Hanging out in Queens

[samhexum]

Kick off fall at Queens Farm’s Corn Fest and Amazing Maize Maze opening this Saturday – QNS

QNS.COM

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Fall is here, and seasonal festivities have begun. Head to the Queens County Farm Museum on Saturday...

 

[samhexum]

Ready to roll the dice and take a tour of Queens, one property at a time? The world’s most famous board game is getting a local twist with the debut of MONOPOLY: Queens Edition.

This special version of the iconic game will be officially unveiled on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Queens Center Mall, located at 90-15 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst.

The MONOPOLY: Queens Edition replaces the perennial board game’s spaces (from ‘Boardwalk’ to ‘Park Place’) with Queens’ own landmarks, organizations and businesses. It features customized Community Chest and Chance playing cards to ensure the board is a historic and enduring tribute to one of the most popular destinations in the eastern U.S.

[samhexum]

On 4/19/2023 at 6:54 AM, cany10011 said:

Going to Flushing is a foodie adventure. 

 

On 4/19/2023 at 11:33 AM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Totally agree and love eating through that neighborhood.  The Korean fare is legit.

 

On 5/1/2023 at 2:44 PM, pubic_assistance said:

When you want amazing Koran food, you always head to Queens.

 

On 5/1/2023 at 7:21 PM, samhexum said:

Where do you go when you want amazing bible or torah food?

(sorry, I had to...) 😇😝😁

 

Flushing welcomes Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House: An all-you-can-eat Japanese hotpot experience

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

My go-to spot on a near monthly basis is Hongdae on 41st Ave in Flushing.

Open super late.  Great gyeranjjim (steamed eggs).  Huge selection of soju.  Super nice staff.

[samhexum]

3 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

My go-to spot on a near monthly basis is Hongdae on 41st Ave in Flushing.

A new interactive Japanese-style hotpot restaurant has opened its doors in Flushing, providing an all-you-can-eat experience featuring premium cuts of wagyu steak.

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House launched with a soft opening at 135-41 37th Ave. in mid-August and became fully operational in September.

The restaurant is part of the Chubby Group, a restaurant and hospitality group operating 30 locations across the US, including 12 dining concepts. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House is Chubby Group’s first location in New York City.

[+ nycman]

On 10/3/2024 at 1:58 AM, samhexum said:

 

all-you-can-eat experience….

wagyu steak….

The restaurant is part of….a hospitality group operating 30 locations across the US…..

And you want me to eat there?….seriously.

[edinbrooklyn]

On 4/17/2023 at 1:06 AM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Some of Queens is sketch, but other parts are absolutely beautiful and very, very livable.

All 5 boroughs have their gems. Staten Island is not great commute-wise.  Parts of Manhattan that I loved when I was younger seem a bit overrun now. But that could be my changed perspective.

[samhexum]

 

Get your hands on MONOPOLY: Queens Edition – Here’s where to buy it locally

GET YOUR XMAS SHOPPING STARTED EARLY!!!

Edited October 7, 2024 by samhexum
just for the hell of it

[samhexum]

 

[samhexum]

On 6/19/2024 at 11:46 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Queens (Forest Hills) is always giving me good things.

EEEEEATSCON brings star-studded feast to Forest Hills this weekend

 

EEEEEATSCON New York, a food festival created by the restaurant review platform The Infatuation, returns to Forest Hills Stadium this weekend for its fifth year.

The two-day event on Oct. 12 and 13 will feature over 30 restaurants, including five out-of-town eateries, four collaborations, and special appearances by celebrities and performers.

Founded by The Infatuation, a media company known for its restaurant reviews and food guides, EEEEEATSCON combines a traditional food festival with the energy of a music festival. The event highlights exclusive dishes, collaborations between popular chefs, and live entertainment, offering attendees a unique culinary and cultural experience.

Among the highlights of this year’s festival is Salt & Straw, an artisanal ice cream shop that recently opened on the Upper West Side. California-based Bodega SF will also make an appearance, offering exclusive dishes such as beef and mushroom skewers.

A notable collaboration for this year’s event is between Shake Shack and Thai Diner, a downtown hotspot known for its Southeast Asian cuisine. Together, they will present the Thai Diner Shack, a burger that has generated excitement ahead of the event. Additional collaborations include Community Goods x Apollo Bagels, Potluck Club x Great NY Noodletown, and Cloudy Donut Co. x Sugar Hill Creamery.

Sofia Vergara, best known for her role as Gloria in Modern Family, is one of eight speakers set to appear at the event. Former New York Knicks players Amar’e Stoudemire and Latrell Sprewell are scheduled to attend, and the Girls Gotta Eat podcast will host a live show on Sunday.

General admission opens at noon each day, with tickets priced at $41.86. VIP packages, including early access and exclusive tastings for Chase customers, are also available. Speakers will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m., with performances scheduled between presentations.

 

[Atyla]

On 2/15/2024 at 6:48 PM, CuriousByNature said:

🤣

How is this even possible? Humans beings truly are wonderful and defy all the odds when they want to. To be able to pull this off, these people likely had the making to be able to be on cirque du soleil. I almost looks like the guy is going inside the other guy. True talent.

[Atyla]

On 2/15/2024 at 3:31 AM, samhexum said:

They took PDA to new heights.

A pair of “reckless clowns” had a mid-day tryst while riding on the top of a moving subway train in Queens, according to photos of the apparent death-defying sex act.

“Men appear to be having sex on top of a NYC MTA train. What is the MTA doing about this?” an X user posted along with two images showing three people on the roof of a 7 train as it crosses raised tracks above the Van Wyck Expressway.

The X account — which describes itself as “transit workers against corruption” — said the subway surfing romp happened last Friday afternoon, but the MTA was not able to confirm when it occurred.

The transit agency slammed the obscene and dangerous stunt.

“The only thing dumber than riding on top of a subway train is dropping pants in the process,” MTA Communications Director Tim Minton said in a statement to The Post. “Those reckless clowns aren’t thinking about the mess cleaners and other transit workers will have to deal with when their stupid stunt goes tragically wrong.”

The MTA has tried to crack down on subway surfing with a campaign in September discouraging youths from risking their lives atop moving trains after a huge uptick in both incidents and deaths.

 

[samhexum]

Council Member Julie Won has announced plans for the long-delayed “Long Island City Ramps” project, which aims to transform a gritty area under the Queensborough Bridge ramps into 50,000 acres of public land and park space.

LIC Ramps aims to address a lack of open space in Court Square by converting two parcels of land underneath the road ramps that lead to the Queensborough Bridge into recreational areas and green space for the local community.

The two ramps converge above Jackson Avenue.

Proposed rendering for LIC Ramps. Photo: STUDIO V

The proposal, which would cost an estimated $7.95 million, includes plans for a 17,000-acre lot on Dutch Kills Street, currently being used by a DOT contractor for roadside parking, and an adjacent 33,000-acre NYPD School Safety parking lot. Unlike the DOT lot, the majority of the NYPD parking lot is not covered by the Queensborough Bridge ramps, providing a large area with plenty of sunlight.

The city first committed to the LIC Ramps project in 2018 and has now agreed to move forward with it after six years of delays.

Designed by Studio V, the LIC Ramps proposal includes spaces for a playground, dog run, seating, an urban grove and an outdoor ball court. It also includes plans for a flexible art space, bike racks and other public amenities.

Rendering for the planned entrance to LIC Ramps. Photo: STUDIO V

Design and construction of the open space will amount to $3.1 million of the $7.95 million estimated total of the project, with an additional $2.4 million required for maintenance of the space for a 15-year term. The remaining $2.45 million will go toward the construction of the space’s dog run and playground.

American Lions, a joint venture between the Lions Group and Fetner Properties, has provided $5.5 million of the total funding, while Friends of Dutch Kills Open Space has applied for a grant to address the $2.45 million funding gap for the playground and dog run. Additional funding will be raised through donations.

Rendering for the planned dog run at LIC Ramps. Photo: STUDIO V

Won said the project is long overdue and will help to address the lack of open space in the local community.

“After six long years and tireless community advocacy, the LIC Ramps project will finally fill the need for parks and public green space in Court Square,” Won said. “It is vital that our neighbors have walkable, modern, and safe outdoor spaces in their own communities.”

Rendering for the planned urban grove at LIC Ramps. Photo: STUDIO V

Laura Rothrock, president of Long Island City Partnership, described LIC Ramps as an innovative milestone for the neighborhood.

“By transforming underutilized space in Court Square into a vibrant community hub, this project will deliver new recreational and gathering spaces for residents, employees, and visitors alike,” Rothrock said in a statement.

Anatole Ashraf, chair of Community Board 2, called on city agencies to work with the local community and ensure that the project comes to fruition.

“The LIC Ramps is a vital project in reclaiming our public spaces to serve the LIC community. We’re very close to making it a reality, provided all city agencies work with the community to get it over the finish line,” Ashraf said.

The LIC Ramps project is set to be put to Community Board 2 for review during the CB2 meeting on Oct. 10.

Rendering for the planned flexible art space at LIC Ramps. Photo: STUDIO V

Edited October 10, 2024 by samhexum
just for the hell of it

[+ nycman]

2 hours ago, samhexum said:

Designed by Studio V, the LIC Ramps proposal includes spaces for a playground,….

Children playing under the highway on-ramps????

Oh, it’s in Queens.….sounds about right.

[samhexum]

A taste of Transylvania: Twister Cake Bakery serves up delicious Eastern European treats to Queens locals

 

City Parks Foundation holds second annual Senior Fitness Fair, featuring special guest Mr. Met

[samhexum]

A long-lost mural that once adorned an iconic Queens restaurant has finally been brought home — fifty years after it seemingly vanished into thin air.

The sprawling, 39-foot Andre Durenceau masterpiece, long thought to have been destroyed when the Howard Johnson’s in Queens was torn down, had been quietly living for decades in a Massachusetts basement.

“Many preservationists thought the mural was demolished, but I was searching for it for many, many years,” Michael Perlman, founder of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council, told The Post.

Perlman, 42, was operating on little more than hope that the mural had somehow survived when he was called last month to make a 500-mile trip to rescue the long-lost art piece from the cellar of a former restaurant executive.

The unnamed Art Deco artwork — which depicts several dancing women and horses jumping through ribbon-like hoops — had been the centerpiece of the HoJo’s rotunda in Rego Park for some 40 years.

French-born artist Durenceau had been commissioned to replicate his imagery and style from his other pieces, specifically from the paintings he crafted for the futuristic 1939 Worlds’ Fair, which took place just 2 miles from the mid-Queens restaurant.

Despite the mural being a well-loved staple of the community, there seemed to be little interest in saving it when the Gregorian-style building was ordered to be leveled in 1974 — clearing the way for former executive Hugh Kelly to claim the artwork.

The Gregorian-style Howard Johnson’s in Rego Park stood from 1939 to 1974

“Realizing the uniqueness of the mural, I asked the construction VP if there were any plans to save the mural. His response was ‘No, but feel free to remove it if you want it,'” Kelly, 90, said, according to Perlman.

The former executive and his then-teenage sons carefully tore down the Durenceau original from the plaster wall, rolled it into three separate sections on carpet rollers and carried it to the family’s home in Weston, Massachusetts, where it remained relatively untouched for five decades.

Throughout the last half-century, Kelly had no idea it was considered a lost mural — and didn’t even know who the painter was.

It surfaced last month when Kelly decided to offload the artwork and called in a keen-eyed appraiser — who immediately recognized the familiar Art Deco style and nods to the 1939 World’s Fair.

In researching the artwork, Brett Downer stumbled upon Perlman’s blogs and book, “Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park” — which chronicled his hunt for Durenceau’s paintings.

“I thought the best thing was to see if we could get them to go back home,” Downer told The Post.

I remember all of these places. The kiddie ferris wheel at Fairy Land was always broken.

“The value is going back where they belong. People can revisit 1939 in a sense, by seeing them when they’re installed somewhere.”

The mural itself is worth several thousand dollars, Downer estimates, but would require upwards of $30,000 in restoration costs.

The three cases were kept in “well preserved” condition, he continued, but five decades in an arid basement have taken a clear toll on the paintings.

Kelly ultimately decided to donate the mural to Perlman on the condition the preservationist facilitate bringing the mural back to the Big Apple — a mission Perlman was eager to accept.

With just 24 hours notice, Perlman organized two movers and friend Alan McIntyre to join him on a single-day, 500-mile round trip on Sept. 22 to pick up the mural and bring it back to a secure storage facility east of Queens.

They also brought back several other HoJo artifacts bequeathed by Kelly, including a “Landmark for Hungry Americans” sign, a framed nationwide restaurant map and three sets of letters that were salvaged from varied size trucks that once transported food and supplies to HoJo locations.

“It was miraculous how something so rare and beautiful that I was searching for came to me. It feels as if the spirit of Andre Durenceau is grateful, as well, and was communicating with me,” Perlman said.

In an ideal world, Perlman would love to see the mural resurrected in a replica of the Rego Park Howard Johnson’s, which he believes should have been landmarked to save it from demolition.

But because that dream is admittedly far-fetched, Perlman hopes to broker a deal with a Queens-based museum or gallery that would finance restoration and give the mural a permanent home.

The Queens Museum is at the top of his list, considering the building was erected for the very same World’s Fair that Durenceau provided his artwork for.

“I love the five boroughs, I love anything beautiful and meaningful in history,” said Perlman.

“I always say creativity is the cultivation of our soul and I feel it’s very, very important for younger generations to be imaginative and simultaneously master the art of overall art and craftsman, otherwise it’s lost forever — like the mural almost was.”

Perlman hopes to find the mural a permanent home in a Queens-based museum or gallery

Edited October 17, 2024 by samhexum
to ensure maximum delight for the reader!

[samhexum]

On 8/6/2024 at 12:04 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

For the money, I'd say that concert season at Forest Hills Stadium is my pick for the Queens stand out.

 

On 8/7/2024 at 9:21 AM, WilliamM said:

I enjoyed the concerts at  Forest Hills also. Thanks for mentioning them 

Judge dismisses majority of claims in lawsuit against Forest Hills Stadium, allowing concerts to continue

[samhexum]

Malt Drive Park opens, transforming Long Island City waterfront along Newtown Creek

Malt Drive Park, in front of the Malt Drive development. Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Oct. 24, 2024 By Ethan Marshall

Malt Drive Park, a new expansive park along the Newtown Creek waterfront in the Hunter’s Point South section of Long Island City, officially opened to the public on Thursday, Oct. 17.

This public space is meant to advance citywide efforts to bring more New Yorkers back to the water’s edge. Malt Drive Park brings much more public space to the riverfront of the borough into the mouth of Newtown Creek. The park’s name is derived from a former beer distribution center that once stood at the site.

Designed by SCAPE Landscape Architecture, Malt Drive Park is also the setting for residential towers recently developed by TF Cornerstone. Residents of this development can join the public in taking advantage of this outdoor space.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

“Working with SCAPE to further unlock this area of the Queens waterfront has been remarkable and incredibly rewarding,” TFC Senior Vice President and Director of Planning Jon McMillan said. “It’s an honor to be a part of the continued growth of Hunter’s Point South and to see so many people from the Queens community and beyond excited about these new public spaces.”

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

A block party to celebrate the grand opening of Malt Drive Park has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, from 1-4 p.m.

“We’re so excited to open Malt Drive Park to the public and expand waterfront access for the community,” SCAPE Founding Principal Kate Orff said. “The park embraces the water’s edge, extending the network of parks along the East River in Queens all the way around to this signature site on Newtown Creek. It welcomes everyone to explore its winding paths, with spaces for gathering, play and quiet moments.”

The site plan for Malt Drive Park. Photo courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Malt Drive Park expands public space from the adjacent Hunter’s Point South Park by three-and-a-half acres. Additionally, it extends access to the shoreline by about 700 feet. The broad sidewalks and meandering paths in the neighborhood invite those in the community to come in and explore Malt Drive Park. There are also seating areas throughout the park, making for ideal gathering places.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Some of the paths at Malt Drive Park. Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

There are plenty of flexible spaces at the park for community gatherings and recreational activities. Such amenities include social seating and play structures, a civic grove and dog run, an open lawn with expansive views of the water and industrial artifacts from the area’s past as a beer distribution center reclaimed during construction.

An industrial artifact on display at Malt Drive Park. Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Flood risk at this new park has been mostly mitigated by its sculpted topography. It was raised to a higher elevation at building entries, slowly sloping down towards Newtown Creek. As a result of this topography, there is much less flood risk for nearby buildings. At the same time, visitors of the park can still take in the ecology at the edge of the creek.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

A concrete block mattress was installed at the floor of Newtown Creek at the park’s western end in order to help stabilize the shoreline and create a marine habitat. Another design element that is meant to encourage the growth of the habitat are the assortment of native plantings across the park, including many adapted to the edge of the water. Among these plantings are the bald cypress, swamp white oaks, American hornbeam and red maples.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

The nearby Malt Drive residential area spans 1.43 million square feet across two buildings and three towers. Leasing is already open for the South building, located at 2-20 Malt Dr. Of the 575 apartments there, 173 have been set aside for an affordable housing lottery. The North building is expected to launch leasing before the end of 2024. There are 811 apartments in that building, with 244 expected to be set aside for the affordable housing lottery.

Rendering courtesy of TF Cornerstone and SCAPE Landscape Architecture.

The first floors of both buildings will also have restaurants and retail for residents, as well as community members visiting Malt Drive Park, to visit.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

20 hours ago, samhexum said:

Judge dismisses majority of claims in lawsuit against Forest Hills Stadium, allowing concerts to continue

Really happy to see this. 

It was just a few residents who were pusing this.  The majority of Gardens people are quite happy with the concert series.

[samhexum]

LaGuardia crowned best airport in United States by Forbes Travel Guide following $8 billion transformation

Edited October 25, 2024 by samhexum
for absolutely NO @%!*ING reason at all!

[samhexum]

ELON'S coming (hide your heart, girl)...

Elon Musk is reportedly planning to open a Tesla facility in Queens.

The electric car manufacturer leased the 150,000-square-foot space at 30-02 Whitestone Expwy. in College Point, according to an industrial report released earlier this month. The site was previously home to Toys “R” Us, Party WOW and the College Point Multiplex Cinemas. 

 

 

[samhexum]

Jaywalking is now legal in NYC— lifting 66-year ban that was scarcely enforced

BULLSHIT! I got a $10 ticket 23ish years ago for crossing Queens Blvd where Main St begins, and I had to go to court (which was only a few blocks over, ironically) along with all the other poor souls who'd been caught up in a crackdown by the city.

Edited November 1, 2024 by samhexum
because he's bored as hell

[samhexum]

Save your Halloween pumpkins for smashing at Queens Botanical Garden’s catapult event

 

[samhexum]

On 5/1/2023 at 2:44 PM, pubic_assistance said:

Zum Stammtisch is really the only remaining restaurant in NYC that serves good German food.

 

On 5/1/2023 at 7:03 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Re: German food

While it's not upscale, Manor Oktoberfest in Forest Hills is also always a solid choice. 

Great beer selection.  Solid, German comfort food favorites.  Nice crew of people who work there.

German restaurant Manor Oktoberfest bids farewell to Atlas Park in Glendale after 18 years

 

Manor Oktoberfest, a German-American restaurant and longtime tenant at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an 18-year era at the open-air mall.

Known for its German-inspired menu and beer, Manor Oktoberfest was among the mall’s original establishments and held the distinction of being one of its longest-standing businesses.

Founded by Mark Gallagher, Manor Oktoberfest opened its Atlas Park location in 2006, quickly establishing itself as a go-to spot for hearty German-American dishes. Its wide array of offerings, including German craft beers, bratwurst, and authentic potato salad, made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Glendale location also served as a popular gathering spot for funeral luncheons, benefiting from its proximity to nearby cemeteries.

This closure comes at a challenging time for The Shops at Atlas Park, which has seen multiple businesses shutter in recent years. Despite its inviting layout and village-style charm, the mall has struggled with tenant turnover. Former retail and dining staples like The Fair and Shiro of Japan have left empty storefronts, raising concerns among community members about the mall’s future.

Remaining tenants, however, continue to attract visitors, including the Regal Cinemas, TJ Maxx and Home Goods, which are significant draws in the community. Dining options are still available, but the loss of Manor Oktoberfest has left a void, particularly for patrons who frequented the restaurant for its warm, Bavarian ambiance and unique menu.

Manor Oktoberfest’s legacy in Queens will live on at its Forest Hills location at 73-11 Yellowstone Blvd. The more formal location features a popular bar, a private party room, and an expanded menu of German favorites.

Manor Oktoberfest in Forest Hills.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

3 hours ago, samhexum said:

 

German restaurant Manor Oktoberfest bids farewell to Atlas Park in Glendale after 18 years

 

Manor Oktoberfest, a German-American restaurant and longtime tenant at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an 18-year era at the open-air mall.

Known for its German-inspired menu and beer, Manor Oktoberfest was among the mall’s original establishments and held the distinction of being one of its longest-standing businesses.

Founded by Mark Gallagher, Manor Oktoberfest opened its Atlas Park location in 2006, quickly establishing itself as a go-to spot for hearty German-American dishes. Its wide array of offerings, including German craft beers, bratwurst, and authentic potato salad, made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Glendale location also served as a popular gathering spot for funeral luncheons, benefiting from its proximity to nearby cemeteries.

This closure comes at a challenging time for The Shops at Atlas Park, which has seen multiple businesses shutter in recent years. Despite its inviting layout and village-style charm, the mall has struggled with tenant turnover. Former retail and dining staples like The Fair and Shiro of Japan have left empty storefronts, raising concerns among community members about the mall’s future.

Remaining tenants, however, continue to attract visitors, including the Regal Cinemas, TJ Maxx and Home Goods, which are significant draws in the community. Dining options are still available, but the loss of Manor Oktoberfest has left a void, particularly for patrons who frequented the restaurant for its warm, Bavarian ambiance and unique menu.

Manor Oktoberfest’s legacy in Queens will live on at its Forest Hills location at 73-11 Yellowstone Blvd. The more formal location features a popular bar, a private party room, and an expanded menu of German favorites.

Manor Oktoberfest in Forest Hills.

Boo.

It's a pretty large space, so I'm wondering if they won't cut it up for the next tenant(s).