Best of Queens Additions 2008

The Astoria comedy club is located above Mezzo Mezzo.

The Astoria Comedy Club, located on the second floor of Mezzo Mezzo, a fine dining Greek restaurant, has only been open for a short time, but is already a smash hit with those in the know.

Well known and lesser comedians trying to get into the business perform at this Astoria night spot twice a week in an intimate atmosphere perfect for comedy.

The shows, run by established funny-man Matt Taylor, offer cheap laughs in a fun and lively environment. The performance space is situated in the upstairs floor of Mezzo Mezzo, a restaurant run by Taylor's and owner Charlie Kourakos. The restaurant is located at 33rd st. and Ditmars Blvd., in Astoria.

Taylor has comedic connections through his travels and says he has been helped immensely by local laugh artists.

"Every comedian lives in Astoria," the 28-year old cub manager and creator said. "It's kinda like a union of sorts."

As for the reaction in the neighborhood, Taylor says, "Astoria is interested, all the feedback has been positive."

Be sure to stop by the club for a dinner, drinks and a few laughs - you won't be disappointed.

 

Skaters will have a place to go when Astoria’s skate park opens.

The City recently agreed to construct a brand new skate park in Astoria so local kids can have a place to hone their thrashing skills. In an urban setting, recreation spaces give young people a place to be loud and unruly while staying safe at the same time.

In large part thanks to the efforts of Community Board 1, and funding secured through Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., (D-Astoria), skate-or-die(rs) in Western Queens can enjoy a spot of their own where they can go to grind and thrash their way to cuts, bumps and bruises.

The ground breaking was in early May. The new skate park, to be located below the Hell's Gate Bridge, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The park will be situated under the bridge, adjacent to the East River so as to not disturb local non-skater residents.

Before the new park was proposed, young skaters were confined to using Athens Square Park to practice their noisy activity - sometimes to the displeasure of un-wheeled park goers. Now skaters, both young and old will have a place of their own to ride.

 

Usha Food’s signature samosas.

Assemblyman Michael Gianaris says, "Carlos Lillo Park is a great new addition in Queens. As part of my "Revitalize Astoria" campaign, I was able to secure the funding that is transforming a former dumping ground at 21st Avenue and 76th Street into a new park named for Carlos Lillo, a paramedic from Astoria who died in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center. Green space development is crucial in western Queens, as it helps to counteract air pollution and reduce asthma rates."

 

Whether you're looking for a different way to get into Manhattan or simply a scenic ride through the City's waterways, you can't beat New York City Water Taxi, now operating from Riis Landing in Breezy Point. For $6 you get an hour and 15 minute ride through Lower New York Bay from Queens, through Brooklyn and into Manhattan via Pier 11.

Water Taxi offers commuter service twice a day on weekdays as well as a twice daily beach service on weekends. Visit http://www.nywatertaxi.com for more information.

 

Usha Food Inc. in Floral Park specializes in Indian meals as well as sweets. They have fast foods, like Dahi Puri, which is only $3.50. Mini lunches are also $3.50 and consist of two Paronthas, one Subzi, Dahi and achar. Usha's sweets include Gulab Jamun for six dollars a pound and snacks like spicy cashews for seven dollars a pound.

Usha Food Inc. is located at 25503 Hillside Ave. For more information, call (718) 343-1500 for your catering and take out needs.

 

Pampas offers an elegant dining experience.

Pampas Argentinian Steak House in Forest Hills has State Senator Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) in a good mood.

"This new restaurant has brought a whole new atmosphere and style with an Argentinian touch and I believe it is the finest steak house in Queens. I would highly recommend the Filet Mignon Marsala and the homemade caramel custard!"

Pampas is located at 105-08 Metropolitan Ave. For more information call (718) 268-9606 or visit www.pampasargentinas.net.

 

If you think the Bloomberg Cafe that has just opened on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows seems like a usual addition to the neighborhood-take a closer look. This kosher café is bringing a new flavor to Fresh Meadows, as it is open late for the surrounding neighborhood. Blooming Café closes at 11 p.m. during the week (Monday through Thursday). The extended closing time, delicious coffee and treats for sale makes this location a great new place to unwind after dinner with friends, even on a week night.

Bloomberg Café is located at 187-20 Union Tpke. For more information, call (718) 454-0005.

 

Arpis’ Spa caters to both men and women.

Arpi's Spa in Fresh Meadows offers Electrolysis, various facials, Botox, mini face-lifts, massages and much more. Arpi's Spa is available to both men and women and certified/licensed therapists, technicians and aestheticians carry out all procedures. The Swedish massage and the Deep pore cleansing facial are in demand with prices ranging from $82 to $97.

Arpi's Spa is located on Union Turnpike at 188th Street. For more information, call (718) 454-2338 or visit www.arpis-spa.com.



The recently opened Café Muscat is a Fresh Meadows neighborhood favorite specializing in gourmet dairy plates flown in from Israel. Customers line up for their tasty pastas, sandwiches, fish dishes, cheese platters and even Pad Thai.

Café Muscat, located at 178-07 Union Turnpike, is proud of their fresh fruits, dairy products and vegetables. It's like having a piece of Israel in Queens.

Call (718) 591-4050 for free local delivery and daily specials. For more information, visit www.cafemuscat.com.

 

Kyoto Sushi’s menu is full of Japanese and Thai specialties.

Known for its sushi and teriyaki, Kyoto Sushi in Flushing has been establishing a name for itself by combining Japanese and Thai cuisine on the menu. Their Yellowtail Jalapeno appetizer is a twist to traditional views on sushi and the fried ice cream is highly rated. Don't forget to take your shoes off and order the sake.

Kyoto is located at 153-11 Union Turnpike. Call (718) 380-7777 or visit www.kyotosushinyc.com for more information.

 

Deluge in Flushing opened in the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in the past few years and Community Board 7 District Manager Marilyn Bitterman has been pleased.

"Really fantastic. The food is really good, service is great. There's a continental menu. They have a businesman's lunch and an Asian lunch. They also have Italian. Very eclectic, very diversified. I had lunch in there everyone was so happy and pleased with the food."

Deluge is located at 13520 at 39th Ave. in Flushing. For more information call (718) 670-7400 www.delugerestaurant.com.

 

Chevre, a newly-opened restaurant that was formally Manny's Bar & Grill of Glen Oaks, is the only eatery in the area that sells authentic Cuban specialties which are both delicious and affordable. This casual establishment provides a family-friendly and laid-back atmosphere with exceptional service and even better food. Chevere is the perfect place to bring your kids (even those noisy toddlers), while still enjoying upscale and delicious Cuban cuisine at the right price.

Chevre is located at 25322 Union Turnpike in Glen Oaks. For more information call (718) 343-2627.

Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) says, "Everybody that I take to this catering hall is just amazed at how they do things-how the food comes out, the different foods, it is just an experience."

Shapira is located at 167-01 Union Tpke. in Hillcrest. For more information, call (718) 591-1187.

 

The Panorama of my Silence - Heart Café is known for fresh takes on coffee shop staples.

The Panorama of my Silence-Heart Café, located at 84-73 Parsons Blvd. in Jamaica, is the anti-establishment café; sweet and serene. Barely a year old, it has yet to be tainted by the humdrum of café chains. The name of this quaint café is a bit long, it bleeds slightly over to eccentricity, but somehow it fits.

 

A new Lupus Center has improved the health of Queensites.

The Lupus Center housed in the Jamaica Medical Center has brought reprieve in its first year of operation. The center is the only one of its kind in the borough.

Dr. Meggan Mackey who helps run the center said because of the demographics that the disease predominantly affects minority women between the ages of 15 to 45-"we know that there are a lot of patients."

The Center is located at 111-20 Merrick Blvd. For more information, call (718) 206-9888.

 

BonChon Chicken in Little Neck has been flooding with customers craving fried chicken and wings. This Korean franchise has been aiming at healthier alternatives and recipes for their "special sauces" that keep customers satisfied. Available in either "hot" or "soy ginger", each serving comes with a small salad and radish cubes.

BonChon Chicken is located at 253-11 Northern Blvd. Call (718) 224-8523 in advance for it takes about 30 minutes to complete an order.

 

The Maspeth and Woodside libraries have undergone recent renovations.

The entire community benefits when we invest in our local libraries. These two renovated facilities in Maspeth and Woodside not only provide the latest technology and up-to-date multi-media materials, but there is also expanded computer access for everyone in sparkling, modern spaces and books and media in many languages."

The Maspeth Library is located at 69-70 Grand Ave. For more information, call (718) 639-5228. The Woodside Library's located at 54-22 Skillman Ave. For more information, call (718) 429-4700.

 

For an upscale salon experience at an affordable price, locals praise the newly-renovated C'Spa located on Metropolitan Ave in Middle Village. C'Spa has recently changed owners and has already built up a reputation as the best place in Queens for residents looking to relax. The spa offers everything from massage and nail packages to facial services and body treatments. This oasis in the city is the perfect place to get pampered and take a break from the daily grind. Patrons recommend C'Spa as the best location in Queens to get spa treatments for half the price one might pay in Manhattan.

C'Spa is located at 7945 Metropolitan Ave, in Middle Village. For more information, call (718) 894-4500 or visit www.cspa-nyc.com.



Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park, holy cow! You may know it by its former name, Smokey Oval Park. But the park's renaming after the late Yankee "Scooter" Phil Rizzuto has made it a new favorite for the thousands of Sikh residents in the surrounding area. The Sikh community had complained about the park's name for its smoking reference, a habit prohibited by the Sikh religion. And even if you hate the Bronx Bombers, you'll be hard pressed to find harsh words for the beloved Glendale ball player and longtime baseball announcer. The park is located at 126th Street and 94th Avenue in Richmond Hill.

 

The Door’s West Indian cusine is considered first rate.

Go through The Door of The Door in Rochdale and you will not be disappointed. It is a West Indian restaurant with all the class and elegance that rivals any in the West Village. Apparently, The Door's patrons know all too well of its service and delectable food.

"The last time I was there I had to live because it was a long wait," District Manager of Community board 12, Yvonne Reddick said.

The Door is located at 163-07 Baisley Blvd. For more information call (718) 525-1083.

 

A long-time neighborhood favorite for authentic Thai food, Sripraphai Thai has recently renovated its interior and added an outdoor seating section in the back-two changes that have really improved the ambiance at this award-winning Woodside establishment. Locals recommend this restaurant for its traditional approach to Thai favorites, which are affordable and delicious. End the evening with their coconut ice cream-faithful patrons who eat at Sripraphai Thai swear it's the best they've ever had.

This Thai restaurant is consistently called a “Queens Best.”

Sripraphai is located at 64-13 39th Ave in Woodside. For more information call (718) 899-9599.