Euro Delight(ful!)

I LOVE this place! Granted I never eat their sandwiches or other fare, but they’re not the main attraction. It’s the crepes. Oh, the to-die-for crepes. Many varieties of both sweet and savory and you can even piece together your own if the 40 or so ones they have on the menu aren’t to your liking. With the right seat, or while waiting for a take-away, you can watch them make the crepe itself and then assemble all your goodies onto it.
My favorite crepe is just nutella and strawberries (sort of on the menu, but that one involves bananas as well). I am a HUGE fan of sweet and this really does the trick for all sorts of cravings and bad moods. I could eat this everyday, but seeing as how I would look like a whale if I did, I have to limit my self to once every other month or so. But that makes them taste all the better. I brought John there this past weekend (we needed to get the taste of the nasty diner food out of our mouths from the night before) and he tried a savory crepe with ham cheese and tomatoes. He was pleasantly surprised. Especially because it was fully stuffed. Even he couldn’t finish it! I, however, don’t have that problem when it involves nutella. I can eat that by the jar(which reminds me it is on sale at Duane Reade). I also highly recommend trying the Orange Vanilla Ice Blended drink. It’s frothy, a nice balance between the 2 flavors and oh so tasty. The staff is really friendly and I’ve never had the experience where anyone was rude(customers on the other hand…) The only drawback is that the place is really small. It’s fine when not too crowded, but when it is, and especially with the families with small children, it can be a bit taxing. It’s not that I don’t like kids. I do. I just don’t like other people’s misbehaved children. Like the parents who let their children carry on, because they are expressing themselves and it would stunt their emotional growth to tell them to cut it out. Sorry, that’s a whole other rant. Anyhoo, if it’s crowded just get it to go and eat at home. They even make it look pretty for the take away container. And if you get powder and chocolate on your face, (as Michael and Stephen have had to point out to me) no one will notice.
Euro Delights, Broadway @ 32nd street, right on the corner.

Astoria Diner is a Disaster

Ever since the Astoria Diner moved in (32-50 Steinway) I’ve been a little skeptical. I was burned too many times by the previous two diners. After last night, I’m convinced that there is something about that location that prevents there being a decent diner near my house. I love diners. I’d gladly eat at a diner. But, it has to be a good diner. Astoria has a fabulous diner, but it is not Astoria Diner.
Prior to it being the Astoria Diner the space was occupied by Millennium Restaurant and then Modern Age Diner. At first Millennium was great; it was the perfect place to grab a quick bite before going to the movie theatre. Then, things started to go sour. First, the service was a little slower, and then the food took a while to get to the table. Before too long it was a little annoying. The food was still good, but not worth the wait. The key to good diner food, in my opinion is that it is tasty and quick. If I want to wait I will go to a “real restaurant.” Then all of a sudden there was a new name, and new awning. The menu was the same (actually they crossed out Millennium on the menus and wrote in Modern), the décor was the same and so was the staff (presumably family since they all looked alike, but I could be wrong). Still, I gave it a chance hoping they got their act together. They got worse. Not only was the service bad, so was the food. It would get to you cold and bland.
So, with all this in the same spot as Astoria Diner I was very skeptical about it.
John and I gave it a shot last night. Instead, it should be shot. The menu is different, so is the staff and décor so I can safely assume new ownership. However, there is nothing special to the menu. It’s a standard Greek Diner menu. Basic sandwiches and platters, salad selection a little sad, and the usual Greek speacialties. No real zip. Although they did seem to have an extensive dessert menu and the banana split I saw come out was huge. The lighting was a little too bright in my opinion. And the staff kept playing with the lights, turning them down and back up again to the same place it was to start with. It’s really annoying and until I saw them do it I thought they were having power problems. Our waitress was a little weird. You could tell she was forcing the friendly too much all over the place (except at our table). She even kissed a baby! What the? And, we kept hearing her tell the same story about how the boss disrespected her or some such nonsense over and over again. Once was enough, thank you. We had a lot of time to observe the diner since we waited over a half an hour for our order. And all we ordered was sandwiches because we were on our way to see Narnia. It wasn’t until we realized we had 10 minutes to eat so that we would get there on time we asked her about it and we still had to wait 5 minutes. It was as if we were invisible to her. She was chatting up other tables and seemed to rush every other order around but ours. 2 sandwiches that took 30 minutes, they should be good right? Wrong. John was so not impressed with his Rueben. Too hot and I could see it was hard for him to cut through it, and he’s a carpenter, he cuts things for a living. My tuna salad was dry and had a funky aftertaste. There was so much lettuce; I had to dismantle it to fit it in my mouth. The 2 onion rings that came with mine were cold. So I assume that mine was finished a while into our wait and was just sitting there. I wonder if John’s was as well and they threw it in to heat again, explaining the excessive heat from it and the rubbery texture. Even if it was good we couldn’t enjoy it because we were now rushing through it to get to the movie. When we asked for the check, she was surprised we were already finished. Well, finished enough since we didn’t actually feel like eating everything we got. This spot is cursed. No food establishment should ever open here, ever again. Avoid this place at all costs .That is unless you like waiting a half an hour for bland funky food. From now on the walk over to Michael’s Restaurant is more than worth it.


Micaheal’s Restaurant(33-17 Broadway) is an awesome diner and I never have had any reservations about eating there or bringing someone there. Even if I am in a picky mood I know I will find something to eat there and I won’t be disappointed. They have a great diner menu, which even includes traditional Irish breakfasts. John, as the expert in that department, has asserted that the breakfast is as authentic as he can expect from non-Irish and has not been disappointed with it yet. I’ve had a variety of items from the menu from breakfast, to sandwiches and salads. Every time I’ve been happily satisfied with my meal. The staff is friendly and courteous. The older Greek waiters will happily engage in neighborhood conversation with you and they actually check to see how your order is coming along. Even when they are crowded the quality of food and service does not decline. My favorite part of Michael’s is how they have contrasting pictures of streets and landmarks from the same perspective many many years apart along all the walls so each booth has one. A history lesson at the same time. The other good thing is that they are open 24 hours. I can get a fix whenever I want. In the diner wars, Michael’s totally KO’s Astoria Disaster, I mean Diner, any day.

On a snowy day

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Make it stop make it stop MAKE IT STOP!

Seriously, folks, do we really need to be accosted by holiday songs while walking down Steinway street? And it’s not only just traditional carols, new, modern songs by the likes of Celine Dion. Yeesh. Can’t I go shopping in peace? I’m really wary of walking down the main drag for fear my poor ears will burn from hearing such bad music. Do other neighborhoods in Queens do this? Growing up in Jackson Heights, I don’t remember 37th Ave or 82nd street blaring the carols. Is it just us? Was there a vote I missed in the 5 or so years I've lived in Astoria? Did we overwhelmingly decide that yes, while we are minding our business shopping we need to hear the same music we hear in all the stores on the street as well? I think we’re one step away from all shops and the street speakers all being on the same channel or soundtrack so that when you enter or exit a store you don’t miss a beat. Also, is it just me or do find that when you walk down Steinway, let’s say from 34th ave to 30th ave, without stopping at a store, you start to hear the same songs again? I think there is some sort of torture or subliminal messaging behind this. Trick us into escaping the music to head into the stores and buy buy buy.
Have we caught on that I do not like Christmas carols? Unless it’s Kevin “Bloody” Wilson, I’m not interested.

What can we do to avoid this?
Spend some time in Astoria park. No holiday sounds and all white right now. Check it out before the snow gets all mucky and your tolerance for it expires.
See the exhibits at AMMI, along with a screening (conveniently posted below for your pleasure).
Warm up with some tea at Freeze Peach or Waltz-Astoria. Or, for warmth with a little something extra, try a hot whisky and some pool at NUA or Doyle’s, or McCann’s if you’re coming from the park.
Perhaps some sinful dessert and a latte at Ommonia.
Catch a movie, Narnia opens wide this week as does Syriana. And there's Brokeback Mountain or Memoirs of a Geisha opening in limited release.
Or defy the Steinway speakers and crank up the tunes on your portable, whatever format it may be. If I may be so bold, I will offer up what albums have been spinning on my shuffle since i reloaded it. I listen to a crazy selection. Maybe you will find something of interest to check out.

Johnny Cash-Unearthed (soooooooooooo good!)
Bree Sharp-A Cheap and Evil Girl/More BS
Velvet Goldmine Soundtrack
The Donnas-Gold Medal/Spend the Night/Turn 21/Get Skintight
Weezer-The Green Album/Maladroit/Pinkerton/The Blue Album
Joydrop-Metasexual
Gin Blossoms-New Miserable Experience
Lit-Atomic/A Place in the Sun/Tripping the Light Fantastic
Liz Phair-Whip Smart
Tonic-Sugar/Lemon Parade
Creedence Clearwater Revival-Chronicle Vol 1
Lifehouse-No Name Face
Don Dilego-The Lonestar Hitchhiker
Waiting for April
Eisley-Marvelous Things/Laughing City/Room Noises
Julia Darling-Figure 8
Fleetwood Mac-The Dance/Rumors

There, that ought to keep your ears from bleeding. Unless you like Christmas carols. In that case, take a long walk down Steinway. There's one more thing about Steinway Street perterbing me. Once I get a picture, I'll put it up

@ AMMI

Friday, December 9
Following a reception with live music by Bill Shifter and drinks from 6-8pm watch a screening of Death Race 2000. From 1975, "with David Carradine, Sylvester Stallone. Hit-and-run driving is a national sport in this futuristic sci-fi action comedy." Also killer? Free play on all games.

Saturday, December 10
The fun with Laurel and Hardy continues with Ontic Antics prensented by Ken Jacobs screening "his performance which used side-by-side analytic film projectors and a whirligig shutter to examine a fragment of a Laurel and Hardy film." 2pm

At 4pm Pardon Us and The Hoose-Gow are screening.

At 6:30 Repertory Nights presents Touch of Evil.

Sunday, December 11
Swiss Miss and Below Zero at 2pm and Pardon Us and The Hoose-Gow at 4pm.
At 6:30 Repertory Nights reairs Touch of Evil.

As usual all screenings free with admission.

Potential for Kauffman Merger?

According to a NY Times article Culver Studios of California and Kauffman Astoria Studios are discussing a merger. It wouldn't be a takeover; it would be more like a partnership keeping in line with Culver's plans to form a global network of production studios. Like Kauffman, Culver no longer produces movies, rather soundstages and equipment are provided for various filmed productions. Click on the link for the full article.

The Astoria LIC Report

The quietness in town permeates our own backyard it seems. Not too much coming up but I did manage to dig up some stuff.

Thursday, December 8th
Waltz Astoria is doing their Dessert & A Movie thing again this week, showcasing All About Eve at 9pm. But, tonight is double the entertainment. After the movie stick around for Philly fave Julia Othmer's late set at 11pm.

Saturday December 10th
Saturday is the 3rd Inernational Poetry Festival at LaGuardia Community College. Presented by the Creative Coalition the festival is a celebration of two great things, poetry and Queens diversity. The free event, starting at 7pm, will feature readings by 14 poets as well as live music.

Sunday December 11th
Freeze Peach is going to be jumping. First up, from 4-8 support vinyl! I thought this was pretty cool when I read about it. The Vinyl Enthusiasts Group(VEG) used to meet at Freeze Peach to listen to their vinyl on an old portable player that has since spun it's last tune. The group has been on hiatus. But, they are attempting a ressurrection. Members will be running the bar from 4-8 to raise money for a new player for the listening pleasure of the group and patrons. But the night really gets started at 7:30 for Freeze Peach's 1st Ever Ampless Showcase. 4 acts no cover.


Well, if i can't find that much happening, maybe I can make something happen.

This week Narnia:The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opens. I'm really excited to see it. Since the book is so short I just reread it. I can't wait to see how it's translated onto the screen. It would have to rely heavily on CGI, and from the production stills I've seen, it does. And I am so giddy to have discovered Liam Neeson is Aslan. oooooohhhhhhh.

I also heard that Locale opened. I may have to check it out this weekend. However, I do have a party this weekend, so that could be iffy. We shall see.

Happening In Town

Seems to be quieting down as we head full steam into the holidays. A lot of my lists have gone on hiatus for the upcoming month. But have no fear, dear reader, all 5 of you. I will continue to search for things to occupy our time with.

December 5th
Ian Frazier at B&N
While I'd much rather see an author, or buy a book for that matter, from an independent bookstore, this seems interesting. Frazier, former contributer to the New Yorker, has penned a collection of essays on life in NYC capturing the uniqie moments, details and rhythms of the city.
B&N at 82nd and Broadway @ 7pm.

Wednesdays
Check out Booze & Yarn at the Bowery Poetry Club in the Cafe Wednesdays from 7-10pm. No cover and you can even buy a beginners kit for $20. Instructions and guidance of all levels provided by the founder and everyone does a project they pick. All with a bar and food available for purchase. I've been looking for a good stitch-n-bitch and this sounds nifty, especially since I don't know how to knit and I've already forgotten my crappy crotchet skills. Although, for proximity's sake I should check out the Astoria Crafty Knitters. I'll post a blurb about them when I tackle Astoria. Thanks to Angie for trying to recruit me into Booze and Yarn. Hopefully by January I'll be there.

December 5th-9th
Echo Sample Sale
My perks for working in the fashion industry. I get the heads up on some sample sales. This one is really popular with the gals in my office. Lots of reasonably priced accessories. Great place to stock up on "Shit I forgot!" gifts. Here's the 411 from Kim:
Hi everyone,
I know a lot of you like the Echo Design sample sale- so details of this year's sale are below. Included will be scarves, cold weather items, special accessories, and an assortment of their handbags/ leathergoods which are in conjunction with Monsac. The Echo licensed products are included- Polo, Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley, Vittadini, and I'm sure a few others I am forgetting about.
December 5- 9 at 11 East 39th St. 10th floor
Monday 8- 5
Tues- Thurs 8-7
Friday 8-4
I would recommend going early, as the best things do sell out by first day. Also, lunch time hours are very crowded.

December 9th-January 12th
Hitchcock Film Series
The Film Forum is showing 35 Hitchcock films between Dec. 9 and Jan.
12!
See www.filmforum.org/films/hitchcock.html for more info.

December 2nd-18th
Christmas in Little Italy
OK so I'm a little late in finding out about this one. Check out Little Italy with it's illuminated overhead lights, holiday decorations, parades, brass bands and carolers. On the 17th when Santa makes his way down Mulberry make like Kevin "Bloody" Wilson and chant the lyrics of one of my favorite carols of his,"Hey Santa Clause you Cunt, where's me fucking bike?" or for the girls "Hey Santa Clause you Cunt, where's me fucking pram?"
I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas.

Will update as I find the interesting.

Astoria Holiday Party

The good folks over at the Greater Astoria Historical Society are throwing their annual holiday party this Monday December 5th at 7pm. Bringing holiday cheer to the party will be the caroling of the Golliard Singers as well as music from Astoria's very own saw lady, Natalia Paruz. You may have seen her playing her saw in Times Square or when she was featured on the Astoria edition of Cool in Your Code (ch. 25 to those with cable, for those w/ satellite like me, we don't get those public channels-bastids). Also featured will be special lecture, "Toon Town: Comic Books and New York City," by noted author and social science professor Dr. Kent Worcester. He'll be dicussing the modern comic books heavy concentration on locales in NYC (Spiderman is from Rego Park-go queens!-and Gotham City and Metropolis are thinly veiled versions of NYC). The event will take place at 35-20 Broadway, 4th floor. If the address throws you off, as it did when I initally discovered we have a historical society, because it would seem to be in the Quinn Memorial Building, you know the funeral home, well it is.

Just some photos of mine

Triboro from Astoria Park, Hell's Gate w/ Triboro(my fave spot in the park), Athen's Square & AMMI

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is the international day of action on HIV and AIDS which takes place every year on December 1st. The goal is getting people the facts about HIV and AIDS. December 1 was chosen because the first case of AIDS was diagnosed on this day in 1981. Since then, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.

EVERYDAY IN AFRICA:
HIV/AIDS kills 6,600 people.
8,800 people are infected with the HIV virus.
1,400 newborn babies are infected during childbirth or by their mother's milk.
More than 12 million children in Africa have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS; this total will reach 18 million by 2010.

North America, Western and Central Europe
Adults and children living with HIV 1.9 million
Women living with HIV 490,000
Adults and children newly infected with HIV 65,000
Adult prevalence 0.5%
Adult and child deaths due to AIDS 30,000