Posts by Jenna Gaudino
Three of Astoria’s Finest Chefs Share Their Stories
Dusan Lagano Celic, Lagano NYC: Tapas and cocktail bar “People have said to me so many times, ‘Oh why don’t you have fake plants? It’s much easier.’ Well it is easier, but it’s fake. It’s the same thing with food. We are trying to use all the best ingredients and I think that’s the recipe…
Read MoreMeet Our Bartenders: Aaron Spellman / Madam Marie’s
Aaron Spellman had no intention of becoming a bartender when he moved to New York City from his native Galway, eight years ago. “I fell into it totally by accident,” he said. He’s lived all over the city: first in Astoria, then Sunnyside, Woodside, Bay Ridge, among other neighborhoods. Now, he’s back in Astoria; conveniently,…
Read MoreMeet Our Bartenders: Sean Flynn / The Ditty
Sean Flynn started working in the service industry at age 15. Throughout the years, she held many different positions within the industry but always wanted to bartend. She’d watch the bartenders from afar and notice the steps they took to prepare the cocktails. Her first bartending job was after college to make some extra money,…
Read MoreMeet Our Bartenders: Brandon Julien / Tantra Lounge
Brandon Julien moved to the U.S. from his home country of Trinidad at the age of 12. He spent most of his life living in Brooklyn, then moved to Queens at the beginning of the pandemic. After working as a busboy for a few months, Julien was “thrown into” bartending at the age of 17.…
Read More8 Best Dive Bars in Astoria and Long Island City: Watering Holes That Welcome All
Christmas lights, phone numbers scrawled in Sharpie on the bathroom stall, a jukebox that only accepts quarters, and the smell of popcorn. These are a few things that make a dive bar good – the sort of neighborhood watering hole where you won’t feel judged for wearing jeans with a noticeable mustard stain or if…
Read MoreWhere To Find The Best Fresh Produce Markets In Astoria
A Relaxing Activity For a Sunday Afternoon There are few better ways to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon than strolling around Astoria, perusing the fresh fruits and vegetables from the produce markets below. Oftentimes, produce markets provide a larger selection of produce that’s fresher and cheaper than the produce you will find at a regular…
Read More7 Craft Breweries For Your Summer Brewery Crawl
The Crawl Is For All! Over the past decade, there’s been an explosion of craft breweries across Northern Queens, revitalizing the area and encouraging an appreciation for craft beer. In Northern Queens, you will find some of the best breweries in New York City, each possessing their own personalities and unique characteristics. Whether you’re looking…
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