Sept. 18, 2020 By Christian Murray We talk to Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist who will be representing the 36th Assembly District in Albany next year. Mamdani, 28, is an Astoria resident who won the Democratic primary against incumbent Aravella Simotas in June in what proved to be a very competitive race. He was the… Read more »
Category: In the Spotlight
Podcast: Council Member Bob Holden Talks About Rising Crime, Homelessness and the Budget Hole
Sept. 7, 2020 By Christian Murray Council Member Robert Holden, who represents the 30th Council District, considers himself to be a “common sense” elected official—something he says is in short supply among legislators in New York City. Holden, whose district includes Glendale, Middle Village and Maspeth, says that the progressive and socialist policies of Mayor… Read more »
PODCAST: We Speak to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, She Seeks Another Term in Congress
June 10, 2020 By Christian Murray The Democratic primary for the 14th Congressional District takes place June 23 and incumbent Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seeks another term. The congresswoman is running against former CNBC reporter Michelle Caruso-Cabrera and community organizer Badrun Khan. We speak to Ocasio-Cortez about what she has been doing in congress and why she believes… Read more »
PODCAST: Small Business Owners and Landlords During COVID-19
May 11, 2020 By Christian Murray The biggest issue for bars and restaurants right now is paying rent. We talk to Luca DiCiero, founder and CEO of the real estate firm NYSpace Finders in Astoria, about the challenges these businesses face and the willingness of landlords to negotiate with them. DiCiero has brought many business… Read more »
PODCAST: Interview with Tom Grech, President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce
May 2, 2020 By Christian Murray In upcoming months Queens residents will see for themselves the economic carnage COVID-19 has delivered to the borough’s small businesses. Store fronts will be empty; cherished restaurants will be gone; and neighborhood business owners who residents adored and could count on to sponsor local events will disappear. The number… Read more »
Ownership at “60 Beans” Changes Hands, Closes and Reopens as Bistro Bar “Queen’s Room”
Staff Report
They say you can’t go home again, but the new owner of the “Queen’s Room” at 36-02 Ditmars Blvd (formerly “60 Beans”) wants to prove otherwise.
Antonia Joannides, who took over the lease with business partner Yiannis Vasilas in April,…
New proprietors of the Shillelagh Tavern clean house, diversify drinks menu and aim to feature new musical talents in Astoria
September 5, Staff Report
A pair of new proprietors of the Shillelagh Tavern at 47-22 30th Ave would like to see the long-standing Astoria bar turn over a new leaf.
Tim and Kaitlin Stebbins took over the helm at the bar in early July and began introducing a slew of changes that ranged from adding decorative flowers by the entrance to installing security cameras throughout the bar.…
Gifted & Talented Astoria Preschool that Emphasizes STEM and Interactive Learning Now Enrolling Students for Fall Semester
August 19, Staff Report
A preschool in Astoria that opened in April is taking the success of its first summer of Gifted and Talented/STEM programming and offering it in the fall.
Talent Prep Astoria, a G&T school located at 35-16 Astoria Blvd,…
New Boutique Wine and Spirit Store Opens on Astoria Blvd, Showcases Work by Local Artists
March 29, By Staff Report
Wine and art now have a shared home in Astoria.
The day before Valentine’s Day, longtime Astoria residents Carlos Milholi and his wife Adriana opened the doors to their new boutique wine and spirit shop at 37-16 Astoria Blvd.…
New Preschool Center to Open in Astoria, Bringing Mandarin Immersion and G&T Education
SPONSORED CONTENT
Astoria parents won’t have to travel into the city for their pre-school children to receive a standard of education that is typically only available to high-income earners and celebrities.
Talent Prep Astoria Preschool, located at 35-16 Astoria Blvd,…