The warmth of Fernando Pliego and Grissel Garcia, the father/daughter duo that opened Il Nonno Ristorante (25-17 Astoria Blvd), emanates through the vibe and food of this newly-opened (in May) spot. The cozy Italian restaurant welcomed us with delicious thinly sliced garlic bread and the classic olive oil and vinegar duo. We were a hungry bunch,… Read more »
Category: BOAST review
Restaurant Review: Sushi by Bou
It was a rainy Saturday night when three friends joined me for omakase, which translates to “I leave it up to you” in Japanese. Traditionally, omakase can cost into the hundreds per person for the freshest catch of the day that’s then slapped onto rice and served. Enter Sushi by Bou (41-17 Broadway, Astoria). I… Read more »
Restaurant review: Fresco’s Grand Cantina
Fresco’s Grand Cantina is a great place for a night out with friends or an adorable date night spot. The ambiance was spectacular and very Instagram-able. We got a sneak peak at the upstairs space which they plan to rent out for private parties. It’s a super cute space with funky lighting on the staircase. … Read more »
New Spot: Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices of Astoria
There’s a new delicacy in Astoria that’s been here since early March. I’ve been making almost weekly trips to enjoy all the fantastic temptations at Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices of Astoria. My favorites have included a cup of chocolate and cherry coke ices, and the twister: soft serve ice cream on the bottom and top,… Read more »
Review: Tacostoria
The other day we headed to Tacostoria (on 30th Ave, between 36th and 37th St, where Kurry Qulture and Slush Astoria used to be) for its Grand Opening. We start with the Christmas Sangria, which is super tasty and not too strong. The tacos come on blue-corn tortillas, and they are more than a colorful… Read more »
What’s That Smell? It’s Those New Parents
Two Astoria-based comedians, Ben Rosenfeld and Michelle Slonim Rosenfeld, who are married to each other and have a young child, just released the book New Parent Smell: Funny Thoughts on Pregnancy, Newborns & Tots. It is broken into three sections—pregnancy, the birth, and the baby—and Michelle and Ben each have jokes within those. Reading the… Read more »
A Trip to Slush Astoria
Slush Astoria, the new pop-up for hand-crafted slushees that opened in mid-July and located where Kurry Qulture used to be (30th Ave between 36th and 37th St), is a refreshing addition to the Astoria outdoor dining scene. With plenty of outdoor seating options, Slush Astoria offers more than 30 slushees, all without artificial flavors, and… Read more »
Restaurant Review: Anassa Taverna Astoria
Anassa Taverna Astoria is a lovely new addition to the Greek restaurant landscape in Astoria. They take the customer experience seriously. As I walked in someone offered to check my coat. They definitely have a swanky feel. Beautiful sweeping twinkling lights adorn the ceiling of this restaurant on Astoria Boulevard and 28th Street. Soon after… Read more »
Restaurant Review: Astoriana Diosa del Taco
Astoria has a new taco shop and it’s not like the others. “It’s as if a Mexican fell in Greece,” says executive chef, Sebastian Royo, of Astoriana Diosa del Taco. We were greeted warmly at the new space, which recently had its soft opening. We proceeded to try a great selection of tacos, including Roasted… Read more »
Musical review: Marguerite
This past Monday I went to see Marguerite presented by Astoria Performing Arts Center. Despite the rainy evening, several patrons filled the pews of the Church of the Redeemer, an appropriate location for a show depicting the life’s work of the first saint of New France. One can’t help but feel a sense of awe… Read more »
Featured BOAST Location
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org
An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world, and supports innovation in contemporary art. Warm Up, a popular program on Saturdays in the summer, takes place in the courtyard where DJs spin and people dance for hours.