Queens

Why would you go anywhere other than Astoria for Greek food? Sure, you can get Greek in Manhattan, but chances are, its overpriced, and less than authentic.� Astoria restaurants are run by Greeks and patronized by Greeks, so the food is for real and the prices are wallet friendly. Last Friday I took my Friend to the original Stamatis on 23rd Avenue, where the staff is friendly and the walls are painted with a cozy, kitchsy mediterranean mural. We ordered two appetizers–tzatziki dip and spanikopita–and dinner; she had chicken souvlaki, I had fried calamari. The calamari was perfect–not chewy, not soggy–and came with a side of lemon potatoes, which were so flavorful I wanted more, even though I was completely stuffed. Dessert was complimentary. The best part, though was the bill: $39.95! I paid with a $50.00 gift certificate and got change back. (Gift certificates are available, and are a great gift for someone who lives in Queens or someone who loves great food and will travel.) They offer wine and an extensive selection of Greek beer. Large parties are welcome.

Stamatis

29-12 23rd Avenue, Astoria�

While it sometimes seems as though everything in NYC costs an arm and a leg, there are ways of getting things for free. For example, you can get into museums for free, if you know when to go. Friday nights from 4:30-8:15, there is free entrance to MOMA (11 W 53rd Street). Since its Friday, you’ll have the place to yourself. If you’re more into film than avante-guard art, the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria is also free Fridays from 4-8, film screenings not included (35th Avenue and 36th Street, Astoria). On Tuesdays the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Avenue) is pay as you wish all day. For the fashionistas, admission to the museum at FIT is always free (7th Avenue at 27th Street). And of course, the Met is always pay as you wish, so if you literally only have two pennies to rub together, you can donate them at the Met, and enjoy a full day of sculptures, paintings and Egyptian relics. The walk you take in Central Park afterwards is completely free. Oh, and if you should find yourself in Paris with little money and nothing to do on a Friday night, the Louvre is free from 6 until closing for people between the ages of 18 and 26. C’est super bon, non?

Get off the subway at Steinway Street in Astoria, and the first things you’ll see are the back of a pink Cadellac sticking out of a building and a statue of a pirate, a la Captain Morgan. The car belongs to a club called Ritmos 60, and the pirate belongs to a restaurant called El Basurero. On New Year’s Eve, 2006, El Basurero sustained heavy fire damage after a Christmas tree ignited, and was closed for three months. Now, however, El Basurero (which means The Trash Can, in Spanish) is back and as popular as ever.

El Basurero serves Colombian food–so don’t ask for enchiladas, because they are not on the menu. (If you do inadvertently ask for something that isn’t on the menu, don’t worry–the staff won’t be offended.) The menu features all sorts of grilled fish and meat (a great place to bring your carnivore date), fried plantains, and other Colombian delicacies. The sangria will cure what ales you and the tres leches cake will send you to heaven. (The cake is so rich you have to share it, and yes, that is a hint of amaretto you’re tasting).

The atmosphere is both kitschy and lively, with plenty of Salsa music to keep you feeling energized. You’ll leave wanting to come back again.

El Basurero

32-17 Steinway Street. R,V to Steinway Street in Astoria.

Hola mis amores!

You all know how I feel about Skechers, and I know many of you share my passion, so I’m going to share this tip with you:

Skip the Skechers store in Times Square and get your sneaker fix at the Skechers Outlet in Astoria. You can get 2 pairs for the price of one full price pair.

Subway: R, V to Steinway Street

Disfruten los zapatitos!

Besitos,

Graciela