green Hearts" in January of 2017 to critical acclaim. Showcasing her pretty singing style, “Green Hearts” is filled with retro, piano-driven, soulful songs with your occasional groovy guitar riff thrown in for good measure.

Introspective yet far from melancholy, "Just Like Summer" is one of the many upbeat tracks on the record, mixing thoughtful subject matter with a danceable beat.

Her companion acoustic album "Behind Green Hearts," with live acoustic tracks and stories behind the songs, will be released on Friday, Dec. 15, and will be available digitally at all major music retailers and streaming sites.

Garnering regular comparisons to Joni Mitchell and Carole King, Barth writes confessional tunes evoking that ‘70s songwriter vibe she's often likened to, but with a unique and modern viewpoint that blends elements of pop, Americana and folk. You can pre-order the acoustic album (with a free download of the studio album Green Hearts!) for $10 at lesleybarth.com. You can also find Barth’s music at lesleybarth.bandcamp.com and follow her on Facebook (lesleybarth).

Photo by Chris Owyoung

Photo by Keith Baillargeon DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

My Kind of Fire

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DECEMBER 2017

Photo by Danielle Fanelli. Instagram: @danithegirl_

My Kind of Fire is a Queens-based band that fuses modern alternative and indie rock with a touch of 2000s-era pop punk thrown in. Their music is strongly nostalgic good fun without being derivative.

Fans of Blink 182, New Found Glory and The Wonder Years will find like-minded music with My Kind of Fire.

Band members Matt Sullivan and Dan Hernandez started this project in 2015 and have received nothing but love and support from the Queens community wherever they play. Sullivan considers the camaraderie of the Queens scene to be like no other: “The music scene in Queens is one big family no matter where you go around here,” Sullivan said. “Nothing can beat that!”

Check out their new record titled “Moving On,” which was released on Dec. 1. “Moving On” was recorded by Nik Bruzzese (Man Overboard) and Ace Enders (The Early November) at The Lumberyard in Hammonton, New Jersey.

Visit them on Facebook (mykindoffire) or Instagram (@mykindoffire), and find their music at mykindoffire.bandcamp.com/releases. You can also view their music video “Known Me For Years” from their EP, “What Brought Us Here,” on YouTube.

FOOD + DRINK

Photos courtesy of Ha’s Chinese

QUEENS COMEBACK

Former Queens Kickshaw restaurant opening as Ha’s Chinese

BY ANGELA MATUA @ANGELAMATUA @ANGMAT08

Photo by Danielle Fanelli. Instagram: @danithegirl_

A

storia residents were devastated to find that Queens Kickshaw would close its doors in August, but the duo behind the eatery have not hung up their aprons.

The beloved Astoria restaurant, mostly known for its variety of grilled cheeses, closed its doors on Aug. 27. But owners Jennifer Lim and Benjamin Sadler announced they would return to the location at 40-17 Broadway with a new concept.

In a newsletter to customers, the owners announced that Ha’s Chinese would be up and running on Dec. 5 starting with only dinner service. Chef Eric Simpson, who has worked at New York City restaurants like Corton and The Elm for more than a decade, is taking the helm.

“Ha’s is a vegetarian Chinese restaurant from the crew behind The Queens Kickshaw and Wassail,” the owners wrote in the newsletter. “We’ve partnered with

chef Eric Simpson to bring some spicy, complex, primarily Sichuan-derived cooking to Astoria. The food program was also inspired by the familiar flavors and formats of American-Chinese cuisine.”

The menu will include dishes such as Mung Bean Noodles with fermented black beans, chili oil and green peppercorn, radish cake with Hoisin sauce, green radish and crispy garlic and Chrysanthemum Greens with watercress and persimmon in a spiced brown rice vinaigrette.

According to the newsletter, the drinks menu will include “American natural/ biodynamic wines, easy-going beers, and tropics-inspired cocktails.” It will also feature cold brew coffee.

Ryan Chavis, who created the drinks menu, will be serving selections such as the Sesame Bramble with Sesame washed rye, blackberry and mint; Calm Seas with Rhum blanc, coconut liqueur and grapefruit; and Three Gorges with Jasmine tea, baijiu and white vermouth.

Ha’s Chinese will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to

midnight. They will add a brunch, lunch and delivery service at a later date, and only walk-ins will be accepted for the first two weeks.

In an Aug. 14 post on the Queens Kickshaw website, Lim and Sandler announced that they were closing their restaurant, which first opened at 40-17 Broadway in March 2011, to make way for a new eatery at the same location.

Lim and Sandler explained that due to “growing business challenges,” they decided to remodel the restaurant and change the food and drink menu.

“The Kickshaw spirit will stay in place, though the food and beverage will change,” the letter read. “We will maintain our mission of being a supportive workplace while envisioning a new gathering spot for the neighborhood.”

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

41

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DECEMBER 2017

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43

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Crafty Queens Your guide to local Etsy shops

By ALLISON KRIDLE

As the holidays approach and everything in western Queens becomes frost-covered and glistening in lights, the neighborhood is in high spirits, but the stress of finding the perfect gift for loved ones can feel heavy. However, it doesn’t have to take a million chaotic trips to Macy’s or Best Buy to find a cherished item; there are plenty of western Queens artists and vendors who make unique gifts for under the tree.

These local creatives sell their goods on the artisan-focused online site Etsy to offer everything from Queens-centric embroidered goods to fashionable jewelry. You won’t need to leave your home on a chilly day to these support local businesses, and you’ll know that your gift is one-of-a-kind.

Queens Knits

Photos courtesy of Queens Knits

On her Etsy shop, Queens Knits, Flushing-raised knitter Christine Gibson sells infinity scarves, cowl scarves and Queens-themed coffee cozies, which have circular patches representing the various Astoria subway lines.

“I like to think my customers will get a hot cup of coffee from the deli or coffee shop and pop a knit cozy onto it to keep their hands cool and their coffee hot while riding the subway into work,” Gibson said.

The scarves Gibson knits are a “labor of love,” she said, since each cowl scarf takes her about six hours.

“I like to keep mine on all day because my office is freezing,” Gibson said. “Each one is knit with two strands of yarn at one time, so it’s extra warm and I knit them tight.”

Beyond Etsy, shoppers can find Gibson’s work for sale locally at The Brass Owl, Q.E.D., Chateau Le Woof, Inside Astoria, and at craft fairs such as the Astoria Tiny Market and The Queens Craft Brigade.

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DECEMBER 2017

Sweet Sincerely

Photos courtesy of Sweet Sincerely

Sam Lina Sin of Sweet Sincerely said she gears everything in her Etsy shop toward love. The Astoria-based calligrapher often chooses inspirational quotes to write in her fanciful handwriting on high-quality paper. Her crafts are ideal for framing or for mailing to a faraway special someone in the form of a greeting card. If it’s sentimental and can be put on a flat surface, Sin is your craftswoman.

“Sometimes, it’s a quote that inspires [me],” Sin said. “Sometimes, it's a beautiful piece of paper that I’ve been dying to use. ... Some of my pieces are spur-of-the-moment writing, while others are meticulously planned out with tons of sketches, layout ideas and trashes of paper.”

Sin’s favorite offering is a rendering of a couple’s wedding vows in calligraphy accented by art. The sample piece shown on her site is from her own wedding.

Mary Spadoni Designs Remember when you walked through your grandmother’s house as a kid and passed by framed embroidered images on every wall? Now imagine that concept, but in the style of minimalist landscapes.

Astoria resident Mary Spadoni embroiders vibrant landscape images framed in hoop frames. Her work puts a contemporary twist on the traditional practice by replacing the commonplace pastel flowers with scenes from forests, mountains, rolling hills, lavender fields and wheat fields, just to name a few.

“There are a ton of great embroideries on Etsy, but not too many people are stitching minimalist landscapes,” Spadoni said. “One thing I’ve noticed is that my pieces are popular with people creating gallery walls. Since they’re round and smaller than typical artwork, they can be that colorful piece you’re looking for to fill the last spot in a larger arrangement.”

Photos courtesy of Mary Spadoni Designs DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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Astorian Sarah Conrad began screen-printing when she and her husband decided to design and make their own invitations, place cards and gift bags for their wedding. Now she sells her screen-printed goods on her Etsy shop, Conrad Crafting Co. “A few years ago, I noticed that there were a lot of shops selling shirts, hats and bags with ‘Brooklyn’ across them. The Queens and Astoria shirts were far and few between. So I made my own. Now there are so many cute boutiques in Astoria that sell lots of Queens pride items,” Conrad said.

While the Astoria screen printer creates other graphic tees and even tea towels, she primarily designs Queens and Astoria pride T-shirts and tank tops.

“The other day, my friends and I were at Veronica’s Bar on 36th Avenue and discovered they were about to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Such an occasion needed some T-shirts, so I took a few pictures of their signs and turned them into graphics. Occasionally I will hand-draw some elements,” Conrad said. “[I] currently do not sell on any other sites, but do take custom orders. Just please don’t ask me to make Brooklyn shirts.”

Photos courtesy of Conrad Crafting Co.

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Conrad Crafting Co.

R+D

Photos courtesy of R+D

There’s nothing on Etsy quite like the quirky products offered by Sunnyside resident Rebekah Thornhill. The artist’s business page, R + D, teems with fun, original 3-D printed goods, primarily earrings.

“All of my pieces are designed by me and then 3-D printed. This method of rapid prototyping allows for a lot of fun in the process — I can quickly create things that are kitschy

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or funny,” Thornhill said, “For example, after one friend saw my Taco Tuesday design, they joked about wanting best friend pendants for her and pizza. By the next time we saw her (which was for pizza and wine) I had a new pair for her.”

A glimpse at R + D tells you that Thornhill puts a lot of thought in fabricating specific designs for a variety of people. She sells various minimal-

DECEMBER 2017

ist dangly earrings, some of which are great for bookish types, and others that would appeal to an edgy skull enthusiast. There are also multiple accessories for nature lovers.

“I draw on any number of things when creating earrings — popular culture, nature, friends. I like to have fun when creating designs and don’t take things too seriously. I’ll make something just for a laugh,” Thornhill said.

Teo Industries

Photos courtesy of Teo Industries

Photos courtesy of Conrad Crafting Co.

A drawing is never just a drawing, is it? A picture evokes something different for every viewer. This sentiment is evident in sketch artist Matthew Benchimol’s work. His Etsy site, Teo Industries, showcases detailed cross-hatched images of authors, New York and Astoria sights, and much more. “[My favorite piece of mine is the one of] Mark Twain or the one of Barney Frank. Both are very intimate, like an aside where the photographer caught them focused entirely on something else so that their expressions seem very natural and genuine,” Benchimol said.

Benchimol’s work caught the attention of a set designer from the HBO show “Enlightened,” who bought a sketch off Etsy to use in the background of a scene. Benchimol has also designed and painted the interior of a Philadelphia restaurant, and he’s been invited to exhibit in shows.

“My style is really methodical and it can take me a very long time to create a very small piece. I am also terrible at self-promotion. I just put my stuff out there and sometimes people find me, and interesting things happen,” Benchimol said.

Sweet Little Bee Stings

Photos courtesy of Sweet Little Bee Stings

Photos courtesy of R+D

The concept for Astoria artist Tara Genen’s Etsy shop, Sweet Little Bee Stings, was inspired by the birth of her now 3-yearold daughter, Violet. After sewing headbands and “drooldanas” for Violet and her baby friends, Genen decided to widen her clientele and expand her reach. Genen’s crafts includes vibrant cotton drooldanas and fabric headbands that can be bought individually or as Mommy and Me sets. She also makes embroidered wall hangings.

“I find something or someone I admire and go from there.

I love Frida Kahlo so I started making drooldanas featuring her image,” Genen said. “When my daughter was too big to rock a drooldana, I wanted to figure out another way to feature the icon, so I started making decorative embroideries that can be hung on walls.”

The most popular product in her shop is the Rosie the Riveter headband, which is available in adult and child sizes.

“I am currently pregnant with a baby boy, so expect to see some new items geared toward boys pop up in the shop,” Genen said.

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Etsy vendor Briana Melendez scours secondhand stores to repurpose fabrics and produce tote bags and other accessories for her Etsy shop, Panchita’s Bodega. Melendez’s current obsession are the bags she makes out of men’s T-shirts.

“I try [to] incorporate as much of the shirt into the final bag, like utilizing a sleeve cuff as the interior pocket. They are fun to make because each bag is different and unique to itself,” Melendez said. “Over the summer I found a Boy Scout’s uniform shirt at the thrift shop and that was a blast to repurpose. I played around with some of the sleeve patches so that I could incorporate them onto the front panel of the bag.”

Melendez’s incorporation of old and new in her products was inspired in part by her Queens upbringing.

“Queens always felt like the ‘come-up’ borough.

With a history behind us of the Mets and Jamaica and Queensbridge with its contributions to hiphop, we have an attitude of making things [and] situations work — something from nothing,” Melendez said. “Working with repurposed materials [is] about creating something new, so I approach my designs with that same frame of mind.”

Photos courtesy of Panchita’s Bodega

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E EXPLORE YOUR BORO

Panchita’s Bodega

Photos courtesy of Caustic Cross Stitch

Nothing says girl power quite like a Gloria Steinem quote embroidered on a hoop frame.

That’s one of the messages the Etsy shop Caustic Cross Stitch conveys through its embroidered goods — women’s empowerment through hard work and creativity.

“Feminism has always influenced my work, though the influence has become more explicit in the past few years. I enjoy subverting people’s assumptions about traditionally feminine activities, both by using sewing to express feminist sentiments and by being a lawyer who sews,” said Caustic Cross Stitch artist Katie, who asked that her last name not be published.

No feminist could resist the set of dishtowels Katie hand-stitched that read, “Femininity is not fragility” and “Womanhood is not weakness.”

Another common theme in her intricate pieces is an appreciation for the beauty and landmarks of Queens and Astoria, like the Long Island sign at Gantry State Park and the Sunnyside arch. Katie also represents the borough by creating framed designs of various NW train stops; she has one specially made for those who reside off 30th Ave., Broadway and Ditmars Blvd.

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DECEMBER 2017

Photos courtesy of Koto Designs

Caustic Cross Stitch

Adriatic Jewelry

Photos courtesy of Adriatic Jewelry

Photos courtesy of Panchita’s Bodega

The varied architecture of Queens, whether it’s the Triborough Bridge or a Greek Orthodox church, inspires artisan Rebecca Fragola to craft beautiful jewelry of precious stones and modern designs.

“The Art Deco architecture in Astoria and New York City has always inspired my work,” she said. “Details on certain buildings and bridges have been design elements that I’ve used in my work for years.

There are so many old homes with unique details that translate easily into a jewelry design.”

Fragola’s family has lived in Astoria for almost 60 years, so it’s no surprise that the Etsy vendor’s surroundings are embedded in her business, Adriatic Jewelry. The artist offers a wide selection of rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets with and without gems, in countless kinds of materials. She was even featured on the popular wedding publication The Knot, which praised her engagement rings.

“I think my product stands out compared to other Etsy sellers because of my slightly Art Deco [and] modern style, and all of my work is hand fabricated with recycled metals and all natural gemstones. My work is also easily customizable in different stones [and] metal types depending on the customer's personal taste,” Fragola said.

Photos courtesy of Koto Designs

Koto Designs Have you ever wanted to write or doodle in a personalized or distinctive notebook instead of a bland Moleskine? Astoria embroiderer and Etsy vendor Alison Grande helps shoppers find a unique journal for themselves or the writer in their life.

“When I sell at events in person, I notice a pattern with many of my customers. They are drawn to the table by an item, they pick it up and feel it and realize that it’s embroidery, and not a printed or drawn image. The tactile nature of the work is one of its best selling points,” Grande said.

Grande’s Etsy shop, Koto Designs, features notebooks, wall art and greeting cards made of cardstock that Grande hand-stitched with designs, such as a gold geometric pattern on a black notebook and a greeting card with a faceted diamond.

“My brother loves biking and has dreams of opening his own bike shop one day. For his birthday I made a card with a little embroidered bicycle to match his favorite bike,” Grande said. “It was such a hit that I tried it out in my Etsy shop on a notebook, and it’s been one of my most popular designs ever since. Every time I sell one I think of him.”

To find these vendors, visit etsy.com and search for the shop names.

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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

Vintage

Voice

BY DANIELLE BRODY

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ranging from rock clubs to 3,000-person capacity theaters.

Anderson had always hoped to travel for work, but she imagined she’d do so as a foreign service officer. Although she had a lifelong interest in singing — she participated in band and choir growing up and considered going to college for music — she put it on the back burner to pursue a political science and Arabic major at SUNY Binghamton.

After graduating, Anderson moved to New York, sometimes doing karaoke and working at ANSOB Center for Refugees. Her chance meeting with Bradlee led to a career switch, and she left her job about two and a half years ago to pursue music full time.

Watching Anderson on YouTube — or better yet, at a live performance — she truly

DECEMBER 2017

Photo courtesy of Robyn Adele Anderson

our years ago, Robyn Adele Anderson starred in a YouTube video that launched a music career she never expected.

Anderson, who had recently moved to Astoria and was working at a local immigration office, had her life-changing moment when she saw Scott Bradlee, founder of Postmodern Jukebox, at the Manderley Bar in Manhattan. He was performing pop and hip-hop hits in vintage and ragtime arrangements.

“I was amazed by this world set in the ‘20s and the jazz singers dressed up from the era,” Anderson said. “I just thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

Bradlee asked Anderson to sing a vintagestyle cover of Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” for a YouTube video. The performance was shot by a single camera in one take in a Jersey City apartment.

“I had no idea what I was doing,” Anderson said. “We put it on the channel just hoping it would get a few views and people would like it.”

The video ended up going viral overnight and had a million views within a week.

Today, it has more than 14 million views.

Anderson became one of the lead singers for Postmodern Jukebox, a group whose current tagline is “We take pop music back in time.” PMJ started with four people and has become an international entity with rotating singers and musicians.

Through PMJ, Anderson has made several television appearances and has traveled worldwide on tour, performing at venues

Photo courtesy of Robyn Adele Anderson

F

@DLB1022

Photo courtesy of Moonshine over Manhattan

Photo by Jack Fluck

Photo by Marek Koprowski she said. Covers of songs that everyone really loves or hates, outrageous lyrics, drastic arrangements or covers of “grungy” rock bands are popular.

For the past two and a half years, ​ Anderson has been posting music on her own YouTube channel, where she sings contemporary songs in the style of PMJ and tries other genres with a live band.

Working on her own channel, as opposed to performing at PMJ shows, gives her the creative freedom to arrange her own music, improvise with the musicians and, more recently, start writing her own songs.

Anderson's specialty for era-style performances has led to other opportunities in Manhattan. Anderson was part of the cast of an immersive 1920s-era theater production, “Speakeasy Dollhouse: Zieg­ feld's Midnight Frolic,” in 2015, and the next year, “The Flying Doctor” by Molière, a play that infused modern songs with text. In June, she performed her hits with her bandmates at Moonshine over Manhattan, a Prohibitionstyle craft spirits tasting event hosted on a cruise.

In the next year, she hopes to keep working with PMJ and making her own videos. Her goal is to be able to go on her own tour next year.

When she’s not traveling, Anderson enjoys relaxing in Astoria. She said she tries to eat at every restaurant and patronize local businesses. Her beauty picks are Diva Salon for hair and Rachel’s Nail Salon. While being home is like a vacation, she said she’d like to perform more in New York.

While catching her at a performance in New York is rare, her next local show is a duo with Von Smith on Monday, Dec. 18, at the venue where it all began: the Manderley Bar. If you can’t make it, at least check out some of the singer’s latest uploads on her page — a Christmas song and a Weezer cover.

Photo courtesy of Robyn Adele Anderson Photo by Jack Fluck

takes songs back in time, until you realize the words she’s singing. This comes partly because she has embraced the fashion, building a collection of period-dresses from stores, including Astoria’s Loveday31 and Diva Boutique, eBay and other retailers.

Anderson said her first love was Broadway show tunes, and she had always wanted to sing like musical theater singers, but she has learned to appreciate her own voice.

She spent time listening to the female jazz leaders of the era — Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and her favorite, Judy Garland — to distinguish her own sound.

"I think my voice is a little too unique sounding to do something as mainstream as Broadway,” she said. “Now I realize it’s not my end goal anymore. I think this world is a better fit for my particular voice and style.”

She has had a huge response from fans of all ages and nationalities. The bulk of fans are in their 20s and 30s, but kids and grandparents alike are among PMJ’s online and live audiences, tuning in for the songs and the vintage sound. Jazz enthusiasts also make up the fanbase. While PMJ has a large U.S. following, the group is also popular in Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia and southeastern Europe. Anderson said the Czech Republic surprisingly has the most “insane” fans.

When she’s on tour with PMJ, Anderson usually performs her hits. Some of her favorite songs to perform include “Thrift Shop” — “That was my first one so it holds a special place in my heart,” she explained — and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop,” another viral hit which she said helped PMJ get to the next level. Some of her other covers include a doo-wop version of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” a bluegrass version of Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and a Klezmer version of Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty.”

She said the group has spent a lot of time trying to figure out if there’s a “secret sauce” to hit songs. The more ridiculous, the better,

DECEMBER 2017 I BOROMAG.COM

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