Astoria to get its first brewery since Prohibition!

With all of the craft bars and eateries in the neighborhood, it's no surprise that a brewery, SingleCut Beer, is opening in Astoria!  They expect beer to start flowing this fall and are already setting up shop.  You can learn more about this company here, but I'm hopeful to see an Astoria-made beer served at a local bar in the future!  At this point they are only planning on distributing in the NY area, but if they're successful perhaps we'll have a chance to try them even after we leave NYC.  I'll be sure to stay on the look out for the draft handle that they're planning to use (below) and you should too!

Statues of Athens Park

I know I've written about the great little park at the end of our block where everyone congregates and hangs out, but I haven't had a chance to show off the statues that the City of Athens has given the city over the years.  We have many of the big shots from Greek philosophy/mythology represented, in fact, the 3 important people when it comes to intellectual debate -- fitting for how this park is used!

Meet Athena (goddess of wisdom, courage, among other important civil aspects of society):

Aristotles of course:

And finally Socrates:

In honor of J's trip to Turkey

J is in Turkey right now and to stave off some of my jealousy, I stopped by the local Turkish shop that specializes in many types of baklava (imported from Turkey each day!), Turkish coffee/tea, and other snack foods this weekend.  The place has been around since the late 1800s and there's a good reason they have made it over 140 years!

I had a very delicious and authentic cup of Turkish coffee and, for a few minutes, could pretend that I was transported to Turkey!  I can also attest to their tea and baklava being delicious and authentic as well!

Definitely pay gulluoglu a visit next time you're in Astoria (30-92 31st St)! 

Greek Independence Day Parade TODAY!

While the official parade is happening in Manhattan, you can't be surprised that I immediately learned that today was the Greek Independence Day parade as soon as I walked out of my apartment this morning.  Halfway down the block I noticed that there were many more Greek flags hanging than usual... I kept walking another block and all of a sudden was surrounded by throngs of people getting on yellow school buses heading to the parade.  Not only were there hundred of people lined up, but many of them in full costume and carrying drums and Greek flags.  I quickly learned that the parade was happening in Manhattan today and while I was sad that it wouldn't be in Astoria I truly enjoyed all of the pre-festivities going on!

I also have to point out how great it is that not only the greek diners, but also restaurants that cater to an American cuisine show off their Greek pride as evidenced below:

 

When was the last time you saw an independent video rental stores?

For me, it was the other day here in Astoria (a couple blocks from my apt)!  Not only do they still rent videos, but they advertise that you can bring your DVDs and VHS tapes(!) to sell back to them.  Oh Astoria, how I love you!

Astoria makes the Time Out 2012 Food & Drink nominee list!

I've mentioned the delicious northern Italian style pizza at Basil Brick Oven Pizza in a prior post, but I just found out that they've been nominated for Time Out Magazine's 2012 Best New Pizza award!  They're one of 4 nominees and, although I haven't tried any of the other pizza places on the list, I'm sure Basil should win as their pizza is phenomenal and very unique!  Plus it's the only nomination for an Astoria establishment (not even a nominee in the international eats category, come on!) so we ought to win something with all of the great restaurants we have out here!  Fingers crossed!