Where to grab a bite in Astoria after hours? - INSIDE PICNIC VIBES LITTLE MALTA NEW EATERIES - Give Me Astoria
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INSIDE
PICNIC VIBES
LITTLE MALTA
NEW EATERIES
SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 13 | ASTORIA & SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS
Where to grab a bite in Astoria after hours?
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
A September DESIGN
You’ll Remember Eleni Louca - Art Director
A
EDITORIAL
SONIA MYLONAS s the saying goes, the early bird catches
PUBLISHER the worm. Here in Astoria, early birds (or, Kate Fry - Editor
depending on the kind of night you had,
perhaps you’re a night owl instead) catch some of CONTRIBUTORS
the best eats. No matter which you identify with, you
won’t go hungry with our list of Astoria’s greatest André Beganski - Writer
late-night eats. 4am ceviche, 2am burger, 1am fried Athena Efter - Writer
cheesecake - uh, yes please. Eirene Archolekas - Writer
For those who prefer standard dinner hour, we’re Jason Antos - Writer
excited to introduce you to the neighborhood’s latest Melissa Goldberg - Writer
Japanese addition which consists of a 7-course Shirley Roberts - Writer
menu (!) and boasts a Michelin star rating. Or Vincent Velotta - Writer
perhaps you err more on the side of casual, let’s
say, a picnic vibe. With so many amazing parks to ADVERTISE
choose from, we can’t blame you. However, we’re info@givemeastoria.com
not talking about your standard “pack a cooler and 718.255.1333
lay out a blanket” picnic. One local business has
given picnics the ultimate glow-up with their elevated SHARE
outdoor dining service, in which they provide the
supplies (glassware, silverware, pillows, tables, Stories - Scoops - Tips - Pics
centerpieces, candles, you name it), and even the info@givemeastoria.com
set-up and breakdown. All you have to do is choose
@givemeastoria
the menu, the guests, and show up. I know, right?
We are also thrilled to announce that two of our Entire contents copyright 2020
local communities are growing as well, and even By Give Me Astoria Magazine.
joining forces to do so - our nightlife and LGBTQ+ Give Me Astoria Magazine is published monthly.
No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced
communities. We’ve got the inside scoop on what without prior permission of Give Me Astoria
Magazine. The publishers will not be responsible
aims to be Astoria’s very first lesbian bar and how for any error in advertising beyond the cost of
you can help support their debut. the space occupied by the error. Errors must be
4 E D ITOR IAL
reported to Give Me Astoria Magazine within one
We’ve got plenty more for you this month, reader, week of publication. Ad position must be paid
but where’s the fun in giving it all away here? Keep prior to publication for placement. The advertiser
assumes all liability for the content of and all
on turning the page to have a September you’ll be replies. Give Me Astoria is not responsible for
sure to remember. advertorial information. All information published
is the opinion of the advertiser. The advertiser
agrees to hold GIVE ME ASTORIA MAGAZINE and
Sonia Mylonas its employees harmless from all cost, expenses,
liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused
by the publication or recording placed by the
advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement.
CONTENTS
16
KAISEKI
AT KŌYŌ
22
TIME TO HIT THE S(N)ACK
TOP 7 PLACES TO GET LATE NIGHT EATS
O CK
BL
32
E
TH
NEW KID S ON
LIGHTS,
CAMERA,
ACTION!
WHEN ASTORIA
WAS AMERICA’S
HOLLYWOOD
6 EDITOR’S PICK
Snowdonia: Welsh, What Are You Waiting For?
34
8 SCENES MADE OF DREAMS
Put the Pop in Your Picnic with VibeNic
10 HELLO, SELO
12 CURBSIDE CANVAS PROJECT
Bringing Color to the Neighborhood One Sidewalk at a Time
28 FEEL GOOD, TASTE GOOD
The Best Wellness Spots in Astoria
38 HOME SWEET HOME (ALMOST)
40
Astoria to Welcome Queens’ First Lesbian Bar
GIVE ME SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNER SHARE
STORIES - SCOOPS - TIPS - PICS
42 LITTLE MALTA
44 HOW LUCKY WE WERE TO HAVE LIVED
The Crossroads of the Past and the Present info@givemeastoria.com
46 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
6 E D I TO R ’ S P I C K
Snowdonia
Welsh, What Are You Waiting For?
By Kate Fry Cockle Fritters (Old Bay and chive-spiced clam cakes
H
with house-made remoulade), or Laverbread and
ere at GMA, we love our trailblazers, our Bacon (seaweed and oatmeal “breadsticks” served
“firsts,” our “can’t get it anywhere else’s”. We with pork belly and lemon).
also love our comfort food - that undeniable, Next, we’ve got equally jaw-dropping classics with
“just what I needed” heartiness. On that note, we’d a Welsh twist like Shepard’s Pie, Glamorgan’s and
like to introduce you to NYC’s first and only Welsh Mash (vegetarian), Wurst Platters, and Shrimp and
Kitchen & Bar: Snowdonia. Cauliflower Grits, to name a few.
“Snowdonia...is a mountainous region in Northern If you thought we covered the bases, think again.
Wales. Named after this beautiful area, [they] are Snowdonia is also home to an additionally extensive
an authentic restaurant in the Welsh tradition of selection of “Monster Sandwiches,” “byrgyrs,” “dogs,
the ‘loca’” that fuses inventive cuisine and quality wursts and other comforts.”
Photo @snowdonianyc
regional craft beers.” Nothing completes a meal like the above like a
It’s hard to know where to begin when it comes refreshing craft beer or mixed drink, all while sitting
to this unique menu. Start yourself off with a pot in Snowdonia’s quaint outdoor dining area on the
of mussels in Welsh broth, Rarebit (Welsh classic corner of 35th Avenue and 32nd Street. Keep up
cheese and beer topping on toasted baguettes with with their latest offerings by following them on
spicy bacon, pickled red onions, and olive tapenade), @snowdonianyc. Mwynhau eich hun (enjoy yourself)!.
32-01 35th Ave. | 347.730.5783 | @snowdonianyc
“You can now
picnic in style,
with proper
silverware,
porcelain
plates, real
drinking
glasses, and
cloth napkins,
while someone
else hauls it
all for you to
your desired
location,
complete
with pillows,
Photos @vibenic._
lanterns,
blankets, tables,
and tents.”
SCENES MADE
PUT THE POP IN YOUR PICNIC WITH VIBENIC
By Athena Efter blankets, tables, and tents. VibeNic will transform your
W
picnic into a romantic table for two, a tea party for five,
e all know there are some backyard divas out or a birthday bash for eight. You choose your guests
there when it comes to going all out on the and your theme, and they will choose the patterns
green, so we’ve upped the outdoor game. and fabrics according to your color preference and
We went from camping to glamping, and now we are style vibe - completely customized to suit your needs.
turning an ordinary picnic into an elegant, luxurious They work every occasion and setting, from birthdays
experience worthy of your inner green goddess. to anniversaries, backyards to driveways, beaches to
Monique Powell and Nicola Herrera, inspired by a parks, and any other spot you might dream up. Not
8 B U SINE SS
new concept for outdoor vibing, decided to put their sure where to bring your outdoor flair? If you want
creative minds together to form VibeNic: a luxury that special place with lots of sky blues that turn into
picnic service where they supply the gear and you just tangerine sunsets over cityscape views, they will help
worry about the food, taking a big load off your plate. you choose the ideal spot. They know where to set
You can now picnic in style, with proper silverware, the scene in and out of NYC. Cat nap on the green,
porcelain plates, real drinking glasses, and cloth anyone? If you want a little more shade and privacy,
napkins, while someone else hauls it all for you to add on a cozy little teepee for you and your boo. And
your desired location, complete with pillows, lanterns, what’s a proper tablescape in the landscape without
VIBENIC
OF DREAMS
a fresh bouquet of colorful flowers, or a charcuterie
board for nibbling pre-feast? Keep the rest of the food
scrape the wax off with it. Make that a porcelain plate,
please, and leave all the plastic out of it. The struggle
on ice, and the early birds happy, with a little cheese is real when you try to cut up that grilled skirt steak or
and prosciutto on the table while waiting for those grandma’s famous buttermilk fried chicken without a
fashionably late butterflies to arrive. They will provide proper place setting. My lap is not the placeholder I
these, and a growing list of add-ons, that make every had in mind. Hook me up with a table; I’m not taking
detail of your picnic a lavish experience by laying on my bedroom set or kitchen counter on the subway
the ambience. Don’t worry - you can leave your white with me. VibeNic will work out all the details, so you
gloves at home and bring your baseball mitt instead can sit back and relax, welcome your guests, and
by adding fun activities that suit your gaming style. have a good time, riverside, parkside, or oceanside.
VibeNic will also bring the Jenga, the Twister, and VibeNic will be there, on location, rolling out the green
backyard bocce set. After a couple of mimosas, you carpet for your grand entrance right onto a picnic set
can happily leave the lawn bowling game behind. fit for a “scene queen.” So what are you waiting for?
VibeNic’s luxury picnic service will give you and your Summer is almost over and fall is around the corner,
guests the VIP treatment, plus it’s environmentally and so is Astoria Park. Pick up the bubbly and bring
friendly. Who wants to be loading up that drippy, runny some pop to your picnic with VibeNic.
potato salad on fancy styrofoam or wax-coated paper To check out their work and book this amazing
plates anyway? I prefer the real deal in my flatware service yourself, shoot them a message on Instagram
that won’t puncture a fork mark through my plate or at @vibenic._.
10 F OOD & D R IN K SELO
Photo Shirley Roberts
Hello, Selo By Shirley Roberts
T
his new Eastern European restaurant is a treat for
the eyes and the taste buds with its outstanding
Croatian and Serbian cuisine, extensive wine list,
and traditional, upbeat live music on Saturday nights.
If you haven’t tried this new gem of a restaurant, then
look no further when planning your next date night or
celebratory occasion! The owner proudly combines his
Croation roots with Serbian dishes, yielding an amazing
blend of flavors, spices, and textures. As a starter, try
their monastery peppers, which are fried and stuffed with
a gooey cheese that comes pouring out the second you
cut it open. Once you’ve finished this tasty sensation, it’s
time for the main event. Two of their most popular entrees
are karadjordjeva, a fried and rolled wiener schnitzel with
crispy potatoes on the side, and their homemade Istrian
gnocchi, baked to perfection and loaded with shrimp and
cream sauce. Croatian food has some Italian elements
to it, due to its proximity to the country, and it truly
Photo@selonyc
shows in Selo’s outstanding pasta creations. For dessert,
the princes krofne (cream puffs) with a cup of Turkish-
inspired domaca kafa are an absolute must-try to finish
off your meal. Make your reservation today!
33-05 Broadway | 718.932.0101 | @selonycAgata Landa is a top producing agent at Capri Jet Realty who specializes
in the sale of residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings.
There is no deal that is too difficult for her because creating solutions is her forte.
43-07 31ST AVENUE
ASTORIA, NY 11103
BRICK 8 FAMILY BUILDING
WITH FULL BASEMENT & BACKYARD!
$2,488,888
CALL FOR FULL SET UP
AND OPEN HOUSE DETAILS!
ASTORIA’S HOTTEST AGENT
AGATA LANDA
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALES PERSON
914-255-7284
AGATA@CAPRIJETREALTY.COMCURBSIDE CANVAS PROJECT
12 ART
Curbside Canvas Project
Bringing Color
to the Neighborhood
One Sidewalk at a Time
By Kate Fry passing. Restaurants that had managed to stay open were
I
attempting to be resourceful and offer outdoor seating,
t goes without saying that 2020 was one of, if not the though most of the structures Tsapalas saw were made
most difficult year we’ve all had to face. In addition to the of blank plywood. “Coming from a restaurant family, I
overarching, self-explanatory damage that COVID brought clearly [understood that] those restaurants did not have the
on, one facet of everyday life was hit particularly hard: the bandwidth, resources, manpower, or vision to do anything
restaurant industry. With countless local businesses forced more. That’s when the lightbulb went off,” he says.
to limit their capacity, change their venue entirely, or shut “And so the NEIGHBORHOOD CURBSIDE CANVAS
down indefinitely, restaurant owners across the city did PROJECT was born: a volunteer, neighborhood-recovery
their best to adapt and survive, and one NYC resident was effort to drive interest, energy, foot traffic and business
determined to do his part. back to these establishments and give local artists a public
Tribeca native, Bill Tsapalas, comes from a family forum.”
background of both restaurants and the arts. One day in Needless to say, Tsapalas hit the ground running. After
August of 2020, while riding his bike through SoHo, his reaching out to any and all connections he had, including
heart ached for all of the boarded up storefronts he was local blog, Tribeca Citizen, restaurant association, ThePhoto curbsidecanvas.com
“At some future moment, I know I’ll be able to look back and say I
stepped up to help two industries I love, the neighborhood I love,
and the city I love, during this most difficult period in history.”
Taste of Tribeca, neighborhood art gallery, One Art Space, If you haven’t seen their artwork yet, what are you waiting
and friends and neighbors alike, the project truly took off. for? Go to any one of the above locations and join Tsapalas
A GoFundMe campaign yielded enough donations for in achieving his ultimate goal of supporting local businesses,
Tsapalas to buy art supplies for 20 volunteer, local artists inspiring a sense of community, and encouraging your
who managed to paint murals for 13 Tribeca restaurants neighbors’ artistic expression. “It’s all been a wild, fun,
throughout the month of September. nourishing and unexpected ride,” he says. “I just happened
As news of Curbside Canvas gained momentum, so did to have the right background, skillset inclination, and the
the locations (or canvases) in which they produced their art. right time to act on it. At some future moment, I know I’ll
You’ve probably admired their work by now at several of our be able to look back and say I stepped up to help two
local favorites, including Oliver’s Astoria, Halsey’s, Mom’s industries I love, the neighborhood I love, and the city I love,
Kitchen & Bar, Big Alice Brewing, Maggie Mae’s, and Zenon during this most difficult period in history.”
Taverna. Today, they have “an army of over 100 artists, 50 of If you’re an artist looking to contribute or a restaurant
[whom] have lent their creativity to murals for 50 restaurants owner looking to add a splash of color to your curbside,
across ten NYC neighborhoods, [with] two currently in the learn more at curbsidecanvas.com and follow them on
works.” Instagram at @curbsidecanvas.14 A D V E RTOR IA L EVA’S HELADO ARTESANAL
Churn Up the Cream with Eva’s Helado
By Athena Efter
W
hat happens when two unusual, and highly through her affinity for exploring different cultures in a
compatible textures and flavors come together? global culinary world, and to combine those global flavors
You get the wholesome creamy goodness of with the traditions of ice cream making at McConnell’s.
sweet cream blended together with Mexican vanilla and Her goal was to create a line of super premium pints
churro swirls to indulge your sweet tooth with a panache that take an American tradition to a multicultural level:
of Latin flavor. “I’ve always enjoyed putting our spin on classic flavors
California-based McConnell’s Family Dairy has for McConnell’s and brought this sensibility to the flavor
been crafting fine ice cream for 70 years, using local process for Eva’s as well. Through research on Latinx
ingredients like Central Coast grass-grazed milk and culinary traditions and flavor profiles, as well as honing
cream, eggs from organically fed, cage-free chickens, and in on the flavors we wanted to launch, we put our spin
pure cane sugar. Three simple ingredients are the base on Dulce de Leche, Horchata, Mango, Strawberries
for this dense, velvety, and consistently smooth texture and Vanilla. We deconstructed a traditional alfajor for
that has now churned into Eva’s Helado. There are no Chocolate Caramel Swirl. This will be our approach to
stabilizers, fillers or preservatives. What sets Eva’s apart every new flavor from Eva’s.”
is that everything is made from scratch, like home-baked New Yorkers can now look forward to the arrival of
cookie crumbles and jams that turn an ordinary ice cream “West Cold” delicacies, straight from the Left Coast, like
into an artisanal, hand-crafted experience. McConnell’s Café Con Donuts made with coffee ice cream and chunks
recently installed state-of-the-art freezers and ice cream- of cinnamon-spiked donuts, plus Horchata & Churro
making equipment to continue whipping up the finest ice Swirl, a sweet cream infused with cinnamon and paired
cream, using only pure and natural ingredients. with a swirl of churro batter. These, and an array of other
Born and raised in Sweden, Chef and Restaurateur “exciting, Latin-inspired flavors,” can be found in the
Eva Ein was inspired to create her new line of ice cream freezers of local NYC supermarkets this fall.Laser Hair Removal | Badass Brows | Voluminous Lashes
By appointment only. Text us or book online.
718.844.7874 | linktr.ee/Clubdollface | @clubdollface
NOW HIRING LASH ARTIST!
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31-13 23rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Astoria, NY 1110516 FO OD & DR IN K
Top 7 Places to Get Late Night Eats
By Vincent Velotta
Sweet Afton
No words can really do this
popular neighborhood joint
justice, but we’ll do our best.
This place is just plain cool:
exposed brick, a dim-lit bar,
and worn wooden beams
stretched across the ceiling
brings a certain old-fashioned
feel to an establishment that
unironically serves avocado
toast and french toast sticks
for brunch. But, we’re here
to talk about what they serve
after hours. ‘Til 1am, you
can get your hands on some
classic bar grub like fried
pickles and buffalo wings, but
the main enticement is their
burger, said to be the best in
town. I guess you’ll just have
to try it.
30-09 34th St. | 718.777.2570
@sweetaftonbar
Photo @sweetaftonbarLATE NIGHT EATS
Crave Astoria
As with any Astorian write-up,
Greek is on the menu. Crave
offers a pretty complete set
of options at great prices
- and of course, a kitchen
that’s open well into the night
(12:45am weekdays and
1:45am weekends). Athenian
Baked Potato $6.95? Lamb
gyro sandwich for $7.95?
Fried cheesecake for $6.75?!
What else could you ask for?
Photo @crave_astoria
28-55 36th St.
718.726.4976
@crave_astoria
Brik Astoria
Trendy, stylish, and absolutely
popping on some nights, Brik is a
Steinway Street location that’s a
must-visit if you haven’t already,
and it’s not hard to see why.
The place boasts an ultra clean,
modern look with their walls
lined with screens and a sleek
fluorescent bar. An extensive
American menu awaits alongside
some very intriguing options
such as the Jalapeno Cilantro
Chicken Croquettes and the Brik
Burger (with feta cheese, grilled
tomatoes, and Greek slaw). The
kitchen stays open until 2am,
Thursday-Sunday and 1am the
rest of the week.
3216 Steinway St.
718.267.2745 Photo @brik_astoria
@brik_astoriaOmonia Cafe
Take your late night cravings to
Omonia if you’re looking for one
of the better indoor or outdoor
decors in the neighborhood. With
a textbook for a menu and perhaps
the largest selection of baked
goods and pastries in the area,
there’s too much to love about the
Astoria staple, from their thoughtful,
pandemic-era street cabana to the
near-panoramic views from the
inside. Order your food before the
kitchen closes at 12:30am, and if
you get there early enough, check
out their adjacent storefront that’s
dedicated to sweets.
32-20 Broadway
718.274.6650
@omoniacafe
Photo @omoniacafe
Athens Grill
and Sports Bar
An under-the-radar pick with
a host of critical acclaim
online, Athens Grill and Sports
1 8 F O O D & D RI NK
Bar provides a lengthy list of
Mexican dishes at affordable
prices for anyone with a
late-night hunger (or an early
morning hunger, for that matter).
Open from 9am-4am (wow),
Athens serves the gauntlet of
Mexican cuisine from chalupas
to quesadillas, tostadas,
huarache, and a mix of classic
platters. And boy oh boy, are
those some plentiful servings!
30-11 30th Ave. | 718.777.5366
Photo Athens Grill & Sports Bar/YelpLATE NIGHT EATS
Oven.Grill Chill Lounge
If your late night cravings (and by
late night we mean 1am) desire
Peruvian cuisine, look no further
than this Broadway eatery. With
a chill atmosphere and classics
like Ceviche Mixto (fresh seafood
marinated in lemon or lime
juice) and Lomo/Pollo Salteado
(traditional stir fry over french
fries and rice), there are few
places better than this one.
42-12 Broadway | 917.832.7880
@chillastoria
Photo @chillastoria
Zeus Kitchen
Photo @zeuskitchen
If your late-night shenanigans include
pondering upon the many escapades
of the Greek gods, you might want
to take your appreciation of their
mythology here. Zeus Kitchen, open
7 days per week from 4PM to 3AM,
has a little bit of everything on their
menu from arepas to their own take
on Fettuccine Alfredo. But the best
feature of their menu might be the
"Between the Buns" section, which
offers sandwiches aptly named after
some of the Greek mythological
figures such as the Poseidon (god
of the sea), which is a Po' Boy
sandwich with crispy fried shrimp,
Cajun Tartar sauce, coleslaw, and a
french baguette. Let’s just hope they
don’t serve anything named after
Prometheus.
27-24 21st St. | 718-606-1904
@zeuskitchenSACCO & FILLAS
THE COVID VACCINE
AND ALL THAT’S IN BETWEEN
By Athena Efter pregnancy or a religious belief, practice, or observance,
W
do not get vaccinated for COVID-19, unless providing
e know what’s on your mind. While vaccine an accommodation would pose an undue hardship on
protection from COVID-19 has become widely the operation of the employer’s business. For example,
accessible and sensible, many New Yorkers are a reasonable accommodation may include requiring an
still hesitant to get vaccinated. With indoor venues now unvaccinated employee (i) to wear a face covering while
requiring proof of vaccinations, what does all this mean at work, (ii) maintain social distance from coworkers
for you if you are not vaccinated? In our monthly catch- or non-employees, (iii) to work a modified shift, (iv) to
up, Legal Counsel Elias Fillas of Sacco and Fillas LLP, get periodic tests for COVID-19, or (v) be given the
GMA addresses your concerns. opportunity to telework.
GMA: To what extent does an employer or university
GMA: NYC has become the first state to ban have the right to expel an employee or student for not
unvaccinated people from indoor dining, gyms, and being vaccinated?
entertainment venues. Is this legal? EF: If the employer has a reasonable belief that the
EF: Currently, yes, unless and until the ban is challenged unvaccinated employee will pose a “direct threat” to the
in the courts and the courts rule that the ban is illegal or health or safety of other employees in the workplace,
unconstitutional. the employer may terminate the employee. Also, similar
GMA: How does it affect the fourteenth amendment and reasoning applies to schools, as schools may require
its Due Process clause when it comes to our civil rights? vaccination as a condition to enrollment.
EF: The very basic definition of “civil rights” is the GMA: Is our legal system fully prepared to address any
guarantee of equal protection under the law regardless of consequences to freedom of bodily choice and other
race, religion, or other personal characteristics. There is civil rights that could potentially become violated through
no federal or state law which requires or mandates that this mandate?
an individual be vaccinated. Thus, there is no deprivation EF: Yes, as our legal system has been addressing
of “life, liberty or property” under the 14th Amendment. issues of similar nature for over a hundred years. For
Are unvaccinated people being denied equal protection? example, in 1905, the Supreme Court, in Jacobson
No. Any ban prohibiting unvaccinated people from indoor v. Massachusetts, ruled that states are permitted to
dining, gyms, and entertainment venue is not based on require people to be vaccinated against smallpox; this
race, religion or personal characteristics. decision paved the way for schools to require proof of
GMA: Can a mandatory vaccination law on the state vaccinations from students. Also, with the reach of social
level lead to a requirement on the federal level? media and coverage, we now see how widespread
EF: While federal law generally trumps state law, federal movements are with respect to issues such as civil rights
equal employment opportunity laws do not prohibit and gender diversity.
2 0 A DV ER TO R I AL
employers from requiring vaccines and this varies from GMA: Given a lot of the controversy and inconsistencies
state to state. surrounding the virus and the vaccine’s effectiveness,
Specifically, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity especially now with the new delta variant, is it justifiable
laws do not prevent an employer from requiring to legally mandate entry into indoor venues, and other
all employees physically entering the workplace venues as decided by the state, for a virus that’s still
to be vaccinated for COVID-19; however, in some mutating and a vaccine that is still not 100% FDA fully
circumstances, Title VII and the ADA require an employer approved or proven in long-term effectiveness?
to provide reasonable accommodations for employees EF: It’s an opinion-based response, but the actions are
who, because of a disability (covered by ADA), justified to ensure public safety.$10 HAPPY HOUR
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MARGHERITA
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PEPPERONI
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718.721.6500
79-16 21st Ave. East Elmhurst
@piu_bella_pizza
piubellapizza.comKaiseki at Kōyō
By Kate Fry decided to hone in on their specialty and grace
H
Astoria with what is today known as Kōyō.
ey GMA fam! As continually promised, we’re In Japanese culture, the term “omakase” directly
here to introduce you to yet another can’t- translates to, “I leave it up to you.” AKA, guests
miss hot spot in the neighborhood. You’re leave themselves in the hands of the chef. The
probably already familiar with sushi, sashimi, term “Kōyō” means “autumn foliage,” specifically,
2 2 FOOD & DR I NK
tempura, and other forms of Japanese cuisine, but the changing of the maple tree leaves as a new
what about kaiseki: a dining experience where you season approaches. And thus, Kōyō’s menu was
don’t have to choose just one - in fact, you don’t born, offering a “strong focus on seasonality and
choose at all. Enter: Kōyō. [using] ingredients at [each season’s peak] to
Originally known as Gaijin and operating out create a Kaiseki-inspired, multi-sensory dining
of Manhattan, Chef-Owner Jay Zheng centered experience.”
his menu around traditional omakase dining and Now that you’ve got some background, let’s get
robata grill a la carte fare. In 2018, he and his team down to business. Chef Zheng is proud to invite
37-12 31st Ave. | 929.328.2890 | koyonewyork.com | @koyonewyorkKAISEKI AT KŌYŌ
“In Japanese culture, the term ‘omakase’ directly
translates to, “I leave it up to you.” AKA, guests
leave themselves in the hands of the chef.”
you to a seven-course, Michelin star-rated
tasting menu, during which your mind will be
blown by delicacies like Sakizuke, Hassun,
Suimono, Yakimono, Gohan, Nigiri, and
Mizumono. Kōyō offers supplemental add-ons
as well and of course, no Japanese meal is
complete without sake. Zheng teamed up with
Wing Yee of World Sake Importers to curate the
finest and rarest of sakes to accompany your
equally rare dishes.
Kōyō provides outdoor seating fully equipped
with roofing, heaters, and coolers so you can
dine in any weather. Or, if you feel like really
“wowing” your friends and family, opt for the
Chef’s Counter indoors that can accommodate
up to six guests (additional indoor dining, up to
seven). Take-out and delivery options are also
available, so in reality, there’s nothing stopping
you from giving Kōyō a try. If you’re anything
like me, you were sold at not having to make
the decision of what to eat.Savory, Sweet, Stylish
Taco Tumba
Owners William & Lorena Alba present
Taco Tumba: a high-end Mexican
restaurant serving gourmet tacos and
tapas with traditional Mexican flavors
in a speakeasy atmosphere. Elegantly
decorated with a tastefully understated
vibe, Taco Tumba showcases Mexico
City throughout the tiniest of details
between its dishes, its wallpaper and
artworks, and right down to the sounds; a
carefully curated playlist quickly becomes
the segue into the mixology taking place
at its sleek mezcal bar. The cocktails at
Taco Tumba are all made with fresh fruits,
fresh lime juice, and agave, crafted by
expert mixologists to compliment the
freshly handmade blue corn and fresh
flour tortillas from executive chef Rolando
Mena’s exquisite menu. Taco Tumba
is a plush space for refined birthday
celebrations and private events. Anyone
2 4 ME NT I O N S
looking for a swanky dinner spot to host
a group of friends or just a night out on
the town is welcome to contact them for
reservations at tacotumba@gmail.com.
30-10 Steinway St. | @taco_tumba
tacotumba@gmail.com
Art Room Hair Spa
While one of the major benefits of summer is
getting that picture-perfect tan, unfortunately, that
often comes at a price: sun damage to our hair.
Between light exposure, chlorine, the countless
products we use to fight off the summer humidity,
by the time fall comes, it’s safe to say our hair
may be looking a little rough. Luckily, Art Room
Hair Spa is here to remedy all of the above and
more. From hair cuts, to hair coloring, to hair spa
treatments, the team over at Art Room will have
your hair looking as radiant and lively as ever.
Don’t just take our word for it - go see for yourself!
31-08 30th Ave. | 917.745.0456
@artroomhairspaWe’ve Got It All
MENTIONS
King Souvlaki
Another Greek can’t-miss, King Souvlaki
continues to dominate the food truck
scene. Their locations are growing by the
day, having now upgraded from food truck
favorite to established restaurant in Bay
Ridge, Brooklyn! They’re having no trouble
keeping up with the demand for their savory
goodness including their variety of family-
sized specials, pitas and heroes galore and
even salads for those trying to maintain that
summer bod. You can find King Souvlaki’s
Queens food trucks at the corner of 31st
Street and 31st Avenue, Steinway and
Ditmars, and Northern Boulevard and Bell
Boulevard in Bayside. Don’t forget - they
cater, too, and will come to you!
31st St. & 31st Ave. | 347.384.0217
@kingsouvlaki | kingsouvlakinyc.com
Tea & Milk
We’re sure you’ve heard of the bubble tea craze by now.
If you still haven’t hopped on the bandwagon, we strongly
encourage you to do so at Tea and Milk, one of the first
businesses of its kind since 2015, and we guarantee you won’t
look back. This month, they’re proud to announce the arrival of
their Rose Peach Tea which tastes as refreshing as it sounds
and is here for a limited time only! They even have brand new
outdoor seating as well, and nothing says “summer” like a
freshly made iced tea while soaking up the sun.
32-02 34th Ave. | 917.294.0450 | @teaandmilknyMENTIONS
The Lingerie Shoppe
@AstoriasSecret
A Uniquely Sexy Speak Easy
September is full of love with
special live performances all
month long! Burlesque, drag,
erotic poetry, lingerie fashion
shows and of course killer
karaoke! Ladies, show up
in lace or lingerie and enjoy
happy hour specials all night
long! Reserve your party
either indoors or outdoors
in their Secret Backyard
Sanctuary.
Check them out and book
your reservation online at
26 MENTIONS
AstoriasSecret.com and
follow them on Instagram
@AstoriasSecret.
28-53 Steinway St.
Thursday - Sunday
Follow for Show times
@AstoriasSecret
AstoriasSecret.com
Tamalli
As if you even needed another reason to buy tamales from Tamalli, here’s an
offer you truly can’t refuse. Throughout the month of September, Tamalli will
be teaming up with local non-profits Team for Kids and Rising New York Road
Runners to help bring free running and fitness programs to young students
across the country. 10% of all sales profits will be donated to the cause in
an effort to fuel the campaign, led by local delivery drivers, Luis and Pedro,
to help physical activity and well-being reach countless youth. To place your
order and not only have the tamale of a lifetime but be a part of this incredible
movement, reach out to them directly on Instagram at @tamalli_.Ralph’s Famous Italian
Ices of Astoria
Even in a world where food
supplies/ingredients are cut
short due to a pandemic,
Ralph’s is still managing to
bring it home with a robust
44 flavors! And not your
everyday flavors either.
We’re talking passion fruit,
jelly ring, pina colada,
crazy coconut, chocolate
graham marsh, and more.
Why melt in this heat on
your couch at home when
you can have one of these
amazing scoops melt in
your mouth? Summer’s
almost over so close it out
the right way at Ralph’s!
Gift Box
3002 30th St. You already know Gift Box Astoria came through
917.396.1100 to equip you with the perfect summer necessities,
so it’s no surprise that they’re ready as ever to lead
@ralphsastoriany
you into our next season. Drop by the store and
ralphsices.com give “back to school” a whole new meaning with
their unique variety of school supplies ranging from
notebooks, to bags, to stationery. For all you music
loving, environmentally-friendly folks out there, it
would be a crime to miss out on their coolest feature
yet: handmade products from recycled vinyl records.
That’s right - records that were “once played, loved
and shared” now taking on the form of journals,
ornaments, book ends, coasters, and more.
25-11 Broadway Ave. | 718.440.3411 | @giftboxastoria
Souvlaki Lady
You have missed her lately as she took a mini hiatus (we
all deserve a little summer vacation at some point), but
the Souvlaki Lady is back and better than ever. From the
most flavorful meat skewers, to family platters, to pita
creations like the original Souvlaki Lady, the Astoria and
the Ditmars Boulevard, the possibilities are truly endless
at this local, Greek gem. The business is making its
official return on September 7 - mark your calendars!
33rd St & Ditmars Blvd. | 917.750.3748 | @souvlakiladyFeel Good,
Taste Good
The Best Wellness Spots in Astoria
By André Beganski
W
hether you’ve just left the gym at the crack of dawn
or you’re rolling out of bed sometime around noon, a
smoothie can be the perfect way to put some extra pep
in your step while enjoying something natural and fresh.
There are numerous wellness spots and eateries in Astoria that
prepare food for people who prioritize their health and fitness -
we’re talking about some of the best juices, shots, smoothies, and
drinks you can find that bridge the gap between tasty and healthy.
Fitrition is a popular and well-known destination for smoothies and
açai bowls, located at 30-09 Steinway St. near multiple gyms and
fitness centers. They have a full juice bar that features a wide range
of all-natural ingredients and take-away food offerings labeled with
breakdowns of nutritional macros.
They also offer a wheatgrass shot that is vibrant in taste and color,
packing the equivalent of a two-and-a-half-pound salad down into
just a few flavorful ounces. Other shots like the Cold Killer and the
Fat Burner are just as potent, featuring a blend of ginger, lemon, and Photo @fitrition_nyc
spices like cayenne pepper or cinnamon.
Fitrition
30-09 Steinway St. | 718.440.9268 | @fitritionjuicebar
But, if you’re not on Steinway, don’t
sweat it and try The Hydrator at
Create, located at 29-21 Ditmars
Blvd., less than a block away
from the closest subway station.
The Hydrator is a premium juice
28 FOO D & DR I N K
made from watermelon, cucumber,
lemon, coconut and is garnished
with a pinch of sea salt; perfect for
beating the heat. They also have a
detox juice which helps the body
“naturally rid itself of unwanted
toxins” and is made from celery,
spinach, apple, carrot, and parsley.
Photo @createfoodsnyc
Create
36-03 30th Ave. | 718.204.0333
@createfoodsnycFEEL GOOD, TASTE GOOD
Healthy Me
30-08 37th St. | 718.274.8500 | Healthymeny.com
For fitness enthusiasts and self-
proclaimed gym rats, there’s Healthy Me,
which not only has rejuvenating smoothies
and hearty meals made from organic
ingredients, but also offers a ten percent
discount to all gym members. Located at
30-08 37th St., they have stand-out menu
options that are packed with protein like
their Popeye Power Smoothie and Protein
Power Toast, which both contain almond
butter among other ingredients.
And for people with dietary restrictions,
there’s plenty of options at Healthy Me
as well, like Bulletproof Coffee, which is
highly sought after by people who are on
a Keto diet. They also offer other foods
that are gluten-free and vegan like Aussie
Bites. At 99 cents a piece, they combine
dried apricots with rolled oats, sunflower
seeds, fried coconut, honey, and raisins
into a snack that is sure to please anyone. Photo @healthymeny
Fusion Juice Bar
34-02 36th Ave. | 347.738.4024
@fusionjuicebar_
Finally, when it comes to pre-
packaged juices for those seeking
grab-and-go options Fusion Juice
Bar is king in Queens. They have
multiple locations throughout
Astoria and make fresh drinks
like Hulk Juice, which is a blend
of celery, kale, spinach, green
apples, and cucumber. Their
“Raw Remedies” are also out-of-
this-world, offering a natural aid to
those with diabetes, hypertension,
and low blood pressure. Pressed
to impress, they are arguably one
of the best ways to indulge in
something sweet while keeping
Photo @fusionjuicebar your body healthy and satisfied.30 A D VER TOR IA L STRAND PHARMACY
Forming genuine connections with
whoever walks through the door
A
little over five years ago, two “We know what it’s like to work Strand Pharmacy
brothers found themselves hard, what it’s like to struggle, just 2501 Broadway
working at a local pharmacy like everyone else. We try to make Open Mon-Fri, 9am-7pm
as a means to get by. That “means people’s lives easier,” explains Saturday 10am-4pm
to an end” mentality quickly Artur. And that’s exactly what you Closed Sunday
shifted to passion in no time, can expect upon entering the
leading one brother, Michael, to go store. These brothers show up to
IN ADDITION TO HEALTH CARE,
ahead and purchase one of, if not work every day with the intention STRAND PHARMACY OFFERS A
the oldest, pharmacies in Astoria: of helping people. “No matter what NUMBER OF OTHER SERVICES AS
Strand Pharmacy. With the help issue you have in life,” they will WELL, INCLUDING:
of his brother, Artur, this local give their absolute best in trying to
business continues its 100+-year help you find the remedy - whether • Eye vision tests for DMV
legacy as a genuine Astoria staple. that be taking the time to find and • UPS package drop-off/pick-up
The previous owner had already order a new product or working • Money orders/MoneyGram
developed loyal relationships with with their patients’ budgets so services
his customers, with some being they can afford the care they need. • Lottery
• OTC networking card
pharmacy regulars for 40, 50, Upon walking into those doors,
• Faxing/printing
and 60 years. After buying the you will always be treated like a • Notary services
business five years ago, those member of the family, whether • Reading Glasses
seeds continue to grow while new it’s to fill a prescription, ask a • Local Delivery
ones are planted. question, or just say hello. • Accepts most insurance plans
PRINTING FAX & COPY PASSPORT PHOTO SURGICAL SUPPLIES BILL PAYMENTS NOTARY VISION
EXAMS OPTICAL DEPARTMENT NY LOTTO SAME DAY DELIVERY SERVICE GREETING CARDS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 718.721.3650
acceptedCourtesy Queens Historical Society
The filming of the World War I drama, The Battle of Paris, in 1929 on the
Astoria Studio backlot. The Astoria neighborhood can be seen beyond
the walls of the backlot where a replica of Paris had been erected.
By Jason D. Antos Manhattan. Through a viewfinder, patrons would
G
turn a dial that quickly advanced photographs on a
loria Swanson, star of the silent screen and Rolodex-type spool. These machines showed silent
famous for classics like Sunset Boulevard, moving images; there were no real plots, no stars
said of making movies in Queens in her yet. And the people loved every second of it.
1980 autobiography, Swanson on Swanson: “Every By 1912, Zukor teamed up with his partner, David
day we drove across the Queensboro Bridge to the Frohman, became big names in the penny arcade
new studio in Astoria in the borough of Queens. business and went on to form the Famous Players
It was certainly not another Hollywood. The Film Company to produce and distribute full-length
place was full of free spirits, defectors, refugees, films. In 1920, they built their studio complex
who’re all trying to get away from Hollywood and in Astoria, in the cheaper and roomier confines
its restrictions. There was a wonderful sense of of Queens. Traditionally, a location anywhere in
revolution and innovation in the studio in Queens.” Queens would have been isolated and rural, but
32 H ISTORY
One of the biggest names in the newly thanks to the Queensboro Bridge, which opened
developing film industry of the early 20th century in 1909, the new complex was now only a short
began with a Hungarian-born Jewish immigrant distance from Manhattan’s theater district.
named Adolph Zukor. He invested in a penny Both feature-length and short films were filmed
arcade theater, or “nickelodeon,” on 14th Street in here between 1920 and 1933, including the first twoKAUFMAN ASTORIA STUDIOS
Kaufman Astoria Studios as seen today.
Photo Jason D. Antos
“Through a viewfinder,
patrons would turn
a dial that quickly
advanced photographs
on a Rolodex-type
spool. These machines
Marx Brothers films, Cocoanuts Lumet filmed The Wiz here,
(1929) and Animal Crackers showed silent moving the first feature film to use the
(1930). Some of the greats in images; there were no studio in years. In 1978, the six
silent films and early talkies even real plots, no stars yet. contributing buildings that made
worked here, including Rudolf up the studio were placed on
Valentino, W.C. Fields, Dorothy And the people loved the National Register of Historic
Gish and Gloria Swanson. More every second of it.” Places, and in 1982, real estate
than 130 short and feature-length developer George Kaufman
films were shot and produced leased the studio and renamed
here at the studios, now called either Astoria Studios it Kaufman Astoria Studios. By the 1980s, film and
or Paramount Studios, before all film production for television production returned with classic films like
Paramount was relocated to California in 1932. Hair (1978), Goodfellas (1990), Carlito’s Way (1993),
In 1942, the United States Army Signal Corps Moonstruck (1987), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), The
took over the studio for the making of training and Verdict (1982), as well as many public television shows
indoctrination films for the war effort, and later for including Sesame Street and Where in the World is
propaganda purposes. Officially, the facility was Carmen Sandiego?. Other classic TV programs like
known as the Signal Corps Photographic Center, and The Cosby Show and Law and Order have also called
later, the Army Pictorial Center (APC). In 1977, Sidney Kaufman “home.”W KIDS ON THE BLOCK
NE By Shirley Roberts
Who’s joining the neighborhood? Restaurants are moving in
fast and we’re here to keep you in the loop. Are you with me?
COCO BUBBLE TEA
3 4 FO O D & D R I N K
This is their 17th (!) location, so you already know it’s a
hit. Their dairy-free bubble milk is suitable for everyone
and along with being delicious, they’re visually
appealing. Their most popular drinks are 2 Ladies (milk
tea with bubbles and pudding) and 3 Guys, which has
the same ingredients plus an addition of grass jelly! If
you want something a bit more Instagram-worthy, go
for their QQ Milk Tea, which is topped off with colorful
sweet potato and taro tapioca. The whole staff is
super friendly and if you’re in need of suggestions,
they’re happy to help you narrow it down.
3310 Broadway | 718.255.1772 | @cocotea.eastcoast Photo @cocotea.eastcoast
BAD
HABITS
ASTORIA
We’re particularly excited for this one: a unique
Dominican sushi experience! In addition to indulging
in the raw bar, make sure to taste their La Yola,
a whole plantain stuffed with shrimp! Their sushi
creations are unique, filling, and perfect for seafood
lovers who want their fair share of shrimp. They had
me at sushi! Are you intrigued yet?
32-03 Broadway | @badhabitsastoria
Photo @badhabitsastoriaNEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Photo Cookies @duchesscookiesnyc
DUCHESS COOKIES
Cookies with a twist. Most are shaped like flowers
with a delicious filling inside, but the real show-
stopper is their $1,000 cookie. Yup, you read
that right. Maybe take your vacation savings and
instead, order one of their golden-covered, red
velvet cookies filled with Ruby chocolate ganache.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, you can also
try their very reasonably priced Mocha Caramel
Macchiato or Pistachio White Chocolate cookie -
just as delicious and won’t break the bank!
36-11 Ditmars Blvd. | @duchesscookiesnyc
KUNG FU TEA
We can never have enough bubble tea in our lives, so here we
have another awesome Asian tea spot that’s sure to become
a new favorite of ours. It all started with the Kung Fu Milk Tea,
their signature drink, but if you want to be adventurous, you
can try any of their punches, slushies, or seasonal drinks,
which include their Purple Yam Latte, as well as their Mango
and Strawberry-flavored Cream drinks: a delicious swirl with
a creamy milk cap. They are the largest tea brand in the US
and quality is key to their long-lasting success.
30-10 34th St. | 917.396.1734 | @kungfuteausa
Photo Tea @kungfuteausa
KYURAMEN
These expert chefs know ramen. Originating in Flushing
in 2014, Kyuramen is known for some of the best ramen
in the city. You can choose your broth (pork, chicken,
veggie) and level of spice, and we guarantee no matter
what you go with, you won’t be disappointed. Their
pork roast is unforgettable and worth a cheat day
anytime, and we can’t forget their Japanese curry. LIC
location opening soon - stay tuned! Photo @kyuramen.offical
@kyuramen.officialNEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
MILK AND CREAM
CEREAL BAR
Now, this is beyond fun to take pictures
of as well as to chow down. It combines
your favorite ice cream flavor with a
cereal topping of your choice! Or, trust
the experts and go with any one of their
signature specials, like the Chocolate
Smore’s Galore or Cookie Crisp Carnival.
Every creation is to die (or to melt) for.
25-88 Steinway St. | @milkandcreambar
Photo @milkandcreambar
SOTTO
Photo Oysters @sotto_la_luna_ny
LA LUNA
This pizza and pasta bar will
be located inside Astoria’s
International Food Hall and
is sure to become the next
sought-after Italian restaurant
for foodies. It will incorporate
flavors of the Puglia and Milan
region and even host a gelateria/
3 6 FOO D & DR I NK
café section for your after-
dinner needs. They will serve
homemade pasta, artisanal
pizza, and tapa-style appetizers.
The best part? The kitchen will
be in the center of the restaurant
and you can watch the chefs
cook their masterpieces right in
front of you!
34-39 31st St.
@sotto_la_luna_nyPhoto Adrien Childress
Home Sweet Home
ASTORIA TO WELCOME QUEENS’ FIRST LESBIAN BAR
By Melissa Goldberg where they realized the neighborhood’s need for a
Q
space for Astoria’s LGBTQ+ community: “People
ueens is arguably one of the most diverse [need] a space to be vulnerable, make music
places on Earth, with a wide array of people, and be together…[there] needs to be more hubs
culture, languages, and cuisine represented where we can make a difference in real time in our
and celebrated. With that being said, how is it communities.” Although Astoria is already home
3 8 C O M M U NI T Y
even remotely possible that Queens doesn’t have a to a handful of queer bars and businesses, Dave’s
lesbian bar?! Lesbian Bar is hoping to add to that family and be
Enter: Kristin “Dave” Dausch; a powerhouse the third lesbian bar in all of New York City, joining
performer and aspiring entrepreneur changing Cubbyhole and Henrietta Hudson which are both in
exactly that. Manhattan.
Originally from Indiana, they’ve lived in In late June, they launched their fundraising
Astoria for over a decade and have been heavily platform which has already made headlines across
involved in both the Astoria community as well New York City. Not only have they received over
as queer community. Dausch has been hosting a $21,000 in donations through their GoFundMe,
predominantly queer open-mic night for the past but they’ve had incredible turnout and support at
three years, which is currently held every Sunday their monthly pop-ups, geared towards bringing
at These Are The Good Old Days, and that’s the community together and highlighting queer-ledQUEENS’ FIRST LESBIAN BAR
Photo Adrien Childress
businesses. “People are coming out of everywhere to school in Astoria, in our community.” It’s evident
and offering up their skills because it takes a village,” that what sets Dave’s Lesbian Bar is their genuine
shared Dausch. The first pop-up in late July outside commitment to the community as well as weaving
Heart of Gold welcomed over 700 people throughout the mutual aid component into all facets of the
the day (on the open streets as remaining covid- initiative. “If you have a skill that you want to share,
conscious is key) where guests could get undercuts come talk to us. Slide into our DMs, we want to hear
and tattoos while enjoying live music. “It blew me from our community about what they need.”
away. It was the best day of my life so far until our Although covid brings a level of uncertainty as to
next pop-up! It’s scary to the debut date of the bar,
take a leap like this and us Dausch is exhilarated
seeing the community on
that day was enough for us
“It blew me away. It was the about the future and
what this community can
to [know] it’s worth every best day of my life so far until achieve together. When
risk.” our next pop-up! It’s scary asked why the bar will
They just hosted their
second pop-up on Saturday,
to take a leap like this and be in Astoria, “I’m not
going to be behind the
August 28, outside Diamond us seeing the community on bar where I couldn’t tell
Dogs in which Dausch that day was enough for us to you where to go get good
added more elements to the food afterwards! This
lineup including comedians, [know] it’s worth every risk.” is home, this is where I
a queer craft fair as well as became the queer adult
a back-to-school fundraiser drive in collaboration that I am today.” They’ll continue hosting monthly
with Astoria Mutual Aid. In order to attend, people pop-ups until the bar opens, with the next one on
were encouraged to bring in school supplies such as Sunday, September 26 (location TBD). Check out
backpacks and three-ring binders. Dausch shares @daveslesbianbar for the latest info and don’t hesitate
that, “It’s not really about raising money for the bar; to reach out to daveslesbianbar@gmail.com for any
we’re investing in the community. Buy your stuff from and all inquiries! You can also donate and help fuel
queers and bring something to help the kids go back their cause at gofundme.com/f/daves-lesbian-bar.4 0 CO N T E S T SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER
C
arissa moved to Astoria in 2019
and loves the sense of community
Congratulations, Carissa! and the food here, noting that
she's "never run out of places to eat."
She has an academic background in
Give Me Spring
film photography but enjoys standard
photography in her free time. Carissa
is particularly interested in street
photography and has a history of taking
Photography pictures of buildings, cars, etc., however,
she was inspired by flower pedals she
passed while taking a walk during covid;
Contest Winner
"you appreciate nature more due to the
lockdown." Check out Carissa's other
work on her Instagram @filmzcarz.GET THE PICTURE YET?
Stay tuned for details about our LIVE MUSIC
@burger_village_astoria 40-17 Broadway, Astoria NY 11103 929.296.970042 C O MMU N ITY
Photos @themaltesecenter
Little Malta
By Eirene Archolekas archipelago of seven islands, but its main three, Malta,
N
Gozo, and Comino, are famous for their grottos: the
ew Yorkers typically know Astoria as an ethnic shipwreck of St. Paul and the pivotal part it played in
enclave of Greeks, Italians, Brazilians, Colombians, the Crusades and in WW2. At the crosscurrents of the
and now, Midwesterners. While the neighborhood three islands, Malta has held a strategic post in the
has adapted and slightly changed its identity with each Mediterranean since ancient times when Phoenicians
succeeding wave of migration, what most people may settled there. Maltese heritage is often confused with
not realize is that before Astoria was “Little Athens,” it Italian, but its roots are actually Arabic from the Levant
was “Little Malta,” thanks to Maltese Americans who put mixed with Italian and French.
their stamp on our history. In fact, the Maltese Center, Long-time Astoria resident Charles Scibberas, whose
an unassuming, brick building crested with the red parents moved to Astoria in the 1950s, has been a real
Maltese cross at the foot of the RFK Bridge has been estate agent in the neighborhood for 45 years. “Once you
the gathering place for the cultural community since it are a Maltese, you are a unique human being because
opened in 1982. In 2008, the street in front of the Center of your history,” he says. He can trace his own history
was renamed “Malta Square” to commemorate the to Egypt and Mount Sciberras, the hill where a citadel
legacy of the community in the neighborhood. stands in the capital of Malta, Valletta. He claims his
The Maltese have been emigrating to the US since the physical features can be traced to an illustrious ancestor
18th century. After WW1, a surge of immigrants came at whose portrait can be found there in a piece of artwork
the heels of the closing of the Royal British Dockyard in called “The Great Seige of Malta” by El Greco.
1919, first settling in New Orleans, then Detroit, then NYC Scibberas explains that NYC’s first Maltese immigrants
and other major cities like San Francisco and Chicago. lived on 23rd Street and 1st Avenue near Beth Israel,
After WW2, the Maltese government encouraged attracted to Astoria for its sense of community and the
emigration when it agreed to pay for passage to the US. chance to own their own single family homes instead of
As a result, close to 10,000 Maltese came to America cramped apartments. He remembers the Maltese coming
between 1950 and 1970; massive for a nation that from all over Queens to play soccer on Sundays in a
averaged 350,000 citizens over 122 square miles. And field outside LaGuardia Airport: “After that, we would
thus, Astoria became home to a Maltese community. have BBQ and spaghetti with rabbit,” rabbit being a
Malta itself, nicknamed the “mouse that roars,” is an staple dish in Maltese culture. In fact, the rabbit stewYou can also read
