Photo/Tanzania Hughie

On a sunny Saturday my eyes are filled with sunlight and delight because I live in the best city in the worldGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. No one can debate it, all New Yorkers have a love hate relationship with the cityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. You can’t stand your roommate but, you love your apartmentGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Full on disdain for your landlord but, your rent is cheapGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

New Yorkers are always on the lookout for that new local spotGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. A spot where you go when you don’t want to cook, when you just want a quick bite, and when your apartment is too small for holding gatherings of more than just a couple guestsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Bring me your ultra rich and your working poor and they all are treated like gods at the local spotGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s so important to have community in your everyday lifeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The local spot is a refuge from your roommate and their incessant arguing when you are trying to watch your favorite TV showGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s your oasis from the concrete and tenements that make you gulp in slight regret when you pay your rentGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

All New Yorkers know just like the sitcom ‘Cheers’ the local spot is a place where everyone knows your name and most importantly everyone knows what you are drinkingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

During COVID we have been unable to really enjoy our communal spacesGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. These spaces and people act often as therapistsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The bartenders become your emotional outlet, the servers become shields from the concrete world that surrounds usGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The owners of the restaurants become your teachers, leaders, and closest confidantsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I’m sure we all have been filled with sorrow at the overwhelming number of neighborhood restaurants closingGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Here in Astoria, Queens, when I hit the strip after being in quarantine I was relieved that some of our beloved places were alive and wellGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

Owning and running a restaurant is very male dominated, yet there are also many strong women in Astoria holding it down for our community whose sacrifice and passion often go unnoticedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image/Tanzania Hughie

The first of these women owned businesses you must visit is Queen’s RoomGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It is here, nestled on the corner of 3602 Ditmars BlvdGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028., where you will be treated like familyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In fact, as I walked up to the front entrance I observed a patron telling owner Antonia Joannides to please keep game night on its regularly designated nightGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Sounds like family to meGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. When you first look through the take out window you can see that Queen’s Room definitely has that upscale classy nook vibeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

For outside purposes that have trickled to the sidewalk from the staff to fellow patrons I felt very much at homeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I got a chance to catch up with Boss lady Joannides who makes the most moist and tender Mediterranean style chicken you’ve ever hadGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I caught a glimpse into her worldGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Hers seemed similar to mine, people often second guessing you because you are a womanGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Also triple guessing that she is actually the owner of the spotGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. That doesn’t defer her; she is still a badass Scorpio, something we also share in commonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

Just a couple of seconds with her and I’m already captivated by how welcomed she makes me feelGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Antonia oozes hospitality, and she can pour a stiff drinkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Antonia, who has operated Queen’s Room for three years, prides herself on the fact that there is diversity in the restaurantGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She has employed a lot of women and believes in representation so you’ll see the pride flag flowing and Black Lives Matter banners in the windowsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She is empowered by the fact that all women should be embracing their ability to be an inspiration, and has set out to make Queen’s Room a home away from homeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image/Tanzania Hughie

A true haven indeedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. She believes it’s her attention to detail that keeps customers coming backGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I believe it’s her heart and her ability to create community on a Ditmars corner that keeps her place full and openGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The next Astorian restaurant which you must dine at is The Thirsty Koala on 35-12 Ditmars BlvdGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This Australian farm-to-tab;e local hot spot is sure to have you craving more of the outbackGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I had the privilege of meeting with the two owners of The Thirsty Koala and let me tell you something: these women owners are fierceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As soon as I met them, their energies commanded my attention and I’m definitely not a pushoverGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Much like Antonia, these two ladies; Katherine ‘Kathy’ Fuchs and Aussie-born Christine Chellos are phenomenal in their own rightGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

The Thirsty Koala has been in business a rolling eight yearsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The place is busy, full of life, music blaring, it is the place you want to be on a Saturday nightGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Heck, any night! The bustling restaurant became too loud for us, so I was guided through the kitchen where chefs and sous chefs were fixing Aussie-inspired dishes with a Greek flare for us locals to enjoyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Did I mention they serve kangaroo? Crikey! The Thirsty Koala’s ambience really transports you to a lush, lavish leafy plateau in AustraliaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Image/Tanzania Hughie

When we get down to it these two strong women work well together because they have similar backgroundsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. It’s funny how the life of a Wall Street banker and a former member of the FDNY became a culinary matchGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. A twelve year friendship has lasted through the grueling schedule because they understand and respect what each other expects from the businessGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

They realize that there are men everywhere but if you are professionals, people will judge you by you work ethic and how you present yourselfGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. They rise above it all and have positive attitudes because they feel this overwhelming sense of responsibility and that lives are in your handsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As leaders, the wisdom that they have gained is to allow yourself to face every obstacle, lead you to a higher and better self and you gain a better, stronger, greater youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Christine suggests having more fun while you’re young, waiting to get married, and stay with your mom and dad a little bit longer until you figure out your life’s pathGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Ultimately, I learned a lot from the women I interviewedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I learned that thinking differently wasn’t a bad thing and should be encouraged and even necessary for a good partnershipGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Someone’s opinion could just help you resolve an issue in lifeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I’ve found that in my own life I seek to be able to reason with peopleGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. For reasoning with someone is the true measure of one’s investment in any relationshipGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Let’s face it, we are all in a relationship with our local spots here in AstoriaGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. I am so glad I got to highlight and catch up with these dynamic women in our communityGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. When you get a chance, check out these communal spaces and tell them Tanzania sent youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Keep it thorough in every borough

The City and MeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.