BORO Magazine April 2012

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ASTORIA // LIC // SUNNYSIDE CREATE // CULTIVATE // INSPIRE

APRI

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LIKE EGGS?Make No Yolk About These Dishes!pg. 6

SPRING CLEANINGHow To Avoid the Big Black Bagpg. 10

THRIFT & ANTIQUE12 Shops You Can’t Misspg. 26

BEFORE & AFTER ISSUE

SITE 5 YEAR PARTYJoin The Party 4/19 From 6-9PMpg. 30

COVER: Photo by Philippe Trinh.

Cover features an antique quarter repeater valued at $14,500 that owner of Second Best Thrift Shoppe,

located on Astoria Blvd., plans to put on auction.

4 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2012

Dear Western Queens,ATTENTION: BORO Party This Month on April 11th @ Break. See details on next page!!! There will be lot’s of food, drink and games! A warm THANK YOU to all of our sponsors! This month’s issue is themed “Before and After” inspired by Spring, a time when everything changes and anything is possible. We explore change in public spaces, journeys of second-hand goods and the dynamic uses of a single cooking ingredient. •Check out the SITE 5 Year Anniversary Party on 4/19, sponsored by BORO. •Get your tickets for the Queens Taste on May 1st! I’m a Taste Master (AKA Judge).

PS. Keep sending us your ideas and opinions!EMAIL: [email protected] LESSER

editor-in-chief

FROM THE EDITOR

/ BOROmag @BOROmag

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER julian lesser CREATIVE DIRECTOR philippe trinh // EDITOR john lee // COPY EDITOR norm elrod ART DIRECTORS paul connolly, alt // GRAPHIC DESIGNERS alberto michieli, emma cason-pratt, sydney auerbach STAFF WRITERS bradley hawks, ben mims, daniel crown, lillian shaw, rebecca mcnamara, matthew taylor, brett jones // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS javier ibañez, daniel pando, jesse winter // SALES AND MARKETING nadine auerbach // WEBMASTER janmichael guzman DISTRIBUTION MANAGER sadee brathwaiteONLINE EDITORIAL COORDINATOR matthew taylor // CREATED BY JKL Projects Inc

ADVERTISE IN [email protected] // 914.426.2939 www.BOROmag.com/advertise

BORO HOURS: Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM

*This magazine is made from FSC paper, printed with soy ink and 100% recyclable. Please recycle after use.BORO Magazine published by JKL Projects. All materials Copyright © 2012 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.

5 CITY HARVEST BORO Party April 11th at BREAK!

6 FOOD Make No Yolk About These Dishes

10 SPRING CLEANING How To Avoid the Big Black Bag

22 DOWNTOWN RENEWAL Renaissance of Queen’s Plaza

26 YOUR GUIDE TO GET THIRFTY! Best Thirft and Antique Stores in Queens

30 CELEBRATE SITE’S BIRTHDAY IN STYLE! SITE owner, Mackenzi Farquer, tells us exactly what it takes to put together a successful business.

12 APRIL 2012 EVENTS

15 MAP IT DIRECTORY Your Go-to Guide For Astoria and LIC’s best shops, food, art, nightlife and More.

16 MAP IT: ASTORIA & LIC MAP 32 DISCOUNTS & PROMO PAGE Exclusive savings, discounts and freebies for the month of April in Astoria, LIC and Sunnyside.

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

*This magazine is made from FSC paper, printed with soy ink and 100% recyclable. Please recycle after use.

When it comes to the age-old question of the chicken and the egg, perhaps it’s time to replace “Which came first?” with “What’s most versatile?” An egg, after all, can eventually hatch into a chick, be whipped into a meringue, kneaded

into a dough, simmered into a sauce, frothed into foam, scrambled, baked, poached or boiled – a rather miraculous culinary before-and-after story. So grab a basket as we embark on the ultimate egg hunt, highlighting local dishes that illuminate how a simple yolk and white in a fragile shell can transform into dramatically different – yet equally mouth-watering – morsels that resemble little of their original form.

MEXIQNachos and eggs might not be the first two you’d pair up for Hollywood Week on American Idol, but after trying The Hangover Cure at MexiQ, your tune might change. Crunchy salsa-simmered chilaquiles harmonize with shredded chicken, chorizo and two fried eggs for a brunch powerhouse.MexiQ | 37-11 30th Ave, Astoria | (718) 626-0333 www.mexiqny.com

HARISSA CAFÉ The Brik at Harissa Café is a crunchy golden phyllo pocket stuffed with tuna, capers, parmesan, parsley and soft-cooked egg. This classic Tunisian pastry is traditionally prepared by the mother-of-the-bride-to-be, whereupon consuming it (without spilling any yolk), the groom receives her family’s blessing. Harissa Café | 34-05 30th Ave, Astoria | (718) 545-9595 www.harissacafe.com

PORTALIABucatini carbonara is a decadent showcase for the egg’s duality, used first to make long, hollow pasta tubes. Then, a quail egg is tossed with parmesan and cracked peppercorn to create a luxurious cream sauce studded with bits of sautéed onion and savory guanciale.Portalia | 35-03 Broadway, Astoria (718) 545-3500 www.portalianyc.com


FO

OD MAKE NO YOLK

ABOUT THESE DISHESStory + Photos BRADLEY HAWKS

Visit www.BOROmag.com/eggs-in-Queens for the extended story and more photos.

BRICK CAFÉThomas Gloster, the new chef at Brick Café, breathes fresh life into the brunch menu with a glorious egg-within-an-egg spin on an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink omelet: a breakfast terrine of baked eggs with a mosaic of polenta, hard-boiled egg, prosciutto ribbons, smoked-salmon-wrapped asparagus, a drizzle of chive oil and shaved black winter truffles. Brick Café | 30-95 33rd St, Astoria (718) 267-2735 www.brickcafe.com

LIC MARKET The sophisticated dining space at LIC Market serves breakfast daily, and it’s no crime to order an egg on top of anything, from the roasted chicken to the slow-cooked pork over basmati rice. In the morning hours, Bullseye Eggs are a tasty way to go, with 7-grain bread framing the golden culprit.LIC Market | 21-52 44th Dr, LIC | (718) 262-0013 | www.licmarket.com

THE DOG & DUCKThe Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert named after a Russian ballet dancer, appears as a surprising grand finale at this quaint Irish pub. Sugary whipped egg whites are baked into a crunchy-coated, chewy-centered disk, capped with vanilla ice cream and spiraled with a maypole of whipped cream. This sweet mountain is then finished with tart mixed berry compote.The Dog & Duck | 45-20 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside (718) 406-9048

BEARAt Bear, a cheese-crusted brulée-torched farm egg is the proverbial cherry on a savory sundae of woodland mushrooms stewed with roasted onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary and baby potatoes.Bear Bar & Restaurant | 12-14 31st Ave, LIC (917) 396-4939 www.bearnyc.com

APRIL 2012 | BOROMAG.COM | 7

Visit www.BOROmag.com/green-living for more ideas on how to be a better urban environmentalist.


GR

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N L

IVIN

G

Story DANIEL CROWN

Of all the herculean chores of sorting, rearranging and rubbishing, perhaps the hardest of spring cleaning tasks is figuring out what to do with all the items that are too dingy to sell, but too in-shape to throw away?

HOW TO AVOID THE BIG BLACK BAG

1. STOOP ITIn a Season Five episode of How I Met Your Mother, the show’s narrator, Ted, refers to the stoop of his Manhattan apartment building as “The Bermuda Triangle.” Why? Well, as he describes it, “It’s the place stuff goes to disappear.” It’s not just his apartment, though; you can do it, too. In fact, the process of stoop-gifting involves just three easy steps: Put your box of unwanted junk out on your stoop; Put up a sign with the letters F-R-E-E on it; Sit back and watch as your crap disappears in ten minutes flat. 2. TEXTILE RECYCLING

Chances are you have at least one item hanging in your closet that’s so obscene in its heinousness, not even Goodwill would give it a second look. Thankfully, there’s Grow NYC. They collect said atrocities on Sundays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Jackson Heights Greenmarket on 34th Avenue (betwixt 77th and 78th Streets). Stuff they’ll take off your hands? Clean and dry clothing, paired shoes, bedding, linens, hats and handbags, among other items. www.grownyc.org/clothing

3. FREECYCLE.COM / CRAIGSLIST’S FREE SECTIONEven if an item somehow manages to miraculously escape from “The Bermuda Triangle,” you still have a few options left. Sites like Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) and Craigslist (www.newyork.craigslist.org) are perfect last resorts for the straggling items you just can’t find a home for. This ranges from large items like sofas and refrigerators to smaller things like teapots and toasters.

4. GOODWILLThe most obvious choice of all, Goodwill is much more than a willing receptacle for all of your unwanted stuff. If you want to make any donations, drop by 32-36 Steinway, just south of Broadway. Cool fact: In 2010 alone, Goodwill gave jobs to 3,270 New Yorkers living with various disabilities. Goodwill | 3236 Steinway St, Astoria | (718) 932-0418 www.goodwillny.com

4/5 7PM-9PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) MAD SKILLS: LEARN TO MAKE A KAWAII AMIGURUMI GNOME $50 | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com

4/5 9PM-12AM (MUSIC) GYPSY JAZZ FREE | Rest-Au-Rant 718-729-90009 | 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com 4/6 9PM-11:30PM (MUSIC) MISSION ON MARS FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com 4/9 6:30PM-8:30PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) BEGINNERS CROCHET: BASIC SCARF PART 2 FREE | babyNOIR 646-470-4728 | 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net

4/10 7PM-9PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) MAD SKILLS: MAKE A NEON PLANT HANGER-COMPLETE WITH PLANTS! $50 | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com 4/10 8PM-9:30PM (BODY+SOUL) TRATAK MEDITATION FREE | Ramakrishnananda Yoga and Meditation Center 888-474-1218 | 20-29 38th St, Astoria www.ramakrishnananda.com 4/12 6PM-8PM (EDUCATION) “RAISE $300-$1,000 FOR YOUR PROJECT” COURSE $5 | ioby HQ 917-464-4515 x 3 | 41 E 11th St, NYC www.ioby.org 4/12 7PM-9PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) MAD SKILLS: STAMPS & STATIONARY CLASS $50 | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com 4/12 9PM-12AM (MUSIC) JAMES BONDY’S ACOUSTIC SPOTLIGHT FREE | Rest-Au-Rant 718-729-90009 | 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com

4/13 6PM-8:30PM (FOOD+DRINK) ITALIAN WINE TASTING FREE | Astoria Park Wine & Spirits 718-606-1142 | 28-07 24th Ave, Astoria www.astoriaparkwineandspirits.com 4/14 ALL DAY (BODY+SOUL) OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW STUDENTS FREE | Heart and Soul of Yoga 718-932-2567 | 32-18 35th St, Astoria www.heartandsoulofyoga.com 4/14 @ 1PM (FILM) “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER” FILM ABOUT THE TITANIC DISASTER FREE | Greater Astoria Historical Society 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, LIC www.astorialic.org 4/15 4PM-7PM (ART) SOLO SHOWS: DEMETRIOUS MANOUSEL & DONNA LEVINSTONE FREE | Jeffrey Leder Gallery 917-767-1734 | 21-37 45th Rd, LIC www.jeffreyledergallery.com 4/18 8PM-9:30PM (BODY+SOUL) PRANAYAMA MEDITATION FREE | Ramakrishnananda Yoga and Meditation Center 888-474-1218 | 20-29 38th St, Astoria www.ramakrishnananda.com 4/19 5PM-9PM (SHOPPING) SPRING FLING SHOPPING PARTY FREE | KrisTEES 718-204-5031 | 24-01 23rd Ave, Astoria www.kristeesny.com 4/19 7PM-10PM (FOOD+DRINK) ANNUAL SPRING TASTING EVENT FREE | Foodcellar & Co. Market 718-606-9786 | 4-85 47th Rd, LIC www.foodcellarandco.com 4/19 9PM-12AM (MUSIC) EVANESCENT FREE | Rest-Au-Rant 718-729-90009 | 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com 4/20 9PM-11:30PM (MUSIC) FREEMAN DRE AND THE KITCHEN PARTY FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

4/21 @ 1PM (EDUCATION) HISTORY ROUNDTABLE-40TH ANNIVERSARY OF NIXON’S VISIT TO CHINA $5 (FREE TO MEMBERS) | GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 718-278-0700 | 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, LIC www.astorialic.org 4/22 1PM-3PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) BEGINNERS CROCHET: BRACELET PART 1 FREE | babyNOIR 646-470-4728 | 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net

4/22 5PM-7PM (ART) OPENING RECEPTION FOR BILL BOLINGER: THE RETROSPECTIVE FREE | SculptureCenter 718-361-1750 | 44-19 Purves St, LIC www.sculpture-center.org

4/23 8PM-9:30PM (BODY+SOUL) KUNDALINI YOGA $19 | Ramakrishnananda Yoga and Meditation Center | 888-474-1218 | 20-29 38th St, Astoria www.ramakrishnananda.com 4/24 7PM-9PM (ARTS+CRAFTS) MAD SKILLS: MAKE A NEON PLANT HANGER-COMPLETE WITH PLANTS! $50 | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com 4/26 @ 7PM (FOOD+DRINK) WHISKY TASTING FREE | Manducatis Rustica 718-937-1312 | 46-33 Vernon Blvd, LIC www.manducatisrustica.com

4/26 9PM-12AM (MUSIC) ANTIQUE POP DUO FREE | Rest-Au-Rant 718-729-90009 | 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com 4/27 9PM-4AM (ENTERTAINMENT) CARNIVAL OF LOVE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT CHILDREN W/AUTISM & SPECIAL NEEDS $40 ADVANCE/$50 DOOR | Central Lounge 718-726-1600 | 20-30 Steinway St, Astoria www.carnivaloflove.org

4/27 9PM-11:30PM (MUSIC) JOSH DEUTSCH’S PANNONIA FREE | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

4/11 7PM-10PM (NIGHTLIFE)

BORO CITY HARVEST PARTY FREE | Break 718-777-5400 | 32-04 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com

4/19 6PM-9PM (NIGHTLIFE+SHOPPING)

SITE TURNS 5! FREE | SITE 718-626-6030 | 35-11 34th Ave, Astoria www.sitenyc.com

5/1 6PM-9PM (FOOD+DRINK)

QUEENS TASTE 2012 $92.50-$400 | Caesars Club at Citi Field 718-263-0546 | 120-01 Roosevelt Ave, Corona www.queenstaste.eventbrite.com


APRIL EVENTS4/11 4/19 5/1

4/28 10AM-5:30PM (EXPLORE) THE WORLD OF THE #7 TRAIN $39 | Jack Eichenbaum www.geognyc.com

ONGOING 4/2, 4/5-4/7, 4/9, 4/12-4/14 @ 8PM (THEATER) BLAST RADIUS $18/$15 FOR STUDENTS/SENIORS | The Secret Theater 718-392-0722 | 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.gideonth.com

4/7 & 4/13 @ 8:30PM (NIGHTLIFE) FREE GRAND MARNIER TASTING W/ OUR SHOT GIRL FREE | Skinny’s Cantina 718-806-1068 | 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC www.skinnyscantina.com 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 8PM-9PM (FOOD+DRINK) HOMEBREWING 101: INTRO TO THE COMMERCIAL AND HOMEBREWING $15 | The Queens Kickshaw 718-777-0913 | 40-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

4/27-4/31 @ 8PM (THEATER) DEINDE $15 OPENING NIGHT/$18 GENERAL | The Secret Theater 718-392-0722 | 44-02 23rd St, LIC www.fluxtheatre.org

EVERY SUNDAY @ 8PM (ART) “THE ARTISTS VINE” SUNDAY SALON NIGHT FREE | Winegasm Bar & Eatery 718-932-3331 | 31-86 37th St, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

EVERY TUESDAY 10:30AM-11AM (FAMILY) STORY & RHYTHM TIME FREE | babyNOIR 646-470-4728 | 26-16 23rd Ave, Astoria www.babynoir.net

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT (FOOD+DRINK) DISCO TACO TUESDAYS W/$3 TACOS FREE | Skinny’s Cantina 718-806-1068 | 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC www.skinnyscantina.com EVERY TUESDAY 8:30PM-11:30PM (NIGHTLIFE) STUMP TRIVIA FREE | Break 718-777-5400 | 32-04 Broadway, Astoria www.break-ny.com EVERY TUESDAY 9PM-11PM (COMEDY) WHINE & CHEESE COMEDY SHOW FREE | Rest-Au-Rant 718-729-90009 | 30-01 35th Ave, LIC www.rarbarlic.com EVERY WEDNESDAY @ 7:30PM (NIGHTLIFE) SKINNY’S SEXY SALSA WEDNESDAYS FREE | Skinny’s Cantina 718-806-1068 | 47-05 Center Blvd, LIC www.skinnyscantina.com

EVERY THURSDAY 9PM-12AM (MUSIC) LIVE JAM @ WGM FREE | Winegasm Bar & Eatery 718-932-3331 | 31-86 37th St, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

EVERY SATURDAY 9PM-3AM (NIGHTLIFE) SATURDAY NIGHT DJ PARTIES FREE | Z NYC Hotel 212-319-7000 | 11-01 43rd Ave, LIC www.zhotelny.com


APRIL EVENTS

Find more April events at www.BOROmag.com/Events

continued on next page 16

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

LIC MARKET (B,4)(718) 361-0013 21-52 44th Dr, LICwww.licmarket.com

LINN (B,2) (718) 204-00602913 Broadway, Astoria www.linnrestaurant.com

LOCALE(718) 729-908033-02 34th Ave, LICwww.localeastoria.com

LUCAS(718) 786-520034-55 32nd St, Astoriawww.lucassteakhouse.com

MANDUCATIS RUSTICA (A,4)(718) 937-131246-3 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.manducatisrustica.com

MEXIQ (C,2)(718) 626-033337-11 30th Ave, Astoriawww.mexiqny.com

ORNELLA TRATTORIA ITALIANA (B,1)(718) 777-947729-17 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.ornellatrattoria.com

OVELIA (B,2)(718) 721-721734-01 30th Ave, Astoriawww.ovelia-ny.com

MUNDO (B,2)(718) 777-282931-18 Broadway, Astoria www.mundoastoria.com

PENTHOUSE808 (A,3)(718) 289-61188-08 Queens Plaza South, LICwww.penthouse808rooftop.com

PITA PAN (C,2)(718) 204-163337-15 30th Ave, Astoria www.pitapanny.com

QUEENS KICKSHAW (C,2)(718) 777-091340-17 Broadway, Astoria www.thequeenskickshaw.com

RÈST-ÂÜ-RÁNT (B,2)(718) 729-900930-01 35th Ave, Astoriawww.rarbarlic.com

SAGE GENERAL STORE (B,4)(718) 361-070724-20 Jackson Ave, LICwww.sagegeneralstore.com

SHI (A,4)(347) 242-24504720 Center Blvd, LICwww.eatdrinkshi.com

SKINNY’S (A,4)718-806-106847-05 Center Blvd, LIC

SUGAR FREAK (C,2)(718) 726-585036-18 30th Ave, Astoriawww.sugarfreak.com

TIME CAFÉ (C,2)(718) 606-050044-18 Broadway, Astoriawww.timecafeny.com

TOURNESOL (A,4)(718) 472 4355 50-12 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.tournesolnyc.com

VESLO (B,2)718-728-054932-11 Broadway, Astoriawww.veslonyc.com

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

WINEGASM BAR AND EATERY (C,2)(718) 932-333131-86 37th Rd, Astoria www.winegasmeatery.com

YAJAI (B,2)(718) 956-955933-16 30th Ave, Astoria www.yajaithaifood.com

BAKERIES

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

BROOKLYN BAGEL & COFFEE COMPANY (C,2)(718) 777-112136-14 30th Ave, Astoriawww.bkbagel.com(C,1) 35-09 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria(C,2) 35-05 Broadway, Astoria

MALU (A,4)(718) 729-625812-09 Jackson Ave, LICwww.amomandpopshop.com

SWEETLEAF (A,4)(917) 832-672610-93 Jackson Ave, LICwww.sweetleaflic.com

FOOD SHOPS

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

ASTORIA WINE AND SPIRITS (C,2)(718) 545-94633412 Broadway, Astoriawww.astoriawines.com

FOOD CELLAR (A,4)(718) 606-97864-85 47th Rd., LICwww.foodcellarandco.com

SHOPS

BELIEF (B,1)(718) 721-4444 29-20b 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.beliefnyc.com

BABYNOIR (B,1)(646) 470-472826-16 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.babynoir.net

RESTAURANTSALIADA (B,2)(718) 932-224029-19 Broadway, Astoria

ASTOR ROOM (C,2)(718) 255-194734-12 36th St, Astoriawww.astorroom.com

AVENUE CAFE (C,2) (718) 278-6967 35-27 30th Ave, Astoriawww.avenuecafenyc.com

BAREBURGER (B,2)(718) 777-701133-21 31st Ave, Astoriawww.bareburger.com

BEAR (A,2)(917) 396-493912-14 31st Ave, Astoriawww.bearnyc.com

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

BREAD BOX CAFE (A,4)(718) 389-97004711 11th St, LICwww.breadboxcafelic.com

BURGER CLUB (B,2)(718) 777-778832-02 30th Ave, Astoriawww.burger-club.com

BURGER GARAGE (B,3)(718) 392-042425-36 Jackson Ave, LICwww.theburgergarage.com

BUTCHER BAR (C,2)(718) 606-814037-08 30th Ave, Astoriawww.ButcherBar.com

CAVO (C,2) (718) 721-100142-18 31st Ave, Astoriawww.cavoastoria.com

CAFÉ VIA ESPRESSO (C,1)(718) 545-32902409 Steinway St, Astoriawww.cafeviaespressoastoria.com

DINER 24/7 @ Z HOTEL (A,3)(212) 319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LICwww.zhotelny.com

DIWINE (C,2)(718) 777-135541-15 31st Ave, Astoria www.diwineonline.com

EL AY SI (A,4)(718) 389-878147-38 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.elaysi.com

FATTY’S (B,1)(718) 267-70712501 Ditmars Blvd, Astoriawww.fattyscafenyc.com

IL BAMBINO (C,2)(718) 626-008734-08 31 Ave, Astoria www.ilbambinonyc.com

L’ARTISTE (C,2)(646) 309-7504 42-20 31st Ave, Astoriawww.lartisterestaurant.com

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

KRISTEES (B,1)(718) 204-5031 2401 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.kristeesny.com

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

SITE (C,2)(718) 626-603035-11 34th Ave, Astoriawww.sitenyc.com

PETS

CITY VET (A,4)(718) 433-133445-44 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.cityvetnyc.com

LIC DOG HOUSE (A,4)(718) 389-364745-44 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.licdoghouse.com

FLORISTS

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

INTERIOR DESIGN

SYLC, INC (B,2) (917) 951-591631-28 29th St, Astoria

SERVICES

ARK LOCKSMITH 24/7 SERVICE (C,2)(718) 932-LOCK (5625)30-10 37th street, Astoria www.Astorialocksmith.com

HERO COMPUTER REPAIR NYCApple/Mac Computer Repair [email protected] | www.iamhero.net

IOBY(IN OUR BACKYARDS)(917) 464-4515 41 East 11th Street, 3rd Floor NYwww.ioby.org

MPN LAW FIRM (C,2)(718) 777-04003403 Broadway, Ste. 200, Astoriawww.mpnfirm.com

RCN (A,3)Digital TV and High-Speed Internet Services33-16 Woodside Ave, LIC(212) 842-7981www.rcn.com/boromag

SHOWROOM BY C (B,3)(917) 658-30654 Court Square, LICwww.showroombyc.com

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BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN (B,1) (718) 274-49252919 24th Ave, Astoria www.bohemianhall.com

BREAK (B,2)(718) 777-54003204 Broadway, Astoriawww.break-ny.com

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

DOMAINE WINE BAR (A,4)(718) 784-235050-04 Vernon Blvd, LICwww.domainewinebar.com

MOSAIC CAFE AND LOUNGE (B,1)(718) 728-0708 25-19 24th Ave, Astoriawww.mosaicnyc.net

RAPTURE LOUNGE (C,2)(718) 626-804434-27 28th Ave, Astoria www.rapturelounge.com

RAVEN HEAD PUBLIC HOUSE (C,2)(718) 777-75653804 Broadway, Astoria www.ravenheadpublichouse.com

STUDIO SQ. BEER GARDEN (C,3)(718) 383-100135-33 36th St, Astoria www.studiosquarenyc.com

SWEET AFTON (C,2)(718) 777-257030-09 34th St, Astoria www.sweetaftonbar.com

TANTRA LOUNGE (B,2)(718) 937-457435-50 31st St, Astoria www.Tantraloungenyc.com

ART

5 POINTZ (B,4)(317) 219-268545-46 Davis St, LICwww.5ptz.com

THE ART HOUSE (C,2)(516) 724-156231-06 35th St, Astoriawww.gabrieleperici.com

ASTORIA FINE ARTS DANCE (C,1)(718) 247-074038-01 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.asfa-dancestudio.com

THE AURORA GALLERY (C,2)(347) 288-687035-18 37th St, LICwww.theauroragallery.com

CARNEGIE HALL(212) 247-780057th St and 7th Avenue, NYwww.carnegiehall.org

FLUSHING TOWN HALL(718) 463-7700 x 222 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing www.flushingtownhall.org

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

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH (C,2)718) 278-003631-18 37th Street, Astoriawww.trinitylic.org

VARDIMAN EYEWEAR (C,2)(718) 204-503734-18 Broadway, Astoria www.vardimaneyewear.com

VIDEO EXPRESS (C,2)(718)626-08463408 30th Ave, Astoria

EVENTS

FOUNDRY (A,3)(718) 786-777642-38 9TH St, LICwww.thefoundry.info

PERFECTLY PLANNED EVENTS ART AND FASHION (B,1)(917) 558-765821-37 33rd St, Astoriawww.pplannedevents.com

THE RENAISSANCE EVENT HALL (A,1)(718) 274-459027-34 21st St, Astoriawww.renaissanceofastoria.com

HOTELS

HOLIDAY INN (B,3)(718) 707-3700 39-05 29th St, LICwww.holidayinnmanhattanview.com

RAVEL (A,3)(718) 289-6101 8-08 Queens Plaza South, LICwww.ravelhotel.com

Z NYC HOTEL (A,3)(212) 319-7000 11-01 43rd Ave, LICwww.zhotelny.com

TATTOO SHOPS

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

PAINLESS STEEL TATTOO (C,1)(718) 267-811423-15 Steinway, Astoriawww.astoriatattoo.com

TRAINING

TSC TRAINING ACADEMY (C,3)(718) 389-2103 36-06 43rd Ave, LICwww.tscta.com

BEAUTY

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

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

FITNESS

BIKRAM YOGA ASTORIA STUDIO (C,2)(718) 777-964232-03 Steinway, 4th Fl, Astoriawww.BikramYogaQueensNY.com

CLUB FITNESS (B,2)(718) 545-000431-11 Broadway, Astoriawww.clubfitnessny.com

CRANK STUDIO (A,4)(718) 606-63094630 Center Blvd, LICwww.CrankNYC.com

DYNAMIX GYM (C,1)(718) 606-038136-05 20th Ave, Astoriawww.dynamixgym.com

HEART AND SOUL OF YOGA (C,2)(718) 932-2567At 35th St. and Broadway, Astoriawww.heartandsoulofyoga.com

SEEK FITNESS (B,1)(347) 924-900427-18 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.seek-fitness.com

PNT FITNESS (A,4)(347) 396-580910-68 Jackson Ave, LICwww.pntfitness.com

RAMAKRISHNANANDA YOGA AND MEDITATION CENTER1(888) 474-121820-29 38th Street, Astoriawww.ramakrishnananda.com

YOGA AGORA (B,2)(718) 626-068033-02 Broadway, 2nd Fl, Astoriawww.YogaAgora.com

THE YOGA ROOM (C,2)(718) 274-025538-01 35th Ave, Astoria (718) 786-7962 (A,4)10-14 47th Rd, LICwww.the-yoga-room.com

SPAS

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

NIGHTLIFE / BARS

ALEWIFE (A,4)(718) 937-74945-14 51st Ave, LICwww.alewifequeens.com

BLACKBIRDS (C,2)(718) 943-689941-19 30th Ave, Astoriawww.blackbirdsbar.com

LAGUARDIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (C,3)(718) 482-5151 31-10 Thomson Ave, LIC www.laguardiaperformingarts.org

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

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

REISSTUDIOS (A,3)“An international community of established and emerging artists”(718) 570-366343-01 22nd St, LICwww.ReisStudios.com

SCULPTURECENTER (B,3)(718) 361-175044-19 Purves St, LICwww.sculpure-center.org

THE SECRET THEATRE (B,3)(718) 392-07224402 23rd St, LICwww.secrettheatre.com

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

TEN10 STUDIOS (A,4)(646) 271-535310-10 47th Rd, LICwww.ten10studios.com

UNDERPENNY (A,4) (917) 517-149210-13 50th Ave, LIC

REAL ESTATE

MODERN SPACES (A,4)(718) 784-1110 10-63 Jackson Ave, LIC 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC29-20 23rd Ave, Astoriawww.modernspacesnyc.com

WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE (C,2) (718) 310-43033501 30th Ave, Astoriawww.wfhm.com

THE YARD (A,4)718.786.10632-26 51st Ave, LICwww.TheYardLIC.com

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MAP IT DIRECTORY

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED!

Want your business listed in our directory?Email: [email protected]


GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED!


EATS


D on’t look now, but Long Island City’s Queens Plaza, long known as an industrial ghost town, might just be on the verge of a full-blown renaissance.

Thanks in large part to an $80 million earmark in stimulus funds allocated to the Plaza in 2009, the area has received a veritable facelift in recent years. Among the highlights: a slew of new neighborhood amenities, including bike paths, plant-lined medians and a soon-to-open 1.5 acre park.

According to Dana Frankel of the Long Island City Partnership (LICP), these windfalls have been a long time coming. “My impression is that people have been waiting for the area to take off for a while,” she says. “It’s a much warmer place than it used to be.”

Constructed in 1909, Queens Plaza was originally intended to connect Queens Boulevard with the Queensboro Bridge. Since the early 1920s, though, the surrounding area has been mostly used for industrial purposes. According to Frankel, this has imparted upon the plaza a certain level of aesthetical coldness.

“For a long time, the plaza did not have the 24/7 presence of people,” she says. “I think if you weren’t familiar with the area, it could have been a bit underwhelming.”

According to Erin Piscopink, also from the LICP, the area’s turnaround began in 2001 when the NYC government decided to rezone the Plaza and parts of Jackson Avenue into the city’s fourth Central Business District. This designation allowed for the construction of high-rises and other business-friendly infrastructure, which immediately began to draw the eye of companies from all over the five boroughs.

As a result, Queen’s Plaza has enticed numerous companies and governmental agencies to move in over the last ten years, including the Department of Health, CUNY Law School, Citibank and most recently, JetBlue, which settled into LIC in mid-March.

In a memo released shortly after the decision, JetBlue CEO Dave Barger described the LIC area as “an exciting neighborhood filled with new development and potential.” Much of this potential, as Barger describes it, is a direct result of the area’s recent residential boom. While the properties popping up across the LIC waterfront have gotten the lion’s share of press, Queens Plaza has quietly attracted a number of noteworthy developers as well.

Rockrose Development plans to erect multiple residential buildings near the Plaza over the next few years – a total of nearly 1,700 apartments. The first, a $275 million behemoth located at 43-10 Crescent Street, will hold 709 units, and is scheduled to open sometime next year. Likewise, Heatherwood Communities has also purchased four residential tracts, the first of which is scheduled to open sometime in 2013.

Combine these residential hotspots with the Plaza’s rapidly growing business sector and it won’t be long until Queens Plaza becomes the borough’s first true downtown district, according to Piscopink.

“We’re on the ground floor,” she says, “but we’re definitely headed in that direction.” Long Island City Partnership | 27-01 Queens Plaza North 9th Floor, LIC | 718.786.5300 ext. 21 www.licpartnership.org


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RENAISSANCE OF QUEEN’S PLAZA

Story DANIEL CROWN

AFTER

Photographs above queens plaza before and after. traffic patterns, bike lanes and pedestrian crossings have all been altered to create a cleaner/kinder environment. PHOTO credit: New York City Department of City Planning

Above the brand new 1.5 acre park in the heart of queens plaza will provide a safe haven for residents and local employees of the area. Photo credit: long island city partnershipBelow Queens Plaza before raised subway tracks. Photo credit: long island city partnership

two Photographs above Queens Plaza upon breaking ground for new traffic pattern and park. Photo credit: long island city partnership


RENAISSANCE OF QUEEN’S PLAZA

BEFORE

NIGHTLIFE


Story MATTHEW TAYLOR

“Thrift store” is often used as an umbrella term for businesses that sell secondhand/vintage/antique items. But these shops can be as different from one another as a hole-in-the-wall food stand is from a Michelin-rated restaurant. While they all share an undeniable appeal, these western Queens shops vary dramatically in atmosphere, price and inventory. This guide will help discerning collectors and penny-pinchers alike!

THE SECOND BEST 30-07 Astoria Blvd, Astoria | 718-204-8844

If this is second best, the reigning champion must have done a lot to outdo owner Maria Corrente. Her inventory has included buffalo heads and life-size unicorn figurines during her 11 years of business. Current items include a $3,000 globe signed by its creator, Neil Blanck, and a quarter repeater valued at $14,500 that Corrente plans to put on auction.

NOOK N’ CRANNIE29-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria | 718-204-8399 | www.nookcrannie.com

When you buy antique furniture from this nonprofit shop, your money benefits Betel of America, a NYC-based organization offering a full-time residential program for people with drug and alcohol problems. Nook n’ Crannie carries a range of great vintage finds, from old library card catalogues to ornate lamps.

THE FURNITURE MARKET22-08 Astoria Blvd, Astoria | 718-545-3935

The majority of its clients are prop masters and set designers in the film/theatre industry. But this large space, which includes a basement, has plenty to offer for people looking to furnish their homes as well. High-end dining room tables and armoires as well as more eccentric items — such as a model swordfish hanging from the ceiling — make browsing here a sure delight.

Nook n’ Crannie

The Second Best Thrift Shop

The Furniture Market


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APOLLO GALLERY34-10 36th Ave, Astoria | 718-786-7590

Owner Merita Bega says that the most difficult part of her job is selling items that she loves so much. Her passion shows when she shares her wealth of knowledge about the rare, collectible antiques she has acquired from auctions, galleries and estate sales. The store includes portraits, dining sets and cabinets dating back to 1800.

BELLE D’EPOQUE VINTAGE48-06 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside 917-215-0537 | www.belledepoque.com

Belle D’Epoque features fine beauty products (and smells great!) at discounted prices as well as vintage furniture.

BROADWAY THRIFT SHOP41-14 Broadway, Astoria | 718-721-8524

This small space, run on donations, offers regular sales and discounts.

BUILD IT GREEN! NYC3-17 26th Ave, Astoria | 718-777-0132 www.bignyc.org

This nonprofit is known for salvaging, reusing and being creative with used materials and furniture. Good for the environment and your wallet.

CHANGES25-09 36th Ave, Astoria | 718-482-9677 www.hourchildren.com

This antique shop is owned by the LIC-based Hour Children, which focuses on care for children with incarcerated mothers. It carries a great selection of furniture. Hour Children also runs a thrift shop and a clothing store nearby.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS THRIFT SHOPPE30-13 30th Ave, Astoria | 718-777-0494

Scavenger hunt for clothing… there are gems in this shop! Proceeds go to the Romanian Church’s charity, helping the homeless.

JUST THINGS47-28 Vernon Blvd, LIC | 917-558-4869 www.justthingslic.com

This 30-year-old staple has a selection that ranges from chic to delightfully quirky. Items are consistently well priced.

LOVEDAY 31 VINTAGE33-06 31st Ave, Astoria | 718-728-4057 www.loveday31.com

This women’s clothing boutique is full of well-priced vintage items. Unlike most thrift shops, there is no junk to sort through here — every item is an exciting find!

MORE LOCAL SPOTS

STRAY VINTAGE48-09 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside | 718-779-7795 | strayvintage.wordpress.com

Dan and Tara Glasser combined an appreciation for vintage items with a desire to support local artists when they opened Stray in 2006. One example: an antique winepress sits near a local jewelry maker’s recent creations — earrings and tie clips made out of typewriter keys. As Tara explained, “We only sell items that we wouldn’t mind being stuck with for the rest of our lives.”

Apollo Gallery

Stray Vintage


HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY



BORO will be sponsoring a 5th anniversary party for SITE, an Astoria boutique specializing in colorful, handmade items that make for great gifts and home décor, on Thursday, April 19 from 6-9 p.m. We’ve got all the ingredients for a great birthday bash: a DJ, drinks, locally made snacks, a special photo booth and 20% discounts on goodies. With the event right around the corner, we sat down with SITE owner Mackenzi Farquer to find out exactly what it takes to put together a successful local business. Story by MATTHEW TAYLOR

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! THURSDAY, APRIL 19 FROM 6-9PM

interview with MACKENZI FARQUER

SH

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BORO: What are three key things a new business needs?

MACKENZI: A solid marketing plan, boundless enthusiasm for the business idea

and flexibility. More than anything, opening a business means lots of stress, little money and no free

time in the beginning. Do whatever you can in advance to make those factors more manageable. You’re going to need a rock solid support structure!

BORO: What was your biggest lesson as a young entrepreneur?

MACKENZI: The biggest lesson most businesses will learn is “change or die.” Customers, trends and neighborhoods all change, and if you don’t change with them, you’ll fall behind. Had I not learned to incorporate items that weren’t in my initial concept for SITE, I would have lost out on some amazing customers and artists whom I now love and adore.

BORO: What are customer needs unique to our area that business owners should be aware of?

MACKENZI: The community needs more of everything! Astoria is a thriving, vibrant neighborhood, but we’re lacking so much still. Where are our indie bookstores, well-designed clothing stores and veggie cafés? The more we change and grow, the more amazing people will want to move into and work in our community.

BORO: What does a niche business need to do to be successful?

MACKENZI: A niche business needs to know its audience. As I planned my shop in 2006, I could see that Astoria was changing and that it would make a great home for my indie-shopping concept. So, ask around, walk the neighborhood and talk to residents before you open. I would sit for hours at Café Bar and watch the activity on 34th Ave. before I decided it would make a great home for SITE.SITE | 35-11 34th Avenue, Astoria | 718-626-6030 www.sitenyc.com

CELEBRATE SITE’SBIRTHDAY IN STYLE!

Be local and enjoy the below offers from some of Astoria and LIC’s best merchants. Offers available through April 30, 2012. Bring BORO or coupon below to redeem discount.

Limited to 1 use per reader. Merchant restrictions may apply.

BORO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

FREE Churros Dessert with meal. 1 FREE Glass of wine or dessert with your

meal (sun-thurs).1 FREE DRINK and comedy show with meal on Tuesday nights 9PM-Closing.

10% OFF your bill with this ad. 15% OFF your next visit.. 1 FREE Signature Cocktail with your meal.

WINEGASM1 FREE glass of wine with your meal. $20 OFF any 6 foot natural heroe sandwich. $79.99 for the RCN bundle package

(Digital TV and High-Speed internet).

10% OFF all wine purchases with this coupon.

1 FREE Glass of Wine or Dessert with meal. Redeemable mon-thurs. Excludes prix fixe. Limited to select wines.

1 COMPLIMENTARY glass of wine with your meal. Redeemable mon-thurs.

FREE dance or fitness class for new students with ad @ Astoria Fine Arts Dance.

Complimentary Blowout for first time color clients (tues-thurs).

15% OFF entire purchase.

$39 Intro Special: 1 month unlimited classes.

2 weeks unlimited classes for $40. Start the 12 week Body Transformation Program for

just $97 down. SAVE $52 off your first month.

Save $5 on select winter concerts. Call 212-570-3949 and mention BORO.

15% OFF all hourly legal fees. 1 FREE Class for new students only.

$49 for 1 month unlimited yoga and pilates classes. Offer only available to New students.

Want to learn more about advertising? Call us at (914) 426-2939.

LOCALE

BORO Magazine April 2012

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Transcript of BORO Magazine April 2012